~IUIIIIIIIIIIIJIIIIIliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUUI111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111lllllllll~ :.!ltlllllllllllllllll llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!.: ALSO BY JOHN BURTON The • HThe Alternative" Light (A dynamic approach to our relations witn Asia) I • Glows This book dea ls with some of the basic a nd underlying causes of present E ast-West conflict, and makes some positive proposals. Recent events have added to its a uthority a nd its value.
The Anglican "Board of Missions" says: "It is no exaggeration to say that this is a book every thoughtful Brighter Australian should read. It is certainly the most important book published in Australia for a long time, and, even though there m ay be points of strong disagreement, every Australian sh culd m ake it a by solemn duty to read it critically and thoughtfully - incidentally, it is ·easy to read . . . . JOHN BURTON "Dr. Burton does little to conceal his admiration for the Chifiey Government's handling of external affairs, and to that extent perhaps betrays a certain poiitical bias; nevertheless, the book is so reasonable with a Foreword by and convincing that no one should fail to read it." I Mr. F. E. CHAMBERLAIN, Federa l President, Australian La bor Party 5/ 6 (Cloth) 116 Pages 3/ 6 (Paper Cover) and an Introduction by
The Rt. Hon. H. V. EVATT, ~ • FM"al Pa MORGAN'S PUBLICATIONS 8 Castlereagh Street ~ I Sydn•Y Morgan's Publications ; I 8 Castleragh Street, ~ 2/ each Sydney I ~lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll'llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllltlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllolllllg ?,l l llllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllltlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll~ The Light Glows Brighter ·by JOHN BURTON ~llllllllllllllll l llllllllllllllllllll l ll l lll lll lllllill lllll t iiiii/IIU IIIJ III III II IJIIIIIIIIIIIIII I IIIIII IIIIIIII III I'l l lllll lllllll lllllll llll l lll l ll l llll lllllll l llllll l tl ll lll l ll l ltlt l l l t lll lllllllllllll : ; From "The Light on the Hill" I Ben Chifley's fina.I message to the Australian Labor Movelll.ent June, 1951 "I say to you that I have always believed that the M ovement has to make up its mind what is the right thing to do and, no matter what the daily press says or any section of the community might say, we must go on fighting. I hope the spirit which animated the people who began the Labor Movement goes on today. We have a very great responsibility to more than half the people of Australia, despite the slander and culumnies of the press against the party and individuals in the party . . . . I can only hope that the sincerity which you have shown over the years in victory and defeat won't be lost; that you will be inspired by the same things which inspired the pioneers of this M ovement, and that you will not be frightened and made to get over to the 'right' because of the whispered word 'Communist.' I co•Jid not be called a ~ young . radical' but if I think a thing is worth fighting for, no matter what the penalty is, I will fight for the ·right, and truth and justice will always prevail." ~IIIIIIIIIIUIII1111111ltlllllllii iJIIII I II IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIHII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I IIII III11111111111JIIII/IIIIIIIill llllllll l l l llllll l llll l ll l ll lllllllllllll llllh~ Registered a t G.P.O., Sydney, for tra nsmission by post as a book. 1 Foreword by F. E. CHAM·BERLAIN Federal President, Australian Labor Party CONTENTS W e are· living in a dangerous world. A world made more Page dangerous because people are prone to have their mental attitudes Foreword by F. E. Chamberlain . 3 conditioned by the propaganda of the daily press. Introduction by Rt. Hon. H. V. Evatt 5 Now, more than ever, an objective approach to the policies of the Labor Party on the fundamental issues confronting the 1. Change can be for the good . people, is required. 2. Conservative Governments resist change Dr. Burton in this booklet provides material that should stimulate 3. Freedoms are endangered thought and provoke discussion. 4. A new approach needs new governments 11. It has been given a worthy title - "The Light G lows Brighter". 5. Democratic Socialism 12 The Light that was seen so clearly through the fogs of political 6. The fear of Socialism 1& bitterness and intrigues by Labor's great leader, Ben Chifley. 7. Communism and Socialism .. T he great changes taking place m the world today call for 8. Labor's Hobart decisions 17 re-orientation of economic thought. 9. Labor's domestic policy 21 T he challenge of automation on an ever growing scale can only successively be met by determined policies on the part of 10. Making the best use of resources 22 governments pledged to the principle of democratic socialism. 11. Improved distribution of national production 25 Irrational opposition to change on the part of those who feel 12. Cultural development 27 through sheer self interest - that human society as at present constituted is immutable, will more than any other factor assist 13. Freedom of asscciation and expression 27 the philosophy of Communism. 