FEDERAL CABINET

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 97, 18 January 1921, Page 7

FEDERAL CABINET

RESHUFFLING THE PORTFOLIOS

Important changes in the distribution of portfolios in the Federal Ministry are impending, accoi-ding to a message from Melbourne published by the “Sydney Morning Herald.” The Treasurer (Sir Joseph Cook) will, it is anticipated, shortly succeed Mr. Andrew Fisher as High Commissioner in London, and this will occasion a vacancy 'both in the Cabinet and in the representation of Parramatta, which is a Nationalist stronghold. Although Senator Pratten (N.S-W.) has intimated his intention of seeking the party nomination for the seat, the Minister of Repatriation (Senator Millen) carries such heavy guns that, if he decides, as it i« anticipated he will, to transfer his activities from the Senate to the House of Representatives, both his selection and subsequent election are looked upon as being extremely likely. When Sir Joseph Cook gees to London a general reshuffling of Cabinet positions may be expected. The office of Treasurer will become vacant, and, as the duties, of the Minister of Repatriation have lost much of their importance owing to most of the departmental duties now being performed by the Repatriation Commission, there will be probMhly no successor to Senator Millen if he transfers to the House of Representatives, and takes the position of Treasurer and deputy, leader. While Mr. Hughes was absent in London in 1918-19 Air. Watt, acted both as Prime Miniver and Treasurer, and as Mr. Hughes will leave for London again at the latest in April, to attend, the conference of Premiers, Senator Millen will, it >s generally anticipated, contingent upon his election to the House, of Representatives, occupy the dual position in his absence. . A complete reorganisation of the Prime Minister’s Department is under eonrideration. So many activities foreign, to the purpose for which it was established have devolved upon the Department: as a result of the rar that it has become unwieldly. By transfer of the administration of repatriation to the Defence Department, the establishment of a. new department to relieve the congestion now prevailing in the Prime Minister’s Department would be possible without increasing the present number of portfolios. Shipbuilding, the control of the Commonwealth line of steamers, and the administration of the navigation laws (the last-named now attached to the Customs Department) are all kindred matters, and the Cabinet will, it is thought, be asked before Parliament meets to consider the establishment of a Ministry of Marine to control these activities. By further transferring to the Department of Home and Territories the administration of the mandated territories in the Pacific, the Prime Minister’s Department would be able to give its undivided attention to its proper duties, including the relations between the Imperial authorities and the Commonwealth, and between the Commonwealth and the States. As the secretary to the Prime Minister’s Department (Mr. M. L. Shepherd) has been appointed secretary to the High Commissioner’s Department in London, and will leave next month to take up his new duties, the appointment of his successor. will shortly be announced. In official circles the private secretary to the Prime Minister (Mr. Percy Deane) is looked upon as likely to obtain the position. If Senator Millen leaves the Senate for the House of Representatives ex-Senator M'Dougall, who was defeated at the last Senate elections in New South Wales, will probably find himself in a fortunate position. As the selection of a successor to Senator Millen will be in the hands of the New South Wales Ministry its choice is certain to devolve upon a member of the caucus party. This will give Senator Gardiner, who is now the sole rapreaentativo of the caucus party in the Senate, a companion.