Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 1981

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Address in Reply [13 MAY 1981] Questions Upon Notice 1193

PAPERS The foUowing papers were laid on the table:— Orders in Council under— Gladstone Area Water Board Act 1975. Electridty Act 1976-1980. Rural Training Schools Act of 1965 and the Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act 1923-1979. Statute under the University of Queens­ land Act 1965-1973.

PETITION The Qerk announced the receipt of the following petition— PENALTIES FOR CRUELTY TO ANIMALS From Mr Shaw (122 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland will increase the penalties for cmelty to animals. Petition read and received.

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE Questions submitted on notice by mem­ bers were answered as foUows:—

1. USE OF LAND AT CAPE PALLASENDA Mr Cas^ asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General— With rderence to the former quaran­ tine reserve, situated at Cape PaUarenda, Townsville— (1) Has plan of survey No. 27507 been lodged with the Titles Oflice in TownsvUle WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 1981 for the preparation of three separate titles, over this former reserve? (2) What was the area of the former Mr SPBAKKl (Hon. S. J. Muller, Fassi­ reserve and what are the pressed areas fern) read prayere and took the chair at of each of the three subdivisions? 11 a.m. (3) Who was the former owner of the reserve and who are the proposed owners of the three separate subdivisions or with « ADDRESS IN REPLY V whom will they be vested? HER MAJESTY'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (4) Do all of the proposed subdivisions include freehold title down to the high- Mr SPEAKER: Honourable mranbers, I water mark and, if not, which ones do? have to report that I have recdved the following letter from His Excellency the (5) What is the estimated valuation of the Governor— whole reserve and what is the proposed "Dear Mr Speaker, valuation of each of the new subdivisions? (6) As there is much public advocacy "I have the honour to inform you that in TownsvUle for Cape PaUarenda to be the Message of Loyalty from the Legisla­ a proposed site for a casino in Queensland, tive Assembly dated 31st March, 1981, has what discussions, if any, have been held been laid before the Queen and Her regarding the use of this land for such Majesty has asked that her appreciation purposes and have ,Kern Brothers of be conveyed to the Membere of the Legis­ TownsvUle been a company with whom lature of Queensland. discussions have been held? "Yours rfncerely, (7) If it is proposed that this land be "James Ramsay, made available for casino purposes, will "Governor," public tenders be called for the land? 1194 Questions Upon Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Upon Notice

Answer:— security available and certain other aspects. (1) Yes. The plan was lodged on 1 Consequently, the board recommended that April 1981 by the Commonwealth Crown the application not be approved. Solicitor. Subsequent to receiving this recom­ (2) The original area comprises 66.8422 mendation and its consideration by Cabinet, I had discussions with the principals of ha. The proposed areas of these sub­ the company. They suggested to me that divisions are— there could be a somewhat different Lot 1 3.096 ha approach taken by my department in rela­ Lot 2 44.206 2 ha tion particularly to personal guarantees Lot 3 19.54 ha that could ibe forthcoming. It was agreed (3) The former owner was the Com­ that additional information would be sup monwealth of Australia. The three new pUed by the company upon receipt of certificates of title will also issue in the advice from my department of the details name of Commonwealth of Australia. required, and subsequently the telex d (4) Only proposed Lot 2 wiU include 28 April was addressed to the company. freehold title down to the high-water mark. Quite obviously the company was not (5) This question should be directed to prepared to furnish any of the details the Honourable the Minister for Environ­ sought, even though at the discussions pre­ ment, Valuation and Administrative Ser­ viously mentioned an offer was made to vices. supply certain information. (6 & 7) These questions should be (2) The time which elapsed bdween directed to the Honourable the Deputy receipt of the company's appUcation and Premier and Treasurer. its submission to the Industries Assistance Board was principaUy due to the delay Mr Casey: I direct them accordingly. experienced by the company in locating a source of loan funds for the project. My dqpartment was officially informed oil 8 2. ELECTRONICS RESEARCH AUSTRALIA April 1981 that funds could be available, PTY LTD and the whole proposal was considered by the Industries Assistance Board at a Mr Jennings asked the Minister for Com­ meeting held on 13 April 1981, fiveday s merce and Industry— later. With reference to the application by , Electronics Research Australia Pty Ltd to his department on 5 January seeking 3. 'RAIL CORRIDOR, BEENLEIGH—Nfew a Government guarantee to assist them to SOUTH WALES BORDER raise $ 1.25m to transfer their operations to Queensland and set up a manufaduring Mr Borbidge asked the Minister for Trans­ facility at Southport— port—• (1) Is he aware that as recently as the (1) Have officers of the Railway Depart­ 28 Aprfl, some 3i months after the orig­ ment been investigating the feasibility of inal application, a 53 line telex was sent a rail corridor between Beenleigh and the from his department seeking detailed New South Wales border? replies to some 14 questions and that as (2) If so, what is the outcome of that a result of this delay and a .proposition investigation? received by that company from the Vic­ torian Government late in Aprfl that Electronics Research Australia Pty Ltd Answer:— are now proposing to set up their high (1 & 2) Two consultant studies were technology plant in Victoria? commissioned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority on the Brisbane-Gold Coast (2) If so, what is the reason for the Hnkage. The first report exanuned, at delay and what action is to be taken in the a strategic level, the scope for major future to see that applicant companies public transport initiatives in the Brisbane receive prompt consideration and replies? -Gold Coast corridor and addressed itself principaUy to the issue of the feasibility Answer:— of rail passenger services in that corridor. The other study was concerned with the (1) I am acquainted with, the drcum­ most appropriate and effective means of stances relating to this proposal. ITie providing a rail Unk between Beenleigh application submitted by Electronics and the Gold Coast and the feasibUity Research Australia Pty Ltd was thor­ of reserving a transit corridor. oughly examined by my department and referred by me to the Industries Asast- These reports are currentiy being exam­ ance Board for a recommendation ined by the officere of the Railway Depart­ regarding the provision of a Goverament ment, on my instractions. When that guarantee. In the board's view the examination is completed, the matter will appUcation did not satisfadorily meet the then receive further consideration by the usual requirements in relation to the Government. Questions Upon Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Upon Notice 1195

4. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO QUEENSLAND 5. LOCALITY ALLOWANCE, PORT CURTIS AREA Mr BorWdge asked the Premier— Mr Prest asked the Premier— (1) What is the extent of State Govern­ (1) What is the present locaUty aUow­ ment representations to Canberra to per­ ance paid to teachers in the Port Curtis mit a joint British Caledonian Airways electorate? proposal to fly into Queensland? (2) As the Minister responsible for the Public Service, does he regard these allow­ (2) Have any other international air­ ances as reflecting the real cost of living lines recentiy expressed interest in flying in this area? into Queensland and what has been the response of the Federal Government? (3) In view of the PubUc Service Board's statement in its letter of 16 March, wfll the board review a submis­ Answer:— sion on locality allowances in the Port Curtis area? (1) Permission for any intemational (4) Why is the aUowance not paid to flights into Queensland rests with the Com­ married women? monwealth Government, which in tura deals with the overseas Government Answer:— involved. I might add that Canberra goes to great lengths to protect the position (1 to 4) The locality allowances pay­ able within the electorate of Port Curtis of Qantas. would vary depending upon the centre. I wouU also point out to the honour­ These rates are set taking many factors able meinber that the question of any into account, including cost of living. The British airline being granted permission full rate is paid to supporting parents to fly into Australia is dependent in the and married women where evidence of first instance on a dedsion being made dependency is furnished. The Public Ser­ by the Civfl Aviation Authority in the vice Board has always indicated its wUl­ United Kingdom. ingness to review these rates upon receipt of evidence. AppUcations were recently lodged by British Caledonian Airways and Laker Airways with the CivU Aviation Authority 6. COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO ROAD in the United Kingdom for licences to ACCIDENT VICTIMS fly the route between Britain and Aus­ tralia. The Queensland Goverament sub­ Mr Prest asked the Premier— mitted evidence to the London hearing strdigly supporting the British Caledonian (1) Is he aware that the gross disparity application, which was the only one that bdween compensation pay-outs to roaA included provision for international flights accident victims in different States leave in and out of Brisbane. disabled people in Queensland thousands of dollars behind similarly injured people If the CAA had granted a licence, it elsewhere? would then have been necessary for the (2) If so, what action does he intend to British Department of Trade to make take to have this situation rectified and approaches through the normal channels brought into line with other States? to the Commonwealth Department of Transport in Canberra, in order to obtain Answer:— the approval of the Australian Govern­ ment. (1 & 2) I am not aware of any gross disparity but agree that superficially The CAA has rejeded both applications. awards appear to be higher, particularly The authority did, however, indicate that in New South Wales and Vidoria. It It would be prepared to give further is difficult, if not impossible, to compare consideration to an application for a joint injury cases. The facts involved vary Anglo-Australian service. considerably from one case to another. Under the Queensland system a judge (2) It is my undei^tandini that there determines the issue. His judgment of are a number of international airlines the extent of compensation is based pri­ interested in flying into Queensland. My marily on three aspects, 'being the pain government would have hb hesitation in and suffering caused; the economic loss supporting any such airlines wishing to during the period from date of acddent extend their activities into Queensland, to date of judgment; and the future as the influx of overseas visitors from economic loss. The assessment of these such services would certainly assist the aspects, of course, varies considerably tourist industry in this State. I have from case to case. New South Wales and ?1^ i^'^S"^'*^ ^^^^^ to the Prime Minister Victoria, in contrast, have a jury system. and the Federal Minister for Transport I am quite satisfied that the present assess­ a number of times during discussions with ment Systran in Queensland is fair and reasonable to all parties. 1196 Questions Upon Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Upon Notice

7. COMPULSORY REST PERIODS FOR TAXI constant review and appropriate action is DRIVERS taken where warranted where road safety aspects are conceraed. Mr Prest asked the Minister for Transport— (1) What are the maximum number of 8 & 9. 2,4-D AND 2,4,5-T hours permissible for a taxi driver to drive Mr Hartwig asked the Minister for Lands a taxi before being compelled, in the and Forestry— interest of safety, to take a rest period? <1) What quantity of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (2) How many hours rest must a taxi was sold in Queensland in 1979-80? driver have before commencing the next (2) What quantity was sold to local shift? goverament for use by councUs? (3) As many relief taxi drivers at the present time have other day or shift Answer:— employment, how many hours rest must (1) The total amounts of 2,4-D and these drivers have before .being allowed 2,4,5-T based herbicides sold in Queens­ to drive a taxi? land during the finandal year 1979-80 (4) How long can these relief drivers is not known. drive per shift? The total amounts sold Iqr my depart­ (5) If there is no limit to the hours of ment were as follows:— shifts or compulsory rest periods between 2,4-D—176370 Utres; 2,4,5-T—36190 shifts, what is the reason? Utres; DT20/20 G^loxture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T)—2185 Utres. Answer:— (2) The quantities of these herbicides (1) No maximum hours are fixed as the sold to local authorities by my department number of hours of actual driving varies for councfl use were as foUovra:— with demand. In any case, a driver gener­ 2,4-D—7 385 litres; 2,4,5-T—3 620 ally has a break in between trips, which, Utres; DT20/20—250 litres. on average, would be of short duration. (2) GeneraUy a driver, including an owner-driver, would not operate the vehicle for more than one shift each day. Surveys by the Department of Transport have Mr Hartwig asked the Minister for shown that shifts generally do not exceed Health— 10 houre in a 24-^hour period—and even then many of these are made up of 3, 4 With reference to the enormous usage or 54iour separate periods. Generally of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D in Queensland each speaking, taxi drivere have the normal year, both by councfls and landowners, hours of rest that apply to other people what investigation has been carried out operating in similar situations, such as into the hazards to the health of residents delivery drivere and courier drivers. such as bronchial trouble, nausea, head­ aches, skin problems and birth abnormali­ (3) In considering an application for a ties? part-time or week-end hire driver's licence, the extent to which an applicant under­ Answer:— takes other driving in the couree of his A number of investigations have been main employment and type of vehicle carried out in Australia and overseas. operated are taken into consideration. A linuted retrospective study was carried Where an applicant is prindpally engaged out by my department in thie Cairns area in driving to an extent which could affect some time ago. None of these studies has his driving of a taxi, a licence is not demonstrated any relationship bdween granted. Each case is considered on its birth abnormalities and the use of 2,4,5-T. merits, having regaid to the relevant facts Other conditions referred to have only and factors appropriate to road safdy occurred in fadory contamination with considerations. Dioxin. No adveree effeds have been (4) See (1). noted with 2,4-D. (5) Experience has shown that taxi drivere generally are responsible and com­ petent drivere who would not drive to 10. FIONA MCKINLAY sudi an extent as to place themselves or thdr passengere at risk by working exces­ Mr Hartwig asked the Minister for Educa­ sive houre which would a^ect road safety. tion— With rderence to Fiona McKinlay of As a matter of fad, many taxi drivere Alton Downs west of Rockhampton who have been awarded safe driving awards has been transported by taxi some 24 km and in some cases have accumulated up to school each day at Rockhampton— to 15 yeare of acddent and violation-free driving. I might add that the traffic (1) Why has this taxi service been dis­ record of each taxi driver is kept under continued for such a deserving case? Questions Ufpon Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Without Notice 1197

(2) Does he reaUse that if she was 12. MARYBOROUGH-MONTO RAIL placed in the Local Community Health PASSENGER SERVICE ViUa it would cost approximately $300 a week compared to $153 a week for Mr Davis asked the Minister for Trans­ taxi fares? port- Does the Railway Department intend to close the Maryborough-Monto raU pas­ Answer:— senger service and, if so, (a) when is the (1) Taxi transport was provided to this proposed date for the termination and child and her older sister for several yeare. (b) what are the reasons for the closure? During 1980 the child travelled to the QSNCWA school alone. In 1981 and in Answer:— view of the major increase in the cost of this arrangement, an altemative scheme This matter has already been the subject was negotiated whereby the parents were of inquiries by the honourable member for reimbureed for petrol and ofl costs to Auburn. As indicated to him, there is no transport the child to and from school. such proposal at the present time. Recently, the mother advised that the demands of driving were proving too much and the option of boarding the child at a Department of Health viUa QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE in Rockhampton, where her sister resided, was raised with the mother by officere of my department. GOVERNMENT POLICY ON BUYING SHARES IN PRTVATE COMI'ANIES (2) My colleague the Minister for Health would be able to apprise the honourable Mr D'ARCY: I refer the Deputy Premier member of the cost of viUa accommoda­ and Treasurer to the Government's recent poUcy on buying a stake in Evans Deakin tion. However, a smgle cost comparison Industries Ltd, and I now ask: Was the recent is not valid because the chid concern increase in the Government stake in Evans is the long distance being travelled daily Deakin made possible, by buying EDI shares by a handicapped child. Recent advice from Australian National Industries? What indicates that the villa option is not con­ was the rationale behind the Govermnent's sidered appropriate in this instance. increased stake in EDI, which took the level Accordingly, a decision has been taken of Government ownership to just bdow 12.5 that taxi transport wiU be rdnstated on a per cent, and what price was paid for the temporary basis, and to subsequently review EDI shares? the action, pending advice from the child's mother,on her abUity to drive the child to school. Dr EDWARDS: I have not at my disposal here the full details of the price paid. As to the recent gazettal of funds for the Public Trustee, that, of course, was rdated to the merger procedures that were taking place, 11. USE OF COMPUTERS BY RAILWAY for which the Government had to finaUse its DEPARTMENT payment. I will ask the Under Treasurer to ascertain the ddails, which I will present to Mr Davis asked the Minister for Trans­ the honourable member tomorrow morning. port— (1) What is the annual cost to the FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT Railway Department for (a) hiring of TAKE-OVER OF BUNDENG computers and (b) cost of software (paper, etc.)? ' Mr D'ARCY: I rder the Deputy Premier and Treasurer to the recent take-over of (2) What number of persons is employed Bundeng by the southern raider ANI Limr (Indirectly in the various computer instaila- ited, and point out to him that late last year tions? the Govemment made a foray into the share market to prevent ANI from taking over Ariswer:— Walkers. The Government also recently increased its shareholding in EDI by further I am informed by the Commissioner for purchases from ANL Apparently ANI made a Railways as follows— trading profit from that of some Sim, and (1) (a) The cost of hiring electronic that Sim has now gone into the ANI $4.2m data processing equipment, induding bid for Bundeng. In other words, the Gov­ computere, for 1979-80 was $521,000. ernment financed about one-quarter of ANI's take-over of Bundeng. I now ask the Treas­ (b) The cost of software, stationery urer: Why did the Government not step in and punch cards for the same period to proted Bundeng, seeing that it proteded was $155,000. Walkere from ANI and EDI from Qyde (2) The total number of personnel Engineering (Qld) Pty Ltd, and why did the directly employed in the various data Government buy EDI shares from ANI and processing installations is 67. thereby abet ANI's offer? 1198 Questions Without Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Without Notice

Dr EDWARDS: I am absolutely amazed I repeat that the action taken by the at the Opposition's attitude to the Govern­ Government in respect to Evans Deakin and ment's support of Evans Deakin and Walkers. Walkers was totally welcomed by the indus­ Mr D'Arcy: What about Bundeng? try and by Queenslanders. Some people from New South Wales and other States Dr EDWARDS: The honourable member were unhappy because they were not able will gd his answer in a moment. to acquire control of these companies. If I am sure that the honourable member that is what Opposition members want, let for Maryborough is absolutely embarrassed them express that view very clearly. That by the (x>ntinued asking of questions about is not the Government's stand. We believe this matter, the detaUs of which have been that there should be a continuation of the made totaUy public at all times. I am sure policy that Queensland assets, where pos­ that the unfortunate memiber for Marybor­ sible, are owned and managed by Queens­ ough is most embarrassed by these contin­ landers. uing questions. There is a vast difference In the case of Evans Deakin and Walkers, bdween the Evans Deakin and Walkere situ­ we felt that there was a need for the ation and the Bundeng take-over. At no time Government to become a normal shareholder did the shareholdere or the diredors of Bun­ within the parameters of the stock exchange deng ask the Government for assistance in and under the rules of the Companies Act. any form. In fact, the diredors of Bundeng On no occasion did we go outside those formally recommended to the shareholdere parameters. that they accept the offer made last week. I am amazed that the (^>position would con­ As to the attitude of the SGIO—U was a sider that there is any comparability between matter for the board's decision. The board the two cases. made the decision. I remind the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that the SGIO The Government made it dear at the alre^y had a very large parcel of shares in time that its attitude towards the acquisition Evans Deakin and Walkere, and it was proud of shares was that it had to be a rare and to keep those shares. It Will continue to sup unique decision, that it would have to be port Queensland companies such as those specific in its program and that the move two. would have to be for the benefit of Queens­ land in general. I again suggest to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that he have a discussion with We made it dear that, in due course, we the honourable member for Maryborough would dispose of the shares within the to see where he stands on this issue. He markd-place as quickly as possible. That could do the same with the honourable it what we intend to do. To say that there member for Lytton who was critical of the is any relevance between Bundeng and the Government on a number of occasions when Government's not moving is totally irrelevant we were not prepared to ad to protect some because the Bundeng directors recommended Queensland companies. to its shareholders the acceptance of the offer. The Goverament was never asked to They cannot have it both ways. The become involved. From recent advice I have Opposition stands condemned. The Queens­ had from the directors, they are totally happy land Goverament has had the support d with the arrangement. the employees of Evans Deakin and Walkers. I am glad to say that we also have the GOVERNMENT DEFENCE OF LOCAL COMPANIES support of the honourable member for Mary­ Mr D'ARCY: I ask the Deputy Premier borough. and Treasurer: With regard to the Govern­ ment's overaU poUcy of defending local companies against southern raiders, is it not RESTRUCTURING OF HIGHER EDUCATION obvious that the policy of protection of local industry is now in tatters following Mr NEAL: I ask the Minister for Educa­ the Government's failure to protect Bundeng? tion: In view of the report to the effect Is it not obvious that the Govemment must that Cabinet has given preliminary considera­ be the laughing-stock of the financial tion to the restructuring of higher education world because it not only failed to protect in Queensland, as required by the Federal Bundeng from ANI but financially assisted Govemment as a precondition to fuU fund­ it by the purchase of ANI shares? ing what planning has been carried out by Does not the Government owe assistance him and his department to meet the Federal to other companies, such as SGIO and other Government's requirements? white knights as they were described, who helped to protect Walkere from EDI, which Mr GUNN: Cabinet has decided that the now face losses in the share markd because Queensland Government would be prepared the Government is starting to sell its shares? to discontinue four existing coU^e^ in Bris­ bane (JJorth Brisbane CoUege of Advanced Dr EDWARDS: Obviously the pereon who Education, Kelvin, Grove CoUege of wrote the brief for the Deputy Leader of Advanced Education, Brisbane Kindergarten the Opposition does not know what he is Teachers College and Mount Gravatt Col­ talking about. I suggest that the deputy lege of Advanced Education) and replace leader dther take no notice of that brief them with a single college. The new CoUege or get a new question-writer. would be known as Brisbane CoUege of Q^stions Without Notice [13 MAY 1981} Questions Without Notice 1199

Advanced Eduction and it would operate Mr HINZE: Of course, the main benefit from four campuses at Carseldine, Kedron was that I won S461 legally. Park, Kelvin Grove and Mt Gravatt. I now would like to be a little bit more AUhough the State will have to await serious to heap commendation on the Emerald Commonwealth Govemment concurrence Jockey Club for having what I believe to be the best grass race-track in Australia. All with its proposal, detaUed planning will need that I want everybody to do, if he has the to be undertaken towards implementing time, is to witness it for himself. Here Cabinet's decision in the event of the pro­ is a group of people who have worked in posal's acceptabUity to the Commonwealth. order to get together sufficient funds to To this end, I have convened an imple­ put down a grass track. I hope that their mentation committee, to meet as soon as example wUl be followed by every other practicable, consisting of the foUowing country race club in Queensland. They members— have a system whereby immediatdy after the last race is held the track is completely Dr J. A. Alen—Chaurman of the Board watered. It is a great credit to them. It of Advanced Education (Convenor and is an achievement and, as I say, I hope Chairman); Mr N. W. Briton—Member that it wUl be followed by every other of the Board of Advanced Education and country race club in the State. former Director of Queensland Agricultural College; Mr G. F. Ashby—Director of Special Education, Department of Education APPRENTICES EMPLOYED IN GOVERNMENT and Deputy Chairman of Brisbane Kinder­ DEPARTMENTS garten Teachers CoUege CouncU; Mr R. A. Dore—Administrative Director, Myer Queensland Stores, and member of Coun­ Mr YEWDALE: In asking a question of cil of North Brisbane CoUege of Advanced the Minister for Employment and Labour Education; Mr W. J. Job—Architect and Relations, I refer to his recent Press state­ Chairman of Mount Gravatt College of ment in "The Courier-MaU" of Saturday, 9 Advanced Education; Miss Patience Thorns May last, wherein he stated that an assess­ —PuWic relations consultant and Chairman ment of apprentice numbers is to be taken of Kelvin Grove CoUege of Advanced throughout Government departments. If one Education CouncUj Mr N. D. Alf ord— can assume from his statement that his Executive Officer, Board of Advanced department is not aware of these statistics, Education (Secretary). , one can also interpret that his department has fallen down' on a very basic function I have, asiced them to make early recom­ as it appUes to employment. If and when mendations to me regarding the following his ofiicers ascertain the shortfall in appren­ matters: . • tices or youth employment in the departments of his colleagues, will he provide the figures (a) appropriate central and campus of shortages that apply in each department? administrative and academic stractures for Brisbane CoUege of Advanced Education; Sir WILLIAM KNOX: The Government (b) assignment of senior academic and is aware of the numbers employed and non-acadniic staff to appropriate positions my department is trying to increase the in such structures; numbers that are employed by the various (c) location of central administration for Goverament agencies where there is a the college; and capacity to employ apprentices. The Rail­ (d) arrangements for uninterrapted pro­ way Department does a magnificent job gress of existing students. in putting on apprentices. It does this for its own needs, not for those of the As the honourable member will appreciate community. The Railway Department has from the four items I have listed aibove, I the capacity to employ more apprentices, not regard the welfare of existing staff and only for its own needs but also for the students to be an area of major concern community's needs, but the trade unions and I am anxious that, in the interests of involved have resisted that because they do all, maximum clarity should be achieved in not want to see these people employed this area as soon as possible. in the RaUway Department unless their employment is permanent. The Railway EMERALD JOCKEY CLUB Department cannot guarantee the permanent employment of those apprentices once they Mr LESTER: I ask the Minister for Local became tradesmen. Tbe Railway Depart­ Government, Main Roads and Police in his ment adopts a very reasonable attitude capacity as Minister in charge of racing: especially in view of the "anti" attitude Can he outline to Pariiament the various adopted by a number of trade unions towards benefits that he obtained from visiting the it. That is the sort of thing that has to Central Highlands over the week-end? What be overcome. The Minister for Transport tlid he find to his lUring in the progress and I are trying to find a solution to that being made by the Emerald Jockey Qub? problem. , 1200 Questions Without Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Without Notice

PETITION TO SAVE QUEENSLAND'S FREE long and often promised to North Queens­ HosprrAL SYSTEM land, stfll has not materialised? Could he Mr YEWDALE: I ask the Minister for advise North Queensland when such a scanner Health: WiU he approve of patients, staff will be installed and functioning? and visitore within hospital precincts signing Mr Austin: Do you want the answer now? and circulating a petition to save Queens­ land's free hospitak? Mr KATTER: Yes, it can be without The petition reads— notice, if it suits the Minister. "To The Honourable The Speaker and Mr AUSTIN: The honourable member wUI Membere of the Legislative A^sen^ly of be pleased to know that my department has Queensknd, in Pariiament assembled: submitted specifications to the State Stores Board, which is now calling tendere for a "The Petition of the undereigned resi­ new scanner at Townsville. We have had dents in the State of Queensalnd respect­ some difficulty in drawing up the specifica­ fully showdh: tions. The rate of change in technology "That we strongly condemn any adion in this type of equipment is so rapid that lo destroy the free Hospital and Mwlical if a specification is drawn up this week Services of the State of Queensland. the machine is almost obsolete next week. We have had great difficulty in drawing up "Your Pditionere, therefore. Humbly specifications so that we oan gd the most Pray that the ParUament of Queensland modem, up-to-date machine for TownsviUe. will provide a continuation of the present I can assure the honourable member that scheme whereby aU Queenslandere who my departmental officere now beUeve that wish to avml themselves of thrae services they have drawn up suitable spedfications to may do so. give TownsviUe the most up-to-date piece of machinery possible at the time of closing "And your Petitionere, as in duty bound, of tendere. I hope that the machine will will ever Pray." be weU and traly on its way in the near If the Minister objects to its circulation, future. that will greatly reduce the number of sig­ natories to the petition. If that is the case, will the Mimster give his reasons? COMMONWEALTH DECENTRALISATION PROGRAM FUNDS FOR QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY Mr AUSTIN: It is not the poUcy of my department or the Govemment to aJlow can­ Mr HANSEN: I ask the Minister for vassers to go through Govemment hospitals, Commerce and Industry: What funds are whether they are obtaining signatures to currently available to Queendand industry pditions to maintain the free hospital sys­ from the Commonwealth Decentralisation tem or for some other puipose. Program? What portion is grant, and what I do not believe the honourable member's portion is loan money? Does^he envisage any questi(Mi is a serious one. I believe a number problem in providing funds from State of people in the community are concemed resources next year to take up the shortfall about this matter, and it is not beyond of funds caused by the Fraser razor gang's the realms of possibUity that a parent, rela­ lopping of funds from national resources? tive or friend of a patient might take such a petition to a patient who might sign it. Mr SULLIVAN: The honourable mranber But I strongly object to the invasion of has asked what funds are available. At privacy of individual patients by people who present, no funds are available; the aUocation may be unknown to them asking them to for the year has been fuUy committed. sign a petition in a public hospital. I If he wishes me to comment further on object to that and I believe the honourable the latter part of his question, I suggest memd>er would object to it if a rdative of his that he puts it on notice. was approached by an unknown pereon to sign a piece of paper. The suggestion put Mr HANSEN: I do so accordingly. forward by the honourable member is quite impradicaUe and I simply cannot agree with it. ELECTRicrrY COSTS, PROPOSED ALCAN SMELTER Mr POWELL: I ask the Minister for Mines X-RAY SCANNER FOR NORTH QUEENSLAND and Energy: Has his attention been drawn to statements by spokesmen for the Wild Mr KATTER: I direct a question upon Life Preservation Socidy relating to elec­ notice to the Minister for Health: Is he tridty costs for the proposed Alcan smelter? aware that, whilst there are four X-ray Are their statements corred? If not, vriU scanners in Queensland, all are situated in he present to the House the trae position? Brisbane? Is he further aware that in most instances when a scanner is required Mr I. J. GIBBS: My attention was drawn it is extremely important that a patient not to an article on page 3 of the "Bundaberg be moved and that, whilst some half million News-Mail" on Monday, 11 May 1981, people live in North Queensland, 2000 km rdative to Mr Hiscock's claim in regard from Brisbane, a scanner, whidi has been to subsidy. His claim of a subsidy rests (ibestions Without Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Without Notice 1201 entirely on the proposition that the power a very big difference between the costs charges should be based on the export price quoted for the manufacture of the symbol. of steaming coal. This is pure conjecture, I cannot give the honourable member the because with such a pricing arrangement exact figures, but I recall reading them it would be more economic for Alcan to some months ago. As I understand it, the constrad the smelter overseas. The real cost involved is the reason. issue is whether we, as a State, want to be the quarry for the world or, alteraativdy, ORDER IN COUNCIL CONCERNING APPOINT­ to upgrade our abundant natural resources MENT OF NEW TOTALISATOR ADMINISTRATION and gain the benefits of additional employ­ BOARD ment, higher export values and increas^ job opportunities. Mr WARBURTON: I ask the Minister Contrary to Mr Hiscock's claims, Alcan's for Local Government, Main Roads and proposed smelter wiU not be subsidised. Police: Wfll he advise the House as to Oiarges for power wiU cover the actual when he intends to comply with the pro­ cost of generation and transmission of this visions on the Racing and Betting Act 1954- power, taldng into account two important 1978 by presenting to ParUament the Order factors— in Councfl pertaining to the controversial appointment of the new Totalisator Admini­ (a) Alcan will be a bulk user taking stration Board? I remind him that the supply direct from the high voltage nd- Order in Council was published in the work. To supply the same electricity Queensland Goverament Gazette some time to a multitude of industrial and domestic ago, on Thursday, 30 April 1981. When wiU consumere at different locations involves he table it in this House? Or is he letting the installation, maintenance and adminis­ the Liberals off the hook? tration of a complex distribution, metering and accounting system, the cost of which Mr HINZE: I wiU take the necessary steps must be covered in tariffs charged. today to try to have the Order in Council (b) Alcan wfll take supply continuously, tabled tomorrow. therein aUowing the most efficient utilisa­ tion of gmerating plant. Electridty Mr WARBURTON: In asking the Mini­ ster a supplementary question, I refer to requirements of other consumers vary section 146 of the Racing and Bdting Act appreciaUy throughout the day, resulting 1954-1978, which provides that every Order in low utilisation of plant ii^talled to in Council made under that Act shall be meet the peak load requirements. laid before ParUament within 14 sitting days after the publication of the Govera­ ment Gazette or within 14 sitting days COMMONWEALTH GAMES SYMBOL after the start of the next session, which Mr WARBURTON: In view of the will presumably be in AugiKt. Bearing in absence of the Minister for Tourism, Nat­ mind that this ParUament can, as the ional Parks, £^rt and The Arts, I direct result of a motion for disallowance, reject a question to the Premier. In doing so, the Order in Coundl—^I intend to move I refer to the official symbol for the 1982 such a motion if I am given the opport­ Commonwealth Games, namely, the stylised unity—I ask: Is it not a fact that he has kangaroo in fuU flight, the copyright for procrastinated intentionally in relation to this which is held by the Commonwealth Games matter so that the new board will be firmly Foundation. Thie Premier would be aware entrenched 'before this Parliament has an of the fact that the symbol, which is the opportunity to debate the relevant Order result d an Australia-wide competition, in Council? appears on the very popular Commonwealth Games pin badge and other ornaments. Mr HINZE: I would hate to have to Bearing in mind that the flying kangaroo point out to the honourable member that symbol is a veiy important symbol of Aus­ his remarks .to the effect that I am pro­ tralia in the minds of overseas visitore and crastinating are rather rade. They are not tourists, and in view of the fact that the factual. All my intentions conceraing the preluninary C(»nmonwealth Games wiU be racing industry are on the one track. Any­ held later this year, I ask the Premier: thing that has to be done will be done As Queensland is the host State for the correctly. forthcoming Commonwealth Games, how will he and other membere of this Gov­ Mr Kruger: That will be a change. ernment exfdain to overeeas visitors and tounsts that the flying kangaroo pin badges Mr HEVZE: The honourable member Md other oraaments are manufactured in might think so. Hong Kong and not in our own State or As I said previously, I will see what I country? can do tomorrow. Mr BJELKE-PETERSEN: As I think the nonourable member would understand, the AMALGAMATION OF FOUR BRISBANE COLLEGES Whole matter of costs has to be taken into OF ADVANCED EDUCATION account in the conduct of the Games. As Mr SHAW: I ask the Minister for 1 understand it, this matter depended Education: Does he expect that the amal­ entirely on costs. As I r^caU, there was gamation of the four Brisbane colleges of 1202 Questions Without Notice [13 MAY 1981] Questions Without Notice

advanced education wUl be completed in MAROOCHY FIRE BRIGADE BOARD time for the next academic year? If not, SUMMONSES what is the timetable for the proposed amalgamation as outlined in yesterday's Mr MACKENROTH: I ask the Minister "Courier-Mail" and in a question earlier for Environment, Valuation and Adminis­ today? In what way does he expect additional trative Services: Is he aware that the Mar­ enrolments to generate extra revenue? oochy Fire Brigade Board has backed off from issuing 144 summonses on developers in its area for breaching the Fire Safety Act Mr GUNN: The amalgamation of the because it believes it to be too huge a task four CAES wfll be completed for the next and, instead, wiU forward to those devel­ academic year. As to the second part of opers a soft-pedalUng Idter, a copy of which the honourable membere question—^as he the board has recdved from the State Fire is probably aware, the cost of the coUeges Services Coundl? WiU he ensure that fire is in the vicinity of $24m a year. It is brigade boards prosecute for breaches of antidpated by the Federal authority that the Fire Safety Ad, particularly when they by 1984 there wUl be a saving of $2.4m. are of the magnitude that I have outUned? The extra enrolments would not be of any great consequence. I repeat that the Mr HEWITT: 1 am aware of some disquiet Federal authority believes that there could with regard to these problems on the Sun­ be a saving of $2.4m by 1984. The hon­ shine Coast and on Friday of this week I ourable member might agree that that is wUl be visiting that area with the honour­ not a great deal of money. able mem'ber for Cooroora. With regard to the application for final Mr Shaw: It is a saving, not an increase? certificates and the enforcement of the Act, I asked for a sampling to be done in the Mr GUNN: Yes, it is a saving. last few days and I have been advised as follows: 36 premises from a list of 144 prem­ ises for which interim certificates of fire RAILWAY EMPLOYEES ACCOMMODATION, safety had been issued were visited. Of the KURBAYIA 36 visited, it was found that nine were for projects not proceeded with; 15 were for Dr LOCKWOOD: I ask the Minister for projects stifl under construction; five were Transport: Is he aware of a recent pubMc for projects involving extension of premises statement by a spokesman for the Railway already legally occupied, and seven were for Station Officere Uhion in which he went to projects occupied iUegally. Those illegally bat for some anonymous railway employee occupied included a vegdable storage, a stationed at Kurbayia, between Mt Isa and motor showroom, a banking chamber, an Duchess, who, according to the union spokes­ office, a function hall and an electncity sub­ man, suffered the gross indignity of having station. The only one involving safety of his feet go through a hole in the floor persons, that is residentially, was one con­ of a bondwood hut in which he was accom­ taining five home units. I wiU be seeking modated? Has he had this complaint invest­ information on that matter when I visit the igated and, if so, was the employee a area on Friday. member of the Station Officers Union and is he still housed in those circumstances? FUNDING OF WOMEN'S REFUGES Mr LANE: I have had the public complaint Mr MACKENROTH: I ask the Minister investigated. I have managed to identify the for Wdfare Services: Is it a fact that specilic pereon mentioned in the newspaper reports, Commonwealth funding for women s rduges although it might be indiscreet to name him wiU cease as from 1 July? Can he guarantee in the House this moraing. that the Queensland Goverament will main­ During his period of ehiployment Ijy the tain a real levd of funding of Queensland Railway Department, this person was not a women's rduges? member of the Station Officers Union but Mr WHITE: I thank the honourable mem­ was probaibly a member of the AustraUan ber for the question. It is a matter thatwas Railways Union. He was discharged from the discussed recently at the Council d Social Railway Department following his convidion Wdfare Ministers. To my knowledge the for having cultivated a prohilnted plant, Commonwealth has no intention of discon­ having possession of a prohibited plant and tinuing funding for women's refugra. Only having possession of a pipe for use in smok­ this morning I again wrote to the Honour­ ing a dangerous drug. able Fred Chan^ on this matter and I anti­ cipate having further confirmation. I am sure that membere will find it strange that the Station Officers Union shoukl take up To answer tiie honourable member's ques­ the cause of this AustraUan Railways Union tion—to my knowledge, no. If the Common­ member who is no longer employed by the wealth did cease funding for women s refuges, department, particularly as I understand it would be a matter for budgetary considera­ that the Australian Railways Union, haying tion by this Govemment. learnt the reason for his dismissal^, decided Mr SPEAKER: Orderi The time allotted not to make any further representations on for questions has now expired. his behalf. Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest 1203

MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST is the son-in-law of the racehoree-owning Minister for Water Resources, who is in a GOVERNMENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE LAST racing partnerehip with Sir Edward Lyons. STATE ELECHON The Minister's son-in-law represents Too­ Mr CASEY (Mackay—Leader of the woomba on the TAB from an area some­ Opposition) (12 noon): Tomorrow this Par­ where outside Roma. liament adjourns until August, and by the As the razor gang in Canberra and the time we retura we wfll be almost one- scissore squad in Queensland supposedly steer third of the way towards the next election. us towards smaller and cheaper government, I believe it is an occasion when every $185 an hour is being spent in Queensland member should review what has happened to teach the Premier, at 70 years of age, and what looks Uke happening during the to fly his own helicopter. The member for next couple of months when Pariiament will South Coast manages to accumulate four be in recess. important portfolios (and he is even making In his Liberal Party policy speech last statements on casinos, and it seems that he November, the Deputy Premier and Treasurer wants to control them as weU), six Govemment (Dr Edwards) said that this Pariiament was offices, three Government care (I do not not operating as it should and, whilst he know whether he needs three at the one has done absolutely nothing to correct the time so that he can fit into them), and I situation, he was right then and he is stUl can only guess how many expense accounts. right today. Just whait has happened in the six months since 29 November, just what The National Party's new tourism and has been adiieved here in Queensland, recreation Minister, who incidentally could especiaUy in this Parliament? For those people not find his way to Myers without a road who are interested or involved in poUtics, and map, suddenly discovers that Brisbane has an for those who write the columns in our image problem and, more credibly, he declares various newspapers, it is weU worth a thought. support for Labor's proposed sporting hall A Government led by the National and of fame, which his National Party's predeces­ Liberal Parties has provided too little money sor in that portfolio, in answer to a question for health and education and is more intent that I asked in this ParUament, rejected just on sponsoring trotting races for wealthy prior to the State election. trotting owners, such as its own racing Minis tM. The new National Party Minister for Lands and Forestry wants a register of The member for Callide has been expeUed fordgn-owned land, but the Premier does from the National Party for defending North not. As always in these mattere, the and Central Queensland, and now as Lon­ Premier gets his way, so the State does not don debatre the Prince Charles and Lady have such a register. The radng world Di tapes we are told that poor old Mr is StiU waiting to see the $15m the new Hartwig is in hot water again with the Minister in charge of racing promised last National Party over his secretary's Bob year. The Minister for Commerce and Sparkes tapes. We have had the scandal Industry angere the small business com­ surrounding the Winchester South deal, with munity and the member for Landsborough the tender, whidi was originally praised by is tucked away as Minister for Primary the Premier as being far better than any Industries protecting Mr Hinze's milk quotas. other, suddenly subjeded to major surgery after being let by Cabinet and after the The current Queensland political scene public outcry led by the Opposition in tbis is chaotic and contradictory political man­ ParUament. agement at its questionable woret, coming The anti-gamblers opposite, who lapse into from both Canberra and George Street. The hysteria at the murmur of poker machines sticky fingers of the BjdkerPdereen "slush" in well-managed clubs, now promote more Foundation of the National Party flex and bets on the TAB, bigger prizes and dearer worm their way undesirably through Cabinet tickets in the casket. Gold Lotto for adults into the functions of almost every Gov­ and even infantSi and, later this year, two erament departmenti There is not just a casinos. TTiat was taken straight from suspicion of corraption but a very real Labor's policy, although it was criticised by belid that it has occurred and will continue Government membere during.the last election to occur. Sarcastically we are told that campaign. The Liberal leader proclaims his Queensland has the best Govemment money protest against the extent of our qangos can buy—and there are ^genuine feare tbat but, apart from one single example—that vvas favours are actually being bought, and being only a token show—he has silently endorsed bought at Cabinet level. the lOQ or more appointments made to these shadowy organisations by Cabinet, in his The favourites of this Government, known presence I might add, since the election. contributors to the Bjelke-Petereen Founda­ tion, bob up on glamour authorities, such It is jobs for the boys all right and, as as the TAB, or as recipients of extravagant we win see later, it looks as if it wiU be Cabinet cpiitracts, with monotonous reg­ jobs for the boys jn the National Party ularity. Tenders were not caUed for the m the North at Caims. Sir Edward Lyons, helicopter and were hot even seriously con­ fne National Party's collector, is the new sidered for Winchester South. Every mem­ TAB chairman, and one of his "numbers" ber in this House knows what is going on 1204 Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest but many are too afraid for thdr own pol­ "Unity, not division." We will find out itical futures to say openly what they about that at the Liberal Party conference. suspect. They know that the Premier is a The Liberal Party said, "Concera, not dis­ rathless, totally unethical man. That is interest." What about the Bundeng issue easUy seen by the way he has disposed of —there was no concern about that! Another political colleagues and collaborators such objective was: accountabiUty, not doubt. as the member for CaUide. He uses them What about the legislation for a public and then he discards them. accounts committee that Labor placed on the Business Paper? TTie Deputy Premier The Premier is not an inflexible strong­ said we were to have a new partnerehip man, rather an unscrapulous old man. Where between the Govemment and the people- is his friend of the Whitiam days, the listening, involving, responding, rational, shifty American, WUey Fancher? He was commonsense, middle-of-the-road govern­ abandoned in his barikraptcy. What has ment. How empty those words sound now. really happened to the hydrogen car? Where is Milan Brych? I imagine his heaUngs are left to the mercies of the American courts. It is no wonder that the voting public Where is poor old Sir Gordon Chalk, his has lost confidence in the basic policy of partner in coalition for ever so long? Government in Queensland when such admir­ Appointments come and go for the Sir able ideas become redundant so soon after Edward Lyonses, the Ron Ceimms, the WaUy the votes are cast and counted. Respect Raes, the Max Hodges and othere, but cannot be restored to the Government in they all seem to pass by poor old Chalkie, this State. Because of the actions of this the most capable Cabinet Minister I have Goverament the same regrettably applies ever seen in this House in my 12 yeare. to the Parliament itself. This happens while the Liberal Party is wflling to impUcate The Premier practises dispensable poUtics. itself dishonourably with the National Party Friendships and past loyalties are the real through Cabind and coaUtion solidarity in casualties, Where is Dr Glen Sheil, who the grabhiest manipulations of the Bjelke- only a few months ago was showing Senator- Petersen Foundation. elect Mre Bjdke-Pdereen around Canberra and bdng ushered into the Macphereon by- Just look at the way in which casinos are election past all other contendere, including being set up. If ever I have seen a back- the faithful Lou Rowan? Dr Glen has to-front approach, that is it. In no other gone, minus his Senate seat to Mre Bjelke- area in the world would casinos have been Petereen, who also took three-quarters of his allowed to be estabUshed, or tenders caUed superannuation. for them, .without first having the legislation Young Vic Sullivan of last July is old .placed before the Parliament so that the Vic SuUivan this May, demoted in the people—^the community as a whole--could ministry and ready for the Bjelke kill as clearly see how they would be protected. Deputy Leader of the National Party with Then we had the Deputy Premier and Treas­ the Minister for seemingly everything except urer last week and again this morning dodg­ Local Goverament and Main Roads study­ ing questions in ParUament from my deputy ing the layout of the 23rd floor penthouse. as to why the Government supposedly stood in the market on behalf of Evans Deakin The crash and crisis style of govemment and Walkers, yet let Bundeng float straight of both the Liberal and National Parties down the Une to a consortium from New in this State defies the credibUity of the South Wales. Not only was that company taxpayere who finance it. Today the Premier let float down the line, but the take-over and his deputy have raced dramatically to was financed through profits made on the Canberra in a drcumstance of so-called sale of shares to the Goverament in the emergency, which has been developing vnth earlier manoeuvres. Fraser federalism since they blessed it at its conception in September 1975, six yeare (Time expired.) ago. Once aga:in, when the cage has been left open and the birds have flown, it is the old reserve tactic of crash, crisis, chaos ALP SPLIT; QUEENSLAND'S GUN LAWS or criticism. It is panic politics dependent on the uninquiring headlines the Premier Mr PRENTICE (Toowong) (12.10 p.m.): knows he can command. The Premier has recdved the protection of the Press in Before I commence my main topic, I shaU this State. From time to time he may pose a few questions: Where is Clem Jones, recdve a polite slap on the hand from "The that great man of the Labor Party? Where Coun'er-Mail", the "Telegraph", one of the is Tom Burns? Where indeed is Nick Bos? country newspapere, or perhaps a television Indeed, where is Ed Casey and where wiU station, but that is about all. "The Courier- he be in a couple of weeks' time when aU MaU" and the "Telegraph" have been great this matter is resolved? It is aU very wdl protectore of Dr Edwards and are all that for him to try to point the finger to the other have kept him aUve in the Liberal Party. side of the House, but that wiU not let him From this criticisni I exclude Moir's cartoons. escape the difficuUies that exist now within the Australian Labor Party, spUt so totaUy Where, I ask, are those noble objectives that one wonders whether it knows whether of the Deputy Premier and the Liberal it is coming or going. Party of only six months ago? They said. Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest 1205

Mr Hooper: Why did they put a light­ most people who die from gunshot wounds weight like you up to make a speech like die from guns kept around the house either this? You are the lightest weight the Liberal for hunting or self-protection. Party has to offer as a speaker. It is all very well for members opposite to refer to legislation that has gone before. Mr PRENTICE: I say to the honourable I was not here then. I make my views member for Archerfield that he reminds me known now. In Australia most people who of what an American doctor once said: die from gunshot wounds "You can always tell the state of a politician's health"—and in particular I think it applies Mr Hooper: You are plagiarising my to the member for Archerfield—"by looking speech. at his mouth. If it is shut, he is dead." These days it is common to hear on news Mr PRENTICE: I must say that the hon­ broadcasts or read in the Press about a ourable member for Archerfield does not person who has become so emotionally dis­ have a monopoly on knowledge or on views turbed as to pick up a gun and shoot some­ in this House, even though he may think one. Just over two months ago in my he has a monopoly on interjections. electorate a man thought to be a prowler was shot dead; one month ago a man went In 1975, 33 per cent of aU Queensland berserk in a Sydney shopping centre and gun owners were found to keep a gun killed a man; while only one week ago in solely for self-protection puri)oses. In a(Mi- Cairns one person was shot dead and another tion, 74 per cent of the people who said rushed to hospital suffering a gunshot wound. that they kept a firearm, for protection Those are but a few. Such cases occur on an average of 60 times each year in Aus­ owned a rifle. No doubt that figure has tralia, or approximately one a .week. Add increased considerably since the study was to this figure the; 150 casualties resulting done over five yeare ago. from firearm accidents each year and the number of victims becomes even more What are the reasons for that? The most alarming. obvious one is, undoubtedly that licensing laws conceraing long-barrel weapons in this I would Uke to place on record my con­ State are virtually non-existent. As the gratulations to the Australian Bank Employ­ law stands now, any honourable member ees Union for bringing information like this could walk into a gunsmith's or a chain- before the members of this Parliament store, hand over the required sum and walk and before the community. Because so out as the owner of a pxjtentially lethal many of these shootings result from either weapon—no questions asked. domestic disputes or the surprising of an As a member of Parliament responsible intruder, we can assume that the misuse for the welfare of my constituents, I do of a firearm is seldom intentional. If a have questions. One in every four Aus­ gun is handy, the person may well use it— tralians now possesses a firearm, while one often almost a reflex action. However, the in every six now possesses his own gun. problem does not end there. In a study of In the United States of America, that figure firearms and violence in Australia, the author is nine out of 10. How long bdore we Richard Harding found that, of all gun reach a situation such as tbat? None of injuries that occurred in Queensland from us wishes Australia to become another 1973 to 1975, 90 per cent were caused by America in those terms, yd the way shooter incompetence. things are going the situation seems inevitable Six people died in Queensland during the unless the Goverament is prepared to take first two months of this year because of that a stand. shooter incompetence, or inexperience. The Democracy has been defined a thousand relatives—parents, wives, husbands and times as goverament of the people, for the children—of victims should not have to suffer. people, by the people. How the definition It is time that we started protecting people of democracy can be taken to the extreme instead of helping them to puU the trigger. erf allowing people to kUl other people, I How can we do that when the gun-licensing wiU never know. The case for licensing all laws in this State are so grossly inadequate? fireaims in Queensland is compeUing. Gone are the days when guns were just instruments Mr Vaughan: They were brought in by misused in hold-up situations. They are your Government. subject to misuse in almost any situation one cares to name. In particular, misuse Mr PRENTICE: As long as rifles can be often occure in domestic disputes. bought over the counter wUhout a licence and as long as there is no requirement for Mr Ho

Obviously, firearms should not be used to resolve domestic or social disputes, but they PROPOSED TAKE-OVER OF TULLY CO-OPERATIVE are. They should not be used as a means SUGAR MILL wherd>y authority can be exerted, but they Mr MENZEL (Mulgrave) (12.20 pm.): I are. rise to draw the attention of honourable Goveraments must regulate the ownerehip members to the proposed take-over of a and usage of guns—and that is all guns. I co-operative sugar miU in Queensland should like to see all firearms subject to Although I do not live in the mUl area registration, with the owners and potential concerned, this matter conceras me because ownere licensed, the licences being subjed I believe that the thousands of cane growers to an annual review. To obtain these and other people who rely for their liveli­ licences, a person should perhaps have to hood on the sugar industry in Queensland give a practical demonstration not only of will ultimately suffer if multinationals or his shooting SkiUs but also to show that he other large companies are allowed to take knows the correct way to load, unload and over our sugar mills. carry a firearm. I beUeve that these people I realise that it can be claimed that such should also have to sit for a written test a take-over cannot come about easily, as Ulustrating a thorough knowledge of all 75 per cent, or a majority, of the people firearm safety regulations, as weU as what who own a co-operative sugar mill—the cane never to do when handUng a firearm. Intend­ farmers—have to approve of a take-over. ing ownere should also be examined as to However, if a carrot is dangled in front of their reasons for wanting firearms. them, they might be convinced that a take­ over is in their best interests. If the pos­ As yet, no State in AustraUa fulfils aH sibility of a take-over arises, the Govern­ these requirements, although some States do ment should step in to prevent it from occur­ show greater concern than othere. Queens­ ing. The Government has taken similar action land, Tasmania and the Northem Territory in the past when big companies have tried are the only States that lack some form to move into Queensland to take over our of Ucensing, and of these three, Queensland, companies. per head of population, has 1^ far the worst incidence of acddents caused by firearms. My remarks relate particularly to the Tully It also is interesting to note that Queens­ co-operative mUl, but they wiU be of interest land has by far the largest number of gun to everybody right along the coast of Queens­ ownere who have no specific reason for land. If the Tully mill is taken over 1^ owning a weapon. CSR or any other big company, the power of that company wiU be increased. Furthermore, New South Wales is the only State to the control of the company over the growers research the history of each applicant. The wUl be increased. name of the appUcant is checks in poMce files for any known misconduct in relation Repercussions wiU be felt right throughout to firearms or any criminal convidion that the industry, ibecause growere who Uve in resulted in over a year's detention. Westem other CSR miU areas wUl be disadvantaged Australia at least makes appUcants answer by the fact that the hand of CSR at Central a questionnaire relating to regulations and Sugar Cane Prices Board level wfll be safdy. tightened, thereby enabUng CSR to exercise more control over its farmers who operate I have outlined my thoughts on gun licens­ under the local board awards. ing laws in this State. I do so as a con­ cerned citizen, both for myself and for my I do not believe that the shareholders constituents. I am pleased that membere in a co-operative mUl—-that is, the farmers- of the Opposition share my views. should have the final say. After aU, they are not the people who in the firet place Mr Hooper: You are sharing my views. buiU the miU and levied themselves to help pay for the mill. That occurred 50 or 60 yeare ago when their forefathere were grow­ Mr PRENTICE: I am pleased to share the ing cane. When they sold out, they did not honourable member's views on this matter. sell shares with a monetary value. The It is of such seriousness that it should be value of a cane farm in a co-operative mill looked at on a non-partisan basis. area is no different from that in a proprietary miU area. As to the sale of a farm in a In this State, we no longer deserve to co-operative miU area, it is only a paper suffer the injustice of our own gun-licensing transaction. system. Enough people have been sense­ lessly wounded and kiUed by sometimes care­ Although the farmers claim to be share­ less, sometimes deliberate, misuse of firearms holders in a particular mfll and share in in this State, and I do not see a need for the benefits in a good year and bear the our suffering and the suffering of so many losses in bad yeare, they are in fact public other people to continue. The time has trustees. I do not regard them as being come when the Government ought to be the same as ordinaiy shareholdere in a public prepared to look at the situation once again. company. Co-operative mills were set up No matter how controversial it may be, it on a small^businessman basis, and they should should be reconsidered and some hard be retained. The Government should help decisions should be taken. promote closer settlement along the coast. Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest 1207

If big companies take over sugar mills, on a farm, about going onto the land. Many they will squeeze out the smaU farmers and of them have saved some money, or own a re-create huge plantations. That would be a house, and they want to use their assets as terrible thing. The Government should step a deposit on a farm. There ^is ample land in in and stop such a trend. Legislation aUows North Queensland that could be cut from the Government to stop it and to promote cattle and other properties to let young closer settlement in our sugar areas along people who want to be farmers have the coast. The Minister for Primary Industries a go. About 10 or 15 years ago it was felt and Cabinet have a responsibility to monitor that farmers were a dying race, and that the developments that are occurring. young people did not want to go onto .the land. These days, the young people who I understand that offere are being made want .to get onto the land should be encour­ to take over another co-operative mUl in aged to do so. Both State and Federal Gov­ Queensland. Moves are being made to tempt ernments may say, "We do not have the shareholders to exercise their authority under money to give young people long-term, low- the rules and to vote to sell out. If they interest loans." In my opinion, the Gov­ do so, they wiU be taking a detrimental step, ernments should guarantee private banks so which will ultimately affect other people. that they can make such advances. The sugar industry along the coast of North Without doubt, about 95 per cent of Queensland encounters special problems in young people who want to go onto the land relation to flood mitigation and drainage. The would make a go of .it. The easy way to get problems have arisen mainly because rivere them onto the land is to guarantee loans and streams have silted up, with the result through private banks. That would overcome that flooding is occurring on farms that, for the Governments' having to outlay many more than 50 yeare, were flood-free. millions of doUars. It seems that the private Flood mitigation and drainage should not banks want to advance money only for hire have to compete for priority with irrigation. purchase, but they have an obligation to I am not knocking irrigation in any way. It lend money to employ young people, give plays a very important role, a.nd not, enough them a go, and develop the country. is being done in Queensland to spread the benefits of irrigation. But nothing of ariy consequence is done about flood mitigation in our northern areas which suffer severely FARE CONCESSIONS FOR UNEMPLOYED from floods. People in the North have made PERSONS constant representations to the Goverament Mr DAVIS (Brisbane Central) (12.30 p.m.): about flood mitigation, and the Government The matter of public interest that I raise must make greater efforts to try to overcoine today concerns the difficulty that unemployed the flooding problems. workere have in obtaining fare concessions. Millions of dollars in revenue would be Most Tory Governments have never shown gained by Goveraments if productivity in itiie much compassion or concern for the unem­ sugar industry was constantly maintained. ployed. They have invented terms such as At the same time, steady jobs would be "dole bludgere", they have employed tactics created by increased, stable productivity. In such as delaying the provision of unemploy­ the long run, mill workers and other workere ment benefits and they have generally made in the NQEA would benefit. If a sugar miU everything as difficult as possible, short has a continuing series of good yeare, it will of completdy aboUshing payments. The way spend .money on capital works, thus providing the razor gang is going in Canberra, it is further employment. The money will be quite on the cards that unemployment bene­ weU spent and it wiU circulate through the fits will be cut out altogether. The first community. In the past that has been over­ reaction of this Government when unem­ looked, but the need now is greater. It was ployment is discussed is to claim that it is perhaps reasonable years ago that Uttle atten­ the Federal Government's responsibiUty. Gov­ tion was paid to the need for flood mitiga­ ernment members, like Pontius Pilate, wash tion in the northern sugar areas. their hands of the matter. I have been told by a small businessman in Atherton that umbrellas attract 15 per I should Uke to draw attention to a matter cent sales tax. Apparently the Federal Gov­ that has already been submitted to the ernment considds them to be a luxury. To Minister for Transport, the Premier and people in wet North Queensland areas an Cabinet and been knocked back. It is the umbrella is a necessity, not a luxury. A case for transport concessions for the unem­ complete review should be undertaken in ployed. If this were a pioneering proposal Canberra, because what are luxuries in Can­ we could not expect much support from the berra are often necessities in North Queens­ land. We must try to convince Canberra Goverment because it is generally like the that it should completely overhaul its 100 to 1 outsider; it is always lagging well methods of gaining revenue. North Queens­ and traly behind the rest of the field, A! landers are disadvantaged by the belief .that submission put forward by the Unemployed their necessities are luxuries. Workers Union shows that a number of other States already grant some concessions Every day I rereive inquiries from young people between 30 and 40 years of age, the and I should Uke to record them in greater percentage of whom have never Uved "Hansard". 1208 Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest

Victoria operates a limited travel con­ employment is available in industries, costs cession scheme. It provides for five half-fare $2, which represents 5i per cent of the unem­ or four $1 country vouchers per week. Con­ ployment benefit. The cost of a rdum trip cession users are required to detail the use from Toowoomba to Brisbane represents of the vouchers and specify jobs applied 29 per cent of the unemployment benefit. for, etc. Even though it is a fairly lousy So it goes on. type of concession, the figures indicate that from 17 March to 3 October 1980, 1259 Mr Frawley: What are you trying to prove unemployed persons obtained 2 609 tickets now? and 246 rail certificates each containing four vouchers. Mr DAVIS: That is typical of the com­ ments that I would exped from the honour­ South Australia, under a Liberal Govern­ able member for Caboolture. He has been a ment, issues an unUmited transport con­ grafter all his life and would not underetand cession card for a period of one month. The the traumatic experience suffered by a per­ card is issued through all departments of son who is unemployed. community welfare at a cost of 10c. It is valid for several trips if they are taken Mr Frawley: I understand how those poor within a two-hour period. If a trip takes Aborigines felt when they were in your taxi. longer that two hours, another 10c ticket has to be bought. Mr DAVIS: That is the sort of reply we get from memibers of the National Party, such New South Wales provides unUmited half- as the honourable member for Caboolture. fare travel throughout that State on aU rail, He represents the area around Caboolture bus and ferry services, including privately and Redcliffe in which there is a large num­ owned bus services. The concessions are ber of unemployed persons. Surely this Gov­ granted upon production of a New South ernment should be able to assist them by Wales half-fare entitlement card, which is providing concessional fares. Some people issued, upon application, by the Department think that everybody has a motor vehicle. of Youth and Community Services. Tasmania operates an unlimited public Mre Kyburz: How are you gdng to pre­ and private concession scheme for persons vent abuse of it? in receipt of unemployment benefits. A Mr DAVIS: I honestly thought that tbe monthly permit endorsed "Unemployed honourable member Salisbury was a rather Person" is issued by the State Transport brainy individual and would have been the Commission. first person to understand that it is very I have given those details as examples to easy to administer such a sdieme. AU that show that it is quite easy to administer a the person concerned has to do is gd a card scheme. The argument that the Government from the Commonwealth Employment Ser­ wiU put up is that it is a Commonwealth vice to indicate that he is receiving the unem­ responsibility. That excuse can be used, but ployment benefit. In New South Wales, Vic­ it does not make it easier for a person on toria and Tasmania people are given a card unemployment benefits. for a month; it has to be renewed every The argument put forward from time to month. Obviously a small number of persons time is that it would be costly and that there would try to abuse such a scheme. would be too much bureaucratic control. Mr Shaw: It would not amount to much. Obviously these people are not Uke ordinary pensionere because they can be taken off Mr DAVIS: It would be only a fraction unemployment benefits if they obtain employ­ of the overall cost. I have said time and ment. It is only an academic argument again in this Parliament that if we were to because it would not break any Goverament make laws to cover every contingency in to extend this concession to the minority this State, they would fiU this entire Chamber. of persons who would take advantage of We cannot cover every contingency. We the scheme. make laws for the payment of the unem­ ployment benefit and pensions. We can make The difference between persons on unem­ laws only for law-abiding people. The grafters ployment benefits and widows and aged per­ and corrupters wiU always be able to beat sons who are in receipt of pensions is that any plan. If these people were given a card unemployed persons require this concession for one month, only a smaH nuir^r of them to help them to find work. The total unem­ would try to defraud the system. ployment benefit is S36 a week. I give some examples of the fares that unemployed The problem we have in this State is that persons are required to pay. Five train trips a number of agendes operate the puWic from Wooloowin to the city would cost transport system. The State Government $4. That is 11 per cent of the unemployment could administer this scheme in the railways benefit. Five connesding bus trips to the area. It could also provide funds for private city from Woodridge, where a tremendous bus proprietore and the Brisbane Gty Coundl number of unemployed pereons live, would and Rockhampton Qty Coundl which oper­ cost $9. That is 25 per cent of the unem­ ate the buses in their dties. It is not such a ployment benefit. Those fares would take big deal. At the present time the Government a fairly large lump out of the benefit. A subsidises Homibrook Bus Lines Pty Ltd, trip from Kelvin Grove to Rocklea, where Bayside Bus Services, and the company that Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest 1209 operates the bus service in TownsviUe. The condition and take whatever the market­ Government already subsidises the fares of place offere? Should they be sent to some pensioners who travel on those buses. other part of the State with more favourable We in this State should do something to weather conditions but at a higher rate assist these people. We could say that it of agistment with its consequent greater is the Federal Government's responsibUity. finandal burden? Are the stock worth The policy of the Ldbor Party is that recipi­ that? Should the property owner feed the ents of sod^ service benefits should receive cattle and pay the maximum price of some­ payments at such a levd that they do not thing like $200 to $250 a tonne for fodder require dher concessions for rates, etc. But knowing that one of two things will happen: the cold dmple facts are that the Federal his liquid asets wiU be exhausted and he Government is not coming to the party in wUl no longer be able to afford fodder or this area. The State Government should adopt he will gd reUd from rain? a humane and responsiWe attitude and say, Whichever couree the land-owner takes, "lUght, we wiU provide concessions for the he wiU be financiaUy destroyed. However, unemployed. If we help them to get jobs, this Government has not put forward one obviously they wiU not require the con­ positive plan to conserve and reticulate cessions." water. It is not a matter of building a dam such as the Fairbaim Dam and saying that (Time expired.) it contains more water than the combination of all other Queensland dams. If the city WATER CONSERVATION of Los Angeles can pipe water for 7 milUon people over something Uke 180 mUes, surely Mr HARTWIG (CaUide) (12.39 p.m.): we can pipe water over large distances to From time to time we hear of the grave other streams and into other dams within fuel shortage facing this nation. I wish the State. As water is the Ufe-blood of to speak of something that is equally import­ this State, we must embark upon a water ant and of which we have a lot less— conservation policy. water. Today a lot of people are so concemed Water is the life-blood of the land and its with politics and their poUtical ambitions people. Tbis country is very short of it. that they look only to where the votes are. Each and every year a great portion of the But let us get back to the country because State is faced with a drought. What is country people are .the salt of the earth. being done about this shortage of water? They are the people who produce the spice Hundreds of mUUons of doUare are expended of Ufe, a thing caUed food. Without it, to purchase a squadron of bombers but we have no future whatsoever. what has happen^ to the great Bradfield Once we have adequate water we must scheme which was to divert the rivere flow­ then embark upon a fodder conservation ing into the ocean in the North back to policy. We talk about the great Burdekin the arid parts of this great State? The Dam. As long as I can remember, there feasibility study of that project showed that has been talk about a dam on the Burde­ such a scheme was possible. kin. I understand that the Government is making some progress on it, but it is not Mr Davis: Have you read the other five coming quickly enough and moves are not reports on it? being made in the right direction. Canberra Mr HARTWIG: The honourable member and the State of Queensland must co-oper­ for Brisbane Central knows nothing about ate. Surely we must see that we wiU save droughts, so if he listens he might leara this State only through drought mitigation. something. It is too late by the time the Govemment is saying, "We will pay concessions for This nation cannot calculate the loss to freight on cattle. We wiU give you it when a beast dies during a drought. It freight concessions on fodder and molasses." is particularly diflicult to place a value on That is shutting the gate after the horse a beast, particularly a female. Such a loss has bolted. We have to minimise the effects is also a tremendous blow to individual of drought. Droughts will be with us always, property owners. Sheep flocks are decimated; as well as good seasons. Irrespective of agricuUural crops are rained. In some parts piecemeal efforts and the few million dollars of Queensland for three and four years in made available for this and that, the whole succession people have put thousands of point is that the Govemment has not done acres under crop in dry-land farming only sufficient to adequately conserve water and to see the crop faU. It is not only that fodder. the crop fails; such properties have not What is wrong with the Federal Gov­ had viable incomes for yeare. Producers ernment's financing each landholder with have spent thousands of doUare on equip­ sufficient funds at 4 or 5 per cent interest ment and fuel to produce a crop, only to to build a shed holding at least 100 tonnes see it faU. of hay, or 1 000 tonnes of hay, according When a drought sets in a property owner to the size of the property? Only when is faced with three altematives. He suffers that is avaUable does the grazier start to from frastration and panic when he asks, feed in time. It is no good waiting till "What should I do with my cattle?" Should the stock are dying bdore deciding to the stock be sold off because of their low feed. Land-owners know full weU that they 1210 Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest must start feeding early to maintain the $1 a tonne. However, the real bonanza is condition of their stock in a drought. Surely reaped by the Federal Govemment, which we are able to embark on such a policy. takes 47.5 per cent of the company's profits, It is not difficult. However, the two things plus income tax from employees, petrol we have to do are to conserve water tax, sales tax, import duties on equipment and to make sure that that water aids and on export tax on coal, whioh yields the conservation of fodder. We must encour­ approximately $120m a year. age people to grow lucerne. In a good season, they caimot sell their fodder. Take petrol, Mr Deputy Speaker. Every time you put $10-worth of petrol in your Let us formulate a policy. Let us get car, the Federal Government takes $5.10 of together and put forward strong drought that $10 in tax. The service station pro­ mitigation schemes—something that I have prietor receives $1.30, the refineries and not heard put forward in the 10 years I wholesalere $2.20, and the oil producers have been in this Chamber. I am wiUing (local and overeeas) $1.40. In other words, and available at all times to offer my 51 per cent of the cost of that petrol is taken knowledge on this subject. by the Federal Government. AU that the Federal Government does in return is pro­ vide a few telephones, at exorbitant cost, and ABOLITION OF INCOME TAX SHARING a few aerodromes, which it is now .trying to ARRANGEMENTS dump on to local authorities. Mr FRAWLEY (Caboolture) (12.47 p.m.): The Federal Government has cut Queens­ Today I wish to condemn the Federal Gov­ land back by about $130m. Because it wiU ernment and express my disgust at its actions no longer meet half the cost of operating in abolishing the income tax sharing arrange­ the State's hospitals, the Queensland Gov­ ments that have existed since 1976. TTie ernment has to find the rest of .the money. greatest mistake Queensland ever made was Yesterday the Federal Government kicked in to hand over the State's taxation rights to another $16m, but it is stUl not enough. the Federal Govemment in July 1942. The Casinos may be the answer, and I wiU Federal Goverament of the day imposed reluctantly support casinos if I can be such a high rate of income tax itself that assured that part of the profits wfll go there was nothing left over for the States towards maintaining Queensland's free hos­ on which to raise a tax. In 1976 the Federal pital system. Govemment offered to allow the States to impose a State tax in addition to the Federal Because of the Federal Government's tax, but no State Government in its right adions, Queensland has had to defer mind was game to do that to people who indefinitely electrification of the Blackwater were already heavily overtaxed. to Gladstone railway line and dectridty developments worth $2,500m over the next Queensland, Western Australia and Tas­ 10 years. The electrification of the Rock­ mania stop Australia from going broke. They hampton to Brisbane railway line wiU also are the only States that pay their own way. have to be deferred. They have export surpluses. Since 1972 Queensland has had an average of $l,600m After the Premiers Conference on 4 May, export surpluses over imports each year. On we discovered that the Federal Cabinet had the other hand. New South Wales and Vic­ empowered the Prime Minister and the toria have 'had an annual average deficit Federal Treasurer to give another $70m, of of $l,200m over those years. whioh Queensland's share would have been $12m. However, the Prime Minister has Mr Simpson: Did you know that the stated that he vvill not give another red right for the State to levy taxes appUes cent. By their actions, the Prime Minister only to pay-as-you-earn tax and not to and the Federal Treasurer have certainly company tax? damaged their credibility—that is, if they had any after the fiasco of the housing tax, Mr FRAWLEY: Yes. when the Treasurer proved to be a political Victoria and New South Wales live off tiro. One would have .thought that they Queensland. Queensland exports approxi­ would have learned a lesson from that. In mately 23 per cent of Australia's total, but fact, the statement of the Leader of the it gets very little in return. Because of the Federal Opposition (Mr Hayden) that the tariff protection afforded to the southern- Prime Mimster had adopted the tadics of a based motor industries, we have to pay snake-oil salesman was correct, and I agree through the nose for motor cars. with him. We lose all along the line, especially in It is time that the Federal Government coal exports. A coal company first has to got its priorities right. In 1979-80 Queens­ find the coal and then develop the mine, land received a total of $1,058,426,872 in build a railway line and sometimes even Commonwealth payments and grants, and establish a port. TTien it hands it over this year it is supposed to recdve to the State Govemment, which provides $1,191,789,000. A breakdown shows some roads, schools and health and other facUities of the paltry amounts given. The subsidy for the town. All the local authority recdves for senior citizens' centres is $711,000— is the rates. The State Government's share enough to bufld two or three centres. is about $1.10 a tonne profit from the Primary and secondary education recdves a rail freight on coal, plus a royalty of paltry $44m, with another $6m thrown m Matters of Public Interest [13 MAY 1981] Matters of Public Interest 1211 for pre-chool education. I remind honour­ Europe. Queensland is much better placed able members that the State Budget for than most countries in the world in meeting education was $600m for 1980-81, which was future energy needs. Of couree, many of 23.9 per cent of the tot^ Budget. I could Queensland's Federal politidans would go on proving that Queensland has, to use oppose such a move because they are only a colloquialism, been given the big A by looking after their own political hides. It is the Federal Government. to be hoped that today when the 20 Queens­ I am not opposed to overseas aid, but we land Federal politicians meet with .the ought to get our priorities right and reaUse Premier and the Deputy Premier they will that charity should begin at home. We come into Une and stand up for the State's should look after our own people first. Cer­ rights. ; ^ tainly money is well-spent on aid for medical If the Federal Government keeps on walk­ services overseas. But what about a Uttle ing over Queensland, the day might come money for our own services? when 80 per cent of the people of Queens­ Queensland has been getting the rough end land will vote to go it alone. If that happens, of the pineapple for years. Even during the the man from Wannon River will lose more 193945 war, we were going to be sacrificed than one "Peacock" from his flock. to save the rest of Australia. The Brisbane Line was a military decision made by the Over the last couple of years, Papua New Colonel Blimps of the day because they Guinea has received the lion's share of over­ believed that North Queensland and Darwin seas aid given by the Commonwealth Gov­ would be overrun by the Japanese, and they ernment. This year, Papua New Guinea is intended to defend along a line known as getting aid to the extent of $243,675,000. As the Brisbane Line. In October 1942, the everyone knows, at present Australians in Federal Minister for Labour and National Papua New Guinea are getting a pretty raw Service (Mr Ward) stated .that when the deal. In the previous year also, Papua New Curtin Government took office it discovered Guinea got the Uon's share. It is about time the existence of that plan. The previous the Federal Government put its priorities in Menzies/Fadden Government denied it, but the right order. In 1979-80 it gave on 18 March 1943 General MacArthur let $500,191,000 in overseas aid, whereas Queens­ the cat out of the bag. He told newspaper land received by way of Commonwealth pay­ correspondents at his headquarters that ments and grants a total of $1,058,426,872. when he arrived in Australia the defence It is about time that the Commonwealth plan was to allow the northern part of Government recognised the value of the Australia to be taken without firing a shot States, especially Queensland. and to defend at the Brisbane Line. General MacArthur dedded that the battle for Australia should be fought in New RAIL TRANSPORT OF CATTLE Guinea, and in November 1943 he reaffirmed that statement in a letter .to the then Prime Mrs KYBURZ (SaUsbury) (12.56 p.m.): I Minister, Mr Curtin. He said— rise to take the Railway Department to task "It was never my intention to defend over the rail transport of cattle. I want to Australia on the mainland. That was the refer to a report on losses of rail-transported plan when I came here, but I immediately cattle in Queensland. I have received fre­ changed it." quent complaints from smaU business people in my eledorate concerning the number of That is conclusive proof that Queensland railway staff who stand around at freight was to be sacrified to save Sydney and Mel­ counters and other sections within the depart­ bourne. Once again we are being dumped. ment. It is about time that those men were After the way in which .this State has given a real job instead of being allowed been treated over the years by successive to stand around Uke wax dummies. They Federal Governments, is it any wonder that should be given the task of minimising the one hears talk of secession? Queensland delays that occur in the running of cattle could go it alone, and the Queensland dollar trains. ft-ould be worth a lot more than the infla­ tion-ridden, tariff-protected Canberra dollar. The Queensland Railway Department is With 23 per cent of Australia's exports and guilty on two counts: tardiness and lack of a surplus of exports over imports, Queens­ innovative approach when it comes to the land pays dearly for bdng part of the Aus­ implementation of the recommendations con­ tralian Federation. As an independent State, tained in the report. It is a most comprehen­ we could purchase luxury foreign cars for sive and excellent report. about the same price as we now have to pay It finds the Railway Department guflty on for a Holden. Television sets and refrigera­ many counts. It is a sad thing that it is com­ tors would also be much cheaper witiiout mon for cattle trains to be stationary for tariff protection for southern-'based indus­ 20 or 30 per cent of thdr transit time. tries. Because of traffic control a proportion of _^Many independent nations smaller than this stopped time is unavoidable. However, Queensland have made a success of going it most of the delays could be reduced by better alone, and they ihave not a fraction of organisation. What is going on in the Railway Queensland's resources. We could conduct Department? Delays are also commonly our own affairs under a sort of loose experienced in marshalling yards, where economic community system, as is done in trains simply wait for traffic clearance. 1212 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

The report states that lengthy delays con­ Australia to local ownerehip—to local auth­ tribute to high losses because they increase orities and statutory authorities such as the probabiUty of heat stress during hot port authorities. weather and the risk of injuries due to At a later stage I will analyse why it trampKng, since cattle tend to He down. happened. A blueprint has been set down The report details some of the recom­ for every provincial city in Queensland. The mendations that must be implemented in die is cast. I might well quote these opposite Queensland, not the least of which is that remarks of John Donne— drovers should be appointed on every train. "No man is an Hand, intire of it selfe; Some of the men who enjoy a sinecure in every man is a peece of the Continent, the Railway Department should be given a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed a real job. If they cannot be employed as away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as drovers, they should be employed in a well as if a Promontorie were, as well checking capadty to ensure that the regu­ as if a Manner of thy friends or of thine lations relating to the conveyance of cattle owne were; any mans death diminishes are observed. It seems that some people in me, because I am involved in Mankinde; the Railway Department regard this matter And therefore never send to know for as being one of low priority. If the recom­ whom the beU toUs, It tolls for thee." mendations in .the report are not implemented, many other honourable members and I will I warn other provincial centres throughout be extremely unhappy about the tardiness of Australia that the Minister's comments on the Railway Department. page 2 of his speech are ominous. He said^— It seems that the department is happy to hand over the consigning of cattle to truck­ ". . . and approaches for the transfer ing operators. That is not good enough. It to local ownerehip have been considered should ensure that those consignors who in in respect of the western airports at Mt. the past have sent their cattle by rail con­ Isa, Cloncurry and Normanton. Negotia­ tinue to do so. tions are continuing in respect of Cloncurry where a take-over scheme is currently The Railway Department should require being finalised with the Cloncurry Shire that cattle be unloaded and spelled during Council. More recent approaches have transit when the scheduled journey exceeds been made in respect of other airports 36 hours. Such journeys would be those including Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairas from Longreach and the Far West. and Maryborough." Other recommendations are very import­ That is typical of the domino theory. FoUow­ ant, not the least of which is the one con­ ing the passage of this Bill othere will cerning insurance. It recommends that follow in sequence. insurers should charge lower premiums for cattle supervised by a train drover and for The issue of local ownerehip of the Cairas spelled cattle. The clauses covering the Airport has created turmoU and concern in recommended handUng practices should be Cairns. The citizens have been driven and included. perhaps led up a tortuous path, sometimes by the nose. On other occasions they have Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr MiUer): been nudged, gently prodded, bumped, Order! Under the provisions of the Sessional obstracted and pushed. Now they are being Order agreed to by the House on 10 March, bodily shoved unrelentingly into local owner­ the time allotted for the Matters of Public ship. That is a path which some think Interest debate has now expired. is a garden path: Othere regard it as a path paved with good intentions, while some [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] regard it as a dubious pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. When this issue firet came to notice— CAIRNS AIRPORT BILL the announcement was made in late 1978, which was about two yeare ago—^I did not SECOND READING—RESUMPTION OF DEBATE think that it would be my lot, as it is Debate resumed from 7 May (see p. 1048) today, to present on behalf of the Opposi­ on Mr Bird's motion— tion, the reply to the Ministere presentation of a Bill to convert the control, management "That the BiU be now read a second and operation of the airport from the Com­ time." monwealth to the port authority under a Mr JONES (Caims) (2.16 pm.): This local ownerehip scheme. That matter did BiU IS a catalyst. It is a firet and, in that not become apparent, or culminate, until way, it is historic. It is unique because no about March of this year. other harbour board in Queensland or Aus­ The people of Cairas and district—and traUa manages or conducts the operations I include those in all of the anciUary towns of an airport, and that is what this enabling in the Far North Queensland region—have legislation wiU provide for after it is passed. been subjected to much anxidy over the It is a catalyst because, from this point issue. In the forum of pubUc debate it onwards, it wfll set a precedent for the became quite apparent that most citizens in responsibUity for major provincial airports the region reject public ownerehip. Local being shifted from the Commonwealth of ownerehip became a hot issue during the Caims Airport Bill [13 MAY' 1981] Cairns Airport Bill 1213 past two yeare and it was an issue at the airport. It has told the local authorities that last State election. I took a firm stand on they can face the irate ratepayers and it has the matter and I was elected with an retreated to the sanctum of electoral safety increased majority. by conferring that responsibility on a non- At the outset I held the objective view elected body—the port authority. that the matter of,ownerehip, control and Evidently such an indirect approach salves management of airports was clearly a Federal the conscience of Liberal Party members responsibility, that the Commonwealth had who have postulated about conferring respon­ a traditional obUgation in this regard and sibilities on statutory authorities and now that any departure from that view would not do not create a new one but vest the respon­ be tolerated or accepted, by State Govern­ sibility in an existing authority and extend ments. I have been totally committed to that it. Cleverly conceived and with stacks of view throughout. I have been unwavering in political connivance, it lacks only the my attitude during the whole campaign of credibility of Governments and the obvious local ownerehip and I maintain that attitude. question of intent. If it is such a good pro­ For the benefit of those honourable mem­ position and potential income bonanza, why bers who missed a small but important section would both the Commonwealth and State of the razor gang's report, which was com­ Governments rid themselves of it? If pro­ piled and edited by Sir PhUUp Lynch on vincial airports are such a good investment behalf of the Liberal/National Country Party and good revenue earners in these perilous Government, as reported in "The Cairns economic times, why would not the Federal Post" of 1 May 1981, I shall quote it. and State Governments welcome them? It reads— If the State has not been duped, and if "Mr Fraser said it was also proposed we are here today conscientiously divesting to sell domestic airline terminals through­ ourselves of public utilities, such as airports, out AustraUa, pending the result of the and handing them over to private enterprise, review of the airline industry, induding why do we not go the whole way? Why ; the possible sale of part of TAA when it should not the airUne companies, which becomes a public company." are the sole users of airports and their I am endeavouring to fit that statement in faciUties, be granted the opportunity to run where it belongs—the recommendations and the whole show—^lock, stock and barrel? the carrying out of the proposals of the We have witnessed the Government's pick­ razor gang. ing up the tab for the non-revenue pro­ Katha-Upanishad said— ducing side of air transportation since its inception. Why not then give the whole "The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to shivoo to the carriers who operate in the pass over; thus ithe wise say the path private sector? There is a precedent with the to Salvation is hard." railways, which accept not only the respon­ Despite the machinations of our State par­ sibility for operating in the revenue-pro­ liamentarians, including membere of Cabinet, ducing freight and passenger side of the following the general announcements of the industry but also the banal responsibiUty razor gang, which dealt mainly with the for the permanent way, station facilities, parallel issue of pladng our free hospitals marshalling yards and ancilUary equipment. in jeopardy, the quiet demise of the Com­ The move is an ominous one. It portends monwealths' responsibilities in the provision a role for every provincial airport in Aus­ of airports went practically unnoticed. We tralia, and that is why the Opposition pro­ are now seeing with more clarity the rami­ poses to vote against the principles in this fications of the abnegation by the Common­ BiU. wealth of the control of airports, which now devolve upon the States and are endoreed We have no faith in the negotiatore who by the Federal Government and accelerated acted on our behalf. We do not know who by the actions of the razor gang. they were in this instance. The negotiations were conducted in secret. There is no report The State Treasurer blasted the razor gang's or agreement. The Opposition is concemed cuts in Queensland funding. "The Cairns about this State's sovereign rights when the Post" of Saturday, 2 May 1981, reported Commonwealth can off-load this fadUty him as saying— without our having any say in the matter. "The State could not tolerate or 'pick up In the light of the extraordinary behaviour the tab' for the drop in funding." of the Commonwealth Government following He also said— the recent Premiers Conference, we have no faith in the ethics of that Government. "But I can assure you Queensland will The Prime Minister simply took the States not take this lying down—^we are sick to the cleaners for $70m. We believe that our and tired of bdng kicked." share might have been $12m. That is a MeanwhUe, the Commonwealth Government classic case of being browbeaten into accept­ has said, "For $16m you now assume con­ ing a deal that everybody regards as being trol of the Caims Airport. The Common­ unfair. wealth is no longer responsible for it." The State Government has said that it will not The Commonwealth showed utter con­ pick up the tab. Apparently it has divested tempt for this State on that occasion. Our Itself of the responsibility to take over the negotiators in that instance were no less than 1214 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

