Thursday, 30th May, 1901
Australia's Tariff Debate: Protection, Free Trade, and White Labor.
- Duration:16 mins 24 secs
- Updated: Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:20:39 AEDT
- Version: 17
Episode Summary
House of Representatives
The Governor General's speech debate covered various issues. Macdonald-Paterson criticized Queensland's representation and advocated for an Inter-State Commission. Discussions included tariff policies, Asiatic immigration restrictions, and South Sea Islander labor. Solomon questioned the Prime Minister’s sugar policy stance. Forrest emphasized imposing excise duties on sugar and colonial wines. The debate also touched upon the High Court appointment, state rights, financial responsibilities, and franchise extension.
Senate
Senators debated crucial issues: tariffs, immigration, and labor. Dawson questioned protectionism, advocating for free machinery access for primary industries, and fiercely supported a "White Australia" policy, opposing Kanaka labor. Clemons criticized protectionism as misguided state interference, while Charleston championed state rights. Glassey argued for white labor in the sugarcane industry. O'Keefe highlighted seamen's rights and opposed Kanaka labor on social, moral grounds.