VICTORIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) FORTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT THIRD SESSION (1966-67) 1!jrgi,alntiu~ Ctrouutil nub i!lrgislntiur A!isrmhly VOL. CCLX~VI. (From December 12, 1966 to Marc9 16, 1967) .,3\ MELBOURNE I A. C. BROOKS, GOVERNMENT PRINllnt. Governor's Speech: [8 DECEMBER, 1966.] Address-in-Reply. 2933 to refer briefly to the Canadian Tax Federal-Provincial relationship within the framework of the Canadian' Constitution. Foundation, which was set up by the What is now required is a searching Canadian Bar Association and the detailed examination of the situation as it Canadian Institute of Chartered Ac­ exists and as it appears to be developing, countants, each organization having in order that workable, coherent and equal representation on the Founda­ broadly acceptable answers to the pertinent tion. This impartial body, which questions may be found. examines the tax situation without I believe the same situation to which this article refers in relation to political emphasis I is not influenced by pressure groups in the community. Canada should apply here. At this stage, we have very little academic I should like to mention two publi­ interest in this field. I should hope cations which I obtained whilst I that universities and other persons in was in Canada. The first publication, the community who are interested in which was written by I. A. Moore, finance could become interested in J. Harvey Perry and D. I. Beach, is producing more information on this entitled The Financing of Canadian very vexed question which is one of Federation-The first 100 years. It the major issues facing us at the gives the background to the story of present time. Having regard to the the growth of the Dominion-Provin­ evidence of the great changes that cial relationships. I believe a similar have taken place in Canada, from a body in Australia could undertake situation which was in operation at a task of this kind. Outlined in the end of the war to the Provinces another publication entitled, The having their own taxing powers, I Occupancy of Tax Fields in Canada cannot understand why this could not is the situation in regard to also apply in Australia. A number Dominion-Provincial relationships. of our people who are interested in The establishment of a body of this finance-the Director of Finance and kind would be beneficial. I have others-have examined this matter, mentioned this to one of our institu­ but I should like all States and the tes to ascertain whether it would Commonwealth to investigate the be interested in this field. Honor­ changeover to responsible Federalism able members will recall the pres­ in Canada to-day. sures to which they have been sub­ I submit this information as an jected in this House during the past outline of this type of system that week in regard to tax matters. If could be considered in the future. similar pressures were directed I hope my suggestions are practical. towards the idea that there should At the present time, no positive be greater equity between the Fede­ action is being taken to over­ ral and State Governments, public come the problem. By communi­ opinion could be an important factor cation, consultation and co-operation, in this direction. the Federal Government and the The other section of public opinion States could arrive at a situation which is not evident in Australia is which would enable the States the academic side, but this type of to operate as it was originally inten­ interest is becoming increasingly ded they should function. Perhaps important in both the United by means of some variation of States of America and Canada. The the Commonwealth Constitution, Institute of Inter-governmental Rela­ the States could be responsible for tions at Queen's University, Kings­ their own financial management and ton, Ontario, covers a field which is the collection of their own taxes. unique. This Institute is run by The motion for the adoption of an Professor R. M. Burns, and I wish to Address-in-Reply to the Governor's refer briefly to the reasons for its Speech was agreed to, and it was operations. ordered that the Address be presen­ ted to His Excellency the Governor There is developing in Canada to-day a greater understanding of the urgent need by the Speaker and the members of for a continuing examination of the the House. Session 1966.-102 2934 I nflarnmable [ ASSEMBLY.] Liquids Bill. THE CONSTITUTION ACT As I understand the position, the first AMENDMENT (POSTAL VOTING) three amendments are of no sub­ BILL. stance. In regard to amendments 6 This Bill was received from the and 7, I understand that the particu­ Council with a message relating to lar penalty of $100 is to be deleted amendments. and that the general penalty which is contained in clause 37 of the Bill will Sir HENRY BOLTE (Premier and apply. In other words, the general Treasurer) .