14. Labor deserves support 28 A s the barons of old failed to see the growth of capitalism below the very walls of their castles, so do the advocates of " no change" fa il to read the signs of today. In all parts of the W orld evidence is not lacking to indicate that the affairs of mankind are fast approaching an acute stage in the period of transition through which we have been passing since the close of the first W orld War. 2 3 THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER As society moved from feudalism to capitalism, so will it Introduction by the Rt. Hon. H. V. Evatt :move from capitalism to some other form. I fully endorse Mr. Chamberlain's foreword. Dr. Burton's, Whether it takes on the orderly constitutional processes of analysis of the present political trends and policies is designed to democratic socialism, thus ensuring for itself the benefits flmving suggest positive action in the solution of many of Australia's ac ute from man's scientific ingenuity- or whether it becomes embroiled external and internal problems. in revolution from which only Communism stands to gain - is His analysis should be of practical assistance to the thinking of a question still in the balance. the rank and fil e of political and industrial Labor. It shows how freedoms of all kinds are being threatened by attempts to protect the This could be a useful booklet. It is written in the Labor economic system against the consequences of socialist thinking, and of tradition, though it does not purport to state Labor policy. I growing demands for economic and social justice. ·Commend it to members of the Labor M ovement as a basis for discussion. I commend it also to all those to whom the author John Burton has already made contributions of value to the· .finally appeals ~ those at present outside the Labor Movement, and defence of basic freedoms in Australia. He resisted the onset of -who are interested in the political life of the community. McCarthyism and helped to beat it back. Like many others he underwent and surmounted the "ordeal of slander" which is the F. E. CHAMBERLAIN, very essence of McCarthyism. He took a leading part in the culti ~ Federal President, vation of true friendship of Australia with the new nations of Asia,. Australian Labor Party. including India, China, Indonesia and Ceylon. The battle for freedom of expression is never finally won. It has: to be fought for again and again. In Australia today the right of freedom of expression (including academic freedom), is often denied, not by open legal repression or legal sanctions, but by a system of organised secret collecting and recording of non-conformist or "danger ~ ous" opinion, and a cunning misuse of these records. Evidence as to the existence of this system is clear and cogent. It was illustrated. for instance, at the Political Science School at Canberra in January, 1955. The system is a special threat not only to the Labor Movement and to radical thought, but to all Universities, the Churches, the professions, the trade unions, the press and the broadcasting organi sations, and even to business concerns. In fi ghting on these fronts John ·Burton is in a real sense follow ing the illustrious example of·his father, the Rev. Dr. John W. Burton, M.A., distinguished leader of Methodist pioneering in the missionary work of the Pacific, and a valiant fighter for liberty for Christian ideals within, and without Australia. . H. V. EVATT, Federal Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Labor Party. · 5 THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER THE LIGH'r GLOWS BRIGHTER T he absence in Canada and the U.S.A . of strong trade unionism w ~ t h 1. Change Can be for the Good t he opportunity of political expression leaves these countries at the A CHANGING WORLD moment without any immediate threat to privilege. The present is a time of extraordinary world change. T here .are demands for independence in colonies, there are internal "'CO-OPERATION'' ADVOCATED Imitating conditions in U.S.A., conservative and privileged uprisings in backward countries against landlordism, there are sections within the .nations of Australia, Britain and N ew Zealand tremendous technical and engineering achievements in the fields a dvocate "co-operation". W orkers are expected to "co-open te" -of war-weapons and power and transport, there seem to be signi£. by accepting less than cost-of-llving adjustments to their wages, ·cant political changes in communist countries in the direction of by working harder and if necessary for longer hours to maintct in greater freedom of expression. 1iving standa rds, by accepting "arbitration" heavily loaded aga inst THE NATION TOO IS CHANGING them, and by giving away the right to withhold their labour. Equally great changes are taking place within nations. They include automation, more insistent demands for economic and "CO-OPERATION" CAN TU RN TO " CORPORATIONS" Before W orl d W ar II, the workers of Italy and of Gernnny social justice and full employment, greater demands for improved " co-operated" in this way. T he res ult was that unions 1nd social and educational and medical facilities, demands for a more bargaining pO\ver were destroyed. ·economic and just allocation of resources between houses, hospitals a nd· schools on the one hand, and defence on the other. Some workers and union leaders m Australia and in · other W estern countries have become advocates of this ''co-operation". 2. Conservative Governments Resist Change Some have visited the U.S.A., and have returned advocating, without C ONSERVATIVE GOVERMENTS FEAR WORLD CHANGE f ully understanding, the American type of union system - the shop AND RESIST IT union, tied to one industry or to one employer. In industries in In Australia, Britain, N ew Zealand, Canada, U.S.A., there w hich there is a monopoly, or agreement amongst employers on are conservative - anti-Labor - governments in office. They fea r prices, such as the steel and the automobile industries in America, change. Their foreign policies are designed to resist its effects: .and Holdens in Australia, workers can obtain substantial pay they plan to maintain the exi.sting order. The threat of nuclear increases, retiring allowances, and improved conditions by direct weapons and the formation of military pacts are their reaction bargaining. The employer has nothing to lose : the increased wage t o change throughout the world. cost is