A State Perspective on the Hancock Report

Abstract

The report of the Committee of Review has a much greater impact on the states than might appear at first glance from the recommendations. The proposals for better co ordination bet ween federal and state systems and for long-term integration have obvious implications. Many of the main recommendations dealing with the federal jurisdiction also have important ramifications for the state systems. The Report does not, unfortunately, make clear what it perceives to be the appropriate role of the state systems in the medium and long term, which may make state governments and industrial organizations reluctant to agree to much needed changes in the federal arena. But, given the trend to greater centralization and pre-eminence of the federal system, 'integration' or a 'takeover' by the federal body may occur, with or without the states' agreement.