DIRECT ATTACK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1943, Page 3

DIRECT ATTACK

ON AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WANT OF CONFIDENCE MOTION IN HOUSE VERY NARROWLY DIVIDED. POSSIBILITY OF AN EARLY ELECTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) CANBERRA, June 21. A dramatic turn in Australian political events took place today when the Opposition decided to move a no-con-fidence mo.tion against the Curtin Government. If successful this would mean that the life of the Federal Parliament would end within a few days, and this would be followed by an early election. However, it is expected that the Victorian Independent member, Mr Coles, whose vote will decide the fate of the motion, will support the Government.

This is the first no-confidence motion in the Federal Parliament since the war began. Though no specific reasons are given, it is understood that the ground for the motion will be on war issues—continued industrial stoppages and the Government’s alleged failure to take adequate steps to meet them.

The Government has been informed that the Speaker, Mr Nairn, will leave the chair to vote with the Opposition. All Parliamentary business will be suspended till the motion is decided. Some political commentators suggest that the Government may not wait for the vote of Parliament and that Mr Curtin may announce that he is prepared to abide by a vote of the people and approach the Governor-General, Lord Gowrie, for a dissolution. However, Mr Curtin has already said that he does not care for himself, but is prepared to carry on till the end if permitted. "I respect the Parliamentary system of this country, and will carry on so long as it allows me to do so,” he stated. Within two minutes of its assembly the House adjourned till tomorrow afternoon. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Fad-den, gave formal notice of his no-confidence motion. i