SPIRITED DEBATE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1942, Page 3

SPIRITED DEBATE

IN THE FEDERAL HOOSE OPPOSITION AMENDMENT REJECTED. RIGHT TO SEND MILITIA OVERSEAS. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) ’ (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. A spirited debate developed in the House of Representatives when the Leader of the Opposition, Mr A. W. Fadden, moved for the removal of all territorial limitations cn the use of the Militia forces. This was an amendment to ?. formal motion, by the Prime Minister (Mr Curtin) for the printing of a paper containing his statement on ■the war situation. Mr Fadden said all the- Opposition wanted was to place Australia’s war effort on a footing giving the nation and its citizens the maximum degree of security and protection. He indignantly denied that political motives had prompted the amendment. The Prime Minister, in reply, said the Opposition’s objective would be no service either to national unity or to present military requirements. He declared that the Defence Act had withstood the shock of war twice within 25 years and that there were more of the A.I.F. in Australia at present than any previous Government had sent away. Mr Curtin concluded by saying that the Opposition had argued that the true defence of Australia should be established a long way from her shores. He was prepared to accept the judgment of the country at any moment on that aspect. Mr Fadden’s amendment was defeated by 31 votes to 27.