2006.0011
REPRESENTATIONS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INSURANCE OFFICE AND AMENDMENTS TO THE COMMONWEALTH SUPERANNUATION SCHEME [TRANSFERRED TO UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE ARCHIVES CUSTODY 2006] [1975-1975]
Creator(s): 
Fraser, John Malcolm [1930-2015]

Representations received by J M (Malcolm) Fraser as Leader of the Opposition relating to the Whitlam Labor Government's proposed legislation to establish an Australian Government Insurance Office (AGIO) and amend the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme. The Australian Government Insurance Office Bill (1975) was introduced into the House of Representatives on 23 April 1975 and given its second reading on 15 May. It passed to the Senate on 3 June and was further debated on 20-21 August, after which the Bill finally lapsed. It had prompted considerable protest by members of the public, Liberal Party branches, some businesses and those working in the Insurance industry. It was perceived by some as an attempt to nationalise the industry, thereby creating a government monopoly in competition with hundreds of existing insurance companies. The several thousands of representations in this series, and the timing of them (most are dated late April to late May), suggest that the legislation was the first major issue for which Mr Fraser gained significant public support as Leader of the Opposition. Some letters also complain more generally about the Whitlam Labor Government and offer Mr Fraser best wishes for success. Formerly National Archives of Australia series M445.

0.53 metres (3 boxes)
Community and Political, individuals