the Premier and the Deputy Premier of this the Minister's second-reading speech, a State. Who were the negotiators in the deal grant of $16m at 1980 prices to fund the concerning the Cairas Airport? Were they required works. For the benefit of the of lesser stature? If Mr Fraser was so uninitiated, and for the benefit of the people utterly contemptuous of those revered nego­ of Caims who may read my speedi, I point tiators at the Premiers Conference, how out the Queensland Parliament no longer much were the negotiators in the Cairns has an introductory debate. The intro­ Airport deal demeaned? They were nego­ dudory remarks of the Minister in his tiating the deal conceming the Cairns Airport second-reading si)eech are aU that the Opposi­ on our behalf immediately prior to the tion has to go on in its attempt to assess arrival of the Premier and the Deputy Prem­ the meaning and purpose of the negdiations ier at the Premiers Conference. and the agreement on the detaUs of the local ownerehip scheme. To what degree did we suffer as a result of this clandestine approach by the Prime In his second-reading speech the Minister Minister? What disadvantages did we in said that the Commonwealth was also pre­ Cairns suffer? When we consider the bullying pared to meet any shortfaU in funds between tactics of the Commonwealth Government the amount promised and the adual amount at the Premiers Conference, how much more needed to carry out the works. He went deceitful was that Goverament when it was on to say that the overaU estimated cost considering a settlement in the Caims Air­ as at April 1981 prices to the Commonwealth port matter? What revelation wiU Mr How­ included the cost of the access road. Of ard now make? He has admitted that the course, that is a separate grant to the Cairas unfair and unfavourable treatment meted City Council of $934,000. The negotiated out to the Premiers at the Premiers Con­ amount is now $21.Im. ference was an error of judgment. What chance do we, the people of Cairns, have in The report of the Cairns Airport Local receiving equity in this matter? In the cU­ Ownership Study reveals that initially $25m mate of such erratic and unstable behaviour, was to be the cost of the improvements. this Government asks us to accept this pro­ The harbour board wfll contribute $2.am position for the Cairns Airport without to the cost, bdng half of the cost of the expressing any concera. If our Federal new terminal, so where did the other $2m counterparts are so determined to humiUate go? That idiows the precarious nature us by giving this unfair and inequitable treat­ of the path that has been set and it is no ment to such august negotiators, I suggest wonder that we ijerceive a predpice on that we should be vigilant and demand the each side, a narrowing of footholds and a maximum funds from the Commonwealth petering out of negotiations. Conference Government's negotiators for the Cairns Air­ negotiations begin with a hard line, a normal port development. If the Premier and Deputy stance adopted by both sides. That may be Premier, who are well versed in these mat­ the position in which we are at this moment, ters, were treated in that way, how can but there is a shortfaU of at least $2m. Is we have faith in what happened in the that our final position? Surely, unlike the secret negotiations concerning the Cairns Premiers, we will not accept this deal bdng Airport? forced upon us and Id the matter rest there. I beUeve those who represented the Did we get the best possible deal in the people of Cairns and Queensland at the negotiations? Could we have demanded more conference table could be exposed as bad funds in real terms? Can negotiators of the bargainers. I do not envy the position in agreement in the future be satisfied that which the Minister finds himsdf as he has improved terms can be obtained? Can they to try to rdrieve the situation by renegotiat­ attain ascendancy in the future, or do we ing. If the Commonwealth's reaction to concede the exercise in bluff that has now this proposal is similar to that of the health been exposed and let the biggest cheat win proposal, then there is a predictable reaction. and gloat over his coup? Do we have a This scheme wiU be foisted upon the people, chance to renegotiate the agreement? just as the health scheme was. Perhaps we wiU suffer the ignominy of further delibera­ I tmst that it wiU not be said that—as tions. I believe we ought to take a "don't is the case with the Premiere—if we had argue" approach in this matter and demand pushed harder we could have won X miUion the $25m as estimated in the original report. dollars more. What have the people of Caims been deprived of? Should they be The Commonwealth has said, "The local content vyith this offer, particulariy in the ownership scheme is yours. You take the light of events at the Premiere Conference? responsibilities or you get nothing." The Have the people of Caims been taken to razor gang has decreed that. I believe that the cleaners? If on a previous occasion the the hospitals scheme and the Cairas Airport Queensland Govemment was not taken to scheme are akin. The only comment d the cleaners, I believe some public statement the Commonwealth Minister for Transport should be made about it. (the Hon. R. J. D. Hunt) that I am able to give is from his Canberra news release The Commonwealth Government has estab­ 81/1620 of 30 April 1981. Relative to the lished a reputation for hard, economic review of Commonwealth fundions, which restraint and has offered, as indicated in is the euphemism for the razor gang report, Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill 1215 as it affects the Federal Transport portfoUo To support my submission, I quote from and the Cairas airport, the press release a telegram from Peter Morris, the member states— for Shortland in the House of Representa­ tives and the shadow Minister for Transport, "Mr Hunt said that in implementing the which was forwarded to a public meeting decisions the Goverament was conscious in Cairns on 15 September 1980. I ask d the need to rationaUse activities with honourable membere to bear in mind that a view to increasing administrative effici­ this was prior to both the Federal and State ency, reducing costs where possible and—" eledions— I ask honourable members to please note "Hayden Labor Government will give this, as it should be emphasised— early priority to construction of new ter­ "transferring appropriate functions to minal building and longer strengthened runway at Cairas Airport to take fully the States and the private sector." loaded Bodng 727's and 747SP's. Estimated However, I beUeve it is more pertinent to cost 18 miUion dollars will ibe borae by refer to an excerpt from Richard Carleton's Commonwealth on no strings attached interview with Ken Davidson, an economist basis. As Transport Minister I wiU not with "The Age" newspaper in Melbourne force local ownership on taxpayers of on the program "Nationwide" at approxi­ Far North Queensland nor require 2 mately 9.30 p.m. on Thureday, 30 April million dollars contribution from local rate 1981, when they were commenting on the payere as pre condition to airport upgrad­ razor gang's report. I quote from a tran­ ing. I beUeve present Federal Govern­ script taken from that interview. Ken ment has delayed long overdue improve­ Davidson, in talking about the razor gang's ments at Cairns in an attempt to intimidate report, said— ratepayers into accepting its local owner­ ship proposals and the future financial ". . . Are we going to seU off the air­ losses it envisages. port terminals around the country? . . . the goverament gets a capital gain ... I "Peter Morris, MHR, Shadow Minister don't know of any other country in the for Transport." world where airport terminals are ran by In the full ramifications of this matter, I am private enterprise—I would have thought wont to consider the ddence aspects and that was a national responsibility—is there the Conunonwealth's policy on this element a company in the world with the mana­ of the airport's future development. gerial expertise that could ran an airport Cairns has strategic significance, and terminal? When you go through these upgrading of the airport wfll represent a expenditure cuts—they're basically there substantial defence investment. Its develop­ as an act of faith—the underlying govern­ ment wiU be an essential part of Australia's ment philosophy is that public spending is northera defences. Irrespective of who dev­ bad, is unprodudive—private—whatever elops it, the infrastracture wiU be of benefit type is good—^you roll back the public to the Department of Defence. This is sector and this aUows for spontaneous one more reason why the Caims Airport growth in the private sector—now the proof ought to be a Commonwealth responsibility, in terms d recent experience in AustraUa and I have expressed that view from the is that that is not proved at all—^if you outset. I am not opposed to the scheme look at other countries some of the best for upgrading the airport; I am concemed performers in the world—like Germany— mainly about who pays the piper. 40% of their gross domestic product goes through the public sector—^they're I charge the Commonwealth with pursuing probably one of the most efficient countries a deliberate policy of neglect and allowing in the world, with one of the strongest the airport to ran down. The need to growth rates, up untfl fairly recently." upgrade the airport and to update its faciUties is recognised, but there is no doubt that I emphasise that again there is minimal there was manipulation. After miany red reference to seUing off airport terminals. herrings had been drawn across the traU, a $16m carrot was dangled before the people The Commonwealth Government has a of Caims, with the commensurate responsi­ definite purpose and design in this matter. biUty of local ownerehip. The altemative I reiterate what I said originaUy: what has was to get nothing and allow the deteriora­ happened here wiU happen to most pro­ tion to continue till 1995, or some unUkely vincial airports in AustraUa. Caims is the projected future date, when an airport might first reaUy big provincial centre to be con­ be provided. That was the type of blackmail fronted with this action by the Common­ that the Commonwealth Government foisted wealth. At this stage I lay to rest any on the people of Cairas during the negotia­ suggestion that the Australian Labor Party, tions. In fact, a number of people in either Federally or at the State level, sup­ Cairas described that blatant threat as direct ports any scheme for local ownership of blackmail, and I have heard that charge airports, particularly for major provincial repeated in the lobbies of the House. Mties in AustraUa; nor would it participate. I am opposed to the method that was If It were to assume Government, in handing used. I find it preposterous that anyone over the Cairns airport to local or statutory should suggest that a locaUy owned airport authorities. , could compete with other airports that are 1216 Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Caims Airport BiU

funded from the bottomless pocket of the to say that my colleague the member for Commonwealth. Of couree, that is tax­ Barron River ^so was to the forefront and payere' money, and the people of Caims adamant in his opposition to the proposal. pay taxes in the same way as people dse­ Perhaps what we are witnessing here where in AustraUa. today and the manner in which that com­ It is incredible that the Caims Airport mittee interpreted its charter wUl have much Committee and other anciUary committees did more serious repercussions than the com­ not get in touch with the Federal ParUament­ mittee at firet thought or we now envisage. ary Labor Party, as the alternative Govern­ I must concede that in the analysis and ment, for an opinion, or attempt to use it as findings the committee did not at all times a negotiating lever. As the State member, fail to impart the wish of the people of I was not even shown the courtesy of being Caims in regard to the need for the upgrad­ provided with a copy of the report on ing of the airport. However, in its con­ the Cairns Airport Local Ownerehip Study clusions and recommendations, the com­ prepared by Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey mittee certainly misinterpreted the way in Pty Ltd, in association with Coopere and which it was to be done. Its report caused Lybrand Management Services, when it was a furore. brought out in 1980. I requested a copy from several sources, and I now have one The main cause for concem was the that came to hand last Friday. After the factor of who pays. The initial assessment BUl was presented and printed, I felt that of stage I of the Caims Airport Local I would not be compromising the people to Ownership Study, at page 32, paragraph whom I made the request. I had to go 5.5.4, statra— to the Mulgrave Shire Coundl with my "On this basis, the preferred option request, which, I am pleased to say, was would result in a passenger service charge graciously granted. It is the only time I of 10c on a one-way tickd into the have had a copy of the report. Cairns Airport in the woret year." Later it states— Nobody ever asked the honourable member "Cash flow analyses using the assump­ for Barron River and me to participate in tions for the sensitivity analy^ given in the work of any of the committees. The 5.5.3 above indicate a passenger service problem is on our dooretep and we have charge for the extreme cases of between now to deal with it as a State responsibiUty. 2c and 40c to balance revenue against If it is not a State responsibUity, why are cost." we debating it in this Chamber? Irres­ pective of the passenger service charges that That jargon sounds as if it is a 50c per are fixed, the State Govemment wiU be passenger charge for a single trip. Yet the guarantor for any shortfall in financing by Minister specifies $2. In his speech he the port authority trust. If I am incorrect mentions a passenger charge of $2 per in saying that, I am sure that the Minister person. wiU debate the issue with me at the Com­ From January 1980 to May 1981 the mittee stage. estimate has risen from 50c to $2. I fore­ I am incUned to the opinion that the shadow that by the time the operation committee was set up by political manipula­ commences, say in 1983, the charge wiU be tion, and that is a pretty serious charge. about $5. If we take it to the concluaon Those who served on that committee were that the Bill does not specify a charge, used, wittingly and unwittingly, to provide which it does not, and if we make aUow­ a whipping boy for the inadequacies of the ance for escalation or rise and fall—more Federal representation, which failed miserably rises than falls in this inflationary period— over the years to have the Caims Airport we can assume that as the airport manage­ upgraded. The abiUty of the present incum­ ment proceeds the cost per passenger will bent of the Federal seat is suspect, and I rise to about $10 per head. lay that charge. Whatever the amount, it is a surcharge or additional tax and it places Cairns people Mr R. J. Gibbs: It is unusual for this at a disadvantage. We wiU be paying double Govemment to stack a committee, Mr Jones. tax for an airport facUity that is provided at other centres free of charge. Like good Mr JONES: There are plenty of examples, Australians, we pay our taxes. And we but I want to highlight the situation because demand equality with all other Australians. the people of Caims wiU be reading this Perhaps this could be used as the basis debate and perhaps they are not as com­ for an argument under Commonwealth Con­ pletely au fait with aU the other committees stitution on equal rights to all citizens. We in the State as they are with this one. could even take it to the stage of arguing, "No taxation without representation". The While a Federal Government back-ibencher argument could well be applied to this obtained international status for the airport board. constmcted at Townsville, we in Caims languished with a Federal Minister who As I said earlier, boards are notorious sired a committee by proxy. I was one who for several things. Such disenchantment has did not readily place faith, hope and charity been voiced publicly by the Liberal Party in the committee set up to gd a Federal in relation to statutory authorities. Indeed, representative off the hook. I am pleased on 11 March 1981, in answer to a question Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU 1217 asked by me on anotheir subject, the Liberal Mr Smith: Don't you think that the people leader mouthed such sentiments. He of Canberra would be treated in the same denounced the concept of statutory author­ way as the people of Cairns? ities. Last night, when we were discussing another issue, an honourable member said Mr JONES: I do not know if the hon­ that there were over 800 of them in Queens­ ourable member for Townsville West has land. It seems that, to maintain the number, ever visited Canberra, but I have done so we are extending the power of the harbour on two occasions. The first occasion was board. In other words, we are not creating on my honeymoon when I was looking for a new statutory authority but simply extend­ a quiet place. The second occasion was ing the powers of an existing authority. in 1972 when Labor came to power. All That may prevent the proliferation of the Australians, particularly people from the far- number of statutory authorities in the view flung areas, should visit Canberra. It would of the Goverament, but it wfll have minimal do their hearts and minds good, and it appeal to the people of Queensland. might get the lethargy and apathy out of Unfortunately, the Bill confers maximum their systems. I commend a visit to Can­ power without redress or power of recall berra to every taxpayer in AustraUa. To by the people. There is no provision for answer the honourable member's question, I appeal. The people are bereft of the right should say that the people of Canberra would of appointment; the ordinary citizen is dis­ not tolerate it; they would not wear it. franchised and his democratic right of choice It is well to remember that the people of by selection or election is diminished. Canberra are far more favourably treated than those in our provincial towns and Mr Warburton: Only about 50 of them rural centres. report to Parliament. Mr JONES: That is right. The people of Cairns and visitors to Cairns are expected to pay for the airport. There is no public participation. This We want to know why, how much, how statutory authority is not answerable directly often, and when will the payments cease. to the citizens or indirectly answerable to We are certainly expected to pay twice, in the air traveUere. As my colleague said, the form of taxes and a levy. Apparently most boards are not accountable to this we are babes in the woods in negotiations Parliament, nor are their accounts required because we cannot put forward a reasonable, to be certified by the Auditor-General. equitable argument. There have been elements It is interesting to note that on the last of standover tactics, steam-roUering and sitting day of Federal ParUament before the threats of relegation of our airport to a recent Commonwealth election, the House of minor classification if we fail to come to Representatives Works Committee approved heel. In my view, that point it not negotiable. an amount of $6.5m for improving and It is ridiculous that our negotiators should upgrading the airport at Norfolk Island, fall for that. The stand-and-deliver ultimatum which is Australian territory off our eastern in the form of the Government's having to coast. Honourable members who are not accept the $21 m by 30 June or the money acquainted with the quaint customs of the would be withdrawn does not equate with island may be interested to learn that the the former threat of relegation, taking into residents pay no income tax on that duty­ account the statistics on air transport in free island which attracts about 20 000 Australia. The latter ought to be stymied by visitors a year. strong representations at the Federal level. Since the Federal election we have heard The Minister, on pages 4 to 8 of his intro­ that the Canberra airport is to be upgraded dudory remarks, quoted chapter and verse to intemational standards. It is notable that of the Cairns Airport Local Ownership Study we have not received notice from the razor conclusions 1 to 9. But they are projec­ gang that that project will not go ahead. tions. The figures of more interest are those There is no chance of a precept or levy released by the Commonwealth Minister for being imposed on a local govemment in Can­ Transport, the Honourable R. J. Hunt, in berra, not because Canberra does not have his news release number 81/1618 on 29 a councfl, but because Canberra-ites just April 1981 on air transport. One table is would not wear it. headed— , "DOMESTTCyAIRLINE ACTIVITY AT AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS MARCHI1981

Passenger Aircraft % Variation over Mar. Qtr. 1980 Airport Movements Movements Passengers Movements"

Another table sets out the same sort of information for the March year 1981. w,Jhe 10 busiest airports in AustraUa for the March quarter 1981 were at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Coolangatta, Hobart, Launceston and ^iras. For the year ended March 1981, Cairas jumped up to ninth on the list, go .^e .Cairns figures show that passenger movements for the March quarter numbered ^vuuo; aircraft movements numbered 2219; and the variation in percentage of passengers 518^-40 1218 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH over the March quarter 1980 was 16.5 per The non-revenue-producing hospitals seem cent and for transport movements, 13.1 per to fit into that category now. We could start cent. The overaU yearly figures show that preparing a Ust of responsibilties that the Cairns had 1429 000 passenger movements Commonwealth has passed to the States. At and 8 787 aircraft movements, and that the the local goverament level, perhaps we could variation over the year ended March 1980 say that the non-revenue-producing libraries in passengers was 14.1 per cent and in in civic centres should adopt the principle of transport movements, 2.9 per cent. It would the user pays and start charging people who not be justifiable to allow Cairns Airport, enter libraries. Of course, the result will the ninth or tenth busiest airport in Aus­ be a great number of white elephants around traUa, to go to the wall. the place. The third paragraph of the conclusions of The other aspect that I wish to cover in the Far North Queensland Promotion this debate relates to those Commonwealth Bureau report, in referring to a comparison employees who presently work at the Caims between Caims and TownsviUe, reads— Airport and are concemed about their jobs "If both airports were developed on an and their future. Before we discuss the equal basis to enable them to take equal clauses in detaU, let me read into "Hansard" sized international aircraft under an 'open a letter that highUghts the problems con­ skies' policy there would be little doubt fronting those CommonweaUh employees. that Cairns would attract the most inter­ Their jobs are threatened by this take-over. national traffic." The letter is addressed to me, and it states— The view is weU held that both Townsville "Dear Sir, and Cairns International Airports would "As one of your constituants employed become white elephants under those circum­ for a number of years at the Cairas Air­ stances. Speaking parochially, I hope that port by D.O.T. (Aust), I have been nomin­ ndther of them suffers that fate. I think ated by the Groundstaff and Airport Traffic they can work together. Cairns will be dis­ and Security Officers, who are deeply advantaged because it will be compding concerned at the proposed takeovers of against an airport which is funded by the the Airport by the Harbour Board or Commonwealth out of taxpayers' money. Port Authority, to request you as the local Cairns wfll have to find money for capital MLA to endeavour to have clarified a investments by way of loans or grants under few issues which will affect us in the the conditions that are contained in the future. Harboure Ad. We wiU be on the money market. "On the 6/5/81, Mr R. GalUgan, the acting Airport Director, was instracted by No doubt the story that wiU be given to Mr M. Seymour, the Queensland Director the motoring tourist to Cairns is that it of the Department of Transport, to inform wUl be no use going any further north. the Groundstaff and ATO's that these two They wiU be told a horror story in a paro­ sections would be the first to be absorbed chial way by people in centres south of Cairas. That has been done in the past. It by the Harbour Board, as Pariiament had is the traditional way in which some per­ passed a bill making the way clear for sons operate. Nevertheless, many motoring the proposed takeover." tourists come to our area. I wonder whether The statutory position is accepted. the proposed levy will be used to deter It continued— people from making Cairas their destination. "The issues that concern us most are We will have a surcharge tourist centre and as foUows:—1. Long service leave entitle­ people will pay as they go. Our city and ments. 2. Sick leave. 3. Superannuation. district could be vulnerable to unscrupulous "We are querying if these entitlements operators who engage in scare tactics. They are transferable to a Statutory body from could frighten away potential tourists to the Commonwealth, or do we start from the area by saying, "What sense is there scratch again? Would we as permanent in paying $2, $5 or $10 to go to Cairns? Officers of the Commonwealth be offered We can give it to you that much cheaper an alteraate position with the equivalent and you can spend so much more on your wage we are presently receiving plus hoUday." If we take the higher amount, removal expenses, or would we be absorbed that could add up to a sizeable sum. into the Port Authority with loss d pay etc., and would we, with many yrars of With the Commonwealth's dedication to Airport procedures and famUiarisation of the principle of cost recovery and the user the Air Navigation Regulations, lose our pays, I wonder whether the State Govern­ Seniority to other membere of the Harbour ment wiU attempt to hand over our railways Board Staff? to local government or to some statutory authority. That is a ridiculous concept, but "Would Cairns Aiiport stiU be classified that is exactly what has been happening with as a security sensitive Airport and the the Comonwealth. It is, in effect, divesting three existing DOT Security Ofiicere still itself of the responsibility for air transport act in the same capadty under a new and passing that responsibility to the State. Authority? The State Government has made certain "In the past, we (ATO's) have dealt with public announcements on the matter. It bomb threats and hoaxes, stowaways in has said, "We are not accepting that pro­ the locker of a TAA DC9 and trespasses position. We are washing our hands of that." etc., found and organised an alternative Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill 1219

escape route from the Cairns Airport Harbour Board to provide finance for the during a kidnap threat of the then Prime airport. The reaction to that mmour was Minister, Mr Whitlam. so great that a denial was issued from "If the Port Authority takes over, the joint parties meeting and passenger sur­ would we have permancy of employment charges were rderred to as a means of and our previous years be included? financing the scheme. Nothing in the BiU "In closing I may add that practicaUy prevents an amendment to the legislation all of us have lived most of our Uves to introduce such a precept, or charge, upon in Cairas, buUt our homes and raised local authorities within the harbour board our families and contributed to the growth area. I would Uke the Minister's assurance of the dty and environs. on that matter. "Trasting you may expeditiously assist Mr Bird: I could not give an assurance us with the aforementioned issues, I for some future Minister or future Govern­ remain, ment. "Yours faithfully, "R. J. Byrae, ATO, Mr Moore: Or for what Cabinet does. "For and on behalf of DOT Mr JONES: There, of course, is the dUfi­ "Groundstaff and ATO's." culty. That is another reason why the Opposition wiU be voting agmnst the prin­ 1 realise that a clause in the Bfll covere ciples in this BiU. I warn the people of the general situation. I purposely read Queensland that responsibility could very that into "Hansard" because it wfll record well devolve upon every ratepayer. In the for history and for those who read "Han­ future a precept or levy could be written into sard" at a later date, when their airports the Act by amendment, with the result that face the same sort of threat, the problems ratepayers would be charged with the upkeep, that wiU confront those em.ployees. I am maintenance, control and management of the abo endeavouring to gain an assurance from airport. These are questions that people are the Minister on those points of i)rotection asking. They are matters that ought to be of the rights of those employees being trans­ clarified. We now have the Minister admit­ ferred, that is, superannuation, long service ting that only for the life of this Parliament leave, dc. can he give any assurance. Mr Bird: Those wiU all be covered in the negotiations. You can be assurred that Mr Moore: What else could he say? 1 wiU want to see the results of those negotiations before any agreement is finaUy Mr JONES: I just want it on record, entered into. because when the legislation is amended people wiU say, "Why didn't you raise it at the time? Why wasn't this issue brought Mr JONES: As a resuU of this proposal, forward?" Being the Opposition spokesman a number of committees were set up such as on the first occasion it has happened at a the Cairns Airport Development Committee, provincial airport, I do not want it to be the Cairns Civic Action Committee and the ratepayere' associations. Al a public meeting said that I did not bring the matter forward. called by the Cairas City Coundl a caU This has created a great deal of controversy. was made for a local govemment referendum There is stiH an undercurrent of feding, with so that the people City of Cairns), Mr those bodies and the local authority wiH be D. S. Thomson, MHR, Senator C. MaunseU, reimbursed for that expenditure. Mr R. Braithwaite, MHR, Professor Rogers (James Cook University), Mr D. Coleman Following much conjedure and before (TownsviUe Tourist Organisation), Mr G. the details of the BUl were known, rumour Dean, MHR, Mr A. G. Cummings, Alder­ prevailed that the prec^ scheme would man E. J. Lindsay (Townsville City Council), operate. This is a newly coined word, so Senator J. B. Keeffe and Mr S. WiUiams, we had to go to the dictionary for its OBE (BPA). There was a notable absence of raeamng. We found it meant all sorts of State members, particularly the member for nings from a royal decree onwards. For Cairns and the member for Barron River, me uninitiated, a precept is a procedure in whose electorate the airport is actuaUy wnerehy a levy can be charged against the situated. Ndther he nor I was included in 'ocai authonty in the region of the Cairas any committee making any recommendation. 1220 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill nor were they disposed to even extend to us proposal for the relocation of the Cairns the courtesy of an invitation to partidpate. Airport runway 1200m to the east of its I suppose that even at that stage it was present site. felt to be a purely Federal responsibiUty, as Meanwhile, the Cairns Airport Develop­ indicated by the presence of David Thom­ ment Committee scheduled conferences for son, Senator Keeffe and Senator MaunseU. June, having decided in favour of— It was aU federaHy constituted. Never did anybody dream that this would arise, even at (1) The Department of Transport's pre­ that stage, with our raising the issue of local liminary plan to build the taxiways on ownership and the Commonwealth's divest­ the eastern side of the existing runway. ing itself of responsibiUty and transferring (2) Simultaneously relocating the ter­ it to the States and local government. minals, followed by the upgrading and Having become an issue in 1978, local extension of the existing runway. reaction in Cairns foUowed, vwth public (3) Requesting the Department of meetings being called for the upgrading of Transport for an estimate of the costs the Cairns airport. We were an international involved. gateway, it was said, as the first Australian stopover on Air Niugini flights. There was The first conference was held on 4 June continued concem about what was to happen with airUne offidals, and the councfl groups to the airport. I reiterate that because it asked them to consider the local authority was stated to us that we could take the deal ownership of the airport. That was reported or miss out altogether—^"You either accept in "The Cairns Post" of 5 June 1979. local ownership or you get nothing." On or about that date, the Cairns Airport On 18 January 1979, the Cairns Qty Development Committee met with the Work­ Council called a pubUc meeting at the ing Committee of the North Queensland Air­ Cairns Qvic Centre to discuss suggested ports Development Council of Townsville. improvements to the Cairns Airport. The Alderman Davis announced, following that meeting was chaired by the Mayor of the meding, that the North Queensland Air­ City of Cairns and resulted in the formation ports Envelopment Coundl Working Com­ of the Cairns Airport Development Commit­ mittee beUeved that the upgrading of the tee. It comprised Alderman Ron Davis, Cairns Airport was of higher priority than Mick Borzi, chairman of the Cairns Har­ the upgrading of some airports at present bour Board, Alderman George Chapman of bdng upgraded. That was reported in "The the Cairns City Coundl, Syd WiUiams of Cairns Post" on 5 June 1979. BPA, Richard Murray-Prior of Outback Air, In an address to the Regional Co-opera­ and two councillors to be nominated from tion and Unity Conference held in the Cairns distrid shires. Civic Centre on 27 July 1979, the Mayor of Cairns (Alderman Ron Davis) announced The resolutions from that meeting included that the Cairns Airport Development Com­ a caU for Cairns Airport runway to be mittee had called for a special feasibility strengthened and extended .to take the study into local ownership, of the Cairns expected tourist traffic and possibly DC-10 Airport. aircraft. They called for reclamation of land to the east of the existing runway, and In Febraary 1980, the Cairns Airport so on. Development Committee, headed by the mayor, held negotiations with the Federal My colleague the honourable member for Gove-nment in Canberra. The group Barron River was reported in "TTie, Cairns included Mick Borzi of the Cairns Harbour Post" of 24 January as saying that he would Board, Alderman George Chapman, and not support the changes, which left the main Councillor Robert Rossi of the Mulgrave route used by aircraft over the main area of Shire Councfl. These representatives met Cairns. In fact, he became a very vocal with the member for Leichhardt (Mr David opponent of local ownership, as the records Thomson), the Minister for Transport (Mr will reveal. Hunt), and the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Anthony). They outUned a proposal. for At the meding at the Caims Civic Centre local ownership of the Caims Airport to on 18 January, Alderman Ron Davis said officials of the Department of Transport that the Department of Transport had sug­ from Brisbane, Melbourne and Canbena. gested that councfls in the Far North take over the airports, thus relieving the Federal "The Cairns Post" of 21 February duly Government of responsibility. He told the meeting that a subsidy of 50 per cent would reported— be received from the Federal Government, "Goverament officials were told that if 30 per cent from the State Government, and the Federal Government was prepared to 20 per cent from the local authorities. That carry out the spedfic new works the report appeared in "The Cairns Post" on Cairns Airport Development Committee 24 January 1979. would estabUsh a special board to control the airport." Local opposition to the proposed exten­ sion of the airport was not long in coming. Of couree, the situation has changed some­ The original protest came from the Machans what; the Cairns City Councfl is no longer Beach Progress Association, whioh on 9 disposed to assume control. In fact, the Aprfl 1979 expressed its concern with the Minister advised us of that in his speech. Cairns Airport Bill 1221

The indication given to Alderman Davis On 23 May 1980 Alderman Chapman in Canberra at the meeting was that the announced in "The Cairns Post" that (Jairns Federal Government may provide funds was fortunate that the Airport Development in its next Budget for the upgrading of the Committee had taken initiatives to seek Caims airport. The mayor duly announced local ownership bdore any other major city this in Cairas and was so reported in the in AustraUa, that this factor had been recog­ two local papers. He said— nised by the Federal Government, and he "Part of the consultants' report had went on to say that Cairns had been assured been forwarded to the Department of of No. 1 priority. Transport and it would outline the neces­ We are getting reports such as that only sary costs." through the Press as they are released. Alderman Davis also said that the committee In the period from March to the presentation had applied to the Queensland Minister for of the Bill there has been a great absence Main Roads (Mr Hinze) for finance to be of Press reports. included in the 1980-81 Budget for the upgrading of roads associated with the air­ Alderman Chapman also claimed that the port upgrading. The Federal Minister for maintenance of the airport would be shared Transport, Ralph Hunt, had told Alderman 50 per cent by the local owner and 50 Ron Davis that the Goverament grants could per cent by the Federal Government and not be paid until a statutory body was that, even after local ownership, 50 per cent formed. of the costs of running the airport would On 16 April 1980, Ron Davis was reported be met by the Federal Government. Alder­ in 'The Cairns Post" as saying that the man Chapman added that the only time the statutory authority would comprise two State Government would be involved would members of the Cairns City CouncU, one be if capital works were required to expand member from each of the Mulgrave Shire the airport. That is to be found at page Councfl and the Cairns Harbour Board, one 21 of the Cairns Airport Local Ownership representative of the adjacent shire and two Study, in clauses 5.2, paragraph 2. representatives from the business community. Meanwhile, public disquiet about events Of course, that was detaUed in the Cairns surrounding the airport had grown. The Airport Local Ownership Study. public were wary and very concerned about The Ansett proving flight to Singapore on increased rates. Friday, 19 April 1980 was a hallmark. It sent the Cairns Airport Development Com­ In "The Cairns Post" of 9 May the mem­ mittee into a flurry of activity. The Cairas ber for Barron River, with the support Chamber of Commerce sent a 150-word of the Machans Beach area, described the telegram to the Federal Transport Minister, proposal to put the Cairns airport under Ralph Hunt, urging expeditious development local ownership as unnecessary nonsense. of the Cairas airport to ensure that Cairas He stated his firm support for ownerehip and remained the interaational gateway to Far control remaining in Federal Goverament North Queensland. The telegram also hands. objected to TownsviUe's being considered as At the official opening of the new Lysaght- the only gateway to North Queensland for Brownbuilt Industries factory in Spence international air services. Street, Caims, on 16 May 1980, the The mayor of Cairas (Mr Ron Davis), Premier of Queensland (Mr Bjelke-Petereen) as chairman of the Airport Development announced, that the present airport could Committee, lost no time in flying back to never be upgraded to intemational standards Canberra to have discussions with the Federal and ultimately an altemative airport should Transport Minister (Mr Hunt). He came back be found. He is on record as saying that to Caims, saying that Mr Hunt reiterated that in "The Cairns Post" of 17 May 1980. He the Federal Government would not upgrade also said that, at present, aircraft were flying the airport unless it was to go to local low over the city and suburbs and that that ownershq>. That was reported in "The would not be practicable with interaational Cairas Post" on 20 May 1980. flights arriving and departing from Cairns Mr Davis was then reported in the Press 24 hours a day. The Premier also took up as saying— the suggestion by the member for Barron "So if the Cairns airport is to be River that a possible venue for an inter­ upgraded, it is necessary that the Federal national airport could be found on the Yar- Govemment be asked to do so before it is rabah Peninsula. That attracted a vehement likely to be taken over as local ownership outburst on the following day from the by a statutory body similar in composition Yarrabah people. to the Cairns Harbour Board." I am conscious of the Minister's statement The situation gathered momentum. The on page 4 of his speech where he said— ^airns Airport Development Committee, "The Cairns Airport facilities are totaUy aided and abetted by the Cairas City Coundl inadequate ..." if 'he Federal member for Leichhardt Mr David Thomson), continued to flaunt I agree with that. Later, he said— ine Idea of local ownerehip and presented "There are no viable alternative locations no alternative. It was a case of either in the Cairns district suitable for a new 'ocal ownership or nothing. airport development." 1222 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Hill

As the Minister indicated quite cleariy in in TovmsviUe, 200 miles to the south— his speech we are stuck with the location. the move for Townsville to have the inter­ He said, in effect, that the Cairns Airport national airport. That increased the concern facUities are totally inadequate for the cur­ in Caims, particularly in the tourist sector. rent and projected traffic and that further I can understand their concem and their delay in carrying out new development work intentions. will seriously jeopardise the operation of this airport and limit the growth of local and Mr Moore: They overreacted. overseas tourist traffic to the area. I agree with his assessment. Later, he said that the Mr JONES: They .probably did, and I only practical and financiaUy feasible pro­ do not think they were wise. I do not posal was to upgrade the existing facilties. think they used thdr political clout. They should have used it more wisely. I told Public disquiet grew mainly because the them at a couple of public meetings what people were not given the full story. On 2 they should have been doing. They had the June 1980, the honourable member for Bar­ temerity to tell me that I was being pol­ ron River again called on the Federal Govem­ itical. I bet they reaUse now how wise I ment to do its duty and upgrade the Caims was. To achieve the required result with­ Airport without any strings attached. He out going through all this rigmarole they said that the Federal Govemment was trying should have taken the proper action. The to drive Cairns into accepting local owner­ responsibUity lies with the Federal Govem­ ship of the Cairns Airport as the price of ment. We should not be debating the issue having it upgraded. today. Irrespective of what transpired I believe most sincerely that it is a Federal I have quoted the honourable member for Govemment responsibflity, that we are being Barron River because he has taken an avid duped, that this responsibflity is being off­ interest in the situation. While we do not loaded onto us and that we will have to always agree, on this matter we have run cop it sweet. concurrently. I emphasise that I am quoting a member of the Govemment in whose elec­ The other night we tried, by motion, torate the airport is situated. He has been to delay the resumption of the second very closely associated with the issue. reading of this BiU. If this Bill were drfeated, the responsibility would automaticaUy remain He, of course, with many other people in with the Federal Govemment. Caims, attempted to stave off public anti­ pathy by announcing that ratepayere would The Premier of Queensland announced be barred from paying for the airport. That that he had swung his support behind the was the firet time we heard it announced brief of the Townsville businessmen and that the airj)ort would be funded on the was determined to press the Federal Govern­ user-pays basis. The member for Leichhardt, ment for the new international airport. and Federal Minister for Science and the That was probably an early announcement Environment (Mr David Thomson), added his that TownsviUe would get the airport. The weight in no uncertain terms to the Caims Premier said that the chances for Towns­ Airport Development Committee by confirm­ vUle looked good—I think those were his ing the offer made by the Federal Minister words. That engendered the fear of loss of for Transport (Mr Ralph Hunt). He declared traffic at the Caims Airport and started that there was no real, practical altemative another flurry of activity by the various to local ownerehip if Cairns wanted an inter­ bodies in Cairns that are interested in national-standard airport within a reasonable upgrading the Caims Airport. time. We were told, "If you don't take The Far North Queensland Promotion it now you might get it in 1995." In effect, Bureau sent a submission to the Common­ the Federal member sanctioned blackmailing wealth Department of Transport urging the the people of Cairns over the airport issue. establishment of an intemational aiiport at The Federal Govemment's edict was to accept Caims rather than TownsvUle, and the Fed­ local ownership or go without. It was dictated eral Minister, Mr Hunt, again visited Caims. and endoreed by the local Federal member. I think he met the representatives of the Northem Beaches area where the noise Mr Thomson's announcement was not problem is a matter of great concern. All greded too kindly by his political colleague he did at that time was rdterate the the honourable member for Barron River, Federal Government's announcement that and something was said both publicly and moneys were available for the upgrading Mly in this Chamber about it. Mr Tenni said on the condition of local ownerehip. piat that we were paying for our airport twice. again brought a reaction from the local Public opposition grew to the stage that State members of Parliament, in particular. the Mulgrave Shire CouncU dderred a decision on the local ownership issue and On 3 September 1980 both the member called another public meding. It was not for Barron River and I rejected the owner­ held until Monday, 15 September. It was ship demand by the Federal Government, one of the rowdiest public meetings I have and caUed for a referendum on the issue. attended in Caims. This was duly reported in "The Cairas Post of 4 September 1980. I have indicated the In the interim what was increasing the situation regarding the referendum. People concern in Cairns was what was happening went to a lot of trouble to get signatures Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU 1223

for the petition in accordance with the Local of the petition had hoped that the referen­ Govemment Act. Of course, that was not dum would be held on State election day, acted upon. 29 November, so that it would not cause too much disraption, and it was an election Mr Warburton: Isn't that what democracy issue. However, the Cairas City Council is aU about? delayed the issue, and I charged it with stalling by announcing on 22 October in Mr JONES: There is a saying about the "The Cairns Post" that it would be a month people's voices being heard and politicians before the petition was lodged with the Local keeping an eye on the horizon and an ear Goverament Minister. They were going to to the ground. Certainly it is a responsi­ do a name check to ensure that the peti­ bility of elected representatives to reflect tioners were local electors. public opinion. Surely that is what we are elected to do. It has been indicated to me With the ensuing events we can only by the vote of confidence that I have assume that the petition is still in the pigeon­ received over the years. I beUeve that many hole of the Minister for Local Government, membere of this House are guided not by because nothing has eventuated. The people Federal Goverament edicts but by what their of Cairns have not had the opportunity to constituents want. exercise their democratic right on whether or not they want local ownerehip. It has In accordance with the provisions of the been foisted upwu them through a devious Local Goverament Act, 10 per cent of the course. electors in the city came forward and signed the petition. It was certainly a weU-circulated On 28 October 1980 the local Press carried petition. I think that the organisers had a a statement from the Premier who vowed fortnight in which to coUect the signatures. to tackle the Federal Goverament over the If they took up a petition now I think they issue. The Premier also stated— would probably get 10 000 signatures. "The main thing is that we are anxious that Canberra continues financing the air­ I wish to refer again to the statements ports and maintaining them." that the Premier has made in this matter. On 19 September 1980 he said that the However, on 14 November he announced that people of Cairns and district should grab a committee had been sd up to investigate the future of the airport for themselves; yet the consequences of local ownerehip of air­ on 25 September 1980 he supported calls for ports in Queensland. He said that when a referendum on the question of the local he was in Innisfail officially opemng the ownership of the airport. The member for campaign for the then National Party mem­ Barron River said that both the Premier and ber for Mourilyan. I do not know whdher the Local Goverament Minister had agreed it is significant, but she was not returned to that proposal. As a matter of fact, I here. From 1978, right from the beginning, think it was the honourable member for the former member had come out in sup­ Barron River who said that he had con­ port of the concept of local ownership. vinced the Premier that he was wrongly advised in his previous statement on the air­ Mr Moore: She paid the penalty. port that the people of Cairns should grab the future of the airport for themselves. He said that the Premier would always Mr JONES: That is right. She paid the support the majority on a matter of such penalty for going against the wishes of the importance in the community. electors of North Queensland. After the election the issue went dead A second pubUc meeting on the airport and we heard no more about it until March issue was held in the Cairns Civic Centre. this year when the Minister for Sdence It was caUed by the Cairns Civic Action and Technology officially opened the Sun Committee, which opposed the proposal. .The Lodge Intemational Motel in Cairas and, member for Barron River and I attended with his continued scaremongering, said that that meeting. The meeting called for a if the Federal Government's $16m offer to referendum on the issue of the local owner­ upgrade the Cairns Airport was not accepted ship of the Cairas Airport. The member for within the next couple of months, the Banon River told the meeting that the money would be lost to the North. In Local Govemment Minister would approve effect, the Federal Goverament put the the referendum if 10 per cent of the electors squeeze on, and that was effectively heralded petitioned. Of course, I told the meeting that by the Minister for Science and Technology. It was purely a Federal responsibility and In effed he was saying that the offer had 'bat the Federal member for the area was to be accepted before June or the North shirking his responsibiUties. It was then would go without. agreed that the referendum would take place Md that it would be paid for by the Cairns The mayor of Cairns lost no time in City Councfl. announcing his response to the offer. At a Press conference on Friday, 13 March I think there were 5 000 signatures on the 1981, he announced that the Cairns City petition, of whom 2 976 were Cairns electors, Council would pull out of the negotiations inat number was well over the 1 900, or on the airport and that the Cairns Harbour '" per cent of the electors required before Board was negotiating in a bid to acquire a referendum could be held. The organisers local ownership. 1224 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill

Subsequently a group of businessmen said maintained that no State Government should that they would seek control oif the airport accept that type of responsibility, which is but they wanted a mandate to run a casino one for the Commonwealth Government. so they could pay for the airport. Possibly the airport could pay its way if a casino Mr Katter: What was Mr Jones's position was run in conjunction with it. The area then? is isolated. This Sydney-based consortium Mr TENNI: He was not at that meeting. of prominent Australian businessmen wanted A few days later he voiced his opposition overseas participation. I could see a few to local ownership. sticky fingers getting into it. They would underwrite the airport, .provided it was Mr Casey: He wasn't invited to the meet­ upgraded. There were too many provisos in ing, and you know it. What are you talking it. I do not think that proposal was about? seriously considered. Mr TENNI: The truth is what is import­ An announcement was made that the ant in this House. It was a public meeting, harbour board's proposal had been accepted, advertised in "The Cairns Post". There was that the matter would come bdore the State an open invitation for aU to attend. Some­ House. The matter of responsibility was thing like 80 people attended the meeting. then bandied about, whether it should be Mr Don Forbes, Who is the secrdary d for the Minister for Local Goverament, the the Cairns canegrowers organisation, Premier or the Treasurer, but now we have one other person and I were the only seen the Minister for Northem Development ones to oppose the proposals put forward at and Maritime Services take control of the that meeting, whiph did not talk about local legislation. I do not know whdher he is ownership but rather about the upgrading of introducing it as the Minister for Northem the airport. Development or the Minister for Maritime Services. Mr Casey: We spoke about that in Parlia­ ment before you even came near the place. Mr Bird: Maritime Services. What are you talking about? Mr TENNI: Again we have the Leader Mr JONES: Mr Minister, I said it to of the Opposition misleading the people of you in the lobby and I wiU say it to you the State. He should be treated with the again: good luck. contempt he deserves. He has done this I feel that the Minister is flying—and I before—^we all remember the drag issue, hope he will pardon the pun—in the face when he misled the people of this State. cf public opinion and wiU receive a great Again he is trying to mislead them, so 1 deal of reaction, confrontation and opposi­ wiU ignore him. tion from every provindal dty in Queens­ The point is that I was totally opposed to land. If the Cairns Airport is to be the upgrading the airport. The present airstraE. guinea pig in determining the issue of as we all know, is on a mud-flat. It was ownership, all I can say is that it is a sad virtually built by the Civil Construction day for the Queensland Government. Corps in 1941 or 1942, when it was upgraded. (Time expired.) It was a matter of dirt, gravel, rocks and mangrove sticks being piled onto mud-flats. Mr TENNI (Barron River) (3.45 pm.): I There was no proper foundation under it have pleasure in speaking to this Bill. Most whatsoever. I believed at the time of that of the comments made by the member for meeting, and stiU believe, that it was an Cairas were in line with my thinking. It is unsuitable site, with aircraft either taking off difficult for me to say that, because he and ot landing over the Cairns Base Hospital. I do not really view one another with the More flights by larger aircraft over the greatest resjiect; nor do we agree very often. Cairns Base Hospital should not be encour­ However, I do agree with most of the points aged. At the other end, aircraft are landing he made. Many of them I intended raising over large and growing residential areas. myself; but I wfll let them pass by as he At that time, I beUeved that consideration has explained them very weH. should have been shown for the people of Instead, I will highUght what I see as the Cairns and that thought should have been major detrimental effects to the State given to shifting the airport either to Yar­ through the action that we are about to rabah or to the Tablelands area, where suit­ take. First, let me make it quite clear that able land is available. Admitiedly, the cost we are bowing to the pressure of blackmail would be greater initially, but it would be by the Federal Government; let there be no cheaper in the long run. However, I was over­ doubt about it. It is nothing more or less ruled. than utter blackmaU. It is being forced As the honourable member for Cairns upon the people of Queensland by a Federal said, even though the airport was situated m Govemment that I never believed would the eledorate of Barron River and an attempt adopt such a positive attitude. I say was being made to force the State Govern­ "positive" because this attitude has been ment to provide a 30 per cent subsidy m retained from the word "Go". future, I was never invited to attend, or In 1978 I was the first to oppose the local allowed to attend, any of the meetings. Nor ownership of airports. To this day I have was 1 ever offered or given, when I requested Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH 1225 it, a copy of the report by Gutteridge, Has­ Mr Bertoni: Don't you think the State kins and Davey. I had to go to the Cairns is being blackmailed? Library, where it was on display to the pub­ lic, and stand there like a galah and read Mr TENNI: It is bdng blackmailed all portion of the report. The full report was not right, and that is unfortunate. on display. A deliberate attempt had been made by a member of the committee to An Opposition Member: By your Federal hide the facts from the people of Queensland. Govemment. I then used tactics similar to those used Mr TENNI: Yes. We do not hide the by the Commonwealth Government to obtain facts; we tell the tmth. Whenever mention from a certain member of the Federal Gov­ is made about some of the disastrous things ernment a copy of the report. That was the that the Whitlam Govemment did to this only way in which I could get a copy, and I country, Opposition membere jump up and believe that that is a shocking state of affairs. down and scream, "It never happened." 1 was not permitted to sit in on meetings, nor But it did happen. A similar situation arises was I provided by any member of the com­ today conceming the Cairas Airport. mittee with details of what had happened The matter for concera is that the Caims at ithe meetings. However, that did not worry Airpiort is not the only airport that will me, because the majority of the people whom be subject to the Fraser Government's black­ 1 represent were, and still are, totally opixised mail and standover tactics. Airports right to local ownership. throughout the nation will be affected. An important aspject that has not been brought One must look back if one wishes to dis­ forward here today is the number and loca­ cover why this has happened. Although I tion of jet airports in the States. will hear screams and cries from the Leader of the Opposition and some of the other People travelling in Queensland stand to socialists opposite that I am again picking pay more than anyone else in Australia pays, on the Whitlam Government, the fact is for the reason that Queensland, because of that Mr Jones, the Transport Minister in the its size and the location of its airpwrts, has Whitlam Government, was completely in more jet airports than any other State. So favour d local ownership of airports through­ Queensland will definitely suffer. out Australia. He was the one who led the way Unfortunately, it seems that the Gov­ Another important aspect to remember is ernment's advisers in Canberra are the same that the Commonwealth Goverament is really people who advised Mr Jones when he was not being very generous, even by providing Minister for Transport in the Whitlam era. the $21. Im. That sum wiU not allow for The present Government has followed the the complete upgrading of the Cairas Air­ Whitlam Labor Govemment in its belief in port; it allows only for a partial taxiway. local ownership of airports. If the completion of that taxiway had to be carried out tomorrow,.it would cost approx­ imately $5m. People associated with the I repeat that we are looking at a black­ operations of DC-9, Boeing 727. and light mail situation—"Either you accept, or you go without". That has been told to us by the aircraft have told me of the problems assoc­ Federal Minister for Transport in the present iated with the lack of a taxiway on the Fraser Government. I am very proud-and present strip. The proposal for the new strip I am sure that the people of Cairns, the hon­ allows for only a short taxiway, which, ourable memiber for Cairns, and all those without doubt, will cause hold-ups in land­ who, opposed the proposal originaUy also are ings and take-offs immediately after the proud^lhat we have forced the Federal airport is completed. Government to raise its offer from $16m to So besides being blackmailed, we are I211m We have saved the people of Cairns bdng forced into accepting something that w.lm because we would not be blackmailed. is not complde. We are also being forced We would not let them get away with it into paying for half the cost of the terminal. without a hdl of a fight, and that is exactiy That is not right. If local ownerehip is what we gave them. to take place in this country, it should be on the basis that the strips should be fuUy The honourable member for Cairns stated completed before the handing over takes ne, throughput of planes and passengers at place. ™ Cairns Airport. It is ninth in order of importance in AustraUa, so the Federal Gov- Another point worthy of consideration «nment must realise that it plays a very is that people using the Cairns Airport, and important part in the movement of people particularly people who live in the Cairns ™ aircraft. It is only reasonable, therefore, area, will be doubly taxed. They wUl pay that the Federal Government should be S2 to land and $2 to take off. Perhaps fesponsible for upgrading the airport to that does not sound much. However, when ensure that it is safe, if for no other reason. added to the cost of flying from Caims "1 my opinion, the Federal Government has to Brisbane and back, which is in excess got out from under, and members of the of $392, it does amount to a heavy imposi­ ^ahtion Government know my views because tion. It means that the further away the expressed them at the joint party meeting people are, the more they pay. I cannot last week. accept that. 1226 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill

I pay a tribute to Mick Borzi, the chair­ asked to go to Cairas I am sure that he man of the Caims Harbour Board, for would go to Perth. He has not the abiUty helping us raise the Commonwealth's figure or common sense to direct his nose in from $16m to $21. Im. I know that he the right direction, but his comment is went in to bat for us on this issue. He typical of comments made by the socialists. has the abUity to ran the Cairas Harbour Board. As chairman of the Mareeba Shire Without doubt Cairns will suffer if the CouncU and, before that, a councillor, I airport upgrading does not take place worked with him. I know that he has the quickly. I am sure that even the honour­ abiUty to handle the proposals that are able member for Cairns wifl agree with being put forward today. I thank him that. The new interaational airport facility for his efforts and for telling the Common­ at Townsville means that the business houses wealth Government, "You will give us so in Cairns are losing to their counterparts much or we won't have a bar of it." in Townsville. Everyone knows that traveUers do not land and backtrack. If they land Other Australian airports presently owned at Townsville they wiU not go to Caims, by the Commonwealth Govemment should but to Mackay and the nearby islands, and have a $2 landing and $2 take-off fee appUed then head further south. If we could land to them as an adidtional charge on all tickets. travellers on Cape York Peninsula and get If the Cairns people who use Cairas Airport them to travel south it would be far better have to pay this levy the same principle for our State as a whole. It is normal should apply to all people. The Com­ for traveUers to work south. They will not monwealth Govemment should introduce travel to the north and then to the south. immediately a $2 landing and take-off fee at The importance of upgrading the Cairns every Commonwealth airport. That money airstrip must be considered by every member should be paid firefly to the Caims Airport. of this Parliament. As other airports become locaUy owned it should be distributed equally amongst them The passage of this Bill wiU certainly until all of them are locally owned, if that assist tourism in the northera regions of is the principle that the Federal Government the State, but I should Uke to record is foUowing in line with the principle in "Hansard" that I believe local owner­ announced by the Whitlam Government. At ship of airports will run into financial least the people of Cairns would then be trouble in the future. The only way by treated equaUy with other people in Aus­ which that can be avoided is by increasing tralia—and, after all, we are all Australians. landing fees for those who use the airports. In discussions with the Commonwealth, Mr Katter: The user pays. the Minister should give very serious thought to proposing that a tax be levied on every Mr TENNI: The user pays. airport owned by the Commonowealth Gov­ ernment, and that the $2 landing and take­ I should like to record my fear d a off levy be used to subsidise locally owned future precept being payable by the rate­ airports, in addition to the 50 per cent payers of the areas concerned—^in this case subsidy that the Commonwealth Govern­ the Barron River eledorate, which contains ment is offering to local ownership com­ the city of Cairns, the Shire of Mulgrave, mittees. the Shire of Douglas and the Shire of Mareeba. I should hate to think that I The member for Cairns said that he played any part in Queensland's taking over adopted a firm stand on this matter at the a totally Commonwealth responsibiUty and last election. I have taken a firm stand on levying charges on the ratepayers in my this at all times, and I might say that area. I should like the Minister to give my vote, like his, also increased. No-one an assurance to me and to the people I can tell me that the people of Australia represent that this wUl not happen. want local ownership. After listening to the views expressed by I would Uke some assurance that the Liberal and National Party members at present employees at the Cairns Airport the joint party meeting, I know that any­ will be protected and wiU retain their due thing we accept will be accepted under entitlements in long service leave, sick pay, strong protest to the Commonwealth Gov­ holiday pay, superannuation, etc., in the ernment, and that it will put yet another change-over from Commonwealth employ­ nafl in the Govemment's coffin. The sooner ment to employment by the Port of Caims it wakes up to its mistakes and blues the Authority. That is not asking a tot, as longer it will stay in government. The only something Uke seven or dght people people of my area will not accept this are involved. proposal, and they will show their feelings at the next election. It is only four years ago that the Com­ monwealth Government built a Common­ Mr Fouras: WiU they vote you out and wealth police station at the Cairas Airport. show their good sense? The Commonwealth police play a major role at airports. The police station will be Mr TEIVNI: That comment is typical of on the side opposite to where the terminals the socialists on the other side. It proves wUl be buflt. Perhaps the Minister could that the honourable member does not know enUghten us on what will happen in that what he is talking about. If he were regard. Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH nil

The authorities are talking about a $2 is a similar situation with Mt Isa, as the landing charge and a $2 take-off charge. member for Mt Isa would well know. What wiU happen when people travel from It is extremely difficult to get a seat on any Brisbane and, on their way to Thursday flights in Queensland at this moment. Why Island, land at Cairas and take off again is that? It is because of the way in which from Cairns? I hope that they wfll not the airline policy in AustraUa has been be charged $4, but I also hope that they implemented by the Commonwealth Govern­ will subscribe to the cost of operating the ment. Australia is five years behind in airport and not be able to use it without moving to wide-bodied jets for normal oper­ paying anything, because the airport wiU need ation throughout Australia. This year TAA more and more upgrading as traffic increases. will get its air bus, and probably next year Ansett will get its 767s. If this BiU becomes law, I would Uke a guarantee that the people living in the Then we will start to move into a new Northern Beaches area, the Cairns area and era of civil aviation in AustraUa. Suddenly the Aeroglen area will not be subjected to these airline companies will have additional increased noise pollution and that the com­ planes available to fly to the airstripts in ments made by the mayor of Cairns and Queensland that I have mentioned. They many of the business people who have will by trying to attract the people who, supported this move so strongly that less in the meantime, have been driven away noise and less danger wiU exist are in fact from air travel because of the way in which true. If. they are not trae, the people in the ownership of airpjorts is being transferred the areas I have mentioned can judge them. and additional costs are being impwsed on 1 repeat that the Queensland Goverament people who wish to travel by air in the is being blackmafled by the Federal Govera­ country areas of the State. ment into accepting this move. Queensland Instead of upgrading provincial airpwrts is being forced to accept the Commonwealth's to meet the needs of today's air traffic responsibility and will have to charge people and the projected air traffic of the next in the area I represent an additional tax two decades, we are in a holding operation. while Queensland is recdving less tax revenue We are rushing around trying to find some­ from that Government. I wiU let the people body who is prepared to accept respionsibiUty of the area I represent judge that Govern­ for airports to maintain the industry in the ment in the future. position that it should have occupied in the early 1970s, or even the late 1960s. In Mr CASEY (Mackay—Leader of the this debate I have heard no-one say that there Opposition) (4.10 p.m.): The debate seems is a need for additional airpjorts in the so- to have got a little bit away from the called great developing areas of Queensland. core principles of the Bill before the House. I am sure that the honourable member for This Bill wifl set a precedent in Queensland, Port Curtis, who will take p)art in this debate which I believe will be disastrous for the later, will teU us that we should be looking provincial towns and dties in Queensland. at the. Gladstone Airport, which is crying The precedent that is being set is that air­ out to be upgraded to take jet aircraft, but ports will be operated by harbour boards in absolutely nothing is being done about it. this State. We have to look at the reason The airpxirt has been completely disregarded for this present situation. by the Commonwealth and State Govera­ The member for Barron River tried to ments in their infrastructure plans for that blame Gough Whitlam and somebody else area. in the Labor Party for something that hap­ Recently I was in Bowen. Let us not kid pened years ago. That was despite the ourselves: that will be the next "Gladstone" fact that the plan for local ownerehip of in Queensland: it will be the next area airports was introduced by the Commonwealth that wfll take off industriaUy. A Cessna Government back in 1958. This is the first aircraft is flat out landing on that airetrip occasion on which somebody has said, "We because that council is being forced into are going to implement it in so far as the a local ownership I position. Mr Deputy major provincial airports in Queensland are Speaker, you are a North Queenslander, and concerned." There is no doubt that one of you know that we sjieak the trath up there. the unique features in this State is that We sp)eak from our hearts when we talk about the major airports are situated along the these matters; we let it fly. If I might use coast, and they provide considerable finance an unparliamentary term, it is a bloody dis­ for the airiine companies in Australia. grace that we have this situation before us One only has to go to the Brisbane Air­ today. port this aftemoon to try to get a seat on a plane going to Rockhampton, Mackay, Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Row): Order! Tpwnsyille or Cairns to see the present situ­ In spite of the suggestion by the Leader ation in Queensland. It is no good being of the Opposition that the term might be a stand-by passenger. Unless a stand-by pas­ appropriate, I still think it is unparUamentary; senger breaks a leg of someone coming Ihrough the door of the airport terminal, Mr CASEY: This Bfll authorises the Cairns |ie Willi not get a seat on a plane. That Harbour Board, with only two delegates IS not the position when people are seeking from the city of Cairns, to manage and stand-by seats on planes flying South. There control the Cairns international airp)ort—that 1228 Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH

is certamly what it is—under what is loosely This move in Cairns is only one step termed the Commonwealth Local Owner­ away from the transfer of the Coo&ngatta ship Scheme. With the known composition Airport, Queensland's second-busiest airport, of the harbour board and its accountabiUty which services the Gold Coast, and gives only to State Cabinet, one of the very serious access to the Gold Coast waterways. We problems and precedents estabUshed by this all know the authority that has control over BiH will mean that in more fadual terms that area. the National Party is about to become the de fado administrator of Queensland's I am also concerned that in the long term, fourth busiest airport. It may now be the because of some of the sweejring powers third busiest, because I bdieve last year under this BiU, we might see emerging the it was rated marginally ahead of Townsville. sticky fingere of the Bjelke-iPetersen "slush" Foundation. It does not matter where one Eight of the 10 people operating the Cairns looks in this State or what legislation comes Airport wiU not be responsible by election before the ParUament, one has to look under­ to the citizens of Cairns. I draw attention neath it because the National Party has a to the lack of assurances that have been caUous contempt for this Parliament. given in relation to popible future funding. The member for Cairns asked questions Govemment Members interjected. about this. No assurance can be given that the p>eople of Cairns will not at some Mr CASEY: We can see just how callous future time, by way of precept, have to their contempt is from the squawking d meet further costs needed to upgrade this the National Party's back-benchere. We will airpwrt to a standard required by modern see how callous they are when this matter jets. Eight of the 10 members of the Cairas is put to the vote. Then we wiU see what Harbour Board, which made this decision, real support they will give to the people. wiU not be responsible to the p>eople. As I understand it, there was only one dissenting Under the false pretence of local owner­ voice on that board, that of Mr Tony Mijo, ship, this parochial misrepresentation pro­ the deputy chairman of the Mossman Shire poses the administrative acquisition d our Councfl and, of course, a member of the strategic tourist airports through this Labor Party. legislation that will be forced through Par­ Uament today by National Party numbers Mr Tenni: You are getting political now. and Liberal Party weaknesses. That is a disgrace! Mr CASEY: I am not getting political In his second-reading sp>eech last Thursday at afl. the Minister told this House that transfer Mr Tenni: You are. approaches similar to this one have recently been made in regard to airports at Rock­ hampton, Mackay and Maryborough, three Mr CASEY: I lay this on the Une: the of the major provincial airports of this personalities involved in this are very imjjort- State, jet airports that already need con­ ant and I wiU touch upon them a little siderable upgrading to enable them to handle more at a later stage. modem Boeing 727 series 200 aircraft. They Mr Tenni: You are into the politics. wfll not be served by such aircraft as the Airbus and the 767 unless something is done Mr CASEY: I wfll look at the politics of fairly quickly by a Commonwealth Govern­ it, aU right, because they stink. ment that has procrastinated and a State Govemment that has sat back in the bleachers If the fraudulent pretext of local owner­ and said nothing over the years about the ship is applied to other cities, the Brisbane disgraceful state of the airline industry in Airport, which handled 2.6 mfllion passengers Queensland and the appalling state d our last year, wiU be taken over by the Port airports. of Brisbane Authority, with appointments and decisions finaUy determined by the The transfer of the Cairns Airport was National Party numbers in Cabinet, as we originaUy offered to the Cairns City Council, have seen recently. The present chairman but it declined after investigations indicated of this authority was, until just under two the need for pre-take-over upgradings by years ago, a National Party member of this the Commonwealth at a cost of, on the Pariiament. When I look further at what Minister's estimates, at least $25m. has already hai>pened to the Port of Brisbane Authority, with one of the Government's Mr Tenni: It didn't have it offered to it. original nominees able to totally frastrate It asked for it. its $20m complex, I shudder to contemplate similar consequences at Brisbane Airp>ort. Mr CASEY: In the first instance it con­ sidered this proposal at the instigation of However, such a frightening prospject is discussions that took place between people only one step away from the step all in Cairns and others connected with the poUtical parties in this Parliament are asked Commonwealth Government. The member to endorse in this legislation. The latest would not deny that for one moment. The political preoccupation of the National Party offer was made by the Commonwealth, and is not only jobs for the boys but also airports the councfl finally decUned the offer when for the boys. it reaUsed the amount of finance that would Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU 1229

be involved and the impUcations of such a know so weU. Their ability to conveniently step, Which have already been clearly out­ hdp friends is quite well known within the lined by the member for Cairns. Cairns area. Despite the fact that the Federal Govern­ Under this BiU, that board wiU not only ment is being recreant in the amount of be able to acquire land but—and in more funds it is offering the Cairns Harbour sinister tones, when one considers the Board for the take-over, the board has National Party's record in these matters— stepped in to fiU the local ownership vacancy it will also be able to sell, exchange, transfer —as I said before, with the one dissenting or grant easements over existing land. What voice of Councillor Tony Mijo of the Moss­ a bonanza it is for those in the Cairns area man Shire. The Cairns Harbour Board has who are interested in the Bjelke-Petersen 10 representatives—^two appointed by this Foundation! Government through Cabinet, two from the The harbour board, which is dominated Cairns City Council and one each from the by all the people whose names I mentioned six smaller local authorities in the wide- earlier, can estabUsh by-laws and prescribe stretdiing far northern region. Conse­ airport charges on any service, facility or quently, eight of those 10 are not account­ convenience at the airport, including the able by election to the p)eople of Cairas. parking of vehicles and aircraft. It is open The first Government nominee is Mr to it to determine whatever charges it Borzi—the man whom the member for desires. It will employ a sizeable staff, and Barron River was trying to praise a moment I accept the Minister's assurance that he ago. He is the harbour board chairman, a will provide in some way in this measure real estate agent of Mareeba and a well- for the conditions of transfer of staff. It known National Party front man who stood seems rather a pity that there is not a for the old Country Party in the Table­ stronger provision in the Bill to cover that. lands seat in 1969 and for Barron River in 1972. He was defeated on both occasions Another matter of concern is that the har­ by the AustraUan Labor Party candidate. bour board will be able to prescribe not only charges but also exemptions. Honourable The second Government nominee on the members have seen other instances in which Cairns Harbour Board, which now aspires to exemptions have been given by groups dom­ run the State's third-largest airport, is inated by National Party supporters and Councfllor Stanley John CoUins, OBE (to the power-hungry executives of the National give him his correct title), a grazier of Party at Bjelke-Petersen House in Spring Spring Creek Station, whioh is between Hill. Forsayth and Mt Surprise. He is the chair­ Under this legislation, the Cairns Harbour man of the Etheridge Shire CouncU, which, on the latest figures, has a total of only 459 Board, with the majority of its representa­ voters. He will be one of the major voices tives nominated by shire councils outside on the new board that wiU run the airport on Cairns with enrolments as low as 459, behalf of the 39 000 people of Cairns. He is becomes virtually a separate local goverament a close friend, of course, of the Premier within the city of Cairns. It will be a and has previousily been rewarded by the municipality within the city, if I might put National Party with his Imperial honour and it that way. the chairmanship of the Far North Queens­ As I said earlier, the legislation incor­ land Regional Electricity Authority. porates a passenger charge of $2, which I am told will apply to each landing and The shire of Mareeba, including the take-off from the airport. In answer to my Government appointment of Borzi, wiU have the-same representation as—and pirobably recent question the Minister said clearly that more say, since Borzi is chairmaui than—the if I fly from Brisbane to Weipa through city of Cairns, in which the airport is located. Cairns Airport, the charge will be $4—$2 From the time this legislation is given for landing on the flight from Brisbane; Royal assent, the harbour board with its $2 for taking off from Wdpa. When I National Party majority from outside Cairns return, it will again cost me $4. I wUl will acquire, manage and operate the Cairns probably be rushing from one aircraft to international airport. Subject to air trans­ another, and I will be paying $4 for the port powere hdd by the Australian Govern­ privilege of walking across the tarmac at ment, they wUl be the administrators of this Cairns Airport. That is what will happen. major tourist akport, with 50 per cent of I express the same fears and issue the same annual maintenance costs subscribed by Can­ warning as the honourable member for berra, and their decisions will be answerable Cairns. In the long mn, the people of only to the National Party Cabinet in Bris- Cairns will have to provide through rates rane, via their National Party Minister for. precepts for the running and maintenance Northern Development and Maritime Ser­ of the airport, and they wifl have also to pay vices, who of course Uves in Brisbane. a tax of $2 each time they leave or retum From the time of assent to this BiU, this to the airport. At the same time, the Nat­ National-Party monopoUsed harbour board ional Party Government poses as bdng m will inherit powers to grant leases on land, favour of reducing taxes. I am sure, in the terminal concessions, buildings, works, con­ light of what is happening in Cairns, the veniences and appUances in the airport area. people of Cairns wiU not believe that; nor They are sweeping powers to be given to wfll the people of Mt Isa, Mackay, Rock­ a group of people whose track record we hampton, Maryborough and the various 1230 Cairns Airport BUl [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

other cities that wifl have the same thing River publicly op>posed the proposal to have foisted upon them be pjrepared to accept local ownership. Mr Tenni saved his seat by it. We will see concessions let for bars, only a short whisker. He knows full ,wdl booths, souvenire, newsagencies and other that he was able to do that only because he amenities in a new terminal. was prepared to go along with the meinber In Cairas there will be an opportunity to for Cairas on this issue. If he had not done spread the tourist industry to Papua New so, he would have been tossed out by the Guinea, to the near north, and to the whole p>eople of Edge HiU, Freshwater and Machans Pacific region. Tourists from those areas Beach, as well as those in the other northern using the Cairns Airport will also have to beach areas in his electorate. pay the new charges. Under National I am concerned about what wiU be the Party legislation, it is not unusual to response in this House when further legis­ see spedal powers used by certain groups. lation foUowing the pattern set by this Bill Perhaps the harbour board, with the guid­ is brought bdore ParUament. If Brisbane ance of State Cabinet, will use its powers to Airport is involved in such legislation, what sponsor a casino or a shopping centre if wUl the Liberal members do then? it can acquire a Uttle more land nearby. Mr Davis: Give it to the Port of Brisbane It amazes me that the Liberal Party is Authority. taking no interest in this Bill. It is obvious that it has no interest in the provincial Mr CASEY: I have already referred to cities of Queensland. Of course, Liberal that aspect. If Brisbane Airport is delivered Party Ministers are ineffective in Cabinet, into the hands of the Brian Baiflies and the and I do not know whether they have even share sharks—such as the Premier's special raised their voices in Cabinet on this matter. choice for the Port of Brisbane AuthorUy, Perhaps they are foUowing the line of fully Bill Sfller—^whose only credentials are their supporting Fraser federaUsm, as they have selfish viUainy and opportunism to pay into done since it was first espoused in September the Bjelke-Petersen slush fund, what wiU be 1975. the future of Brisbane Airport? Such a move What we will see in this instance, Mr is not beyond the bounds of possibiUty. In Deputy Spjeaker, is the decision of the Nat­ fact, it could be the next step. The result ional Party back-bench members of Parlia­ will be that air transport, which was prev­ ment from the relevant areas. Additional iously a non-poUtical area, wiU be manipulated charges wfll be foisted first on the people of for political purposes. Cairns and later on the p)eople of other As I haVe said, dght years ago, in 1973, Queensland provincial cities. The honourable a similar Commonwealth offer of transfer was member for Cairns referred to the fact that made to the Mt Isa City Council. It rejeded recently the Lynch razor gang simply said, that offer. At that time the passenger tax "As part of the deal we wifl get rid of the that was suggested was 50c. Once this legis­ airports at Mackay, Rockhampton and Mary­ lation is passed, hew long wfll it be before borough." Mt Isa had already received a the National Party sds up another of its previous offer, but it was rejected by the qangos to control an airport in another councfl. That occurred as long ago as 1973. major provindal dty? Some people say, "There is nothing else My attitude in relation to the airport in we can do." In fact, the honourable member my home city of Mackay is that' I want for Barron River said that. He said that we no part of these local-ownerehip deals, with have been bulldozed into this and we have their suspidous National party overtones. As to accept it. I say there is plenty that can the member for Mackay, I wiU resist by be done. And there is plenty that wUl be done every means at my disposal any attempts by the pieople of Cairns. to take control of the Mackay Airport out I remind the Federal member for Leich­ of the dty of Mackay and place it indiredly hardt, Mr David Thomson, that he saved into the clutches of the Mackay Harbour his seat in Federal Parliament by only a Board or one of the National Party's qangos few votes. He was able to do that because loaded with Government representatives from of the promise he made during the election the membership of the local branch d the campaign that initiaUy the sum of $16m National Party. would be made available for the redevelop­ I am a regular traveller through Mackay ment of the Cairns Airport. Mind you, he Airport. In fad, I would be one of the most did not tell the people of Cairns that it regular travellers in this House through all would be made available only if they agreed our provincial airports. There is not one to local ownership and the Cairns Harbour of them that has not gone backwards and Board became the owner and operator of does not need upgrading. All of them have the airport. I am sure that the people of gone backwards under 15 years of control Cairns who, because of Mr Thomson's state­ by the Federal Liberal/National/Countiy ment, supported him on that occasion, Party Government, which has pussyfoded wfll not support him again, particularly around and ducked its responsibilities. when they have to start paying an airUne This legislation is highly undesirable. It is tax to use their own airport. undemocratic. It should not be contemplated As the honourable member for Cairns has without at least a referendum in the dty pointed out, in the last State election both of Caims, which is most affeded. But, of he and the honourable member for Barron course, that will not hap>pen. It is legislation Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BUl 1231 that invites corruption from a State Govern­ for Barron River said that more money ment that has shown some partiality towards may be available from the Commonweith it under some drcumstances. I believe that after further talks. In the Ught of the what is envisaged in this legislation was never recent razor gang proposals, how Ukely is intended when the airport local-ownership it that such talks will be successful? scheme first surfaced. It wfll create dangerous The harbour board is not responsible to precedents for the future. the pjeople. According to its balance sheet, The Minister's speech contained only one its assets, built up over 100 years of port major point with which I agreed, namely, opjerations, equal half of the cost of upigrad- that the current fadlities at the Cairas Air- ing the airport. The harbour board has Dort are totally inadequate. I query the about $12.9m in assets and the upgrading of report prepared by Gutteridge Haskins and the airport wUl cost the best part of $26m. Davey Pty Ltd about growth estimates. The The asset stracture that the board is taking figures presented by the honourable member over will eventually be equal to about three for Caims clearly show that over the past times its existing asset stracture in the port eight to 10 yeare the actual growth m pas­ area. senger and aircraft movements was about 29 per cent. Yet this report predicts that It is not a situation that we desire in it will be 10 per cent a year for the next Queensland. It is not the sort of arrange­ five fears, and after 1985 it will decrease ment we should be entering into. It is to 5 per cent. No explanation is given in not a situation that we want to develop the report for such a forecast. There in the other provincial city areas. That is no basis for the prediction. is why the Labor Party is strongly ojjposed to the Fraser Govemment's abnegating its At the other end of the scale, I can responsibilities in this area, aided and abetted only say that the whole basis of the future by the Queensland Government. operations at the Caims Airport must be looked at in the Ught of growth in traffic Mr BERTONI (Mt Isa) (4.40 p.m.): Before in the past dght to 10 yeare. Without speaking to the Bill, I should Uke to praise doubt, tourism wiU boom in Queensland, the Minister for his dedication to North and Caims is one of the major tourist centres Queensland and for presenting this Bill in the State. It has tremendous tourist which, no doubt, has put him in a very potential, and the key to that potential is embarrassing situation. the airport. I totally object to the Bill. It is similar After considering the proposed work, I to what happened during the W.hitlam era. am StiU not clear what is to hapjpen after I asked myself the difference between Fraser 1990. I am sure that there wfll be a lot and Whitlam. of growth in the area. What wiU happen when we are looking at aircraft bigger than Mr Hoopjer: What reply did you get? the 727-200, which is the main basis for the figures presented? The Airbus and the 767 Mr BERTONI: I am thoroughly convinced are now conung to Australia. The growth that there is no difference. pattem of tourism in other p>ar.ts of the world clearly indicates that Caims wfll It is interesting to see how hypocritical depend on package toure direct from the the Leader of the Opposition is. He said major dties. he would have no part of local ovraerehip deals. It was Whitlam who introduced local The big growth wiU not be in intemational ownership deals. tourism but in interstate tourism. In that context, we are looking at domestic flights Mr Casey: No, not trae. from Sydney and Melbourae. We wUl have aircraft such as the Airbus and the 767, Mr BERTONI: I wiU take the honourable or the even larger 747s—and I do not mean member up on that statement. the SP ones—carrying full passenger loads direct from Sydney to Cairas and return, Mr Whitlam tried to force local auth­ as package toure. That is what I visualise orities to take over the mnning of loc^ as the future for the Cairns Airport, but airports in country areas. In 1973-74 when that wiU not be its future under the control I was mayor of Mt Isa, I was visited by of the harbour board|. officers of the Department of Transport. They tried to force the council to take Even now, the airport has problems during over the running of the local airport. I the wet season. That is not mentioned in objected very strongly to it because no the report, but that is why it is said that local councfl should have the responsibility occasionally aircraft of a certain size will of running airports. That is a Common­ not be able to use it. The honourable wealth responsibflity. Why should we place members for Barron River and Caims a burden on the ratepayers and citizens referred to the problems associated with who use the airport when we did not have the airjwrt being close to the swamp. Because to? I objected strongly and I was called of my involvement in the industry, I know some names which I shall not record in of the difficulty experienced in overcoming "Hansard". If that principle was good for the pavement problems that are likely to Mr Whitlam, then it must be equally good obtain there. The Minister or the member for Mr Fraser. I do not switch my principles. 1232 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

Mr Hooper: When you were mayor of Mr BERTONI: I wiU be walking out of Mt Isa and all these problems were taking the House; I will not vote against the Bill. place, were you a member of the National I wiU not support the BiH because I just Party? cannot accept the principle that, on the one hand, we objected to Whitlam doing some­ Mr BERTONI: Yes, I was a member of thing, and now, on the other hand, we are the National Party, and I objected. I asked to agree to Fraser's doing exactly the objected about what Mr Whitlam wanted same thing. To me, that is hypocrisy. to do and I object to what Mr Fraser is trying to do. The people who are advising We see this principle of the user will the Federal Government at this time are pay coming through the so-called Fraser the same pieople who advised Mr Whitlam. federalism. Country people are being asked The idea was to dispose of airports in pro­ to carry a burden in order to help the vincial and country towns and maintain Commonwealth Goverament overcome its only those in the capital cities. My argu­ so-called financial problems. I do not ment to Mr Seymour, who is in charge of believe that the Queensland Govemment the Department of Transport, was, "When should be a party to helping the Common­ you give me proof that the councils in the wealth Goverament unless it is prepared to capital cities take over the running of their accept responsibility for the ranning of this airports, we wiU take over ours." The air­ airport. What the Commonwealth Govem­ ports in the capital cities wiU remain under ment is really doing here is saying to the the control of the Commonwealth Govem­ Cairns Harbour Board, "We wiU give you ment. $20m, plus a few dollars here and there, to upgrade your airport. Then we want nothing Why should people in country and pro­ to do with it. We wash our hands of it. vincial cities, who pay a large amount of We don't want to know anything about revenue to the Commonwealth Government, it. You run it and organise it." From be slugged once again? That is exactly what that pK>int on the people will pay. will happen. They will be slugged if they want to use their airport. Somebody said It has been estimated that a charge d it was a double tax. I agree. The people $2 wiU be levied at the Cairns Airport. Who wUl pay the normal tax as weU as another are we kidding? Will that be the charge in tax for the privUege of going to or leaving two or three years' time? During our their own city. Who will use the airport previous discussions between the Mt Isa Qty most? The people living there. CouncU and offidals of the Department of Transport, the department estimated that the It is all right to say that tourism should charge would be about 50c. However, our be promoted in Cairns and therefore the estimation revealed a charge of at least $2 airstrip must be developed to handle the and this charge would substantially increase larger jets. But why should the people of in the years ahead. Does anybody Cairns and district pay for it? honestly bdieve that the charge at Caims will be $2? It may be $2 for the first year, Mr J(Hies: Penalised. but from then on it will be anything up Mr BERTONI: Why should they be pen­ to $5 or $6. If p>eople do not realise alised? I agree with the honourable member. that fact now, they certainly wiU in the next couple of years. With inflation, and Mr Casey: If we follow the text of this with more and more burden bdng placed legislation the Mt Isa Airport would be on the Cairns Harbour Board, pieople will taken over by the; TownsvUle Harbour Board. reaUse that they have a tiger by the tail It is ridiculous, isn't it? and they will not know what to do with it. Mr BERTONI: I think that the Cairns If the charge is not increased, then I Harbour Board agreed to take over the must agree with Opposition speakere who ask, "Who is going to pick up the tab?" airport, but I beUeve that all the Common- WiU U be the Queensland Goverament, or Wealth Goverament is reaUy looking for wiU a further charge be levied on the people? is some authority to take over airports. The If, because of some political motive, %n Commonwealth Government will try to make attempt is made tb keep the charge dowii; the local government in Mt Isa take over then the State Goverament wiU have to the airport there^unless, of course, it intends pick up the tab to hdp the Cairns Harbour to form the Leichhardt River Association. Board overcome its financial problems. What­ If the Commonwealth Government attemprts ever happens, the State Goverament and the to do that, I will object strongly at that Queensland p)eople wiU be taking the burden tiine, as I am objecting to this propx)sal off the Commonwealth Goverament and today, I do not. understand everything that supplying a service that is much needed in is hap>pening here. During the Whitlam era country areas. We have heard a lot about the Liberal and National Parties were jump­ the free hospital scheme. The cranch came ing up and down saying, "We cannot do this year when the Commonwealth Govera­ this. Mr Whitlam is a long way behind. ment said, "We don't want anything to do He is going overboard. He is pxenalising with it. You take the burden." This is the country areas." However, we are doing exactly what wiU happen with the airpwrts. exactly the same thing now. We will be accepting all the burden and the Commonwealth Govemment will not recipro­ Mr Davis: I take it you will be voting cate by reducing taxes. against this BiH. Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill 1233

