"AUSTERITY LIVING"

Evening Star, Issue 24287, 31 August 1942, Page 2

"AUSTERITY LIVING"

AUSTRALIAN SACRIFICES (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) SYDNEY, Aug. 30. Australia this week will usher in “ austerity living ” for the duration of the war. The new Federal Budget is to be presented in the House this week, and the Prime Minister, Mr J. Curtin, will give details of the £100,000,000 war loan which is to be launched in September, Mr Curtin has called the loan “ the greatest challenge to sacrifice ever made to Australians.” The new Budget will reflect the desire of the Government to discourage all forms of luxury spending. Sugar rationing has now been announced. The scheme will start on Monday, hut the scale has not yet been stated. Tobacco prices will also be increased, and the Excise duty on all alcoholic drinks will be raised. A new Federal entertainment tax will be levied on all tickets costing Is or over. The tax on 2s (kl tickets will be 9d, and on os it will be Is lOd, rising to 5s 7d on tickets costing 12s. This tax is estimated to raise £3,000,000, of which £75,000 will he refunded to the States.

“ Austerity ” meals at cafes and hotels are to be made compulsory by the Federal Government. This is expected to be done by a straight-out ban on menus of more than three courses. The choice for each course will also be restricted to prevent food wastage. Some observers believe that meatless days are likely, but the suggestion has no official confirmation.