To the Women Electors of Queensland
TO THE WOMEN ELECTORS
OF QUEENSLAND.
SENATOR T. GLASSEY.
Ladies—
In view of the fact that you will, for the first time, be called upon to take part in the approaching: election for three Senators, to represent Queensland in the Commonwealth Parliament I beg to intimate that I am a Candidate for your suffrages. At the outset, I wish to heartily congratulate the women of Australia on obtaining a right they should have years ago enjoyed; a right which I am pleased to say I had some share is establishing.
During my many years of public life, I have embraced every opportunity, both in Parliament and on the public platform, to advocate the political Equality of women. As a father of sons and daughters, and as a citizen, I never could see the justice of making any political distinction between the sexes.
In the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, during the session of 1894, I had the honour of presenting two petitions containing the names of about 12,000 persons, urging Parliament to pass a measure conferring the franchise upon every man and woman in this State, and in the same session I introduced the first Electoral Reform Bill submitted to the Queensland Parliament extending political rights to the female portion of the community. In the following year I again brought forward a measure for your enfranchisement.
I am no new convert to female suffrage, having consistently and strenuously advocated it during the whole of my political career in both the State and Federal Parliaments, and I am proud indeed to think that by the votes of my fellow citizens, I was privileged to contribute my share, by voice and vote in the Federal Senate, in placing on the statute book of Australia, the most liberal electoral law of any country in the civilised world to-day.
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
Amongst the many measures passed by the Commonwealth Parliament during its first session was one to regulate and control the Public Service, in which fully 11,000 persons are employed, of whom only 1,072 are females. Even this comparatively small number of females were not employed as a matter of right, but, in most instances, because their services were obtainable at a much lower rate of pay, in some cases one-half that paid to men for doing similar work. However I am pleased to say this glaring injustice and inequality no longer exists, inasmuch as "The Public Service Act of 1902," recognises to the full the equality of the sexes. I think I am correct in saving that this is the first time in British history that such equality has been recognised in statute law. This is a principle for which I have long contended, and I heartily rejoice that I have been able to contribute my quota in bringing about such a desirable result. For many years past I have urged that in the lighter branches of the Public Service girls and women are eminently fitted to perform good work, and during the passing of the Act in question through the Senate I endeavoured to amend that part of the Bill dealing with new appointments to the clerical division of the service, in the direction of having all vacancies filled "as nearly as may be, by equal numbers of males and females" Although well supported by many members of the Senate, I was defeated on division by a substantial majority.
WOMEN AS INSPECTORS.
"The Federal Public Service Act of 1902" provides for the appointment of six inspectors, whose duty it is to visit the various public offices of the States of the Commonwealth, and otherwise assist the Public Service Commissioner in the discharge of his onerous official duties. In the interest of the female employees throughout the service, I advocated the appointment of a lady to one of these high and important positions, as I consider that women have a legitimate claim to a share of this work in the public offices. I regret my efforts in this direction were not successful, but I will continue to urge the appointment of one of your sex as Inspector under this Act.
OLD AGE PENSIONS.
By the Federal Constitution the Parliament is empowered to make provision for the aged poor of Australia. The well-being of the aged and destitute has been a question of deep concern to me for many years. In England I had an intimate acquaintance with the administration of the poor laws; and I occupied the position of Director of the Poor House of Morpeth in Northumberland. In the Legislative Assembly of Queensland I have on several occasions urged the introduction of a system for the establishment of Cottage Homes for destitute aged married couples. Any measure that may be introduced into the Federal Parliament dealing with this question should, in my opinion contain some provision for the establishment of these homes, thereby permitting the old and infirm to enjoy each others society during the closing period of their lives.
WIDOWS INHERITANCE RIGHTS.
Under existing laws a man has the right to exclude his wife from all participation in whatever property he may possess at the time of his death. In many instances the wife has, by her own exertions, assisted the husband to acquire such property. I favour a change of the law in this respect with a view to securing to the widow a just share of the material wealth she has assisted to create.
DIVORCE.
I am of the opinion that no distinction whatever should be made between the sexes as to the causes for which a divorce should be granted.
OUR BOYS AND GIRLS.
What are we to do with our boys and girls? This question presents itself to all parents. I favour the granting of bonuses for the purpose of encouraging and assisting the establishment of Iron, Woollen, Cotton, and other industries, in order that new avenues of remunerative employment may be opened to the young of both sexes in Australia. It is unfair and iniquitous to place our young Australians on the same level regarding wages and conditions of labour, as the people of countries whose standard of living is of the lowest, and whose earnings preclude the enjoyment of what we are accustomed to consider ordinary necessaries. We must protect our children and our industries, and, by so doing, protect Australia from the errors of old-time civilisations.
EDUCATION AND CHILD LABOUR.
It is not necessary for me to enlarge upon the evils resulting from the employment in factories etc., of children of tender age. I am convinced that every endeavour should be made to give our children a sound, general, and technical education, before permitting them to enter upon the struggle for a livelihood. It is to the physical and mental training of our youths that Australia must depend for her future, and any attempt to induce or force children into employment before they are equipped, will be to our detriment, and will receive my strong disapproval.
In conclusion I may state that I have always made it my endeavour to ameliorate the conditions of life for the toiling masses, to make their homes brighter and place them upon a higher plane of social comfort and enjoyment. This aim in life I shall continute to persue. To further the enactment of laws for the elevation of the people of my adopted country, to foster and protect her industries, and to give my earnest advocacy to all measures that may tend to the advancement of our Australian Continent, will I assure you, be always the objects towards which I shall direct my best endeavours and energies.
I purpose visiting as many centres of the State as possible prior to the Election, and will be pleased indeed to have your presence at my meetings.
Yours sincerely and respectfully,
THOMAS GLASSEY
Parliament House,
- Melbourne, September 19th, 1903.
Electors must vote for 3 Candidates for the Senate,, otherwise the Ballot-paper will be declared informal. Place X opposite the names of the Candidates for whom you wish to record your vote for the SENATE. NO NAMES SHOULD BE CROSSED OUT.
Cameron, Laing, and Co, Printers, Brisbane,
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