I come back to this principle of the user appeared. To emphasise that I read an extract nays Why should people in country areas from a letter from the secretary of the pay 'a surcharge to use thdr airport when Cairns Airport Development Association— people in Brisbane and in the other capital "The purpose of this letter is to advise cities of Australia do not have to do so? you officially that as a result of a public I cannot get a satisfactory answer to that meeting held in the RSL Hall, The Question. I am told, "Oh, they are major Esplanade, Cairns on Tuesday 11th Novem­ airports, but we should be able to control ber 1980 it was decided to re-form the our own." I cannot accept that, and 1 Cairns Airport Development Committee." will not vote for tiiis Bill. This will be That committee was formed, it rushed in the foremnner of many such Bills. The with enthusiasm and it is to be commended Commonwealth Government has now broken for that. The need was there and this was the back of a major airport in Queensland- a group of people who not only saw the Cairns. need but decided to .try to do something There is talk about taking over Towns­ about it. Because of lack of support from ville Airport but I doubt whether that wfll the community and organisations involved happen because it is an RAAF base. in the Cairns district interest dwindled so Mr Tenni: They wfll take over the build­ a pubUc meeting had to be caUed to see ings and the amenities; they have said that. if that association could be reformed. The end result is that the airport has been handed Mr BERTONI: Yes, but not the actual over to the Cairns Harbour Board. That shows running of the airport or the costs associated the strength of feeling within the Cairns with that. community. I assure all honourable members that the p)eople of Cairns and the surrounding Mr Tenni: No, the strip wiU remain. district are great sticklers for a worthy cause but they were being sold a pup by the Mr BERTONI: That is right, and so wifl Commonwealth Government. the surrounding things. Time has proved just that. I have to go Mr Toinj: To answer your question there, back only to last week when the Federal the reason why North Queensland cop>s it Goverament dealt with the top echelon of is that it cop)s it all the time. Cities such the Queensland Goverament, as well as the as Melbourae, Sydney and Brisbane get every­ other State Governments, and sold the States thing aU the time short by $70m. So for two reasons, we have to keep our wits about us whenever we deal Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr MiUer): with the Federal Government: its record in Order! The honouraible member has had an funding projects in other States is not firet opportunity to address the Chamber. class and the recent Premiers Conference Mr BERTONI: The honourable member proved that it always falls slightly short of for Barron River comes from that area and what is needed to increase development in 1 shall allow him to have his say. I believe this State. he, like the honourable member for Cairns, Over a period of time I have insisted that is very interested in this matter. this airport be built by the Federal Govern­ This Bill contains a matter of principle and ment. My reason for that is that such a 1 strongly object to it. I urge other pieople project is so big that the Federal Govern­ to think very clearly on this point because ment's resources are needed. These things a very important matter of principle is have to be looked at constructively; I beUeve involved. If it was bad in the Whitlam that any criticism that we offer is constractive." era, then it is equally bad in the Fraser This airport should be built by the Federal era. Government and, if it insists, it could then be taken over by an airport authority. Let Mr EATON (Mourilyan) (4.51 p.m.): Like the Federal Government hand over a going many other people, I live within a distant concern. In all my life I have never seen radius of the Cairas Airport and am a anybody have any problems giving away a regular user of it. This proposal was initially viable proposition. It is as simple as that. brought about by the need in Cairas for an interaational airport, which is most import­ When we tried to pin the Commonwealth ant for the future of the Far North. As Goverament down its argument was that, other speakers have mentioned, not only at under the present Act, it could not do times iis the North isolated but also it is that. However, as we have seen in this the liorgotten North. House and in the Federal House, when a Government wants to change an Act or Funding has been the main concern about law, it can msh a Bill through in a matter the upgrading and developing of the Cairns of a few houre. If that was what was Airport to an international airport, This preventing the Cairns Airport from being split the community because there were those developed to interaational standard, it should who could see the drastic need for this have been no problem for the Goverament aevelopment and were prepared to take what­ (which we are led to beUeve at election- ever was offering. As time went on and time has afl the poUtical nouse to deal tneir senses returned they found that the with problems as they arise), in conjunction proposition was not as good as it at firet with the heads of departments, to draw 1234 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU up an amendment to the Act to allocate the accept intemational charters into Australia. total amount of money needed to bring Because of the cost of our intemal flights, that airport up to interaational standard. pjeople wiU want to charter airlines overseas and fly direct into an airport such as I notice that when figures on page 9 and Cairns. Cahns has pjroved over the years in other p>arts of the Minister's second- that it is the central point for seeing the reading spieech are added the total is $23.9m. Barrier Reef. State and Federal authorities Therefore, if there is a mess with the figures can provide figures to show that the Barrier now, what is it going to be Uke when Reef is the No. 1 draw-card for tourists. constraction of the Caims Airport gets under Taking into account the tourist field branch­ way? ing out from Green Island, we reaUse that I do not believe for one moment that Cairas is the centre point of what is perhaps that money wiU be anything like the fuH one of the greatest tourist areas in the amount required to upgrade the Cairns Air­ world. North, south, east and west of port to interaational standard. The Min­ Cairas are some of the greatest tourist ister in charge of the BiU should be weU attractions and some of the areas wflh the aware of that, because he came north after greatest potential for tourist development in the floods in January to see the damage AustraUa. that can be done every January and Feb­ ruary as a result of the normal monsoonal Mr Moore: The skUng slopes are very wet season. He could imagine the result poor there. if we were hit with a normal wet season when the constraction was half completed. Mr EATON: Perhaps I wfll make that In an abnormally wet season, it would be excepition. It is a Uttle dflficult to find snow a catastrophe. It is nothing unusual to see there. There are many snowy-Cairns region—^and I emphasise estly beUeve that by the time the airport is that I am spoaking about the Cairns region, completed the figure wdU be more Uke not orfy about the dty of Cairas—is that $30m-plus. I cannot see its being brought up they have not achieved the results that they to interaational standard under $30m. desired from the time and money they have put into developing the tourist ind.ustry in In order to reaUse that this is a show- North Queensland. On a couple of occa­ pony exercise by the Federal Government, sions they have organised international tours, anyone visiting the Caims Airport at the one being from Jap>an. The Japianese tourists present time or in the near future need landed in Cairns, saw Green Island and then only notice that both Ansett and TAA, since left. Later one member of the pxarty who the announcement of the plan to upgrade had time to spare returned to Cairns. He the airport, have almost completed new was taken to the beautiful beach areas to sections in their terminals. Nobody can the north of Cairns, to the Atherton Table­ tell me that the heads of those companies, land, where there are mountains, lakes, with the contacts they have in the Federal water falls and many other scenic attrac­ Government, did not know from the word tions, down to the tea plantation m my "go" that the Federal Goverament's plans electorate, to the Innisfail area, where the for the Caims Airport were nothing more rain forests come right down to the beaches, than a myth. The directors of those com­ and to other areas in which there are beauti­ panies would not have authorised such work ful rivers and mountains. The Japanese to commence if the Cairns intemational tourists did not know that those areas airport was to be a reality, as we were existed, and I suppose it could be taken as a led to beUeve in the initial announcements mUd criticism that the one who rdumed by the Federal Government. wanted to know why they were not adver­ tised. The effect of an intemational airport in the Far North wUl be tremendous, ITiree The Northern Tourist Devdopment or four weeks ago we saw on television Coundl is trying to pubUdse the areas out­ an American airUne company taking delivery side Cairns, but it forgot to put Innisfail on of a brand new airliner and placing it the map). It was just a Uttie dot. With the straight into moth-balls. The film cUp international airport getting off the ground, showed the airliner being taxied into jjosition the Government should play its part in alongside another one. That company had encouraging tourist development to take taken delivery of two brand new airlinere .place. It should ensure that tourists who that had been flown from the manufacturere come to the area know about Green Island, to the terminal, where they were put into Cairns and the Barrier Reef and also about moth-balls. We know that that cannot go the areas surrounding Cairns. People would on forever. When the cameras panned the have to stay a week to see all that there is field, we saw—and I could be corrected on to be seen. If visits were organised on a this—about 12 airlinere in moth-balls. As regular basis, the Government and the busi­ economic conditions govern all things, we ness people in the Far North would all will find that it will not be long before benefit. those airlinere wiU have to be airborne and, In conclusion, I reiterate that I believe whether they like it or not, those companies the Minister is weU aware that the cost of will be forced through sheer economics to upgrading the airport will be fairly heavy Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill 1235 during the transition period. In my opinion, This Government is in a very difficult pos­ it can only increase, because damage to ition. I do not think any member on this earthworks can be great even in normal wet side of the House is enthusiastic about the seasons. In addition, arguments are bound BiU. In fact, I do not think any single person to occur in relation to award wages and con­ is enthusiastic about it. Nevertheless, the ditions, superannuation, and so on, when Government must act responsibly, and in people are transferred from one employer to attempting to act responsibly it is looking another. We have aU seen instances of that for an authority that can capably handle a in the past. development of the magnitude of the Cairns 1 feel that the criticisms I have offered Airport. I believe it has found the right are just, and I hope that the Government authority. will consider them. On the question of cost, Perhaps it is strange to have a harbour it should take into account the opinions of board in control of an airport. Perhaps there engineers and consultants who, in discus­ is a strong case for changing the name of sions with me, have mentioned that there the board, but that is something that can be could be a difference of $lm in the cost of dealt with in the future. What we have to constructing the shouldere of the runway look at is the prindple involved. alone. It is obvious that a large amount of money is involved, and I do not wish to For many years the Federal Government see the people of North Queensland saddled has had a policy of local ownership of air­ with another tax, even if it is for develop­ ports. This is not new; the Leader of the ment purposes. Opposition mentioned 1958 as the genesis of this policy. It was given a tremendous boost Tbis has been a bad blunder by the Gov­ by a one-time Federal Minister for Transport, ernment. It should have brought pressure Mr Jones. For some obscure reason, people to bear on the Federal Goverament, which in Canberra of the same political persuasion should be building the airport. It should not as Ourselves are following the same procedure. he left to the State Government or the It is on that basis that we criticise them. It Caims Harbour Board to bufld fl. is about time that they woke up to them­ selves. Mr POWELL (Isis) (5.4 p.m.): The legis­ lation now before the House is probaWy the To get back to the basic fact—^the Fed­ second piece of legislation in this session of eral Treasury has allocated $21.6m, which ParMament in which we find examples of must be taken up by 30 June 1981 or the what is euphemistically called Fraser Cairas Airport faUs into further disrepair federaKMn. When announcing the cuts in and, I would suggest, further disrepute. Federal Government spending, the Prime Minister said that there were many things Mr Jones: By design. that the States could do much better than the Federal Government, and I think that Mr POWELL: I am not denying that it is all honourable members—certainly honour­ by design. I am firmly convinced of the able members on this side of the Chamber— stupidity of the Federal Govermnent. would applaud that philosophy. However, when it comes to airports, air traffic naviga­ Mr Wilson: Why don't you caU its bluff? tion regulations and regulations dealing generally with air safety, aU of which have Mr POWELL: I thought I had just naliori-wide appUcation, one wonders why explained that, if we did call the Federal Gov­ we have to accept this legislation. ernment's bluff, the honourable member who We are in a very difficult position. On the has interjected—^it is strange to see him in one hand, we are told by the Federal Gov­ the House—^would be jumping up and down ernment that $21.6m will be spent on the and criticising the State Government for Cairns Airport, provided there is local owner­ not accepting the $21.6m. ship; on the other, we are told that if there is no local ownerehip that $21.6m goes back Mr Frawley: It is pretty hard to explain into Mr Howard's coffers. it to him. You would need a blackboard. This afteraoon Opposition members have Mr POWELL: It would be difficult for him castigated the Government for taking the to read what was on it. step that it has taken. If the Government had refused point-blank to do what it is dcnng. The problem is that the local ownership Opposition members would be equally vocifer­ policy is a fait accompU as far as the State ous in their attacks on us for ignoring the Government is concerned, and it has to do J2t.6m, whidi they would say, euphemistic- the responsible thing. It has been said that ally, would be for northern development. the airports at Mackay and Maryborough are next to be affected by the Federal Gov­ Mr Hooper: "Euphemistically" and "vocif­ ernment's Une of ddence. That worries me. erous"? The Maryborough airport is adjacent to my electorate and I use it reasonably regularly. Mr POWELL: Yes. Three airports within a very short flying dis­ tance, namdy, Bundaberg with the Wghest Mr Hewitt: Isn't he loquadous? passenger concentration, Maryborough and Hervey Bay, are capable of handling Fokker Mr POWELL: He certainly is. Friendship F27 aircraft. 1236 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

I wonder if the people of Cairns would Mr Eaton: Don't you think that if the be happy in the long run if we, as somebody Commonwealth was to build the airports suggested, attempted to call the Federal Gov­ and hand them over to Mackay, Caims ernment's bluff and ignored this sum of Townsville and Rockhampton, they would money, and the Cairas Airport reverted to be accepted as a going concera? F27 standard? In our part of the world we find it a disadvantage not to have jet air Mr POWELL: That creates another prob­ transport. For example, APEX fares are not lem. It IS the thin end of the wedge. If the available to people in my area. People who Federal Government upgraded the airports travel on a Fokker Friendship get a fairly to an acceptable standard and handed them good ride. I have no complaints at all about over to local ownerehip committees, thev the Fokker Friendship except that it is noisier would still have to be maintained. I think and slower that a jet. However, we have no it was the honourable member for Mourilyan alternative to paying first-class fares. who pointed out clearly that it would cost $lm to do just the shoulders of the runway Mr Frawley: The wheels don't always come and I accept his figure because I believe up. that It is correct. They wUl require constant maintenance. If the local group takes over Mr POWELL: I do not mind if the the airport and continues to ran it, it will wheels don't come up; it is when they don't face the same maintenance that the harbour go down that it worries me. board faces under this Bill. So it is really We are forced to accept a single-fare six of one and half a dozen of the other. structure. Worse than that, when BPA intro­ duced its turbo prop Metros, we had to pay I object to this policy. All Govemment the same fares to travel on that aircraft members object to it, but we are faced with as we did on Fokker Friendships. In my it. It would be totally irresponsible of us opinion, the fare structure is completely to stick our heads into the sand and ignore wrong. How would the people of Cairns Uke it. That is the sort of thing that the it if they had to accept it? I suggest to honourable member for Cairas and the the Parliament that that is the .sort of Leader of the Opposition were suggesting. alternative that they are looking at. That would be irresponsible. I do not like the legislation but I will support il simply It is not in the hands of this ParUament because I cannot, for the life of me, see to look at that alteraative. I am sure that any way out. the members for Caims, Barron River and Mourilyan would be extremely upset if A number of airports arc already locally the Caims Airport was downgraded so that owned. For example, Hervey Bay Airport only turbo-prop or piston-engine aircraft was upgraded by the Hervey Bay Town could use it? Council. This will amuse honourable mem­ bere. The council has appUed for local Mr Eaton: Get to the px)int: the money ownership and the Federal Goverament will was available under one condition. If $19m not aHow it. I cannot work that policy out or $20m is available under one condition, and we are trying to come up with the it should be available under another. That answer. That councU is willing and able was our argument. to take over the airport and run it success­ fully and the Federal Goverament wifl not Mr POWELL: I agree with the honourable come to the party; yet it is playing around member. I do not disagree in any way. How­ with Cairns in this fashion. To me, it has ever, I am trying to put to him and other one poUcy for one part of the State and honourable members the difficult position another policy for another part of the State-' in which the Government is placed. or could it' be that the Commonwealth Allegedly the money is given, under a Government can see the writing on the certain set of circumstances, by the Federal wall in the Far North? Goverament. It wUl not accept the other argument that has been advanced. For over I object to this Parliament's having to 12 months we have been negotiating with deal with this typ>e of legislation. We have the Federal Government. Instead of the no alternative but to go ahead with it. We argument being carried on in this ParUa­ vwll be carefully watching what happens. ment, it should be carried on in the House I beUeve that the Cairns Harbour Board is of Representatives and the Senate. As the the right authority to take it over because honourable member for Mt Isa suggested, the Govemment has far more input on that the p>eople in the Federal ParUament should board than, for instance, on a local auth­ be arguing on behalf of the people of North ority. Ratepayers wfll not be lumbered Queensland and those in other provincial with the disadvantages that might occur. Queensland cities. On the other hand, the harbour board will get the profits, if any, from the airport If the Federal Government is honest in its and it wiU have to look carefully at going policy on tourism, it wiU be clear to it that into its cost structure. it is not just the Cairns Airport that has to be upgraded, but the airports at Mackay, I am disappointed that some members Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and of the Opposition have not been constradive Maryborough. It is quite clear that if we and positive in the point of view that they are to attract tourists we must be able to have taken. I cannot underetand why the jet them in to these places. Leader of the Opposition, whenever he Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU 1237 criticises the Goverament, must deliver a borough airport for nearly four years. If diatribe of mundane, party-political mutter- one is required, the fire brigade has to ings. He continually looks for a problem in travel out from town. I do not know what anything in whidi the National Party is will happen while it is doing that. Anyone involvwl. It is the Government that is who has any knowledge of aircraft crashes involved. It is a harbour board that will knows that it is a question of seconds, not look after the airport. Whilst I have doubts minutes. and whilst I disagree with the proposal, I The honourable member for Isis referred hope that it is successful. to Hervey Bay. It is true that the Hervey Bay Town Council felt that it could improve Mr HANSEN (Maryborough) (5.19 p.m.): its position by providing an airetrip in the Air navigation control by the Commonwealth area. It used a considerable amount of was first put to the people of AustraUa in the money that it received from the Fraser 1936. The proposition was carried in two Island comptensation funds to develop an States but fl was not carried in the majority airetrip at Hervey Bay that was capable of of States. The Commonwealth then exer­ taking Fokker Friendshipw. I think that cised the powere under section 92 of the one service a week op)erates out of Hervey Commonwealth Constitution, appUed to the Bay. The coundl felt that the amenities courts and took over the control of air at the airport should be imp>roved. What navigation and airports in major centres. did it do? It allocated funds to build The Leader of the Opposition mentioned better toilets and a waiting room at the that, since 1958, there has been a system of airport. The council appUed to the Depart­ local ownerehip of airports. It was designed ment of Transport for a subsidy. The Dep­ initially to encourage and assist the develop­ artment agreed with what the council was ment d airports in country areas. Many doing, but as yet the council has not received councils looked on it as an opportunity to any money. develop their districts, and they entered I see this proposal as being the thin edge into schemes under which subsidies were of the wedge. The fact that Cairas Airport available through the Department of Civil has been chosen on this occasion means Aviation to bufld and maintain the airstrips. that provincial airports along the coast have Most d the jobs were small, as the airports a very short future. They are bdng pushed catered mainly for small aircraft. into this local ownership situation, and it Later, some towns along the coast felt must be a matter of concera to aU hon­ that they could further their interests by ourable membere in this House. The mem­ having an airport. The local counoU at ber for Isis said, "When they offer you Maroochydore proposed that it would buUd money, you can't refuse it." If the State an airport to jet standard. I do not know Govemment refused this money on this what the economics of that are, but I know occasion, it would not be the firet time that the standards for jet aircraft are much it has done so. It was offered money by higher than those for turbo-prop aircraft. a Federal Govemment to acquire land; it was offered money by the same Minister for It is trae that during the period of the Transport who has been mentioned here, Whitlam Goverament the Transport Minister •Mr Jones, to upgrade the railway system. sought to interest a number of larger centres in taking over the ownerehip of airports. That offer was also made to other States. There was a little bit of lolly on the end of South Australia and Tasmania took advant­ the offer, as there is in the case of Cairns, age of that offer and took the money. Other which is being offered $21.36m. The littie , States decided to maintain, the ownership and forget about the money. Whdher that is bit of lolly was that the councils could right or wrong, it is not the first time that maintain the airports better because they the present (jueensland Government has would have the staff and machinery avaUable refused Federal money because of tiie con­ not only to constmct airetripK but also to ditions attaching to it. I do not see that carry out maintenance work. The councils the Government is in the position of being were also told that they would be able to pushed into a comer and not being able to lease or rent buildings and sites at the walk out. I see this measure as bdng the airport. The Whitlam Goverament felt beginning of the end, with local ownership that, with subsidies, local authorities could being thrust upon other areas. do the job much more cheaply. But in those days that offer never appUed to major Perhaps in future a port authority wiH airports. It was always conceded that major not handle it, but then it gets down to local airports would be serviced by jet aircraft. authorities, and after that how far will it go? WiU it be a joint venture by a number Over recent yeare there has been a reduc­ of local authorities or wiU it fall on one local tion in the amount of maintenance carried authority? When I was Deputy Mayor of out at airports in provincial areas. I refer Maryborough a case was put by the Depart­ to the airports in Maryborough and Glad­ ment of Transport, but it was rejected out stone. Since immediately after the war, of hand because the coundl was not pre­ fire tendere and crews had always been pared to saddle its ratepayers with extra available at those airports, but they were exjpenditure. The councU did not expect to taken away. It was decided that it was get very much assistance from surrounding too costly to maintain this safety standard. shires, even though they might use the air­ There has been no fire tender at the Mary­ port. 1238 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

For that reason I fed that I must oppose Calliope Shire Councils already provide this measure. I point out that the Govern­ one third of the costs of the Gladstone ment is not in a px)Sition of "take it, or leave Airport's maintenance and upi-keep. The it". The Government is approving the issue State and Federal Governments pay the of local ownership and the banding-over by remaining costs. the Federal Government of its responsibil­ "Cr StiUer said that both councils must ities. If the Queensland Pariiament passes provide for the airport in their annual this legislation it is aiding and abetting the budgets and that additional revenue is Federal Government. As I have said, it obtained through head taxes imposed on would not be the first time that Common­ airline companies for the use of the air­ wealth moneys have been refused because port. of the conditions attached to them. I sug­ "Problems arose because of delays in gest that the money should be refused on Federal Government funding for the ter­ this occasion. minal. 'If the Federal Government doesn't Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (5.27 p.m.): I approve the plans by the end of June, we am concerned that the Federal Government wfll have to wait another 12 months,' he does not want to shoulder its responsibility said. in rdation to air transport in this State. The "Cr Stfller explained that delays in fund­ Federal Government is seeking local author­ ing necessitated the serving of andher ities that wfll take over the control of air­ precept on the councfls to obtain more ports in their areas. In this case the Cairns money. Harbour Board is doing that. But I ask: " 'I am very dissatisfied with the whole Why? I have no hesitation in saying that situation,' he said. 'There is no forward I believe that airports are a Commonwealth planning by the government. We don't responsibdlity. know what funds we will receive from one year to the next.'" In his second-reading speech the Minister stated that Queensland has 123 Ucensed aerodromes, 20 of which are owned by the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Mfller): Commonwealth. Of course, the 20 Common­ Order! I point out to the honourable mem­ wealth-owned airports of Queensland include ber that we are not discussing the Glad­ those at the major cities of Cairas, Mackay, stone Airport. The Bill refers to the Cairns Townsville, Mt Isa, Rockhampton and Airport, and I would like him to relate Coolangatta. 69 of the 103 remaining his remarks to that. licensed aerodromes are operated under the scheme of local ownership administered by Mr PREST: I do relate my comments the Commonwealth Govemment. That is a to that. The BUl refers to the Common­ scheme of Commonwealth subsidy for the wealth's asking a statutory authority to take construction and maintenance of community over the Cairns Airport. I am pointing out airports. that, although the . Commonwealth might I Uve in an area where the airport is say that it is responsibfle for these things, operated by a joint local authority, that in view of the expierience in Gladstone I being the Gladstone-CalUope Joint Aero­ am very concemed that, it will be tardy drome Board. From time to time many in coming forward with the finance necessary problems arise. I have a Press statement to carry out the maintenance and upkeep issued by the Chairman of the Gladstone- of the airport. Calliope Joint Aerodrome Board in relation to a proposed new terminal, building. I The article continues— have a statement here that appeared in the "Gladstone's Mayor, Aid Cold Brown Press on 5 May 1981 by the Director of the said yesterday, 'It is the responsibility of Transport Department's Queensland Region, the Department of Transport to operate Mr R. M. Seymour. He stated that the the airport. It is definitely against my Government remains responsible for provid­ ideas.' ing, .maintaining and opjerating special "Aid Brown concluded that the main­ facilities. Those included navigational aids, tenance of the airport placed an extra communications, fire service and aiir traffic burden on the ratepiayer." control. He also said that the Common­ I recommend to any member of a local wealth Government would keep ownership and responsibflity for appropriate buildings authority contemplating taking over control and fadlities. In "The Gladstone Observer" of an airport in the area that he have sec­ of 9 May 1981 Councillor StiUer was ond thoughts on it. I have lived in an area reported as saying that although some funds that has operated its own airport and am had been granted the plans had still not been aware of the extreme financial burden apjproved. That article continued— placed on the local authority as a result. "Cr StiUer said that repeated setbacks I am also concerned about safety at these in funding from the Department of Trans­ airports. Mr Seymour says that the Govern­ port had put a drain on CouncH funds. ment is responsible for navigational aids, "At a time when the Razor Gang's communications, fire services and air traffic recommendation that local government control. I am concerned about safety at authorities should take over the runniing the Gladstone Airport—and an accident of the airports is causing an outcry from could happen at Caims. The member for many councils, the Gladstone City and Maryborough has already said that the fire Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH 1239 services have been taken away from Mary­ funds. If the Commonwealth Government borough. We have never had them at cannot provide safety devices to protect Gladstone. people's lives, I am sure that its assistance will be sadly lacking in the maintenance of I underetand that the airUne pUots associ­ the Cairns Airport. ation of Australia has made some demands and indicated that, because of the absence I have no doubt that the Cairas Harbour of safety devices, it is dissatisfied with flying Board has good intentions. Probably Mick into Gladstone. From time to time we are Borzi and his board are concerned about told that we are unable to obtain seats travel facilities, because Caims is the centre on aircraft because the pUots association of a major tourist area that is continuing has recommended a cut-back of flights and to develop. The Minister said that he is is prepared to man only a certain number acting on behalf of the Department of Har­ of flights to Gladstone because of safety boure and Marine in this instance, and I considerations. A full-time fire service is question why it has a responsibiUty for required at the airport. Faced with a short­ tourism. The Queensland Tourist and Travel age of funds, the local authority is unable Corporation was established recently. If the to provide that service. State Government is to be involved in any A further concern of mine relates to way in this proposal, p)erhaps that corpor­ safety of aircraft when approaching these ation should take over the airport. The airports. I was informed a little while ago Cairns Harbour Board could then concentrate that the Gladstone/Clinton Aerodrome on providing marine services. Board had written to the Queensland I reiterate that it is the responsibility of Department of Transport in Brisbane about the Commonwealth Goverament to provide an incident that happened on 19 Decem­ finance for the maintenance and upgrading ber 1980, when a TAA Friendship was of airports, and I agree with the honourable approaching the airport—it must have been member for Caims that airports in Queens­ under 400 feet—and was suddenly put on land should be a major Unk in the ddence its tafl. Through the port windows could of the Commonwealth of AustraUa. be seen the red light of a aircraft taking off. I have been led to believe that a BPA aircraft on a commercial flight cut Hon. V. J. BIRD (Burdekin—Minister for across the path of that large commercial Northern Devdopmient and Maritime Services) airliner making its approach. (5.39 p.m.), in reply: I thank aU honourable membere for their contributions to the debate. Being concemed, I spoke about the incid­ When I assumed responsibility for the port­ ent with the board in Gladstone and also folio of Northern Development and Maritime with the traffic controllers in Rockhampton Services, little did I know that I would be and the department in Brisbane. The answer introducing a Bill to allow a harbour board that I received was unsatisfactory; in fact, to take control of an airport. Because of it increased my concem. I was told that circumstances that one might say have been there is no air traffic control over an thrast upon the Govemment, as honourable aircraft at Gladstone once it is below membere are now well aware, I have intro­ 4000 ft. duced a Bill to allow the Caims Harbour 1 spoke to a pilot employed by BPA and Board to take over responsibiUty for the asked, "How is air safety at airports through­ Caims Airport. As various members have out Queensland? I am concerned about said, it is most unusual and this is the firet Gladstone." He said, "Well, Gladstone is bad, time it has been done. but the worst airport in Queensland is Maroochydore. Little aircraft are coming in If I might reply briefly to the contributions and going out very regularly there, and in of various members—the Opposition spokes­ many instances they will not talk to you. man, the member for Caims, admitted that it It is very dangerous." The Commonwealth was the first time that a harbour board had Goverament is responsible for navigational agreed to take over an airport. We know the aids, air safety, fire safety, and so on, yet reasons for that decision; they have been can­ commercial pilots say that incidents such as vassed here this afternoon. Since 1958 the the one to which I referred do occur in poUcies of the various Commonwealth Gov­ Queensland. If something is not done about ernments have been to hand over to local that, sooner or later there wfll be a mid­ ownership, where possible, the airports air crash, and who knows how many lives throughout the State and, in fact, throughout may be lost. the Commonwealth. Previously that policy applied only to the smaUer airports that had In my opinion, the responsibility for air­ been handed over to local authorities. ports lies entirely with the Commonwealth, and I am concemed about the Cairns Harbour Here for the first time we have the Com­ Board's interest in taking control of the monwealth wishing to transfer a jet airport Cairns Airport. MUlions of dollare wiU be to local ownership. Some consideration had required to bring that airport up to an accep­ to be given to who would take over the table standard for international flights and Cairns Airport. We know that the Caims to meet the safety requirements of the air City Council and other local authorities in pilots association of Australia, and it is North Queensland considered taking it over obvious that there will be a shortfall in and then rejeded the proposal. 1240 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

As Minister for Maritime Services, I was should allow it to build up a reserve in informed that the Cairns Harbour Board had the immediate future that would aUow it indicated a desire to take over the ownership to carry out maintenance for quite some of the Cairns Airport, subject to the Com­ time. At this stage it visualises no need monwealth Govemment's carrying out its to review the $2 fee for approximately 10 responsibilities with regard to the upgrading years. of that airport. The honourable member for The member for Cairns spoke about mil­ Caims asked who was negotiating on behalf itary aircraft using the airport. I suppose of the Caims Harbour Board and the people that we all have in mind what would happen of North Queensland to obtain a satisfactory in wartime or if this nation were under upgrading of the airport prior to its transfer threat. I give him an assurance that under to local ov/nership. the terms of the proposed agreement all The BUl provides for the Cairns Harbour aircraft owned by the Commonwedth Gov­ Board to enter into an agreement with the ernment, including defeiKe aircraft, will have Commonwealth. Negotiations concerning this guaranteed access to the airport, agreemeirf are being undertaken by the chair­ man of the Cairns Harbour Board, in col­ Mr iones: Don't you think the Defence laboration with the Co-ordinator-General and Department ought to be responsible in some the Under Treasurer. Honourable members way for underwriting the faciUties because can rest assured that when those negotiations of the possibility of a war or some other take place I will be looking at them closely national threat? In such an event it would to ensure that Queensland gds the absolute virtually confiscate the airport and aU the maximum that can be extracted from the facilities would be there. Commonwealth so that the airport can be upgraded to the highest degree possible. It Mr BIRD: No doubt the Commonwealth is unfortunate that the Commonwealth has will be keeping a close eye on the con­ stipulated that it will spiend the money on dition of the Cairns Airport at aU times. upgrading the Cairns Airport only on the It will still have some responsibUiUes. It condition that it is handed over to local will have to meet 50 pier cent of the ownership. maintenance costs. It will be watching what happens very closely- It is generally con­ I have a dual responsibility. As Minister sidered that TownsvUle is the main RAAF for Maritime Services, I have the responsi­ air base in the North; We also have Darwin bility of looking after our ports; as Minister and Tindal in the Northern Territory. I for Northern Development, I have a respon­ doubt very much that the Commonwealth sibility to ensure that the people of North Government, through its defence policies, Queensland are assisted in every way possible will have any great interest in Cairns at to bring about development in their part of the present time. No doubt it will keep a the State as rapidly as possible. weather eye on the condition of the airport so that if it is required at any time in Knowing Cairas as weU as I do—various the future it will be in a reasonably .service­ members have spoken of the attributes of able condition. the city and the surrounding areas—I believe it is absolutely essential that Cairns have the The honourable member for Cairns spoke best airport that can be provided, and at the about the airports at Canberra and Norfolk earliest possible opportunity. We should be Island, and said that the Commonwealth able to give an undertaking to people wishing is doing nothing about handing them over to travel to and from Cairns that their safety to local ownership and imposing a levy is assured and that the typo of aircraft that on the people in those areas. I remind the it is proposed will use the airport both now honourable member that both Canberra and and in the future will in fact be able to Norfolk Island are controlled by the Com­ use it. It must be usable by aircraft carry­ monwealth. It would simply be handing the ing overseas visitors to Caims and Queens­ responsibflity to itself. land people overeeas. The honourable member for Cairns I had to arrive at a decision on which rightly sought an assurance about the future was the correct course to follow—^whether of the airport .p)ersonnel. That is sjjelt out to reject entirely the Commonwealth's offer in the Bill. The future of the Cairns or whether to act in what I hope wiU prove Airport personnel is safeguarded. That is to be in the best interests of the people of another matter that I will be watching Cairiis and agree to introduce this legislation very closely when the agreement is in the so that Caims Airport can be upgraded with final preparation stages. the minimum of delay. I think it was the honourable member The honourable member for Cairns spoke for Cairns who spoke about some assurance about the envisaged $2 charge and expressed being given about a rderendum. If an some doubt about whether it would meet assurance was given it was not given to the future requirements of the Caims Har­ me as the Minister for Northera Develop­ bour Board in maintaining the airport propj- ment and Maritime Services. From the erly. The Cairns Harbour Board has indic­ correspondence, telegrams and telephone ated that the placing of a charge of $2 on calls I received, I can say that there passengers travelling in and out of Caims did not appear to be any great desire Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill 1241 for a referendum before the decision was Mention has been made of the Australian made on whether the Cairns Harbour Board PoUce and what the future holds for them. should take over the Cairns Airport. They have a responsibflity under the Air Navigation Act and I see no reason why It was also said that some assurance was their position Should not be maintained. desirable that a precept would not be placed The honourable member for Barron River on the Cairns ratepayers. I can only give mentioned noise pollution. I am not an air­ the House an assurance that while I am craft engineer but, on the advice that has Minister for Northem Development and been given to me, I believe that the aircraft Maritime Services, and responsible for the of the future will not be as noisy as those implementation of this legislation, I will cer­ in use at the present time or in use years ago. tainly not give any consideration to the Therdore I trust that noise poUution wfll imppointees have the powers of the The general questions that I raise wiH negotiator. We have not exactly accepted involve concfliation in great detafl because that as a fait accompli. The agreement has of the effect on employees, thdr famUies and scope for further concession—or further their homes. When decisions are made that restriction, for that matter. Has the Minister affect them—some of them may already have or any of his officers been involved in the been taken—^the employees wiU have to make previous n^otiations? Obviously, from what decisions of thdr own, and I believe that he said in his reply, he has not. The prime any consultations ought to include them and negotiators were the r^resentatives of the repjresentatives of their unions. Caims Harbour Board and the Common­ If they are no longer Commonwealth wealth. employees, they will want to know what Mr BIRD: My understanding is that the their position is and what rights they have Co-ordinator-General and the Under Treas­ to superannuation, long service leave, sick urer have already taken part in those leave and other award provisions. Surely negotiations. they ought to be given a choice and a say in the matter so that they will not be dis­ Mr JONES: Who vriU be the management? advantaged or less favourably treated. I say I take it that the existing piersonnel serving that having in mind clause 3 (2) (g), which on the harbour board wiU be the effective says— management, with no subcommittee bdng "the transfer to the Authority of pier- set up. Will there be a manager appointed sons employed by the Commonwealth for or wifl it be the secretary of the harbour the purposes of or in connexion with the board? How many would he envisage being operation of the airport and the preser­ on the management staff and in the opera­ vation of accrued rights of service to which tions and maintenance of the airport? The those piersons would have been entitled if Minister said that the BiU authorises they had continued to be employed by the the authority to employ staff including, Commonwealth." subject to the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act and the agreement between the Commonwealth and the auth­ Mr BIRD: It is obvious that the honour­ ority, the staff transferred from the Com­ able member has read the report. Therefore, monwealth. he would be aware that management plans have been prepared by the consultants, and As I read in a letter at the second-reading every effort will be made to employ the stage, there is some sftaff concern about people who are presently employed at the seniority. I know that the staff are con­ airport. No final decision has been made cerned about that. Page 25 of the Caims as to the exact number of staff, but' I Aiiport Local Ownership Study enumerates should say that there would be additional the positions as manager/bookeeper, clerk/ staff rather than fewer staff to carry out typist, three aiiport traffic officers and three the actual management. That decision wfll janitors. That is included in the staff costs not be made untfl agreement has been prior to the completion of stage 1 works. reached. Following the completion of stage 1, operat­ ing and management costs, I take it, are I gave an assurance in the Chamber earlier assumed to be $126,000—based on January —and I will repeat it—that every effort 1980 prices. These are the only staff men- will be made to protect those mernbere of tiOTed in the report. the staff who are presently employed at the 1244 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill

