The Constitution

John Ward

The Editor,

Section 99 and 100 of our constitution are very interesting, given current events.

Perhaps John Howard will explain to us how he is going to respond to these constitutional requirements.
Section 99 Commonwealth not to give preference

The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade, commerce, or revenue, give preference to one State or any part thereof over another State or any part thereof.

So all Hospitals in Tasmania should receive similar revenue assistance, indeed all Australian Hospitals must be treated equally, NOT LaTrobe Vs the Rest of Tasmania, or Tassie Vs the rest of Australia.

Section 100 Nor abridge right to use water

The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade or commerce, abridge the right of a State or of the residents therein to the reasonable use of the waters of rivers for conservation or irrigation.

Section 100 raises the issue of the Commonwealth seizing control of the Murray Darling Basin.

Maybe John Howard finally has come to the belief that he is able to act out side the rules in his quest to ‘out Menzies’ Bob Menzies.

John Ward

Gordon