A Plan For The Fighting Man
INTRODUCTION
The Australian people are justly proud of their service men and women. The men of the Australian Army have won their reputation on the battlefields of North Africa, Greece, Crete, Syria and in the jungles of Malaya and New Guinea. The R.A.A.F. has flown its planes in every major operational area in the world. Ships of the R.A.N. have ranged the seven seas, from Australia’s tropic north to the Arctic.
The great traditions of Australian democracy provided the background for the deeds of Australia’s fighting men. Australia’s pioneers were the dispossessed poor of England, those who suffered under the harsh conditions and hopeless outlook engendered by the development of capitalism in England in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Those who made a new start in Australia were not prepared to suffer the same conditions’ of life in their new land. The struggle for Australian self-government, Eureka’s tradition of struggle for the rights of the under-dog, are one aspect of the Diggers’ reputation—that of the independent/democratic spirit of individual initiative and fearlessness.
The spirit of unionism, the organisation and struggles of the workers, which made Australian standards higher than those of most other countries, and which makes working class influence so marked in this country, is inherent in the make-up of the Australian soldier, as expressed in the incomparable comradeship and team-work, the spirit of “one in, all in.”
A democratic country needs a democratic army. In this war the forces of freedom, democracy and social progress are arrayed against the powerful, regimented might of the fascist powers. It is cause for pride that our armies have performed so well in the struggle, for it vindicates the superiority of democracy over fascism.
During the war, many valuable lessons have been learnt, not all of them military in the narrow sense.' The first was the need to discard finally the old-time theory that soldiers were automatons, fighting machines, and not men. Soldiers who know what they fight against, and, more important still, what they fight for, are better informed and this makes them better soldiers. The Australian Army Education Service, which conducts lectures, discussions and classes, and publishes “Salt” and the “Current Affairs Bulletin” as a basis for discussions on politics and international affairs, the future of our country and the world, helps our soldiers to know what they fight for.
Our fighting men dropped their civil occupations to fight for democracy. Yet all too often, conditions in the services tend to degrade the serviceman, making him a mere robot. His opinions and wishes on matters are not sufficiently heeded. The rights he possesses as an Australian citizen in uniform are not respected as they should be.
We believe there are many improvements possible and necessary in the services which would raise morale, improve efficiency and increase the fighting ability of the armed forces. The purpose of this pamphlet is to outline these things, to explain the Communist Party’s programme for the services.
Our programme is divided into two parts. The first deals with what we believe should be done now to introduce more democracy into the services and, by improving service conditions increase the fighting fitness of service men and women; the second, our programme for the service men and women in the post-war period.
Concerning the latter we would emphasise that there must be no repetition of what happened after the last war. The men in the army then were promised a new “social order” by politicians and others, “a land fit for heroes to live in” and a world “safe for democracy.” Only a few years after the war, soldiers were on the streets peddling bootlaces and playing tin whistles for pennies. Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, in memory of those who fell in the last war, was built by men working for the dole, including hundreds of returned soldiers.
Of 33,579 soldiers “settled” on the land after the last war, almost one-half, 15,952, were driven off by 1929. In the economic crisis of 1929-33 returned soldiers and their families suffered unemployment and poverty, as did all sections of the working people of Australia.
The Australian Communist Party believes that only Socialism can finally abolish crises, unemployment and wars, and ensure to our fighting men and women, and to all Australians, a life of security, freedom and peace. Socialism will mean that in the place of planless private enterprise we shall have national planning and the proper utilisation of our resources and wealth in the interests of the common men and women ; in place of production for profit— production to meet the needs of the people; in place of rich and powerful monopolies we shall have the common ownership of the great factories, land and wealth; in place of unemployment—work for all, together with leisure and culture and real possibilities for the fulfilment of the individual personality.
Our immediate programme is designed to improve the standards of service men and women, and to ensure rehabilitation and a stable return to civil life.
The record of the Australian Communist Party in fighting for higher standards of life for the Australian people, and our part in the struggle for democracy and against fascism, is well known. Our 3500 members in the forces and our thousands of returned soldier members, enable us to speak with confidence on the needs of the armed forces and their post-war problems.
CENTRAL COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT.
July, 1944.
Unity for Early Victory
The war makes great demands on our country. It is a struggle, not only of armies, but of whole peoples.
Skill and hard work on the factory front are as essential to victory as bravery and skill on the battlefront. Only by the best organisation of our material and human resources can Australia continue to put forward that effort which is our contribution to the Allied cause.
