28 Oct 1977
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Oct 28, 1977
Page
1
NSW Premier Mr Wran said Fraser's December election plan would be the most unnecessary federal election in history. He noted Fraser's large post Federation majority and predicted a Labor victory, adding he would play a significant role as unemployment looms as the campaign's key issue.
Melbourne. Labor Party president Mr Hawke said the party did not have the money to run a federal election. He remained confident Labor would raise funds and proceed with the campaign to win. He identified unemployment as the top issue. He viewed industrial disputes as not a major campaign factor, noting they were at their lowest level in ten years.
George Polites, director of the Australian Employers Federation, in Darwin to chair a conference, said it is relief that an election is finally certain and speculation will end. He favors a return to Fraser Government stability as business has improved in the past two years.
Rod Black president of the Australian Wool and Meat Producers Federation urged Liberal National Country Party and Labor to clearly state rural policies. He said the time has come to weigh which major party policy best suits the rural sector in real terms.
The Premier of Queensland, Mr Bjelke-Petersen, in discussing the state election on November 12, said he preferred the Liberal-Conservative coalition in power to the Whitlam socialists, despite having criticised the Fraser Government.
Victorian Premier Mr Hamer said the economic future and recovery of Australia would be the major issue. He claimed Australia was on the way back and that recovery speed would rise once the uncertainty about the day’s expenditure policy was clarified.
Senior Labor figure John Ducker predicted Labor would pick up enough seats to form a government. The campaign would focus on unemployment and what he called economic mismanagement by the current government.
Western Australia Premier Sir Charles Court said the Fraser Government would be returned with a solid majority and that Australians would not want Labor to govern again, calling it unthinkable.
Senator Ryan of the Labor ACT voiced confidence in re election and potential for Bert Smith to win the second ACT seat if about 66 percent of ACT votes is achieved. Liberal Knight avoided comment. Wastemn projected a near even chance, Fry predicted reelection with Labor support for Lawrence, Sainsbury saw extremely good odds, Lusher campaigned on rural unrest to defend his seat.
Prime Minister Fraser announced elections for the House of Representatives and half the Senate on December 10. He argued an economy still recovering requires a long term plan, while opposition leader Whitlam criticized the timing as politically driven and harmful to stability. Writs will be issued November 10 with nominations due November 18 and returns due by February 8.
The Leader of the Opposition Mr Whitlam questioned the delay in High Court rulings on challenges to territorial rights to elect Federal MPs. He asked Senator Durack, in the House, when the court would decide Queensland's challenge on ACT and Northern Territory representation in the Senate and Western Australia’s challenge on territorians' rights to elect House of Representatives members. The campaign is expected to rely mainly on radio and TV with pre election surveys and editorials on pages 2 and 9.
Prime Minister Fraser and Opposition Leader Whitlam faced many radio and TV interviews but refused a broad press conference. After written requests from major papers, a last night conference was held for heads of bureaus. Fraser spoke on campaign issues while avoiding details on funds, uranium shipments, or land deals. Whitlam stayed silent to questions, and reporters were dismissed.
Prime Minister Fraser said the Australian Democrats would not play a major part in the elections. Chipp’s speaking role after his Parliament announcement was not explained. Pollsters differed, with Irving Saulwick noting Democrats at about four percent could swing outcomes and Gary Morgan seeing potential Senate gains for Chipp in Victoria and NSW.
The ACT Consumer Affairs Bureau and Consumer Affairs Council released a combined annual report noting over 1900 complaints in 1976 77, with more than a quarter about motor vehicles. Town and Country Cars topped the list with 1 complaint, details show the firm incorporated November 19 1976, directors M Berry R A Dines E G Whyte, and ceased trading this January. The report records misrepresentations, warranty failures, and abusive conduct as key issues, plus cautions about dealers linked to the trio in Canberra.
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