passed on through higher prices. But this is not a gain BUT CHANGE PERSISTS t o workers generally. Fellow workers in the same trade. but in But change and its consequences are inevitable. Even the other industries, pay for the improved conditions of the worker threat and use of force will not hold back indefinitely the determin i n the monopoly industry, by paying higher prices for the goods ation of peoples to gain freedom and to progress. . Opposition to they need to buy. The gain of some workers is at the expense change will bring . tension and the organised resentment of all •of the rest. under-privileged peoples in the Middle East and in Asia. Nuclear weap This process is particularly damaging to unionism when em WAGE FIXING The basis of wage-fixing t.s' fundamentally unjust. There is ployers and workers in these privileged industries combine to screen no attempt, for exampk, to ensure to trade unionists standards of and to "security check" new workers in order to keep out any living commensurate with those of others in the community. !here who is a strong unionist. is no automatic sharing of. increased productivity. The principle o f fixing wages according to "what the economy can bear" in In time "co-operation" turns the economy. into a number of practice means according to what the least efficient firm can bear. employee-employer corporations each trying to get the greatest Even the wages fixed in this outmoded way may be pegged. return at the expense of consumers. Finally, every worker is the W age pegging has been reintroduced in important sections of loser. In Italy this was called the "corporative State," better Australia. Full cost-of-living adjustments have been refused to known as Fascism. w orkers on the grounds that such adjustments would not be in the REAL CO-OPERATION public interest , but no attempt has been made to share incre:tses Co-operation between employer and worker in some things rin industrial output. - for example, conditions of work - is possible, desirable, and The tragedy is that wages are so easily pegged _.l;,ecause of sensible. But real co-operation on fundamental issues between w age-fixing machinery, while there is no general Commonwealth employers and workers is impossible unless the government con power over profits. cerned is prepared to legislate to control, not only wages, but DESTRUCTION OF UNIONISM . profits, prices, the use of resources, overseas investment, and indeed Arbitration is weighted heavily on the side of the employer. all aspects of the economy where private enterprise runs counter While every attempt is made to prevent workers with-holding their to the welfare of the people as a whole. labour when conditions are unacceptable, no corresponding control is exercised over employers. Unionism itself is being restrained by How can there be real co-operation between ship owners and propaganda which prejudices public opinion against unions, handi waterside workers, or between miners and mine owners, wheni capped by legislation which deprives unions of freedom to run excessive profits are derived from the labour ·of men working in their own affairs, and broken by fin es and penalties imposed by unpleasant, tedious and laborious occupations for inadequate wages? Industrial C ourts. What is the incentive to work? A quick turn round of ships, or extra coal output, does not build one flat, or school, or house, 3. · Freedoms are Endangered or hospital for the workers concerned. It does not increas~?. their DEFENSIVE ATTACKS ON UNIONISM SPREAD TO ACADEMIC persqnal wages. Their sordid living conditions- this is the only AND RELIGIOUS LIFE When governments resist change, attacks are not confined way to describe the living areas of many workers - remain. Harder t o workers and unions. In practice attempts are made to suppress work merely increases profits - and resentments. Industries such all political non-conformity. . . as this should be brought within the· framework of an organisation In Australia, already, governments on the defensive agatnst which ensures that profits are reasonably devoted to improved -change have actively discouraged comment and criticism from U ni working and living conditions. versity teachers. Since Universities are largely dependent upon PROTECTION OF MONOPOLIES AGAINST STATE governments for their fin ance, interference with appointments and COMPETITION Along with attempts to obtain "co-operation" of workers, p romotions is a great temptation. . Revelations by Dr. Evatt and Professor Partridge at the conservative governments endeavour to protect private enterprise Canberra Summer School of 1955 demonstrated how attempts were against the effects of change. Already in Australia shipping, air being made, by the use of Security agents, to curb politi ~ a l dis transport, whaling and oil have been protected by legislation against cussion at Universities. M ore recently indications were given to successful competitiOn resulting from public enterprises operated solely for the national welfare and not for profit. the Commonwealth Parliament that the Australi an N ational Univer- 8 THE LICHT GLOWS llln GHTEJZ THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER sity had taken to investigating political and religious vievvs in its appointments. 