THE AGE MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 1980 EDITORIAL OPINION "A BLAND BUT USEFUL START" THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SYSTEM HAS RELEASED ITS INTERIM REPORT AND ON FIRST READING IT IS A DISAPPOINTING DOCUMENT. THE 572-PAGE REPORT CONTAINS NO RECOMMENDATIONS, NO COMMENT ON THE MAJOR ISSUES RAISED AND LITTLE ANALYSIS OF THOSE ISSUES OR THE ARGUMENTS PRESENTED BY GROUPS WHICH MADE SUBMISSIONS OR APPEARED AT THE COMMITTEE'S PUBLIC HEARINGS. HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY SYDNEY BUSINESSMAN MR KEITH CAMPBELL, REPRESENTS THE FIRST ATTEMPT IN MORE THAN 40 YEARS TO EXAMINE THE COUNTRY'S FINANCIAL SYSTEM. IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THEN THAT IT SAW ITS FIRST TASK AS DOCUMENTING THE SYSTEM AND THUS DEFINING THE MAIN AREAS OF CONCERN OR AGREEMENT. THESE COULD THEN FORM THE BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS - EITHER FOR CHANGE OR MAINTENANCE OF THE STATUS QUO. THE LAST LOOK AT THE SYSTEM WAS IN THE 1930S, A ROYAL COMMISSION ON WHAT WAS THEN THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL STRUCTURE: BANKING. BUT SINCE WORLD WAR II THERE HAVE BEEN DRAMATIC CHANGES THE RANGE AND NUMBER OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE GROWN ENORMOUSLY AS HAVE THE VARIETY AND SOPHISTICATION OF SERVICES AVAILABLE. AND PERHAPS OF GREATEST IMPORTANCE HAS BEEN THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT BOTH IN REGULATION OF THE SYSTEM AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SPECIFIC POLITICAL AIMS LIKE CHEAP HOUSING LOANS OR RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT. ALL THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN THE REPORT. ONCE THIS APPROACH IS UNDERSTOOD, THE COMMITTEE'S INTERIM REPORT TAKES ON NEW MEANING. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE AND INVALUABLE TEXTBOOK OF THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SYSTEM, ALBEIT A LITTLE TOO BLAND BECAUSE OF THE COMMITTEE'S CONCERN FOR STRICT NEUTRALITY. THIS IS NO DOUBT TO AVOID GIVING EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HINT OF THE DIRECTION ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS WILL TAKE. IT IS UNFORTUNATE, HOWEVER, THAT THE COMMITTEE DID NOT MAKE THIS APPROACH CLEARER. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY CALLING THE DOCUMENT A WORKING PAPER OR THE FIRST PART OF THE INTERIM REPORT. SUCH AN APPROACH WOULD HAVE LEFT OPEN THE WAY FOR A MORE CONVENTIONAL INTERIM REPORT EARLY NEXT YEAR IN WHICH THE MAJOR ISSUES COULD HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED AHEAD OF THE FINAL REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS LATER IN 1981. INDEED, THE VERY BLANDNESS OF THE INTERIM REPORT MAKES A SECOND INTERIM REPORT ESSENTIAL ALTHOUGH THE COMMITTEE INTENDS TO MOVE STRAIGHT TO A FINAL REPORT. ONE CAN ALSO UNDERSTAND SOME POLITICAL MOTIVATIONS IN THE REPORT'S STYLE. GIVEN THE SUCCESS OF A NUMBER OF PRESSURE GROUPS (SUCH AS THE STOCKBROKERS ESCAPING THE SCRUTINY OF THE TRADE PRACTICES COMMISSION) IN WINNING POINTS IN CANBERRA, MR CAMPBELL WAS PROBABLY CONCERNED NOT TO TELEGRAPH HIS PUNCHES, PARTICULARLY IN A PRE-ELECTION ENVIRONMENT. THE COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED WITH A CLEAR FREER ENTERPRISE CHARTER AND THERE IS CONSIDERABLE DOUBT THAT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD APPEAL TO AN INTERVENTIONIST LABOR GOVERNMENT. IF LABOR DID WIN THE COMING ELECTION, THE CAMPBELL REPORT'S CHANCES OF BEING PIGEON-HOLED - ALWAYS HIGH FOR REPORTS OF THIS KIND - WOULD RISE CONSIDERABLY. NEITHER THE ACTU NOR THE FEDERAL OPPOSITION HAVE YET MADE ANY SUBMISSIONS TO OR APPEARED BEFORE THE COMMITTEE. THUS THE REPORT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS AN INDICATION OF SLOW PROGRESS BY THE COMMITTEE. INDEED, IT HAS FOCUSED THE MAJOR ISSUES: GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION, THE ROLE OF BANKS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE RESERVE BANK, THE ENTRY OF FOREIGN BANKS, FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF OUR EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, THE PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, THE APPROPRIATE METHOD OF ASSISTING SPECIAL GROUPS AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SYSTEM OVERALL. IT HAS ALSO RAISED AREAS OF CONSENSUS, BOTH WHERE THE SYSTEM IS WORKING WELL AND WHERE IT IS NOT. HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE WILL HAVE TO SHOW IT CAN COME TO TERMS WITH THESE AND OTHER ISSUES AND CONSTRUCT RECOMMENDATIONS THAT KNIT THE COMPLEX OF VARIOUS OBJECTIVES TOGETHER WITHOUT UNDERMINING THOSE AREAS WHERE IT RECOMMENDS NO CHANGE. IT ALSO MUST AVOID ADDING ANOTHER LAYER OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. ONE OF THE CLEAR MESSAGES THAT HAS EMERGED FROM THE COURSE OF THE INQUIRY IS THE STRENGTH AND ADAPTABILITY OF THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SYSTEM. AND, IN THE MAIN, THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS THAT COMPRISE THE SYSTEM RETAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO BUILD ON THIS SOUND BASE. "ABORIGINAL HEALTH SERVICE FAILURE" THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR ABORIGINES IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS VEXED ALL AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS. NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY AND GOOD WILL IS INVESTED, THE RETURNS USUALLY ARE DISAPPOINTING. SCORES OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN SPENT OVER THE YEARS IN AN EFFORT TO GIVE MOST ABORIGINES ACCESS TO THE SAME STANDARD OF HEALTH CARE EXPECTED BY OTHER AUSTRALIANS. BUT MANY PROGRAMMES HAVE FAILED. THE LATEST HAS BEEN THE VICTORIAN HEALTH COMMISSION'S SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF ABORIGINAL CHILDREN IN THE SHEPPARTON-MOOROOPNA AREA. A REPORT TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, RELEASED ON FRIDAY, PAINTED A DISMAL PICTURE OF WIDESPREAD MALNUTRITION AMONG THE CHILDREN, INFECTIOUS DISEASE REMAINING RAMPANT AND THE NUMBER OF STILLBIRTHS RUNNING AT FOUR TIMES THE STATE AVERAGE. THE AUTHOR OF THE REPORT WAS DR IAN WRONSKI, OF THE COMMISSION'S ABORIGINAL HEALTH SECTION. HE SAID THE SECTION HAD TRIED, BUT FAILED, TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE TO WHITES AND TO THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING TRANSPORT AND EDUCATION TO ABORIGINES INSTEAD OF ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEPARATE FACILITIES. DR WRONSKI SAID THIS FAILURE MEANT THAT THE SECTION'S ROLE SHOULD BE COMPLETELY REASSESSED. IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH, MR BORTHWICK, APPEARS TO HAVE MOVED QUICKLY TO CORRECT THE PROGRAMME'S SHORTCOMINGS. HE ADMITTED ON FRIDAY THAT THE SCHEME HAD FAILED AND ANNOUNCED THAT HE WOULD MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS THIS WEEK TO DISCUSS DR WRONSKI'S RECOMMENDATIONS. THERE APPEAR TO BE TWO PROBLEMS FACING THE HEALTH COMMISSION AND THE GOVERNMENT. CLEARLY, THERE IS A NEED FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO OVERCOME THE POOR HEALTH OF ABORIGINAL CHILDREN IN THE SHEPPARTON AREA. THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT ALLOW A SITUATION TO CONTINUE IN WHICH FREQUENT ILLNESS, POOR ANTE-NATAL CARE, MALNUTRITION, STUNTED GROWTH AND SLOW INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT CAUSED BY FREQUENT ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL ARE AS COMMON AS DR WRONSKI CLAIMS. BUT FOR THE LONGER TERM, THERE NEEDS TO BE A COMPREHENSIVE REVISION OF THE HEALTH COMMISSION'S AIMS AND PROCEDURES. AS MR BORTHWICK SAID ON FRIDAY, DR WRONSKI'S FINDINGS CAN REASONABLY BE TAKEN AS A REFLECTION OF THE HEALTH OF ABORIGINAL CHILDREN ACROSS THE STATE. THE FIRST STEP SHOULD BE TO INVOLVE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES MORE CLOSELY IN THE PLANNING OF HEALTH SERVICES. WITHOUT SUCH AN INPUT THE SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO APPEAR ALIEN TO ABORIGINES' NEEDS AND THEIR OWN PARTICULAR SENSITIVITIES. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, INCLUDING SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN TRADITIONAL LIFE-STYLE AND DIET, IS GIVEN THE EMPHASIS IT APPEARS TO DESERVE. IT MIGHT EVEN BE WORTH ENCOURAGING ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES TO DEVELOP, WITH GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, THEIR OWN MEDICAL SERVICES. THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 1980 "ROUGH JUSTICE FOR SCULPTURE" JUST FOR ONCE, WHEN A LITTLE CARE AND THOUGHT WAS NEEDED, MELBOURNE'S CITY COUNCILLORS HAVE DECIDED TO ACT WITH SPEED AND PROMPTNESS AND RID THE CITY SQUARE OF ITS CONTROVERSIAL YELLOW METAL SCULPTURE. NEVER MIND THAT THE SCULPTOR HIMSELF, MR RON ROBERTSON-SWANN, WAS NOT CONSULTED ABOUT THE MOVE; NOR THAT IT WILL COST MELBOURNE'S RATEPAYERS ANOTHER $23,000 IN ADDITION TO THE $70,000 ALREADY PAID FOR THE WORK. THE TOWN HALL ART EXPERTS HAVE DECIDED, WITH THE HELP OF OPINION POLLS, THAT THE "YELLOW PERIL", AS IT IS NOW KNOWN, IS AN EYESORE AND A PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND AS SUCH SHOULD GO - WITH ALL POSSIBLE SPEED. THEIR DECISION IS AS SHORTSIGHTED AS IT IS HASTY. BATMAN PARK, THE WORK'S NEW HOME-TO-BE, IS A PARK IN NAME ONLY. WORK ON IT WON'T BEGIN FOR ANOTHER MONTH OR TWO, AND THE PARK WON'T BE READY FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AFTER THAT. IT WOULD MAKE FAR MORE SENSE TO LEAVE THE SCULPTURE WHERE IT IS WHILE THE PARK IS DESIGNED AND BUILT, RATHER THAN MOVE IT NOW, THEREBY CONDEMNING IT TO SIT IN A BED OF MUD FOR MONTHS AMONG THE BULLDOZERS. BESIDES, MR ROBERTSON- SWANN, WHO MUST BE RECKONED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIS OWN ARTEFACT THAN THE CITY COUNCILLORS, SAYS THAT EXTENSIVE ENGINEERING WORK WILL BE NEEDED TO DETERMINE THE METHOD OF UNDERPINNING TO BE USED ON ANY NEW SITE. THE PIECE WEIGHS 30 TONNES. THE LORD MAYOR HAS SUGGESTED THAT THE SCULPTURE COULD BE MOVED IN TWO WEEKS. MR ROBERTSON-SWANN SAYS THAT THIS NOTION IS "TECHNICALLY ABSURD". A SECOND REASON FOR LEAVING THE SCULPTURE WHERE IT IS, FOR THE PRESENT ANYWAY, IS SIMPLY THAT IT WAS COMMISSIONED AND DESIGNED WITH THE CITY SQUARE IN MIND. PERHAPS MR. ROBERTSON- SWANN HAS NOT PLEASED EVERYBODY; BUT IS THAT EVER AN ARTIST'S INTENTION? PERHAPS A STATUE OR A FOUNTAIN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATE; BUT THE COUNCIL COMMISSIONED A SCULPTURE. AT LEAST THE COUNCIL SHOULD GIVE THE PUBLIC TIME TO ASSIMILATE THE WORK. SIX MONTHS FROM NOW THOSE WHO PROFESSED TO BE SHOCKED AT FIRST MAY HAVE GROWN TO LIKE IT. IF NOT, THE IDEA OF MOVING IT CAN BE RECONSIDERED. BY THEN, WE WILL HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF HOW IT WOULD LOOK IN BATMAN PARK. MEANWHILE, BOTH THE SCULPTURE AND THE SCULPTOR DESERVE A FAIRER AND A LONGER TRIAL. "BLEAK TIMES FOR SOUTH KOREA" FOR AN OBSCURE SOUTH KOREAN ARMY OFFICER, GENERAL CHUN DOO HWAN HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE "NIGHT OF THE GENERALS" IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR. TODAY HE IS PRESIDENT OF A COUNTRY THAT IS, IN HIS OWN WORDS, ABOUT TO "BREATHE THE REFRESHING AIR OF ANOTHER ERA". HOWEVER, THE FACT IS THAT THE AIR OF SOUTH KOREA TODAY SMELLS MUCH THE SAME AS IT DID BEFORE THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT PARK. ALTHOUGH THOUSANDS OF CORRUPT OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN DISMISSED, GENERAL CHUN'S CRITICS, TOO, ARE BEING SUPPRESSED. THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN CLOSED. RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF SUSPECT LOYALTY HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN SHUT. THE LEADING DISSIDENT MR KIM DAE JUNG, WHO BEFORE HIS ARREST IN MAY WAS CONSIDERED SOUTH KOREA'S MOST POPULAR POLITICIAN, IS ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE. THE PRESS IS UNDER SIEGE. HUNDREDS OF JOURNALISTS HAVE BEEN SACKED OR ARRESTED. SCORES OF PUBLISHING COMPANIES AND PERIODICALS HAVE BEEN CLOSED, ALL IN THE NAME OF GENERAL CHUN'S DRIVE FOR "PURITY" AND THE SEARCH FOR "A FORM OF DEMOCRACY THAT BEST SUITS OUR HISTORICAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND". A NEW CONSTITUTION IS BEING DRAWN UP BY A GROUP OF THE FAITHFUL. AND WHILE THERE ARE PROMISES OF A PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION, THE PRESIDENT HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT THERE WILL BE NO ROOM FOR PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS. SOUTH KOREA, LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER PRESIDENT PARK'S DEATH, IS GETTING THE SAME OLD TREATMENT, ONLY MORE SO. THIS TIME THERE ARE SHADES OF KIM IL SUNG, THE NORTH KOREAN LEADER, IN THE PERSONALITY CULT BEGINNING TO SURROUND GENERAL CHUN. SURELY THE SOUTH KOREANS DESERVE A BETTER FUTURE. THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 1980 "TELL US WHY, MR KILLEN" THE TIMING, ALTHOUGH NOT THE SUBDUED TONE, OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S DEFENCE ANNOUNCE- MENT ADDS WEIGHT TO THE COMMENT THAT A "KHAKI ELECTION" IS IMMINENT. AFTER THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR, DEFENCE SLIPPED INTO THE BACKGROUND AS A POLITICAL ISSUE. BUT THE SOVIET INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN EARLIER THIS YEAR GAVE THE PRIME MINISTER - A FORMER DEFENCE MINISTER AND ALWAYS SUSPICIOUS OF SOVIET AMBITIONS - AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING DEFENCE BACK INTO PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS: THIS IS FAIR ENOUGH; INTEREST IN DEFENCE AND SUPPORT FOR INCREASED EXPENDITURE REQUIRES, IN A DEMOCRACY, AN IMPETUS. AUSTRALIANS SHOULD NOT BE DECEIVED, HOWEVER, INTO A BELIEF THAT DECISIONS TO PROCURE EXPENSIVE WEAPONRY ARE A CREDIBLE RESPONSE TO PRESENT FEARS OF SOVIET EXPANSION. GIVEN THE LONG LEAD TIMES, PREPARA- TION FOR MILITARY CONTINGENCIES ARISING NOW SHOULD HAVE BEEN BEGUN UP TO 10 YEARS AGO. THERE IS ALSO A RISK IN MAKING DECISIONS IN AN APPROACH TO AN ELECTION. FOR ONE THING, GOVERNMENTS MAY BE TEMPTED TO ANNOUNCE PROJECTS THAT APPEAR IMPRESSIVE BUT ARE LESS RELEVANT OR URGENT THAN SPENDING ON LESS SPECTACULAR REQUIREMENTS. FOR ANOTHER, DEFENCE POLICY AND COMMITMENTS OUGHT TO BE BIPARTISAN RATHER THAN THE SUBJECT OF POLITICAL CONTROVERSY IN AN ELECTION CAMPAIGN. THE DECISION TO SPEND $1000 MILLION ON BUYING AND EQUIPPING A LIGHT AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO REPLACE THE ELDERLY AND INCREASINGLY COSTLY HMAS MELBOURNE COULD BE IN THE CATEGORY OF AN ELECTION SHOWPIECE. THE NAVY, OF COURSE, HAS LOBBIED LONG AND HARD TO KEEP THE FLEET AIR ARM AND ACQUIRE AN IMPRESSIVE NEW FLAGSHIP. BUT THE DEFENCE MINISTER, MR KILLEN, HAS NOT BOTHERED TO EXPLAIN THE REASONING BEHIND THE DECISION, OR TO CLARIFY THE ROLE THE NEW VESSEL IS TO PLAY. HE SAID THE CARRIER WOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH HELICOPTERS: A DECISION ON WHETHER TO BUY SHORT TAKE-OFF AND VERTICAL LANDING (STOVL) AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT BE MADE FOR THREE YEARS. THE HELICOPTERS WOULD PROVIDE AN INCREASED ANTI- SUBMARINE CAPACITY, WHICH THE NAVY ARGUES IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT AUSTRALIA'S VITAL SEA LINKS. SOME DEFENCE CRITICS QUESTION WHETHER THIS IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES. MOST SHIPPING CARRYING AUSTRALIAN EXPORTS AND IMPORTS IS FOREIGN-OWNED, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROTECTING IT AT TIME OF WAR IS NOT PRIMARILY AUSTRALIA'S. THERE IS DOUBT, TOO, WHETHER IT NOW IS PRACTICABLE TO PROTECT SUPPLY CONVOYS AGAINST SUBMARINE ATTACK, AND IT MAY BE ARGUED THAT THE EMPHASIS SHOULD BE ON A FLEET OF SUBMARINES, DESTROYERS AND PATROL BOATS. THE CONCENTRATION ON ANTI-SUBMARINE CAPACITY STEMS FROM THE STRATEGIC THINKING OF THE 1950S, WHEN THE ROLE OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY WAS SEEN MAINLY AS SUPPORTING THE US PACIFIC FLEET. SINCE THEN THE UNITED STATES HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT IT EXPECTS ITS ALLIES TO ADOPT A MORE INDEPENDENT AND SELF-RELIANT DEFENCE POSTURE. THE NAVY AND THE CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE STAFF, ADMIRAL SIR ANTHONY SYNOTT, HAVE PROPOSED ANOTHER POTENTIAL ROLE FOR AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER. EQUIPPED WITH STOVL AIRCRAFT - PROVIDED THE RIGHT AIRCRAFT ARE READILY AVAILABLE - IT WOULD PROVIDE THE CAPACITY TO PROJECT MILITARY POWER FAR BEYOND AUSTRALIA'S SHORES AS A FORMIDABLE DETERRENT TO POSSIBLE AGGRESSION. AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER COULD CERTAINLY BE DEPLOYED BEYOND THE RANGE OF AUSTRALIA'S LAND-BASED F-111 STRIKE AIRCRAFT, BUT THIS "BLUE-WATER" AMBITION SEEMS TO BE AT VARIANCE WITH THE 1976 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER'S PROCLAIMED PRINCIPLES OF CONTI- NENTAL RATHER THAN FORWARD DEFENCE. THERE IS ALSO THE VERY PRACTICAL PROBLEM FOR A NATION OF LIMITED RESOURCES OF CONCENTRATING SO MUCH OF ITS DEFENSIVE (OR DETERRENT) CAPACITY ON ONE VULNERABLE HULL. TO REDUCE THAT VULNERABILITY, THE CARRIER WOULD PRESUMABLY BE ACCOMPANIED ON DISTANT MISSIONS BY A FLOCK OF ESCORT VESSELS, WHICH WOULD DIVERT A CONSIDERABLE PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL FLEET. THE DECISION TO BUY A NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIER SEEMS SYMPTOMATIC OF WHAT CRITICS HAVE CALLED THE "REPLACEMENT SYNDROME", WHICH IS ALSO APPARENT IN THE FORTHCOMING CHOICE OF A NEW TACTICAL FIGHTER TO REPLACE THE AGEING MIRAGE IIIS. THE ARMED SERVICES FIND IT EASIER TO SEEK, AND GOVERNMENTS FIND IT EASIER TO FUND, REPLACEMENTS FOR EXISTING WEAPONRY RATHER THAN TO RETHINK THE UNDERLYING STRATEGIC RATIONALE OR TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES. INDEED, THEY SOMETIMES GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF DECIDING ON WHAT TO BUY AND THEN FINDING JUSTIFICATIONS FOR IT, INSTEAD OF FIRST DETERMINING AUSTRALIA'S STRATEGIC NEEDS AND THEN FINDING THE MOST ECONOMICAL AND EFFECTIVE MEANS OF MEETING THEM. THE DECISION TO BASE THE 75 NEW TACTICAL FIGHTERS AT DARWIN MAKES SENSE, IF NEW TACTICAL FIGHTERS ARE WHAT AUSTRALIA REALLY NEEDS. SOME DEFENCE STRATEGISTS BELIEVE THE $2000 MILLION COULD BE SPENT MORE EFFECTIVELY. SIMILARLY, THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT TWO GUIDED MISSILE FRIGATES WILL BE BUILT AT WILLIAMSTOWN DOCKYARD (INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PERMITTING) IS GOOD NEWS, BUT IT MAY BE ASKED WHETHER THE MONEY ALLOCATED FOR A NEW CARRIER MIGHT NOT BE BETTER SPENT ON EXTRA FRIGATES AND PATROL BOATS, OR ON ADVANCED MISSILE LAUNCHERS. MR KILLEN'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE UNITED STATES HAD FORMALLY ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO USE AUSTRALIAN AIRFIELDS AS STAGING BASES FOR B-52 STRATEGIC BOMBERS WILL AROUSE MIXED FEELINGS IN THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHETHER WASHINGTON PRESSED FOR THIS FACILITY OR WHETHER THE FRASER GOVERNMENT LOBBIED FOR THE REQUEST. DESPITE SOME FEARS THAT THE PRESENCE OF NUCLEAR-ARMED BOMBERS COULD EXPOSE AUSTRALIA TO A GREATER RISK OF NUCLEAR RETALIATION IN THE EVENT OF GREAT POWER HOSTILITIES, IT WOULD BE SHORT-SIGHTED AND CHURLISH OF AUSTRALIA NOT TO CO-OPERATE WITH ITS PRINCIPAL ALLY IN THE DEFENCE OF SHARED INTERESTS. BUT, AS IN THE 1950S AND 60S, THE PRESENT COALITION GOVERNMENT SEEMS OVER-EAGER TO LOCK THIS COUNTRY INTO THE ROLE OF A LOYAL AND SUBSERVIENT ALLY TO A GREAT POWER WHOSE INTERESTS MAY NOT ALWAYS COINCIDE WITH OURS. THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING AN UNQUESTIONING ALLY COULD WELL BE OFFSET BY NERVOUSNESS AMONG OUR ASIAN NEIGHBORS AND THEIR VIEW OF AUSTRALIA AS AN AMERICAN SATELLITE. CERTAINLY THE NOTION THAT SUCH A ROLE WOULD MORE READILY BRING THE UNITED STATES TO AUSTRALIA'S AID IN REGIONAL CONFLICTS IN WHICH THE SOVIET UNION IS NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IS LARGELY FANCIFUL. IN SUCH SITUATIONS AMERICA, AS IT HAS IN THE PAST, WILL ASSESS ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PRIORITIES ACCORDING TO ITS OWN PERCEIVED INTERESTS. AUSTRALIA MUST SEEK GREATER INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-RELIANCE IN ITS DEFENCE PREPARATIONS, AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPLAIN HOW ITS LATEST DECISIONS FIT IN WITH THIS GOAL, IF INDEED THEY DO. FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 1980 "AN INTOLERABLE ANACHRONISM" THE SAME ACT OF SETTLEMENT OF 1770 WHICH INHIBITS PRINCE CHARLES FROM MARRYING A ROMAN CATHOLIC APPEARS TO DISQUALIFY ANY FOREIGN-BORN CITIZEN FROM HOLDING "ANY OFFICE OF PLACE OF TRUST EITHER CIVIL OR MILITARY" IN VICTORIA TODAY. THE STATE GOVERNMENT FEARS IT DOES. IF SO, AS THE PREMIER, MR HAMER, HAS SAID, THE APPLICATION OF THIS OLD BRITISH STATUTE TO A SELF-GOVERNING STATE OF AN INDEPENDENT NATION IN 1980 IS "ANTIQUATED AND RIDICULOUS". THE COMMONWEALTH SOLICITOR-GENERAL, MR BYERS, QC, IS OF THE CONTRARY OPINION, BASED ON A JUDGMENT BY LORD CHIEF JUSTICE GODDARD IN ENGLAND MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, THAT THE RELEVANT SECTION OF THE ACT OF SETTLEMENT DOES NOT APPLY IN VICTORIA OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN AUSTRALIA. THESE LEGAL DOUBTS MUST BE CLEARED UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE ARCHAIC PROHIBITION, IF IT STILL BINDS THE STATE, ARE QUITE INTOLERABLE. THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS HAD ITS SUSPICIONS FOR SOME TIME, AND LAST YEAR ASKED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO LEGISLATE TO ALLOW THE STATES TO REPEAL OBSOLETE IMPERIAL LAWS THAT STILL APPEARED TO BIND THEM. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER OF 1931, WHICH ENABLES THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO REPEAL REPUGNANT BRITISH LEGISLATION, DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE AUSTRALIAN STATES (ALTHOUGH IT APPLIES TO THE CANADIAN PROVINCES). QUEENSLAND AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WITH THEIR DISTRUST OF CANBERRA, SEEM CONTENT WITH THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS. DESPITE ITS APPREHENSION, THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT HAS ONLY RECENTLY DECIDED IT SHOULD ACT OVER THE ACT OF SETTLEMENT. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY, MR JACK FRASER, AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, WAS STOOD DOWN LAST WEEK. MRS MARGOT NICHOLLS, AN AMERICAN WHO HAS JUST BECOME AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN, RESIGNED FROM THE TOWN AND COUNTRY APPEALS TRIBUNAL. ANOTHER WOMAN, ALSO A NATURALISED AUSTRALIAN, HAS BEEN ASKED TO TAKE LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE TRIBUNAL. THE STATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, MR STOREY, QC, NOW BELIEVES STATE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ARE NOT AFFECTED, AS THE COLONIAL LAWS VALIDITY ACT GAVE COLONIAL LEGISLATURES FULL POWERS OVER THEIR CONSTITUTIONS, AND AS QUALIFICATIONS OF MPS ARE LAID DOWN IN THE CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) ACT. BUT THE STATUS OF MANY FOREIGN-BORN OFFICIALS IS IN DOUBT. THE MOST REPUGNANT ASPECT OF THE TROUBLESOME SECTION IS THAT IT APPEARS TO CREATE TWO CLASSES OF CITIZEN IN AUSTRALIA. IT DOES NOT SIMPLY EXCLUDE ALIENS FROM PUBLIC OFFICE. THIS WOULD BE UNDERSTANDABLE, ALTHOUGH THERE OUGHT TO BE PROVISION FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF NON- AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS, SUCH AS MR JACK FRASER, ON CONTRACTS WHERE THEIR EXPERTISE IS OF VALUE TO THE STATE. THE SECTION - IF IT APPLIES - ALSO DISCRIMINATES AGAINST AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS WHO HAVE BEEN NATURALISED. THIS PROVISION IS DOUBLY INCONGRUOUS BECAUSE BRITISH-BORN RESIDENTS WHO ARE NOT AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE WHILE FOREIGN-BORN IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP ARE NOT. THIS IS UTTERLY CONTRARY TO THE CONCEPT OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP AND TO THE PRESENT REALITY THAT OFFICIALS UNDER THE CROWN OWE THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE MONARCH AS QUEEN OF AUSTRALIA, NOT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OR HER OTHER REALMS. THE STATE GOVERNMENT MUST URGENTLY ANSWER THE QUESTION WHETHER THE ACT OF SETTLEMENT BINDS VICTORIA OR NOT, AND, IF SO, TO WHAT EXTENT. IF THE ACT DOES, THEN THE MEANS MUST BE FOUND TO OVERCOME ITS REPUGNANT PROVISIONS, WHETHER THROUGH ENABLING COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION OR BY AN APPROACH TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. INDEED, IT IS TIME THAT THE WHOLE ARCHAIC RELATIONSHIP OF THE AUSTRALIAN STATES TO BRITAIN WAS REVISED IN KEEPING WITH THE INDEPENDENT STATUS OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH. VICTORIA IS NO LONGER A COLONY. "CONFIDENCE AND DISCLOSURE" THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN TO ESTABLISH A REGISTER OF THE PECUNIARY AND COMMUNITY INTERESTS OF SENIOR PUBLIC SERVANTS IS A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT IT DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH. WHILE IT ENCOURAGES INTEGRITY, IT DOES NOT GUARANTEE IT. ONLY MINISTERS WILL HAVE IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO THE REGISTER. OTHERS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT BACKBENCHERS AND OPPOSITION MPS, WILL HAVE TO OBTAIN MINISTERIAL APPROVAL TO EXAMINE IT. HEADS OF STATUTORY AUTHORITIES, MANY OF WHOM HAVE AS MUCH TAXPAYERS' MONEY TO PLAY WITH AS HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE REGISTER. SIMILARLY, PURCHASING OFFICERS, OVERSEERS OF TENDERS AND CONTRACTS, AND OTHER DECISION MAKERS, ARE EXCLUDED. AND, LIKE THE REGISTER OF MPS' INTERESTS, THE NEW REGISTER WILL NOT INCLUDE THE FINANCIAL INTERESTS OF PUBLIC SERVANTS' FAMILIES. IF THE REGISTER IS TO ENGENDER THE COMMUNITY'S CONFIDENCE IN THE STATE'S ADMINISTRATION, PRESUMABLY ONE OF ITS CHIEF AIMS, THESE SHORTCOMINGS NEED TO BE OVERCOME. THE PUBLIC CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO ASSUME THAT ALL IS ALWAYS RIGHT IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE IF IT IS ONLY MINISTERS WHO HAVE READY ACCESS TO THE REGISTER. WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING THAT CORRUPTION IS COMMON IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE OR THAT MINISTERS ARE IN LEAGUE WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT HEADS TO MISUSE THE TAXPAYERS' MONEY. BUT, UNDER THE PROPOSED SYSTEM, THERE WOULD BE NOTHING TO STOP A MINISTER, FOR EXAMPLE, FROM OVERLOOKING OR SUPPRESSING INFORMATION IF HE FELT IT WAS IN HIS OR HIS GOVERNMENT'S POLITICAL INTERESTS TO DO SO. THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT THE REGISTER SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC, AS THE OPPOSITION HAS REQUESTED. PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY. UNLIKE PARLIAMENTARIANS, WHO ARE ANSWERABLE DIRECTLY TO THE ELECTORATE AND THEREFORE SHOULD MAKE THEIR PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL INTERESTS KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC, THEY ARE EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE. THEY ARE ANSWERABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT OR, IN SOME CASES, THE PARLIAMENT. AS LONG AS A REGISTER OF THEIR INTERESTS IS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY'S ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES, THE PUBLIC'S INTERESTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE PROTECTED. BUT UNDER THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN, LABOR AND NATIONAL PARTY MPS ARE TO BE DENIED ACCESS TO THE REGISTER, EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE A MINISTER GIVES APPROVAL. THAT IS NOT SATISFACTORY. PERHAPS THE LEADERS OF THE LABOR AND NATIONAL PARTIES COULD BE GIVEN ACCESS TO IT ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS, JUST AS THE FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADER IS GIVEN CONFIDENTIAL BRIEFINGS ON MATTERS OF NATIONAL SECURITY. THE DECISION TO REQUIRE ONLY ABOUT 20 SENIOR PUBLIC SERVANTS TO COMPLETE THE REGISTER SHOULD ALSO BE RECONSIDERED. PUBLIC SERVANTS OTHER THAN HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS ARE IN POSITIONS WHERE PERSONAL INTERESTS COULD AFFECT MAJOR DECISIONS. EXECUTIVES OF STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND STATE INSTRUMENTALITIES, AS WELL AS DIVISIONAL AND REGIONAL MANAGERS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SHOULD BE INCLUDED. IN FACT, ANY PUBLIC SERVANT WHO HAS DISCRETIONARY POWERS OVER THE USE OF SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF TAXPAYERS' MONEY SHOULD BE INCLUDED. ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN IS THE SAME AS ONE OF THE SHORTCOMINGS IN THE REGISTER OF MPS' PECUNIARY INTERESTS. WHILE ONLY THE PUBLIC SERVANT'S INTERESTS, AND NOT THOSE OF HIS FAMILY, ARE LISTED, THE SYSTEM IS OPEN TO ABUSE. SURELY, FOR A REGISTER TO WORK, THE INTERESTS OF AN MP'S OR A PUBLIC SERVANT'S FAMILY SHOULD BE LISTED. UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT MAKES SUCH CHANGES TO ITS PROPOSAL, THE REGISTER WILL BE AN INADEQUATE SAFEGUARD. WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 1980 "TURKEY AFTER THE COUP" ANOTHER MILITARY JUNTA WOULD SEEM TO BE ONE OF THE LAST THINGS THE WORLD NEEDS. IN TURKEY'S CASE, HOWEVER, THE PEACEFUL COUP WHICH PUT THE ARMY IN CONTROL OF ANKARA LATE LAST WEEK HAS BROUGHT RELIEF TO MANY TURKS AND TO THE WESTERN ALLIANCE. THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THE NEW HEAD OF STATE, GENERAL EVREN, WHEN HE SAYS THAT THE STEP WAS TAKEN RELUCTANTLY AND AFTER MANY WARNINGS. AFTER ALL, A CONSERVATIVE, PRO- WESTERN JUNTA HAS TAKEN OVER FROM A CONSERVATIVE, PRO-WESTERN ADMINISTRATION. TWO PREVIOUS MILITARY INTERVENTIONS, IN 1960 AND 1971, WERE NOT PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL, AND THE GENERALS OF 1980 HAVE NO DESIRE TO REPEAT THE MISTAKES OF THEIR PREDECESSORS. THEY ARE CONCERNED THAT THEIR ACTION WILL BE MISINTERPRETED IN THE WEST AND PARTICULARLY IN THE SOVIET UNION, WHOSE BLACK SEA FLEET IS DEPENDENT ON THE DARDANELLES PASSAGE AND WHOSE CAUCASIAN ARMY HAS BEEN BUILT UP TO 15 DIVISIONS. WHATEVER THE WORLD MAY READ INTO THE COUP, IT SEEMS ALMOST CERTAIN THAT A PERIOD OF MILITARY RULE IS THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE TO ANARCHY AND PERHAPS CIVIL WAR. THE GENERALS ARE MOSTLY PRUDENT MEN WHOSE ANNOUNCED AIM IS TO REVITALISE DEMOCRACY, NOT TO HARM IT. THEY HAVE SEEN 5000 PEOPLE KILLED IN FIVE YEARS BY THE TERRORISTS. DESPITE MARTIAL LAW IN MANY PROVINCES, THE ARMY HAS FELT HAMSTRUNG BY POLITICAL INDECISION AND VACILLATION. DOZENS OF IDEOLOGIES AND CAUSES COMPETE VIOLENTLY FOR NATIONAL ATTENTION. THEY RANGE FROM KURDISH SEPARATISTS AND ISLAMIC REVIVALISTS TO A HOST OF COMMUNIST GROUPS AND FANATICAL NATIONALISTS WHO COULD WEAR A SWASTIKA WITHOUT BLUSHING. ALL FEED OFF TURKEY'S ECONOMIC CHAOS WITH ITS 100 PER CENT INFLATION AND UP TO 25 PER CENT UNEMPLOYMENT. FOREIGN EXCHANGE IS SO SCARCE THAT AN OLD TURKISH SAYING "A CUP OF COFFEE DESERVES 40 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP", HAS NEVER BEEN MORE APPROPRIATE THAN TODAY. IF THE POLITICAL LEADERS ARE SEALED IN MOTEL ROOMS THIS WEEK, THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC PLANNERS ARE STILL HARD AT WORK ON THE DRACONIAN REFORMS INTRODUCED EARLY THIS YEAR TO STAVE OFF BANKRUPTCY. TURKISH FINANCIAL OFFICIALS ARE HAUNTING WESTERN BANKERS, TRYING TO RESCHEDULE THEIR ALREADY RESCHEDULED LOAN REPAYMENTS. TO KEEP FOREIGN AID FLOWING, THE GENERALS ARE TIGHTENING THEIR SAM BROWNES IN FRONT OF THE TV CAMERAS. AND IF A 70 PER CENT PAY RISE FOR STRIKING WORKERS SEEMS A DRAMATIC CONTRADICTION, THE NEW WAGE STILL FALLS FAR SHORT OF THE COST OF LIVING. THE JUNTA KNOW THAT THE BATTLE AGAINST TERRORISM CANNOT BE WON WITHOUT A CONTENTED WORKFORCE, MORE PRODUCTIVITY AND MORE JOBS, THUS CHEATING THE EXTREMISTS OF THEIR RECRUITS. AN IMMEDIATE TASK IS TO MAINTAIN THE CALM SINCE THE COUP. THE ARMY HAS BEEN A DE FACTO POLICE FORCE FOR MONTHS, BUT IT WILL NOW BE ABLE TO EXERT AN AUTHORITY SO CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT IN THE CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT. PARLIAMENT HAS BEEN PARALYSED SINCE APRIL. THE POLITICIANS HAVE BEEN SQUABBLING AMONG THEMSELVES, EXPENDING THEIR ENERGIES ON TRADITIONAL RIVALRIES. WHILE MOST OF THE PARTIES SHARE A SENSE OF OUTRAGE AT THE COUNTRY'S ANARCHY, THERE IS TOTAL DISAGREEMENT ABOUT WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO RESTORE CONTROL. THE ARMY HAS NOW RELIEVED THEM OF THAT DEBATE, AT LEAST UNTIL THE WEAK PARTIES OF THE POLITICAL CENTRE CAN REBUILD THEMSELVES. NEITHER OF THE TWO MAJOR PARTIES HAS PROVED STRONG ENOUGH TO RULE WITHOUT THE HELP - AND HINDRANCE - OF SMALLER PARTIES. THE GENERALS HAVE LONG ADVOCATED A "GRAND COALITION OF NATIONAL SALVATION" BETWEEN MR DEMIREL'S JUSTICE PARTY AND MR ECEVIT'S REPUBLICAN PEOPLE'S PARTY. BUT REPEATED WARNINGS FROM THE MILITARY FAILED TO PRODUCE A SHOW OF RESOLVE. UNTIL THE POLITICIANS SEEM WILLING AND ABLE TO DO THEIR JOBS, THE MILITARY WILL CONTINUE TO BE UNABLE TO DO ITS JOB: DEFEND TURKEY, AND THAT MEANS THE WESTERN ALLIANCE AS WELL, IN A REGION WHERE NATO, THE SOVIET UNION AND ISLAMIC FERVOR MEET FACE TO FACE. A RETURN TO CIVILIAN RULE APPEARS TO BE AT LEAST A YEAR OR TWO AWAY. IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, THE ARMY HAS TWICE HANDED BACK THE REINS TO CIVILIANS. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A DANGER THAT ONE DAY THE SOLDIERS WILL DEVELOP A TASTE FOR POWER. IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT THE JUNTA WILL EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY WITH CARE AND A COMPASSION NOT ALWAYS APPARENT IN THE MARTIAL LAW PROVINCES BEFORE THE COUP. INDEED, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, THE HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION, BELIEVES THAT MALTREATMENT AND TORTURE HAVE BEEN WIDESPREAD AND SYSTEMATIC. IF THE GENERALS MEAN WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT DEMOCRACY, THEY WILL PUT A STOP TO SUCH ATROCITIES. AND THEY WILL NOT HOLD POWER ONE DAY LONGER THAN NECESSARY TO GET TURKEY BACK ON ITS FEET. SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 1980 "'THE AGE' AND THIS ELECTION" IT IS A NEWSPAPER CONVENTION, AT ELECTION TIMES, TO DISCUSS AS THE CAMPAIGN UNFOLDS THE ISSUES BEFORE THE VOTERS, AND THEN, ON THE MORNING OF THE POLL, FINALLY TO REVEAL THE IDENTITY OF THE NEWSPAPER'S PREFERRED PARTY. WE DO NOT INTEND TO FOLLOW THIS CONVENTION IN 1980. AT THE END OF THIS CAMPAIGN, 'THE AGE' DOES NOT PROPOSE TO TELL THE READERS HOW TO VOTE. AUSTRALIA, IT SEEMS TO US, IS AT A PARTICULARLY CRITICAL POINT IN ITS HISTORY. BUT THE EXTRAORDINARY FACT IS THAT THE POLITICIANS AND MOST OF THE VOTERS ARE BEHAVING AND TALKING AS IF, APART FROM A FEW TECHNICAL QUESTIONS OF ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT, THE COUNTRY CAN CARRY ON AFTER THE ELECTION MORE OR LESS AS USUAL, WHOEVER WINS. THIS ATTITUDE STRIKES US AS ALARMINGLY COMPLACENT. TO BEGIN WITH, IT ASSUMES THAT THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA IS ENTIRELY IN THE HANDS OF AUSTRALIANS. THE TYRANNY OF DISTANCE, THE PHRASE INVENTED BY PROFESSOR BLAINEY TO DESCRIBE THE SYSTEM OF NECESSITY GOVERNING AUSTRALIAN HISTORY, SEEMS TO OBSCURE FROM LOCAL VIEW THE MASSIVE SHIFTS OF POWER NOW IN TRAIN TO THE NORTH. WHICH OF OUR WOULD-BE LEADERS IS DISCUSSING THE VAST IMPLICATIONS FOR THIS COUNTRY OF THE EMBRYONIC ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE 900 MILLION PEOPLE OF CHINA AND THE WORLD-BEATING TECHNOLOGY OF JAPAN? NEARER HOME, WHO HAS A REMEDY WHEREBY AUSTRALIA CAN GET THROUGH THE COMING YEARS WITHOUT THE CONSTITUTION AGAIN BLOWING UP IN OUR FACES, AS IT BLEW UP IN 1975? HOW IS THE COMING RESOURCES BOOM TO BE TACKLED? IN A COUNTRY OF A MERE 14 MILLION, ARE KEY DECISIONS REALLY TO BE LEFT TO SIX INDIVIDUAL STATES? THE WAY THE NEXT GOVERNMENT HANDLES THE WHOLE COMPLICATED PROBLEM OF OUR RESOURCES WILL SURELY DECIDE AUSTRALIA'S DEVELOPMENT OVER AT LEAST THE NEXT DECADE. HAS EITHER PARTY GIVEN THESE MATTERS SERIOUS ATTENTION? THERE IS LITTLE SIGN OF IT. IS THERE A COHERENT DEFENCE POLICY IN CANBERRA? DOES EITHER PARTY HAVE A FOREIGN POLICY? WHAT IS OUR MIGRATION POLICY INTENDED TO ACHIEVE? OR TAKE A MORE PRESSING AND FRIGHTENING PROBLEM: HAS EITHER PARTY GOT ANY IDEA WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE HEROIN TRADE, WHICH THE POLICE SAY IS WORTH HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR? A LARGE PART OF THE POLITICS OF A MODERN DEMOCRATIC STATE IS CONCERNED WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE NATIONAL WEALTH: AND PARTICULARLY WITH THE CLAIMS OF THE UNDER- PRIVILEGED. WHO AMONG THE POLITICIANS, EVEN AT A TIME OF VERY HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, WHICH IS LIKELY TO PERSIST, AND OF A GROWING ARMY OF POOR, IS PUBLICLY DISCUSSING THE SOCIAL AND MORAL PRINCIPLES BY WHICH THESE CLAIMS OUGHT TO BE RESOLVED? AT ANY TIME, ONE OF THE MAIN JOBS OF A NEWSPAPER THAT SEEKS TO BE USEFUL IS TO DEFINE THE ISSUES. WE THINK THAT 'THE AGE', AT THIS ELECTION, WILL BE MOST USEFUL TO ITS READERS IF IT CONCENTRATES ON THIS JOB. BY STATING OUR INTENTIONS NOW, WE HOPE THAT READERS OF ALL POLITICAL LEANINGS WILL TAKE OUR ATTACK ON THE ISSUES MORE SERIOUSLY THAN IF THEY SUSPECTED THAT WE WERE RAISING THEM AS A PRELUDE TO DECLARING AN ALREADY DECIDED PARTY PREFERENCE. IN AN ELECTION CAMPAIGN, POLITICIANS DENY THAT THEY HAVE SHORTCOMINGS, AND THEN PROMISE TO CORRECT THEM. FAR FROM SHARPENING THE CHOICES IN THE SUPERMARKET OF PUBLIC POLICY AND LEADERSHIP, THE CAMPAIGN OFTEN OBSCURES THEM. THE GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION BEHAVE LIKE SWORN ENEMIES OVERTAKEN BY DANGER: THEY HUDDLE TOGETHER FOR PROTECTION, CURSING. RARELY IS AN OPPOSITION AS DANGEROUS AS A GOVERNMENT PRETENDS; NEVER HAS A GOVERNMENT LIVED UP TO ITS OWN PUBLICITY. SOME PEOPLE WHO RECOGNISE THIS POINT GO ON TO DRAW THE BLEAK CONCLUSION THAT AN ELECTION CAMPAIGN IS AN EXPENSIVE DIVERSION WE COULD DO WITHOUT. THIS CONCLUSION IS QUITE MISPLACED. WHATEVER ITS SHORTCOMINGS AS A FORUM FOR TRUTH AND CANDOR, THE CAMPAIGN REMAINS OUR CHANCE TO COMPARE. THE CAMPAIGN IS IRRELEVANT ONLY IF A CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IRRELEVANT. THERE ARE A THOUSAND THINGS UNDONE IN OUR SOCIETY FOR WHICH THE FIRST STEP CAN BE TAKEN ONLY IN CANBERRA. THE CAMPAIGN IS A MESSY WAY TO FASHION PRIORITIES, BUT IT IS- LIKE DEMOCRACY ITSELF - PREFERABLE TO EVERY OTHER WAY. IT IS EASY TO CRITICISE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS; THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO IMPROVE THEM. IT IS OUT OF AN EARNEST DESIRE TO IMPROVE THE CAMPAIGN, AND NOT OUT OF SOME SORT OF WEARIED CYNICISM, THAT 'THE AGE' HAS DECIDED TO REMAIN NEUTRAL IN ITS EDITORIAL OPINION, AND TO SAY SO NOW. THIS IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE STANCE FOR EVERY CAMPAIGN; INDEED, EVENTS MAY YET MAKE IT INAPPROPRIATE FOR THIS ONE. AS THINGS STAND, HOWEVER, AWAITING THE POLICY SPEECHES, THIS LOOKS LIKE AN ELECTION ABOUT MANAGEMENT, NOT IDEOLOGY. THE IMPORTANT ISSUES ARE COMPLEX. IN A NUMBER OF AREAS, THE PROPER ACTION CAN BE TAKEN ONLY AT THE COST OF HARMING SECTIONAL INTERESTS. OUR DECISION NOT TO ENDORSE A PARTY DOES NOT REFLECT LACK OF INTEREST IN THE ELECTION, BUT A VERY STRONG CONCERN FOR THE CAMPAIGN. WE WANT TO HOLD OUR LEADERS' FEET TO THE FIRE. ACCORDINGLY, 'THE AGE' WILL, OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, ADDRESS QUESTIONS TO BOTH SIDES. WE SHALL DO OUR BEST TO CUT THROUGH THE WRAPPING AND DISCOVER WHAT IS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE PACKAGE. WE DO NOT IMAGINE THAT THIS WILL BE EASY. THESE DAYS POLITICS IS MORE THAN EVER AN EXERCISE IN EVASION. WE SHALL DO OUR BEST. OUR TASK, WE BELIEVE, WOULD BE MADE VERY MUCH MORE DIFFICULT WERE WE TO HAVE MADE - OR TO BE MAKING - A CHOICE OF WHO TO RECOMMEND. IN ANY CASE, A NEWSPAPER HAS NO VOTE. IN TERMS OF WHAT WE CAN CONTRIBUTE, THE CAMPAIGN IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ELECTION. WE WANT TO HAVE, ABSOLUTELY TO THE MAXIMUM, CLEAR STATEMENTS ON THE TOUGH QUESTIONS. WHERE WE FAIL TO GET THEM, WE SHALL SAY SO, UNMISTAKEABLY. IT MIGHT BE SAID THAT WE ARE PLACING ALTOGETHER TOO MUCH TRUST IN THE POWER OF PLAIN WORDS. WHERE LIES THE GAIN IN EXTRACTING A PROMISE FROM A POLITICIAN? WE NEED TURN BACK ONLY A LITTLE WAY INTO AUSTRALIAN POLITICAL HISTORY TO FIND UNEQUIVOCAL COMMITMENTS, UNEQUIVOCALLY BROKEN. BUT THIS IS PRECISELY THE POINT. A BROKEN PROMISE IS A MARK AGAINST A POLITICIAN, A PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO BE USED IN FORMING A JUDGMENT ABOUT HIS FITNESS TO SERVE. TOO MANY BROKEN PROMISES, AND YOU KICK HIM OUT. NEVERTHELESS, IT IS FAR MORE CONDUCIVE TO GOOD GOVERNMENT THAT A POLITICIAN MAKE A COMMITMENT AND BREAK IT, THAN THAT HE BE ALLOWED TO MAKE NO COMMITMENTS AT ALL. IN MODERN CAMPAIGNING, WITH ITS TELEVISUAL EMPHASIS ON THE QUICK AND THE SLICK, IT IS FAR TOO EASY FOR POLITICIANS TO AVOID THE TOUGH QUESTIONS. THEY WON'T GET PAST OURS WITHOUT US NOTICING. IN MONDAY'S PAPER, ACCORDINGLY, WE SHALL BEGIN TO RAISE THE ISSUES THAT WE TAKE TO BE CRUCIAL TO THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY. "THE ECONOMY NEEDS MEDICINE, NOT FUDGE" TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 1980 "THE ISSUES (2)" WHEN POLITICIANS ARE AT THEIR MOST CONFUSING, THE ISSUES ARE OFTEN CLEAREST. SO IT IS WITH THE 1980 ELECTION DEBATE OVER ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT, AN AREA OF POLICY WHERE THE CHOICES ARE TOUGHEST AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THE TEMPTATION TO SCUTTLE AWAY BEHIND A CLOUD OF FUSS AND JARGON IS GREATEST. THE QUESTIONS A VOTER NEEDS ANSWERED IN ORDER TO MAKE AN INFORMED JUDGMENT BETWEEN THE RIVALS' CLAIMS TO THE TREASURY BENCHES ARE REMARKABLY FEW. REMARKABLY FEW, AND REMARKABLY TOUGH. WE ARE NOT AT ALL SURE THE ELECTORATE WILL SEE THEM ANSWERED IN WHAT SEEMS LIKELY TO BE A HARD- FOUGHT AND MISLEADING CAMPAIGN, BUT WE SHALL ASK THEM IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH AT LEAST WHO IS THE GREATER PREVARICATOR. WE DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DIFFICULTY OF ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT - IT HAS BEEN THE DISASTER GROUND FOR MOST GOVERNMENTS IN THE SEVENTIES - BUT WE COULD IMAGINE FEW THINGS WORSE FOR THE NATION THAN AN ELECTION CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT BECAUSE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT IS SO DIFFICULT WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH OF OUR POLITICIANS, OR THEIR PROMISES. AT THE OUTSET OF THE EIGHTIES, AUSTRALIA FACES TWO ISSUES OF ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT THAT OVERSHADOW THE REST. THE FIRST IS WHETHER WE OUGHT TO TRY TO HAVE A LITTLE LESS UNEMPLOYMENT IN RETURN FOR RISKING A LITTLE MORE INFLATION. THE SECOND IS WHETHER WE SHOULD TRY TO REDUCE THE WHOLE RANGE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS IN THE ECONOMY, EVEN WHERE THIS WOULD FORCE SOME FIRMS, AND EVEN INDUSTRIES, TO SHUT THEIR DOORS AND PUT THEIR WORKERS ON THE STREETS. BROADLY SPEAKING, THE FIRST IS THE KEY ISSUE FOR THE CLASSIC ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS - THE BUDGET, INTEREST RATES, THE EXCHANGE RATE. THE SECOND IS THE KEY TO HOW THE GOVERNMENT INFLUENCES THE PATTERN OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND WHETHER IT RESISTS CHANGE OR PROMOTES IT. YOU WILL NOT GET AN ANSWER TO EITHER BY LOOKING AT THE RHETORIC. YOU COULD SAY THE FEDERAL COALITION IS MORE WORRIED ABOUT INFLATION, AND LABOR ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT, BUT THAT HARDLY TAKES US FAR TOWARDS AN ANSWER TO OUR FIRST QUESTION. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NO DOUBT SAY THAT THE ECONOMY GREW OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS AS RAPIDLY AS WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE GOAL OF BEARING DOWN ON INFLATION. BUT ON THE L-NCP'S OWN REASONING, IF IT HAD BEEN MORE SUCCESSFUL IN CUTTING BACK THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT OVER THOSE FIVE YEARS, WE WOULD BE IN HEALTHIER SHAPE - THAT IS, READY TO GROW EVEN FASTER AND THEREBY HAVE LOWER UNEMPLOYMENT. AND HERE, MR FRASER'S "SMALL GOVERNMENT" RHETORIC IS EXPOSED BY THE COLD PRINT OF HIS LAST BUDGET. THIS DOCUMENT PREDICTS THAT IN 1980-81 BUDGET REVENUES WILL REACH 26.7 PER CENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, COMPARED TO THE LABOR GOVERNMENT'S PEAK OF 25.1 PER CENT IN 1975-76. THE GOVERNMENT IS CORRECT IN EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE OF BRINGING THE BUDGET DEFICIT UNDER CONTROL, BUT QUITE AT ODDS WITH ITS OWN RHETORIC WHEN IT DOES THAT BY INCREASING ITS TAX SLUG INSTEAD OF BY PARING ITS OUTGOINGS. THE OPPOSITION, ON THE OTHER HAND, DOESN'T SEEM TO THINK THE DEFICIT IS VERY IMPORTANT AT ALL. IT HAS, BASICALLY, TWO ANSWERS TO THE CONCERN THAT ITS PLANS TO SPEND MORE MONEY WILL SET OFF MORE INFLATION: FIRST, THAT IT WILL HELP PAY FOR ITS OUTGOINGS BY A RESOURCES TAX AND TIGHTENING UP ON TAX DODGING AND, SECOND, THAT IT WILL ACHIEVE SOME KIND OF "SOCIAL COMPACT" WITH TRADE UNIONS. ONLY AN OPTIMIST WOULD BE REASSURED ON EITHER COUNT. UNTIL WE SEE A CLEARER CASE TO THE CONTRARY, WE ARE OBLIGED TO ASSUME THAT LABOR'S PROGRAMME WOULD INDEED RISK HIGHER INFLATION FOR WHATEVER GAINS IT MAKES AGAINST UNEMPLOYMENT. WHAT DOES THIS ADD UP TO? IN OUR VIEW, MR FRASER SHOULD STOP PRETENDING HE IS A SMALL-GOVERNMENT MAN, FOR HE IS NOT. HE IS A SMALL-DEFICIT MAN, AND THAT IS SOMETHING QUITE DIFFERENT, BECAUSE IT PROCEEDS FROM A FLUKE DIVIDEND PAID BY THE MOTORIST AT THE PETROL PUMP, NOT THE HARD SLOG OF THE TRUE PARER OF GOVERNMENT, WHO HAS TO TAKE THINGS AWAY FROM PEOPLE. WE BELIEVE THE DEBATE ON INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD BE VERY GREATLY ASSISTED, ALSO, BY SOME CLEAR ACCOUNTING FROM THE OPPOSITION OF THE IMPACT ON INFLATION OF WHAT THEY PROPOSE. OF COURSE, WE ARE PLEASED TO HEAR THE OPPOSITION ASSERT THAT IT CAN CUT UNEMPLOYMENT; BUT ONLY WHEN WE KNOW THE INFLATIONARY COST OF THAT CAN WE DECIDE WHETHER IT IS WORTHWHILE. ON GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION, THE L-NCP HAS LEFT IT A BIT LATE IN THE DAY TO CLAIM CREDIBLY IT STANDS FOR FREE ENTERPRISE. WE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE CONTROLS ON BANK INTEREST RATES WHICH HAVE CAUSED THE GOVERNMENT'S OWN ECONOMIC ADVISERS SUCH GREAT (AND ACKNOWLEDGED) CONCERN WOULD, ALONE, PUT THE L-NCP FIRMLY IN THE TRADITION OF THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST PARTIES OF THE WORLD. THIS GOVERNMENT ALSO STANDS FOR QUOTAS - NOT EVEN TARIFFS, BUT QUOTAS - ON A RANGE OF SENSITIVE IMPORTS. IT STANDS FOR THE TWO-AIRLINE AGREEMENT. IT SUBSIDISES THINGS, ESPECIALLY FOR ITS RURAL FRIENDS. AND, MOST SIGNIFICANTLY FOR THE FUTURE, IT IS THE L-NCP THAT HAS THE NOTORIOUS RECORD IN AUSTRALIAN POST-WAR HISTORY FOR MANIPULATING THE EXCHANGE RATE. IN THIS ELECTION, THE CHOICE BETWEEN SOCIALISM AND FREE ENTERPRISE IS ONLY A MATTER OF DEGREE, AND A PRECIOUS SMALL DEGREE AT THAT. YET WE MUST NOT PERMIT OUR SCEPTICISM OVER THAT TO BLIND US TO THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. IT IS TRULY A KEY QUESTION FOR THE EIGHTIES. IF ONLY A PART OF THE RESOURCES INVESTMENTS THIS GOVERNMENT IS CROWING ABOUT ACTUALLY OCCURS, THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY WILL BE PUT UNDER SEVERE STRAIN. WE SHOULD HEAR FROM THE L-NCP NO MORE CROWING ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE BOOM UNTIL WE HAVE HEARD A CONVINCING ACCOUNT OF HOW THEY PLAN TO GO ABOUT DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS. THEY SHOULD TELL US, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HOW FAR THEY WOULD TRY TO FILL THE BOOM JOBS WITH AUSTRALIANS WHO WANT WORK, AND HOW FAR THEY WOULD RELY ON IMMIGRANTS. FROM THE LABOR PARTY, WE SHOULD HEAR THE GOSPEL OF PROTECTIONISM IN ITS AUTHORISED VERSION, NOT THE PATCH-AND-STITCH RESPONSE WE GET, DEPENDING ON WHOM WE LISTEN TO AND WHICH AUDIENCE THEY ARE ADDRESSING. WOULD THE LABOR PARTY INCREASE PROTECTION? - THE BALANCE OF FORCES INSIDE THE PARTY SUGGEST SO. IN THAT CASE, WE NEED A CONVINCING ACCOUNT FROM LABOR OF WHAT IT SEES AS THE COSTS OF THAT - WHICH WILL FALL ON THE EFFICIENT INDUSTRIES - AND WHAT IT INTENDS TO DO ABOUT THEM. HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS WE WANT THE CONTENDERS TO ANSWER ON ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. IS THERE A PROSPECT OF A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN UMEMPLOYMENT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? IF SO, HOW MIGHT IT BE ACHIEVED? SHOULD IT BE AN OBJECTIVE OF AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT TO KEEP INFLATION LOWER THAN THE OECD AVERAGE? ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF A SUBSTANTIAL DECONTROL OF THE FINANCIAL MARKETS, INCLUDING BANK INTEREST RATES? WOULD YOU THEN COUNTENANCE INTEREST RATES IN THE TEENS, IF MONETARY MANAGEMENT REQUIRED THEM. DO YOU EXPECT THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR TO STRENGTHEN DURING THE EIGHTIES UNDER YOUR ADMINISTRATION? OUGHT IT TO BE ALLOWED TO? TOMORROW WE SHALL DISCUSS FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE. THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 1980 "POVERTY IN A LAND OF PLENTY" "THE ISSUES (4)" RICH IN RESOURCES, AUSTRALIA IS INDEED A LUCKY COUNTRY. HOW AND WHEN THESE RESOURCES SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IS PERHAPS THE BIGGEST DOMESTIC CHALLENGE FACING NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN THE 1980S. ANOTHER CHALLENGE, AS IMPORTANT BUT MORE DIFFICULT TO MEET, IS TO ENSURE THAT AUSTRALIA'S GOOD FORTUNE IS EQUITABLY SHARED. HISTORY SEEMS TO SUGGEST THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HARD. AFTER ALL, AUSTRALIAN POLITICAL TRADITION ENSHRINES THE PRINCIPLE OF THE "FAIR GO", THE IDEAL THAT ALL AUSTRALIANS ARE ENTITLED TO A DECENT STANDARD OF LIVING, AND AN ACCEPTANCE THAT GOVERNMENTS SHOULD INTERVENE TO HELP THOSE SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, BE THEY MANUFACTURERS, FARMERS OR WORKERS, WHO EXPERIENCE ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE. BUT TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND ATTITUDES HAVE HARDENED. SOME 25 YEARS OF RAPIDLY RISING LIVING STANDARDS FOR THE MAJORITY AND POPULAR EXPECTATIONS HAVE LEFT AUSTRALIANS ILL-PREPARED FOR THE RAVAGES OF INFLATION AND RECESSION. AT THE VERY TIME THAT UNEMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND SOCIAL CHANGES HAVE WIDENED THE GAP BETWEEN THE HAVES AND HAVE-NOTS, CONCERN FOR THE DEPRIVED AND DISADVANTAGED IS DIMINISHING. THOSE WHO HAVE PROSPERED IN THE GOOD YEARS, OR PROFITED FROM INFLATION, WANT TO KEEP WHAT THEY WON, AND TO GAIN MORE. THEY RESENT SUGGESTIONS THAT THEY SHOULD RESTRAIN THEIR QUEST FOR HIGHER INCOMES IN ORDER TO SAVE JOBS, OR THAT THEY SHOULD PAY MORE IN TAXATION TO HELP THOSE WITHOUT JOBS. THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN BEHIND IN THE BAD YEARS ARE GROWING IN NUMBER, BUT NOT, IT SEEMS, IN INFLUENCE. THEY ARE THE VICTIMS NOT ONLY OF HARD TIMES BUT OF HARD-HEARTEDNESS. THE POLITICIANS HAVE BECOME INFECTED BY THE MOOD OF MEANNESS PREVAILING AMONG THE FORTUNATE MAJORITY OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS. MISSING FROM THIS ELECTION CAMPAIGN SO FAR IS ANY STRONG APPEAL BY EITHER OF THE MAIN PARTIES TO IDEALISM OR COMPASSION. THERE MAY BE THE ODD FLIGHT OF RHETORIC, BUT POLICIES ARE MORE SHREWDLY DIRECTED TO VOTERS' SELF-INTEREST. THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN REFUGE IN AN EMPHASIS ON THE NEED FOR ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY. THIS MAY WELL BE A VALID CONSTRAINT ON THE SIZE OF THE BUDGET DEFICIT, BUT MUCH LESS SO ON THE ROLE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND HARDLY AT ALL ON HOW THE WELFARE CAKE SHOULD BE DIVIDED. LABOR'S TRADITIONAL CONCERN FOR THE UNDER-DOG HAS BEEN MUTED BY PERCEIVED ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CONSTRAINTS, AND BY THE CALCULATION, BORN OF EXPERIENCE, THAT OFFERS OF TAX CUTS WILL ATTRACT MORE VOTES THAN PROMISES OF AID FOR THE UNEMPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THE UNEMPLOYED HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN. NEITHER PARTY HAS EVEN BEGUN TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE POSSIBLE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE BEING INFLICTED BY SOCIETY ON OUR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH. THE REALITY THAT NEITHER THE PARTIES NOR THE ELECTORATE CAN AFFORD TO IGNORE IS THE APPALLING FACT THAT SOME TWO MILLION AUSTRALIANS ARE LIVING ON OR BELOW THE POVERTY LINE. BY CIVILISED STANDARDS, THE POVERTY LINE HAS BEEN AUSTERELY DRAWN, AND SOME OBSERVERS BELIEVE THAT AS MANY AS 2.5 MILLION AUSTRALIANS NOW LIVE IN POVERTY, OR ON THE BRINK. THEY INCLUDE THE JOBLESS, MANY AGED AND INVALID PENSIONERS, SINGLE PARENTS, AND THEIR DEPENDENT CHILDREN. MANY ARE DOUBLY HANDICAPPED BY BEING BLACK, OR IMMIGRANT, OR LIMITED IN SKILLS AND EDUCATION. THE PROBLEM IS NOT SIMPLY A TEMPORARY REFLECTION OF RECESSION AND DEFLATIONARY POLICIES. TECHNOLOGICAL AND STRUCTURAL CHANGES WILL MEAN A LASTING HIGHER LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND A GREATER NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYABLES. AN AGEING POPULATION MEANS A GROWING NUMBER OF WELFARE DEPENDANTS, WHO ALREADY REPRESENT ONE AUSTRALIAN IN FIVE. THESE TRENDS, AS WELL AS COMMON HUMANITY, DEMAND FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES IN ATTITUDES AND APPROACH. THE GROWING CLAIMS ON WELFARE, AND ITS RISING COST, HAVE MADE PUBLIC AND POLITICIANS ALIKE WARY OF MOVING FURTHER TOWARDS AN ALL-EMBRACING WELFARE STATE. THE LIBERALS HAVE NEVER FAVORED THIS APPROACH, ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN LESS EFFECTIVE IN RESTRAINING SOCIAL SECURITY OUTLAYS THAN SOME OF ITS HARDER-LINE SUPPORTERS WOULD WISH. THE LABOR PARTY HAS SEVERELY MODIFIED ITS FORMER FAITH IN UNIVERSAL SCHEMES. BOTH SIDES NOW AGREE THAT WELFARE SPENDING SHOULD BE BASED ON NEEDS. YET, WHILE REAL NEED IS WIDESPREAD AND DEMONSTRABLE, IT IS NOT BEING ADEQUATELY MET. MANY PENSIONS AND ALLOWANCES ARE STILL WELL BELOW THE MINIMUM REQUIRED FOR A DECENT LIVING. THE SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT, IN A VIRTUAL ADMISSION THAT THEIR PAYMENTS ARE INADEQUATE, IS REFERRING MORE AND MORE DESPERATE PEOPLE TO EMERGENCY RELIEF AGENCIES, WHOSE FUNDS ARE NEARLY EXHAUSTED. AND THIS IN A LAND OF PLENTY. THE GOVERNMENT HAS YET TO REVEAL WHAT NEW INITIATIVES, IF ANY, IT WILL TAKE TO REDUCE POVERTY AND COMPENSATE THE VICTIMS OF ITS ANTI-INFLATIONARY STRATEGY. ITS RECORD, DESPITE THE EFFORTS OF DAME MARGARET GUILFOYLE TO SUSTAIN THE WELFARE BUDGET, IS ONE OF ATTRITION IN THE REAL VALUE OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS. IN SOME - SUCH AS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR THOSE UNDER 18 - THERE HAS BEEN NO INCREASE AT ALL SINCE 1975. WELFARE HOUSING FUNDS HAVE BEEN SAVAGELY REDUCED AT A TIME WHEN NEEDS ARE GROWING. LABOR HAS PROPOSED A FAMILY ASSISTANCE PLAN WHICH, DESPITE SOME ANOMALIES, IS TAILORED TO HELP THOSE MOST IN NEED. IT HAS FEW OTHER WELFARE COMMITMENTS OTHER THAN A SIGNIFICANT BOOST FOR WELFARE HOUSING (AS PART OF A $150 MILLION A YEAR PROGRAMME TO REVIVE THE DEPRESSED HOUSING INDUSTRY). THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE SHOULD BE TO RAISE ALL PENSIONS AND BENEFITS TO THE POVERTY LINE. THIS HAS BEEN ESTIMATED TO COST $500 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR, EQUIVALENT TO ONLY ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE BOOMING OIL LEVY. IN THE LONGER TERM, THE CONCEPT OF A GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME SHOULD BE ACCEPTED - AND SET AT A FAIR AND REASONABLE LEVEL. THE COST NEED NOT BE ENTIRELY FUNDED BY HIGHER TAXATION; THERE IS SCOPE FOR REALLOCATING SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS ACCORDING TO NEED BY MEANS-TESTING FAMILY ALLOWANCES AND PENSIONS FOR THOSE MORE THAN 70. ODDLY ENOUGH, HEALTH HAS RETREATED TO THE BACKGROUND AS AN ELECTION ISSUE, DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT'S SUCCESSION OF CONFUSING CHANGES TO THE HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM AND THE RISING COST OF PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE. NOTWITHSTANDING MEDIBANK'S SOCIAL EQUITY, PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE, ADMINISTRATIVE ECONOMY AND BUILT-IN COST CONSTRAINTS, THE COALITION REJECTS THE CONCEPT AND LABOR IS CAUTIOUS ABOUT RESTORING IT. LABOR HAS, AS A START, PROPOSED A LIMITED FAMILY HEALTH CARE SCHEME TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND STUDENTS. ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN TO BEAR DOWN ON HOSPITAL COSTS, NEITHER SIDE SEEMS WILLING TO COME TO GRIPS WITH THE UNRESTRAINED COSTS OF A PROLIFERATING MEDICAL PROFESSION AND AN OPEN-ENDED FEE-FOR-SERVICE SYSTEM. EDUCATION ALSO, IN COMPARISON WITH FORMER YEARS, HAS DIMINISHED AS AN ELECTION ISSUE. SHORTAGES OF CLASSROOMS AND TEACHERS HAVE BEEN OVERCOME (WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS); INDEED, THE PICTURE IS ONE OF DWINDLING ENROLMENTS AND TEACHER SURPLUSES. PEOPLE HAVE BECOME MORE CONCERNED WITH THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND REALISE THAT THAT CANNOT SIMPLY BE IMPROVED BY SPENDING MORE MONEY. DESPITE ITS PROFESSED DEDICATION TO FEDERALISM, THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO SUBSIDISE SCHOOLING, WHICH IS PRIMARILY A STATE RESPONSIBILITY. LABOR WOULD DO LIKEWISE, BUT ITS FUNDING TO INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WOULD BE MORE STRICTLY ON A NEEDS BASIS. THE COMMONWEALTH HAS ASSUMED FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION; HERE THE TREND IS TOWARDS ENCOURAGING TECHNICAL AND FURTHER EDUCATION AT THE EXPENSE OF UNIVERSITIES. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE HAS BEEN A SEVERE REDUCTION IN FUNDS FOR BASIC RESEARCH. ONE MEASURE OF A CIVILISED COMMUNITY IS ITS TREATMENT OF MINORITY GROUPS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHICH SUFFER DEPRIVATION OR DISCRIMINATION. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS OVER-RIDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, BUT HAS BEEN RELUCTANT TO INVOKE ITS POWERS AND EXERT ITS INFLUENCE TO UPHOLD ABORIGINAL RIGHTS AND INTERESTS AGAINST THE OPPRESSIVE BEHAVIOR OF STATE GOVERNMENTS OBSESSED WITH MINERAL EXPLOITATIONS. LABOR SEEMS READIER TO GIVE ABORIGINAL LAND RIGHTS PRIORITY OVER THE DEMANDS OF MINING AND DEVELOPMENT. ACCORDINGLY, IN THIS THE LAST OF OUR PRESENT SERIES OF ELECTION EDITORIALS, WE ASK THE PARTIES:- WILL YOU TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO RAISE ALL PENSIONS, BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES TO GIVE THOSE WHOLLY DEPENDENT ON THEM AN INCOME EQUIVALENT TO THE POVERTY LINE? WOULD YOU ACCEPT THE PRINCIPLE OF A GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME TO ENSURE THAT NO AUSTRALIAN NEED LIVE IN POVERTY, EVEN IF IT MEANS INCREASED TAXATION OR RESTRUCTURING OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS? DO YOU INTEND TO ESTABLISH, AND IF SO HOW, A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME THAT COVERS EVERYONE, ENSURES THAT THE COSTS ARE EQUITABLY SHARED, AND RESTRAINS THE OVER-PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES? WILL YOU DIRECT EDUCATION FUNDING ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND SOCIAL PRIORITIES RATHER THAN POLITICAL PRIORITIES, AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE FUNDS FOR BASIC RESEARCH? WILL YOU AGREE TO NEGOTIATE A TREATY WITH ABORIGINAL REPRESENTATIVES TO SETTLE OUTSTAND- ING LAND RIGHTS CLAIMS, AGREE ON COMPENSATION AND USE FEDERAL POWERS TO UPHOLD ABORIGINAL INTERESTS AGAINST OPPRESSIVE STATE LAWS AND ACTIONS? FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 1980 "TRANSPORT: THE LONIE FORMULA" ABOUT A DECADE AGO, A 12-MAN STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE PROPOSED A $2616 MILLION EXPANSION OF MELBOURNE'S TRANSPORT SYSTEM. THE COMMITTEE, WHOSE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN WAS THE THEN MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MR R. J. HAMER, SAID THAT AMONG OTHER THINGS AN EXTRA 150 KILOMETRES OF RAILWAY LINES WOULD BE NEEDED BY 1985 TO COPE WITH MELBOURNE'S GROWING POPULATION. THIS INCLUDED THREE NEW SUBURBAN ROUTES, EXTENSIONS TO EIGHT EXISTING LINES, AND AN $80 MILLION UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP AROUND THE CITY'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT TO COPE WITH THE PASSENGERS FROM THE NEW LINES. FOR REASONS THAT REMAIN OBSCURE, THE LOOP WAS THE ONLY RAIL PROJECT UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT. NOW, AS IT NEARS COMPLETION, THE LATEST TRANSPORT INQUIRY HAS RAISED SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT THE LOOP'S USEFULNESS. WHEREAS IN 1970 THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE USING SUBURBAN TRAINS WAS EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 1985, THE LATEST INQUIRY HAS FOUND THAT PATRONAGE HAS DROPPED SO ALARMINGLY THAT EIGHT SUBURBAN RAIL SERVICES, INCLUDING FIVE THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SERVED DIRECTLY BY THE UNDERGROUND, SHOULD, IN THE COMMITTEE'S OPINION, BE SHUT DOWN. IT RAISES THE SPECTRE OF GHOST TRAINS RATTLING AROUND AN UNDERGROUND SYSTEM NOW EXPECTED TO COST $450 MILLION, PLUS BIG INTEREST REPAYMENTS. THE LATEST INQUIRY WAS UNDERTAKEN BY A GROUP LED BY A RETIRED BHP EXECUTIVE, MR MURRAY LONIE, AND THE CHIEF PLANNING ENGINEER OF THE COUNTRY ROADS BOARD, MR R. UNDERWOOD. IN A REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT RELEASED THIS WEEK THEY RECOMMENDED THE CLOSURE OF RAIL SERVICES TO ST KILDA, PORT MELBOURNE, SANDRINGHAM, UPFIELD, ALAMEIN AND HURSTBRIDGE; THE ABANDONMENT OF SERVICES BEYOND NEWPORT TO ALTONA AND WILLIAMSTOWN; THE SCRAPPING OF TRAM SERVICES TO SOUTH MELBOURNE, ST KILDA BEACH, CAMBERWELL AND MARIBYRNONG; AND THE ENDING OF MANY NIGHT AND WEEKEND SERVICES. THE JUSTIFICATION WAS FALLING PATRONAGE AND LOSSES BY VICRAIL AND THE TRAMWAYS BOARD. TO MANY PEOPLE, THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE PREDICTABLE. THE ANNUAL DEFICITS BEING INCURRED BY THE TWO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES TOTAL ABOUT $200 MILLION. THE SIMPLEST WAY TO REDUCE THAT FIGURE IS TO PRUNE THE LEAST USED SERVICES. BUT THE SIMPLEST WAYS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE BEST. THE LONIE REPORT IS SUPERFICIAL AND ITS RECOMMENDATIONS SHORT-SIGHTED. ITS SUPERFICIALITY IS NOT SURPRISING. IT IS ONE OF MORE THAN 20 THAT MR LONIE'S GROUP HAS PREPARED SINCE IT WAS APPOINTED LAST DECEMBER TO INVESTIGATE EVERY ASPECT OF TRANSPORT IN VICTORIA. A PROPER EVALUATION OF MELBOURNE'S PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM WOULD TAKE MUCH LONGER THAN THE PERIOD WHICH THE STUDY GROUP HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO DEVOTE TO IT. BUT ITS SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS IS LESS EXCUSABLE. THE AUTHORS OF THE REPORT SEEM TO HAVE THOUGHT ONLY IN TERM OF DOLLARS AND CENTS. THE SOCIAL COSTS OF CHOPPING TRAIN AND TRAM SERVICES TO THE EXTENT PROPOSED IN THE LONIE REPORT FAR OUTWEIGH THE ANNUAL SAVINGS BY THE TREASURY. WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT GOVERNMENT POLICY WAS TO CONSERVE OIL AND TO ENCOURAGE DRIVERS TO LEAVE THEIR CARS AT HOME. MR LONIE SEEMS TO THINK OTHERWISE. HIS FORMULA FOR CUTTING THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEFICIT IS ALSO A RECIPE FOR INCREASED ROAD CONGESTION, INCREASED DEMAND FOR EXPENSIVE FREEWAYS, AND A HIGHER DEMAND FOR OIL. THE REDUCTION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN INNER SUBURBAN AREAS WOULD ALSO WORK AGAINST ANOTHER GOVERNMENT POLICY, WHICH IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO LIVE AND WORK CLOSE TO TOWN INSTEAD OF IN THE OUTER SUBURBS. FORTUNATELY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT COMMITTED ITSELF TO IMPLEMENTING THE LONIE REPORTS. PERHAPS THEY WILL JOIN THE DUSTY PILES OF OTHER TRANSPORT REPORTS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PAST DECADE AND SUBSEQUENTLY SHELVED. (THE PREVIOUS MELBOURNE TRANSPORT STUDY, WHICH PROPOSED $1600 MILLION WORTH OF NEW ROADS, TRAM LINES AND RAIL LINES, WAS RELEASED SHORTLY BEFORE THE 1979 STATE ELECTION AND HAS SINCE BEEN FORGOTTEN.) A MORE REALISTIC AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE WAY OF REDUCING THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEFICIT WOULD BE TO RAISE FARES TO A LEVEL WHERE THEY COME CLOSER TO MATCHING OPERATING COSTS AND TO REDUCE VICRAIL'S WORKFORCE. MANPOWER CONSULTANTS TOLD THE GOVERNMENT IN 1976 THAT MANY THOUSANDS OF VICRAIL'S STAFF COULD BE SHED WITHOUT AFFECTING THE STANDARD OF SERVICE. STAFF CUTS, HIGHER FARES, AND THE JUDICIOUS PRUNING OF ONE OR TWO TRAM LINES IN AREAS ALREADY SERVED BY TRAINS OR BUSES WOULD BE MORE ACCEPTABLE THAN MR LONIE'S PRESCRIPTION. "BAREFACED PATRONAGE" BY RIGHTS THE DEFECTION OF VICTORIAN MP MR NEIL MCINNES TO THE LIBERALS LAST MONTH SHOULD HAVE ENDED THE NATIONAL PARTY'S OFFICIAL STATUS AS A PARTY, AND THE PERKS AND PRIVILEGES THAT GO WITH IT. FOR AS THE LAW THEN STOOD, A PARTY HAD TO HAVE AT LEAST 12 PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE QUALIFYING. THE NATIONAL PARTY HAD 12 BEFORE MR MCINNES CHANGED HORSES. HIS DEFECTION REDUCED THE NATIONALS' STRENGTH TO 11. BEFORE HE MADE HIS MOVE, HOWEVER, A DEAL WAS DONE WITH THE LIBERALS, GUARANTEEING THAT IF MR MCINNES DID CHANGE SIDES, THE NATIONAL PARTY'S STATUS WOULD NOT BE JEOPARDISED. IT HASN'T BEEN. IN THE EARLY HOURS OF YESTERDAY MORNING - A TIME PRESUMABLY CHOSEN IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID PUBLICITY - THE GOVERNMENT BROUGHT IN LEGISLATION REDUCING THE NUMBER REQUIRED FOR LEGAL PARTY STATUS FROM 12 TO 11. THE EFFECT OF THIS PIECE OF BAREFACED POLITICAL PATRONAGE IS TO GIVE THE NATIONALS THE USE OF THREE CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN GOVERNMENT CARS, OFFICE STAFF AND EQUIPMENT, AND UNLIMITED USE OF TELEPHONES. IT ALSO QUALIFIES THE NATIONAL PARTY LEADER, MR ROSS-EDWARDS, AND THREE OTHER PARTY MEMBERS FOR SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER SALARIES. THE LABOR PARTY, WHICH ENJOYS THE SAME PRIVILEGES BUT WITH A TOTAL PARLIAMENTARY STRENGTH OF 45, ESTIMATES THE COST TO THE TAXPAYER OF THE GOVERNMENT'S MOVE AT $200,000 A YEAR. IN RETURN THE PREMIER, MR HAMER, HAS A NATIONAL PARTY WHICH IS IN HIS DEBT(AS WELL AS A WORKING MAJORITY OF THREE INSTEAD OF ONE AS PREVIOUSLY). IT CAN BE ARGUED THAT THE ORIGINAL 12-SEAT REQUIREMENT WAS ARBITRARY ANYWAY, AND THAT THERE IS NO LOGICAL REASON WHY IT SHOULDN'T BE REDUCED TO 11 SEATS. THAT IS TRUE, EXCEPT THAT THE CHANGE WAS NOT MADE TO CURE AN ANOMALY. IT WAS MADE BY THE LIBERALS TO SWEETEN THE NATIONAL PARTY. MR ROSS-EDWARDS AND HIS DIMINISHING BAND OF COLLEAGUES MAY DESERVE TO BE OFFICIALLY CONSIDERED AS A PARTY. BUT THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO THEIR TAXPAYER-FUNDED PERKS AND PRIVILEGES JUST BECAUSE IT SUITS MR HAMER TO HAVE THEM FEELING GRATEFUL. A FAIRER WAY OF RESOLVING THE PROBLEM OF PARTY STATUS WOULD BE TO BASE IT, NOT ON A FIXED NUMBER OF SEATS AS NOW BUT ON A PERCENTAGE OF SEATS OR VOTES WON. THUS, A PARTY WHICH CAPTURED SAY 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SEATS OR 10 PER CENT OF THE PRIMARY VOTES WOULD QUALIFY. THE FIGURE ITSELF IS ARGUABLE; BUT ONCE ARRIVED AT, IT SHOULD BE ADHERED TO RIGIDLY. GOVERNMENTS SHOULD NOT BE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN EXERCISE PATRONAGE TOWARDS OTHER MUCH SMALLER PARTIES, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT IS THE TAXPAYER WHO HAS ULTIMATELY TO MEET THE BILL. MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 1980 "MR SCHMIDT OR MR STRAUSS?" IF THE OPINION POLLS ARE TO BE BELIEVED, CHANCELLOR SCHMIDT AND HIS RULING COALITION WILL BE RETURNED TO POWER IN WEST GERMANY ON 5 OCTOBER. THAT WOULD MAKE SENSE. THE COUNTRY IS ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY STABLE. PEOPLE ARE CONTENT. MR SCHMIDT'S ADMINISTRATION HAS STEERED THROUGH THE SHOALS OF TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DECLINE AND EMERGED WITH AN ENVIABLE 5 PER CENT INFLATION RATE AND FEWER THAN A MILLION UNEMPLOYED. HOWEVER, WEST GERMANS TEND TO WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE, WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE SINCE THEY LIVE AT THE FRONT LINE OF EAST-WEST TENSION. THEY NEED TO FEEL PROTECTED, PARTICULARLY AFTER THE AFGHANISTAN AFFAIR, WHICH HAS HELPED TO DISTRACT VOTER ATTENTION FROM DOMESTIC ISSUES. SO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION SEEMS TO BE WHO WILL MAKE THE SAFER CHANCELLOR: MR SCHMIDT OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS, OR MR STRAUSS WHOSE CHRISTIAN SOCIAL UNION IS ALIGNED IN OPPOSITION WITH THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS. HERE AGAIN THE OPINION POLLS LEAVE NO DOUBT. THE INCUMBENT IS WAY AHEAD OF HIS UNPREDICTABLE BAVARIAN OPPONENT. MR SCHMIDT HAS SHOWN HIMSELF TO BE THE STRONG, HARD-HEADED LEADER THE ELECTORATE AS A WHOLE WOULD WISH HIM TO BE. HE IS PROBABLY THE BEST INFORMED POLITICAL LEADER IN THE WEST AND PERHAPS THE MOST INTELLIGENT. HIS PUBLIC IMAGE IS THAT OF THE SUPREME CRISIS MANAGER, A CONSERVATIVE PRAGMATIST RATHER THAN A VISIONARY IDEALIST LIKE HIS PREDECESSOR, MR BRANDT. MR SCHMIDT IS PERCEIVED AS ESSENTIALLY TO THE RIGHT OF HIS OWN PARTY. INDEED, THE SIGH "IF ONLY HE WERE WITH US" IS OFTEN HEARD FROM THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS. FOR ANYONE IN THE CENTRE OR LEFT OF CENTRE, MR SCHMIDT IS OBVIOUSLY PREFERABLE TO THE CONSERVATIVE, EARTHY AND TOTALLY BAVARIAN MR STRAUSS. THERE IS ALSO A MARKED NORTH-SOUTH GAP IN CHANCELLOR PREFERENCE. EVEN THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS IN THE NORTH PREFER MR SCHMIDT (A HAMBURGER) TO THE FOLKLORE OF THEIR ADOPTED CANDIDATE. ONLY ON HIS NATIVE TERRITORY DOES MR STRAUSS ENJOY A LARGE MAJORITY. ON A RECENT VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, MR STRAUSS IS REPORTED TO HAVE RECOGNISED A KINDREDSHIP OF SPIRIT BETWEEN TEXANS AND BAVARIANS, AND THE REST OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC WOULD CERTAINLY AGREE, PLAYING AS THEY DO THE NEW ENGLAND TO MR STRAUSS'S TEXAS. BECAUSE THERE APPEAR TO BE SO FEW REAL DIFFERENCES IN POLICY BETWEEN THE ESTABLISHED PARTIES, THIS CAMPAIGN HAS PROVED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST PERSONAL - AND DIRTY - ELECTIONS IN FEDERAL HISTORY. MR STRAUSS IS IN A REAL DILEMMA. EVERY ATTEMPT TO MODIFY HIS NATURAL POPULIST AGGRESSIVENESS, IN ORDER TO APPEAL TO CIRCLES BEYOND HIS HURRAH TROOPS IN THE ALPS, ATTRACTS THE ACCUSATION FROM FRIEND AND FOE ALIKE THAT HE IS SIMPLY IMITATING HELMUT SCHMIDT. THUS MR STRAUSS HAS YET TO LAY DOWN A REAL CHALLENGE TO THE CHANCELLOR, WHO UNTIL RECENTLY HAS PREFERRED TO CAMPAIGN BY NOT CAMPAIGNING, SEEING MORE ADVANTAGE IN RUNNING BONN THAN STOOPING TO THE ELECTORAL DEBATE. NOW, IN THE LAST DAYS BEFORE POLLING, THERE IS AN INTRIGUING CONTEST TO BE SEEN BETWEEN TWO CONSUMMATE ORATORS, EACH WITH AN OUTSTANDING GRASP OF FOREIGN, DEFENCE, FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS. IN MANY RESPECTS IT IS A PHONEY CONTEST. WEST GERMANS GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY HAVE MADE A FIRM CHOICE ALREADY. MR STRAUSS APPEARS TO BE NEAR THE END OF HIS POLITICAL ROAD. "OIL: PROGRESS AT A PROFIT" WITH THE ENERGY CRISES OF 1973 AND 1979 STILL IN OUR MINDS, AND WITH HOSTILITIES BETWEEN IRAQ AND IRAN NOW JEOPARDISING SOME WESTERN OIL SUPPLIES, IT WAS COMFORTING TO READ ON SATURDAY THAT AUSTRALIA'S DEMAND FOR OIL IS LESSENING. ACCORDING TO THE MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY, SENATOR CARRICK, SALES OF MAJOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1980 WERE 4.9 PER CENT DOWN ON THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1979. LAST MONTH, SALES WERE 9 PER CENT LOWER THAN IN AUGUST 1979. AS SENATOR CARRICK POINTED OUT, SUCH SAVINGS COULD STRETCH AUSTRALIA'S OIL RESOURCES AS MUCH AS WOULD DISCOVERY OF A MEDIUM-SIZED OILFIELD IN BASS STRAIT. BUT WHILE OUR CONSUMPTION OF OIL HAS FALLEN AS MORE PEOPLE SWITCH TO SMALL CARS AND GAS AND ELECTRIC HEATING, THE NATION'S RELIANCE ON OIL IS AS GREAT AS EVER. ALTHOUGH 70 PER CENT OF AUSTRALIA'S OIL NEEDS ARE NOW MET FROM INDIGENOUS RESERVES, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT OUR WELLS WILL RUN DRY. ESTIMATES ON WHEN THAT WILL HAPPEN VARY. THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY SENATOR CARRICK SUGGEST IT COULD BE LATER THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT. BUT THAT IS NO REASON TO RELAX OUR EFFORTS TO CONSERVE. A 4.9 PER CENT DROP IN SALES IS HELPFUL BUT MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS CONTENT TO REST ON ITS LAURELS. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE DROP IN CONSUMPTION IN THE PAST YEAR IS ATTRIBUTABLE LARGELY TO THE GOVERNMENT'S WORLD PARITY PRICING SYSTEM FOR OIL, A SYSTEM THAT, WHILE UNPOPULAR WITH CONSUMERS, IS BOTH AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF ENCOURAGING CONSERVATION AND A VALID MEANS OF RAISING GOVERNMENT REVENUE - AN ESTIMATED $3157 MILLION, OR 9.2 PER CENT OF TOTAL REVENUE, THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. BUT APART FROM USING EVERY PETROL BOWSER IN THE NATION AS A TAX COLLECTOR, THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING LITTLE TO ENCOURAGE OIL FRUGALITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY ALTERNATIVES. OF COURSE THERE ARE GOVERNMENT-FINANCED ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS PREACHING THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION, A SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO SWITCH FROM PETROL TO LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS, AND A BUDGET ALLOCATION OF $13.5 MILLION TO PRIVATE INDUSTRY FOR ENERGY RESEARCH. IT MUST ALSO BE SAID THAT WORLD PARITY PRICING OF AUSTRALIAN CRUDE OIL HAS ENCOURAGED THE PROGRESS OF SOME NEW ENERGY PROJECTS, LIKE THE RUNDLE SHALE OIL SCHEME IN QUEENSLAND. BUT WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF SOLAR ENERGY, THIS COUNTRY LAGS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY ALTERNATIVES. CONSEQUENTLY, AUSTRALIA IS STILL AS RELIANT ON OIL AS EVER. ON THE CONSERVATION FRONT, THERE ARE NO SALES TAX INCENTIVES ON SMALL CARS AND INADEQUATE AID TO THE STATES TO UPGRADE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND IMPROVE ROADS. STATE GOVERNMENTS ARE ALSO LAX. IN VICTORIA, PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS BEING ALLOWED TO DIE, CAR POOLING IS HARDLY ENCOURAGED, AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION, THE GREATEST CAUSE OF OIL WASTAGE, GETS WORSE. GOVERNMENTS SAY THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR ENERGY FUTURE. IF THEY ARE, THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT - EVEN IF THERE IS NO PROFIT TO BE MADE. WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 1980 "GAPS IN THE LIBERAL POLICY" THE LIBERAL PARTY'S ELECTION POLICY SPEECH, GIVEN BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR FRASER, LAST NIGHT, RESOUNDED WITH ROSY PREDICTIONS, SELF-CONGRATULATION, MISLEADING COMPARISONS AND TRADITIONAL SCARE-MONGERING. IT WAS FULL OF GOOD INTENTIONS AND VAGUE GENERALISATIONS. TO THIS EXTENT, IT WAS A TYPICAL POLICY SPEECH FROM THE LEADER OF A GOVERNING PARTY. WHAT GAVE IT A DISTINCTIVE FLAVOR WAS THAT ITS PARTICULAR PROMISES WERE NUMEROUS RATHER THAN GENEROUS, AIMED AT STRATEGICALLY PLACED INTEREST GROUPS RATHER THAN LAVISHED ACROSS BROAD BANDS OF VOTERS, PENSIONERS AND TAXPAYERS. MINDFUL, NO DOUBT, OF THE DISCARDED PROMISES AND OVER-CONFIDENT FORECASTS OF 1975, AND HIS EMPHASIS IN OFFICE ON RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT, MR FRASER WAS CAUTIOUS IN HIS COMMITMENTS. IF HIS FIGURES ARE TO BE BELIEVED - HIS COSTINGS OF LABOR'S PROPOSED PROGRAMME SEEM EXAGGERATED - HIS PROMISES WOULD COST $185 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR, PLUS $40 MILLION IN FORGONE REVENUE. MR FRASER HAS IDENTIFIED THE FOUR MAIN CHALLENGES TO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN THE 1980S IN TERMS SIMILAR TO THOSE PUT FORWARD BY 'THE AGE' IN ITS RECENT SERIES OF EDITORIALS ON ELECTION ISSUES. THE PITY IS THAT HE HAD SO LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT THEM. UNDERSTANDABLY, HE RANKED RESPONSIBILITY IN ECONOMIC AFFAIRS FIRST. HERE, AS BEFORE, PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO RESTRAINT OF INFLATION. THE GOVERNMENT, IT IS TRUE, HAS REDUCED AUSTRALIA'S INFLATION RATE BELOW THE LEVEL OF 1975 (ALTHOUGH IT IS CREEPING UP AGAIN) AND BELOW THE AVERAGE IN ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES, BUT CONTROL OF INFLATION IS NOT THE ONLY TEST OF GOOD ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. WHAT ABOUT THE RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH? SINCE 1975 THIS HAS SLUMPED BELOW THE OECD AVERAGE. AFTER FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY OF HOLDING BACK PUBLIC SPENDING AND CUTTING CAPITAL WORKS HAS BARELY STIMULATED THE PROMISED RESURGENCE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR. AND WHAT ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT? THE WORD WAS SCARCELY MENTIONED BY MR FRASER IN HIS SPEECH, EXCEPT IN A REFERENCE TO THE LABOR PARTY'S SUPPOSED PROFLIGACY. THE REALITY IS THAT UNEMPLOYMENT HAS RISEN FROM 2.2 PER CENT IN 1974 AND 4.3 PER CENT IN 1975 TO 6.2 PER CENT IN 1979, AND THAT SINCE 1976 IT HAS BEEN ABOVE THE OECD AVERAGE. THE PRIME MINISTER DWELT INSTEAD ON AN ALLEGED GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT OF 200,000 IN THE 12 MONTHS TO LAST AUGUST. THIS FIGURE WAS EVIDENTLY BASED ON A WORKFORCE SURVEY WHICH DOES NOT DISTINGUISH IN TOTAL BETWEEN FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT. THE OTHER ACCEPTED MEASURE OF EMPLOYMENT, THE CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT SERIES BASED ON PAYROLL TAX RETURNS, SHOWED A MUCH SMALLER INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT, AND HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY DISCONTINUED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE GOVERNMENT HAS CHOSEN AN INSTRUMENT OF MEASUREMENT THAT GAVE A MORE FAVORABLE READING AND DISREGARDED ONE THAT DID NOT. AS MR FRASER IN HIS SPEECH HARDLY RECOGNISED UNEMPLOYMENT AS A PROBLEM AT ALL, LET ALONE ONE THAT MOST AUSTRALIANS NOW REGARD AS MORE PRESSING THAN INFLATION, IT IS PERHAPS NOT SURPRISING THAT THE ONLY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES TO ALLEVIATE IT SHOULD BE CONFINED TO A NEW TRANSITION ALLOWANCE, A HIGHER TRAINING SUBSIDY AND SPECIAL COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR JOBLESS YOUTH (TOTAL COST $25 MILLION) - AND AN EXPANSION OF THE AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER ABROAD SCHEME. THE SECOND IMPORTANT CHALLENGE NAMED BY THE PRIME MINISTER WAS TO HARNESS AUSTRALIA'S RESOURCES IN A CO-ORDINATED AND RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMME OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. QUITE SO, BUT HOW? IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO CROW ABOUT THIS COUNTRY'S RICH NATURAL RESOURCES AND TO BASK IN THE EAGERNESS OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO EXPLOIT THEM. THEIR VALUE DEPENDS LESS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES THAN ON WORLD DEMAND. THE REAL TEST OF GOVERNMENT COMPETENCE LIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE BENEFIT FLOWS TO THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY, THAT IT IS EQUITABLY SHARED, AND THAT THE ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS ARE RESPONSIBLY ABSORBED. MR FRASER GAVE LITTLE INDICATION OF HOW HIS GOVERNMENT WOULD COPE WITH THESE PROBLEMS AND SPOKE WITH THE UTMOST CAUTION ON THE NECESSITY TO RESTRUCTURE UNECONOMIC INDUSTRIES. THE PRIME MINISTER MADE A SPIRITED DEFENCE OF THE OIL PARITY PRICING POLICY, WHICH IS ECONOMICALLY PREFERABLE TO LABOR'S POLICY, BUT HE HAD LITTLE USEFUL TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE VEXED PROBLEM OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, IN WHICH HIS GOVERNMENT'S RECORD IS HARDLY GLORIOUS. PERHAPS THE LEAST CONVINCING PART OF THE POLICY SPEECH CAME UNDER THE HEADING OF POLICIES FOR PEOPLE, WITH THE EMPHASIS ON PROVIDING ADEQUATELY FOR THOSE IN NEED. CERTAINLY, THE PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCED MODEST MEASURES TO HELP THE HOMELESS, THE HANDICAPPED, THE DISTRESSED AND THE DISADVANTAGED. THESE ARE TO BE WELCOMED. BUT THERE WAS NO ADMISSION THAT MORE THAN TWO MILLION AUSTRALIANS LIVE BELOW AN AUSTERELY DRAWN POVERTY LINE AND NO MENTION OF HOW AUSTRALIA SHOULD DEAL WITH DIRE DEPRIVATION IN A LAND BLESSED WITH ABUNDANCE. INSTEAD, A HIGHLIGHT OF THE POLICY SPEECH WAS THE PROMISE OF INCREASED HOME SAVINGS GRANTS, A BENEFIT THAT IN PRACTICE WOULD FLOW MAINLY TO TWO-INCOME FAMILIES (WHO ELSE COULD SAVE ENOUGH?) AND THAT IS LIKELY TO BE OFFSET BY RISING INTEREST RATES (ANOTHER PROSPECT ON WHICH THE PRIME MINISTER REMAINED SILENT). AND, IN THE TRADITION OF THE ROMAN EMPERORS, THE GOVERNMENT OFFERS THE POOR THE DISTRACTION OF CIRCUSES OR, MORE PRECISELY, FUNDS FOR SPORTS FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE PROSPECT OF AN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE FOR VICTORIA. THE FINAL CHALLENGE - NATIONAL SECURITY - WAS MET IN THE POLICY SPEECH MAINLY BY PATRIOTIC RHETORIC AND PROMISES OF INCREASED DEFENCE SPENDING UNACCOMPANIED BY ANY REASONED EXPLANATION OF HOW THIS CORRESPONDS WITH STRATEGIC REQUIREMENTS. ALTHOUGH MR FRASER SPOKE OF A THRUST TOWARDS GREATER SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE, SOME OF THE MAIN PROCUREMENT PLANS SUGGEST RATHER A RETURN TO THE 1960S CONCEPT OF FORWARD DEFENCE IN HARNESS WITH POWERFUL FRIENDS AND ALLIES, MR FRASER DID NOT SPEND MUCH TIME DISCUSSING THE LABOR ALTERNATIVE, EXCEPT TO DENIGRATE IT WITH SUSPECT COSTINGS AND DIRE WARNINGS OF "WHITLAM YEARS RECYCLED". HIS ATTEMPT TO PAINT LABOR AS THE PARTY OF HIGH TAXATION BY QUOTING TAX SCALES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED EVEN IF THERE HAD BEEN NO CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT IN 1975 IS MISLEADING TO THE POINT OF ABSURDITY. WHAT IS PERTINENT IS THAT THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT HAS STILL NOT RESTORED FULL INDEXATION, SO THAT IT IS STILL INCREASING THE TAX BURDEN BY STEALTH THROUGH INFLATION. (IN FACT, PERSONAL TAX REVENUE HAS NEARLY DOUBLED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. EVEN MORE PERTINENT IS THE FINDING BY THE PARLIAMENTARY RESEARCH STAFF THAT, AFTER ADJUSTING INCOMES FOR INFLATION, TAX CHANGES, THE FAMILY ALLOWANCE AND HEALTH INSURANCE, THE AVERAGE WAGE EARNER WITH A DEPENDENT WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN WOULD HAVE TO EARN AN EXTRA $16 A WEEK TO MAINTAIN HIS 1975 PURCHASING POWER. FOR THE AVERAGE WAGE EARNER, NAT TO MENTION THE UNEMPLOYED, LIVING STANDARDS HAVE DECLINED. WHETHER THIS WAS NECESSARY OR UNAVOIDABLE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE ECONOMY IS ANOTHER QUESTION, BUT IT IS DECEPTIVE TO PRETEND THAT LOWER TAXATION RATES HAVE LEFT ORDINARY PEOPLE BETTER OFF. THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS GOVERNMENT DESERVE CREDIT FOR CONSISTENCY AND STRENGTH OF PURPOSE. THEY HAVE NOT DEVIATED FROM THEIR ECONOMIC POLICY OF RESTRAINING INFLATION AND REDUCING DEFICIT BUDGETING. BUT THE SOCIAL COSTS, IN TERMS OF LOWERED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT, HAVE BEEN HEAVY, AND THE SUPPOSED BENEFITS SLOW TO EMERGE. MR FRASER HAS ACCURATELY POINTED TO THE GREAT CHALLENGES FACING THIS NATION, BUT HE HAS BEEN VAGUE AND EVASIVE IN EXPLAINING HOW THEY ARE TO BE MET. HE CAN NO LONGER RELY ON BAD MEMORIES OF THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT; HE MUST STAND ON HIS OWN RECORD. TO HIS CREDIT, HE NOW IS LESS EXPANSIVE IN HIS PREDICTIONS THAN HE WAS FIVE YEARS AGO, AND HE HAS NOT SUCCUMBED TO THE TEMPTATION OF EXPENSIVE VOTE-BUYING (WITH SOME PORK- BARRELLING EXCEPTIONS). BUT THE INTELLIGENT VOTER, CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS NATION AND THE QUALITY OF ITS SOCIETY, WILL WANT TO KNOW MUCH MORE THAN MR FRASER HAS BEEN WILLING OR ABLE TO SAY IN THIS POLICY SPEECH AND ITS ATTACHED STATEMENTS. THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER 1980 "LABOR'S ROBIN HOOD POLICY" UNLIKE A PRIME MINISTER, THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION CANNOT RECITE A RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT IN HIS ELECTION POLICY SPEECH AND TOOK CREDIT FOR CONSISTENCY OF PURPOSE. HE MUST PRESENT A FRESH ALTERNATIVE AND HOPE THAT IT WILL BE ACCEPTED ON TRUST. MR HAYDEN DID THIS LAST NIGHT, AND VERY CLEVERLY TOO. IN A TONE OF CHARACTERISTIC MODESTY, YET NOT WITHOUT ELOQUENCE, HE OUTLINED A PROGRAMME THAT WAS SHREWDLY CONSTRUCTED, ATTRACTIVELY PACKAGED AND PLAUSIBLY COSTED. UNDER THE SLOGAN OF A "FAIR GO FOR AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES", IT WAS PITCHED AT THE BROAD MASS OF VOTERS, APPEALING TO A MIXTURE OF, SELF-INTEREST AND CONCERN FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE, AND STRIVING TO BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY. BUT FOR ALL ITS VIRTUES, IT IS OPEN TO SERIOUS CRITICISM AND SCEPTICISM. THE GOVERNMENT HAS SOUGHT IN ADVANCE TO DISCREDIT THE LABOR POLICY BY DISMISSING IT AS EXTRAVAGANT AND IRRESPONSIBLE. IT WOULD BE MORE ACCURATE TO SAY THAT IT HAS A ROBIN HOOD QUALITY. THE RICH AND THE PRIVILEGED - COMPANY TAX BENEFICIARIES, PROFITABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPERS AND INCOME TAX AVOIDERS - WOULD BE MADE TO PAY TO "REVERSE THE DECLINE IN FAMILY LIVING STANDARDS" AND TO HELP THOSE MOST IN NEED. THE NET COST TO THIS YEAR'S BUDGET OF HIS SIX- POINT FAMILY PROGRAMME WOULD BE, ACCORDING TO MR HAYDEN, $550 MILLION. THIS IS CERTAINLY MORE THAN THE $225 MILLION THE PRIME MINISTER PROMISED TO SPEND AND FORGO IN TAX CONCESSIONS IN A FULL YEAR, BUT IN AN ANNUAL BUDGET OF MORE THAN $30,000 MILLION AND ECONOMY OF SOME $120,000 MILLION, IT CAN HARDLY BE CALLED RIP- ROARING EXTRAVAGANCE (IF MR HAYDEN'S FIGURES ARE RELIABLE). THE HAYDEN PROGRAMME CONTAINED FEW SURPRISES BECAUSE MOST OF THE POLICIES AND INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED PROGRESSIVELY OVER THE PAST YEAR. (ONE NEW COMMITMENT, AND A SLY DIG AT MR FRASER, WAS TO SELL TWO VIP BOEING 707 JETS THE GOVERNMENT ACQUIRED AT A COST OF $20 MILLION FOR PRIME MINISTERIAL TRIPS ABROAD.) THE LABOR LEADER'S KEY PROMISE WAS AN ACROSS-THE-BOARD $3 A WEEK CUT IN INCOME TAX FROM 1 FEBRUARY NEXT. THE PARTY CHOSE THIS FROM AMONG THE THREE OPTIONS ALREADY MADE PUBLIC, THE DISCARDED ONES BEING A GENERAL REDUCTION IN SALES TAX ALSO OF $300 MILLION OR A THREE CENTS A LITRE CUT IN THE PRICE OF PETROL AND OIL. THE GOVERNMENT WILL FIND IT HARD TO CRITICISE THE INCOME TAX CUT WITH CREDIBILITY, HAVING USED A SIMILAR PLOY TO WIN THE 1977 ELECTION (AND HAVING CLAWED BACK THE BENEFIT LATER). WHAT MAY BE SAID FOR THE LABOR PROPOSAL IS THAT IT WOULD BE OF GREATEST HELP TO LOW-INCOME EARNERS AND FREE MANY FROM THE OBLIGATION TO PAY INCOME TAX AT ALL. WHILE THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO GIVE PRIORITY TO CONTAINING INFLATION, THE LABOR POLICY FOCUSES INSTEAD ON UNEMPLOYMENT. A HAYDEN ADMINISTRATION WOULD UNDERTAKE TO CREATE 100,000 NEW JOBS IN ITS FIRST FULL YEAR OF OFFICE. HALF WOULD BE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN A COMMUNITY SERVICE CORPS PROGRAMME, ANOTHER 20,000 WOULD BE FOR UNEMPLOYED ADULTS WITH DEPENDANTS, AND THE REMAINING 20,000 WOULD BE CREATED BY SUBSIDISING WAGES BY UP TO 50 PER CENT. SUCH SCHEMES, OF COURSE, ARE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE RESTORATION OF PERMANENT, SELF-SUSTAINING JOBS. BUT IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT THEY ARE PREFERABLE TO IDLENESS AND WELFARE HANDOUTS. WHETHER ARTIFICIALLY CREATED JOBS CAN BE TRANSFORMED INTO PERMANENT JOBS DEPENDS BASICALLY ON THE RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, WHICH IN THE PAST THREE YEARS HAS FALLEN BELOW THE AVERAGE IN THE ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES. HERE THE LABOR PARTY IS TAKING A CALCULATED GAMBLE. MR HAYDEN ARGUED THAT HIS POLICY OF PUTTING EXTRA PURCHASING POWER INTO THE HANDS OF AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE POORER AND WHO WOULD SPEND ANY ADDITIONAL INCOME, WOULD STIMULATE DEMAND AND THEREFORE GENERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH. THE RISK OF SUCH AN EXPANSIONARY POLICY IS THAT IT COULD BE DISSIPATED IN HIGHER INFLATION. THE ESSENTIAL OFFSET IN THE LABOR STRATEGY IS THE SUGGESTION OF A PRICES AND INCOMES POLICY. THIS IS PERHAPS THE CHANCIEST ASPECT OF THE WHOLE PACKAGE, AND MR HAYDEN WAS CAREFUL TO SAY HE COULD NOT GUARANTEE SUCCESS. BUT THE LABOR PARTY HAS REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT TO "ESTABLISH THE FRAMEWORK FOR CONSULTATION AND NEGOTIATION" BETWEEN THE POLITICAL AND INDUSTRIAL WINGS OF THE LABOR MOVEMENT ON PRICES AND INCOMES, AND ITS HOPE IS THAT MR BOB HAWKE AS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MINISTER WOULD HELP TO MAKE IT EFFECTIVE. IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE ABROAD AND THE LIKELY RESISTANCE OF MILITANT UNIONS TO ANY SERIOUS CONSTRAINT ON WAGE RISES, IT SEEMS A LONG SHOT. BUT AT LEAST, IN CONTRAST TO THE WHITLAM YEARS, THE LABOR PARTY NOW RECOGNISES THE LINK BETWEEN INFLATION AND WAGES. LESS NEED BE SAID ON THE OTHER PROPOSALS TO ARREST THE DECLINE IN REAL LIVING STANDARDS OF MOST WAGE-EARNERS AND WELFARE DEPENDANTS. THE COMMITMENT TO FREEZE THE PRICE OF ALL LOCALLY PRODUCED CRUDE OIL FOR 12 MONTHS IS IRRESPONSIBLE, BUT IT MUST BE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO FREEZE IT FOR SIX MONTHS. LABOR'S FAMILY HOME OWNERSHIP PLAN IS LESS REGRESSIVE AND MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE GOVERNMENT'S PROMISE TO INCREASE HOME SAVINGS GRANTS. THE PROMISE OF INCOME SUPPLEMENT PAYMENTS TO POOR FAMILIES WOULD GO SOME WAY TOWARDS BRINGING THOSE MOST IN NEED UP TO THE POVERTY LINE. LABOR IS COMMITTED TO THE GRADUAL RESTORATION OF MEDIBANK AND WOULD, AS A START, EXTEND FREE MEDICAL CARE TO PREGNANT WOMEN AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN. THE GOVERNMENT, BY CONTRAST, HAS NOT EXPLAINED HOW IT WOULD RESOLVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE MUDDLE AND IT MAY BE ASSUMED THAT HEALTH INSURANCE WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY EXPENSIVE FOR THE AVERAGE FAMILY. TO COVER THE COST OF MOST OF THE LABOR PROGRAMME, A HAYDEN GOVERNMENT WOULD INTRODUCE THREE NEW REVENUE-RAISING MEASURES, INTENDED TO YIELD $1000 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR. TWO ARE, ON BALANCE, JUSTIFIABLE. ONE IS QUESTIONABLE IN PRINCIPLE AND LIKELY PRACTICE. LABOR WOULD ABOLISH THE INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE WHICH, MR HAYDEN ARGUED WITH SOME JUSTIFICATION, HAS BEEN USED BY MANY FIRMS TO REPLACE MEN WITH MACHINES. INVESTMENT IN UP-TO-DATE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT IS HIGHLY DESIRABLE IF AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY IS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, BUT IT MUST BE ASKED WHETHER A NATION SAID TO BE ON THE BRINK OF A $29,000 MILLION RESOURCES BOOM REALLY NEEDS TO OFFER TAX INCENTIVES FOR INVESTMENT. A LABOR GOVERNMENT WOULD LEVY A RESOURCE RENT TAX ON HIGHLY PROFITABLE RESOURCE-BASED PROJECTS. THIS IS SOMETHING MOST OTHER COMPARABLE RESOURCE-RICH COUNTRIES IMPOSE AND WHICH THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF PROPOSED UNTIL DETERRED BY PROTESTS BY BIG BUSINESS. INTELLIGENTLY APPLIED, SUCH A TAX SHOULD NOT INHIBIT EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT, BUT IT WOULD ENSURE THAT MORE OF THE BENEFIT FLOWS TO AUSTRALIA AND LESS ABROAD. THE THIRD PROPOSAL - TO ABOLISH TAX AVOIDANCE - IS LAUDABLE IN INTENTION BUT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE. LABOR WOULD TRY TO DO SO WITH RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION, A METHOD WE CANNOT CONDONE. YESTERDAY WE POINTED TO GAPS IN THE LIBERAL POLICY. LABOR'S GAPS ARE NO LESS GLARING. THERE WAS NOT A WORD ABOUT HOW A HAYDEN GOVERNMENT WOULD MANAGE THE RESOURCES BOOM (OTHER THAN TO TAX IT) AND ITS IMPACT ON EXISTING INDUSTRY, THE EXCHANGE RATE AND THE ECONOMY. THERE WAS NOT A WORD ABOUT THE NECESSITY TO RESTRUCTURE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND LOWER THE LEVEL OF PROTECTION. DEFENCE SEEMED AN AFTERTHOUGHT. LABOR WOULD ACCEPT THE SPENDING OBJECTIVES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT BUT WOULD, IN DUE COURSE, REVIEW SPENDING PRIORITIES. THE SUGGESTION OF MORE MONEY FOR DEFENCE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT IS ONE ASPECT THAT REQUIRES SECOND THOUGHTS; THE MORE PRESSING NEED IS TO BUILD UP COMMAND STRUCTURES AND LOGISTICS TO EQUIP THE ARMED FORCES FOR CONTINENTAL DEFENCE RATHER THAN EXPEDITIONARY MISSIONS WITH COSTLY SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT. BUT THE WEAKEST PART OF MR HAYDEN'S POLICY STATEMENT IS PRECISELY IN AN AREA WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN STRONG. IT IS NOT DIFFICULT, IN OPPOSITION, TO PUT TOGETHER A PROGRAMME OF SOCIAL REFORM THAT SOUNDS PLAUSIBLE AND COMPASSIONATE. THE WELL-OFF WILL BE CONFIRMED IN THEIR OPINION THAT THE PARTY PUTTING FORWARD SUCH COSTLY PROPOSALS IS FINANCIALLY IRRESPONSIBLE; BUT BY DEFINITION THE LESS WELL-OFF VOTERS OUTNUMBER THE WELL-OFF. WHAT MR HAYDEN IN HIS POLICY SPEECH SHOWED SCARCELY A SIGN OF RECOGNISING WAS THAT HIS PROGRAMME OF SOCIAL REFORM, AND ITS PLACE IN THE KIND OF AUSTRALIA THAT HIS PARTY WOULD LIKE TO SEE, IS CONNECTED WITH EVENTS IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD. THE POLICY SPEECH DEVOTED PRECISELY FOUR SENTENCES TO FOREIGN AFFAIRS (ALTHOUGH WE ARE GLAD THAT ONE OF THEM PROMISES TO WITHDRAW RECOGNITION OF THE MURDEROUS POL POT). FROM THE HAYDEN SPEECH, NO ONE WOULD KNOW THAT A HIGHLY DANGEROUS WAR IS IN PROGRESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. NO ONE WOULD KNOW THAT MR HAYDEN'S PETROL PRICING POLICY, BY WHICH HE SETS SUCH STORE, HAS ANY CONNECTION WITH DECISIONS ALREADY TAKEN, OR TO BE TAKEN IN THE FUTURE, BY OPEC. NO ONE WOULD KNOW THAT THE SOVIET UNION HAD LATELY EXPANDED ITS INFLUENCE - TO PUT THE MATTER AT ITS MILDEST - NOT SO VERY FAR FROM CAPE YORK. MR FRASER'S FOREIGN AND DEFENCE POLICIES MAY BE UNCONVINCING, BUT HE DID AT LEAST ADDRESS HIMSELF TO THEM IN HIS PLATFORM SPEECH. MR HAYDEN VIRTUALLY IGNORED THEM ALTOGETHER. THE INTELLIGENT VOTER DESERVES SOMETHING BETTER THAN THIS DEAFENING SILENCE. FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 1980 "THERE'S STILL A SANTA CLAUS" AS LEADER OF THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY, MR ANTHONY FACES A DIFFICULTY IN PRESENTING HIS ELECTION POLICY SPEECH. IT IS, OF COURSE, THE PRIME MINISTER'S PREROGATIVE TO DECLARE THE BROAD POLICIES AND MAKE THE IMPORTANT PROMISES OF A COALITION GOVERNMENT. YET THE LEADER OF THE MINORITY PARTY NEEDS TO SAY SOMETHING DISTINCTIVE TO DISTINGUISH IT AS A SEPARATE ENTITY WITHOUT STRAINING A HARMONIOUS COALITION RELATIONSHIP. AS USUAL, MR ANTHONY SOLVED THE PROBLEM THIS WEEK BOTH IN STYLE AND CONTENT. HE SPOKE IN WORDS OF FEW SYLLABLES AND SENTENCES OF FEW WORDS SO THAT EVEN THE SIMPLEST RURAL VOTER COULD UNDERSTAND HIS MESSAGE. THIS WAS TO "KEEP AUSTRALIA STRONG" IN AN EVIOUS WORLD.IT MADE A CHANGE FROM SEEING A SOCIALIST UNDER EVERY HAYSTACK. THE BULK OF HIS SPEECH SUGGESTED THAT "NATIONAL" IS LARGELY A COSMETIC ADDITION TO "COUNTRY" IN HIS PARTY'S NAME. THE TRADITIONAL ROLE OF THE COUNTRY PARTY HAS BEEN TO DELIVER - OR AT LEAST PROMISE - A CORNUCOPIA OF CONCESSIONS, INCENTIVES AND PROJECTS TO THE RURAL ELECTORATE. MR ANTHONY IS, IN THIS SENSE, A TRADITIONALIST. THERE WERE TO BE A NEW RANGE OF TAX CONCESSIONS - FOR FUEL STORAGE FACILITIES, CONNECTIONS TO A MAINS ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND SOIL CONSERVATION WORKS - AND A DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE FOR NEW AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY. IT MAY BE ASKED WHY FARMERS, WHOSE CURRENT ANNUAL INCOME AVERAGES $29,000, SHOULD BE SINGLED OUT FOR EVEN MORE TAX CONCESSIONS, AND IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE GREATEST BENEFITS WOULD GO TO THOSE WITH THE HIGHEST INCOMES. IN ALL, THERE WERE SOME 20 SPECIFIC PROMISES, INCLUDING $3 MILLION FOR A NATIONAL SOIL CONSERVATION PROGRAMME, SOMETHING PROMISED IN A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN BUT NOT YET DELIVERED. IN MR ANTHONY'S BOOK, ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY APPARENTLY MEANS LITTLE MORE THAN KEEPING DOWN INFLATION AND KEEPING UP RURAL INCOMES. MR ANTHONY IS MINISTER FOR TRADE AND RESOURCES BUT HAD LITTLE TO SAY ON EITHER OF THOSE SUBJECTS (OR ON ANY OTHER SUBJECT EXCEPT THE NEED FOR STRONG LEADERSHIP AND MORE HELP FOR RURAL AUSTRALIA). HE GAVE NO RECOGNITION THAT THERE MIGHT BE PROBLEMS OF MANAGING THE COMING RESOURCES BOOM, OR QUESTIONS CONCERNING AUSTRALIAN OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL, OR CONFLICTS WITH STATE GOVERNMENTS AND ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES. HE DID, TO HIS CREDIT, VIGOROUSLY DEFEND THE GOVERNMENT'S OIL IMPORT PARITY PRICING POLICY, WHICH HAS AROUSED WIDESPREAD RESENTMENT IN THE COUNTRY. HE ALSO ARGUED STRONGLY THAT THE PROPOSED RAILWAY FROM ALICE SPRINGS TO DARWIN, WHICH SOME ECONOMISTS SEE AS A MISUSE OF SCARCE FUNDS, IS ESSENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND DEFENCE. TO ANYONE WHO WOULD NOT BE A BENEFICIARY OF HIS LARGESSE, MR ANTHONY'S POLICY SPEECH IS LIKELY TO CONFIRM THE IMPRESSION THAT THE SIMPLE MOTTO OF THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY IS "WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE COUNTRY IS GOOD FOR THE NATION". "TWO DULL AND DECENT MEN" IN LESS THAN FIVE WEEKS AMERICAN VOTERS WILL CHOOSE THEIR 40TH PRESIDENT. BUT AN ELECTION WHICH SHOULD BE CHARTING THE NATION'S COURSE FOR THE 1980S HAS BECOME AN EXERCISE IN ENNUI. IN MARYLAND, A RECENT POLL REVEALED THAT MORE THAN HALF THE VOTERS HAD NOT YET MADE UP THEIR MINDS FOR WHOM THEY WOULD VOTE ON 4 NOVEMBER AND MOST REGISTERED DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS WERE NOT YET READY TO ACCEPT THE NOMINEE OF THEIR OWN PARTY. ACROSS THE NATION, THE REACTION IS MUCH THE SAME. ON THE HUSTINGS, THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR HANDLERS COMPLAIN THAT THE CROWDS ARE SMALL AND APATHETIC. INCREASINGLY, BOTH JIMMY CARTER AND RONALD REAGAN ARE TURNING TO TELEVISION TO GET THEIR MESSAGE ACROSS TO AN ELECTORATE THAT PERSISTS IN ITS JUDGMENT THAT NEITHER CANDIDATE IS WORTH THE TIME OF DAY. VOTER PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA HAS BEEN DROPPING STEADILY SINCE 1960. THE DISMAL PROSPECT IS THAT ONLY A MINORITY OF ADULT AMERICANS MAY BOTHER TO TURN OUT TO ELECT THEIR NEXT PRESIDENT AND THAT THE EVENTUAL WINNER WILL HAVE THE ACTIVE APPROVAL OF NO MORE THAN A QUARTER OF THOSE ENTITLED TO VOTE. CONDITIONED BY TELEVISION TO LOOK ON EACH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AS A KIND OF POLITICAL "HIGH NOON", AMERICANS HAVE BEEN FRUSTRATED BY THE RELUCTANCE OF MR CARTER AND MR REAGAN TO FACE EACH OTHER DOWN. BOTH HAVE SUCCESSFULLY AVOIDED A HEAD-ON CONFRONTATION, WHILE MOVING CAUTIOUSLY TO OCCUPY THE MIDDLE GROUND. THERE HAS BEEN NO GREAT DEBATE IN FRONT OF THE TELEVISION CAMERAS AND PRECIOUS LITTLE EXCHANGE ON THE ISSUES. MR CARTER BRIEFLY ENLIVENED THINGS LAST MONTH BY HINTING THAT MR REAGAN WAS A CLOSET RACIST AND A WARMONGER, CHARGES WHICH HIS OPPONENT LOFTILY DISMISSED AS "BENEATH DECENCY". ALTHOUGH IT WAS TAME ENOUGH STUFF BY ANTIPODEAN STANDARDS, IT PROVOKED MUCH TUT-TUTTING FROM THE EDITORIAL WRITERS. FOR THEIR PART, THE VOTERS SEEMED TO ENJOY IT. THEY WERE ON THE POINT OF GOING TO SLEEP. THE CAMPAIGN IS NOW GRINDING DOWN INTO A PLAY-SAFE CONTEST BETWEEN TWO DECENT BUT DULL MEN WHO HAVE NOTHING MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THE CHALLENGES AMERICA AND ITS ALLIES WILL FACE IN THE NEXT DECADE. THE PRESIDENT IS FIGHTING A LIMITED "ROSE GARDEN" STRATEGY, MAKING OCCASIONAL FORAYS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ADDRESS CAREFULLY SCREENED TOWN MEETINGS OR TO DELIVER SET-PIECE SPEECHES TO AUDIENCES CHOSEN FOR THEIR CONGENIALITY OR THE SENSITIVITY OF THEIR SPECIAL INTERESTS. MR REAGAN HAS ASSUMED A PRESIDENTIAL POSE. HE NOW TRAVELS SURROUNDED BY AN ENTOURAGE WHOSE PRIME FUNCTION IS TO MANOEUVRE THE TELEVISION CAMERAS INTO RANGE WHILE KEEPING AN OVER-CURIOUS WRITING PRESS AT A SAFE DISTANCE. IF HIS MAIN AIM HAS BEEN TO SHED HIS REPUTATION AS AN OUTSPOKEN IDEOLOGUE, MR REAGAN SEEMS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED. BUT IN HIS EFFORT TO AVOID THE GAFFES WHICH EARLIER COST HIM CREDIBILITY, HE HAS EMERGED AS A BLAND BUT AMIABLE IMITATION OF THE JIMMY CARTER WHO WON IN 1976 BY PROMISING TO LOWER TAXES, CUT GOVERNMENT SPENDING, AND PURGE THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY. IN A CONTEST BETWEEN MR CARTER'S COMPETENCE AND MR REAGAN'S CHARACTER, BOTH ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING. THE POLLSTERS PREDICT A CLOSE RACE, WITH LITTLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TWO BECAUSE MOST VOTERS HAVE CONCLUDED MOROSELY THAT THERE IS, INDEED, LITTLE FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE. THE RESULT MAY DEPEND ON HOW MANY VOTES THE THIRD CANDIDATE, JOHN ANDERSON, CAN SYPHON OFF. MR ANDERSON'S OWN PROSPECTS, NEVER MORE THAN A WALTER MITTY FANTASY, HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY FORLORN. BUT CONFRONTED WITH THE ACCUSATION THAT HE IS NOTHING BUT A SPOILER, MR ANDERSON ANGRILY DEMANDS, "WHAT'S TO SPOIL?" AND ON THAT POINT, AT LEAST, HE APPEARS TO HAVE THE AGREEMENT OF THE MAJORITY OF AMERICA'S APATHETIC VOTERS. SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 1980 "FINAL BELL FOR MUHAMMAD ALI" THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY ERA IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING ENDED SADLY IN A CARPARK IN LAS VEGAS YESTERDAY. WHEN MUHAMMAD ALI FAILED TO ANSWER THE BELL FOR THE START OF THE 11TH ROUND, THE WORLD AND LARRY HOLMES SHED A TEAR. NOT EVEN ALI, THE MOST LOVED, HATED AND RESPECTED BOXER OF HIS TIME, HIS PLACE IN WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY FIRMLY SECURE, HAD BEEN ABLE TO RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO TRY TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP AN UNPRECEDENTED FOURTH TIME. WHEN HE ENTERED THE RING SIX MINUTES BEFORE THE CHAMPION, THERE WAS A FEELING THAT HE MIGHT JUST DO IT. HIS HANDSOME, BOYISH FACE - UNMARKED BY A REMARKABLE 20-YEAR CAREER THAT HAD ITS BEGINNING AS CASSIUS CLAY WITH A GOLD MEDAL AT THE 1960 ROME OLYMPICS - BORE NO SIGNS OF THE TOIL HE HAD GONE THROUGH TO LOSE 15 KILOGRAMS IN PREPARATION FOR A BOUT THAT MANY SAID WAS FOLLY. THERE WAS EVEN A TOUCH OF THE OLD ALI COCKINESS AS HE SHED HIS WHITE DRESSING GOWN REVEALING A REJUVENATED, IF SOMEWHAT ROUNDED, BODY. THE LIKELY OUTCOME OF THE CONTEST TOOK ON A NEW PERSPECTIVE, HOWEVER, WITH THE ARRIVAL IN THE RING OF THE CHAMPION. AT 30, LARRY HOLMES IS AN AWESOME SIGHT, AT THE PEAK OF HIS CONSIDERABLE POWERS, AND IT SOON BECAME APPARENT HE WAS TOO FORMIDABLE FOR ALI. HIS PUNCHES CAME SO QUICKLY, SO BRUTALLY, IT WAS LIKE WATCHING BRADMAN BAT. IT TOOK HIM ONLY A ROUND OR TWO AND ALI HAD LOST HIS BUTTERFLY AND HIS BEE. A SLOW-MOTION FLOAT, AN OCCASIONAL INSIPID STING AND A LOT OF SPIRIT WERE ALL THAT REMAINED. THERE WAS A TIME WHEN YOU WANTED TO SEE THIS GREAT ATHLETE, THIS LOUD-MOUTH FROM LOUISVILLE, HUMILIATED, PUT IN HIS PLACE. NOT THIS WAY THOUGH, AT 38, COMING FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE CRUELEST BOXING LINE OF THEM ALL: "HE FAILED TO ANSWER THE BELL". HOLMES HAD A JOB TO DO AND HE DID IT LIKE A PROFESSIONAL. WHEN IT WAS ALL OVER - MERCIFULLY WITHOUT ALI FLAT ON HIS BACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING - AN EMOTIONAL HOLMES, HIS TIMING SPOT-ON TO THE END, SAID IT FOR EVERYONE: "I HAVE NEVER FELT LIKE THIS BEFORE. I LOVE THE GUY. HE GOES DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE GREATEST FIGHTER OF ALL TIME. YOU CAN'T KNOCK A MAN FOR TRYING. WE ALL COME AND WE ALL GO". "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" AMONG THE BENEFITS SUPPOSED TO BE CONFERRED BY A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM IS THE OPPORTUNITY AT ELECTION TIME TO TRANSLATE PUBLIC OPINION INTO POPULAR GOVERNMENT. IT IS HOPED THAT THIS RESULT WILL BE ACHIEVED BY UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE, COMPULSORY VOTING AND SOMETHING LIKE THE IDEAL OF THE EQUAL VALUE OF INDIVIDUALS ON THE ONE MAN, ONE VOTE CONCEPT. THIS MIGHT SEEM TO IMPLY THAT IF EVERYONE VOTED FOR THE CANDIDATE OR PARTY WHICH WAS LIKELY TO BENEFIT HIM THE MAJORITY WOULD BE SATISFIED AND TRUE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS THAT. EVEN IF THERE WERE ANY WAY BY WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL VOTER COULD BE SURE THAT THE PROMISES MADE BY CANDIDATES WOULD BE HONORED OR, IF HONORED, WOULD ACHIEVE THE PROMISED RESULTS, THERE WOULD STILL BE LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED. IF EACH OF US VOTED FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKELY TO BE GOOD FOR HIMSELF, THE RESULT WOULD BE THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMPARATIVELY PROSPEROUS MAJORITY WOULD BE PREFERRED OVER THE NEEDS OF THE COMPARATIVELY UNDERPRIVILEGED MINORITY. THUS WOULD BE PERPETUATED THE INEQUALITIES AND INJUSTICES OF A SELFISH SOCIETY. DEMOCRACY MEANS MORE THAN THAT. IT MEANS THE ACCEPTANCE BY ALL THE PEOPLE OF A SHARE IN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT. DEMOCRACY IS NOT ONLY GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE BUT IS ALSO FOR THE PEOPLE. THIS INCLUDES, AND INDEED SHOULD PREFER, THE INTERESTS OF THOSE UNABLE TO FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES AND THOSE WHO, FOR VARIOUS REASONS, SUFFER FROM THE RESULTS OF INFLATION BUT WHO, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT EARNING, CANNOT PROFIT FROM IT. AGAIN, THIS IS NOT A SIMPLE EQUATION, THE DECISION TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THOSE WHO PROMISE MOST TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED. OTHER FACTORS ARE INVOLVED: THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM, THE CONTROL OF WEALTH, THE PRINCIPLES OF TAXATION, INFLATION ITSELF. THE COMMON DENOMINATOR IS THE CONCEPT OF WHAT KIND OF A SOCIETY WE WISH OURS TO BECOME AND WHICH OF THE CANDIDATES OR PARTIES IS THE MORE LIKELY TO MOVE US TOWARD SUCH A SOCIETY. IT IS DEPRESSING THAT IN THE POLICY SPEECHES OF OUR LEADERS, AND IN THE PROPAGANDA SO GENEROUSLY THROWN AROUND DURING ELECTIONS, WE HEAR VERY LITTLE OF ANY SUCH IDEALS AS THE GENERAL GOOD. IT IS PRESUMABLY CONSIDERED THAT THE ELECTORATE WOULD NOT BE INTERESTED IN SUCH A VIEW OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES. INSTEAD WE ARE OFFERED PAY-OFFS TO VESTED INTERESTS OF ONE SORT OR ANOTHER, PROMISES TO LOCAL ELECTORATES OF SWIMMING POOLS AND LIBRARIES FOR THEIR SPECIAL BENEFIT AND - WORSE THAN THAT - A MOUNTING STREAM OF ABUSE OF THEIR OPPONENTS. CAN POLITICIANS NEVER BE BROUGHT TO REALISE THAT THE MUD WHICH THEY THROW NOT ONLY IS LIKELY TO STICK TO THEIR OWN FINGERS BUT ALSO DEBASES THE WHOLE PROFESSION WHICH MOST OF THEM ONCE ENTERED FROM THE HIGHEST OF MOTIVES? ELECTIONS SHOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY OF ELEVATING THE CONCEPT OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT, NOT OF DEBASING IT FURTHER BY EMPHASISING THE CONFLICTING SELF-INTEREST OF ITS COMPONENT PARTS. OR ARE WE ALL SO RAPT IN OUR OWN DESIRE FOR MORE THAT WE SEE DEMOCRACY AS A UNIVERSAL PROVIDER RATHER THAN AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WHOLE NATION? TUESDAY 7 OCTOBER 1980 "THE POLLS AND THE ELECTION" POLITICS REMAINS AN UNPREDICTABLE GAME. THAT IS THE LESSON OF THE LATEST OPINION POLLS SHOWING LABOR AHEAD OF THE COALITION PARTIES WITH THE ELECTION ONLY THREE WEEKS AWAY. UNTIL A WEEK AGO IT HAD SEEMED TO MANY POLITICIANS AND PUNDITS THAT THE ELECTION RESULT WAS SIMPLY A QUESTION OF HOW MUCH THE LIBERALS WOULD WIN BY, AND WHETHER THEY WOULD RETAIN THEIR MAJORITY IN THE SENATE. PRIVATELY, EVEN LABOR MPS SHARED THE GENERAL VIEW THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH DISSATISFACTION AMONG THE VOTERS, OR ATTRACTION TO THE LABOR ALTERNATIVE, TO PUT THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF IN JEOPARDY. THAT ASSUMPTION HAS NOW BEEN PUNCTURED BY AN AGE POLL SHOWING A SWING TO LABOR OF MORE THAN 10 PER CENT - A VOTE WHICH, IF REPEATED AT THE ELECTION ON SATURDAY WEEK, WOULD PUT LABOR IN POWER WITH A COMFORTABLE MAJORITY. SUDDENLY THE ELECTION IS A TWO-HORSE RACE. AN OPINION POLL IS NOT AN ELECTION. IN THE THREE WEEKS BETWEEN THE TAKING OF OUR POLL AND THE ELECTION DAY, MUCH COULD HAPPEN TO CHANGE THE MINDS OF VOTERS. FOR ONE THING, THE POLL FOUND THAT A MAJORITY OF INTENDING LABOR VOTERS WERE EXPECTING THE LIBERALS TO WIN THE ELECTION; PERHAPS MANY OF THOSE VOTERS WHO HAVE SWUNG TO LABOR HAVE DONE SO AT LEAST PARTLY AS A PROTEST VOTE AGAINST A GOVERNMENT THEY EXPECT TO REMAIN IN OFFICE. IT MAY BE THAT BY ELECTION DAY SOME OF THESE WILL HAVE RETURNED TO THE CONSERVATIVE FOLD OR CHOSEN THE DEMOCRATS AS A HALF-WAY HOUSE. INDEED, TWO POLLS TAKEN AT THE SAME STAGE OF THE 1977 CAMPAIGN ALSO SHOWED LABOR IN FRONT, ALTHOUGH BY ONLY NARROW MARGINS; YET IN THE FINAL THREE WEEKS THE COALITION INCREASED ITS VOTE BY 5 PER CENT TO SCORE AN EASY WIN. BUT THE LIBERALS' COMEBACK IN 1977 SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE VOTERS' AVERSION TO MR WHITLAM AND TO THE ATTRACTION OF THE LIBERALS' PROMISE OF TAX CUTS. THIS TIME IT IS LABOR THAT IS OFFERING THE TAX CUTS, AND MR HAYDEN, WHILE UNINSPIRING TO SOME, IS NOT THE SORT OF LEADER WHO IS LIKELY TO SCARE OFF THE VOTERS. CHANGES APPEAR TO HAVE HAPPENED OUT THERE IN THE ELECTORATE WITHOUT THE POLITICIANS REALISING IT. POLLS SUGGEST THAT ONE KEY REASON IS ALMOST CERTAINLY THE UNPOPULARITY OF THE PRIME MINISTER, MR FRASER. THE PRIME MINISTER HAS LONG TRIED TO MAKE A VIRTUE OF HIS AUSTERE IDEOLOGY BY PRESENTING HIMSELF AS A KIND OF STERN HEADMASTER TAKING TOUGH ACTION TO KEEP THE SCHOOL IN ORDER. BUT WHEN HIS POLICIES DELIVER LOWER INFLATION AT THE COST OF LOWER GROWTH AND HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT, IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT THE ELECTORATE LOOKS FOR AN ALTERNATIVE. THE LABOR CAMPAIGN APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN GOING WELL - SO FAR. FOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS THE ALP HAS TRIED TO RID ITSELF OF THE IMAGE OF THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT AND ITS ERRATIC, DISASTER-PRONE AMBITIONS OF CHANGING AUSTRALIA. LABOR HAS TRIED TO MARKET ITSELF TO THE VOTERS AS A HUMANE AND SENSIBLE TEAM OF MANAGERS WHO WILL ATTEND TO SOCIETY'S SORE SPOTS WHILE KEEPING THE WHEELS OF INDUSTRY MOVING. AS A MARKETING EXERCISE, IT SEEMS TO BE SUCCEEDING: THE AUSTRALIAN FLAG, THE HAYDEN-HAWKE-WRAN TROIKA, THE APPARENT RESTRAINT AND CLEVER POPULISM OF ITS POLICIES, ALL HAVE PRESENTED THE VOTERS WITH A SENSE OF REASSURANCE. THE DECLINE IN THE VOTE FOR THE MINOR PARTIES IN OUR POLL SUGGESTS LABOR IS GETTING THROUGH TO THE SWINGING VOTERS. IT MAY NOT BE EASY FOR THE LIBERALS TO WIN THEM BACK AGAIN. THE LIBERAL POLICY SPEECH CONVEYED THE IMPRESSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS LITTLE NEW TO OFFER. A SCAREMONGERING CAMPAIGN AGAINST LABOR AND THE DEMOCRATS - MR FRASER USED THE WORD "SOCIALIST" 19 TIMES IN A SHORT SPEECH AT PAKENHAM RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY - COULD BE COUNTER- PRODUCTIVE. IF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO REGAIN THE INITIATIVE IN THE 12 DAYS REMAINING, IT WILL BE ONLY BY ADDRESSING ITSELF TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH SEEM TO BE ON VOTERS' MINDS - UNEMPLOYMENT, POVERTY, DECLINING LIVING STANDARDS AND ECONOMIC INSECURITY - AND BY ARTICULATING POLICIES WHICH CAN TACKLE THEM EFFECTIVELY. "PREDICTABLE WIN FOR MR SCHMIDT" THERE WAS NEVER MUCH DOUBT THAT CHANCELLOR SCHMIDT AND HIS RULING COALITION WOULD BE RETURNED FOR ANOTHER FOUR YEARS IN SUNDAY'S WEST GERMAN ELECTION. THE ELECTORATE HAD SHOWN A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PREFERENCE FOR MR SCHMIDT FOR MONTHS. THAT, AND THE FACT THAT THERE WERE NO REAL ISSUES, PROVIDED A CAMPAIGN WHICH FAILED TO RAISE MUCH INTERNATIONAL DUST. TRUE, THE CAMPAIGN CAUSED MUCH HEAT IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC ITSELF, BUT AMONG THE POLITICIANS AND NOT THE PEOPLE. INDEED IT COULD BE SAID THAT THE PEOPLE HAD SHOWN THEMSELVES TO BE MORE MATURE THAN THEIR LEADERS, WHO INDULGED THEMSELVES IN PERHAPS THE DIRTIEST AND MOST PERSONAL CAMPAIGN IN WEST GERMANY'S HISTORY. ONLY HANS-DIETRICH GENSCHER, LEADER OF THE FREE DEMOCRATS, EMERGED WITH HIS DIGNITY INTACT AFTER A TELEVISED DEBATE BETWEEN THE PARTY PRINCIPALS LAST WEEK. PERHAPS THAT IS A REASON WHY THE FREE DEMOCRATS PERFORMED SO WELL ON SUNDAY TO CONSOLIDATE THEIR POSITION AS MINORITY COALITION PARTNER, THUS CONTINUING TO PROTECT THE CONSERVATIVE MR SCHMIDT FROM THE LEFT WING OF HIS OWN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS. ALTHOUGH THE SDP MADE ONLY MODEST GAINS, THE CHANCELLOR HAS ENHANCED HIS REPUTATION AS PERHAPS THE MOST CAPABLE LEADER IN THE WESTERN WORLD. HIS STRONG AND PRAGMATIC POLITICAL STYLE APPEALS TO WEST GERMANS RIGHT ACROSS PARTY LINES. IT IS A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS IN A COUNTRY THAT IS DEEPLY CONSCIOUS OF ITS SENSITIVE POSITION IN EUROPE AND THE NEED FOR SECURITY. MR SCHMIDT'S OPPONENT, THE UNPREDICTABLE AND BAD- TEMPERED FRANZ JOSEF STRAUSS, COULD NEVER MATCH THE CHANCELLOR'S CONSISTENCY. INDEED, MR STRAUSS FOUND HIMSELF FRUSTRATED AT EVERY ATTEMPT TO EXTEND HIS EARTHY, BAVARIAN APPEAL TO THE NORTH. HE SUCCEEDED ONLY IN SHARPENING THE DEFINITION BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH. HIS ATTACK ON THE HIGH NATIONAL DEBT TOWARDS THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN SUCCEEDED ONLY IN DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE RULING COALITION HAS KEPT INFLATION TO A MERE 5 PER CENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT TO ONLY 4 PER CENT. THE BIG QUESTION IN WEST GERMANY TODAY IS WHERE THE 65-YEAR-OLD LOSER CAN GO FROM HERE. IT HAS LONG BEEN MADE CLEAR TO HIM THAT HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE CHRISTIAN PARTIES WAS FOR THE DURATION OF THE ELECTION ONLY. OF COURSE, MR STRAUSS IS STILL PRIME MINISTER OF BAVARIA. HE HAS A SEAT IN BONN'S UPPER HOUSE AND A SEAT IN THE BUNDESTAG. BUT IT IS ALMOST CERTAIN THAT THE VOTE LAST SUNDAY HAS SPELLED AN END TO HIS DAYS AS A NATIONAL FIGURE. THE ECOLOGICAL GREEN PARTY, WHICH ONCE LOOKED LIKE TIPPING THE SCALES TO MR STRAUSS, TORE ITSELF TO BITS LONG BEFORE POLLING DAY. BY THE TIME OF THE NEXT ELECTION, IN 1984, THE DEMOCRAT PARTIES WILL HAVE BEEN IN POWER FOR 15 YEARS. FOUR YEARS ARE A LONG TIME IN POLITICS BUT SOME WEST GERMANS ARE TALKING ABOUT "SWEDENISATION" - THE PROSPECT OF INDEFINITE RULE. WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 1980 "POLL BAN SHOULD BE REPEALED" AT MIDNIGHT NEXT WEDNESDAY, 56 HOURS BEFORE AUSTRALIANS BEGIN TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE FEDERAL ELECTION, RADIO AND TELEVISION COVERAGE OF THE PARTIES' CAMPAIGNS MUST END. AN ABSURD DISCRIMINATORY LAW DECREES IT. NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES WILL CONTINUE THEIR COVERAGE, BUT RADIO AND TELEVISION WILL BE PROHIBITED BY A SECTION OF THE BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION ACT FROM TRANSMITTING ANY POLITICAL NEWS, DISCUSSION, COMMENTARIES, OR ADVERTISING. THE CAMPAIGNS MAY BE AT THEIR HEIGHT. A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF THE ELECTORATE MAY NOT HAVE DECIDED HOW TO VOTE. BUT FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION, THE ELECTION WILL BE OVER. ALTHOUGH THE LAW ENCROACHES ON THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW AND HAMPERS THE ELECTORAL PROCESS, NEITHER MAJOR PARTY SEEMS INCLINED TO ABOLISH IT. ONLY THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS OPPOSE IT UNCONDITIONALLY. THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED ABOLITION, BUT DECIDED AGAINST IT. THE LABOR PARTY WILL NOT OPPOSE THE BAN UNTIL PUBLIC FUNDING OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IS INTRODUCED AND THE AMOUNT OF ADVERTISING BY PARTIES LIMITED. LABOR ARGUES THAT THE CONSERVATIVE PARTIES, WITH BIGGER ADVERTISING BUDGETS, CAN AFFORD TO BLITZ RADIO AND TELEVISION ON ELECTION EVE IN A BID FOR THE VOTES OF UNDECIDED ELECTORS. THE GOVERNMENT, SOME OF WHOSE SPOKESMEN CONTINUE TO PUSH THE PECULIAR LINE THAT VOTERS SHOULD BE GIVEN A REST FROM POLITICAL NEWS BEFORE AN ELECTION, SEEMS TO FEAR AN UNANSWERABLE LOW PUNCH FROM LABOR JUST AS VOTERS GO TO THE POLLS. SO THE LAW IS RETAINED TO SUIT THE PARTIES. EACH SIDE HAS ITS DISSIDENTS. A SURVEY BY MELBOURNE BROADCASTER DERRYN HINCH, WHO INTENDS BREAKING THE BLACKOUT LAW NEXT WEEK, SHOWS THAT MANY PARLIAMENTARIANS, MAINLY BACKBENCHERS, FROM BOTH SIDES OPPOSE THE LAW. AMONG THEM ARE THE DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER, MR BOWEN, AND THE GOVERNMENT WHIP IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MR BOUCHIER. BUT OF THOSE WHO REPLIED TO MR HINCH'S QUESTIONNAIRE AND SUPPORTED THE BAN, THERE WAS A MARKED PREDOMINANCE OF GOVERNMENT MINISTERS AND LABOR SHADOW MINISTERS. WHY DO NOT RADIO AND TELEVISION MANAGEMENTS MAKE MORE FUSS? THEY MAY HAVE MADE THEIR FEELINGS KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT IN PRIVATE. BUT, APART FROM THE PERSONAL CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED BY MR HINCH, THERE HAVE BEEN FEW ATTEMPTS TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE SILLINESS OF THE LAW. THE JOB HAS BEEN LEFT TO THE NEWSPAPERS. THE LAW SHOULD BE REPEALED. BUT FOR THAT TO HAPPEN, IT LOOKS AS IF RADIO AND TELEVISION MANAGEMENTS - GIVEN THE STUBBORNNESS OF THE POLITICIANS - WILL FIRST HAVE TO SHOW MORE FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHT TO PROVIDE NEWS AND VIEWS TO THE VOTERS. PERHAPS THEY SHOULD ALL AGREE TO EXTEND THE BAN TO THREE WEEKS NEXT TIME, UNLESS THE POLITICIANS ABOLISH IT. THAT MIGHT DO THE TRICK. "ASIO SECRECY AND THE COURTS" LAST WEEK'S DECISION BY MR JUSTICE WILSON THAT THE PERFORMANCE BY ASIO OF ITS FUNCTIONS CANNOT BE CHALLENGED IN THE COURTS RAISES IMPORTANT QUESTIONS BUT SHOULD NOT BE OVERSTATED. WITHOUT SEEKING TO ANTICIPATE THE RESULT OF AN APPEAL TO THE FULL HIGH COURT, IF ONE IS TAKEN, IT CAN BE SAID THAT MR JUSTICE WILSON'S READING OF THE ASIO ACT IS HARDLY SURPRISING. AS HIS HONOR POINTED OUT, WHERE THE ACT EXPRESSLY CONTEMPLATES LEGAL CHALLENGE (ADVERSE SECURITY ASSESSMENTS OF INDIVIDUALS) IT LAYS DOWN SAFEGUARDS FOR THE PROTECTION OF ASIO SECRECY. IT IS, ON THE FACE OF THINGS, IMPROBABLE THAT PARLIAMENT INTENDED ASIO TO BE OPEN TO LEGAL CHALLENGE WITHOUT SUCH SAFEGUARDS IN OTHER CONTEXTS FOR WHICH NO EXPRESS PROVISION IS MADE. SIMILARLY THE ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS (JUDICIAL REVIEW) ACT EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES ASIO FROM ITS SCOPE. BUT IT GOES TOO FAR TO SUGGEST THAT PARLIAMENT OR MR JUSTICE WILSON HAVE PLACED ASIO ABOVE THE LAW. IT IS TRUE THAT ASIO HAS BEEN PLACED BEYOND THE REACH OF THE ORDINARY COURTS. THE PERSON PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING ASIO'S COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW IS ITS DIRECTOR-GENERAL. THIS IS NOT AS SILLY AS IT SOUNDS. THE ACT RESTRICTS THE PERSONS FROM WHOM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL MAY BE APPOINTED AND SETS OUT IN REASONABLY CLEAR TERMS WHAT HIS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE. THE PROVISION THAT THE MINISTER CANNOT SUBSTITUTE HIS OWN DISCRETION FOR THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S IS A PRECAUTION AGAINST POLITICAL MANIPULATION OF ASIO, NOT A DILUTION OF ITS ACCOUNTABILITY, THROUGH THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, TO THE GOVERNMENT AND TO PARLIAMENT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXEMPTION OF ASIO FROM LAWS WHICH IMPINGE DIRECTLY UPON ITS INTELLIGENCE - GATHERING ACTIVITIES (TELEPHONE TAPPING, SEARCHES, INTERCEPTION OF MAIL) ITS PERSONNEL REMAIN OTHERWISE JUST AS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL LAW OF THE LAND AS ANYONE ELSE. ANY ASIO OFFICER WHO ATTEMPTS INCOME TAX FRAUD, OR SETTING HIS NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE ON FIRE OR PUNCHING A PASSER-BY ON THE NOSE WILL PROVE THE POINT WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. EVEN THE EXEMPTIONS CAN BE USED ONLY UNDER MINISTERIAL AUTHORITY, WHICH IS BY NO MEANS ROUTINELY GRANTED. EVERY DEMOCRACY WORTH THE NAME HAS TO MAKE A COMPROMISE BETWEEN THE RULE OF LAW AND NATIONAL SECURITY. THE ASIO ACT IS A REASONABLE ATTEMPT AT A WORKABLE COMPROMISE. CERTAINLY IT DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL BEING OF HIGH CALIBRE. BUT THERE IS NO POINT IN ASSUMING IN ADVANCE THAT PERSONS IN HIGH OFFICE WILL BE INCOMPETENT OR CORRUPT. WE ENTRUST OUR JUDICIARY WITH ENORMOUS POWERS ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THEY ARE ABLE AND INCORRUPTIBLE. WITHIN SENSIBLE LIMITS THE SAME APPROACH SHOULD APPLY ELSEWHERE IN PUBLIC LIFE. THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ASIO DOES NOT NOW OPERATE WITHIN SENSIBLE LIMITS. THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER 1980 "BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ISSUES?" THE PRIME MINISTER SEEMS TO HAVE REALISED THAT IT WAS IMPRUDENT OF HIM TO RAISE THE SPECTRE OF 1975. MR FRASER YESTERDAY TRIED TO PLAY DOWN HIS OFF-THE-CUFF RESPONSE TO BEING ASKED WHETHER A LIBERAL-NCP MAJORITY IN THE SENATE WOULD AGAIN BLOCK SUPPLY TO BRING DOWN A LABOR GOVERNMENT. HE SAID: "IF CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTED AS EXISTED IN 1975, I WOULD DO EVERYTHING I COULD TO GET RID OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THAT DAY". HAD HE BEEN LESS CANDID OR MORE ALERT AT THE TIME, HE MIGHT HAVE SAID THAT THE SITUATION WAS MOST UNLIKELY TO RECUR DURING THE NEXT PARLIAMENT. IF THERE IS A STRONG ENOUGH SWING TO SWEEP THE FRASER GOVERNMENT OUT OF OFFICE ON 18 OCTOBER, THEN THE COALITION IS ALSO LIKELY TO LOSE ITS MAJORITY IN THE SENATE (FROM 1 JULY, WHEN THE NEW SENATORS TAKE THEIR SEATS) TO LABOR AND THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS, WHO ARE PLEDGED NOT TO BLOCK SUPPLY EVEN IN "REPREHENSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES". JUDGING BY HIS EFFORTS TO DEFUSE THE ISSUE YESTERDAY, MR FRASER HAS NOW REALISED THAT IT WAS, IN ANY CASE, A SERIOUS MISTAKE TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF HIS PART IN ONE OF THE MOST DIVISIVE POLITICAL CRISES IN AUSTRALIA'S POLITICAL HISTORY SINCE FEDERATION. MR FRASER'S ILL-ADVISED COMMENT - AND HIS SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPT TO RETREAT FROM IT - ALSO SUGGEST THAT HIS CONFIDENCE HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE SUCCESSION OF OPINION POLLS INDICATING A SIGNIFICANT SWING TOWARDS THE LABOR PARTY. WHETHER THIS TREND WILL BE SUSTAINED IN THE ACTUAL VOTING REMAINS TO BE SEEN, BUT THE GOVERNMENT NOW HAS A FIGHT ON ITS HANDS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE LABOR PARTY, FEW OF WHOSE LEADERS FELT A MONTH OR TWO AGO THAT THEY HAD A GOOD CHANCE OF REGAINING OFFICE, CAN NOW SCENT POSSIBLE VICTORY. THE ELECTORATE, TOO, IS APPARENTLY TAKING A FRESH INTEREST IN THE CAMPAIGN, AFTER HAVING BEEN MOSTLY CONVINCED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO REAL CONTEST. AS A RESULT, THE CAMPAIGN HAS BECOME MORE ABRASIVE AND ABUSIVE - AND LESS ILLUMINATING. THE DESCENT BY BOTH SIDES TO PERSONAL DENIGRATION AND INNUENDO IS PARTICULARLY UNFORTUNATE, AND POSSIBLY COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE. FOR THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MR ANTHONY, TO DESCRIBE THE OPPOSITION LEADER, MR HAYDEN, AS A "SQUEALING SISSY" IS NEITHER ACCURATE NOR PERTINENT. THE QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP OF THE RESPECTIVE LEADERS ARE, OF COURSE, A VALID ISSUE, BUT THIS IS HARDLY THE WAY TO DISCUSS THEM. FOR MR HAYDEN TO CALL ON MR FRASER TO DISCLOSE HIS TAX RETURNS SERVES TO IMPLY, WITHOUT EVIDENCE, THAT THE PRIME MINISTER MAY BE ENGAGED IN LEGAL TAX MINIMISATION. AGAIN, TAX AVOIDANCE IS A MATTER FOR CONCERN AND LEGISLATIVE ACTION, BUT IT WILL NOT BE SOLVED BY A FRANK EXCHANGE OF TAX RETURNS BETWEEN THE PARTY LEADERS. WHILE THE INCREASING STRAIN OF A CLOSE FIGHT AND THE ATTEMPT EVERY DAY TO FIND SOMETHING NEW FOR THE FRONT PAGES AND NEWS BULLETINS TEMPT THE LEADING CONTESTANTS INTO MUTUAL MUD-SLINGING AND MISREPRESENTATION, THE GREAT ISSUES FACING THE NATION ARE BEING EVADED OR TREATED IN THE MOST SUPERFICIAL FASHION. THE OPINION POLLS, AS IN 1977, HAVE POINTED TO UNEMPLOYMENT AS THE LEADING ISSUE IN VOTERS' MINDS. YET THE DEBATE SEEMS TO HAVE DEGENERATED INTO AN ARGUMENT OVER THE DESIRABILITY AND COST OF TEMPORARY JOB-CREATION AND TRAINING SCHEMES. NEITHER SIDE HAS SERIOUSLY FACED THE CHALLENGES OF STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND PROTECTION THAT WILL HAVE TO BE MET EVEN IF THE CURRENT RECESSION FADES. NEITHER SIDE HAS SHOWN THAT IT HAS A POLICY FOR THE COMING RESOURCES BOOM TO ENSURE THAT ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AND EXISTING INDUSTRY IS RESPONSIBLY ABSORBED AND THAT ITS BENEFITS ARE EQUITABLY SHARED BY THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY. PROBLEMS OF POVERTY, HEALTH CARE, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND FEDERALISM, AMONG OTHERS, REQUIRE DEEPER ATTENTION THAN THE GLOSSY GENERALISATIONS AND POINT-SCORING THEY HAVE BEEN ACCORDED SO FAR. "THE PROFESSIONS AND TAX ETHICS" TAX AVOIDANCE HAS BECOME A LUCRATIVE INDUSTRY THAT SEEMS BEYOND THE WIT OF GOVERNMENT TO SUPPRESS. HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR ARE LOST TO FEDERAL REVENUE, MAKING INCOME TAX ALMOST OPTIONAL FOR A PRIVILEGED FEW WHILE INCREASING THE BURDEN ON THE MASS OF TAXPAYERS TO WHOM SUCH MEANS OF DODGING ARE NOT OPEN. AS SOON AS THE GOVERNMENT CLOSES ONE LOOPHOLE ANOTHER IS OPENED. THIS COULD NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT THE CONTRIVANCE OF SKILLED ACCOUNTANTS AND LAWYERS, SOMETIMES WITH THE BENIGN ENDORSEMENT OF THE HIGH COURT. TAX AVOIDANCE, AS DISTINCT FROM TAX EVASION, IS NOT ILLEGAL. THOSE WHO RESORT TO IT, NO MATTER HOW ELABORATE AND ARTIFICIAL THEIR SCHEMES, ARE WITHIN THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS. BUT AS BRITAIN'S LORD CHANCELLOR, VISCOUNT SIMON, OBSERVED IN A NOTABLE CASE, "THAT IS NO REASON WHY THEIR EFFORTS OR THOSE OF THE PROFESSIONAL GENTLEMEN WHO ASSIST THEM IN THE MATTER SHOULD BE REGARDED AS A COMMENDABLE EXERCISE OF INGENUITY OR AS A DISCHARGE OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP". IT IS THEREFORE HEARTENING THAT THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS PROPOSES TO STOP ITS MEMBERS PROMOTING OR HELPING TO PROMOTE ARTIFICIAL TAX AVOIDANCE SCHEMES. A DRAFT STATEMENT ON TAX ETHICS CALLS ON MEMBERS TO ADOPT "A RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE IN RELATION TO ANY TAX ARRANGEMENTS". MORE SPECIFICALLY, "A MEMBER SHALL NOT PROMOTE, OR ASSIST IN THE PROMOTION OF, ANY SCHEMES OR ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE NO COMMERCIAL JUSTIFICATION OTHER THAN THE AVOIDANCE OF TAX THROUGH EXPLOITATION OF THE REVENUE LAWS". THE PROPOSED CODE WILL BE OPEN FOR COMMENT AND AMENDMENT UNTIL 31 JANUARY NEXT AND, IF ADOPTED BY THE INSTITUTE'S NATIONAL COUNCIL, WOULD BECOME BINDING ON ALL MEMBERS. THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS IS ALSO CONSIDERING WHETHER TO ISSUE A GUIDELINE STATEMENT TO ITS MEMBERS ON TAX STANDARDS. IT IS A PITY, HOWEVER, THAT THE LEGAL PROFESSION APPARENTLY REMAINS RATHER LESS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ETHICS OF TAX AVOIDANCE. THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF LABOR LAWYERS, WHOSE PRESIDENT IS SENATOR GARETH EVANS, HAS TRENCHANTLY CRITICISED COLLEAGUES WHO DEVOTE THEIR TALENTS TO TAX SCHEMES. BUT THE SECRETARY- GENERAL OF THE LAW COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS NOT FOR LAWYERS TO BECOME MORAL ARBITERS AND THAT THE CRITICISM SHOULD BE DIRECTED AT CLIENTS INSTEAD. THERE SEEMS LITTLE DOUBT THAT A LAWYER MAY PROPERLY ADVISE A CLIENT ON THE LEGALITY OF A TAX SCHEME AND MAY NOT, WITHOUT IMPROPRIETY, ADVISE HIM ON HOW TO ESCAPE TAX ILLEGALLY. BUT WHETHER A LAWYER SHOULD ENCOURAGE OR CONTRIVE TAX AVOIDANCE SCHEMES THAT ARE WITHIN THE LAW ALTHOUGH ETHICALLY DUBIOUS REMAINS A MATTER OF CONTROVERSY AMONG LAWYERS. THE PROFESSION'S PUBLIC ESTEEM WOULD RISE IF IT FOLLOWED THE LEAD OF THE ACCOUNTANTS. FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 1980 "VARIETY SHOW IN PORTUGAL" IT IS SIX YEARS SINCE A GROUP OF YOUNG ARMY OFFICERS ENDED DICTATORSHIP IN PORTUGAL AND PROPELLED THE LEFT TO POWER. TODAY, AFTER THE 5 OCTOBER ELECTION, IT MIGHT SEEM AS IF THE "REVOLUTION OF THE FLOWERS" HAD NEVER HAPPENED. PORTUGAL APPEARS TO BE DOUBLING BACK AFTER ITS EXPERIENCES SINCE THE COUP, WITH A DOZEN GOVERNMENTS RANGING FROM MILITARY JUNTAS BACKED BY THE COMMUNISTS TO SHAKY COALITIONS LED BY THE SOCIALISTS. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR THE COUNTRY'S SEVEN MILLION VOTERS HAVE PLUMPED FOR A STABLE CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY WITH UNABASHEDLY RIGHT-WING OPTIONS. THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE GOVERNMENT IS ANTI- COMMUNIST, PRO-NATO, PRO-EEC AND COMMITTED TO RADICAL THATCHERITE REFORM. IT SEES THREE STUMBLING BLOCKS: A MARXIST-INSPIRED CONSTITUTION, A SOLDIER-PRESIDENT, AND THE COUNCIL OF THE REVOLUTION. ALL THREE ARE REMINDERS OF 1974. ALL THREE ARE NOW IN JEOPARDY. THE PRESIDENT, GENERAL EANES, IS THE ONE REMAINING OBSTACLE TO THE PLANS OF THE PRIME MINISTER, MR SA CARNEIRO, FOR CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION. PRESIDENT EANES WILL BE UP FOR RE-ELECTION IN DECEMBER WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE LEFT. HE IS SEEN AS AN HONEST ALTHOUGH UNIMAGINATIVE MAN WHOSE AIM HAS BEEN TO BRIDGE THE GULF BETWEEN LEFT AND RIGHT. AS SUCH HE WILL HE A HARD CANDIDATE FOR MR SA CARNEIRO'S MAN TO BEAT. THE PORTUGUESE HAVE A HABIT OF VOTING FOR THE MAN, NOT THE PARTY, IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. AND UNTIL THEY MAKE THEIR CHOICE AT THE END OF THE YEAR, THE SHAPE OF PORTUGUESE POLITICS WILL BE UNCERTAIN. IF GENERAL EANES LOSES, THE LEFT FEARS THAT THERE WILL BE A RETURN TO DICTATORSHIP. IF GENERAL EANES WINS, THE IMPULSIVE MR SA CARNEIRO HAS PROMISED TO QUIT OFFICE. SUCH ACTION COULD DIVIDE HIS PARTY, SPLIT THE UNEASY ALLIANCE AND REOPEN THE WAY FOR A COALITION OF THE LEFT. DEMOCRACY IN PORTUGAL, IT SEEMS, IS TOO MUCH OF A NOVELTY FOR THE VARIETY SHOW IN LISBON TO BE OVER YET. "TASKS FOR THE MAN OF ARTS" MR PAUL CLARKSON HAS PLENTY OF PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES AHEAD AS HE TAKES OVER AS DIRECTOR OF THE VICTORIAN MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS. SEVERAL ARE CONCERNED WITH THE ST KILDA ROAD ARTS CENTRE, DUE (ACCORDING TO THE LATEST PREDICTION) TO BE IN FULL WORKING ORDER BY EARLY 1983 AS A PLACE FOR MUSIC, OPERA, DRAMA, DANCE AND OTHER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. IT WILL HOUSE SOME ACCOMPLISHED AND ESTABLISHED PERFORMERS, NOTABLY THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET, THE MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY AND THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. AMONG ITS OTHER LIKELY OCCUPANTS IS THE FLEDGLING VICTORIA STATE OPERA. WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES IN OPERA IS SOMETIMES CONSIDERABLY MORE OPERATIC THAN THE PERFORMANCES ON STAGE. THE VICTORIA STATE OPERA AND THE SYDNEY-BASED AUSTRALIAN OPERA, FOR EXAMPLE, ACHIEVE THE FEAT OF BEING PRIVATELY AT WAR WHILE IN PUBLIC PRESENTING THEMSELVES AS ALLIES IN A JOINT-SUBSCRIPTION SEASON. MR CLARKSON AND HIS MINISTER, MR LACY, WILL HAVE TO BE FIRM IN ENSURING THAT OPERATIC DIFFERENCES ARE RESOLVED IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT IMPOSE AN UNFAIR BURDEN ON VICTORIAN TAXPAYERS, DOES NOT STIFLE THE VSO AND DOES NOT DEPRIVE MELBOURNE OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPERA'S MORE SPECTACULAR ACHIEVEMENTS. LESS BITTER RIVALRIES AMONG THE DRAMA COMPANIES ALSO NEED WATCHING. THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY WILL, WITHOUT INTENDING TO DO SO, ACHIEVE A POSITION OF MONOPOLISTIC STRENGTH. WHEN IT MOVES INTO THE ARTS CENTRE, SHOULD IT BE PUBLICLY FINANCED TO THE EXTENT THAT IT CAN CONTINUE TO PERFORM AT THE ATHENAEUM AND RUSSELL STREET AS WELL? IF PLAYBOX AND THE AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING GROUP - THE MTC'S COMPETITORS - ARE TO REMAIN HEALTHY, SOME THOUGHT MUST BE GIVEN TO THE SHARING OR REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES. AND, ALTHOUGH THE PRINCESS DESERVES TO BE SUBSIDISED INTO FURTHER USEFUL LIFE, MR CLARKSON SHOULD BE WARY OF WASTING MONEY ON THE REGENT AND THE PALAIS. UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF DR ERIC WESTBROOK AS FOUNDING DIRECTOR, THE MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS HAS DONE MUCH TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY AND AMATEUR ACTIVITIES. IT HAS ALSO ENRICHED THE LIVES OF COUNTRY PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THROUGH THE REGIONAL GALLERIES. THESE ARE MATTERS FOR DEVELOPMENT DURING MR CLARKSON'S REIGN. A FRESH LINE FOR HIM TO TAKE IS TO GIVE THE PUBLIC A CLEARER VIEW OF HOW THE MINISTRY DECIDES ITS PRIORITIES AND WHY. FOR THE GOVERNMENT, MR CLARKSON'S EXPERIENCE IN PRIVATE INDUSTRY AND ITS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS WAS AMONG HIS ATTRACTIONS AS A POTENTIAL DIRECTOR. BUT GOVERNMENT FUNDING MUST REMAIN THE CHIEF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS. AT BEST, PRIVATE PATRONAGE CAN PROVIDE NO MORE THAN THE TRIMMINGS. MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 1980 "THE FUTURE OF THE SENATE" THE PRIME MINISTER'S DECISION TO CONCENTRATE THE LAST WEEK OF HIS ELECTION CAMPAIGN ON VICTORIA BETRAYS AN ANXIETY THAT THE LIBERAL-NCP GOVERNMENT MAY LOSE ITS MAJORITY IN THE SENATE, AND EVEN ITS HOLD ON POWER. THE LABOR PARTY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WIN CONTROL OF THE SENATE ON SATURDAY, EVEN IF IT IS ELECTED AS THE GOVERNMENT. BUT IT IS QUITE LIKELY THAT THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS, WITH PERHAPS THE INDEPENDENT SENATOR HARRADINE, WILL GAIN THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE SENATE FROM 1 JULY WHEN THE INCOMING SENATORS TAKE THEIR SEATS. A LABOR GOVERNMENT WOULD FIND THIS PROSPECT PREFERABLE TO A SENATE WHERE A HOSTILE OPPOSITION COULD AGAIN OBSTRUCT ITS LEGISLATION AND EVEN, AS MR FRASER LET SLIP LAST WEEK, BLOCK SUPPLY TO FORCE IT PREMATURELY TO THE POLLS. NOT THAT LABOR WOULD NECESSARILY HAVE A SMOOTH PASSAGE FOR ALL ITS LEGISLATION IF SENATOR CHIPP AND HIS COLLEAGUES HELD THE BALANCE. ALTHOUGH THE DEMOCRATS SAY THEY WOULD TRY TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT (LIBERAL OR LABOR) KEEPS ITS PROMISES, THEY WOULD NOT SUPPORT LABOR'S PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE TAX AVOIDANCE THROUGH RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION. BUT THEY ARE PLEDGED NOT TO JOIN IN BLOCKING SUPPLY, AND COULD PREVENT A REPETITION OF THE EVENTS OF 1975. A RE-ELECTED FRASER GOVERNMENT WOULD FIND A DEMOCRAT BALANCE IN THE SENATE IRKSOME BUT NOT LETHAL. EVEN IF THE COALITION RETAINS A MAJORITY IN BOTH HOUSES, THE SENATE IS LIKELY TO BE MORE PRICKLY. GOVERNMENT SENATORS HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THE CONTROVERSIAL DISMISSAL OF THEIR FORMER LEADER, SENATOR WITHERS, FROM CABINET, OR THE DEMOTION OF A NCP MINISTER, SENATOR SCOTT, TO MAKE ROOM IN THE MINISTRY FOR THE RETURN OF MR IAN SINCLAIR. THIS MOVE REDUCED THE NUMBER OF MINISTERS IN THE SENATE TO FOUR, WHO HAD TO ANSWER NOT ONLY FOR THEIR OWN PORTFOLIOS BUT TO REPRESENT THE 23 MINISTERS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MR FRASER WOULD BE UNDER PRESSURE NOT ONLY TO INCREASE THE QUOTA OF MINISTERS IN THE SENATE BUT ALSO TO ALLOW GOVERNMENT SENATORS TO ELECT THEIR OWN LEADER, A STEP THAT WOULD ENHANCE THEIR INDEPENDENCE. SO WHOEVER WINS THE ELECTION ON SATURDAY, THE SENATE IS LIKELY TO ASSUME A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE THAN IT HAS PLAYED SINCE IT PRECIPITATED THE FALL OF THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT FIVE YEARS AGO. IT IS WORTH REFLECTING ON WHAT THIS ROLE OUGHT TO BE. GOVERNMENTS OF ANY COMPLEXION, OF COURSE, PREFER TO HAVE A SENATE THAT IS REASONABLY DOCILE AND AMENABLE TO PARTY DISCIPLINE. BUT SENATORS, ALTHOUGH THEY SELDOM EXERCISE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL ROLE AS GUARDIANS OF STATE INTERESTS IN THE FEDERAL COMPACT, HAVE BEEN TAKING THEIR OTHER FUNCTION AS A HOUSE OF REVIEW INCREASINGLY SERIOUSLY. THE LABOR PARTY HAS MOVED FROM ITS FORMER AIM OF ABOLISHING THE SENATE - AN UNREALISTIC OBJECTIVE, GIVEN THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL OBSTACLES - TO A POLICY OF ENHANCING ITS EFFECTIVENESS AS A HOUSE OF REVIEW WHILE STRIPPING IT OF ITS POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH OVER A GOVERNMENT. THE SENATE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY OTHER NATIONAL UPPER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT IN THE WESTMINSTER SYSTEM. ELSEWHERE, IT IS SUFFICIENT FOR A GOVERNMENT TO RETAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF THE "POPULAR" HOUSE. ONLY IN AUSTRALIA CAN THE UPPER HOUSE - THE SENATE - FORCE A GOVERNMENT TO THE POLLS BY WITHHOLDING APPROVAL FOR ITS PROPOSED EXPENDITURE, OR THREATENING TO DO SO, WITHOUT NECESSARILY FACING THE ELECTORS ITSELF. THIS PECULIARITY STEMS FROM THE UNEASY MARRIAGE OF RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT IN THE WESTMINSTER TRADITION TO THE FEDERAL PRINCIPLE EMBRACED IN THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION. FOR THIS REASON, THE SENATE IS ALSO LESS DEMOCRATIC THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN THAT ALL STATES REGARDLESS OF THEIR POPULATIONS ARE REPRESENTED BY AN EQUAL NUMBER OF SENATORS, AND IN THAT THE TERMS OF STATE (BUT NOT TERRITORY) SENATORS ARE STAGGERED. PARADOXICALLY, THE SENATE'S VOTING SYSTEM OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IS IN ONE SENSE MORE DEMOCRATIC, GIVING MINORITY PARTIES SUCH AS THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS A CHANCE OF REPRESENTATION THEY ARE DENIED IN THE LOWER HOUSE WITH ITS SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTORATES. THE SENATE'S POWER TO DESTROY A GOVERNMENT IN MID-TERM IS ONE THAT SHOULD BE REMOVED. AUSTRALIA'S PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY COULD NOT EASILY ABSORB ANOTHER CRISIS OF THE 1975 KIND, EVEN WITHOUT THE INTERVENTION OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE SEEMS NO EARLY PROSPECT OF THE NECESSARY CONSENSUS FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT OR EVEN - JUDGING BY MR FRASER'S COMMENT - OF A GUARANTEED RETURN TO THE CONVENTION UPHELD FOR MORE THAN 70 YEARS THAT THE SENATE SHOULD NOT BLOCK SUPPLY. IN THE MEANTIME, THE HOPE MUST BE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF 1974 AND 1975 WILL NOT ARISE. AND THAT COULD DEPEND ON HOW PEOPLE VOTE IN THE SENATE POLL ON SATURDAY. WHATEVER THE STATE OF THE PARTIES IN THE SENATE FROM 1 JULY, ITS EFFECTIVENESS AS A HOUSE OF REVIEW SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED. THE SENATE HAS ALREADY INCREASED ITS STATURE IN RECENT YEARS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDING AND SELECT COMMITTEES TO SCRUTINISE LEGISLATION, EXAMINE REGULATIONS, CHECK EXPENDITURE AND INQUIRE INTO MATTERS OF NATIONAL CONCERN. THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD NOT ALSO PLAY A MORE USEFUL ROLE IN COUNTERING THE GROWING POWER OF EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT AND BUREAUCRACY, BUT THE SENATE HAS MORE TIME AND A GREATER DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE. SOME SENATORS ON BOTH SIDES HAVE PROPOSED THAT NO MINISTERS BE APPOINTED FROM THE SENATE AND THAT THE CHAMBER DEVOTE ITSELF ENTIRELY TO REVIEWING ALL LEGISLATION IN DETAIL, WITH POWERS TO CALL FOR OFFICIAL AND INDEPENDENT EVIDENCE. THE PROPOSAL IS LIKELY TO MEET DETERMINED RESISTANCE FROM GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR DEPARTMENTAL ADVISERS, BUT IT IS WORTH DEEPER CONSIDERATION. MEANWHILE, ANY STRENGTHENING OF PARLIAMENTARY SUPERVISION OF EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT IS TO BE WELCOMED, SO LONG AS IT DOES NOT AMOUNT TO POLITICAL OBSTRUCTION AND DESTRUCTION. THE SENATE MUST ALWAYS BE CONSCIOUS THAT ANY ABUSE OF ITS POWERS WOULD REVIVE PRESSURES FOR ITS ABOLITION OR NEUTERING. TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 1980 "DISHONEST ADVERTISING" ELECTORS HAVE TO PUT UP WITH A FAIR AMOUNT OF BENDING OF THE TRUTH DURING ELECTION CAMPAIGNS. POLITICIANS FROM ALL PARTIES TEND TO GLOSS OVER SHORTCOMINGS ON THEIR SIDE AND DISTORT THOSE ON THE OTHER TO TRY TO CONVINCE US THAT GREY IS BLACK OR WHITE. THAT IS IN THE NATURE OF THE GAME, AND ONE CAN ACCEPT IT. BUT THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR OUTRIGHT DISHONESTY IN ELECTION ADVERTISING AND SPEECHES. AND THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR TWO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS THE LIBERAL PARTY HAS BEEN RUNNING IN THE PRESS AND ON RADIO AND TV. ONE OF THEM WARNS OF "LABOR'S 20 PER CENT INFLATION". THE OTHER SETS OUT SUPPOSED DETAILS OF "LABOR'S 'WEALTH' TAX". THE FIRST ADVERTISEMENT SAYS: "THREE YEARS OF LABOR'S SPENDING WOULD CUT THE BUYING POWER OF THE DOLLAR IN HALF - WITH 20 PER CENT INFLATION". NO AUTHORITY FOR THIS PREDICTION IS CITED. ONLY ONCE IN OUR HISTORY HAVE WE HAD 20 PER CENT INFLATION, AND THAT WAS UNDER A LIBERAL-CP GOVERNMENT DURING THE KOREAN WAR BOOM OF 1951-52. IT IS TRUE THAT LABOR'S ECONOMIC POLICIES ARE MORE EXPANSIONARY THAN THOSE WE COULD EXPECT FROM THE NEXT FRASER GOVERNMENT, AND TO THAT EXTENT ARE LIABLE TO RISK INCREASED INFLATION. IT IS FAIR PLAY FOR THE LIBERALS TO ARGUE STRONGLY AGAINST THIS DANGER, AS THE TREASURER, MR HOWARD, HAS BEEN DOING. BUT TO PLUCK A FIGURE OUT OF THE AIR AND PRESENT IT AS FACT IN AN ATTEMPT TO SCARE VOTERS IS DISHONEST ADVERTISING. IT IS AKIN TO THE CLAIM BY LABOR SPOKESMEN EARLIER IN THE CAMPAIGN THAT THE FRASER GOVERNMENT WOULD REINTRODUCE CONSCRIPTION IF RE-ELECTED. LABOR HAS DROPPED THAT LIE SINCE. BUT IT STILL CLAIMS, IN AN ADVERTISEMENT, THAT IT WOULD CUT PETROL PRICES, WHEN IN FACT ALL IT PROPOSES IS TO FREEZE THEM. A SECOND LIBERAL ADVERTISEMENT MAKES A NUMBER OF FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT LABOR'S PLANS FOR A WEALTH TAX AND CAPITAL GAINS TAX. IN JULY, LABOR'S ECONOMIC SPOKESMAN, MR WILLIS, ANNOUNCED THAT NO SUCH TAXES WOULD BE INTRODUCED UNTIL AFTER A PUBLIC INQUIRY HAD REPORTED ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH IN AUSTRALIA. LAST WEDNESDAY MR HAYDEN PLEDGED NOT TO INTRODUCE ANY SUCH TAXES IN HIS FIRST TERM IN OFFICE. SINCE THEN THE LIBERAL PARTY HAS RUN A SERIES OF ADVERTISEMENTS STATING: "LABOR IS COMMITTED TO A NEW TAX WHICH WOULD HIT MIDDLE-INCOME EARNERS JUST AS VIOLENTLY AS THE WEALTHY. THIS SO-CALLED 'WEALTH' TAX WOULD STEAL THE SAVINGS OF PEOPLE... IT WOULD ATTACK HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES WHO OWN MODEST HOMES... IF YOU SELL YOUR HOUSE TO BUY ANOTHER, EVEN IF YOUR HOUSE HAS ONLY INCREASED BY THE VALUE OF INFLATION, THEN YOU WOULD PAY A CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON THAT..." NOT ONE OF THESE CLAIMS IS TRUE. IT WAS DISAPPOINTING TO HEAR MR FRASER EXPANDING THEM YESTERDAY IN THE CITY SQUARE. IT IS FAIR COMMENT TO POINT OUT THAT MR HAYDEN'S PLEDGE LEAVES LABOR WITHOUT ANY TAX PROPOSALS TO FUND ITS SPENDING PLANS; AND AGAIN, MR HOWARD HAS DONE SO ASSIDUOUSLY. IT IS ANOTHER THING TO INVENT A HYPOTHESIS AND PRESENT IT AS FACT IN ORDER TO SCARE VOTERS INTO CHANGING THEIR MINDS. THESE ADVERTISEMENTS, AUTHORISED BY THE LIBERALS' FEDERAL SECRETARY, MR TONY EGGLETON, ARE UNWORTHY OF A PARTY SEEKING TO GOVERN THE COUNTRY. THEY SHOULD BE DROPPED. "MAKING ROOM FOR THE PUBLIC" THE AIRWAVES ARE PUBLIC PROPERTY. TRUE, COMMERCIAL INTERESTS TEND TO DOMINATE THEM AND, AT TIMES, APPEAR TO WANT TO MONOPOLISE THEM. BUT, PUT SIMPLY, THE AIRWAVES SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO ANY GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE A NEED TO USE THEM AND WHO ARE WILLING TO USE THEM RESPONSIBLY. IN THE PAST DECADE, AUSTRALIA HAS GONE SOME WAY TO MAKING THE AIRWAVES ACCESSIBLE. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND COMMON-INTEREST GROUPS HAVE BEEN GIVEN RADIO LICENCES. IN ONE CASE, A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY GROUPS, INCLUDING TRADE UNIONS AND ETHNIC ORGANISATIONS, ESTABLISHED A COMMUNITY RADIO STATION, 3CR, WHOSE FACILITIES THEY SHARE. NOW, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS INDICATED THAT SOME TELEVISION FREQUENCIES MAY BE ALLOCATED TO COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION GROUPS WITHIN A YEAR OR TWO. THE LABOR PARTY SAYS IT ALSO WILL ISSUE PUBLIC TELEVISION LICENCES IF ELECTED ON SATURDAY. PUBLIC TELEVISION'S POTENTIAL IN PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY TERTIARY COURSES TO ADULTS WHO WISH TO STUDY PART-TIME AT HOME, IS IMMENSE. IT COULD PROVIDE AN OUTLET FOR AMATEUR THEATRE GROUPS, MUSICIANS, FILM MAKERS, AND OTHERS WHO CANNOT GET ACCESS TO EXISTING CHANNELS. BUT THE PROBLEMS OF ESTABLISHING IT ARE ALSO IMMENSE. THE COST OF ESTABLISHING STUDIOS AND TRANSMITTERS IS HUGE. IT COULD BE THAT NO ONE, NOT EVEN MAJOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, WILL HAVE THE NECESSARY CASH. THERE IS LIKELY TO BE A PROTRACTED DEBATE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION INDUSTRY OVER THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC STATIONS THAT WILL BE LICENSED AND THE TYPES OF PROGRAMME THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRANSMIT. THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT INSURMOUNTABLE. AS LONG AS PUBLIC TELEVISION IS NOT ALLOWED TO IMITATE THE OTHER SORTS AND CONCENTRATES ON THOSE PURPOSES FOR WHICH IT WAS CREATED, THERE SHOULD BE NO CONFLICT. THE FINANCIAL QUESTION IS THORNIER. ONE ANSWER MIGHT BE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ALLOW A NUMBER OF GROUPS TO JOIN FORCES TO ESTABLISH A STATION, AS WITH 3CR. ANOTHER MIGHT BE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH STUDIOS AND TRANSMITTERS THAT CAN BE RENTED FOR AN HOUR OR TWO EACH WEEK TO THOSE WHO WANT ACCESS BUT WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY THEIR OWN. RELIGIOUS, PROFESSIONAL, AND SMALL ARTISTIC GROUPS WOULD FIT INTO THIS CATEGORY. IN THE CASE OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION, THERE COULD BE A GOOD CASE FOR THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATIONS OWNED AND OPERATED IN EACH CAPITAL CITY BY A CONSORTIUM OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. REMEMBERING THE DISPUTES OVER COMMUNITY RADIO, ONE DOES NOT ENVY THE JOB OF THOSE WHO WOULD HAVE TO SORT OUT THE ROWS OVER PUBLIC TELEVISION. STILL, THE IDEA IN PRINCIPLE IS RIGHT. BUT THE WAY IT HAS BEEN SUDDENLY REVEALED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ELECTION CAMPAIGN ILLUSTRATES ONCE AGAIN THE NATION'S LACK OF A COHERENT COMMUNICATIONS POLICY. WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 1980 "VERDICT ON MR FRASER" FORGET THE RALLIES, THE SHOUTING, THE SLOGANS AND THE ADVERTISEMENTS, FOR THERE IS NO TRUTH THERE. DISCOUNT THE PARTY LEADERS, BECAUSE THEY SPEAK UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE OPINION POLLS AND THEIR REMARKS BEAR ONLY A DISTANT CONNECTION TO WHAT THEY MIGHT DO IN OFFICE. WATCH THE PROMISES AND THREATS, HOWEVER, BECAUSE EVEN FALSE ARGUMENTS CAN, WHEN THEY COME FROM BOTH SIDES, YIELD A ROUGH KIND OF TRUTH. AND LOOK, MOST OF ALL, AT THE INTERNAL CONSISTENCY OF WHAT YOU HEAR. THIS IS OUR GENERAL GUIDE TO HOW TO VOTE. WE INTEND, TODAY AND TOMORROW, TO JUDGE MR FRASER AND MR HAYDEN AGAINST IT. WE FEEL WE CAN HELP YOU BETTER BY ADVISING YOU HOW TO DECIDE THAN BY TRYING TO TELL YOU HOW TO VOTE. AS WE SAID AT THE OUTSET, A NEWSPAPER HAS NO VOTE: IF IT DID, WE SHOULD FIND IT HARD TO REACH A DECISION. OUR BEST AIM CAN PERHAPS BE "TO HAVE SQUEEZED THE UNIVERSE INTO A BALL AND TO ROLL IT TOWARDS SOME OVERWHELMING QUESTION", IN THE WORDS OF J.ALFRED PRUFROCK. TODAY, MR FRASER. THE BEST THING YOU CAN SAY FOR HIM IS: DO NOT JUDGE HIM BY HIS ILL-ADVISED CAMPAIGN. IT STRAINS CHARITY TO DO SO, BUT WE DO SUGGEST TO THE INTELLIGENTLY SWINGING VOTER THAT HE DISREGARD MR FRASER'S STRIDENCY AND DISTORTIONS. WHILE IT NO DOUBT REFLECTS ON HIS ABILITY TO HANDLE PRESSURE, IT SAYS LITTLE OR NOTHING ABOUT HOW HE WOULD HANDLE ANOTHER THREE YEARS AS PRIME MINISTER. TO JUDGE THAT, WE MUST LOOK AT HIS DISTINCTIVE RECORD AND HIS MODEST PROMISES. IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TRIED, AT THE COST OF CONSIDERABLE UNPOPULARITY, TO GET TWO FUNDAMENTALS RIGHT: THE GOVERNMENT DEFICIT AND THE PETROL PRICE. WE SHALL GO INTO THIS AT GREATER LENGTH TOMORROW, BUT WE ARE BOUND TO SAY NOW, ON BOTH THESE COUNTS, THAT WE VERY MUCH PREFER THE GOVERNMENT'S RECORD TO THE OPPOSITION'S PROMISES. NO PROGRAMME TO GET AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE 'EIGHTIES COULD IGNORE THEM. THE TROUBLE LIES IN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT DONE. IT HAS NOT TURNED ITS BALANCED BUDGET INTO AN ANTI-INFLATION POLICY AND IT HAS NOT TURNED ITS COURAGEOUS IMPORT-PARITY PRICE FOR OIL INTO A RESOURCES POLICY. THUS HAVE THE GOVERNMENT'S STRENGTHS BECOME ITS WEAKNESSES. THE GOVERNMENT IS RIGHT THAT THE RESOURCES BOOM IS LIKELY TO BE THE SHAPING EVENT OF THE 'EIGHTIES FOR AUSTRALIA. THE TREASURY HAS POINTED OUT THE PROBLEM. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE THE POLICIES TO COPE WITH IT. MR FRASER IS AN ENTHUSIASTIC DISPENSER OF THE TREASURY'S MEDICINE TO LABOR, BUT HE DRAWS BACK FROM GIVING IT TO CAPITAL. THAT IS THE ONLY CONSTRUCTION THAT CAN BE PUT ON HIS DISMISSAL, AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB YESTERDAY, OF THE IDEA THAT WE MAY BE SELLING OUR RESOURCES TOO CHEAP. THE TREASURY HAS CRITICISED THE INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME OF MR FRASER'S GOVERNMENT, AND IT IS A PRETTY POOR RESPONSE FOR A PRIME MINISTER TO SAY - AS MR FRASER DID - THAT THIS IS A PIECE OF ADVICE THE GOVERNMENT CHOSE NOT TO FOLLOW. NOR DID MR FRASER HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY TOWARDS THE FEARS - FELT AS MUCH IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AS ANYWHERE ELSE - ABOUT HOW FOREIGN INVESTMENT TO THE TUNE OF $29 BILLION, OR ANYTHING LIKE IT, MIGHT BE FITTED INTO THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY WITHOUT ITS PROBLEMS OUTWEIGHING ITS BENEFITS. HE DID NOT, TO BE SPECIFIC, ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF PROTECTION IN THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY. IT IS A QUESTION MR FRASER WISHES TO DODGE. IF HE HAD A COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENT ABOUT HOW HIS GOVERNMENT WOULD HANDLE RESOURCES INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO REACH A FIRMER JUDGMENT ON HIS CLAIM TO OFFICE. AS IT IS, MR FRASER HAS MADE IT ALMOST AS MUCH AN ACT OF FAITH TO VOTE FOR THE GOVERNMENT AS IT NECESSARILY IS TO VOTE FOR THE OPPOSITION. THIS IS WHAT WORRIES US MOST: THE GOVERNMENT'S FUZZY AND NAIVE VIEW OF THE FUTURE. YOU CANNOT SAY FROM MR FRASER'S SPEECH YESTERDAY, OR HIS CAMPAIGN SO FAR, THAT HIS GOVERNMENT HAS ANYTHING MORE THAN THE VAGUEST OF IDEAS ABOUT HOW THE NARROW WEALTH FROM RESOURCES WILL BE CAPTURED FOR AUSTRALIA. MR FRASER SPEAKS OF A 46 CENTS IN THE DOLLAR FEDERAL TAX TAKE WHEN THE STATES - INCLUDING GOVERNMENTS OF HIS COLOR - ARE BUSILY REIMBURSING COMPANIES FOR EVEN THIS MODEST IMPEDIMENT TO THE REPATRIATION OF PROFITS THEY MIGHT WIN IN AUSTRALIA. YOU CANNOT SAY THE GOVERNMENT HAS MUCH OF AN IDEA HOW WHATEVER WEALTH IT DOES MANAGE TO CAPTURE MIGHT BE USED TO THE ADVANTAGE OF _ALL_ AUSTRALIANS. MR FRASER DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TO SAY ABOUT THE LOT OF THE UNEMPLOYED. HE DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TO SAY ABOUT AUSTRALIA'S PLACE IN THE WORLD (HIS POLICY ON POL POT WILL BE DISCUSSED SEPARATELY TOMORROW). FINALLY, MR FRASER DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TO SAY ABOUT ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. HIS ANSWERS ON THE GOVERNMENT'S UNFORTUNATE ATTEMPTS TO HOLD DOWN INTEREST RATES ARE TOO COY. CUTTING GOVERNMENT IS THE HARDEST TASK, AND WE DON'T IMAGINE ANOTHER GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE DONE MORE. BUT MR FRASER HAS NOT DONE SO MUCH AS WOULD ALLOW A NEUTRAL JUDGE TO CALL HIM A SMALL-GOVERNMENT MAN. HE HAS APPLIED A BLOATED PETROL TAX TO A BIG GOVERNMENT, AND THAT DOES NOT MAKE EVEN TWO-FIFTHS OF AN ECONOMIC POLICY. IT MUST BE SAID THAT FIVE YEARS OF FRASER GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN INFINITELY BETTER THAN FIVE MORE YEARS OF UNRESTRAINED WHITLAMISM. BUT MR FRASER IS RUNNING, NOT AGAINST MR WHITLAM, BUT AGAINST MR HAYDEN. IF MR FRASER HAD MORE TO SAY ABOUT THE FUTURE, HE WOULD NOT NEED TO DWELL SO MUCH ON THE PAST. AS FOR MR HAYDEN, HIS OFFERINGS WILL BE EXAMINED TOMORROW. "POLITICAL ADS AND 'THE AGE'" IN AN EDITORIAL YESTERDAY, 'THE AGE' SAID THAT TWO LIBERAL PARTY ADVERTISEMENTS WERE, IN OUR OPINION, MISLEADING. THE SUBJECTS OF THESE ADVERTISEMENTS WERE LABOR AND INFLATION, AND LABOR AND A WEALTH TAX. ONE OF THEM, ON INFLATION, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE SAME ISSUE OF THE PAPER. LATER YESTERDAY, THE LIBERAL PARTY'S ADVERTISING AGENTS SENT ROUND TWO MORE ADVERTISEMENTS FOR TODAY'S PAPER, A VARIANT OF THE INFLATION ADVERTISEMENT, AND AN ADVERTISE- MENT ABOUT MR HAYDEN AND A WEALTH TAX. IT IS THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF 'THE AGE', AS OF MOST OTHER PAPERS, TO PUBLISH ANY ADVERTISE- MENT PROVIDED THAT IT IS NOT LIBELLOUS OR OTHERWISE ILLEGAL AND PROVIDED THAT IT WILL NOT OFFEND, ON GROUNDS OF TASTE, OUR READERS (A SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT ON OUR PART, TO BE SURE). WE ARE NOT IN THE CENSORSHIP BUSINESS. WHAT ABOUT ADVERTISEMENTS THAT ARE MISLEADING? ORDINARY COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ARE GOVERNED BY THE TRADE PRACTICES ACT; UNDER IT, ANY ADVERTISER MAKING FALSE CLAIMS FOR A PRODUCT CAN BE TAKEN TO COURT. BUT THAT ACT SCARCELY APPLIES TO THE ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS OF POLITICAL PARTIES. THESE COME UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ACT 1918, AS AMENDED. SECTION 161 OF THE ACT READS: "IN ADDITION TO BRIBERY OR UNDUE INFLUENCE THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE ILLEGAL PRACTICES: - (E) PRINTING, PUBLISHING, OR DISTRIBUTING ANY ELECTORAL ADVERTISEMENT, NOTICE, HANDBILL, PAMPHLET, OR CARD CONTAINING ANY UNTRUE OR INCORRECT STATEMENT INTENDED OR LIKELY TO MISLEAD OR IMPROPERLY INTERFERE WITH ANY ELECTOR IN OR IN RELATION TO THE CASTING OF HIS VOTE". THE FIRST QUESTION TO BE RESOLVED, THEREFORE, WAS WHETHER EITHER OF THE ADVERTISEMENTS SUBMITTED BREACHED THE ACT (A BREACH IS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $200 OR BY IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING SIX MONTHS). WE SOUGHT LEGAL ADVICE. THE INFLATION ADVERTISEMENT, WE DECIDED, DID NOT BREACH THE ACT. BUT THE SECOND ONE, ABOUT MR HAYDEN AND THE WEALTH TAX, DID. THE HEADLINE READ: "MR HAYDEN 'WON'T RETREAT' FROM LABOR'S 'WEALTH' TAXES THAT THREATEN THE UNWEALTHY". THIS SENTENCE CARRIES THE CLEAR IMPLICATION, IMPARTED BY THE QUOTATION MARKS ROUND THE WORDS 'WON'T RETREAT', THAT MR HAYDEN HIMSELF IS SAYING AT PRESENT THAT HE WON'T RETREAT FROM LABOR'S 'WEALTH' TAXES. THIS IS NOT TRUE. ACCORD- INGLY 'THE AGE' ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT TELEPHONED THE ADVERTISING AGENTS AND ADVISED THEM THAT WE WOULD NOT PUBLISH THE ADVERTISE- MENT IN THAT FORM. REMOVAL OF THE QUOTATION MARKS WOULD REMOVE THE IMPLICATION THAT MR HAYDEN HIMSELF WAS SAYING THAT HE STUCK TO A NO-RETREAT POLICY, AND MAKE IT PLAIN THAT THE SENTENCE WAS A STATEMENT OF OPINION ABOUT MR HAYDEN, NOT A QUOTE BY HIM. A TRIVIAL CHANGE, SOME MIGHT SAY. HOWEVER, IT IS BY SUCH SMALL VERBAL CHANGES THAT LAWYERS MAKE A LIVING, AND TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT ARE, WE HOPE, AVOIDED. THE EARLIER PHRASING WAS A BREACH OF THE ACT, IN OUR OPINION, WHEREAS THE AMENDED PHRASING IS NOT. BUT SHOULD WE HAVE REFUSED TO PUBLISH BOTH ADVERTISEMENTS, QUITE APART FROM THEIR LEGALITY, BECAUSE IN OUR OPINION THEY ARE MISLEADING? UNLESS WE ARE TO SET OURSELVES UP AS CENSORS IN OUR OWN RIGHT OF POLITICAL ELECTIONEERING METHODS, WE CAN ONLY GO BY THE LAW AS LAID DOWN IN THE PERTINENT ACTS OF PARLIAMENT. AS THE LAW STANDS, POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE A RIGHT TO TRY TO MISLEAD VOTERS; THAT IS, AFTER ALL, A FACT OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING, HOWEVER DEPLORABLE. ALL PARTIES DO IT. THE LIBERAL PARTY HAS PAID FOR THE SPACE. IT IS THE LIBERAL PARTY THAT IS SAYING THAT THE LABOR PARTY'S POLICIES WILL PRODUCE 20 PER CENT INFLATION AND THAT MR HAYDEN WON'T RETREAT FROM WEALTH TAXES. AND WE ARE SAYING THAT THEY'VE PLUCKED THE 20 PER CENT FIGURE OUT OF THIN AIR AND THAT MR HAYDEN HAS IN FACT RECENTLY RETREATED ON A WEALTH TAX AND ON A CAPITAL GAINS TAX. THIS MINOR EPISODE RAISES AGAIN THE QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF ELECTIONS, SO THAT THE ABILITY TO BUY ADVERTISING SPACE AND TIME PLAYS A SMALLER PART IN ELECTIONS THAN BOTH PARTIES SEEM TO THINK IT DOES AS THINGS STAND. IT ALSO POSES THE QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WE NEED SOME FORM OF ELECTORIAL FAIR PLAY COMMISSION, ITS COMPOSITION AGREED BY ALL SIDES, WHICH VETS POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE MASS MEDIA BEFORE THEY ARE PRINTED OR BROADCAST. IT SEEMS QUITE WRONG THAT, AS IN THE PRESENT INSTANCE, IT SHOULD BE LEFT TO INDIVIDUAL NEWSPAPERS TO DECIDE WHAT THE POLITICIANS MAY OR MAY NOT SAY TO THE VOTERS. IT IS THE JOB OF A NEWSPAPER, NOT TO SUPPRESS POLITICIANS' LIES, BUT TO PRINT THEM AND TELL THE READERS THAT THEY ARE INDEED LIES. THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 1980 "THE HAYDEN ALTERNATIVE" YESTERDAY, WE DISCUSSED MR FRASER'S ECONOMIC POLICIES. TODAY WE TACKLE MR HAYDEN'S. HIS ECONOMIC WORLD IS CERTAINLY INVITING. THERE IS COMPASSION THERE, AND HOPE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE - AND CHEAP PETROL. AWKWARD PROBLEMS SUCH AS OPEC AND CHEAP IMPORTS AND OVER-POWERFUL UNIONS HAVE PLAYED LITTLE PART IN LABOR'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN. BUT INTO THIS OPTIMISM WE MUST INJECT REALISM, AND IT IS PARTICULARLY NEEDED IN MR HAYDEN'S ECONOMIC POLICIES. AS FAR AS WE CAN DETERMINE FROM THE QUESTIONS WE HAVE ASKED THE OPPOSITION, FROM THOSE WE HAVE ASKED MR HAYDEN PERSONALLY, AND FROM THOSE HE WAS ASKED AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB YESTERDAY, A LABOR GOVERNMENT WOULD REGARD THE PROBLEM OF INFLATION AS RELATIVELY EASY TO HANDLE. INDEED, IT SOMETIMES SOUNDS AS IF THE LABOR PARTY BELIEVES THAT INFLATION WILL FIX ITSELF, IF ONLY WE CAN GET PETROL PRICES AND HEALTH COSTS DOWN. THERE ARE TWO MISSING LINKS IN LABOR'S ECONOMIC STRATEGY. FIRST, THE LABOR PARTY SAYS THAT IF YOU GIVE WORKERS SOMETHING, UNIONS WON'T ASK FOR MORE, OR AT LEAST FOR MUCH MORE. IS THIS SO? WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT MR HAYDEN CAN ACHIEVE AGREEMENT FROM THE UNION MOVEMENT TO MODERATE WAGE DEMANDS? THE LABOR PARTY'S ANSWER TO THIS BOILS DOWN, BASICALLY, TO THE TWIN CLAIMS THAT IT HAS A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNION MOVEMENT, AND MR BOB HAWKE TO PURSUE IT. BUT A LABOR GOVERNMENT - EVEN IF YOU GIVE IT FULL WEIGHT FOR THESE ADVANTAGES - WOULD SIMULTANEOUSLY AND ON ITS OWN ADMISSION BE PURSUING A COURSE IN ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT THAT TENDED TO WORK AGAINST WAGE RESTRAINT. THAT POLICY IS ECONOMIC EXPANSION, ACHIEVED BY ALLOWING THE MONEY SUPPLY AND THE GOVERNMENT DEFICIT TO RUN AHEAD OF WHAT A FRASER GOVERNMENT WOULD ALLOW. THE LABOR PARTY ARGUES THAT THE EXTRA CASH INJECTED INTO THE ECONOMY WOULD BE RELATIVELY MINOR IN AN ECONOMY WITH A GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF $125 BILLION. BUT A HIGHER LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN THE ECONOMY WOULD PUT PRESSURE BEHIND WAGE INCREASES AND A MORE PERMISSIVE MONETARY POLICY WOULD WEAKEN THE OPPOSITION OF FIRMS TO GRANTING THEM. IN THE FACE OF TRENDS LIKE THIS - THE INTENDED RESULT OF LABOR'S ECONOMIC POLICY - ANY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE UNIONS WOULD SURELY BE A FRAGILE REED. THE SECOND WEAKNESS IN LABOR'S ECONOMIC POLICY IS ITS BUDGET ACCOUNTING. MR HAYDEN WILL FIND IT HARD TO GET THE MONEY HE WANTS FROM TAX AVOIDERS; IT IS GOING TO TAKE TIME FOR THE MONEY TO COME IN FROM A RESOURCES TAX; YET HE IS PROPOSING TO SPEND HEAVILY BY COMPARISON WITH THE FRASER GOVERNMENT. TO THESE DOUBTS ABOUT LABOR'S ECONOMIC STRATEGY, WE MUST ADD A THIRD. WE ARE BOUND TO SAY WE WONDER ABOUT MR HAYDEN'S ATTITUDE TO INFLATION. IN 'THE AGE' YESTERDAY, MR HAYDEN WAS ASKED A QUESTION ABOUT INFLATION, AND HE GAVE AN UNSATISFACTORY REPLY. HE SAID THAT HIS MORE EXPANSIONARY ECONOMIC POLICIES DID NOT RISK HIGHER INFLATION. WHY? BECAUSE HEALTH AND PETROL PRICES WOULD COME DOWN; BECAUSE A HIGHER LEVEL OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY WOULD ALLOW FIXED OVERHEADS TO BE SPREAD ACROSS BIGGER OUTPUT; AND BECAUSE HIS GOVERNMENT WOULD SECURE WAGE RESTRAINT. THIS IS OPTIMISTIC ECONOMICS, GIVEN THAT A HAYDEN GOVERNMENT WOULD ALLOW THE MONEY SUPPLY TO RISE IN LINE WITH GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY, THEREBY FORGOING THE RESTRAINT IMPOSED BY THE FRASER GOVERNMENT. A GOVERNMENT FINDS IT HARD TO ACQUIRE FINANCIAL PRUDENCE ONCE IT WINS OFFICE. THE TEMPTATIONS ARE ON THE SIDE OF SPENDING A LITTLE MORE AND TAXING A LITTLE LESS. A PARTY THAT GOES INTO AN ELECTION WITH A QUESTIONABLE ATTITUDE TO INFLATION AND A SHAKY PLAN FOR BEATING IT IS, AT THE LEAST, A RISK. AS FOR INFLATION, SO FOR PETROL PRICES. NO ONE CAN DOUBT THAT THE RISE IN PETROL PRICES HAS CAUSED HARDSHIP IN THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY, JUST AS IT HAS CAUSED HARDSHIP IN OTHER COUNTRIES. MR HAYDEN IS SEEKING TO WIN VOTES BY PROMISING CHEAPER PETROL. BUT THAT PROMISE WILL NOT BE EASY TO KEEP. LET US HOPE THAT A HAYDEN GOVERNMENT WOULD BE AS TOUGH WITH ITS RESOURCES TAX AS IT IS LENIENT WITH THE CRUDE-OIL PRICE. WHERE MR HAYDEN'S ECONOMIC ATTITUDES SCORE OVER MR FRASER'S IS ON UNEMPLOYMENT. WHEN THE POSTMORTEMS ON THIS ELECTION ARE PERFORMED BY THE POLITICAL SCIENTISTS, IT WILL PROBABLY TURN OUT THAT UNEMPLOYMENT WAS A KEY ISSUE. MR FRASER HAS, BY AND LARGE, PROMISED MORE OF THE SAME FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. MR HAYDEN AT LEAST OFFERS SOME PALLIATIVES: A SUBSIDY TO PRIVATE EMPLOYERS AND JOB-CREATION SCHEMES. THESE ARE SHORT-TERM MEASURES BUT - GIVEN THE SOCIAL DAMAGE BEING DONE BY UNEMPLOYMENT - BETTER THAN NOTHING. ON AVERAGE, PEOPLE NOW HAVE TO WAIT 30 WEEKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIND A JOB. MR HAYDEN ARGUES PERSUASIVELY THAT THE MORE EXPANSIONARY ECONOMIC POLICIES HE PROPOSES WOULD THEMSELVES STIMULATE GROWTH AND HENCE EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE DANGER, AND IT IS A REAL DANGER, IS THAT THOSE JOBS WOULD BE BOUGHT AT THE COST OF HIGHER INFLATION. LABOR APPEARS SUCCESSFULLY TO HAVE BASED ITS CAMPAIGN ON THE BELIEF - SUPPORTED BY THE POLLS - THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THINK THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING IS DECLINING. MR HAYDEN HAS GONE FOR THE HIP POCKET NERVE. IT IS STILL NOT CLEAR THAT THE MONEY CAN BE FOUND TO MEET HIS PROMISES WITHOUT SERIOUS ECONOMIC RISKS. 'THE AGE' CANNOT BE ACCUSED OF BEING KIND TO MR FRASER AND HIS RECORD AND PROPOSALS YESTERDAY. WE EXTEND A SIMILARLY SCEPTICAL RESPONSE TO MR HAYDEN'S POLICIES. "RECOGNISING POL POT'S EVIL" ONE OF THE SORRIEST EPISODES IN AUSTRALIAN DIPLOMACY IS NOT YET OVER. THE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR PEACOCK, HAS ANNOUNCED THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION "IN EFFECT" TO DERECOGNISE THE POL POT REGIME IN KAMPUCHEA. BUT RECOGNITION IS TO CONTINUE "DURING A LIMITED TIME FRAME". THE PRIME MINISTER AND MR PEACOCK DESCRIBE THE POL POT REGIME AS LOATHSOME - AND WHO COULD DISAGREE WITH THEM? THE MILLIONS OF DEAD AND THE SCARRED LIVING ARE TESTIMONY TO MISMANAGEMENT, FANATICISM AND GENOCIDAL BRUTALITY. NEVERTHELESS, FOR THE TIME BEING. AUSTRALIA NOT ONLY PAYS THE REGIME A DIPLOMATIC RESPECT IT DOES NOT DESERVE - THE KHMER ROUGE DO NOT CONTROL THE COUNTRY AND ARE IN NO SENSE A GOVERNMENT - BUT ALSO VOTES IN THE UNITED NATIONS IN FAVOR OF THE POL POT DELEGATION AS OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF KAMPUCHEA. THE POLICY DEFIES LOGIC AND MORALITY. MR FRASER CLAIMS THAT THE POLICY IS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE KAMPUCHEAN PEOPLE AND THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH-EAST ASIAN NATIONS. THE ARGUMENT IS THAT DERECOGNITION OF POL POT WOULD BE IMPLICIT RECOGNITION OF THE VIETNAM-BACKED HENG SAMRIN REGIME AND WOULD GIVE AN IMPRIMATUR TO VIETNAMESE AGGRESSION. THIS SIMPLY DOES NOT STAND EXAMINATION. THERE IS A TRIED AND RESPECTED FORMULA FOR WITHDRAWING RECOGNITION FROM POL POT WHILE AT THE SAME TIME EXPLICITLY WITHHOLDING RECOGNITION FROM HENG SAMRIN - AND CALLING FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF VIETNAMESE TROOPS. MR PEACOCK HAS PROPERLY BEEN SUGGESTING THIS FORMULA FOR SOME TIME. MR FRASER'S STAND SEEMS BASED MORE ON HIS CONCERN ABOUT SOVIET EXPANSIONISM THAN ON AWARENESS OF THE REALITIES OF KAMPUCHEA AND THE REGION. HE IGNORES POL POT'S PROVOCATION OF VIETNAM. HE IGNORES THE FACT THAT WHILE THE KAMPUCHEANS WANT TO BE FREE OF THE VIETNAMESE, THEY PREFER THE HENG SAMRIN REGIME TO THE BARBARITY OF POL POT. CONTINUED RECOGNITION OF POL POT IS AN INSULT TO THE PEOPLE OF KAMPUCHEA - AND ONLY GIVES THE VIETNAMESE REASON FOR STAYING IN KAMPUCHEA. JUST AS COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE IS AUSTRALIA'S DENIAL OF AID TO VIETNAM. IT SIMPLY FORCES VIETNAM INTO THE ARMS OF THE SOVIET UNION, THE VERY THING MR FRASER WANTS TO PREVENT. THE UN CREDENTIALS VOTE HAS COME JUST BEFORE THE AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS AND SO THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A DECLARATION OF INTENT AS IF SOMETHING HAS CHANGED. NOTHING HAS, EXCEPT THE UGLY POL POT FICTION IS PERPETUATED IN THE UN (SURELY THE SEAT COULD HAVE BEEN LEFT VACANT?). RECOGNITION OF THE POL POT REGIME WAS WRONG, ONCE ITS EVILS WERE REVEALED AND ITS POWER BROKEN. IT IS WRONG NOW AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE WRONG. IT SHOULD BE ENDED IMMEDIATELY. FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER 1980 "WAITING FOR SATURDAY" THERE IS A STRANGE MOOD ABROAD IN AUSTRALIA, AS THE ELECTRONIC BABBLE OF THE PAST THREE WEEKS SUDDENLY STOPS AND EVERYONE WAITS FOR SATURDAY EVENING AND THE FIRST RESULTS OF THE ELECTION. MR FRASER AND HIS ENTOURAGE ARE SAID TO BE CONFIDENT, ALTHOUGH WE DOUBT WHETHER THEY ARE AS ASSURED AS THEY SOUND. MR HAYDEN IS APPARENTLY ALREADY PLANNING WHAT HE WILL DO WHEN HE IS ELECTED; HE IS GOING TO STAY AT HIS HOME BASE OF IPSWICH IN QUEENSLAND, CONSPICUOUSLY INACTIVE, CAREFULLY PREPARING NOT TO BEHAVE LIKE MR WHITLAM IN 1972, WITH THE AIM OF CONVEYING TO THE NATION THAT ELECTED HIM AN APPEARANCE OF ASSURANCE AND CALM. MEANWHILE, IN CANBERRA THE CIVIL SERVANTS WONDER WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THEM, AND PREPARE FOR NEW MINISTERS, AND REFLECT GRATEFULLY THAT, WHATEVER HAPPENS, THEIR SALARIES ARE BOTH GENEROUS AND INTACT. THERE IS A FEELING OF CHANGE IN THE OFFING, YET NOBODY, EXCEPT MR HAYDEN, SEEMS QUITE TO BELIEVE IT. WE ARE ALL IN THRALL TO THE POLLS; WE HAVE LITTLE CHOICE, GIVEN THEIR RECORD OF ACCURATE PREDICTIONS OVER THE PAST DECADE AND MORE. YET NOBODY QUITE BELIEVES IN THEIR TABLES AND PRECISE PERCENTAGE POINTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY INDICATE THAT SOMETHING IS HAPPENING OUT THERE AMONG THE VOTERS THAT TOTALLY ESCAPED EVERYONE'S INDIVIDUAL NOTICE UNTIL THE POLLS STARTED SAYING THAT OPINION WAS ON THE MOVE. SO THE MOOD IS EXPECTANT AND UNCERTAIN, WITH ONLY THE ZEALOTS ON BOTH SIDES CONVINCED THAT THEY KNOW THE ANSWER ALREADY. AND THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE. THERE ARE STILL, EVEN AT THIS LATE HOUR, A LOT OF "DON'T KNOWS" OUT THERE. IT WILL BE A SAD DAY WHEN WE ALL ASSUME, WITHOUT QUESTION, THAT THE POLLS ARE ABSOLUTELY RELIABLE PROPHETS OF ELECTION RESULTS. "BRITISH LABOR PARTY IN CHAOS" AT A TIME WHEN SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN'S CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT IS IN SERIOUS DECLINE, THE LABOR PARTY APPEARS TO BE TEARING ITSELF TO PIECES. ITS CREDIBILITY AS AN ALTERNATIVE GOVERNMENT MUST BE IN DOUBT THIS WEEK AFTER THE EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS AT THE PARTY CONFERENCE IN BLACKPOOL AND THE RESIGNATION OF MR JAMES CALLAGHAN AS PARTY LEADER. MR CALLAGHAN'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON WEDNESDAY, AFTER A MEETING OF THE SHADOW CABINET, SMACKS OF THE DESPAIR OF A LEADER WHO WENT A DOZEN ROUNDS WITH THE LEFT AT THE WINTER GARDENS AND LOST ALL BUT ONE. PERHAPS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO LOSE THEM ALL. FOR THE RIGHT'S SINGLE VICTORY - THE RIGHT OF THE LEADER TO CHAIR THE GROUP WHICH WRITES ELECTION MANIFESTOES - SITS UN- COMFORTABLY WITH THE RANGE OF POLICIES TO WHICH THE PARTY HAS NOW COMMITTED ITSELF. IT HAS DECIDED THAT BRITAIN SHOULD WITHDRAW FROM THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY. IT HAS COME OUT FOR THE SCRAPPING OF BRITAIN'S NUCLEAR DEFENCES. IT WANTS TO CREATE A FOREIGN POLICY BASED ON NEUTRALITY WHILE, CONFUSINGLY, RETAINING MEMBERSHIP OF NATO. NATIONALISATION WOULD BE EXTENDED INDEFINITELY, ALTHOUGH THE TARGETS ARE INDISTINCT. PRIVATE MEDICINE AND PRIVATE EDUCATION WOULD BE SUPPRESSED. THE HOUSE OF LORDS WOULD BE ABOLISHED BY PACKING IT WITH LABOR PEERS PREPARED TO VOTE THE CHAMBER OUT OF EXISTENCE. AMONG OTHER DECISIONS TO CAUSE DISQUIET TO THE RIGHT IS THAT LABOR MPS WILL HAVE TO PRESENT THEMSELVES FOR RECONSIDERATION BEFORE ALL FUTURE GENERAL ELECTIONS, A MOVE WHICH MAY PROVIDE CONSTITUENCY ACTIVISTS, MAINLY LEFT-WINGERS, WITH INORDINATE INFLUENCE. MOREOVER, THE LEFT HAS MANAGED TO DITCH THE SYSTEM OF SELECTING A PARTY LEADER BY A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF MPS. BUT BECAUSE NO AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED ON WHAT METHOD SHOULD REPLACE IT, MR CALLAGHAN'S SUCCESSOR WILL STILL BE ELECTED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY PARTY. THE RIGHT KNOWS THAT THIS ELECTION, TO BE HELD WITHIN A MONTH, COULD BE ITS LAST CHANCE TO WIN THE LEADERSHIP FOR ONE OF ITS OWN BEFORE THE SELECTION ISSUE COMES BEFORE A SPECIAL PARTY CONFERENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR. UNTIL THAT TIME, THEREFORE, WHOEVER SUCCEEDS MR CALLAGHAN WILL BE TAKING OVER IN THE WORST POSSIBLE CIRCUM- STANCES. HIS OR HER POSITION MAY BE UNDERMINED WITHIN DAYS. THE MAN MOST LIKELY TO LEAD THE PARTY INTO THE COMMONS NEXT MONTH IS MR DENIS HEALEY, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE RIGHT AND THE CENTRE. MR PETER SHORE AND MR JOHN SILKIN ARE ALREADY UP AGAINST HIM. BUT THE MOST INTRIGUING AND DIVISIVE POSSIBILITIES - MR TONY BENN, LEADER OF THE LEFT, AND MR MICHAEL FOOT, DEPUTY PARTY LEADER AND ALSO OF THE LEFT - ARE YET TO ANNOUNCE THEIR INTENTIONS. MR BENN WOULD SEEM UNLIKELY TO WIN UNDER THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM. BUT IF MR FOOT RUNS AND WINS, HE HAS MADE CLEAR THAT HE WILL SERVE ONLY UNTIL THE PROPOSED ELECTORAL COLLEGE HAS BEEN SET UP. AND IN THAT EVENT, MR BENN COULD LOOK TO THE TRADE UNION BALLOTS AND THE CONSTITUENCY VOTES IN THE NEW ELECTORAL SYSTEM TO HAND HIM THE LEADERSHIP. VICTORY FOR EITHER MR FOOT OR MR BENN WOULD PLACE THE RIGHTISTS UNDER ALMOST UNBEARABLE PRESSURE TO QUIT LABOR AND FORM A SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN THE POLITICAL CENTRE, POSSIBLY EMBRACING THE LIBERALS. THE RIGHT WILL NOT GIVE IN EASILY. BUT THE ODDS AGAINST ITS SUCCESS IN THIS PERIOD OF LICENSED CHAOS ARE MUCH STEEPER THAN IN THE EARLY 1960S, WHEN MR GAITSKELL SWUNG THE PARTY BEHIND HIM AND FORGED A LINK WITH THE UNIONS THAT SURVIVED UNTIL 1980. THE LABOR PARTY TODAY, UNITED ONLY IN BATTLE FOR WHATEVER IS LEFT OF ITS SOUL, IS A PROFOUNDLY DIFFERENT ORGANISATION. MR CALLAGHAN MAY GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE LEADER WHO LEFT HIS PARTY TO MAYHEM, BUT IT WILL BE UNDERSTOOD IF HE GOES WITH SOME SENSE OF PERSONAL RELIEF. SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 1980 "A CHOICE - NOT A CHALLENGE" AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN "THE AGE" ANNOUNCED THAT IT DID NOT PROPOSE TO ADVISE READERS WHICH WAY TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION. NOTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS HAS PERSUADED US TO CHANGE OUR MIND. WHICHEVER SIDE WINS, IT WILL NOT BE DISASTROUS FOR THIS COUNTRY. IT IS UNLIKELY TO BE VERY EXCITING EITHER. THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A COALITION GOVERNMENT AND A LABOR GOVERNMENT WOULD BE DIFFERENCES OF STYLE, EMPHASIS AND PRIORITY. SOME OF THESE DIFFERENCES ARE IMPORTANT, BUT NEITHER SIDE IS OFFERING US A CHANGE IN NATIONAL DIRECTION. INDEED, NEITHER HAS PRODUCED EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT IT IS THINKING FAR AHEAD AT ALL. IT HAS BEEN A SHORT CAMPAIGN - PERHAPS TOO SHORT - CONCENTRATED ON SHORT-TERM QUESTIONS. IT COMES DOWN TO THIS:THE COALITION SAYS IT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE THE BATTLE AGAINST INFLATION ITS FIRST PRIORITY, WHILE LABOR OFFERS SOME IMMEDIATE ACTION TO CREATE JOBS AND IMPROVE LIVING STANDARDS. THE COALITION ARGUES, AS IT HAS ARGUED CONSISTENTLY FOR FIVE YEARS, THAT ONLY IF INFLATION IS KEPT UNDER TIGHT CONTROL CAN WE HOPE FOR A SUSTAINABLE DECLINE IN UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE GENERATION OF LONG-TERM ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH INVESTMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. IT SAYS ARTIFICIAL JOB-CREATION SCHEMES FUNDED THROUGH GOVERNMENT MONEY ARE A SNARE AND A DELUSION, THAT LABOR'S PROMISES OF MODEST INCOME TAX CUTS AND INCREASED SPENDING WOULD FUEL RUNAWAY INFLATION, AND THAT LABOR'S OFFER TO FREEZE CRUDE OIL PRICES WOULD ENCOURAGE IRRESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION OF A SCARCE AND DWINDLING AUSTRALIAN RESOURCE. ON THE OTHER SIDE, LABOR SAYS ITS JOB CREATION SCHEMES ARE A NECESSARY SHORT-TERM MEASURE AIMED AT IMMEDIATE RELIEF OF A GRAVE SOCIAL PROBLEM AND THAT ITS PLANS TO INCREASE THE SPENDING POWER OF INDIVIDUALS WILL ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC GROWTH, THEREBY CREATING PERMANENT JOBS AND PRODUCING MORE REVENUE THAT WOULD ENABLE A LABOR GOVERNMENT TO FULFIL ITS PROGRAMME WITHOUT BOOSTING INFLATION. LABOR MAINTAINS THAT ITS PROPOSED RESOURCES RENTAL TAX IS THE ONLY WAY OF ENSURING THAT THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE GET A FAIR SHARE OF THE PROFITS FROM THE RESOURCES BOOM; THE COALITION SAYS SUCH A TAX WOULD KILL THE BOOM. LABOR SAYS IT CAN RAISE SOME $600 MILLION BY ABOLISHING TAX AVOIDANCE; THE GOVERNMENT SAYS IT CANNOT BE DONE. EACH SIDE HAS DEVOTED MUCHENERGY TO PRODUCING FANCIFUL COSTINGS OF THE OTHER'S PLEDGES WHILE ITSELF INDULGING IN BLATANT PORK-BARRELLING: TAKE YOUR PICK BETWEEN CHEAP AIR TRAVEL FOR TASMANIA AND AN UNNECESSARY TRAIN LINE FROM ALICE SPRINGS TO DARWIN. NEITHER SIDE HAS HAD ANYTHING SENSIBLE TO SAY ABOUT THE LONGER-TERM CHALLENGES FACING THIS COUNTRY IN THE 'EIGHTIES: THE EFFECT THAT THE ENORMOUS INFLOW OF CAPITAL NEEDED TO FUND RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT WOULD HAVE ON OUR EXCHANGE RATE AND THEREFORE ON OTHER EXPORTING INDUSTRIES AND IMPORT-COMPETING INDUSTRIES; THE NEED TO REDUCE PROTECTION OF INEFFICIENT INDUSTRIES TO ALLOW THE ORDERLY RESTRUCTURING OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE EFFECT SUCH RESTRUCTURING AND THE ACCELERATING PACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE WILL HAVE ON THE LABOR MARKET; AND THE ASSOCIATED SOCIAL PROBLEMS POSED BY STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENT. POLITICAL RHETORIC ASIDE, THIS IS AN ELECTION OF LIMITED PERSPECTIVES IN WHICH THE TWO SIDES HAVE TENDED TO EXAGGERATE THEIR DISAGREEMENTS OVER IMMEDIATE QUESTIONS OF ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. OUR VIEW IS THAT THE ELECTION OF A HAYDEN GOVERNMENT WOULD POSE GREATER INFLATIONARY RISKS THAN THE RE-ELECTION OF THE COALITION, BUT THAT THOSE RISKS WOULD NOT BE ANYTHING LIKE AS GREAT AS MR FRASER HAS CLAIMED. NOTHING THAT WE KNOW ABOUT MR HAYDEN'S RECORD, HIS INCLINATIONS, OR HIS POLICIES FITS WITH THE AWFUL VISION DRUMMED UP BY LIBERAL PARTY ADVERTISE- MENTS OF A 20 PER CENT INFLATION MAN. ON THE OTHER SIDE, MR FRASER IS NOT THE CALLOUSLY AUSTERE MONETARIST HIS DETRACTORS (AND SOME OF HIS ADMIRERS) SUGGEST, ALTHOUGH HE IS LESS ATTUNED TO COMMUNITY CONCERN FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. THE ARGUMENT BETWEEN THEM OVER TAXATION HAS LESS TO DO WITH THE TOTAL BURDEN THAN WITH ITS DISTRIBUTION. THE EVENTS OF THE CAMPAIGN HAVE, IF ANYTHING, TENDED TO MAKE IT MORE LIKELY THAT THE NEXT GOVERNMENT, WHATEVER ITS COMPLEXION, WILL SEEK TO OCCUPY THE CENTRE GROUND. IF THE COALITION IS RETURNED WITH A HEAVILY REDUCED MAJORITY - WHICH THE POLLS SUGGEST IS THE BEST IT CAN HOPE FOR - ITS SUPPORTERS WILL CERTAINLY DEMAND THAT IT MODERATE ITS POLICIES TO WOO BACK THOSE SWINGING VOTERS WHO HAVE DESERTED IT. A LABOR VICTORY WOULD CONFIRM MR HAYDEN IN HIS CONVICTION THAT THE SECRET OF ELECTORAL SUCCESS IS TO WIN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE SUBURBAN MIDDLE CLASS. IF EITHER FORGETS THE LESSONS OF THE CAMPAIGN, IT SEEMS MORE THAN LIKELY THAT THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS IN THE SENATE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO REMIND THEM. IN THE END, THEN, AUSTRALIA MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN ACCEPTING LABOR'S MORE GENEROUS PACKAGE NOW AT A SOMEWHAT INCREASED RISK OF INFLATION LATER OR PLAYING SAFE AND SETTLING FOR MR FRASER'S MODEST OFFERING. IT IS NOT AN EXHILARATING CHOICE BUT, IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD, THAT MAY NOT BE A BAD THING. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" IT MIGHT BE EXPECTED THAT BEDTIME ALWAYS WOULD BE GREETED CHEERFULLY AS NATURE'S WISE CALL TO REST AND RENEWAL. IT IS THEREFORE INTERESTING TO REFLECT THAT INDIVIDUALS REACT IN DIFFERENT WAYS TO THE HOUR TO RETIRE. AS THE CLOCK INDICATES THE APPROACH OF THE NIGHTLY DEADLINE, SOME POSTPONE THEIR RESPONSE AS LONG AS THEY CAN. THE ROUTINE OF TIDYING UP, UNDRESSING, PERFORMING THEIR ABLUTIONS AND OTHERWISE PREPARING FOR SLEEP IS A BORING RITUAL WHICH THEY PERFORM WITH UNABATING RELUCTANCE. OTHERS REGARD BEDTIME AS AN UNWELCOME INTERRUPTION TO THEIR HIGHLY PRESSURED ROUND OF LIVING. IT MAKES NO SENSE, THEY SAY, TO FORFEIT ONE THIRD OF THEIR LIFETIME TO SLEEP WHEN LIFE IS SO FULL AND ALL TOO SHORT. THE ONLY TIME BED IS ATTRACTIVE TO SOME TO WHOM IT IS OTHERWISE UNINVITING IS WHEN IT LURES THEM WITH AMOROUS PROSPECTS. OTHERS ALWAYS GREET THE BLANKETS' CALL AS A PLEASANT ESCAPE FROM THE DAY'S IMPERIOUS DEMANDS. THE CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF SUCH A DEVOTEE OF BED IS SAMUEL PEPYS, WHO DID EVERYTHING WITH GUSTO. HE REPEATEDLY WRITES OF BEDTIME WITH THE SAME ALACRITY AS HE MIGHT SPEAK OF A PARTY, AS, "WITH MUCH CONTENT TO BED WITH MIGHTY REST ALL NIGHT". AND OF THE NEXT NIGHT: "SO TO SUPPER AND BED WITH MY MIND AT MIGHTY EASE". THOSE FOR WHOM BEDTIME IS HAUNTED BY AN ANTICIPATION OF TOSSING AND TURNING WHILE VAINLY WOOING THE ARMS OF MORPHEUS, MIGHT WELL ENVY PEPYS'S "MIGHTY CONTENTMENT". BUT THE FAMOUS DIARIST SEEMS NEVER TO HAVE ALLOWED THE TROUBLES OF HIS DAYS TO INTRUDE INTO THE SERENITY OF HIS NIGHTS. SLEEP COMES MORE WILLINGLY TO THOSE WHO CAN CALL A DAY A DAY. YET MANY A BUSINESSMAN TAKES HIS OFFICE DESK TO BED WITH HIM, THERE TO COGITATE UPON ITS CONTENTS, HIS STAFF PROBLEMS, HIS PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT, HIS INCOME TAX RETURN. WHILE MANY A WOMAN LIES AWAKE IN THE DARK, HER MIND PERAMBULATES BETWEEN THE SUPERMARKET SHELVES, REPLAYS HER DISASTROUS GAME OF GOLF OR KEEPS ON REVISING HER GUEST LIST. OTHERS FIND WAYS TO ENSURE THAT "THE CARES THAT INFEST THE DAY" ARE BARRED FROM BED. LORD BURGHLEY, MINISTER OF ELIZABETH I, WOULD HANG UP HIS ROBES OF OFFICE AT BEDTIME, SAYING, "STAY THERE TILL MORNING, LORD CHANCELLOR", THEN, AS PLAIN WILLIAM CECIL, PASS INTO UNTROUBLED REST, MRS MARGARET THATCHER HAS REVEALED THAT BEFORE RETIRING AFTER A HARD DAY'S WORK SHE READS A GOOD SPY THRILLER, AS SHE SAYS, "TO EMPTY ONE'S MIND LATE AT NIGHT". SOME KEEP A NOTE PAD BESIDE THE BED ON WHICH TO JOT DOWN WORRYING THOUGHTS AT BEDTIME, SO EXTERIORISING THEM AND FREEING THEIR MINDS TO CONCENTRATE ON RESTFUL, RELAXING THOUGHTS THAT INDUCE SLEEP. IT IS NOT FOR NOTHING THAT THROUGHOUT HISTORY PEOPLE HAVE SPENT THEIR LAST WAKING MINUTES IN PRAYER. WHATEVER OTHER VALUE SUCH A PRACTICE MAY HAVE, THOSE WHO OBSERVE IT SPEAK OF ITS SOOTHING EFFECT AS A PRELUDE TO A NIGHT OF PEACEFUL REST. MONDAY 20 OCTOBER 1980 "SO IT'S FRASER, AFTER ALL" THE LIBERAL-NCP GOVERNMENT LED BY MR MALCOLM FRASER HAS BEEN RETURNED TO POWER FOR A THIRD TERM IN AN ELECTION FULL OF SUSPENSE AND SURPRISES. WE CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS VICTORY, AND MR BILL HAYDEN ON A COMMENDABLE EFFORT. AT THE CLOSEOF COUNT ON SATURDAY NIGHT, IT APPEARED THAT A NARROW MAJORITY OF AUSTRALIANS VOTED DIRECTLY OR PREFERENTIALLY FOR THE LABOR ALTERNATIVE, BUT THAT THE COALITION WOULD WIN A COMFORTABLE MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN LARGELY A REFLECTION OF AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION AND ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES HAS A SLIGHT BUT SUFFICIENTLY SIGNIFICANT BUILT-IN BIAS TOWARDS THE CONSERVATIVE PARTIES. BUT FURTHER FIGURES SHOWED THE GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION EACH TO HAVE WON AN EQUAL PROPORTION OF THE NATIONAL VOTE. THE SWING TO LABOR - ABOUT 4 PER CENT IN TWO- PARTY PREFERRED TERMS - WAS NOT ENOUGH TO DEFEAT THE COALITION. MOREOVER, THE 6.2 PER CENT ADVANCE IN LABOR'S PRIMARY VOTE WAS FAR FROM UNIFORM, AND THE UNUSUALLY WIDE VARIATIONS FROM STATE TO STATE AND SEAT TO SEAT DID NOT NEATLY CANCEL EACH OTHER OUT. LABOR POLLED BEST IN MANY SEATS WHERE IT DID NOT NEED EXTRA VOTES, AND SITTING GOVERNMENT MEMBERS CLUNG ON IN MANY SEATS WHICH LABOR HAD EXPECTED TO WIN EASILY. HENCE THE APPARENT DISCREPANCY BETWEEN PREDICTIONS BASED ON OPINION POLLS AND THE OUTCOME IN TERMS OF SEATS. NEVER BEFORE HAS AN AUSTRALIAN ELECTION BEEN SO INFLUENCED - AND CONFUSED - BY THE OPINION POLLS. THE GOVERNMENT ENTERED THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN CONFIDENT THAT IT WOULD REMAIN IN OFFICE, AN EXPECTATION SHARED BY MOST VOTERS. THEN THE OPINION POLLS SUGGESTED, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE LEADERS' POLICY SPEECHES, THAT LABOR WOULD WIN, OR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HOLD ON BY ONLY THE BAREST MAJORITY. THE LIBERAL PARTY, PARTICULARLY, MODIFIED ITS CAMPAIGN ACCORDINGLY, UNDERPLAYING THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PRIME MINISTER, WHO WAS PERCEIVED TO BE RELATIVELY UNPOPULAR, AND AROUSING ANXIETIES IN THEIR ADVERTISING, LESS THAN HONESLTLY, ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LABOR VICTORY. THIS SWITCH IN TACTICS MAY WELL HAVE INFLUENCED SOME VOTERS IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. PERHAPS THE MOST REMARKABLE FEATURE OF THE ELECTION WAS THE WIDE VARIATION IN THE SWING TO LABOR FROM STATE TO STATE. LABOR FARED BEST IN THE TRADITIONALLY CONSERVATIVE STATES OF VICTORIA, QUEENSLAND AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AND WORST IN THE THREE STATES WHERE IT COULD HAVE BEEN EXPECTED TO POLL WELL: NEW SOUTH WALES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA. THE ABRASIVE STYLE OF THE COURT GOVERNMENT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND THE COALITION DISHARMONY IN QUEENSLAND, PLUS THE PREVAILING SUSPICION OF CANBERRA IN THESE TWO "FRONTIER" STATES, MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO LABOR GAINS THERE. BUT THE LOSS OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN VICTORIA (OR FAILURE TO PICK UP THE DECLINE IN DLP AND DEMOCRATS' VOTES),AND THE LOSS OF SOME SEATS WITH SWINGS OF 6 TO 8 PER CENT, MUST WORRY THE COALITION PARTIES. LABOR, IN TURN, MUST BE CONCERNED BY ITS FAILURE TO INSPIRE AN IMPRESSIVE INCREASE IN SUPPORT IN SYDNEY AND ADELAIDE. LABOR STALWARTS MAY BE TEMPTED TO BLAME THIS PARTLY ON THE HOSTILE ATTITUDE OF MR RUPERT MURDOCH'S NEWSPAPERS IN THESE CITIES. A MORE LIKELY EXPLANATION MAY BE THAT THIS TIME LABOR GAINED VOTES IN THOSE STATES WHERE IT MADE LITTLE OR NO HEADWAY IN 1977. ONE IRONY OF THE RESULTS IS THAT THE TWO MINOR PARTIES WHOSE POPULAR SUPPORT FELL SIGNIFICANTLY WILL HAVE THEIR PARLIAMENTARY INFLUENCE ENHANCED. THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY LOST PROPORTIONATELY MORE VOTES THAN THE LIBERALS, BUT WILL BE IN A STRONGER POSITION IN THE COALITION, BECAUSE ALL BUT POSSIBLY ONE OF THE SEATS LOST BY THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN HELD BY LIBERALS. THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS' SHARE OF THE VOTE FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WAS ALSO TRIMMED BACK - MOST OF IT APPARENTLY GOING TO LABOR - BUT THE PARTY MAY HOLD THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE SENATE WITH THE TASMANIAN INDEPENDENT SENATOR HARRADINE FROM 1 JULY. THIS COULD MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT AND UNPREDICTABLE FOR THE FRASER GOVERNMENT, ALTHOUGH SENATOR CHIPP HAS PROMISED TO BE "RESPONSIBLE, NOT OBSTRUCTIONIST". ALL THIS SAID, MR FRASER IS ENTITLED TO FEEL THOROUGHLY SATISFIED WITH THE ELECTION OUTCOME. ONCE AGAIN, HIS POLITICAL INSTINCTS HAVE BEEN VINDICATED BY, AS HE LIKES TO PUT IT, THE ONLY POLL THAT COUNTS. HE TOOK THE RISK OF FIGHTING HIS CAMPAIGN ESSENTIALLY ON HIS RECORD AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY. IN SPITE OF SOME DUBIOUS CONCESSIONS DIRECTED TO SELECTED INTEREST GROUPS, THE PRIME MINISTER REFUSED TO DILUTE HIS STERN DOCTRINE OF ECONOMIC RESTRAINT OR TO ENGAGE IN AN EXPANSIVE (AND EXPENSIVE) VOTE-BUYING SPREE. AFTER HIS SINGULAR ELECTORAL SUCCESSES IN 1975 AND 1977, SOME LOSS OF POPULAR SUPPORT AND REDUCTION OF HIS 49-SEAT MAJORITY WAS TO BE EXPECTED. MR FRASER'S STATURE AND AUTHORITY WITHIN HIS PARTY AND THE COALITION HAS BEEN FORMIDABLY REINFORCED, AND THE GOVERNMENT'S SMALLER MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES AND VULNERABILITY IN THE SENATE COULD WELL HAVE THE EFFECT OF TIGHTENING PARTY DISCIPLINE. MR HAYDEN AND THE LABOR PARTY MUST BE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE EXPECTATIONS RAISED BY THE OPINION POLLS WERE NOT CONFIRMED BY THE ELECTION RESULTS. BUT HALVING THE GOVERNMENT'S MAJORITY OF SEATS AND IMPROVING ITS SHARE OF THE NATIONAL VOTE BY 6.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS IS A CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE. ALTHOUGH IT HAD MUCH LESS MONEY TO SPEND THN ITS OPPONENTS, THE LABOR PARTY WAGED A SKILFUL CAMPAIGN, PROJECTING AN IMAGE OF UNITY, MODERATION AND RESPONSIBILITY, AND CONCENTRATING ON LIVING STANDARDS AND FAMILY WELFARE. LABOR HAS LARGELY NEUTRALISED NEGATIVE MEMORIES OF THE WHITLAM YEARS BUT NOT ENTIRELY QUELLED FEARS THAT A HAYDEN ADMINISTRATION WOULD MEAN A RISK OF HIGHER INFLATION AND TAXATION. SOME OBSERVERS SEE A PARALLEL BETWEEN THE LATEST ELECTION AND THAT OF 1969, WHEN LABOR LAID A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR ITS TRIUMPH OF 1972. THREE YEARS IS A LONG TIME IN POLITICS, BUT LABOR WILL NOT HAVE TO SCALE SO HIGH TO WIN POWER IN 1983 AS IT DID THIS TIME. MR HAYDEN PERFORMED MUCH BETTER THAN EVEN MANY OF HIS OWNSUPPORTERS HAD EXPECTED AND HAS AMPLY CONFIRMED HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE LABOR PARTY. MR BOB HAWKE, HOWEVER, FACES A FAIRLY DREARY THREE YEARS ON THE OPPOSITION FRONT BENCH WITH NO EARLY PROSPECT OF ATTAINING HIS AMBITION OF BECOMING A LABOR PRIME MINISTER. FOR THEIR PART, MR FRASER AND HIS GOVERNMENT, ELATED THOUGH THEY ARE ENTITLED TO BE BY THE ELECTION VERDICT, CANNOT AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT OR, WORSE STILL, UNCARING. WE SHOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT THE SWING TO LABOR REFLECTED NOT SO MUCH A HIP-NERVE REACTION BUT A GENUINE CONCERN ABOUT THE GROWING GAP BETWEEN THE HAVES AND HAVE-NOTS IN THE COMMUNITY. THERE HAS BEEN A TOUCH OF CALLOUSNESS ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC POLICIES AND SCANT RECOGNITION THAT THE UNEMPLOYED ARE BEARING A DISPROPORTIONATELY HEAVY SHARE OF THE BURDEN OF THE SLOW HAUL TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY. THE IMPORTANCE OF HOLDING DOWN INFLATION AND CONSERVING ENERGY ARE NOT TO BE UNDER-ESTIMATED, BUT THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR PREVALENCE OF POVERTY - WHATEVER THE ARGUMENTS ABOUT NUMBERS AND STANDARDS - IN A LAND OF PLENTY. AND NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOSE NO TIME IN FORMULATING RATIONAL AND EFFECTIVE POLICIES TO ENSURE RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESOURCES BOOM AND AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF ITS BENEFITS. THE RESTRUCTURING OF AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY AND THE PROBLEMS OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES ARE TWO RELATED CHALLENGES THE GOVERNMENT CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO EVADE OR DEFER. FOR MR HAYDEN, THE TASK OF THE NEXT THREE YEARS IS TO CONSOLIDATE HIS AUTHORITY AS LABOR'S LEADER, TO DEVELOP FURTHER A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE AND TO HOLD THE DISPARATE ELEMENTS OF THE LABOR MOVEMENT TOGETHER. HE HAS REALISED, EVEN IF OTHERS IN THE PARTY HAVE NOT, THAT LABOR'S ELECTORAL SUCCESS LIES IN MODERATION AND CAUTION. WHAT HE MUST ALSO RECOGNISE IS THAT HE WOULD DO BETTER TO EMPHASISE THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF LABOR'S ALTERNATIVE THAN TO APPEAR TO BE CONSTANTLY NIGGLING ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S PERFORMANCE OR PERSONALITIES. FOR MR FRASER, THE LESSON OF THE ELECTION SHOULD BE THAT CONCILIATION AND CONCERN ARE PREFERABLE TO CONFRONTATION AND DIVISION. THERE ARE OMINOUS SIGNS THAT AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY IS BECOMING MORE POLARISED, A TREND LIKELY TO BE ACCENTUATED BY STRUCTURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE. AS IN 1975 AND 1977, MR FRASER HAS PROMISED TO GOVERN IN THE INTERESTS NOT ONLY OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT BUT OF ALL AUSTRALIANS. FOR THE SAKE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND POLITICAL STABILITY, WE HOPE THAT THIS TIME HE WILL SHOW THAT HE MEANS IT. TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 1980 "THE FUTURE OF MR MARCOS" PRESIDENT MARCOS OF THE PHILIPPINES LIKES TO TALK ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF LIFTING MARTIAL LAW EARLY NEXT YEAR. THE 63-YEAR-OLD STRONGMAN, WHO WAS JUST A FEW METRES REMOVED FROM A BOMB EXPLOSION YESTERDAY, IS ACCUSED OF MANY THINGS. BUT IT CANNOT BE SAID THAT HE IS IGNORANT OF THE GENERAL RESENTMENT IN HIS COUNTRY TODAY AFTER EIGHT YEARS OF AUTHORITARIANISM. MR MARCOS HAS A SHREWD IDEA OF JUST HOW FAR HE CAN PUSH HIS FELLOW FILIPINOS, AND HOW BEST TO EXPLOIT THE DIVISIONS WITHIN THE OPPOSITION AND THE INFLUENTIAL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. BUT THE PRESSURES OF 1980 ARE SUCH THAT MR MARCOS IS PROBABLY SINCERE IN HIS PROFESSED DESIRE TO END ONE-MAN MARTIAL RULE, AT LEAST IN NAME IF NOT ALTOGETHER IN FACT. HOWEVER, HE HAS ATTACHED TWO CONDITIONS: AN END TO THE MOSLEM REBELLION IN THE SOUTH, AND AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE ECONOMY. EVEN IF MARTIAL LAW DID COME TO AN END IN MARCH NEXT YEAR - AND RECENT EVENTS SURELY MILITATE AGAINST IT - WHAT WOULD BE THROWN UP IN ITS PLACE? MR MARCOS'S PRIMARY GOAL WOULD APPEAR TO BE THE RETENTION OF POWER FOR HIMSELF AND TO KEEP THE FLAME ALIGHT FOR THE AMBITIOUS MRS IMELDA MARCOS, WHO NO DOUBT WANTS TO SUCCEED HER HUSBAND. TO THIS END, THEREFORE, MR MARCOS COULD DRAW ON HIS FUND OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, WHICH WOULD ENSURE HIS RETENTION OF THE PRIME MINISTERSHIP AND PROVIDE FOR AUTHORITARIAN RULE EVEN WITHOUT THE MARTIAL LAW BLANKET. FOR THE MOMENT HE HAS PLENTY OF AMMUNITION WITH WHICH TO JUSTIFY THE STATUS QUO. HE CAN POINT TO THE WAVE OF URBAN VIOLENCE, TO AN ECONOMY THAT IS GETTING WORSE INSTEAD OF BETTER, AND TO A WIDENING OF THE ETHNIC REBELLIONS. WHAT MAY WORK FOR MR MARCOS IN THE SHORT TERM, THOUGH, COULD EVENTUALLY OVERWHELM HIM. SOME OBSERVERS SUGGEST THAT THE CAMPAIGN OF VIOLENCE IN RECENT WEEKS HAS ARISEN FROM DISAFFECTED ELEMENTS OF THE MIDDLE CLASS, WHICH HAS BEEN ANGERED INTELLECTUALLY BY THE LACK OF CIVIL LIBERTIES AND HURT FINANCIALLY BY THE PARLOUS STATE OF THE ECONOMY. EVEN IF THIS SUGGESTION IS UNFOUNDED, THERE SEEMS LITTLE DOUBT THAT OPPOSITION TO THE REGIME IS GROWING AS RESENTMENT MOUNTS AGAINST MILITARY ZEAL, CORRUPTION IN HIGH PLACES AND THE LOWER STANDARD OF LIVING. IT IS SAID THAT MR MARCOS, WHO HAS BEEN WATER-SKIING FOR THE PRESS IN ORDER TO ALLAY SUSPICIONS ABOUT HIS HEALTH, CAN MAINTAIN HIS GRIP ON POWER AS LONG AS HE MAINTAINS THE SUPPORT OF THE MILITARY AT HOME AND OF INVESTORS ABROAD. HIS DOMESTIC PROP SEEMS SECURE ENOUGH. AFTER ALL, THE ARMY ENJOYS A PRIVILEGED POSITION UNDER MARTIAL LAW AND HAS A VESTED INTEREST IN SEEING MR MARCOS ON TOP. OF COURSE, IT IS UNPOPULAR FOR ABUSING ITS POWERS, AND THE FEAR IS THAT IT WOULD WANT TO STAY ON THE STREETS EVEN IF MARTIAL LAW DISAPPEARED TOMORROW. MR MARCOS'S OTHER PROP IS NOT SO SECURE. FOREIGN INVESTORS, PARTICULARLY THE UNITED STATES, ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES TODAY. MONEY IS FLOWING OUT OF MANILA FASTER THAN IT CAN BE REPLACED. THE TOURIST DOLLAR, TOO, AS IMPORTANT AS THE INVESTMENT DOLLAR, IS SUFFERING IN THE WAVE OF BOMBINGS AGAINST HOTELS. IN THE FACE OF ALL THIS, THE OPPOSITION GROUPS STILL CANNOT FIND IT IN THEMSELVES TO AGREE ON ANYTHING BEYOND THEIR SHARED GOAL OF REMOVING MR MARCOS, FOR WHICH MARTIAL LAW RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL ACTIVITY ARE PARTLY TO BLAME. PERHAPS THE MOST HOPEFUL OPPOSITION FIGURE IS FORMER SENATOR AQUINO, NOW IN EXILE IN THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND WHOM A MODERATE MOVEMENT MAY GROW TO PROVIDE THE OPPOSITION WITH CREDIBILITY, NOT ONLY AT HOME BUT ALSO IN WASHINGTON. MR MARCOS'S GREAT COMFORT THIS WEEK IS THAT HIS OPPONENTS HAVE YET TO THROW UP A SERIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO HIS RULE. THE PRESIDENT HAS A CHOICE. HE COULD NEGOTIATE WITH THE MODERATE FACTIONS OF THE OPPOSITION. OR HE COULD TAKE NEW REPRESSIVE MEASURES IN WHICH THE MILITARY BECAME HIS CHIEF INSTRUMENT TO RETAIN POWER. IT IS FEARED THAT THE CHANCE FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION MAY HAVE SLIPPED FROM MR MARCOS'S HANDS ALREADY. "WRONG COURSE ON ADOPTION" UNDER A BILL INTRODUCED LAST MONTH IN THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT AND DUE TO BE DEBATED ON THURSDAY, ADOPTED CHILDREN WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR ACCESS TO THEIR ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATES ONCE THEY TURN 18, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. AT FIRST GLANCE THIS MAY SEEM A REASONABLY ENLIGHTENED LAW, AS WELL AS A MARKED IMPROVEMENT ON THE STATUS QUO. CERTAINLY THAT IS HOW THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY AND WELFARE SERVICES, MR JONA, WOULD LIKE IT TO BE REGARDED. IN THIS, HOWEVER, HE AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE IN A MINORITY POSITION. AGAINST THEM ARE RANGED A HOST OF SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, ALL OF WHICH HAVE BRANDED THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AS COSMETIC, INADEQUATE AND UNLIKELY TO HAVE ANY REAL IMPACT. THESE ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE ADOPTIVE PARENTS, ADOPTED PERSONS AND NATURAL PARENTS - THE THREE GROUPS WHOSE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS ARE AT STAKE. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO COME UNDER FIRE FROM ITS OWN STANDING COMMITTEE ON ADOPTION, WHICH WANTS THE BILL WITHDRAWN AND A NEW BILL DRAFTED AFTER PUBLIC DEBATE. CRITICISM OF THE GOVERNMENT'S PLANNED AMENDMENTS HAS CENTRED ON TWO MAIN PROVISIONS. ONE IS THAT THE RIGHT OF AN ADOPTED PERSON TO INFORMATION ABOUT HIS NATURAL PARENTS SHOULD BE CONDITIONAL ON THE NATURAL MOTHER'S APPROVAL. THE OTHER IS THAT THE CONCESSION WILL APPLY ONLY TO PEOPLE ADOPTED AFTER THE AMENDMENTS ARE PASSED AND BECOME LAW. IN OTHER WORDS, IT WILL BEGIN TO TAKE PRACTICAL EFFECT ONLY AFTER 1998. THE GOVERNMENT'S STANDING COMMITTEE ON ADOPTION ARGUES THAT AN ADOPTED PERSON IS ENTITLED TO A COPY OF HIS OR HER ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE, AND THAT THIS RIGHT SHOULD NOT BE CONDITIONAL ON THE COURTS OR SUBJECT TO THE NATURAL MOTHER'S CONSENT. IT ALSO ARGUES THAT THE LAW SHOULD BE RETROSPECTIVE. OTHERWISE, IT SAYS, THE 57,000 ADOPTED PERSONS IN VICTORIA (NEARLY HALF OF WHOM ARE ADULTS)WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE NO RIGHTS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SENSITIVE AREA, AND THE RIGHTS OF MORE THAN THE ADOPTED PERSON HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED. NONETHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE DOES SEEM EXCESSIVELY CAUTIOUS. IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND IN OTHER PLACES WHERE ADOPTED PERSONS NOW HAVE RETROSPECTIVE ACCESS TO THEIR ORIGINAL BIRTH RECORDS, THE PROBLEMS CREATED BY THE LEGISLATION HAVE BEEN MINIMAL. IN FACT, VERY FEW ADOPTED PERSONS HAVE SOUGHT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LAW AT ALL - A FACT WHICH SUGGESTS THAT THE FEARS HELD BY SOME GOVERNMENT MEMBERS ARE EXAGGERATED. SOME ADOPTIVE PARENTS MAY BE WORRIED ABOUT A LAW GIVING THEIR ADOPTED CHILDREN UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR BIRTH. THEY MAY FEAR THAT SUCH INFORMATION WILL DRIVE A WEDGE BETWEEN THEM AND THE CHILD WHO IS LEGALLY THEIRS. THERE IS A SIMPLE WAY ROUND THIS, AND THAT IS TO SET UP A CONTACT REGISTER WHERE ADULTS WHO HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AND THEIR NATURAL PARENTS CAN INDEPENDENTLY REGISTER THEIR NAMES. IF THE NATURAL MOTHER DID NOT WANT CONTACT WITH HER CHILD, SHE WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY SO, AND HER OBJECTION WOULD BE RESPECTED. OTHERWISE, THE INFORMATION WOULDBE FREELY AVAILABLE TO ADOPTED PERSONS OVER THE AGE OF 18. SOME FORM OF COMPULSORY COUNSELLING BEFOREHAND MIGHT BE SENSIBLE. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA HAVE RECOMMENDED SUCH A MOVE, AND THEIR VIEW ON THIS AND ALSO RETROSPECTIVITY (WHICH MOST MEMBERS SUPPORT) DESERVES CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT. MR JONA SHOULD RECONSIDER HIS BILL. WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 1980 "GOOD DECISION FOR MELBOURNE" MELBOURNE IS A CITY OF INDECISION. DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES COME AND GO. THOSE THAT ARE TRANSLATED INTO BRICKS AND MORTAR GENERALLY ARE UNCO-ORDINATED. PLANNING POLICIES ARE CONFUSING. IT IS NOT THAT MELBOURNE IS AIMLESS. CLEAR GOALS WERE SET FOR THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND THE INNER AREAS IN A STRATEGY PLAN PREPARED AT A COST OF $400,000 FOR THE MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL BY AN INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM OF PLANNERS IN 1973. THE PLAN WAS ACCEPTED BY THE COUNCIL, THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC AS AN EXCITING AND REALISTIC BLUEPRINT FOR MELBOURNE'S HEART. BUT LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE TO IMPLEMENT IT. THE COUNCIL CLAIMS 17 OF THE 20 ACTION PLANS HAVE BEEN COMMENCED, BUT IN MANY CASES THAT MEANS SIMPLY THAT THERE HAVE BEEN FURTHER DISCUSSIONS. APART FROM THE BOURKE STREET MALL, WHICH IS ANYTHING BUT A CREDIT TO MELBOURNE IN ITS PRESENT FORM, THE MOST SUBSTANTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS - THOSE REQUIRING THE GREATEST CHANGE - HAVE NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED. AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PLAN PROPOSED THAT OFFICE AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS BE CONCENTRATED IN THE CBD, THE AREA BEST SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ROADS. ROYAL PARADE, ST KILDA ROAD, QUEENS ROAD AND MUCH OF EAST MELBOURNE WERE TO BE OUT-OF-BOUNDS TO THE DEVELOPERS OF HIGH-RISE OFFICES. WITH THE UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP BEING BUILT TO SUPPLEMENT THE CITY-BASED TRAINS, TRAMS AND BUSES THAT ALREADY SERVED MOST OF MELBOURNE'S DORMITORY SUBURBS, IT WAS A SENSIBLE SUGGESTION. ALSO, IT WAS A WAY OF SHIELDING THE BOULEVARDS THAT FEED THE CITY FROM MORE VISUALLY INTRUSIVE OFFICE TOWERS AND CAR PARKS. THE MCC HAS MADE A FEW HALF-HEARTED ATTEMPTS TO IMPLEMENT THIS PART OF THE PLAN. BUT WITHOUT AN AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF WORKS' METROPOLITAN PLANNING SCHEME IT COULD NOT ENFORCE THE BUILDING CONTROLS. IT CAME CLOSE TO SEEKING SUCH AN AMENDMENT IN 1977 BUT, UNDER PRESSURE FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPERS, IT BACKED DOWN. ANYWAY, THE NEIGHBORING SUBURBAN COUNCILS THAT HAVE PLANNING RESPONSIBILITY FOR PARTS OF THE SAME BOULEVARDS DID NOT AGREE WITH THE PROPOSED LIMITS. THE BOARD'S PLANNING SCHEME IS LAW. WHILE IT EXISTS IN ITS PRESENT FORM, WITHOUT AN AMENDMENT ALONG THE LINES PROPOSED IN THE STRATEGY PLAN, THE MCC IS HAMSTRUNG. IF IT REFUSES APPROVAL FOR A 20-STOREY OFFICE BLOCK IN, SAY, ST KILDA ROAD, THE DEVELOPER NEED ONLY APPEAL TO THE TOWN PLANNING APPEALS TRIBUNAL TO HAVE THE DECISION OVERTURNED. THE DEVELOPER WOULD BE WITHIN HIS RIGHTS TO DO SO, AND THE TRIBUNAL WOULD BE OBLIGED TO OVER-RULE THE COUNCIL. BUT NOW THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED IN. AFTER FAILING EARLIER THIS YEAR TO GET SOME SORT OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MCC, INNER SUBURBAN COUNCILS, THE BOARD OF WORKS (WHICH HAS NEVER ACCEPTED THAT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THE CBD) AND THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING BOARD ON BUILDING LIMITS ALONG THE BOULEVARDS, IT HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO IMPOSE ITS OWN CONTROLS. THE CONTROLS ARE AIMED AT ENCOURAGING LOW- RISE, MAINLY RESIDENTIAL, DEVELOPMENTS ALONG THE BOULEVARDS AND IN PARTS OF EAST MELBOURNE AND CARLTON; CONCENTRATION OF NEW OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CBD, AND LIMITING THE HEIGHT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AROUND PARKS AND IN THE VICINITY OF PARLIAMENT HOUSE. UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, STATE INTERFERENCE IN SUCH MATTERS WOULD WARRANT CRITICISM. BUT IN THIS CASE IT IS TO BE WELCOMED. THE COUNCILS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT. THE BOARD OF WORKS SEEMS TO WANT DEVELOPMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT'S SAKE. MEANWHILE, MELBOURNE IS A SHAMBLES. HOW CAN WE MAKE BEST USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ROADS IF DEVELOPMENT IS ALLOWED TO SPREAD? HOW CAN WE ENTICE MORE PEOPLE TO LIVE IN THE INNER SUBURBS AND TO SHOP AND WORK IN THE CITY IF IT IS AN UNATTRACTIVE HOTCH-POTCH OF CAR PARKS, OVERWHELMING OFFICE TOWERS AND NOISY AND CONGESTED BOULEVARDS? A COMPACT BUSINESS DISTRICT SURROUNDED BY A BUFFER ZONE OF PARKS AND WELCOMING RESIDENTIAL AREAS IS BEST FOR MELBOURNE. "SHOPPING HOURS TOO RESTRICTED" THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS TREADING GINGERLY ON CONTROVERSIAL GROUND IN TRYING TO RECOGNISE SOCIAL CHANGE, RECONCILE CONFLICTING INTERESTS AND INTRODUCE MORE RATIONALITY INTO ITS REVISION OF VICTORIA'S ANOMALOUS TRADING LAWS. THESE ARE STILL PARTLY BOUND BY WARTIME RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED 40 YEARS AGO TO RELEASE MANPOWER FOR INDUSTRY AND BY THE HERITAGE OF SUNDAY OBSERVANCE LAWS. OVER RECENT YEARS, WHILE BANKING AND POSTAL SERVICES HAVE BECOME MORE RESTRICTED, TRADING HOURS HAVE BEEN INCREASINGLY RELAXED. THE RESULT IS AN EXTRAORDINARY HOTCHPOTCH OF LEGISLATION DETAILING WHAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE SOLD AT VARIOUS TIMES OF THE DAY AND DAYS OF THE WEEK IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOP AND LOCALITY. THE REMAINING RESTRICTIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE GOVERNING SHOPPING BETWEEN 1 PM ON SATURDAY AND MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE AND ARE BEING WIDELY FLOUTED. THE DEMAND FOR LONGER AND MORE FLEXIBLE TRADING HOURS HAS ARISEN MAINLY FROM CHANGING SOCIAL PATTERNS AND A MORE COMPETITIVE COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT. THE VAST INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WIVES IN THE WORKFORCE AND YOUNG SINGLE PEOPLE LIVING AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILY HOME HAS MEANT THAT FOR MUCH OF THE POPULATION THE SHOPPING HOURS OF 20 TO 40 YEARS AGO WERE FAR TOO RESTRICTED. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-SERVICE SUPERMARKETS, REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTRES, DISCOUNT STORES AND OPEN-AIR MARKETS, THE INCREASE IN LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND COMPARISONS WITH OVERSEAS BY A MORE WIDELY TRAVELLED PUBLIC HAVE ADDED TO THE PRESSURES FOR LIBERALISED TRADING. THE MOST IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE CHANGE IN RECENT YEARS WAS TO PERMIT LATE-NIGHT TRADING ON WEEKDAYS. FRIDAY NIGHT SHOPPING HAS NOT BEEN AS POPULAR AS IT WAS BEFORE THE WAR, BUT THE LATE CLOSING OF SUPERMARKETS HAS BEEN A BOON TO WORKING WIVES AND SINGLE PERSONS. NOW THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ALLOW SMALL SHOPS TO OPEN ON SATURDAY AFTER 1 PM, AND THE RETAIL TRADERS ASSOCIATION WANTS THIS LIBERALISATION TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL RETAILERS, BIG AND SMALL. THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION IS NOT PURELY TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR CONSUMERS. IT HAS BEEN UNDER PRESSURE TO COUNTER THE COMPETITIVE GROWTH OF AFTER-HOURS SHOPPING CHAINS AND SERVICE STATION SHOPS SELLING THE GROWING LIST OF GOODS EXEMPTED FROM TRADING RESTRICTIONS. THE MOVE IS STRONGLY OPPOSED BY THE SHOP ASSISTANTS' UNION (SDAEA) WHICH CLAIMS THAT SINCE NIGHT SHOPPING WAS INTRODUCED IN 1971, SOME 8000 SMALL SHOPS HAVE GONE OUT OF BUSINESS, 30,000 FULL-TIME JOBS HAVE BEEN LOST, AND PRICES HAVE BEEN BOOSTED BY 6 PER CENT. HOW THESE ALLEGED LOSSES AND COSTS CAN BE ISOLATED FROM OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS COMPETITION FROM NEWER, LARGER OUTLETS, OR THE IMPACT OF RECESSION AND LOWERED PURCHASING POWER, OR THE EFFECT OF HIGH PENALTY RATES FOR WEEKEND AND NIGHT WORK, IS NOT CLEAR. THE RETAIL TRADERS ASSERT THAT EXTENDED HOURS STIMULATE SALES AND INCREASE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES (IF NOT UNION MEMBERSHIP) WITHOUT NECESSARILY INCREASING PRICES. WHERE THE TRUTH LIES IS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS, BUT IS IT REALLY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ADJUDICATE? IN PRINCIPLE, THE LESS REGULATION THERE IS OVER BUSINESS THE BETTER, AND IF ANY INTEREST OUGHT TO BE PROTECTED IT IS THAT OF THE CONSUMER. RETAIL TRADING, OF ALL FORMS OF BUSINESS, IS THE MOST RESPONSIVE TO THE CUSTOMER, AND SHOULD BE LEAST RESTRICTED IN PRACTICE. WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO DISCRIMINATE IN FAVOR OF ONE TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET AGAINST ANOTHER IS ALSO DOUBTFUL. IF THE WHOLESALE DISMANTLING OF RESTRICTIONS IS TOO DRASTIC FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTEMPLATE, THEN IT MIGHT CONSIDER THE CONCEPT OF STAGGERED HOURS, SO THAT ANY GOODS ARE AVAILABLE WHEN PEOPLE MIGHT REASONABLY WISH TO BUY THEM. THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER 1980 "ON THE DRUGS TREADMILL" IN ANNOUNCING NEW MEASURES TO COUNTER DRUG ABUSE, THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS LOCKED ITSELF EVEN MORE FIRMLY INTO THE PROHIBITIVE, PUNITIVE APPROACH OF TOUGHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HARSHER PENALTIES. THIS IS NOT SURPRISING. IT SATISFIES POPULAR ANXIETY AND INDIGNATION, AND IT PERSUADES POLITICIANS AND PUBLIC THAT SOMETHING USEFUL IS BEING DONE. IT IS EASIER TO LEGISLATE THAN TO ASK WHY PEOPLE TURN TO HARMFUL DRUGS, AND MUCH LESS DISCONCERTING THAN TO CONFRONT THE ANSWERS SUCH AN INQUIRY MIGHT PRODUCE. THERE IS DEPRESSINGLY LITTLE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, THAT THE TOUGH LAW AND ORDER APPROACH DOES MUCH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM; ON THE CONTRARY, THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT IT AGGRAVATES IT. BUT THE LEGISLATORS AND ENFORCERS REMAIN UNDETERRED. IN AUSTRALIA THE PATTERN SEEMS TO BE FOLLOWING THAT OF THE UNITED STATES: TOUGH LAWS AND HIGH PENALTIES, GREATER CRIMINAL ORGANISATION AND POLICE CORRUPTION, A WIDER SPREAD OF DRUG ABUSE, FOLLOWED BY TOUGHER LAWS AND HIGHER PENALTIES, AND SO ON UNTIL THE PROBLEM BECOMES INCREASINGLY ENTRENCHED AND INTRACTABLE. THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST PROPOSALS FALL INTO TWO CATEGORIES, ONE DEALING WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS AND THE OTHER WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. THEY MAY BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR TRAFFICKING IN DANGEROUS NARCOTICS SUCH AS HEROIN AND COCAINE IS TO BE INCREASED FROM 15 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND/OR A $100,000 FINE TO 25 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND/OR A $200,000 FINE. THE PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION ARE ALSO GREATLY INCREASED. THE RATIONALE FOR THESE HIGHER PENALTIES, OTHER THAN TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THOSE IN NEW SOUTH WALES, IS NOT EXPLAINED. PERHAPS THEY ARE INTENDED TO FRIGHTEN OFF POTENTIAL COURIERS AND DISTRIBUTORS. BUT DETERRENCE DEPENDS MORE ON CERTAINTY OF DETECTION AND CONVICTION THAN ON THE THREAT OF DIRE PUNISHMENT. THE COMMONWEALTH ROYAL COMMISSIONER INTO DRUGS, MR JUSTICE WILLIAMS, OBSERVED: "IT IS A FAR GREATER DETERRENT THAT NINE TRAFFICKERS GO TO JAIL FOR FIVE YEARS EACH THAN THAT ONE IS SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR LIFE". HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE PRESENT APPROACH OF PUNISHING DRUG DEALERS SEVERELY WHILE SHOWING RELATIVE LENIENCY TOWARDS USERS WAS NOT LOGICAL, "BECAUSE NEARLY ALL USERS ARE TRAFFICKERS, ALBEIT ON A MINOR SCALE". MOST HEROIN ADDICTS CAN FEED THEIR HABIT ONLY BY SELLING TO OTHERS, OR BY RESORTING TO CRIME OR PROSTITUTION. MORE EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN, IN FACT, COMPOUND THE PROBLEM, BY RAISING THE PRICE OF SUPPLIES AND FORCING ADDICTS TO PUSH OR STEAL OR SOLICIT ALL THE MORE. THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SIMPLIFY THE OFFENCE OF TRAFFICKING, &C, IN CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) BY FIXING A SINGLE MAXIMUM PENALTY OF 10 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND/OR A $50,000 FINE, REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OR POTENCY OF THE CANNABIS PRODUCT. EVEN THIS PENALTY IS OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO THE KNOWN AND SUPPOSED HARMFUL EFFECTS OF USING CANNABIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE ENORMOUS SOCIAL COSTS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE. THE INTRODUCTION OF A SIMILAR PENALTY SPECIFICIALLY FOR THE CULTIVATION OF A CANNABIS PLANT IS SIMPLY LUDICROUS, AND ONE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE COURTS WILL DRAW AN APPROPRIATE DISCRETIONARY DISTINCTION BETWEEN A HOME BACKYARD POT PLANT AND A MARKETABLE PLANTATION CULTIVATED FOR PROFIT. THE PROPOSALS TO TIGHTEN UP REGULATIONS RELATING TO ABUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ARE MORE USEFUL. THE WIDESPREAD MISUSE OF THESE DRUGS AND THE HARMFUL AND COSTLY CONSEQUENCES HAVE BEEN RELATIVELY NEGLECTED WHILE PUBLIC OPINION HAS FOCUSED ON THE MORE LIMITED PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL DRUGS. TRAFFICKING IN RESTRICTED DRUGS SUCH AS BARBITURATES WILL ATTRACT THE SAME PENALTY AS TRAFFICKING IN CANNABIS. THIS SEEMS EXCESSIVE BUT IS CERTAINLY MORE LOGICAL THAN THE CONTRACT OF THE FORMER MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A $100 FINE. FORGING A PRESCRIPTION AND FALSE REPRESENTATION FOR OBTAINING A PRESCRIPTION OF A RESTRICTED DRUG BECOMES PUNISHABLE BY UP TO TWO YEARS' JAIL. HERE IT MUST BE ASKED WHETHER SOMEONE DESPERATE ENOUGH TO COMMIT THESE OFFENCES TO OBTAIN DRUGS ON WHICH HE HAS BECOME DEPENDENT (AS DISTINCT FROM TRYING TO OBTAIN THEM FOR TRAFFICKING FOR PROFIT) SHOULD BE TREATED AS A CRIMINAL TO BE PUNISHED RATHER THAN A PERSON IN NEED OF HELP. THE WORKING PARTY ON WHOSE RECOMMENDATIONS THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE CHANGES ARE BASED HAS ALSO CALLED FOR MORE EFFECTIVE EARLY INTERVENTION, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION. THESE MEASURES DESERVE HIGHER PRIORITY THAN THE MORE DRAMATIC GESTURE OF INCREASING PENALTIES. "PROBE INTO THE NEWSPAPERS" LAST DECEMBER THE PREMIER, MR HAMER, SAID HE WOULD REFER THE QUESTION OF NEWSPAPER OWNERSHIP IN VICTORIA TO THE ALL-PARTY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON COMPANY TAKEOVERS. WHAT PROMPTED HIM TO DO SO - ALTHOUGH IT NOW SEEMS TO HAVE SLIPPED HIS MEMORY - WAS MR RUPERT MURDOCH'S BOLD BUT ABORTIVE BID TO ACQUIRE A CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE HERALD AND WEEKLY TIMES. SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN MR HAMER HAS BEEN ASKED WHEN HE INTENDED TO MAKE GOOD HIS PROMISE. YESTERDAY HE SUPPLIED THE ANSWER. AN INQUIRY INTO NEWSPAPER OWNERSHIP IN VICTORIA HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE CARRIED OUT, NOT BY A COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENT, BUT BY A RETIRED SUPREME COURT JUDGE, MR JUSTICE NORRIS, SITTING ALONE. PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE INVITED, AT WHICH POINT THE GOVERNMENT WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE HEARING (FOR WHICH NO FIXED TIME LIMIT HAS BEEN SET) WILL BE PUBLIC OR NOT. WHEN THE ORIGINAL INQUIRY WAS MOOTED WE WELCOMED IT WITH RESERVATIONS. A CONCENTRATION OF MEDIA OWNERSHIP IS UNDESIRABLE AT ANY TIME, WHETHER IN TELEVISION, RADIO OR NEWSPAPERS. THIS WAS THE VIEW TAKEN RECENTLY BY THE AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING TRIBUNAL IN ITS DECISION ON THE OWNERSHIP OF THE MELBOURNE TV STATION CHANNEL 10. IT IS A SOUND PRINCIPLE. THE GREATER THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC VOICES, THE LESS CHANCE THERE IS OF ONE COMPANY OR ONE INDIVIUAL CONTROLLING, AND PERHAPS MANIPULATING, PUBLIC OPINION. UNDER THE TERMS OF REFERENCE MR JUSTICE NORRIS WILL BE LOOKING AT THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE NEWSPAPERS OF VICTORIA ARE CONCENTRATED IN PARTICULAR HANDS, AND WHETHER IT WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST FOR THE CONTROL AND OWNERSHIP OF THOSE PUBLISHING COMPANIES TO BE REGULATED. ONE POINT WHICH THE INQUIRY WILL HAVE TO DECIDE IS AT WHAT STAGE, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, GOVERNMENTS SHOULD INTERVENE TO PREVENT MONOPOLIES. THERE ARE CLEARLY DANGERS IN INTERVENTION. THERE ARE ALSO PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN PREVENTING ONE COMPANY FROM BUYING OUT ANOTHER. MARKET FORCES ARE THEMSELVES A FACTOR IN OWNERSHIP CONCENTRATION; AND SOMETIMES IT IS ONLY A WELL- ESTABLISHED GROUP OR CHAIN WHICH CAN AFFORD TO LAUNCH A NEW NEWSPAPER OR RESCUE AN AILING ONE. IN GENERAL, THOUGH, WE WELCOME THE INQUIRY, PARTICULARLY IF IT CAN COME UP WITH A SET OF GROUND RULES AIMED AT PREVENTING FURTHER CONCENTRATION OR, BETTER STILL, CREATING DIVERSITY. HOWEVER, IF THE BOARD'S FINAL REPORT IS TO CARRY WEIGHT, ITS SIZE SHOULD BE ENLARGED. MR JUSTICE NORRIS, WHO IS GETTING ON IN YEARS, SAYS HE KNOWS LITTLE ABOUT THE SUBJECT HE HAS BEEN ASKED TO LOOK INTO. THAT IN ITSELF IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING; BUT HE WILL SURELY NEED ALONGSIDE HIM AT LEAST ONE INDEPENDENT PERSON WHO UNDERSTANDS THE BUSINESS. BESIDES, THE INQUIRY SHOULD BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM THE BEGINNING. IT WOULD BE ABSURD TO HOLD AN INQUIRY INTO NEWSPAPERS, OF ALL THINGS, AND TO KEEP THE PROCEEDINGS PRIVATE. THE POINT OF THE INQUIRY, AFTER ALL, IS NOT TO PROTECT PRIVATE INTERESTS, BUT TO ADVANCE THE PUBLIC INTEREST. FRIDAY 24 OCTOBER 1980 "THREE-WAY FIGHT IN QUEENSLAND" WITH THE DUST OF THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS BARELY SETTLED, QUEENSLANDERS ARE GETTING READY TO GO THE POLLS AGAIN. IF THE PRELIMINARY COMMENTS BY THE PREMIER, MR JOH BJELKE-PETERSEN, AND HIS LIBERAL AND LABOR RIVALS ARE ANY GUIDE, IT WILL BE A RUGGED CONTEST. THE LIBERALS AND THE NATIONAL PARTY ARE STILL PARTNERS IN GOVERNMENT; BUT IT IS A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE ONLY: BETWEEN NOW AND POLLING DAY, 29 NOVEMBER, THEY WILL BE AT ONE ANOTHER'S THROATS. THE NATIONALS, WHO HAVE 34 SEATS IN THE QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT COMPARED WITH THE LIBERALS' 25 AND LABOR'S 23, WILL BE OUT TO ASSERT THEIR SUPREMACY ONCE AGAIN. THE LIBERALS, FOR THEIR PART, HAVE SET THEMSELVES THE DAUNTING TASK OF BECOMING SENIOR PARTNER IN THE COALITION. BOTH PARTIES HAVE MUCH TO GAIN OR LOSE, AND THE NO-HOLDS-BARRED FIGHT BETWEEN THEM WILL PROBABLY OVERSHADOW THE OTHER CONTEST BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ALP. TO GAIN OFFICE IN ITS OWN RIGHT LABOR WOULD NEED A SWING OF MORE THAN 6 PER CENT. WHILE IT POLLED CREDITABLY IN THE RECENT FEDERAL ELECTIONS, ACHIEVING A 5.7 PER CENT IMPROVEMENT IN ITS VOTE, A SWING OF THIS ORDER SEEMS IMPROBABLE. FOR ONE THING THE STATE LABOR LEADER, MR ED CASEY, IS AN UNINSPIRING FIGURE. FOR ANOTHER, LABOR HAS BEEN RIVEN BY INTERNAL DISPUTES AND WRANGLING BETWEEN THE OLD GUARD AND THE INTERVENTIONISTS. THE TWO SIDES PATCHED UP THEIR DIFFERENCES FOR THE RECENT ELECTION; BUT THERE IS STILL MUCH BITTERNESS BETWEEN THEM. ONE OF THE LEGACIES OF THE OLD GUARD, TOO, HAS BEEN POOR BRANCH ORGANISATION; AND THIS IS LIKELY TO AFFECT THE PARTY'S SHOWING ON ELECTION DAY. IF THE LIBERALS ARE TO ACHIEVE THEIR AMBITION OF TOPPLING MR BJELKE-PETERSEN AND THE NATIONALS, A CONJUNCTION OF UNLIKELY CIRCUMSTANCES IS NECESSARY. ONE IS FOR LABOR TO IMPROVE ITS STANDING ALONG THE NORTHERN COASTAL BELT IN SEATS AT PRESENT HELD BY THE NATIONALS. THE OTHER IS FOR THE LIBERALS TO POLL WELL IN AND AROUND BRISBANE AT LABOR'S EXPENSE. IT SEEMS AN IMPROBABLE - ALTHOUGH BY NO MEANS IMPOSSIBLE - SCENARIO, GIVEN THAT FOUR OR FIVE SEATS IN THE BRISBANE AREA, AT PRESENT HELD BY THE LIBERALS, COULD FALL TO LABOR WITH A VERY SMALL SWING. THE LIBERALS COULD PICK UP A COUPLE OF SEATS IN THE NORTH THEMSELVES. BUT THEY WILL HAVE TO FIGHT HARD TO RETAIN THE TWO GOLD COAST SEATS, SOUTHPORT AND SURFERS PARADISE, WHICH THEY WON LAST TIME, BUT WHICH THE NATIONALS ARE, PERHAPS, OPTIMISTICALLY, DETERMINED TO WREST BACK. SIX MONTHS AGO MR BJELKE-PETERSEN'S CONTROL OVER BOTH HIS OWN PARTY AND THE GOVERNMENT SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING. WHERE HE HAD ONCE BEEN AN ASSURED VOTE-CATCHER, HE WAS BEGINNING TO BE PERCEIVED AS A LIABILITY; AND THERE WAS SPECULATION ABOUT A POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR. TO DATE, HOWEVER, ALL THE POLITICAL OBITUARIES WRITTEN FOR THE WILY QUEENSLAND PREMIER HAVE PROVED PREMATURE. HIS PERFORMANCE OF LATE HAS BEEN LESS ABRASIVE AND LESS CONFRONTATIONAL. HE GOES INTO THE ELECTION NOT ONLY WITH A COMFORTABLE LEAD IN SEATS OVER HIS LIBERAL PARTNERS (HELPED BY THE RURAL GERRYMANDER) BUT WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT IF LABOR SHOWS A RESURGENCE AT THE POLLS, IT IS THE LIBERAL PARTY AND NOT HIS OWN NATIONAL PARTY WHICH IS LIKELY TO SUFFER MOST. THE NATIONALS MAY LOSE A FEW SEATS ON 29 NOVEMBER; BUT AT THIS STAGE THEIR CHANCES OF REMAINING THE SENIOR PARTNER IN THE GOVERNMENT APPEAR FAIRLY GOOD. "MURDER BY DEGREES" THE LAW INSTITUTE, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE PROMINENT TRIAL LAWYER MR FRANK GALBALLY, HAS REVIVED A LEGAL DEBATE ABOUT MURDER THAT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN SETTLED IN VICTORIA IN 1974. WITH THE SUPPORT OF INFLUENTIAL POLICE OFFICERS, THE LAWYERS PLAN TO ASK THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT OF DEGREES OF UNLAWFUL HOMICIDE TO REPLACE THE OLD-ESTABLISHED CRIMES OF MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER. IN 1973, WHEN THE PENALTY FOR MURDER IN VICTORIA WAS STILL DEATH (ALTHOUGH RARELY INFLICTED), THE LAW REFORM COMMISSIONER, MR T. W. SMITH, QC, WAS ASKED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE THE CONCEPT OF DEGREES OF MURDER, THE IDEA BEING THAT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT MIGHT BE RESERVED FOR THE MOST SERIOUS TYPES OF MURDER. AS IT HAPPENED, MR SMITH WAS NOT ASKED TO REPORT ON WHETHER THE DEATH PENALTY SHOULD BE ABOLISHED (IT WAS REPLACED BY MANDATORY LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN 1975), BUT HE ADVISED AGAINST A SYSTEM OF DEGREES OF HOMICIDE. HE SUGGESTED THAT UNLAWFUL KILLING SHOULD NOT AMOUNT TO MURDER UNLESS THERE WAS INTENT TO KILL (OR IF THE PERSON REALISED HIS ACTIONS WERE CERTAIN OR MORE LIKELY THAN NOT TO KILL). HE ALSO SPECIFICALLY RECOMMENDED THAT MERCY KILLING CONTINUE TO BE CLASSED AS MURDER. MR GALBALLY ADVOCATES A SYSTEM, SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE UNITED STATES, OF FOUR GRADES OF UNLAWFUL HOMICIDE. FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, PUNISHABLE BY MANDATORY LIFE IMPRISONMENT, COULD COVER KILLING FOR GAIN, BY TERRORISTS AND IN JAIL ESCAPES, AS WELL AS GROSSLY SADISTIC TYPES OF MURDER. SECOND-DEGREE HOMICIDE WOULD INCLUDE CRIMES OF PASSION AND THIRD-DEGREE HOMICIDE WOULD COVER MERCY KILLING. WHAT NOW IS HELD TO BE MANSLAUGHTER WOULD COME UNDER FOURTH-DEGREE HOMICIDE. THIS GRADUATED APPROACH HAS SEVERAL ADVANTAGES. IT RECOGNISES THE REALITY THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL DEGREES OF CULPABILITY OR MORAL GRAVITY IN THE DELIBERATE OR GROSSLY NEGLIGENT TAKING OF HUMAN LIFE. IT WOULD GIVE THE COURTS THE FLEXIBILITY TO CONVICT ON THE APPROPRIATE CHARGE AND TO SENTENCE ACCORDINGLY. MAXIMUM SENTENCES FOR EACH LEVEL WOULD BE SET BY STATUTE. AT PRESENT, JURIES HAVE THE OPTION ONLY OF CONVICTING OR ACQUITTING SOMEONE ON A MURDER CHARGE, OR FINDING HIM GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND JUDGES HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO SENTENCE SOMEONE CONVICTED OF MURDER TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. THE ACTUAL TERM SERVED IS BEYOND THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS AND LEFT TO EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT. A SYSTEM OF DEGREES WOULD PROBABLY OVERCOME JURIES' RELUCTANCE TO CONVICT WHERE THEY SEE MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES, AND COULD LEAD TO SHORTER TRIALS. MR GALBALLY'S ARGUMENT, SUPPORTED BY MANY OTHER CRIMINAL LAWYERS AND CRIMINOLOGISTS AND SOME JUDGES, IS COMPELLING AND DESERVES RECONSIDERATION BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT. SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 1980 "HOPE FOR THE HOSTAGES" IT IS HAZARDOUS TO TRY TO INTERPRET EVENTS IN IRAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH WESTERN LOGIC. THE COUNTRY IS FULL OF SURPRISES, EVEN FOR NEIGHBORING IRAQ, WHOSE HOPES FOR A QUICK MILITARY VICTORY OVER THE IRANIANS HAVE PROVED ILL-FOUNDED. WHILE IT WOULD BE IDLE TO PRETEND THAT MANY AMERICANS WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE AYATOLLAH KHOMEINY GET A BLOODY NOSE, THE INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES LIES IN A PEACEFUL, UNITED AND INDEPENDENT IRAN. FOR THE TIME BEING, HOWEVER, WASHINGTON'S MAIN PREOCCUPATION IS TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF THE 52 AMERICAN HOSTAGES. TODAY, AFTER NEARLY A YEAR OF CAPTIVITY, THE CAPTIVES APPEAR TO HAVE A REAL PROSPECT OF FREEDOM. WHY NOW? FIRST, PRESIDENT CARTER, UP FOR RE-ELECTION ON 4 NOVEMBER, HAS BEEN MAKING MOST OF THE RIGHT GESTURES TOWARDS IRAN IN RECENT WEEKS. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE SIGHT OF 52 AMERICANS ON THEIR WAY HOME WOULD DO WONDERS FOR MR CARTER'S STANDING IN A CLOSE ELECTION. THERE IS EVEN A SLIGHT POSSIBILITY THAT THE IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARIES, ALTHOUGH THEY HATE THE PRESIDENT, MAY PREFER HIM TO MR RONALD REAGAN, WHO APPARENTLY THINKS HE CAN SOLVE THE HOSTAGE PROBLEM IN ONE DAY. SECOND, IRAN WOULD SEEM TO NEED ALL THE FRIENDS AND ALL THE WESTERN AMMUNITION AND SPARE PARTS IT CAN GET AS THE WAR SPINS ON. THIRD, IRAN'S NEW PARLIAMENT, OR MAJLIS, IS ABOUT TO DEBATE THE CONDITIONS WASHINGTON WOULD HAVE TO MEET FOR THE HOSTAGES TO BE RELEASED. FOURTH, THE ACTIVIST MOSLEM ELEMENTS OF THE LEADERSHIP APPEAR TO BELIEVE THAT THE AIMS BEHIND THE EMBASSY SEIZURE HAVE BEEN FULFILLED. IT IS THE FOURTH POINT THAT MATTERS, FOR IT CUTS TO THE HEART OF WHAT REVOLUTIONARY IRAN IS ALL ABOUT. THE KEY FACT ABOUT POLITICS IN IRAN IS THAT TWO DISTINCT FACTIONS CAME TO POWER IN THE REVOLUTION: NATIONALISTS AND ACTIVIST MOSLEMS. THE NATIONALISTS ARE OF WESTERN EXPERIENCE AND BENT. THE ACTIVISTS ESCHEW MODERNITY AND FOCUS ON CULTURAL AND MORAL MATTERS. WHILE THE NATIONALISTS STRESS IRAN AND THE 20TH CENTURY, THE ACTIVISTS ARE PREOCCUPIED WITH ISLAM AND TRADITION. IT IS A BATTLE FOR IRAN'S SOUL AS MUCH AS ITS GOVERNMENT, AND ONE BY ONE THE NATIONALISTS HAVE BEEN SQUEEZED OUT OF POWER. TO THIS END THE HOSTAGES HAVE STRENGTHENED THE HAND OF THE ACTIVIST POLITICAL LEADERS, WHO HAVE BENEFITED DIRECTLY FROM THE STARTLING POWER AND ANTI- NATIONALIST PUBLICITY GAINED BY THE CAPTORS. THE ACTIVISTS NOW APPEAR TO HAVE THE UPPER HAND. CERTAINLY THEY ARE THE DOMINANT FORCE IN THE MAJLIS. BUT IN AN IRAN WHERE NOBODY SEEMS TO AGREE ON THE POLITICAL RULES, DO THE ACTIVISTS SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT THE NATIONALISTS HAVE BEEN VANQUISHED? THE FATE OF THE HOSTAGES HANGS ON THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION, FOR IF THE INTERFAC- TIONAL STRUGGLE PERSISTS, THE ACTIVISTS WILL BE RELUCTANT TO FREE THEIR AMERICAN PRIZES. IT MAY APPEAR TO BE A FRUSTRATING GAME FOR THE UNITED STATES, WHICH HAS BEEN HUMILIATED AT EVERY TURN IN ITS DEALINGS WITH POST-PAHLAVI IRAN. BUT IT IS NO GAME IN TEHERAN. AT THIS TIME OF OPTIMISM, WHEN HOPE FOR THE HOSTAGES HAS NOT BEEN GREATER, IT WOULD BE PREMATURE TO RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF ANOTHER UNPLEASANT SURPRISE. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" THE GRAFFITI WALL AT MELBOURNE'S CITY SQUARE IS MORE THAN A NOVEL FEATURE OF THE OVERALL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN. IT ALSO PROVIDES A LEGITIMATE MEDIUM FOR PEOPLE'S PROPENSITY TO INSCRIBE THEIR NAMES AND SET FORTH THEIR SENTIMENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES. THE URGE TO WRITE ONE'S NAME BEGINS AS SOON AS A CHILD LEARNS TO SPELL. IT IS ONE OF THE FIRST EXPRESSIONS OF THE INNATE HUMAN DESIRE TO LEAVE ONE'S MARK ON THE WORLD. IT GIVES A CHILD A SENSE OF IDENTITY TO KNIFE HIS NAME IN A CLASSROOM DESK OR, AS PHILLIP ADAMS SAYS HE DID, SCRATCH IT IN THE PAINT OF A SHELTER-SHED WALL. SUCH PRANKS ARE TYPICAL OF CHILDREN. BUT THE INCLINATION OF ADULTS TO SCRIBBLE THEIR NAMES ON A PARK SEAT OR A STATION WALL BETRAYS A PERSISTING STREAK OF JUVENILITY, OR OF INFERIORITY FEELINGS THEY MAY YET OUTGROW ON DISCOVERING SOCIALLY USEFUL MEANS OF ACHIEVING DISTINCTION. WE MAY SUPPOSE THAT PHILLIP ADAMS FELT NO DESIRE TO AGAIN DEFACE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AFTER HIS NAME AND TALENTS BECAME HOUSEHOLD WORDS. AS CHILDHOOD RECEDES AND A SOCIAL AWARENESS GROWS, GRAFFITI OFFERS PEOPLE A TEMPTING METHOD OF REGISTERING PROTEST, URGING REFORMS, CASTIGATING POLITCIANS AND PROMOTING CAUSES. ALTHOUGH THE ISSUES THEY ADVOCATE ARE CONTEMPORARY, THE MEANS THEY EMPLOY ARE ANCIENT. WHEN EXCAVATORS SHOVELLED AWAY THE PUMICE AND ASH FROM THE RUINS OF POMPEII, THEY CONFRONTED, SCRAWLED ON STREET WALLS, CRUDE NOTICES SUCH AS, IN LATIN, "VOTE FOR C. JULIUS POLYBIUS. HE STANDS FOR GOOD BREAD". SOME PRESENT-AGE SLOGANS ALSO OUTLAST THE CAMPAIGNS THAT EVOKED THEM. DATED DEMANDS LIKE, "OUT MENZIES", "NO CONSCRIPTS", AND "YANKS GO HOME", STILL LINGER FAINTLY ON RAILWAY BRIDGES AND OLD FENCES. THE PAINT BRUSH OF THE WAR YEARS HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY TODAY'S SPRAY CAN TO BLAZON CURRENT WATCHWORDS LIKE, "NO YANKEE BASES FOR AUSTRALIA", "LEAVE URANIUM IN THE GROUND", OR QUESTIONS LIKE, "WHO ELECTED GALLAGHER?" OTHER GRAFFITI IS UNDATED; IT WILL BE RELEVANT LONG AFTER THE MEANING OF SOME TOPICAL INSCRIPTION IS FORGOTTEN. ARTHUR KOESTLER TELLS OF A JEW INCARCERATED IN A NAZI PRISON DURING WORLD WAR II. HE DID NOT WRITE HIS NAME, BUT HE CONFESSED HIS FAITH. SCRATCHED IN THE PAINT OF THE WALL WAS: I BELIEVE IN THE SUN, EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT SHINING. I BELIEVE IN LOVE, EVEN WHEN I DO NOT FEEL IT. I BELIEVE IN GOD, EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT. NEARER HOME, AND MORE RECENTLY, UNTIL HE DIED IN 1967, ARTHUR STACEY, A CONVERTED ALCOHOLIC IN SYDNEY, BECAME WIDELY KNOWN DURING THE THIRTY YEARS HE DAILY CHALKED THE SINGLE WORD ETERNITY ON THE CITY'S FOOTPATHS. BY CONTRAST, SOME GRAFFITISTS GO FOR MORE EARTHY THEMES. APPARENTLY POSSESSING NO HIGH AMBITION, THEY DISFIGURE PUBLIC TOILETS WITH THEIR SEXY SKETCHES AND SALACIOUS SENTIMENTS. AS FOR THE CITY SQUARE, THE CIVIC FATHERS PREFER THAT PEOPLE SCRIBBLE THEIR NAMES, DISPLAY THEIR WIT, AVOW THEIR LOVE AND EXTERIORISE THEIR HANG-UPS ON A WASHABLE WALL THAN ON THE NEW MASONRY OR - SPARE THE THOUGHT - THE INVITING WALLS OF THE ROBERTSON-SWANN SCULPTURE. MONDAY 27 OCTOBER 1980 "THE WAGE INDEXATION CRISIS" EVEN AFTER ALLOWING FOR ALL THE TUMULT AND BLUFF WITH WHICH INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN AUSTRALIA, IT DOES SEEM THAT WAGE INDEXATION IS ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE. THIS IS DISTURBING. FOR ALL ITS LIMITATIONS AND IMPERFECTIONS, INDEXATION IS PREFERABLE TO THE ALTERNATIVES. NO LESS OMINOUS IS THE UNDERLYING BREAKDOWN IN CONSENSUS AND RESTRAINT, SIGNALLING A STORMY OUTLOOK FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY. BUT GIVEN THE TRADITIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS AMONG EMPLOYERS, UNIONS AND GOVERNMENTS, AND THE DAUNTING PRESSURES ON THE ARBITRATION SYSTEM, PERHAPS THE WONDER IS THAT WAGE INDEXATION HAS SURVIVED AS LONG AS IT HAS. THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION INTRODUCED THE CONCEPT OF WAGE INDEXATION IN APRIL 1975. IT FOLLOWED A PERIOD OF STEEP PAY INCREASES, SHARPLY RISING INFLATION AND A SLUMP IN BUSINESS PROFITABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT. THE IDEA WAS TO MODERATE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES BY REGULARLY COMPENSATING WAGE EARNERS FOR RISES IN THE COST OF LIVING, AND TO DO SO ON AN EQUITABLE BASIS. THE HOPE WAS ALSO THAT THIS ORDERLY SYSTEM OF WAGE FIXATION WOULD IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. THE WHOLE FRAGILE PACKAGE DEPENDED ON WHAT THE COMMISSION TERMED "SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE". THIS MEANT THAT EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL PROVISION FOR PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES, WORK VALUE CHANGES AND REMEDY OF ANOMALIES, THERE WERE TO BE NO PRESSURES FOR WAGE RISES OUTSIDE THE REGULAR ADJUSTMENTS AND THESE GUIDELINES. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN LESS THAN ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT INDEXATION AND HAS REPEATEDLY, BUT ONLY WITH PARTIAL SUCCESS, PRESSED THE COMMISSION TO DISCOUNT INDEXATION FOR PRICE INCREASES DUE TO GOVERNMENT TAXES AND CHARGES. BUT THE THREAT TO THE FUTURE OF INDEXATION HAS COME FROM THE EROSION OF "SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE" BY THE UNIONS, TO SOME DEGREE WITH COLLUSION (UNDER DURESS) BY EMPLOYERS. WHILE THE ACTU COMMITTED ITSELF TO THE CONCEPT OF ORDERLY, CENTRALISED WAGE FIXING, MILITANT AND POWERFUL UNIONS HAVE SOUGHT TO POCKET THE BENEFITS OF INDEXATION AND USE INDUSTRIAL ACTION TO PRESS FOR ADDITIONAL PAY RISES AS WELL. THIS WAS PARTLY BECAUSE INDEXATION DID NOT FULLY COMPENSATE WORKERS FOR HIGHER LIVING COSTS AND PARTLY BECAUSE SOME UNIONS REFUSED TO BE RESTRAINED BY THE INDEXATION GUIDELINES. A SUCCESSION OF GENUINE AND PHONEY WORK VALUE CASES HAS SEVERELY STRAINED THE GUIDELINES AND WIDENED THE GAP BETWEEN THE STRONGER AND WEAKER UNIONS. THE CAMPAIGN BY METAL WORKERS FOR A 35- HOUR WEEK, AND THEIR REFUSAL TO SUSPEND THEIR PROGRAMME OF MONTHLY FIVE-HOUR STOPPAGES IN SUPPORT OF IT, NOW HAS THREATENED TO DESTROY INDEXATION. THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION WARNED ON THURSDAY THAT THE NEXT NATIONAL WAGE CASE WOULD BE ADJOURNED INDEFINITELY UNLESS DISLOCATION OF INDUSTRY LESSENED. HAVING FAILED TO PERSUADE THE METAL TRADES UNIONS TO DEFER THEIR CAMPAIGN, THE ACTU RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT ANY DELAY IN THE CASE - IN WHICH IT WILL SEEK A 4.7 PER CENT PAY INCREASE FOR ALL WAGE EARNERS - COULD FORCE IT TO WITHDRAW ITS SUPPORT OF INDEXATION. THE UNIONS ARGUE THAT THE NATIONAL WAGE CASE SHOULD BE KEPT DISTINCT FROM A CAMPAIGN FOR SHORTER WORKING HOURS. BUT THE COMMISSION HAS TAKEN THE VIEW THAT THE LEVEL OF INDUSTRIAL DISRUPTION HAS EXCEEDED TOLERABLE LIMITS. UNFORTUNATELY, EVEN IF THE ACTU WISHED TO DIMINISH INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN SUPPORT OF A 35-HOUR WEEK, IT LACKS THE POWER OVER INDIVIDUAL UNIONS TO DO SO. THE PROSPECT OF A RETURN TO "SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE" WITH THE GUIDELINES SEEMS REMOTE. THIS LEADS TO THE DAUNTING QUESTION: IF INDEXATION BREAKS DOWN, WHAT WILL TAKE ITS PLACE? SOME UNIONS, AND SOME EMPLOYERS, WOULD PREFER TO BYPASS THE ARBITRATION MACHINERY ALTOGETHER AND RELY ON AMERICAN- STYLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. BUT WHILE INDEXATION MAY GO, THE ARBITRATION SYSTEM WILL REMAIN, ALTHOUGH ITS EFFECTIVENESS WILL BE MUCH REDUCED. THERE WOULD BE A RETURN TO PRE-INDEXATION DAYS, WHEN INDIVIDUAL UNIONS PURSUED CLAIMS WITH LITTLE REGARD FOR COMMUNITY INTERESTS BUT WHEN THE ECONOMY'S CAPACITY TO PAY WAS A MAJOR CONSIDERATION IN NATIONAL WAGE ADJUSTMENTS. THE RESULT WOULD PROBABLY BE THAT THE STRONGER UNIONS WOULD BE ABLE TO WIN SUBSTANTIAL AND INFLATIONARY WAGE INCREASES AND THAT MEMBERS OF WEAKER UNIONS WOULD FALL BEHIND IN THEIR RELATIVE PURCHASING POWER. THE SQUEEZE ON EMPLOYERS WOULD ADD TO THE TOLL OF UNEMPLOYMENT. IN SHORT, THE COLLAPSE OF WAGE INDEXATION WOULD TEND TO INCREASE INDUSTRIAL STRIFE, THREATEN ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND WEAKEN SOCIAL EQUITY. ANOTHER CASUALTY WOULD BE THE AUTHORITY AND INFLUENCE OF THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION ITSELF. THE COMMISSION HAS BEEN FORCED TO MAINTAIN AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE BALANCE BETWEEN ITS CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO SETTLE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES AND THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTEMPT TO USE IT AS AN INSTRUMENT OF ECONOMIC POLICY. WHENEVER IT FAILS TO CURB INFLATIONARY WAGE SETTLEMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT'S SATISFACTION, IT BECOMES A CONVENIENT SCAPEGOAT FOR SHORTCOMINGS IN THE GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. IF THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THE CONTROL OF WAGES IS ESSENTIAL TO HOLD DOWN INFLATION AND PROMOTE ECONOMIC RECOVERY, THEN IT MAY HAVE TO SEEK THE NECESSARY CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS TO EXERCISE SUCH CONTROL DIRECTLY. THE POLITICAL OBSTACLES OF SUCH A COURSE, WHETHER BY WAY OF POPULAR REFERENDUM OR BY TRYING TO PERSUADE THE STATES TO REFER THEIR POWERS TO THE COMMONWEALTH, ARE FORMIDABLE. IT WOULD BE BETTER IF, EVEN AT THIS CRITICAL STAGE, INDEXATION COULD BE MAINTAINED. THAT WOULD REQUIRE A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO COMPROMISE AND TO PUT COMMUNITY INTERESTS FIRST THAN THE PARTIES TO THE NATIONAL WAGE CASE HAVE YET SHOWN. TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER 1980 "THE NSW JAIL CRISIS" THE WRAN GOVERNMENT IS ADEPT AT POLITICAL COMPROMISES. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IT HAS MANAGED TO DEFUSE TOUCHY ISSUES WITH ACCEPTABLE, AND AT TIMES REFRESHING, COMPROMISES. BUT LAST WEEK'S DECISION TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST TWO PRISON OFFICERS WILL SERVE ONLY TO COMPROMISE THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT HAS THROWN THE NSW PENAL SYSTEM INTO CHAOS BY ITS BELATED AND WEAK DECISION, WHICH HAS PROVED UNACCEPTABLE TO PRISON OFFICERS, PRISONERS AND THE PUBLIC. TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO, JUSTICE NAGLE COMPLETED HIS INQUIRY INTO NSW PRISONS FROM 1943 TO 1976, AND FOUND "A REGIME WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED IN ALL ITS HORROR AND BRUTALITY". HIGHLIGHTING THE "BRUTAL, SAVAGE AND SOMETIMES SADISTIC PHYSICAL VIOLENCE" IN SOME PRISONS, THE JUDGE CRITICISED ABOUT 30 WARDERS IN A NUMBER OF JAILS. DESPITE THE DAMNING EVIDENCE, THE NAGLE REPORT WAS FILED AWAY WHILE PERIPHERAL INQUIRIES WERE STARTED INTO PRISON OFFICERS AND THE BATHURST RIOTS OF 1974. DURING THIS TIME, THE WRAN GOVERNMENT WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY DECISION ON AN EXPLOSIVE ISSUE. BUT THE DELAY HAS SERVED ONLY TO MAKE THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION MORE DIFFICULT, BECAUSE DURING THAT TIME THE PENAL SYSTEM WHICH JUSTICE NAGLE FOUND ABHORRENT HAS IMPROVED. THE BRUTALITY AND INDIFFERENCE IN THE OLD SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED BY A MORE CIVILISED AND COMPASSIONATE ATTITUDE. LAST WEEK THE GOVERNMENT WAS FACED WITH TWO UNPALATABLE CHOICES: PROSECUTE ALL THE OFFICERS CRITICISED IN THE REPORT DESPITE THE FACT THAT JAILS, AND PRESUMABLY THEIR OFFICERS, HAD REFORMED: OR IGNORE PAST INJUSTICES AND PROSECUTE NONE. MR WRAN'S GOVERNMENT KNEW THAT ANY ACTION TAKEN AGAINST A PRISON OFFICER WOULD INCITE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES. IT WAS EQUALLY AWARE THAT A FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE OFFICERS WOULD BE REGARDED AS UNJUST BY PRISONERS AND BY SOME OF THE PUBLIC. IN TAKING DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST TWO OF THE 30 OFFICERS NAMED IN THE REPORT, THE GOVERNMENT ADMITTED THAT INJUSTICES HAD BEEN COMMITTED. BUT, BY ITS FAILURE TO PROSECUTE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOWED ITSELF UNWILLING TO SUBJECT THE OFFICERS TO THE FULL FORCE OF THE LAW. THE UGLY SCENES IN NSW JAILS OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS HAVE PROVED THAT THE COMPROMISE HAS PLEASED NO ONE. PRISON OFFICERS WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO IGNORE THE NAGLE REPORT, WHILE PRISONERS WANT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ACTED ON. THE PREMIER, MR WRAN, HAS SAID HE WILL NOT CHANGE THE DECISION. HE THINKS THE ISSUE WILL DIE DOWN. BUT WHILE THE CONTROVERSY RAGES, HE MIGHT WELL REFLECT THAT AN UNCOMPROMISED STANCE, NO MATTER HOW POLITICALLY DANGEROUS, WOULD HAVE BEEN WISER IN THE LONG RUN. "CANADA AND ITS CONSTITUTION" ON THE FACE OF IT, CANADA'S CONSTIUTIONAL PROBLEM SEEMS SIMPLE ENOUGH. WHAT SERVES AS THE COUNTRY'S CONSTITUTION IS, IN FACT, A BRITISH ACT OF PARLIAMENT, A 113-YEAR-OLD LEGACY OF COLONIAL RULE. SINCE IT IS A BRITISH LAW, THE CONSTITUTION CAN BE AMENDED ONLY BY THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. ALTHOUGH NO BRITISH PARLIAMENT EVER AMENDS THE ACT EXCEPT AT THE REQUEST OF THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES, IT WOULD SEEM TO BE AN INTOLERABLE STATE OF AFFAIRS FOR AN INDEPENDENT NATION. INDEED, WESTMINSTER IS AS ANXIOUS TO "PATRIATE" THE ACT AS MR TRUDEAU, THE CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER. WHAT, THEN, IS THE PROBLEM? MOST OF CANADA'S 10 PROVINCES DO NOT WANT THE POWER OF THE ACT TRANSFERRED TO OTTAWA UNLESS THERE IS PRIOR AGREEMENT ON A FORMULA FOR AMENDING IT. AND TO AGREE ON ITS AMENDMENT, THE COUNTRY'S 11 GOVERNMENTS FIRST HAVE TO DECIDE HOW THEIR POWERS SHOULD BE SHARED. THERE IS CERTAINLY NO AGREEMENT HERE, WHICH IS WHY A DOZEN PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM HAVE FAILED. MR TRUDEAU WANTS TO INSERT A BILL OF RIGHTS IN THE CONSTITUTION AND GUARANTEE EVERY CANADIAN THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION AND TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN EITHER FRENCH OR ENGLISH. HE INSISTS THAT ONLY THESE LANGUAGE RIGHTS WOULD FULFIL HIS PROMISE TO QUEBEC THAT HE WOULD CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION TO THE PROVINCE'S BENEFIT IF IT REJECTED SEPARATISM IN THE QUEBEC REFERENDUM EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHICH IT DID. MR TRUDEAU FEELS THAT THE FEDERATION CAN WORK ONLY IF FRENCH CANADIANS DO NOT FEEL CONFINED TO QUEBEC, WHICH IS WHY HE HAS PUSHED SO STRONGLY FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL BILL OF RIGHTS. HE BELIEVES THAT CANADA IS DANGEROUSLY DECENTRALISED AND THAT THE PROVINCES ENJOY FAR TOO MUCH POWER. THE PREMIERS DISAGREE. WITH THE NOTABLE EXCEPTION OF MR DAVIS OF ONTARIO, MOST OF THEM ARGUE THAT IT IS OTTAWA THAT HAS TOO MUCH POWER AND THAT THE COUNTRY WOULD BENEFIT IF THE PROVINCES BECAME EVEN STRONGER. BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT CLAIM TO REFLECT THE WILL OF THE CANADIAN PEOPLE. SO WHOM ARE WE TO BELIEVE? SOME OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS CERTAINLY HAVE VESTED INTERESTS TO PURSUE. ALBERTA, FOR EXAMPLE, IS AWASH WITH OIL REVENUE AND FEARS THAT OTTAWA WILL USE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM TO DILUTE THE PROVINCE'S PROSPERITY. NEWFOUNDLAND, IN MUCH THE SAME WAY, CLAIMS OWNERSHIP OF ALL ITS OFF-SHORE RESOURCES, INCLUDING OIL, WHERE IN OTHER FEDERATIONS, SUCH AS AUSTRALIA, THEY WOULD FALL UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. AS IT IS, MR TRUDEAU PLANS TO IMPOSE BIG ENERGY TAXES DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE POORER PROVINCES IN THE EAST WILL SHARE THE ENORMOUS WEALTH OF THE WEST. HE ALSO PROPOSES TO ELIMINATE THE BARRIERS MANY PROVINCES HAVE SET UP AGAINST GOODS, WORKERS AND CAPITAL FROM OTHER PROVINCES. THE PRIME MINISTER HAS NOW WON A PRELIMINARY PARLIAMENTARY VICTORY FOR HIS PROGRAMME TO BRING THE CONSTITUTION HOME FROM BRITAIN WITH A BILL OF RIGHTS. THE PROGRAMME WILL GO TO THE UPPER HOUSE WHERE IT IS LIKELY TO BE APPROVED. MR TRUDEAU WANTS TO ASK WESTMINSTER TO ACT IN TIME FOR A CEREMONIAL "PATRIATION" ON 1 JULY, CANADA'S NATIONAL DAY. EVEN WITH THE NECESSARY MAJORITIES IN THE OTTAWA PARLIAMENT, HOWEVER, IT WOULD NOT BE EASY FOR LONDON TO COMPLY WITH THE PRIME MINISTER'S REQUEST WITHOUT AGREEMENT FROM THE PROVINCES. WESTMINSTER WOULD BE FACED WITH A CHOICE OF PLEASING OTTAWA AND DISPLEASING THE PROVINCIAL CAPITALS, OR OF BEING SEEN TO REJECT A REQUEST FOR CONSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE, THUS BEING DRAGGED DIRECTLY INTO CANADA'S CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROVERSY. THE FACT THAT MR TRUDEAU IS USING THE "PATRIATION" REQUEST TO TRY TO FORCE AGREEMENT ON A CONSTITUTIONAL FORMULA MEANS THAT THE BITTERNESS AND DIVISION IN CANADA WILL WORSEN. THE PRIME MINISTER'S CUMBERSOME ANSWER IS TO RID OTTAWA OF WESTMINSTER, FREEZE THE "PATRIATED" CONSTITUTION FOR TWO YEARS AND THEN, IF UNANIMOUS PROVINCIAL AGREEMENT ELUDES HIM, GO TO THE NATION IN A REFERENDUM. THE CHOICE WOULD BE BETWEEN MR TRUDEAU'S FORMULA AND A FORMULA DESIGNED BY A MAJORITY OF THE PROVINCES. PERHAPS A BETTER IDEA WOULD BE TO GO TO THE NATION NOW. WHAT IS TO BE GAINED BY BRINGING HOME THE CONSTITUTION BEFORE AGREEMENT ON WHAT IS TO BE DONE WITH IT? CANADA HAS ALWAYS BEEN AMBIVALENT ABOUT ITS IDENTITY. IT CANNOT POSTPONE FOR MUCH LONGER THE CHOICE BETWEEN PROVINCIALISM AND FEDERALISM. WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER 1980 "VICTORIA'S ELECTRICITY CRISIS" MUCH OF THE GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN OUR LIVING STANDARDS THIS CENTURY HAS BEEN DUE TO THE SPREAD OF ELECTRICITY. IF WE RARELY THINK ABOUT THIS, IT IS BECAUSE ELECTRICITY HAS BECOME SO PERVASIVE IN OUR LIVES - LIGHTING, HEATING, TELEVISION, RADIO, RECORD PLAYERS, APPLIANCES - THAT WE HAVE COME TO TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. WITH EACH DECADE IT HAS BECOME CHEAPER AND MORE PLENTIFUL, AND WE NATURALLY ASSUME THAT IT WILL GO ON DOING SO. UNFORTUNATELY FOR VICTORIA, IT MAY NOT. AGAINST THE TREND OF THE REST OF THE WORLD, AND OF OUR OWN PAST EXPERIENCE, OUR ELECTRICITY LOOKS LIKE BECOMING MORE EXPENSIVE FROM HERE ON - AND POSSIBLY EVEN SCARCE. WHY? BECAUSE DESPITE OUR VAST WEALTH OF BROWN COAL, OUR TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CAPITAL RESOURCES, THIS STATE HAS BECOME UNABLE TO BUILD NEW POWER STATIONS WITHIN A TIMETABLE AND A PRICE RANGE THAT DELIVERS CHEAPER ELECTRICITY. AND UNLESS THE STRIKES THAT HAVE HALTED WORK ON THE LOY YANG AND YALLOURN W POWER STATIONS CAN BE SETTLED SOON - AND SETTLED FOR GOOD - THERE IS A REAL RISK THAT WE WILL ALSO FACE REGULAR ELECTRICITY SHORTAGES AND BLACKOUTS WITHIN TWO OR THREE YEARS. VICTORIA'S ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IS HEADING FOR A CRISIS THAT HAS CAUGHT MOST OF US UNAWARES. THE SEEDS OF IT WERE SOWN BY THE NEWPORT POWER STATION DISPUTE. WHATEVER THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF IT, THE LONG DELAY IN THE NEWPORT PROJECT AND THE CHANGES FINALLY MADE TO IT WILL PROVE EXPENSIVE FOR ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS. POWER FROM THE 500 MEGAWATT (MILLION WATT) NEWPORT STATION JUST COMPLETED WILL COST MORE THAN POWER FROM A 1000 MEGAWATT STATION COMPLETED IN 1977, AS PLANNED. POWER FROM THE SIX SMALLER GAS TURBINES INSTALLED IN THE LATROBE VALLEY AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE OTHER HALF OF NEWPORT IS COSTING US FAR MORE AGAIN. SO ARE THE OLD OIL-FIRED METROPOLITAN POWER STATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN KEPT OPERATING TO KEEP VICTORIA GOING WHILE NEWPORT WAS BEING BUILT. SO FAR VICTORIAN CONSUMERS HAVE BEEN SHIELDED FROM THESE UGLY FACTS BECAUSE THE SEC HAS USED ALL POSSIBLE MEANS TO HOLD ITS CHARGES DOWN. THIS STEMS LESS FROM A HUMANITARIAN OUTLOOK AT THE TOP OF MONASH HOUSE THAN FROM THE FIERCE, COMPETITIVE WAR BEING WAGED BETWEEN ELECTRICITY AND GAS FOR THE HOME HEATING, WATER HEATING AND COOKING MARKETS. INSTEAD OF RAISING ITS CHARGES, THE SEC HAS DRAWN HEAVILY ON TRADE CREDITORS, RUN DOWN ITS FINANCIAL ASSETS SO MUCH THAT IT IS NOW $20 MILLION IN THE RED, AND TAKEN TO FINANCING VIRTUALLY ITS ENTIRE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FROM DOMESTIC AND OVERSEAS LOANS. BUT ALL THESE TECHNIQUES ONLY DEFER THE CRUNCH, AND IT IS NOW ABOUT TO HIT US. THE 14.6 PER CENT INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY CHARGES FROM 17 NOVEMBER WILL PROBABLY BE THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF RISES WHICH WILL MAKE ELECTRICITY MORE EXPENSIVE FOR VICTORIANS IN THE 1980S. THE NEWPORT CLOUD AT LEAST HAS A SILVER LINING. BECAUSE OF THE TRADES HALL COUNCIL BAN ON THE PROJECT, THE BUILDING UNIONS' ORGANISERS KEPT OFF THE SITE. AS A RESULT, ONCE WORK FINALLY STARTED, THE STATION WAS COMPLETED ALMOST ON TIME. BUT WE HAVE HAD NO SUCH LUCK AT THE TWO GIANT POWER STATIONS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE LATROBE VALLEY. THE TWO FINAL UNITS OF THE YALLOURN W STATION, WHICH WILL GENERATE 750 MEGAWATTS BETWEEN THEM, ARE NOW TWO YEARS BEHIND SCHEDULE OWING TO A SUCCESSION OF PETTY INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES. WORSE STILL, THE FIRST STAGE OF THE VAST LOY YANG STATION, TO PRODUCE 2000 MEGAWATTS OF POWER, IS A FULL YEAR BEHIND SCHEDULE ALREADY, AND HAS BEEN AT A VIRTUAL STANDSTILL FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS. EVEN IF THE WORKERS WENT BACK TOMORROW AND THERE WERE NO FURTHER DELAYS, LOY YANG WOULD BE UNABLE TO PRODUCE ANY ELECTRICITY UNTIL 1984. THERE IS NOT SPACE HERE TO UNRAVEL THE COMPLICATED TANGLE OF INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES THAT HAS BROUGHT LOY YANG TO A HALT - AND HAS NOW SPREAD TO ENGULF YALLOURN W AS WELL. THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE OF ALL HAS BEEN A MINOR DISPUTE OVER A $6.90 A WEEK WORK VALUE CLAIM BY CONCRETE BATCHERS WHICH HAS SNOWBALLED TO SHUT DOWN ALMOST THE ENTIRE PROJECT - AND KEEP IT SHUT APPARENTLY INDEFINITELY. TO THIS CAN BE ADDED A CLAIM FOR $6000 EACH BY THE WORKERS STOOD DOWN, CLAIMS BY VARIOUS UNIONS SEEKING BENEFITS WON BY OTHERS - OR SEEKING TO PRESERVE THEIR TRADITIONAL MARGINS OVER OTHERS - AND A SERIES OF DEMARCATION DISPUTES BETWEEN THE UNIONS ON SITE. THE MOST DISTURBING THING OF ALL IS THE APPARENT LACK OF WILL TO GET THE DISPUTE RESOLVED. NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES HAVE DRAGGED ON FOR TWO MONTHS IN THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION WITHOUT A SETTLEMENT COMING INTO SIGHT. INDUSTRIAL OBSERVERS BELIEVE THE DISPUTES ARE UNLIKELY TO BE RESOLVED THIS YEAR, AND MAY NOT LEAD TO ANY LASTING PEACE IN ANY CASE. THE BLAME FOR THIS IS WIDESPREAD: SOME ACTIONS BY THE EMPLOYERS HAVE BEEN PROVOCATIVE, AND THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT AS A WHOLE HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP GET THE DISPUTE SETTLED. BUT THE MAIN SINGLE BARRIER TO A SETTLEMENT APPEARS TO BE THE UNCOMPROMISING ATTUTIDE OF THE UNION AT THE CENTRE OF MOST OF THE DISPUTES - THE BUILDERS LABORERS FEDERATION, LED BY MR NORM GALLAGHER. NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, MR GALLAGHER'S APPROACH TO A SETTLEMENT APPEARS TO BE THAT ALL THE CONCESSIONS MUST COME FROM THE OTHER SIDE - AND THAT HE IS PREPARED TO WAIT INDEFINITELY UNTIL THEY DO. A RECENT SETTLEMENT OFFER WAS REJECTED BY MR GALLAGHER WITH THE PROPHETIC WORDS: "THE PEOPLE OF VICTORIA HAD BETTER START BUYING CANDLES AND HURRICANE LAMPS". AND WELL WE MIGHT. MR GALLAGHER IS QUITE RIGHT IN NOTING THAT THE MAIN VICTIMS OF THE LOY YANG DISPUTE WILL BE THE ORDINARY PEOPLE OF VICTORIA. EACH DAY THE COST OF LOY YANG RISES BY $1 MILLION, AND IT IS THE ORDINARY PEOPLE, VICTORIA'S ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS, WHO WILL HAVE TO PAY IT. IF WORK AT LOY YANG AND YALLOURN W DOES NOT RE-START SOON, THERE WILL INEVITABLY BE BLACKOUTS IN VICTORIA, AND EVERY HOME, SHOP, FACTORY AND OFFICE CAN EXPECT ITS SHARE. NONE OF THE INDIVIDUAL PRINCIPLES HELD DEAR BY THE VARIOUS PARTICIPANTS IN THE DISPUTES JUSTIFIES THE PROBLEMS THEY ARE BUILDING UP FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. EVERYONE INVOLVED SHOULD BE PREPARED TO GIVE A LITTLE TO TRY TO GET THE DISPUTES RESOLVED SOON, AND IN A MANNER THAT WILL SECURE A LASTING SETTLEMENT. THEY MUST PUT THE PEOPLE FIRST. THE STATE GOVERNMENT, FOR ITS PART, SHOULD TAKE STOCK OF THE PROBLEMS LOOMING OVER THE SEC. THESE ARE NOT CONFINED TO LOY YANG, AND NEITHER ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THEM. THE SEC FACES A HUGE INTEREST AND REPAYMENTS BILL OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS, A NEED FOR CAPITAL WHICH THE LOAN MARKET MAY NOT MEET, AND ALL THAT TIME IT WILL BE RELYING HEAVILY ON RELATIVELY EXPENSIVE GAS TURBINE GENERATORS. THE HAMER GOVERNMENT COULD HELP BY HALTING THE FUTILE COMPETITION BETWEEN ITS GAS AND ELECTRICITY AGENCIES FOR THE DOMESTIC MARKET. IN THE INTERESTS OF ENERGY CONSERVATION AND ECONOMICS ALIKE, IT WOULD MAKE SENSE TO RESERVE COOKING AND HOME HEATING AS FIELDS FOR GAS, AND HOT WATER HEATING FOR ELECTRICITY (COUPLED WITH SOLAR ENERGY). THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT ALSO CONSIDER WITHDRAWING ITS TURNOVER TAX ON ELECTRICITY SALES TO RELIEVE THE IMPACT OF FUTURE ELECTRICITY PRICE RISES. IT SHOULD ALSO RECONSIDER THE ADVANTAGES OF SHIFTING THE SEC'S HEAD OFFICE TO THE LATROBE VALLEY IN THE INTERESTS OF BETTER INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. FINALLY, IT SHOULD RENEGOTIATE ITS AGREEMENT WITH ALCOA REGARDING THE PORTLAND ALUMINIUM SMELTER - AN AGREEMENT THAT IS LOOKING MORE INAPPROPRIATE EVERY DAY AS THE SEC SINKS DEEPER INTO FINANCIAL TROUBLE AND FUTURE SUPPLIES LOOK MORE UNCERTAIN. THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 1980 "TIME RUNS OUT IN NAMIBIA" A POLITICAL SOLUTION IN ZIMBABWE HAS CLEARED THE GROUND FOR WHAT IS BEING CALLED THE LAST BATTLE BUT ONE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. THE BATTLE FOR NAMIBIA, IN FACT, HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR 14 YEARS. THE TERRITORY HAS BEEN RULED BY SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 1920, ALTHOUGH THE MANDATE WAS REVOKED BY THE UNITED NATIONS A DECADE AGO. SOUTH AFRICA HAS STAYED ON ILLEGALLY, SPENDING NEARLY $1 MILLION A DAY ON ITS WAR WITH THE SOUTH WEST AFRICAN PEOPLE'S ORGANISATION, WHICH IS BASED IN ANGOLA, SUPPORTED BY THE SOVIET BLOC, LED BY A MARXIST, AND THUS ANATHEMA TO PRETORIA. THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO A UNITED NATIONS PLAN FOR NAMIBIA. THERE WOULD BE A CEASEFIRE MONITORED BY 7500 UNITED NATIONS TROOPS, AND A UNITED NATIONS SPONSORED GENERAL ELECTION LEADING TO LEGAL INDEPENDENCE. PRETORIA'S PROBLEM IS THAT IT KNOWS SWAPO COULD WELL WIN SUCH AN ELECTION, WITH OR WITHOUT INTIMIDATION. SO IT HAS USED EVERY EXCUSE TO DELAY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS WORKED OUT BY THE FIVE WESTERN POWERS IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL. AND THE DELAY HAS BEEN USED TO SET UP A MULTI-RACIAL ASSEMBLY TO SOUTH AFRICA'S LIKING. THE ASSEMBLY, NOW VESTED WITH EXECUTIVE AS WELL AS LEGISLATIVE POWERS, IS CONTROLLED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT'S FAVORITE PARTY, THE DEMOCRATIC TURNHALLE ALLIANCE. ALL THIS ACTIVITY IN WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA'S CAPITAL, HAS AROUSED SUSPICION THAT PRETORIA IS HOLDING THE UNITED NATIONS AT BAY IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE DTA TO DEVELOP INTERNAL POPULARITY AND LEGITIMACY IN THE EYES OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD. WHAT THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ADMIT IN PUBLIC IS THAT THERE CAN BE NO REALISTIC, LASTING OR PEACEFUL AGREEMENT IN NAMIBIA WITHOUT POLITICAL PARTICIPATION BY SWAPO. WHILE THE DIEHARDS OF PRETORIA WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH SWAPO, THE MODERATES DEARLY WANT TO BE RID OF THE PROBLEM AND PERHAPS COULD EVEN BRING THEMSELVES TO FACE WITHOUT TEARS A SWAPO GOVERNMENT IN WINDHOEK. THEY CAN LOOK FOR COMFORT TO ZIMBABWE, WHERE THE PRAGMATIC MR MUGABE HAS NOT PROVED THE BLOODTHIRSTY MARXIST HE WAS MADE OUT TO BE, AND TO MOZAMBIQUE, WHERE MR MACHEL WOULD FIND IT HARD TO KEEP HIS COUNTRY MOVING WITHOUT SOUTH AFRICAN HELP. THERE IS REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT A PRESIDENT NUJOMA LEADING A SWAPO GOVERNMENT IN WINDHOEK WOULD FIT INTO THE SAME MOULD, FOR ALTHOUGH NAMIBIA HAS DIAMONDS AND URANIUM IT IS STILL LARGELY DEPENDENT ON SOUTH AFRICA. PRETORIA'S PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS NO LONGER ANY TIME FOR THE LUXURY OF DEBATE IN THE RULING NATIONAL PARTY. THE FIVE WESTERN POWERS ARE RESTIVE, WARNING SOUTH AFRICA THAT THE PROCRASTINATION CANNOT CONTINUE. THE UNITED NATIONS NEGOTIATIONS, AT ONE TIME SO HOPEFUL, ARE NOW ON THE BRINK OF FAILURE. SOUTH AFRICA IS THREATENED WITH MANDATORY ECONOMIC SANCTIONS. DECISION TIME IS HERE, AND IF THE SOUTH AFRICANS ARE HOPING FOR A RONALD REAGAN VICTORY ON 4 NOVEMBER TO WIN SYMPATHY AND MORE TIME, THEY ARE PROBABLY TOO LATE. SO WHICH WAY WILL PRETORIA SWING? THE PROPER AND SENSIBLE COURSE IS TO BITE THE SWAPO BULLET AND SUBMIT TO A DEMOCRATIC ELECTION UNDER UNITED NATIONS SUPERVISION. SOUTH AFRICA, THROUGH ITS DOMESTIC POLICIES, HAS LONG SINCE ABROGATED ITS LEGAL AND MORAL CLAIMS TO NAMIBIA'S FUTURE. IT IS FOR THE NAMIBIAN PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO DECIDE WHO SHOULD GOVERN THEM. IT WOULD BE FOOLISH AND FUTILE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO TRY TO BLUNDER ON ALONE. THAT COURSE HAS ALREADY BEEN WELL CHARTED IN ZIMBABWE. THERE IS NO FUTURE IN RHODESIAN FRONT WILFULNESS, OR IN PURSUING A GUERILLA WAR THAT CAN NEVER BE WON, OR IN SETTING UP MUZOREWA- STYLE GOVERNMENTS. IN NAMIBIA, THE STAKES ARE EVEN HIGHER. ANGOLA HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE CUBANS, WHO HAVE GIVEN THE SOUTH AFRICANS A BLOODY NOSE ONCE BEFORE, WILL NOT GO HOME UNTIL THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE FORCE STOPS ATTACKING ITS TERRITORY. HOW WOULD THEY AND THE EAST GERMANS AND THE SOVIET GENERALS IN LUANDA REACT IF PRETORIA SNUBBED THE UNITED NATIONS DEADLINE AND PRESSED ON ALONE? THE DISTURBING THING THIS WEEK IS THAT THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT IS PLAYING UP ITS DIFFERENCES WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AND WARNING EVERYBODY WITHIN EARSHOT NOT TO INTERFERE. THE BLUSTER IS FAMILIAR, BUT THE TIMING IS ALL WRONG. THE GROUND OF WINDHOEK HAS BEEN PREPARED THOROUGHLY. IT WOULD REQUIRE JUST ONE EASY STEP FOR A UNILATERAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. PRETORIA WOULD HASTEN TO RECOGNISE THE NEW GOVERNMENT AND BACK IT WITH MILITARY GUARANTEES. AND THE WORLD KNOWS WHERE THAT LONELY ROAD LEADS. "CAUTIOUS CHANGE OF LIQUOR LAWS" THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TWO AND A HALF YEARS TO STUDY THE REPORT OF ITS BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO THE LIQUOR LICENSING LAWS. THE RESULT OF THIS PROLONGED RUMINATION HAS BEEN THE REJECTION OF ITS MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS. THERE IS TO BE SOME MINOR EASING OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE OF LIQUOR, AND SOME ENCOURAGEMENT OF INNOVATION, BUT THE LICENSING LAWS WILL REMAIN ALMOST AS COMPLEX AND ANOMALOUS AS BEFORE. THE GOVERNMENT'S SOBER JUDGMENT REFLECTS A FEELING - EVIDENTLY INFLUENCED BY THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL ON THE ROAD TOLL - THAT VICTORIANS ARE NOT YET TO BE TRUSTED WITH SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER OPPORTUNITIES TO DRINK IN HOTELS OR TO BUY LIQUOR FOR HOME CONSUMPTION. THUS THE MAJORITY OF CITIZENS WHO DRINK SENSIBLY WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESTRAINED, ALTHOUGH NOT OPPRESSIVELY SO, IN THE HOPE OF CURBING THE LETHAL PROPENSITIES OF THOSE WHO DRINK TO EXCESS. THE INQUIRY BY MR J.D. DAVIES, QC, WAS THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LIQUOR LICENSING IN VICTORIA SINCE THE CELEBRATED PHILLIPS REPORT IN 1966 LED TO THE END OF THE "SIX O'CLOCK SWILL" IN HOTEL BARS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF CIVILISED HOURS FOR RESTAURANTS. MR DAVIES FOUND THAT WHILE THE COMMUNITY'S CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL HAD INCREASED SINCE 1966, THE INCIDENCE OF HEAVY DRINKING HAD DECLINED. HE THEREFORE AGREED WITH SIR PHILIP PHILLIPS THAT IMPROVED STANDARDS OF FACILITIES ENCOURAGED A MORE RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE TO DRINKING. WHILE HE RECOGNISED THAT ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF A SANE LIQUOR CONTROL POLICY MUST BE TO CONTAIN THE HAZARDS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE, HE BELIEVED THAT SEVERE RESTRICTIONS WERE UNDESIRABLE AND THAT THE EFFECT OF MINOR RESTRICTIONS WAS LIKELY TO BE MINIMAL. ACCORDINGLY, HE RECOMMENDED THAT HOTELS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT INSTEAD OF 10 PM SIX DAYS A WEEK, AND THAT HOTEL BAR AND BOTTLE SHOP TRADING BE ALLOWED ON SUNDAYS FROM NOON TO 8 PM. THE GOVERNMENT HAS REJECTED BOTH PROPOSALS. VICTORIA AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA WILL REMAIN THE ONLY STATES NOT TO PERMIT SUNDAY BAR TRADING. THE GOVERNMENT JUSTIFIES THIS DECISION IN TERMS OF WHAT IT BELIEVES TO BE PUBLIC OPINION AND OF THE LIKELY CONSEQUENCES OF EXTENDED HOURS ON ROAD CASUALTIES. IT MAY WELL BE THAT MOST VICTORIANS PREFER SUNDAY RESTRICTIONS; WHETHER THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN THE SUNDAY ROAD TOLL IN THE VARIOUS STATES WOULD BE INTERESTING TO KNOW. THE GOVERNMENT HAS, HOWEVER, DECIDED TO ALLOW SPORTING CLUBS SOME EXTENSION OF HOURS AND LIMITED SUNDAY LIQUOR SALES, MAINLY, IT SEEMS, BECAUSE EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING WIDELY FLOUTED. AND HOTELS WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR SUPPER LICENCES TO 1 AM INSTEAD OF MIDNIGHT. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED THE RECOMMENDATION FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE HOURS HOTELS ARE REQUIRED TO OPEN, BUT IT IS DOUBTFUL WHETHER THERE WILL BE MUCH CHANGE IN PRACTICE. IT IS A PITY THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ACCEPTED MR DAVIES' PROPOSALS FOR RATIONALISING THE DIFFERING AND ANOMALOUS LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR WINE BARS AND CIDER TAVERNS. OVERALL, THE LICENSING LAWS WILL CONTINUE TO REFLECT AN AD HOC ATTEMPT TO RECONCILE CONFLICTING PRESSURES RATHER THAN A RATIONAL AND BALANCED PHILOSOPHY. AT LEAST, THE TREND HAS BEEN TOWARDS CAUTIOUS LIBERALISATION, AND THE HOPE MUST BE THAT COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR WILL ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE. FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 1980 "AND NOW FOR A NEW MINISTRY" THE REMARKABLE ASPECT OF MR ANDREW PEACOCK'S CHALLENGE FOR THE DEPUTY LEADERSHIP OF THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY LIBERAL PARTY WAS NOT THAT IT FAILED BUT THAT HE CAME WITHIN 12 VOTES OF UNSEATING MR PHILIP LYNCH. THE SIGNIFICANCE IS THAT 35 OF THE 82 LIBERALS WHO VOTED AT THE PARTY MEETING YESTERDAY DEFIED THE PRIME MINISTER'S CLEARLY EXPRESSED PREFERENCE FOR MR LYNCH AS THE PARTY DEPUTY. (THE NCP LEADER, MR ANTHONY, WILL AGAIN BE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER IN THE COALITION GOVERNMENT.) MR FRASER'S PREFERENCE IS UNDERSTANDABLE. MR LYNCH HAS BEEN A LOYAL AND QUIETLY EFFICIENT DEPUTY, WITH NO LEADERSHIP AMBITIONS OF HIS OWN. MR PEACOCK IS MR FRASER'S PRINCIPAL RIVAL AND WOULD-BE SUCCESSOR, URBANELY DIFFERENT IN STYLE AND OUTLOOK, AND THE FOCUS OF THE "SMALL 1" LIBERAL AND PERSONAL OPPOSITION TO THE PRIME MINISTER WITHIN THE PARTY. INDEED, MR PEACOCK'S CANDIDATURE WAS STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY RESTIVE SENATORS WHO HAVE BEEN PRESSING MR FRASER, SO FAR WITHOUT SUCCESS, FOR THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEADER IN THE SENATE. THE CONTEST FOR THE DEPUTY LEADERSHIP HAS DELAYED BY A DAY, AND PERHAPS COMPLICATED, MR FRASER'S SELECTION OF HIS CABINET AND MINISTRY. MR PEACOCK WANTS AND IS DUE FOR A TRANSFER FROM FOREIGN AFFAIRS, WHERE HE HAS SERVED WITH DISTINCTION SINCE 1975, TO AN IMPORTANT DOMESTIC PORTFOLIO. HE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FAVOR SOCIAL SECURITY OR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. HIS HUMANE ATTITUDES WOULD SEEM TO QUALIFY HIM FOR THE FORMER AND HIS CONCILIATORY APPROACH FOR THE LATTER. BUT WHILE BOTH PORTFOLIOS HAVE BEEN HELD BY MINISTERS OF CABINET RANK, NEITHER REPRESENTS A STRONG POLICY-MAKING DEPARTMENT. SENATOR GUILFOYLE HAS BEEN ENGAGED MAINLY IN PROTECTING WELFARE AGAINST ECONOMY CUTS, AND MR STREET IN PRESIDING OVER A BATTERY OF MENACING INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION THAT CANNOT BE ENFORCED. WE SHOULD PREFER TO SEE MR PEACOCK IN A MORE CHALLENGING POST AND SUGGEST HE BE GIVEN CHARGE OF A NEW COMBINED DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND RESOURCES, WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR FORMULATING POLICIES TO MANAGE THE RESOURCES BOOM. THE PRESENT DIVISION BETWEEN ENERGY AND RESOURCES MAKES NO SENSE, AND MR ANTHONY SHOULD CONFINE HIMSELF TO TRADE. A LIBERAL PRIME MINISTER'S CHOICE OF MINISTERS IS CONSTRAINED, OF COURSE, BY THE NECESSITY TO ACCOMMODATE THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY AND TO BALANCE REPRESENTATION BETWEEN THE TWO HOUSES (THE SENATE WILL WANT MORE MINISTERS) AND AMONG THE STATES, AS WELL AS PARTY FACTIONS. BUT WITHIN THESE LIMITS, MR FRASER SHOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRUNE SOME DEAD WOOD, BRING IN SOME FRESH TALENT, AND MOVE SOME MINISTERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE SAME POST FOR FIVE YEARS. SENATOR CARRICK, FOR INSTANCE, HAS ENOUGH RESPONSIBILITY AS SENATE LEADER WITHOUT MANAGING A DEPARTMENT AS WELL. MR KILLEN SHOULD BE MOVED FROM DEFENCE, WHICH NEEDS A GOOD ADMINISTRATOR AND A FIRM HAND. MR SINCLAIR, WHO HAS TO BE BROUGHT BACK INTO CABINET IN A SENIOR POST, WOULD BE A SUITABLE CANDIDATE. ALTHOUGH MR KILLEN HAS THE SOPHISTICATION AND EXPERIENCE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, WE SHOULD PREFER A RISING MINISTER SUCH AS MR MACKELLAR OR MR MACPHEE. ALTERNATIVELY, MR MACPHEE HAS THE BACKGROUND AND QUALITIES TO HANDLE EMPLOYMENT OR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, FROM WHICH MR STREET DESERVES A BREAK. MR ELLICOTT WOULD BE A BETTER ATTORNEY-GENERAL THAN SENATOR DURACK, AND WE WOULD RATHER HE (MR ELLICOTT) STAYED IN POLITICS THAN BE APPOINTED TO THE HIGH COURT. MR HOWARD SHOULD REMAIN TREASURER AND UNDOUBTEDLY WILL. SENATOR WITHERS WOULD BE SAFER BACK IN THE MINISTRY THAN STIRRING DISSIDENCE ON THE BACK- BENCHES, BUT HIS ROLE IN THE PEACOCK CHALLENGE IS HARDLY LIKELY TO RECOMMEND HIM TO THE PRIME MINISTER. CABINET-MAKING IS NO EASY TASK, BUT A THOROUGH RESTRUCTURING WOULD BE BETTER THAN A SOFT RESHUFFLE. "THE HIGH COURT AND SECTION 92" BISHOP HOADLEY OF BANGOR PUT HIS FINGER ON THE PROBLEM BACK IN 1717."NAY", WROTE THE BISHOP, "WHOEVER HATH AN ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY TO INTERPRET ANY WRITTEN OR SPOKEN LAWS, IT IS HE WHO IS THE LAWGIVER TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, AND NOT THE PERSON WHO FIRST WROTE OR SPAKE THEM." NO ONE COULD HAVE SUMMED UP BETTER THE CENTRAL PROBLEM RAISED BY THE HIGH COURT'S INTERIM JUDGMENT THIS WEEK ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF AUSTRALIA'S WHEAT STABILISATION SCHEME. SINCE 1948 ALL WHEAT GROWN IN AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACQUISITION BY THE AUSTRALIAN WHEAT BOARD FOR STORAGE AND SALE, WITH THE AIM OF PROTECTING AUSTRALIAN GROWERS AGAINST THE VICISSITUDES OF DROUGHT AND INCOME FLUCTUATIONS. NOW, FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE YEARS, THE SCHEME HAS BEEN CHALLENGED IN THE HIGH COURT ON THE GROUND THAT IT BREACHES SECTION 92 OF THE CONSTITUTION - THE SECTION WHICH GUARANTEES FREE TRADE BETWEEN THE STATES. THE FIRST CHALLENGE FAILED, NARROWLY. BUT THIS TIME, WITH ALL SEVEN JUDGES SITTING, IT WOULD APPEAR FROM THEIR INTERIM JUDGMENTS THAT THE LONG-STANDING STABILISATION SCHEME - ONE SUPPORTED BY LIBERAL-NCP AND LABOR GOVERNMENTS ALIKE - WILL BE THE NEXT VICTIM OF THE HIGH COURT'S ECCENTRIC INTERPRETATION OF SECTION 92. FOR READERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH SECTION 92, ITS KEY PASSAGE BEARS QUOTING: "ON THE IMPOSITION OF UNIFORM DUTIES OF CUSTOMS, TRADE, COMMERCE, AND INTERCOURSE AMONG THE STATES, WHETHER BY MEANS OF INTERNAL CARRIAGE OR OCEAN NAVIGATION, SHALL BE ABSOLUTELY FREE". THOSE WHO SPOKE AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS OF THE 1890S WERE IN NO DOUBT ABOUT WHAT THEY MEANT BY IT: AS SIR SAMUEL GRIFFITH PUT IT, "THE REAL MEANING IS THAT THE FREE COURSE OF TRADE AND COMMERCE BETWEEN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH IS NOT TO BE INTERFERED WITH BY ANY TAXES, CHARGES OR IMPOSTS". THIS WAS THE GENERAL APPROACH ADOPTED BY THE HIGH COURT IN ITS EARLY YEARS, AS IN 1916 WHEN THE COURT - THEN COMPRISING SOME OF THE AUTHORS OF THE CONSTITUTION - DISMISSED A SIMILAR CHALLENGE TO AN EARLIER WHEAT STABILISATION SCHEME. BUT IN THE 1930S AND 1940S, WITH THE ORIGINAL JUDGES RETIRED, THE COURT CHANGED THIS INTERPRETATION AND DECIDED TO READ SECTION 92 AS BANNING THE COMPULSORY NATIONALISATION OF ANYTHING - DRIED FRUITS, AIRLINES, BANKS - THAT INVOLVED INTERSTATE TRADE. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WERE PROFOUND, AND IN LINE WITH THE CONSERVATIVE VIEWS OF THE JUDGES CONCERNED. AS SIR ROBERT MENZIES REMARKED: "THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT WHAT WE CALL CONSTITUTIONAL LAW IS ONLY HALF LAW AND HALF PHILOSOPHY, POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY". POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY STILL SEEMS TO BE GUIDING THE PRESENT BENCH OF THE HIGH COURT IN INTERPRETING SECTION 92 FOR THE WHEAT BOARD CASE. ONLY TWO JUDGES DELIVERED A FINAL DECISION. SIR GARFIELD BARWICK, THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND A FORMER LIBERAL POLITICIAN, UPHELD THE PRESENT INTERPRETATION OF SECTION 92 AS USUAL AND DECLARED THE STABILISATION SCHEME INVALID. MR JUSTICE MURPHY, A FORMER LABOR POLITICIAN, EQUALLY PREDICTABLY UPHELD THE INTERPRETATION OF THE AUTHORS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND HELD THE SCHEME TO BE VALID. THREE OTHER JUDGES RULED THAT THE SCHEME WAS INVALID UNLESS THERE WERE NO OTHER "PRACTICAL AND REASONABLE" WAY OF REGULATING THE WHEAT TRADE, WHILE THE OTHER TWO HELD THAT THE WHEAT BOARD WOULD HAVE TO SHOW THAT THE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SCHEME WERE "NO GREATER THAN ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY". ALL FIVE AGREED THAT FURTHER HEARINGS WERE NEEDED BEFORE THEY COULD HAND DOWN FINAL DECISIONS. THE WHEAT BOARD MAY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A REPRIEVE, BUT THE FINAL OUTCOME SEEMS NONETHELESS PREDICTABLE. CLEARLY THERE ARE OTHER MEANS OF REGULATING THE WHEAT TRADE APART FROM BUYING THE WHOLE CROP, AND INDEED THE INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED A DIFFERENT SCHEME IN ITS DRAFT REPORT ON THE WHEAT INDUSTRY. BUT THE CHOICE BETWEEN THESE IS A POLITICAL DECISION, AND IT SHOULD BE MADE BY THE ELECTED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, NOT THE HIGH COURT. WHILE THE SIX JUDGES WHO BELIEVE THAT SECTION 92 APPLIES TO THIS CASE HAVE PRESENT JUDICIAL PRACTICE ON THEIR SIDE, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT COMMON SENSE IS ON THE SIDE OF MR JUSTICE MURPHY IN RULING THAT SUCH AN INTERPRETATION DISTORTS THE CLEAR INTENT OF THE CONSTITUTION. WHAT IS NEEDED NOW IS NOT SOME JUDICIAL DEXTERITY TO FIND A WAY OF UPHOLDING THE STABILISATION SCHEME, AS IN 1978, BUT FOR THE COURT TO GO BACK TO INTERPRETING SECTION 92 AS NOTHING MORE OR LESS THAN IT WAS INTENDED TO BE. SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER 1980 "SCHOOL-TO-WORK MUDDLES" HOW FAR IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO WORK SCHEME MERELY A PUBLIC RELATIONS EXERCISE DESIGNED TO SOFTEN CRITICISM OF THE EXTENT OF TEENAGE UNEMPLOYMENT? OR IS IT MERELY A VAST BUREAUCRATIC BUNGLE? WHATEVER THE VERDICT, THE FATE OF THE SCHEME REFLECTS LITTLE CREDIT EITHER ON THE FEDERAL MINISTERS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION WHO FIRST CONCEIVED THE PROPOSAL A YEAR AGO, OR ON THOSE CHARGED WITH PUTTING IT INTO EFFECT. AS WE REPORTED THIS WEEK, VICTORIA APPEARS TO HAVE LOST SOME $4 MILLION FOR ITS SCHOOL LEAVERS AS A RESULT OF DELAYS IN GETTING THE TRANSITION PROGRAMME UNDER WAY. OTHER STATES MAY BE SIMILARLY AFFECTED ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS REFUSED TO RELEASE DETAILS OF HOW MUCH MONEY IT HAS GIVEN OR WILL GIVE THEM. INDEED, NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW MUCH WILL BE SPENT ON TRANSITION COURSES THIS YEAR. IN FEBRUARY, THE FEDERAL EDUCATION MINISTER, MR FIFE, SAID IT WOULD BE $25 MILLION. BUT BECAUSE OF THE CUMBERSOME PROCEDURES FOR APPROVING PROGRAMMES WHICH THE COMMONWEALTH HAS INSISTED ON ADOPTING, MOST STATES WILL BE UNLIKELY TO GET THE FULL AMOUNT ORIGINALLY PROMISED. MR FIFE'S ANNOUNCEMENT SAID THAT VICTORIA'S SHARE OF THE $25 MILLION WOULD BE $6.1 MILLION. THE COMMONWEALTH NOW SAYS IT HAS APPROVED A "CEILING" FIGURE OF $5.3 MILLION. BUT SO FAR ONLY $2.2 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO PARTICULAR COURSES AND, WITH MANY STUDENTS ONLY A MONTH AWAY FROM LEAVING SCHOOL, THE PROSPECT OF GETTING MORE PROGRAMMES GOING IS SLIGHT. UNDER FEDERAL GUIDELINES ANY MONEY NOT SPENT BY THE STATES THIS YEAR CANNOT BE CARRIED OVER TO 1981 AND INSTEAD REVERTS TO THE COMMONWEALTH TREASURY. SO PROGRAMMES WHICH RUN ON INTO NEXT YEAR MUST BE PAID FOR OUT OF 1981 FUNDS WHICH MAY WELL MEAN THAT THERE WILL BE LITTLE MONEY AVAILABLE FOR NEW COURSES NEXT YEAR. THIS IS A LONG WAY FROM THE HEADY ANNOUNCEMENT IN NOVEMBER, 1979, WHEN THE COMMONWEALTH DECLARED THAT $250 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON TRANSITION PROGRAMMES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. EACH YEAR, 50,000 SCHOOL LEAVERS IDENTIFIED AS POOR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS WOULD BE OFFERED EXTRA INCENTIVES TO STAY AT SCHOOL INSTEAD OF GOING ON THE DOLE. THE STATES WOULD GIVE THESE STUDENTS SPECIAL TRAINING AND GUIDANCE TO HELP THEM OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES IN READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC, AND IN SOME CASES WOULD PROVIDE PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING. BUT THE COMMONWEALTH ALSO SAID THAT WHILE IT WOULD FUND THE FIRST YEAR, THE STATES WOULD BE EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE $109 MILLION TO THE SCHEME OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. THE STATES POINTEDLY ASKED WHERE THEY WOULD FIND THAT SORT OF MONEY, AND REFUSED. SO NOW THE COMMONWEALTH HAS AGREED TO FUND PROGRAMMES IN 1980 AND 1981 WITH NO CERTAINTY THAT MONEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THE YEAR AFTER. LAST YEAR'S GRAND $250 MILLION WINDFALL FOR THE COUNTRY'S DISADVANTAGED TEENAGERS HAS BECOME A CONFUSED, TWO-YEAR, $40 MILLION SCHEME NOTED MORE FOR RED TAPE, FRUSTRATION AND DELAYS THAN FOR HELP TO THOSE IN NEED. FOR INSTANCE, THE COMMONWEALTH INSISTS ON USING ASTONISHINGLY AWKWARD METHODS TO GET MONEY TO SCHOOLS THAT HAVE DEVISED TRANSITION COURSES. ALL PROGRAMMES MUST BE APPROVED FIRST BY A STATE AND THEN BY A CANBERRA COMMITTEE AND THEN RECEIVE THE IMPRIMATUR OF THE TWO MINISTERS FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT. EVEN THEN THE COMMONWEALTH DOES NOT PAY OUT A LUMP SUM, BUT PASSES IT TO THE STATES IN QUARTERLY GRANTS. THESE METHODS HIGHLIGHT THE FACT THAT THE TRANSITION SCHEME LACKS ANY COHERENT PHILOSOPHY. IN ANY CASE, EVEN IF THE ADMINISTRATION WERE SPEEDY AND EFFICIENT AND THE PROGRAMMES SUCCESSFUL THE BASIC PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE SOLVED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH JOBS. AS CRITICS CONTINUE TO POINT OUT, MAKING SOME SCHOOL LEAVERS MORE EMPLOYABLE MERELY SHUFFLES THE PACK OF THE UNEMPLOYED. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" "LOOK WHAT THESE CHRISTIANS ARE!" FROM SHYLOCK'S DAY AND BEFORE, THIS HAS EVER BEEN THE TAUNT OF THE UNGODLY WHEN THE CHURCHES FALL OUT WITH EACH OTHER. IT IS A PROPER ENOUGH STRICTURE. FOR HOW CAN WE POSSIBLY RECONCILE WITH THE TEACHING OF CHRIST THE TERRIBLE QUARRELS AND PERSECUTIONS WHICH HAVE DEFACED THE HISTORY OF THE FOLLOWERS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE? "IF MY KINGDOM WERE OF THIS WORLD, THEN WOULD MY SERVANTS FIGHT", HE SAID, AND TOO OFTEN HIS SERVANTS HAVE GIVEN EVIDENCE OF HAVING INTERPRETED HIS KINGDOM AS BEING VERY MUCH OF THIS WORLD. WHICH, IN SOME MEASURE, IT IS. WHATEVER MAY BE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF ULTIMATE REALITY, IMMEDIATE REALITY IS HERE AND NOW AND MANY OF OUR DECISIONS HAVE TO BE MADE UPON THAT BASIS. HENCE FOLLOW BOTH A PARADOX AND A DILEMMA: THE PARADOX THAT THE MORE FIRMLY WE BELIEVE THE TRUTHS WHICH WE HOLD TO BE IN TUNE WITH THE ETERNAL VERITIES, THE MORE STRONG THE NEED, OR THE TEMPTATION, TO STAND UP FOR THEM AND FIGHT FOR THEM IN THIS WORLD; WHICH IS AGAINST THE FUNDAMENTAL VERITY OF PEACE: AND THE DILEMMA, THAT SINCE MANKIND HAS BY HIS NATURE THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THERE WILL BE DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN DIFFERENT PEOPLE AS TO WHICH IS WHICH. IN CHRIST'S OWN KINGDOM THIS WILL PRESUMABLY NOT HAPPEN BECAUSE THERE THE TRUTH WILL BE KNOWN. OF THE EARTHLY DILEMMA THERE CAN BE NO PERFECT SOLUTION. IT MUST BE ACCEPTED THAT MEN AND WOMEN WILL DISAGREE AND EVEN QUARREL, AND THAT THEY WILL BE MORE PRONE TO SUCH QUARRELLING THE MORE STRONGLY THEY FEEL ABOUT THE ISSUE. THUS THERE MAY WELL BE MORE BITTER DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT RELIGION AND MUSIC AND EDUCATION AND POLITICS AND CONSERVATION ISSUES BECAUSE THESE ARE ISSUES UPON WHICH MEN AND WOMEN FEEL MOST DEEPLY. FOR THE CHRISTIAN ESPECIALLY, AND FOR ALL REASONABLE PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL, THERE SHOULD BE QUALIFICATIONS. RECOGNISING THE FACT OF THE DILEMMA, BOTH SIDES SHOULD ENDEAVOR TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE RIGHT OF THE OTHER TO COME TO A DIFFERENT CONCLUSION AND TO FEEL AS STRONGLY ABOUT IT AS THEY DO THEMSELVES. THERE IS EVEN THE APPALLING POSSIBILITY, IN THE WORDS OF OLIVER CROMWELL, WHO SELDOM APPLIES THEM TO HIMSELF, "I BESEECH YOU IN THE BOWELS OF CHRIST, THINK IT POSSIBLE YOU MAY BE MISTAKEN". WITH THIS IN MIND, NEITHER SIDE SHOULD IMPUTE ANY LOWER MOTIVES ON THE PART OF OTHERS THAN THEY ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT ON THEIR OWN. THE ARGUMENT SHOULD BE CONDUCTED WITH MUTUAL RESPECT, WITH DECENCY, AND WITH TOLERANCE. IF, AND ONLY IF, ARGUMENT CAN BE KEPT WITHIN THESE BOUNDS, CAN THERE BE ANY HOPE OF COMPROMISE OR OF THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN BOTH OPPONENTS WHICH WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO LIVE TOGETHER IN THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD WITH A FORETASTE OF THE HARMONY WHICH CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE NEXT, AND ONLY SO CAN THE PROTAGONISTS DEFEND THEMSELVES AGAINST THE CRITICISM OF THOSE WHO WOULD CONDEMN THEM. THE EASIER ANSWER OF NOT THINKING THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WHICH MATTERS ENOUGH TO FIGHT ABOUT IS NO ANSWER. TOLERANCE AND DECENCY MUST NOT BECOME APATHY, FOR THAT IS THE ESCAPE OF THE INDOLENT, THE COWARDLY AND THE UNFEELING. MONDAY 3 NOVEMBER 1980 "THREAT OF SINGLE ISSUE POLITICS" LATER THIS WEEK, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE ASKED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION CALLING ON MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND THE PARTIES THEY REPRESENT TO "IGNORE THREATS AND BLANDISHMENTS BY THE PROMOTERS OF SINGLE ISSUES". A FEW YEARS AGO, SUCH A MOTION MIGHT HAVE PUZZLED PARLIA- MENTARIANS AND PUBLIC ALIKE. NOW MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES ARE LIKELY TO FIND COMMON GROUND IN RESISTING WHAT SOME OF THEM SEE AS AN INSIDIOUS THREAT TO PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY. DR KEVIN FOLEY, A LIBERAL BACKBENCHER WHO HAS BEEN A FOREMOST ADVOCATE OF PARLIAMENTARY, BUDGETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM, PUT THE MOTION IN THE BELIEF THAT SINGLE ISSUE POLITICS ARE "A NEW AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS FORCE... WITH A VERY REAL ABILITY TO CHANGE, IN A FUNDAMENTAL AND UNFAVORABLE WAY, THE CHARACTER OF AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT". THE DEFEAT, AFTER TWO WEEKS OF SUSPENSE, OF MR BARRY SIMON IN THE FEDERAL ELECTORATE OF MCMILLAN UNDERSCORES DR FOLEY'S CONCERN. MR SIMON WAS THE TARGET OF A CAMPAIGN BY A MILITANT FACTION OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE MOVEMENT, WHICH PURSUES ITS CRUSADE FOR PROHIBITIVE LAWS AGAINST ABORTION BY URGING PEOPLE TO VOTE FOR OR AGAINST PARTICULAR CANDIDATES. ALTHOUGH MR SIMON IS A LIBERAL, MEMBERS OF OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN UNDER SIMILAR PRESSURE. DR FOLEY IS NOT OBJECTING TO THE MOTIVES OF GROUPS SUCH AS THIS, BUT TO THEIR METHODS. HE ARGUES WITH GOOD SENSE THAT ELECTIONS SHOULD BE DECIDED BY THE JUDGMENT OF THE ELECTORATE ON OVERALL POLICIES, PROGRAMMES, RECORDS AND CREDIBILITY, AND THAT PARLIAMEN- TARIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DECIDE ON WHAT IS BEST FOR THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT BEING THREATENED BY PRESSURE GROUPS WITH AN OBSESSIVE AND UNBALANCED ATTITUDE TO A SINGLE ISSUE. SINGLE ISSUE POLITICS, ALTHOUGH RELATIVELY NEW IN AUSTRALIA, HAVE INCREASINGLY DISTORTED THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVELS IN THE UNITED STATES. SINGLE- INTEREST GROUPS ARE OF TWO BROAD KINDS: THOSE WITH AN IDEOLOGICAL BASIS AND THOSE WITH A PECUNIARY INTEREST. THE LATTER INCLUDE SOME 15,000 LOBBYISTS IN WASHINGTON WHO SPEND ABOUT $2 BILLION A YEAR PUSHING THEIR PARTICULAR BARROWS. THEIR INTENSE PRESSURES FOR LEGISLATIVE FAVORS HAVE LED TO WIDESPREAD BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION TO AN EXTENT THAT MANY REPRESENTATIVES AND OFFICIALS OWE THEIR POSITION TO SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS OR CORPORATIONS RATHER THAN TO THE PARTIES THEY CLAIM TO REPRESENT. DR FOLEY'S MOTION DESERVES SUPPORT. IT SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS A BLANKET CONDEMNATION OF ALL ORGANISATIONS WHO CAMPAIGN, QUITE LEGITIMATELY, FOR SINGLE ISSUES. RATHER, IT SHOULD BE TAKEN AS A NECESSARY STAND AGAINST THOSE WHO, AS DR FOLEY PUT IT,"SEEK TO CONTROL, TO SUBVERT, TO CORRUPT, TO PERSONALISE AND TO VILIFY". THERE ARE ALSO TWO PRACTICAL MEASURES THAT THE LIBERAL AND LABOR PARTIES SHOULD BOTH CONSIDER. ONE IS TO ADOPT CLEAR AND CONSISTENT POLICIES ON SUCH CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES AS ABORTION LAW, RATHER THAN TO LEAVE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AND CANDIDATES EXPOSED TO PERSONAL PRESSURES. WHETHER TO SEEK OR CONSENT TO AN ABORTION MAY WELL BE A MATTER OF PERSONAL CONSCIENCE; WHERE TO DRAW THE LEGAL LINE IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC POLICY AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH. THE OTHER MEASURE IS TO INTRODUCE AN AGREED PROGRAMME OF PUBLIC FUNDING OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS, AND TO LIMIT POLITICAL ADVERTISING, TO REDUCE THE FINANCIAL INFLUENCE OF PRIVATE AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTORS TO PARTY FUNDS. "THE HAZARDS OF NUCLEAR WASTE" THE RISE OF THE NUCLEAR ENERGY AGE HAS BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY A MULTITUDE OF WORRIES AS TO WHAT TO DO WITH THE WASTE. SOME PEOPLE WANT TO BURY IT. OTHERS LIKE TO DUMP IT AT SEA. A FEW ADVOCATE THAT IT SHOULD BE SHOT INTO SPACE. ONE THING IS CLEAR: NO TECHNIQUE HAS BEEN PROVED SAFE. IT MAY BE THAT MANKIND WILL NEVER FEEL TOTALLY ASSURED. CERTAINLY THERE HAVE BEEN HOPEFUL SUGGESTIONS, SUCH AS THE PROCESS OUTLINED MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO BY AUSTRALIA'S PROFESSOR RINGWOOD, WHO BELIEVES HE HAS A WAY OF IMMOBILISING NUCLEAR WASTES BY INCORPORATING THEM IN SYNTHETIC ROCK. EVEN IF A SAFE METHOD WERE PROVED, HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE LIKELY TO HAVE A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE SIDE-EFFECTS. IT WOULD ENCOURAGE URANIUM MINING, EXPANDING THE THREAT TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, AND IN AUSTRALIA, FOR EXAMPLE, TO ABORIGINES. IT WOULD ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS, PARTICULARLY IN COUNTRIES WHICH MAY BE WILLING TO CUT COSTS BY CUTTING CORNERS, THUS MULTIPLYING THE RISK OF A THREE MILE ISLAND INCIDENT. MOST SERIOUSLY, IT WOULD PROVIDE THE RAW MATERIALS FOR THE PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, WITH THE INCREASING DANGER THAT THOSE WEAPONS WOULD COME INTO THE WRONG HANDS. THE POINT ABOUT NUCLEAR ENERGY IS THAT NOTHING SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED, EVEN THE MOST STRINGENT SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENTS. GOVERNMENTS THAT TAKE ON THE AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY OF NUCLEAR POWER ALSO TAKE ON A RESPONSIBILITY TO LOOK AFTER THE WASTE, AND PARTICULARLY NOT TO INFLICT IT ON OTHERS. OF COURSE IT IS BOTHERSOME. GOVERNMENTS LIKE TO CITE THE FACT THAT A BAN ON NUCLEAR POWERWOULD CAUSE A SHARP CUT IN EVERYONE'S STANDARD OF LIVING. NOWHERE IS THIS PROBLEM MORE ACUTE THAN IN JAPAN, WHICH HAS TO IMPORT ALMOST ALL ITS ENERGY. ITS EXISTING NUCLEAR POWER CAPACITY OF 15 MILLION KILOWATTS MAKES IT THE SECOND BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY COUNTRY. IT IS FACED WITH A HUGE STOCKPILE OF APPARENTLY LOW-LEVEL WASTE, WHICH IT WANTS TO START DUMPING IN THE PACIFIC, ALREADY THE WORLD'S FAVORITE NUCLEAR TEST AREA. THE PACIFIC NATIONS ARE ALARMED - WITH THE EXCEPTION OF AUSTRALIA, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE ABOUT 4 PER CENT OF JAPAN'S URANIUM NEEDS AND SAYS DIPLOMATICALLY THAT IT NEITHER APPROVES NOR DISAPPROVES OF THE DUMPING PROPOSAL. NO ONE DENIES THAT JAPAN HAS A PROBLEM. NO ONE CAN PROVE THAT ITS PLAN IS DANGEROUS, BUT, EQUALLY, NO ONE CAN PROVE THAT IT IS SAFE ONCE THE BARRELS HAVE BEEN DUMPED IRRETRIEVABLY INTO AN OCEAN RINGED BY AN EARTHQUAKE ZONE. JAPAN - AND THOSE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ALREADY DUMPING WASTE IN THE ATLANTIC - SHOULD THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT THEIR INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES. AS THE WORLD'S ENERGY NEEDS INCREASE, AND TRADITIONAL SOURCES DECLINE, SOME GOVERNMENTS SEE AN EASY WAY OUT BY DEVELOPING FAST BREEDER FUSION REACTORS. BUT THESE REACTORS ARE UNLIKELY TO CONTRIBUTE MUCH TO ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BEFORE THE YEAR 2030. HOWEVER, THERE IS AT LEAST A CHANCE THAT, BEFORE THAT TIME, SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY WILL HAVE ADVANCED TO A MATURE AND COMMERCIALLY FEASIBLE STAGE. NO ONE COULD PRETEND THAT SOLAR ENERGY IS THE ENTIRE ANSWER TO THE GREAT QUESTIONS ABOUT NUCLEAR POWER AND WASTE. IN ANY EVENT, THE WORLD WILL HAVE TO RELY ON CONVENTIONAL NUCLEAR REACTORS, AS WELL AS OIL AND COAL, UNTIL THE TURN OF THE CENTURY. BUT WHAT WE NEED NOW IS MORE SMALL-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY WHERE CLIMATE PERMITS (AUSTRALIA, FOR EXAMPLE). ABOVE ALL WE NEED RESEARCH ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE TO TEST WHETHER THE WORLD ULTIMATELY CAN TURN TO THE SUN AS A SAFE AND SIGNIFICANT PROVIDER OF POWER. MEANWHILE, AS AUSTRALIA'S RETIRING AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION AND SAFEGUARDS, MR JUSTICE FOX, SAYS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET IN PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A SCHEME IN WHICH STOCKS OF PLUTONIUM FALL UNDER INTERNATIONAL CONTROL. MR JUSTICE FOX ALSO ADVOCATES INTERNATIONAL AND MULTI-NATIONAL SAFEGUARDS ARRANGEMENTS. HE IS RIGHT. NUCLEAR ISSUES ARE FAR TOO HAZARDOUS TO BE LEFT TO THE WHIMS OF INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENTS. TUESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 1980 "THE NEW FRASER MINISTRY" THE ULTIMATE POWER OF A PRIME MINISTER OVER HIS PARTY IS THE POWER TO REWARD LOYALTY AND PUNISH DISSENTERS WHEN HE COMES TO FORM HIS MINISTRY. COALITION PARTNERS MUST BE KEPT HAPPY, AND ALL STATES REPRESENTED. THESE FACTORS HAVE BEEN SO IMPORTANT IN THE SHAPING OF THE NEW FRASER MINISTRY THAT THEY HAVE OVERSHADOWED THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION OF WHETHER THE RIGHT PEOPLE ARE BEING PUT IN THE RIGHT JOBS. THE WONDER IS THAT - WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS - THE INCOMING MINISTRY SEEMS NOT TOO BAD AT ALL. WHILE THE DEMOTION OF MR ROBINSON AND THE REASSIGNMENT OF MR PEACOCK HAVE DOMINATED DISCUSSION OF THE NEW RULING TEAM, IT SHOULD BE SAID FIRST OF ALL THAT, BY AND LARGE, MR FRASER APPEARS TO HAVE CHOSEN WELL. COMPETENCE AND INTELLIGENCE HAVE BEEN REWARDED AS WELL AS LOYALTY, AND PARTICULAR CARE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO SELECTING GOOD MINISTERS FOR PORTFOLIOS WHICH DEAL MOST CLOSELY WITH THE PROBLEMS OF THE POOR. IT IS A PITY THAT THERE ARE SOME GLARING EXCEPTIONS TO THESE GENERALISATIONS; BUT THE OVERALL IMPRESSION IS A FAVORABLE ONE. THE PRIME MINISTER'S PROBLEM IN PLACING MR PEACOCK HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY A SIMPLE SWAP WHICH FEW ANTICIPATED, BUT WHICH MAKES GOOD SENSE. THE TRADES HALLS OF INDUSTRIAL AUSTRALIA MAY BE FAR REMOVED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT ON WHICH ANDREW PEACOCK HAS TRAVELLED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. BUT HIS NEW MINISTRY IS ONE WHICH REQUIRES SIMILAR SKILLS OF NEGOTIATION - THE ABILITY TO SEE LEGITIMATE ARGUMENTS PUT BY OPPOSING SIDES AND TO PERSUADE EACH TO BEND A BIT TO MAKE THIS A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IS AN IMPORTANT MINISTRY IN AUSTRALIA, WHERE MANY UNIONS ARE STILL FAR FROM RECOGNISING THAT THEY HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AS WELL AS TO THEIR OWN MEMBERS. OUR RECORD OF STRIKES IS ONE OF THE FIVE WORST IN THE WESTERN WORLD AND HAS BEGUN TO CLOUD AUSTRALIA'S REPUTATION AS A RELIABLE TRADING PARTNER. POLITICALLY, THE CHOICE OF MR PEACOCK IS A CLEVER MOVE WHICH COULD LARGELY NEUTRALISE THE ADVANTAGE LABOR WILL GAIN FROM HAVING MR BOB HAWKE AS ITS SPOKESMAN ON INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. IT WILL BE FASCINATING TO SEE HOW THESE TWO ASPIRANTS TO THE PRIME MINISTERSHIP SHAPE UP AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS. MR STREET, FOR HIS PART, SEEMS ADEQUATELY QUALIFIED FOR HIS NEW ROLE AS MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS. A DILIGENT, EXPERIENCED MINISTER, A SYMPATHETIC LISTENER WHO ALWAYS THINKS BEFORE SPEAKING, HE WILL HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OVERSEAS OF BEING KNOWN TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE PRIME MINISTER. THE ONLY RESERVATION IS THAT HE MAY BE TOO CLOSE TO MR FRASER, WHOSE OBSESSION WITH THE SPREAD OF RUSSIAN AND VIETNAMESE COMMUNISM NEEDS TO BE OFFSET BY A LESS DOGMATIC VIEW OF THE WORLD. THE PEACOCK-STREET TRANSFER IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE CHANGE IN THE NEW MINISTRY. BUT ANY RESHUFFLE WHICH SEES THE RETIREMENT OF SACKING OF SIX MINISTERS AND THE ELEVATION OF FIVE NEW ONES HAS A GREATER SIGNIFICANCE. BY AND LARGE, THE MINISTRY LOOKS THE BETTER FOR THE CHANGES - YET IT WOULD HAVE LOOKED BETTER STILL HAD THE PRIME MINISTER BEEN A BIT MORE RUTHLESS. IN AT LEAST FOUR CASES, LOYALTY TO THE PRIME MINISTER - IN THE QUEENSLAND COALITION ROW, OR PERHAPS IN LAST WEEK'S VOTE FOR THE DEPUTY LEADERSHIP - APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN REWARDED AT THE EXPENSE OF PRODUCING A BETTER MINISTRY. SENATOR CARRICK, FOR EXAMPLE, IS A MAN OF CONSIDERABLE INFLUENCE IN THE PARTY, PARTICULARLY IN NEW SOUTH WALES. BUT HE HAS FAILED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT HE IS SUITED TO RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN AREA AS FULL OF COMPLEX POLICY QUESTIONS AS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY. HIS OWN WISH TO RETAIN THE PORTFOLIO SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO OVERRIDE THE NATION'S NEED FOR A MINISTER BETTER QUALIFIED TO ENSURE THAT AUSTRALIA GETS THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM THE RESOURCES BOOM AT THE LEAST SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COST. MR KILLEN REMAINS MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, TO THE SATISFACTION OF FEW EXCEPT HIMSELF. THE SAME COULD BE SAID OF MR IAN VINER, WHO AS MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT HAS TENDED TO APPEAR ABRASIVE AND UNSYMPATHETIC WITH THE PROBLEMS OF THE JOBLESS. WHAT AUSTRALIA NEEDS IS A MINISTER WITH ENOUGH HUMANE CONCERN TO FORCE POLICY CHANGES TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEMS CREATED BY MASS UNEMPLOYMENT AND BY THE SYSTEM'S FAILURE TO TRAIN THE UNEMPLOYED FOR THE SKILLED JOBS BECOMING AVAILABLE. THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MR VINER SEEMS ALL THE MORE STRANGE BECAUSE, IN OTHER SENSITIVE AREAS, MR FRASER HAS MADE EXCELLENT CHOICES. IN DAME MARGARET GUILFOYLE, AUSTRALIA WILL HAVE A FINANCE MINISTER WHO IS NOT MERELY OF UNQUESTIONED COMPETENCE, BUT ALSO HAS SHOWN A DETERMINATION TO SEE THAT BUDGET CUTBACKS ARE NOT MADE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE POOR. HER REPLACEMENT AT SOCIAL SECURITY, SENATOR FRED CHANEY, SHOWED AN UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN HIS PREVIOUS ROLE AS MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS. SIMILARLY, HIS REPLACEMENT, SENATOR PETER BAUME, SEEMS A GOOD CHOICE FOR A PORTFOLIO WHICH REQUIRES MORE THAN THE USUAL DEGREE OF CONSTRUCTIVE COMPASSION. THESE QUALITIES ARE ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT IN A GOVERNMENT SUCH AS MR FRASER'S, WHICH HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH PEOPLE LACKING THEM, AND HAS BEEN WIDELY SEEN AS BEING UNSYMPATHETIC TO THE POOR. OTHER CHANGES MIGHT HAVE IMPROVED THE MINISTRY. WE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO SEE MR ELLICOTT RETURN AS ATTORNEY-GENERAL RATHER THAN APPARENTLY LIE IN WAITING FOR THE POST OF CHIEF JUSTICE - A POST FROM WHICH HIS PAST POLITICAL ACTIVITIES SHOULD CLEARLY EXCLUDE HIM. MR IAN MACPHEE AND SENATOR PETER RAE ARE PEOPLE WHO COULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO KEY ECONOMIC PORTFOLIOS WITH ADVANTAGE. IT IS DISAPPOINTING THAT MR KEVIN NEWMAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN RETAINED IN THE MINISTRY AT THE EXPENSE OF SENATOR RAE. BUT THE ASPECT OF THE NEW MINISTRY WHICH COULD ULTIMATELY COST MR FRASER MOST WAS THE SACKING OF MR ERIC ROBINSON FROM THE CABINET - AND HIS REFUSAL TO SERVE IN THE JUNIOR PORTFOLIO OFFERED TO HIM. THIS STANDS IN STRANGE CONTRAST TO MR FRASER'S RELUCTANCE TO SHIFT MR KILLEN, SENATOR CARRICK OR MR VINER. IT SEEMS EVIDENT THAT MR ROBINSON'S DISPLACEMENT WAS THE DIRECT RESULT OF HIS ROLE IN PERSUADING THE QUEENSLAND BRANCH OF THE LIBERAL PARTY TO STAND UP TO THE FOLLIES OF MR BJELKE-PETERSEN AND HIS GOVERNMENT. IT HAS OFTEN BEEN SUGGESTED THAT MR FRASER LISTENS MORE TO HIS NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY COLLEAGUES THAN TO MEMBERS OF HIS OWN PARTY; THIS SEEMS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE. QUITE APART FROM THE POLITICAL WISDOM OF PUTTING MR ROBINSON ON THE BACKBENCH - AND IT SEEMS A CONSIDERABLE RISK FOR MR FRASER TO TAKE - IT APPEARS THAT MR FRASER HAS SIDED WITH THE NCP AGAINST THE STATE BRANCH OF HIS OWN PARTY. ALL TOLD, HOWEVER, IT IS NOT A BAD MINISTRY. THE PITY IS THAT IT IS NOT BETTER. WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 1980 "JURIES: CASE FOR INQUIRY" THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR MILLER, HAS SPOKEN OUT FREQUENTLY AND FORCEFULLY ON WHAT HE SEES AS AN IMBALANCE IN THE SCALES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. HE BELIEVES THAT THE SYSTEM, INHERITED BY AUSTRALIA AFTER CENTURIES OF EVOLUTION IN ENGLAND, IS WEIGHTED UNDULY IN FAVOR OF THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES. THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY, THE LIMITATIONS ON POLICE INVESTIGATION AND INTERROGATION, THE RULES OF EVIDENCE IN COURT AND ESPECIALLY THE TRADITION OF TRIAL BY JURY ALL APPEAR TO COMBINE TO GIVE THE GUILTY MORE THAN A SPORTING CHANCE TO GO FREE AND PROBABLY OFFEND AGAIN. AS A RESULT, HE ARGUES, COMMUNITY PROTECTION IS DIMINISHED AND POLICE MORALE IS WEAKENED. MR MILLER IS NOT ALONE IN ARGUING THAT TRIAL BY JURY HAS BECOME OBSOLETE AND OUGHT TO BE MODIFIED, IF NOT ABOLISHED OUTRIGHT. ITS MAIN OBJECT ORIGINALLY WAS TO PROTECT THE INDIVIDUAL AGAINST THE ARBITRARY POWER OF THE STATE AND, IN PARTICULAR, OF JUDGES WHEN NO OTHER PROTECTION WAS AVAILABLE. THE BELIEF THAT IT IS A GUARANTEE OF CIVIL LIBERTIES REMAINS IMPLANTED IN LEGAL MYTHOLOGY AND PUBLIC OPINION. ITS CRITICS ARGUE THAT SOCIETY NOW HAS MORE TO FEAR FROM ORGANISED CRIME THAN STATE OPPRESSION, AND THAT JURIES, WHILE THEY MAY SOMETIMES BE SWAYED BY EMOTION TO CONVICT AGAINST PSYCHIATRIC EVIDENCE OF DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY, ARE TOO INCLINED TO ACQUIT. THE POLICE SURGEON, DR PETER BUSH, HAS COMPLAINED FOR INSTANCE THAT JURIES REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT DRIVERS WITH HIGH BLOOD ALCOHOL READINGS WERE INCAPABLE OF CONTROLLING THEIR CARS, AND THAT CONSEQUENTLY DRUNK DRIVERS ARE ESCAPING CONVICTION ON LEGAL TECHNICALITIES. IT HAS ALSO BEEN ARGUED THAT JURIES ARE INCAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING COMPLEX CASES INVOLVING CORPORATE CRIME, THAT THEY ARE OPEN TO INTIMIDATION IN CASES INVOLVING VIOLENT ORGANISED CRIME, AND THAT THEY ARE UNDULY LIBERAL IN AWARDING DAMAGES IN SOME CIVIL CASES. MUCH OF THIS CRITICISM IS, HOWEVER, BASED ON CONJECTURE. MR MILLER DRAWS A COMPARISON BETWEEN MAGISTRATES' COURTS, WHERE ONLY ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF DEFENDANTS ARE DISCHARGED, AND HIGHER COURTS, WHERE JURIES ACQUIT ABOUT HALF THE ACCUSED PERSONS TRIED BEFORE THEM. BUT IT MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT MOST PERSONS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL PLEAD GUILTY AND SO COME ONLY BEFORE A JUDGE FOR SENTENCE. THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE ACQUITTAL RATE IN VICTORIAN COURTS HAS BARELY CHANGED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS. ONE PROBLEM IS THAT NO ONE REALLY KNOWS, EXCEPT THOSE WHO SERVE ON A JURY IN A PARTICULAR CASE, HOW JURIES ARRIVE AT THEIR VERDICTS. MR MILLER HAS EXPRESSED THE BELIEF THAT IF THE SECRETS OF THE JURY ROOM WERE REVEALED, THE CASE FOR ABOLITION OF JURIES WOULD BE PROVED BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT. HOW THIS REVELATION IS TO BE ACHIEVED IS HARD TO SAY, GIVEN THE PRESENT INSISTENCE ON SECRECY. EVEN IF UNDER STRINGENT SAFEGUARDS RESEARCHERS WERE ALLOWED TO OBSERVE OR TAPE-RECORD JURY DELIBERATIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A JURY'S AWARENESS OF SUCH MONITORING WOULD INFLUENCE ITS ATTITUDES. INTRUSION OR EAVESDROPPING MAY BE TOO DRASTIC A MEASURE, BUT THERE IS A CASE, AND ONE CAUTIOUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE ATTORNEY- GENERAL, MR STOREY, QC, AND LEGAL AUTHORITIES, FOR AN INQUIRY INTO THE JURY SYSTEM. IT IS WORTH COMPARING THE VICTORIAN EXPERIENCE, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH THAT IN OTHER STATES AND COUNTRIES. THERE MAY BE A CASE FOR RESERVING CERTAIN TYPES OF TRIAL FOR JUDGES WITHOUT A JURY, OR FOR JUDGES WITH LAY ASSESSORS. ANOTHER PROPOSAL, ADOPTED IN ENGLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA, IS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORITY VERDICTS (USUALLY 10 TO 2). AGAINST THIS, IT MAY BE ARGUED THAT IT DETRACTS FROM THE CONCEPT THAT A PERSON MUST BE FOUND GUILTY "BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT", AND THAT THE ACQUITTAL RATE IN JURISDICTIONS WITH MAJORITY VERDICTS IS NOT VERY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE IN WHICH UNANIMOUS VERDICTS ARE REQUIRED FOR CONVICTION. IN OUR VIEW, THERE IS A PRIMA FACIE CASE FOR INQUIRY INTO THE JURY SYSTEM AND FOR CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES. BUT THE ONUS MUST BE ON THE CRITICS TO PROVE THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS UNSATISFACTORY TO A DEGREE THAT MAKES MODIFICATION PREFERABLE. "BEATING THE DONKEYS" HOW FAR DOES MR MALCOLM FRASER OWE HIS MAJORITY TO AUSTRALIA'S DONKEYS? THAT IS ONE OF THE QUESTIONS BEING ASKED AFTER AN ELECTION WHICH SAW THE FRASER GOVERNMENT WIN NO FEWER THAN 17 SEATS BY MAJORITIES OF LESS THAN 2 PER CENT. IN 12 OF THESE SEATS, ITS VICTORIES MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE "DONKEY VOTE" - THE WELL-PROVEN PRACTICE OF MANY VOTERS TO VOTE FOR WHOEVER IS LISTED ON TOP OF THE BALLOT PAPER, REGARDLESS OF PARTY, AND TO DISTRIBUTE PREFERENCES STRAIGHT DOWN THE CARD "1,2,3,4...". SINCE CANDIDATES' NAMES ARE LISTED ON THE BALLOT PAPER IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, THE GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES IN THESE 12 SEATS - MESSRS BIRNEY, BOURCHIER, BRADFIELD, BUNGEY, BURR, &C - REAPED THE DONKEY VOTE, AND THUS RETAINED THEIR SEATS. IN FOUR OTHER SEATS, LABOR CANDIDATES WON FOR THE SAME REASON. AND NOW LABOR MP MR BARRY COHEN HAS URGED HIS PARTY TO TAKE NOTE IN FUTURE PRE-SELECTIONS AND GIVE PRIORITY TO CANDIDATES WHOSE NAMES BEGIN WITH THE FIRST LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET. AS HE POINTS OUT, THE DONKEY VOTE COULD DETERMINE WHO WINS THE NEXT ELECTION. THE PROSPECT OF AUSTRALIA HAVING A GOVERNMENT DECIDED BY DONKEYS IS DEPRESSING, BUT ALL TOO CREDIBLE. RATHER THAN PANDERING TO THE DONKEY VOTE, ALL PARTIES SHOULD COME TO AN AGREEMENT TO NEUTRALISE IT. THE TASMANIANS HAVE SHOWN THE WAY BY ROTATING THE CANDIDATES' NAMES ON SEPARATE BATCHES OF BALLOT PAPERS. ONE BATCH OF PAPERS WILL BE PRINTED LISTING ONE CANDIDATE FIRST, AN EQUAL NUMBER WILL SHOW ANOTHER CANDIDATE ON TOP, AN EQUAL NUMBER WILL HAVE A THIRD, AND SO ON. THUS ALL SHARE THE DONKEY VOTE EQUALLY, AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE RESULT IS NIL. THIS LESSENS THE INFLUENCE OF PARTY HOW-TO-VOTE CARDS, BUT VOTERS ARE NOT CONFUSED BY IT, BECAUSE THE BALLOT PAPERS SHOW WHICH PARTY EACH CANDIDATE BELONGS TO. FURTHERMORE, TASMANIAN VOTERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ALLOCATE PREFERENCES BEYOND THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES TO BE ELECTED, SO THE INFORMAL VOTE IS KEPT TO A MINIMUM. THIS LAST REFORM IS OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE FOR SENATE ELECTIONS. UNDER A LAW DISAPPROVED OF BY THREE OUT OF FOUR AUSTRALIANS AND CONDEMNED AS "QUITE RIDICULOUS" BY A FORMER CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, NO AUSTRALIAN'S VOTE FOR THE SENATE IS COUNTED UNLESS THE VOTER HAS ALLOCATED A PREFERENCE TO EVERY SINGLE CANDIDATE STANDING. IN VICTORIA, WHERE 34 CANDIDATES STOOD, MORE THAN 250,000 VOTES - 11.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL - HAVE THUS BEEN DECLARED INFORMAL. IN ALL, ABOUT ONE IN 10 AUSTRALIAN VOTERS WAS DISENFRANCHISED AT THE 18 OCTOBER SENATE ELECTION BY THE COMPLEXITY OF THE VOTING SYSTEM. IT IS A WEAKNESS FOR DEMOCRACY THAT WE ALLOW THIS SYSTEM TO CONTINUE, WHEN SUCH A SIMPLE REFORM COULD FIX IT. AN AGE POLL LAST YEAR FOUND THAT 72 PER CENT OF AUSTRALIANS WANTED PREFERENCES TO BE MADE OPTIONAL AT ELECTIONS, AND THEY INCLUDED MAJORITIES OF VOTERS FROM ALL PARTIES. THE FRASER GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRANSLATE THEIR WISHES INTO ACTION. THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER 1980 "THE REAGAN PRESIDENCY" ALMOST NOBODY EXPECTED THAT RONALD REAGAN WOULD WIN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION BY AN OVERWHELMING MARGIN, AND A FIRST REACTION MUST BE THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE VOTED FOR FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN A WAY THEY HAVE NOT VOTED SINCE ROOSEVELT'S ELECTION IN 1932. WHETHER THEY WILL GET IT IS ANOTHER MATTER. THEY VOTED FOR NIXON, IT IS TRUE, IN 1968; BUT NIXON HAD BEEN EISENHOWER'S VICE- PRESIDENT, AT A TIME OF MODERATE POLICIES, AND HE WAS ELECTED PARTLY BECAUSE HE SAID HE COULD END THE WAR IN VIETNAM. EVEN SO, HE WON ONLY A NARROW VICTORY OVER HUBERT HUMPHREY, A CLASSIC AMERICAN LIBERAL DEMOCRAT. IN 1972, AGAIN, THERE WERE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR NIXON WAS RUNNING AGAINST ONE OF THE WEAKEST CANDIDATES THE DEMOCRATS HAVE EVER RUN FOR THE PRESIDENCY, SENATOR GEORGE MCGOVERN. AT TUESDAY'S ELECTION, THE CHOICE WAS DIFFERENT. GOVERNER REAGAN, WHATEVER ELSE MAY BE SAID ABOUT HIM, HAS TAKEN OVER, FIRST CALIFORNIA, THEN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, AND NOW THE NATION, AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE FREE WORLD, AS THE CLICHE GOES, FROM A POLITICAL POSITION WELL TO THE RIGHT OF THE TRADITIONAL, OLD-STYLE HEART OF THE REPUBLICANS. HIS OUTSTANDING REPUBLICAN PREDECESSOR AS GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, AFTER ALL, WAS EARL WARREN. MR REAGAN MAY HAVE WATERED DOWN OR FOGGED SOME OF HIS EARLIER ATTITUDES, BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT HE HAS REPRESENTED A NEW SUNBELT CONSERVATISM - QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE OLD EAST-COAST REPUBLICANISM - WHOSE KNOW- LEDGE OF THE WORLD IS SLIGHT, AND WHOSE DECLARATIONS ON ALL PROBLEMS, WHETHER MORAL, OR SOCIAL, OR INTERNATIONAL - INCLUDING QUESTIONS OF PEACE OR WAR - HAVE INVARIABLY SHOWN AN INAPPROPRIATE DEGREE OF CERTAINTY AND DOGMATISM. IT HAS BEEN A POLITICAL MOVEMENT THAT HAS TENDED TO LIVE ON SIMPLE SLOGANS. HAS THE AMERICAN ELECTORATE NOW BOUGHT A DREAM OF SIMPLE SOLUTIONS? IT SEEMS POSSIBLE. THEIR OVERWHELMING VOTE FOR REAGAN CERTAINLY APPEARS TO SHOW THAT WHAT THEY THINK THEY HAVE VOTED FOR ARE SUCH THINGS AS "A STRONGER AMERICA", "OLD VALUES", "STANDING UP TO COMMUNISM", "LETTING PRIVATE ENTERPRISE GET ON WITH THE JOB", AND OTHER REAGANITE PRESCRIPTIONS. CYNICS WILL SAY, OF COURSE, THAT ANY RESULT WAS POSSIBLE WHEN THE CHOICE WAS SO UNPALATABLE. JIMMY CARTER HAD MUDDLED THROUGH FOUR YEARS OF POWER IN A HAZE OF INCONSISTENCY AND HESITATION, WHILE MR REAGAN, NOT SO LONG AGO, HAD BEEN WIDELY REGARDED AS THE UNTHINKABLE CANDIDATE. JUST A FEW WEEKS FROM POLLING DAY, THE FORMER GOVERNOR WAS MUSING ALOUD ABOUT THE CURATIVE POWERS OF SMOG AND ATTACHING THE CHIEF BLAME FOR POLLUTION TO TREES. THAT SAID, IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO UNDERESTIMATE MR REAGAN. HE IS A FORMIDABLE POLITICIAN. HE OUTLASTED AND OUTFOUGHT A HOST OF YOUNGER MEN IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, SURVIVED THE TIGHT-LIPPED SAVAGERY OF THAT CONSUMMATE CAMPAIGNER JIMMY CARTER, AND USED HIS HOLLYWOOD STAGE MANNER TO SUCH EFFECT THAT HIS VISION SEEMED PLAUSIBLE. THERE WAS INSPIRATION, HOWEVER GLIB IT MAY HAVE BEEN. THE UNTHINKABLE BECAME THINKABLE. THE RECIPE, OF COURSE, HAS A FAINTLY FAMILIAR SMELL. MR CARTER TRIED SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS HIMSELF. LOOK WHERE IT GOT HIM IN 1976, AND LOOK WHERE IT HAS LEFT HIM NOW. THAT MAY NOT MATTER TO MR REAGAN, WHO WILL BE 70 WHEN HE TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE AND WHO IS KNOWN TO HAVE CONSIDERED SERVING ONLY ONE TERM. HE MAY NOT BE AROUND IN 1984 TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE UNFULFILLED DREAMS. BUT FOR NOW, THE FORMER ACTOR IS ABOUT TO START PLAYING HIS GREATEST ROLE. THE PART MAY BE LADEN WITH RISK FOR ALL OF US, BUT THERE IS REASON TO THINK THAT MR REAGAN MAY NOT BE AS BAD AS HIS DETRACTORS WARN OR AS SOME OF HIS LESS PROFOUND STATEMENTS SUGGEST. NEITHER WILL HE BE AS GOOD AS HIS SUPPORTERS INSIST. LIKE MR CARTER FOUR YEARS AGO, MR REAGAN IS THE NEW BOY IN WASHINGTON, A STRANGER TO A SYSTEM THAT HAS HUMBLED BETTER QUALIFIED PRESIDENTS. ALL WE HAVE TO GO ON IS HIS RECORD IN THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION IN SACRAMENTO AND, WHILE RUNNING CALIFORNIA IS NOT QUITE THE SAME AS RUNNING THE UNITED STATES AND THE WESTERN ALLIANCE, HIS TWO TERMS PROVIDE SOME COMFORT. WHILE BEHIND THE DEEPLY CONSERVATIVE RHETORIC LIES A DEEPLY CONSERVATIVE MAN, MR REAGAN'S LEGISLATIVE HISTORY IN THE RICHEST STATE REVEALED A CAPACITY FOR COMPROMISE AND SOME LIBERAL INITIATIVES. INDEED, AMONG THE MOST WORRIED PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY MAY WELL BE THOSE ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY'S EXTREME RIGHT WING, WHO FOR WEEKS HAVE BEEN VOICING THEIR FEAR OF A "SELL-OUT" SHOULD MR REAGAN WIN. THE TRICK MAY BE TO LOOK AT WHAT THE POPULIST FROM PACIFIC PALLISADES DOES, AND NOT WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO. IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, MR REAGAN'S LONG-STANDING ANIMOSITY TOWARDS COMMUNISM AND HIS BELIEF THAT MILITARY MIGHT IS THE BEST PROTECTION WILL GUIDE HIS THINKING. BUT HERE AGAIN HIS DANGEROUSLY SIMPLE VISION MAY BE TEMPERED AS IT IS TRANSLATED INTO ACTION. HE TENDS TO START WITH THE BELIEF THAT CHANGE IS DANGEROUS AND EVENTUALLY IS PERSUADED THAT IT IS NECESSARY, AS HIS INITIAL OPPOSITION TO RECOGNITION OF CHINA AND HIS SUBSEQUENT ACCEPTANCE SHOW. THUS IT MAY BE PREMATURE TO HARK BACK TO THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION'S ATTACK ON MR REAGAN AS THE CANDIDATE WHO REPRESENTED DANGEROUSLY EXTREME AND SOMETIMES BIZARRE POSITIONS. NOTHING MR REAGAN HAS DONE IN PRACTICE JUSTIFIES THE PICTURE OF HIM AS A RIGID REACTIONARY. EQUALLY, NOTHING HE HAS DONE JUSTIFIES THE PROJECTION OF HIM AS A MAN EQUIPPED FOR THE PRESIDENCY. DESPITE THE ENDLESS CAMPAIGN, WE STILL DO NOT KNOW ENOUGH YET TO BE SURE WHERE THE ACTOR AND THE CUE CARDS LEAVE OFF AND WHERE THE POLITICAL LEADER TAKES OVER. MUCH OF HIS PERFORMANCE WILL DEPEND ON THE CALIBRE OF THE PEOPLE WITH WHOM HE SURROUNDS HIMSELF. MR REAGAN IS NEITHER A FOOL - ALTHOUGH IT MAY SEEM THAT WAY AT TIMES - NOR SENILE. BUT THERE MUST BE SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT HE HAS THE BREADTH OF INTELLECT AND THE AGILITY OF MIND TO COPE WITH THE MOST DEMANDING JOB AVAILABLE. HE MAY, THOUGH, CONFOUND HIS CRITICS AND SURPRISE US ALL. LET US HOPE HE DOES. MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER 1980 "POLICE INTEGRITY NEEDS SAFEGUARDS" COMMANDER GORDON MARCHESI'S COMMENTS ON THE LIMITATIONS OF THE POLICE BUREAU OF INTERNAL INVESTIGATION (BII) ARE BOTH HEARTENING AND DEPRESSING. IT IS HEARTENING THAT A RECENTLY RETIRED SENIOR POLICE OFFICER SHOULD OPENLY DECLARE THAT THE PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE ARE INADEQUATE AND OFTEN FRUSTRATED BY THE TRIBAL LOYALTIES OF THE POLICE FORCE, AND THAT HE SHOULD RECOGNISE THE NECESSITY FOR INDEPENDENT SUPERVISION OF SUCH INVESTIGATIONS. THE POLICE ASSOCIATION, BY CONTRAST, HABITUALLY GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT THE FORCE IS COMPOSED EXCLUSIVELY OF ANGELS IN BLUE, THAT ANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST THEM ARE UNFOUNDED, AND THAT ACCUSED POLICEMEN DESERVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF THEIR FELLOWS. UNDERSTANDABLY, EVEN THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER, MR MILLER, WHO REALISES THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE AND WHO IS DETERMINED TO HAVE A FORCE WORTHY OF IT, OFTEN FEELS OBLIGED TO SPEAK OUT IN DEFENCE OF HIS RANK AND FILE. MR MARCHESI'S REMARKS ARE DEPRESSING, HOWEVER, IN THAT THEY SHOW LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THE DEFICIENCIES TO WHICH THE BEACH AND NORRIS REPORTS POINTED SEVERAL YEARS AGO. AS A POLICEMAN FOR 40 YEARS AND HEAD OF BII FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, MR MARCHESI HAS SPOKEN WITH INSIDE KNOWLEDGE AND AUTHORITY. HE HAS IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS BOTH OF PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE. THERE IS THE AGE-OLD PROBLEM OF WHO IS TO WATCH OVER THE WATCHDOGS. IDEALLY, THERE SHOULD BE NO NEED FOR SUCH A SECTION AS BII. MOST POLICE, AS MR MARCHESI POINTS OUT, ARE HONEST, CONSCIENTIOUS AND CONSIDERATE OF CITIZENS' RIGHTS. BUT SOME ARE NOT. MORE THAN MOST OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS, POLICE ARE EXPOSED TO TEMPTATIONS TO DISHONESTY, CORRUPTION AND ABUSE OF THEIR POWER. THEY ARE ALSO, BY THE NATURE OF THEIR DUTIES, VULNERABLE TO FALSE ACCUSATION. IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT COMPLAINTS AGAINST THEM BE PROPERLY INVESTIGATED, AND SEEN TO BE SO. OBVIOUSLY, POLICE ARE BEST EQUIPPED BY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE FOR SUCH INVESTIGATIVE WORK. BUT IF THE PUBLIC IS TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS THEY MUST BE SUBJECT TO APPEAL AND SUPERVISION BY AN INDEPENDENT, PUBLIC AUTHORITY. A FORMER OVERSEER OF INVESTIGATIONS - A RETIRED MAGISTRATE - HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED SINCE HE RETIRED IN 1978. THERE IS A LIMITED AVENUE OF APPEAL TO THE OMBUDSMAN, WHO IS BUSY ENOUGH WITH HIS OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, AND MORE THAN 2000 COMPLAINTS MADE SINCE 1976 HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED. MR MARCHESI'S CALL FOR A PUBLIC TRIBUNAL TO OVERSEE BII'S WORK IS ONE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD URGENTLY HEED. THEN THERE ARE THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES. THE BUREAU IS UNDERMANNED - MR MARCHESI BELIEVES IT SHOULD HAVE 35 TO 40 OFFICERS INSTEAD OF ITS PRESENT STRENGTH OF 11 - AND MANY INVESTIGATIONS ARE EITHER HANDED OVER TO OTHER POLICE OR DEALT WITH TOO LATE. PEOPLE WHO WISH TO MAKE A CONFIDENTIAL COMPLAINT TO BII HAVE TO SIGN A BOOK IN THE FOYER OF THE WILLIAM STREET POLICE HEADQUARTERS, AND FILES RECORDING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ARE NOT KEPT SUFFICIENTLY SECURE. MR MILLER HAS SAID THAT THE STRENGTH OF BII CANNOT BE INCREASED UNTIL A SEPARATE BUILDING WITH MORE SPACE IS FOUND. SUCH ACCOMMODATION MAY NOT BE EASY TO FIND, AS HE SAYS, BUT THE QUEST SHOULD BE GIVEN MORE URGENT PRIORITY BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE IS PROBABLY WHAT THE BEACH REPORT APTLY DESCRIBED AS THE "BROTHERHOOD SYNDROME" - THE SELF- PROTECTIVE SOLIDARITY AMONG POLICE WHICH SHIELDS THOSE WHO BREAK THE RULES AND IMPEDES INVESTIGATION AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, EFFECTIVE REMEDIES. POLICE MUST REALISE THAT THEIR GREATEST ASSET IS PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND CO-OPERATION, AND THAT THIS CANNOT BE ENSURED SO LONG AS THEY REFRAIN FROM HELPING TO WEED OUT THE SMALL MINORITY AMONG THEM WHO BESMIRCH THE INTEGRITY OF THE FORCE. "INDIA AND MRS GANDHI" NEARLY A YEAR AGO MRS GANDHI OF INDIA MADE ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE RETURNS TO POWER IN MEMORY. THE PRIME MINISTER WHO HAD GIVEN HER PEOPLE FORCED STERILISATION, DETENTION WITHOUT TRIAL, POLICE REPRESSION, CENSORSHIP AND DENIAL OF PERSONAL FREEDOMS SWEPT BACK TO OFFICE ON A PROMISE OF LAW AND ORDER AND AN END TO COMMUNAL STRIFE. IT WAS A PROMISE THE DISCORDANT AND DIVISIVE JANATA COALITION FAILED TO OFFER. LEADERSHIP AND ASSURANCE WERE THE OVERRIDING ISSUES. AND MRS GANDHI, THE UNASHAMED AUTOCRAT, COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER ATTUNED TO THE DESPERATE NEED FOR POLITICAL COHESION IN A COUNTRY WHERE MANY SEEM CONVINCED THAT A DEGREE OF AUTHORITARIANISM IS NECESSARY FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT. IN THE 10 MONTHS SINCE HER RETURN, HOWEVER, MRS GANDHI HAS NOT BEEN HER OLD SELF AS A SYMBOL OF POWER AND LEADERSHIP. INDIA APPEARS TO BE ADRIFT IN A SEA OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ILLS IN WHICH CRIME, COMMUNAL VIOLENCE AND POLICE BRUTALITY ARE THRIVING. THE DROUGHT HAS BEEN THE WORST THIS CENTURY. INFLATION IS HIGH AND IMPLACABLE. OIL IMPORTS NOW CONSUME 60 PER CENT OF EXPORT EARNINGS. POWER BREAKDOWNS OCCUR DAILY. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS FALLING AND 25 MILLION PEOPLE ARE UNEMPLOYED. SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS WERE INHERITED FROM THE JANATA YEARS. BUT, IN THE FACE OF ALL THIS, NEW DELHI SEEMS TO BE PARALYSED, UNABLE TO DEAL WITH DAY TO DAY PROBLEMS AND DEMORALISED BY LACK OF POLITICAL VISION AND WILL. MRS GANDHI'S PERSONAL LEADERSHIP IS BEING QUESTIONED OPENLY FOR THE FIRST TIME AS MILLIONS LOOK AT THE SWAGGERING YOUNGSTERS WHO RECEIVED THE VOTES CAST FOR HER. THESE NEW POLITICIANS WERE CHOSEN BY THE PRIME MINISTER'S SON SANJAY, WHO WAS ALSO HER CLOSEST POLITICAL ADVISER, AND OCCUPY 60 PER CENT OF THE INDIRA CONGRESS'S SEATS IN THE ASSEMBLY. THEIR ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM IS EDGED BY A CONTEMPT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN WHICH PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS CAN BE BROUGHT TO A HALT BY ORGANISED BARRACKING. POLICEMEN CAN BE BOUGHT, OR THREATENED. DEMONSTRATIONS CAN BE STAGED IN COURT, AND JUDGES PILLORIED. NO ATTEMPT IS MADE TO HIDE THE STYLE, OR TO REASSURE INDIANS THAT THE ENORMITY AND COMPLEXITY OF THEIR PROBLEMS ARE UNDERSTOOD. THE PARTY IS IN DISARRAY NOW THAT SANJAY IS DEAD. HE WAS THE IRON FIST THAT KEPT THE RULING POLITICIANS IN LINE. MRS GANDHI HAS BEEN UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO PULL THEM TOGETHER AGAIN, SHOWING A DISINCLINATION TO APPOINT NEW CABINET MEMBERS AND HOLDING FOR HERSELF NOT ONLY THE PRIME MINISTERSHIP BUT ALSO THE MINISTRIES OF DEFENCE, INDUSTRY, STEEL, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. CYNICS HAVE BEEN HEARD TO SAY THAT SHE HAD ONLY TWO AIMS IN RUNNING FOR OFFICE AGAIN. ONE WAS TO VINDICATE HERSELF AFTER THE HUMILIATION OF THE 1977 DEFEAT. THE OTHER WAS TO ENSURE THAT SANJAY, WHO WAS BLAMED FOR MANY OF THE EMERGENCY'S EXCESSES, WOULD SUCCEED HER AND KEEP ALIVE THE NEHRU DYNASTY THAT HAS RULED INDIA FOR MOST OF ITS INDEPENDENT LIFE. NOW, ACCORDING TO THIS THEORY, MRS GANDHI HAS NO REASON TO GOVERN. ANOTHER THEORY ADVANCED BY SOME OF HER OPPONENTS HOLDS THAT SHE IS USING THE COUNTRY'S PARALYSIS AND DRIFT TO PROVIDE AN EXCUSE TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY SIMILAR TO THE ONE IN WHICH SHE PREVIOUSLY RAN INDIA WITHOUT THE TRAMMELS OF DEMOCRATIC TRADITION. THE TRICK HERE, IT IS SAID, IS TO LET THINGS DRIFT UNTIL THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES CLAMOR FOR THE WHIP HAND. WHATEVER THE TRUTH, INDIA'S FUTURE IS OMINOUS. AS AUSTRALIA'S HIGH COMMISSIONER IN NEW DELHI, MR UPTON, WROTE IN A RECENT DISPATCH, "THE CONTINUING ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE OPPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE ENDEMIC WEAKNESSES OF THE CONGRESS (I) LEADERSHIP ADDS UP TO A DISTURBING PICTURE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF INDIAN DEMOCRACY". MR UPTON DECLINED TO RULE OUT IN THE LONGER TERM THE POSSIBILITY OF A MILITARY TAKEOVER. OTHER CRITICS OF MRS GANDHI FORECAST THAT SHE IS PREPARING TO REPLACE THE WESTMINSTER-STYLE PARLIAMENT AND SET HERSELF UP AS AN ALL-POWERFUL PRESIDENT. THEY POINT OUT THAT THE PRIME MINISTER HAS CALLED A NATIONAL DEBATE ON THE BEST WAY TO GOVERN THE COUNTRY. THEY CITE A STRING OF ORDINANCES ISSUED IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS TO PROVIDE NEW POWERS OF PREVENTIVE DETENTION AND CENSORSHIP. THERE IS A GROWING TENDENCY TO RULE BY EDICT. PERHAPS MRS GANDHI IS WAKING FROM THE SLEEP OF HER EMOTIONAL AND POLITICAL DEPRESSION. TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 1980 "THE QUEENSLAND ELECTION" IT IS A LONG TIME SINCE ANY STATE ELECTION HAS CAUGHT THE INTEREST OF AUSTRALIANS GENERALLY AS MUCH AS THE COMING QUEENSLAND ELECTION. THE REASON FOR THIS IS PLAIN: THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL AND SEEMINGLY UNBEATABLE GOVERNMENT IN AUSTRALIA IS AT LAST IN DANGER OF BEING BROUGHT DOWN - FROM WITHIN. AFTER 44 YEARS IN WHICH IT MEEKLY ACCEPTED THE ROLE OF JUNIOR PARTNER IN QUEENSLAND'S CONSERVATIVE COALITION, THE LIBERAL PARTY HAS FINALLY FOUND THE COURAGE TO TRY TO TAKE OVER LEADERSHIP OF THE GOVERNMENT FROM MR JOH BJELKE-PETERSEN. THE LIBERALS HAVE NOMINATED CANDIDATES IN MANY OF THE NATIONAL PARTY SEATS, AND IN SEVEN OF THEM THEY STAND A GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING. IF THEY CAN GAIN SIX OF THEM - OR HOLD THEIR GROUND AGAINST LABOR BETTER THAN THE NATIONALS DO - QUEENSLAND WILL HAVE ITS FIRST CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT IN 23 YEARS. IN OTHER COALITIONS, PERHAPS, A TRANSFER OF THE LEADING ROLE MAY NOT SIGNIFY MUCH CHANGE IN POLICY. IN QUEENSLAND, THE DIFFERENCES ARE LIKELY TO BE PROFOUND. UNDER THE BJELKE- PETERSEN GOVERNMENT, QUEENSLAND HAS BECOME NOTORIOUS FOR REPRESSIVE SOCIAL LEGISLATION, AUTHORITARIAN ADMINISTRATION AND CAVALIER MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS AND POSITIONS OF OFFICE. WE HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS SCANDALS INVOLVING LAND REZONINGS. STREET MARCHES HAVE BEEN BANNED, A VITAL ABORIGINAL HEALTH PROGRAMME SUDDENLY BLOCKED, ONE OF BRISBANE'S MOST BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS WANTONLY DESTROYED, THE POLICE GIVEN VIRTUALLY UNCHECKED POWER, ABORIGINES DENIED LAND RIGHTS, AND GOVERNMENT FUNDS AND POWERS USED FOR POLITICAL ENDS. MOST OF THESE ACTS HAVE RESULTED FROM THE NATIONAL PARTY'S DOMINATION OF THE RULING COALITION. MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY OPPOSED BY LIBERAL BACKBENCHERS AND THEIR PARTY ORGANISATION. IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT A LIBERAL-LED QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MORE LIBERAL, MORE HUMANE AND MORE ETHICAL IN OFFICE THAN THE BJELKE-PETERSEN REGIME. THE ODDS AGAINST THE LIBERAL CHALLENGE SUCCEEDING, HOWEVER, ARE FORMIDABLE. UNDER THE QUEENSLAND GERRYMANDER, COUNTRY ELECTORATES HAVE BARELY 11,000 VOTERS WHILE URBAN ELECTORATES AVERAGE 17,500. THE RESULT OF THIS DISTORTION IS THAT THE COUNTRY-BASED NATIONAL PARTY HAS 35 SEATS IN THE PARLIAMENT, WHILE THE CITY-BASED LIBERALS HAVE ONLY 24 - DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY RECEIVED A ROUGHLY SIMILAR NUMBER OF VOTES AT THE LAST ELECTION. THUS THE LIBERALS WILL HAVE TO OUTPOLL THE NATIONALS DECISIVELY TO HAVE ANY CHANCE OF MATCHING THEIR SWAG OF SEATS. THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LIBERALS ARE LIMITED. THEIR DOCILE ACCEPTANCE OF THE JUNIOR ROLE FOR SO LONG HAS MEANT THAT THEY HAVE ALMOST NO PRESENCE IN MOST OF RURAL QUEENSLAND, AND LITTLE OR NO CHANCE OF WINNING ANY RURAL SEATS. THEIR PROSPECTS ARE CONFINED TO SEVEN NATIONAL PARTY SEATS: THREE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BRISBANE, TWO ON THE GOLD COAST - INCLUDING THE SEAT OF THE AUTHORITARIAN MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MR RUSSELL HINZE - AND ONE EACH IN TOWNSVILLE AND TOOWOOMBA. AGAINST THIS, HOWEVER, THE LIBERALS THEMSELVES ARE UNDER THREAT IN EIGHT BRISBANE SEATS FROM LABOR, AND THE BEST THEY CAN HOPE IS THAT THE NATIONALS WILL LOSE A COUPLE MORE SEATS TO LABOR THAN THEY DO. ON TOP OF THIS, LABOR HAS NOW MISCHIEVOUSLY DIRECTED PREFERENCES TO THE NATIONALS IN THE TWO LIBERAL-HELD SEATS ON THE GOLD COAST, SO THAT ANY LIBERAL GAINS MAY WELL BE OFFSET BY LOSSES. LABOR HAS BECOME THE FORGOTTEN PARTY OF THIS THREE-CORNERED ELECTION, AND WITH GOOD REASON: THEY HAVE NO HOPE OF WINNING IT. LABOR HAS ONLY 23 SEATS IN THE 82-MEMBER PARLIAMENT, AND WOULD NEED A SWING OF ALMOST 6 PER CENT TO GAIN POWER. THE FAILURE OF THE PARTY TO SETTLE ITS INTERNAL CONFLICTS HAS PUT PAID TO ANY THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE LABOR'S YEAR, QUITE APART FROM THE FACT THAT ITS LEADER, MR ED CASEY, IS PLAINLY OUT OF HIS DEPTH IN THE JOB. THE RECENT FEDERAL ELECTION RESULTS CONFIRMED THAT THE BEST LABOR CAN HOPE FOR IS TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL GAINS FROM THE COALITION - AND THIS IS QUITE POSSIBLE, SINCE IT LOST SIX SEATS AT THE LAST ELECTION BY LESS THAN 1 PER CENT - AND PUT ITSELF IN A POSITION TO MAKE ITS REAL BID FOR POWER AT THE 1983 ELECTION. BY THEN, PERHAPS, WITH A NEW LEADER, A SOLUTION TO ITS INTERNECINE FIGHTING AND A BETTER-QUALIFIED CAUCUS, IT WILL BE READY TO INHERIT THE GOVERNMENT. ELECTIONS ARE OFTEN A KIND OF CHOICE BETWEEN EVILS - AND THIS ONE MORE THAN MOST. WHILE MR BJELKE-PETERSEN HAS BEEN RELATIVELY RESTRAINED SINCE THE DEFEAT OF HIS ABORTION BILL LAST MAY - WHEN THE BULK OF THE LIBERAL MPS CROSSED THE FLOOR TO VOTE WITH LABOR - HIS ELECTION PLEDGE TO INTRODUCE SCHOOL COURSES DESIGNED "TO ENCOURAGE A GREATER AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND ITS ROLE IN SOCIETY" INDICATES THAT QUEENSLANDERS CAN EXPECT MORE OF THE SAME IF HE IS RETURNED TO POWER. BY CONTRAST, THE LIBERAL LEADER, DR LLEW EDWARDS, HAS PLEDGED SOME STEPS TO REFORM QUEENSLAND POLITICS, SUCH AS A CODE OF ETHICS FOR MINISTERS, A REGISTER OF POLITICIANS' PECUNIARY INTERESTS, A PRIVACY COMMITTEE, MORE EMPHASIS ON INDUSTRIAL CONCILIATION AND A FAIR ELECTORAL REDISTRIBUTION. CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY OF DR EDWARDS AND HIS MINISTERS TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT WOULD BE GREATER IF THEY HAD SHOWN MORE SPUNK IN STANDING UP TO MR BJELKE-PETERSEN IN THE PAST. AS IT IS, HOWEVER, THEY SEEM THE LESSER EVIL - BUT ALSO THE LIKELY LOSERS. WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 1980 "HAYDEN LEADS A STRONG TEAM" THE LEADER OF THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY LABOR PARTY IS BY TRADITIONAL PARTY RULE AT A DISADVANTAGE IN COMPARISON WITH HIS LIBERAL COUNTERPART. A LIBERAL LEADER, WHETHER HE BE PRIME MINISTER OR OPPOSITION LEADER, IS ENTITLED TO CHOOSE THE MEMBERS OF HIS MINISTRY OR SHADOW MINISTRY (ALTHOUGH, IF IN COALITION, HE IS OBLIGED TO ACCEPT THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY'S NOMINEES FOR ITS QUOTA OF FRONT-BENCHERS). THE LABOR FRONT BENCH, HOWEVER, IS ELECTED BY THE PARTY CAUCUS, AND THE LEADER'S PREROGATIVE IS LIMITED TO ALLOTTING PORTFOLIOS. ON THIS OCCASION, THE LABOR CAUCUS HAS ELECTED A WELL-BALANCED TEAM, DROPPING SOME MEMBERS IN WHOM IT HAD LOST CONFIDENCE (IN SOME CASES WITH GOOD REASON) AND BRINGING IN SOME WELCOME NEW BLOOD. AND MR HAYDEN HAS ALLOCATED THE SHADOW PORTFOLIOS TO THE BEST EFFECT. MR BOWEN NATURALLY REMAINS DEPUTY LEADER AND IS A REASONABLE CHOICE AS SHADOW FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER OPPOSITE MR STREET. SENATOR BUTTON, ONE OF THE PARTY'S MORE ASTUTE, PERSONABLE AND THOUGHTFUL POLITICIANS, DESERVED TO SUCCEED UNOPPOSED TO THE SENATE LEADERSHIP. HE IS ONE OF LABOR'S FEW TOP REPRESENTATIVES WITH A NON-METROPOLITAN BACKGROUND AND SHOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE SPOKESMAN ON COMMUNICATIONS, ALTHOUGH THE MINISTER, MR SINCLAIR, IS NOT IN THE SAME CHAMBER. THE ONLY CONTEST FOR THE TOP POSITIONS WAS FOR THE PARTY'S DEPUTY LEADERSHIP IN THE SENATE. THERE WAS SOME DIVISION ON PARTY LINES, BUT THE BETTER MAN, SENATOR GRIMES, WON AND WILL AGAIN BE AN ABLE SPOKESMAN ON SOCIAL SECURITY. MR HAWKE DID NOT POLL AS HIGHLY AS HE MIGHT HAVE EXPECTED - AND THERE IS STILL SOME CAUCUS RESENTMENT AT HIS IMPATIENT AMBITIONS - BUT HE WILL COVER INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, AS FORESHADOWED, AS WELL AS THE RELATED FIELDS OF EMPLOYMENT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS. THAT HE SHOULD BE PITTED AGAINST MR PEACOCK, THE PRINCIPAL CONTENDER FOR THE LIBERAL SUCCESSION, WILL ADD PIQUANCY TO HIS PARLIAMENTARY PERFORMANCE. AS INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT SPOKESMAN, MR HAWKE REPLACES MR. YOUNG, WHOSE STANDING IN THE PARTY AND IN MR HAYDEN'S ESTEEM HAS UNDERSTANDABLY FALLEN, AND WHO HAS BEEN DEMOTED TO IMMIGRATION. MR KEATING ON ENERGY AND RESOURCES, DR BLEWETT ON HEALTH, SENATOR EVANS ON LAW AND MR JONES ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE COULD WELL OUTCLASS THE MINISTERS OPPOSITE. SENATOR EVANS, WITH HIS INTEREST AND EXPERTISE IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND LAW REFORM, SHOULD BE AN ADMIRABLE SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL. MR WILLIS WILL CONCENTRATE ON TREASURY AFFAIRS WHILE SENATOR WALSH, ONE OF LABOR'S FEW ECONOMIC RATIONALISTS, TAKES OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCE, TRADE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. MR KERIN, A FORMER AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST, IS A GOOD CHOICE IN PRIMARY INDUSTRY, AND WILL FRIGHTEN THE FARMERS LESS THAN SENATOR WALSH DID. MR HAYDEN HAS AS GOOD A FRONT BENCH AS COULD BE CHOSEN. HIS HOPE, AND THE LABOR PARTY'S, NOW MUST BE THAT IT WILL WORK TOGETHER AS AN EFFECTIVE TEAM, PUTTING LEADERSHIP RIVALRIES AND FACTIONAL SQUABBLES ASIDE IN THE COMMON CAUSE OF CHALLENGING THE GOVERNMENT AND APPEARING AS A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE FUTURE. "THE WATCHDOG THAT WHISPERS" FROM THE INCEPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY IN 1972, THERE HAS BEEN SOME CONFUSION WITHIN THE EPA ITSELF AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY ABOUT ITS INTENDED ROLE. ON THE ONE HAND, THE EPA HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC AS A SORT OF DETECTIVE AGENCY OF EXPERTS WHO SWOOP IN ON OFFENSIVE SMOKESTACKS AND LIQUID WASTE DISCHARGES AND HAUL POLLUTERS INTO COURTS TO STOP THEM FOULING OUR AIR AND WATER. IN SOME AREAS, THE EPA HAS, INDEED, FUNCTIONED THIS WAY. FOR EXAMPLE, THE EPA AND ITS AGENCIES HAVE PROSECUTED COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS ON 707 CHARGES ALLEGING WATER POLLUTION IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. BUT MOSTLY THE EPA HAS, IN FACT, ADOPTED THE ROLE OF A GOVERNMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, OF AN AGENCY THAT SEEKS TO NEGOTIATE WITH POLLUTERS AND PERSUADE THEM TO CLEAN UP THEIR DISCHARGES RATHER THAN USE THE FORMIDABLE LEGISLATIVE WEAPONS AT ITS DISPOSAL. IN THAT SAME FIVE-YEAR PERIOD, FOR INSTANCE, THE EPA FILED ONLY 21 CHARGES INVOLVING AIR POLLUTION. SOMETIMES THE IRON GLOVE OF THE LAW SEEMS VERY SOFT. JUST HOW SOFT WAS SHOWN LAST SATURDAY BY 'THE AGE' INSIGHT INVESTIGATION OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL. THE EPA CARRIES OUT HARDLY ANY INDEPENDENT TEST OF ITS OWN ON FACTORY CHIMNEYS TO CHECK WHETHER ITS POLLUTION CONTROLS ARE BEING OBSERVED. IN THE PAST FINANCIAL YEAR IT CHECKED ONLY 17 IN THE WHOLE STATE. OTHERWISE, IT RELIES ON THE COMPANIES TO MONITOR THEIR OWN EMISSIONS AND PRESENT IT WITH THE RESULTS. IT IS INEVITABLE THAT UNDER SUCH A SYSTEM THE EPA RARELY PROSECUTES ANYONE FOR BREACHING THE CONDITIONS OF THEIR WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT EVERYONE KNOWS SUCH BREACHES DO OCCUR. NOR CAN IT RELEASE DETAILS OF THIS SELF-MONITORING WITHOUT THE COMPANY'S CONSENT - WHICH WOULD NOT BE GIVEN IF THE TESTS DISCLOSED ANYTHING DAMAGING. THUS RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY FOUL AIR EMISSIONS ARE UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE COMPANY IS DISCHARGING AND WHETHER IT IS WITHIN THE LAW. ONE CAN UNDERSTAND THE EPA WANTING TO LEAVE THE BURDEN OF ROUTINE TESTING TO THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES; SPOT TESTING IS EXPENSIVE AND THE EPA IS NOT SUFFERING FROM EXCESSIVE FUNDS. BUT IT MUST BE ASKED WHETHER OUR AIR POLLUTION CONTROL IS EFFECTIVE WHEN WE HAVE VIRTUALLY NO INDEPENDENT CHECK ON WHAT FACTORIES ARE PUTTING INTO OUR AIR. THE CASES OF THE NYLEX PLANT AT MENTONE AND THE KEMREZ CHEMICALS PLANT IN CHELTENHAM, DOCUMENTED IN OUR INSIGHT ARTICLE, SUGGEST THAT IT IS NOT. THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT DANGEROUS CHEMICALS ARE BEING EMITTED AT BOTH FACTORIES WITHOUT EITHER HAVING A LICENCE TO DO SO. THE EPA MAY BE RIGHT IN INSISTING THAT ITS LENGTHY PROCESS OF LICENCE REVIEWS AND NEGOTIATION WITH THE FIRMS CONCERNED WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEMS EVENTUALLY. BUT IF IT IS TO HAVE ANY CLOUT WITH THE LICENCE HOLDERS, IT MUST BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT ITS OWN TESTS WHEN NECESSARY AND BE PREPARED TO PUBLISH ITS RESULTS AND PROSECUTE. TO DO THIS, IT WOULD NEED FAR MORE PEOPLE THAN ITS PRESENT THREE-MEMBER SMOKESTACK INVESTIGATING TEAM. BUT THIS MUST BE DONE. WE NEED A WATCHDOG THAT CAN DO MORE THAN JUST WHISPER IN THE BURGLAR'S EAR. THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER 1980 "LEFT WITH MR FOOT" MR MICHAEL FOOT, A MAN OF THE PAST IF EVER THERE WAS ONE, HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO LEAD THE BRITISH LABOR PARTY INTO A FUTURE FILLED WITH DOUBTS, DISTRACTIONS AND DANGERS. LABOR TODAY IS A VERY DIFFERENT PARTY. IT HAS GONE LEFT WITH ASTONISHING SPEED. ITS NEW AND RADICAL MANIFESTO, RUSHED THROUGH THE RECENT BLACKPOOL CONFERENCE BY MR TONY BENN, COMMITS BRITAIN UNDER A LABOR GOVERNMENT TO A RASH OF NATIONALISATION AND A RUSH TO SCRAP EVERYTHING FROM PRIVATE EDUCATION AND THE HOUSE OF LORDS TO MEMBERSHIP OF THE EEC; PERHAPS EVEN NATO. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE LEFT HAS CAPTURED THE CONSTITUENCIES, SOME OF THE MORE SIGNIFICANT UNIONS, AND THUS THE PARTY MACHINE, MUST RAISE SERIOUS DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER LABOR ANY LONGER CAN CLAIM TO BE REPRESENTATIVE. THE VAST MAJORITY OF LABOR VOTERS WOULD APPEAR TO BE MODERATE AND REFORMIST WITH ESSENTIALLY SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC VALUES. PARTIES WHICH CEASE TO BE REPRESENTATIVE GIVE WAY TO NEW POLITICAL ALIGNMENTS. AND LABOR IS NO EXCEPTION. ADMITTEDLY, ITS HAND IS BEING FORCED. MR FOOT MAY WELL BE THE LAST LEADER TO BE ELECTED BY THE PARLIAMENTARIANS ALONE. THAT PRIVILEGE IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF A DEBATE FROM WHICH THE UNIONS AND THE CONSTITUENCY ACTIVISTS HOPE TO ACHIEVE SOME SORT OF ELECTORAL COLLEGE. SO THE PARTY AS A WHOLE IS IN A FRIGHTFUL MESS. MR CALLAGHAN, A MODERATELY SUCCESSFUL PRIME MINISTER WAS NOT MUCH GOOD AS LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. HE MUST TAKE HIS SHARE OF THE BLAME FOR THE STATE OF THE PARTY TODAY. IF HE SEEMED TO JUMP SHIP AT A SINGULARLY INOPPORTUNE TIME, MR CALLAGHAN PROBABLY BELIEVED IT WAS THE BEST WAY TO HELP MR DENIS HEALEY'S PURSUIT OF THE INTERIM LEADERSHIP BEFORE A NEW ELECTORAL SYSTEM COULD BE INTRODUCED. THE MODERATES' GAMBIT FAILED, ALTHOUGH ONLY BY 10 VOTES. SO NOW WE HAVE MR FOOT IN CHARGE, WITH HIS NOTABLE PAST AS A LEFT-WING RHETORICIAN. HE IS NOT AN OUT-AND-OUT RADICAL LIKE MR BENN, WHICH IS A REASON WHY THE LEFT, KNOWING THAT MR BENN COULD NOT WIN THROUGH IN THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM, DECIDED TO DRAFT HIM. MR FOOT MAY NOW SEE HIMSELF AS A LONG-TERM LEADER, BUT THAT WAS NOT WHY HE WAS TALKED INTO RUNNING. HIS ELECTION THIS WEEK MAKES MORE LIKELY THE ELECTION OF MR BENN. OF COURSE MR FOOT IS A DECENT AND CHARMING MAN, A SPLENDID ORATOR WITH A SOLID CONCERN FOR THE UNDERDOG, A THEORIST OF LIBERTARIAN PRINCIPLES AND A GREAT BELIEVER IN THE WORTH AND TRADITIONS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. THESE ARE COMMENDABLE QUALITIES, BUT THEY ARE HARDLY THE STUFF REQUIRED TO LEAD EITHER THE PARTY OR THE COUNTRY. MR FOOT IS TOO NICE AND AGREEABLE A MAN TO HEAD A PARTY WHICH, ABOVE ALL AT THIS TIME OF TRAVAIL, NEEDS A LEADER OF STRENGTH AND VITALITY. HE IS POPULAR WITH SOME OF THE MORE LEFT-WING UNIONS. MR FOOT IS PLEDGED TO POLICIES THAT COULD BE DISASTROUS FOR THE BRITISH ECONOMY AND THE WESTERN ALLIANCE. AS A MINISTER HE WAS INDIFFERENT TO DEPARTMENTAL DETAIL AND DISCIPLINE. AS A POTENTIAL PRIME MINISTER, HE IS IMPLAUSIBLE. CYNICS WOULD SAY THAT HE IS MRS THATCHER'S IDEA OF A LABOR LEADER, FOR HE IS CERTAINLY AN INSURANCE POLICY AGAINST CONSERVATIVE DEFEAT IN 1983 OR 1984. MR FOOT IS 67 NOW AND MAY WELL BE TOO OLD. HIS HEALTH IS NOT AS ROBUST AS THAT OF PRESIDENT-ELECT REAGAN. HE IS AN INDULGENCE FOR A PARTY THAT SEEMS TO BE INDULGING ITSELF AT EVERY TURN. AS IT IS, MR FOOT IS THE CHOICE MOST LIKELY TO SPLIT LABOR BEFORE THE NEXT ELECTION. A SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY COULD BE BORN FROM THE LABOR MODERATES AND THE LIBERALS. IF THE LABOR PARTY IS NO LONGER REPRESENTATIVE, A NEW PARTY IN THE CENTRE MIGHT FIND READY AND SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT. THE DISTURBING THING ABOUT MR FOOT'S ELECTION IS THAT IT COMPLETES THE POLARISATION OF BRITISH POLITICS. THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY IS LED FROM THE RIGID RIGHT, THE LABOR PARTY FROM THE DOGMATIC LEFT. "THE BALANCE OF POWER" THE SENATE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE HANDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS IS LIKELY TO IRRITATE RATHER THAN SERIOUSLY IMPEDE THE FRASER GOVERNMENT, AND MAY EVEN IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW. OWING TO THE PECULIARITIES OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE SENATE UNTIL 1 JULY, WHEN THE SENATORS ELECTED ON 18 OCTOBER TAKE THEIR PLACES. THIS GIVES THE GOVERNMENT AMPLE TIME TO PUSH THROUGH LEGISLATION WHICH IT THINKS THAT SENATOR CHIPP'S BAND OF FIVE - OR SIX IF THE DEMOCRATS WIN THE FIFTH CONTESTED SEAT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA ON A RECOUNT - MIGHT JOIN THE LABOR PARTY IN OPPOSING. FROM 1 JULY, THE FRASER GOVERNMENT WILL FIND ITSELF IN A SITUATION WITH WHICH THE MENZIES, GORTON AND MCMAHON GOVERNMENTS MANAGED TO COPE DURING PART OF THEIR LIFETIMES. IN SOME WAYS, THE DEMOCRATS MAY BE LESS TROUBLESOME THAN THE DEMOCRATIC LABOR PARTY WAS WHEN IT HELD THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE SENATE. THE DLP USED ITS MUSCLE (ALSO EXERTED THROUGH THE COALITION'S DEPENDENCE ON PREFERENCES TO WIN MANY SEATS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) TO INFLUENCE GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS ARE LESS LIKELY TO PRESS FOR PARTICULAR POLICIES, OR ARE LIKELY TO HAVE LESS CLOUT IF THEY DO. THEY ARE ALSO INHIBITED BY THEIR OWN PRINCIPLES FROM MAKING COVERT DEALS WITH EITHER OF THE MAJOR PARTIES. THE DEMOCRATS' INFLUENCE WILL BE FELT IN OTHER WAYS. THEY ARE LIKELY TO THROW THEIR WEIGHT BEHIND MOVES BY LEADING LABOR AND INDEPENDENT-MINDED LIBERAL SENATORS TO MAKE THE SENATE A MORE EFFECTIVE HOUSE OF REVIEW BY STRENGTHENING THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM AND SUBJECTING LEGISLATION TO CLOSER SCRUTINY. THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE A MAJORITY AND THAT THEREFORE THEY CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFEAT OF ANY LEGISLATION IS ALSO LIKELY TO MAKE DISSIDENT LIBERAL SENATORS MORE ASSERTIVE AND CRITICAL. AS THE DEMOCRATS ARE PLEDGED NOT TO BLOCK SUPPLY TO FORCE A GOVERNMENT PREMATURELY TO THE POLLS, THE COALITION IS SAFE FROM A CRISIS OF THE KIND ITS MEMBERS CREATED TO TOPPLE THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT. AND SO LONG AS THE DEMOCRATS DO NOT BECOME OBSTRUCTIVE AND DISRUPTIVE IN OTHER WAYS, A SENATE THAT NO LONGER ACTS MAINLY AS A RUBBER STAMP FOR GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION COULD BE TO THE NATIONAL GOOD. IF THE SENATE DOES REJECT LEGISLATION CONTRARY TO MAJORITY PUBLIC OPINION, THEN THE GOVERNMENT HAS A POWERFUL WEAPON IN ITS ABILITY TO CALL FOR A DOUBLE DISSOLUTION, WHICH SWEPT THE DLP OUT OF THE SENATE. THE DEMOCRATS ARE ALSO AWARE THAT THEIR OWN SURVIVAL MAY WELL DEPEND ON THEIR PERFORMANCE. THEY WOULD BE FOOLISH TO MISUSE THEIR POWER. FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER 1980 "POWER: BLACKER AND BLACKER" WITH EACH DAY NEW EVIDENCE IS COMING TO LIGHT ABOUT THE CRISIS LOOMING OVER VICTORIA'S ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES. A FORTNIGHT AGO IN THESE COLUMNS WE POINTED OUT THAT THE LONG DELAYS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR POWER STATIONS AT NEWPORT, YALLOURN W AND LOY YANG - DELAYS MOSTLY CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES - WOULD MAKE OUR ELECTRICITY SIGNIFICANTLY MORE EXPENSIVE IN THE 1980S AND COULD EVEN LEAD TO BLACKOUTS AS SUPPLY FAILS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE GROWING DEMAND. NOW NEW LEAKED DOCUMENTS FROM THE SEC HAVE INDICATED THAT NEWPORT MAY HAVE TO BURN FUEL OIL FAR MORE OFTEN THAN THE 96 DAYS A YEAR PERMITTED BY ITS LICENCE FROM THE EPA - OR BE SHUT DOWN, WITH THE RISK OF CAUSING POWER BLACKOUTS. THEN IN STATE PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY THE ALP MADE A SERIES OF EXTRAORDINARY ALLEGATIONS OF MISMANAGEMENT BY THE SEC, CLAIMING THAT VICTORIA FACED CERTAIN LARGE-SCALE BLACKOUTS FROM 1983 - AND CALLING FOR A ROYAL COMMIS- SION INTO THE SEC. THE ALLEGATIONS MADE BY LABOR'S ENERGY SPOKESMAN, MR AMOS, WERE SOME OF THE MOST SERIOUS EVER MADE BY AN OPPOSITION AGAINST SUCH AN IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY. MR AMOS CLAIMED THAT THE SEC HAD CONTINUALLY LIED TO PARLIAMENT AND TO MINISTERS, THAT ITS "MANAGERIAL INCOMPETENCE" HAD GUARANTEED THAT VICTORIA WOULD FACE FOUR YEARS OF ELECTRICITY SHORTAGES, THAT IT HAD RUN ITSELF INTO VIRTUAL INSOLVENCY THROUGH FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT, AND THAT IT HAD DELIBERATELY CONSPIRED TO PROVOKE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES IN THE LATROBE VALLEY. HE ARGUED THAT THE LOY YANG POWER STATION WOULD NOT START PRODUCING ELECTRICITY UNTIL MAY 1986 - THREE YEARS BEHIND SCHEDULE - AND THAT FROM 1983 TO THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE VICTORIA FACED HUGE ELECTRICITY SHORTFALLS. ON HIS FIGURES, FOR INSTANCE, IN 1986-87 THE DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY WOULD EXCEED THE SUPPLY BY AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION OF VICTORIA'S FOUR MILLION PEOPLE! THESE ARE EXTREMELY GRAVE CHARGES. SOME OF THEM, PARTICULARLY THOSE CONCERNING FUTURE POWER SHORTFALLS, APPEAR TO BE WELL-FOUNDED AND OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO VICTORIA. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THEY WERE OVERSHADOWED BY OTHERS WHICH APPEAR EXAGGERATIONS AND BASELESS VITUPERATION STEMMING FROM THE LONG VENDETTA BETWEEN MR AMOS AND THE AUTHORITY FOR WHICH HE HOPES TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE AS MINISTER. TO TAKE ONE EXAMPLE: IT IS FAIR COMMENT TO SAY THAT THE SEC HELPED TO PROVOKE SOME OF THE LOY YANG DISPUTES BY FOOLISH INDUSTRIAL BRINKMANSHIP. BUT TO CLAIM, AS MR AMOS DOES, THAT THE SEC DELIBERATELY CONSPIRED TO CLOSE DOWN WORK AT LOY YANG TO DIVERT PARLIAMENT'S ATTENTION FROM ITS OWN MISMANAGEMENT SUGGESTS THAT LABOR NEEDS A NEW ENERGY SPOKESMAN WHOSE JUDGMENT HAS NOT BEEN STRAINED BY ANIMOSITY. THE ANALYSIS OF VICTORIA'S FUTURE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PRESENTED BY MR AMOS, HOWEVER, IS ANOTHER MATTER. HE QUOTED AN UNNAMED "EXPERT" AS POINTING OUT TWO SERIOUS FLAWS IN THE SEC'S FORECAST OF THE FUTURE DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY - A FORECAST WHICH ITSELF PREDICTED SUPPLY SHORTFALLS OF UP TO 600 MILLION KILOWATT HOURS A YEAR BETWEEN 1983 AND 1987. THE ANONYMOUS EXPERT ARGUED PERSUASIVELY THAT THE SHORTFALLS WILL MOST LIKELY BE FAR GREATER THAN THE SEC PREDICTS, CAUSING LARGE-SCALE BLACKOUTS IN VICTORIAN FACTORIES, HOMES, SHOPS AND OFFICES FOR SOME YEARS. HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SEC FORECAST ASSUMED THAT THE LOY YANG GENERATORS WOULD BE ABLE TO OPERATE FROM THE START AT CLOSE TO CAPACITY, WHEREAS PAST EXPERIENCE SUGGESTED THAT TEETHING TROUBLES WOULD REDUCE THEIR INITIAL USEFULNESS TO ABOUT 60 PER CENT CAPACITY. FURTHERMORE, THE SEC FORECAST ASSUMED THAT LOY YANG WOULD PROCEED TO COMPLETION WITHOUT ANY FURTHER DELAYS DUE TO INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES. THIS OPTIMISM ALSO SEEMS QUITE UNWARRANTED ON PAST EXPERIENCE. THE ANALYSIS PRESENTED BY MR AMOS SUGGESTS THAT ELECTRICITY BLACKOUTS ARE LIKELY TO BECOME PART OF THE WAY OF LIFE OF VICTORIANS IN THE 1980S, PARTICULARLY IF ALCOA'S PORTLAND SMELTER IS BUILT AS PLANNED. ONE CAN TAKE NO REASSURANCE FROM THE BLAND DENIAL OF THIS GIVEN IN PARLIAMENT YESTERDAY BY THE MINISTER FOR MINERALS AND ENERGY, MR BALFOUR. THE MINISTER WAS ON MORE SOLID GROUND WHEN HE ARGUED THAT THE SUPPLY PROBLEMS, WHICH HE CLAIMED WERE NO MORE THAN POSSIBLE PROBLEMS IN 1984 AND 1985, STEMMED FROM THE LONG UNION BAN ON THE NEWPORT POWER STATION AND THE CONTINUAL INDUSTRIAL UNREST AT YALLOURN W AND LOY YANG. INDEED THEY DO. AND ANY ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM FACING VICTORIA WHICH TRIES TO SHIFT THE WHOLE BLAME ON TO THE SEC WILL INEVITABLY PROVE BARREN WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING SOLUTIONS. VICTORIA DOES NOT NECESSARILY NEED A ROYAL COMMISSION INTO THE SEC. IT DOES NEED SOME RUTHLESS SOUL-SEARCHING BY THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT AND ITS POLITICAL ALLIES, BY THE SEC AND ITS CONTRACTORS, AND BY THE HAMER GOVERNMENT ABOUT HOW THIS CRISIS DEVELOPED, HOW THEIR OWN ACTIONS (OR INACTION) CONTRIBUTED TO IT, AND HOW IT CAN BE HEADED OFF. A LOT OF COMPROMISES MUST BE MADE NOW TO ENABLE THE POWER STATIONS TO BE BUILT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. ELECTRICITY IS TOO IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE FOR US TO BE ABLE TO TOLERATE CAVALIER STRIKES, LOCKOUTS AND DEMARCATION DISPUTES ANY MORE. SOME FORM OF INDUSTRIAL CONTRACT IS NEEDED WHICH WILL GUARANTEE GOOD WAGES, A SPEEDY AND FAIR PROCEDURE FOR SETTLING DISPUTES AND BAN STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS. THE TRADES HALL COUNCIL SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SETTLING THE PLAGUE OF DEMARCATION DISPUTES WHICH HAVE UPSET WORK ON THE POWER STATIONS. THE HAMER GOVERNMENT SHOULD PERSUADE ALCOA TO POSTPONE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PORTLAND SMELTER UNTIL ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES ARE ASSURED. WORKERS NEED ELECTRICITY FOR THEIR JOBS; FAMILIES NEED ELECTRICITY FOR THEIR HOME LIFE. UNLESS WE HAVE POLITICIANS AND UNION LEADERS WHO UNDERSTAND THIS, VICTORIA IS HEADED FOR SERIOUS TROUBLE. SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 1980 "'THE AGE' AND THE DOCUMENTS" 'THE AGE' THIS WEEK HAS BEEN ENGAGED IN A HIGH COURT CASE OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE TO THE WORKING OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY. WE ARE REFRAINING FROM COMMENT UNTIL MR JUSTICE MASON HAS HANDED DOWN HIS JUDGMENT. THIS WILL BE IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS' TIME. WHEN HE HAS DECIDED WHETHER TO REIMPOSE OR TO LIFT THE INJUCTION AGAINST THE PUBLICATION OF EXTRACTS FROM THE BOOK 'DOCUMENTS ON AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE AND FOREIGN POLICY 1968-75', WE SHALL HAVE PLENTY TO SAY, PARTICULARLY ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, ITS BUREAUCRATS, OFFICIAL SECRECY, AND THE PUBLIC RIGHT TO KNOW. "THE VOYAGE TO SATURN" THERE ARE NOT TOO MANY TRIPS WHERE YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH BEING 1500 KILOMETRES OFF COURSE. BUT THE VOYAGER I'S TRIP FROM EARTH TO THE RINGS OF THE PLANET SATURN HAS BEEN NO ORDINARY TRIP. FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS THIS LITTLE UNMANNED SPACESHIP, NO BIGGER THAN A VOLKSWAGEN, HAS BEEN HURTLING THROUGH SPACE AT 65,000 KILOMETRES AN HOUR TOWARDS THE OUTER REACHES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM. WHEN IT LEFT FLORIDA ON 5 SEPTEMBER 1977 TO BEGIN THE 2000-MILLION- KILOMETRE TRIP TO SATURN, ITS CONTROLLERS ESTIMATED THAT VOYAGER I WOULD REACH ITS DESTINATION AT 1 AM GREENWICH MEAN TIME ON 13 NOVEMBER 1980. IT ARRIVED ON THURSDAY, RIGHT ON TIME. ACROSS THIS IMMENSE DISTANCE, VOYAGER I HAS SENT BACK COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENTS FASCINATING TO ASTRONOMERS AND LAYMEN ALIKE. WHEN PASSING JUPITER LAST YEAR, VOYAGER PHOTOGRAPHED A SPECTACULAR POLAR AURORA FAR LARGER THAN EARTH'S, BOLTS OF DAZZLING LIGHTNING, HUGE ACTIVE VOLCANOES ON THE MOON IO, AND A RING OF ROCKS PERPETUALLY CIRCLING THE GIANT PLANET. ITS DISCOVERIES ON SATURN HAVE BEEN NO LESS ENTHRALLING. IT PHOTOGRAPHED THREE MOONS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN TO MAN, AND A HUGE CLOUD OF GLOWING GAS CIRCLING THE MULTI-COLORED PLANET. IT FOUND TWO OTHER MOONS SHARING AN IDENTICAL ORBIT, SWAPPING THE LEAD WITH EACH OTHER IN AN ETERNAL TAG RACE AROUND THE PLANET. AND THE FAMOUS RINGS THEMSELVES, WHICH SEEMED FROM OUR DISTANCE TO FORM FOUR BROAD BANDS GROOVED AS EVENLY AS A GRAMOPHONE DISC, VOYAGER HAS SHOWN TO BE BILLIONS OF ROCKS AND ICE PARTICLES WHIZZING AROUND IN HUNDREDS OF RINGS AND RINGLETS, SOME JAGGED, SOME SMOOTH, SOME EVEN BRAIDED ACROSS EACH OTHER'S ORBIT IN DEFIANCE OF WHAT MAN HAD ASSUMED TO BE THE LAWS OF PHYSICS. THE DISCOVERIES OF VOYAGER I WILL MAKE NO DIFFERENCE TO OUR LIFE ON EARTH. EVEN THE MOST EXCITING PROSPECT ITS TRIP HELD OUT, THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOON TITAN MIGHT BE CAPABLE OF SUSTAINING LIFE, HAS BEEN DAMPENED BY ITS FINDING THAT TITAN HAS FEWER HYDROCARBONS THAN EXPECTED, AND TEMPERATURES OF FROM MINUS 100 TO MINUS 200 DEGREES. WHAT IT HAS DONE HAS BEEN TO FEED MAN'S CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORLD IN WHICH WE FIND OURSELVES, A TINY PLANET OF LIFE IN A VAST UNIVERSE OF INANIMATE ROCKS, VAPORS, GASES AND SPACE. VOYAGER I HAS TOLD US THINGS WE DID NOT KNOW, OPENED UP NEW PUZZLES FOR ASTRONOMERS AND PERHAPS GIVEN NEW CLUES IN THE ENDLESS SEARCH TO DISCOVER THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. NOW ITS WORK IS ALMOST DONE, IT WILL HEAD OFF TOWARDS OUTER SPACE, MAYBE TO LAND MILLIONS OF YEARS HENCE ON ANOTHER PLANET, WHERE ITS TIME CAPSULE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, HUMAN SOUNDS AND MUSIC MAY BE OPENED TO REVEAL TO OTHER LIFE FORMS SOMETHING OF LIFE ON PLANET EARTH IN THE 1970S. THE STORY OF VOYAGER I IS A STORY OF SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE, AN INSPIRING TESTAMENT OF WHAT MAN CAN ACHIEVE. WHEN WE CANNOT GET EVEN OUR LOCAL TRAINS TO RUN ON TIME, THE IDEA OF A TRIP OF 2000 MILLION KILOMETRES BEING ACCOMPLISHED DEAD ON TIME IS STAGGERING. IT IS OF COURSE FAIR TO QUESTION THE PRIORITY GIVEN TO SPACE RESEARCH. READERS OF OUR FRONT PAGE YESTERDAY MAY HAVE ASKED THEM- SELVES WHY A CIVILISATION CAPABLE OF SUCH A FEAT CANNOT FEED THE 12 MILLION PEOPLE NOW FACING STARVATION IN EASTERN AFRICA AS A RESULT OF DROUGHT AND WAR. THE REASON IS NOT SIMPLY ONE OF FUNDS. THE ENTIRE VOYAGER PROJECT, INCLUDING ITS TWIN VOYAGER II NOW ON ITS WAY TO SATURN, URANUS AND NEPTUNE, HAS COST NO MORE THAN THE MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP. THE VOYAGER PROJECT HAS BEEN A TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN WILL TO ACHIEVE THROUGH DISCIPLINE AND APPLICATION WHAT HAD SEEMED TO BE IMPOSSIBLE. IF ONLY WE COULD APPLY THE SAME DEDICATION TO SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF MAN. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" MELBOURNE USED TO BE THE MECCA OF BOOK LOVERS, AND SECONDHAND BOOKSHOPS FLOURISHED IN THE CITY. TRADITIONALLY, THE SHOPS WERE IN BOURKE STREET - NOTED FOR ITS BOOKSELLERS AS FAR BACK AS THE 1850S - BEFORE COLE'S BOOK ARCADE, WITH ITS SECONDHAND DEPARTMENT, BECAME A LANDMARK. BIBLIOPHILES WITH LONG MEMORIES RECALL WHEN THE STREET STILL RETAINED THAT EMINENCE. SEARCHING FOR A RARE TITLE, THEY COULD START AT THE TOP OF THE STREET, AT ELLIS BIRD'S TIGHTLY STOCKED PREMISES, AND PROGRESS DOWN TO SPENCER'S HILL OF CONTENT, ON TO COULTER'S CAVERNOUS SHOP NEAR THE POST OFFICE, AND ACROSS TO HALL'S SPACIOUS STORE, BEFORE HEADING FOR EVANS'S IN COLLINS STREET. TODAY THE SCENE HAS CHANGED. ONE BY ONE THE CITY'S OLDER SECONDHAND BOOK STORES HAVE FOLDED OR TRANSFERRED TO THE SUBURBS - NOTABLY, PRAHRAN. MOST OF THOSE STILL REMAINING IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT OPERATE LESS CONSPICUOUSLY UPSTAIRS, OR IN THE LITTLE STREETS. A FEW GENERAL BOOKSHOPS OFFER A SMALL RANGE OF USED VOLUMES ALONG WITH THEIR NEW ONES. A SECONDHAND BOOKSHOP IS NOT, OF COURSE, THE KIND OF BUSINESS EVERYBODY COULD RUN. SOME OTHER KINDS OF SHOPS COULD BE SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTED BY ANYONE WITH A NORMAL AMOUNT OF BUSINESS SENSE; OTHERS CALL FOR A SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRADE BUT DO NOT REQUIRE MUCH EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT. A BUTCHER, FOR EXAMPLE, MIGHT PROSPER WITHOUT FEELING ANY PERSONAL ATTACHMENT TO PARTICULAR CUTS OF STEAK HE SELLS; SO MIGHT A HARDWARE MERCHANT, WITHOUT BEING SENTIMENTAL ABOUT THE NAILS OR NUTS HE STOCKS. THE DEALER IN SECONDHAND BOOKS, HOWEVER, IN ADDITION TO POSSESSING BUSINESS ACUMEN, AND KNOWING THE INS AND OUTS OF THE TRADE, ALSO MUST BE A BOOK LOVER. IF HE CAME UPON A FIRST EDITION OF A SAMUEL JOHNSON, A KILMARNOCK BURNS OR, LESS LIKELY, A FOLIO SHAKESPEARE, HE WOULD HANDLE IT WITH REVERENCE. TO HIM IT IS NOT SIMPLY AN ARTICLE OF COMMERCE BUT A RARE TREASURE FROM THE PAST. HE MIGHT EVEN FEEL A PANG WHEN PARTING WITH IT TO THE FORTUNATE BUYER, AT WHATEVER PRICE. HE ALSO MUST BE INTIMATELY ACQUAINTED WITH THE WIDER WORLD OF OLD BOOKS: WITH THOSE ON JOUSTING OR BLOODLETTING, AS WITH OTHERS ON VELOCIPEDES, AND CHIMNEYSWEEPS. HE MUST BE A WALKING DATABANK, ANSWERING CLIENTS' QUESTIONS ON WHO WROTE ABOUT "CARES THAT INFEST THE DAY FOLDING THEIR TENTS LIKE THE ARABS"? AND WHERE, IN SHAKESPEARE, IS "THE STARS ABOVE US GOVERN OUR CONDITIONS"? MOREOVER, THE SELLER OF SECONDHAND VOLUMES MUST POSSESS AN ANTIQUARIAN'S INTEREST IN HIS CALLING. HE IS EXPECTED TO BE AS FAMILIAR WITH THE WORKS OF AUTHORS LONG DEAD AS HE IS WITH WRITERS OF TODAY. HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DISCUSS EDITIONS OF VOLNAY'S 'RUINS OF EMPIRE', STURM'S 'REFLECTIONS', AND HERVEY'S 'MEDITATIONS AMONG THE TOMBS', AS KNOWLEDGEABLY AS CURRENT TITLES SUCH AS SEGFORD'S 'FREQUENCY SYNTHESISATION', ORWELL'S 'NINETEEN EIGHTY FOUR', OR 'TODAY'S ENGLISH VERSION' OF THE BIBLE. HIS SHOP IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THIS AGE AND THE HISTORIC PAST, SINCE AUTHORS THROUGH THE CENTURIES HAVE RECORDED LIFE AS IT WAS IN THEIR OWN TIMES. IN PRESERVING FROM EXTINCTION AND PASSING ON WHAT REMAINS OF OUT-OF-PRINT LITERATURE, THE SECONDHAND BOOKSELLER RENDERS AN INESTIMABLE SERVICE TO READERS TODAY. MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER 1980 "SHREWD BID FOR POLL REFORM" POLITICAL PARTIES TEND TO FAVOR THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM WHICH GIVES THEM THE BEST CHANCE OF GAINING OR RETAINING POWER, WHILE CONDEMNING THOSE THEY SEE AS PLACING THEM AT A DISADVANTAGE. BUT THE CALL FOR ELECTORAL REFORM BY THE FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADER, MR HAYDEN, AT THE ALP VICTORIAN CONFERENCE YESTERDAY SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED SIMPLY AS A LOSER'S PROTEST. HE HAS A VALID POINT IN DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE PROPORTION OF VOTES AND THE NUMBER OF SEATS THE VARIOUS PARTIES WON IN THE RECENT FEDERAL ELECTION. LABOR WON NEARLY 50 PER CENT OF THE POPULAR VOTE FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUT ONLY ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE SEATS. MR HAYDEN CONCEDED THAT LABOR COULD NOT HAVE WON UNDER ANY SYSTEM OF MAJORITY RULE BECAUSE IT SIMPLY FAILED TO WIN ENOUGH VOTES. BUT IN THREE POST-WAR FEDERAL ELECTIONS - 1954, 1961 AND 1969 - THE LIBERAL-COUNTRY PARTY COALITION BECAME THE GOVERNMENT WITH A MINORITY OF VOTES EVEN AFTER THE ALLOCATION OF PREFERENCES. MR HAYDEN PROPOSES THAT THE LABOR PARTY SHOULD CAREFULLY EXAMINE ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF PREFERENTIAL VOTING IN SINGLE- MEMBER ELECTORATES FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND SEEK THE SUPPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS IN THE SENATE FOR SUITABLE REFORM. LABOR'S PRESENT POLICY IS FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF OPTIONAL PREFERENTIAL VOTING. THIS WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT MAINLY OF SIMPLIFYING THE VOTERS' TASK AND REDUCING THE HIGH PROPORTION OF INFORMAL VOTES IN BALLOTS FOR THE SENATE, AND WOULD NOT REALLY ALTER THE SYSTEM FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FORMERLY, MANY LABOR PARTY MEMBERS FAVORED A RETURN TO THE FIRST-PAST-THE- POST SYSTEM, MAINLY AS A MEANS OF ELIMINATING THE INFLUENCE OF THE DEMOCRATIC LABOR PARTY AND BLOCKING THE EXCHANGE OF PREFERENCES BETWEEN THE LIBERAL AND NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTIES. BUT THIS SYSTEM WOULD NO LONGER BENEFIT LABOR. IN THE RECENT ELECTION, LABOR WON THREE SEATS - BALLARAT, MCMILLAN AND KALGOORLIE - ON PREFERENCES THAT THE LIBERALS WOULD HAVE WON IN A FIRST-PAST-THE-POST POLL, AND LOST ONLY ONE, BARTON, WHICH THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE WON ON INDEPENDENT PREFERENCES. THE MAIN OBJECTION TO FIRST-PAST-THE-POST VOTING IS THAT IT IS THE LEAST REPRESENTATIVE OF VOTERS' WISHES. AND, OF COURSE, THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS WOULD REJECT IT. THE SYSTEM MR HAYDEN PERSONALLY FAVORS IS ALSO THE ONE THE DEMOCRATS WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADOPTED - THAT OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION BASED ON MULTI-MEMBER ELECTORATES. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT, WHATEVER THE EFFECT SUCH A CHANGE WOULD HAVE ON THE VARIOUS PARTIES, IT WOULD PROVIDE THE FAIREST AND MOST ACCURATE REFLECTION IN PARLIAMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S WISHES. IT WOULD NOT IN ITSELF PRODUCE A PRO-LABOR BIAS, BUT SIMPLY MINIMISE LABOR'S PRESENT HANDICAP IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF ITS SUPPORT. MUCH OF LABOR'S VOTE IS WASTED IN SAFE ELECTORATES WHERE ITS CANDIDATES WIN BY LARGE MARGINS, WHEREAS THE LIBERALS WIN MANY SEATS WITH VERY NARROW MARGINS. ANOTHER ADVANTAGE FOR VOTERS OF MULTI-MEMBER ELECTORATES IS THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF ELECTIONS AND THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE REPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT BY MEMBERS FOR WHOM THEY ACTUALLY VOTED. AT PRESENT, ELECTIONS ARE DECIDED BY SWINGING VOTERS IN ONLY A RELATIVELY FEW MARGINAL SEATS, AND MANY VOTERS ARE VIRTUALLY DISENFRANCHISED IN SEATS WHICH HARDLY EVER CHANGE HANDS. THE DRAWBACK OF MULTI-MEMBER ELECTORATES IS THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE VERY MUCH LARGER IN AREA (AND POSSIBLY CUT ACROSS STATE BOUNDARIES), WHILE PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION COULD LEAD TO FEWER CLEAR-CUT RESULTS, LEAVING A MINORITY PARTY SUCH AS THE DEMOCRATS WITH A BALANCE OF POWER. HOWEVER, THE TASMANIAN EXPERIENCE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE ARGUMENT THAT PR ENCOURAGES A PROLIFERATION OF SPLINTER PARTIES. THE LEAST CONTROVERSIAL OF MR HAYDEN'S SUGGESTIONS IS THAT THE INFLUENCE OF THE "DONKEY VOTE" BE ELIMINATED. AS SOME VOTERS, THROUGH IGNORANCE OR INDIFFERENCE, VOTE STRAIGHT DOWN THE BALLOT PAPER, THE CANDIDATE AT THE TOP OF THE BALLOT HAS A MARGINAL ADVANTAGE. MR HAYDEN SUGGESTS THAT EITHER THE POSITION ON A VOTING PAPER SHOULD BE DECIDED BY BALLOT OR THAT DIFFERENT BATCHES OF BALLOT PAPERS SHOULD LIST THE CANDIDATES IN A DIFFERENT ORDER, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE OF ALPHABETICAL LISTING. THIS IS A CHANGE ALL PARTIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO AGREE ON. MR HAYDEN'S OTHER PRINCIPAL PROPOSAL IS FOR PUBLIC FUNDING OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF POLITICAL DONATIONS - MEASURES WHICH 'THE AGE' HAS CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTED. MR HAYDEN'S PROPOSED FLIRTATION WITH THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS ON ELECTORAL REFORM IS SHREWDLY AIMED. THE DEMOCRATS' SURVIVAL AS AN INFLUENTIAL THIRD FORCE IN POLITICS COULD WELL DEPEND ON A CHANGE IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM. THE LABOR LEADER REALISES, OF COURSE, THAT A LABOR- DEMOCRAT AXIS IN THE SENATE HAS NO PROSPECT OF IMPOSING ELECTORAL CHANGES ON A HOSTILE GOVERNMENT. BUT THERE IS VALUE IN BRINGING THE SUBJECT INTO PUBLIC DEBATE AND IN INTERESTING VOTERS IN REFORMS THAT WOULD BE TO THEIR ADVANTAGE RATHER THAN TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. AND, NOT LEAST, MR HAYDEN IS AWARE THAT IF LABOR WINS OFFICE IN THREE YEARS AND THE DEMOCRATS RETAIN THE BALANCE IN THE SENATE, ELECTORAL REFORM COULD BECOME A REALITY. "SANE APPROACH TO SEX LAWS" COMMON SENSE HAS PREVAILED OVER PREJUDICE AND APPREHENSION IN THE STATE PARLIAMENTARY LIBERAL PARTY OVER THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSED REFORMS OF THE LAW COVERING SEXUAL OFFENCES. DESPITE THE MISGIVINGS OF SOME MEMBERS, THE WAY IS CLEAR FOR PARLIAMENT TO ADOPT LEGISLATION THAT IS FOR THE MOST PART JUST, RATIONAL AND HUMANE. THE MAIN PROVISIONS, BY TAKING THE GENDER OUT OF SEX OFFENCES, WILL IN EFFECT SWEEP AWAY THE ARCHAIC LEGAL PROHIBITIONS ON MALE HOMOSEXUAL PRACTICES. IN SO DOING, THE LAW WILL FOLLOW RATHER THAN LEAD PREDOMINANT PUBLIC OPINION. THE CRIMINAL LAW IS TO BE LARGELY CONFINED TO ITS PROPER SCOPE OF PROTECTING INDIVIDUALS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT AND COERCION, AND PROTECTING THOSE DEEMED TOO YOUNG OR OTHERWISE INCAPABLE OF CONSENTING TO SEXUAL SEDUCTION. SEXUAL ACTS BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME SEX WILL BE TREATED BY THE LAW IN THE SAME WAY AS SEXUAL ACTS BETWEEN PERSONS OF DIFFERENT SEXES. THIS NON-DISCRIMINATORY APPROACH WILL ALSO APPLY TO PROSTITUTION AND RELATED OFFENCES, WHICH WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER LEGISLATIVE REVIEW. THE ORIGINAL DRAFT LEGISLATION ALSO PROPOSED TO REDUCE THE AGE OF CONSENT TO 16, BUT THIS HAS BEEN MODIFIED IN RESPONSE TO PRESSURES WITHIN THE PARTY ROOM. IT IS TO BE AN OFFENCE FOR ANYONE FIVE YEARS OLDER TO HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH SOMEONE AGED 16 TO 18. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE LEGISLATION DOES RECOGNISE THAT MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGE IN SEX AT AN EARLY AGE. A BOY OR GIRL UNDER 16 MAY BE ALLOWED TO CONSENT TO SEX WITH A PARTNER UP TO TWO YEARS OLDER. HOWEVER, THE LAW WILL STRENGTHEN PROTECTION OF PEOPLE, SUCH AS MENTAL PATIENTS AND YOUNG STUDENTS OR EMPLOYEES, WHO ARE UNDER SOMEONE'S AUTHORITY. SIMILARLY, A NEW OFFENCE WILL BE CREATED TO PENALISE ANYONE WHO HAS THE CARE OF OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR A PERSON UNDER 18 AND ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES OR INDUCES HIM OR HER TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTS. THE INTENTION IS UNDERSTANDABLE BUT, IF INTERPRETED TOO BROADLY, THIS PROVISION COULD LEAD TO ABSURD CONSEQUENCES AND SEEMS UNNECESSARY. RETENTION OF ANCIENT LEGAL TABOOS AGAINST INCEST ALSO SEEMS UNNECESSARY, SINCE OTHER PROVISIONS ALREADY FORBID INTERCOURSE WITH PERSONS BELOW THE AGE OF CONSENT AND PRESCRIBE HEAVIER PENALTIES FOR SEXUAL ABUSE BY ANYONE IN A POSITION OF AUTHORITY. THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION MAKES SOME USEFUL CHANGES IN THE LAW RELATING TO RAPE. THE POSSIBILITY OF RAPE WITHIN MARRIAGE WILL BE RECOGNISED WHERE THE PARTNERS HAVE SEPARATED; CONVICTIONS FOR RAPE WILL BE MADE EASIER WHERE THE VICTIM'S UNCORROBORATED EVIDENCE IS ACCEPTED BY THE COURT; AND A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF 20 YEARS' JAIL IS PROVIDED FOR RAPE WITH DEFINED "AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES". HAVING AGREED TO SUCH SWEEPING REFORM OF THE LAW RELATING TO HOMOSEXUALITY, THE GOVERNING PARTY SHOULD TURN ITS ATTENTION NOW TO BRINGING COMMERCIAL SEX WITHIN A RATIONAL - AND ENFORCEABLE - CODE. HERE THE LAW SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH PUBLIC ORDER, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL AMENITY, AND NOT INTERFERE WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF CONSENTING ADULTS - PROVIDED THERE IS NO THIRD PARTY COERCION - SIMPLY BECAUSE AN EXCHANGE OF MONEY IS INVOLVED. WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 1980 "THE TIMOR TRAGEDY" TWO DISTURBING POINTS EMERGE FROM THE US STATE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTS ON EAST TIMOR, PUBLISHED BY 'THE AGE' TODAY. FIRST, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE INDONESIANS ARE PRESSING AHEAD WITH REMAKING THE COUNTRY TO SUIT THEMSELVES. SECOND, AUSTRALIA'S AMBASSADOR TO INDONESIA, MR CRITCHLEY, WHOSE ASSESSMENT OF EAST TIMOR IS QUOTED IN THE DOCUMENTS, APPEARS TO ACCEPT TOO EASILY INDONESIA'S ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS - AS DOES THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR STREET. MR CRITCHLEY'S REMARKS, AS QUOTED BY THE UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN JAKARTA, INDICATE THAT THE BISHOP OF DILI "REFUSES TO ACCEPT THAT THERE IS NO CHANCE OF THE INDONESIANS AGREEING TO HOLD AN INTERNATIONALLY OBSERVED PLEBISCITE" AND THAT "THIS COLORS HIS APPROACH TO ALL ISSUES". MR CRITCHLEY BELIEVES IT WOULD BE "A MISTAKE TO MAKE TOO MUCH OF" THE FACT THAT "MANY OF THE ELITE, PARTICULARLY FORMER FRETILIN AND PRO-PORTUGUESE ELEMENTS, WOULD SHARE THE BISHOP'S RELUCTANCE TO ACCEPT INDONESIAN CONTROL". HE IS STRUCK BY THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE INDONESIAN LANGUAGE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED, "NOT LEAST BY THE CHILDREN WHO SING PATRIOTIC INDONESIAN SONGS WITH ENTHUSIASM". HE BELIEVES ALSO THAT "THE BULK OF THE POPULATION WILL CLEARLY ACCEPT WHATEVER AUTHORITY EXISTS AT THE TIME". IT IS A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO A QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE, AND LEADS BACK TO THE FIRST POINT. JUST A FORTNIGHT AGO, THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON DECOLONISATION REAFFIRMED THE RIGHT OF THE EAST TIMORESE TO SELF-DETERMINATION AND INDEPENDENCE. WHATEVER ARGUMENTS HAVE BEEN ADVANCED OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS TO JUSTIFY THE INDONESIAN INVASION, THE FACT IS THAT IS WAS AN INTERVENTION BY FORCE AGAINST A NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT. WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CIVIL WAR AND FAMINE, THE MOVEMENT IS NEARLY DESTROYED. EAST TIMOR AND ITS SHATTERED PEOPLE HAVE TO BE REBUILT. HOWEVER, AS THE DOCUMENTS POINT UP, RECONSTRUCTION IS BEING HANDLED WITH INDONESIAN, MORE THAN TIMORESE, INTERESTS IN MIND. THE COST IS SOCIAL DISRUPTION ON A BROAD SCALE, AS TRADITIONAL WAYS ARE SUBORDINATED TO THE INDONESIAN DRIVE FOR INTEGRATION. AN INTENSIVE TRIBAL RELOCATION PROGRAMME IS PART OF A DETERMINED INDONESIAN DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRES OF POPULATION FOR A CONQUERED PEOPLE, MANY OF WHOM ARE MIGRATORY BY TRADITION. OF COURSE, THIS IS CONVENIENT FOR THE AUTHORITIES IN MANY WAYS. FOR ONE THING, THEY HAVE A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE FOR RE-EDUCATION PROGRAMMES. IT MAY BE TRUE THAT MOST EAST TIMORESE SHOW NO INCLINATION TO LEAVE THE SETTLEMENTS. BUT THAT IS WHERE THE RELIEF AID IS DISTRIBUTED IN THE WAKE OF FAMINE. IT MAY BE TRUE, TOO, THAT INDONESIAN MILITARY OFFICERS SHOW A "GOOD APPRECIATION OF THE NEED TO MOVE SLOWLY AND TO UNDERSTAND LOCAL CONDITIONS". BUT TRADITIONALLY HOSTILE TRIBES OF DIFFERENT LANGUAGES HAVE BEEN FORCED TO LIVE TOGETHER, AND SOME TRIBES FROM THE MOUNTAINS, ACCORDING TO THE DOCUMENTS, HAVE BEEN SENT TO SEA LEVEL, "WHERE THEY APPEAR TO BE TOTALLY CONFUSED AND ALIENATED FROM THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT". IN THE FACE OF THIS EVIDENCE, IT MAY BE ARGUED THAT THE INDONESIANS ARE NOT LIVING UP TO THE ENORMOUS OBLIGATIONS THEY ASSUMED BY INVADING EAST TIMOR AND FORCING DRASTIC READJUSTMENTS ON A SOCIETY. THERE IS A CLEAR CASE FOR COMPASSION IN ITS BROADEST SENSE. ABOVE ALL, THE EAST TIMORESE MUST HAVE A SAY IN THEIR DESTINY. AND AUSTRALIA, WHICH CANNOT LOOK BACK WITH PRIDE ON ITS ROLE IN THE COUNTRY'S TRAGEDY, HAS ITS OWN MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THIS IS SO. "TRANSPORT AND MONEY MATTERS" EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR, THE FIRST SECTION OF MELBOURNE'S UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP WILL BE OPENED. IN ENGINEERING AND DESIGN TERMS, THE LOOP IS AN IMPRESSIVE SCHEME. ITS THREE NEW CITY STATIONS SHOULD EASE THE DELAYS THAT AFFLICT PEAK HOUR RAIL SERVICES, AND ENCOURAGE OFFICE AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY'S NORTHERN WASTELANDS. BUT THE LOOP, WHICH WAS TO HAVE COST $80 MILLION WHEN CONSTRUCTION BEGAN A DECADE AGO, IS NOW LIKELY TO COST ABOUT $1500 MILLION IN LOAN REPAYMENTS AND INTEREST. AS WELL, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS THAT REASONABLY CAN BE EXPECTED TO USE IT EACH DAY HAS NOT DOUBLED, AS THE LOOP'S PROMOTERS FORECAST IN 1970, BUT FALLEN BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN EXPECTED THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, WOULD HAVE ATTEMPTED TO BOOST RAIL PATRONAGE SO AS TO MAXIMISE THE LOOP'S USEFULNESS. INSTEAD, ON THE EVE OF THE LOOP'S OPENING, IT IS GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO A REPORT THAT RECOMMENDS THE CLOSURE OF MUCH OF THE SUBURBAN RAIL NETWORK THAT THE LOOP WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT. THE REPORT, COMPILED BY THE VICTORIAN TRANSPORT STUDY GROUP LED BY A FORMER BHP EXECUTIVE, MR MURRAY LONIE, ADVOCATES THE CLOSURE OF EIGHT SUBURBAN RAIL LINES AND SEVEN TRAM ROUTES. THE REASON IT GIVES IS ECONOMICS. IN FACT, IT APPEARS THE STUDY GROUP CONSIDERED LITTLE ELSE. THE REPORT SAYS, IN ESSENCE, THAT THE STATE HAS LET ITS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM RUN DOWN TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT PASSENGERS ARE DESERTING IT AND, AS A RESULT, THAT OPERATING LOSSES HAVE BECOME INTOLERABLE. (THE LOSSES THIS YEAR WILL EXCEED $200 MILLION.) IT SAYS THAT IN ORDER TO CUT THE LOSSES, THE MOST UNECONOMIC SERVICES SHOULD BE SCRAPPED. IF MONEY WAS THE SOLE CONSIDERATION, SUCH A RECOMMENDATION COULD BE SEEN AS REASONABLE. BUT THERE IS MUCH MORE AT STAKE. OF COURSE, THERE IS THE LOOP. WITHOUT THE PASSENGERS FROM ALMOST 50 STATIONS ON THE RAIL LINES NOW RECOMMENDED FOR CLOSURE, IT EASILY COULD BECOME A WHITE ELEPHANT. THOSE SAME PASSENGERS WOULD BE FORCED TO TAKE TO THE ROADS, IN EITHER CARS OR BUSES, THUS INCREASING OIL CONSUMPTION AT A TIME WHEN FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS ARE TRYING TO CONSERVE SHRINKING RESERVES OF LIQUID FUEL, AND AGGRAVATING TRAFFIC CONGESTION. THERE IS ALSO THE QUESTION OF THE COMMUNITY'S NEEDS. ALREADY THERE ARE TOO MANY SUBURBS IN WHICH SCHOOL CHILDREN, HOUSEWIVES, THE ELDERLY AND THE POOR HAVE THEIR MOBILITY RESTRICTED BY LACK OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. WHILE THERE MIGHT BE A CASE FOR REDUCING SERVICES IN AREAS WHERE TRAIN AND TRAM ROUTES DUPLICATE ONE ANOTHER, AS ALONG THE CORRIDOR BETWEEN THE CITY AND ST. KILDA, ABANDONMENT OF SERVICES AS RECOMMENDED IN THE LONIE REPORT IS DANGEROUSLY SHORT-SIGHTED. WHAT WILL FUTURE GENERATIONS DO WHEN THE OIL RUNS OUT? FOR THAT MATTER, HOW WILL OUR SOCIETY COPE IF OIL BECOMES SO SCARCE AND SO EXPENSIVE IN THE MID-1980S THAT THE USE OF PRIVATE CARS BECOMES A LUXURY? THE ANSWER TO RISING PUBLIC TRANSPORT LOSSES IS NOT TO ABANDON THE SERVICES IN DESPAIR. IT IS TO LURE MORE PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR CARS WITH BETTER AND MORE RELIABLE SERVICES, REDUCE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WORKFORCE AND CHARGE FARES THAT MORE ACCURATELY REFLECT THE COST OF THE SERVICE. INSTEAD OF SCRAPPING TRAINS AND TRAMS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SCRAP THE LONIE REPORT. THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER 1980 "SECOND THOUGHTS ON STRIKE LAW" THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO DELAY ITS PROMISED LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE SECRET STRIKE BALLOTS AND UNION AMALGAMATIONS HAS BEEN INTERPRETED AS A VICTORY FOR THE NEW INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MINISTER, MR PEACOCK. IT IS CERTAINLY A VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE, IF THE GOVERNMENT'S AIM IS TO REDUCE INDUSTRIAL STRIFE RATHER THAN TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTS. MR PEACOCK URGED THE DELAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE THE CONSULTATIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS. THIS KIND OF LEGISLATION, IF IT IS TO HAVE ANY VALUE AT ALL, SHOULD BE BASED SO FAR AS POSSIBLE ON AGREEMENT RATHER THAN BE IMPOSED ON A RESISTANT TRADE UNION MOVEMENT. THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN MUCH TOO INCLINED IN THE PAST TO RESORT TO LEGISLATION TO SOLVE INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE LAWS THEMSELVES PROVOKED MORE TROUBLE OR WERE TOO DRACONIAN TO BE ENFORCEABLE. RAISING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS THAT TOUGH LAWS CAN STOP STRIKES AND THEN BEING UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO ENFORCE THEM DOES NOTHING EITHER TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS OR TO ESTABLISH POLITICAL CREDIBILITY. THE GOVERNMENT HAS LONG HAD A FAITH IN THE EFFICACY OF SECRET BALLOTS TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OR DURATION OF STRIKES THAT HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED BY EXPERIENCE. THIS FAITH SEEMS TO STEM FROM THE NOTION THAT STRIKES ARE FORMENTED BY A FEW MILITANT, OFTEN COMMUNIST, TRADE UNION LEADERS AND IMPOSED ON A RELUCTANT MEMBERSHIP. THIS CONSPIRATORIAL THEORY DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHY THESE LEADERS MANAGE TO RETAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF THE RANK AND FILE AND IGNORES THE EVIDENCE THAT IN MANY DISPUTES THE WORKERS ON THE JOB ARE MORE MILITANT OR INTRANSIGENT THAN THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS. THE PRACTICAL DRAWBACK OF SECRET BALLOT LEGISLATION IS THAT SUCH POLLS TAKE TIME TO ORGANISE AND, IF THE WORKERS VOTE FOR A STRIKE OR ITS CONTINUATION, A DISPUTE WILL GAIN LEGITIMACY AND BECOME MUCH HARDER TO SETTLE. FORTUNATELY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS REALISED THAT MANDATORY BALLOTS HAVE LITTLE PROSPECT OF REDUCING INDUSTRIAL DISRUPTION. ITS PROPOSED LEGISLATION HAS THE RATHER MORE MODEST AIM OF ALLOWING WORKERS ON THE SHOP FLOOR TO PETITION FOR SECRET BALLOTS ON STRIKE ACTION. THERE CAN BE NO VALID OBJECTION TO THIS IN PRINCIPLE, BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH A PROVISION WOULD BE USED ARE LIKELY TO BE SO LIMITED AS TO RAISE DOUBTS WHETHER THE LEGISLATION IS REALLY NEEDED. AS IT IS UNLIKELY TO MAKE MUCH PRACTICAL DIFFERENCE TO THE LEVEL OF INDUSTRIAL STRIFE, THE GOVERNMENT CAN AFFORD TO WAIT. IT WOULD BE FAR BETTER IF MR PEACOCK COULD PERSUADE THE UNIONS TO INTRODUCE MORE DEMOCRATIC PROCEDURES THEMSELVES. THE AIM OF MAKING UNION AMALGAMATIONS EASIER BY REDUCING THE PROPORTION OF UNIONISTS REQUIRED TO APPROVE SUCH A MOVE FROM 50 PER CENT TO 25 PER CENT IS ONE WITH WHICH THE ACTU AGREES IN PRINCIPLE. ALTHOUGH AMALGAMATION CAN CREATE MORE POWERFUL UNIONS, IT HAS OFFSETTING ADVANTAGES. FEWER UNIONS SHOULD MEAN FEWER DEMARCATION DISPUTES, WHICH HAVE LED TO SOME EXTREMELY BITTER AND DAMAGING STOPPAGES RECENTLY. A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF UNIONS MIGHT ALSO LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL AWARDS, WITH FEWER OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEAP-FROGGING CLAIMS AND EXPENSIVE FLOW-ONS. BUT AGAIN, SUCH LEGISLATION SHOULD BE BASED ON NEGOTIATION AND A LARGE MEASURE OF AGREEMENT. THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS, ANNOUNCED DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN, APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN CONCOCTED AS MORE OF A VOTE-CATCHER THAN A GENUINE ATTEMPT TO CURB INDUSTRIAL DISRUPTION. MR PEACOCK SHOULD NOW REVISE THEM, TOGETHER WITH THE GOVERNMENT'S ARSENAL OF OTHER INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION OF DUBIOUS VALUE, AND TRY TO ACHIEVE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS A MORE PRACTICAL AND ACCEPTABLE APPROACH TO INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. "A SURFEIT OF CRICKET" A LOT HAS BEEN WRITTEN IN THE PAST FEW YEARS ABOUT MODERN CRICKET. SCORNFUL TRADITIONALISTS RUE THE DAY THAT THE GAME SOLD OUT TO COMMERCIAL INTERESTS AND MARKETING WHIZ- KIDS. BOASTFUL PROGRESSIVES, ON THE OTHER HAND, CONTEND THAT SUPER-HEROES IN GAILY COLORED CLOTHES AND FUNNY HATS, COMPETING ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY FOR SOME CUP OR OTHER, ARE MORE LIKELY TO ATTRACT TELEVISION RATINGS, BIGGER CROWDS, AND SPONSORSHIP FUNDS THAN THE UNASSUMING FLANNELED FOOLS OF OLD. BOTH SIDES PRESENT SOME VALID ARGUMENTS. THERE IS MUCH TO BE SAID FOR RETAINING THE TRADITIONAL SPIRIT OF THE GAME AND THE UNAFFECTED SPONTANEITY OF THE CONTEST. EQUALLY, HOWEVER, THERE IS A NEED TO MAKE THE GAME BRIGHTER SO AS TO BEAT OFF THE ADVANCE OF TENNIS AND GOLF AS SPECTATOR AND SPONSORSHIP DRAWCARDS. PERHAPS INEVITABLY, IT IS TAKING TIME TO FIND A SATISFACTORY COMPROMISE. CERTAINLY, INTERNATIONAL CRICKET IS MUCH RICHER THESE DAYS, THANKS TO BIG SPONSORSHIP DEALS. ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL MATCHES APPEAR TO HAVE FOUND A NICHE. BUT THESE GAINS SEEM TO HAVE BEEN MADE AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER KINDS OF CRICKET, NOT OF OTHER SPORTS. ATTENDANCES AT SHEFFIELD SHIELD INTERSTATE CRICKET MATCHES HAVE FALLEN, AND TELEVISION AND RADIO COVERAGE OF THE GAMES IS GRUDGING. THE COMPETITION, WHICH USED TO BE REGARDED AS ONE OF THE PREMIER DOMESTIC CRICKET TOURNAMENTS IN THE WORLD AND ATTRACTED BIG CROWDS AS WELL AS DIRECT COVERAGE BY ABC RADIO AND TELEVISION, HAS BECOME A POORLY ATTENDED, LACKLUSTRE SHOW. THE ABC, PIQUED BY ITS LOSS LAST YEAR OF TELEVISION RIGHTS TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET TO THE WEALTHIER NINE NETWORK, DECLINED TO TELEVISE SHIELD MATCHES, AND NOW CONCENTRATES ON BIG GOLF TOURNAMENTS DURING SPRING AND SUMMER. ITS RADIO DIVISION NOW GIVES THE SHIELD SCANT ATTENTION. CHANNEL NINE, CONTENT WITH ITS RIGHTS TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET, TREATS THE SHIELD AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT. ONE OF THE REASONS FOR THE NETWORK'S LACK OF INTEREST MIGHT WELL BE SIMILAR TO WHAT IS SEEN AS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE SHIELD'S DECLINE. JUST AS THE NINE NETWORK DOES NOT HAVE THE TIME OR EQUIPMENT TO COVER SHIELD GAMES BECAUSE OF ITS COMMITMENT TO EVERYTHING FROM THE TEST SERIES AGAINST NEW ZEALAND AND INDIA TO INTERNATIONAL AND INTERSTATE ONE-DAY CONTESTS, SO TOO DO SPECTATORS FACE A SURFEIT OF CRICKET. IN MELBOURNE ALONE THIS SUMMER THERE ARE TO BE 38 DAYS OF INTERNATIONAL AND INTERSTATE GAMES AT THE MCG. ADD TO THAT THE DAY AND NIGHT CRICKET BEAMED INTO LIVINGROOMS BY THE NINE NETWORK AND IT CAN BE APPRECIATED THAT SPECTATORS, EVEN THE MOST ARDENT, WILL NEED TO SET A FEW SOCIAL PRIORITIES. SADLY, IT IS THE SHIELD SERIES, WHICH HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY THE PROVING GROUND FOR YOUNG PLAYERS, THAT SEEMS LIKELY TO BE RELEGATED. SURELY IT IS TIME THE SPORT'S ADMINISTRATORS TOOK STOCK. ILL-ADVISED MODERNITY CAN BE JUST AS DAMAGING AS OBSTINATE TRADITIONALISM. CRICKET CANNOT AFFORD TO CUT ITSELF COMPLETELY OFF FROM THE PAST, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TRADITION NOW IN JEOPARDY, THE SHIELD COMPETITION, IS ALSO THE FOUNDATION OF OUR CRICKETING FUTURE. FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER 1980 "HOW TO PLUCK A GOOSE" THE ART OF TAXATION, AS LOUIS XIV'S BRILLIANT FINANCE MINISTER COLBERT OBSERVED, "CONSISTS IN SO PLUCKING THE GOOSE AS TO OBTAIN THE MOST FEATHERS WITH THE LEAST HISSING". THE SOUND OF HISSING HAS BEEN LONG AND LOUD FROM SECTIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY WHO FEEL THEY ARE BEING PLUCKED TOO ROUGHLY OR RAPACIOUSLY. ALTHOUGH THE OVERALL TAX YIELD IS RELATIVELY LOWER IN AUSTRALIA THAN IN MOST OTHER ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES, AUSTRALIA RELIES MORE HEAVILY ON INCOME TAX. THE EXPECTATIONS AROUSED BY THE FRASER GOVERNMENT THAT IT WOULD REDUCE INCOME TAX HAVE NOT BEEN SATISFIED, AND GROWTH OF TAX AVOIDANCE HAS INCREASED THE BURDEN ON WAGE AND SALARY EARNERS. THE WIDESPREAD FEELING THAT INCOME TAX IS TOO HIGH AND OFFICIAL REALISATION THAT THE OIL LEVY BONANZA CANNOT LAST HAVE PROMPTED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIVE PROPOSALS FOR A BROADLY BASED TAX ON CONSUMPTION, SUCH AS VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT). THIS SUGGESTION HAS PROVOKED A FRESH FLURRY OF HISSING FROM THOSE WHO, FOR IDEOLOGICAL OR PRACTICAL REASONS, REGARD VAT AS EVEN MORE INQUITIOUS THAN HIGH INCOME TAX. SO NOW THE TREASURER, MR HOWARD, HAS CALLED FOR YET ANOTHER REVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN TAX SYSTEM. THIS IS SENSIBLE, EVEN THOUGH THE REPORT OF THE ASPREY COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE TAX SYSTEM SITS IGNORED ON THE SHELF. THE ASPREY REPORT WAS PROBABLY TOO ACADEMIC, AND NOW IS OUT-DATED. TAXATION SHOULD BE REVIEWED REGULARLY TO ENSURE THAT IT MEETS CHANGING NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES. MR HOWARD HAS DECLARED - ALTHOUGH SCEPTICS MAY SUGGEST THAT HISTORY SHOWS OTHERWISE - THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO WISH TO INCREASE THE TOTAL TAX YIELD BUT SIMPLY TO REDISTRIBUTE THE BURDEN MORE FAIRLY AND EFFECTIVELY. ALTHOUGH PEOPLE WHO CALL FOR TAX REFORM GENERALLY WANT MERELY TO REDUCE THEIR OWN LOAD AND TRANSFER IT TO SOMEONE ELSE, SINCE THE PROSPECT OF SUBSTANTIALLY CUTTING BACK GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE HAS PROVED TO BE ILLUSORY, IT IS A PITY THAT THE PROPOSED REVIEW OF TAX OPTIONS IS TO BE MADE BY THE TAXATION DEPARTMENT, WITHOUT INDEPENDENT INPUT. BUREAUCRACY TENDS TO FAVOR FORMS OF TAXATION WHICH IT FINDS CONVENIENT TO COLLECT, A CRITERION THAT SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TOO MUCH WEIGHT. IN A MODERN SOCIETY, TAXATION HAS SEVERAL LEGITIMATE FUNCTIONS: TO RAISE REVENUE, TO REDISTRIBUTE INCOMES AND TO SERVE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. EACH FORM OF TAXATION SHOULD BE REASONABLY EFFICIENT IN ITS ADMINISTRATION AND EQUITABLE IN ITS APPLICATION. IT SHOULD SERVE TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVITY DEEMED TO BE SOCIALLY OR ECONOMICALLY DESIRABLE AND DISCOURAGE THOSE THAT ARE NOT. THE TOTAL TAX MIX SHOULD BE WELL-BALANCED, INTEGRATED, RATIONAL AND FLEXIBLE. SOME TAXES, SUCH AS PAYROLL TAX, HAVE BECOME ENTRENCHED LONG BEYOND THEIR JUSTIFICATION; NEW TAXES, SUCH AS A RESOURCES RENT TAX, ARE NOTORIOUSLY HARD TO INTRODUCE. GOVERNMENTS ARE ALWAYS LOATH TO GIVE UP A LUCRATIVE ESTABLISHED SOURCE OF REVENUE AND POTENTIAL TAXPAYERS WILL ALWAYS RESIST A NEW IMPOST THAT WOULD FALL ON THEM. THE GOVERNMENT FACES TWO PRESSING PROBLEMS: TO FIND AN ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE PRESENT HIGH LEVEL OF PERSONAL TAXATION AND TO FIND AN EVENTUAL SUBSTITUTE FOR THE BOOMING OIL LEVY. AUSTRALIA'S PROGRESSIVE INCOME TAX IS NO LONGER EFFICIENT OR EQUITABLE (IN THE SENSE OF TREATING TAXPAYERS IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES EQUALLY). TOO MANY CONCESSIONS ARE OPEN TO PARTICULAR CLASSES OF TAXPAYER, AND TOO MANY LOOPHOLES EXIST FOR AVOIDANCE. INDEED, THE ABSENCE OF A WEALTH OR CAPITAL GAINS TAX AND THE PHASING OUT OF DEATH DUTIES, TOGETHER WITH THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCOME TAX AVOIDANCE, ARE LIKELY TO WIDEN THE GAP BETWEEN THE RICH AND POOR ENORMOUSLY OVER THE NEXT FEW GENERATIONS IF THE IMBALANCE IS NOT REDRESSED. LACK OF A CAPITAL GAINS TAX ALSO DISTORTS THE BEST USE OF RESOURCES, ENCOURAGING EXCESSIVE INVESTMENT IN PROPERTY AND DISCOURAGING MORE PRODUCTIVE FORMS OF INVESTMENT. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ELIMINATING TAX AVOIDANCE AND SERIOUSLY CONSIDER A FORM OF CAPITAL GAINS TAX. THIS APPROACH WOULD BE PREFERABLE TO A GREATER EMPHASIS ON SOME NEW FORM OF CONSUMPTION TAX WHICH, ALTHOUGH IT SHOULD NOT BE RULED OUT, IS LIKELY TO BE MORE REGRESSIVE AND TO ADD TO INFLATION. THE IMPACT OF HIGHER INDIRECT TAX WOULD HAVE TO BE OFFSET BY A REVIEW OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND THE ARBITRATION SYSTEM (TO AVOID, SO FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE HIGHER COST OF LIVING FUELLING INFLATIONARY WAGE RISES). THE MOST APPROPRIATE SUCCESSOR TO THE OIL LEVY IS A RESOURCES TAX SO PITCHED AS NOT TO DISCOURAGE EXPLORATION BUT TO ENSURE THAT THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY DERIVES THE MAIN BENEFIT FROM THE EXPLOITATION OF ITS DIMINISHING NATURAL ASSETS. THE STATES SHOULD ALSO BE PRESSED TO CHARGE REALISTIC PRICES FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLIED TO ALUMINIUM SMELTERS; THE ALCOA AGREEMENT IN VICTORIA REPRESENTS AN UNDERPRICED EXPORT OF AUSTRALIAN ENERGY. A RESOURCES TAX WOULD NOT WHOLLY COMPENSATE FOR THE DECLINE OF THE OIL LEVY, BUT IT SHOULD BE ACCEPTED AS THE ESSENTIAL CORE OF A NEW STRUCTURE. THE TAXATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN OFFERING THE GOVERNMENT A RATIONAL RANGE OF OPTIONS. THE REAL PROBLEM IS THE POLITICAL ONE OF REDISTRIBUTING THE TAX BURDEN FAIRLY AND EFFECTIVELY. THE GOVERNMENT FEARS NOT JUST THE HISSING BUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT TOO RADICAL A RESTRUCTURING COULD COOK ITS OWN GOOSE. TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 1980 "MR SINCLAIR AND THE AIRWAVES" "THE GOVERNMENT, BELIEVING IN A FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY, KNOWS THAT PROTECTION OF THAT ECONOMY AT TIMES REQUIRES MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AGAINST MONOPOLISTIC AND RESTRICTIVE TENDENCIES. THIS AREA OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS IS ONE IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSISTENTLY TAKEN THE STAND THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE UNDUE AGGREGATION OF POWER IN THE HANDS OF ANY FEW." THESE WORDS WERE SPOKEN IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT ON 12 MAY 1960 BY MR C. W. DAVIDSON, POSTMASTER-GENERAL IN THE LIBERAL MENZIES GOVERNMENT. MR DAVIDSON WAS EXPLAINING TO THE HOUSE WHY THE GOVERNMENT FOUND IT NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE TOUGH LEGISLATION RESTRICTING THE CONCENTRATION OF MEDIA OWNERSHIP IN AUSTRALIA. IN 1977, THE FRASER GOVERNMENT DECIDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF COMMERCIAL RADIO AND TELEVISION SHOULD BE IN THE HANDS OF AN INDEPENDENT BODY. INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO EFFECT THAT CHANGE, THE THEN POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS MINISTER, MR ERIC ROBINSON, SAID ON 13 OCTOBER 1977: "THE PRINCIPLE OF A BROADCASTING SYSTEM NOT SUBJECT TO POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IS ONE OF THE BASIC AIMS OF THE CHANGES PROPOSED IN THIS BILL. THE MAJOR ELEMENT OF THE CHANGES AIMED AT DEPOLITICISING THE BROADCASTING SYSTEM IS THE TRANSFER OF LICENSING POWER FROM THE MINISTER TO THE AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING TRIBUNAL". IN THE SAME SPEECH, MR ROBINSON DESCRIBED THE BROADCASTING FREQUENCY SPECTRUM AS "A VALUABLE PUBLIC RESOURCE". THE TRIBUNAL WAS CHARGED WITH CONSIDERING THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THAT PUBLIC RESOURCE. NOW, HOWEVER, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS REPORTED TO BE THINKING ABOUT EMASCULATING THE TRIBUNAL'S PUBLIC INTEREST POWER BY WATERING DOWN THE BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION ACT. AT PRESENT, UNDER THE ACT, THE TRIBUNAL CAN PREVENT A COMPANY FROM BUYING A TELEVISION STATION IF IT "CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY TO DO SO TO MAINTAIN SUCH OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL AS BEST ACCORDS WITH THE PUBLIC INTEREST". THIS IS A WISE PROVISION. THE AIRWAVES, AS MR ROBINSON OBSERVED ONLY THREE YEARS AGO ON BEHALF OF THE FRASER GOVERNMENT, ARE NOT ANYONE'S PRIVATE PROPERTY. IT FOLLOWS THAT A REGULATORY SYSTEM IS REQUIRED. IT ALSO FOLLOWS THAT THE SYSTEM MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AND EXAMINE THE INTERESTS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND NOT MERELY HAND OUT LICENCES ON COMMERCIAL GROUNDS. TELEVISION PLAYS A POWERFUL ROLE IN FORGING COMMUNITY ATTITUDES. IT FOLLOWS, AGAIN, THAT IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY THE POWER THAT TELEVISION CONFERS SHOULD BE AS WIDELY DISPERSED AS POSSIBLE, NOT CONCENTRATED IN "THE HANDS OF ANY FEW". THE LATE LORD THOMSON, IN AN UNGUARDED MOMENT, ONCE DESCRIBED THE HOLDING OF A MAJOR TELEVISION LICENCE AS "A LICENCE TO PRINT MONEY". THIS COMMERCIAL REALITY MEANS THAT IT IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR LICENCES TO BE HANDED OUT WITH GREAT CARE, AND HANDED OUT BY AN INDEPENDENT BODY. THE PRESENT PUBLIC INTEREST POWERS OF THE TRIBUNAL MEAN THAT THE ALLOCATION OF LICENCES IS BEYOND POLITICAL PRESSURE. IT THUS REDUCES THE SCOPE FOR POWERFUL MEDIA GROUPS TO EXTRACT FAVORS FROM GOVERNMENTS IN RETURN FOR PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT ON THE (PUBLIC) AIRWAVES, OR INDEED IN NEWSPAPERS. IT ALSO REDUCES THE SCOPE FOR GOVERNMENTS TO HAND OUT LICENCES TO THEIR FRIENDS, IN RETURN FOR FUTURE FAVORS. ALL THIS IS SO OBVIOUS, AND WAS SO CLEARLY RECOGNISED BY THE FRASER GOVERNMENT ONLY THREE YEARS AGO, THAT WE WONDER WHAT IS CAUSING THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT ITS OWN BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION ACT. WHAT HAS HAPPENED RECENTLY THAT MIGHT HAVE INSPIRED THESE THOUGHTS? ONLY TWO THINGS, SO FAR AS WE KNOW. ON 26 SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR THE TRIBUNAL EXERCISED ITS PUBLIC INTEREST POWER WHEN IT BLOCKED A MOVE BY MR RUPERT MURDOCH'S NEWS GROUP TO BUY INTO THE MELBOURNE TV STATION ATV-10. THE TRIBUNAL FOUND THAT IT WAS NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST FOR THE NEWS GROUP TO DOMINATE THE NATIONAL TEN TELEVISION NETWOR BY CONTROLLING ATV-10. NEWS ALREADY OWNED TEN-10 SYDNEY, THE ONLY OTHER BIG STATION IN THE NETWORK WHICH IS SPREAD OVER FOUR CAPITAL CITIES. THE NEWS GROUP HAS APPEALED AGAINST THAT DECISION. THE OTHER THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IS THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, MR IAN SINCLAIR. CAN IT REALLY BE THAT MR SINCLAIR IS THINKING OF WAYS TO REVERSE THE POLICIES OF HIS TWO PREDECESSORS, MR DAVIDSON AND MR ROBINSON? "ASSIMILATING THE REFUGEES" AUSTRALIA SHOULD BE PROUD OF ITS RECORD IN RESETTLING INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES. ABOUT 43,000 REFUGEES ALREADY HAVE BEEN GRANTED RESIDENCE HERE, AND ANOTHER 14,500 ARE DUE TO ARRIVE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. ALL TOLD, AUSTRALIA HAS TAKEN ABOUT ONE IN NINE OF THE 377,217 WHOM THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES SAYS HAVE FLED INDO-CHINA AND SURVIVED THE ARDUOUS JOURNEY TO NEIGHBORING NON-COMMUNIST COUNTRIES, USUALLY IN OVERCROWDED BOATS, IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. GENERALLY, THE NEW ARRIVALS HAVE SETTLED INTO AUSTRALIAN LIFE MUCH FASTER THAN ANYONE EXPECTED. IN FACT, SOME SOCIAL WORKERS IN MELBOURNE SAY THE INDO-CHINESE ARE BECOMING AUSTRALIA'S MOST SUCCESSFULLY RESETTLED ETHNIC GROUP. MUCH OF THE CREDIT MUST GO TO THE REFUGEES THEMSELVES. THE MAJORITY HAVE DISPLAYED A KEENNESS TO FIND WORK, DESPITE THE FACT THAT MANY HAVE HAD THEIR EXISTING QUALIFICATIONS REJECTED AND HAVE BEEN FORCED TO ACCEPT JOBS WHICH NORMALLY THEY WOULD CONSIDER BELOW THEIR DIGNITY. THEIR CHILDREN ARE SAID TO BE RELISHING THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED IN OUR SCHOOLS. ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTOR, HOWEVER, APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN THE EFFORT MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PREPARE THE REFUGEES FOR EVERYDAY LIFE DURING THEIR AVERAGE FIVE-MONTH STAY IN MIGRANT HOSTELS AFTER ARRIVING HERE. THE REFUGEES ARE TAUGHT ENGLISH DURING A CONCENTRATED 10-WEEK COURSE. THEY ARE ALSO GIVEN ADVICE ON BANKING, HEALTH INSURANCE, SCHOOLS, SOCIAL WELFARE ENTITLEMENTS AND SHOPPING. THE PROGRAMME SEEMS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED. OF COURSE, SOME SAY THE PROGRAMME HAS ITS FAULTS. ONE CONTENTION IS THAT IT NEGLECTS MOST REFUGEES ONCE THEY LEAVE THE HOSTELS. BUT THERE IS MUCH TO BE SAID FOR ENCOURAGING THEM TO BECOME INDEPENDENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IN FUNDING THE PROGRAMME. THE INDO-CHINESE REFUGEE ASSOCIATION SAID LAST WEEK THAT FEDERAL FUNDS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES IN THE MIGRANT HOSTELS WERE RUNNING OUT, AND THAT THE DURATION OF THE CLASSES WOULD HAVE TO BE CUT. THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS, WICH DENIES THAT THE NUMBER OF LESSONS IN THE COURSE WILL BE CUT, NONETHELESS IS SEEKING SUPPLEMENTARY FUNDS TO COVER THE SHORTFALL CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES COMING TO AUSTRALIA IN 1980-81. THE SUM REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARD OF LANGUAGE TEACHING IS NOT KNOWN. BUT IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT THE MONEY CAN BE FOUND. AFTER ASSIMILATING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES WITH FEW OF THE TRAUMAS EXPERIENCED BY OTHER COUNTRIES, IT WOULD BE A PITY IF AUSTRALIA SUDDENLY RELAXED ITS EFFORTS. WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 1980 "THE ITALIAN TRAGEDY" ON SUNDAY EVENING, ABOUT 300 PEOPLE WERE ATTENDING MASS IN THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION IN THE SOUTHERN ITALIAN VILLAGE OF BALVANO. IT WAS A SPECIAL MASS. BALVANO'S PRIEST, FATHER SALVATORE PAGLIUCA, ORGANISED IT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHURCH'S MISSIONARY WORK AMONG THE NEEDY. SUDDENLY, AS THE SERVICE DREW TO A CLOSE, THERE WAS A RUMBLE, THEN A ROAR, AND THE WALLS OF THE 900-YEAR-OLD CHURCH BEGAN TO CRUMBLE. OUTSIDE, BLINDING CLOUDS OF DUST ROSE AS THE EARTH BLISTERED AND CRACKED. FINALLY, AS THE PARISHIONERS FLED FROM THE CHURCH, THE BUILDING COLLAPSED. MORE THAN 50 ARE SAID TO HAVE BEEN CRUSHED TO DEATH UNDER THE FALLING MASONRY. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, AFTER THE WORST EARTHQUAKE IN SOUTHERN ITALY SINCE 1930, MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE IN SANT' ANGELO DEI LOMBARDI AND ABOUT 700 PEOPLE IN A HUNDRED OTHER VILLAGES, TOWNS AND CITIES WERE DEAD. THE EARTHQUAKE, WHICH FATHER PAGLIUCA DESCRIBED AS THE WILL OF GOD, COST MORE THAN THE LIVES OF 1000 OR SO PEOPLE. ITALIAN AUTHORITIES REPORTED YESTERDAY THAT MANY THOUSANDS HAD BEEN INJURED, AND THAT EIGHT OUT OF EVERY 10 BUILDINGS IN THE DISASTER ZONE HAD BEEN WRECKED OR DAMAGED. IT IS FORTUNATE THAT MORE WERE NOT KILLED. OBVIOUSLY, MANY ITALIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES LIVING IN AUSTRALIA HAVE TAKEN A SPECIAL INTEREST IN NEWS REPORTS OF THE TRAGEDY. MANY OTHER AUSTRALIANS, TOO, FEEL AN AFFINITY TO THE EARTHQUAKE'S SURVIVORS, HAVING VISITED NAPLES AND SALERNO, THE TWO BIGGEST CITIES IN THE AREA, ON HOLIDAY. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ACTED WITH ADMIRABLE SPEED IN ANNOUNCING THAT AUSTRALIAN AID WILL GO TO THE SURVIVORS. IT WILL ALSO RELAX IMMIGRATION RULES TO ALLOW VICTIMS WITH RELATIVES IN AUSTRALIA TO EMIGRATE QUICKLY. TOGETHER WITH FUNDS RAISED BY PUBLIC APPEALS IN MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY, THE GOVERNMENT'S ASSISTANCE SHOULD PROVIDE SOME COMFORT TO THOSE WHO NOW MUST MAKE NEW LIVES FOR THEMSELVES. "POLAND'S PROBLEMS" THE BIGGEST OF POLAND'S NEW UNIONS, SOLIDARITY, HAS JOINED THE CHURCH AND THE STATE AS A FORCE IN THE COUNTRY'S BALANCE OF POWER. IT CLAIMS 10 MILLION MEMBERS, UNDOUBTEDLY ENJOYS THE SYMPATHY OF AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF POLES AND HAS ACHIEVED LEGITIMACY THROUGH AN EXTRAORDINARY COMBINATION OF DARING, RESTRAINT AND SOPHISTICATION. THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN OBLIGED TO GRANT LEGAL AUTONOMY TO THE UNION AND HAS CONCEDED EVEN THAT THE PHRASE FORMALLY RECOGNISING "A LEADING ROLE FOR THE PARTY" BE REMOVED FROM SOLIDARITY'S STATUTES. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS NEW POLITICAL EQUATION IS THAT THE SYSTEM PROVIDES NO CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR NEGOTIATION BETWEEN THE CENTRES OF POWER. EACH SIDE HAS TO RELY IN THE END ON BRINKMANSHIP. SOLIDARITY IS ARMED WITH ITS ABILITY TO CALL A GENERAL STRIKE AND CRIPPLE AN ALREADY PARLOUS ECONOMY. THE POLISH AUTHORITIES ARE ARMED WITH THE THREAT OF SOVIET MILITARY INTERVENTION. FOR EITHER SIDE TO CALL THE OTHER'S BLUFF WOULD BE A DANGEROUS GAME. SO THIS IS WHY SOLIDARITY AND THE STATE HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF MUTUAL CONCESSIONS. HONOR HAS BEEN PRESERVED ON BOTH SIDES TO DEFUSE, FOR THE MOMENT, A MINEFIELD. OF COURSE, THE SOVIET UNION NO DOUBT WOULD INTERVENE, NO MATTER WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES, IF IT THOUGHT THAT EVENTS THREATENED TO DESTROY MOSCOW'S MILITARY CONTROL OVER EASTERN EUROPE OR THE ONE-PARTY SYSTEM. SOME IN THE SOVIET LEADERSHIP PROBABLY FEEL THERE IS ENOUGH JUSTIFICATION ON EITHER GROUND ALREADY. BUT THE CRUCIAL POINT WITH POLAND IS THAT THE LEADERS IN WARSAW ARE CONSULTING THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE KREMLIN BEFORE ALL BIG DECISIONS. IT MAY BE THAT THE NEED FOR DIRECT MILITARY INTERVENTION WILL BE AVERTED AS LONG AS THE POLISH AUTHORITIES REMAIN IN CLEAR CHARGE AND CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE. IN THIS CONTEXT IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING THAT THE SOVIET INTERVENTIONS IN HUNGARY AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA WERE THE RESULT OF CONFRONTATIONS BETWEEN MOSCOW AND THE GOVERNMENTS IN BUDAPEST AND PRAGUE AND OF THE DESIRE OF THE SOVIET UNION TO CHANGE THEIR LEADERSHIPS. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN POLAND, WHERE THE PARTY'S FIRST SECRETARY, MR KANIA, HAS BEEN LEFT TO HOLD THE LINE AND NO DOUBT TRY TO SPLIT THE NEW UNION MOVEMENT. THIS POLICY PROBABLY OWES MORE TO DEFAULT THAN DESIGN. THE RUSSIANS CLEARLY DO NOT KNOW QUITE HOW TO DEAL WITH THE DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS IN POLAND THIS YEAR. FOR THE MOST PART THEY HAVE KEPT QUIET, ALTHOUGH NOW THERE ARE SIGNS OF OPEN ALARM. BUT THEY WILL GET A VICARIOUS SENSE OF SATISFACTION OUT OF THE FAILURE OF THE DEPOSED MR GIEREK'S WESTERN-FUELLED ECONOMIC PROGRAMME. THEY MAY VIEW THE NEAR-COLLAPSE OF THIS "DEVIATIONIST", FAR TOO AMBITIOUS AND BADLY MANAGED PLAN AS AN AUGURY OF GREATER DEPENDENCE ON COMECON, THE SOVIET BLOC'S ECONOMIC CO-OPERATIVE, AND THUS ON THE SOVIET POLITICAL MODEL. THE WEST, WHICH IS BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE SEVERAL BILLION DOLLARS TO KEEP THE POLISH ECONOMY AFLOAT AND SERVICE ITS MASSIVE EXTERNAL DEBTS, WILL HAVE TO CO-OPERATE IF SOLIDARITY'S CAUSE IS TO BE HELPED. INDEED, IT IS THE ONE THING THE WEST CAN DO. NO ONE IN THE INDEPENDENT UNION LEADERSHIP SERIOUSLY ADVOCATES A POLAND OUTSIDE THE SOVIET ORBIT. SOLIDARITY STANDS FOR QUALIFIED FREEDOM WITHIN THE GEO-POLITICAL REALITIES. SOLIDARITY IS ABOUT REFORM: OF SOCIALISM, HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ECONOMY - IN A ONCE-SUCCESSFUL AGRICULTURAL NATION WHERE PEOPLE NOW QUEUE FOR BREAD AND POTATOES. THESE QUEUES SYMBOLISE THE REASON, IN THE FIRST PLACE, FOR THE "WORKERS' REVOLT". THE ROOT CAUSE IS ECONOMIC, NOT POLITICAL. THE SOVIET ARMY WENT INTO HUNGARY, CZECHOSLOVAKIA AND AFGHANISTAN TO ARREST POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS. POLAND'S ECONOMY CANNOT BE RESTORED TO HEALTH THROUGH MILITARY INTERVENTION AND OCCUPATION. HENCE THE PACT IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT EXCHANGED RECOGNITION OF SOLIDARITY FOR UNION CO-OPERATION IN TACKLING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS. HOWEVER, THERE IS A FINE DIVISION BETWEEN ECONOMIC REFORM AND POLITICAL CHANGE. THERE IS NOTHING MORE POLITICAL THAN AN INDEPENDENT TRADE UNION IN A COMMUNIST COUNTRY. IT IS HARD TO TELL WHERE EVOLUTION LEAVES OFF AND REVOLUTION TAKES OVER. WHERE DOES SOLIDARITY GO FROM HERE WITHOUT TRAMPLING WILFULLY ON THE HEART OF WHAT THE SOVIET UNION HOLDS DEAR? POLAND'S PROBLEMS MAY BE JUST BEGINNING. THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER 1980 "SOOTHING WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH" THE THIRD FRASER GOVERNMENT IS IN BUSINESS, CONVINCED THAT ITS ECONOMIC STRATEGY IS BASICALLY CORRECT BUT ALSO PERSUADED THAT IT NEEDS TO EXPLAIN AND PROMOTE ITS POLICIES MORE EFFECTIVELY. TO THIS EXTENT, AT LEAST, THE ELECTION RESULT HAS HAD A SALUTARY INFLUENCE. THE GOVERNMENT ENTERED THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN SUPREMELY CONFIDENT NOT ONLY THAT IT WAS ON THE RIGHT COURSE BUT THAT THE ELECTORATE GENERALLY ENDORSED IT. THE OPINION POLLS, SUGGESTING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A LABOR VICTORY, SEVERELY SHOOK THIS ALOOF ASSUMPTION. ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT WAS, AFTER ALL, RETURNED WITH A REDUCED BUT STILL COMFORTABLE MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE DRIFT OF VOTES, ESPECIALLY IN VICTORIA, SHOWED THAT PARTS OF THE ELECTORATE WERE FAR FROM SATISFIED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE. CONTINUED HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, PARTICULARLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, REDUCED LIVING STANDARDS AND RISING TAXATION, AND FEARS OF INCREASING INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES HAVE DIMINISHED SUPPORT FOR A GOVERNMENT THAT SWEPT INTO OFFICE IN 1975 WITH THE PROMISE THAT IT WOULD PUT THINGS RIGHT. THE TRADITIONAL SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR- GENERAL, SIR ZELMAN COWEN, AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, SIGNALLED THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS AND TO SOFTEN THE HARSHER EDGES OF ITS RHETORIC. THE BASIC THRUST OF ITS ECONOMIC POLICY WILL NOT CHANGE. THE FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION, WITH THE COMMITMENT TO CONTAIN PUBLIC SPENDING AND OPPOSE PRESSURES FOR WAGE RISES, WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PRIORITY. THE GOVERNMENT'S FAITH THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN LEAD ECONOMIC RECOVERY WITHOUT PUBLIC STIMULUS REMAINS UNSHAKEN. BUT THE PRIME MINISTER HAS AT LAST RECOGNISED THAT UNEMPLOYMENT IS NOT ONLY BLIGHTING THE LIVES AND HOPES OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF AUSTRALIANS BUT THAT IT IS ERODING POPULAR SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES AND PRIORITIES. THUS THE NEW DEMONSTRATION OF CONCERN ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE EMPHASIS ON YOUTH TRAINING SCHEMES AND JOB CREATION. IT IS A WELCOME CHANGE FROM THE HOO-HAH ABOUT DOLE BLUDGERS A FEW YEARS AGO. THE GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS TO PUT ITS TOUGH ECONOMIC POLICIES IN A HUMAN CONTEXT, AND TO APPEAR TO BE DOING MORE TO ALLEVIATE THE PLIGHT OF THE JOBLESS, ARE ALL VERY WELL. BUT AT THE NEXT ELECTION THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE JUDGED ON ITS ACHIEVEMENTS, NOT ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS. THE REALITY IS THAT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF ITS PRESENT POLICIES UNEMPLOYMENT WILL REMAIN HIGH, AND PERHAPS RISE AS A RESULT OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE. THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO PROVE THAT ITS POLICIES ARE RIGHT, NOT SIMPLY TO TRY TO PERSUADE PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE RIGHT. IT IS PROBABLY PINNING ITS HOPES ON THE VAUNTED RESOURCES BOOM. BUT UNLESS THE INFLOW OF CAPITAL AND EXPORT EARNINGS ARE MANAGED WITH THE GREATEST CARE, THE IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY COULD BE MORE DESTRUCTIVE THAN BENEFICIAL. THE GOVERNMENT HAS YET TO EXPLAIN HOW IT WILL COPE WITH THE MONETARY REPERCUSSIONS, THE EFFECT ON AUSTRALIA'S MANUFACTURING AND RURAL INDUSTRIES, THE QUESTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF ITS RESOURCES AND THE FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROMISED BENEFITS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS OTHER PROBLEMS ON ITS AGENDA, TOO. THERE IS THE PRESSING NEED FOR TAX REFORM, ALREADY CIRCUMSCIBED BY THE REACTION TO SUGGESTIONS OF A BROADLY BASED CONSUMPTION TAX AND THE INHIBITIONS ABOUT AN ALL-OUT ATTACK ON TAX AVOIDANCE. THERE IS THE GROWING PROBLEM OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, MADE ALL THE MORE SERIOUS BY THE THREAT TO WAGE INDEXATION AND INDEED TO THE WHOLE ARBITRATION SYSTEM, AND ALL THE MORE PIQUANT BY THE CONFRONTATION OF TWO AMBITIOUS POLITICIANS IN MR PEACOCK AND MR HAWKE. THERE IS THE CHALLENGE TO THE PUBLIC CONTROL OVER BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION, AND THE BACKBENCH REVOLT OVER LEGISLATION FOR A NEW AIRLINES AGREEMENT. THERE IS THE CONTINUING MUDDLE OF HEALTH CARE COSTS AND INSURANCE. THE GOVERNMENT'S LOSS OF CONTROL OVER THE SENATE ON 1 JULY NEXT, WHEN THE INCOMING SENATORS TAKE THEIR SEATS, WILL MAKE ITS TASK MORE DIFFICULT. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SPEECH (ESSENTIALLY WRITTEN FOR HIM BY THE GOVERNMENT) WAS FULL OF NOBLE SENTIMENTS, HUMANE CONCERN AND GOOD INTENTIONS, MORE SO THAN MR FRASER'S ELECTION POLICY SPEECH. BUT THE STRONGER EMPHASIS ON MARKETING THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES IS UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED UNLESS THE POLICIES THEMSELVES CAN BE SHOWN TO WORK, AND ARE SEEN TO BE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, NOT JUST PRIVILEGED SECTIONS OF IT. "RUSHING THE NEW TENANCY LAWS" A LITTLE MORE THAN FOUR YEARS AGO, THE STATE GOVERNMENT BEGAN AN EXCITING SOCIAL EXPERIMENT. IT CONVENED A PUBLIC MEETING AND ASKED THOSE WHO ATTENDED FOR THEIR VIEWS ON TENANCY LAWS. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, IT ESTABLISHED A CITIZENS' COMMITTEE TO ASSES EXISTING LAWS AND TO PROPOSE CHANGES. IT SEEMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS MOVING TOWARDS A POLICY OF SERIOUS COMMUNITY CONSULTATION. AFTER TWO YEARS, THE COMMITTEE SUBMITTED 168 RECOMMEN- DATIONS. GIVEN THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE EXISTING LAWS, THE COMMITTEE TOOK THE TENANTS' SIDE ON A NUMBER OF BASIC POINTS. IT URGED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT TENANTS BE GIVEN GREATER SECURITY OF TENURE. BUT IT WAS BY NO MEANS A LANDLORD- BASHING DOCUMENT. THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF BOTH LANDLORD AND TENANT WERE SET OUT IN A PROPOSED CHARTER. NOW, AFTER A FURTHER TWO YEARS OF DEBATE AND LOBBYING FROM LANDLORDS, TENANTS' GROUPS, THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THE BUREAUCRACY, THE THIRD AND FINAL VERSION OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES BILL IS BEFORE THE PARLIAMENT. IN GENERAL, IT OFFERS TENANTS A MUCH BETTER DEAL. TENANTS WILL HAVE MUCH GREATER SECURITY OF TENURE, AND RENT INCREASES WILL BE ALLOWED ONLY ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS. LANDLORDS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REFUSE ACCOMMODATION TO PROSPECTIVE TENANTS BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHILDREN. WHERE A DISPUTE EXISTS BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT, AN INDEPENDENT ARBITRATOR WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, MR. STOREY, SAID YESTERDAY THAT THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR A NEW PLAIN- ENGLISH, STANDARD-FORM LEASE AGREEMENT. ALL THESE CHANGES ARE WELCOME. THEY REPRESENT, TO A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE, THE BASIC THRUST OF THE CITIZENS' COMMITTEE'S REPORT IN 1978. BUT THERE STILL ARE A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT OMISSIONS, AND THERE IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN AT THE MANNER IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS HANDLED THE LEGISLATION. MR STOREY SAYS IT IS AN HISTORIC BILL. THAT IS TRUE. IT IS THE RESULT OF A PROCESS OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION NEVER BEFORE ATTEMPTED. TENANTS' GROUPS CLAIM THAT THE CONSULTATIONS WERE A SHAM, AND THAT MOST OF THEIR PROPOSALS WERE REJECTED AFTER PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE GOVERNMENT. THERE APPEARS TO BE SOME JUSTIFICATION FOR SUCH A CLAIM, ALTHOUGH THE GROUPS SHOULD REALISE THAT CONSULTATION CANNOT BE TAKEN TO MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES TO ACCEPT ALL THOSE VIEWS PUT TO IT. MR STOREY ADMITS THAT NOT ALL THE PROPOSALS FROM THE CITIZENS' COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED. BUT NEITHER HAVE ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS PUT TO HIM BY LANDLORDS. MR STOREY SAYS THE BILL IS A SATISFACTORY COMPROMISE. GENERALLY, THAT IS TRUE. THE BILL HAS SOME SHORTCOMINGS. FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE LANDLORDS CANNOT REFUSE ACCOMMODATION TO TENANTS WITH CHILDREN, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE BILL TO STOP THEM FROM DISCRIMINATING ON THE BASIS OF AN APPLICANT'S SEX, RACE, MARTIAL STATUS OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. BUT OVERALL, IT REPRESENTS A CONSIDER- ABLE ADVANCE ON THE EXISTING LAWS AND GUARANTEES TENANTS FAIRER TREATMENT. WHY, THEN, HAS THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO RUSH SUCH AN IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC PIECE OF LEGISLATION THROUGH PARLIAMENT? ON TUESDAY, IT APPLIED A FIVE-HOUR LIMIT ON DISCUSSION OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. AS THE LEADER OF THE NATIONAL PARTY, MR ROSS-EDWARDS, SAID: "IF THIS IS NOT WORTHY OF A DAY'S DEBATE, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS". THE OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN ON HOUSING, MR CATHIE, SAID YESTERDAY HE HAD WANTED TO PROPOSE 196 AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL AND 10 NEW CLAUSES TO CORRECT WHAT THE LABOR PARTY THOUGHT WERE SHORTCOMINGS. HE DID NOT GET MUCH OF A CHANCE. MR STOREY SAID YESTERDAY THE BILL COULD BE DEBATED MORE FULLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THAT MIGHT SUIT THE GOVERNMENT. MR STOREY, THE GOVERNMENT'S MOST ELOQUENT PROMOTER OF THE BILL, SITS IN THE COUNCIL. BUT IT SUITS NO ONE ELSE. MR CATHIE IS IN THE ASSEMBLY. SO ARE THE NATIONAL PARTY'S LEADERS. THE BILL CONTAINS A NUMBER OF CLAUSES THAT APPEAR TO FAVOR UNREASONABLY THE LANDLORDS AND THEIR AGENTS. IT IS A SHAME THAT AFTER FOUR YEARS OF WORTHWHILE PUBLIC DISCUSSION THE GOVERNMENT SEES FIT TO HURRY. FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER 1980 "FRESH OUTLOOK ON HOUSING" A NEW BROOM HAS SWEPT THROUGH THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF VICTORIA, A BUREAUCRATIC AND TECHNOCRATIC AUTHORITY NOTORIOUS FOR ITS BULLDOZING OF NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE NAME OF SLUM RECLAMATION, ITS PRE- DILECTION FOR DREARY CONCRETE HIGH RISE FLATS, AND ITS TAINTED INVOLVEMENT IN BROAD-ACRE LAND DEALS. WITH A CHANGE OF MINISTER AND TOP MANAGEMENT, THE COMMISSION SEEMS TO HAVE ACQUIRED A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE AND A HUMAN FACE. ONE INDICATION IS THE NEW ATTITUDE TOWARDS COMMISSION TENANTS. THERE IS NOW A MUCH GREATER WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER AND REMEDY THEIR PROBLEMS, AND TO INVOLVE THEM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ESTATES AND IN FORMULATING POLICY. ANOTHER IS THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HOUSING POLICIES FOR 42 YEARS, OUTLINED IN A GREEN PAPER ISSUED BY THE HOUSING MINISTER, MR DIXON, ON TUESDAY. THE GREEN PAPER, THE RESULT OF MONTHS OF CONSULTATION AND CONTEMPLATION, DISCUSSES FUTURE HOUSING POLICIES AND SETS OUT THOSE PREFERRED BY THE HOUSING MINISTRY. AFTER ALLOWING SOME SEVEN MONTHS FOR COMMUNITY CONSIDERATION, THE MINISTER WILL PREPARE A WHITE PAPER OF POLICIES EXPECTED TO BE ADOPTED. AS SOME OF THE PREFERRED OPTIONS ARE ALREADY BEING TRIED IN PILOT SCHEMES, THEIR WORTH WILL BE MORE EASILY ASSESSED NEXT YEAR. THE GREEN PAPER IS NOTEWORTHY FOR DELVING INTO PHILO- SOPHICAL AS WELL AS PRACTICAL QUESTIONS OF HOW BEST TO HELP THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD ADEQUATE SHELTER FOR THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES, AND FOR VENTURING INTO AREAS WHICH, ALTHOUGH RELEVANT, ARE GENERALLY REGARDED AS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF HOUSING AUTHORITIES. THE DOCUMENT ASKS, FOR EXAMPLE, WHETHER IT IS BETTER TO PROVIDE THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD DECENT HOUSING WITH INCOME SUPPORT OR WITH SUBSIDISED HOUSING. THE CONCEPT OF A GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME, ADVOCATED BY THE HENDERSON COMMISSION ON POVERTY, FALLS MORE NATURALLY WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITY AND RESOURCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH THAN OF A SINGLE STATE. SO THE GREEN PAPER OPTS FOR SUBSIDISED HOUSING, WHILE URGING CANBERRA TO IMPROVE INCOME SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED. BUT SHOULD THE STATE HELP PEOPLE OWN THEIR OWN HOMES OR PROVIDE THEM WITH RENTAL ACCOMMODATION? THE GREEN PAPER'S SIMPLE ANSWER IS BOTH. YES, LOW-INCOME EARNERS SHOULD BE HELPED TO ACQUIRE THEIR OWN HOME, IF THAT IS WHAT THEY WISH, BUT NOT THROUGH THE PAST POLICY OF SELLING OFF THE COMMISSION'S STOCK OF HOUSES, A COURSE THAT IN MELBOURNE HAS LEFT IT WITH MOSTLY HIGH RISE FLATS UNSUITABLE FOR FAMILIES. THE PREFERRED OPTION, AND IT SEEMS A SENSIBLE ONE, IS FOR A MORTGAGE INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME RELATED TO INCOME AND FAMILY SIZE, TAPPING PRIVATE AS WELL AS PUBLIC FUNDS, AND GIVING THE BENEFICIARIES A WIDER CHOICE. WHILE HOME OWNERSHIP IS TO BE ENCOURAGED AS SOCIALLY DESIRABLE AND FINANCIALLY PREFERABLE, THERE IS STILL A BIG UNSATISFIED NEED FOR SHELTER AT SUBSIDISED RENTS. SIXTY TO 70 PER CENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICANTS NOW ARE SINGLE, MANY OF THEM UNMARRIED MOTHERS. THE GREEN PAPER RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMMISSION'S METROPOLITAN HOUSING BE INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, NOT BY MORE HIGH RISE FLATS BUT BY TOWN HOUSE DEVELOPMENTS AND PURCHASES OF EXISTING HOUSES IN THE COMMUNITY. IT ALSO PROPOSES A PROGRAMME, ALREADY UNDER WAY, OF IMPROVING THE AMENITIES AND SECURITY OF HIGH RISE ESTATES, AND OF GIVING TENANTS GREATER RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MANAGEMENT. ANOTHER PROPOSAL IS FOR CO-OWNERSHIP FOR THOSE WHO, EVEN WITH SUBSIDISED INTEREST RATES, COULD NOT BRIDGE THE GAP. ALL IN ALL, THE GREEN PAPER AND THE NEW SPIRIT THAT PRODUCED IT ARE HEARTENING AND PRAISEWORTHY. THE KEY PROPOSALS DESERVE COMMUNITY AND PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT. "THE CASE FOR FEWER ELECTIONS" MR FRASER, MR HAYDEN, MR CHIPP AND THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF THE LIBERAL PARTY SUPPORT IT. THE ADVANTAGES IT OFFERS TO GOVERNMENTS AND VOTERS ARE CONSIDERABLE. YET THOSE WHO ARE IN POSITIONS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT SEEM ONLY TO HAVE PLAYED WITH THE IDEA OF FOUR-YEAR PARLIAMENTARY TERMS. AT PRESENT, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS ELECTED FOR THREE YEARS. ITS ACTUAL TERM IS OFTEN SHORTER. TOGETHER WITH STATE POLLS, THIS GIVES VOTERS A SURFEIT OF ELECTIONS - 9 OR 10 IN THE 1970S, DEPENDING ON WHICH STATE THEY LIVED IN. THREE-YEAR TERMS ALSO LEAD GOVERNMENTS TO CONDUCT THEIR AFFAIRS WITH AN EYE ON THE NEXT ELECTION. LONG-TERM PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING OFTEN GIVE WAY TO SHORT-TERM VOTE CATCHING. THIS WEEK, HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT TOOK WHAT MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS AN EXTENDED TERM. MR FRASER PROPOSED THAT A GOVERNMENT BACKBENCH COMMITTEE BE ESTABLISHED TO CONSIDER THE MERITS OF FOUR-YEAR TERMS. WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH. FOR FOUR-YEAR TERMS TO BE WRITTEN INTO THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, THE IDEA WOULD HAVE TO BE APPROVED AT A REFERENDUM. FOR THAT TO HAPPEN, THE SUPPORT OF ALL PARTIES WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY BE NEEDED. IT IS THEREFORE A PITY THAT THE NEW COMMITTEE DOES NOT INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEMOCRAT AND LABOR PARTIES. WITH ONLY THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTED, THE COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS ARE LIKELY TO LACK THE STATUS AND BROAD APPEAL OF A REPORT IN WHICH ALL PARTIES HAVE A SAY. NONETHELESS, THE MOVE IS WELCOME. PERHAPS AN ALL-PARTY INQUIRY CAN BE HELD LATER. IT IS NOT A SIMPLE ISSUE. GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GOVERN FOR FOUR YEARS OR THREE, IT IS FAIR TO ASSUME THAT ANY GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE THE FORMER. BUT THERE ARE OTHER CONSIDERATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE TERM OF THE FEDERAL LOWER HOUSE IS EXTENDED, IT SHOULD IDEALLY BE FOR A FIXED TERM. IT IS OF LITTLE USE EXTENDING THE MAXIMUM TERM IF GOVERNMENTS RETAIN THE RIGHT TO CALL AN ELECTION WHENEVER IT IS IN THEIR INTERESTS TO DO SO. THIS RIGHT GIVES A GOVERNMENT AN UNFAIR ELECTORAL ADVANTAGE. A MUCH BETTER ARRANGEMENT WOULD BE A FIXED FOUR-YEAR TERM, WITH EARLY ELECTIONS PERMITTED ONLY WHEN A GOVERNMENT LOSES THE CONFIDENCE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BECAUSE IT CAN NO LONGER COMMAND AN ABSOLUTE MAJORITY. THIS CAN HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF BY-ELECTIONS OR DEFECTIONS. THERE IS ALSO THE QUESTION OF THE SENATE. AT PRESENT, SENATORS ARE ELECTED FOR SIX YEARS, WITH HALF THE SENATE BEING ELECTED EVERY THREE YEARS. THE HALF-SENATE POLLS USUALLY COINCIDE WITH THE ELECTIONS FOR THE LOWER HOUSE. BUT WHILE FOUR-YEAR TERMS FOR THE LOWER HOUSE WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE, EIGHT-YEAR TERMS FOR SENATORS WOULD NOT. NO PARLIAMENTARIAN DESERVES THAT SORT OF TENURE. TRUE, THE PRESENT SIX-YEAR SENATE TERM HAS HAD SOME ADVANTAGES, NOTABLY BY GIVING SOME SENATORS THE COURAGE TO STAND OUT AGAINST THEIR PARTY'S LINE. HOWEVER, FIXED FOUR-YEAR TERMS, WITH LOWER AND UPPER HOUSE ELECTIONS COINCIDING, WOULD HAVE BENEFITS THAT WOULD OUTWEIGH THAT CONSIDERATION. SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER 1980 "BENEATH THE SUNSHINE" UP QUEENSLAND WAY, THEY DO NOT CARE MUCH FOR SOUTHERN SOPHISTICATES. THEY DO NOT CARE MUCH FOR THE OUTLANDERS' VIEW OF MR BJELKE- PETERSEN AS A FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER MOUNTED ON A BLOATED GERRYMANDER. AFTER DECADES OF DERISION AS QUAINT COUNTRY COUSINS, MANY QUEENSLANDERS NOW APPARENTLY FEEL THAT NATURE, GEOLOGY AND MR BJELKE-PETERSEN ARE ON THEIR SIDE. INDICATIONS ARE THAT TODAY'S ELECTION WILL SEE MR BJELKE-PETERSEN AND HIS NATIONAL PARTY MAINTAINING COMMAND OF AUSTRALIA'S BOOM STATE. THERE WILL BE CRIES OF "FOUL", OF COURSE, AND THEY WILL BE JUSTIFIED IF RESULTS REFLECT THOSE OF THE LAST ELECTION WHEN LABOR WON 23 SEATS WITH 43 PER CENT OF PRIMARY VOTES, THE LIBERALS 24 SEATS WITH 25 PER CENT AND THE NATIONAL PARTY 35 SEATS WITH 27 PER CENT. THE QUEENSLAND SYSTEM IS A PERVERSION OF THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL OF ONE VOTE, ONE VALUE. IT MAKES LABOR'S CHANCES OF WINNING POWER NEAR IMPOSSIBLE AND SEVERELY HAMPERS THE LIBERALS IN THEIR BID TO BE SENIOR COALITION PARTNER. BUT THE GERRYMANDER ASIDE, BOTH LABOR AND THE LIBERALS STRUGGLE UNDER SELF-IMPOSED HANDICAPS. THE LABOR PARTY, WITH WONDROUS INVENTIVE- NESS, MANAGES TO FIND NEW WAYS TO STAB ITSELF IN THE BACK; THE LIBERAL PARTY, ATTEMPTING TO EMERGE FROM MR BJELKE-PETERSEN'S SHADOW, STANDS BLINKING IN THE SUNSHINE, THE PATHETIC VICTIM OF ITS OWN ACQUIESCENCE OVER THE YEARS. (THE LIBERALS HAVE NOT BEEN MUCH HELPED BY THE PRIME MINISTER, WHO DEMONSTRATES LITTLE FAITH IN THEIR ELECTORAL CHANCES AND WHO DUMPED A QUEENSLAND SON, MR ERIC ROBINSON, FROM CABINET.) IT SEEMS THAT ONLY AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN LIBERALS AND LABOR WOULD BREAK MR BJELKE- PETERSEN'S IRON GRIP - AND SOME LIBERAL PARLIAMENTARIANS WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY REGARD ANY SUCH ALLIANCE AS SO UNHOLY THAT THEY WOULD DEFECT. AND MANY QUEENSLANDERS PROBABLY WONDER WHY THERE SHOULD BE CONCERN ABOUT BJELKE-PETERSEN RULE. ISN'T THE SUNSHINE STATE THE PACE-SETTER IN DEVELOPMENT? DON'T THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TRAVEL NORTH EACH MONTH TO SHARE THE BOOM? BUT BENEATH THE SUN AND THE IMPRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS THERE IS MUCH THAT IS UNSETTLING ABOUT MR BJELKE-PETERSEN'S QUEENSLAND: THE CONDITION OF CIVIL LIBERTY, AND ARROGANT AND REPRESSIVE PATERNALISM TOWARDS ABORIGINES, NOT TO MENTION THE STRANGE PEOPLE WHO FIND THEMSELVES UNDER MR BJELKE-PETERSEN'S PATRONAGE. QUEENSLAND HAS THE LOWEST RATE OF SPENDING ON EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE, AND ONE OF THE HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATES. IT LEVIES ONLY 3.7 PER CENT ROYALTIES ON ITS MINERAL EXPORTS AND IN THE LONG TERM THE MINERS' "REGENERATION" AREAS MIGHT BE MONUMENTS TO A PITIFULLY SMALL RETURN. THE DANGER OF THE CARICATURE OF MR BJELKE- PETERSEN IS THAT IT DISGUISES THE FACT THAT HE IS A TOUGH AND CONSUMMATE POPULIST POLITICIAN. IT ALSO HIDES WHAT SHOULD BE THE ISSUES IN QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT AND IN HIS POLICIES. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" ONE OF THE MOST TALKED-OF MEMBERS OF SOCIETY IS "THE AVERAGE PERSON". THIS INDIVIDUAL FIGURES IN CONVERSATIONS, NEWSPAPER EDITORIALS AND POLITICAL SPEECHES. BUT AS SOON AS WE TRY TO IDENTIFY HIM, HE ELUDES US. WE SAY "HE" TO AVOID THE CUMBERSOME "HE OR SHE" FORMULA, RECOGNISING THAT A MEMBER OF EITHER SEX COULD FIT THE DESCRIPTION AND, IN ANY CASE, NO PERSON IS AN AVERAGE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE. THIS PERSON IS USUALLY THOUGHT OF IN QUALITATIVE TERMS RATHER THAN QUANTITATIVE ONES OF VITAL STATISTICS. SOME POPULATION SURVEYORS AIM TO IDENTIFY HIM BY QUIZZING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON THEIR PREFERENCES IN POLITICS, ART, MUSIC, DRAMA, READING, RECREATION; THEIR PRIORITIES IN LIFE, WHAT THEY SPEND THEIR MONEY ON AND REGARD AS ACCEPTABLE MORAL STANDARDS. ANYONE WHO SHARES THE MAJORITY OF PREFERENCES, HOLDS THE MOST COMMON PRIORITIES AND CONFORMS TO THE PREVAILING STANDARDS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED AN AVERAGE PERSON. THIS GENERAL HUMAN AVERAGE FORMS THE BASIS ON WHICH THE MECHANICS OF GOVERNMENT ARE ORGANISED UNDER THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM. IT IS ASSUMED THAT WHAT THE MAJORITY AGREES UPON IS RIGHT, AND THAT A GOOD CITIZEN IS ONE WHO CONFORMS TO THE PRESENT LEVEL OF PUBLIC OPINION. ONE ADVANTAGE OF SUCH A SYSTEM IS THAT IT REQUIRES ITS MEMBERS WHO ARE BELOW THE AVERAGE TO LIVE UP TO IT, AND PENALISES THOSE WHO FAIL TO DO SO. BUT IT HAS THE DISADVANTAGE OF TENDING TO FORCE THOSE WHO ARE ABOVE THE AVERAGE TO LIVE DOWN TO IT - OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. TO LIVE ABOVE THE AVERAGE, AS WELL AS BELOW IT, CAN THEREFORE BE A COSTLY BUSINESS SOMETIMES. AT BEST IT CAN BRAND SUCH INDIVIDUALS AS ODDITIES, IF NOT AS REVOLUTIONARIES; AT WORST IT CAN REMOVE THEM AS A THREAT TO THE SOCIAL ORDER. THUS THE JAIL IN ATHENS CONFINED NOT ONLY THE BASEST MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BUT ALSO SOCRATES, ONE OF THE NATION'S WISEST THINKERS. BRITAIN INCARCERATES NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS AT WAR WITH SOCIETY - BUT ALSO IMPRISONED BERTRAND RUSSELL FOR CRUSADING FOR PEACE. THE BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, AUTHORITIES JAILED ITS INFAMOUS GANGSTERS AND ALSO THAT CHAMPION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, MARTIN LUTHER KING. THE RUSSIANS COMMIT TO CONCENTRATION CAMPS NOT ONLY THUGS BUT IDEALISTS LIKE SAKHAROV AND SOLZHENITSYN. AT CALVARY, THE GOVERNMENT EXECUTED JESUS, "WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD", BETWEEN TWO THIEVES WHO WENT ABOUT COMMITTING CRIMES. SINCE WE ARE TEMPTED TO LIVE DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF OUR SOCIAL GROUP, A SEARCHING TEST OF CHARACTER IS ONE'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC OPINION. AN AMERICAN PROFESSOR GOES SO FAR AS TO SAY, "IN ANY REALM WHERE JUDGMENT CALLS FOR SPIRITUAL FINENESS, ONLY THE MINORITY WHO ARE ABOVE THE AVERAGE ARE EVER RIGHT". CHRIST PUT THAT TEST TO HIS FIRST FOLLOWERS WHEN HE ASKED, "...HAVE YOU DONE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY?" HE EXPECTED THEM TO LIVE ABOVE THE AVERAGE. EVERY REFORM IN HUMAN SOCIETY BEGAN IN THE CONSCIENCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS DISCONTENTED WITH MEDIOCRITY, RESOLVED AT ALL COSTS TO LIVE ABOVE IT, AND SOUGHT TO LEAVE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE THAN HE FOUND IT. TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER 1980 "WHY SHOULD WE BE SANTA CLAUS?" IN THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS MOST OF US OF ADULT YEARS WILL BEGIN TO FEEL A BIT LIKE FATHER CHRISTMAS. WHAT BETTER TIME, THEN, FOR THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN TO REFORM THE COMMONWEALTH'S TAX SHARING AGREEMENT - WHICH, AS THE STATE TREASURER PUTS IT, MAKES VICTORIA "THE FATHER CHRISTMAS OF AUSTRALIA". SINCE THE COMMONWEALTH TOOK OVER INCOME TAX FROM THE STATES IN 1942, THE SHARE IT HAS RETURNED TO STATE GOVERNMENTS HAS VARIED WIDELY FROM STATE TO STATE. VICTORIA HAS CONSISTENTLY GOT THE LOWEST SHARE. AND NOW, AT LAST, THE HAMER GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED IT HAS HAD ENOUGH, AND IS DEMANDING A NEW DEAL. THE FIGURES BACK UP ITS CASE IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS. IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1979-80, THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT RECEIVED BACK ONLY $29 OF EVERY $100 THAT VICTORIANS PAID IN INCOME TAX. NSW FARED ONLY SLIGHTLY BETTER, RECEIVING $31 OF EVERY $100 PAID. YET THE QUEENSLAND AND SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS GOT BACK $48 FOR EVERY $100 PAID, WESTERN AUSTRALIA GOT $50 AND TASMANIA $67. IN ALL, VICTORIANS ARE BEING DEPRIVED OF ABOUT $350 MILLION A YEAR IN ORDER TO SUBSIDISE THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE FOUR SMALLER STATES. FATHER CHRISTMAS? WE HAVE BEEN CONSCRIPTED TO PLAY SANTA ALL YEAR ROUND. THERE MAY HAVE BEEN SOME JUSTICE IN SUCH A HUGE REDISTRIBUTION OF INCOME IN 1942, WHEN DEVELOPMENT IN THE SMALLER STATES LAGGED WELL BEHIND VICTORIA AND NSW. BUT YEARS OF CODDLING BY CANBERRA AND STATE ROYALTIES FROM THE VAST MINERAL DEVELOPMENTS OF QUEENSLAND AND WA HAVE LARGELY WIPED OUT THESE DISPARITIES. AVERAGE INCOMES TODAY VARY BY NO MORE THAN 10 PER CENT FROM STATE TO STATE. THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE REDISTRIBUTION NOW IS TO FORCE PEOPLE IN VICTORIA AND NSW TO PAY MUCH HEAVIER STATE TAXES THAN THE OTHERS TO RECEIVE SIMILAR SERVICES. STATE TAXES IN VICTORIA ARE 50 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN QUEENSLAND, FOR INSTANCE, SIMPLY TO MAKE UP FOR THE FAVORED TREATMENT QUEENSLAND RECEIVES FROM CANBERRA AT OUR EXPENSE. THE FUTURE OF THE TAX-SHARING AGREEMENT IS NOW BEING REVIEWED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMONWEALTH GRANTS COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE ELSE-MITCHELL, WHO IS EXPECTED TO RECOMMEND A NEW FORMULA EARLY NEXT YEAR. VICTORIANS OF ALL POLITICAL VIEWS ARE UNITED IN DEMANDING THAT IT MUST BE ONE WHICH GIVES US A FAIR DEAL AT LAST. "THE PROBLEM OF RIVAL LAWS" A FEW YEARS AGO AUSTRALIANS WERE APPALLED WHEN A SOUTH AUSTRALIAN JUDGE CONVICTED AN ABORIGINE AND SENT HIM BACK TO HIS TRIBE TO BE RITUALLY PUNISHED BY SPEARING THROUGH THE THIGH. WHILE THE DECISION WAS CERTAINLY CONTRO- VERSIAL, IT ALSO REPRESENTED AN ATTEMPT ON THE JUDGE'S PART TO GRAPPLE WITH THE PROBLEM OF CONFLICTING OR RIVAL LEGAL STANDARDS. IT IS A COMPLEX PROBLEM, AND OCCURS IN ALL COMMUNITIES WHERE ONE RACE OR ONE PEOPLE HAS BEEN CONQUERED BY ANOTHER. THE JUDGE WAS NOT SUGGESTING THAT AUSTRALIA SHOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM BY HAVING TWO LEGAL SYSTEMS SIDE BY SIDE: ONE FOR WHITES AND ONE FORBLACKS. BUT HE DID SUGGEST THAT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, WHERE BOTH CIVIL AND TRIBAL LAW HAVE BEEN INFRINGED, BOTH SHOULD BE INVOKED: ONE TO DO THE SENTENCING, THE OTHER TO CARRY OUT THE PUNISHMENT. THE AUSTRALIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS RECENTLY BEEN LOOKING AT THIS PROBLEM OF CONFLICTING LEGAL STANDARDS. IN PARTICULAR, IT HAS ADDRESSED ITSELF TO TWO AREAS OF DIFFICULTY. ONE IS THE DISPARITY AT TIMES BETWEEN THE LAW OF THE LAND AND ABORIGINAL CUSTOMARY LAW. THE OTHER IS THE PROBLEM WHICH SURFACED RECENTLY AND VIOLENTLY AT NOONKANBAH, AND WHICH NOW THREATENS CONSTRUCTION WORK AT THE PROPOSED ALCOA WORKS AT PORTLAND: ABORIGINAL CLAIMS TO LAND WHICH THEY SAY IS SACRED AND TO WHICH THEY SAY THEY HAVE DEEP HISTORICAL AND SPIRITUAL TIES. ON THE FIRST OF THESE THE COMMISSION'S DISCUSSION PAPER ARGUES (CONTRARY TO THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN JUDGE) THAT AUSTRALIAN LAW SHOULD NOT RECOGNISE HARSH TRIBAL PUNISHMENTS, AND THAT THE TRADITIONAL SENTENCES OF KILLING, SPEARING AND OTHER FORMS OF WOUNDING SHOULD BE OUTLAWED. ON THE SECOND, IT SUGGESTS THAT GOVERNMENTS, BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL, SHOULD DO MORE TO PROTECT ABORIGINAL SACRED SITES. SPECIFICALLY, WHAT THE COMMISSION SUGGESTS IS THAT TRESPASSING ON OR DESECRATING SACRED SITES AND OBJECTS SHOULD BE MADE A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT THESE DAYS THE MAIN OFFENDERS TEND TO BE NOT INDIVIDUALS SO MUCH AS MINING OR EXPLORATION COMPANIES WHICH CLAIM "NATIONAL INTEREST" AS THEIR JUSTIFICATION. THE COMMISSION SUGGESTS THAT SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES COULD BE OVERCOME BY GETTING GOVERNMENTS TO DRAW UP A NATIONAL LIST OF SACRED SITES. WHILE THE COMMISSION'S GENERALLY PROTECTIVE INTEREST IS HEARTENING, THE FACT REMAINS THAT MOST ABORIGINAL SACRED SITES ARE BY DEFINITION SECRET, AND REQUIRING ABORIGINES TO REVEAL THEM, EVEN ON A STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL BASIS, COULD BE POTENTIALLY DAMAGING TO THEIR WHOLE BELIEF SYSTEM. A BETTER SOLUTION TO THE SACRED SITES PROBLEM IS POSSIBLY THE ONE IMPLEMENTED RECENTLY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN RESPECT OF 93,000 SQUARE KILOMETRES OF PITJANTJATJARA LAND. INSTEAD OF THE ABORIGINES BEING REQUIRED TO REVEAL THEIR SACRED SITES TO MINERS, WHO THEN DRAW UP WORK PLANS, THE MINERS SUBMIT THEIR PLANS FIRST; AND THESE ARE THEN VETTED BY THE ABORIGINES FOR THEIR EFFECT ON SENSITIVE AREAS. AT NO TIME ARE THE ABORIGINES REQUIRED TO REVEAL THEIR SACRED SITES. IN THE EVENT OF A STALEMATE, THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LEGISLATION ALLOWS FOR AN INDEPENDENT ARBITRATOR - A JUDGE - WHOSE TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE OVERWHELMINGLY CONCENTRATED ON THE RIGHTS OF THE PITJANTJATJARA PEOPLE AND THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE. THE CRITERION OF "STATE OR NATIONAL INTEREST" IS LAST ON THE LIST. IT IS AN ENLIGHTENED PIECE OF LEGISLATION, AND COULD USEFULLY SERVE AS A MODEL FOR OTHER MINING COMPANIES AND OTHER TRIBAL GROUPS. WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 1980 "A SURFEIT OF SECRETS" IT IS DIFFICULT TO OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE JUDGMENT BROUGHT DOWN IN THE HIGH COURT THIS WEEK BY MR JUSTICE MASON IN THE DEFENCE AND FOREIGN POLICY DOCUMENTS CASE INVOLVING 'THE AGE' AND THE 'SYDNEY MORNING HERALD'. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THIS COUNTRY, A COURT HAS SET OUT TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN TWO CONFLICTING CLAIMS TO REPRESENT THE PUBLIC INTEREST: THE CLAIM OF GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR PUBLIC SERVANTS THAT THEY HAVE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO KEEP MATERIAL SECRET IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST (AS DEFINED BY THEM), AND THE CLAIM OF THE PRESS, PUBLISHERS AND OTHERS THAT THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT GOVERNMENTS HAVE BEEN UP TO IN ITS NAME AND AT ITS EXPENSE. MR JUSTICE MASON HAS DENIED EITHER SIDE A TOTAL VICTORY - THE CASE MAY BE TAKEN THROUGH OTHER COURTS BEFORE IT IS FINALLY RESOLVED - BUT IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT HE HAS LAID DOWN GENERAL PRINCIPLES THAT MAY SIGNIFICANTLY ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. OFFICIAL SECRECY HAS LONG BEEN A DEBASED CURRENCY IN AUSTRALIA. BUREAUCRATS APPEAR TO STAMP SECURITY CLASSIFICATIONS ON PIECES OF PAPER WITH THE SAME ABANDON WITH WHICH THE MINTS OF BANANA REPUBLICS CHURN OUT WORTHLESS BANKNOTES. INSOFAR AS THERE ARE FORMAL CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFICATION, THOSE CRITERIA ARE THEMSELVES KEPT SECRET. THERE IS CERTAINLY NO ORDERLY SYSTEM WHEREBY INFORMATION IS REGULARLY EXAMINED FOR RECLASSIFICATION OR DECLASSIFICATION DURING THE FIRST THIRTY YEARS OF ITS LIFE: OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS LIVE BY THE ASTONISHING PROPOSITION THAT A DOCUMENT IS AS SENSITIVE FIVE OR 25 YEARS LATER AS IT WAS ON THE DAY IT WAS WRITTEN. FOR EXAMPLE, NONE OF THE PAPERS REPRODUCED IN THE BOOK 'DOCUMENTS ON AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE AND FOREIGN POLICY, 1968-1975' WAS LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OUT OF DATE, YET THE JUDGE SAID HE HAD THE IMPRESSION THAT, WITH ONE EXCEPTION, THEY HAD NOT BEEN RECONSIDERED FOR CLASSIFICATION SINCE THEY WERE BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE. NO NEWSPAPER OR CITIZEN SHOULD ACCEPT THE PROPOSITION THAT POLITICIANS AND PUBLIC SERVANTS CAN BE TRUSTED NOT TO ABUSE THE SECRECY STAMP. MUCH OF THE MATERIAL LEAKED TO THE PRESS OVER THE YEARS HAS SHOWN THAT GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR SERVANTS FREQUENTLY CONFUSE THE NATIONAL INTEREST WITH THEIR OWN, THAT THEY ARE ONLY TOO READY TO HIDE THEIR MISTAKES UNDER THE CLOAK OF OFFICIAL SECRECY AND THAT THEY ARE PREPARED TO WITHHOLD INFORMATION NOT BECAUSE ITS RELEASE COULD DO THIS COUNTRY HARM BUT BECAUSE IT MIGHT CAUSE THEM SOME INCONVENIENCE OR MINOR EMBARRASS- MENT. IT IS BAD ENOUGH THAT SECRECY HAS BECOME A DEFENSIVE OBSESSION IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE; IT IS WORSE THAT IT HAS BECOME A HABIT. 'THE AGE' DOES NOT CONTEND THAT GOVERNMENTS SHOULD HAVE NO SECRETS; SIMPLY THAT THEY HAVE FAR TOO MANY. WE ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN AREAS, NOTABLY RELATING TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND PERSONAL PRIVACY, THAT REQUIRE THE PROTECTION OF SECRECY. ALL THE PRINCIPAL AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS, ALONG WITH TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS, ARE VOLUNTARY PARTIES TO THE "D" NOTICE SYSTEM UNDER WHICH WE AGREE NOT TO PUBLISH MATERIAL RELATING TO SPECIFIED AREAS OF NATIONAL SECURITY. SUCH EXCEPTIONS ASIDE, HOWEVER, OUR BUSINESS IS TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING, OR HAS HAPPENED, AND TO PUBLISH IT. OUR CONTENTION IS THAT PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE IS ALMOST ALWAYS PREFERABLE TO PUBLIC IGNORANCE, AND THAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE RELEASED UNLESS THERE IS SOME OVERRIDING REASON WHY IT SHOULD BE KEPT SECRET. GOVERNMENTS TEND TO TAKE PRECISELY THE OPPOSITE VIEW: THAT MATERIAL (WHETHER CLASSIFIED OR NOT) SHOULD REMAIN SECRET UNLESS THEY ARE PERSUADED THERE IS SOME GOOD REASON FOR, OR POLITICAL ADVANTAGE IN, PUBLISHING IT. TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS VIEW PREVAILS, DEMOCRATIC DEBATE IN THIS COUNTRY IS STIFLED. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT MR JUSTICE MASON'S JUDGMENT IS OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE, NOT JUST TO THE PRESS BUT TO THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE. FOR WHILE 'THE AGE' AND THE 'SYDNEY MORNING HERALD' DID NOT WIN EVERY POINT - INDEED, THEY LOST A MOST SIGNIFICANT ONE ON THE QUESTION OF COPYRIGHT - THE JUDGMENT HAS SUPPORTED A PRINCIPLE FOR WHICH NEWSPAPERS HAVE ALWAYS FOUGHT. THAT PRINCIPLE IS THAT THERE IS A PUBLIC RIGHT TO KNOW THAT CAN OVERRIDE THE CLAIM OF GOVERNMENTS TO PRESERVE THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITS INFORMATION. "IT IS UNACCEPTABLE IN OUR DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY", HIS HONOR SAID, "THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RESTRAINT ON THE PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT WHEN THE ONLY VICE OF THAT INFORMATION IS THAT IT ENABLES THE PUBLIC TO DISCUSS, REVIEW AND CRITICISE GOVERNMENT ACTION. ACCORDINGLY, THE COURT WILL DETERMINE THE GOVERNMENT'S CLAIM TO CONFIDEN- TIALITY BY REFERENCE TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST. UNLESS DISCLOSURE IS LIKELY TO INJURE THE PUBLIC INTEREST, IT WILL NOT BE PROTECTED." YET IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO IMAGINE THAT THE JUDGMENT GIVES THE PRESS FREE REIN TO PUBLISH ANY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION THAT COMES ITS WAY. LEAVING ASIDE THE COPYRIGHT ISSUE, TO WHICH WE WILL RETURN, THE JUDGMENT LAYS DOWN RATHER VAGUE GUIDELINES BY WHICH THE BALANCE OF PUBLIC INTEREST IN FAVOR OF DISCLOSURE OR SUPPRESSION SHOULD BE DECIDED. MR JUSTICE MASON SAYS THAT IF DISCLOSURE "WILL BE INIMICAL TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST BECAUSE NATIONAL SECURITY, RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES OR THE ORDINARY BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT WILL BE PREJUDICED, DISCLOSURE WILL BE RESTRAINED". IN SHORT, BOTH SIDES - GOVERNMENTS AND PUBLISHERS - ARE NOW IN TRICKY TERRITORY. THEY MUST MAKE NECESSARILY SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENTS AS TO WHERE PUBLIC INTEREST LIES - JUDGMENTS WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY HAVE TO BE WEIGHED, ON AN EQUALLY SUBJECTIVE BASIS, BY THE COURTS. ON THE CREDIT SIDE, THIS MEANS THAT GOVERNMENTS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ASSUME THAT THEY WILL BE GRANTED AN INJUNCTION TO STOP THE PRESSES SIMPLY BECAUSE SOMEONE HAS STAMPED "TOP SECRET" ON A PIECE OF PAPER. ON THE OTHER HAND, NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLISHERS KNOW THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO GO TO COURT TO ADVANCE ARGUMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST IF THEY PRINT INFORMATION BASED ON CONFIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS. AS MR JUSTICE MASON SAYS, WITH MASTERLY UNDERSTATEMENT: "THERE WILL BE CASES IN WHICH CONFLICTING CONSIDERATIONS WILL BE FINELY BALANCED, WHERE IT IS DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHETHER THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST IN KNOWING AND IN EXPRESSING ITS OPINION OUTWEIGHS THE NEED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY". QUITE SO. ON BALANCE, HOWEVER, THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC HAVE WON A CONSIDERABLE VICTORY OF PRINCIPLE ON THE QUESTION OF CONFIDENTIALITY - ALBEIT A PROVISIONAL ONE IN THIS CASE PENDING A POSSIBLE FULL TRIAL. BUT THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW HAS SUFFERED A SETBACK ON THE ISSUE OF COPYRIGHT. WHILE MR JUSTICE MASON AGREED TO REMOVE HIS INJUNCTION FROM THE FIRST ARTICLE WE HAD PROPOSED TO PUBLISH (IT WAS PRINTED IN YESTERDAY'S PAPER), HE HAS MAINTAINED A RESTRAINING ORDER ON TWO FURTHER ARTICLES ON THE GROUNDS THAT, IN THE FORM WE HAD INTENDED TO PUBLISH THEM, THEY MIGHT HAVE BREACHED GOVERNMENT COPYRIGHT. THE GOVERNMENT IS, OF COURSE, ENTITLED TO RESORT TO ANY LEGAL DEVICE THAT IS OPEN TO IT TO ACHIEVE ITS ENDS. YET IT SEEMS A LITTLE BIZARRE THAT IT SHOULD FALL BACK ON THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT IN ORDER TO WIN A LIMITED TECHNICAL VICTORY WHEN THE ISSUES AT STAKE, ACCORDING TO AT LEAST TWO MINISTERS, WERE CRITICAL TO THE NATIONAL INTEREST. THE EFFECT OF THE JUDGMENT WILL BE THAT PUBLISHERS WILL IN FUTURE RISK COURT INTERVENTION IF THEY PUBLISH WITHOUT AUTHORITY ANY GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT, OR SIZABLE EXTRACT FROM IT, HOWEVER INNOCUOUS THE CONTENTS OF THAT DOCUMENT MIGHT BE. ON THE OTHER HAND, COPYRIGHT PROTECTS THE FORM OF WORDS IN A DOCUMENT, NOT THE INFORMATION IT CONTAINS. AS MR JUSTICE MASON PUT IT: "COPYRIGHT IS INFRINGED BY COPYING OR REPRODUCING THE DOCUMENT; IT IS NOT INFRINGED BY PUBLISHING INFORMATION OR IDEAS CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT SO LONG AS THE PUBLICATION DOES NOT REPRODUCE THE FORM OF THE LITERARY WORK". AS WE UNDERSTAND IT, THIS MEANS A NEWSPAPER WILL STILL BE ABLE TO REPORT AND COMMENT ON THE CONTENTS OF A DOCUMENT AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT PRINT LARGE EXTRACTS FROM IT. EVEN ALLOWING FOR THE OFTEN INDIGESTIBLE NATURE OF OFFICIAL PROSE, THIS PART OF THE JUDGMENT OBVIOUSLY REPRESENTS AN UNWELCOME RESTRICTION ON THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO LEARN HOW IT IS GOVERNED. IT WILL PROVE A SERIOUS INHIBITION TO BOOK PUBLISHERS, HISTORIANS AND OTHER ACADEMICS. THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT ASK ITSELF IF IT IS PREFERABLE TO HAVE CITIZENS READING SOMEONE'S INTERPRETATION OF AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT, INCLUDING A FEW SELECTED QUOTATIONS, THAN TO ALLOW THEM TO READ THE FULL TEXT AND MAKE UP THEIR OWN MINDS ABOUT IT. THERE IS A THIRD, AND CRUCIAL, QUESTION RAISED BY THE GOVERNMENT'S LEGAL ACTION THAT HAS BEEN LEFT LARGELY UNRESOLVED BY THE MASON JUDGMENT. IN ITS STATEMENTS OF CLAIM AGAINST THE TWO NEWSPAPERS AND THE BOOK'S PUBLISHERS, THE GOVERNMENT ALLEGED NOT ONLY BREACHES OF CONFIDENTIALITY AND COPYRIGHT BUT ALSO POSSIBLE OFFENCES UNDER SECTION 79 OF THE COMMONWEALTH CRIMES ACT. THE JUDGE HAD LITTLE TO SAY ON THIS QUESTION, ON THE GROUND THAT IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO GRANT THE CIVIL REMEDY OF AN INJUNCTION IN ORDER TO RESTRAIN AN ACTUAL OR THREATENED BREACH OF THE CRIMINAL LAW. IT IS OUR VIEW THAT A GOOD DEAL OF THE CRIMES ACT IS ENTIRELY INAPPROPRIATE TO A DEMOCRACY IN ANY PEACETIME CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS BLUNDERBUSS LEGISLATION, A THING OF CATCH-ALL CLAUSES AND DRACONIAN PENALTIES. THE SOONER IT IS SUBSTANTIALLY AMENDED TO ACCORD WITH PROPER STANDARDS OF CIVIL LIBERTY THE BETTER. THE DANGER IS THAT CANBERRA WILL REACT TO THE MASON JUDGMENT AND RECENT LEAKS OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS BY MOVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THIS WOULD BE A TRAGEDY, AND PROBABLY COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE AS WELL. IF THE PRESENT LAWS ARE NOT HARSH ENOUGH TO PREVENT GOVERNMENT PAPER FROM FALLING OFF LORRIES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, THERE IS NO GOOD REASON TO IMAGINE THAT EVEN HARSHER ONES WOULD BE. IT WOULD BE AT ONCE MORE SENSIBLE, AND MORE IN KEEPING WITH THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL, FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO AMEND ITS THOROUGHLY UNSATISFACTORY FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL ALONG THE LINES PROPOSED BY A SENATE COMMITTEE AND HAVE IT PASSED INTO LAW. AT THE SAME TIME, IT SHOULD INSIST THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE INTRODUCE A COHERENT SYSTEM FOR THE REGULAR REVIEW OF CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PASSAGE OF TIME. IT IS IN THE GOVERNMENT'S OWN INTERESTS TO ENSURE THAT ITS SECURITY EFFORTS ARE DEVOTED TO THE PROTECTION OF SECRETS THAT ARE WORTH KEEPING INSTEAD OF THE SUPPRESSION OF INFORMATION THAT THE PUBLIC IS ENTITLED TO KNOW. FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER 1980 "MR FRASER AND THE LEAKS" IN THE PRESENT CON- TROVERSY OVER OFFICIAL SECRECY, IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING THAT JOURNALISTS ARE NOT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO PUBLICISE CONFIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION. POLITICIANS HAVE BEEN AT IT FOR YEARS. BOTH THE LIBERAL-NCP COALITION AND THE LABOR PARTY HAVE USED LEAKED MATERIAL, FOR POLITICAL ADVANTAGE, WHEN IN OPPOSITION. FOR EXAMPLE, TREASURY INFORMATION WHICH REACHED THE NON-LABOR OPPOSITION WAS VERY MUCH PART OF THE LOANS AFFAIR WHICH PLAYED SUCH A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE DOWNFALL OF THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT. OVER THE YEARS, MANY OF THE GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE COME INTO THE HANDS OF NEWSPAPERS HAVE BEEN LEAKED TO THEM NOT BY PUBLIC SERVANTS BUT BY POLITICIANS. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT IN HIS DAYS AS OPPOSITION LEADER THE PRESENT PRIME MINISTER, MR FRASER, ADOPTED A RATHER MORE EQUIVOCAL VIEW TOWARDS BREACHES OF OFFICIAL SECRECY THAN HE SEEMS TO TAKE TODAY. HE HAD SOME MOST INTERESTING THINGS TO SAY ON THE TOPIC ON 5 JULY 1975 DURING AN INTERVIEW ON THE ABC 'FOUR CORNERS' PROGRAMME. AS A HELPFUL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRESENT DEBATE, IT SEEMS A GOOD IDEA TO REPRODUCE THE RELEVANT SECTION OF THE TRANSCRIPT: QUESTION: DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE A REPREHENSIBLE THING IF TREASURY OFFICIALS WERE LEAKING MATERIAL TO YOU? MR FRASER: I THINK IT WOULD BE WRONG, YES. QUESTION: WOULD YOU ACCEPT IT IF YOU WERE GIVEN THAT SORT OF INFORMATION? MR FRASER: WELL, I HAVEN'T BEEN GIVEN IT. THERE COULD BE CIRCUMSTANCES, I BELIEVE, IN WHICH A TREASURY OFFICIAL COULD REGARD AS (SIC) OVERRIDING DUTY TO AUSTRALIA AS BEING GREATER THAN HIS DUTY TO A GOVERNMENT. AND ULTIMATELY OUR DUTY LIES TO AUSTRALIA FIRST. QUESTION: THAT'S A FAIRLY CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT ISN'T IT? MR FRASER: WELL IT MIGHT BE. QUESTION: YOU'RE SUGGESTING THAT THERE ARE OCCASIONS WHEN PUBLIC SERVANTS SHOULD NOT BE PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE TO THEIR MINISTERS BUT TO PERHAPS THE OPPOSITION? MR FRASER: NO, NOT TO THE OPPOSITION, TO AUSTRALIA. CERTAINLY NOT THE OPPOSITION. BUT YOU KNOW IT WOULD HAVE TO BE A MAJOR MATTER OF CONSCIENCE. IN SHORT, MR FRASER'S POSITION IN THOSE DAYS SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN THAT WHILE IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR A PUBLIC SERVANT TO LEAK SECRET INFORMATION - THEREBY BREACHING CONFIDENTIALITY AND RISKING PROSECUTION UNDER THE CRIMES ACT - IT MIGHT ALSO BE JUSTIFIABLE IN THE GREATER NATIONAL INTEREST. MR JUSTICE MASON COULD HARDLY HAVE PUT IT BETTER. "TENNIS HURT BY BIG SHOTS" THE SUPERB TENNIS SEEN ON THE COURTS AT KOOYONG AND WHITE CITY IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS HAS BECOME SLIGHTLY OVERSHADOWED BY A WRANGLE OVER CLAIMS THAT THE THREE TOP WOMEN PLAYERS RECEIVED APPEARANCE MONEY TO COMPETE. AMID THE ALLEGATIONS MADE BY WENDY TURNBULL, AUSTRALIA'S SECOND-RANKED PLAYER, AND THE SUBSEQUENT DENIALS OR SILENCE OF THOSE INVOLVED, IT SEEMS EVIDENT THAT EVONNE CAWLEY AGREED TO PLAY AT KOOYONG LAST WEEK ONLY AFTER TENNIS OFFICIALS HAD ARRANGED FOR HER TO RECEIVE A LARGE FEE FROM TOYOTA FOR MAKING BRIEF TELEVISION COMMERCIALS. THIS MAY NOT BE AGAINST THE LETTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL RULE BANNING THE PAYMENT OF APPEARANCE MONEY, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF IT AND, UNDERSTANDABLY, OTHER PLAYERS ARE ANGRY. SPORTS FANS MAY ALSO WONDER WHY, WHEN A PLAYER OF MRS CAWLEY'S CALIBRE COULD EXPECT TO EARN $40,000 OR MORE IN PRIZE MONEY FROM THE THREE MAJOR AUSTRALIAN TOURNAMENTS, SHE SHOULD REQUIRE FURTHER INDUCEMENT TO PLAY IN HER HOME COUNTRY. THE QUESTION SHOULD BE ASKED, PARTICULARLY AS THE COST OF STAGING TOURNAMENTS HAS HELPED PUSH THE LTAA INTO SERIOUS FINANCIAL TROUBLE. THIS YEAR THE LTAA FACES A DEFICIT OF UP TO $200,000. THE MAIN CAUSE IS REPORTED TO BE THAT THE PRIZE MONEY RECEIVED BY THE PLAYERS IN THE MAJOR TOURNAMENTS WILL BE $250,000 MORE THAN THE MONEY PROVIDED BY TOURNAMENT SPONSORS. THIS WEEK THE LTAA DECIDED TO TRY TO PAY ITS WAY OUT OF THE RED BY IMPOSING A LEVY ON THE 250,000 AUSTRALIANS WHO BELONG TO REGISTERED TENNIS CLUBS. WHILE THE LEVY WILL BE MODEST, PROBABLY $1 PER PLAYER, IT SEEMS HIGHLY UNDESIRABLE THAT ORDINARY TENNIS PLAYERS SHOULD BE TAXED IN ORDER TO FURTHER INFLATE THE HUGE INCOMES ENJOYED BY THE TOP PLAYERS ON THE WORLD CIRCUIT. THE ISSUE OF MRS CAWLEY'S APPEARANCE MONEY WOULD BE LESS SERIOUS IF IT WAS AN ISOLATED CASE; UNFORTUNATELY IT IS NOT. THE ADMIRABLY FAIR SYSTEM OF REWARDING PLAYERS DEVISED IN THE EARLY 1970S IS BEING BROKEN DOWN GRADUALLY BY THE TOP PLAYERS' RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF WEALTH - NOT THROUGH TOURNAMENTS, BUT THROUGH THE EASIER AVENUES OF EXHIBITIONS, CHALLENGE MATCHES AND APPEARANCE MONEY. WHEN VITAS GERULAITIS RETURNS TO MELBOURNE THIS MONTH TO PLAY IN THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN, SIMILARLY, IT WILL BE ONLY BECAUSE THE LTAA HAS MET HIS AGENT'S DEMAND FOR A LARGE FEE BY ARRANGING TV COMMERCIALS FOR CHANNEL 7. IT MUST BE CONCEDED THAT AUSTRALIA HAS UNIQUE PROBLEMS IN ATTRACTING PLAYERS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD TO OUR TOURNAMENTS. BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT AUSTRALIA'S ALONE AND, UNLESS THE HIGH DEMANDS OF THE SUPERSTARS (OR THEIR AGENTS) CAN BE CURBED, MANY TOURNAMENTS WILL BE IN JEOPARDY AND TENNIS ASSOCIATIONS WILL BE TOO BROKE TO DO THEIR JOB OF DEVELOPING THE GAME THROUGHOUT THEIR COMMUNITIES. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WHEN PLAYERS WHO ARE ALREADY VERY WEALTHY ARE GUIDED MORE BY THEIR AGENTS - THOSE MONEY MEN ONE SEASONED OBSERVER TERMS "THE PIRANHA POOL" - THAN BY LOYALTY TO THOSE WHOSE VOLUNTARY WORK HELPED THEM TO THE TOP. THE LTAA LEVY SHOULD BE ON THE SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS, NOT THE BATTLING AMATEURS. AFTER ALL, WHEN THE PROFESSIONALS PLAY AT, FOR INSTANCE, KOOYONG THEY RELY ON A SUPPORT SYSTEM OF OFFICIALS, UMPIRES AND BALL BOYS AND GIRLS THAT IS LARGELY VOLUNTARY. OR ARE WE ASKING TOO MUCH OF OUR TENNIS CHAMPIONS? SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER 1980 "BATTLING FOR THE CONSUMERS" FEW PEOPLE WOULD DENY THAT THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUREAU IS GIVING VICTORIAN TAXPAYERS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY. IN RECENT YEARS IT HAS EMERGED AS A CHAMPION OF CONSUMER INTERESTS WITHOUT PREJUDICING ITS CREDIBILITY AS AN INDEPENDENT MEDIATOR IN DISPUTES. FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THIS IS SHOWN IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT TABLED IN PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY. SIFTING THROUGH THE 15,000 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED LAST YEAR, THE REPORT DRAWS ATTENTION TO QUESTIONABLE PRACTICES BY FIRMS OR INDIVIDUALS RANGING FROM HOME RENOVATORS AND BUILDERS TO DOCTORS, PRIVATE HOSPITALS, CAR MANUFACTURERS AND RESTAURANTS. IN HIS PARTING MESSAGE, THE RETIRING DIRECTOR OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, MR NORMAN GESCHKE, REITERATES THAT THE TRANSGRESSORS ALWAYS FORM ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE TRADERS IN ANY INDUSTRY, THE VAST MAJORITY OF WHOM ARE RECEPTIVE TO CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR CONSUMERS TO HAVE THE EXCEPTIONS PUBLICLY INDENTIFIED SO THAT THEY CAN STEER CLEAR OF THEM. PERHAPS THE MOST STRIKING CASES CITED IN THE REPORT ARE THOSE INVOLVING AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST CAR MANUFACTURER, GENERAL MOTORS- HOLDEN'S, AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. MR GESCHKE ACCUSES GMH OF TRYING TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAULTS REPORTED BY NUMEROUS PURCHASERS OF COMMODORES, GEMINIS, SUNBIRDS AND KINGSWOODS. HE POINTS OUT, FAIRLY, THAT ONE MUST EXPECT OCCASIONAL DEFECTS IN NEW VEHICLES. WHAT MR GESCHKE FINDS INEXCUSABLE IS THE INTRANSIGENT ATTITUDE TAKEN BY THE COMPANY WHEN CONSUMERS SOUGHT TO HAVE THESE DEFECTS RECTIFIED. EVEN THE BIGGEST FIRMS SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BRUSH THEIR CUSTOMERS ASIDE. MR GESCHKE ALSO DEVOTES CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT VARIOUS RIP-OFFS BY DOCTORS AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS. IN PARTICULAR, HE QUESTIONS THE PRACTICE OF DOCTORS REFERRING PATIENTS TO HOSPITALS THEY OWN THEMSELVES, LIKENING IT TO ALLOWING JUDGES TO HAVE SHARES IN JAILS. THIS MAY BE A TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTICE, BUT MR GESCHKE RIGHTLY POINTS OUT THAT IT CREATES A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WHICH OTHER PROFESSIONS WOULD NOT ALLOW. HE SUGGESTS THE STATE GOVERNMENT LEGISLATE TO REQUIRE SUCH DOCTORS TO DECLARE THEIR PECUNIARY INTEREST BEFORE ARRANGING FOR PATIENTS TO BE ADMITTED. IT IS A MODEST PROPOSAL, BUT A SENSIBLE ONE, AND THE HEALTH MINISTER, MR BORTHWICK, SHOULD BE QUICK TO ACT ON IT. IN HIS SIX YEARS AS DIRECTOR, MR GESCHKE, A BRAVE AND COMMONSENSICAL MAN, MADE HIMSELF A VERY VISIBLE PUBLIC SERVANT AND HELPED AWAKEN VICTORIANS TO THEIR RIGHTS AS CONSUMERS. WHILE THE BUREAU'S WORK IN HANDLING COMPLAINTS IS INDISPENSABLE, CONSUMERISM IS ONE AREA IN WHICH PREVENTION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CURE. TOO LITTLE ATTENTION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO CONSUMER EDUCATION IN THE PLACES WHERE IT OUGHT TO BEGIN: THE SCHOOLS. IN 1980 WE ARE STILL ALLOWING CHILDREN TO EMERGE FROM SCHOOLS INTO ADULT LIFE WITH LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO COPE WITH THE FINANCIAL DEALINGS THAT WILL PLAY SUCH A MAJOR PART IN THEIR LIVES. TO RECTIFY THIS SHOULD BE THE CHALLENGE AWAITING MR GESCHKE'S SUCCESSOR. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" "THE WORLD IS OUT OF JOINT. O CURSED SPITE, THAT I WAS EVER BORN TO SET IT RIGHT." A REASONABLE ENOUGH REACTION FROM THE SON OF A KING WITH A STRONG CLAIM TO A THRONE USURPED BY HIS UNCLE! OUR OWN CASE IS DIFFERENT. THE WORLD IS OUT OF JOINT ALL RIGHT BUT IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING AT ALL THAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT, EITHER AS INDIVIDUALS OR AS A COUNTRY. IT IS UNLIKELY, AS THE PRIME MINISTER WISELY REMARKED, THAT THE RUSSIANS WILL WITHDRAW FROM AFGHANISTAN BECAUSE AUSTRALIA SAYS THAT IT DOES NOT APPROVE. NOR DOES ANY INDIVIDUAL AUSTRALIAN HAVE MUCH INFLUENCE UPON WHAT OUR RULERS SAY OR DO ON OUR BEHALF. WE CAN GET RID OF THEM EVERY THREE YEARS OR SO BUT THAT IS NOT MUCH, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE DOES NOT SEEM A GREAT DEAL TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM, OR IF WE LIKE THE ALTERNATIVE AS LITTLE AS WE DO THE PRESENT. THIS IS A REACTION OF DESPAIR, EVEN OF CYNICISM. IT CANNOT BE THE RIGHT ANSWER. IN THE GRIP OF AN EARTHQUAKE WE CAN DO LITTLE EXCEPT TRY TO KEEP OUR HEADS; IN THE PATH OF A CYCLONE WE CAN BATTEN DOWN AND PREPARE OURSELVES. THESE ARE "ACTS OF GOD" AS THEY SAY, OVER WHICH WE HAVE NO CONTROL. THE WORLD DISASTERS WHICH LOOM OVER US AND THREATEN US MIGHT SEEM LIKE THE OTHERS BUT THEY ARE DIFFERENT. FOR THESE, MEN AND WOMEN ARE OR WILL BE RESPONSIBLE. EVEN THE GREAT POWERS ARE AT THE CENTRE RULED BY INDIVIDUALS, AND INDIVIDUALS ARE MEN OF LIKE PASSIONS AS OURSELVES AND CAN BE AMENABLE TO INFLUENCE, HOWEVER REMOTE THIS MIGHT APPEAR TO BE. IT IS MADNESS AND SIN SIMPLY TO AWAIT DISASTER AS THOUGH IT WERE INEVITABLE. WHEN THE ROMAN WORLD WAS THREATENED WITH DESTRUCTION BY THE BARBARIAN INVADERS, WHO WERE OUR ANCESTORS, SOME PUT UP A FIGHT WHILE OTHERS WITHDREW INTO MONASTERIES AND PRAYED. IF THEY PRAYED FOR THE RIGHT THINGS IT MAY BE THAT THEY WERE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE OTHERS. THEY PRAYED THAT WHAT WAS MOST PRECIOUS TO THEM, THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, MIGHT SURVIVE EVEN IF ALL ELSE WAS LOST; AND, BY ONE MEANS OR ANOTHER, SO IT WAS. THERE IS A PLACE TODAY FOR PRAYER, IF ONLY BECAUSE IT FORCES US TO ASK OURSELVES WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE. BUT PRAYER IS DIFFICULT FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE. IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE? WE ARE FACED, AS IT SEEMS TO US ON OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE, WITH THE MENACE OF RUSSIAN IMPERIALISM, WITH A PECULIAR AND TERRIFYINGLY MANIACAL UPSURGE IN IRAN OF ISLAMIC IRREDENTISM, AND WITH A COLLAPSE OF CONFIDENCE AND PURPOSE IN OUR WESTERN WORLD. ADD TO THOSE AN ANGRY AFRICA AND A SEETHING SOUTH AMERICA, NOT TO MENTION AN INCALCULABLE CHINA AND THE POSSIBILITY OF WIDESPREAD FAMINE AND DISEASE IN ALL THE THIRD WORLD. TO AN INDIVIDUAL AUSTRALIAN, CITIZEN OF A RICH COUNTRY BUT OF A POPULATION OF ONLY 14 MILLION, THERE SEEMS LITTLE ENOUGH THAT HE CAN DO. SURELY WE MUST BEGIN AT HOME. MUCH OF THE WORLD'S TROUBLE IS, AS IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN, THE RESULT OF GREED. WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO DO MUCH ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE'S GREED BUT THERE IS NO NEED TO BE GREEDY OURSELVES. WE MIGHT EVEN TRY TO BE MORE POSITIVE THAN THAT AND BE GENEROUS. WE MIGHT TRY TO SET OUR OWN HOUSE IN ORDER AND CORRECT OUR OWN MORALS. WE MIGHT TRY TO ASK FOR LESS FOR OURSELVES, EVEN BE PREPARED TO LOWER OUR OWN STANDARD OF LIVING IN ORDER TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN GREATER NEED THAN OURSELVES. WE MIGHT TRY TO BUILD A MODEL SOCIETY IN WHICH INJUSTICE AND EVEN PRIVILEGE ARE REMOVED, AND IN WHICH MEN AND WOMEN SEEK SOME BETTER OBJECTIVE THAN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS. WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO DO MUCH BY OUR STRENGTH; WE MIGHT DO MORE BY OUR EXAMPLE. TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 1980 "WRONG QUESTIONS, WRONG ANSWERS" IF YOU START BY ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS, YOU WILL USUALLY FINISH WITH THE WRONG ANSWERS. THE TRAGEDY IN THE IMMINENT CLOSURE OF FOUR SUBURBAN RAILWAY LINES ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY BY THE TRANSPORT MINISTER, MR MACLELLAN, IS THAT THE PROPOSED SURGERY IS IRREVOCABLE - BUT UNNECESSARY. IT FOLLOWS THE EXAMINATION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM BY THE LONIE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY, AN EXAMINATION WHICH HAS RESULTED IN LITTLE MORE THAN A SELECTION OF WHICH TRAIN AND TRAM LINES SHOULD BE ABANDONED. THE LONIE REPORT FAILED TO DISCUSS OTHER WAYS IN WHICH THE RAILWAY DEFICIT COULD BE REDUCED. NOW THE GOVERNMENT HAS FOLLOWED IT DOWN A BLIND ALLEY WHERE REDUCTIONS IN SERVICES WILL LEAD TO REDUCTIONS IN USAGE, AND VICE VERSA. TO BE FAIR TO THE GOVERNMENT, ONE MUST RECOGNISE THAT SOME DRASTIC ACTION WAS LONG OVERDUE. VICTORIAN TAXPAYERS ARE NOW SUBSIDISING VICRAIL'S OPERATIONS BY $160 MILLION A YEAR. THEY ARE ALSO PAYING OUT $125 MILLION A YEAR FOR RAILWAY CAPITAL WORKS, SO THAT, IN ALL, VICTORIAN WAGE AND SALARY EARNERS ARE EACH PAYING MORE THAN $200 A YEAR TO KEEP THE TRAINS GOING, WHETHER THEY USE THEM OR NOT. IT IS AN INTOLERABLE SITUATION WHICH CRIPPLES THE GOVERNMENT'S ABILITY TO MEET SOCIETY'S NEEDS IN OTHER AREAS, INCLUDING MANY WHICH HAVE GREATER SOCIAL VALUE. IT IS UNFAIR TO BLAME THE STATE OF THE RAIL SYSTEM SOLELY ON THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENTS OF THE PAST 25 YEARS. THE SPREAD OF CAR OWNERSHIP HAS CORRODED USAGE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT ALL OVER THE WESTERN WORLD. THIS IS ONLY NATURAL, SINCE CARS ARE FAR MORE FLEXIBLE TO OUR WISHES THAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND THUS MORE CONVENIENT FOR MOST TRIPS WE MAKE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN A LOW-DENSITY CITY LIKE MELBOURNE, AND IN A SPARSELY POPULATED REGION LIKE RURAL VICTORIA. AS THE RAIL SYSTEM LOSES CUSTOMERS, SO IT LOSES THE ABILITY TO CARRY OUT THE INVESTMENT AND MAINTENANCE NEEDED TO MAKE IT AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE. IN VICTORIA, THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN AGGRAVATED BY LACK OF FORESIGHT BY GOVERNMENTS AND UNIONS. FOR 40 YEARS, LIBERAL, LABOR AND COUNTRY PARTY GOVERNMENTS ALIKE FAILED TO GIVE THE RAILWAYS ANY SIGNIFICANT HELP IN MEETING CAPITAL NEEDS, SO THAT THE WHOLE SYSTEM BECAME ANTIQUATED AND DILAPIDATED. TRANSPORT UNIONS REFUSED TO ALLOW ANY REDUCTION IN THE CHRONIC OVERMANNING, SO LABOR PRODUCTIVITY REMAINED ABYSMALLY LOW. THE BOLTE GOVERNMENT, BACKED BY VIRTUALLY EVERYONE (INCLUDING OURSELVES), MADE WHAT IN RETROSPECT WAS A FOOLISH DECISION TO BUILD THE UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP, THUS STARVING THE REST OF THE SYSTEM OF FUNDS. AND A SERIES OF IRRESPONSIBLE STRIKES BY THE UNIONS HAS HELPED DESTROY PASSENGERS' CONFIDENCE IN THE RELIABILITY OF THE RAILWAYS - SOMETHING THAT IS VITAL IN A SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM. THEN CAME THE LONIE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY. LED BY A BUSINESSMAN AND A ROAD ENGINEER, IT REDUCED THE COMPLEX PROBLEMS OF VICRAIL AND THE TRAMWAYS TO A SIMPLE GOAL OF ELIMINATING THE DEFICIT. MOST PEOPLE RECOGNISE THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS NOT SIMPLY A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE, BUT ALSO SERVES SOCIAL GOALS BY PROVIDING TRANSPORT FOR THE POOR, THE YOUNG AND THE ELDERLY - AND SHOULD THEREFORE BE ALLOWED TO RUN AT A DEFICIT (SO LONG AS THAT DEFICIT IS NOT OUTRAGEOUS). THE LONIE COMMITTEE REJECTED THIS; IT AIMED TO WIPE OUT THE DEFICIT ENTIRELY. NOR DID THE SPECTRE OF FUTURE OIL SHORTAGES WORRY THEM; THEY WERE CONFIDENT THAT MAN'S INGENUITY WOULD FIND OTHER FUELS, OR OTHER MEANS OF ENSURING THAT WE WOULD STILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PRIVATE CAR. THE MAIN THRUST OF THE LONIE REPORT WAS TO PROPOSE THAT MANY TRAINS AND TRAMS BE REPLACED BY BUSES. CONTRARY TO THE WAY THE REPORT HAS BEEN PRESENTED BY ITS OPPONENTS, THE COMMITTEE DID NOT PROPOSE ABOLITION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AS SUCH. THEIR ARGUMENT WAS THAT TRAMS AND (ESPECIALLY) TRAINS ARE FAR MORE COSTLY TO RUN THAN BUSES, SINCE THEY REQUIRE MORE LABOR, LAND AND CAPITAL. THEY PROPOSED THEREFORE THAT BUSES REPLACE PASSENGER TRAINS AND TRAMS ON ALL COUNTRY LINES, EIGHT SUBURBAN RAILWAY LINES AND SEVEN TRAM ROUTES. THEY ALSO PROPOSED THAT FARES BE INCREASED TO COVER THE FULL COST OF THE SERVICES; A RECOMMENDATION WHICH WOULD DOUBLE THE COST OF RAIL AND TRAM TRAVEL. AT MR MACLELLAN'S URGING, THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW DECIDED TO IMPLEMENT SOME OF THE LONIE REPORT'S RECOMMENDATIONS - BUT SELECTIVELY, IN A WAY THAT SMACKS OF POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM. THE FOUR SUBURBAN RAIL LINES TO BE CLOSED ARE THE FOUR THAT RUN THROUGH SAFE LABOR ELECTORATES. PASSENGER SERVICES ON THE SEVEN SMALLEST COUNTRY LINES WILL ALSO BE TERMINATED BUT THE REST OF THE COUNTRY NETWORK WILL REMAIN OPEN. ALL TRAM SERVICES WILL BE RETAINED - AND MR MACLELLAN HAS PLEDGED THAT NEW BUS SERVICES WILL BE OPENED ALONG THE CLOSED RAILWAY ROUTES, EXCEPT THOSE WHICH ALREADY HAVE OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT. THERE SHOULD BE NO QUARREL WITH THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE SEVEN COUNTRY RAIL SERVICES. THEY ARE ALL MINOR LINES, SOME NEEDED HUGE CAPITAL SPENDING TO REMAIN OPEN AND THE PASSENGER DEMAND ON ALL OF THEM COULD BE ADEQUATELY MET BY BUSES, AT FAR LESS COST TO THE TAXPAYERS. VICRAIL ITSELF RECOMMENDED THAT THESE LINES BE CLOSED. THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE FOUR SUBURBAN LINES IS ANOTHER MATTER. THE MELBOURNE RAILWAY NETWORK FORMS THE CORE OF WHAT COULD BECOME AN EXCELLENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN A FUTURE OF UNCERTAIN OIL SUPPLIES. THE WHOLE EMPHASIS OF URBAN PLANNING IN MELBOURNE IS NOW BEING DIRECTED AT ATTRACTING PEOPLE BACK TO THE INNER SUBURBS, AND THE RISING VALUE OF INNER SUBURBAN LAND IS BOUND TO LEAD TO INCREASED RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES - AND MORE USAGE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. TO DESTROY A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THIS NETWORK (AND MR MACLELLAN WANTS TO TEAR UP THE PORT MELBOURNE AND UPFIELD LINES FOR FREEWAYS) WOULD BE TO DESTROY AN INVESTMENT WHICH WE COULD NOT REPLACE IF OIL SHORTAGES PROVE MORE SERIOUS THAN THE LONIE COMMITTEE ASSUMED. IN MELBOURNE, PUBLIC TRANSPORT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE IN FUTURE. WE SHOULD BE WORKING TO MAKE IT THAT WAY RATHER THAN BEGINNING TO CLOSE IT DOWN. THE TRAGEDY IS THAT VICRAIL'S FINANCIAL DEFICIT COULD BE GREATLY REDUCED WITHOUT SIGNIFICANTLY PRUNING SERVICES IN MELBOURNE. FOR FOUR YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SITTING ON A REPORT WHICH POINTED OUT HOW THIS COULD BE DONE: BY CUTTING AWAY THE VAST OVERMANNING IN THE RAILWAY SYSTEM AND INTRODUCING MECHANISATION WHEREVER POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE AT LESS COST. THE MCKINSEY REPORT, AS IT IS KNOWN, ESTIMATED THAT VICRAIL'S STAFF COULD BE CUT FROM THE PRESENT 23,000 TO ABOUT 13,000 WITHOUT AFFECTING THE SERVICE PROVIDED TO TRAVELLERS. THE LONIE COMMITTEE FAILED IN ITS JOB BECAUSE IT FAILED TO EXAMINE HOW THE SYSTEM COULD BE MADE TO WORK LIKE THE BETTER RAILWAY SERVICES OVERSEAS. WE DO NOT NEED SUBURBAN GUARDS TO WAVE A FLAG AT STATIONS. WE DO NOT NEED STATION ASSISTANTS TWIDDLING THEIR THUMBS AND SELLING OR PUNCHING THE ODD TICKET WHEN MACHINES CAN DO THE JOB FAR MORE CHEAPLY. SHUNTERS, CLEANERS, BOOKING CLERKS, STOREMEN, TRACK GANGS - THE MCKINSEY REPORT FOUND VICRAIL TO BE GROSSLY OVERMANNED BY COMPARISON WITH OVERSEAS SYSTEMS, AND FAR BEHIND IN THE INTRODUCTION OF LABOR-SAVING TECHNOLOGY. THE RAILWAYS SHOULD BE ALLOWED A FUTURE. IF COMMUTERS ARE TO BE FREED FROM THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF HUGE DEFICITS LEADING TO FARE RISES AND CUTBACKS IN SERVICES, IT CAN ONLY BE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIONS AGREEING TO A "PRODUCTIVITY DEAL", LIKE THOSE INTRODUCED ON THE WATERFRONT AND IN THE NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY. THE UNIONS SHOULD AGREE TO ALLOW THE RAPID INTRODUCTION OF LABOR-SAVING TECHNOLOGY IN RETURN FOR GENEROUS RETIREMENT PAYMENTS, RETRAINING AND PAY RISES, RETENTION OF ALL SUBURBAN RAIL SERVICES AND AN UNDERTAKING THAT FOR 10 YEARS THE GOVERNMENT WILL INVEST THE MONEY SAVED ON WAGES IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO MAKE VICRAIL SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF. WITHOUT SUCH AN AGREEMENT, THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS FACE A BLEAK FUTURE. WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 1980 "PRESS FREEDOM: THE COMMON FIGHT" FREEDOM IS LIKE GOOD HEALTH: WE TEND TO VALUE IT ONLY WHEN WE NO LONGER HAVE IT. ON A WARM SUMMER DAY IN MELBOURNE, IT MAY SEEM HARD TO IMAGINE THAT THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED - THE FREEDOM TO READ INFORMATION, TO KNOW THINGS, TO SAY WHAT WE THINK - COULD EVER BE STRIPPED FROM US. YET SUCH THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. PEOPLE IN INDIA SIMILARLY TOOK THEIR FREEDOMS FOR GRANTED UNTIL ONE DAY IN 1975 THEY WOKE TO FIND MRS GANDHI HAD ABOLISHED THEM UNDER THE GUISE OF A NATIONAL EMERGENCY. IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS A FEW NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES DISPLAYED IMMENSE COURAGE AND RESOURCEFULNESS IN DEFYING THE DICTATOR IN ORDER TO KEEP FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ALIVE IN INDIA - AND NONE MORE SO THAN THE CALCUTTA NEWSPAPER THE 'STATESMAN', LED BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR MR CUSHROW IRANI - UNTIL MRS GANDHI GAVE WAY AND RESTORED PRESS FREEDOM IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE ELECTION AT WHICH SHE WAS DEFEATED. YESTERDAY IN MELBOURNE MR IRANI, WHO IS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS INSTITUTE, WARNED THAT NONE OF US CAN NOW ASSUME THAT OUR FREEDOM IS INVIOLABLE. TWO-THIRDS OF THE WORLD'S GOVERNMENTS, HE POINTED OUT, "HAVE A LESS THAN SKIN DEEP COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS". THESE GOVERNMENTS, OF RIGHT AND LEFT, HAVE A COMMON INTEREST IN PREVENTING THE REPORTING, ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM OF THEIR ACTIONS IN THE MEDIA AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. IN RECENT YEARS PRESS FREEDOM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAS BEEN SHRINKING RATHER THAN GROWING, AND A CONCERTED ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE BY DICTATORSHIPS AND WOULD-BE DICTATORSHIPS THROUGH UNESCO TO PROVIDE A RESPECTABLE-SOUNDING RATIONALE FOR THE GLOBAL CENSORSHIP OF INFORMATION. THE CAUSE OF PRESS FREEDOM IS, OF COURSE, NOT SIMPLY A MATTER FOR THE PRESS. IT IS NATURALLY IMPORTANT TO JOURNALISTS AS PRACTITIONERS. IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO READERS WHO RELY ON IT TO GET ACCURATE AND BALANCED INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY AND IN THE WORLD BEYOND. IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE NEWSPAPERS' FREEDOM TO REPORT INFORMATION IS THE PUBLIC'S FREEDOM TO KNOW IT. CENSORSHIP OF THE PRESS IS NOTHING MORE NOR LESS THAN CENSORSHIP OF THE PEOPLE. "THE MELBOURNE WICKET" THE MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND, AS WE HAVE OFTEN BEEN TOLD, IS ONE OF THE FINEST CRICKET ARENAS IN THE WORLD. ITS FACILITIES, POSITION IN THE CITY, AND TRADITION, MAKE THE GROUND AN IDEAL PLACE FROM WHICH TO WATCH ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT GAMES. BUT TODAY THE FUTURE OF THE GROUND SEEMS TO BE UNDER SOMETHING OF A CLOUD. AUSTRALIA'S CAPTAIN, GREG CHAPPELL, IS NOT KNOWN FOR OUTRAGEOUS STATEMENTS. BUT IN A LETTER TO THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKET BOARD, CHAPPELL HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE STATE OF THE MCG WICKET AND SUGGESTED THAT IT NEEDS A BREAK FROM FIRST-CLASS CRICKET. DESPITE THE TENDENCY OF SOME ADMINISTRATORS TO DISMISS MODERN PLAYERS AS "WHINGERS", IT WOULD SEEM THAT CHAPPELL HAS NO AXE TO GRIND OTHER THAN THE INTERESTS OF THE PLAYERS AND THE GAME. HE HAS BEEN SUPPORTED, ALTHOUGH IN A LESS DRAMATIC FASHION, BY THE INDIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TEAMS. HIS COMPLAINT IS NOT NEW. A FORMER TEST CAPTAIN, BOB SIMPSON, IN 'THE AGE' TODAY EXPRESSES THE SURPRISE HE FELT IN 1977 WHEN, AFTER 10 YEARS AWAY FROM THE GAME, HE RETURNED TO FIND AN UNPREDICTABLE MCG PITCH THAT WAS NOT CONDUCIVE TO GOOD CRICKET. BECAUSE OF THE PRESENT ROW, PBL MARKETING, THE PROMOTIONAL ARM OF MODERN CRICKET, SEEMS TO BE TAKING THE PLAYERS' SIDE AND IS THREATENING TO MOVE IMPORTANT MATCHES IF THE WICKET IS NOT IMPROVED. THE VICTORIAN CRICKET ASSOCIATION, A MORE CONSERVATIVE BODY, SEEMS TO SHARE PBL'S IMPATIENCE. NEVERTHELESS THE MELBOURNE CRICKET CLUB HAS SO FAR DONE LITTLE TO COMBAT THE CRITICISM, AND A MEETING REQUESTED BY THE VCA FOR YESTERDAY COULD NOT BE ORGANISED. IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT THE MCG CURATOR FACES ENORMOUS PROBLEMS. BETWEEN THE VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE GRAND FINAL IN SEPTEMBER AND THE BEGINNING OF FIRST-CLASS CRICKET MATCHES IN OCTOBER HE MUST TRANSFORM THE MIDDLE OF THE GROUND FROM A CHEWED-UP MORASS INTO AN IMPECCABLE BATTING STRIP. BUT WHILE THE MCC DESERVES SYMPATHY FOR ITS DIFFICULTIES IT MUST ALSO FACE CRITICISM FOR THE JOB DONE. FORMER PLAYERS SPEAK IN GLOWING TERMS OF THE MCG WICKET OF OLD SO WE MUST ASK WHETHER CONDITIONS HAVE CHANGED OR WHETHER THE JOB COULD BE BETTER DONE. PERHAPS THE ENGLISH SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS FOR AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR OF WICKETS, IS WORTH THINKING ABOUT. IN ANY CASE, IT IS UP TO THE MCC, THE VCA AND THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKET BOARD TO MAKE SURE THAT AN ACCEPTABLE WICKET IS DEVELOPED AND MAINTAINED, EVEN IF FIRST-CLASS FIXTURES AT THE MCG HAVE TO BE DELAYED UNTIL THE GROUND HAS FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE RAVAGES OF THE FOOTBALL SEASON. THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER 1980 "MONKEYING WITH THE MARKET" QUEENSLAND'S PREMIER, MR JOH BJELKE- PETERSEN, ONCE AGAIN HAS RESPONDED TO HIS STATE'S COMPLEX AND PARANOIA-RIDDEN REFLEX SYSTEM AND LASHED OUT AT THE PERFIDIOUS SOUTHERN INTERLOPER. AND, AS IS NORMALLY THE CASE WHEN REFLEXES ARE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER INTELLECT, IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW THE LATEST ACTION CAN BE JUSTIFIED BY THE STATED PHILOSOPHY OF HIS GOVERNMENT. THIS APPARENT CONTRADICTION ARISES OUT OF THAT GOVERNMENT'S DECISION ON TUESDAY TO THWART ATTEMPTS BY TWO SYDNEY-BASED COMPANIES, CLYDE INDUSTRIES AND AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL INDUSTRIES, TO TAKE OVER TWO QUEENSLAND-BASED GROUPS, EVANS DEAKIN AND WALKERS. BASED ON THE DUBIOUS LOGIC THAT TAKEOVERS LAUNCHED FROM THE SOUTH WOULD HURT HIS STATE'S "ECONOMY AND COMMUNITY", MR BJELKE-PETERSEN HAS WARNED (OR PROMISED, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE) THAT HIS GOVERNMENT WOULD GO SO FAR AS TO INVADE THE STOCK EXCHANGE FLOOR ITSELF AND DO BATTLE WITH ITS PURSE. THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT THIS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF MR BJELKE-PETERSEN'S PALPABLE ANIMOSITY TOWARDS THE SOUTH WILL BE APPLAUDED BY HIS CONSTITUENTS, AS IT APPEARS TO REFLECT A GENUINE RESENTMENT BY QUEENSLANDERS OF ANYONE LIVING BELOW COOLANGATTA. IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT HIS ACTION IS NOT WITHOUT PRECEDENT. WHEN TNT WAS RAIDING ANSETT BACK IN 1971 OUR OWN SIR HENRY BOLTE, THAT OTHER GREAT CHAMPION OF UNFETTERED PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, REPULSED THE NORTHERNERS BY LEGISLATING AGAINST THE TAKEOVER DESPITE THE FACT THAT MANY OF ANSETT'S SHAREHOLDERS LIVED IN NEW SOUTH WALES. MR BJELKE-PETERSEN'S LATEST ACTION TOTALLY CONTRADICTS THE PLATFORM OF CONSERVATISM AND FREE ENTERPRISE FROM WHICH HE PREACHES AT ELECTION TIMES. ALTHOUGH HIS GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY INDICATED THAT IT WOULD NOT BREACH THE SPIRIT OF ITS OWN CORPORATE AND SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE PREMIER'S FLAGRANT MONKEYING WITH THE MECHANISMS OF THE OPEN MARKET NOT ONLY THREATENS TO DAMAGE MANY SHAREHOLDERS (INCLUDING SOME RESIDENT IN QUEENSLAND), BUT ALSO JEOPARDISES THE CHANCES OF A NATIONAL COMPANIES AND SECURITIES LEGISLATION AND COMPROMISES THE COMMISSION WHICH WOULD HELP ENFORCE THAT LAW. WHILE SOME OF QUEENSLAND'S GRIEVANCES ABOUT OTHER STATES MIGHT HAVE FOUNDATION, THIS ONE DOES NOT. BUSINESS DOES NOT RECOGNISE STATE BOUNDARIES AND SO MUST BE REGULATED WITH THE NATIONAL INTEREST IN MIND. MR BJELKE-PETERSEN SHOULD ABANDON HIS HASTY AND ILL-CONCEIVED DEFENCE OF PAROCHIAL INTERESTS. "THE IRREPRESSIBLE JOHN LENNON" JOHN LENNON HAD A REMARKABLE LIFE. HE ENTERED POP MUSIC AS A REBELLIOUS WORKING- CLASS TEENAGER AND ART SCHOOL DROPOUT: EBULLIENT, SHARP-WITTED, SEXIST, AGGRESSIVE AND TALENTED. FOR A DECADE HE WAS DE FACTO LEADER OF A BAND THAT EXPERIENCED THE GREATEST SUCCESS AND MASS ADULATION SHOW BUSINESS HAS SEEN. FROM THIS HE EMERGED AS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PREACHER OF THE COUNTER-CULTURE'S FLOWERY IDEALISM: PEACE, LOVE, SEXUAL OPENNESS, DRUGS AND MYSTICISM, DOING YOUR OWN THING. IN ALL THIS HE REFLECTED HIS TIME - YET WITH SUCH A FOLLOWING THAT HIS TIME CAME ALSO TO REFLECT HIM. THESE DAYS WE TEND TO FORGET HOW HE GOT THERE. THE BEATLES' RISE TO SUCH IMMENSE FAME WAS NOT JUST A MUSICAL TRIUMPH: IT WAS ONE OF THE GREAT TRIUMPHS OF COMMERCIAL MARKETING. IN THEIR HAMBURG DAYS THE BEATLES WERE A BAND OF UNKEMPT ROCKERS IN LEATHER JACKETS; THEIR MUSIC WAS LOUD, CRUDE AND DERIVATIVE. BY THE TIME BRIAN EPSTEIN PRESENTED THEM TO THE BRITISH PUBLIC, THEY WERE PACKAGED INOFFENSIVELY IN SUITS AND TIES, WITH NOVEL YET TIDY HAIRSTYLES AND A SEXUALITY THAT WAS CUTE RATHER THAN THREATENING. THE ENSUING BEATLEMANIA WAS LARGELY CREATED BY A MASS PR AND MARKETING OPERATION SINCE MATCHED ONLY BY SNOOPY. WE FORGET ALL THAT FOR TWO GOOD REASONS. FIRST, IF THE PACKAGING WAS PHONY, THE MUSIC WAS NOT. AT A TIME WHEN POP MUSIC WAS FULL OF ABYSMAL SCHMALTZ TURNED OUT BY INDUSTRY HACKS, THE BEATLES' MUSIC WAS GENUINE: RAW, SIMPLE AND DIRECT, AND QUITE ORIGINAL. THE BEST OF IT HAD TREMENDOUS ENERGY AND LIFE - AND JOHN LENNON'S MOST OF ALL. HAVING REACHED THE TOP, THEY KEPT MOVING ON, RESTLESSLY INVENTIVE, ACQUIRING PANACHE, CONFIDENCE AND SOPHISTICATION AS THEY WENT, TO TAKE POP MUSIC INTO TERRITORY WHERE BEFORE IT HAD BEEN TOO TIMID TO VENTURE. THEY PRODUCED SUCH A WEALTH OF GOOD SONGS THAT THEY DOMINATED THEIR PERIOD, AND TURNED POP MUSIC INTO A WIDESPREAD CREATIVE ART. THE BEATLES ALSO QUICKLY BROKE OUT OF THEIR SYNTHETIC PACKAGING, AND LATER TORE IT TO SHREDS. NONE MORE SO THAN JOHN LENNON. HE WAS CLEVER, IRREVERENT, A BORN REBEL AND ONE OF THE WITTIEST PEOPLE POP MUSIC HAS PRODUCED. HE GREW HIS HAIR LONG, TOOK DRUGS, MOCKED CHRISTIANITY, ROYALTY AND SOCIAL STANDARDS, TOOK UP MYSTICISM, PREACHED PEACE AND LOVE, AND COMBINED THE TWO IN BIZARRE "LOVE-INS" WITH YOKO ONO TO PROTEST AGAINST THE VIETNAM WAR. JOHN LENNON WAS NOT THE FIRST TO DO THESE THINGS. BUT HIS HUGE FOLLOWING AS A POP SUPERSTAR MADE HIM THE MOST INFLUENTIAL. WITH THE OTHER BEATLES, HE LED AN IMPRESSIONABLE GENERATION IN REJECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES AND CREATING A NEW INDIVIDUALIST ETHOS SUMMED UP BY THE PHRASE "DOING YOUR OWN THING". THE WAY THE BEATLES LIVED HELPED CHANGE THE WAY MILLIONS OF PEOPLE LIVED THROUGHOUT WESTERN SOCIETIES - AND PERHAPS CHANGED THOSE SOCIETIES THEMSELVES MORE THAN ANY POLITICIAN WAS ABLE TO DO. MUCH HAS BEEN MADE OF JOHN LENNON THE THINKER AND IDEALIST. HE WAS REALLY BETTER AS A MUSICIAN. THE IDEAS EXPRESSED IN HIS LATER SONGS AND INTERVIEWS WERE OFTEN SO WOOLLY AND TRITE THAT IT WAS HARD TO BELIEVE THEY CAME FROM A MAN WITH SUCH A SHARP MIND. YET IT IS TRAGIC THAT SOMEONE WHO USED HIS INFLUENCE TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL VALUES SHOULD HAVE DIED IN SUCH A SENSELESS MURDER - A MARTYR TO AMERICA'S IDEAL OF ALLOWING ANYONE TO OWN A PISTOL. AND, FOR MILLIONS OF US, IT IS TRAGIC THAT JOHN LENNON IS DEAD. TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER 1980 "THE RETURN OF DR OBOTE" DR APOLLO MILTON OBOTE HAS BECOME THE FIRST LEADER OF AN AFRICAN NATION TO WIN RE-ELECTION AFTER BEING OVERTHROWN IN A COUP. BUT WAS THE POLL RIGGED? THE DEFEATED PARTIES SAY IT WAS. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMONWEALTH TEAM OF OBSERVERS, MR DEBRAH, OF GHANA, SAYS IT WAS NOT. IT SEEMS THAT THE TRUTH MAY LIE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN. THE FULL PICTURE OF UGANDA'S FIRST ELECTION FOR 18 YEARS IS UNLIKELY TO EMERGE. THERE WERE ONLY 38 COMMONWEALTH OBSERVERS FOR 5000 POLLING STATIONS. THEIR CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT NOTWITHSTANDING, MANY OF THE OBSERVERS, INCLUDING AUSTRALIANS, WILL BE ANXIOUS TO AVOID A WHITEWASH IN THE REPORT TO BE ISSUED WITHIN A FORTNIGHT. THERE IS MUCH EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT DR OBOTE DOES NOT OWE HIS VICTORY SOLELY TO SKILFUL PARTY ORGANISATION AND HIS OWN QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP. HE HAD FRIENDS IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES: IN TANZANIA, WHOSE ARMY OF OCCUPATION IS STILL IN UGANDA AND WHICH PROVIDED AIRCRAFT, VEHICLES AND MONEY TO SMOOTH THE WAY; AND IN UGANDA'S RULING MILITARY COMMISSION, ITS INTERIM GOVERNMENT, AND THE ARMY AND THE MILITIA, NONE OF WHICH TOOK AN IMPARTIAL ELECTORAL POSITION. THERE ARE PERSUASIVE ALLEGATIONS THAT THE SECURITY FORCES LENT THEIR ACTIVE SUPPORT TO THE INTIMIDATION OF DR OBOTE'S OPPONENTS, SOME OF WHOM WERE NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO REGISTER AS CANDIDATES. OPENLY PRO-OBOTE RETURNING OFFICERS WERE PUT IN PLACE AROUND THE CONSTITUENCIES, WHICH WERE DRAWN UP TO THE GROSS DISADVANTAGE OF THE THREE MILLION BUGANDA, WHO HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THAT DR OBOTE ABOLISHED THE NATION'S KINGDOMS AND OUSTED THE KABAKA OF BUGANDA FROM THE PRESIDENCY. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION, ANTI-OBOTE FIGURES SUCH AS CHIEF JUSTICE WAMBUZI AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE APPEAL COURT WERE SACKED. PERHAPS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MILITARY COMMISSION SUMMED UP THE SITUATION MOST ACCURATELY WHEN HE TOLD AN ELECTION RALLY RECENTLY THAT "THE PROBLEM FOR THE UPC NOW IS NOT TO WIN THE ELECTION, BECAUSE IT IS ALREADY WON". DOUBTS ABOUT DR OBOTE'S METHODS ARE NOT NEW. HE WAS UNPOPULAR BEFORE AMIN OVERTHREW HIM IN 1971, AS THE POST-COUP CELEBRATIONS SHOWED. IT WAS DR OBOTE WHO SUSPENDED THE 1967 ELECTION, REWROTE THE CONSTITUTION, SET UP A ONE-PARTY, SOCIALIST-ORIENTED STATE, APPOINTED HIMSELF EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT, AND USED DEVIOUS MEANS TO RETAIN HIS HOLD ON POWER. HOWEVER, WHILE MANY UGANDANS DENIGRATE DR OBOTE PERSONALLY AND CRITICISE HIS PREVIOUS RECORD OF OFFICE, THEY BELIEVE GRUDGINGLY THAT HE IS PROBABLY THE ONLY PERSON CAPABLE OF STABILISING UGANDA. AFTER ALL, THE COUNTRY HAS TO BE REBUILT FROM SCRATCH AFTER THE HORROR AND DEVASTATION OF THE AMIN YEARS. UGANDA IS THE KAMPUCHEA OF AFRICA, WITH A DESPERATE NEED FOR ORDER AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT. THE FACT THAT DR OBOTE HAS RETURNED TO POWER IN QUESTIONABLE CIRCUMSTANCES WILL NOT MAKE IT ANY EASIER FOR HIM TO TACKLE UGANDA'S DIVISIONS AND ITS PROBLEMS OF ANARCHY, BANKRUPTCY AND STARVATION. "BUT WHAT IS 'IMMORAL SEX'?" THE HAMER GOVERNMENT'S ENLIGHTENED SEXUAL OFFENCES BILL NOW STANDS SPOILED BY A LAST- MINUTE ADDITION DESIGNED TO PLACATE LIBERAL PARTY CONSERVATIVES. AN AMENDMENT RUSHED THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON THURSDAY NIGHT CREATES A NEW OFFENCE IN VICTORIA OF SOLICITING IN A PUBLIC PLACE "FOR IMMORAL SEXUAL PURPOSES". WHAT ARE THESE IMMORAL PURPOSES? WE DO NOT KNOW. THE BILL LEAVES IT ENTIRELY A MATTER FOR SPECULATION. IN EFFECT, THE NEW LAW WOULD ASK OUR MAGISTRATES AND JUDGES TO DECIDE WHAT SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IS IMMORAL. THIS IS NOT THEIR PROPER ROLE. JUDGES ARE CERTAINLY WELL EQUIPPED TO DETERMINE WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE ILLEGAL. BUT THEY HAVE NO SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR DETERMINING WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE IMMORAL, AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE ASKED TO DO IT. IN OTHER TIMES, A JUDGE MIGHT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEEK GUIDANCE FROM RULES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR THAT WERE GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY THE COMMUNITY. BUT THERE IS NO CONSENSUS IN SOCIETY TODAY ABOUT SEXUAL MORALITY. THE RULES DIFFER FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER, AND FROM ONE ETHNIC GROUP TO ANOTHER. SOME ESPECIALLY OLDER PEOPLE, REGARD ANY SEX OUTSIDE THE MARRIAGE BED AS IMMORAL. TO OTHERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER PEOPLE, THE MORAL ISSUES CENTRE ON THE EXPLOITATION OF ONE PERSON BY ANOTHER, SUCH AS THE EXPLOITATION OF A WOMAN BY HER HUSBAND. A JUDGE WOULD HAVE ONLY HIS PERSONAL VIEWS TO GO BY. IN SPONSORING THIS AMENDMENT, THE LIBERAL PARTY HAS NOT THOUGHT MATTERS THROUGH. EITHER THE WORDS MEAN NOTHING AT ALL - IN WHICH CASE THEY ARE POINTLESS - OR THEY MAKE IT A CRIME TO SEEK PARTNERS FOR PERFECTLY LEGAL SEXUAL ACTIVITIES. THIS IS BAD LAW. YET IN BRITAIN A SIMILAR LAW HAS BEEN USED AGAINST HOMOSEXUALS SEEKING WILLING PARTNERS, EVEN THOUGH HOMOSEXUALITY IN BRITAIN IS NO CRIME. IS THIS WHAT THE HAMER GOVERNMENT WANTS TO IMPOSE ON VICTORIA? THE LIBERAL PARTY MEETING TODAY HAS ONE LAST CHANCE TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF THIS NONSENSE. IF IT INTENDS SIMPLY TO CLOSE A LOOPHOLE IN THE BILL, IT COULD DO SO BY RE-WORDING THE AMENDMENT TO BAN SOLICITING FOR "ILLEGAL" PURPOSES RATHER THAN "IMMORAL" ONES, IF NOT, IT STANDS CONDEMNED FOR INTRODUCING AN IRRESPONSIBLY VAGUE LAW WHICH COULD SADDLE VICTORIA WITH A WHOLE NEW RANGE OF VICTIMLESS CRIMES. "CONCERN OVER BAIL HEARING" LAST FRIDAY A MAN APPEARED BEFORE A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AT THE MELBOURNE CITY WATCH HOUSE CHARGED WITH UNLAWFUL IMPRISONMENT, BLACKMAIL, KIDNAPPING, BURGLARY, AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON. THE HEARING TOOK PLACE AT 6 AM AND THE MAN WAS RELEASED ON $500 BAIL. THE MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES, MR THOMPSON, HAS SAID HE WAS "SURPRISED AND MOST CONCERNED" THAT A PERSON CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING SHOULD BE RELEASED ON $500 BAIL. SO HE SHOULD BE. THE CHARGES ARE SERIOUS. THE FACT THAT THE ACCUSED MAN WAS A POLICEMAN AT THE TIME OF THE ALLEGED OFFENCES AND THAT HE WAS RELEASED ON SUCH A MODEST BAIL AT AN OUT-OF-HOURS HEARING WILL INEVITABLY GIVE RISE TO PUBLIC SUSPICION THAT HE WAS GIVEN SPECIAL TREATMENT. NO COMMENT CAN OR SHOULD BE MADE AT THIS STAGE ON THE FACTS OF THE CASE, BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH BAIL WAS GRANTED WARRANT AN IMMEDIATE AND FULL INQUIRY. WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 1980 "THE FRANKLIN MUST BE SAVED" THE BEAUTY OF THE WILD, SCENIC RIVERS OF SOUTH-WEST TASMANIA HAS BECOME KNOWN TO MILLIONS OF AUSTRALIANS IN RECENT MONTHS THROUGH BOOKS AND PHOTOGRAPHS. IT IS NOW RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF AUSTRALIA'S HERITAGE, ONE OF THOSE DRAMATIC CREATIONS OF NATURE WHICH WE SHOULD SAFEGUARD FOR ALL TIME. YET EVEN AS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING NOMINATING THE SOUTH-WEST AS ONE OF THE THREE AUSTRALIAN FEATURES TO BECOME PART OF THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST, THE RIVERS ARE AGAIN UNDER THREAT OF BEING FLOODED TO PROVIDE CHEAP HYDRO-ELECTRICITY. FIVE MONTHS AGO THE TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO COMPROMISE BETWEEN CHEAP ELECTRICITY AND PRESERVING AUSTRALIA'S HERITAGE BY FLOODING ONE RIVER, THE LOWER GORDON, WHILE SAVING ANOTHER, THE FRANKLIN. IT WAS A SECOND BEST SOLUTION AND, LIKE ALL COMPROMISES, SATISFIED NO ONE. NOW, AFTER INCESSANT CAMPAIGNING BY THE HYDRO-ELECTRICITY COMMISSION AND THE LIBERAL PARTY TO FLOOD THE FRANKLIN, THE COMPRO- MISE SEEMS LIKELY TO BE REJECTED BY THE STATE'S CONSERVATIVE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN FAVOR OF AN HEC PLAN TO FLOOD BOTH RIVERS. IF SO, IT WOULD BE A STEP BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS IN TASMANIA, AND INTO AN ETHOS WHICH REGARDS NO ENVIRONMENTAL TREASURE AS SAFE FROM MAN. THE REPORT BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S COMMITTEE ON THE RIVAL SCHEMES EXPRESSES THE HOPE THAT AT LEAST THE UPPER PART OF THE FRANKLIN COULD BE SAVED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. SUCH A HOPE IS PROBABLY NAIVE. IF THE HEC SUCCEEDS IN HAVING THE DECISION MADE BY THE ELECTED GOVERNMENT OVERTURNED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY PRESS ON WITH ITS FEAR CAMPAIGN - WARNING OF CRIPPLING ELECTRICITY BILLS AND NO POWER FOR INDUSTRY - UNTIL THE WHOLE OF THE FRANKLIN IS FLOODED, AND ITS PRIMAEVAL GORGES BECOME ANOTHER HEC LAKE. THE COUNCIL SHOULD NOT RUSH INTO A DECISION WHICH WOULD JEOPARDISE THE COMPROMISE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS REACHED. IN A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TWO HOUSES, THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED SEAT OF GOVERNMENT MUST PREVAIL OVER AN UPPER HOUSE ELECTED ON ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S WORST GERRYMANDERS. THE PREMIER, MR LOWE, AND HIS GOVERNMENT SHOULD STAND FIRM TO SAVE THE FRANKLIN. AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH REPRESENTS ALL AUSTRALIANS, SHOULD USE ITS INFLUENCE - AND POWER OF THE PURSE - TO ENSURE THAT THE GORGES OF THE FRANKLIN ARE PRESERVED AS A NATIONAL PARK FOR AUSTRALIANS, AND THE WORLD, OF THE FUTURE. "WRONG BOY FOR THE JOB" THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO FORMER FRASER GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, MR GARLAND AND MR MCLEAY, TO DIPLOMATIC POSTS IN LONDON AND SAN FRANCISCO RAISES IMPORTANT QUESTIONS. ONE CONCERNS THE GENERAL ISSUE OF POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS OF THIS KIND. THE OTHER IS SPECIFIC. SHOULD MR MCLEAY, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY MR GARLAND, HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR THE TWO POSTS, PARTICULARLY WHEN ONE OF THEM - THAT OF HIGH COMMISSIONER TO LONDON - IS AT PRESENT OCCUPIED BY ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S MOST RESPECTED CAREER DIPLOMATS? THE CRY OF "JOBS FOR THE BOYS" IS AN EMOTIVE ONE. IT IMMEDIATELY CONJURES UP THE SPECTRE OF HAS-BEEN POLITICIANS BEING SHUNTED OFF ABROAD TO MAKE WAY FOR GREATER TALENT IN THE MINISTRY AT HOME. YET WHILE THIS IS TRUE OF SOME OF THE APPOINTMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE PAST, THERE HAVE BEEN OTHERS WHERE THE POLITICIAN IN QUESTION HAS PROVED A FIRST-RATE DIPLOMAT: LORD CASEY IN WASHINGTON, FOR EXAMPLE, LORD BRUCE IN LONDON, AND MORE RECENTLY SIR GORDON FREETH IN TOKYO. FOR THIS REASON WE DO NOT ARGUE THAT POLITICIANS SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN DIPLOMATIC POSTINGS. CLEARLY, IT DEPENDS ON THE CALIBRE OF THE PERSON AND THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE JOB. MR MCLEAY MAY BE A FAIR ENOUGH CHOICE FOR THE LESSER POST OF CONSUL-GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO. BUT MR GARLAND'S APPOINTMENT IS ANOTHER MATTER. HE HAS BEEN A RELATIVELY JUNIOR MINISTER, AND HIS APPOINTMENT WILL MEAN THE PREMATURE DISPLACEMENT OF SIR JAMES PLIMSOLL, A DISTINGUISHED CAREER DIPLOMAT WHO IS HELD IN HIGH REGARD BY THE BRITISH AND WHO HAS DONE GREAT SERVICE FOR HIS COUNTRY. WE HAVE NOTHING AGAINST MR GARLAND. THE POINT IS SIMPLY THAT THERE IS NO REASON FOR THINKING THAT HE WILL DO THE LONDON JOB AS WELL AS SIR JAMES PLIMSOLL. THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 1980 "YES, BUT WHY MR KENNETT?" THE STATE GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO BE TAKING A TURN TO THE RIGHT. IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS WE HAVE SEEN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AMENDMENT TO THE SEXUAL OFFENCES BILL, A DECISION TO CLOSE FOUR SUBURBAN RAILWAY LINES, AND A FORESHADOWED CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES TO PUT ECONOMIC GROWTH FIRST. NOW MR HAMER HAS CARRIED OUT A CABINET RESHUFFLE IN WHICH SOME GOOD MOVES MAY BE OVERSHADOWED BY ONE CURIOUS ONE WHICH SUGGESTS THAT THE CONSERVATIVES MAY HAVE GAINED THE UPPER HAND IN THE PARTY. THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW POLICY OF "JOBS FROM GROWTH" PROMISES TO GIVE TOP PRIORITY TO EMPLOYMENT. IF SO, THEN MR BRIAN DIXON WAS A NATURAL CHOICE TO BE ITS MINISTER: A TRAINED ECONOMIST, HE HAS PROVED HIMSELF TO BE A HARD- WORKING AND COMPASSIONATE MINISTER WHO IS PREPARED TO TAKE BOLD ACTION AND IGNORE PARTY SHIBBOLETHS TO GET THINGS DONE. BUT EVEN MR DIXON WILL FAIL IN THE JOB UNLESS THE HAMER GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO PUT ITS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS. FOR SIX YEARS, IT HAS DONE LITTLE FOR THE JOBLESS EXCEPT TALK ABOUT THEM. MOST OF THE OTHER CHANGES ARE REASONABLE ENOUGH. MR IAN SMITH, WHO IS SEEN BY RURAL MPS AS A POTENTIAL PREMIER, SHOULD DO WELL AS MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. MR TOM AUSTIN IS A LOGICAL CHOICE FOR AGRICULTURE. MR ALAN WOOD WILL BE BETTER OFF DEALING WITH INANIMATE BUILDINGS AS MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS THAN HE WAS DEALING WITH HUMAN BEINGS AS MINISTER FOR ETHNIC AFFAIRS. THERE MUST BE RESERVATIONS, HOWEVER, ABOUT MR LOU LIEBERMAN'S CAPACITY TO HANDLE TWO PORTFOLIOS AS DEMANDING AS PLANNING AND MINERALS AND ENERGY. BOTH JOBS REQUIRE A FULL-TIME MINISTER IF THEY ARE TO BE DONE WELL. THE STRANGEST ASPECT OF THE RESHUFFLE, HOWEVER, HAS BEEN THE RISE OF MR JEFF KENNETT. A MAN OF 32 WHO TERMS HIMSELF "AN OUTSPOKEN CONSERVATIVE", MR KENNETT HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR THE MINISTRY OVER MORE ABLE CONTENDERS AND THEN GIVEN THE SENSITIVE PORTFOLIOS OF HOUSING AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS. MR KENNETT IS A MAN OF ENERGY WHO APPARENTLY HAS IMPRESSED SOME BUSINESS LEADERS, EVEN IF HE OCCASIONALLY ACTS LIKE A LARRIKIN IN PARLIAMENT. BUT HE WOULD SEEM TO ADD LITTLE TO A MINISTRY WHICH IS ALREADY SHORT ON INTELLECTUAL TALENT AND SOCIAL CONCERN. LET US HOPE WE HAVE MISJUDGED HIM; FOR THE JOBS AWAITING HIM WILL DEMAND AN UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIETY VERY MUCH MORE SOPHISTICATED THAN THAT WHICH HE HAS SHOWN TO DATE. "THE SPECTRE OF TERRORISM" THE TURKISH CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, MR SARIK ARIYAK, AND HIS BODYGUARD DIED IN A HAIL OF BULLETS YESTERDAY. THEIR DEATHS - CLAIMED BY AN ARMENIAN COMMANDO GROUP AS THEIR WORK - WILL REVIVE MEMORIES OF ANOTHER UGLY INCIDENT, THE SYDNEY HILTON HOTEL BOMBING TWO YEARS AGO. THEY ARE A REMINDER (IF REMINDER IS NEEDED) THAT THE DAYS WHEN AUSTRALIA WAS REMOTE FROM ACTS OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM ARE OVER. TERRORISM IS NOT CONFINED TO ONE COUNTRY OR ONE GROUP OF COUNTRIES. TERRORISTS WILL STRIKE WHEREVER THEY THINK THEY CAN GET THEIR PROTESTS HEARD. MR ARIYAK'S SHOCKING KILLING, FOR EXAMPLE, WAS ONLY ONE OF MORE THAN A DOZEN MURDERS OF TURKISH DIPLOMATS IN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT SUCH INCIDENTS ARE NOT REPEATED? FOR OPEN SOCIETIES SUCH AS OURS THERE IS A DILEMMA HERE. OBVIOUSLY, WHAT HAS TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY IS WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE - TO INCREASE THE GUARD ON THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN CANBERRA, AND PUT AN AROUND-THE-CLOCK GUARD ON THE TURKISH CONSULAR OFFICES IN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE. THE GROUP CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YESTERDAY'S DOUBLE KILLING SAYS "WE WILL STRIKE AGAIN". THE POLICE AND SECURITY FORCES MUST OBVIOUSLY TAKE THE WARNING SERIOUSLY. THE SECOND - AND ALSO OBVIOUS - THING TO BE DONE IS FOR THE POLICE AND SECURITY FORCES TO WORK MORE CLOSELY TOGETHER IN ORDER TO NIP WOULD-BE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN THE BUD. BUT TO WHAT EXTENT CAN SUCH ACTIONS BE ANTICIPATED? AND HOW FAR DOES SOCIETY TAKE PROTECTION? DO WE PUT A RING OF GUARDS OUTSIDE EVERY EMBASSY AND CONSULATE, AND OUTSIDE EVERY DIPLOMAT'S HOME? DO WE EXTEND THE KIND OF HEAVY SECURITY NOW IN VOGUE IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA, TO EVERY STATE PARLIAMENT AND EVERY STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING? DO WE AGREE TO HAVE ARMED POLICEMEN ON EVERY CORNER? IN SHORT, MUST WE FURTHER RESTRICT THE ORDINARY CITIZEN'S RIGHT OF MOVEMENT TO ENABLE DIPLOMATS, POLITICIANS AND PUBLIC SERVANTS TO FEEL MORE SECURE? IT IS AN INVIDIOUS CHOICE. YET IF IT MUST BE MADE, WE WOULD PREFER THE GOVERNMENT TO ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION. DEMOCRACY CANNOT OPERATE UNDER LOCK AND KEY. FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER 1980 "LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM" STATE GOVERNMENTS IN VICTORIA HAVE LONG HAD A PENCHANT FOR APPOINTING EXPENSIVE AND TIME-CONSUMING PUBLIC INQUIRIES, AND THEN EITHER IGNORING THEIR KEY RECOMMENDATIONS OR IMPLEMENTING WHAT COMMON SENSE OR THEIR POLITICAL INCLINATIONS WOULD HAVE SUGGESTED ANYWAY. THE FATE OF THE BAINS REPORT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT FALLS INTO THIS FAMILIAR PATTERN. THE HAMER GOVERNMENT HAS REJECTED, AS WAS TO BE EXPECTED, THE MAIN PROPOSAL FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE, NAMELY THE CREATION OF A GREATER MELBOURNE COUNCIL. IT HAS ACCEPTED THE MOST IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION FOR REPRESENTATIONAL REFORM, NAMELY THE INTRODUCTION OF FULL ADULT FRANCHISE FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADOPTED LONG AGO. IT IS STILL WONDERING WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE BUMBLING, BICKERING MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL, WHICH IT FEELS OUGHT TO BE CONFINED TO THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. MR MALCOLM BAINS, A BRITISH AUTHORITY ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MAY WONDER WHY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT BOTHERED TO INVITE HIM TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, BUT AT LEAST THERE IS TO BE SOME MODEST CHANGE TO A SYSTEM THAT IS WIDELY REGARDED AS UNSATISFACTORY IN MANY ASPECTS. THE PROPOSED ELECTORAL REFORM ACKNOWLEDGES THE MODERN TREND, YET TO BE ACCEPTED BY SOME ENTRENCHED INTERESTS, THAT THE EMPHASIS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ON PEOPLE RATHER THAN PROPERTY. THE UNDEMOCRATIC NATURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS LONG MADE A MOCKERY OF THE OFT-ASSERTED MYTH THAT IT IS CLOSE TO THE PEOPLE. "THE VOTE IS NOW RESTRICTED TO THE OCCUPIER OR OWNER OF PROPERTY", WROTE THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN VICTORIA IN 1962, "BUT AS MUCH MUNICIPAL REVENUE IS NOW DERIVED FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE...THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THAT THE ELECTORAL FRANCHISE SHOULD BE LIBERALISED." IT HAS TAKEN THE GOVERNMENT 18 YEARS AND ANOTHER INQUIRY TO AGREE THAT ALL ADULT RESIDENTS SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO ELECT THEIR LOCAL COUNCILS. TWO OTHER ACCEPTED PROPOSALS SEEM SENSIBLE. EXPENSE ALLOWANCES FOR COUNCILLORS OF UP TO $1500 A YEAR WILL OFFER SOME COMPENSATION FOR THE HOURS OF UNPAID WORK MANY OF THEM UNDERTAKE EACH WEEK. AUTHORITY TO APPOINT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO MAY NOT HAVE HAD MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE SHOULD OPEN LOCAL GOVERN- MENT ADMINISTRATION - THE STANDARD OF WHICH VARIES FROM AREA TO AREA - TO A WIDER RANGE OF EXPERTISE. THE CONCEPT OF A GREATER MELBOURNE COUNCIL HAS BEEN MOOTED FOR DECADES AND IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT IT SHOULD SEEM PERFECTLY LOGICAL TO AN INDEPENDENT EXPERT SUCH AS MR BAINS. MELBOURNE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE FEW GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD THAT LACKS A COMPREHENSIVE FORM OF METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT. THE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES ARE OBVIOUS: MUDDLED PLANNING, DIVIDED RESPONSIBILITIES, INADEQUATE REVENUE AND IMPOVERISHED SERVICES. ROAD WORKS LISTED 50 YEARS AGO AS URGENT HAVE YET TO BE BEGUN. THE METROPOLIS HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO SPRAWL BEYOND THE CONVENIENT REACH OF A DILAPIDATED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM. THOUSANDS OF HOMES REMAIN UNSEWERED. MUCH OF MELBOURNE'S MISFORTUNE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO A FEDERAL SYSTEM UNDER WHICH A DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE OF FEDERAL REVENUE COLLECTED FROM ITS TAXPAYERS IS SPENT IN OTHER STATES, AND A DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE OF STATE REVENUE IS SPENT OUTSIDE THE METROPOLITAN AREA. THE GOVERNMENT'S REJECTION OF THE NOTION OF A METROPOLITAN SUPER-COUNCIL IS ALSO PREDICTABLE, IF NOT ADMIRABLE. SUCH A NEW TIER OF GOVERNMENT WOULD PRESUMABLY DIMINISH THE STATUS, POWER AND REVENUE OF STATE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS OF LOCAL COUNCILS, AND POLITICIANS SELDOM WELCOME ANY PROPOSAL THAT REDUCES THEIR AUTHORITY. A GREATER MELBOURNE COUNCIL, IF DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED, WOULD PROBABLY DIVIDE ON POLITICAL LINES AND, HORROR OF HORRORS, COULD FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LABOR PARTY. NO WONDER, AS A GOVERNMENT SOURCE CONFIDED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, "POLITICALLY, IT IS JUST NOT ON". HOWEVER, THE CONCEPT OF A GREATER MELBOURNE COUNCIL, ALTHOUGH NOT NECESSARILY IN THE FORM SUGGESTED BY MR BAINS, HAS ATTRACTIONS. THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS IT SHOULD BE AN EXPANDED AND MORE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED BOARD OF WORKS, WHICH REQUIRES FURTHER STRUCTURAL REFORM AND A BROADER REVENUE BASE. THE GOVERNMENT'S MOST IMMEDIATE DILEMMA IS WHAT TO DO ABOUT THAT MONUMENT TO CIVIC PRETENTIOUSNESS, INTRIGUE AND INCOMPETENCE, THE MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL. ITS INCLINATION IS TO CONFINE THE COUNCIL'S JURISDICTION TO THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, AS WELL AS TO RATIONALISE ITS STRUCTURE. THIS WOULD RESOLVE THE PRESENT CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE BUSINESS (MAINLY RETAIL) CONSTITUENTS AND THE RESIDENTIAL WARDS, WHICH WOULD PRESUMABLY BE CEDED TO NEIGHBORING INNER SUBURBAN COUNCILS. ONE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS WOULD STRIP THE COUNCIL OF SOME OF ITS ABLEST AND MOST PROGRESSIVE REPRESENTATIVES. ANOTHER IS THAT VERY FEW PEOPLE WHO WORK OR SHOP IN THE CITY, OR WHO USE ITS SERVICES AND AMENITIES, ACTUALLY LIVE THERE. WHO IS THEN TO FORM THE COUNCIL'S ELECTORATE? ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION COULD BE TO HAND OVER THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (ESPECIALLY FOR PLANNING) AND MOST OF THE REVENUES OF THE MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL, IF CONFINED TO THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO A REFORMED BOARD OF WORKS. THERE COULD THEN BE A SMALL COUNCIL CONSISTING OF A LORD MAYOR AND ALDERMEN FOR ADVISORY AND CERE- MONIAL PURPOSES. SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 1980 "REAGAN AND HIS WARY HAWKS" FOR A CANDIDATE WHO CAMPAIGNED ACROSS THE NATION EARLIER THIS YEAR PROMISING TO BRING EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT BACK TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND TO LEAD AN ADMINISTRATION WHICH WOULD GET THE COUNTRY GOING AGAIN, RONALD REAGAN HAS BEEN MAKING SURPRISINGLY HEAVY WEATHER OF PUTTING TOGETHER HIS NEW CABINET. WITH ONLY A MONTH REMAINING BEFORE HE TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE AND ASSUMES THE STAGGERING BURDEN OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY, MR REAGAN IS STILL STRUGGLING TO FILL THE LAST FEW CABINET POSITIONS. HE HAS LEFT HIMSELF PRECIOUS LITTLE TIME TO RECRUIT THE SECOND AND THIRD LEVEL ADMINISTRATORS, THOSE DEPUTY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES WHO ARE THE SOURCE OF NEW IDEAS AND OPERATIONAL INITIATIVES IN THE CUMBERSOME AMERICAN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT. IN HIS DAYS AS GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, MR REAGAN WAS KNOWN AS A LAID-BACK LEADER, A CAPTAIN WHO WAS CONTENT TO SET THE COURSE AND LEAVE IT TO OTHERS TO WORK THE SHIP. BUT IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS HE HAS SPENT SO MUCH TIME RELAXING ON HIS CALIFORNIAN RANCH OR SHUT AWAY IN HIS PACIFIC PALISADES HOME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW MUCH SAY HE HAS HAD EVEN IN THE CHOICE OF HIS NEW CREW. BUT SO FAR, AT LEAST, MR REAGAN HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO HIS ELECTION PROMISE TO HEAD AN ADMINISTRATION OF EFFICIENT MANAGERS RATHER THAN PASSIONATE IDEOLOGUES. AMONG THE 10 ALREADY NAMED, ONLY ONE MEETS THE SEVERE IDEOLOGICAL STANDARDS OF THE NEW RIGHT, WHICH HAS BOASTFULLY CLAIMED CREDIT FOR MR REAGAN'S LANDSLIDE VICTORY LAST MONTH. HE IS MR DAVID STOCKMAN, A YOUNG TWO-TERM CONGRESSMAN, A SELF-DESCRIBED FANATIC IN HIS DEVOTION TO MINIMAL GOVERNMENT AND "SUPPLY-SIDE" ECONOMICS, WHO WILL DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. MR STOCKMAN HAS ALREADY WARNED THE PRESIDENT-ELECT THAT HE FACES AN "ECONOMIC DUNKIRK" UNLESS HE MOVES QUICKLY TO CUT GOVERNMENT AND PROVIDE THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH THE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES HE BELIEVES ARE NECESSARY TO RESTORE PRODUCTIVITY. THE OTHERS FOR THE MOST PART ARE GOOD CONSERVATIVES, SOLID MEN OF THE REPUBLICAN ESTABLISHMENT. PRAGMATISTS RATHER THAN INNOVATORS, THEY ARE KNOWN (AND PRESUMABLY WERE CHOSEN) FOR THEIR PROVEN RECORDS IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, THEIR PERFORMANCES IN PAST REPUBLICAN ADMINISTRATIONS OR THEIR PERSONAL LOYALTY TO MR REAGAN HIMSELF. TO PRESIDE OVER AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, MR REAGAN HAS CHOSEN A TRIUMVIRATE OF WARY HAWKS. HOW HAWKISH REMAINS TO BE SEEN, BUT GENERAL ALEXANDER HAIG AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, MR CASPAR WEINBERGER IN THE PENTAGON AND MR WILLIAM CASEY AT THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY ALL SHARE MR REAGAN'S JUDGMENT THAT THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES HAVE ENTERED A PERIOD OF STRATEGIC PERIL WHICH THEY WILL SURVIVE UNSCATHED ONLY BY RIGOROUS REARMAMENT AND BY KEEPING A BEADY EYE ON THE RUSSIANS. GENERAL HAIG, A KISSINGER-NIXON PROTEGE, WILL HAVE A HARD TIME OF IT WHEN HE COMES BEFORE THE SENATE FOR CONFIRMATION NEXT MONTH. HIS CRITICS CLAIM THAT HE IS TAINTED BY VIETNAM AND WATERGATE. BUT HE SEEMS CERTAIN TO SURVIVE CONGRESSIONAL SCRUTINY. AND HE COULD EMERGE AS A STRONG AND ASSERTIVE SECRETARY OF STATE, IF ONLY BECAUSE MR REAGAN HIMSELF IS INEXPERIENCED IN MATTERS OF FOREIGN POLICY, MR WEINBERGER IS AN ADMINISTRATOR WITH LITTLE BACKGROUND IN DEFENCE OR STRATEGY, AND MR CASEY IS AN OLD WARTIME PROFESSIONAL, MORE CONCERNED WITH THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE INTELLIGENCE OPERATION THAN WITH ITS STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS. GENERAL HAIG'S CURRENT OPINIONS ON THE MIDDLE EAST, SOUTH- WEST ASIA AND OTHER TROUBLE SPOTS ARE NOT KNOWN. BUT HIS APPOINTMENT, LIKE THOSE OF MR WEINBERGER AND MR CASEY, OFFERS LITTLE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT CARTER'S CAMPAIGN PREDICTION THAT MR REAGAN IS A RECKLESS MAN, NOT TO BE TRUSTED TO KEEP THE WORLD AT PEACE AND THE NATION OUT OF WAR. NOT ALL MR REAGAN'S TROUBLES IN ASSEMBLING A CABINET OF TALENTS HAVE BEEN OF HIS OWN MAKING. SOME OF THE MORE EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATORS AND BUSINESSMEN HE HAD HOPED TO RECRUIT SHIED AWAY WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE NEW "ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT" REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE FORCED THEM TO DECLARE AND PERHAPS TO DIVEST THEIR PRIVATE HOLDINGS. OTHERS APPARENTLY COULD NOT PASS THE TEST. MOREVER, HE HAS HAD TO WEIGH THE COMPETING IDEOLOGICAL PRESSURES IN THE NEW AND STILL UNSTABLE CONSERVATIVE COALITION HE COMMANDS. ON BALANCE, HE HAS COME DOWN SOLIDLY SO FAR ON THE SIDE OF MODERATION. IF PRESIDENTS ARE TO BE JUDGED BY THE COMPANY THEY CHOOSE, THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION IS LIKELY TO BE MUCH LESS ADVENTUROUS - AND CERTAINLY MUCH LESS SCARY - THAN HIS MORE EXTRAVAGANT CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS HAD IMPLIED. MR REAGAN IS SAID TO HAVE CHOSEN FOUR PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAITS TO DECORATE THE WALLS OF THE CABINET ROOM. THEY ARE ABRAHAM LINCOLN, TEDDY ROOSEVELT, DWIGHT EISENHOWER AND CALVIN COOLIDGE. JUDGED BY THE COMPOSITION OF HIS CABINET, EISENHOWER AND COOLIDGE COULD BE THE MORE INFLUENTIAL SPIRITS. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" THIS SCIENTIFIC AGE HAS SPAWNED A RANGE OF NEW PROFESSIONS WHOSE NAMES INTRIGUE THE IMAGINATIONS OF ORDINARY PERSONS. PRACTITIONERS OF SUCH SCIENCES AS CRYONOLOGY, CYBERNETICS AND GAITOLOGY OFFER THEIR SERVICES, ALONG WITH THE FUTUROLOGISTS. WHATEVER THE PROSPECTS FOR THE OTHERS, FUTUROLOGISTS SHOULD BE ASSURED OF A ROSY FUTURE. ALREADY THEY ARE ATTRACTING ENVIABLE FEES. ONE FIRM WAS RECENTLY ENGAGED BY A GROUP OF AUSTRALIAN CORPORATIONS AT THE COST OF A SMALL FORTUNE TO FORECAST THEIR BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD. THEY SHOULD CONTINUE TO THRIVE, SINCE THE DESIRE TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS BORN INTO THE TEXTURE OF HUMAN NATURE. OUR FUTUROLOGISTS ARE NOT, OF COURSE, TO BE CONFUSED WITH CLAIRVOYANTS, TEACUP READERS, HIEROSCOPISTS OR NECROMANCERS. NOR ARE THEIR TOOLS OF TRADE SUCH CONTROVERSIAL DEVICES AS CRYSTAL BALLS, OUIJA BOARDS OR PLANCHETTES. THEIRS IS A MORE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH. THEY BELIEVE THAT THE COURSE AHEAD MAY BE PROJECTED FROM A STUDY OF THE PAST. THEIR ANALYSES OF PREVIOUS ECONOMIC BOOMS AND DEPRESSIONS, INFLATION AND DEFLATION, INVESTMENT GRAPHS, SALES STATISTICS AND OTHER RELEVANT DATA ARE PROCESSED BY COMPUTERS WHICH PRINT OUT LIKELY FUTURE TRENDS. THESE ELECTRONIC PROPHETS, HOWEVER, WOULD BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT THAT THEIRS IS NOT AN EXACT SCIENCE. THEY CAN BUT MAKE SCIENTIFICALLY CALCULATED GUESSES AT THE FUTURE'S PROBABLE COURSE. OUR AGE, FOR ALL ITS KNOWLEDGE, HAS NOT YET PRODUCED ANY PROGNOSTICATORS WHO CAN BE CERTAIN OF WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. NO OPINION POLLSTERS CAN PROVIDE A PRECISE PREDICTION OF THE OUTCOME OF ELECTIONS. THE BEST DOCTORS' PROGNOSES ARE SOMETIMES WIDE OF THE MARK. THE METEOROLOGISTS' COMPUTERS OCCASIONALLY ERR IN FORECASTING EVEN THE NEXT DAY'S TEMPERATURE. IN ONE WAY THAT IS A PITY. AN ACCURATE PREVIEW OF THE FUTURE WOULD BE INVALUABLE TO INVESTORS, PUNTERS, FASHION DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND OTHERS WHOSE BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE - NOT TO MENTION ORGANISERS OF SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNICS. IT WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE US TO ANTICIPATE FORTHCOMING, BUT UN-GUESSED, PLEASURES. ON BALANCE, HOWEVER, SUCH FOREKNOWLEDGE WOULD BE A MIXED BLESSING. A PROJECTION OF TRAGEDIES WE ARE TO RUN INTO, LOSSES WE WILL SUSTAIN, BEREAVEMENTS WE ARE TO SUFFER, COULD FILL OUR OUTLOOK WITH FOREBODING. IT ALSO WOULD ROB LIFE OF THAT ELEMENT OF SURPRISE WHICH IS HALF THE JOY OF LIVING. THERE IS A SENSE OF ADVENTURE IN GREETING EACH MORNING NOT KNOWING WHAT THE DAY'S UNFOLDING HOURS WILL BRING. SUCH REFLECTIONS ARISE AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO 1981. NOBODY CAN TELL WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS. NONE CAN FORESEE THE OUTCOME OF THE AFGHANISTAN SITUATION, HOW THE IRAQI-IRANIAN WAR WILL END, WHAT NEXT QUARTER'S INFLATION RATE WILL BE, OR WHO WILL WIN THE GRAND FINAL. A MERCIFUL PROVIDENCE HAS VEILED THE FUTURE FROM OUR VIEW. BEYOND THE INEVITABILITY OF DEATH AT SOME FUTURE DATE, "WE KNOW NOT WHAT A DAY OR AN HOUR MAY BRING FORTH". AT THE OPENING OF ANOTHER UNCERTAIN YEAR, WISDOM LIES IN HEEDING THE INJUNCTION TO LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME, AND IN THE FAITH THAT "GOD HOLDS THE KEY TO ALL UNKNOWN". MONDAY 22 DECEMBER 1980 "GOVERNMENT DODGES SEX" THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO GIVE PARENTS CONTROL OF SEX EDUCATION IN STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS - NOT ONLY FOR THEIR OWN CHILDREN BUT FOR THOSE OF OTHERS - IS A COWARDLY ABROGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND RATIONALITY. AFTER DITHERING FOR 14 MONTHS ON WHAT WAS OFFICIALLY CALLED A "REVIEW" OF GUIDELINES ON "HEALTH AND HUMAN RELATIONS EDUCATION", THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO HAVE SUCCUMBED TO THE AGITATION OF A SMALL PRESSURE GROUP WHICH FEELS THAT ADOLESCENTS SHOULD BE (AND CAN BE) SHIELDED FROM KNOWLEDGE, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE INFLUENCES OF WHICH ITS MEMBERS DISAPPROVE. A GOVERNMENT HAS TO TAKE SUCH VIEWS INTO ACCOUNT AND AVOID GIVING NEEDLESS OFFENCE, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND INTEGRITY. IT ALSO HAS A MUCH WIDER RESPONSIBILITY, NOT ONLY TO THE SILENT MAJORITY OF PARENTS BUT TO YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. UNDER THE REVISED GUIDELINES, STATE HIGH AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS OFFERING HUMAN RELATIONS COURSES WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPOINT A PARENT- DOMINATED COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE THEIR CONTENT AND TEACHING METHODS. CHILDREN TAKING PART IN SUCH COURSES, IF CONSIDERED CONTROVERSIAL, WILL NEED WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THEIR PARENTS TO ATTEND. IN ADDITION, INDIVIDUAL PARENTS WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW THEIR CHILDREN FROM ANY PART OF A PROGRAMME TO WHICH THEY OBJECT. SUCH DEFERENCE TO PARENTAL PARTICIPATION AND AUTHORITY MIGHT BE CREDIBLE IF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE GENERALLY GOVERNED BY PARENTS' REPRESENTATIVES. BUT WHILE GREATER PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION IS A WELCOME TREND, COURSE CONTENT AND TEACHING METHODS ARE NORMALLY REGARDED AS MATTERS FOR PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT. TO SINGLE OUT SEX EDUCATION FOR COMPLICATED SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS IS ABSURD. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR INCLUDING EDUCATION ON SEXUALITY AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS IN SCHOOL CURRICULA IS THAT MANY PARENTS FEEL TOO ILL-EQUIPPED OR INHIBITED TO GIVE THEIR CHILDREN ALL THE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE TO WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED. AND IF THERE IS TO BE MEANINGFUL SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, IT IS BEST IMPARTED IN A CONTEXT THAT DOES NOT SET IT APART AS SOMETHING FRAUGHT WITH CONTROVERSY AND EMBARRASSMENT. THE GOVERNMENT'S APPROACH IS ILLOGICAL AND IMPRACTICAL, UNLESS ITS AIM IS TO DISCOURAGE SEX EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM FROM RISING ABOVE THE BIRDS AND THE BEES LEVEL. ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO, THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, MR LACY, WHO ANNOUNCED THE NEW GUIDELINES ON FRIDAY, REJECTED COMPLAINTS THAT THE HEALTH AND HUMAN RELATIONS COURSE DEVISED BY THE SOCIAL BIOLOGY CENTRE WAS INSENSITIVE OR CALCULATED TO INDOCTRINATE STUDENTS WITH PERMISSIVE VIEWS. THE REALITY IS THAT THOUSANDS OF TEENAGERS ALREADY ARE SEXUALLY ACTIVE, OFTEN WITH INADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OR CARE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. NEITHER PARENTAL DISAPPROVAL NOR GOVERNMENT ACTION CAN SHIELD THEM FROM THE PRESSURES AND TEMPTATIONS TO WHICH THEY ARE EXPOSED. THE BEST THE COMMUNITY CAN DO IS TO GIVE THEM AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR OWN SEXUALITY, ENCOURAGE A RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS AND FEELINGS OF OTHERS, AND HELP THEM COPE RESPONSIBLY WITH DECISIONS THEY MUST ULTIMATELY MAKE FOR THEMSELVES. THE NEW GUIDELINES WILL MAKE IT HARDER TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES. SCHOOLS NOW WILL HAVE TO MAKE A POSITIVE DECISION TO ADOPT SEX EDUCATION, RATHER THAN TO OPT OUT. VIEWS OF PARENTS' COMMITTEES WILL PREDOMINATE, AND IT IS IN THE NATURE OF SUCH COMMITTEES THAT THEY ARE SWAYED BY A VOCIFEROUS MINORITY WITH STRONG OPINIONS RATHER THAN THAT THEY REFLECT CONSENSUS. THE RESULT MAY BE THAT THE HEALTH AND HUMAN RELATIONS COURSES WILL BE LESS RATHER THAN MORE WIDELY TAUGHT, AND THAT CHILDREN MOST IN NEED OF INFORMATION AND HELP WILL BE THE LEAST LIKELY TO GET IT. AS PARENTS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW THEIR CHILDREN FROM A PROGRAMME TO WHICH THEY OBJECT, IT IS SURELY UNNECESSARY AND UNFAIR TO ALLOW A PARENTS' COMMITTEE ALSO TO VETO A PROGRAMME WHICH OTHER PARENTS, EVEN IF IN A MINORITY AT A PARTICULAR SCHOOL, MAY WISH THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND. IT IS PROPER THAT PARENTS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION. BUT BY SINGLING OUT SEX EDUCATION FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN EXAGGERATED DEFERENCE TO THE VIEWS OF A VOCIFEROUS MINORITY OF PARENTS AT THE EXPENSE OF A WIDER COMMUNITY INTEREST IN ENSURING THAT THE RIGHTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO KNOWLEDGE AND GUIDANCE ARE MET BY THOSE PROFESSIONALLY AND ETHICALLY QUALIFIED TO DO SO. "THE PLIGHT OF KIM DAE-JUNG" NEARLY ALL MEANS OF APPEAL TO SAVE THE LIFE OF KIM DAE-JUNG, THE SOUTH KOREAN OPPOSITION LEADER, HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. IT IS LIKELY THAT HE WILL BE HANGED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. THE AUTHORITIES IN SEOUL HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR A DECADE TO SILENCE THIS CHARISMATIC FIGURE WHO CAME WITHIN AN ACE OF DEFEATING PRESIDENT PARK IN THE 1971 ELECTION, SIGNIFICANTLY THE LAST SUCH POLL TO BE HELD. THEY HAVE USED HARASSMENT, PERSECUTION, MALTREATMENT, HOUSE - ARREST CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE, TRUMPED-UP PROSECUTIONS AND PROTRACTED SPELLS OF IMPRISONMENT. THEY HAVE ABDUCTED HIM FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY. THUGS HAVE TRIED TO KILL HIM ON THE STREETS. BUT MR KIM HAS KEPT TALKING. HE HAS SPOKEN OUT CONSISTENTLY FOR DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN A NATION WHOSE AUTHORITARIAN RULERS HAVE SACRIFICED ELEMENTARY FREEDOMS TO THEIR OBSESSIVE APPETITE FOR SECURITY AGAINST THE ORWELLIAN HORRORS OF THE NORTH. THE IRONY OF IT ALL IS THAT MR KIM, TOO, IS STAUNCHLY ANTI-COMMUNIST. THERE IS NO PERSUASIVE EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST, AS THE REGIME HAS, THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CAHOOTS WITH NORTH KOREA OR THAT HE HAS INSTIGATED VIOLENT REBELLION. HIS ABIDING THEME IS THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY TO SOUTH KOREA BY PEACEFUL MEANS. THAT, IT SEEMS, IS A TREASONABLE OFFENCE. PRESIDENT CHUN HAS ISOLATED THE ONE PERSON WHO COULD PROVIDE A REAL ALTERNATIVE TO THE OPPRESSIVE POLICIES IN VOGUE FOR MANY YEARS. SO MR KIM, HIS HEALTH RUINED, THE DISSIDENT ON WHOM THE AUTHORITIES HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PIN ANYTHING, AWAITS EXECUTION. THOSE IN THE WEST WHO FOUGHT AND SURVIVED THE KOREAN WAR MIGHT BE WONDERING WHAT ON EARTH IT WAS ALL FOR. WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 1980 "SOME REAL CIVIC REFORM AT LAST" THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO DISMISS THE MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL IS A WELCOME CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF MELBOURNE. THE COUNCIL HAS LONG BEEN, AS WE DESCRIBED IT LAST WEEK, A MONUMENT TO CIVIC PRETENTIOUSNESS, INTRIGUE AND INCOMPETENCE. THE YEARS OF COSTLY DITHERING OVER THE CITY SQUARE AND BOURKE STREET MALL, AND THE BUMBLING FICKLENESS OVER PLANNING, ARE JUST TWO EXAMPLES OF THE COUNCIL'S DEFICIENCIES. IN THE PAST WEEKS THERE HAVE BEEN ALLEGATIONS OF GRAFT AND CORRUPTION AS WELL. FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF SYDNEY CITY COUNCIL'S REFORM IN 1967, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE MCC WITH ADMINISTRATORS UNTIL A MORE EFFECTIVE STRUCTURE CAN BE FORMED. THE COUNCIL'S JURISDICTION IS TO BE REDUCED TO THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING RESIDENTIAL AREAS, THE NUMBER OF COUNCILLORS IS TO BE REDUCED FROM 26 TO 12, AND THE LORD MAYOR IS TO BE ELECTED FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM BY CITY RATEPAYERS. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT REFORM WAS URGENTLY NECESSARY, BUT IT IS TOO SOON TO JUDGE HOW WELL THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE LIKELY TO WORK. MUCH WILL DEPEND ON THE CALIBRE OF THE COUNCILLORS TO BE ELECTED BY A MORE STRONGLY BUSINESS-ORIENTED CONSTITUENCY. AND IT SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT SOME OF THE CITY'S PROBLEMS ARE AS MUCH THE FAULT OF THE GOVERNMENT'S AS OF THE COUNCIL'S. BUT AT LEAST THERE WILL BE A BRIGHTER PROSPECT FOR LIFTING MELBOURNE FROM THE DOLDRUMS. "A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION" UNTIL RECENT YEARS THE INFLUENCE OF THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE ON OUR NATION'S WAY OF LIFE WAS VIVIDLY REFLECTED IN THE WAY WE CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS. OUR FOUNDING FATHERS BROUGHT WITH THEIR CABIN TRUNKS AND ACCENTS THE CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS THEY HAD ALWAYS OBSERVED IN BRITAIN, WHERE THE SEASON OCCURS IN MID-WINTER. IT WAS NATURAL THAT, IN THEIR NOSTALGIA, THEY SHOULD CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON HERE WITH THE HOT ROASTS AND PLUM PUDDINGS THEY HAD TRADITIONALLY ENJOYED THERE, ADORN THEIR GREETING CARDS WITH PICTURES OF LOG FIRES AND SNOW-DECKED TREES, AND SING CAROLS THEY HAD SUNG FROM CHILDHOOD IN THEIR HOMELAND. SANTA CLAUS IS STILL THE OLD GENTLEMEN WHO ACCOMPANIED THEM, PERSPIRING IN A COSTUME DESIGNED TO SURVIVE EUROPE'S ICY BLASTS - AND NOT YET APPROPRIATELY ATTIRED FOR OUR SCORCHING DECEMBER DAYS. BUT THINGS ARE GRADUALLY CHANGING. INCREASINGLY, CHRISTMAS CARDS DEPICT SCENES BY AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS. SOME CAROLS, BY LOCAL COMPOSERS, NOW BREATHE AN AUSTRALIAN ATMOSPHERE. OUR CHRISTMAS DINNERS INCLUDE MORE COLD COURSES: COLLATIONS, SALADS AND ICECREAM - OR SIZZLING STEAKS GRILLED ON OUTDOOR BARBECUES. OTHER NATIONS FOLLOW DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS WHICH THEIR CULTURES HAVE EVOLVED OVER MANY CENTURIES. A TYPICAL, LOCAL AND RECENT EXAMPLE OF THE CROSS-CULTURAL APPEAL OF CHRISTMAS IS SEEN IN INLAND AUSTRALIA. WHEN WHITE CHRISTIANS FIRST SHARED THE ADVENT MESSAGE WITH THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE, THEY TRIED TO DO SO IN EUROPEAN TERMS - A CULTURE ALIEN TO A RACE WHICH HAD BROUGHT OUT OF THE DREAMTIME ITS OWN FAITH AND TRADITIONS. UNDERSTANDABLY, CHRISTIANITY MADE LITTLE APPEAL TO THEM. GENERALLY THEY DISREGARDED THE WHITE MAN'S FAITH AS UNINTELLIGIBLE TO THEIR WAY OF THINKING, AND IRRELEVANT TO THEIR WAY OF LIFE. HOWEVER, AMONG SOME TRIBES, ABORIGINES WHO HAVE EMBRACED THE CHRISTIAN WAY HAVE DISCOVERED THEY CAN INTERPRET CHRISTMAS IN TERMS OF THEIR OWN CULTURE: EXPRESS IT IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE, CELEBRATE ITS MESSAGE IN THEIR CORROBOREE, AND DEPICT IT IN THE SYMBOLISM OF THEIR OWN ART. SO PRESENTED, THE BABY OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY IS FOUND TO BE AS MUCH AT HOME IN A WAILBRI CAMP AS IN A PALESTINIAN CATTLE STALL, AN AFRICAN KRAAL OR A WESTERN CATHEDRAL. SUCH ADAPTATIONS OF THE FESTIVAL EMPHASISE THAT CHRISTMAS DOES NOT BELONG TO ANY SPECIFIC CLIMATE, COUNTRY OR CULTURE. THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS WAS ORIGINALLY ANNOUNCED AS "GOOD NEWS TO ALL PEOPLE". IT IS NATIVE TO THE WHOLE EARTH. ALTHOUGH THE BIRTH OF THE BABY IT COMMEMORATES OCCURRED AT ONE SPOT ON EARTH, HE HIMSELF IS INDIGENOUS TO EVERY RACE AND NATION IN EVERY AGE. THE SPIRIT OF PEACE AND GOOD WILL HE BRINGS IS FELT BY ALL WHO RECEIVE HIM. WHEREVER HE IS ACCEPTED, TRANSFORMATION OF LIFE FOLLOWS. THE CHANGE THIS CHILD EFFECTS IS SUBTLY SUGGESTED IN ONE OF BRET HARTE'S STORIES, SET IN A MINING SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA'S WILD WEST. IN HARTE'S TALE, ROARING CAMP HAS A NOTORIOUS REPUTATION FOR LAWLESSNESS. WHEN MINERS ARGUE OVER THEIR CARDS THEY SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES WITH PISTOLS, WHILE OTHER GAMBLERS QUIETLY PROCEED WITH THEIR PLAY: MURDER IS A NORMAL PART OF THEIR CODE. THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE CAMP DIES IN CHILDBIRTH BUT HER ORPHANED BABY SURVIVES. THE MINERS ADOPT THE BOY, LEFT LYING IN A BOX OF OLD RAGS, AND AGREE TO DO THEIR BEST FOR HIM. EVERYBODY FEELS THAT THE OLD BOX IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH, SO THEY SEND ONE OF THEIR NUMBER 128 KILOMETRES TO SACRAMENTO TO BUY A ROSEWOOD CRADLE - THE BEST HE CAN FIND. AS RAGS NOW SEEM OUT OF PLACE, THE MAN IS SENT BACK FOR THE MOST ATTRACTIVE LACE COVERS AVAILABLE. BUT WHEN THE INFANT, REPOSING AMONG THE SNOWY COVERLETS OF THE ROSEWOOD CRADLE, IS PLACED IN THE CENTRE OF THE ROOM, THE MEN NOTICE WHAT HAD ESCAPED THEIR ATTENTION: THE FLOOR IS FILTHY. SO THEY SET TO WORK TO SCRUB IT. THEY CONSIDER THAT TO MATCH THE CLEAN FLOOR, THE ROSEWOOD CRADLE AND WHITE LACE, THE WALLS NEED TO BE WHITEWASHED AND THE WINDOWS REPAIRED AND CURTAINED. FURTHER, THE BABY NEEDS LONG PERIODS OF SILENCE WHILE HE SLEEPS; SO ROARING CAMP CEASES TO ROAR. WHEN THE MEN CARRY THE CRADLE TO THE MINE ON SUNNY DAYS, THE PLACE SEEMS SO DREARY IT HAS TO BE TIDIED; SO THEY PLANT GARDENS AROUND THE SPOT WHERE THE CRADLE STANDS. THE SHREWD STOREKEEPER, PERCEIVING WHAT IS HAPPENING, DISCREETLY PLACES MIRRORS WHERE THE MINERS CATCH THEIR OWN REFLECTIONS AS THEY LOUNGE AND SMOKE. SOON THEY ARE BUYING SOAP AND SHAVING-GEAR - EVEN NEW CLOTHES ..... THE COMING OF THE BABY CHANGED EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY IN ROARING CAMP. ALTHOUGH HARTE'S STORY IS FICTIONAL AND DATED, ITS ALLEGORICAL MEANING WAS NEVER MORE TRUE AND RELEVANT. TODAY'S ROARING SOCIETY, TORN BY DIVISIONS, ROCKED BY VIOLENCE, RIDDLED WITH CRIME, CORRUPTED BY GREED, NEEDS A UNIFYING FACTOR WHICH HUMAN INGENUITY HAS FAILED TO DEVISE. HISTORY SHOWS THAT WHEREVER PEOPLE ADOPT THE BABY OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY, VALUES CHANGE, STANDARDS RISE, LIFE ASSUMES A NEW PURPOSE AND DIGNITY; RECONCILIATION IS EFFECTED - AS THE BABY BROUGHT PEACE AND GOOD WILL WHEN HE WAS ACCEPTED BY THE SINISTER SOCIETY OF ROARING CAMP. SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER 1980 "QUESTIONS FOR MR MACLELLAN" THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, MR MACLELLAN, IS LOSING THE BATTLE OF PUBLIC OPINION OVER HIS PLANS TO CLOSE RAILWAY PASSENGER SERVICES. THREE WEEKS AGO THE MINISTER PERSUADED STATE CABINET TO TAKE THE DRASTIC STEP OF CLOSING PASSENGER SERVICES ON FOUR SUBURBAN LINES AND SEVEN COUNTRY LINES, AND REPLACE THE TRAINS WITH BUSES. SINCE THEN A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS HAVE ARISEN ABOUT THE WAY THIS CONTROVERSIAL DECISION WAS TAKEN - AND MR MACLELLAN SEEMS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH ANY ANSWERS. THREE QUESTIONS STAND OUT. THE FIRST: WHY WERE THESE PARTICULAR LINES SELECTED FOR CLOSURE? THE UPFIELD LINE, FOR INSTANCE, IS ONE OF VICRAIL'S BUSIEST LINES, CARRYING 13,000 PASSENGERS A DAY. YET IT IS TO BE CLOSED WHILE THE ALAMEIN BRANCH LINE WITH 5100 PASSENGERS AND THE ELTHAM- HURSTBRIDGE LINE WITH 1700 PASSENGERS BOTH REMAIN OPEN. IS IT SIMPLY COINCIDENCE THAT THE FOUR LINES TO BE CLOSED ARE ALL IN SAFE LABOR ELECTORATES, WHILE LINES WITH LESSER PATRONAGE IN LIBERAL ELECTORATES ARE BEING KEPT OPEN? THE SECOND QUESTION: WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT REFUSING TO RELEASE THE INFORMATION ABOUT PASSENGER USE AND FINANCIAL LOSSES ON EACH LINE ON WHICH ITS DECISION WAS BASED? VICRAIL HAS ALL THIS INFORMATION AT HAND; INDEED, IT USED TO PUBLISH PASSENGER FIGURES FOR EACH STATION AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT. THE TAXPAYERS WHO PAY FOR THE RAILWAYS, AND THE PUBLIC WHOSE SERVICES ARE TO BE CLOSED, HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW THE FACTS. IF MR MACLELLAN IS CONFIDENT THAT HE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION, WHAT POSSIBLE JUSTIFICATION IS THERE FOR TREATING THE FIGURES AS A STATE SECRET? THE THIRD QUESTION: WHY HAS THE GOVERNMENT KEPT SECRET A REPORT BY THE BRITISH CONSULTANTS TRANSMARK ON THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF RAILWAY PASSENGER SERVICES? ONE OF THE WEAKNESSES OF THE LONIE REPORT WAS THAT IT PROVIDED NO DATA TO BACK UP ITS SWEEPING CONCLUSIONS - LEAVING THE IMPRESSION THAT THESE WERE BASED ON PERSONAL OPINIONS RATHER THAN FACTS. THE TRANSMARK REPORT, BY CONTRAST, IS SAID TO HAVE CONDUCTED A THOROUGH ANALYSIS OF EACH TYPE OF PASSENGER SERVICE AND PROPOSED A RATHER DIFFERENT COURSE OF ACTION. AN EARLIER TRANSMARK REPORT ON VICRAIL'S GRAIN FREIGHT OPERATIONS WAS RELEASED BY MR MACLELLAN WITHIN DAYS OF ITS RECEIPT. WHY IS THEIR SECOND REPORT BEING HIDDEN FROM THE PUBLIC? THESE ARE SERIOUS QUESTIONS. IT SEEMS EXTRAORDINARY THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO CLOSE A SUBURBAN LINE CARRYING 13,000 PASSENGERS A DAY WHEN EVEN IN EFFICIENCY- CONSCIOUS JAPAN, THE LATEST RATIONALISATION PLAN ADOPTS 4000 PASSENGERS A DAY AS THE CUTOFF POINT FOR RETAINING RAILWAY SERVICES RATHER THAN REPLACING THEM WITH BUSES. IF MR MACLELLAN FAILS TO MAKE PUBLIC THE INFORMATION ON WHICH THE DECISION WAS BASED, THE VOTERS MAY CONCLUDE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS RESORTING TO BJELKE- PETERSEN RULE IN WHICH ITS OWN SUPPORTERS ARE REWARDED AT THE COST OF THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" THIS GENERATION IS BEING CONTINUALLY REMINDED OF THE LIMITED EXTENT OF THE EARTH'S NATURAL RESOURCES. DEPOSITS SUCH AS COAL, OIL AND MINERALS ARE FINITE AND NON-RENEWABLE - HENCE THE NEED TO CONSERVE THEM, ALTHOUGH THEY MIGHT OUTLAST OUR OWN LIFETIME. ONE RESOURCE THAT RECEIVES FAR LESS ATTENTION IS TIME. TIME ALSO RUNS OUT EVENTUALLY. MANY SCIENTISTS BELIEVE THAT THE UNIVERSE HAD A BEGINNING AND MUST THEREFORE HAVE AN ENDING, WHICH MEANS THAT TIME IS FINITE AND, FINALLY, EXHAUSTIBLE. BUT SINCE ITS ULTIMATE EXTINCTION APPEARS TO BE IN THE REMOTE, INDEFINITE FUTURE, WE TEND TO REGARD IT AS BEING IN UNLIMITED SUPPLY. BUT OF THE MILLIONS OF YEARS THAT CONSTITUTE TIME, THE LENGTH OF IT AVAILABLE TO ANY PERSON IS LIMITED, AND WILL BE EXHAUSTED LONG BEFORE THE OIL AND COAL WE ARE SO ANXIOUS TO CONSERVE. AS A CAR ENGINE LASTS ONLY FOR SO MANY KILOMETRES, THE HUMAN ORGANISM WEARS OUT AFTER A GIVEN NUMBER OF YEARS. THEN, FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CONCERNED, TIME ENDS. THREE THOUSAND YEARS AGO A POET OBSERVED THAT THE LENGTH OF TIME MOST PEOPLE OF HIS DAY LIVED WAS ABOUT 70 YEARS: ABOUT 25,500 DAYS. THAT IS A SMALL TIME SLOT IN THE LONG PERSPECTIVE OF HISTORY, AND NOT GREATLY EXCEEDED, ON AVERAGE, TODAY. EVERY 31 DECEMBER MARKS THE END OF AN ANNUAL INSTALMENT OF A PERSON'S TIME; EVERY SUNSET CROSSES OFF ANOTHER DAY, AND LEAVES ONE DAY LESS TO LIVE. A CHILD EXPECTS HIS TIME SPAN TO LAST TO ITS FULLEST EXTENT, ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT ONE DAY HE WILL BE AN OLD MAN LIKE GRANDPA. MEDICAL RESEARCHERS HAVE DONE MUCH TO ENCOURAGE THAT EXPECTATION. THEY HAVE ERADICATED MOST CAUSES OF INFANT MORTALITY, CONQUERED OTHER LIFE- DESTROYING DISEASES, AND FOUND MEANS OF PROLONGING THE LIVES OF OLDER PEOPLE. BUT SIMULTANEOUSLY OTHER LIFE-SHORTENING FACTORS HAVE BEEN CREATED WHICH LEAVE THE AVERAGE LIFE SPAN MUCH AS IT WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CENTURY. PREMATURE DEATH ON THE ROADS, FOR EXAMPLE, IS ONE SUCH FACTOR. ALTHOUGH IN THIS STATE ROAD FATALITIES HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY MEASURES SUCH AS THE .05 ALCOHOL LEVEL FOR DRIVERS, SPEED LIMITS AND SEAT-BELT LEGISLATION, EVERY YEAR HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE NEEDLESSLY DIE IN SMASHES - MOST OF THEM BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 25: AN AVERAGE OF ONLY 7300 DAYS. THAT EXPENDABLE THING CALLED TIME, THEREFORE, RUNS OUT SOONER OR LATER, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, FOR EVERY ONE OF US. TO MANY THINKERS IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE THAT A MAN-MADE OBJECT, SAY A PYRAMID IN EGYPT, SHOULD ENDURE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, WHILE THE HIGHLY DEVELOPED CREATURE WHO PLANS AND CONSTRUCTS IT SHOULD LAST BUT A FEW THOUSAND DAYS. IT WOULD BE AN ANTI-CLIMAX WERE HE TO END IN A HOLE IN THE GROUND OR AS A LITTLE PILE OF ASHES IN A CREMATORIUM. TIME, THEY BELIEVE, IS BUT A PRELUDE TO ETERNITY; DEATH, THE TRANSITION FROM A TIME- DIMENSION OF BEING INTO A FULLER ONE - A THOUGHT WORTH REFLECTING ON AS A YEAR OF TIME PASSES AND WE ENTER ANOTHER. MONDAY 29 DECEMBER 1980 "THE KREMLIN'S DECADE OF CHANGE" THE SOVIET EMPIRE, STRETCHING FROM THE BERLIN WALL AND THE KHYBER PASS TO THE BERING STRAIT, CUTS A FORBIDDING IMAGE IN THE WEST. IT MUST BE NO LESS FORBIDDING TO THE TINY GROUP OF OLD RUSSIAN COMMUNISTS WHO HAVE TO RUN IT. THE VASTNESS OF TERRITORY UNDER THEIR CONTROL MIGHT SEEM A COMFORT. THAT AND THE RUSSIAN WINTER HAVE SAVED THE DAY IN THE PAST AND ENCOURAGED THE BELIEF THAT BORDERS SHOULD BE PUSHED AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE. TO VIEW THE WORLD FROM MOSCOW, HOWEVER, AS IT PREPARES FOR THE 26TH COMMUNIST PARTY CONGRESS IN FEBRUARY, IS TO SCAN A FRONTIER THAT IS FRIGHTENINGLY LONG. ON THE OUTSIDE IS A RING OF HOSTILITY FROM ALASKA TO GREENLAND AND CHECKPOINT CHARLIE, FROM THE BOSPORUS AND PARTS OF THE MIDDLE EAST TO A THOUSAND MILLION CHINESE AND JAPAN. CHANGES IN THE STRATEGIC EQUATION AND THE PROMISE OF AMERICAN ASSERTIVENESS WILL HAVE RENEWED FEARS OF "CAPITALIST ENCIRCLEMENT", A NOTION THAT MR KHRUSHCHEV ABANDONED WITH THE POLICY OF "PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE". THERE IS OVERWHELMING CONCERN ABOUT WHAT THE KREMLIN SEES AS THE EMERGENCE OF AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES, CHINA AND JAPAN, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE REASONS FOR INVADING AFGHANISTAN A YEAR AGO, TO STRIKE A PATH THROUGH THE RING. CHINA, ABOVE ALL, IS RESURGENT, AT THE BEGINNING OF A MILITARY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WEST NOW THAT IT HAS BEEN FREED FROM MAO'S ANARCHIC FINAL YEARS. IN THE MIDDLE EAST THE CAMP DAVID PEACE PROCESS, ALTHOUGH STAGNANT FOR THE MOMENT, HAS EXCLUDED THE SOVIET UNION. ABOUT ITS ONLY FRIEND IN THE REGION IS SYRIA, AND MOSCOW CERTAINLY HAS AS LITTLE CONTROL AS WASHINGTON OVER IRAN, ITS WAR WITH IRAQ AND THE REVIVAL OF ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM. THE KREMLIN BACKED THE WRONG MAN IN ZIMBABWE, FINDS ITSELF AT ARM'S LENGTH IN MOZAMBIQUE AND SEES ANGOLA TURNING INTO MORE OF AN OBLIGATION THAN AN OPPORTUNITY. CUBA HAS BECOME A DRAIN. THERE ARE NO FRIENDS IN ASIA EXCEPT INDIA AND VIETNAM, WHICH DRAW FAR GREATER BENEFIT FROM THE RELATIONSHIP THAN MOSCOW. INSIDE THE FRONTIER IS A PANDORA'S BOX OF NATIONALISMS AND ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY HELD TOGETHER IN THE END BY THE PRESENCE OR PROMISE OF THE SOVIET ARMY, A WARSAW PACT WHOSE ONLY COMMON GROUND MIGHT APPEAR TO BE MUTUAL SUSPICION AND SOMETIMES HATRED, AND GROWING POCKETS OF DISSIDENCE AND DISENCHANTMENT. IT IS A PICTURE OF VULNERABILITY. IN THE MIDDLE ARE THE MEN OF THE KREMLIN, ISOLATED BY PRIVILEGE, TRAPPED WITH A DISCREDITED AND UNWORKABLE IDEOLOGY, ISSUING ORDERS TO AN INFLEXIBLE, UNPRODUCTIVE AND WASTEFUL SYSTEM AND DEVOTING MUCH TIME TO KEEPING THEIR JOBS AND THE MULTITUDE OF FRINGE BENEFITS THAT DO NOT FOLLOW INTO RETIREMENT. UNTIL A FEW YEARS AGO, THESE LEADERS WHO CAME TO HIGH OFFICE AFTER THE PURGES OF THE LATE 1930S HAD TO WORRY ABOUT HOLDING ON TO THEIR LIVES AS WELL. THEY ARE INSECURE TO THEIR BONES. SO THEY PAMPER THE SECURITY FORCES WITH A BURDENSOME 14 PER CENT OF THE SOVIET GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT (THE UNITED STATES SPENDS 5 PER CENT), LIMP FROM ONE FAILED FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO ANOTHER, SACRIFICE EACH OTHER AS SCAPEGOATS AND DRAFT SOME OF THEIR BEST BRAINS TO PRESERVE THE MYTH OF THE MARXIST-LENINIST MONOLITH. IF THE WEST'S ECONOMIC CONDITION IS PARLOUS, THERE IS A CREEPING CRISIS DOWN ON THE SOVIET FARM, IN THE SOVIET FACTORY AND ON THE SOVIET OILFIELD. THE KREMLIN'S OWN FIGURES SUGGEST THAT ANOTHER AGRICULTURAL DISASTER IS IN THE MAKING. THE ECONOMY GIVES EVERY INDICATION OF WORSENING, INCREASING THE DANGER OF DOMESTIC DISSENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD. THE WORLD'S BIGGEST OIL PRODUCER FACES THE NEED TO IMPORT ENERGY. ON THE WHOLE IT IS A PICTURE OF A SOVIET UNION WHICH, DESPITE MASSIVE RESOURCES, FEELS INSECURE AND RELATIVELY UNSUCCESSFUL IN EVERY SPHERE EXCEPT THE MILITARY, AND EVEN THAT MAY BE IN DOUBT AFTER AFGHANISTAN. BUT THE LEADERS, WHILE THEY ARE VISIBLY CONCERNED AND TINKER WITH MODEST REFORMS, SHOW NO SIGN OF WILLINGNESS TO ADOPT THE DRASTIC MEASURES THAT ARE PROBABLY NECESSARY. THEIR AVERAGE AGE IS 70. MANY OF THEM ARE AILING. PRESIDENT BREZHNEV, THE SICKEST OF THEM ALL THESE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, NONETHELESS IS STILL CONSOLIDATING HIS HOLD ON POWER. OVER THE 17 YEARS OF HIS LEADERSHIP HE HAS GRADUALLY AND THOROUGHLY ELIMINATED ALL THE PODGORNYS AND POLYANSKYS, THE MAZUROVS AND KOSYGINS WHO WERE HIS CHIEF RIVALS. HE HAS CAREFULLY AND SUCCESSFULLY SOUGHT THE DEMOTION OF VIRTUALLY EVERY YOUNG BULL WHO MIGHT THROWUP A CHALLENGE OR BE QUALIFIED TO SUCCEED HIM. NEARLY ALL THE MOST LIKELY SUCCESSORS HAVE BEEN DENIED FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE POLITBURO. THE MAN WHO COBBLED TOGETHER A COALITION TO OUST MR KHRUSHCHEV - MR BREZHNEV'S PATRON - HAS NOT PERMITTED SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES TO DEVELOP AROUND HIMSELF. INSTEAD THE SOVIET UNION HAS AN ENTRENCHED GERONTOCRACY THAT WILL TAKE ANOTHER FIVE OR SIX YEARS TO DIE OFF OR BE DISGRACED. MR BREZHNEV HIMSELF, ALTHOUGH HE HAS LOOKED HEALTHIER OF LATE, COULD DIE OR FIND HIMSELF UNABLE TO CONTINUE WITHIN A YEAR OR TWO, WHICH WOULD MEAN AN INTERIM MAN AT THE TOP BEFORE THE NEW GENERATION COULD MOVE IN. IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT ANY INNOVATIVE REFORMS WILL COME BEFORE A SPRING CLEAN IN THE KREMLIN, AND EVEN THEN THE NEXT GENERATION, ALTHOUGH IT WILL BE EAGER TO INTRODUCE POLICY SHIFTS, MAY FIND ITSELF A PRISONER OF THE SYSTEM. THE HEIR-APPARENTS ARE MUCH YOUNGER THAN THE MEN THEY ARE WAITING TO REPLACE. THEY WERE BORN AFTER THE REVOLUTION, WERE CHILDREN DURING THE GREAT PURGES THAT MAY HAVE CARRIED OFF THEIR PARENTS, AND FOUGHT IN WORLD WAR II AS TEENAGERS. THEY STARTED THEIR RISE TO THE TOP AFTER MR KHRUSHCHEV HAD CONFIRMED HIS POSITION IN THE LATE 1950S. THEY ARE AT HOME WITH THE CONCEPT OF THE SOVIET UNION AS A SUPERPOWER. CERTAINLY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW GENERATION ARE BETTER EDUCATED. THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL TRAINING HAS BEEN SUPERIOR. INTERNATIONALLY THEY WILL BE MORE AT EASE AND IDEOLOGICALLY WILL FEEL LESS INHIBITED. THEY ARE THE PRODUCTS OF UTTERLY DIFFERENT TIMES AND THIS WILL BE REFLECTED IN THEIR ATTITUDES. PERHAPS THERE WILL BE A BOLD STREAK, EVEN A TASTE FOR FOREIGN ADVENTURES AND A DARING IN THE FACE OF DAUNTING AND DEMANDING PROBLEMS. BUT FIRST THERE ARE A FEW YEARS LEFT TO THE OLD REACTIONARIES, TRYING TO MUDDLE THROUGH ON THE STATUS QUO AND WITH NO COHERENT ANSWER TO MOSCOW'S BIGGEST QUESTION: HOW TO AFFORD THE ARMS RACE AND AT THE SAME TIME A BETTER STANDARD OF LIVING FOR THE PROLETARIAT. TUESDAY 30 DECEMBER 1980 "SETBACK FOR THE OPERA" ALL GOING WELL, 1981 WAS TO HAVE BEEN A BIG YEAR FOR MUSIC IN VICTORIA AND FOR OPERA IN MELBOURNE. THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAD DESIGNATED IT AS MUSIC YEAR, AND AS PART OF IT THE VICTORIA STATE OPERA WAS TO HAVE JOINED FORCES WITH THE AUSTRALIAN OPERA IN PRESENTING A 15-OPERA SEASON. FOUR OF THE OPERAS WERE TO HAVE BEEN MOUNTED BY THE VSO AND 11 BY THE NATIONAL COMPANY. ON PAPER IT LOOKED AN EXCITING PROSPECT: A FORTASTE OF THINGS TO COME ONCE THE VICTORIAN ARTS CENTRE IS FINISHED AND THE 2000-SEAT OPERA-BALLET HALL OPENS ITS DOORS FOR BUSINESS. BUT SUDDENLY THE PLANS HAVE GONE SOUR. MUSIC YEAR HAS BEEN DEFERRED UNTIL 1982, WHILE THE VSO HAS HAD A NASTY FINANCIAL SHOCK. INSTEAD OF THE $385,000 WHICH THE COMPANY HAD REQUESTED FROM THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL TO FINANCE ITS 1981 PROGRAMME, IT HAS BEEN GIVEN ONLY $45,000 - THE SAME AS FOR THE PRESENT YEAR. AS A RESULT THE COMPANY'S PLANS HAVE BEEN THROWN INTO TURMOIL. CONFIDENT OF GETTING THE MONEY, THE VSO HAD GONE AHEAD AND CONTRACTED ARTISTS, ANNOUNCED ITS SEASONS AND BEGUN SELLING TICKETS. BECAUSE OF THE SHORTFALL, THE COMPANY IS NOW FACED WITH THE UNPALATABLE PROSPECT OF HAVING TO TRIM ITS 1981 PROGRAMME OR CANCEL IT COMPLETELY. CONTRACTS MAY HAVE TO BE TERMINATED AND TICKET MONEY REFUNDED. NONE OF THIS WOULD HELP THE COMPANY'S REPUTATION, NOR ENDEAR IT TO ITS FAST-GROWING MELBOURNE AUDIENCE. THE VILLAIN OF THIS PARTICULAR OPERATIC PIECE IS NOT EASY TO PIN DOWN. PERHAPS THE VSO WAS NAIVE IN THINKING THAT IT WOULD GET THE MONEY IT HAD ASKED FOR. PERHAPS IT UNDERESTIMATED THE POWER OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPERA LOBBYISTS WHO HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS TRYING TO UNDERMINE THE REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF OPERA IN AUSTRALIA, COMMISSIONED BY THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL AND CARRIED OUT BY DR KEN MCKINNON. AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS REPORT RECOMMENDED THAT WHILE THE AO SHOULD REMAIN THE NATIONAL COMPANY, IT SHOULD SPEND MORE OF ITS TIME IN SYDNEY AND LESS TIME TOURING INTERSTATE. IT ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS THE VSO SHOULD BE BUILT UP PROGRESSIVELY TO THE POINT WHERE IT BECAME AN ALL-YEAR-ROUND ENSEMBLE. IN THE BELIEF THAT THE MCKINNON REPORT WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE VSO APPARENTLY WENT AHEAD AND MADE ITS PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR. THE FUTURE OF THE COMPANY'S 1981 SEASON NOW RESTS UPON A MEETING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL AND THE VICTORIAN MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS ON 6 JANUARY. BETWEEN THEM THEY MAY FIND A WAY OUT OF THE VSO'S CURRENT DIFFICULTIES. WE HOPE THEY CAN. CLEARLY, THE AFFAIR POINTS UP THE NEED FOR ALL SUBSIDISED COMPANIES (THEATRICAL AS WELL AS OPERATIC) TO KNOW WELL IN ADVANCE WHAT THEIR FUNDING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD WILL BE. IT IS ALSO CLEAR THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST STOP BEING EVASIVE AND DECIDE WHETHER TO CARRY OUT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MCKINNON REPORT OR NOT. UNTIL IT DOES, NEITHER THE VSO NOR THE NATIONAL COMPANY CAN PLAN AHEAD WITH ANY CONFIDENCE. "A MISUSE OF OUR MONEY" ALL GOVERNMENTS FROM TIME TO TIME SPEND TAXPAYERS' MONEY ON MEDIA ADVERTISING TO PUBLICISE GOVERNMENT SERVICES OR TO PASS ON INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO US. SINCE THE PUBLIC ITSELF IS THE BENEFICIARY OF THIS ADVERTISING, IT IS A LEGITIMATE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS AND NO REASONABLE PERSON WOULD COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. IT IS QUITE A DIFFERENT MATTER, HOWEVER, WHEN OUR TAX MONEY IS USED FOR MEDIA ADVERTISING DESIGNED TO BENEFIT THE RULING PARTY ITSELF. THE HAMER GOVERNMENT'S PRESENT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN ON TV, RADIO AND IN THE PRESS TO PROMOTE ITS "NEW DIRECTIONS FOR VICTORIA" IS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE. ITS SOLE PURPOSE IS TO PUBLICISE LIBERAL PARTY POLICIES - AND MINISTERS - AND TO SELL THEM TO THE VOTERS IN AN ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE. THIS PARTISAN PIECE OF SELF-PROMOTION WILL COST VICTORIAN TAXPAYERS $160,000. AT THE SAME TIME THE HAMER GOVERN- MENT IS CUTTING OFF FUNDS TO GROUPS ASSISTING LOW-INCOME TENANTS AND PEOPLE SEEKING LODGING. IT IS DOING SO ON THE GROUNDS OF REDUCING WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT SPENDING. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR SUCH A BLATANT MISUSE OF TAXPAYERS' MONEY. THE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN IS OF NO VALUE TO THE PUBLIC; THE ONLY INTERESTS IT SERVES ARE THOSE OF THE LIBERAL PARTY. THE VICTORIAN BRANCH OF THE LIBERALS SHOULD OFFER IMMEDIATELY TO REIMBURSE THE STATE TREASURY FOR THE WHOLE COSTS OF THE CAMPAIGN - SO THAT GOVERNMENT FUNDS CAN BE SPENT WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED. "OUR EMPTY MAIL BOXES" AFTER THE LONG CHRISTMAS BREAK, MANY OF US YESTERDAY WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING THE MAIL. BUSINESS WAS BACK AT WORK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE DAYS; PEOPLE AT HOME WERE HOPING FOR A WORD FROM FRIENDS. WE WERE ALL DISAPPOINTED. THERE WAS NO MAIL FOR ANYONE BECAUSE THE WORKERS OF AUSTRALIA POST WERE ENJOYING AN EXTRA DAY'S HOLIDAY. OTHER COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVANTS WERE ENJOYING THE EXTRA DAY OFF AS WELL AS THE POSTAL WORKERS. BUT SUCH AN INDULGENCE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DEPRIVE THE PUBLIC OF A SERVICE AS IMPORTANT AS THE POST. SIX DAYS BETWEEN MAIL DELIVERIES IS FAR TOO LONG, AND THE QUEUES FOR STAMPS AT THE TELECOM COUNTERS AT THE GPO YESTERDAY WERE TESTIMONY TO THE FACT THAT THE WORKING PUBLIC NEEDS A WORKING POSTAL SERVICE. WHY SHOULD FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE AN EXTRA HOLIDAY OF THEIR OWN WHEN, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, THEY WOULD ALREADY HAVE NINE DAYS OFF IN THE 16 DAYS FROM 20 DECEMBER TO 4 JANUARY? OUR EMPTY MAIL BOXES YESTERDAY SHOULD DRAW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO BRING THE WORK BENEFITS OF PUBLIC SERVANTS - SUCH AS HOLIDAYS AND SUPERANNUATION - BACK INTO LINE WITH THOSE OF THE PUBLIC WHICH PAYS FOR THEM. FRIDAY 2 JANUARY 1981 "THE STRUGGLE IN EL SALVADOR" THE RESURGENCE OF VIOLENCE AND TURMOIL IN CENTRAL AMERICA WILL PROVIDE ONE OF PRESIDENT REAGAN'S FIRST FOREIGN POLICY TESTS. SOME OF THE MORE CONSERVATIVE IN WASHINGTON SEEK A RETURN TO THE SIMPLE DAYS OF REWARDING WITHOUT QUESTION AMERICA'S FRIENDS ON THE ISTHMUS, IN OTHER WORDS, ANY REGIME THAT IS ANTI- COMMUNIST. THERE ARE EVEN SUGGESTIONS OF A RETURN TO GREEN BERET DIPLOMACY. PRESIDENT CARTER TRIED PRAGMATISM, THEY ARGUE, AND LOOK WHERE THAT LED. IT IS TRUE THAT THE CARTER POLICY WAS OPEN TO CHARGES OF MISJUDGMENT, INEPTNESS AND INCONSISTENCY. BUT HOWEVER HARSHLY HE MAY BE JUDGED, MR CARTER HAD HIS HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE. HIS STATE DEPARTMENT AT LEAST TRIED TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE FORCES OF CHANGE IN CENTRAL AMERICA. THE SIX TINY NATIONS BECAME A LABORATORY FOR DEALING WITH THIRD WORLD CHANGE IN GENERAL. MR CARTER'S EXPERIMENTS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS AND RADICAL ELEMENTS WERE SINGLED OUT BY MR REAGAN DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN AS AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY AND A DESERTION OF TRADITIONALLY DEPENDABLE AMERICAN ALLIES. AT NO TIME WERE THE CRIES LOUDER THAN WHEN AID TO THE CIVILIAN-MILITARY JUNTA IN EL SALVADOR WAS SUSPENDED A MONTH AGO AFTER THE RAPE AND MURDER OF FOUR NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONARIES. THEIR DEATHS FOLLOWED THE KILLING OF NEARLY 10,000 SALVADORIANS IN A YEAR AND UNDERLINED STRONG SUSPICIONS THAT THE JUNTA WAS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO CONTROL THE REPRESSIVE POLICE FORCE AND ARMY. THE WITHHOLDING OF AID WAS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE MODERATE AND REFORMIST MEMBERS OF THE JUNTA IN THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD THEN GAIN THE UPPER HAND AGAINST THE RIGHT-WINGERS. IT WAS A FINE GESTURE IN THEORY. UNHAPPILY, HOWEVER, THERE ARE NO MODERATES OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE LEFT IN EL SALVADOR. THE REFORMISTS HAVE BEEN KILLED, SILENCED OR FORCED OUT OF THE COUNTRY. THERE IS NO TRUE POLITICAL CENTRE AND ONE CANNOT BE CREATED BY WELL-MEANING OUTSIDERS. THE COUNTRY MAY HAVE A NEW CIVILIAN PRESIDENT BUT THE DECISIONS ARE STILL MADE BY RIGHT-WING MILITARY OFFICERS. YET TO SEE THE STRUGGLE IN EL SALVADOR, OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN CENTRAL AMERICA, PURELY IN TERMS OF LEFT-RIGHT CONFLICT WOULD BE INACCURATE. IT IS A WAR BETWEEN THE LAND OWNERS, THE INDUSTRIALISTS AND THE ARMY ON THE ONE HAND AND THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION, THE PEASANTS, ON THE OTHER. THOSE WITH THE MONEY AND PROPERTY, TERRIFIED OF BEING DISPOSSESSED, ARE IN ALLIANCE WITH THOSE WHO CONTROL THE SECURITY FORCES AND CERTAINLY ARE NOT HESITANT ABOUT USING THEM. THE VICTIMS ARE THE PEASANTS, CONDEMNED TO THE DESPERATE POVERTY OF A FEUDAL SYSTEM AND FORCED THROUGH CRUELTY TO ACQUIESCE OR SEEK VIOLENT CHANGE. THOSE IN WASHINGTON WHO ARGUE THAT THE ONLY WAY OF STEMMING CUBA'S GROWING INFLUENCE IS TO RE-ESTABLISH CLOSE TIES WITH THE REGION'S MILITARY-DOMINATED REGIMES SEEM TO FORGET ONE IMPORTANT THING. THEY ARE PROPOSING TO PERPETUATE THE VERY CONDITIONS THAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE LEFTIST REBELLIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT IS AS HARD TO BLAME THOSE WHO CHOOSE ARMED REVOLUTION IN CENTRAL AMERICA AS IT IS TO CONVINCE THEM THAT COMMUNISM IS FULL OF EMPTY PROMISES. IN MANY CASES THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH NO CHOICE. AT HOME THEY SEE DICTATORSHIP AND CORRUPTION AT THE TOP AND SEETHING POVERTY AND BACKWARDNESS AT THE BOTTOM. ABROAD THEY SEE THE END OF A CARTER ADMINISTRATION THAT TRIED TO HELP AND FAILED. ABOVE ALL, THEY SEE A PRESIDENT- ELECT REAGAN, WHOSE OVERWHELMING CONCERN ABOUT THE AMBITIONS OF DR CASTRO MAY LEAD HIM INTO AN UNCRITICAL EMBRACE OF MILITARY DICTATORSHIP AND OPPRESSION. SUCH SUPPORT WOULD INCREASE THE APPEAL OF THE LEFTISTS AND SPEED THEIR VICTORY. "TIME TO ABOLISH BRITISH HONORS" THIS YEAR'S NEW YEAR HONORS LIST HAD BARELY BEEN ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE GREEK COMMUNITY WAS REGISTERING A PROTEST. THEIR COMPLAINT IS THAT PEOPLE WITH AN ETHNIC BACKGROUND ARE HARDLY EVER HONORED. THE GREEK COMMUNITY HAS A POINT. THE HONORS DISHED OUT BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND BY THE FOUR NON-LABOR STATE GOVERNMENTS ARE NARROWLY REPRESENTATIVE. ALL TOO OFTEN THEY ARE A THINLY DISGUISED REWARD FOR SERVICE TO THE RULING PARTY. MOST GOVERNMENTS HAVE AN HONORS SYSTEM WHICH RECOGNISES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE. THIS IS FAIR ENOUGH WHEN THE AWARDS ARE MADE BY AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE AND NOT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY. THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA, WHICH THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED, FOLLOWS THIS PATTERN. BUT THE IMPERIAL HONORS ARE STILL VERY MUCH THE PREROGATIVE OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE PREMIERS. FEW ARE MADE AT THE DIRECT INSTIGATION OF THE QUEEN. MOST FOLLOW RECOMMENDATIONS MADE AT THIS END BY GOVERN- MENTS AND THEIR ADVISERS. ALL TOO OFTEN THEY ABUSE THEIR POSITION OF PATRONAGE, DEBASING THE AWARDS IN THE PROCESS. THE WAY ROUND THE PROBLEM IS TO ABOLISH THE ANACHRONISTIC BRITISH HONORS AND TO REPLACE THEM WITH AN HONORS SYSTEM WHICH IS AUSTRALIAN IN CHARACTER AND WHICH REWARDS GENUINE ACHIEVEMENT OR PUBLIC SERVICE. WHAT IS NEEDED IS A SYSTEM TO REGAIN THE RESPECT OF THE COMMUNITY, NOT ONE WHICH HAS BEEN CHEAPENED OVER THE YEARS AND WHICH IS NOW THE BUTT OF JOKES AND CYNICAL COMMENT. SATURDAY 3 JANUARY 1981 "CHANGE AT THE TOP IN CHINA" FOR HUA GUOFENG, CHINA'S COMMUNIST PARTY CHAIRMAN AND UNTIL RECENTLY PRIME MINISTER AS WELL, IT HAS BEEN A SLOW POLITICAL DEATH WHICH CAME QUICKLY AT THE END. IT NOW REMAINS FOR A MEETING OF THE PARTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE, TO BE HELD SOON, TO "ACCEPT" MR HUA'S RESIGNATION AND DECIDE ON A SUCCESSOR, EXPECTED TO BE MR HU YAOBANG, THE PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY. IN A VERY CHINESE WAY, THE LEADERSHIP CHOSE A NEW YEAR'S DAY TEA PARTY TO DROP THE BROADEST HINT YET THAT THE UNFORTUNATE MR HUA WAS DOWN, IF NOT OUT ALTOGETHER. MR HUA'S ABSENCE FROM THIS TRADITIONAL GATHERING OF THE PARTY LEADERSHIP WAS AS EXTRAORDINARY AS IT WAS POINTED. IT CAME AFTER WEEKS OF INTENSE SPECULATION IN THE CHINESE CAPITAL THAT THE MAN ANOINTED BY MAO TSETUNG ON HIS DEATHBED WAS ON THE WAY OUT. HOW FAR MR HUA HAS FALLEN WILL NOT BE REVEALED UNTIL AFTER THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE HAS DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM OF SUCCESSION. THE REASONS FOR HIS DEPARTURE AFTER A LITTLE MORE THAN FOUR YEARS IN THE JOB MAY BE DEALT WITH ONLY SKETCHILY IN PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE PARTY CENTRE. THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION APPEARS TO BE THAT MR HUA IS THE LOSER IN A POWER STRUGGLE IN THE HIGHER REACHES OF THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY, A STRUGGLE WHICH HAS SEEN THE DENGIST FACTION TIGHTEN ITS GRIP ON LEADING POSITIONS. DENG XIAOPING, A VICE-CHAIRMAN, NOMINALLY NUMBER THREE IN THE HIERARCHY, IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE MOST POWERFUL FIGURE IN THE LEADERSHIP. IF HIS LONG-TERM STRATEGY WHEN HE BEGAN REASSERTING HIS INFLUENCE IN 1978 WAS TO GET HIS OWN MEN INTO POSITIONS OF POWER, THEN HE APPEARS TO BE WITHIN REACH OF ACHIEVING HIS OBJECTIVE. IN MID-1980, MR DENG HELPED ENGINEER MR HUA'S "RESIGNATION" FROM THE PRIME MINISTERSHIP, A POSITION HE HELD FROM CHOU EN-LAI'S DEATH IN 1976. HAVING ACHIEVED THAT WEAKENING OF THE HUAIST POSITION, THE DENGISTS THEN SET ABOUT WRESTLING THE CHAIRMANSHIP FROM HIM. THIS CAMPAIGN, EMBARRASSINGLY POINTED AT TIMES, WAS CARRIED THROUGH THE PAGES OF THE 'PEOPLE'S DAILY', PRODUCING THE EXTRAORDINARY SPECTACLE OF THE PARTY LEADER BEING SNIPED AT FROM THE COLUMNS OF THE PARTY NEWSPAPER. IT HAS BEEN OBVIOUS FROM THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR THAT A QUITE INTENSE CAMPAIGN AIMED AT MR HUA HAS BEEN IN PROGRESS. ITS ULTIMATE AIM: TO TOPPLE HIM FROM THE CHAIRMANSHIP. IF THERE IS A SURPRISE IN THE WAY THINGS HAVE TURNED OUT, IT IS THAT THE END HAS COME QUICKER AND LESS GRACEFULLY THAN EXPECTED. WHY THIS SHOULD BE SO IS A QUESTION THAT MAY NEVER BE ANSWERED SATISFACTORILY, BUT IS ALMOST CERTAINLY CONNECTED IN SOME WAY WITH THE GANG OF FOUR TRIAL NOW IN ITS LAST STAGES AND WITH THE ACCELERATED PROCESS OF "DE-MAOISATION" WHICH WAS A FEATURE OF THE CHINESE POLITICAL SCENE THROUGH THE SECOND HALF OF 1980. THE HAPLESS MR HUA, DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF MAO, WHO GOT WHERE HE DID BECAUSE OF THE GREAT HELMSMAN'S PATRONAGE, IS PARTLY A CASUALTY OF THE DIMINISHED MAOIST REPUTATION. WHAT NOW FOR THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP AFTER AN APPARENTLY BRUISING EXPERIENCE? WILL IT SUCCESSFULLY REFORM AND REGROUP TO CAPTURE THE UNITY AND STABILITY WHICH ELUDED IT THROUGH LAST YEAR? A LESSON IN ALL THIS, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE WHO WERE INSISTING THROUGH 1980 THAT TALK OF TENSION IN THE LEADERSHIP WAS EXAGGERATED, IS THAT FACTIONALISM IS ALMOST NEVER ABSENT FROM CHINESE POLITICS. ONE FACTION APPEARS TO HAVE WON. THE TEST FOR THE DENGISTS WILL BE HOW WELL THEY DEAL WITH CHINA'S IMMENSE ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME INJECTING SOME VITALITY INTO THE CHINESE COMMUNITY PARTY, WHICH DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. HAVING SECURED THE TOP POSITIONS IN THE PARTY AND THE STATE, THEIR POLICIES MAY BE FRUSTRATED IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER REACHES OF THE PARTY AND THE BUREAUCRACY, HOME, NO DOUBT, OF MANY SYMPATHETIC TO MR HUA. MR DENG HIMSELF MAY NOT HAVE WON MANY FRIENDS OUTSIDE THE LEADERSHIP GROUP BY THE APPARENTLY QUITE RUTHLESS FASHION IN WHICH HE WENT ABOUT GETTING RID OF HUA GUOFENG. THIS MAY BE A SOURCE OF CONTINUING IRRITATION IN PARTY RANKS. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" CHRISTMAS IS PAST, THE INAPPROPRIATE MEAL DIGESTED, AND IT IS TO BE HOPED THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE EQUALLY READ, MARKED AND LEARNED FOR USE IN THE NEW YEAR. THIS IS MORE DIFFICULT TO DO IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE. IN THE NORTHERN IT IS DRAMATICALLY ILLUSTRATED BY THE SHORT DAYS AND EARLY DARKNESS, BY THE FROZEN GROUND BARREN TO THE EYE AND BY THE GAUNT AND LEAFLESS TREES. WITH SO MANY MONTHS TO WAIT FOR SPRING, THE BARRENNESS OF LIFE AND THE NEED FOR THE REASSURANCE OF HOPE CAN BE FELT INTENSELY. THE EARLY CHURCH WAS WISE TO TIE THE EXPRESSION OF ITS NEW TRUTHS TO THE ANCIENT MYTHS OF NATURE. THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION BY MEANS OF THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD INTO THE WORLD CAN MEAN LITTLE WITHOUT THE ACCEPTANCE FIRST OF MAN'S NEED; AND MAN'S NEED IS THE CONSEQUENCE OF HIS FALL. THIS CONCEPT IS COMMON TO ALMOST ALL THE ANCIENT MYTHOLOGIES AND THE STORY IN GENESIS IS NOT EVEN JEWISH BUT COMES FROM BABYLON OR FARTHER EAST. MANKIND MUST VERY EARLY HAVE BECOME CONSCIOUS OF THE PREDICAMENT EXPRESSED MUCH LATER IN NEAR DESPAIR BY ST PAUL "FOR THE GOOD THAT I WOULD I DO NOT; BUT THE EVIL WHICH I WOULD NOT THAT I DO". THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF GOOD AND EVIL IS THE FRUIT OF THAT FORBIDDEN TREE AND THE REPEATED EMERGENCE OF THIS STORY OR SOMETHING LIKE IT IS EVIDENCE OF HOW EARLY MAN'S CONSCIENCE BECAME AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS IT PRESENTS. FOR MANY HUNDREDS OF YEARS, AND MORE PARTICULARLY SINCE THE PURITAN REVOLUTIONS, THIS IDEA OF ORIGINAL SIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH SEX, AND MUCH TRAGEDY HAS FLOWED FROM THE ERROR. THE REAL AND BASIC SIN FROM WHICH MAN NEEDS TO BE SAVED IS NOT SEX, WHICH IS AT LEAST MUTUAL, BUT SELFISHNESS. TO ALL MEN AND WOMEN, UNREGENERATE-THAT IS, NOT BORN AGAIN - SELFISHNESS IS THE NATIVE AND MOST DESTRUCTIVE OF ALL TEMPTATIONS. AMONG THE PRIMITIVE SOCIETIES DISCOVERED BY EARLY TRAVELLERS, IN THOSE THAT SEEMED MOST LIKE THE GARDEN OF EDEN MEN AND WOMEN LIVED TOGETHER IN HARMONY AND THE SOCIETY HELD ALL THEIR GOODS IN COMMON AND FOR THE COMMON GOOD. THE ARRIVAL OF THE WEST UPON THEM BROUGHT NOT ONLY MEASLES AND TUBERCULOSIS, IT ALSO BROUGHT SELF-SEEKING AND THE JOYS AND PAINS OF COMPETITIVE GREED. HERE THEN WE ACCEPT SELFISHNESS AS MAN'S ORIGINAL SIN, AND YET LIVE DEVOTED TO A FREE ENTERPRISE SOCIETY BASED LARGELY ON MOTIVES OF PROFIT MAKING AND SELF-AGGRANDISEMENT. IS THIS A GROSS HYPROCRISY OR ARE THE TWO CONCEPTS COMPATIBLE? THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT CONCERNING THE ADVANTAGES WHICH FREE ENTERPRISE HAS BROUGHT TO WESTERN SOCIETY, AND THERE IS CONSIDERABLE DOUBT FROM THE EVIDENCE OF RUSSIA AS TO WHETHER ANY OTHER ECONOMIC SOCIETY CAN PROSPER TO THE ADVANTAGE OF ITS CITIZENS. THERE IS NO DOUBT ALSO THAT IN THE PAST THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM HAS FLOURISHED AT THE COST OF MONSTROUS INJUSTICE TO ITS WEAKER MEMBERS. WE ARE, EVEN NOW, BEING CONSTANTLY TOLD THAT THE RICH NATIONS ARE BECOMING RICHER AND THE POOR POORER, AND THAT THIS IS HAPPENING EVEN IN OUR OWN SO FORTUNATE COUNTRY. NO OTHER METHOD PRESENTS US WITH ANY PROMISE OF A GREATER SUCCESS. THIS THEN IS THE DILEMMA. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WHICH WE SHOULD SET OUT TO SOLVE IN THE NEW YEAR. A SPURIOUSLY SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY SUCH AS OURS IS UNLIKELY TO FIND MUCH INSPIRATION FROM THE STORY OF ADAM AND EVE. IS IT ANY MORE LIKELY TO FIND IT FROM CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE? AND WHAT HAS CHRISTIAN TEACHING TO SAY ON THIS PARTICULAR POINT? CHRIST WAS NOT A POLITICAL REVOLUTIONARY. IF HE HAD BEEN, HE WOULD SURELY HAVE OPENLY CONDEMNED SLAVERY, AN INSTITUTION UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED IN HIS DAY. HE DID NOT, BUT IT FOLLOWED FROM HIS TEACHING THAT SLAVES WERE HUMAN BEINGS TO BE RESPECTED AND LOVED WITHOUT CONSIDERATION OF THEIR STATION. THE SAME LOVE INCLUDED SOLDIERS, PUBLICANS AND PROSTITUTES. HE ACCEPTED THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIS DAY; HIS PURPOSE WAS TO TRANSMUTE THEM INTO VEHICLES BY MEANS OF WHICH HIS LOVE OF HUMANITY COULD BE EXTENDED. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK OF THE FREE ENTERPRISE SOCIETY? SEEING ITS ADVANTAGES AND ITS POTENTIAL, WE SHOULD ALSO RECOGNISE ITS DANGERS AND ITS TEMPTATIONS. USING, AS IT HAS TO DO, ONE OF MAN'S BASIC CHARACTERISTICS, HIS SELF-INTEREST, IT MUST BE TRANSMUTED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO USE ANOTHER CHARACTERISTIC: HIS CAPACITY FOR RESPONSIBILITY, FOR COMPASSION AND FOR JUSTICE. IT MUST RECOGNISE THAT WITHOUT THE OPERATION OF THESE BY THE STRONG, THE WEAKER WILL GO TO THE WALL, WHETHER IN OUR OWN COUNTRY OR IN THE STILL UNDEVELOPED WORLD. THAT IS A PURPOSE WORTH THINKING ABOUT IN THE NEW YEAR. THIS IS WHERE HOPE LIES IN SPITE OF THE DARKNESS. MONDAY 5 JANUARY 1981 "CITY COUNCIL SLANGING MATCH" NOT SURPRISINGLY, THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO SACK THE MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL AND TO REPLACE IT WITH AN INTERIM ADMINISTRATION HAS TRIGGERED OFF AN ANGRY RESPONSE FROM COUNCILLORS. THE LORD MAYOR, COUNCILLOR WOODRUFF, HAS EXPRESSED QUALIFIED SUPPORT FOR THE RESTRUCTURING. BUT HIS VIEW IS NOT SHARED BY MANY OF HIS FELLOW COUNCILLORS. COUNCILLOR IRVIN ROCKMAN, FOR EXAMPLE, HAS ENGAGED IN A PUBLIC SLANGING MATCH WITH THE PREMIER, MR HAMER, ACCUSING THE GOVERNMENT OF DOING WHAT IT DID IN ORDER TO BOLSTER ITS OWN IMAGE AND APPEAR FORCEFUL AND RESPONSIBLE; WHILE COUNCILLOR LINTON LETHLEAN HAS DESCRIBED THE GOVERNMENT'S ACTION AS "A CHEAP POLITICAL TRICK". SYSTEMATIC EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DISCREDIT THE GOVERNMENT, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME EMPHASISING WHAT THE COUNCILLORS SEE AS THE COUNCIL'S REAL AND POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS. IN THIS CONTEXT TWO MOVES WILL BE DISCUSSED - AND PROBABLY APPROVED - AT TODAY'S SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. ONE IS A REFERENDUM OF RATEPAYERS ON THE QUESTION OF RESTRUCTURING. THE OTHER IS A COUNCIL-FUNDED CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO PUT THE COUNCIL IN A BETTER PUBLIC LIGHT. THE ATTITUDE OF THE CITY'S RATEPAYERS TO THE GOVERNMENT'S MOVE IS HARD TO GAUGE, ALTHOUGH RESIDENTS OF EAST MELBOURNE HAVE BEEN HEARD MUTTERING UNHAPPILY ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF BEING HANDED OVER TO EITHER RICHMOND OR COLLINGWOOD COUNCIL AND SIMILAR MUTTERINGS HAVE BEEN HEARD IN PARTS OF CARLTON ABOUT ANNEXATION BY EITHER FITZROY OR BRUNSWICK. THE GOVERNMENT, FOR ITS PART, HAS SAID IT WILL GO AHEAD WITH RESTRUCTURING THE CITY COUNCIL, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT THE RATEPAYERS THINK. IN THE WORDS OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER, MR CROZIER: "THE COUNCIL CAN CALL AS MANY REFERENDUMS AS IT LIKES, BUT IT WILL MAKE NO DIFFERENCE." THE GOVERNMENT, IN SHORT, HAS MADE ITS DECISION, AND THAT IS THAT. FOR A GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR CONSULTATION BETWEEN COMMUNITY GROUPS AND GOVERNMENT, EITHER STATE OR LOCAL, THIS IS A BOLD AND POTENTIALLY RISKY ATTITUDE TO TAKE. WHAT HAPPENS, FOR EXAMPLE, IF A REFERENDUM SHOWS THAT A CLEAR MAJORITY OF RATEPAYERS ARE OPPOSED TO THE GOVERNMENT'S ACTION? THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE HARD PUT TO ARGUE THEN THAT IT WAS TAKING ACTION IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC NEED OR PRESSURE. THE LEAST IT COULD DO IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD BE TO RETHINK ITS PLANS. IN GENERAL, THOUGH, REFORM OF THE COUNCIL IS OVERDUE. OVER THE YEARS IT HAS BECOME A SYNONYM FOR INTRIGUE, INCOMPETENCE AND DITHERING. A CITY SQUARE THAT TOOK 10 YEARS TO BUILD AND A MALL IN BOURKE STREET THAT MR CROZIER APTLY DESCRIBES AS "HALF-BAKED" ARE SYMPTOMATIC OF THE COUNCIL'S INABILITY TO GET THINGS DONE. MELBOURNE'S PROBLEMS ARE NOT ALL OF THE COUNCIL'S MAKING. THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THEM TOO BY POOR OR CUMBERSOME PLANNING CONTROLS AND BY ITS OBSESSION WITH EXPENSIVE MONUMENTS. NONETHELESS, IF MELBOURNE IS TO GO AHEAD AT ALL (AS SYDNEY'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT HAS LATELY DONE) DRIVE, DYNAMISM AND IMAGINATIVE DECISION-MAKING ARE NECESSARY. ALL THREE QUALITIES HAVE BEEN IN SHORT SUPPLY AT THE TOWN HALL FOR YEARS. "A SPEED LIMIT OF 50 KMH?" THERE ARE OBVIOUS ATTRACTIONS IN THE IDEA OF REDUCING THE SPEED LIMIT FOR CARS ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AS POLICE ARE NOW PROPOSING. ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF STREETS ARE USED SOLELY AS TRAFFIC ARTERIES. MOST OF THE STREETS WE LIVE IN ARE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES BESIDES BEING THOROUGHFARES FOR CARS - KIDS KICK A FOOTBALL, THEY RIDE BIKES, WE CHAT WITH OUR NEIGHBORS. WHEN ALMOST ONE IN FOUR ROAD DEATHS TODAY ARE PEDESTRIANS, IT SEEMS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A LOWER SPEED LIMIT ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS SO THAT THEIR OTHER USES ARE MORE COMPATIBLE WITH THEIR TRAFFIC ROLE. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER OR NOT THIS GOOD IDEA WILL WORK IN PRACTICE. HOW WILL IT BE ENFORCED? EVEN WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 60 KMH AS WE HAVE AT PRESENT, IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT EVEN ONE IN 100 CASES OF SPEEDING ARE PICKED UP BY POLICE. THE LOWER THE SPEED LIMIT, THE LESS LIKELY THAT IT WILL BE OBSERVED. IF MOTORISTS ARE TO OBEY THE LOWER SPEED LIMIT, IT WOULD BE ONLY AFTER CONSIDERABLE RESOURCES HAD BEEN DEVOTED TO PUBLIC EDUCATION AND POLICE PATROLS TO MAKE SURE THAT DRIVERS ACQUIRE A NEW HABIT OF GOING SLOWLY ONCE OFF THE MAIN ROADS. THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT THE IDEA IS FUTILE. AN EXPERIMENT THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS IN GEELONG AS PART OF THAT CITY'S BIKEPLAN SUGGESTS THAT DRIVERS DO PAY SOME HEED TO THE LOWER SPEED LIMITS. THE GEELONG STUDY FOUND THAT DRIVERS AVERAGED ABOUT 65 KMH IN THE 60 KMH ZONES, BUT ONLY 55 KMH IN THE 40 KMH ZONES. WHATEVER THIS REVEALS ABOUT OUR OBSERVANCE OF THE LAW, IT SUGGESTS THAT THE LOWER SPEED LIMIT DOES INFLUENCE DRIVER BEHAVIOR - AND THUS MAKES THE STREETS SAFER. THE LOWER SPEED LIMIT WILL SOON BE GIVEN A TRIAL IN COLLINGWOOD, AND ONE WISHES IT WELL. BUT IT IS STILL TRUE THAT NOTHING IMPROVES ONE'S DRIVING LIKE THE SIGHT OF A POLICE CAR ON THE ROAD; OTHER MEASURES CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR POLICE PATROLS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE POLICE ARE EQUIPPED WITH PUFF BAGS. WE ALSO NEED TO PLACE MORE EMPHASIS ON TRAINING IN ROAD SAFETY WITHIN THE SCHOOLS. ROSTA HAS RECENTLY DEVELOPED A PROGRAMME TO TEACH PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN THE ART OF SAFE CYCLING. IF ALL SCHOOLS TAKE THIS UP, IT COULD PRODUCE A GENERATION BETTER TRAINED IN ROAD SAFETY THAN ANY BEFORE IT. TUESDAY 6 JANUARY 1981 "SWITCH ON THE ELECTRICITY GRID" SOME PROPOSALS EXCITE LITTLE COMMENT BECAUSE THEY OFFEND NO ONE; YET THEY INCLUDE SOME OF THE MOST USEFUL IDEAS ON THE AGENDA FOR ACTION. THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD A POWER GRID LINKING THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS OF THE FOUR SOUTH-EASTERN STATES IS ONE OF THESE. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY IT MAKES EXCELLENT SENSE. NOW THAT IT HAS WON THE PRESTIGIOUS BACKING OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, IT SHOULD SOON BECOME A HIGH PRIORITY FOR THE FIVE GOVERNMENTS INVOLVED. THE PROPOSAL PUT BY THE INSTITUTION IS FOR THREE LARGE TRANSMISSION LINES TO BE BUILT BY 1992 TO LINK THE VICTORIAN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH THOSE OF NSW, SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA. THE FIRST WOULD EXTEND THE CONTROVERSIAL ALCOA TRANSMISSION LINE FROM PORTLAND TO ADELAIDE BY 1987; A SECOND WOULD CROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE TO LINK THE LATROBE VALLEY TO GOULBURN BY 1990, AND THE THIRD WOULD GO UNDERWATER ALONG THE FLOOR OF BASS STRAIT TO BELL BAY, NEAR LAUNCESTON. THE TOTAL COST OF THE THREE WOULD BE $530 MILLION AT TODAY'S PRICES. WHAT WOULD SUCH A $530 MILLION GRID DO? IN ESSENCE, IT WOULD SAVE US HAVING TO BUILD NEW POWER STATIONS THAT WOULD BE FAR MORE EXPENSIVE. ALL STATE ELECTRICITY AUTHORITIES NOW MAINTAIN A LARGE AMOUNT OF GENERATING CAPACITY IN RESERVE TO SWITCH ON IN THOSE CRITICAL PERIODS WHEN AN UNEXPECTED MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN THROWS A MAJOR UNIT OUT OF OPERATION AT THE SAME TIME AS THERE IS A HEAVY DEMAND FROM CONSUMERS. THE VICTORIAN SEC, FOR INSTANCE, AIMS AT HAVING A GENERATING CAPACITY 30 PER CENT GREATER THAN THE EXPECTED MAXIMUM DEMAND TO COPE WITH ALL THE THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG. IT CAN ENSURE THIS AT PRESENT ONLY BY BUILDING MORE STATIONS AS DEMAND GROWS. THE PROPOSED INTERSTATE GRID WOULD GIVE US A DIFFERENT KIND OF INSURANCE, AND A CHEAPER ONE AT THAT. IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT ALL STATES WOULD EXPERIENCE SERIOUS MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS AT ONCE. IF THEY COULD POOL THEIR RESERVE CAPACITIES SO AS TO SUPPLY POWER TO EACH OTHER AT TIMES OF CRISIS, EACH COULD OPERATE WITH A SMALLER RESERVE CAPACITY - AND PUT OFF BUILDING NEW STATIONS. THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS ESTIMATES THAT THE MONEY SAVED BY BUILDING THE GRID WOULD REACH $2500 MILLION WITHIN 20 YEARS OF ITS OPERATION. THE GRID WOULD OFFER PARTICULAR BENEFITS TO VICTORIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA. VICTORIA NOW RELIES MAINLY ON MOIST BROWN COAL, WHICH IS TWO-THIRDS WATER AND HENCE DIFFICULT TO USE IN BOILERS WHICH HAVE TO SWITCH OFF AND START UP AGAIN IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN DEMAND. SOUTH AUSTRALIA, BY CONTRAST, IS BURNING ITS SCARCE NATURAL GAS 24 HOURS A DAY TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY, WHILE TASMANIA IS PRESSING ON WITH NEW HYDRO - ELECTRIC SCHEMES WHICH ARE THREATENING ITS JUSTLY FAMOUS SOUTH-WEST WILDERNESS. THE PROPOSED GRID COULD ALLOW ALL THREE STATES TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR POWER DEMAND AND SUPPLY TO USE THE RIGHT FUEL FOR THE RIGHT JOB. THE LATROBE VALLEY STATIONS COULD BURN BROWN COAL ROUND THE CLOCK TO PRODUCE FULL-TIME POWER FOR ALL THREE STATES, WHILE ADELAIDE'S GAS STATIONS AND TASMANIA'S HYDRO PLANT COULD BE KEPT FOR DAYTIME AND EVENING USE IN ALL THREE STATES. A LARGER SYSTEM WOULD GIVE EACH STATE MORE FLEXIBILITY, AND REDUCE COSTS ALL ROUND. IT WOULD ALSO REMOVE ANY JUSTIFICATION FOR TASMANIA TO DAM THE LOWER GORDON AND FRANKLIN RIVERS FOR HYDRO POWER. THE SOONER IT IS BUILT, THE BETTER. "CASE FOR NUDE BATHING BEACHES" ONCE AGAIN THE SUMMER HAS BROUGHT OUT THE POLICE, AS WELL AS NUDISTS, ON MELBOURNE'S BEACHES. THE POLICE, WHO HAVE ARRESTED AND CHARGED MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE AT SANDRINGHAM AND BLACK ROCK IN RECENT WEEKS, INSIST THAT NUDE BATHING ON A PUBLIC BEACH IS OFFENSIVE. NUDISTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, CLAIM THAT THEY ARE INDULGING IN HARMLESS RECREATION. IN OTHER STATES THIS PROBLEM OF CONFLICTING INTERESTS HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY GOVERNMENTS SETTING ASIDE PARTICULAR BEACHES FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF NUDE SUNBATHING. SYDNEY HAS ITS LADY JANE AND REEF BEACHES, ADELAIDE HAS MASLINS AND ROBE BEACH, DARWIN HAS CASUARINA, CANBERRA HAS ITS KAMBAH POOL, WHILE QUEENSLAND - YES, PRUDISH QUEENSLAND - HAS AN OFFICIAL NUDE BATHING BEACH AT GRANITE BAY, 150 KILOMETRES FROM BRISBANE. BUT DESPITE REPEATED CALLS FROM NUDISTS, AS WELL AS SURVEYS WHICH SHOW THAT AS MANY AS THREE OUT OF FOUR VICTORIANS SUPPORT THE IDEA OF OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMED AREAS FOR NUDE BATHING, THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT HAS DECLINED TO FOLLOW SUIT. THE FORMER MINISTER FOR YOUTH, SPORT AND RECREATION, MR DIXON, WENT SO FAR AS TO WRITE TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS REQUESTING THEIR VIEWS ON THE MATTER. HE SAID HE WAS PERSONALLY IN FAVOR OF SOME BEACHES OR INLAND WATER AREAS BEING SET ASIDE FOR NUDE BATHING. BUT HIS VIEW IS NOT SHARED BY CABINET. NO ONE IS SUGGESTING THAT PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO BATHE NAKED ON EVERY BEACH IN MELBOURNE. BUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH SETTING ASIDE A LIMITED NUMBER OF RELATIVELY SECLUDED BEACHES FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DO SO? SUCH BEACHES WOULD NOT BE THE EXCLUSIVE PROVINCE OF NUDISTS; THOSE WHO FIND NUDITY OFFENSIVE COULD SIMPLY STAY AWAY. THE STATE GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS WELL BEHIND PUBLIC OPINION ON THIS QUESTION, SHOULD RECONSIDER ITS STAND. THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 1981 "JAPAN AND THE SECURITY DEBATE" THE WESTERN ALLIANCE, AS USUAL, IS BAFFLED ABOUT JAPAN. TOKYO HAS THROWN UP ANOTHER DEFENCE BUDGET THAT WASHINGTON SEES AS COMPLACENTLY MODEST. THE AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT THE WORLD'S SECOND BIGGEST INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY IS PAYING LIP SERVICE TO THE DEFENCE OF THE "FREE WORLD" WHILE UNDERMINING ITS ECONOMIES THROUGH THE MERCILESS EXPORT OF GOODS. ACCORDING TO THE "FREE RIDE" SCHOOL, JAPAN WANTS TO HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. MANY WESTERNERS CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE JAPANESE FIGHT SHY OF DEVOTING EVEN 1 PER CENT OF THEIR GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT TO SECURITY, A FRACTION OF THE SPENDING IN NATO COUNTRIES AND A FIGURE OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO JAPAN'S ECONOMIC CLOUT. THEY SEE A COUNTRY THAT IMPORTS 90 PER CENT OF ITS ENERGY AND HALF ITS FOOD AND WHOSE DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED RESOURCES GROWS IN TANDEM WITH THE ECONOMY. JAPAN IS CRITICALLY DEPENDENT ON ITS INTERNATIONAL LIFELINE AND THEREFORE CRITICALLY VULNERABLE. EVEN IF IT SHOULD IGNORE ITS "FREE WORLD" RESPONSIBILITIES, WHAT ABOUT JAPAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ITSELF? IN PLAIN LANGUAGE, THEY SAY THAT AN UNDEFENDED COUNTRY AS INDUSTRIALLY DEVELOPED AND AFFLUENT AS JAPAN WILL BE DONE IN BY ITS NEIGHBORS. ALL OF THIS IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF A GREAT DEBATE AMONG JAPANESE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE END OF WORLD WAR II. FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS IT WAS TABOO TO QUESTION THE THREE PILLARS OF SECURITY: A MINIMAL SELF-DEFENCE CAPABILITY, THE AMERICAN NUCLEAR UMBRELLA, AND PEACEFUL DIPLOMACY - OR WHAT SOME CALL THE EVASION OF INTERNATIONAL ISSUES. (TO THESE MAY BE ADDED A FOURTH PILLAR: THAT JAPAN MAY HAVE BECOME ECONOMICALLY POWERFUL AND SECURE NOT SO MUCH THROUGH THE PROTECTION IT ENJOYED UNDER THE UNITED STATES AS BY REJECTING A HEAVY MILITARY BURDEN.) BUT TODAY DEFENCE SPENDING NO LONGER FACES UNBENDING OPPOSITION AND A DEBATE HAS FLOURISHED. PUBLIC OPINION IS CHANGING. A RECENT POLL SHOWED THAT EIGHT OUT OF 10 RESPONDENTS INDICATED SUPPORT FOR THE SELF-DEFENCE FORCE. MANY CALLED FOR AN INCREASED DEFENCE CAPABILITY. THE ARMY AGREES, OF COURSE, AND SO DOES A GROWING NUMBER OF BUSINESSMEN, INDUSTRIALISTS AND POLITICIANS OF WHOM SOME WILL HAVE VESTED INTERESTS TO PURSUE. THE RULING LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS SYMPATHETIC TO EXPANDING MILITARY EXPENDITURE AND HAS THE PARLIAMENTARY MAJORITY TO BACK IT UP. EVEN THE OPPOSITION PARTIES ARE MODERATING THEIR TRADITIONAL ATTACKS ON THE DEFENCE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE UNITED STATES-JAPAN SECURITY TREATY. IN A SPAN OF 24 DAYS TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, THE FOREIGN MINISTRY, THE DEFENCE AGENCY, AND THE ECONOMIC PLANNING BODY ISSUED STATEMENTS REVERSING DECADES OF INTROSPECTIVE POLICY. FOR THE FIRST TIME IT WAS STATED OFFICIALLY THAT JAPAN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED PART OF A GLOBAL EFFORT TO COMBAT SOVIET MILITARY AND POLITICAL ADVANCES. A WHITE PAPER POINTED OUT THE DEFICIENCIES OF JAPANESE DEFENCE IN THE FACE OF AN EXPANDING SOVIET PACIFIC FLEET, THE DEPLOYMENT OF BACKFIRE BOMBERS AND BALLISTIC MISSILES IN THE FAR EAST, AND THE STATIONING OF SOVIET MILITARY UNITS ON THE KURIL ISLANDS CLAIMED BY JAPAN. IT DETAILED SOVIET MILITARY MANOEUVRES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH COINCIDED WITH PERSISTENT REPORTS IN THE JAPANESE PRESS OF SOVIET AIRCRAFT PATROLLING THE COASTLINE AND SOVIET SUBMARINES LURKING IN THE SHIPPING LANES. THE AMERICAN DEFEAT IN VIETNAM, THE SUBSEQUENT DOMINATION OF INDO-CHINA BY HANOI, THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION'S DECISION TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM SOUTH KOREA, THE CHINESE RAPPROCHEMENT WITH THE WEST, AND ITS PEACE TREATY WITH JAPAN, THE AFGHANISTAN INVASION AND THE PERSIAN GULF WAR HAVE ALL HELPED TO CONCENTRATE JAPANESE MINDS ON SECURITY AND LED THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME TO EMPHASISE JAPAN'S ASSOCIATION WITH THE WEST. ABOVE ALL THEY HAVE LED TO AN EXAMINATION OF THE SELF-DEFENCE FORCE, WITH A QUARTER OF A MILLION MEN AND AN ANNUAL BUDGET OF ABOUT $10,000 MILLION, WHICH MAKES JAPAN THE WORLD'S SEVENTH BIGGEST SPENDER ON MILITARY MATTERS. THESE FIGURES SEEM IMPRESSIVE, CERTAINLY IN AUSTRALIAN TERMS. BUT AT 0.9 PER CENT OF GNP THEY DO LITTLE TO EASE FEARS OF VULNERABILITY IN TERMS OF JAPAN'S ECONOMIC PECULIARITIES AND ITS PROXIMITY TO THE SOVIET UNION. THEY DO NOTHING TO EXPLAIN WHAT MILITARY MEN SEE AS A SET OF SERIOUS WEAKNESSES: THE ABSENCE OF AN INTEGRATED COMMAND STRUCTURE, INADEQUATE PROVISION FOR DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES, VULNERABLE AIRCRAFT AND AIRFIELDS, UNSOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN THE AIR FORCE AND NAVY, THE NAVY'S LACK OF AIR DEFENCE AND ANTI-SHIPPING MISSILES AND AN ARMY EQUIPPED LARGELY WITH OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT. SO IF ALL THE PROBLEMS ARE NOW CLEARLY DEFINED, DEFENCE IS NO LONGER A FORBIDDEN SUBJECT AND THE DECISION MAKERS AGREE THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE, WHY WAS SUCH AN INSIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN SPENDING WRUNG LAST MONTH FROM THE ECONOMICS MINISTERS WHO DOMINATE THE CABINET? WHY DO JAPANESE DECISIONS ON DEFENCE SPENDING SEEM TO BE INFLUENCED LESS BY THE QUESTION OF HOW MUCH SECURITY WILL BE IMPROVED THAN BY THE QUESTION OF WHAT INCREASE IS NEEDED TO REDUCE FRICTION WITH THE UNITED STATES? FOR ONE THING, THE ISSUE IS STILL EXTREMELY SENSITIVE, EVEN 35 YEARS AFTER WORLD WAR II. THIS SENSITIVITY IS REFLECTED IN THE DEBATE, WHICH MAY APPEAR TO BE OBSESSIVE AND EXHAUSTIVE BUT IN FACT HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN. IT IS FULL OF EUPHEMISM AND RHETORIC AND ITS CONCLUSIONS ARE AMORPHOUS. FROM THE OUTSIDE, MOVEMENT TOWARDS A MORE REALISTIC DEFENCE POLICY MUST SEEM FRUSTRATINGLY SLOW. PUBLIC OPINION MAY BE MOVING TOWARDS A GENERAL ACCEPTANCE THAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT BE MISTAKEN FOR ENTHUSIASM. FOR ANOTHER THING, SOME JAPANESE BELIEVE THAT AFTER THE WAR THE COUNTRY DECIDED TO RELINQUISH ITS CLAIM TO BEING A STATE WHOSE ESSENCE IS MILITARY STRENGTH, AND DECIDED TO BECOME A SOCIETY WHOSE ESSENCE IS ECONOMIC ACTIVITY. AT THE HEART OF IT ALL IS JAPAN'S POST-WAR CONSTITUTION, WHICH RENOUNCES FOR EVER THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT OF THE NATION TO WAGE WAR OR TO USE EVEN THE THREAT OF FORCE AS A MEANS OF SETTLING INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES. IT WAS RUN UP IN A WEEK BY LAWYERS IN THE AMERICAN ARMY OF OCCUPATION, WITH ALMOST IMMEDIATE REGRET BY THE UNITED STATES. BUT THE JAPANESE HAVE TAKEN THE CONSTITUTION DEADLY SERIOUSLY. ALTHOUGH IT HAS NOT STOPPED A GRADUAL MOVE AWAY FROM PACIFISM, AND IS IN ITSELF NO BARRIER TO INCREASED DEFENCE SPENDING, ALL ATTEMPTS AT AMENDMENT HAVE BEEN REBUFFED BY POPULAR SENTIMENT. WORLD WAR II REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT PSYCHOLOGICAL FENCE, PARTICULARLY ON THE QUESTION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND JAPAN'S THREE NON-NUCLEAR PRINCIPLES: NOT POSSESSING, MAKING OR PERMITTING THE PRESENCE OF SUCH ARMS. ANY COMPROMISE THERE IS UNTHINKABLE - UNDERSTANDABLY AND CORRECTLY. THE DEBATE IS ABOUT REACHING FOR NATIONAL AGREEMENT ON SECURITY, AND HOWEVER PRAGMATIC THE JAPANESE MAY BE IT WILL TAKE TIME FOR THE ADOPTION OF A MORE REALISTIC ROLE IN THE WESTERN ALLIANCE. IN SAFER TIMES AND IN A MORE IDEALISTIC WORLD, THE JAPANESE WOULD BE AN EXAMPLE TO US ALL. FRIDAY 9 JANUARY 1981 "FLYING KANGAROO UP FOR SALE?" THE QANTAS ADVERTISING JINGLE ON TELEVISION REFERS TO "THE PROUD AUSTRALIAN OWNERS OF THE FLYING KANGAROO". IT IS AN APPROPRIATE LABEL, FOR AUSTRALIANS HAVE GOOD REASON TO BE PROUD OF THEIR NATIONAL FLAG-CARRIER. QANTAS, GOVERNMENT OWNED AND THEREFORE PUBLICLY OWNED, IS A RELIABLE AND SAFE AIRLINE. TRUE, IT HAS FAILINGS. BUT MANY OF THEM CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO GOVERNMENT AND BUREAUCRATIC INTERFERENCE IN THE AIRLINE'S PLANNING AND, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, ITS OPERATIONS. THIS INTERFERENCE, ACCORDING TO THE AIRLINE'S NEW CHAIRMAN, MR JIM LESLIE, HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CARRIER'S POOR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN RECENT YEARS. THE GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER, HAS NOT STOPPED THERE. ACCORDING TO THE QANTAS BOARD, THE GOVERNMENT IS DELIBERATELY WEAKENING THE AIRLINE IN AN EFFORT TO SET IT UP FOR TAKEOVER. OF COURSE, SUCH SUSPICIONS ARE NOT NEW. SINCE THE MID-1960S, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN UNDER PRESSURE FROM SECTIONS OF THE LIBERAL PARTY AND SOME PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COM- MUNITY TO SELL QANTAS TO PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. THEIR ARGUMENT HAS BEEN IDEOLOGICAL: THAT IN A CAPITALIST SYSTEM GOVERNMENTS SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN ENTERPRISES THAT DO NOT PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES. THE SAME ARGUMENT HAS BEEN PUT IN SUPPORT OF SELLING TAA. BUT FOR REASONS BEST KNOWN TO THEMSELVES, SUCCESSIVE GOVERN- MENTS HAVE IGNORED THE PRESSURE. THIS TIME, HOWEVER, QANTAS BELIEVES THE GOVERNMENT HAS SUCCUMBED. AT A MEETING WITH THE TRANSPORT MINISTER, MR. HUNT, ON WEDNESDAY, MR LESLIE AND SIX OF THE OTHER SEVEN QANTAS DIRECTORS ALLEGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALREADY HAD TAKEN FIVE OF THE NINE STEPS THAT WOULD DAMAGE THE AIRLINE TO THE EXTENT THAT IT WOULD BE RIPE FOR TAKEOVER AT A BARGAIN PRICE. THE GOVERNMENT HAD FRUSTRATED AND NEUTRALISED THE QANTAS BOARD, FORCED THE AIRLINE INTO LOSSES BY DELAYING FARE RISES TO PAY FOR FUEL-PRICE INCREASES, AND ENSURED THAT QANTAS COULD NOT ATTRACT THE MANAGERIAL TALENT IT NEEDED BY RESTRICTING SALARIES. FURTHER, QANTAS HAD BEEN LOCKED OUT OF NEGOTIATIONS OVER DOMESTIC AIR SERVICES - IT HAD OFFERED TO PROVIDE CHEAPER FARES BETWEEN PERTH AND THE EASTERN CAPITALS - AND WAS NOT EVEN TOLD FOR OVER TWO MONTHS OF THE EFFECTS ON QANTAS OF THE NEW TWO-AIRLINE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, TAA AND ANSETT. QANTAS BELIEVES THAT IN THE COMING REVIEW OF THE OPERATION OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT COULD GIVE SOME OF ITS MOST PROFITABLE ROUTES TO THE MURDOCH-ABELES CONTROLLED ANSETT EMPIRE, AND TAA. QANTAS'S MAIN OBJECTION APPEARS TO BE THAT WHILE, IN EFFECT, TAA OR ANSETT OR BOTH DOMESTIC AIRLINES HAD THE RIGHT UNDER THE TWO- AIRLINE AGREEMENT TO VETO ITS APPLICATION TO OPERATE RIVAL DISCOUNTED SERVICES BETWEEN PERTH AND THE EASTERN CAPITALS, QANTAS HAS NO RIGHT TO VETO ANSETT OR TAA APPLICATIONS TO COMPETE WITH OR REPLACE QANTAS SERVICES OVERSEAS. GOVERNMENT APPROVAL OF ANSETT OR TAA PLANS TO FLY ON QANTAS'S PROFITABLE SOUTH PACIFIC ROUTES WOULD BE THE SIXTH STEP IN MR LESLIE'S SELL-OUT SCENARIO. WHAT COULD FOLLOW, ACCORDING TO THE AIRLINE'S CHAIRMAN, WOULD BE A SHACKLING OF QANTAS TO A HOST OF UNPROFITABLE ROUTES, GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY FOR MORE FOREIGN AIRLINES TO COMPETE WITH QANTAS, THUS REDUCING ITS SHARE OF THE MARKET EVEN FURTHER AND, FINALLY, THE SALE OF THE AIRLINE. TRUE, THE QANTAS BOARD MIGHT BE OVER- REACTING. BUT IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TREATED IT POORLY IN RECENT YEARS. THE AMBITIONS OF ANSETT TRANSPORT INDUSTRIES' NEW OWNERS ARE HARDLY SECRET. NOR IS THEIR POLITICAL INFLUENCE. THEY WOULD LIKE TO ZEALAND. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO IS DECLARE ITS INTENTIONS. WHY HAS IT PUT QANTAS INTO A STRAITJACKET? WHY HAS IT KEPT THE AIRLINE'S BOARD - THE PUBLIC'S AGENTS - IN THE DARK? THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LET QANTAS AND ITS OWNERS IN ON THE SECRET. "PM'S BY-ELECTION PROBLEMS" IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT THE PRIME MINISTER, MR FRASER, AND HIS GOVERNMENT CAN WELL DO WITHOUT AT PRESENT, IT IS A NEW OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES BETWEEN QUEENSLAND'S LIBERAL PARTY AND THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY. YET THAT SEEMS ONE OF THE LIKELY CONSEQUENCES OF THE SUDDEN AND TRAGIC DEATH OF THE FORMER FINANCE MINISTER, MR ERIC ROBINSON. MR ROBINSON WAS A STERN CRITIC OF THE QUEENSLAND PREMIER, MR BJELKE-PETERSEN, AND HIS NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY, AND AN EQUALLY STERN CHAMPION OF THE LIBERAL PARTY. HE WAS ALSO CRITICAL OF MR FRASER'S LEADERSHIP STYLE, REJECTING THE VIEW THAT THE COALITION PARTNERS NEEDED TO PATCH UP THEIR DIFFERENCES AND WORK TOGETHER IN ORDER TO KEEP THE ALP OUT. THESE CONVICTIONS LED TO MR ROBINSON BEING CHALLENGED AT THE LAST FEDERAL ELECTIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL PARTY CANDIDATE WHO HAD THE BACKING OF MR BJELKE-PETERSEN. MR ROBINSON RETAINED HIS GOLD COAST SEAT OF MCPHERSON, BUT WITH A REDUCTION OF 17 PER CENT IN HIS MAJORITY. A FURTHER DROP OF 4 PER CENT IN THE LIBERAL VOTE COULD SEE THE SEAT SLIP FROM LIBERAL PARTY HANDS. FOR THIS REASON THE NATIONALS ARE LIKELY TO MAKE A HARD FIGHT OF THE BY-ELECTION. THEY WON THE FOUR SOUTH COAST SEATS FROM THE LIBERALS AT THE NOVEMBER STATE ELECTIONS. THEY WILL BE OUT TO DO THE SAME AGAIN WITH THE FEDERAL SEAT OF MCPHERSON. MR FRASER COULD PLAY FOR TIME, OF COURSE, DELAYING THE BY-ELECTION WHILE HE TRIES TO PATCH UP THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE COALITION PARTNERS. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS STRATEGY IS THAT MR FRASER HAS TWO OTHER BY-ELECTIONS PENDING. THESE ARE FOR THE SEATS OF CURTIN AND BOOTHBY, MADE VACANT BY THE APPOINTMENT OF MR VIC GARLAND AND MR JOHN MCLEAY TO DIPLOMATIC POSITIONS ABROAD. NORMALLY GOVERNMENTS LIKE TO HOLD BY-ELECTIONS TOGETHER, RATHER THAN STAGGER THEM. IN THIS WAY THE DAMAGE DONE BY AN ADVERSE VOTE IS MINIMISED. BUT THE CURTIN AND BOOTHBY BY-ELECTIONS HAD PROVISIONALLY BEEN SCHEDULED FOR APRIL, AND THAT MAY BE TOO EARLY FOR THE LIBERALS TO GET THEIR QUEENSLAND HOUSE IN ORDER. MR FRASER HAS ALREADY BEEN CRITICISED BY QUEENSLAND LIBERALS FOR FAILING TO STAND UP PUBLICLY TO THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY IN QUEENSLAND DURING THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS. THIS WEEK HE WAS CRITICISED AT THE YOUNG LIBERALS' CONFERENCE IN HOBART ON THE SAME GROUNDS. WHETHER HE LIKES IT OR NOT, MR FRASER WILL HAVE TO THROW HIS WEIGHT SOLIDLY BEHIND THE LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE FOR THE MCPHERSON BY-ELECTION, OR RUN THE RISK OF BEING ONCE MORE BRANDED AS DISLOYAL. MONDAY 12 JANUARY 1981 "THE ABANDONMENT OF INDEXATION" THE BREAKDOWN OF WAGE INDEXATION, REPEATEDLY FOREWARNED AND NOW ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION, COMES AS NO SURPRISE. BUT IT IS NEVERTHELESS DISTURBING. WITH ITS LIMITATIONS AND LOOPHOLES, INDEXATION WAS FAR FROM BEING A PERFECT SYSTEM OF ORDERLY NATIONAL WAGE ADJUSTMENTS. BUT IT HAD ITS ADVANTAGES, AND IF SOCIAL JUSTICE OUGHT TO TEMPER ECONOMIC FORCES, IT WAS PREFERABLE TO HARSHER ALTERNATIVES. THE COLLAPSE OF INDEXATION IS REGRETTABLE FOR ANOTHER, MORE DAUNTING REASON. IT CONFIRMS AN UNDERLYING LACK OF CONSENSUS THAT AUGURS ILL FOR ANY VIABLE AND ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE FORM OF WAGE DETERMINATION. THAT THERE SHOULD BE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND UNIONS MUST BE ACCEPTED AS NATURAL. THE PROBLEM IS THAT BOTH SIDES SEEM UNABLE TO AGREE EVEN ON THE BASIC RULES UNDER WHICH THESE CONFLICTS SHOULD BE ADJUDICATED, AND THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, RESPONSIBLE TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY FOR ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL EQUITY, LACKS SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE ITS WILL. THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION INTRODUCED THE CONCEPT OF WAGE INDEXATION IN APRIL 1975, AFTER A PERIOD OF STEEP PAY RISES, SOARING INFLATION AND A SUBSEQUENT SLUMP IN BUSINESS PROFITS AND EMPLOYMENT. THE IDEA WAS TO MODERATE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES BY REGULARLY COMPENSATING WAGE EARNERS FOR RISES IN THE COST OF LIVING, AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, AND TO DO SO EQUITABLY. IT WAS ALSO HOPED THAT THIS ORDERLY SYSTEM OF WAGE DETERMINATION WOULD IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. THE WHOLE FRAGILE PACKAGE DEPENDED ON WHAT THE COMMISSION TERMED "SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE". THIS MEANT THAT EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL PROVISION FOR PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES, WORK VALUE CHANGES AND THE REMEDY OF ANOMALIES, THERE WERE TO BE NO PRESSURES FOR WAGE RISES OUTSIDE THE REGULAR ADJUSTMENTS AND GUIDELINES. ONE DIFFICULTY WAS THAT INDEXATION WAS DESIGNED TO SATISFY CONFLICTING, PERHAPS IRRECONCILABLE, DEMANDS, AND THAT - UNDERSTANDABLY - IT FAILED TO DO SO. EMPLOYERS COMPLAINED THAT INDEXATION IMPOSED ON THEM REGULAR AND BURDENSOME COST INCREASES REGARDLESS OF THEIR CAPACITY TO PAY. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARGUED THAT INDEXATION INSTITUTION- ALISED INFLATION, IMPEDED ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND BOOSTED UNEMPLOYMENT. IT THEREFORE URGED THE COMMISSION, WITH ONLY PARTIAL SUCCESS, TO DISCOUNT INDEXATION FOR PRICE INCREASES DUE TO GOVERNMENT TAXES AND CHARGES. THE ACTU, WHILE IN FAVOR OF ORDERLY, CENTRALISED WAGE FIXING, FOUND THAT INDEXATION DID NOT FULLY COMPENSATE WORKERS FOR COST OF LIVING INCREASES. ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADER, MR HAYDEN, AVERAGE WAGE EARNERS SINCE 1974 HAVE FALLEN BEHIND BY $29 WHAT THEY NOW SHOULD BE EARNING HAD THEY RECEIVED FULL INDEXATION PLUS FAIRLY SHARED PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES. THE MAIN REASON FOR THE BREAKDOWN, HOWEVER, WAS THE EROSION OF "SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE" WITH THE GUIDELINES. MILITANT AND POWERFUL UNIONS WERE ABLE TO POCKET THE BENEFITS OF INDEXATION AND SUCCESSFULLY PRESS FOR ADDITIONAL PAY RISES. IN SOME CASES, EMPLOYERS YIELDED UNDER DURESS. IN OTHERS, THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION ITSELF RECOGNISED SOME RATHER DUBIOUS "WORK VALUE" CLAIMS IN THE INTERESTS OF INDUSTRIAL PEACE. BOTH THE COMMISSION AND EMPLOYERS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO STEM THE PRESSURES FOR FLOW-ONS FROM WAGE SETTLEMENTS OUTSIDE THE STRICT GUIDELINES. THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE 35-HOUR WEEK, ALTHOUGH NOW BEING CO-ORDINATED BY THE ACTU, MAY WELL HAVE BEEN THE FATAL BLOW TO INDEXATION. WHAT NOW? THE GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYERS MAY PAY DEARLY FOR THEIR DWINDLING SUPPORT FOR INDEXATION. THE ACTU PRESIDENT, MR DOLAN, HAS WARNED THAT UNIONS WOULD PRESS CLAIMS AGAINST INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS FOR WAGE INCREASES "BY DIRECT NEGOTIATION AND ACTION ON THE JOB". A WAVE OF INDUSTRIAL DISRUPTION, PLUS THE COST OF SATISFYING DEMANDS, COULD PROVE TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE AND MORE DAMAGING TO THE ECONOMY THAN INDEXATION WITH ALL ITS COSTS AND BREACHES. FOR WAGE EARNERS, THE ABANDONMENT OF INDEXATION IS LIKELY TO BE A MIXED BLESSING. THOSE IN A STRONG BARGAINING POSITION MAY MANAGE TO KEEP PACE WITH INFLATION OR EVEN RUN AHEAD OF IT; THOSE WHO ARE INDUSTRIALLY WEAKER ARE LIKELY TO FALL FURTHER BEHIND. A PRIVATE CONFERENCE TO BE CHAIRED NEXT WEEK BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION, SIR JOHN MOORE, IS TO DECIDE WHETHER A PUBLIC INQUIRY SHOULD BE HELD ON THE FUTURE OF WAGE DETERMINATION. A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE PRESENT, DEFECTIVE SYSTEM IS CERTAINLY NECESSARY. BUT THE PROSPECTS FOR CONSENSUS ON A FAIR AND WORKABLE ALTERNATIVE ARE NOT GOOD. ON ONE HAND, A MOVE IN THE DIRECTION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WOULD GO AGAINST THE AUSTRALIAN TRADITION THAT WAGE INCREASES SHOULD BE FAIRLY SHARED. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LACKS THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS TO IMPOSE, EVEN IF IT SO WISHED, A PRICES AND INCOMES POLICY. THE HOPE MUST BE THAT A MORE EFFECTIVE SYSTEM, BALANCING THE CONFLICTING PRESSURES OF ECONOMIC REALITIES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, WILL EVOLVE. BUT IT IS A FLIMSY HOPE. TUESDAY 13 JANUARY 1981 "THIS IS NO JOB FOR THE BOYS" RARELY IN AUSTRALIA'S HISTORY HAS A JUDGE AROUSED AS MUCH CONTROVERSY AS SIR GARFIELD BARWICK IN HIS FINAL YEARS AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE HIGH COURT. HIS SECRET ADVICE TO SIR JOHN KERR ON THE SACKING OF THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT; HIS CONSISTENCY IN INTERPRETING TAX LAWS IN A WAY THAT HAS ALLOWED WIDE SCOPE FOR TAX AVOIDANCE; HIS DECISION TO SIT ON CASES INVOLVING COMPANIES IN WHICH HIS FAMILY COMPANY OWNED SHARES; HIS DEDICATION TO MAKING THE NEW HIGH COURT BUILDING THE LAST WORD IN SUCH ARCHITECTURE, REGARDLESS OF PUBLIC EXPENSE - ALL THESE CONTROVERSIES INVOLVING ITS CHIEF HAVE MADE THE COURT BETTER KNOWN TO AUSTRALIANS, BUT ONLY AT THE RISK OF LOWERING ITS STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY. DISRESPECT FOR JUDGES IS SOON TRANSLATED INTO DISRESPECT FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM. NOW, WITH SIR GARFIELD'S RETIREMENT IMMINENT, THERE IS A SERIOUS DANGER THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL FURTHER ENDANGER THE STANDING OF THE HIGH COURT BY APPOINTING ONE OF ITS OWN MEN TO SUCCEED HIM - THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR R.J.ELLICOTT. CANBERRA RUMORS MURMUR THAT MR ELLICOTT IS ON A SHORT LIST OF THREE FOR THE POSITION OF CHIEF JUSTICE OF AUSTRALIA, THE HIGHEST POST IN A LEGAL SYSTEM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE IMPARTIAL, ABOVE ALL ELSE. THE CASE AGAINST THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ELLICOTT IS A STRONG ONE. IF JUSTICE IS TO BE SEEN TO BE IMPARTIAL, THEN ITS JUDGES MUST BE SEEN TO BE IMPARTIAL. THE HIGH COURT IS VIRTUALLY THE SOLE ARBITER OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW IN AUSTRALIA, AS WELL AS THE FINAL COURT OF APPEAL. IT IS IN A SENSE THE UMPIRE OF AUSTRALIAN POLITICS. TO APPOINT AN ACTIVE POLITICIAN AS ITS CHIEF - PARTICULARLY A POLITICIAN WHO WAS ONE OF THE ARCHITECTS OF THE DIVISIVE CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS OF 1975 - WOULD BE TO INVITE THE PUBLIC TO SEE IT AS A STACKED COURT. THIS IS NOT A JOB FOR ONE OF THE BOYS. IT REQUIRES SOMEONE WHO IS RESPECTED BY THE COMMUNITY GENERALLY, AND NOT JUST BY THOSE ON THE GOVERNMENT'S SIDE OF POLITICS. IT REQUIRES SOMEONE WHO IS NOT ONLY ADEPT IN LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND REASONING, BUT WHO CAN BRING TO THE BENCH A CERTAIN KIND OF MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL LEADERSHIP: SOMEONE WITH A CREATIVE APPROACH TO THE LAW, THAT COMMON SENSE WE CALL WISDOM, AND A CONCERN FOR THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF THE COURT'S DECISIONS ON INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY. LET THE GOVERNMENT SEEK FOR SUCH A PERSON ON THE PRESENT COURT, ON THE BENCH GENERALLY, AMONG THE BAR AND IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE. MR ELLICOTT SHOULD STAY WHERE HE IS. "QANTAS STILL IN DANGER" THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF SELLING OR UNDERMINING ITS OWN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE, QANTAS. THE TRANSPORT MINISTER, MR HUNT, SAYS SO. HIS ASSURANCE WOULD BE MORE WELCOME IF WE COULD BE SURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT MEANT WHAT IT SAID, AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE PARTY TO ANY AGREEMENT WHICH MIGHT WEAKEN QANTAS'S POSITION. THE PROBLEM IS THAT SUCH AN AGREEMENT ALREADY EXISTS. THIS IS THE TWO-AIRLINE AGREEMENT SIGNED LAST SEPTEMBER AND DUE TO GO BEFORE THE NEXT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT. UNDER THIS AGREEMENT EITHER TAA OR ANSETT, OR BOTH AIRLINES, COULD VETO PLANS BY QANTAS TO OPERATE A DISCOUNTED SERVICE ON INTERNAL ROUTES SUCH AS THE ONE BETWEEN PERTH AND THE EASTERN CAPITALS. HOWEVER, QANTAS WOULD NOT HAVE THE CORRESPONDING RIGHT OF VETO OVER APPLICATIONS BY TAA OR ANSETT TO COMPETE WITH OR REPLACE QANTAS SERVICES OVERSEAS. EITHER WAY, QANTAS CANNOT WIN. THE AUSTRALIAN FLAG CARRIER COULD FIND ITSELF DEPRIVED OF SOME OF THE PROFITABLE SOUTH PACIFIC ROUTES IN WHICH ANSETT PARTICULARLY HAS SHOWN A KEEN INTEREST. BUT IT WOULD BE DENIED THE CHANCE TO RECOUP SOME OF ITS LOSSES BY COMPETING WITH THE DOMESTIC CARRIERS ON DOMESTIC ROUTES. IN THE END QANTAS COULD WIND UP WITH THE TAILINGS - UNPROFITABLE ROUTES AND A REDUCED SHARE OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET. ON THE FACE OF IT, THERE SEEMS TO BE A VERY GOOD CASE FOR MAKING QANTAS A PARTY TO THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SAME VETO RIGHTS AS THE TWO DOMESTIC CARRIERS. HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT SHOWS NO SIGNS OF DOING SO. MR HUNT HAS REFERRED THE AGREEMENT TO THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT FOR AN OPINION. BUT IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS PUT TO HIM BY 'THE AGE', HE SAID HE REMAINED SATISFIED THAT THE INTERESTS OF QANTAS WERE PROTECTED. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF QANTAS DO NOT THINK SO. THEY FEEL THE DICE HAVE BEEN LOADED UNFAIRLY AGAINST THEM, AND MR HUNT'S STATEMENT HAS DONE NOTHING TO PERSUADE THEM OTHERWISE. NOR DOES IT ANSWER THE ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS TOWARDS TAA AND ANSETT? IS IT INTENDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SPREAD THEIR WINGS BEYOND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND - A PROSPECT THAT WOULD BRING JOY TO THE MURDOCH-ABELES CONTROLLED ANSETT EMPIRE? MR HUNT WAS DISAPPOINTINGLY NON-COMMITTAL ON THIS POINT. HE CAN HARDLY COMPLAIN IF PEOPLE SUSPECT THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS ARE NOT AS CLEARCUT AS IT CLAIMS THEY ARE, AND THAT QANTAS DOES INDEED FACE A THREATENED FUTURE. WEDNESDAY 14 JANUARY 1981 "AN AFFORDABLE HEALTH SCHEME" A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME SHOULD IDEALLY ENSURE THAT NO ONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS DENIED ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE, THAT THE PUBLIC COSTS OF PROVIDING SUCH CARE ARE KEPT WITHIN REASONABLE BOUNDS, AND THAT THE BURDEN OF THESE COSTS IS EQUITABLY SHARED. THE MEDIBANK SCHEME INTRODUCED BY THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT FAIRLY EFFECTIVELY MET THE FIRST AND THIRD OBJECTIVES, BUT, PARTLY BECAUSE IT WAS NEVER FULLY IMPLEMENTED AS DESIGNED AND BECAUSE IT COINCIDED WITH AN INFLATIONARY SURGE, IT FAILED TO CONSTRAIN HEALTH CARE COSTS. IN DISMANTLING MEDIBANK FOR MAINLY POLITICAL REASONS, THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT HAS COMMENDABLY PRESERVED ITS FIRST ESSENTIAL ELEMENT BY CONTINUING TO GUARANTEE THAT EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF MEANS, HAS ACCESS TO MINIMUM HEALTH CARE. BUT SUCCESSIVE, CONFUSING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM HAVE FAILED TO CONTAIN RISING COSTS OR TO SHARE THE BURDEN FAIRLY. THE GROWING EXPENSE OF SUBSIDISING HEALTH CARE PROMPTED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO HOSPITAL COSTS, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT HALF THE NATIONAL HEALTH BILL. THE JAMISON COMMITTEE HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE OVER-SUPPLY OF MEDICAL SERVICES RATHER THAN EXCESSIVE DEMAND BY PATIENTS IS THE MAIN FACTOR BEHIND SOARING COSTS. THERE ARE TOO MANY DOCTORS (OVERALL AND PARTICULARLY IN SOME SPECIALITIES), TOO MANY HOSPITAL BEDS (OVERALL AND PARTICULARLY IN SOME STATES) AND TOO MUCH USE OF EXPENSIVE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY. THERE IS, AS THE COMMITTEE WAS TOLD BY THE COMMONWEALTH HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AN "OVER-CONCENTRATION OF ACUTE CURATIVE SERVICES AND AN INSUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO ILLNESS PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION" WITH THE RESULT THAT "TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE TREATED FOR TOO LONG IN AN EXPENSIVE INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT". THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT, WHICH HAS BEEN HANDED TO FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS BUT NOT YET PUBLISHED, MAKES WIDE-RANGING RECOMMENDATIONS TO RATIONALISE HOSPITAL FUNDING AND SERVICES, AND TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND EFFICIENCY. THERE IS CERTAINLY SCOPE FOR SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS. THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT ALMOST $1000 MILLION A YEAR COULD BE SAVED IF THE BEST ASPECTS OF THE VICTORIAN AND QUEENSLAND HOSPITAL SYSTEMS WERE ADOPTED THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA. BUT SUCH ECONOMIES WOULD MEET POWERFUL RESISTANCE FROM STATE, REGIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS. AND EVEN IF ADOPTED, THEY WOULD NOT BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR A CRITICAL REVIEW OF DOCTOR NUMBERS, THE FEE-FOR-SERVICE SYSTEM AND THE PRIVATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS. THE GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO REALISE THAT THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT PRIORITIES IN HEALTH CARE THAN THE PURSUIT OF COMPETITIVE HEALTH INSURANCE AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE. ALTHOUGH THE JAMISON COMMITTEE WAS NOT ASKED TO ADDRESS ITSELF TO THE QUESTION OF HOW THE COST BURDEN SHOULD BE SHARED BY THE COMMUNITY, IT HAS MADE THE NOVEL SUGGESTION THAT ANY FREE SERVICE RECEIVED BY AN UNINSURED PERSON AT A PUBLIC HOSPITAL SHOULD BE REGARDED AS AN INCOME BENEFIT AND TAXED ACCORDINGLY. ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT'S CHANGES TO THE HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM HAS BEEN TO DISCOURAGE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM INSURING PRIVATELY, THUS MAKING IT MORE AND MORE EXPENSIVE FOR THE DWINDLING NUMBER OF HIGH RISK AND HIGH USE CONTRIBUTORS. THE JAMISON PROPOSAL IS PREFERABLE TO A RETURN TO THE PRE-MEDIBANK ERA OF A MEANS TEST FOR FREE PUBLIC HOSPITAL TREATMENT. BUT A MORE SENSIBLE SOLUTION WOULD BE TO RECOGNISE THE MEDIBANK PRINCIPLE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO A CENTRAL HEALTH FUND ACCORDING TO HIS MEANS AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO BASIC HEALTH CARE ACCORDING TO HIS NEEDS. IN A SUBMISSION TO THE JAMISON COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR LOUIS OPIT DEVELOPED THIS CONCEPT BY DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN ESSENTIAL "PUBLIC UTILITY" MEDICINE, WHICH SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT LITTLE OR NO CHARGE TO EVERYONE, AND ELECTIVE "PRIVATE CONSUMPTION" MEDICINE, WHICH SHOULD BE LEFT WHOLLY TO PRIVATE PRACTICE AND INSURANCE WITHOUT PUBLIC SUBSIDY. THE OPIT PROPOSAL, OR A MODIFIED VERSION OF IT, WOULD COME CLOSER TO MEETING THE THREE VITAL CRITERIA OF A GOOD HEALTH SCHEME THAN THE TINKERING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS SO FAR UNDERTAKEN AND CONTEMPLATED, MORE IN DEFERENCE TO IDEOLOGICAL PREJUDICES AND VESTED INTERESTS THAN TO RATIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PRIORITIES. THURSDAY 15 JANUARY 1981 "DRAMA IN THE KNESSET" IF MR MENACHEM BEGIN'S GOVERNMENT CAN STRUGGLE ON UNTIL JUNE, PERHAPS THROUGH A DISSOLUTION OF THE KNESSET, THE PRIME MINISTER WILL BECOME THE FIRST ISRAELI LEADER TO SERVE AN UNINTERRUPTED FOUR YEARS IN OFFICE. MR BEGIN HAS ALREADY EARNED A REPUTATION AS THE COUNTRY'S MOST ADROIT POLITICAL SURVIVOR. ANYONE WHO SPENDS 29 YEARS IN OPPOSITION, AS MR BEGIN DID BEFORE HIS UNEXPECTED WIN IN THE 1977 ELECTION, WILL BE LOATHE TO SURRENDER POWER WITHOUT A PASSIONATE FIGHT. WHATEVER HIS POLICIES, AND DESPITE ABIDING ILL-HEALTH, THE LEADER OF THE RIGHT-WING LIKUD COALITION HAS CONFOUNDED HIS OPPONENTS AT EVERY TURN AND SURVIVED A SCORE OF NO-CONFIDENCE MOTIONS ON THE SLENDEREST OF MARGINS. HE RODE OUT THE RESIGNATIONS OF MR DAYAN AND MR WEIZMAN. NOW MR HURVITZ HAS BECOME THE SECOND LIKUD FINANCE MINISTER TO RESIGN, AND WITHOUT HIS FACTION'S THREE VOTES THERE IS NO MAJORITY. SO ISRAEL, A NATION WHERE VIRTUALLY EVERY GOVERNMENT HAS RESIGNED OR BEEN RECONSTITUTED IN THE HEAT OF CRISIS, IS TO PREPARE FOR A MID-YEAR ELECTION. IF IT IS ANY COMFORT TO THE COALITION - AND PARTICULARLY TO MINISTERS SUCH AS MR SHARON, WHO SEES EVERY EXTRA DAY IN OFFICE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD ANOTHER SETTLEMENT IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES - IT WOULD HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE COUNTRY BEFORE NOVEMBER IN ANY EVENT. SINCE THE OPINION POLLS HAVE MADE IT CLEAR FOR MORE THAN A YEAR THAT THE COALITION WOULD REQUIRE ALMOST AN ACT OF GOD TO SAVE IT FROM ITSELF AND THE ELECTORATE, THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING TO INDUCE MR BEGIN TO TAKE HIS CHANCES OR EVEN TO GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS OF RESIGNING THIS WEEK AND FORMING A CARETAKER ADMINISTRATION. WHEN POLLING DAY ARRIVES, NO MATTER WHAT THE DATE, ANYTHING LESS THAN A RESOUNDING VICTORY WILL COME AS A SURPRISE TO THE LABOR PARTY. ON THE FACE OF IT, MR BEGIN'S UNDOING WAS THE EDUCATION CONTROVERSY AND THREATS OF RESIGNATION FROM BOTH THE FINANCE MINISTER (NO WAGE INCREASE FOR TEACHERS) AND THE EDUCATION MINISTER (WAGE INCREASES OF UP TO 60 PER CENT). IN FACT IT IS THE ECONOMY IN GENERAL THAT IS THE OVERRIDING ISSUE. INFLATION IS AT A MONSTROUS LEVEL, AND NOT EVEN PROTECTION THROUGH INDEXATION FOR THE COUNTRY'S CONSUMERS HAS KEPT THE GOVERNMENT FROM ITS DECLINE IN THE OPINION POLLS. PUBLIC CONFIDENCE HAS EBBED, PARTLY AS A RESULT OF POLITICAL ACTS OF FOLLY SUCH AS THE EAST JERUSALEM BILL AND THE COALITION'S IMAGE AS AN INCREASINGLY QUARRELSOME AND INEFFECTIVE GROUPING. BUT COULD A LABOR GOVERNMENT DO MUCH BETTER? CERTAINLY THE PARTY IS NOT AS DIVIDED AS IT WAS BEFORE MR PERES SURVIVED ANOTHER CHALLENGE TO HIS LEADERSHIP BY MR RABIN, THE FORMER PRIME MINISTER. ITS MORE MODERATE SETTLEMENT POLICIES (NO NEW SETTLEMENTS IN HEAVILY ARAB AREAS AND THE ABOLITION OF CERTAIN EXISTING SETTLEMENTS) HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL APPEAL. IT SHARES WITH PRESIDENT-ELECT REAGAN A PENCHANT FOR THE SO-CALLED JORDANIAN OPTION. THIS WOULD ENCOURAGE KING HUSSEIN TO JOIN IN AN AUTONOMY PLAN FOR PALESTINIANS IN ISRAELI-OCCUPIED AREAS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE CAMP DAVID AGREEMENTS, AND PERHAPS RESCUE THE ACCORDS FROM A POLITICAL SWAMP. BUT COULD LABOR DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE ECONOMY? THERE ARE PLANS TO FREEZE WAGES AND PRICES AND TO TAKE A SWING AT THE OVERFILLED RANKS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. GOVERNMENT SPENDING MUST BE CUT, IT SAYS. THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT MR BEGIN'S GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TRYING TO DO, EVEN IN THE PREVIOUSLY UNTHINKABLE AREA OF DEFENCE. MR HURWITZ, AFTER ALL, RESIGNED OVER LIKUD'S INABILITY TO CONTAIN THE WAGES PUSH, FEARING THAT IF THE TEACHERS COULD WIN A RISE THEN EVERYONE ELSE WOULD WANT ONE, TOO. THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT MR PERES WOULD NOT HAVE TO ATTEND TO THE MULTI-FACTIONAL INTERESTS OF A LIKUD COALITION. FOR THIS REASON A LABOR GOVERNMENT WOULD SEEM TO STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF REDUCING INFLATION TO DOUBLE FIGURES. IN THE END, OF COURSE, THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME: HOW TO RUN AN ECONOMY WHEN A THIRD OF THE BUDGET HAS TO BE CREAMED OFF FOR DEFENCE AND ANOTHER THIRD TO SERVICE THE FOREIGN DEBT. THIS YEAR, TOO, IN A WORLD WHICH MANY ISRAELIS SEE AS INCREASINGLY HOSTILE, ABOUT $2500 MILLION WILL HAVE TO BE FOUND FOR OIL IMPORTS. ISRAELIS RIGHT ACROSS PARTY LINES CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY SEE AS INDIFFERENCE TO THEIR PROBLEMS IN A WEST THAT IS INCREASINGLY NERVOUS ABOUT ITS OIL SUPPLY FROM THE ARABS. PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT REASON FOR THIS RENEWED FEELING OF ISOLATION HAS BEEN MR BEGIN'S GOVERNMENT ITSELF. MR BEGIN, THROUGH HIS COALITION CONTORTIONS, HAS ARRIVED AT PROPOSALS AND UNILATERAL ACTIONS WHICH MAKE IT PLAIN THAT HE HAS NO INTENTION OF GIVING THE PALESTINIANS GENUINE AUTONOMY AND THAT HE REGARDS THE OCCUPIED WEST BANK AND JERUSALEM AS PART OF ISRAEL FOR EVER. THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT RUTHLESSNESS ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH CONTROVERSIAL POLICIES HAVE BEEN ENFORCED. THE LIMITED ACHIEVEMENTS OF CAMP DAVID ARE WASTING FOR LACK OF NOURISHMENT. THE EUPHORIA OF THE ISRAELI-EGYPTIAN PEACE TREATY IS SOURING, PARTICULARLY AT THE CAIRO END OF THE ROAD. SO ISRAEL'S ECONOMIC PROBLEMS INEVITABLY COME BACK TO POLITICAL PROBLEMS. AND WHILE LABOR'S STYLE IS MORE PRAGMATIC, ON AT LEAST THREE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IT IS CLEAR THAT IN SUBSTANCE THE OPPOSITION DOES NOT DIFFER MARKEDLY FROM LIKUD. NEITHER ENTERTAINS A RETURN TO THE PRE-1967 BORDERS OR A PALESTINIAN STATE OR A DIVIDED JERUSALEM. IF LABOR TAKES OFFICE THIS YEAR, THEREFORE, THE ABRASIVENESS AND PROVOCATION OF THE BEGIN YEARS ARE LIKELY TO DISAPPEAR, BUT MR PERES AND HIS COLLEAGUES WILL BE EVERY BIT AS TOUGH ABOUT DEFENDING WHAT THEY SEE AS ISRAEL'S VITAL INTERESTS. THE ARAB WORLD MIGHT APPEAR TO BE HOPELESSLY DIVIDED AT THIS TIME, BUT THE ISRAELIS FEEL JUST AS THREATENED AS EVER. THERE WILL BE NO COMPROMISE ON SECURITY, NO MATTER WHO HAS A MAJORITY IN THE KNESSET. "CURE NEEDED FOR FAIRFIELD'S ILLS" SOMETHING IS AMISS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF FAIRFIELD HOSPITAL. SEVEN SENIOR DOCTORS AT THE INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL AND TWO PROFESSORS ON ITS BOARD HAVE ALL TENDERED THEIR RESIGNATIONS. ONE OF THE TWO PROFESSORS WHO QUIT THE BOARD SAYS THE DOCTORS' RESIGNATIONS WOULD MEAN THAT FAIRFIELD WOULD LOSE "THE BEST VIROLOGY SET-UP IN AUSTRALIA AND ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD". IT IS A PROSPECT THAT SHOULD HAVE SHOCKED THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT INTO ACTION LONG BEFORE NOW. ON TUESDAY NIGHT THEY ACTUALLY WENT AS FAR AS INVITING THE RESIGNING DOCTORS TO EXTEND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THEIR DEPARTURE TO 31 MARCH. OTHERWISE THE CRISIS IS NOT MUCH CLOSER TO A SOLUTION. THIS IS A THOROUGHLY UNSATISFACTORY STATE OF AFFAIRS. THE TROUBLE FIRST FLARED-UP PUBLICLY LAST APRIL. THE THEN OMBUDSMAN, SIR JOHN DILLON, WHO WAS CALLED IN TO EXAMINE THE DISPUTE, WAS CRITICAL OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STYLE OF THE HOSPITAL'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR, DR NOEL BENNETT. HE SAID DR BENNETT WAS A DEDICATED, HARD-WORKING AND COMPETENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO HAD GREATLY IMPROVED THE HOSPITAL'S ADMINISTRATION. BUT HE ALSO SAID DR BENNETT LACKED SENSITIVITY AND TACT, AND THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE STAFF AND THE HOSPITAL BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, AND THAT THIS HAD CONTRIBUTED TO A STATE OF TENSION AND LOW STAFF MORALE FOR MONTHS. THE TENSIONS AND THE LOW STAFF MORALE OBVIOUSLY PERSIST. FOR THE SAKE OF PRESENT AND FUTURE PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL, THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. IF THE BOARD CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE AND APPLY A REMEDY ITSELF, THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH, MR BORTHWICK, SHOULD STEP IN PROMPTLY AND EXERCISE HIS AUTHORITY. FAIRFIELD CAN ILL AFFORD TO LOSE DOCTORS OF THE CALIBRE AND STANDING OF THE SEVEN WHO HAVE GIVEN NOTICE. FRIDAY 16 JANUARY 1981 "B-52 DILEMMA: TIME TO RETHINK" THE FRASER GOVERNMENT'S EAGERNESS TO OFFER THE UNITED STATES DEFENCE FACILITIES IN AUSTRALIA SEEMS TO BE DEVELOPING INTO AN EMBARRASSMENT FOR BOTH COUNTRIES. THE PRIME MINISTER'S GESTURE OF SOLIDARITY WITH A POWERFUL FRIEND AND ALLY AT THE TIME OF THE SOVIET INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN WAS SOON TAKEN UP. LAST FEBRUARY B-52 BOMBERS APPEARED REGULARLY ON TRAINING RUNS OVER CAPE YORK WITHOUT TOUCHING GROUND, AND IN JULY US AIR FORCE OFFICIALS ARRIVED TO ASSESS THE SUITABILITY OF AUSTRALIA'S NORTHERN AIRFIELDS FOR USE BY THE GIANT AIRCRAFT. IN SEPTEMBER MR FRASER ANNOUNCED THAT THE UNITED STATES HAD REQUESTED AN AGREEMENT FOR THE STAGING OF B-52S THROUGH AUSTRALIA AND OUTLINED THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT'S CONDITIONS FOR ALLOWING SUCH FLIGHTS. IN CONTRAST TO SOME PREVIOUS AUSTRALIAN LEADERS' UNCRITICAL DEFERENCE TO AMERICAN PRIORITIES OR NAIVE ATTEMPTS TO LOCK THE UNITED STATES INTO UNDERWRITING AUSTRALIA'S SECURITY, MR FRASER INSISTED ON CONDITIONS TO UPHOLD AUSTRALIAN SOVEREIGN RIGHTS AND NATIONAL INTERESTS. HE IMPLIED THAT B-52 AIRCRAFT WOULD BE WELCOME, AS THE AMERICANS HAD SOUGHT, TO USE AUSTRALIAN AIRSPACE FOR LOW-LEVEL TRAINING FLIGHTS AND TO TAKE-OFF FROM AUSTRALIAN AIRFIELDS FOR SURVEILLANCE OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN. HOWEVER, HE SAID, ANY OTHER PROPOSED OPERATIONS WOULD REQUIRE "FULL CONSULTATION" AND "PRIOR CONSENT", AND AUSTRALIA WOULD HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF ANY US OPERATIONS MOUNTED FROM AUSTRALIA. IN PARTICULAR, THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSULTED IF ANY AIRCRAFT ARMED WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS WERE TO FLY OVER OR STAGE THROUGH AUSTRALIA. SUCH INFORMATION WOULD NOT BE MADE PUBLIC. THE TERMS PROPOSED BY THE PRIME MINISTER WERE, FROM AUSTRALIA'S POINT OF VIEW, PERFECTLY PROPER AND REASONABLE FOR A SELF-RESPECTING INDEPENDENT NATION TO SEEK. AUSTRALIA DOES HAVE AN INTEREST IN HELPING THE UNITED STATES MAINTAIN THE STRATEGIC BALANCE OF POWER AGAINST THE SOVIET UNION, ESPECIALLY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION. BUT AUSTRALIAN INTERESTS DO NOT ALWAYS COINCIDE WITH THOSE OF THE UNITED STATES IN OTHER CONFLICTS. THIS COUNTRY MAY NOT, FOR INSTANCE, WISH TO BE USED AS A STAGING POST IN THE EVENT OF WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST. AND WHETHER AUSTRALIA SHOULD BE USED AS A BASE FOR NUCLEAR WEAPONS IS A MATTER ON WHICH ITS GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO HAVE A PRIOR SAY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHAT AUSTRALIA IS ENTITLED IN PRINCIPLE TO SEEK IN SUCH AN AGREEMENT MAY NOT BE WHAT IN PRACTICE IT CAN REALISTICALLY EXPECT THE UNITED STATES TO ACCEPT. IN RETROSPECT, IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT NO FINAL AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS OR, DESPITE CANBERRA'S CONFIDENCE THAT THE TERMS WERE ACCEPTABLE TO THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION, THAT WASHINGTON SHOULD NOW HAVE DEFERRED FURTHER CONSIDERATION UNTIL THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION TAKES OVER. AMERICAN OFFICIALS APPEAR TO HAVE REALISED THAT THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE UNLIKELY TO AGREE TO THE LIMITATIONS ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF AMERICAN MILITARY MIGHT DEMANDED BY A MINOR ALLY. AMERICAN POLICY HAS BEEN NEITHER TO CONFIRM NOR DENY, EVEN ON A STRICT GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT LEVEL, WHETHER NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE CARRIED ON ITS SHIPS OR AIRCRAFT. IT WOULD BE SURPRISING IF THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION WERE TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR AUSTRALIA. WHATEVER THE REAL REASON FOR THE HITCH IN NEGOTIATIONS, IT MAKES SENSE FOR A DECISION ON SUCH A SENSITIVE ISSUE TO BE LEFT TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION. THE AMERICANS MUST ALSO BE AWARE THAT, WHILE THE PRESENT AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT MIGHT NOT OBJECT TO THE NON- OPERATIONAL CARRIAGE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS THROUGH AUSTRALIA, THE LABOR PARTY HAS DECLARED THAT IF IN POWER IT WOULD NOT ALLOW NUCLEAR WEAPONS TO BE BROUGHT HERE. THE DEFERRAL OF NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD BE SEEN BY CANBERRA NOT AS A DISAPPOINTMENT BUT AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT OF AUSTRALIA'S BENEFITS, RISKS AND OBLIGATIONS AS AN AMERICAN ALLY. THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT RETREAT FROM ITS STRINGENT GUIDELINES FOR B-52 FLIGHTS OVER OR THROUGH AUSTRALIA WITHOUT EXPLAINING THE IMPLICATIONS TO THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC. THE ISSUES AT STAKE ARE OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE TO THIS COUNTRY, POSING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE IMPERATIVES OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY. "SUMMER ON THE RIVER" SUMMER SHOULD BE THE BEST SEASON FOR THE RIVER. WARM WEATHER MAKES IT NATURAL TO BE OUTDOORS; HOLIDAYS AND LONG EVENINGS GIVE US TIME TO EXPLORE THE WATERWAY RUNNING THROUGH THE CITY. THIS IS THE TIME TO GO FOR A SWIM IN THE RIVER ON A HOT DAY. THE TIME TO TAKE A CANOE OUT ON THE WATER OR ENJOY A FERRY RIDE DOWN TO THE PORT OR UPSTREAM TO THE BUSH. THE TIME TO HAVE PICNICS BY THE RIVERSIDE AND EXPLORE ITS SECRETS BY FOOT OR BIKE. ALAS, PEOPLE IN MELBOURNE CANNOT YET DO ALL THIS ON THE YARRA. THE WATER IS NOT YET CLEAN ENOUGH FOR THE RIVER TO BE THE PLACE TO GO FOR A SWIM ON SUMMER EVENINGS. THERE ARE FEW BOATS ON THE RIVER APART FROM YARRA BEND. THE PORT IS STILL LARGELY INACCESSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE. THE PICNIC SITES ARE LIMITED, AND TRACKS RUN ONLY INTERMITTENTLY ALONG THE RIVER'S BANKS. BUT THIS SUMMER THERE ARE CHANGES. THANKS TO MR HAMER AND SOME ENLIGHTENED CITY COUNCILLORS, THE BULLDOZERS HAVE BEGUN SMASHING UP THE CAR PARK ON THE CITY'S RIVER FRONTAGE IN PREPARATION FOR THE LAND TO BE TRANSFORMED THIS YEAR INTO BATMAN PARK. FURTHER UPSTREAM, WITH THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF MR DIXON, A PATH IS BEING CARVED OUT ALONGSIDE THE RIVER BETWEEN GRANGE ROAD AND HAWTHORN BRIDGE AS A CONTINUATION OF THE YARRA BIKE PATH. WHERE THE PARKS AND BARBECUES ARE, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE USING THEM. WITHIN SIX MONTHS A CO-ORDINATED LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE RIVER SHOULD BE READY TO BE PUT INTO ACTION. THE PORT OF MELBOURNE AUTHORITY, FOR SO LONG AN UNCARING LANDLORD, HAS NOW ALSO TO ITS CREDIT COME UP WITH A PLAN TO OPEN UP THE VAST PORT AREA AND TRANSFORM IT INTO AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE. IN THE INITIAL PART OF THE PLAN, A $1 MILLION MARITIME PARK WILL BE CREATED AROUND THE NATIONAL TRUST'S HISTORIC BARQUE, THE 'POLLY WOODSIDE' ON SOUTH WHARF. A SIMILAR AMOUNT WILL ALSO BE SPENT LANDSCAPING NORTH WHARF IN FRONT OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, AND LANDSCAPING THE BANKS OF THE MARIBYRNONG SOUTH OF FOOTSCRAY ROAD. AMID THIS REDISCOVERY OF THE YARRA, IT IS GOOD TO SEE A SIMILAR RENAISSANCE ALONG THE MARIBYRNONG. AS OUR WEEKENDER MAGAZINE RECOUNTED LAST WEEK, MELBOURNE'S SECOND RIVER IS ALSO DEVELOPING INTO A FOCUS OF SUMMER LIFE FOR THE WESTERN SUBURBS. THE WATERWAY ONCE SCORNED AS A POLLUTED DRAIN IS NOW COMING ALIVE WITH FISH, RESTAURANTS, BOATS AND PARKS. PEOPLE ARE PICNICKING AT BRIMBANK PARK AND ORGAN PIPES NATIONAL PARK, TAKING WEEKEND RIVER CRUISES, AND GOING CANOEING OR JOGGING ALONG THE ONCE FORGOTTEN RIVER OF THE WEST. THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE. MELBOURNE IS A CITY WITH FEW LANDSCAPE ASSETS. OUR RIVERS, STREAMS AND BEACHES ARE THE BEST NATURAL FEATURES WE HAVE. WE SHOULD MAKE THE MOST OF THEM - AND KEEP PRESSING THE STATE GOVERNMENT, BOARD OF WORKS AND OUR COUNCILS TO DEVELOP RIVERSIDE PARKS SO THAT WE CAN DO SO. THE YARRA IS THE HEART OF A POTENTIALLY BEAUTIFUL CITY. SATURDAY 17 JANUARY 1981 "THE FUTURE OF MELBOURNE" THE STATE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO TAKE LONGER THAN SEEMS NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO REFORM THE MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL. COMMENDABLY, IT WILL STAND BY ITS DECISION TO DISMISS THE PRESENT 26-MEMBER COUNCIL AND REPLACE IT WITH THREE ADMINISTRATORS UNTIL A RESTRUCTURED COUNCIL CAN BE ELECTED. COMMENDABLY, TOO, IT IS PREPARED TO RECONSIDER ITS PLAN TO CONFINE THE CITY LIMITS TO THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. BUT WHY SHOULD IT TAKE AT LEAST A YEAR TO REDEFINE THE CITY BOUNDARIES? AND WHY ARE THE ADMINISTRATORS WHO ARE TO TAKE OVER RESPONSIBILITY IN APRIL EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN OFFICE FOR TWO TO THREE YEARS? THE PRESENT COUNCIL'S INCOMPETENCE JUSTIFIES ITS REPLACEMENT, BUT SURELY THE MESS CAN BE CLEANED UP MORE QUICKLY THAN THAT. THE ADMINISTRATORS, YET UNNAMED, WILL HAVE THREE MAIN DUTIES. UNDER THE GOVERNMENT'S REVISED PLAN, ONE WILL BE TO RECOMMEND NEW BOUNDARIES AFTER HEARING SUBMISSIONS FROM CIVIC, RESIDENTIAL, BUSINESS AND UNION REPRESENTATIVES. THIS SHOULD NOT TAKE LONG. THE GOVERNMENT NOW HAS DECIDED, AS A MATTER OF POLICY, THAT THE CITY SHOULD COVER SOME INNER RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND PARKS AND GARDENS SURROUNDING THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, BUT NOT THE MORE OUTLYING RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS WITHIN THE PRESENT BOUNDARIES. THIS IS SENSIBLE; THE NEW CITY COUNCIL SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY ON BUSINESS, CHIEFLY RETAIL, INTERESTS. BUT INTERESTED GROUPS WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO PREPARE THEIR SUBMISSIONS BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATORS TAKE OVER. AND THE EFFECT OF HIVING OFF MOST OF THE CITY'S PRESENT RESIDENTIAL AREAS CAN BE CALCULATED IN ADVANCE, TOO. IF RELEVANT INFORMATION AND OPINION IS ASSEMBLED OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, THEN THE ADMINISTRATORS SHOULD BE ABLE TO REDRAW THE CITY MAP FAIRLY SOON. THE SECOND DUTY OF THE ADMINISTRATORS WILL BE TO STUDY THE CITY'S COMPLEX FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE, AND TO RECOMMEND REFORMS. A FEW MONTHS' EXPERIENCE IN OFFICE SHOULD BE ENOUGH, ESPECIALLY IF THE ADMINISTRATORS ARE CHOSEN FOR THEIR EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND TOWN PLANNING. ONE PROBLEM THAT THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO HAVE OVERLOOKED IS THAT OF THE FRANCHISE. ALL ADULT RESIDENTS ARE TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN OTHER MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, AND RIGHTLY SO. BUT THE CITY OF MELBOURNE DIFFERS IN THAT IT HAS RELATIVELY FEW RESIDENTS, AND WILL HAVE FEWER STILL UNDER THE PROPOSED REDUCTION. THE NEW COUNCIL SHOULD NOT BE ELECTED PREDOMINANTLY BY BUSINESS INTERESTS. THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WORK AND SHOP IN THE CITY DESERVE REPRESENTATION, TOO. THE ADMINISTRATORS' THIRD DUTY WILL BE TO RUN THE CITY UNTIL A NEW COUNCIL IS ELECTED. HERE THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THEIR ROLE SHOULD BE SIMPLY THAT OF CARETAKERS AND CONSULTANTS, OR WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE MORE SUBSTANTIVE POLICY DECISIONS AFFECTING THE CITY'S FUTURE. AS A MATTER OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLE, FAR-REACHING POLICY DECISIONS OUGHT TO BE MADE BY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES RATHER THAN BY APPOINTED ADMINISTRATORS. BUT THE ADMINISTRATORS, WHATEVER THE SCOPE OF THEIR POWERS, WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THROUGH HIM TO A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT. PROVIDED THE ADMINISTRATORS ARE OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE, AND PROVIDED THAT POLICY DECISIONS ARE SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT APPROVAL, THEN THE OPPORTUNITY SHOULD NOT BE LOST TO APPLY SOME FRESH IDEAS AND EXPERTISE TO RESOLVING THE CITY'S PLANNING PROBLEMS. AFTER ALL, THE CITY CANNOT STAND STILL WHILE THE COUNCIL STRUCTURE IS REFORMED. THE INTERREGNUM SHOULD BE AS BRIEF AS POSSIBLE, BUT IF SOMETHING OF VALUE BEYOND A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE CAN BE ACHIEVED, SO MUCH THE BETTER. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" THE 17TH CENTURY TAJ MAHAL IS IN DANGER OF BEING RAVAGED BY POLLUTION. TOXIC WASTES FROM AN OIL REFINERY, MORE RECENTLY BUILT NEARBY, ARE ATTACKING THE ENAMEL-LIKE SURFACE OF THE MARBLE. CONTINUED ACRID FUMES, EXPERTS SAY, ULTIMATELY COULD CHANGE THE TAJ'S GLEAMING WHITENESS TO THE DRAB COLOR OF CONCRETE. THIS DIM PROSPECT CONCERNS MORE THAN THE INDIANS, WHO VIEW THE TAJ MAHAL AS BOTH A VENERABLE MONUMENT AND A VALUABLE TOURIST ATTRACTION. LIKE THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA, THE PYRAMIDS AND THE MONA LISA, THIS FAMOUS MEMORIAL TO THE WIFE OF MOGUL EMPEROR SHAH JAHAN NOW BELONGS TO THE WORLD. VISITORS FROM EVERY COUNTRY MUST HAVE ADMIRED IT; MILLIONS WHO HAVE NOT THEMSELVES VIEWED IT CARRY A MENTAL PICTURE OF ITS FINELY SCULPTURED SPLENDOR. WORLD-WIDE PROTESTS ARE BEING VOICED ABOUT THE THREAT TO THE FUTURE OF THIS ARCHITECTURAL WONDER, INCLUDING THOSE OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS DIRECTED TO THE INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER IN CANBERRA. DEFENDERS OF THE REFINERY, PREDICTABLY, STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF OIL TO WORLD ECONOMY, AND THE THREAT OF 1100 JOBS IF ACTION IS TAKEN AGAINST ITS OPERATIONS. THIS AFFAIR RAISES A QUESTION FAR WIDER THAN THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF MARBLE AND OIL, THE TAJ MAHAL AND THE MATHURA REFINERY. THAT IS BUT ONE INSTANCE OF A DILEMMA THAT CONSTANTLY FACES MODERN SOCIETY: THE FREQUENT NEED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN LIFE'S PRACTICAL NECESSITIES AND ITS AESTHETIC VALUES; ITS ECONOMY, AND BEAUTY; THE COMMERCIAL AND THE MONUMENTAL. SIMILAR QUESTIONS ARISE OVER DIFFERENT ISSUES IN DIFFERENT PLACES. IT AROSE WHEN PLANS FOR THE ALBURY - WODONGA DEVELOPMENT WERE FIRST RELEASED. SOME CRITICS ATTACKED THE "WASTE" OF PUBLIC FUNDS ON HECTARES OF HILLS WHICH, THEY POINTED OUT, WERE QUITE UNSUITABLE FOR BUILDING SITES. BUT IS THE VALUE OF GREEN HILLS TO AN ENVIRONMENT TO BE ASSESSED ONLY BY THEIR POTENTIAL FOR HOUSING? THE PLANNERS OF CANBERRA ALSO RESERVED MANY HECTARES OF HILLS THAT DEVELOPERS WILL NEVER STRIPE WITH ROADS NOR CARVE UP INTO BUILDING LOTS. LIKE THE ALBURY- WODONGA HILLS, THEY WERE DESIGNED TO BE, AND ARE, PICTURESQUE BACKDROPS TO GRACE THE ENVIRONS OF CANBERRA AND ITS SUBURBS, AND A SOURCE OF PLEASURE TO BOTH THE RESIDENTS AND ALL WHO VISIT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. OVER RECENT YEARS HUNDREDS OF HECTARES OF THE DANDENONGS HAVE BEEN DENUDED AS DEVELOPERS HAVE BULLDOZED WOODED MOUNTAIN SLOPES AND SYLVAN FERN GULLIES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRESERVED FOR THE DELECTATION OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT IS TO BE ENCOURAGED IN ITS "BUY-BACK" POLICY, ALBEIT BELATED, TO PRESERVE MORE OF WHAT REMAINS. PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED FOR BROAD AND LONG-RANGE PLANNING TO AVOID THREATS TO NATURAL BEAUTY, AND MORE RIGID CONTROLS OVER SOURCES OF POLLUTION THAT WOULD DAMAGE ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDORS. SUCH MEASURES COST MONEY. BUT WHAT WE SPEND MONEY ON IS SIMPLY A QUESTION OF PRIORITIES. WE NEED LIFE'S AESTHETIC AS WELL AS ITS PRACTICAL ELEMENTS, ITS BEAUTY AS WELL AS ITS BUSINESS, ITS ARCHITECTURAL GEMS AS WELL AS OIL, ITS ETERNAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUES AS WELL AS THOSE THAT ARE PASSING AND MATERIAL. MONDAY 19 JANUARY 1981 "WHY BLAME THE VICTIMS?" ONE OF OUR UGLIEST REACTIONS TO THE SUFFERING OF OTHERS IS A TENDENCY TO BLAME THE VICTIMS FOR THEIR OWN MISFORTUNE. YOU FIND IT WHEN MATERIALLY COMFORTABLE AUSTRALIANS ARE CONFRONTED BY THE DESPERATE POVERTY OF PEOPLE IN COUNTRIES LIKE INDIA. YOU FIND IT WHEN WHITE AUSTRALIANS ARE CONFRONTED BY THE MISERY OF THE DISPOSSESSED BLACKS, OR WHEN MEN ARE CONFRONTED BY THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN. AND YOU FIND IT WHEN OLDER AUSTRALIANS WITH SECURE JOBS ARE CONFRONTED BY THE FACT THAT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF TEENAGERS IN THIS COUNTRY ARE NOW UNEMPLOYED. THE FRASER GOVERNMENT HAS CONSTANTLY ENCOURAGED AUSTRALIANS TO BELIEVE THAT THE TEENAGE UNEMPLOYED ARE LARGELY COMPOSED OF "DOLE BLUDGERS". ITS LEADERS FIRST USED THIS RHETORIC IN OPPOSITION, AND CARRIED IT WITH THEM INTO GOVERNMENT WHERE MR FRASER PROMISED TO STOP PAYING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO "THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO WORK". (THE PLEDGE APPEARED TO HAVE LITTLE EFFECT, AS THE PROPORTION OF THE UNEMPLOYED RECEIVING THE DOLE IN FACT SUBSEQUENTLY ROSE.) FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAS FROZEN THE BENEFIT FOR UNEMPLOYED 15 TO 17 YEAR OLDS AT $36 A WEEK, CLAIMING THAT TO PAY ANYTHING MORE WOULD ENCOURAGE THEM NOT TO LOOK FOR WORK. AND NOW TWO OF ITS MINISTERS HAVE PUSHED THIS ATTITUDE TO ITS ULTIMATE BY ANNOUNCING THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING SCRAPPING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ALTOGETHER FOR PEOPLE UNDER 18, IN A BID TO FORCE THEM TO EITHER STAY AT SCHOOL OR FIND WORK. IT IS CONCEIVABLE THAT OLDER PEOPLE WHO JOINED THE WORKFORCE WHEN JOBS WERE ABUNDANT MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND THAT TODAY'S YOUNG FACE A DIFFERENT SITUATION. BUT IT IS INEXCUSABLE THAT A GOVERNMENT KNOWING THE FACTS SHOULD PERPETUATE THE MYTH THAT TEENAGERS ARE UNEMPLOYED BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO BE. THE SIMPLE FACT IS THAT THEY ARE UNEMPLOYED BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH JOBS FOR THEM. IN DECEMBER THERE WERE 430,000 AUSTRALIANS LOOKING FOR WORK. BUT AT THE SAME TIME THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 30,000 JOBS LOOKING FOR WORKERS. IN THIS SITUATION IT IS FUTILE TO BLAME THE NEWCOMERS TO THE WORKFORCE IF THEY CANNOT FIND JOBS. NO DOUBT SOME OF THE 146,200 TEENAGE UNEMPLOYED MIGHT BENEFIT FROM MORE SCHOOLING. SOME MIGHT ALSO FIND WORK IF THEY LOOKED HARDER. BUT MANY WOULD NOT BE BETTER OFF AT SCHOOL, PARTICULARLY WHEN SCHOOLING IN YEARS 11 AND 12 IS NOT MAINLY DIRECTED TO JOB TRAINING. IT IS ONE THING TO ENCOURAGE THE STATES TO PROVIDE SECONDARY SCHOOLING THAT BETTER EQUIPS TEENAGERS TO JOIN A SKILLED WORKFORCE. SOME VALUABLE PILOT WORK IS BEING DONE IN THIS FIELD, BUT IT WILL BE A LONG TIME BEFORE WIDESPREAD CHANGES ARE MADE. TO CUT OFF EVERYONE UNDER 18 FROM THE DOLE ON THIS EXCUSE WOULD CREATE EXTREME HARDSHIP FOR THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. WHAT IS THE POINT OF BLAMING THE JOBLESS WHEN THERE ARE 15 OF THEM FOR EVERY VACANT JOB? THE GOVERNMENT MAY PROFESS WORTHY MOTIVES. THE ACTION IT IS CONTEMPLATING, HOWEVER, IS A MEAN AND CALLOUS ONE. IT WOULD BE LIKE ABOLISHING PENSIONS FOR THE ELDERLY ON THE GROUNDS OF "ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO SAVE FOR THEMSELVES", BENEATH THE RHETORIC IS A HEARTLESS INDIFFERENCE TO THOSE IN NEED. VICTORIA'S EMPLOYMENT MINISTER, MR DIXON, WAS RIGHTLY QUICK TO REJECT THE PROPOSAL. THE WHOLE OF AUSTRALIA SHOULD JOIN HIM IN DOING SO. "KEEP SKI VILLAGES BELOW THE SNOW" SKIING IS ONE OF THE NEW BREED OF SPORTS WHICH HAS GROWN RAPIDLY IN THIS AGE OF INDIVIDUALISED RECREATION. ONCE A SPORT RESTRICTED TO THE WEALTHY AND IMMIGRANT EUROPEANS, IT IS GRADUALLY SPREADING TO A WIDE CONGREGATION OF ENTHUSIASTS WHO ENJOY ITS CHALLENGE OF NEGOTIATING STEEP SLOPES AT HIGH SPEED, OR GOING FOR LONG TREKS ALONG SNOW-COVERED MOUNTAIN RIDGES. BUT AS THE SPORT HAS GROWN, SO HAVE THE DEMANDS IT MAKES ON PUBLIC LAND - AND ITS CLAIMS ON THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY. LAST WEEK'S DISCLOSURE OF PLANS FOR FUTURE SKI DEVELOPMENT IN NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA ILLUSTRATES THE PROBLEMS RAISED BY THE GROWTH OF SKIING. THE NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE IS REPORTED TO HAVE DRAFTED A MANAGEMENT PLAN THAT WOULD ALLOW NO NEW SKI VILLAGES IN THE KOSCIUSKO NATIONAL PARK, THE HOME OF THE STATE'S SKIING. WHILE THREE NEW SKI RESORTS IN THE PARK WOULD BE CREATED UNDER THE PLAN, THEY WOULD CATER ONLY FOR DAY VISITORS. SKIERS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO STAY IN VILLAGES BELOW THE SNOWLINE, AND TRAVEL UP TO THE SNOW EACH DAY BY BUS. THE SERVICE ARGUES THAT THIS WOULD CREATE LESS ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE THAN VILLAGES ABOVE THE SNOWLINE, WHICH POSE FORMIDABLE PROBLEMS FOR SEWERAGE, WATER SUPPLY, ELECTRICITY, ROADS AND GARBAGE REMOVAL. IN VICTORIA, BY CONTRAST, MR HAMER ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR ONE NEW SKI VILLAGE AND THE EXPANSION OF FOUR OTHERS - ALL OF THEM ABOVE THE SNOWLINE. THE NEW VILLAGE WILL BE ON MOUNT STIRLING, IMMEDIATELY EAST OF MOUNT BULLER. ANOTHER NEW RESORT DESIGNED FOR DAY TRIPS WILL BE DEVELOPED SOMEWHERE IN "THE NORTH-EAST OF THE ALPS" - A LUDICROUS LOCATION, SINCE IT WOULD BE FAR BEYOND THE REACH OF ANYONE LIVING IN MELBOURNE. IN ADDITION, MR HAMER PROMISED TO SPEND $8.3 MILLION IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS TO DEVELOP THE EXISTING SKI VILLAGES AT MOUNT BULLER, FALLS CREEK, MOUNT HOTHAM AND MOUNT BAW BAW - A HUGE SUBSIDY COMPARED TO THAT RECEIVED BY OTHER SPORTS, AND ONE THAT IS UNLIKELY TO BE REPAID. THE NEW SOUTH WALES PLAN APPEARS QUITE THE WISER OF THE TWO. FIRST, BECAUSE SNOW-LEVEL VILLAGES MAKE SKIING VERY EXPENSIVE, AS A COMPARISON WITH NEW ZEALAND (WHERE THE VILLAGES ARE BELOW THE SNOWLINE) MAKES CLEAR. IT COSTS MONEY TO BRING ANYTHING UP THE MOUNTAIN, AND CONSUMERS PAY FOR IT DEARLY. SECOND, THE EXISTING RESORTS ENJOY A LARGE HIDDEN SUBSIDY FROM THE TAXPAYERS - ONE THAT DWARFS THE SUBSIDIES RECEIVED BY FAR MORE POPULAR SPORTS. TAXPAYERS PAY TO BUILD THE EXPENSIVE MOUNTAIN ROADS, TO MAINTAIN THEM, TO BRING ELECTRICITY AND WATER, AND TAKE AWAY SEWAGE AND GARBAGE; THE SKIERS REAP THE BENEFIT. THIRD, VILLAGES ABOVE THE SNOWLINE RUIN THE BEAUTY OF THE ALPS FOR OTHER VISITORS. PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME TO THE MOUNTAINS IN OTHER SEASONS TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL SHOULD NOT HAVE THEIR ENJOYMENT SPOILED BY THE UGLY INTRUSION OF ALPINE SUBURBIAS. SKIERS DO NOT NEED VILLAGES ABOVE THE SNOWLINE; OTHERS DO NOT WANT THEM. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEAVE THE SKI LODGES OFF MOUNT STIRLING, PROVIDE SKI TOWS AND DAY FACILITIES THERE, AND DEVELOP A VILLAGE INSTEAD AT MIRIMBAH, THE SETTLEMENT AT THE FOOT OF BOTH STIRLING AND BULLER. SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER TO BEND TO NATURE THAN TO DEFY IT. TUESDAY 20 JANUARY 1981 "FREEDOM FOR THE HOSTAGES" THE IMMINENT RELEASE OF THE AMERICAN HOSTAGES IS A CAUSE FOR RELIEF AND REJOICING. IT WILL ALSO BE SEEN, WITH SOME JUSTIFICATION, AS A VINDICATION OF PRESIDENT CARTER'S TACTICS, WHICH, ONE TRAGIC DEBACLE ASIDE, WERE RESTRAINED AND REASONED IN THE FACE OF THE ILLOGICAL AND THE PROVOCATIVE. A STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID YESTERDAY: "THE BASIC EXCHANGE IS WE'RE GETTING BACK FROM THEM WHAT THEY TOOK FROM US AND GIVING BACK TO THEM WHAT WE TOOK FROM THEM, AS A RESULT". THIS IS A GLOSS ON THE AFFAIR: ACCURATE IF ARITHMETIC CAN BE ACCEPTED WHICH EQUATES 52 HOSTAGES WITH $6756 MILLION WORTH OF FROZEN IRANIAN ASSETS; UNDERSTANDABLE, GIVEN THE DESIRE OF A PROUD SUPERPOWER TO MINIMISE HUMILIATION AT THE HANDS OF RAG-TAG REVOLUTIONARIES. BUT WHEN THE HOSTAGES ARE HOME, THE YELLOW RIBBONS ARE UNTIED AND SHAKY BRIDGES ARE REBUILT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND IRAN, A BASIC FACT WILL REMAIN: INCALCULABLE DAMAGE WAS DONE BY AYATOLLAHS, MULLAHS AND MILITANT STUDENTS TO THE DIPLOMATIC PROCESS. SANCTUARY WAS VIOLATED. IT IS THE AGE-OLD DICHOTOMY OF ENDS AND MEANS. AT PRESENT THE IRANIANS MIGHT FEEL GRATIFICATION, BUT THEY HAVE DONE THE WORLD - INCLUDING THEMSELVES - A GRAVE DISSERVICE. BEFORE THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN TEHERAN WAS SEIZED AND BEFORE THE MASS EXECUTIONS OF THE SHAH'S MEN TOOK PLACE, THERE WERE GROUNDS FOR SYMPATHY WITH THE REVOLUTION. THE ACTIVIST MOSLEMS WERE JUSTIFIED IN RESENTING THE INTERVENTIONIST ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES. THEY SAW THE SHAH, WITH HIS REPRESSIVE AND MESSIANIC ZEAL, AS THE PRIME SOURCE OF WICKEDNESS. THEY SAW THE UNITED STATES AS CREATING AND SUSTAINING HIM. TO THIS DAY, MANY AMERICANS WILL NOT FACE UP TO WASHINGTON'S MANIPULATION OF IRANIAN AFFAIRS OVER SEVERAL DECADES. THEY SHOULD DO SO NOW, WHILE EMOTION IS HIGH, FOR THE MISDEEDS OF THE IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARIES MUST BE SEEN IN CONTEXT. BUT WHILE THE AMERICANS HELPED INDIRECTLY TO SET THE SCENE FOR THE REVOLUTION AND ITS AFTERMATH, THE IRANIANS MUST CARRY THE BLAME FOR THE HOSTAGE CRISIS. BOTH THE SEIZURE OF THE EMBASSY AND THE HOLDING OF THE HOSTAGES FOR 14 MONTHS WERE INEXCUSABLE. BOTH WERE INFRINGEMENTS OF CIVILISED AND ACCEPTED STANDARDS OF INTERNATIONAL CONDUCT. IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES, IN A WORLD THAT IS GROWING IN COMPLEXITY AND INCREASINGLY RELIANT FOR ITS SAFETY ON THE DIPLOMATIC PROCESS, THE IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARIES HAVE SOWN UNCERTAINTY AND SET A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT. THE IRANIANS HAVE CLAIMED THERE WAS A CIA NEST IN THE TEHERAN EMBASSY. GIVEN THE RECORD OF THE CIA, IT IS A REASONABLE ASSUMPTION THAT THE CLAIM WAS BASED ON FACT RATHER THAN PARANOIA. THE WORLD IS WELL AWARE THAT DAGGERS ARE SOMETIMES CARRIED UNDER DIPLOMATIC CLOAKS AND NATIONS DEVISE WAYS OF DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM. BUT IRAN, TORN, ANGRY AND ANARCHIC, BROKE THE RULES, WRITTEN AND UNWRITTEN. THE HOSTAGES WERE USED, CALLOUSLY, AS HUMAN WEAPONS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES AND IN THE INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLES. THE QUICKEST AND EASIEST WAY TO STRENGTHEN A POLITICAL POSITION IN TEHERAN HAS BEEN TO ELICIT A CRY OF ANGUISH FROM WASHINGTON BY DEMANDING IMPOSSIBLE TERMS. THIS ATTITUDE CERTAINLY HAS HELPED THE ACTIVISTS TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE COUNTRY OVER MORE MODERATE IRANIAN NATIONALISTS. THIS IS THE BATTLE THE WORLD HAS BEEN WITNESSING THESE PAST MONTHS, WITH ALL ITS INTERNATIONAL RAMIFICATIONS. THE FIGHT HAS BEEN BETWEEN THOSE IRANIANS WHO WANT TO REMAKE THE NATION'S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIFE IN THE 20TH CENTURY, AND THOSE WHO INTERPRET IRAN AND THE WORLD THROUGH THE EYES OF A 7TH CENTURY FUNDAMENTALISM IN WHICH MORAL AND CULTURAL STRICTURES ARE A PREOCCUPATION. IT HAS BEEN A STRUGGLE FOR IRAN'S SOUL, WITH ONE SIDE TRYING TO HOLD ON TO THE PRESENT AND THE OTHER SIDE TRYING TO DRAG THE COUNTRY INTO THE PAST. NOW THE FUNDAMENTALIST MOSLEMS ARE ON TOP. THEY HAVE CONSOLIDATED THEIR POSITION, EVEN IN THE MAJLIS, OR PARLIAMENT. MANY OF THEIR GOALS HAVE BEEN MET. THE AMERICAN HOSTAGES HAVE OUTLIVED THEIR USEFULNESS IN THE INTERNAL STRUGGLE, HENCE THE SWEETNESS AND REASON IN TEHERAN AND QOM THIS WEEK. THERE WAS NO HOPE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE DIPLOMATS UNTIL THIS DECISIVE POLITICAL JUNCTION WAS REACHED. THAT IS WHY ALL PREVIOUS AMERICAN ATTEMPTS TO WIN FREEDOM WERE FUTILE, AND WHY NO PRESSURES OR GESTURES - POLITICAL, MILITARY OR ECONOMIC - IMPELLED THE ACTIVISTS INTO RELEASING THE HOSTAGES UNTIL IT SERVED THEIR OWN DOMESTIC NEEDS. THESE NEEDS HAVE BEEN AN ALL-CONSUMING PRIORITY, EVEN OVER THE WAR WITH IRAQ. AND NOW, OF COURSE, WITH A DEGREE OF CLARITY IN TEHERAN'S ANARCHIC POLITICAL AFFAIRS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE REVOLUTION, THE BILL HAS BEEN PRESENTED. THE AYATOLLAH KHOMEINY AND HIS CLERICAL ELITE HAVE BEEN UNDER INCREASING PUBLIC PRESSURE IN THE PAST MONTHS. ANTI-CLERICAL DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE CITIES THAT SERVED AS LAUNCHING PADS FOR THE REVOLUTION HAVE DEEPLY WORRIED THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS. ESPECIALLY DISTURBING FOR THE AYATOLLAHS HAS BEEN THE LOSS OF SUPPORT FROM THE MERCHANTS OF THE BAZAAR, THE REVOLUTION'S PRIME FINANCIAL MEANS OF SUPPORT. IRAN'S TRADE RELATIONS HAVE BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED, EXACERBATING THE ALMOST AUTOMATIC CHAOS THAT ACCOMPANIES REVOLUTION ANYWHERE. THE WAR WITH IRAQ HAS SADDLED THE ARMY, ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY SUPPLIED BY THE AMERICANS BEFORE THE REVOLUTION, WITH A HUGE BURDEN. AND WHILE THERE IS NO PROVISION IN THE AGREEMENT FREEING THE HOSTAGES FOR RENEWED SUPPLIES OF ARMS AND SPARE PARTS, THE RESTORATION OF MORE NORMAL RELATIONS WITH WASHINGTON CLEARLY WOULD BE TO IRAN'S ADVANTAGE. ANOTHER INCENTIVE TO SETTLE DIFFERENCES WITH THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN THE IMPENDING ADVENT OF THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION. WHILE IT MAY HAVE SEEMED UNLIKELY THAT PRESIDENT REAGAN WOULD RESORT TO MILITARY ACTION, HIS APPROACH ALMOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE INVOLVED A PROJECTION OF A NEW, TOUGH AND DETERMINED FOREIGN POLICY STANCE THAT COULD HAVE TRAPPED THE IRANIANS IN THEIR OWN INTRANSIGENCE. FOR MR CARTER THE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES WILL REPRESENT A CLOSING TRIUMPH, HOWEVER HOLLOW. ALL IN ALL, HE DESERVES MARKS FOR PATIENCE IN THE FACE OF UNRELENTING PRESSURE. FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT REAGAN, IT SHOULD BE A SALUTARY LESSON IN THE COMPLEXITIES AND SENSITIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. FOR THE UNITED STATES IT HAS BEEN AN AGONISING LESSON IN THE LIMITS OF A SUPERPOWER'S CLOUT, AND ONE ALL THE MORE BRUISING FOR AN AMERICA RECOVERING FROM THE TRAUMA OF THE VIETNAM WAR. PERHAPS IT IS TOO EARLY TO EXPECT THE IRANIANS TO REALISE HOW WRONG THEIR ACTIONS WERE. NATIONS MUST BE ABLE TO SEND SIGNALS, GIVE WARNINGS, AND GARNER INFORMATION. IT IS ONE THING TO WITHDRAW DIPLOMATIC RECOGNITION AS PART OF A CAREFULLY JUDGED POLICY. IT IS ANOTHER THING TO WRECK THE DIPLOMATIC PROCESS. EVEN WHEN THE MESSAGE IS UNPALATABLE, THE MESSENGERS SHOULD BE INVIOLATE. THE MORE SECURE THE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION, THE MORE THE WORLD KNOWS ABOUT ITSELF AND THE GREATER THE CHANCE OF AVOIDING DISASTER. WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 1981 "CHEATING THE ELECTORATE" THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG ABOUT A GOVERNMENT THAT RIGS THE SYSTEM SO THAT IT CAN WIN ELECTIONS EVEN WHEN A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE VOTE AGAINST IT. A GOVERNOR GERRY ONCE DID SO BY THE LABORIOUS METHOD OF DRAWING THE BOUNDARIES OF EACH ELECTORATE IN SUCH A WAY THAT HIS OPPONENTS' SUPPORT WAS EFFECTIVELY CONFINED TO A FEW SAFE SEATS. TODAY THE STATE GOVERNMENTS OF VICTORIA, QUEENSLAND AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA RELY ON AN EASIER SYSTEM TO STAY IN POWER: THEY ENSURE THAT COUNTRY AREAS DOMINATED BY THEIR SUPPORTERS HAVE MORE MPS THAN THEIR NUMBERS WARRANT, WHILE CITY AREAS DOMINATED BY THEIR OPPONENTS HAVE FEWER. THUS, EVEN IF LABOR WON 51 PER CENT OF THE VOTE AFTER PREFERENCES, THE BIAS IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM - GENERALLY KNOWN AS THE GERRYMANDER - WOULD ENSURE THAT THE CONSERVATIVES, WITH 49 PER CENT OF THE VOTE, RETAINED POWER. THIS PRACTICE OF RIGGING THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM HAS GONE ON SO LONG THAT IT HAS NUMBED THE CONSCIENCES OF MANY OTHERWISE HONEST LIBERAL AND NATIONAL PARTY POLITICIANS. BUT IN PRINCIPLE, IT IS NO DIFFERENT FROM APPOINTING PARTY SUPPORTERS TO RUN THE ELECTIONS, OR GIVING SOME PEOPLE TWO VOTES AND OTHERS ONE. IT IS AN ATTEMPT TO CHEAT THE ELECTORATE, AND TO ERODE THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO THROW OUT A GOVERNMENT AND ELECT ANOTHER. AS OUR REPORT ON MONDAY SHOWED, THE GERRYMANDER DRAWN UP FOR VICTORIA IN 1974 IS GROWING WORSE EACH YEAR AS POPULATION CHANGES MAKE OUR VOTES MORE AND MORE UNEQUAL. IN THE ASSEMBLY, THE LABOR ELECTORATE OF KEILOR HAS 41,377 VOTERS AND ITS NEIGHBOR WERRIBEE HAS 40,410. YET IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, LOWAN (NP) HAS ONLY 25,628 VOTERS, POLWARTH (LIBERAL) HAS 25,670 AND PORTLAND HAS 26,350. IN THE COUNCIL, THE DISTORTIONS ARE EVEN WORSE: DOUTTA GALLA (ALP) HAS 143,338 VOTERS WHILE NORTH-WESTERN (NP) HAS 83,425. THERE IS NO EQUALITY IN THE VALUE OF OUR VOTES. A BASIC LAW OF DEMOCRACY IS BEING FLOUTED. THERE ARE STILL 15 MONTHS BEFORE THE NEXT STATE ELECTION. THIS GIVES THE GOVERNMENT PLENTY OF TIME TO CARRY OUT A REDISTRIBUTION OF BOUNDARIES SO THAT, AT NEXT YEAR'S ELECTION, EVERYONE'S VOTE WOULD HAVE ROUGHLY EQUAL VALUE. IF INSTEAD THE GOVERNMENT CHOOSES TO CALL AN ELECTION ON THE PRESENT DISTORTED BOUNDARIES RATHER THAN RISK LOSING POWER IN A FAIR CONTEST, IT WILL BE UNDERMINING THE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES IT CLAIMS TO UPHOLD. "SANE APPROACH TO ABORTION" AN ESTIMATED 60,000 ABORTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT IN AUSTRALIA EVERY YEAR - ABOUT ONE FOR EVERY FOUR LIVE BIRTHS. MOST PEOPLE, EVEN THOSE WHO MOST VIGOROUSLY UPHOLD THE RIGHT OF A WOMAN TO HAVE AN UNWANTED PREGNANCY TERMINATED, WOULD PROBABLY AGREE THAT THIS FIGURE IS TOO HIGH. ABORTION IS AN EXTREME MEASURE; AND THE FACT THAT SO MANY AUSTRALIAN WOMEN FEEL COMPELLED TO TAKE IT SUGGESTS THAT SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY AMISS. BUT WHAT? IS IT, AS SOME ANTI- ABORTIONISTS CLAIM, THAT WE LIVE TODAY IN A SELFISH, PLEASURE-SEEKING SOCIETY WHICH HAS LOST ITS RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE AND HUMAN VALUES? OR IS THE TRUTH THAT MOST OF THE WOMEN CONCERNED WOULD REALLY PREFER TO LET THEIR PREGNANCY GO FULL COURSE, BUT ARE CONSTRAINED FROM DOING SO BY STRONG SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PRESSURES? OR DOES THE SOURCE OF MUCH OF THE TROUBLE LIE MUCH FURTHER BACK - IN INADEQUATE SEX EDUCATION AND INADEQUATE FAMILY PLANNING FACILITIES? IN VICTORIA A COMMITTEE OF SIX LIBERAL BACKBENCHERS - THREE MEN AND THREE WOMEN - HAS BEEN LOOKING AT THIS CONTENTIOUS QUESTION. THEY HAVE NOW REPORTED THAT ONLY 5 PER CENT OF ABORTIONS IN THE STATE ARE UNDERTAKEN ON MEDICAL GROUNDS. THE REST WERE OFTEN LINKED TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PRESSURES. THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK TO REDUCE THE ABORTION RATE, NOT BY DRASTIC LEGAL MEASURES - THE EFFECT OF WHICH MIGHT BE TO DRIVE THE ABORTION BUSINESS UNDERGROUND AGAIN - BUT BY RELIEVING SOME OF THE EXISTING ECONOMIC PRESSURES. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD BE ASKED TO INCREASE FAMILY ALLOWANCES, WHILE THE STATE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE ASKED TO INCREASE ITS SUBSIDIES FOR HOME HELP FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO HEIGHTEN AWARENESS ABOUT CONTRACEPTION AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY. IT SAYS THAT CONTRACEPTIVES SHOULD BE MORE WIDELY AVAILABLE, AND THAT CONTRACEPTIVE-VENDING MACHINES SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN HOTELS. IN THE PAST, SERIOUS DISCUSSION ABOUT THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF ABORTION HAS BEEN MARRED BY FACTION-FIGHTING AND NAME-CALLING. SUGGESTIONS THAT CONTRACEPTIVES AND ADVICE ON CONTRACEPTION SHOULD BE MADE MORE READILY AVAILABLE HAVE PROVOKED FURTHER PROTESTS FROM SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY. FACED WITH SUCH HEATED REACTIONS, THE HAMER GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN REFUGE BEHIND THE MENHENNITT RULING WHICH EFFECTIVELY ALLOWS ABORTION, BUT IT HAS LACKED THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE FURTHER STEP OF CODIFYING IT. IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT THE LIBERAL BACK- BENCHERS' REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT SUFFER A SIMILAR FATE. THE COURSE OF ACTION THAT THEY RECOMMEND IS MODERATE AND PRACTICAL, STEERING A MIDDLE PATH BETWEEN THE EXTREMES OF THE RIGHT TO LIFERS ON THE ONE HAND AND THOSE WHO URGE ABORTION ON DEMAND ON THE OTHER. INSTEAD OF TALKING OF CRIMINAL SANCTIONS FOR OFFENDERS, THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOGNISED THAT THE BEST WAY OF REDUCING THE NUMBER OF ABORTIONS IS TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR WOMEN TO SEEK ABORTIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE. THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 1981 "NEW HOPES IN WASHINGTON" HAVING RECEIVED THE MOST EXPENSIVE INAUGURATION ACCORDED A NEW PRESIDENT, MR RONALD REAGAN TODAY CARRIES THE HOPES OF A NATION WHICH EXPECTS THE WORLD OF HIM, JUST AS FOUR YEARS AGO IT EXPECTED THE WORLD OF MR JIMMY CARTER. MR CARTER, WHO CAME TO THE WHITE HOUSE WITH FULL FAITH IN HIMSELF, HAS NOW JOINED HIS THREE IMMEDIATE PREDECESSORS IN BEING HURRIED, IF NOT HARRIED, OUT OF OFFICE. HE WAS REJECTED CRUSHINGLY BY THE ELECTORATE AND DENIED DIGNITY AT THE 11TH HOUR BY THE IRANIANS. WHAT CHANCE HAS THE REAGAN PRESIDENCY OF LIVING UP TO THE OPTIMISM WHICH PERVADES WASHINGTON ON INAUGURATION DAYS? SUCH AN ASSESSMENT MUST BE BASED AS MUCH ON A REVIEW OF THE CARTER RECORD AS ON AN ANALYSIS OF THE REAGAN PROPOSALS. DID THE MAN FROM GEORGIA FAIL? OR DOES THE FAULT LIE IN THE OFFICE, ONE WHICH INVOLVES LEADING THE WORLD'S GREATEST AND MOST COMPLEX DEMOCRACY AND ALSO PROVIDING LEADERSHIP TO THE OTHER DEMOCRACIES IN AN INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS WORLD? IN MANY WAYS MR CARTER WAS THE VICTIM OF HIS OWN VIRTUES. HE WAS ELECTED ON A WAVE OF DISILLUSIONMENT WITH THE ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES AND POLITICAL MORALITY OF WASHINGTON, AND HE BELIEVED THAT HE COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. HE WAS ELECTED PARTLY BECAUSE AMERICA WANTED HIM AND PARTLY BECAUSE THE COMPLEX AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM THREW HIM UP. THERE WERE PROMISES, OF COURSE, ABOUT BALANCED BUDGETS, MORAL FOREIGN POLICIES AND, ABOVE ALL, HONESTY. THERE WERE BOASTS ABOUT BEING AN OUTSIDER TO THE CAPITAL'S MURK. THERE WAS CONTEMPT FOR WASHINGTON'S INSTITUTIONS, ESPECIALLY FOR AN ILL-DISCIPLINED CONGRESS. THE CARTER TEAM MADE A VIRTUE OUT OF INNOCENCE AND IGNORANCE. SOME OF ITS MEMBERS BELIEVED THAT THEY COULD RUN THE COUNTRY IN SPITE OF WASHINGTON, AND FOR THAT REASON THE ADMINISTRATION NEVER REALLY WON CONTROL OF THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT OR CAME TO UNDERSTAND FULLY ITS COMPLEXITIES, CHECKS AND BALANCES. THEY NEVER ENTIRELY UNDERSTOOD THAT THEY NEEDED CONGRESS MORE THAN CONGRESS NEEDED THEM. AT THE END, THE CARTER WHITE HOUSE WAS ALMOST AS CLOSED TO THE REST OF WASHINGTON AS AT THE BEGINNING, STILL SHIELDING ITSELF FROM THE POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT AND OTHER POWER CENTRES. THE GEORGIA MAFIA, AS MR CARTER'S COUNSELLORS WERE CALLED, HAD TOO MUCH INFLUENCE AND TOO LITTLE EXPERIENCE. MR CARTER FELT COMFORTABLE WITH THEM(AS HE DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE ESTABLISHED FIGURES OF WASHINGTON) AND SET GREAT STORE BY THEIR FREQUENTLY BAD ADVICE. MR CARTER WAS DIMINISHED BY HIS LACK OF GOOD JUDGMENT ABOUT PERSONALITIES (CONSIDER HIS BROTHER BILLY AND MR BERT LANCE) AS MUCH AS BY HIS MISPERCEPTIONS IN GLOBAL MATTERS. THERE WAS THE CARTER ZEST FOR LONG HOURS, HARD WORK AND ABOVE ALL THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL. THE BIG PICTURE BECAME FOGGED. THERE WAS LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW EVENTS WERE RELATED. THERE WAS AN OBSESSION WITH OPINION AND A READINESS TO FOLLOW THE MOOD RATHER THAN STAND FAST AND LEAD THE NATION. FINALLY, THE NATION TURNED ON HIM AND SENT HIM TO THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION AS THE MOST UNPOPULAR PRESIDENT SINCE THE DEPRESSION. POSSIBLY THIS WAS THE GREATEST IRONY OF ALL, THAT HE SANK LOWER IN PUBLIC OPINION THAN PRESIDENT NIXON, WHOSE ERA MR CARTER HAD BEEN ELECTED TO ERASE. IT WOULD BE ABSURD TO ARGUE THAT HE DESERVED SO MUCH ODIUM. MR CARTER TRIED HARD, HARDER THAN MANY OF HIS PREDECESSORS. WHO COULD TAKE EXCEPTION IN THIS IMPERFECT WORLD TO HIS DRIVE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS? WHICH AMERICAN COULD CRITICISE MR CARTER'S ZEALOUS ATTEMPTS TO ALERT THE NATION TO ITS ENERGY CRISIS AND THE NEED FOR DRAMATIC ACTION? THERE WERE ACHIEVEMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN FOREIGN POLICY WITH THE PANAMA CANAL TREATY, THE CAMP DAVID ACCORDS ON THE MIDDLE EAST, THE EAGERNESS TO BUILD THE NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA, THE WILLINGNESS TO HELP BRITAIN SOLVE THE ZIMBABWE AFFAIR BY STEPPING ASIDE, AND THE SIGNING OF THE SECOND STRATEGIC ARMS LIMITATION TREATY. THERE WAS BAD LUCK, TOO. BUT THERE WAS A THREAD OF INCONSISTENCY AND INCOMPETENCE. TOO MANY PEOPLE SPOKE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AT THE SAME TIME. TOO FEW OF THE BRZEZINSKIS AND YOUNGS WERE TOLD TO KEEP QUIET AND LEAVE THE ELUCIDATION OF FOREIGN POLICY TO THE COMPETENT AND COURAGEOUS MR VANCE. AT TIMES THE INCONSISTENCIES SEEMED ALMOST WILFUL, LEAVING THE WESTERN ALLIANCE IN CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION OVER THE NEUTRON BOMB, THE OLYMPIC BOYCOTT AND AFGHANISTAN, WITH SUDDEN REVERSALS OF DECISIONS AND INSTANT CONVERSIONS OF MIND. HE COULD HAIL DICTATORS AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE AS HIS FRIENDS AND SOMETIMES HE WAS ON BOTH SIDES OF AN ISSUE IN ONE SPEECH. IF AN EPITAPH WERE TO BE CHOSEN, PERHAPS IT SHOULD READ THAT GOOD INTENTIONS ALONE DO NOT MAKE AN EFFECTIVE PRESIDENCY. THERE ARE LESSONS HERE FOR MR REAGAN AND ALL HIS COMPATRIOTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE LIMITATIONS OF THE PRESIDENCY. SOME INCUMBENTS ARE MORE ACCOMPLISHED THAN OTHERS SIMPLY BY KNOWING HOW TO WORK WITH THE SYSTEM AND HOW BEST TO USE THE POWER OF OFFICE. EXPERIENCE SUGGESTS THAT A PRESIDENT AWARE OF HIS LIMITATIONS, YET COMMITTED TO ENSURING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INSTITUTIONS WITH WHICH HE MUST DEAL, CAN ASSERT THAT CRUCIAL LEADERSHIP. MR REAGAN, ONCE THE INAUGURAL BALLS ARE OVER, NATURALLY WILL BE SEEKING THAT QUALITY. WHETHER THE NEW PRESIDENT'S APPARENTLY UNORTHODOX APPROACH WILL WORK, NO ONE - NOT EVEN MR REAGAN HIMSELF - CAN KNOW. THE BIG QUESTION FOR THE UNITED STATES IS WHETHER THE NEW ADMINISTRATION WILL RULE IN A BROAD AND EXPANSIVE SPIRIT OR IN A MEAN AND NARROW ONE. IT IS POSSIBLE, FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS AT LEAST, FOR MR REAGAN AND THE NEWLY ELECTED CONSERVATIVES IN CONGRESS TO HAVE THINGS LARGELY THEIR OWN WAY. IN THE CAMPAIGN THE PRESIDENT PROJECTED HIMSELF AS A COMFORTABLE LEADER, SEEKING TO BROADEN HIS UNDERSTANDING AND WIDEN HIS CONSTITUENCY. BUT TRADITIONALLY, AS MR REAGAN HIMSELF PUT IT, HIS FEET HAVE BEEN SET IN CONCRETE ON DIVISIVE ISSUES. THERE ARE GREAT FEARS IN THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE VICTORIOUS CONSERVATIVES OWE THEM NOTHING POLITICALLY. THEY FIND LITTLE REASSURANCE IN THE PRESIDENT'S PAST PRONOUNCEMENTS ON CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS, FOR EXAMPLE, OR SOCIAL WELFARE ISSUES. BY FAR THE BIGGEST AND MOST URGENT PROBLEM IS WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE ECONOMY. INFLATION IS GROWING, INTEREST RATES ARE EXORBITANT, GROWTH IS UNSOUND, UNEMPLOYMENT IS EXPECTED TO RISE. IF THE ECONOMISTS CAN AGREE ON ANYTHING IT IS THAT THE UNITED STATES IS SLIPPING INTO ANOTHER SLUMP. MR REAGAN'S ADVISERS ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO JUGGLE ALL OF THIS AND AT THE SAME TIME SEE TO THE CAMPAIGN PROMISES OF LOWER INCOME TAX, A BALANCED BUDGET AND INCREASED DEFENCE SPENDING. ONE LOOK AT MR REAGAN'S INHERITED BUDGET DEFICIT - ABOUT $60,000 MILLION - SUGGESTS THAT THOSE PROMISES WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP. ALREADY THERE ARE FEARS THAT THE NEW ADMINISTRATION IS LOCKING ITSELF INTO POLICIES THAT WILL OFFER MORE OF THE SAME. THERE ARE CONSUMING FEARS THAT MR REAGAN AND HIS TEAM OF MONETARIST ECONOMIC ADVISERS WILL THROW THEMSELVES AND THE COUNTRY INTO A THATCHER- STYLE EXPERIMENT. THERE WILL BE OTHER EARLY CHALLENGES IN THE SINKING AMERICAN MOTOR INDUSTRY AND IN THE INDUSTRIAL WORLD'S SINKING OIL STOCKS AS THE PERSIAN GULF WAR DRAGS ON. THERE WILL BE EARLY FOREIGN POLICY TESTS IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND NORTH AFRICA, AND ABOVE ALL THERE WILL BE THE DESIRE TO SHOW THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS SURROGATES THAT THEY CANNOT GET AWAY WITH MARCHING INTO THE COUNTRY NEXT DOOR. FOR THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, PRESIDENT REAGAN HAS CHOSEN A MOSTLY UNEXCITING TEAM, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HAWKISH AND AMBITIOUS MR HAIG, WHOSE RECORD DURING THE VIETNAM WAR AND WATERGATE RAISES WORRYING QUESTIONS. BUT AT LEAST MOST OF THE CABINET ARE PEOPLE OF SOME STANDING IN THEIR FIELDS. THE UNITED STATES SHOULD BE THANKFUL THAT A GROUP OF WILD AND INEXPERIENCED CALIFORNIANS HAS NOT TAKEN OVER FROM THE CARTER GEORGIANS. IF MR REAGAN FINDS THAT HE CANNOT LIVE UP TO THE VISIONS OF HIS CAMPAIGN, IT WILL BE BECAUSE THE PROMISES WERE GROUNDED IN MYTHOLOGY RATHER THAN REALITY. HE HAS OFFERED SIMPLE SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX PROBLEMS, AND NOW HE IS STUCK WITH THE NATION'S HOPES FOR THE RESTORATION OF A HAPPY PAST THAT NEVER WAS. FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 1981 "WHAT WORK, MR VINER?" THE CENTRAL POINT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S FORESHADOWED REVIEW OF SCHOOLING, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT AND YOUTH DOLE PAYMENTS, ACCORDING TO THE MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS, IS THAT "THE BEST INTERESTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE SERVED BY EDUCATING THEM TO A STAGE AT WHICH THEY ARE QUALIFIED AND MOTIVATED TO FIND REWARDING WORK". WHAT WORK, MR VINER? IN DECEMBER 430,000 AUSTRALIANS WERE LOOKING FOR WORK, ONE-THIRD OF THEM TEENAGERS, BUT ONLY ABOUT 30,000 JOBS WERE LOOKING FOR WORKERS. MOST YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE DOLE ARE UNEMPLOYED BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT NEARLY ENOUGH JOBS FOR THEM, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE STUPID OR LAZY OR BECAUSE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS FAILED THEM. THIS WAS THE CENTRAL POINT OF OUR EDITORIAL OPINION ON MONDAY, WHICH MR VINER, IN HIS OPEN SPACE ARTICLE YESTERDAY, SAID HAD MISINTERPRETED THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION. IT IS QUITE TRUE THAT MANY YOUNGSTERS LEAVE SCHOOL ILL-PREPARED, IN KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTITUDES, TO EARN THEIR LIVING. IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT MANY SCHOOLS ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO TAKE ACADEMIC COURSES LEADING TO TERTIARY STUDIES FOR WHICH MOST HAVE NO APTITUDE OR DESIRE. WE AGREE WITH MR VINER THAT SCHOOLS COULD BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF SOME OF THEIR STUDENTS, THAT THERE SHOULD BE WIDER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNICAL AND MIDDLE LEVEL TRAINING, AND THAT VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE SHOULD BE IMPROVED. IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO URGE AND ASSIST THE STATES TO PURSUE THESE OBJECTIVES, GOOD! BUT THIS IS NOT THE CONTEXT IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION WAS PRESENTED. NOR DO THE FEDERAL-SPONSORED TRAINING SCHEMES ALREADY UNDER WAY INSPIRE MUCH CONFIDENCE IN THE LATEST PROPOSALS. THE PRIME MINISTER, MR FRASER, HAS SUGGESTED THAT DOLE PAYMENTS ARE ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY, AND HAS QUESTIONED WHETHER IN FUTURE THEY SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IF THEY REFUSED TO TAKE UP PLACES IN EXPANDED TRAINING AND EDUCATION SCHEMES. HE SAID AN INCREASED NUMBER OF BOYS HAD LEFT SCHOOL SINCE 1974 WHEN HIGHER ALLOWANCES WERE INTRODUCED. THE EVIDENCE FOR MR FRASER'S SUPPOSITION IS BOTH FLIMSY AND SPECULATIVE. THE PROPORTION OF 16- YEAR-OLDS AT SCHOOL ROSE FROM 53.3 PER CENT TO 58.7 PER CENT IN THE FIVE YEARS TO 1979, AND OF 17-YEAR-OLDS FROM 29.6 PER CENT TO 31.5 PER CENT. TAKING MALES ONLY, THE FIGURES FOR 17- YEAR-OLDS SHOW A MARGINAL DECLINE FROM 31.4 TO 30.1 PER CENT FROM 1974 TO 1979. ANOTHER SET OF STATISTICS, MEASURING "RETENTION RATES" (YEAR 12 STUDENTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF THOSE WHO BEGAN SECONDARY SCHOOL SIX YEARS EARLIER), SHOW A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TREND. THE RETENTION RATE FOR BOYS, 31.1 PER CENT IN 1969, ROSE TO A PEAK OF 35.7 PER CENT IN 1972 AND DECLINED TO 32.4 PER CENT IN 1979. WHETHER THE DECLINE WAS DUE TO DOLE PAYMENTS, OR TO FAMILIES BEING LESS ABLE TO AFFORD TO KEEP CHILDREN AT SCHOOL, OR TO SOME OTHER FACTOR, IS A MATTER FOR SPECULATION. IN ANY CASE, THE THREE BOYS IN 100 WHO ARE LEAVING SCHOOL EARLIER ARE MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE NUMBER OF GIRLS STAYING LONGER. THE RETENTION RATE FOR GIRLS ROSE SHARPLY FROM 23.3 PER CENT IN 1969 TO 37.3 PER CENT IN 1978, WITH A MARGINAL FALL TO 37.2 PER CENT IN 1979. IN THEIR PUBLIC STATEMENTS, MR FRASER AND MR VINER ARE CONFUSING TWO ISSUES WHICH HAVE, AT MOST, ONLY A TENUOUS LINK. ONE IS THE FAILURE OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MANY OF THEIR STUDENTS. THE OTHER IS THE FAILURE OF THE ECONOMY TO OFFER SUFFICIENT JOBS TO EMPLOY SCHOOL LEAVERS. IN A RECENT REPORT, THE SCHOOLS COMMISSION, CONCLUDING THAT MOST SCHOOLS "LAG IN THEIR ADJUSTMENT TO THE NEEDS OF THE FULL RANGE OF STUDENTS" ADDED: "THE COMMISSION IS NOT IN ANY WAY SUBSCRIBING TO CLAIMS THAT HIGH YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLING. SUCH CLAIMS ARE MANIFESTLY WITHOUT FOUNDATION SINCE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH JOBS WHICH UNEMPLOYED YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GET". BY ALL MEANS, LET THE GOVERNMENT IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND RELEVANCE OF EDUCATION. BUT THIS DOES NOT JUSTIFY ANY REDUCTION IN THE MISERLY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT - FROZEN FOR FIVE YEARS AT $36 A WEEK - AVAILABLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18. UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT CAN STIMULATE THE CREATION OF MORE JOBS, THE MAIN EFFECTS OF ITS EFFORTS TO KEEP YOUNGSTERS AT SCHOOL LONGER WILL BE TO DISGUISE THE UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS AND TO PRODUCE A BETTER-EDUCATED, BETTER-QUALIFIED AND PRESUMABLY EVEN MORE FRUSTRATED CLASS OF JOBLESS YOUNG PEOPLE. "GOTHIC FACE, MODERN BEHIND" OWNERSHIP OF A CLASSIFIED HISTORIC BUILDING CAN BE A MIXED BLESSING. WHILE THE BUILDING CONFERS PRESTIGE ON ITS OWNERS, ITS CLASSIFICATION MEANS THAT THEY CAN'T SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER OR REDEVELOP IT. THE NATIONAL MUTUAL COMPANY FOUND THIS WITH THE RIALTO SITE IN COLLINS STREET. THE COMPANY MADE A NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SITE'S DEVELOPMENT: AS A CASINO SITE, A HOTEL COMPLEX, A CONVENTION CENTRE, AND AS THE LOCATION FOR THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE. ALL OF THEM WERE TURNED DOWN BY THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH PREFERRED TO SITE A CONVENTION CENTRE IN THE EXHIBITION GARDENS (AN APPALLING PROSPECT) AND THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE AT NORTH WHARF. IN DESPERATION, NATIONAL MUTUAL PUT THE $10 MILLION SITE UP FOR SALE. AN OPTION TO PURCHASE WAS TAKEN UP BY A DEVELOPMENT FIRM, GROLLO BUILDING AND ENGINEERING, WHICH HAS BEEN EXPLORING VARIOUS SITE USAGE PLANS. ONE PLAN APPARENTLY ENVISAGES THE DEMOLITION OF THE BACK OF THE 19TH-CENTURY RIALTO BUILDINGS AND THEIR BALCONIES TO MAKE WAY FOR A 50-STOREY HOTEL AND OFFICE BLOCK. ONLY THE FACADE WOULD BE PRESERVED. AT THE MOMENT THE BLOCK OF BUILDINGS IS DESIGNATED BY THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS PRESERVATION COUNCIL, AND CANNOT BE DEMOLISHED OR EVEN ALTERED WITHOUT APPROVAL. THE GROLLO GROUP IS HOPING THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE OBLIGING AND RELAX ITS CONTROLS. FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DO SO WOULD BE A DENIAL OF EVERYTHING IT HAS SAID ABOUT MAINTAINING VICTORIA'S HERITAGE. THE SO-CALLED PARIS END OF COLLINS STREET HAS ALREADY BEEN DESTROYED. ARE THE FEW HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN THE WESTERN END OF COLLINS STREET TO GO THE SAME SORRY WAY? GROLLO, LIKE NATIONAL MUTUAL, HAS A PROBLEM. THE SUGGESTED SOLUTION, HOWEVER - A GOTHIC FRONT AND A CONTEMPORARY BEHIND - WOULD BE THE VERY WORST KIND OF COMPROMISE. IT PAYS LIP SERVICE TO THE IDEA OF CONSERVATION, AND THAT IS ALL. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REJECT THE SCHEME, IF AND WHEN GROLLO PUT IT FORWARD, AND TELL THEM THAT THE ONLY DESIGN WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE IS ONE THAT SUBSTANTIALLY RETAINS THE RIALTO BUILDINGS AND IS ARCHITECTURALLY IN KEEPING WITH THEM. ONE OF THE EARLIER PLANS PUT FORWARD FOR THE SITE - BUT REJECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT - INCORPORATED MULTI-LEVEL GALLERIAS (OR WALKWAYS), ENCLOSED COURTYARDS (WHICH MAKE SENSE, GIVEN MELBOURNE'S WINDY AND ERRATIC CLIMATE), PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT AS WELL AS SHOPS, AND PLEASANT VIEWS INTO THE OLDER BUILDINGS. SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD BE FAR PREFERABLE TO A SCHEME THAT KEEPS THE RIALTO FACADE AND NOTHING MORE. SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 1981 "OPERA FUTURE STILL CLOUDED" AFTER A FORTNIGHT OF DISCUSSIONS, THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL HAVE AGREED ON A PLAN WHICH WILL ALLOW THE VICTORIA STATE OPERA TO CARRY OUT ITS PLANNED PROGRAMME FOR 1981. THE TROUBLE AROSE WHEN THE VSO - EXPECTING A GRANT OF $385,000 FROM THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE PRESENT YEAR - SUDDENLY FOUND, AFTER ANNOUNCING ITS SEASON AND SELLING THOUSANDS OF TICKETS, THAT ALL IT COULD EXPECT FROM THE FEDERAL BODY WAS WHAT IT RECEIVED LAST YEAR: $45,000. THE VSO WAS FACED WITH THE PROSPECT OF EITHER CURTAILING ITS PROGRAMME OR ABANDONING IT COMPLETELY. IN EITHER CASE ITS REPUTATION WITH ITS SINGERS AND WITH THE OPERA-GOING PUBLIC WOULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, PERHAPS IRREPARABLY. RECOGNISING THIS, THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO BACK THE COMPANY TO THE TUNE OF AN EXTRA $316,000, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CUTTING ITS GRANT TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPERA BY $70,000. THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL, FOR ITS PART, HAS AGREED TO CHIP IN A FURTHER $135,000 TO THE VSO. IT IS A GOOD RESULT FOR THE VSO, IF NOT THE AUSTRALIAN OPERA. IT MEANS THAT VICTORIANS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A BUSY YEAR OF OPERA-GOING. BETWEEN THEM THE TWO COMPANIES WILL MOUNT 15 PRODUCTIONS. IT IS A LONG TIME SINCE MELBOURNE HAD SO MUCH OPERA GOING ON. BUT WHILE THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN OVERCOME, THE LONGER-TERM POSITION OF OPERA IN MELBOURNE IS MUCH LESS CLEAR. IN TWO YEARS TIME THE 2000-SEAT OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE AT THE ARTS CENTRE WILL OPEN ITS DOORS. VERY SOON BOTH OPERA COMPANIES WILL NEED TO START PLANNING FOR THE INAUGURAL SEASON. YET AT THE MOMENT NEITHER COMPANY HAS ANY IDEA WHAT ITS FUNDING THEN WILL BE. NOR HAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND NATIONAL COMPANY BEEN RESOLVED. THE MCKINNON REPORT, COMMISSIONED BY THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL AND DELIVERED LAST MAY, RECOMMENDED THAT WHILE THE AO SHOULD REMAIN THE NATIONAL COMPANY, IT SHOULD SPEND MORE OF ITS TIME IN SYDNEY AND LESS TIME TOURING INTERSTATE. IT ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS THE VSO SHOULD BE BUILT UP PROGRESSIVELY TO THE POINT WHERE IT BECAME AN ALL-THE-YEAR-ROUND ENSEMBLE. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS AVOIDED MAKING A DECISION ONE WAY OR ANOTHER ON THE REPORT. IT CANNOT DO SO MUCH LONGER. IT MAKES SENSE TO BUILD UP THE VSO, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT BE DONE TO THE EXCLUSION FROM VICTORIA OF THE AO. THE TWO COMPANIES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. THEY HAVE DIFFERENT AIMS, PRIORITIES AND REPERTOIRES, AND THEY EMPLOY DIFFERENT SINGERS. MELBOURNE SHOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE BEST THAT BOTH COMPANIES CAN PROVIDE, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE AO IS KEEN TO MAINTAIN ITS MELBOURNE PRESENCE. DIVERSITY, NOT MONOPOLY, SHOULD BE THE GOVERNMENT'S OPERATIC POLICY. "A SATURDAY REFLECTION" THE AGE OF THE SILICON CHIP HAS PRODUCED A NEW GENERATION OF PROSPECTORS ARMED WITH METAL DETECTORS. ALTHOUGH THEIR EQUIPMENT IS NEW, THEY BELONG TO A LONG LINE OF EAGER GOLD SEEKERS STRETCHING BACK TO ANTIQUITY, WHEN MEN DUG THE PRECIOUS METAL WITH ANTLERS FROM THE HILLS OF NUBIA. AS TODAY'S HOPEFUL FOSSICKER WAVES HIS ELECTRONIC DIVINING ROD OVER THE SOIL OF FORMER GOLDFIELDS, HIS HEART LEAPS WHENEVER THE TELL-TALE BEEPER INDICATES THE PRESENCE OF BURIED METAL. EVEN WHEN HE DIGS UP NOTHING MORE ROMANTIC THAN THE REMAINS OF A BILLY CAN, A PIECE OF RUSTED HOOP IRON, AN OLD BRASS BUTTON OR A QUEEN VICTORIA PENNY, HE IS NOT DISCOURAGED. ALWAYS THERE IS THE HOPE THAT THE GRAVEL IN HIS SHOVEL WILL YIELD A NUGGET THAT OUT-VALUES EVERYTHING ELSE HE UNEARTHS IN HIS QUEST. ON MAKING A STRIKE, THE PROSPECTOR MIGHT REFLECT ON HIS SINGULAR GOOD FORTUNE. THE NUGGET HE BRINGS TO LIGHT HAS LAIN IN THE EARTH FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME. GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE WALKED OVER IT, CATTLE GRAZED ABOVE IT, MINERS MISSED IT. IT MIGHT HAVE REMAINED THERE FOR CENTURIES TO COME HAD NOT HIS PARTICULAR DETECTOR LOCATED IT. IN THIS PRAGMATIC AGE IT MAY SEEM ODD THAT THE PROSPECTOR SHOULD SEARCH SO KEENLY FOR A METAL THAT HAS RELATIVELY FEW PRACTICAL USES. SOME OTHER METALS SUCH AS IRON, COPPER, TIN, ALUMINIUM AND SILVER ARE SO USEFUL THAT TO MINE THEM IS ALMOST A NECESSITY. BUT PURE GOLD IS UNSUITABLE FOR LITTLE ELSE THAN STORING IN VAULTS, DISPLAYING IN MUSEUMS OR WEARING ON CHAINS. ONLY WHEN THE "NOBLE" ELEMENT IS ALLOYED WITH "BASE" METALS IS IT HARD ENOUGH FOR A PLATE, A MEDAL, A COIN OR A TOOTH.BUT THAT IS UNIMPORTANT TO THE PROSPECTOR. HE IS CONCERNED WITH GOLD'S INTRINSIC, RATHER THAN ITS FUNCTIONAL, VALUE. HAVING UNEARTHED THE PRECIOUS PRIZE HE MUST DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH IT. HE MAY WANT TO KEEP IT AS A TREASURE FOR ITS OWN SAKE, TO BE BROUGHT OUT FROM UNDER LOCK AND KEY FROM TIME TO TIME AND DISPLAYED, HANDLED AND ADMIRED. MORE PROBABLY HIS COMMERCIAL INSTINCT WILL OVER-RULE HIS SENTIMENTALITY, FOR MOST PROSPECTORS' DISCOVERIES, EVEN OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS NUGGETS, ARE SOON FOLLOWED BY AN APPRAISAL OF THEIR WORTH IN DOLLARS. TO REALISE ITS VALUE HE MUST SELL HIS NUGGET AND CONVERT IT INTO HARD CASH. THE ANTICIPATION OF WEALTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE PRIME MOTIVATING FACTOR IN THE SEARCH FOR GOLD. YET EVEN THE MOST PRECIOUS METAL DOES NOT REPRESENT LIFE'S ULTIMATE VALUE. MAN HAS ALWAYS SEARCHED FOR LESS TANGIBLE, BUT DESIRABLE TREASURE - LIKE A CONTENTED MIND, INNER PEACE, CONFIDENT HOPE. NOT ONLY HAS MONEY NOT BEEN ABLE TO BUY THEM; PREOCCUPATION WITH MONEY HAS OFTEN DESTROYED THEM. THOSE ELEMENTS OF A FULL LIFE TURN OUT TO BE BY-PRODUCTS OF A STILL GREATER REALITY, WHICH CHRIST LIKENED TO "TREASURE HIDDEN IN A FIELD". IT WAS OF SUCH SURPASSING WORTH, HE SAID, THAT ANYONE WOULD GLADLY SELL ALL HE HAD TO BUY THAT FIELD. MONDAY 26 JANUARY 1981 "THE LOOP THAT CAME TOO LATE" THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY LOOP IS A FITTING MONUMENT FOR MELBOURNE, A REMINDER OF THE INEPTITUDE, IMPROVIDENCE AND DISTORTED PRIORITIES THAT HAVE CHARACTERISED VICTORIAN GOVERNMENTS SO LONG AS ANYONE CAN REMEMBER. IT HAS BEEN BUILT TOO LATE AND, LIKE SO MANY OTHER PUBLIC PROJECTS, AT TOO HIGH A COST. PERHAPS THE WONDER IS THAT IT WAS EVER ATTEMPTED AT ALL. SOME OTHER WORKS LISTED IN MELBOURNE'S 1929 TOWN PLAN AS "URGENT" HAVE STILL NOT BEEN BEGUN, AND THE CITY HAS SUFFERED AS A RESULT. TYPICALLY, THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS. THIS IS NOT A RECORD: A LOWER YARRA CROSSING, NOW REPRESENTED BY THE WEST GATE BRIDGE, WAS FIRST PROPOSED IN THE 1880S. TYPICALLY, TOO, THE LOOP HAS BEEN NINE YEARS AND SEVEN MONTHS IN THE BUILDING, TWO YEARS BEHIND SCHEDULE, AND WILL NOT BE COMPLETED FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS. AND TRUE TO TRADITION, UNION BANS DELAYED THE OFFICIAL OPENING BY TWO MONTHS. THE "LOOP" IS ACTUALLY NOT ONE BUT FOUR LOOPS. ONLY TWO OF THESE LOOPS, AND ONE OF THREE CITY STATIONS, IS IN OPERATION. THE PROJECT IS SOMETHING OF AN ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT, AND THOSE WHO DESIGNED AND BUILT IT DESERVE THE PUBLIC'S CONGRATULATIONS. BUT COMPARED WITH SOME OF THE COMPLETE METROPOLITAN RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTED IN RECENT YEARS IN OVERSEAS CITIES, IT IS HARDLY ONE OF THE TRANSPORT WONDERS OF THE WORLD. IT WILL, IN FACT, SERVE ONLY TWO VERY LIMITED PURPOSES. VICRAIL PRESSED STRONGLY FOR THE PROJECT TO HELP IT OVERCOME ITS PEAK PERIOD TURNAROUND PROBLEM AT FLINDERS STREET STATION, AND THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IT WILL SOLVE THESE DIFFICULTIES. FOR CITY COMMUTERS, IT OFFERS FIVE INSTEAD OF TWO PERIPHERAL CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT STATIONS (WHEN ALL ARE OPEN) AND WILL SAVE SOME OF THE COST AND INCONVENIENCE OF TRAM TRANSFERS. BUT CITY RAIL COMMUTERS REPRESENT ONLY A DIMINISHING FRACTION OF ALL METROPOLITAN COMMUTERS. A THIRD ADVANTAGE CLAIMED FOR THE LOOP IS THAT IT WILL "OPEN UP" THE NORTH OF THE CITY. WHETHER IT WILL IN FACT DO SO REMAINS TO BE PROVEN. THE UNDERGROUND LOOP HAS COME INTO OPERATION AT LEAST 30 YEARS AFTER ITS OPTIMUM VALUE. IT WAS IN THE IMMEDIATE POST-WAR YEARS THAT SUBURBAN TRAIN TRAVEL WAS AT ITS PEAK, WHEN MOST OF MELBOURNE'S OFFICES, FACTORIES AND SHOPPING CENTRES WERE WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE RADIAL RAIL NETWORK, AND WHEN TRAINS AND TRAMS WERE UNCOMFORTABLY CROWDED AT PEAK PERIODS. SINCE THEN, MELBOURNE HAS SPRAWLED BEYOND THE CONVENIENT SPAN OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE HAVE DECENTRALISED, WITH THE CITY ACCOUNTING FOR A DECLINING PROPORTION OF THE METROPOLITAN WORKFORCE, AND THE PRIVATE MOTOR CAR HAS BECOME THE PREDOMINANT MODE OF PERSONAL TRANSPORT. NOT THE LEAST IRONY IS THAT THE LOOP HAS OPENED JUST AS THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE CLOSURE OF SEVERAL SUBURBAN RAILWAY LINES BECAUSE OF DWINDLING PATRONAGE AND RISING DEFICITS. THE GOVERNMENT'S HOPE IS THAT THE RISING COST OF PETROL WILL INDUCE MORE PEOPLE TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN AND THAT THE UNDERGROUND LOOP AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS WILL MAKE RAIL TRAVEL TO THE CITY MORE ATTRACTIVE. WE SHARE THAT HOPE, BUT WITHOUT MUCH CONFIDENCE. DESPITE A TREND BACK TOWARDS INNER SUBURBAN LIVING, MELBOURNE SEEMS STILL TOO SPREAD OUT, AND TOO DIFFUSED, FOR THE CITY RAIL LOOP TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE TO RAIL PATRONAGE AND FINANCES. IT IS MORE LIKELY TO DIMINISH CITY TRAM PATRONAGE. EVEN IF DOES ATTRACT PEOPLE BACK TO TRAINS, IT WILL DO SO AT ENORMOUS COST TO THE PUBLIC. THE LOOP PROJECT, ORIGINALLY ESTIMATED TO COST $80 MILLION, WILL EXCEED $500 MILLION BY THE TIME IT IS FINISHED, OR ABOUT $1600 MILLION WITH INTEREST PAYMENTS. SELDOM IF EVER IN THIS STATE HAS SO MUCH BEEN SPENT FOR SO LITTLE. "AS GROWTH COMES TO PORTLAND" THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE. WHEN PORTLAND WAS IN FEAR OF STAGNATION, ITS LEADERS WERE CONSTANTLY LOBBYING DECISION- MAKERS TO TRY TO SEDUCE INDUSTRY TO THE TOWN. NEW FACTORIES WOULD PROVIDE JOBS FOR TEENAGERS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE TO LEAVE PORTLAND. THEY WOULD BRING PROSPERITY TO THE TOWN, STIMULATE EMPLOYMENT IN OTHER BUSINESSES AND LEAD TO A BETTER AND WIDER RANGE OF SERVICES. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT HAD ALREADY GIVEN PORTLAND A TASTE OF GROWTH; IT WANTED MORE. NOW THAT GROWTH IS COMING TO PORTLAND, THE TOWN SEEMS TO BE HAVING DOUBTS. AT THE OUT- SKIRTS OF THE TOWN, THE BIGGEST FACTORY IN VICTORIA IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AND AS ITS POPULATION LOOKS LIKE GROWING BY TWO-THIRDS IN TWO YEARS, THE TOWNSPEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE DRAWBACKS OF RAPID GROWTH. THE PRICE OF LAND AND HOUSING HAS SOARED AS ALCOA ITSELF AND LOCAL SPECULATORS HAVE BOUGHT UP BIG. RENTS HAVE INCREASED SHARPLY, NEW WORKERS HAVE MOVED IN, COMMUNITY SERVICES ARE FACING STRAINS AND MASSAGE PARLORS AND A SEX SHOP ARE COMING TO A GENERALLY SEDATE WESTERN DISTRICT TOWN. THE SCENE IS SET FOR A FASCINATING CHANGE IN PORTLAND'S LIFESTYLE, ONE WORTHY OF AN ACADEMIC STUDY OR A CRAWFORD SOAP OPERA. THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY WELFARE SERVICES HAD COMMISSIONED A CSIRO EXPERT TO CARRY OUT THE FORMER - BUT ITS DECISION HAS BEEN OVERRULED BY A COUNCIL OF STATE MINISTERS. IN KEEPING WITH THE HAMER GOVERNMENT'S NEW "DEVELOPMENT FIRST" OBSESSION, THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MR IAN SMITH, HAS PERSUADED HIS COLLEAGUES TO SPEND THE MONEY NOT ON A STUDY BUT ON ACTION, INCLUDING A NEW SOCIAL RESOURCES CENTRE AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL. IT SEEMS A PITY THAT WE CAN'T HAVE BOTH. PORTLAND'S EXPERIENCE COULD BE AN EXCITING AND VALUABLE ONE FOR OTHERS TO LEARN FROM. WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 1981 "TAX REFORM REQUIRES DEBATE" THE POINT HAS BEEN MADE BEFORE, AND THE PRIME MINISTER, MR FRASER, HAS MADE IT AGAIN, THAT AUSTRALIANS ARE NOT, BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, HIGHLY TAXED. AMONG THE WESTERN WORLD'S TOP 20 INDUSTRIAL NATIONS, AUSTRALIA RANKS 16TH IN THE LEVEL OF TOTAL TAXATION (FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL) AS A PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL OUTPUT OF GOODS AND SERVICES. HOWEVER, AS MR FRASER CONCEDES, AUSTRALIA LEVIES A HIGHER PROPORTION OF ITS TOTAL TAXATION IN INCOME TAX THAN ALL BUT TWO OR THREE OTHER OECD COUNTRIES, AND THIS PROPORTION HAS STEADILY GROWN IN RECENT YEARS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INFLATION. THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT, AS A MATTER OF POLICY, HAS LONG FAVORED A RESTRUCTURING OF THE TAX SYSTEM SO AS TO IMPOSE LESS TAX ON WHAT PEOPLE EARN AND MORE ON WHAT THEY SPEND. IT HAS BEEN INHIBITED FROM PUTTING ITS PHILOSOPHICAL PREFERENCES INTO PRACTICE BY PROTESTS FROM THOSE WHO FEAR THAT THEY (AND SOME LESS ABLE TO SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES) WOULD BE DISADVANTAGED BY SUCH A CHANGE. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN OBJECTIONS FROM THOSE WHO FEAR THAT ANY NEW TAX IS BOUND TO GROW AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY OFFSET, AS PROMISED, BY REDUCTIONS IN INCOME TAX. BUT NOW, WITH AN ELECTION BEHIND IT AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF SOME INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS INTERESTS, THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING AGAIN AT SOME NEW OR EXTENDED FORM OF CONSUMPTION TAX. INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY DECIDED IN PRINCIPLE TO INCREASE INDIRECT TAX AND THAT THE KEY QUESTIONS TO BE SETTLED ARE HOW, WHEN AND HOW MUCH. NO DOUBT THE GOVERNMENT PREFERS A TAX THAT WILL RAISE THE MOST REVENUE WITH THE LEAST COST TO ITSELF AND THE LEAST FUSS IN THE COMMUNITY. AND, UNDERSTANDABLY, NO DECISION IS LIKELY TO BE ANNOUNCED UNTIL AFTER THE BY-ELECTIONS ON 21 FEBRUARY. BUT IF THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO SWITCH THE EMPHASIS FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT TAX, IT SHOULD INDICATE THE EXTENT AND EXPLAIN THE RATIONALE. THE MAIN JUSTIFICATION FOR A HIGH RELIANCE ON INCOME TAX IS THAT IT IS RELATED TO ABILITY TO PAY. A TAX ON CONSUMPTION IS REGRESSIVE. ALTHOUGH THE RICH SPEND MORE THAN THE POOR, INDIRECT TAX TAKES A GREATER PROPORTION OF A POOR MAN'S INCOME THAN A RICH MAN'S. BUT AUSTRALIA'S INCOME TAX SYSTEM IS NO LONGER EQUITABLE. IT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES, ESPECIALLY TO THE SELF-EMPLOYED AND THOSE ABLE TO CONVERT INCOME INTO ASSETS, TO AVOID TAX, AND THESE OPPORTUNITIES ARE BEING EXPLOITED AT A COST TO REVENUE - AND OTHER TAXPAYERS - OF HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR. THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE BURDEN OF INCOME TAX ON THOSE TIED TO THE PAY-AS-YOU-EARN SCHEME AS COMPARED TO THOSE WHOSE TAX IS NOT DEDUCTED BY EMPLOYERS. THIS DISCREPANCY IS A DISINCENTIVE TO HIGHLY PAID EMPLOYEES TO SEEK PROMOTION OR TAKE ON ADDITIONAL DUTIES, IT GIVES AN IMPETUS TO HIGHER WAGE DEMANDS, AND IT EXACERBATES SOCIAL DIVISIVENESS BY REDUCING A WILLINGNESS TO SUPPORT THE NEEDY THROUGH SOCIAL SECURITY. IDEALLY, THE PROBLEM OF TAX AVOIDANCE SHOULD BE OVERCOME DIRECTLY BY CLOSING THE LOOPHOLES. BUT GIVEN THE LEGAL AND POLITICAL PROBLEMS, NOTABLY THE ATTITUDE OF THE HIGH COURT AND THE GOVERNMENT'S RELUCTANCE TO INTRODUCE A RETROSPECTIVE BAN ON AVOIDANCE SCHEMES, THE SCOPE FOR MAKING INCOME TAX MORE EQUITABLE IS LIMITED, AND SOME OF ITS DISINCENTIVE EFFECTS WOULD STILL REMAIN. THERE IS, THEREFORE, A STRONG CASE FOR LESSENING THE RELIANCE ON INCOME TAX, PROVIDED THE DISADVANTAGES OF INCREASED INDIRECT TAX CAN BE OFFSET. THE REGRESSIVE NATURE OF A NEW OR EXTENDED CONSUMPTION TAX WILL REQUIRE A REVIEW OF SOCIAL SECURITY. ITS INFLATIONARY IMPACT WILL REQUIRE OFFSETTING MONETARY MEASURES AND AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE UNIONS FOR WAGE RESTRAINT IN RETURN FOR INCOME TAX CUTS. AND IT SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT AS PRICES OF MANY MANUFACTURED GOODS ARE ALREADY BOOSTED BY TARIFF AND IMPORT QUOTA PROTECTION, INCREASES IN OVERT TAXATION ON GOODS MERIT A COMPENSATING REDUCTION IN THE HIDDEN TAX OF PROTECTION. BUT WHAT KIND OF CONSUMPTION TAX IS TO BE PREFERRED? THIS RAISES FURTHER QUESTIONS. SHOULD IT BE ONLY ON GOODS OR ALSO ON SERVICES? SHOULD THERE BE EXEMPTIONS, SUCH AS ON FOOD AND OTHER "NECESSITIES"? AT WHAT STAGE OF DISTRIBUTION SHOULD IT BE LEVIED? SHOULD THERE A FLAT-RATE TAX OR DIFFERENTIAL RATES? THE OPTIONS SUGGESTED BY THE TREASURY INCLUDE A VALUE-ADDED TAX ON ALL OR MOST GOODS AND SERVICES, LEVIED AT ALL STAGES OF PRODUCTION. THIS, BECAUSE OF ITS COMPLEXITY, THE PRIME MINISTER AND TREASURER HAVE ALREADY RULED OUT. THE OTHER OPTIONS ARE FOR A RETAIL TURNOVER TAX ON GOODS, OR FOR A WHOLESALE TAX ON GOODS PLUS A TAX ON SERVICES. THE AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION HAS SUGGESTED A RETAIL TAX ON GOODS PLUS A TAX ON SERVICES. TO BE EQUITABLE AND ENSURE A BROAD REVENUE BASE, A NEW CONSUMPTION TAX SHOULD COVER SERVICES AS WELL AS GOODS. THE SIMPLEST AND LEAST CONTROVERSIAL OPTION WOULD PROBABLY BE TO EXTEND THE PRESENT SALES TAX SYSTEM, LEVIED AT THE WHOLESALE STAGE, AND LINK IT WITH A TAX ON SERVICES. FOR THE SAKE OF SIMPLICITY AND ECONOMY, TO MINIMISE DISTORTIONS IN THE EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES AND TO AVOID ENDLESS ARGUMENTS WITH PRESSURE GROUPS, A UNIFORM TAX WITH FEW IF ANY EXEMPTIONS HAS ATTRACTIONS, PROVIDED A RESTRUCTURED INCOME TAX AND SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM COMPENSATES LOWER-INCOME EARNERS FOR THE HIGHER COST OF LIVING. MR FRASER HAS HINTED AT A CHANGE BEFORE JULY. BUT ALL THIS SHOULD BE OPEN TO COMMUNITY DEBATE. THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO SET OUT ALL THE OPTIONS AND ARGUMENTS IN A GREEN PAPER BEFORE IT MAKES ITS DECISIONS. THE REFORM OF THE TAX SYSTEM SURELY WARRANTS THE WIDEST POSSIBLE EXPLANATION, CONSULTATION AND DISCUSSION. FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 1981 "BATTLE WON, WAR GOES ON" REDUCTION OF THE INFLATION RATE AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX TO LESS THAN 10 PER CENT IS GOOD NEWS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE NATION. THE RISE OF 2.1 PER CENT IN THE CPI FOR THE DECEMBER QUARTER BRINGS THE RATE FOR 1980 DOWN TO 9.3 PER CENT, WHICH IS BETTER THAN TREASURY FORECAST IN THE BUDGET. THE MARCH QUARTER IS EXPECTED TO SHOW A CONTINUATION OF THE DOWNWARD TREND. WHAT MAKES THIS TREND ALL THE MORE SATISFYING FOR THE GOVERNMENT IS THAT IS SUGGESTS THAT THE STRATEGY OF FIGHTING INFLATION FIRST IS WORKING, AND THAT AUSTRALIA'S INFLATION RATE IS RUNNING BELOW THAT OF MOST OTHER ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL NATIONS. IT MUST BE RECOGNISED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS IS PARTLY A CONSEQUENCE OF GOOD FORTUNE, AUSTRALIA BEING LESS DEPENDENT ON IMPORTED FUEL. THERE ARE TWO SHADOWS LOOMING OVER THE DOWNWARD TREND IN INFLATION. ONE HAS BEEN CAST BY THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF. THE REDUCED INFLATION RATE IN THE DECEMBER QUARTER WAS PARTLY DUE TO INDIRECT TAXES BEING HELD STEADY AND TO MANY PEOPLE OPTING OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE. THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS DETERMINED TO REVERSE BOTH TRENDS. A SWITCH IN EMPHASIS FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT TAXATION HAS ATTRACTIONS, BUT IT WOULD FEED INTO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO WEIGHT VERY CAREFULLY WHETHER THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING ABLE TO REDUCE INCOME TAX WHILE INTRODUCING A TAX ON SPENDING THAT CAN BE MORE EASILY ADJUSTED JUSTIFY AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE COST OF LIVING. THE GOVERNMENT'S PREFERENCE FOR CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL HEALTH SCHEME TO FORCE PEOPLE BACK INTO PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE WOULD REDUCE BUDGET OUTLAYS BUT ALSO BOOST THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. THE OTHER, MORE OMINOUS SHADOW IS THAT OF A RENEWED INFLATIONARY WAGE PUSH. THE ABANDONMENT OF WAGE INDEXATION WAS WELCOMED BY SOME EMPLOYERS WHO FELT THAT REGULAR WAGE RISES TIED TO CPI MOVEMENTS IMPOSED ON THEM BURDENSOME COST INCREASES REGARDLESS OF THEIR CAPACITY TO PAY. THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF ARGUED THAT INDEXATION INSTITUTIONALISED INFLATION, IMPEDED ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT. IN THE ABSENCE OF INDEXATION, UNIONS ARE LIKELY TO FELL EVEN LESS INHIBITED IN PRESSING WAGE CLAIMS, AND MANY EMPLOYERS MAY PREFER TO PAY UP RATHER THAN FACE PROLONGED INDUSTRIAL DISTRUPTION. THE HOPE MUST THEREFORE BE THAT THE ARBITRATION COMMISSION'S QUEST FOR AGREEMENT ON A NEW WAGE-FIXING SYSTEM - ONE THAT IS SOCIALLY EQUITABLE AS WELL AS ECONOMICALLY RESPONSIBLE - WILL SUCCEED. AN UNRESTRAINED WAGE PUSH WOULD NOT ONLY REINFORCE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES BUT REBOUND ON EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS. MUCH AS THE GOVERNMENT CAN TAKE SATISFACTION IN ITS SUCCESSFUL FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION AND IN SIGNS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY, THE UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES ARE STILL GLOOMY. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY UNION LEADERS REFUSE TO RECOGNISE THAT ONE MAN'S WAGE RISE COULD COST ANOTHER MAN'S JOB. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRY TO PERSUADE THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT TO ACCEPT WAGE RESTRAINT AS A TRADE-OFF FOR INCOME TAX CUTS MADE POSSIBLE BY INCREASED INDIRECT TAX, BUT THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS IN THIS DIRECTION IS SLIGHT. AN INTRANSIGENT UNION MOVEMENT AND INSENSITIVE GOVERNMENT LEAVE LITTLE SCOPE FOR A COMMON APPROACH TO ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. "BACK TO WORK ON OMEGA" AT LAST THE DEADLOCK ON THE OMEGA NAVIGATION STATION IS TO BE BROKEN OPEN. FEDERAL CABINET'S DECISION YESTERDAY TO ORDER AN IMMEDIATE RESUMPTION OF WORK ON THE STATION WAS OVERDUE. FOR 10 MONTHS ALL WORK AT THE LONG-DISTANCE NAVIGATION STATION, NEAR YARRAM IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND, HAS BEEN STOPPED BY A CHILDISH DEMARCATION DISPUTE. MR NORM GALLAGHER AND HIS BUILDERS LABORERS FEDERATION DEMANDED THAT THE 16 JOBS ON THE STATION GO TO MEMBERS OF HIS UNION RATHER THAN THE FEDERATED IRONWORKERS ASSOCIATION. TO THIS END THE BLF HAS MAINTAINED PICKETS ON THE SITE, LODGED THREE COURT CHALLENGES, AND CREATED A FEAR OF RETRIBUTION IF WORK CONTINUES. THE FRASER GOVERNMENT HAS NOW DECIDED TO DEFY THIS THREAT - AND RIGHTLY. AS LONG AS THE 16 WORKERS ARE PROPERLY REPRESENTED, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHICH UNION THEY BELONG TO. THE HIGH COURT APPEAL LODGED BY THE BLF CANNOT JUSTIFY THE PROLONGED DELAY ON WORK AT THE STATION; ONLY A PEDANTIC LEGALIST WOULD AGREE THAT WORK ON A BUILDING SHOULD BE HALTED FOR A YEAR WHENEVER ONE UNION CHOOSES TO TAKE ON ANOTHER IN THE COURTS. NOR SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT BOW TO THE BLF'S THREAT TO STOP WORK ON OTHER GOVERNMENT PROJECTS. OTHER UNIONS CAN DO THE JOBS IF THE BLF WON'T - AND MR GALLAGHER HAS CREATED A LARGE COALITION OF ENEMIES AMONG THE OTHER BUILDING TRADES UNIONS. BIG NORM MAY RUN HIS UNION BUT HE DOES NOT RUN THE COUNTRY. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES WHEN HE NEEDS TO BE REMINDED OF THE DIFFERENCE.