The home front effort has been worthy of the front-line forces. This in spite of inspired newspaper stories and other propaganda to the contrary. Shortcomings there are, but the majority of these are due to the faults of capitalism, to the seeking for profit in' face of national requirements.
Worker-soldier unity and understanding is a first essential of a full national war effort. We suggest that the Government should organise visits by trade union leaders and workers from war industries to training camps and operational areas to see the troops as they live and, fight, to see how the weapons they make are being used; that organised groups of servicemen should visit munition factories and other essential industries to see the work of the factory front.
Greater contact and understanding between soldier and worker is desirable in the interests of the morale of both, for only thus, can the full facts of the unremitting efforts of each be known to the other.
The sinister elements who seek to create disunity between front and rear are disruptive of the war effort. They should be severely dealt with, and rejected by soldier and worker alike.
Soldiers’ Political Parties?
Some soldiers talk of forming soldiers’ political parties. They remember the past and sincerely believe that a soldiers’ party will prevent a recurrence of post-1918 treatment meted out to soldiers.
But this will not meet the situation. Australia’s future can only be made secure by the whole people. Soldiers can best achieve their demands by joining the parties of the Labor movement—the Australian Communist Party or the Australian Labor Party—by joining their trade unions and farmers’ organisations, by strengthening their ex- service organisations.
SHARE THE BURDENS OF BATTLE
The policy of the Army Command in its use of troops has caused considerable hardship and discontent.
On the one hand, the 6th, 7th and 9th Divisions and several “Militia” brigades have been sent into action time and time again, suffering heavy casualties. Troops have become physically and mentally worn-out, yet discharge or re-boarding is very difficult in these-three divisions. It is most important that every man should be 100 per cent, fit in these front-line units.
On the other hand, A.I.F. personnel in the so-called ' Militia Units and Armoured formations are anxious to see action. Many have spent up to three years in the Army, training and re-training, and doing laboring jobs. The morale of these men must suffer.
It is unnecesary to belabour this point. The Army Command has a policy which sends the same men into action time after time and yet condemns many thousands of others to monotonous and useless jobs. This does not apply to men doing essential work in base areas but to those who are in combat units which have not been used.
Wherever, the “militia” units have been given the opportunity to show their mettle they have put up a good show. For example, the 9th Division is full of praise for the boys of the 4th Brigade which assisted in the advance on the Huon Peninsula. Other “Militia” brigades have given yeoman service in New Guinea battles.
We suggest the following steps to overcome the inequitable distribution of battle tasks:
Comb-out of front-line units, discharging all men who are unfit for active service, placing them in food and other industries essential to the war effort.
Formation of new A.I.F. divisions. There are enough A.I.F. men willing and anxious to go into' action to form such divisions. There would be a tremendous response to a call for volunteers for a division to replace our lost comrades of the 8th.
These divisions to be formed around a core of battle- hardened veterans from the three divisions and the militia brigades who have seen action in New Guinea.
A number of officers and N.C.O.’s to be selected from 6th, 7th and 9th Divisions, to provide experienced leadership. Promotions to be made from the ranks to fill the vacancies resulting in the existing A.I.F. Divisions. Reinforcement to the three divisions to be supplied from other formations.
In the R.A.A.F. and the R.A.N., the sharing of frontline duty is not as fair as it could be. The same principle as we advocate for the Army should be applied in the other two services to ensure a fair sharing of active service and base duty.
NO OFFICER-SOLDIER DISTINCTION
Under active service conditions, artificial “class distinction” between officers and “other ranks” is usually eliminated in practice. Officers and men live under the same conditions, eat the same food, call each other by their Christian names. Yet the heavens do not fall, discipline is not undermined and fighting spirit and morale is raised, not lowered.
However, back in base areas, officers receive many privileges which are denied to the men, resulting in dissatisfaction and a lowering of morale. This is particularly noticeable in the Navy, where the gulf between officers and ratings is very wide, and promotion from the ranks is very difficult.
Whilst recognising the need for some facilities for officers to carry out their jobs, there can be no doubt that many of the special privileges granted to officers impair the unity of the services. These must be abolished.
PROMOTION
The policy that officers must be drawn from a small privileged section of the people, the economically secure and “well-educated,” still persists in certain high military circles, although roundly condemned by soldiers and civilians alike. The “old school tie” and personal favouritism play too big a part in the selection of officers.
The first requirement of an officer is not his social background or his school, but his ability, experience and capacity to lead.