4~ A New Approach Needs New Governments A NEW APPROACH IS REQUIRED Churches too have come under government criticism when · A new, a positive approach is needed. For example, in the foreign ministers of religion have commented adversely upon aspects of field, positive encouragement to genuine independence movements government policy - national and international - from their st:md could lead to political and economic stability throughout the backward point of Christian principles. For instance, in the H ouse on areas of the world. In the field of defence policy, while nuclear September 16, 1953, an unjustifiable attack was made by the l eader weapons provide mankind with the means of self-extermination, posi of the Conservative Government on clergymen pressing for tive policies of active goodwill , and exploitation of nucle<+r power for consideration and public discussion of foreign policies through a the benefiit of humanity, could promote prosperity and peace. peace congress. In the domestic fi eld, automation could lead in a planned society SECURITY SERVICES A RE .USED FOR POLI'.fiCAL ENDS to higher living standards and greater cultural developments through T he most effective way of discrediting persons of standing adequate provision for the fruitful use of increased leisure. The life who embarrass governments is to hint that they are disloyal, or of the workers and their families need never be disturbed. They to make statements that will cause them to be associated in the could be provided w.ith new jobs, with housing, education and other public mind with persons or organisations suspected of disloyalty. facilities. R etraining, if necessary, could be provided without loss of Questions and statements in the Parliament, protected by privilege, wages. are an effective means of doing this. A s another example. monopoly production, if controlled in the Security services are also used in the suppression of political interests of all, could help the community to obtain the full benefit non-conformity. By "interviewing" ., by starting rumours, by advising of nuclear power and of automation. Some government-to-government against the employment of so-and-so, colour of disloyalty can be· trade could ensure the greatest possible benefits from international given to the political non-conformity of men and women in Uni specialisation. versities, Churches, Trade Unions and the community generally. In short, economic justice, and peace in industry, and co-opera ti on in international affairs, could be brought about by delibera:e RESISTANCE TO CHANGE LEAD S TO WIDESPREAD REPRESSION policies having these ends in view. In short, change can be directed to good ends, and to pro BUT A N E W APPROACH NEEDS NEW GOVERNMENTS mote prosperity, equality and peace. But when it is resisted New policies to meet the requirements of changing conditions are by those who endeavour to preserve privilege, ever-increasing made only by new governments. T he changing needs of war and post repression inevitably follows. war adjustment required labor Governments in Australia, Britain In resisting change conservative governments are led toward and New Zealand. So too now. T he conservative governments of legislation which ultimately destroys the private enterprise they A~ s trali a, Britain, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.A. are in office seek to preserve. Commissions to regulate competition, arbitration for the purpose of protecting the privilege of powerful groups amid to control wages, and protection to monopolies, finally change the the great developments of today. It is not in their nature to see in character of the private enterprise they seek to protect. these developments that which may be used for the benefit of all The destruction of free enterprise would not be serious in itself people. if it were not for the fact that the "national socialism" or Today governments are needed which place the interests of all "fascism" to which conservative policies unwittingly lead, destroys people before those of any section, governments not fearful of a mea not only private enterprise, but also freedoms and personal liberties. sure of Socialism , governments bold in taking advantage of new power of all kinds. and the unity of the nation itself. and new inventions, governments prepared to plan for leisure, for 10 11 THE LIGHT GLOVVS BRIGHTER THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER widespread education, and ftom planni~g ''for nati onal requirements. Russia, in China and in many other countries now communist; there In short, Socialism is feared by conservatives, not only because it is was no responsible parliament, no means of reform or change other · spreading, but because even the most advanced capitalist countries than by violence. Labor must make it clear that, the fact that violence -cannot hope to continue to compete with it. was used in special circumstances is no criticism of these objectives w hich socialists and communists may have in common, stressing al 7. Communism and Socialism ways that socialists ai m to bring about their objectives within the ·COMMUNISM- THE RED HERRING A s a defence against Socialism conservative governments, and democratic framework of the parliamentary system. those whom they represent, have gone to great lengths in attempts to RUSSIAN COMMUNISM Labor has always recognised the tragic aspects of Russian •Confuse Socialism with Communism. They have had the untiring help Communism. G. D. H. C ole has stated the position well : " T do ·of both press and radio. not see how the Russians could have made their revolution at The absence cif soine freedoms, and the existence of repression in all , or upheld it against counter-revolution and foreign intervention, Russia and in China, have been exaggerated to discredit somet11ing without resorting to largely dictatorial methods .... But when the ·entirely different, that is the philosophy of Democratic Socialism. fighting was over, an attempt could have been made, and was not Conservative governments have been helped in this by the exis made, to restore free speech, to allow a resumption even if crradual tence in their co untries of small communist parties. In Australia some , "' , party activities, especially by rival Socialist groups, and to enlist the trade union leaders. elected because of their keenness and ability as 14 15 THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER THREE: THE ELIMINATION OF EXPLOITATION influenced by the point of view of Communist countries. Progress "Thirdly, it is a matter of agreement between C ommunists to peace is based on understanding, mutual adjustments, and a and Social Democrats that no one sound in body and mind has gradual expansion of areas of agreement. any good claim to live on the product of other men's labour, COMMON GROUND BETWEEN COMMUNISM ANp . SOCIALISM without contributing a fair quota of his own, and -that·· accordingly G.' D. H .