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Why did Billy Hughes not introduce conscription?
The industrial labour movement which underpinned the ALP was a natural constituency against military conscription because the left feared that it would be a precursor to industrial conscription. Ironically, then, the very strength of Hughes’s political base was a barrier to his introducing conscription.
What impact did Billy Hughes have on Australia?
Hughes established the forerunners of the Australian Federal Police and the CSIRO during the war, and also created a number of new state-owned enterprises to aid the post-war economy.
Why did people not want conscription in Australia?
Unions tended to be anti-conscription, because they feared their jobs would be taken by foreign labour or women.
Who was for conscription in Australia ww1?
Eligible voters at that time included most men and women aged 21 and over. First Australians, who were not given the right to vote until 1949, were ineligible. The Australian Government asked voters if they agreed with compulsory military training for Australian men to serve overseas.
What was Hughes view on conscription?
Hughes, however, knew that he did not need to create a new law but could just amend the old one to include conscription. As a result, on 28 October 1916, an advisory referendum was held to decide whether the community of Australia supported conscription. The vote was rejected and Hughes was sacked from the Labor Party.
Why did Billy Hughes want conscription?
On his return to Australia, he declared his view that conscription was needed to supply the Australian forces with a sufficient number of soldiers. Opposition to his proposal from within the governing Labor Party led Hughes to propose a plebiscite to decide the issue.
Was Billy Hughes in the Labor Party?
Australian PartyBilly Hughes / Party
Can Australia still conscript?
As noted, conscription was abolished by law in 1973. But the Defence Act 1903 as amended retained a provision that it could be reintroduced by proclamation of the Governor-General. Potentially all Australian residents between the ages of 18 and 60 could be called up in this way.
What happens if you say no to conscription?
There are a small number of total objectors who refuse even civilian service, and are imprisoned for six months. This is not registered into the person’s criminal record.
Who was exempt from conscription?
The National Service (Armed Forces) Act imposed conscription on all males aged between 18 and 41 who had to register for service. Those medically unfit were exempted, as were others in key industries and jobs such as baking, farming, medicine, and engineering.
What was the argument for conscription?
The return of conscription would revitalize the weakening civil-military link and remind people of their civil obligations. National service is an important way to instill common values and build character. Those who do not want to participate in military service are free to opt for an alternative national service.
Who abolished national service in Australia?
the Whitlam Government
(2) (Conscripts were not allocated to the Navy or Air Force). Honouring a central election pledge, the Whitlam Government abolished conscription by immediate administrative action followed up in 1973 by the National Service Termination Act.
Can you be forced to go to war Australia?
How Can Conscription be Introduced? As noted, conscription was abolished by law in 1973. But the Defence Act 1903 as amended retained a provision that it could be reintroduced by proclamation of the Governor-General. Potentially all Australian residents between the ages of 18 and 60 could be called up in this way.
Has Australia ever had mandatory military service?
In 1911 the Australian Government introduced compulsory naval or military training for all men between the ages of 12 and 60. Men over 18 had to join the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), which also included some volunteers. Still, men could not be forced to serve overseas.
What did Billy Hughes think about conscription?
Labor Prime Minister Billy Hughes reached the conclusion that conscription would be necessary to raise the required number of reinforcements. However, conscription was strongly opposed by his own party in the senate.
Who was Billy Hughes and what did he do?
Billy Hughes. William Morris Hughes, CH, KC (25 September 1862 – 28 October 1952) was an Australian politician who served as the seventh Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1915 to 1923.
What did Billy Hughes say about citizenship?
Billy Hughes: If you do not, then strip off the robe which is the mark of your citizenship, for you have disgraced it, and are not worthy to be called free citizens. Billy Hughes: The people of Australia are about to decide the destiny of their country.
Why did the Labor Party oppose the conscription bill?
A ‘Yes’ vote would have forced the Labor held Senate to pass the conscription bill. Labor leaders inside the Party did not wish to see Hughes use popular endorsement to beat their political machine. In the House of Representatives thirteen Labor men opposed the issue being put to the people.