airport. There may be some who wish to Clause 3 (3) allows for renegotiation. I transfer, and that wiU be the subject of venture to suggest that the time for argument negotiation between the Cairas Harbour is in the embryo stage, which is now, Board and the present employees at the and that the Minister wUl be the jienon airport. privy and the party to approve. That is a very important pxMnt conceraing the Mr JONES: All that the employees know employees and the future negotiations. at present is what they have been told by the regional director, and I accept the Mr CASEY: I should like the Minister Minister's assurance that they wiH be looked to clarify one point, because I can see after. From my exp)erience in the State Gov­ a problem area arising in the future. I ernment railways, I am weU aware of the refer to subclause (2) (e), which refere to eUgibility of State employees transferring to the provision for the security of the airport. the Commonwealth service for continuity of service and protection of their long service EarUer the Minister said that the Com­ leave entitlements. However, in this instance monwealth Police would probably have to the pxjsition is revereed. Commonwealth remain at the airport. That is to be employees wiU be reverting to employment expected, because the airport is, after all, in a seimi-Govemment or local govemment an international airport. Naturally the area where there will be no flow on of Commonwealth PoUce will have a role to benefits. What wiU happien to their supier- play. However, the Bfll is a Uttle confusing annuation entitlement and other benefits? in that in some provisions it refere to the airport as being virtually Commonwealth The agreement may yet contain provisions territory, yet in others it refers to the fact of this nature, because clause 3 (2) (g) that the airport wiU come under the Harbours adverts to the preservation of accmed rights Act. That Act, of course, is a State of service and draws attention to the rami­ responsibility, so I should like some clarifica­ fication involved. The provisions should be tion on the powere of the Queensland PoUce underetood to mean that their entitlements, Force in relation to crimes that may be eligibflity and conditions of employment will committed on that propwrty. I am thinking not be altered by the changeover. Their of breaking and entering and other crimes. rights should be protejcted, and I accept the Most airports have security officere from Minister's assurance that they will be. security firms and watching services. The Clause 5 (5) (ii) gives a fairly wide-ranging duty of those officere is to search baggage, interpretation, subject to the Acts, both to inspect facilities and to keep an eye Commonwealth and State, that the authority on certain buildings and propjerty. It is may determine the terms and conditions of likely that we will end up with a hotchpotch. its employees and separates the Common­ I should like the Minister to indicate what wealth employees "handed down" as subject is going to happ>en. to the agreement. Clause 3 is the negotiating clause and it Mr BIRD: I see a need for a continuation is depjendent on the approval of the Min­ of the employment of Commonwealth Police, ister, He is a very important pjerson in because most of thdr duties are related regard to the future of these employees. to air safety. They ensure that no passenger Their future rests on all conditions appro­ carrying a gun or any other type of wapon priate to all aspects of the airport. We hidden on his pereon is pyermitted to board wiU be interested to hear of the Min­ an aircraft. That will remain a Common­ ister's involvement and to receive his assur­ wealth responsibility. Once the aircraft ance that during the negotiations he will is in the air, the Commonwealth has the be keeping a weather eye on the employees. responsibility of ensuring the safety of the The forthcoming agreement will determine passengere. I see no reason why the Com­ not only the future for these employees but monwealth Police should not stfll have a also the blueprint for other Commonwealth role to play. I suppose that security would employees who are transferred in the future. be the same as with any other public build­ ing, and therefore there will be.a rraponsi- The agreement wiH also contain the Com­ bility on the part of the State Police to monwealth's part and participation in the be involved. management, op>eration and maintenance of the airport as well as in the regulation, Clause 3, as read, agreed to. manner of performance and the functions. Clause 4—-Interpretation— As to Clause 3 (2) (f), this Parliament has the right to know and have spelt out what Mr JOIVES (7.36 pm.): I think it well outstanding Uabilities and obUgations .the to retrace the situation under this agreement Commonwealth still has to fulfil. They were because the agreement is probably the most incurred before the transfer, and others important matter. Technically, it is the may occur prior to the State Government's kernel. According to clause 3, the agree­ going into the negotiations within the pro­ ment will have wide ramifications. It will visions of the agreement. What additional be the blueprint for every other agreement requirements does the Minister, as the neg­ by which an airport is transferred. otiator, see as being those that should be I am sure that some cognisance can be predetermined or subject to an arbitrary placed on what hapi>ened in the House when referral? the Opposition voted against the pwindples Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU 1245 of the Bill. I noted that nobody other too Uttle to do for the people of Cairns who than the Minister spoke in favour of the wfll be taxed twice and wiU have to under­ Bill. Of aU the spjeakers who made a write the provisions of this Bill. contribution, not one Liberal member spoke, and I did not hear one voice supporting I hope that the conclusions on pjages 39, the principles of the BiU. Almost as many 40 and 41 of the Cairns Airport Local membere abstained from voting as voted Ownership Study will be accepted more widely against it, because 25 abstained, 33 voted than the terms of the agreement indicate. I for it, 22 voted against it, and there was trust that this agreement will be widely one pair. , That is my assessment of the debated and that some hard bargaining wfll situation as a former Whip. I draw the take place. If we are to accept it, we want Minister's attention to that situation so that to get the best possible deal. when he is negotiating Clause 4, as read, agreed to. Clause 5—Oeneral functions and powers Mr NEAL: I rise to a point of order. of Authority in relaition to Airport— The statement made by the honourable mem­ ber for Cairas is totally incorrect. Quite Mr JONES (7.41 p.m.): This clause is a a number of members were officially on very important one. It provides the overaU leave. Only four were absent from the control for managing, operating and main­ Chamber. taining the Cairns Airport and it is the authority to provide the services, to sell or The DEPUTY CHAIRMAN (Mr Akers): hire, to carry out works and to purchase or Order! There is no valid point of order. otherwise acquire. Mr NEAL: The Premier and his Minis­ It is the crucial clause in relation to the head tax or what is called the passenger ters were absent on official business. service charge in the industry. However, no charge is prescribed. It does not provide 50c, Mr JONES: The vote was 33 for and 22 as appears in the first report. It does not against. TTie honourable member may mani­ provide $2 for 10 years as the Minister has pulate the figures as he will, and he may indicated. The BiU does not speU it out. make excuses on behalf of members, but Therefore I approach it with some trepida­ 1 saw a crowd of northern membere in Mr tion. Speaker's gallery who did not vote with the Opposition. They certainly showed that they I refer again to the Cairns Airport Local were against the Bifl by standing outside Ownership Study whioh is the skeldon on the Bar d the House. which the Bfll was framed. Clause 5.5.4 on page 32 of the report, the results of the Mr Moore interjeded. analysis, shows the terminal rental. The second part of that clause reads— Mr JONES: The honourable member for "The lower annual terminal rental of Windsor may deny and argue as he wishes, $80 000 per annum also was adopted. On but can he tefl me why no-one in this this basis, the preferred option would Parliament supported the Bill other than result in a passenger service Charge of 10 the Minister? cents on a one-way ticket into Cairns Air­ Mr Moore interjected. port in the worst year. "Cash flow analyses using the assumptions Mr JONES: The honourable member for for the sensitivity analysis given in 5.5.3 Windsor is making a lot of noise but not above indicate a passenger service charge one member of his party supported the for the extreme cases of bdween 2-40c principle of Mr Fraser's standing over the to balance revenue against costs." Government and handing it a fait accompli. We talk about cost aspects and the user pays. I read that to mean that, in January Mr Casey: No member of the Liberal Party 1980, it was said that a 50c levy would be showed any interest in it at all. imposed as the passenger service charge. Why then is it now $2? If it escalates to Mr JONES: None at all. that extent in 14 months, by the time the Mr Moore: If you really want to know, airport is in operation in 1983 it wiU be $4 t was against fl. or $5 and by the end of the 10-year period it wiU be $10 or, for a man and wife, $20. Mr JONES: Why didn't the honourable The Minister has said that he will hold it member vote against it? Why didn't he down to $2 for 10 years. But the Minister come over with us? has said that he could be here for only one Mr Moore: Because you gabbled on for term. That is aU he can really guarantee. an hour and a half. Heavens above, who He can give his word but the next Govern­ would want to be a party to that? ment could say, "We wiU not abide by that." A Labor Government would have a solu­ Mr JONES: The honourable member did tion. It would look at the New South Wales not vote with us because I took an hour system and, following what was done in and a half to outline the situation on behalf New South Wales, we would aboUsh the ot the people of Cairas? The plight of the harbour boards and appoint regional author­ people of Cairns warranted my sponding an ities. The statutory provisions under this hour and a half on this issue. That was all BiU would then be in a bit of a fix. The 1246 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport Bill statutory authorities would be changed. I Minister's obligations at the agreement stage am prepared to go out onto the sitump and are very important ones. His designated welcome a challenge from anybody. negotiators are very important in this The airport tax or the head tax creates agreement. a nuisance situation. The Cairns Harbour Board will become a tax collector for the Mr BIRD: I have already endeavoured to Commonwealth of Australia. It wiU be a give an assurance to the honourable mem­ head tax. One of the greatest nuisances that ber that the rights and privileges of the pres­ we expterience when we travel overeeas with ent employees will be proteded. I am quite a delegation is that when we hit an airport sure that there wiU nOt be any need for like Kuala Lumpur we have to pay $10 on this matter to go to arbitration. I am also the spot. I know, that this charge wfll be quite sure that agreement wiH be reached on included in the price of the air ticket and conditions of employment for each and every that passengers wifl not actuaUy have to one of the present employees. However, pay the charge on the spot. People are very there must be a right to hire and fire in the conscious about where their money goes. future. All the present employees wfll not They will be aware of the extra charges stay there for ever—some wfll reach retire­ that are bdng levied on them. ment age and no doubt others will move to other places—and there will be a need to Mr BIRD: I reiterate that before agreeing replace them. There might be a need to to introduce this Bill into this Parliament, take on additional staff. TTiat right wiH have I had to give careful consideration to the to vest in the Cairas Harbour Board. future of Caims, the tourist industry and the general travelUng public of Cairns. The Clause 5, as read, agreed to. proposals were put to me after consultation Clause 6—Application and constraction of had taken place between the Cairns Harbour Harbours Act and other statutory provi­ Board, the Co-ordinator-General's Depart­ sions— ment and the Under iSecretary. The figures cited by the honourable member for Cairns Mr JONES (7.50 p.m.): I raised this were very eariy ones. After consultation matter when dealing whh clause 2. This and more in-deprth study into the level at clause ensures that the provisions of the which the charge should be fixed, it was Harboure Act ap)ply in pmnciple to the air­ decided that in order to ensure there was a port operation. Section 62 also gives the capital build-up to allow other works and power to buy and seU land and covers maintenance to be carried out on the Cairns the leasing and licensing of buildings and Airport in the future, a levy of $2 should faciUties and the disposal of land. That be imposed. That is not spelt out in the BiU, is subject to the consent in writing not only but it will be spelt out in the by-laws. of the State Minister but also the Common­ wealth Minister. I wanted to comment on Mr JONES: Subclause (3) ^ves the author­ that to bring to the attention of the Chamber ity the same powers as a harbour board. Sub­ that that provision is well covered in relation clause (4) provides that the authority may to the disposal of land. That had con­ appoint contractors and contract in any man­ cerned quite a number of the citizens of ner. That is fair enough. Subclause (5) (i) Caims. gives the authority the right to hire and fire as it considers necessary and as determ­ Clause 6, as read, agreed to. ined by the agreement. The agreement again comes into the matter. Its terms and con­ Clauses 7 to 10, as read, agreed to. ditions are of paramount importance. It is Clause 11—^By-laws— purdy a matter for the authority to determ­ ine the terms and conditions of employment Mr JONES (7.51 p.m.): In effect this under subclause (5) (ii). clause prescribes the manner in which I thought that the holding of a confer­ andllary funds wiU be raised, such as by ence with the unions in a spirit of co-oper­ means of p>arking metere. The clause also ation would have been the basis for the deals with security, pnibUc entry, charges initial determination of conditions of employ­ by levy, freight handling charges and the ment. Unions that are responsible for the manner of collections and exoeprtions. employees concerned ought to be consulted. Subclauses (2) (a), (b) and (c) emphasise A one-sided approach will always lay down parking. Local authorities have found that an employer-orientated view, which projects problems in the long term. I believe that such charges are not the greatest pwofit concfliation and consultation are much bdter makere in the world and I do not think than resorting to arbitration at a later stage. that they wiU fiU the coffers. Again, this clause can be subjed to powers Clause 11 (2) (f) deals with exceptions from exercised by the Minister in determining levies. Those exceptions are to be deter­ the stages of the agreement. That should mined solely by the board, whether they be spelt out at this time. If the matter is deal with car parking, aircraft, pwreons or left as open as it appears to be now, I fore- otherwise. Although I have some hesitancy •see some difficulty, which could be avoided about this, I admit that the board can if the Minister worked these matters out with prescribe charges for goods, the manner of the unions at the beginning. That is my levying and collecting the prescribed charges advice in this matter. I- beUeve that the and the manner and p)eriod of those charges. Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH 1247

As I read the BiU, I underetand that the and Alderman Henry Denis Friend, who is by-laws, when completed, will be tabled in a civil engineer with Gutteridge, Haskins this Chamber, the same as any Order in & Davey. Representing the shire of Mulgrave Council through the Govemor in Council, is Councillor Roberto Rossi, who is a cane so we will know exactly what has transpired farmer from Charringa, via Gordonvale; for in that regard. the shire of Douglas is Councillor A. Mijo, a cane farmer of Miallo, via Mossman; for Mr BIRD: That is correct. The by-laws the shire of Mareeba, Councillor Cedric will be tabled in the House. James Davies, 20 Quill Street, Mareeba. I Qause 11, as read, agreed to. think he is a butcher. At least, that is his Clause 12, as read, agreed to. occupation listed in the electoral roll. Clause 13—^Finances— Mr Tenni: He is a bus proprietor—a mechanic by trade. Mr JONES (7.54 p.m.): This clause pro­ Mr JONES: He will be busy bringing vides the method of finandng the scheme, the kids into school, I suppose. and also provides that finance of the harbour board cannot be transferred to airport For the shire of Atherton we have Coun­ expenditure and vice versa. Supierstitious cfllor Thomas Patrick Johnson, Godfrey persons may consider the numbering of this Road, Kairi, a farmer; for the shire of clause ominous, particularly as it deals with Malanda, Councillor Donald Gordon Waugh, the very important subject of finance. The EUas Road, Millaa Millaa, probably a dairy coincidence that this clause is being debated farmer; and for the shires of Herberton and in this Chamber on Wednesday, 13 May, Etheridge, which is a joint representation, might, for the supwretitious, be even more we have Councillor Harry Rankine of ChU- unlucky. Separate funds are estabUshed— verton, via Evelyn Central, who is a dairy one for the Caims Harbour Board and farmer and chairman of the board of direc­ one for the airport—and the finances received tors of Malanda milk. He is well known in in one account cannot be appUed to the the back country up there. other. At least there wfll be some separation The board members are busy men. I of the funds. wonder how much time they will be able to devote to the management, organisation I draw attention to page 26, clause 5.3.1, and supervision of the airport. They draw of the Cairns Airport Local Ownership all the meeting fees and expenses to which Study. It says that the Department of Trans­ they are entitled as members of the Cairns port is assumed to contribute 50 per cent Harbour Board, and that indicates how towards all operating costs, with the excepv busy they are. I imagine that meetings wiU tion of board members' expenses and audit be held in Cairns. As few of them live in fees. These are excluded on the assumption Cairns, travelling will be involved. that the managing statutory board, which I assume wifl be the harbour board, will have Although it may be very convenient to other responsibiUties apart from the airport extend the responsibiUty to a statutory board, and that it may be possible to readily sepa­ I point out to the Minister that some mem­ rate the costs attributable to the airport. bers of the board might be overloaded. Does the Commonwealth still come in on Mr BIRD: I would be very surprised if 50 per cent of the operating costs? each and every member of the Caims Har­ bour Board has not given full consideration Mr Bird: Yes. to the additional responsibUities and time Mr JONES: I understand that the mem­ involved in carrying out his duties as a bers of the harbour board already fully member of this authority and come to the expend their fees. I imagine that the Cairns conclusion that he will be able to p)erfonn Airport wiU be an entirely new ball game, those duties satisfadorily. I have no doubt requiring a whole new set of fees and that fees for meetings wiU be in accordance expenses to be drawn in addition to the with the Act. harbour board expenses and board meeting Mr JONES: I draw attention to page 19 fees. I assume that there will be addtional of the Cairas Airport Local Ovraership amounts set aside which will in effect double Study. The board wiU have to underwrite their income. They may have to devote twice the charges, and a summary of capital costs or three times the amount of time. is set out in layout A and layout B. Layout The members of the Cairns Harbour Board A shows— are not permanent employees. They are not $ permanent board members, but they will have MiUion a double responsibiUty. The two Queensland Runway 4.343 Government nomineees are Mr Micheli Taxiways 4.441 Borzi, OBE, 36 Atherton Street, Mareeba— Aprons 3.526 a real estate agent—and Councillor Stanley Access Roads 2.344 John CoUins, OBE, Spring Creek Station, TO Einasleigh—a grazier who lives in Carparks .700 Atherton and is also chairman of the Far Drainage .843 North Queensland Electricity Board. Repre­ Terminal FaciUties 4.100 senting the city of Cairns is the mayor. Alder­ Services (Power, Telecom, man Ronald Edward Davis, an accountant, Water, Sewerage) .477 1248 Cairns Airport Bill [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiH

The stage I subtotal is $16,843,000, the sub­ the airport wiU create a service. So no total for stages I and II is $20,744,000, plus undertaking can be given tonight that the contingencies and engineering (20 per cent). second eventuality will not occur. At some The stage I total is $20,200,000, and the time in the future the harbour board has total for stages I and II is $25,000,000. Those to determine that funding wiU come from making the report have not .been game to a source other than its current procedures estimate the cost of stage III, which includes under the Harbours Act. widening to 60 metres. The report says that This circumstance has not been discussed it is not Ukely to eventuate. so far. I know that the insertion of this I can only wish the harbour board good subclause is designed deUberately to prevent luck and hope that the people of Cairns suoh a measure. However, because no under­ will not be flogged to death in an attempt taking can be given in relation to it and to underwrite the items of exponditure that because the Caims Harbour Board has been I have mentioned. able to exert sufficient pressure on the Govemment to allow the board to become Mr BIRD: I am amazed that the honour­ involved in this scheme in the first able member for Caims has said that the instance—^to become an undertaking for people of Caims will have to underwrite this scheme—'I have no doubt that at the expenditures to which he has referred. some time in the future the Caims With the exception of 50 per cent of the Harbour Board will be able to put suffic­ cost of the terminal buildings, those expendi­ ient pressure on the Govemment to have tures will be met by the Commonwealth the legislation amended so that it can derive before the take-over by the Cairns Harbour funds. The Queensland Government, because Board. it does not want to have to provide the finance, wfll be amenable to such suggestion. Mr CASEY: As the panorama of the BiU The Commonwealth Goveranient certainly unfolds, a number of matters about which does not want to commit itself over and there was doubt when it was introduced above its existing commitment. become a little clearer. Of course, the This brings me to my next point. The financial provisions are the key. money has to come from somewhere. Figures I do not wish to repeat what I and other show that 75 pier cent of exports through honourable members said in the debate on Cairns are made up of sugar and sugar the second reading of the Bfll, but it is products and 661 pier cent of imports into clear that the Minister, even in his most Cairns are pietroleum and petroleum pro­ recent remarks, cannot give any undertaking ducts. The majority of those pjetroleum that in the future some form of precept will products are used by the sugar industry, not be imposed on the people of Cairns which is a highly mechanised industry. Con­ or other local authority areas. sequently, if at some time in the future there is likely to be any change in the Because of the doubts that arise in the financial stmcture and there is a need for report—suddenly there was a need to money to be found to make up the short­ increase the estimate of between 10c and falls in the costing stracture, the burden 40c up to $2—doubts have risen as to will be imposed on the sugar industry. It the future costing of the upgrading of the will become the source of finance for this airport. Even before the work is carried out, proposal. I say that because of the large there wiU probably be the normal escal­ contribution that the sugar industry makes ation of 10 per cent. Because of the to the Caims Harbour Board. Federal Government's financial attitude to this issue and because the number of other Sure, the present proposal apyjiears to be sources from which finance can be derived a good deal as far as the harbour board is limited, future funding is by no means is concerned. However, bdore today we have a simple exercise. seen deals of this type go haywire. The Mackay Abattoir Board is a clasic example. The Minister has made it quite clear that Moves went on for years to try to assist the State Government is neither in a pos­ its funding. Additional costs have been a ition nor prepared to fund the Caims worry for both the Bowen and Port Alma Airport. I presume the Government is not harbour instaUations, because certain under­ prepared to fund any other airport, either. takings went haywire. Money was spient and So the State Govemment is out. the anticipated financial retura was not This brings me to the identity of the forthcoming. Both authorities have been in persons who are really behind the intro­ debt ever since. The dUficulties facing the duction of this BiH. It is quite obvious that Port Alma/Rockhampton Harbour Board the pressure has come from the Cairns provide a classic example of the problems Harbour Board itself. So it is from that that can arise. Most meat today bypasses board that money to make up for short­ Port Alma and comes to Brisbane on the falls should be derived. Queensland Raflways. The Queensland Govemment is manipulating the affairs of The harbour board can obtain funds from one of its qangos. only one of two sources. It can obtain them as part of its normal procedures under It is probable that in the future the Cairas the Harbours Act, or it can derive funds Harbour Board wiU ap)proach the Govera­ by means of a precept on the people of ment to change this legislation so that more Caims and the surrounding shires for whom finance is forthcoming. Finance can come Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU 1249

from only one of two sources, that is, the there have been cases in which the Govera­ ratepayers of Caims and surrounding shires ment has forced harbour boards to increase or from the Cairns Harbour Board which, dues. in the main, means the sugar industry. There can be no denial of that. We can I accept the Minister's comment that it is talk about the current situation and the impossible to include in a BiU a clause intent of the board and the Govemment providing that something wiU preyaU for ever at this stage, but when problems arise addi­ more. We are a changing community and tional finance can come from only one of we change our habits. In a few yeare' time those.two sources. we might not be flying in jet aircraft; we might be taking off in sp)acecraft. Mr TENNI: I am very concerned about I am simply pointing out that there is the funding arrangements under the Bill, a flaw in the financial measures that the particularly what might happen if the har­ harbour board is talking about, and the bour board gets into financial dUficulties. I people of Cairas should be made aware have no doubt that that wiU happen unless of it. The pjeople involved in the sugar a precept is imposed on councils, the arrival industry in the Caims district should be and departure fees is increased, or a very stiff told that no undertaking can be given to charge is placed on incoming freight and guarantee that this will be a financial success light aircraft landings. I therdore earnestly and that in the future there is a very real ask the Minister to consider inserting a possibility that we could be debating amend­ clause in the Bfll to protect the people. ments to this legislation to remove some I know that the Minister said that the of its provisions so that the harbour board present arrangements wiH stand while he can undertake its own finandal commit­ remains Minister. I beUeve they wfll stand ments to the airport. while, we hold power in this State, and we have oifly to look at the Opposition to Mr TENNI: I am not altogether satisfied know that that wfll be for a very long time. with the Minister's answer. I am still very Nevertheless, I suggest that a dause be concerned about what might happ)en if this added to give full protection to the rate­ organisation gets into financial difficulties. payers of the shires of Douglas, Mulgrave I, do not believe that we have to worry and Mareeba, and the city of Cairns. about what will happ>en in the far-distant I am sure that the Minister is aware that future but surely we could add a few more we are paying enormous freight charges, words to the Bill to cover the life of this even on newspapiers. For example, air Parliament. freight on the "Sunday Mafl" is 55c, Whfle air freight on "Sunday Sun", whioh comes It is no good saying that it wifl not get oidy frpra Townsville, is 50c. In the light of into financial difficulties. We can all remem­ those charges, I hate to think what the ber the Great Depression and a couple of Cairns port authority wfll do: to freight recessions in the Whitlam era. In those charges on newspapers, food and parts for times, tourism is the firet hit. The figures equipment and vehicles, when it gets into applying to the finandal op>eration of the finandal trouble. I should like very effective Cairas Airport are based on the movement protection to be inserted in the Bill, per­ of tourists into the Cairns Airport and haps under clause 13, to protect the people its development to interaational standard of the area. I should like the Minister to so that it can handle more tourists. I do comment on that matter. not agree that there is no chance of a precept being imposed or any alterations Mr BIRD: Both honourable members being made to this legislation at the request raised the same issues—the matter of a of the board. A recession could force the precept and the possibility of the Caims board into financial difficulties. Harbour Board getting into difficulties with the future operation of the airport. History I agree with the Minister's comments in shows that harbour boards have got into regard to the harbour board. It has been financial difficulties in the p)ast, and the very successful finandaUy. But it deals Govemment has never insisted that they with cropK such as sugar. That automatically impose a precept. So I cannot see that provides it with income. But the airport that would suddenly become p>art of our relies mainly on the movement of pjeople. policy on the opjeration of the Caims Air­ When trouble occurs, the firet area affeded port. is the transportation of pjeople, and that could badly upset the financial standing of To write into a BUl that something shall this organisation. I again plead with the never occur is virtually impossible. I do Minister to give serious consideration to pro­ not recall its being done before. I do not viding some form of protection for the see how we could write into a Bill that people of that area. at no time in the future will legislation be introduced to change an original decision. Mr BIRD: I repeat that the matter of the levy to be appUed has been fuUy considered Mr CASEY: I accept the Minister's and thoroughly researched by very com- Mplanation and what he has said about pietent men. It is obvious to them that at our past endeavours mainly in regard to this time—we can only talk about "at this oan funding of harbour boards to meet time"—a charge of $2 on every pereon going Uieir commitments or amortise debts. But through the airport wiU be suffident to 518J-41 1250 Cairns Airport BiU [13 MAY 1981] Cairns Airport BiU

allow not only the immediate repair costs deal with the Airport Operations Fund, the of the airport to be met but also a capital Airport Loan Fund, the raising of funds, build-up to ensure that future maintenance is expienditures and payments and moneys carried out. received by way of loan, subsidy or grant Would the honourable member ask my for a specific purpose. I take it that this colleague the Minister for Local Govern­ clause deals with the si>ecific purpose. ment, Main Roads and Police to give an In effect, this clause and subsequent clauses assurance that at no time in the future will are fail-safe clauses for the State. If the he increase motor-vehicle registration fees harbour board runs out of funds and the or any other charges that he imposes? We Caims Airport cannot be opierated, as the have to be realistic. We do not know what Commonwealth has transferred its respon- the future holds. We do not know what sibflities to the State the board .becomes a might occur with inflation. If another Labor State instrumentality and there will be Goveranient got into power and there was another prescribed fund from which to under­ massive inflation such as. we saw before, write the losses of the Cairns Harbour Board, but which I hope we will never see again, just as if it was an ordinary harbour board. it is fairly obvious that there would have The cost recovery aspects are fully and to be an increase in charges. I have no doubt finaUy loaded onto the. State of Queensland that that is what the Cairns Harbour Board and in their entirety the responsibiUties would be looking at. In answer to the plea devolve upon the State, not the Common­ that I write something; into the Bill—as I wealth. say, there is no provision in the Bill relating to the imposition of a precept, and that is Qause 17, as read, agreed to. the only guarantee that I can give. Clause 18—^Regulations- Mr JONES (8..27 p.m.): I take it that Mr JONES: The Minister took me to the port authority is bound by the Harbours task for outlining the capital costs of the Act to table rieports and regulations in this project. I refer him to subclause (2). Chamber so that all members, through Order in Council through the Govemor in Council, The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Akers): Order! The honourable member for will be able to see them. This Chamber, Cairns has spoken three times on this clause. as a sovereign State Parliament, will liave the oversight and will be empowered to act Qause 13, as read, agreed to. under the same provisions as are provided Clause 14—Funds— in the Harbours Act in respect of all matters Mr JONES (8.22 p.mi): This clause pro­ necessary for the proper administration of vides that the authority shaU establish funds, this Act or the propor exercise or per­ and the funds have to be established in order formance by the authority of its powers. to finance the operation. The Bill provides In effect, this Parliament overlays the that the revenues recdved by the authority authority and will be bound to step in; it under the Act shall be appUed for the pur­ is legally obliged to do so. That effectively poses of the Ad. The Minister took me to tranters the oporation of airports from task on the previous clause for outlining the the Commonwealth to the State. By drfault capital costs. I am saying that eventually— or by design, that is irrevocable. As I said not now, but in the future—^these costs will at the second-reading stage, this Bill is a have to be recovered. catalyst for bringing about control of all rural and provincial airports by statutory, author­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order: ities, port authorities or boards. The State I think that the honourable member is will be riding shot-gun as guarantor of those stretching the intention of clause 14 a bit authorities. Airports in provincial centres far. will become the responsibiUty of the State Mr JOINES: Clause H refers to an Airport Government. Operations Fund and j.n Airport Loan Fund. Mr TENNI: I support the honourable The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! member for Cairns to a certain extent. We I do not want to get into an argument with have not been successful in introducing an the honourable member, but the clause speci­ amendment to provide some form of guar­ fically talks about keeping the funds; it does antee for pjeople in the Caims area. If in not talk about the application of them. fact this airport gets into financial difficulty, wfll the Commonwealth Government pick up Mr JONES: I shall bow to your ruling. the tab or has the State Goverament the Clause 14, as read, agreed to. responsibility for that? I have no doubt that the airport will get into financial trouble; Clauses 15 and 16, as read, agreed to. the only way it wfll get out of it is to Clause 17—Other Prescribed Funds— load the poople in the area. I would hate to see this State Government get loaded with Mr JONES (8.24 p.m.): In essence this anything. It backed out of the 30 per cent clause provides that Cabinet can determine subsidy scheme and said that it would not further prescribed funds and purposes to have a bar of any costs. I now ask the which the funds can be appUed. Of course, Minister: If the airport does get into finan­ this covers the three previous clauses which cial trouble, will we be the bunnies or will Cairns Airport BiH [13 MAY 1981] Local Government Act, Ac, BiH 1251

the Commonwealth Government pick up the that is a precautionary measure against tab? WiU it make sure that the people of megalomaniacs. The Minister is not allowing Cairns still have an airport, in spite of their members of this authority to get aeroplanes paying through the neck for it? like other fellows in this State. Mr BIRD: The State Government wishes Clause 20, as read, agreed to. to make it perfectly clear that it will not Clause 21—Evidentiary provisions- come to the rescue of the harbour board in Mr JONES (8.34 p..m.): Is the secretary's the event of its getting into difficulties. advice—I imagine that it would be the sec­ retary or the manager of the board—suffi­ Mr TENNI: If the State Government cient on behalf of the authority? Another will not come into it, is the Minister saying question is one that was not answered pre­ that the pieople of Cairns who use that air­ viously: WiU the secretary of the Cairns port will be fuHy protected by the Common­ Harbour Board have the dual role of secre­ wealth's pMcking up the tab? tary of that board and manager of the air­ Mr BIRD: I cannot give an assurance of port? WiU there be any conflict in serving what the Commonwealth may or may not do. the two authorities—^in serving the two That is a matter for negotiation between masters—or wfll there be two separate posi­ the Commonwealth and the authority when tions, manager of the airport and secretary it is set up, if it gets into difficulty at some of the harbour board? time in the future. Mr JONES: The Minister's statement has Mr BIRD: This will be a new authority vindicated my assessment. If I were the that will have the dual responsibilities of run­ Minister for Maritime Services, I would be ning the normal affairs of the harbour board setting up a marine board with regional and of mnning the airport. It will be up authorities, because what he has in effect to the board to eventually decide the ques­ said is that he would do what the Minister tion of the management of the airport. for Local Government does. If it went Mr JONES: In conclusion, I should like to broke, he would put in an administrator. know what undertaking or assurance the , Mr Hinze: Use the trains; you own them. Committee has that the final agreement will As an old railway porter, you would like be m^de public or avaflable to members of that, wouldn't you? this Assembly. In other words, if an agree­ ment is negotiated and we are responsible Mr JONES: That is right. All my sup­ for the Ad, wiU we see the agreement? Wfll porters wiU have to use the train. They will it be made public, or what will the position not be able to afford to go by air through be? our aiiport. Mr BIRD: I have no doubt that, following We are getting to the end of the BiU and all the deliberations and agreement eventu­ on the lighter side of it. I rdterate my aUy being reached, it wiU in fact become belief that this is the let-out clause for the harbour board. Perhapw it will not be in public knowledge. I cannot see any reason the Minister's time, but I think that other why the Cairns Harbour Board should seek prescribed funds will get them out of diffi­ to hide from public view the final ddails of culty. the agreement that has been reached. Qause 18, as read, agreed to. Clause 21, as read, agreed to. Clause 19—iProtection of Authority and Bill reported, without amendment. persons acting in pursuance of Act— THIRD READING Mr JONES (8.32 p.m.): I have one short BiU, on motion of Mr Bird, by leave, read question, and I thank honourable members a third time. for their patience. Does this clause in effed put the authority under the shield of the Crown? LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT AMENDMENT BILL Mr BIRD: This clause gives the same protection to the harbour board as is given SECOND READING—RESUMPTION OF DEBATE to any other statutory authority—nothing Debate resumed from 7 May (see p. 1053) more; nothing less. on Mr Hinze's motion— Clause 19, as read, agreed to. "That the BiH be now read a second Clause 20—^Saving as to Commonwealth time." powers- Mr JONES (8.33 p.m.): The Common­ Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (8.38 p.m.): The wealth stiU retains its powers at tiie airport Bill contains quite a number of amendments, and again the Minister states that they were nrough the harbour board. It seems to me requested by the Local Government Associ­ .» '^ .r?J.^'"s all ipower while accepting no ation of Queensland. Having looked at the jesponsibihty. In a lighter vdn—and the proposed amendments, I am certain that the Minister for Local Goverament would prob- Opyposltion agrees with almost all of them. awy appreciate this-I note that the mem­ I hope that, as the Minister said, the Local bers 01 the autiiority wiH not be able to own Government Assodation of Queensland has or operate thdr own aircraft. I take it that requested that the amendments be made. 1252 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill because I intend to expose some of the agent, a sand and gravel merchant, and amendments as providing double standards— so on. He sp>eaks to legislation conceming one law for some; another law for others. aU those activities, yet he does not disclose The first amendment relates to the removal his interests. There are barristere and of commercial and industrial waste. All lawyers who speak on legal Bills and who members of this Assemlbly have been bom­ are then paid to implement the provisions barded with correspondence from various of those Bills. There is the Minister for local authorities throughout the State asking Lands, who is a landowner and a grazier. that the section be repealed. The Govern­ The list goes on and on. ment has seen the mistake that was made Mr Innes: Are you a householder? earlier, and the Op*position has no objection to the section bdng repealed. Mr PREST: Yes, I am. The next amendment further tightens the Mr Innes: Are you going to speak to the provisions of the Act relating to the dis­ rating Bill? closure Ity a member of a local authority at any meeting of the local authority, including Mr PREST: I have tabled my interests. committee meetings, of any pecuniary inter­ If the honourable member would Uke to est. It also increases from $200 to $500 the do the same thing, that would be OK with maximum penalty imposable for the failure me. by a member of a local authority to disclose What I am saying is that Government his p)ecuniary interest. membere are asking members and officers of I agree entirely with' the proposed amend­ the Local Govemment Association to dis­ ment, but I cannot see why the Local close their interests, yet those Government Govemment Assodation of Queensland membere are not prepared to disclose their has asked the Minister for it. I interests. ask: How many members have disclosed To go on further—Mr Tomkins is involved their pecuniary interest? I do not know of in radng with none other than Sir Edward any. I beHeve that up to the present time Lyons, the TAB chairman. Does that Min­ it has been a toothle^ tiger. Recently the ister have a p>ecuniary interest? honourable member for Rockhampiton refer­ red to the Brimblecombe/Kern case in Too­ This provision relating to p>ecuniary inter­ woomba. Because of what occurred, that ests is just a joke. Business people are matter has not been aired fully. I do not clamouring to get into local govemment so belieye that the Minister can enforce this that they can obtain inside information to provision by imposing a fine on any coun­ assist them in their business activities. That cillor or alderman. remark applies also to statutory bodies. People are seeking appointment to them The legislation could be seen as applying so that they can gain information and an a double standard. We have in this House unfair advantage as well as financial Ministers and back-bench membere who wfll rewards. not disclose thdr pjecuniary interest and who, at the same time, attend various com­ Mrs Nelson: Aren't most of the local mittee meetings, sp>eak when they are told authorities in Queensland dominated by Labor to, vote in the party rooms as requested Party politidans, anyway? Aren't you and, in this Chamber, introduce and spjeak accusing your own membere? to legislation in which it could be said Mr PREST: The honourable member has they have a pecuniary interest. said she has been in politics for 10 years. I do not want to name anyone, but Her suggestion is not tme. Certainly mem­ I will start with some membere at the top. bere of the Labor Party are involved in There are membere who sp)eak on mining local govemment. However, the shires are matters and who have interests and shares controlled p>redominantly by p>ersons who in mining and farming as well as other are not members of the Labor Party, and interests. Of couree, we are not told about there are many more shires than city and those interests. There are doctors and town coundls. chemists who speak on medical and health At the outset I said I agree with the Bill, mattere. There are membere, sqch as the but I do not want double standards to be member for Warwick, who have dairying applied.: We do not want one standard interests and speak on dairying legislation. for us and another standard for other peopfe It could be said that he has a pwcuniaty The standard that we set for oureelves interest and that he does not tefl us what suits us much better than does the standard it is. The list goes on and on. There that we apply to others. I believe that is the back-bench member for Yeronga, the provision should apjply across the board who is interested in racing. to all tiers of govemment, including statutory Mr Lee: What have I done? bodies and senior public servants. The next proposal provides that officers Mr PFCEST: The honourable member (iocs of local authorities shall .disclose in writing not disclose his pecuniary interests in radng. any pjecuniary interest in a matter that is to He is always talking about racing. come before a local authority meeting or a The Mhiister for Local Govemment him­ committee meeting. I agree with that. Some self is a big racehoree owner, the owner of officers of local authorities cannot decide trottere, a milk producer, a real estate on which Side of the street they wish to Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill 1253

walk. They want the best of two worlds: If a fee has to be paid, much more industrial to hold their jobs, and use their position of waste will be dumped on the highway. We trust as a means of profit. Again, we must have a toothless, paper-tiger Litter Act.; not be seen to be discriminatory. Some Maybe it will be amended to provide ade­ professional men use their positions of trust quate fines for those who litter. as a means of obtaining extra profits. When they get away with it they are considered Mr Lee: That is not our responsibility. to be shrewd businessmen. Under another provision officers of local Mr PREST: I am certain that many people authorities are not entitled to pierform work would not pay a fee to dump a motor vehicle. outside the local authority without approval. Before long, many more old car bodies This provision will receive the same response will be in full view of tourists and travellers. as a similar one received from pubUc ser­ Recently when a new State high school was vants. I cannot see how a person can be constructed a fence was erected around a prevented from being a bookmaker's clerk, nearby gully. There were no fewer thai} 10 a bottle-shop attendant or a drink waitress car bodies protruding from the gully. That at the week-end. Why shouldn't they be area was included in the playground of the allowed tb earn extra income? I can under­ high school, stand why an officer should not undertake I am pleased: that the Bill wfll give outside work involving, say, the drawing the local authority power, in its discretion, of plans that might eventually come to the to remit rates wholly or in part or grant local authority for approval. The Govem­ remission of rates to any person who is ment insists that public servants shall not in receipt of a pension under any/law of have a second or part-time job, but how the Commonwealth or of the State. I do many members of this Governemnt do not not know how some pieople pay. the .rates have another income or work in another that are charged by local authorities. They jab when they are. not in this Assembly? cause a great deal of concern to niost As 1 said, there are two laws—one for pensioners. us, and one for them—and the one for Rates and charges impose .heavy burdens us is much better. on unemployed piersons. There is no denying that some persons who are receiving unem­ Mr Booth: How much longer will you ployment or sickness benefits are in financial carry on in this way?. difficulties. Their plight causes me concern. Some of them are confronted with huge Mr PREST: I know that it hurts the rentals demanded by landlords. Malcolm honourable member. In 1977 we had to Fraser's saying, "Life was not meant to introduce legislation to protect him and to be easy" really applies to them. keep him in this House. No wonder he has a soft spot. I seem to have hit his hip- The provision of pedestrian malls must be pocket nerve. a function of a local authority under section 30, of the Act. We agree with that arnend- Tile next provision gives a local authority ment. power to impose a fee for a miscellaneous I can see some merit in the proposal service that is rendered. This is a Worthwhile that, two pieces of land which are virtually amendment. I cannot see why the cost of useless because they are toO' small can be accepting industrial refuse such as old car joined together and held by one owner bodies should be borne by the general rate­ as long as the agreement is binding on payers. Car bodies are fairly bulky and soon fill up a dump area. In some areas it successive owners of that land. The Minister it costly to provide a councfl dump, espec­ may extend the time for giving notice of ially when a bund waU has to be built to an application more than once before making keep tidal water out and stop rubbish from a decision on a town p)lanning application. polluting the creeks. In my area dumps are I am told that the time taken by the located on tidal flats, and the councfl has Minister may not be an extension of the '0. build bund walls costing anything up to time, but it could be a safeguard, and I wOiOOO. If the dumps are used for industrial am happy to have the Act amended as piiipjoses without the pjayment of a fee, and requested. It car bodies are accepted, in no time the TTie Bfll refers to subdivision of, land provision of more dumps becomes a costly and the opening of new roads. It apipears projiqsiition. that a loopxhole a mile wide existed. We are only too happy to see that amendment I am sure tbat when this , legislation being made. oecomes law we will see many more The next proposal deals further with unsightly car-wrecking graveyards such as pedestrian malls. Previously the Governor ine,_ one near Southport.. Old car bodies do in Council required a trial period of 12 nothing to enhance an area. months. That was not in the best interests of afl concemed. If a decision is made, to Mr Yewdale: Who owns that one? provide a pedestrian maU thorough investig­ ations should be carried out ' because Mr PREST: I said that I would not men- the, provision of a mall of the' standard "on names, but if the cap fits, someone wfll required today is expensive. I am glad that "Cor it. the trial period is being dispensed with. 1234 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill

I also agree that motor vehicles and corred, and all we are doing here tonight animals have no place in a mall. People is rectifying a mistake that was made in should not be allowed to erect staUs or 1973. The Opposition is pleased to do so. booths or park vehicles in connection with We are reaUy not in conflict with any any business without obtaining approval. I of the amendments that are proposed in this agree that a penalty of $500 should be BiU. I have expressed our concera about the imposed on people who disobey an order. double standard in relation to the question Local authorities will be empowered to of pecuniary interests and the double standard impose on-the-spot fines if vehicles are in relation to officers of local authorities. 1 iUegally parked inside malls. A mall should do not think that these are all the amend­ be safe for p)edestrians and I can see no ments that should be made to the Local reason why motor vehicles should be allowed Government Act. Many more "have to be in them. The business people should be made. able to arrange for vehicles to service their stores early in the morning, so there is Local authorities throughout Queensland no need for vehicles to be there later in are experiencing many problems. The Woo- the day. coo Shire in the Marborough-Hervey Bay area has been asking for a certain arrange­ There is a car-hire firm inside the mall iit ment to be made. It has not been happy Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast. People with a certain situation for the last three are allowed to take delivery of their vehicles or four years. I do not know at this point inside the maU, and I do not think that of time whether anyone has gone to talk is right. A person can get into a vehicle to those people. I sincerely hope that they that he knows nothing about, and anything have, because the problem is still there and, can happen, especially during the Christmas- by afl accounts, it will not go away. New Year period. There is a problem in relation to the The next amendment relates to the Towns­ administrative centre in the Livingstone Shire. ville City Council. It gives the council I am told that the people there petitioned the authority to introduce a new rate for the Minister in relation to the site that was those people conducting businesses inside the selected in one part of Yeppxon. When a mall. It was an oversight on the part of new council was elected, the site was changed. the councfl, and it wants the position recti­ It app)ears that the pjeople in the area change fied. We are only too pleased lo support the minutes of the previous council's meetings the amendment. in the same way as they change their shoes. There are many amendments dealing with Mr Yewdale interjected. local authority elections and, on looking through them, I cannot see anything really wrong with them. They seek only to bring the Mr PREST: Now that the member for Act into line with present-day thinking. The Callide is an Indepjendent and wifl be able first amendment seeks to increase, from $4 to spJeak more freely and openly, he may be to $10, the maximum penalty for anyone able to do something about the Livingstone who does not vote. The next one refers to Shire Council. He has been in local goy­ the wearing of emblems or badges by a ernment and ought to know what goes on. retuming officer, a presiding officer or a poll It is in bis eleotorate and the Opposition clerk. We go along with that. I do not would be only too pleased if he could do think it is necessary for those people to something to satisfy those people. wear emblems or badges inside a polUng In the Bowen Shire Ck>uncU a gentleman booth. There are many other mattere that of one division either resigned voluntarily or do not worry us. passed on, causing a vacanacy in the local authority. The next in line was a member In another amendment provision is made of the Labor Party. The remaining coun­ for a returning officer, if he has time to do cillors stayed away from five consecutive so, to note on copies of the rolls issued by meetings so that a quorum could not be him for use in the election the names of achieved. I know that the Minister, was persons who have voted at the office of the written to in strong terms asking him to local authority prior to poHing day. That take action. I know that he has taken action could be a big job for a polling officer. but not in the way that the council Most poUing booths in the bigger centres requested. have a number of rolls. If a returaing Over the past day I have been attempting officer marks the rolls, I am quite certain to bring to the attention of the House the that it will be quite time-consuming. The problems within local government, particu­ amendment provides that he is to do this larly with amendments introduced into this only if he has the time to do so. If he House that erode the powers of local gov­ has the time, he is fortunate; if he has ernment. The Opposition and the Queens­ not, that is too bad. We go along with land Local Government Association have the rest of the amendments dealing with been saying that for some time. poHing. Mr Frawl^: Rubbish! The last clause relates to the Beaudesert Shire Coundl. It is validating something Mr PREST: I know that tiie brother of that was done to the town plan in 1973. the honourable member for Caboolture is It has been pointed out that it was not the mayor of RedcUffe. He is a different Local Govemment Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill 1255

type of feUow from the honourable mem­ Mr PREST: I am quite willing to do ber; he seems to be quite a nice feUow and that if I can recdve the approval of the has' some ability. I am quite certain that Chair. he would think along the same lines as other members of local authorities who say Mr DEPUTY CHAIRMAN (Mr MiUer): that thdr powers are being eroded. If the honourable member asks for my A special conference of the Local Govern­ approval, I will give it to him. ment Association of Queensland was called last Thursday at which Mr Rogers con­ Mr PREST: I seek leave of the House demned the present Government and, in for the remainder of this document to be particular, had some very strong words to incorporated in "Hansard". say about the Premier. At the Townsville conference that was held some two years (Leave granted.) ago Mr Rogers once again had some words Whereupon the honourable member laid to say about the Premier—that Mr Iwasaki on the table the remainder of the document, and others could get. the ear of the Premier which read as follows:-— but never would he entertain the executive ofiicers of the Queensland Local Govern­ On the 27 December, 1980 there was a ment Association. report in the Courier Mail indicating some changes were to take place in the Depart­ I now quote from the address of Mr ment of Local Government. Rogers— "Ladies and Gentlemen: In opening On the 30th December, 1980, I directed this one day special conference, I wish to a letter to the Honourable the Premier express my appreciation to the many expressing our very real concem to the Member Councils of our Association who proposed changes and our confidence in are present here today. In addition we do Mr Hinze to administer Local Govem­ have apologies from some Councfls who ment efficiently and seeking an opportunity have expressed support for the actions for Local Govemment to have discussions. taken by the Executive but mainly because On the 9th January, 1981 the Premier's of distance have regretted thdr inability Department replied and I quote:—"I am to attend and I am advised a number of to inform you that your < Association's Councils have appointed proxy delegates. views on this matter have been noted "I have attended every Queensland by Mr Bjelke-Petereen". LG.A. Conference since 1945 and have been very closely involved with the Asso­ Then because of information coming to ciation Executive for twenty years and I hand that important decisions were to be believe this is the first time, it has been made during the Minister for Local Gov­ necessary to convene a special one day emment's absence overseas, I directed conference." a letter be deUvered to the Premier's office seeking an opportunity for discussions with That was the first time that had to be done, the Premier and any Ministere he may so obviously they had to make a decision choose with the two Association Vice on a very important matter. The address Presidents, the Treasurer and myself. continues— This letter was deUvered on 12th Jan­ "Whfle the final decision to convene uary and as yet no reply has been received. this conference was made by me, it was only after consultation with my vice Pre­ On the 11th Febraary a Sp)ecial Meeting sidents, Cr. Sturrock and Cr. Barr. This of the Executive was convened. This resuhed from a resolution carried at a meeting sought an immediate conference full Executive meeting which was with the Premier, who was in Brisbane but attended by all but one of the Presidents unavailable to us. The same day the of the District Associations. This resolu­ Premier's Office was advised of the Gen­ tion directed me to take such action, if eral Executive Meeting on 18th and 19th representations being made to the Febraary and our request for a meeting Premier were unsatisfactory. with the Premier on either of those days '^The jjurpose of this conference is to was also declined. The Premier however, give consideration to what further action agreed to meet with us on the 25th should be taken to express the objection Febraary. Meantime, Orders-in-Council of Local Authorities, to the emasculation had been adopted by the Govemor-in- of the Local Government Department by Council to endorse* the decisions of Cab­ the transfer of Local Govem.ment func­ inet. At the meeting with the Premier tions from the Department to other Gov­ on the 25th the deputation of six lasted ernment Departments. only 20 minutes. "You may ask what actions have been On the 2nd March, 1981 I directed a taken to express Local Government's con­ personal letter to each member of State cern at the actions of Cabinet and I Parliament wherein they were advised of report as follows." Local Govemment's opipxwitiort to the actions of the Government and soliciting Mr Hinze: How many pages of that are their support to oppose amendments to you.going to read? You can ask for it to the legislation when they were before the i« ineorporated in "Hansard". House. 1256 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill

Two weeks later I telephoned the Local Government is the level of Gov­ Preniier seeking his response to the Deputa­ ernment that does more for the Ufestyle tion. The Premier simply reiterated what and comfort of living than any other level he had said to the Deputation. On the of Government. Local Government can 24th March a further Sp>ecial Meeting and does contribute more to decentralisa­ of the Executive was held to which tion than other levels of Government by invitations were extended to the Presidents its wiUingness to provide for the needs of of all District Associations and this meet­ the people. ing agreed unanimously that a further letter be sent to the Premier requesting Candidates for election to Local Govern­ that the decision transferring the functions ment require the same qualifications as be revoked and they again be placed under candidates for other levels of Govemment the control of the Minister and Depart­ and are elected by the same democratic ment of Local Govemment. procedures except that for eledion they are in most instances, dependant on their The Premier, the Minister for Local own pjereOnal presentation rather than Govemment, Main Roads, PoUce and Political Party support. Racing and the Minister for Water I have said many times that if elected Resources and Aboriginal Affaire were memibers of Local Government placed their requested to attend the spjecial meeting loyalties to Local Government above their of the Executive and District Association political philosophies. Local Government Presidents. No acknowledgement was would be the strongest force in the nation. received from the Premier, however, an This was most evident at the State Con­ apology was recdved from Mr Tomkins. ference last year when Local Govemment Mr Hinze attended the meeting and some presented a united front to the proposed very frank exchanges took place. method of providing rate remissions to pensionere. In that instance we were pven On the 30th March a further letter the opjportunity to express an opinion before went forward to the Premier. A reply legislation was enaded. Why the lack was received from the Premier's office, of consultation in the present issue? indicating that if Local Government could prove conclusively any disadvantage, only Let us come now to the dedsions of then would consideration be given to Cabind which brought about the emascu­ reverting back to the previous situation. lation of the Local Government Depart­ ment which has created so much concern I wish to make it clear that criticism and dismay amongst our Member Councils. from Local Authorities of the Cabinet Town Water Supply and Sewerage are decision to transfer administration of without question the responsibility of Local Town Water Supply and Sewerage to the Government and should remain under con­ Water Resources Coinmission under the trol of the Local Goverament Department. portfolio of Mr Ken Tomkins and the I do not beUeve and I think it would be transfer of control of Noise and Air right to say your Executive does not believe Pollution to the portfolio of Mr Hewitt, Town Water Supply and Sewerage should are in no way political and pjerhap>s the be under the control of Water Resources, strongest criticisms are coming from but we do say, if it does have to be con­ Councfls and CounciUors and Alderman trolled by Water Resources, then Water being recognised as Government sup- Resources should be under the Local portere. Neither should it be considered Government Minister that objections are coming from only large, cities, towns and urbanised Shires. I could not think that anyone couM be Expressions of real concem have come so naive as to expect cheaper water and from a wide cross section of Councils I would predict that if this transfer of from the largest dties to the smaUest fundions is to go unchallenged, then within shires. ten years, Town Water and Sewerage will no longer be a function of Local Gcfvern- Further it must be underetood that ment, but wiU be controlled by Water criticism is not personal or levelled at Boards, under direction of a Statutory the Ministere who hold the portfolios of Commission with the Boards controlled the Departments in question. I have by Public Servants who are neither respon­ nothing but the highest regard for the sible nor accountable to the ckizens. Ministers concemed. I think it would be right to say your Executive is aware that in certain cir­ However, I cannot say I have the same cumstances Water Boards may be an attitude to Cabinet, where dedsions are advantage, but only in those areas where made, affecting Local Government with­ joint Local Authorities request them. Also out an opportunity for prior consultation such Boards should be fully composed of and almost complete contempt for Local elected members of the Local Authorities Govemment. This is quite simply a involved, with possibly an Independent further manifestation of the Cabinet Chairman. attitude of complde disregard for the Ten years ago Local Government was a important role Local Govemment plays very minor administration in the Queens­ in the development of this State. land Cabind and almost always given to Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiH 1257 a newly eleded Minister. However, your In a subsequent telephone conversation Assodation with the sup>port of the pjres- with the Premier, the Premier again indi­ ent Minister has raised its status to a cated his concern for the work, load of very senior rating. Mr. Hinze and stated that he had sug­ gested to Mr. Hinze that the Minister may The Queensland Government has often be prepared to reUnquish the Police port­ stated that Local Government in Queens­ folio. Mr. Hinze has apparently prderred land operates under the best Local Govern­ not to reUnquish control of the Police. ment Ad of aU the States. I have supported However, when addressing a meding of the this opinion, but today Local Government executive and the Presidents of District has been put back twenty five years or Local Government Associations on the more and it would not surprise me if it 24th March, Mr. Hinze vehemently denied was followed by slashing away further any inabiUty to deal with his work load functions such as town planning and build­ and said that many dedsions were made ing regulations. by Cabinet when he was out of AustraUa As a consequence of the Goverament's having a holiday. action, the manpower of the Local Gov­ One can only surmise that opportunity ernment Department has been slashed was taken during the Minister for Local from over 250 to 80, clearly substantiating Government's absence to emasculate bis the claim that the Department has been Dep>artment. emasculated. We must also assume from the com­ Ihe transfere included top line engin­ ments of the two Ministers that neither eers and advisere in Town Water and Sew­ were party to the change and Cabinet's erage who, along with the Director, Mr. dedsion would have been made without the Jacobs, were readfly available to discuss support of two of thdr senior and long Coundls' proiblems. It may be argued that serving Ministers. they are readily available now, but cer­ In conclusion, the Assodation has tainly not in consultation with the Dir­ received many letters from Member Coun­ ector of Local Goverament. cils and District Association Presidents, Many statements have been made, and some being copies of letters foi^varded to made consistently, that leaves no doubt the Premier, others requesting thei Assoda- with your Executive and many other people tion_ to strongly oppose the transfer of in Local Goverament, that the changes functions and in every instance expressing were not made to .bring all inatters relat­ concern and opposition to the emascula­ ing to water under one Department, but to tion of the Local Government Department. allow the Minister for Local Government There have also been telegrams and a •to add to his already over loaded respon- number of telephone calls suppxirting the ^Mes, the administration of racing. Executive. In addition we are aware of letters that were forwarded direct to the To substantiate this, not only did they Premier. transfer to Water Resources the control of Town Water and Sewerage, but also It would be correct to say we have transferred the responsibility of Noise Pol­ always enjoyed the confidence of the lution and Air Pollution to the Minister Miiiister for Local Government the Hon­ for Environment. ourable Russ Hinze and generally we have When the deputation of six members been given the opjportunity to have dis­ of the Executive waited on the Premier cussions on proposed changes which affect and the Deputy Premier on February 25th, Local Government. the Premier advised that Cabinet was con­ However, in the transfer of Local Gov­ cerned with the work load of the Hon. ernment functions which is of real concem Minister for Local Government, Main to Member Councfls, despite our requests Roads and Police and had given some to have discussions with the Premier it consideration to taking away Main Roads. was more than eight weeks and not until However, having decided against that, they Orders-in-Council had been ap>proved that had then agreed to have a trial period of we were able to meet with the Premier. stream-lining the admiuKtration of afl That is just not good enough. water matters by putting them under Water Resources. I am aware that the Premier has many commitments, so do I, also your Executive Yotir Executive wrote to the Hon. Ken are busy men. To be kept waiting tfll Tomkins, Minister for Water Resources after so many decisions are made is unfair about this on the 2nd March, and I quote and unjust. from the Minister's reply dated 9th March: F. A. Rogere, "Firstly let me inform you that I was President. not a party to any of the changes. I think Jt IS fair to say that my coUeague, the Mr PREST: I do not wish to waste the Hon, R. J. Hinze, M.L.A. when give^i the time of the House. There is a tight schedule WrtfoUos of Local Government, Main and we have had a very late night. . We Roads, Racing and Police was over com­ are pleased that the amendments have been mitted insdar as the administration of introduced, but unfortunately we see in these portfolios was concerned." them a double standard. Although they are 1258 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill

necessary, I sincerely hope that they achieve bulky enough. If there is a, way one can the objectives they are aiming for. Unfor­ find of reducing its bulk and verbiage, it tunately, I doubt it. would have to be commended. Unfor­ tunately, the problem of local authorities Mr INNES (Sherwood) (9.5 p.m.): In, rising trying to find easier ways to enforce or to speak briefly to the Bifl, I observe that police their laws pjerpetually occurs, and here it is interesting that the Minister must listen we have three pages shrouded with all the to a member of the Australian Labor Party legaUties of "upon receipt", "for the purpose talking about divided loyalties and double of", "notwithstandirig" and "subject to" standards. If any group is a sp)ecialist on devoted to the very siniple matter of that subject, it is the Queensland division extracting an on-the-spot fine from somebody of the Australian Labor Party. who parks in a pedestrian mall. Mr Moore: The old and the new. I am in no way criticising the draughtsman, Mr INNES: That is right. because he has to find the words to stitch the situation up. But the Minister is also I wi^ to cover, briefly, four matters. The the Minister for PoUce, and I understand honourable member for Port Curtis has that the police have some reluctance to rightly commented on the matter of pecuniary accept responsibUity for policing parking in interest, with which he would have some a pedestrian, mall, which is a bit of a camel- passing familiarity, as a former member of Uke creature—neither fish nor fowl, nor road local government, because of something that nor otherwise. In view of the Minister's occurred in relation to an officer of his divided responsibilities and rights, it might local authority a few years ago. haye been more convenient to include a pro­ Mr Hinze: Gladstone. vision in the Traffic Act and give the police or an authorised officer of the council power Mr INNES: That is right. to police it in the normal fashion of an enforcement under the Traffic Act. Previously officers had only to reveal an interest in contracts. That clearly was not Three pages devoted to a very simple sufficient. Many aUegations are made from topic of enforcing and collecting an on-the- time to time, I suppose, by disgruntled people. spot fine for parking in a pedestrian mall We have aU heard allegations made about seems a little bit excessive and a little bit officers of local authorities who themselves cumbersome to achieve a result that could have had interests in subdivisional land or have been achieved by a simple amendment have received favours. This amendment under the Traffic Act. I would have thought seeks to tighten the law by requiring officers that usually the police would be the people as well as members of local authorities to enforcing the Taw, because the most likely declare the holding of any pecuniary interest. time for these parking offences to occur I do not think anybody in the House would will be at night and at other times when complain about that. council officers will not be present. The second matter I wish to make brief comment up>on—and I will take those points The last matter to which I wish to refer of view a little further with the City of relates to town planning. Again, it is a Brisbane Town Planning Act Amendment matter of whioh I would ask the Minister pub­ Bfll—^are the modifications to lawful con­ licly to take note. It was a matter with ditions. They are to be ap>plauded. It may which I was familiar but had forgotten until be difficult to find a balance between the I was reminded within the last 48 hours rorts that local authorities occasionally puH by somebody talking to me about a particular by way of extracting too much under the problem. guise of public interest and the rights of the individual to use his land as he may. We All honourable members have heard of will see a little more of that balance when Westfield Pty Ltd, a New South Wales com­ we debate the Qty of Brisbane Town pany that has lately become interested in Planning Act Amendment Bill. However, a substantial coal-mining lease. The com­ such modifications as are present in this pany's normal occupation is that of manager BiU are to be commended. I am referring and operator of shopping centres, and it to the amendment to section 33 (16C). operates the biggest and most successful shop­ ping centre in Queensland at Indooroopifly One further matter I make passing refer­ Shoppingtown. That shopping centre is a ence to is that of the pedestrian mall, roaring success, but some of the activities whether pronounced "mol" or "mal". I of Westfield Pty Ltd and relationships think the pronunciation "mal" differentiates between it and its tenants leave much to be it from the unfortunate connotation of the desired. other pronunciation. As I understand it, that is the correct pronunciation of "Pal Perhaps it is qualified to enter the coal­ Mal", which is probably the first and most mining field, because a certain amount of famous example of a mall. From page 10 buUdozing goes on, the victims of which to page 12 of the BiU are almost three are the tenants of spjeciaHty shojjs at Indoo­ pages devoted to the convenience of roopilly Shoppingtown. I know that the extracting on-the-spot fines. The Local honourable member for Rockhampton is Government Act is complicated enough. Its interested in this area as president of the amendments are frequent enough. It is Queensland Consumers Association;' but the Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiU 1259 full answer might lie under different respon­ steps have been taken in a very forceful way sibilities and different Acts from the one to deter, apart from the problems of breach­ that we are discussing at the moment, which ing the lease. is the responsibility of the Minister for What happens is that the unfortunate Local Government. people who happen to have residences around Shoppingtown have to put up with thdr I should like to refer to a typical clause frontages and vehicle driveways being in the lease of the tenants of speciality impeded constantly from 7.30 in the mora­ shops at Indooroopilly Shoppingtown, because ing by the hundreds of cars that are driven it relates very directly to a matter of local by the employees and tenants of the special­ government. A provision in the lease of ity shops. many of those tenants is— "The Lessor grants to the Lessee during Mr Yewdale: And the shoppjers. the continuance of this Lease the non­ exclusive right for its customers whilst Mr INNES: And the shoppers. However, shopping in the Shoppingtown to use the some control is exercised over the shoppers. car parks within the Shoppringtown for If they are forced to park too far away, the parking or passage of motor vehicles they will not shop there. The person who and for the vehicles of the Lessee and has the magnet of his livelihood wfll put its suppliere to use the said car parks for up with some discomfort. ingress and egress from the demised premises whilst making deliveries thereto. The requirement to which I have referred It is expressly agreed and declared that is absolutely wrong. It is totally inconsistent no right of use of the said car parks is with and contrary to the desired intention granted for the lessee and its vehicles or of the City of Brisbane Town Plan and other for the officers or employees or agents or town planning schemes in Queensland. Such licencees or invitees of the lessee and their a provision in a lease should be outlawed. vehicles other than aforesaid." I ask the Minister to ensure that in any That means that the only rights associated future amendments to the Act such pro­ with the lease are for customers to come visions be outlawed. They are absolutely to Shoppingtown and park in the car parks inconsistent with the intent of the town built there or for deUveries to be made and planning scheme and the initial concept for vehicles to enter for the purpose of of development of the property in question. delivery and then leave. Expressly, there is This is a matter that should be ventilated an obligation that the tenant cannot park and considered in the drawing up of any his own car there, nor can any of his future amendments to the Local Goverament einployees. Act. Furthermore, it goes on to say^ Mi- YEWDALE (Rockhampton North) "The Lessee will at all times use its best (9.18 p.m.): I rise to refer to the provision endeavours to prevent the said car parks relating to the power of the local authority being used by any such unauthorised per­ to remit and whofly discharge rates and sons and the Lessee convenants and agrees charges levied ort pensioner land-owners. The that it will within seven (7) days of being Bill refers to the type of pensioner. The Bill called upon so to do by the Lessor supply will allow the local authority the right to to the Lessor the make and registration use its discretion in relation to rates and number of any motor vehicles of the Les­ charges levied on those pensioner land­ see its officers or employees employed at owners. the Shoppingtown and supply to the Lessor This provision is a very good one and it the names and addresses of the officers will help people who find themselves in and employees of the Lessee at the financial difficulties. However, I wonder whe­ demised premises and at the premises of ther the provision will be applied in a pious any related or subsidiary company carrying manner by the local authorities. I wonder on business within the Shoppingtown." how far the provision will go. I can visuaUse It is a provision of the City of Brisbane local authorities steppjing around this situa­ Town Plan and of the town plans of other tion instead of allowing these remissions. cities and towns in (jueensland that the It is pertinent to refer to the decision of building of a facilitiy such a shopping cen­ the Government made last year to provide a tre shall include adequate car-parking and 20 per cent remission of rates to pensioners that the ratio of car-parking allotments to throughout Queensland. I shall not go into the retail-shopping space shall provide spaces the tedious details of the local government for the employees and staff of the tenants. conference, the arguments that occurred That is the express intention of the law and the final wash-up of the subsidy that relating to the building of those premises is made available by the Government. and its initial concept. It is piertinent to talk about Rockhamp­ Here we have the gall of these modern ton, my home town. To some extent the commercial retaiUng buccaneers who flout Rookhampton City Councfl exploited the the law and require their tenants and the Govemment in relation to that 20 per cent. employees of those tenants to pafk their EUgible pensioners, with a pensioner's cars off the premises. I understaiid that entitlement card, are expected to complete a 1260 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill

form annually showing that they are pen­ fines. If a local government is concerned sioners living at their principal place of about fining non-voters, it should, in col­ residence and provide some other piersonal laboration with the Minister for Justice, details. The Rockhampton City Council was who is in charge of eledoral roUs, do allowing eligible pensioners an annual rate something about the rolls. concession of 35 per cent. The Government We have heard talk about a combined provided 20 per cent on the basis that it was to be in addition to the concession Federal and State roH. Everbody commends allowed, by local authorities throughout the that proposal and I hope that we very State. soon have the combined roH. Even with it, I do not know that all of the problems Many shires, particularly those in the country, did not provide a concession will be eliminated. Many electors find that because it would have meant a loss in mistakes have been made by jofling clerks, income when there were only a small num­ for example, and we wfll never be able ber of' landholders and quite a number of to eliminate human error. reasonably sized landholdings. Instead of As an example of what can happen I adding the 20 per cent to the 35 pier cent refer to what happened to three Rock- being allowed to eUgible pensioners, the hamprton families when they tried to vote Rockhampton City Coundl decided to review in the last election. Two of the families the situation. were in South Queensland and one family At the moment, even with the 20 per was in North Queensland. They approached cent input from the Treasui-y, the city the poUing clerks and said they wanted council is now aUowing only 40 pjer cent to vote and that they resided in the elec­ concession on rates to eUgible pensioners. torate of Rockhampton North. They, were I say with a clear conscience that that was told that they were enroHed in the Rock­ a devious apyproach. I cannot understand hampton eledorate. Regrettably, my colleague how the councfl can justify its action seeing the honourable member for Rockhampton that it was allowing eUgible pensioners a got five of my votes, The electoral office 35 per cent rebate and is now allowing only was wrong. The residential addresses of a 40 per cent rebate, when the 40 per cent those people were wrongly included in the includes the 20 per cent made available by Rockhampton electorate. The people arguSd the Government. with the polUng clerks but the polling clerks I cannot understand why the Treasurer insisted that they vote for the candidates or the Government does not do something in the Rockhampton electorate. At least about this situation. The councfl's actions they" voted. are wrong in principle. As of July this year the councfl will allow an across-the-board Subsequently they received a notice from rebate of 40 per cent to all eligible rate­ the Prindpal Electoral Officer saying that payers, but that is only 5 per cent in addi­ they had not voted, whereas they had tion to the councU's rebate, despite the voted for candidates in the wrong electorate Goyerrinient's making, an extra 20 per cent because of an error on the part of the available. polling clerks. That is an unusual example of how people can be declared non-voters. In the secohd half of last year the city council asked pensioners to provide a num­ I have no argument about the penalty ber of pjersonal particulare about bank that can be imposed on non-voters. There accounts. Any person with over $10,000 is a host of people who have other legiti­ in the bank had to provide bank account mate reasons for not voting, and fines are figures, particulars of shareholdings and any not imposed in many cases. The Minister other interest or income, before becoming should collaborate with the Minister for eligible for a 20 per cent rebate from the Justice on this matter. A lot of thought city council. I make it clear that it did not has been given to amending this Act and, impose those requirements on the Govern­ if the other end of it is not tidied up, ment's 20 per cent subsidy, but Rockhamp- the problem wUl stiU exist. ton's eUgible ratepayers now get only an extra 5 per cent. One proposal deals with a piermit for developwrs. It is a difficult area to update Another provision relates to fines imposed and it is difficult to catch up with the for non-voting in local authority elections. pieople who try to beat the by-laws and If we were to expand on non-voting in local regulations. From time to time I have to authority elections and electoral rolls, we deal with objections from constituents who would be here until 1.30 a.m. I see nothing live in the newer housing areas. The local drastic in changing the fine for a non-voter authority is allowing too many blocks of from $1 to $10. In the Ught of today's flats to be buflt in good-standard housing money values, that is not unreasonable. areas. I do not have to go into the effects Over the years, most honourable members of the presence of a multiplicity of flats have had experience with electoral rolls and in high-standard residential areas. I am not non-voters. It cost me a considerahle sum derogatory of the p>eople who Uve in flats, to send objection notices back to the Elec­ but flats create problems such as young toral Office for non-voters, tt is appropriate people riding motor bikes. People congre­ that the former Justice Miniister should be gate in the streds on their way to and present. Without doubt he is aware of the from work. That can cause a great deal of circumstances relating' to, non-voters and disruption. Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiU 1261

The Rockhampton City Councfl is con­ Thursday or Friday. We wUl shift all the sistent. It requires riotice-of-objection signs car bodies in the area and use them for to be placed on allotments, but very often reclamation purposes." people do not take much notice of them, The other matter that I wish to briefly I do not know whether this is because discuss relates to the question of noise of ignorance of the law. When eventually abatement. Right from the start the Noise flats are erected on the allotments local Abatement Act has had growing pains. I residents want to do something about them. would like to compUmeiit the, Minister for If only a couple of faniflies living close by Environment, Valuation and Administrative lodge an objection, the councfl's attitude Services for sending to aU members a com­ is that as only a few people objectpd it munication indicating the areas of responsi­ wiU issue the piermit. I suggest to the Mini­ biUty for local authorities, the police and ster that he look into the current require­ his own department. I have; spoken to him ments for the erection of signs indicating about that matter. It was a good decision the proposed construction of flats. on his part. While I am talking about notice-of-objec- My experience with local .authorities tion signs, I shall refer to the erection indicates that thd-e is a tendency for local of stables. There is a problem in Rock­ authority officere in the city of Rockhampton hampton with , the proliferation of stables to avoid inquiring about complaints that in a particular area. Over a pjeriod, stables are made in thdr area. They imply that have been erected in an older area of they are not convereant with the require­ Rockhampton, and pieople are continuing ments of the Act. I have found that police to make apyplication to erect further stables officers act in the same way. They do in that area. The council has adopted not want to becoine involved in matters an easy way out. It says to people "You that seem to be outside their normal poUce cannot build stables in other areas of the duties. I intend to raise the matter again city, but you can bufld thein in the area with the local district police inspjector arid where the other stables are." New stables the council. are bdng erected further and further away from the existing stables. The only justifica­ I have also spoken to the Minister about tion for building further stables in the the, forms that have to be forwarded to his area is that there are already other stables department yvhen a comp)laint is made by there. The council is making the situa­ a resident. In a brief discussion with the tion worse. Minister he indicated that when a p>ereon sends in a written complaint the procedure I was recently involved in this matter. has been to send out a form for his com­ It was proposed to erect new stables in pletion. In effect, it means asking the close proximity to a rather large primary person to repeat what he said in his written school With the humid weather in that complaint to the department. The Minister area, flies and stench are a nuisance. Even has intimated to me that he wfll instruct though the by-laws provide that the stables his officers to repeal that section of the have to be cleaned regularly and that Ume Act which requires the department to send must be spread on the ground, it is a low out a form after a clear and precise com­ area and it holds a lot of water. Common plaint has been received. I believe that that sense prevailed in this case and the council is a commonsense approach. refused the application to build new stables in the area. I am not clear about the position with local authorities. A person can go to a city The Bill also refers to car bodies, and council office and submit a complaint. I do provides that local authorities can impose not believe that the councfl should ask for it a charge for removing car bodies from to be put in writing so that it can be identi­ premises. This matter has always, concerned fied, filed and foUowed up. Recently I had me. Car bodies are ugly and make a a complaint about noise. I rang the dty place look untidy. They encourage vermin. council and spoke to the Chief Health In certain areas they hold water and are Inspector. He intimated that a form had a breeding ground for mosquitoes. I can to be completed and sent to the department. see nothing wrong with a council in any I asked him if I could send the constituent area giving notice that it will pick up car in to get the form, but I was told the bodies with a crane and a large vehicle council didn't have any. I asked him where on a certain date. That is bdter than they were avaflable and was told they were coming along to people and saying, "We available in Brisbane. He told me to get in are going to take that car body and it touch with Brisbane, have the form sent to will cost you $X." the constituent, get him to fiU it in and By doing it on an organised basis, the then return it to Brisbane. I did this, the councU can reduce the cost to the person complaint was received, and in due course who has a car body to be removed. Many investigated and some corrective action people do not have the means to shift a taken. car body. If they caU in a carrier or City coundls could act as a dep6t for a crane to shift it, it wiU probably cost forms, if I could use that term, in the com­ tnem $30 or 40. The councU could approach munity where p>ereons could obtain them so a home owner and say, "Look, we wiU that their complaiiiits could be submitted. have a vehicle covering this area next The dty council could make the fact known 1262 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill that it was holding a supply of the forms. Mr WRIGHT: I bet it would have. The That could apply to survey and valuation coundl would have liked to have some of matters. I am not sure that the depart­ the income-earning capadty that the Gov­ ment deaUng with those mattere has an ernment has taken away. The Govemment oflice in Rockhampton. The Minister has made sure that councils have loads of supplied forms to the members of this finandal responsibilities but no control over House; I do not think it is appropriate that the purse. they should remain in dectorate offices. Mr Lee: You wouldn't have a clue. I believe the matters I have raised are problems in the community. I ask the Min­ Mr WRIGHT: I am sure I do have a ister to take cognisance of what I have said clue on this matter and I am sure other and give those matters consideration. members will acknowledge that what I am saying is true. Mr WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (9.36 p.m.): A BdU to amend the Local Government Act Mr Lee: I accept that. always provides an interesting debate. In Mr WRIGHT: OK. I was about to reply the past it has been one that dozens of to the honourable member, but now I wiU membere have entered, but tonight only a not. few Opposition members have spoken, and so far only one Govemment member. I believe all niembers are concerned because this State has always had a three- That does not surprise me because I tiered system of government. Whflst asper­ realise we are watching what one might call sions can be oast at who is in control at a the dismembering of local government in Federal and State level, the local government this State. Although in the past most Minis­ level has retained a grass-roots approach ters have been willing to empjire-build, we and has been the one closest to the jieople have somewhat of a different character in —although I realise that members of this the present Minister for Local Government House play a significant role. who is slowly but surely destroying the local government structure. It may well be that I use Sir Albert Abbott's term tbat we he has too many other roles to play with have seen a dismembering of local govern­ his responsibiUty for racing, main roads and ment. That ds continuing. However, that is other matters in which he is deeply involved. not the only problem. I see the problem of He ought to start admitting what is hap­ interference. pening. Those views are held not only by Mr Hinze: That is not true. me. I notice in an artide that appeared in the "Tableland Times" Mr Krager: All local authorities have been saying that and yet the Minister says Mr Hinze: Is that your paper, .too? that dt is not trae. Mr WRIGHT: No, it is not mine. It does Mr WRIGHT: I take the honourable not have my quality, but this article has a member's point. It is a very valid one. Only quality that is just as high in terms of one pjerson says it is not happening—the readerehip. Minister for Local Government. We have members of the Opposition, many of whom Sir Albert Abbott, the mayor of Mackay have had long experience in local govera­ and also the president of the North Queens­ ment, saying it is happening, and members land Local Government' Association, made some rather scathing remarks about what is of the National Party and the Liberal Party happening to local authorities. I do not admit that it is happening. Members in the intend to read the article into "Hansard" local goverament area—the leadere at an but I urge membere to look at it because association level—say it is happening. But that man is a National Party member who the Minister says, "No, it is not." Surely at one time stood for election as a member he is not right in this instance while aU of of the National Party and has been a them are wrong. We have had Fred Rogers, vocal supporter of the Government. He now Sir Alby Abbott says straight out that councils must protest at the dismembering of the Department of Mr Hinze: Fred Rogers has been saying Local Government, for it is without doubt that for years. You know that yourself. another nail in the coffin of that so-called Mr WRIGHT: Yes, I know that, and I third tier of government—^local government. think he has had good grounds for saying I believe that sums up sometiiing of what it. He saw what was happening at the Bris­ i=; happening to local government in this bane City Council level. A long time ago State. It has been going on for a long time; I heard a statement by the member for it commenced with the Brisbane City Lytton when he was talking about Hitler. Council. He said that a lot of people in those days stood back and said, "Look, I won't do Mr Hinze: I asked the Lord Mayor today anything. The lawyers aren't saying any­ whether he would like the popular vote to thing. The academics aren't saying anything. be returned to the Brisbane City Council Religious leaders aren't saying anything." and he said, "No." I do not. remember the quotation exactly, Mr Warburton: The coundl would have but I remember the tenor of it: most people likpd to retain responsibflity for electricity, tend to stand,back and cop it because it though. is not happening to them specifically. Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiH 1263

That is what is happening in local govern­ has been proven by photographs this very ment. I think the Minister has known that day. It was shown that the development and has played one against the other. The would cause traffic problems and would Minister has sat back and said, "Let's 'do' cast shadows all over the caravan park and the Brisbane Cky Council. Let's screw the nearby residential area. tjiem"—to use a, term that has a physical In spite of all these environmental aspects connotation that appUes very well to what and opposition at council level, the Minister has been done—^"and then let's turn on the himself intervened. I do not know why. We local authorities." Again, that has been done ought to be told why. Does the Minister very effectively, firstly, by changing the have such special power that his wisdorn structure. is of Solomon and he can see, .sitting in some However, it is not just the structural ivory tower down here, that he knows better changes that concern me: it is the sheer than the locals? interference. That is the main point I wish to raise tonight. It is all very well for the Mr Hinze: You are making a mistake, Minister to talk about pecuniary interests you know. for local authority' members. We do not Mr WRIGHT: I have some questions I hear that for members of State ParUament. have been wanting to submit for weeks, I We Certainly do not hear it for members of will raise them with the Minister now, Cabinet. I am told that the Liberals now because I will not get a chance to put them have some sort of declaration. If they enter tomorrow. Perhaps the Minister can answer Cabinet, they must dispose of' aU their shares. me by way of a ministerial statement, I remember the Treasurer saying something because I like the way he uses them. Is it about that. correct that, after the local govemment referee upheld the decision by the Maroochy Mr Hinze: I disclosed mine last year over Shire Council to reject an application by the in the old building. I challenged the whole Kem Corporation under section 30B (3) of lot of you. the State building law, and because of its relationship with section 32A of the Local Mr WRIGHT: With due respect, the Govemment Act, an approach was made Minister's disclosure would have to be made to the Local Govemment Department by minute by minute, considering some of the Kern's QC appeaUng against the referee's little deals he gets into. I am not referring decision? The Minister can now answer the to anywhere in particular, but I would question. say that his disclosures would have to be made minute by minute, hour by hour. Is it correct that, at the time, the Minister was in Longreach and that he sent an Mr Hinze: They would have to be dis­ instruction that the case was to be reopened closed hour by hour. and heard again by the referee but that this time he was to consider only 30B Mr WRIGHT: That is what I am saying. (3) and that the environmental aspects It is the interference that concerns me of 32A were not to be considered? The greatly. The main issue I raise relates to Minister can answer later and give me Mooloolaba. Regrettably it involves a firm coinplete details. I was really going to ask that has become associated with me—the whether it was done by telex or telegram, Kem Corporation. and the Minister could weave his way round that one. Was the Minister in Longreach Mr Krager: Haven't you spoken of them at the time? Did he intervene or interfere? before? Is it correct that the building project was approved in its original form against Mr WRIGHT: Yes. It is getting to be Uke the advice of experts and the wishes of a "Blue Hills" serial. residents; that there is insufficient car- Whenever we look at some of the pjroblems parking; .that the plan stfll does not comply that involve interference by the Minister for with the councfl by-laws under the town Local Govemment, the name "Kem" plan; and that the project would not be appears. There seems to be a strange associ­ approved by the Beach Protection Authority? ation—not that I would dare think that the I do not wish to say that I disbelieve Minister would benefit in any pecuniary way, the Minister, because he and I have been because he' would no doubt declare what friends for a long time, even when he he had. At Mooloolaba a proposal was sub­ was on the back benches, too. He told mitted to develop a 16-storey complex on me some tinie ago in a debate that he what they cafl; the Spit. There was strong had never had any private meetings with popular opposition. The people were against Barry Paul or anybody from Kerns other It. ^omeS 000 people signed a petition calUng than meetings of an official nature in his for a referendum on the issue. They were departmental offices. That is what the able to show that it was environmentally Minister said; dt is in "Hansard". disastrous. Mr Hinze: That would be tme. I will The area was flood prone. Back in the tefl you what I wiH do: I will take the 1920s and 1930s, floods had broken through question that you have asked and give onto the area, which neithe* Kem nor its ybu a complete answer tomorrow on the builder knew anything about. However, it matters that you have brought out. 1264 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiU Mr WRIGHT: I want that. people requested a referendum to ensure that there was no high-rise right in this Mr Hinze: A complete ministerial state­ area. But what happiened? The Minister's ment. department said, "No". Mr WRIGHT: I begin to wonder whether It seems to me that the Act is applied the Minister has a bad memory, or whether when it suits the Minister; but when five sometimes my information is wrong. I was or six thousand people are aggrieved and told on good authority that the Minister they want something stopped, the Minister had in fact met Barry Paul and another does nothing about it. pjerson who could have been Eric Riding; that he met them in the Mflano restaurant Mr Hinze: What about the coundl? just before the end of last year; that he had a luncheon there. The Minister told Mr WRIGHT: In this instance, the me that he had not met Mr Paul before councfl opposed it and opxposed it tfll the these matters were raised with him. Mr Minister stepp>ed in. Barry Paul told me on television that the Minister had in faot invited---— Mr Hinze: Why did I step in? Mr HINZE: I rise to a point of order. Mr WRIGHT: The honourable gentleman I do not wish to take up the time of interfered or intervened. The pjeople did the House in refuting these statements, but not want it, and the councfl was told— I have not met Riding in company with and I have spqken to an alderman about Barry Paul on any occasion. the matter—ythat it had to comply with Mr Wright: Wefl, the Minister met Barry the directions of the Local Goverament Paul separately at the Milano. Department. Perhapjs the Minister can tell honourable members tomorrow exactly what Mr HINZE: Barry Paul would be a person his involvement has been. I am not sug­ who would come to my office—of course gesting that there is anything illegal or he would—or come to- immoral, or whatever the case nught be. It could ibe that the Minister has been Mr Wright: I am talking about luncheon wrongly advised. at the Milano. Mr Hinze: No, I would not think so. Mr HINZE: I do not go to luncheons at the Milano. I am not inclined to accept Mr WRIGHT: The information given to invitations to lunch at the Milano. If I me is that the honourable gentleman inter­ have met him at lunch at the Mflano, it vened, and he has now set a major preced­ would be purely by accident, not by design. ent. There is going to be a 16 or l7-slorey Mr WRIGHT: I wfll accept that, Mr building on The Spit. It is an environ­ Deputy Speaker. I believe that the Minister mental disaster, and the pieople do not want is an honourable man. I do not always it. In the first instance, it was opposed agree with the things that he decides, but by the councH, and all sensible people I like to think that he deals very strictly disagreed with it. The locals were against with the tmth. the idea. Yet the Minister supported it. I • want to know why. Mr Hinze: I will give you full details tomorrow in a ministerial statement. Mr Kruger: They teU me that the water­ front up in Mooloolaba is like a giant mec­ Mr WRIGHT: I beUeve that the Minister cano set. Cranes are going up everywhere. did intervene on this issue. I .believe that he interfered in the Mooloolaba matter. I wish Mr WRIGHT: I do not know about that, to know why he did. If there were good but in four or five days' time I wifl be grounds for interfering, we would expect heading up there. I have tried to get to the honourable gentleman to do that. Mooloolaba before this, but the other night Mr Hinze: Everything I did was under I went to Townsville chasing another Kem the Act on the recommendation of the matter. Director of Local Government. The site itself is 80 m from the high- Mr WRIGHT: It may have been within water beach mark and only 65 m from the the Act. The Minister has certain discretion­ river-bank .foreshore. So there is an environ­ ary powers under the Act, But his task mental problem. The area is prone to is also to listen to the people. flooding, traffic problems wiU arise, shadows will fall across adjacent land and the The Act also says that if 20 pier cent density of population wiU create a of the pjeople want to dissolve the council, problem. The site is on the second busiest the Minister can do that. Twenty .pier cent corner in Mooloolaba, and there is a height of the people wanted to dissolve the councfl^ difficulty as well as a size difficulty. Yet but the Minister did not do anything about in spite of aU that, the Minister intervened. it. He has a respxMisibility to say why. What The Act also says that, at the request driving force js there behind the Minister of 10 per cent of the pjeople, a referendum to compel him to intervene on such a may be held. Thirteen pier cent of the matter? Local Govemment Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiU 1265