· Cole, in the · "New Statesman and N ation" of the forms of unearned income which allow this ought to be swept 5th M ay 1956, points to at least four fundamental objectives away. There are differences concerning the means of bringing which are common to Socialism and Communism, and which may this about, and the speed at which it should be done; but there prove an adequate basis for co-operation now that democratic is, I think, no difference concerning the end in view." developments in communist countries seem to be removing some FOUR: THE WORKING CLASS MUST SHOULDER of the past barriers which have separated Western socialists and THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY communists. All may not agree with Cole: the common ground " Fourthly, Social Democrats and Communists are at one in may be more or less than he suggests. His approach does, however, believing that the main responsibility for the building of the new open up great possibilities of peace. society rests on the working class . . . There are, indeed, deep ONE: COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP OF ESS,ENTIAI: P,RODUCTION diffeq:nces. about the wa.ys in_, which the workers should organise "First and most obvious, the belief that the essential instruments ·themselves for this purpose, and about the methods they should of production ought to be collectively owned and used in the use in order to carry off the victory. But there is a common service of the whole society and its people and for furthering the belief in the creative function of the working class and about common interests of ,all the peoples o£ the w.orld. They (socialists its historic mission . to create the conditions -requisite for a classless and communists alike) are all against capitalism - that is, against society." private exploitation of the world's resources, and of those who COMMUNISM, SOCIALISM AND LABOR work upon them, for the pursuit of private profit. They may hold Let me repeat that it is most necessary to offset the confusion varying views about the most appropriate forms of collective or between Communism and Socialism deliberately caused by anti· social ownership; but this is not an issue on which a sharp line Labor interests. It is necessary, in the process of doing this, to can be drawn between Communist and Socialist views. It is not a recognise, and not to deny. certain areas of agreement and possible matter on which Social Democrats are in full agreement, or on which l co-operation. The peace of the world may depend upon this co there is a single, uniforll). Communist dogma applicabkto all countries operation being achieved by the statesmenship of Western socialists. or all brarnches of production or service." J It follows that it is a·n error, destructive of Labor's objectives and of world peace, to run away from any part of Labor's programme TWO: THE CREATION OF A WELFARE STATE ."Seco ndly,, Communists and Socialists agree m seeking to merely because . it has features in common with communist policies . establish . f ~ r all peoples some sort of 'welfare' state of society, in which great attention is paid to providing the widest possible 8. Labor's Hobart Decisions social and educational opportunities, a high degree of economic LABOR PARTY DECISIONS TAKEN AT HOBART GIVE A LEAD security. adequate conditions of living for children and old people The Hobart Decisions of the Australian Labor Party, taken as well as for the workers, good and generally available health services, at the Federal Conference of 1955, boldly face the new world and a host of social services resting on a recognition of basic situation. They seem to imply that socialist parties accept co human claims. Here again, there is no sharp line between Commu existence, not as an end in itself, but as a means to co-operation: nists and Social Democrats: there are differences in what is done if the fundamentally common objectives of Socialism and Commu and advocated under different conditions from one country to nism were pursued, it would be found that many differences which another: but there is no difference of fundamental principle in. have existed between the East and the W est would vanish. this wide fiel d of social action." 17 16 THE LIGHT GLO\iVS BRIGHTER THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHtER COLONIALISM of many foreign interests, or the control of foreign ·)nvestml:nt. A clea r ex ;~mpl e of possible co-operation is in relation to This applies to oil concessions, to overseas companies exploiting colonialism. The H obart decisions s t;~t e, "The Li.bor Party advocates a monopoly position and sending home more than reasonable generous assistance by Australia to A sian peoples sufFering from profits. to foreign owned coastal shipping, to airways, and to all poverty, disease and lack of educational facilities. T his is only forms of far-reaching foreign financial control of the economy. part of our task. A sian peoples also demand - in accordance with There ca n be no real peace, no stability , until peoples experience the United Nations Charter - the end of colonialism whenever real freedom and independence, and there ca n be no real freedom and wherever the peoples are fit for self-government. Even more, and independence while economies are being influenced and con A