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Morning in Australia
Similarly, elections were held in Australia. The collapsing Labor government, led by James Scullin was beset by economic crisis and chronic unemployment. By the middle of 1931, unemployment reached 27% as industrial production and productivity plummeted. That same year, the Premiers' Plan designed to control inflation, was universally rejected by Labor members. This ultimately led to a split within the Labor cabinet with the defection of Jack Lang from the Labor Party, thereafter forming the Centre Party with his right-wing mates. The rapidly deteriorating situation was further complicated by the demands of the banks in the United Kingdom. Most of whom, were planning to withdraw loans. The federal opposition, led by the former Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce after resolving ideological splits of his own, sought the job. Tasmanian Premier, Joseph Lyons negotiated a deal with the Nationalist Party on the basis he would be appointed Treasurer when in government. The Country Party also continued the tradition of the previous government, by aligning with the Nationalists thus forming a coalition. During the campaign, Bruce offered the sort of economic security enjoyed in the previous decade, lambasting what he considered Labor's poor stewardship in economic affairs. View attachment 325869 In policy, the Nationalist/Country government reflected fiscal conservatism, whilst promoting investment in state industry. Along with the bolstering of social welfare, and the continuation of the White Australia policy. His government also promoted the League of Nations as a means to prevent conflict in light of Japanese incursions into China, he also increased defence spending and lobbied London for more emphasis in the Pacific region. As the international economy recovered after 1933 his popularity benefited greatly, enabling him to enter the 1934 election campaign with his position strengthened. And thereafter won the 1934 election with the Nationalist/Country coalition's majority intact.