The routine practice of sending officers and N.C.O.’s from reinforcement pools to units should be ended in all services. This particularly applies to units which been in action. Officers should be selected from N.C.O.’s who have shown their ability in action. The Government should ensure the complete adoption of the principle of promotion in the field, so there will be real opportunities to reward ability and initiative of privates and N.C.O.’s.
The Army order allowing soldiers to take officers’ entrance examinations should be fully enforced. At present it is a dead letter in the vast majority of cases.
In the R.A.N, it is almost impossible for a rating to rise to commissioned rank. Men with many years’ service cannot rise above non-commissioned ranks, no matter what their abilities.On the other hand, hundreds of young men with a “Great Public School” education have been sent to the Officers’ Training School at Flinders Naval Depot immediately after completing three months at the New Entry School. Their sole qualification was the possession of the “old school tie.” Meanwhile, many seamen with strong “sea-going recommends” for an officers’ course have been ignored.
LEAVE
The arranging of home leave for personnel in forward areas is not always easy, but there is no excuse for the failure to tackle it resolutely. From the beginning of 1942 to the end of 1943 the granting of leave from New. Guinea was so unsatisfactory that it caused considerable discontent. For periods up to 22 months men lived under difficult conditions, without home leave. At the same time, Australian camps were filled with men tired of the monotony of camp life and anxious to get to operational areas.
Nineteen forty-four has seen an improvement, although there are still many anomalies. In view of the many operational and transport difficulties, no hard and fast rule can be laid down. We believe, however, that in many cases these difficulties are used as excuses to cloak inefficiency. There should be recognition of this principle:
That leave is vital for morale and efficiency.
Leave could and should be granted at least each 12months' for every serviceman in front-line areas. Replacements should, be arranged and transport made available for this purpose.
The Communist Party further proposes an Active Service leave bonus. This to take the following form:
Service personnel in operational areas to receive their accumulated leave (two days per month) plus an additional 50 per cent, of the total period due.
There should be no argument over this proposal, for the additional strain of front-line service demands an extra period of leave, not only for the individual’s needs, but also from the point of view of ensuring the best effort of every soldier in the field.
There is one particular anomaly in Naval leave which requires attention. Navy men who have been overseas or in operational areas, even though their ships may be based in Australia, return to find the leave they have accumulated is not granted because they have not been able to take it within the 12 month period it became due.
Although it may be impossible under war conditions to give full leave, the injustices reported cannot be allowed to continue.
Maximum leave possible should be granted when ships return to Australia.
Where full leave cannot be granted, the leave should be credited to the rating and granted at the earliest opportunity, or even accrued till the termination of hostilities and full pay credited for leave which could not be taken.
COMPASSIONATE LEAVE
Callousness and indifference of some officers towards their men is a continual source of resentment. Nowhere is this more clearly shown than in the handling of applications for compassionate leave. Men whose wives, mothers and other close relatives are seriously ill have every right to receive sympathetic consideration of their claims for leave, yet delay and outright refusal are the order of the day in many units.
The statement that some men abuse compassionate leave is a miserable excuse which does not hold water.
The Minister for the Army should definitely instruct the Army Command to order all C.O.’s to give sympathetic and speedy consideration to all applications for compassionate leave.
Full pay and allotments should be paid to servicemen on compassionate leave.
SERVICES PAY
The Australian Communist Party believes that all servicemen and their dependants should receive an adequate living wage, no lower than the basic wage rate. To this end we propose an increase in dependants’ allowances, to ensure decent living standards to wives, children and dependent relatives of all servicemen. This increase to be:
For wives and fully dependent mothers, an increase of 2/- per day.
For all children, 6/1. per day.
Naval rates of pay are badly in need of revision. Ordinary Seamen and their equivalent rates in other branches are underpaid. They receive 3/6 per day if under 18, and 5/6 per day if over 18, until they are advanced to Able Seamen or equivalent rate, which needs a whole year’s service.
Their pay should be raised to 7/6 per day irrespective of age, because they often do the same work and always undergo the same risks as Able Seamen.
The kit upkeep allowance should be raised to conform with increased cost of service clothing.
Some time ago, kit upkeep allowance for Able Seamen was increased from 7d. to 8d. per day, an increase of 6 2/3rd per cent., yet cost of service clothing has increased from 15 per cent, to 33 l/3rd per cent.