sia rightly demands recognition of the dignity and self-respect trolled by foreign finance. Agreements or contracts with for c:: ign of A sian N ations and peoples. Unless all these principles are companies which prevent any government from introducing its fully acknowledged, W estern N ations will find it impossibl e: to own planning, its own reorganisation, are incompatible with ~~ ea l achieve the real co-operation with A sia which is basic to the -independence. maintenance of peace." Furthermore, experience has been that foreign companie can For a time, under the Attlee Labour Government of England never resist the temptation to interfere with the political life of which gave independence to India, Ceylon ;tnd Burma, England was the community in their eagerness to ensure the continuity of their respected in A sia. So was the U.S.A. which before 19 50 stood favoured position. This is already a real problem in A ustralia. for the principle of independence of all peoples. But \Vestern reactions to changes which have since taken place in Indonesia, PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN OBSERVED NOT EXPEDIENCY Indo-China, N orth Africa, Cyprus, M alaya, have largely destroyed In taking the stand it took at H obart, the Australian l abor Asia's goodwill towards the W est. Russia and China have openly, Party has, it seems to me, followed principle and not seeming mi litary so me say ostentati ously, championed the cause of A sian peoples expediency. It has not been deterred from condemning colonialism and their independence. If it be true that this has been from by the fact that communists, too . condemn it. The approach has heen, ulterior motives, then there is all the more reason for the W est as I see it, " Let us follow the principles of the United ~ a ti o ns to show itself the disinterested friend of A sian freedom. If Charter, and principles of justice. In this way we can teo: the _;in there is n c5 "' ulterior purpose, if it is indeed for the benefit of the cerity of other countries. If we are not obstructed, then the re is Asian peoples that communist countries wish to see them gain established a fi eld of co-operation." independence, then we have here an area of peaceful contact :md SUPPORT 'FOR THE UNITED NATIONS co-operation. W e could eliminate a possible source of conflict. The· Hobart decisions of the Australian Labor Party state, N o country is more vitally concerned than Australia in the " Australia must give greater practical support to the United N ations elimination of confli ct in A sia . Clearly, whatever the motives for the purpose of carrying out the principles of the United of the communis ts may be in supporting independence movements Nations Charter and in particular for their wholehearted application in colonial areas, freedom of A sian peoples is a prequisite of their in the Pacific and South East Asia areas. These principles cover economic and political stability. Australia's sa fety and prosperity both collective action to repel military aggression and also - a depend upon friendly relations with self-reliant and prospering factor which is usually forgotten - continuous action by way of neighbours. Experience in India, Indonesia. Ceylon and elsewhr:re conciliation and peacehl intervention for the purpose of pt-e,·enting has shown that whenever freedom is ga ined, it is jealously guarded. war and of bringing all armed confli ct to an end." ECONOMIC FREEDOM Labor must be bold in accepting the right of peoples who CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENTS DO NOT have won pol,itical freedom to insist also on economic freedom. It SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS is logical for countries, which under a form of colonialism lost The conservative governments of Australia, Britain. New control of their resources, to insist upon nationalisation, the buying Z ealand, Canada and the U.S.A., fearing Socialism, and seeking 18 19 THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER to maintain the status quo throughout the world, have been led France, which are not in the area, and does not include India, into policies V:,hich are contrary to the United Nations Charter. They Indonesia, Burma and many other countries of the area, of which have relied upon a majority in their favour at the United Nations to the . most important is China. ·It is a military 'pact of the kind give the stamp of legality to policies and decisions which those who the Charter set out to prevent. Its purpose is not to settle disputes drafted the Charter set out, in the interests of peace, to prevent. at an early stage by discussion and negotiation, but to create a military bloc .in opposition to some ,of . the countries in the area : CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENTS DENY THE DECLARED OBJECTIVE OF SELF DETERMINATION its existence keeps rival parties separate instead of bringing them The Charter opposes all forms of exploitation, and stresses together to iron out differences and overcome misunderstandings. several times the principle of "equal rights and self determination S.E.A.TO. should be transformed into a non-military organisa of peoples". Nevertheless, Western governmeqts who are members tion, representing all countries in the area, and concentrating on of the United Nations, have refused legitimate demands for freedom the settlement of disputes as they arise by negotiation, and on in Malaya, have prevented self-determination in Cyprus, have the economic and social development of the region. defended colonial governments of Indo-China, North Africa and elsewhere. and have in many other ways denied this United Nations LABOR APPROACH IS POSITIVE The Hobart decisions are positive. They are not defensive: they principle. The Labor Party Hobart decisions not merely affirm advocate visits to Asia