“The people are losing confidence in Parliaments and political organisations,” said Mr. A. E. Clarkson in an address to members of the Rotary Club.
“When Federation took place we were promised that the establishment of a Federation Parliament would reduce the number and cost of State Parliaments. Yet, in spite of the ever-growing costs of the Commonwealth Parliament, State Parliaments have increased the number of their representatives and the burdensome cost of government cries out for earnest review. Is there a Parliament honest enough to face the only honourable and obvious course, economise by reducing its numbers and its ramification?”