PROFICIENCY PAY
Specialists in trade groupings receive allowances of up to 3/- per day in the Army; in other services, specialist allowances are even higher (e.g., skilled tradesmen in the R.A.A.F. receive 10/6 per day). Yet the only “specialist pay” granted to infantrymen is 6d. per day proficiency pay!
We suggest the raising of this rate to 1/- per day.
BATTLE BONUS
Front-line troops, never can receive pay “according to work performed,” for no one can establish an equitable rate for troops in action who are exposed to death at any moment, whose work is never finished, and whose conditions of life are extremely hard.
Service in an operational area should receive extra reward. The principle of “battle bonus” should cover this need.
We advocate that all front-line troops should receive a battle bonus of 6/- per day when campaigning. The battle bonus principle to cover all Army, Air Force and Naval men on active service.
Supply of letters from home, reading material, and comforts for front-line troops Should be a first consideration by Postal and Service Postal authorities. Scandals such as the mail dumpings which have been reported are a serious blow to morale, for there is nothing more calculated to make for dissatisfaction than tardy delivery or nondelivery of home mail. The callous attitude displayed in mail dumpings must be dealt with, and speedy mail deliveries made a first consideration.
CANTEEN PROFITS
The profits of Army Canteens are inordinately high, £2,000,000 being held in reserve without any definite promise as to its future disposal.
There should be no doubt as to the necessity of returning these profits to the forces. Where possible, profits of unit canteens should go to the units for disposal as the men’s committees decide. Where the funds are accumulated, they must be used for the benefit of the servicemen now, and not in some misty future. No such unequal distribution of funds should continue as the past policy of the A.D.C. in providing eight leave centres for officers, and only ten for other ranks (as outlined in the report of the A.D.C.).
The shortage of accommodation for men on leave is so bad that the building of hostels should be immediately commenced, financed from canteen profits.
Navy canteens should not be granted to private contractors, but run by a similar system to Army and R.A.A.F. canteens. All profits from Navy canteens to be handed over to the men’s committees for disposal, the C.O. to have no authority to over-ride ±he Committees’ decision.
EDUCATION SERVICE
The A.E.S. has done a great job, often under exceedingly difficult conditions. In forward areas, where relaxation and amenities are often lacking, where there are very few books, newspapers and other reading material, A.E.S. lectures, discussions and courses have proved of real value to the troops. There is, however, a lack of uniformity in approach to the A.E.S. which needs to be overcome. In spite of numerous Routine Orders specifying that C.O.’s arrange discussions on current affairs and ensure the general functioning of the A.E.S., very few officers do this. Full implementation of the decisions of the Government and Army Command is essential. Officers still clinging to Crimean War outlooks, who consider it “too much trouble” to organise education, should be forced to/ change their views in this vital matter.
The staff of A.E.S. is far too small. Of the few hundreds engaged in full-time A.E.S. work there is a big administrative staff. It can be seen there is a great lack of A.E.S. field workers. A.E.S. personnel should be increased to double the present strength for a start. More money must be granted for the camp library service and other necessary equipment.
The A.E.S. staff assigned to a Brigade at present consists of a Lieutenant and one Sergeant. This should be increased to one Sergeant-lecturer attached to each battalion. This is the minimum strength necessary for proper organisation of A.E.S.
Another important function of the A.E.S. which must be greatly expanded, is the vocational training section. The future of service men and women, their placement in jobs with opportunities for advancement, and guaranteed employment, calls for a broad vocational training scheme. The A.E.S. can be used-to give pre-demobilisation training to those who wish to commence such training in any profession or trade. This requires, firstly, close co-operation between the A.E.S. and the Ministry for Post-war Reconstruction, and, secondly, provision of suitable staff and machinery to provide this training.
EXTENSION TO OTHER SERVICES
The R.A.A.F. and R.A.N. have by no means such an extensive education scheme as the A.E.S. There is no reason for this to be the case, and the valuable experience gained by the A.E.S. could quickly bring the benefits of an Educational Scheme to the other services.
WELFARE COMMITTEES
The Communist Party advocates the formation of Welfare Committees in every Army unit, every ship of the R.A.N., and every Air Force establishment. Such committees to be elected democratically, with all sections represented. Purposes of such committees to be threefold:
To control and distribute any funds which maybe raised for the benefit of the unit (particularly canteen profits). This would prevent funds being used by C.O.’s without reference to the needs and wishes of the men.
To organise sport and cultural activity, within the unit and on an inter-unit basis.
To discuss frankly and constructively with the officers the grievances of the men. Conversely, to allow the officers to place their difficulties before the accredited representatives of the men.