to overcome misunderstanding; they advocate the principle of self-determination, but specifically state, " Labor universal membership of the United Nations. They look to peace and, policy is to oppose the use of Armed Forces in Malaya". unlike the conservative governments, not to the continuation of cold / Socialist' goVernments ih the Western world, if true to their · w ar as a long term policy. philosophy, would have no fear of the socialist programmes of India, Indonesia, Ceylon. They would have no fear of the cow sequences of independence, and they would apply principles of 9. Labor's Domestic Policy equality to backward areas. They could, in this way, remove a THE WELFARE STATE In the domestic field Labor has not yet declared an elaborate dangerous cause of tension within the United Nations. policy on economic questions. Nevertheless, the Platform of the Labor MILITARY PACTS Party, statements by Labor leaders and decisions on legislative . pro The Bobart decision states·, "The S.E.A.TO.· Organisation must posals taken by the Parliamentary Labor Party,, altogether provtde a devote special attention to the peaceful settlement of international clear guide to broad objectives for policy on specific issues . disputes in South East Asia. S.E.A.TO. as a regional organisation within 'the United Nations has a positive duty to try and lessen Fundamentally, Labor aims to establishing a "Welfare St a~ e . " international tension in South East Asia and the Pacific. It This means, it would seem: should discharge this duty". 1. that steps must be taken to employ the nation's reso urces in This is a proper emphasis. S.E.A.TO. and the Atlantic the most economic and efficient way; Pact, as at present constituted, are quite contrary to the United 2. that in doing this, steps must be taken to ensure the best Nations Charter. . The Charter provides for regional arrangements. possible distribution of the nation's production on a basis of The purpose of these is to have disputes discussed amongst all the economic justice and general welfare; parties • cohcerned before they become so serious as to require 3. that steps must be taken to provide expanding cultural and refererence to the United Nations Security Council. In short, a educational opportunities for all; regional arrangement should include all the countries of the region 4. that basic freedoms must always be protected so that - not -just a group lined up against another group. S.E.A.TO. material welfare and cultural development may be enjoyed deals with South East Asia, but includes Britain, America and fully, and human personality allowed to develop freely. , 20 21 THE LlGHT GLOWS BlUGHTER THE LlGHT GLOWS B l.U G HT E l~ CON'.fROL OF MONOPOLIES I 0. Making the Best Use of Resources Industries which may not be vital to the national economy, but DEVE LOP:VIENT which exploit a monopoly position in such a way as to prejudice the i\.so und programme of development is essential if the best use is interests of the Australian people as a whole, must be brought under to be p1ade of the nation 's resources. Labor initiated the Snowy River appropri ate control, or become the direct responsibility of the Parlia project. ·, It is fa irly clear that Labor, in consultation with the States, ment. a1ms to ca rry through without interruption, a programme of planned . T he Parliamentary Labor Party has recently opposed legislation development : further irrigation, electrification, road · building, and es ~ 22 23 THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGH TER THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER As a consequence of political neglect of farmers, prices of farm ~roducts .- milk, butter, eggs, wheat, -potatoes - are frequently sub· 11. Improved Distribution of National ·Production Ject to dtrect price fixing, or indirect fixing through the operation of EQUALITY AND INFLATION CONTROL It is in the field of distribution of national wealth that Labor has Boards. The consumer is protected, but the farm income is held down so far been able to make its greatest contribution in Australia, Brit The Commonwealth has not sufficient powers over education, ADJUSTMENT TO CHANGE hospitalisation, and other essential services. H owever, it c·an assist the Smooth and rapid adjustment to change is important in the wel States by providing adequate finance for these purposes. These 3er fare economy. Inventions and automation can bring increased pro vices are more important to the long-term security of the nation than duction; yet {f the government takes ~o steps to prevent it. they-can the present exorbitant and wasteful expenditure on defence. also bring unemployment and personal hardship. It is fundamental that the individual worker should never be required to suffer as a THE MEANS TEST result of the nation's economic progress. Because it is a socialist party, the aim of Labor is to ensure that all people, no matter what their circumstances, have a minimum real Whatever the problems, Labor's approach must be, what is the income. In unemployment, in sickness, in old age, or in any circum just solution? In other words, the welfare of the individual must be stances which might press heavily upon any citizen, help must be regarded as an object of policy., and not merely an incidental of readily available. economic progress, as it is in the free-enterprise system. The abolition of the means test would ensure that no needy person was deprived of help. But because· of limited funds, the abolition of the means test may in practice result in less help reaching 12. Cultural Development those who most need it. Th~ procedure should be, therefore, the pro It is not sufficient to obtain increased production and a just dis gressive and rapid relaxation of the means test, and its complete aboli tribution of goods and services produced. The purpose