-The Legislative Council penalty will be $200. The remaining made the following amendments to amendments are purely typographical the Bil1:- or grammatical. Therefore, I move- 1. Clause 4, line 12, after II things and" That the amendments be agreed to. insert II be". 2. Clause 5, paragraph (b), line 27, omit Mr. FLOYD (Williamstown).-The .. writing" and insert "his own handwrit­ Premier has explained the position, ing ". but I point out that I gave consider­ 3. Clause 9, paragraph (b), line 29, omit able thought to this Bill and it is II writing" and insert "his own handwrit­ ing ". difficult for me to assimilate the amendments made by the Council They seem meaningless to me in the without examining the relevant pro­ sense that they do not alter anything visions. I accept the Premier's word of substance in the Bill. As I under- tha t everything is in order and am 5tand them, they are to correct draft­ prepared to agree to the amendments. ing, typographical or grammatical Without reflecting on the forms of errors. Therefore, I move- the House, I think that when amend­ That the amendments be agreed to. ments are· proposed there should be Mr. STONEHAM (Leader of the some liaison between the member Opposition) .-1 agree with the com:. who is handling the Bill for the Op­ ments of the Premier. position and the Government. I am not suggesting that anything is wrong, The motion was agreed to. I know that some of the errors are clerical, and I do not give the other INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS BILL. place any credit for finding them. I This Bill was returned from the realize that I am introducing a mili­ Council with a message relating to tant note into the debate when I say amendments. that I should prefer to examine the amendments. However, I accept the Sir HENRY BOLTE (Premier and Premier's assurance that there is Treasurer) .-The following amend­ nothing wrong with them. ments were made to the Bill by the Legislative Council:- Sir HENRY BOLTE (Premier and 1. Clause 2, line 21, in the interpretation Treasurer) .-The honorable member of II Inflammable liCl.uid" after "gas" insert for Williamstown is accepting the "or any semi-solid mflammable substance n. amendments on the same basis as I 2. Clause 11, sub-clause (1), paragraph (d), line 14, omit this paragraph. am. 3. Clause 18, line 42, omit " whether gene­ The motion was agreed to. rally or". 4. Clause 25, line 44, omit "whether gene­ rally or". ADJOURNMENT. 5. Clause 26, line 9, omit "quilty" and insert "guilty". MORISONS' PTY. LTD.: PAYMENTS TO 6. Clause 32, line 10, omit "Penalty: FORMER EMPLOYEES - CHRISTMAS $100 .... FELICITATIONS. 7. Clause 32, line 16, omit "Penalty: $100 .... Sir HENRY BOLTE (Premier and 8. Clause 39, line II, omit" contary .. and Treasurer) .-1 move- insert" contrary ". That the House, at its rising, adjourn un­ 9. Clause 39, line 15, omit "transportion .. til a day and hour to be fixed by Mr. and insert "transportation". Speaker, or, if Mr. Speaker is unable to act Adjournment. [8 DECEMBER, 1966.] Adjournment. 2930 on account of illness or other cause, by the building, the contract being entered Chairman of Committees, which time of meeting shall be notified to each member of into as far ·back as 1962. The the House by telegram or letter. building was completed towards the end of 1963. There were The motion was agreed to. many disagreements between the Sir HENRY BOLTE (Premier and Country Roads Board and the con­ Treasurer) .-1 move- . tractors, and 1 think there are still That the House do now adjourn. some outstanding issues. I shall be delighted to examine the suggestion Mr. LOVEGROVE (Fitzroy).-First, made by the Deputy Leader of the 1 desire to apologize to the Deputy Opposition to determine whether or Speaker for some unwitting be­ not I can be of assistance to the haviour on my part to-day when people who have sought his help. in the course of returning volumes of Hansard and individual copies Sir HENRY BOLTE (Premier and of Hansard to the House I crossed Treasurer) .-Now that the formali­ between the Chair and the honor­ ties of the sessional period have able member for Richmond who ended, it is my lot to extend compli­ was addressing the House. I assure ments of the season to everyone. you, Mr. Speaker, and the Deputy On behalf of honorable members Speaker, that I did so without intend­ generally, I tender my compliments ing to contravene the rules of the to you, .Mr. Sp~aker, but temper my House. I desire to apologize to the good WIshes WIth the understanding Deputy Speaker and to the honorable of the particular position that you member for Richmond for my be.