By this democratic and sensible proposal, much unnecessary discontent, unexplained driving of the troops, and loss of morale can be avoided.
In case this proposal should cause the “Blimps” to throw up their hands in horror, we wish to make it clear that such committees are not aimed to undermine military discipline or to interfere in any way with the authority of officers.
Their sole purpose is to give every opportunity to the men to exercise their democratic initiative to improve their own conditions, assist in raising morale, and to put their views on unit problems before the officers.
This proposal is wholly consistent with Australian democratic ideas. In many units, such committees have been established, and they have definitely proven their value, particularly under operational conditions. In the R.A.N. there are canteen committees, in the R.A.A.F., mess committees, and an expansion of their powers would make them suitable organisations for expression of the views of the rank and file in those services.
Army regulations include provisions for Officer-N.C.O. Conferences to provide for frank discussions on the problem of training, discipline and tasks of the unit. The general application of this regulation will help in the solution of most problems.
The men themselves should also be drawn into fullest co-operation with the officers, and the fullest confidence given them.
FULL POLITICAL FREEDOM FOR THE SERVICES
Full political freedom for all service men and women is a first essential for a democratic army. Australia’s fighting m en must not forfeit any of the democratic rights they are fighting to preserve.
Right of freedom of expression, to write to the press, free access to members of Parliament and to organisations such as trade unions and ex-service bodies must be guaranteed.
The right to vote in all elections must be guaranteed to every service man and woman, and all facilities provided to enable all personnel to exercise this right.
WOMEN IN UNIFORM
From city offices, country towns, farms and factories, 40,000 women have entered the Armed Forces, to replace men for more important front-line duties. Per capita of population, enlistments of Australian women are among the highest in the world.
As their contribution to victory over fascism, members of the A.W.A.S., A.A.M.W.S., W.A.A.A.F., and W.R.A.N.S. willingly accept responsibilities and hardships never dreamed of before the war.
Servicewomen enlist, train, work and live under the same conditions as men, with this exception—they do not meet the enemy face to face in actual battle.
Women have not only joined for home service. Enlisted members of the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service have endured many of the hardships and privations experienced by servicemen both in the Middle East and battle zones of New Guinea.
Servicewomen have demonstrated their ability to perform tasks equally with men when given the opportunity. There is general agreement, both by officers and men, as to the capable manner in which they have accepted responsibilities and performed tasks allotted them.
EQUAL PAY
The above facts have to be recognised by bringing the pay of servicewomen to the rate granted servicemen. At present, women receive, two-thirds of the male rate of pay. A comparison between the rates of the lowest paid privates demonstrates this point: Male privates, 6/6 per day; female privates, 4/4 per day; minors receive a still lower rate of 3/10. (These figures do not include dependants allowances or deferred pay.) There are no minors’ rates among servicemen and no consideration of age is made when allotting female minors to jobs.
The Communist Party advocates pay in women’s services to equal that of equal ranks in men’s services and the abolition of minor’s rates of pay.
POST-WAR REHABILITATION PROBLEMS
Discussion in service camps, ships and establishments largely centres around post-war conditions, particularly as to how men and women who have spent years on active service will be rehabilitated into civil life. Many of our finest soldiers were “battlers” during depression years, when 30 per cent, of workers were unemployed and when “too old at 21” was a familiar story. Their pre-war experiences anti the post-1918 experiences, of returned soldiers, give rise to discussion on the need for changes “this time.”
We advance a post-war policy for the whole working population—workers, farmers and middle class. We demand full employment for all able and willing ter work, and economic security for all sections of the people. Educational and cultural facilities to be open to everyone, irrespective of financial position. The lives of the people must not be at the mercy of the whims of “private enterprise.”
However, whilst such a comprehensive policy for the Australian people as a whole is obviously the only way of ensuring the best interests of every Australian, we recognise the special needs of service men and women.
Some major problems that will confront service men. and women are:
Long periods away from previous employment, which entails loss of skill.
That large section aged 18-23 who have no real training in any trade or profession.
Effect of war experiences (a high percentage of “war neurosis” in a mild form, and the unsettling effect of service life on men suddenly discharged).
The problems of disabled men—those who have lost limbs, sight, those with serious nervous disabilities,, and others with comparatively minor disabilities.