of work is not tion in certain cases, or perhaps after certain age limits. to produce more and more. It is to provide, firstly, adequate food, clothing, shelter and health. In Australia, these things must be the SOCIAL BENEFIT COMMISSIONS right of all. Once they are satisfied, the ultimate purpose of human But this is not enough. Allowances for old age and sickness can activities should be to enhance human values, to enrich personality. never in themselves be completely effective. There must be a backstop In a society in which the products of an expanding economy are fairly - there will always be the cases that require special consideration. It justly distributed, there will be increasing leisure in which people would be consistent with Labor's objective to establish in each State a may enjoy their cultural activities, their community activities, and in suitable appeals commission with wide discretionary powers, to which which they may take an active part in the development of democratic persons in need, or their relatives, could go for assistance. procedures of government. and local administration. Whatever the means, the aim must be to provide a minimum real income for all, with appropriate variations for changes in costs of It is a responsiblity of government to· encourage cultural develop living. ment no less than economic progress. Substantial contributions must be made to all forms of art, and opportunities given for the develop SAVINGS ment of talent. · Social benefits are not intended to take the place of savings by the individual to cover emergencies or his old age. In recent years the Australian worker has found that owing to inflation of prices, 13. .Freedom of Association and Expression what he has saved for old age, for the education of his children, or for Freedom of association and expression, subject only to the neces some emergency, has not retained its value. Labor has always aimed to sary restraints imposed by considerations of national safety, is neces stabiliz.e the market value of interest bearing C ommonwealth Bonds sary for cultural development. because of their importance to the worker and small investor. It would be consistent with this to introduce Retirement- Education_:_Emer It is in these last two matters that Socialist and Conservative gency Bonds, the face value of which would be adjusted for changes P arties have disagreed most sharply. The emphasis of conservative in cost of living, and which would be negotiable when required for govermnents and their supporters is on production, increased output these Fmrppses. as an end .iD itself. · The profit motive js basic. The e mRha~ is of 26 27 THE LIGHT GLOWS BRIGHTER THE LIGHT GLOvVS BRIGHTER socialists is not on output, but on the use made of output, and the way C hristian duty of taking an active interest in the a ff ~irs of the 'state; in which increased production l:an lead to a more satisfying life for t hey have advocated joining the political party of one's choosing. all. From this follows Australian Labor's emphasis on freedoms of all Labor, because of its philosophy, its ideals, its policy based on equality, kinds an_d in particular freedom of expression. brotherhood and justice, should be able to expect wide support from Christian peoples throughout the country. Conservative governments, being on the defensive against change and against Socialism, cannot afford to permit real freedoms. THE TIME IS NOW Academic, religious and trade union freedom is threatened as soon as In this changing world, because of strong demands for freedom any steps are taken by governments to restrain demands for economic .and for economic and social justice, because of new developments in and social justice. warfare and in production techniques, new policies are required. ·A new approach is needed so that the advantages of new developments JUDICAL CONTROL OF SECURITY SERVICES .are spread amongst all people. Democratic Socialism, Christian In office Australian Labor introduced rigid safeguards, including Socialism, planning for prosperity, justice and peace should command supervision by a member of the Judiciary, on Security Services. In ·our attention, and our thought, and finally · our devoted and altruistic view of the happenings since the Communist Referendum of 1951 , it action. is essential to ensure that ~e curity Services are not ~sed to report or detect political non-conformity or opposition, or to restrict academic freedom or appointment. or to impair freedom of ministers of religion, or to prejudice people in their employment because they are thought to hold or do in fact hold radical and non-conformist opinions. 14. Labor Deserves Support LABOR DESERVES SUPPORT Labor has a philosophy and a policy programme which take fully into account the aspirations of all people for equality, freedom, pros perity and peace. Labor members can be proud of this philosophy and of their policies. They can expect to receive widespread support from all people of goodwill within the community when their programme and policies are being actively advocated and implemented. SOCIALISM IS A CHRISTIAN APPROACH Labor's view, the socialist view, is based on the concept shared by all Christians, that is the brotherhood of man. Christianity in cludes that philosophy which promotes Socialism. As Dr. William T emple has said "Every kind of planning involves the diminution of some liberties; but the chief enemy of freedom today is not an intelli gent plan but the irresistible pressure of blind forces. W e must gain control of those forces and that involves planning". Christian Churches in the past have tended to stand aloof .from party politics and the policies of government; but in recent years more and more Christian leaders have stressed to · their adherents the 28 29 N 0 T E S Printed by Liberty Press, 110 Glebe Road, Glebe