The Southland Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1940. Federal Elections in Australia

Southland Times, Issue 24239, 24 September 1940, Page 4

The Southland Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1940. Federal Elections in Australia

IT NOW seems certain that, whichever party wins the Federal election in Australia, the majority will be very small. The Sydney Morning Herald expects the Menzies Government to be returned with its majority reduced from 10 to eight; but The Daily Telegraph thinks there will be an advantage of not more than three seats. Although there is still time for some surprises to be recorded, especially when’the soldiers’ votes come in, any major change is out of the question. As was expected, the Labour Party has made its heaviest gains in New South Wales; but in other states the Gov-, eminent seems to- have gained new support. If there is any lesson in a result which leaves the Federal political scene substantially unchanged, it is surely that the case for a national all-party Government is now stronger than ever. A strong Opposition means good government in normal times; but under present conditions it may cause innumerable delays, ;a division of political effort, and the constant intrusion of party issues. The Labour leader, Mr J. Curtin, has steadfastly rejected Mr Menzies’s invitation to co-operate in the formation of a national War Cabinet, and it has been suggested that his defeat in his own electorate is partly the result of his party’s attitude towards this important question. It is also possible, however, that many electors who might normally have voted against the Menzies Ministry (whose record is by no means free from blunders) were unable to feel any confidence in Labour’s war policy.

Labour’s Attitude

Although the party has constantly reaffirmed its faith in the Empire’s cause; and has declared its intention of doing everything in its power to speed up Australia’s participation, it has also emphasized its preference for home defence, and has criticized the sending of Australian troops overseas. A noticeable swing towards Labour could have been interpreted as public support for a mainly local defence programme; but there is nothing in the election result to suggest that opinion is moving in that direction. Indeed, the Labour Party itself would probably be glad to forget this plank in its platform if it found itself in control of the country’s affairs. The bombing of London has stimulated an intense loyalty to Britain in every Dominion, and the Italian invasion of Egypt has demonstrated in the plainest way that the defence of Australia begins at the Suez Canal. When allowance is made for the many questions of local and domestic interest that affect the voting in different states, it is safe to say that the Australian people are solidly behind’the war effort. It has been reported that Mr Menzies will again offer to form a national Government if his Ministry retains a majority. When the meanings of the election have been studied by Labour leaders they may feel nearer the mood foi’ co-operation. In the absence of a clear-cut decision for either side it is hard to discover a better solution for what may otherwise threaten to become a political impasse.