PREFERENCE
Here we should state our attitude to “preference to returned soldiers.” “Preference” has been and will be, a fraud. After the last war, “preference” did not give soldiers jobs; it did not prevent returned men from being, reduced to playing tin whistles,- peddling bootlaces and begging on the streets for pennies. All preference Acts, after the last war, and similar Acts being passed now (e.g, by the Dunstan Government in Victoria) always provide an escape clause for employers, stipulating that “preference” shall be given providing that ex-service applicants have the “necessary ability,” “all other things being equal,” and, as in the 1943 Victorian Act, if the soldier is “suitable and competent.”
In general, employers have been largely prejudiced against returned soldiers, because of the effects of war experience, their independent attitude, the effect of disabilities, and the difficulties of re-orientation to civil life. The demand for “preference” is advanced by reactionary political parties, the U.A.P. and others, who rhapsodise so lyrically about the glories of “private enterprise”; it is significant that when U.A.P. Senators prior to the last Federal elections forced the Government to accept a “Preference” amendment, the “preference” was extended only to Government employment and war contractors.
As so many returned men say bitterly: “All it meant was preference for pick and shovel work or the dole.”
“Preference” is not only an unsatisfactory solution to ex-service problems and a defeatist attitude to our post-war future, it is also a deliberate attempt by certain interested reactionary elements to cause disunity in the ranks of the people, 'to play one section against the other, to protect the real enemies of social progress from being forced to serve the national interest instead of private profit.
A CONSTRUCTIVE PROGRAMME
The Australian Communist Party says there must be no post-war unemployment, there must be employment for everyone able and willing to work, whether they come from the services, munition factories or schools. Work for all - this must be the demand of soldier and worker alike.
For the special problems of ex-service personnel, concrete action is necessary along these lines:
Every discharged serviceman who so desires shall be guaranteed return to his previous job, with no penalties for his service. Apprentices whose training was interrupted must receive full pay and be given opportunities to catch up in their training; advancement should be given to those who normally would have received it, had they not been in the services.
A comprehensive plan for vocational guidance to be established. A staff of trained personnel should be made available, with all necessary equipment, buildings, etc., to assist all personnel being discharged now, and those to be demobilised. At present there is a Vocational Guidance section at the Sydney Technical College to assist disabled men only, and the valuable experience being gained could be used with great effect for all personnel.
Those who do not wish, or are unable, to return to old employment, should be given a range of jobs suitable to the results of their tests, from which they can select the most congenial (with assistance from the testing officer).
Training should be given to all personnel at the expense of the Government for necessary periods (six months or more, according to trade), and then they should be given employment, with continued technical training.
Professions should also be catered for, professional training given to men with ability, and financial assistance given during training.
The problems of disabled men must receive special consideration. Cases, should be studied individually, and training provided for some skilled and interesting employment, with consideration for the nature of disabilities.
Unless this is done, the industrial scrap-heap is the future for these men. Pensions at a decent rate must be provided for all disabled men; but pensions alone are not an answer to the problem of rehabilitation for this section. In the past, limbless men have received a “monopoly” of jobs such as lift drivers and commissionaires; employment in skilled trades and professional vocations was not open to them because they were not as capable of producing profit for “private enterprise.” The war has shown what can be done - limbless and blind people are employed in skilled and semi-skilled jobs in war industries. What is possible in war must be possible in peace for our war-disabled.
THREE STEPS
The Government plans for rehabilitation contain some very excellent proposals. The Australian Communist Party declares its, intention to support the fulfillment of these plans, with all the improvement we believe to be necessary. For this purpose we declare these three steps to be required:
Co-operation between the union -movement, the ex- service organisations and the Government. The ex-service organisations and the trade unions have a great number of things in common, including hundreds of thousands of men who are members of both. If their policies are coordinated and agreement reached, then some of the biggest problems of post-war rehabilitation will be solved.
Immediate commencement of the training plans. This should not be shelved until the post-war years, for many reasons. Firstly, 100,000 men and women have been discharged, almost all suffering from some disability, great or small. Yet there is only very limited provisions made for their training, at the time when it is most necessary. Secondly, it is only by commencing now, with the relatively small numbers concerned, that the necessary experience can be gained to deal with the problems of mass demobilisation.
Thirdly, the training of necessary vocational guidance personnel, skilled technical and professional teachers, the provision of technical colleges and necessary equipment for a thorough plan of vocational training must be started now. To leave the implementation of all these plans until the war is over and demobilisation commences would result in chaos.
WILL THERE BE JOBS?
This raises the problem confronting us in any such plans —what plans are being made for post-war reconstruction? What are the fields of employment likely to be open? It is obviously worse than useless to train people for professions and trades if there are to be no openings in these trades and professions.
