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Barton’s speech was not transcribed: these appear to be his speaking notes for the speech, including handwritten amendments. Compliment of Hunter mainland invitation. Faithful representation of their Australian interests. Great honor to occupy post of Prime Minister not obtained by any seeking of mine; great responsibilities; pioneer work. First responsibility. Formation of Ministry. Describe colleagues. Will not attempt to exalt them. Not a one-man ministry nor men with shibboleths. Ministry...

No full transcript of this speech has yet been located. The following is a press report of Reid’s speech. In the Town Hall last evening Mr. G. H. Reid, leader of the Opposition in the Federal House of Representatives, delivered the policy of his party to a large audience. Mr. Reid’s address Mr. Reid, who was received with a great ovation, said; Ladies and Gentlemen, your kind reception of me tonight takes me back many years to the time when I landed on the shores of Victoria, a boy of seven...

In addressing the electors of the Commonwealth may I pause for a moment to thank, with the utmost gratitude, those of you, who live in East Sydney, whose wonderful kindness and constant support have been my chief encouragement and reward through the whole of my long public career. Mr. Watson and the leagues that control him brand me as the leader of a "reactionary and conservative party." This charge is a false one. [Cheers] The Liberal and Democratic party I am the leader of a party in New...

The policy of liberalism The Town Hall was packed. The Mayor of Parramatta occupied the chair. Mr. Cook said: I appreciate the privilege of announcing the aims and policy of the Liberal Party from the platform, where for 12 years past, by your kindness and confidence, I have been accustomed to announce my personal views. Tonight, I speak to a much larger audience, and with a sense of great responsibility. [Applause] The manifesto of the opposing party has been issued. Its ‘binding’ programme has...

It is peculiarly appropriate that here in Parramatta, whence the fertilising forces of civilisation first spread over the vast expanse of the virgin continent that a Liberal policy and propaganda which stands hard by the personal pioneering qualities should be articulated. Here, where the first crops were grown and reaped, is surely the place from which to propound a policy vibrating with sympathy for the grain growers and cultivators of today. Here, too, where the first flax factory and the...

Before setting out the present circumstances of the Commonwealth and the policy of the Government in regard to them, it is proper that I should give an account of our stewardship, in order that the electors may judge from that which we have done who is best fitted to lead this country during the period of reconstruction which now confronts us. The National Party - what it is Let me remind you of the circumstances in which the National Party came into existence, so that you may see what manner of...

The Government could, under the war legislation, have dealt effectively with the profiteering evil - that it had indeed promised to do so - but it could not be moved into action, how could this be wondered at when one realised that the representatives of the capitalists, the profiteers, and the exploiters, ere on the side of the so-called Nationalist party. The recommendations of the Interstate Commission, obtained at a cost of thousands of pounds as a result of inquiries into the cost of...

This is no ordinary election. It comes at a time when the Government has precariously and unexpectedly survived by one vote for two years. It comes at a time when turbulence and international tension exist nearer to our frontiers than ever before except during the last war; when strength is needed in the voice of Australia; when our country cannot afford to compel its Government to spend a lot of time, week by week, on the problem of domestic political survival. Why did I seek a dissolution? I...

Fellow Australians: I speak to you at one of the most momentous periods in the history of this country. In the very nature of the case, it is a period of the utmost importance to every man and woman – yes, and every child in our community. And when I say, ‘our community’, I do not mean only those of us who have the good fortune to be in Australia today. Every consideration of the present and the future, in relation to our national welfare, must include thought for Australians who have been, and...

Tonight, I place before you Labor’s Programme for the next three years. It is a positive Programme. It is practical. It can and will be given full effect to by a Labor Government. Specific mandate asked for We ask you for a mandate to carry out this Programme. We shall carry out the mandate. Unlike the Menzies/Fadden Government we shall carry out all the promises we make to you. Security is the basis of Labor’s programme The primary aim of Labor will be to provide a government that will give the...

The failure of the Government This is a vital election. The Menzies Government knows that, if it waits until next year, it will be defeated. The result of its mismanagement of the economy cannot be avoided for much longer. So, this Government had decided that the people will be pit to the expense of an early election– the fifth Federal election in six years. The Menzies-Fadden Government was re-elected only last year. It had more than eighteen months of office to serve. Yet it abdicated. Why...

Men and Women of Australia! The decision we will make for our country on 2 December is a choice between the past and the future, between the habits and fears of the past, and the demands and opportunities of the future. There are moments in history when the whole fate and future of nations can be decided by a single decision. For Australia, this is such a time. It’s time for a new team, a new program, a new drive for equality of opportunities: it’s time to create new opportunities for...