AUSTRALIA’S WAR EFFORT

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 105, 28 January 1943, Page 5

AUSTRALIA’S WAR EFFORT

Bitter Debate Expected UPROAR BREAKS OUT IN PARLIAMENT

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received January 27, 10.45 p.m.) CANBERRA, January 27.

Uproar broke out only a few minutes after the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin, .opened the new session of Parliament 'this afternoon. He opened the proceedings with a motion affirming Australia’s loyalty and determination to prosecute the war. Opposition members questioned the reason for the motion.

Mr. Curtin replied with it speech described by the "Sydney Suu’s” political correspondent as "iiitlaniniatoi'y.” in which lie threw out repented challenges fo the Opposition to overthrow Ills Government (which remains in office only by the support of Independent members).

He declared that the state of the country was such that the Opposition should either overturn tlie Government or make Parliament work-

able. ’Phe Prime Minister’s motion was, “That this House declares ID Australia s indissoluble unity with the British Commonwealth of Nations, its unswerving loyalty to tbe cause of the United Nations and its admiration for the heroic efforts of the Allied forces ; (2) its pride iu the achievements of the Australian forces in nil theatres and its intention to make provision for their reinstatement and advancement, and for the dependants of those who died or have been disabled us a consequence of the war; and (3) its determination to use the whole ot. the manpower and material resources ot the nation iu order to ensure the maximum war effort necessary to bring about victory.” . . The debate on the motion which is stated to have been framed to give Parliament au opportunity for discussing Australia’s war effort is expected to be bitter and to last probably for two days. Tlie Sydney "Telegraph” political correspondent says the Opposition endorses tbe first two sections of Mr. Curtins motion but holds that Australia’s manpower find material resources are not being used in the best possible way and that drastic reforms are necessary.