No one can make any detailed plans to deal with this except the Government, but we advance a demand that the Government commence this task, and also indicate the lines upon which it can be done.
In view of the housing shortage the building trades will be able to absorb many thousands of men. Take the activity needed to build the necessary 250,000 homes in Australia. Building on a large scale will give impetus to many industries (timber, metal, transport, etc.) and the employment of men will give rise to demands for food, clothing, etc. (For the Communist Party’s view on Housing, and its possibilities, see Communist Programme, Series No. 1, “Housing”.)
Similarly, this can be extended to many other industries and a plan made which will lay a basis for necessary training and re-training of ex-service men and women, and men and women displaced from production of war materials.
Whilst awaiting provision of suitable employment, the Government must pay the basic wage to all personnel.
A PROBLEM FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS
Guaranteed employment and economic security are the basis of rehabilitation. Champions of “private enterprise,” realising this, seek to make ex-servicemen’s special needs a cloak to hide their opposition to progress. In opposition to providing jobs for all and real efforts for rehabilitation, they advance only the barren, bankrupt “preference” illusion. Their real motive is to perpetuate in post-war. years the divisions they seek to create now. They seek to utilise disunity to maintain monopolies and capitalist exploitation, with the resultant evils for the mass of the Australian people, including the men and women of the fighting forces.
The Communist Party puts forward real proposals for employment of all Australians, special planning to meet the needs of demobilised service personnel, and Government planning to curb the monopolists and ensure employment and economic security.
Servicewomen
Women who so desire must be given every opportunity to participate equally with men in post-war employment and rehabilitation schemes.
Already discrimination against women appears in the proposed allowances published by the Department of Post-war Reconstruction for men and women, who are to do post-war vocational training under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Scheme.
This scheme covers service men and women and other war workers and the published allowances are as follows: Male trainees, £3/5/-; female trainees (if living at home), £2; (if living away from home), £2/15/-. The discrimination is more apparent when examining the rates paid for the dependants of trainees: Single man or widower with one adult dependant, £4/16/-; two or more dependants, £5/5/-. Woman with one dependant, £2/15/-
The discrimination between male and female trainees and their dependants is a step backward from the policy of paying identical rates for the dependants of men and women in the services.
Women correctly look forward to rehabilitation in a manner befitting the sacrifices made by them in the war and conforming with an increased living standard for the people of Australia.
A review of the rates payable under this scheme is necessary.
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
An adequate clothing allowance is necessary for discharged servicemen. At present, the “issue suit” and hat are distressingly reminiscent of the “dole issue.” And if a suit is not available, £6/6/- is granted to buy one. A presentable suit costs a minimum of £8 to-day; besides, the discharged man needs more than a suit to clothe himself. The Australian Communist Party demands:
Payment of an adequate clothing allowance on a graduated scale, as follows
For less than 12 months’ service .. .. .. £10
From 12 months to two years’ service .. £20
For more than two years .. .. .. .. £30
Such allowances to be paid completely independent of amount of deferred pay held by the serviceman. Similar allowances to be paid to servicewomen.
Pensions and Repatriation Administration
PENSIONS
Disability suffered in the people’s cause must be an irrevocable obligation of the nation. The present pension rate, in spite of a 20 per cent, increase in 1943, must be increased substantially. Although pensions are not regarded as providing a living rate (except in cases of total and permanent incapacity), but rather as-a compensation for disability, the pension must often supplement an income which is lower than it would be if there was no disability. We propose:
A 20 per cent, increase in existing pensions.
Variation in the cost of living to be reflected in increases in pensions rate.
The payment of a supplementary economic pension. At present, a war pensioner on the full ordinary pension receives £2/10/- per week. Pensioners on lower rates receive amounts ranging from 5/-. If war disability keeps a man away from work, there is no increase in pensions rate. The economic pension would be payable in such cases automatically, in the cases of loss of time due to war- caused disability.
IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION
Although pension rates must be considered inadequate, the main complaint of Diggers, ex-service organisations and others interested, is against the administration of the Repatriation Act. Inadequacy or otherwise of a £2/10/- pension (100 per cent.) is not a vital point to a returned man on a pension of 5/- (10 per cent.).
The reason for these inadequate awards (the majority of pensioners are on rates less than 50 per cent.) is the unsympathetic and callous administration of the Repatriation Department, by high officials and medical officers.
