Coupon rationing in Australia during World War II: An exercise in muddling and bungling

Abstract

Coupon rationing in Australia during World War II has received very little historical attention. The implications of changing needs during wartime were not addressed in pre-war planning, consequently the government was unprepared when the need to take definitive action arose. When rationing became necessary it was accepted by the government, albeit reluctantly, as something that had to be implemented, and on the part of the people, as just another of the things that had to be endured as part of the war effort. The important role that rationing played has never been acknowledged, nor indeed, has the impact that it had on the homefront been definitively explored. Research quickly revealed that rationing covered such a wide field that it would be impossible to cover the whole of the topic in a research thesis. Archival exploration brought to light the haste and uncertainty with which the government approached rationing, why certain goods were coupon rationed, and why other goods were rationed by different methods. Significant insights regarding governmental reasoning in a time of crisis were revealed as research disclosed that politicians' fears of voter backlash influenced decisions made in parliament when informed advice tendered by authorities concerning the desperate supply situation was disregarded. Archival sources also revealed civilian correspondence which displayed a surprising degree of antagonism towards rationing. These factors influenced the choice of the theme of this thesis which focuses on the administration of rationing, the problems encountered in its planning and implementation, the way it was organised, who influenced decisions, and civilian attitudes towards rationing. This thesis adds considerably to available literature where virtually nothing has been written about the problems encountered in the planning, implementation and administration of rationing.