LABOUR PARTY'S SWITCH ON AID
AUSTRALIA'S Catholics are hailing the surprise decision of the Australian Labour party's special federal conference to support State aid for church schools.
Commenting on the decision Cardinal Gilroy of Sydney said once more the party is in harmony with the sentiment of the citizens of Australia on a question that affects the welfare of the nation.
"This decision will advance the cause of education generally because it will help to raise the standard of education throughout Australia."
The conference stand marks the end of years of party bickering and strife on the State aid issue. Until now the party has been hopelessly divided, with its left wing unwilling to make any concessions to the moderates on State aid. This unwillingness cost the party loss of the government in two States—New South Wales and Western Australia —in the last two years.
It had also hurt its chances of regaining control of the federal government in this year's elections. The ruling coalition of the Liberal and Country parties, headed by Prime Minister Harold Hull, supports State aid.