Some figures illustrate this fact very clearly. When an application for a pension is. refused, the applicant can appeal to the Entitlement Appeal Tribunal. If dissatisfied with the rate of pension awarded, an appeal can be made to the Assessment Appeal Tribunal.
From the inception of the Repatriation Act to December 1942, there were 32,442 appeals against refusal to grant pensions.
The Entitlement Appeal Tribunal finalised 32,010 cases, and 6276 won their appeals.
It is estimated by competent officials of ex-service organisations that one-third of appeals have little hope of success. This would leave approximately 21,000 which had a reasonable chance of success. Therefore, 30 per cent, of the decisions made by the Commission in cases which have ai chance of success, were upset on appeal.
There were 39,333 appeals made against inadequate pensions.
Of these 38,904 were finalised. 13,644 were upheld— 34 per cent, of all appeals.
These facts are a striking indictment of administration. The real meaning of the figures quoted is this—the policy of the Commission is “reject all claims as far as possible, and’ make applicants fight for their rights.”
Cold figures are not sufficient to show the human stories behind them. Sick and disabled soldiers must fight for their rights, at a time when they should receive all sympathy and assistance. Further, many men don’t appeal— their disability may' be slight at the time, yet when the disability becomes serious the road to get pensions is a long and very hard one.
This Inhumanity Must Cease
Over a period of 25 years, the administration of the Repatriation Department has developed into a rigid, hidebound bureaucracy, concerned with “reducing expenditure,” with the letter and not the spirit of the Act.
In all fairness, it must be stated that the ordinary Repatriation official is anxious and willing to help. The trouble lies with the medical officers, with higher administrators and with the personnel of the responsible Boards and Tribunals, who are too ready to accept Repatriation doctors’ stories.
We demand:
Government instruction to the Commission to administer the Act sympathetically and justly.
Changes in the Repatriation Act to include a majority of returned soldiers on the various Commissions and Tribunals, such to be appointed from a panel of names, democratically selected by ex-service organisations.
HOUSING
The housing question affects every man and woman in the Services.
The Communist Party’s Housing Programme aims at:
Government control of home construction to eliminate the “profit motive” responsible for slums.
Houses to be built with adequate room space, with plenty of natural light and air, and yard space.
Houses to be fitted with all modern conveniences, to reduce unnecessary domestic drudgery.
Where homes are rented, the rent to be fixed at one-eighth of the tenant’s income.
Where homes are bought on a rent-purchase arrangement, the minimum deposit shall be £5, and regular payments determined suitable to the purchaser.
The housing of service people should be included in such a national plan, with priority given to service personnel in cases of necessity. There will be many such cases, for many homes have been vacated by servicemen’s wives, and many men will marry after the war. The Australian people must ensure that homes are a first priority on discharge.
LAND SETTLEMENT
Many servicemen are desirous of settling on the land, and Australia’s welfare demands that fully opportunity be given them to do so.
Our proposals for the avoidance of a repetition of last war scandals are:
Federal Government control of land settlement.
Resumption of large estates to provide an adequate area of good land, sufficient to ensure a decent living standard.
Low interest rates on money advanced sufficient to cover administration charges only.
An absolute safeguard to be given to soldier settlers should health fail due to war service.
Settlers to be encouraged to consolidate into groups to work holdings cooperatively. Capable agrarian officers should be appointed to help soldier settlers, giving them advice and practical help.
Agricultural Training Centres to be established to provide adequate training for personnel who desire to take up land. Training at such centres to be provided by the Government with payment at the rate payable under the Reconstruction Scheme.
Experienced last-war soldier settlers be appointed to the authoritative bodies governing soldier settlement.
Tenure of soldier settlements to be perpetual leasehold at a low rental.
OTHER COMMUNIST PROGRAMME SERIES
No. 1- Housing, Slums, Private Enterprise and the Future. Price, 4d.
No. 2- Every Farmer Well-To-Do. Price, 3d.
On Sale at
PIONEER BOOKSHOPS:114 Castlereagh Street - 1 Rawson Place - 17 Pitt Street, Sydney
INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP: 180 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
PEOPLE'S BOOKSHOP: 852 George Street, Brisbane
PEOPLE'S BOOKSHOP: 29 Bindley Street, Adelaide
PROGRESSIVE BOOKSHOP: 45 London Court, Perth
Wholesale from: CURRENT BOOK DISTRIBUTORS
14 Rawson Chambers, Sydney Phone: MA 5663 Post: Box 44, Haymarket