Australian Newsletter Fixing Of Basic Wage In N.S.W.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29502, 2 May 1961, Page 8

Australian Newsletter Fixing Of Basic Wage In N.S.W.

(Special Crspdt N.Z.P.A.) SYDNEY, April 30. After a week of doubt, It now seems certain that the method of fixing the basic wage in New South Wales will remain unaltered. The State Government was thrown into a “mild panic” when, without warning, the Commonwealth Statistician announced that he would no longer issue the C series index on which, by law. the New South Wales quarterly basic wage adjustments are made. The Premier, Mr Heffron, announced that quarterly basic - wage adjustments would continue. He said that if the State Government could not obtain the C series index, it would have to devise a new formula, and amend the State Industrial Arbitration Act to authorise its use. This would have necessitated calling Parliament together immediately, as the new wage operates from the first pay period in May.

An urgent conference was called, and the Commonwealth Statistician (Mr R. S. Carver) flew from Canberra to discuss the New South Wales Government’s dilemma with the Minister for Labour and Industry (Mr J. J. Maloney). As a result of this conference, Mr Carver agreed to continue to supply price changes in the C series index to the Australian Council of Trades Unions, and industrial authorities. Trade union officials said they thought Mr Carver would issue the C series index privately to Government or other authorities. Another index, the consumer index, would be public. Although the Labour Government favours it, the C series index has long been regarded by a great many people as out of date, and they cannot understand why Mr Heffron and his followers do not accept one based on a coosumer price index. Mr Carver believes his "consumer price index” is a better basis for wage fixing. The worker would still be protected because the new system provides for wage increases to follow higher living costs, but it mirrors more faithfully the factors which have resulted in sharp and unsatisfactory differences between Federal and State awards. Too often has the ”C” series index been dominated by the price fluctuations of one commodity.

A sharp rise in the price of potatoes boosted the New South Wales basic wage in one quarter by the startling figure of 18s a week. But, notwithstanding all arguments against it, the Government is expected to retain the old system. It hopes that the basic wage

can be adjusted as usual from the first pay period this month. 0 0 0 High Road Deaths The Commonwealth Statls. tician made available the Australian road-death figures this week, which brought forth the usual cries that “something must be done” to stop deaths on the road. New South Wales will take positive action to reduce the toll in this State —the worst in the whole Commonwealth. No fewer than 2468 Australians lost their lives on the roads in 1959-60, while 60,104 were injured. The figures for New South Wales were 939 killed, and 22,330 injured. The New South Wales Attorney-General (Mr R. Downing) announced this week that more police cars would be made available to combat the “frightening” road toll.

Mr Downing said £9,270,000 had been set aside for the police force this year, most of which money would go towards equipping the force with the most up-to-date scientific equipment, and pur. chasing more cars to increase the force’s mobility. Figures released by the Commonwealth Statistician showed that 755 pedestrians were killed during the 1959-60 year. Also killed were 716 car passengers, but only 694 drivers. Injuries were suffered by 23,139 passengers and by 8.88 pedestrians. Drivers numbering 18,184 were casualties. This is regarded as a fearful toll from 44,419 accidents. The figures show that passengers run greater hazards than drivers, and although two drivers for each pedestrian are affected in motor accidents, death is more likely to occur to the pedestrian. ♦ ♦ « Citizens* Tax More than 100 shire and municipal councils in New South Wales will support a plan to substitute a “second income-tax” for rates. The Cessnock Council has organised this drive for a localgovernment tax, to be paid by all wage earners. The Mayor of Greater Cessnock (Mr W. F. Blair) said the tax would be much lower than the present rates. The present rating system was unfair because it placed too great a burden on property owners. “We don’t like the idea that there are many people who don’t pay rates, but enjoy the full benefits of the council’s works,” said Mr Blair.

Those supporting the scheme say that many young persons have their own cars, and are among the heaviest users of roads, swimming pools, libraries, and other amenities provided from municipal rates. The New South Wales Minister for Local Government (Mr P. D. Hills) has promised to bring Cessnock’s proposal before a.special conference which the State is seeking with the Prime Minister. 0 0*

Special Lighting The Sydney City Council has approved 25 streets in which to inst.al a new lighting system—and thus end the

menace of blinding headlights on cars. The new street lights will provide sufficient illumination along 143 miles of the city’s main roads to allow motorists to drive at night using only parking lights. The improved lighting will be four times brighter than at present, and will cost an extra £60,000 a year. « # *

fruit Juice For Cows

Cows at Wamberal. near Gosford, New South Wales, are being fed citrus pulp from a juice cannery. Department of Agriculture inspectors have reported that the milk yield of the herd has increased by 10 per cent., with no fall in butterfat percentage. No fruit flavours have been detected in the milk. The herd of 40 stud cows has eaten as much as two tons of pulp a day. They still get normal rations, but access to the citrus pulp reduces the need for forage.