Politics in Australia
The situation which has necessitated a dissolution of Parliament and a General Election in Australia is very different from that in South Africa. So far from any party being opposed to or even Luke-warm about the war-policy, each is vying with the other to show its superior determination to pursue that policy effectively. Australian party warfare has not ceased in Australia as it has in Great Britain, and its bitterness has not been diminished in face of the country's peril ; but it is doubtful if there is anything to choose between the parties in their zeal for a cause which is at the same time that of Australia, the British Empire and the United Nations. Yet the temper in the debates of the Commonwealth Parliament has become heated in the extreme, and especially in the debate on the vote of censure, which was defeated only by a majority of one ; and it was aggravated by rash charges brought by the Minister of Labour against the former Government—charges which he failed to sub- stantiate, and which aroused such hostility that Mr. Curtin agreed to suspend him till the point can be cleared up by a Royal Com- mission. Mr. Curtin has decided to dissolve as soon as Parliament can complete essential legislation, and the General Election will probably come in August. Happily the Opposition has decided not to withdraw from the Advisory War Council, which provides the one opportunity for representatives of both parties to act together in matters concerning the conduct of war. It is hoped that the General Election (in which service-men will be enabled to vote) will clear the air, and that with a new Parliament the Government, whether it be Mr. Curtin's or another's, will be able to settle down
to its major task with a secure majority. YikV5
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