Mr Hinze: I hope you are in the House Mr Hinze: The councfl, tomorrow when I p>ay the courtesy of replying. Mr WRIGHT: The Minister should forget Mr WRIGHT: I Usten to the Minister, about the council; we are talking about anyway. But I wiU be here. people. The Minister has a responsibility not only Mr Hinze: On most occasions the councils to the House but to the people of Mooloo­ are recommending in favour, and most of laba to explain why he rejected their wishes, the councils are Labor councils. why he rejected 5 600 petitionere who wanted a itrferendum to be held on the issue. Why Mr WRIGHT: I do not believe that that did the Minister do that? The answer is is so. simple: Because the law provides that if the people express a certain wish and if they Mr Hinze: Take the Gold Coast. The have the numbers the council is bound to Labor Party controls the Gold Coast Councfl. comity with their wish. That is why the Minister intervened. Mr WRIGHT: I am talking about Too­ woomba. The Toowoomba City Councfl is He knew that the people had the numbere not Labor-controlled. and that a referendum would be against the high-rise. He knew that by law the coundl Mr Hinze: You have a fairly big Labor is bound to carry out the wishes of the content in the Toowoomba City Coundl. people. So he or someone in his depart­ ment made sure that a referendum was not Mr WRIGHT: Oh, come on! The fact held. I must be careful in casting asper­ of the matter is that the Minister has sions. Nevertheless, that happened. The approved a complex in Toowoomba only Minister prevented the will of the pieople 100 m from an existing complex. from being kno>yn,on this matter; he refused Does the Minister think at all about the to allow a referendum to be held. small shopkeepjeTjOr the specialist shopkeeper in the complex? He seems to be supporting However, we still know what the wifl of the proposal that these complexes should the people is, because in a very short time be allowed to go anywhere. His department 5 600 signatures were d>lleded. I will be seems to suppwrt that proposal. happy to hear the Ministeir's reply tomorrow. I should also point out that the Local Mr Hinze: R.ead, tomorrow's newspaper. Govemment Department has intervened in other matters, such as the Skateway pro­ Mr WRIGHT: What wifl the Minister be posal at Graham Road and Gympie Road. reported as doing? Why did the Local Govemment Court reject Mr Hinze: You'll see. the councfl's stand on that one? To what extent was the Local Govemment Depart­ Mr WRIGHT: I should like to think that ment involved? I am surprised over and over the Minister is going to do somethings again by the extent of the department's and maybe he should tell the House about involvement. However, when we want the it. That is what is wrong with this place. Local Govemment Dep>artment to stand up He will tell the Press reporfere, but he wiU and be counted on issues,, it is not there. not tell the Assembly. Membere have to This brings me to the .most important read the newspapjers to find out what is argument that I want to develop tonight, going on. That is the way it has been namely, that conceraing the shopping centre done in the past. The Minister fell on complexes. Already we have heard falsehoods his face with that by saying that he wiU told in the House by Sir WUUam Knox. He put it in the Press and we will see it said that we should not have any fears about tomorrow. the BP and Caltex groups. I have been People in shopping centres are getting told, however, that we have some real wip>ed out. The honourable member for troubles here. A lot of misleading state­ Sherwood spoke about parking tonight. I ments are being made, particularly in relation have been talking to people in the same to shopping centres. area who suffer major difficulties. I have New shopping centres are bdng approved not heard the local authority saying anything willy-nilly throughout the State. Normally about them; The place is not even opjened some tyi)e of economic impact study is till 8.30 a.m., and it is sometimes much later required before approval can be given. How­ by the time the chains are taken down. ever, it seems that now it is not -required. That means that neither the staff nor the For some reason, the Minister is able to ordinary consumer can get in. The number atcumvent it. of parking bays is being diminished by the new constructions which, no doubt, have There is an instance on Boyne Island, of been approved by the Minister's department. which the member for Port Curtis is no I am sure that the Minister and his officers aoubt aware. A complex has been approved are watching these things very carefully. for Kem, yet it 'R^H destlfoy a nUinber of Further traffic congestion problems are being Shops a quarter of a mile away. A similar created. I was given some figures tonight situation iwiU arise at Atherton and at Too- showing that because the Westfield pro­ J'oomba. The Minister and I had quite a prietors do not opwn the pjarking facilities, «e over the Tpqwoomba jssue. traffic! backs, up Jn Musgrave Road. Station 1266 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill

Road, Moggill Road and Samford Street, at this lease and, if you take it, we »il| which prevents local residents from getting set the conditions." One of the conditions into their yards. is that a neon sign costing in the vicini/y of $25,000 has to be erected. A condition Mr Hinze: The honourable member for I read tonight required the lessee to design Sherwood made the point. the shop front to the corporation's specifica­ tions. Those honourable members who are Mr WRIGHT: He made a different point interested may look at the lease I have about the leases. I would like you, Mr here. Deputy Speaker, to give me a chance to talk about leases I have here. If we want Mr Hinze: If people do not want to take to clear up some of the problems let us up a lease they do not have to. No-one clean up some of the lawyers, with due drags them in in chains if they don't want respect to the member for Sherwood. While to be in it. proprietore in the shopping centres are Mr WRIGHT: I accept that, because the benefiting from the leases, legal rogues are point is valid. No-one has to go into these producing them. Some figures were shown leases; people can say no. I accept the to me tonight about 17 leases, all virtually 'Minister's point. However, when they have the same, bdng produced. It looks as been in for three to five yeare, then the if they were duplicated on the same machine, trouble starts. but they cost each of the proprietore between $596 and $600—for exactly the same lease. I know of one instance right at this The only difference is a few additions at moment where a proprietor in a Bristene the end. The lawyers are inserting them. shopping ceptre ds in great difficulty With due respject to the member for Sher­ because certain conditions are being imposed wood, the point he made was a vaUd one, on him. If he does not forgo certain and I support what he said. The lavvyere benefits he wfll not get other benefits. should have a social conscience on some of To my mind that is blackmail. I wall these mattere. At Palmdale, the lawyere not go into specifics because I am negotia­ drew up the lease and, with the concurrence ting on the case tomorrow. I do not want of the local landlord a proprietor has to p>ay to jeopardise the negotiations by making $400 before he sees the lease. If he does the case too public by naming the firm. not want the lease, he forfeits his $400. I hope that it will have some common sense That is what is happiening to our free-enter­ and come to the table. In another centre, prise sodety. It is time that we proteded one firm had to give away about 7 fed of proprietore of shops in shopping centres, shop frontage and yet the rental was increased and prevented numerous additional ones by 25 per cent. being built. I am told that a further two are When some of the figures and conditions to be built in North Rockhampton, another are examined it is obvious that regardless one in South Rockhampton, with others of the size or area of a shop, lessees do to be built on the south side of Brisbane. not pay on a p>roportionate basis for cleansing or water. One fellow I md last night does Mr Hinze: You try telling the House not even have water connected to bis why you don't want them. premises, but he psiys water rates. Mr WRIGHT: The Toowoomba example In another instance the shopping centre was very relevant to them. A survey of makes a profit out of the garbage coUedion. some 900 pieople in Toowoomba showed It apjportions costs to the pi"oprietore and it that most of them thought that the existing made something Uke $22,000 profit on what retail outlets were suffident for their needs. it paid the rduse coUedore. I am told that If the same housewives are told that the the same thing is happening with rates. new shopping centres will mean increased These things ought to be stopped. The best costs, and 100 businessmen wfll be sent way to stop them is for the Minister for to the wafl, they wfll really start thinking Local Govemment, who I know cannot about it. overcome the problems in those areas, to start off with tough conditions when shop­ Mr Hinze: WiU they? ping centres are allowed to be constructed. I thought that one of the conditions was Mr WRIGHT: Yes, they wdU. If the that there should be some type of economic Minister were to see some of the leases study^ that we should have a look at the and the fees that are being paid he would effect on other areas, including the strip think differently. In fact, when the hon­ shops and other complexes. But from what ourable member for Yeronga was a Minister, has happened in the past four or five months he pointed out that 75 per cent of small it seems that there is no such thing as an businessmen go broke in the first three years. economic study. Wiether the department Is that because of the unions? Bunkum! wants it and the Minister or somebody else Is it because of a pay rise that the trade is stopping it, I do not know. unions have fought for? Nonsense! It Mr Hinze: Last year I introduced legisla­ is because of big business and pressure from the landlords; because corporations like tion which spedfically prowded that an Westfield can increase rentals by 49 per economic assessment be included in the aprpu- cent. They can say to intending lessees, catipn. "Before you come in here you wiH look Mr WRIGHT: What does it really mean? Local Govemment Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill 1267

Mr Hinze: What does it mean? I do not know how we can stop it, but this Parliament has to try because we are dealing with the immediate lives of some Mr WRIGHT: 1 do not know. Take Boyne 150 000 business propridors in this State. Island where so many stores are in jeopardy. With the husbands and wives together we are talking about 300 000 peop>le. Add their Mr Hinze: You are saying that there is no employees and we are talking about one requirement and I am teUing you that there milUon people who are somehow Unked with smaH business in this State. This Govern­ ment is allowing thdr demise. Why? Mr WRIGHT: I know that there is a Because not enough forethought has been requirement. So many things are written into given, not enough care is bdng taken, and the law but it comes back very much to the not enough control is being enforced in the iscretionary power that is vested in the develop>ment of shopping complexes. Minister or his department. It seems to You, Mr Deputy Speaker, have had some come back to the interpretation; of what that interest in this matter. We need to protect economic survey requires and what sort of the small businessman in this area either details the Minister wants. by town planmng rules, through the Local It seems that we wfll end up with a situ­ Government Department, or by a new Act ation in Queensland where the ordinary small of ParUament which I would call the Com­ comer store, the retail outlet, the specialty mercial Tenancies Act, I think that that is store, the convenience store and the independ­ the real way to overcome it, ent store will be ^iped out. If those people do I am hopwng, at a later date, to be able to not end up in a complex they have no bring to Parliament other specific examples of chance, and when they are in a complex they the sort of problems that exist. The trouble still have no chance because once their lease is that when anybody enters a war, Uke the is up they are in trouble. one that I am trying to wage with the big The complex owners wfll give them a lease devdopere and the big complex proprietore, for five years and then say, as they are there are always some casualties. The battle saying to one person whose business is worth can be won in the long term but there are $100,000, "Your lease comes up some time always some casualties. It hurts when the in Decdnber but we wifl not extend it." casualties are husbands and wives who lose The person wfll say, "I want to sell. Even $45,000, $100,000 or, in the case I mentioned, though my business is worth $100,000 I can $300,000, There must be some controls, get someone to take it for $80,000." The I would like to think that the Minister owners wiU say, "No. We cannot guarantee for Local Government, who is one of the that purchaser an extension of your lease." strong private enterprise .people in this That is blackmail. Either this Minister or State—he has proven it with his own involve­ one of the other Ministers must make an ment in private enterprise—would make a in-depth stiidy of shopping complexes. stand for these people at the local govern­ ment level, I ask him to carry out his In Victoria there is an inquiry that the investijgations; not just to allow the applica­ Mnister might know about. Victoria wants tions of these complexes to go through wUly- some type of moratorium on the develop­ nflly, but to explain his own involvement ment d shopping complexes. and interference—why in fact he does it. We need to go into all of the ramifications. If it is done on good grounds, we will be It almost needs a parUamentary select com­ supporting him, and I personally will support mittee to be established to find out the legal him. If it is done just on the basis that difflculties through the leases, the town plan­ he does not care or that his attitude to ning difficulties, the environmental difflculties, development is that it has to go on regard­ the social impact problems, the traffic hazard less of the circumstances, then I do not problems and the economic devastation being think he will have the support, caused. I say to the Minister—it is almost a warn­ Many of the proprietors are in a very ing to him—that this Government is facing awkward age group. They are 45 and some­ a backlash, not from trade union people or times 55 years old. They go into a small employees but from the self-employed, the Dusmess. They beUeve that they wiU do well, small business people, I warn him that there tney find after three to five years that they are about 300000 people with a very strong nave done reasonably weM but that thdr political vote who are starting to organise ousiness is finished. They cannot seU it. themselves corporatdy in loose associations they cannot obtain a further lease. They and financiaUy, He is going to have a war cannot assign what is left of their lease. So on his hands. If he acts now, he can save tney lose everything. these people a lot of distress and save him­ self a lot of political misery, It ds virtually impossible for them to find oner employment. Where could a 55-year- Mr BURNS (Lytton) (10,6 p.m.): One of oia m^i or woman find employment today? the provisions of the Bill relates to industrial iney have invested thdr life's Savings. It refuse. I am reminded of the problems could be $45,000 or $155,000.' A man told th^t arose recently at WiHawong in relation ™ last nighf that his inyestment is $300,000 to the disposal of dangerous chemical and sna it IS now in jeopardy. industrial wastes. When I thought of that 1268 Local Government'Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BUl

problem and how long the Wfllawong dump own the property. As I say, it is under the has been in existence, I wondered what used control of a firm of lawyers. The house is to happen to dangerous chemicals and indus­ not in her name, but she pays the rates on trial wastes not only in Brisbane but also it. She is a pensioner. She has done nothing in the local authority areas throughout the all her life but look after her mother. She State, Where were those dangerous cheriii- is incapable of earning a living outsitfe. She cals dumped before the WiUawong dump recdves no rate assistance whatsoever, opened? ;Wei:e they dumped down at the old Murarrie dump or at Black's Camp at I imagine that between 200 and 500 people Wynnum or in any of the other dumps that in the community may fafl into that group. are now sporting grounds around the area? That is not a lot of people for this Parlia­ What sort of controls have we had over the ment to hdp, We have moved to hdp jien- dumping of these liquid wastes? sioners in general and today we are moving to: help unmarried mothers. I completely Is it not time that we registered these agree with that. It seems to me to be so-caHed cleansing contractors, who haVe big fairiy simple to extend that provision to trucks pumping this rubbish and major pol­ people in a similar situation as the lady I luting material—this highly dangerous mentioned and many other people—mostly material in some cases—out of various indus­ women—who are in simflar circumstances. trial pjremises and carting it off somewhere? Is it a fact that after the local authorities The honourable member for Rockhamp increased the charges, because they required ton raised the question of town planning, on which I also wish to speak. Before I do .that, a certain amount of technical equipment to however, 1 should say that it is about time handle the material that is being dumped, that we begaln to take some Care about sonrie of these people then dumped this rates in other drcumstances. For example, material illegally in our creeks and streams? the Redland Shire Councfl levies rates on Yes, it i^ a fact, because instances of that Russell Island where a lot of people were sort have alrefady' been shown. sold land. At the time of saJe roads were We know ourselves that this is a fairly marked out on the island, and now when common trait . in the average Australian people go to build on the good blocks they citizen. Once the local dump is shifted a are told by the coundl that there is no little way out of town, he will not cart road there, that the trees have grown back. his mbbish, It ends up by the side of the Although . the councfl charges the land­ road. One only.has to see the number of holders rates every year, it refuses out of car bodies that are dumped alongside quiet hand to do anything about giving them some sort of road to thdr property. In faot, bush tracks to realise how far people will the council makes it very dear that most go to avoid paying a few bob as a fee at of the roads created by the original sub­ a local dump. division are unformed and virtually non­ What hap)pened to aH of this major indus­ existent. They were created to provide only trial waste and dangerous material before minimal access to the blocks for sale pur­ the WiUawong dump was developed? What poses and reverted to their natural state hajipens with those types of waste in other following cessation of maintenance by the provincial cities such as Toowoomba, Towns­ devdopers. viUe or Rockhampton? What type of "WiUa­ wong" arrangements are there in those areas? Since the council took control of the island it has been progressively carrying out The member for Rockhampton North improvements, including the construotion of raiseid the question- of rates, The matter of gravel roads, bitumen roads and cross-street rates is dealt with in this BiH. I am con­ drainage. The councfl ds at present con­ cerned about a very small section of the centrating on those areas where there are community that seems to have missed out permanent residences. It is not rojuired to in the last submission from the Treasurer construct access to any allotment. The and others in relation to rate reductions council says that in this case the appUcant's sponsored by the Government. I am talking allotment was located far from any formed about people who are life tenants. There are gravel roads and the cost of pwoviding even not many of them. In my area there is a a low-standard track would be prohibitive. woman who cared for her mother all her The coundl says it does not have the funds life. When the mother died, the house was avaflable. left to this woman to live in for the rest In this case a lady was sold a good block of her Ufe, as long as she maintained it and of land with marked road access. She has paid the rates. A firm of lawyers in town now been told by the councfl, "Bad luck, we have control over the house. When that cannot even put a rough track in for you." woman dies, the ownership of the house That lady cannot get to her property, so how is to be split amongst the other members wfll she get a builder to bufld a house? of the famfly. But she StiU faces up to the responsiWlity, I have written to the Treasurer about this as many others do on the island, of paying matter, and he has written back to me rates. saying that this lady cannot receive any The Redland Shire Coundl is tiie new assistance by way of rate redudions .because riproff merchant of RusseU Island. It is she does not own the property. When one charging $55 and $60 a year for land that fiUs out the form, one has to give the name is under water and on which they will not of the owner of the property. She does not allow people to build. Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment BiH \im Mr Hinze: They have the right to apply at it?" He said, "I can't do anything about a minimum rate. il. There's nothing we can do." However, when he went down to look at it, the dog Mr BURNS: They also have the right to bit him. Surprisingly enough, it was then discharge those blocks from the resp)on- decided to shoot the dog. sibility of rates or the minimum valuation. I cannot get every policeman to go down The Minister wrote to me and told me that. to be bitten by the local dogs, but the kids But the councfl Wifl not do that. What are being bitten. People are locking dogs it is doing to a lot of people who have been up undemeath their houses and leaving them ripped-off by smart alecs and rip-off real there all day, seven days a week. The estate salesmen is showing no concern at all. dogs are not being treated well. In many Its only concem is to collect rates. In addi­ cases the RQSPC wfll come out to tion to tl^t, it says to people who have a these problems. The dogs are whining all decent block that it will not build even a day—and who could blame them for doing rough track; that when they are locked up in those circumstances? The ndghbours have to put Mr Akers: What general rate is she pay­ up with it. When both partners in the ing? marriage are working--one during the day and one at night—the dogs are locked up Mr BURNS: The minimum rate on the overnight. drainage problem blocks is about $55 a year. I do not know what rates the»par­ When one tries to get councU officers to ticular lady is paying. do something about it, they always have something more important to do. However, The Valuer-General has valued the blocks a person who lives in the house next door— at $50 and the council has struck a mini­ a person who has to put up with the noise mum rate of $55 a year. If a person writes seven days a week, who happens to be an to the council and asks to develop the Iflock animal lover and who is a bit conceraed they say, ^INo, just keep sending the $55." about the treatment of the animaU—says Does the Minister think that is fair or to himself, "It's about time something was reasonable? It is all right for the Minister done," If the ordinances, 1^-laws or regula­ to laugh, but if he owned one of the tions that we aUow coundls to make are blocks not strong enough to allow sometWng to Mr Innes: That is called the "sinking" be done about it, then someone should look fund. at these problems that affect the ordinary man and woman very much in their own Mr BURNS: I suppose it is. home. What advice should I give them? I Mr Lee: They are quite real. generally teU them to give the land back to the council, write off the bad debt and forget about it. But someone who has spent Mr BURNS: They are, and they are quite a couple of thousand dollars on a block on worrying problems. which he hopes some day to build Uves in some hope. Nobody likes to give them Mr Innes: The trouble is that the council away, so they continue to pay the $55. pound fellows come round and get every innocent small dog that comes up and wags Mr Lee: You always teU them to flog it its tail and they leave the big ones to lope to some Tory. around. \ Mr BURNS: If the honourable member Mr BURNS: Unfortunately, that is a wants to come over, I have a lot of blocks problem. I have spoken to council pound he can buy. He could slip over there tomor­ operators about that. It is not reaUy their row and I wiU have a lot of people willing fault. If dogs are running in the street to help him out. and a complaint is made about a dog that I would like to see something done about is causing trouble, when they come down this matter of minimum rating. I am sure every dog that is out without the required the Department of Local Government should collar is taken away. Not much can be not just wipe its hands of such problems done about that. Those fellows are carrying and say they belong to somebody else. out their job. If they selectively picked out I now mention another little problem that a couple of dogs, it is not hard to imagine these days many people have to put up the complaints there would be about that— with. I get a lot of complaints about very "They took my dog, but they didn't take common local government problems such as Mrs Smith's up the road." uncontroUable dogs—the dogs that bite people in the street. I always remember an Mre Kyburz: I am sorry, but that is early case I had as a member of ParUament. exactly what they do: they steal friendly Down at Lindum there was a massive dog dogs. mat bit everyone who walked past. I rang the local policeman, who said, "Look, Tom, Mr BURNS: I am not going to enter into t can't do anything about it. Leave it alone. an argument over the pound keepere. What jPoiget about it." In the end I said to him. I want is a stricter regulation to control What about going down and having a look dogs, espedaliy at night. 1270 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill

Ld me return to the town-planning pro­ begins talking about building an accom­ visions of the BiH. My father loves to go modation block in Noosa Woods and taking fishing at Noosa. We have been going to over the surf club and shifting it somewhere Noosa for some years. Recently I have else—^just Uke that, out of the blue. become more and more concerned about In the week that I was up there beginning developments on the North Coast. I lived a bit of a break with my dad, I read of on the Gold Coast for years. My mum and the Minister for Local Government bdng up dad Uved down there for about 15 years. there with the coundl and saying to them, I saw the Gold Coast virtually destroyed by "I have had a meeting this moraing with councils and planners making ad hoc this major developer . . ." Let me quote decisions, allowing high-rise buildings that from the reports of the Minister's meeting cast shadows over the beach and turning with the coundl. They say— much of the area of the Gold Coast into a concrete jungle. ". . . he had no idea what council thought of the project and he felt that I know that many people are conceraed council should be blunt and tell him about it. In Miami and Hawaii today the exactly what they thought as the Gov­ visiting tourist population to those high-rise emment had given substantial guarantees concrete-jungle beach areas is decreasing to the firm concemed and he was required each year. The business community in to report to Cabinet in the next few Hawau this year is spending massive sums months." of money trying to entice more people to the resort areas. They are concemed that Mr Hinze: Conditional guarantees. Hawaii has lost some of its charm. Mr BURNS: That is not in the notes Up at Noosa where, as I say, my dad of the meeting that the Minister had with the is a very keen fisherman-^and we have been councfl. going there with him for some time—there Mr Hinze: Conditional guarantees. are some very beautiful areas. Mr BURNS: The notes continue— Dr Lockwood: You are not going to tell "He said he wished to know if Council the story about Easter, are you? considered it has the time, expertise and knowledge of requirements to undertake Mr BURNS: No, I am not, but I will a devdopmient of such magnitude of that talk about Noosa itself, what might happen envisaged." to it and the jtroblems that face the people I will take that point, because councils, there. There is currently a proposal by a whether they happen to be the Gold Coast major developer called Noosa Resort Cor­ City CouncU, the Landsborough' Shire poration. I do not intend attacking them. Council, the Maroochy Shire Councfl, or I know that in many ways they are going the Noosa Shire Councfl, face major prob­ about their business and promoting what lems. Many of them are smaU councils they want to do. Someone has to look in Uttle areas that were peaceful and had a at the long-term planning of Noosa, but charm of their own, and people came there I do not believe that one private-enterprise because of the charm of the area. group should be able to do it. The developers then saw a chance of The Noosa Wcods Caravan Park is a making a quid out of it, and they wanted to beautiful little p>art which used to be right put high-rise in and change it. The Uttle on the bar at Noosa. Now, with the new council then found massive development bar that the Government has had to put proposals put before it. There was not a in and the beach reclamation works, that is lot of expertise in the coundl, especially not so. However, the park is situated right amongst the coundllore, and in many at the end of Hastings Stred—the heart of instances it did not have the money to spend Noosa Heads itself—and out from the end to obtain the services of top town-planning of it is a large area that has been developed experts. The coundllore did not have by the Govemment and revegetated. The the knowledge or the expertise to foresee sand is buflding up into a beautiful beach the quantity of water, the roads, the elect­ along there. ricity supply and other infrastructure that would have to be paid for by ratepiayers One can pick up newspaper after news­ to sustain the development. That is an paper on the North Coast in which the argument that can be accepted. Resort Corporation says that the Noosa surf However, for the Minister to go along clubhouse will be an essential part of the and then say to the council, "You set complex and redesigned and situated in a up a committee of two or three, because different position; that part of the Noosa we, as a govemment, have made a few Woods is to be leased to the developer for deals with these people"—I wfll say "con­ an accommodation building; and that the ditional deals", if that wifl satisfy the Min­ rest of the woods and The Spit are to be ister—is not acceptable. How have the the best botanical gardens in AustraUa. Many people been consulted? people who have been going to Noosa for years and camping in tiiat caravan park Mr Hinze: Thdr interests are being looked are a little surprised that a local deVdoper after. Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill 1271

Mr BURNS: I see the honourable member Mr BURNS: That is not what it says. for Cooroora in the Chamber, and I know They own a good part of the beach side that he takes an interest in the area. I of the land and substantial holdings on am not arguing about the local men, I Motel Hill, and they own the other side of am simply expsressing the feeUng that I got Hastings Street, If they get a franchise agree­ when I was there on hbUday. ment similar to the Iwasaki agreement, the Mr Hinze: I do not think you have honourable member wifl not be able to say, "Not the beach, not the freehold land," any worries. Already they are reported in the newspapers Mr BURNS: I think they have. as talking about shifting the surf club and building accommodation blocks on the Noosa Mr Hinze: I do not think that you have. Woods Caravan Park. These things have not been denied by the Government. Mr BURNS: Knowing the Minister all too weU, as I do, I am worried, Mr Simpson: They are not shifting the surf club. Mr Warburton: I would be worried about the conditions, Mr BURNS: The local paper says they are, and it is not denied. Mr BURNS: Yes. I am worried that Mr Simpson: You know how easy it is the Minister was able to suggest to the to get a load of rubbish printed in the news­ councfl that if it agreed m principle to the paper. Noosa Resort Corporation proposals the Govemment would be prepared to assist Mr BURNS: I should think that an artide finandaUy whh the infrastracture required such as this, with the headline, "Noosa for such a devdopmient and enter a franchise could be world's top resort. Consortium agreement similar to that for the Iwasaki plans multi miUion redevelopment" spread development. Again I am reading from the all over the front page would contain a minutes of the special meeting held on correct report. 13 March 1981, pages 5 and 6. That report says— The Minister also said that he would have to be in a position to make a recommendation "The Noosa Surf Club to be an essen­ to Cabinet shortly as funds were tied up tial part of the complex, .though rede­ and the Goverament had made a commit­ signed and in a different location." ment. He said that if the council was That has never been denied. not agreeable, then he could not see any Mr Simpson: That is absolutely without franchise agreement being proceeded with. foundation. I make it clear that I am selecting pieces from the minutes. Mr BURNS: We will give you the oppor­ Not only the councfl was involved. While tunity to say something on this matter. I was at Noosa, a meeting of about 400 people was held. As I understand it, all Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Mfller): the local newsp>apere reported that those Order! The honourable member for Lytton people were fairly unhappy about the pro­ wifl address the Chair. posal. I went to the business people with •whom I usually deal on the few occasions Mr BURNS: I thought he was getting into that I go to Noosa, and I found an attitude me, Mr Deputy Speaker. I think you should similar to that reported in the Press. Most be protecting me rather than the honourable people were concerned. member. However, I wiU accept your ruling. Mr Simpson: They did frighten the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I will residents and ratepayere into thinking that protect the honourable member when he they were going to have their freehold land addresses the Chair. taken from them and that the beaches were going to be closed. Mr BURNS: I believe that town plans are revised about every seven years. When a Mr BURNS: Some of the statements of new town plan is decided for this area, in Mr Ken Taylor and his partner scared effect it wifl last right untfl the late 1980s. them. Mr Taylor made it clear that an The plan that councils are bringing down has international-class resort would be built to last for some time. encompassing major changes to Hastings Street and surrounding areas. I am quoting Reference could be made to the creation from the local paper, which goes on to of beach protedion zones in that area. Any­ say— one who knows Noosa—the local member "Gone wiU be the jumble of bufldings would know it fairly wefl, as would other in Hastings Street, gone the chaotic pjark- members who go there—^would know that ing, gone the Noosa Woods camp. The the beach in front of the surf club and in restaurants and boutiques WiH remain, front of Hastings Street has virtually been newly designed to fit the whole." washed away, because of the decision taken some years ago to drop rocks in there. The Mr Simpson: But not the beacheSi not the only decent beach is the one that has been river, not the freehold land. restol-ed near the bar itself. 1272 Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill Surely we should be looking at a different Mr BURNS: That is not exactly what type of town plan for a seaside resort- those minutes show you did. not that Noosa is a seaside resort any more. It no longer has the peaceful charm that it Mr Hinze: They are not minutes. had yeare ago. Noosa is now an international resort. We have heard talk about Arab mil­ Mr BURNS: Well, I do not know what lionaires and other people with big money they are. They are the notes of the meeting going up there and spending miHions of that were kept by the councU. They are dollars. The Resort Corporation bought a avaflable. The Minister knows that what I whole development at Munna Point from the said is not untrue. They are notes of what old developers and they are holding it with the Minister said. They are in the Minister's a view to building an international style style. When I read through them, knowing resort. Noosa is no longer a peaceful seaside the Minister, I said, "This is the Minister, resort; it is a major resort area. all right. There is no doubt about the autlienticity of the minutes." They made Town plans for resort areas should not be very clear to me where the Minister stood simflar to town plans for cities. Surely some­ on the issue. So far as I can see the Minister thing different is needed. I have in mind a favoure an Iwasaki-style franchise there, I resort plan that wiU provide for beach pro­ hope that he does not. tection zones and hillside areas, such as those at Noosa that were part of the charm of the area. Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast—Minister What is occurring at Noosa is occurring for Local Goverament, Main Roads and also at Caloundra, Maroochydore and Moo­ Police) (10,31 p.m.), in reply: I thank all loolaba. We are seeing this rapid development honourable members for their contribution of our coastal areas. The councils in these to this debate. In the time available I will areas are facing problems. Furthermore, the reply to the points raised. people who live in those areas are facing The honourable member for Port Curtis problems. referred to a number of issues, but was The Maroochy Shire Coundl has made generally in agreement with the provKions two or three high-rise dedsions that I of the Bill, I remind honourable members believe do not comply with the bylaws. The that the provisions contained in this BiU first concems "Alexandra" on the corner were. fully discussed with the Local Govern­ of The Esplanade and Mayfield Street, Alex­ ment Association executive. The executive andra Headlands. On the Mayfield Street was in agreement with the Goverament's side, the street boundary clearance has been thinking behind these provisions. reduced to less than half the statutory The honourable member claimed that some requirements. Why would that be done for a members of local authorities, have failed to massive high-rise building? disclose pecuniary interests which could con­ Next, there is "Mylos" on the corner of flict with their public office. If evidence is Parker and Maroubra Streets and Alexandra supplied to me in support of these claims Parade. On the Maroubra Street side the I will have the matter examined. boundary clearance has been reduced by one-third. These two breaches reduce the The question pf whether a person has a legal views of the Padfic Ocean that should pecuniary interest is a pereonal matter. The have been available to people opposite these department's advice has always been that buildings. any member of a local authority in doubt Other breaches at "Mylos" are the clear­ about bis position should seek private legal ance of 4.5 m, which should have been 6 advice. or possibly 7.5 m, and so on. Although The honourable member for Sherwood by-laws cover such developments, some people also was in agreement with provisions of the seem to be able to obtain a relaxation of Bill and made special reference to provisions those by-laws. The counciUors themselves dealing with the disclosure of pecuniary know that there is major opiposition to high- interest, and amendments relating to the rise developments. Many people believe that impibsition of conditions by a local authority high-rises wiU convert coastal areas into when dealing with town planning applications. the concrete jungles that exist overseas. High- rises destroy the charm and beauty of areas. He asked whether the powers and pro­ I come back to the point on town planning visions dealing with on-the-spot fines should that we must try to help the councils. I am be simplified, I wiH give further consider-' against any form of Iwasaki franchise for ation tb this matter and to particular points the Noosa area. raised by the honourable member. At any time I should be pleased to see He also sought clarification of certain the Local Govemment Department strengthen conditions imposed in leases granted by West- the hand of a local authority rather than field Shopping Town at Indooroopflly. Under weaken it by saying, "You do not have the leases employees of speciality shops are the expertise, we wifl take it over and handle precluded from parking in areas set aside it." If a local authority does not have for' this particular pnirpose at the shoi)ping the expertise, the Minister should provide centre. He claims that this is contrary to it with assistance through one of his officere. the interests of the Brisbane Town Plan, I) give the honourable member an assurance Mr Hinze: That is exactly what I did. that I wUl have this matter examined. Local Government Act [13 MAY 1981] Amendment Bill 1273

The Bill strengthens the requirements for I said previously, I shall make a full mini­ disclosure of pecuniary interests by members sterial statement in reply to the honourable and officers of local authorities. Obviously member on these matters tomorrow. this is a necessary and desirous provision Mr Warburton: Will that be before or after and is supported by the Local Government you table the Order in Council? Association. The honourable member aUeged that there Mr HEVZE: It is funny how, at this had been an erosion of the autonomy enjoyed time of night, I cannot hear interjections. by local authorities in Queensland. I refute The honourable member for Lytton raised this and remind honourable members that questions relating to the dumping of dan­ the powers of local authorities in Queensland gerous materials. These matters are outside in many areas are on a stronger footing the scope of the Bill. The dumping of than simflar provisions in other States. This refuse on land is a Health Department mat­ Bill enhances the powers of local authorities. ter. The dumping of wastes into watercourses The honourable member mentioned the is a matter that comes under the Qean limitation imposed on officers of a local Waters Act, Which is administered by the authority in undertaking remunerative work Minister for Water Resources and Aborig­ outside local authority service. This is con­ inal and Island Affairs. sistent with a number of local authority The honourable member also raised the by-laws and with Public Service regulations. case of a woman ratepayer who does not Cases involving an alleged conflict of interest get a rate rebate under the State scheme. relating to this question have been drawn I suggest that he take this matter up with to my attention in the past. However, the the Treasurer.' BiU still provides for outside employment if prior approval is granted by the local He made one or two other comments authority. that I shafl reply to. I am rather concerned at the attitude of the Redland Shire towards The honourable member for Rockhampton its ratepayers on Russell Island, We made North referred to fines for non-voting in provision in the Act to allow the council local authority elections. The Bfll increases to secure quite substantial rate receipts from the relevant penalty to the same level as the Russell Island area. I beUeve that the the pienalty for non-voting at State elections, people Uving on the island are entitled to I am sure honourable members would agree something better than they are getting. I that this is a realistic and reasonable pro­ might haye to intervene to some extent or vision. He also aUeged that there were have discussions with the council about that errors on voter rolls. Local authority voters' matter. rolls are compUed from the State electoral His last point concerned the Noosa devel­ roll. TheJse rolls of course are outside opment, I say emphatically that the hon­ the scope of this Bill and are a matter ourable member should not be too concemed. for my colleague the Minister for Justice I was only up. there to help the council. and Attoraey-General. I made it quite clear that my officers are The honourable member for Rockhampton available to sit with the council and discuss North commented on the State pensioner with its officers and the developers the rebate scheme and the Rockhampton City possibiUty of the project reaching fruition. Coundl. I stress that the State scheme At that point of time there was a conditional is quite independent of the local authority guarantee, I understand, given through the scheme. Each authority must answer to its Treasurer. I believe that it has now lapsed own electors if it reduces its rate conces­ and that the guarantee no longer exists. I sions because of the State scheme. cannot go any further at this stage. The honourable member also spoke about I am concerned that soma statements I flats in residential areas in Rockhampton. made believing that we were in committee He stated that thdr construction is subject were published. I suggested that we were to the consent of the council after advertising in committee so that I could give them and objection procedures. A right of appeal certain information that I would not have to the Local Government Court is avaflable. given them otherwise. They abused the pri­ The erection of stables in residential areas vilege. That is why the honourable member would be subject to the same procedures and was able to read some erroneous Press state­ appeal. ments about what took place. The honourable member for Rockhampton I have tried to answer most of the points claimed that I am destroying the local gov­ raised by honourable members this evening. ernment structure. He referred to changes Motion (Mr Hinze) agreed to. made to the Local Government Department. 1 remind him that the department is not Local Government. The change in the depart­ CoMMrrrEE ment did not result in any change in the tunctions of local government. Mr Powell (Isis) in the chair The honourable member raised the ques­ Clauses 1 to 26, and schedule, as read, tion of the Kem development at Mooloolaba agreed to. and certain other shopping developments. As Bill reported, without amendment. 1274 City of Brisbane, Ac, BiH [13 MAY 1981] Local Government, Ac, BiU

THBID READING amendment. As I said previously, the inten­ tion of those two amendments is fair. On Bill, on motion of Mr Hinze, by leave, this occasion I support both amendments, read a third time. Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Cbast—Minis­ ter for Local Government, Main Roads and CITY OF BRISBANE TOWN PLANNING Police) (10,43 p.m.), in reply: I thank the ACT AMENDMENT BILL honourable member for Port Curtis for his contribution. He referred to the harmony SECOND READING—RESUMPTION OF DEBATE that exists between the councfl and the applicants, and to the way in which the Debate resumed from 7 May (see p. 1054) council conducts its affairs with the depart­ on Mr Hinze's motion— ment. I confirm what he has said. Having "That the Bill be now read a second been the Minister in charge of this portiolio time." now since 1974, and having dealt with all the Lord Mayors who have been in office Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (10.40 p.m.): during that period—Clem Jones, Brian Walsh This Bill contains only two amendments to and Frank Sleeman—I can say that the the Act. The first relates to the power of relationship has been a most cordial one. I the Brisbane City Council to impose con­ do not beUeve that anyone could suggest ditions when dealing with an application for that it has been otherwise. As we are on consent to use land for a purpose permissible opposite sides of the political fence it might under the Brisbane Town Plan, only with be thought that on occasions the Govern­ such consent. As the Minister is giving ment would be in conflict with the council, power to the Brisbane City Council on this but that has not been the case. When the occasion, I guess we could be forgiven for council believes that slight amendments are being cautious about what is the real mean­ needed to the Act, such as those covered ing behind the Bill. The Brisbane City by the Bfll, we are ever ready to give our Council has been a very responsible local support. authority for a long time, and I am sure This is a major development that will that it will continue to be one. It is con­ enhance the beauty of the city of Brisbane. trolled by the Australian Labor Party. We It could not get off the ground without an wiU support these two amendments. amendment being made to the Act. That is However, I hope that we will never see the reason the Bill is presented to the House. any high-handedness where a local authority It is connected with court costs; k is a uses its power to the extreme and forces sensible amendment and I have much pleas­ people to take the dedsion on an application ure in commending it to the House. to court. I believe that it is always better Motion (Mr Hinze) agreed to. to have harmony and understanding between the applicant and the councfl. I have found that in almost all instances the matter can COMMITTEE be talked over. The land is given freely Mr Powell (Isis) in the chair to the council at virtually no cost to it, Clauses 1 to 3, as read, agreed to. except for the cost of survey, etc. Very seldom is the court asked to determine a BiU reported, without amendment. case. I believe that fair-minded people in TraRD READING the past have been co-operative and have been willing to talk when requested to do BUl, on motion of Mr Hinze, by leave, so by the councfl. The council has always read a third time. been ready to talk to applicants, and they have usually reached an acceptable settle­ LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATEABLE ment. VALUE ADJUSTMENT) BILL I hope that the council does not become SECOND READING—RESUMPTION OF DEBATE too- demanding, wave the book of rules too often and force people to appeal to the Debate resumed from 12 May (see p. 1110) Local Government Court, because when on Mr Hinze's motion— that happens it becomes costly to both parties "Tha.t the Bill be now read a second and only the legal eagles benefit. Quite an time." • amount of money is involved in costs when cases are taken to court. Once there is any Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (10.47 pm.): For mention of court action, the applicant sees this House to be debating the second reading the matter in two lights: He is touched by of this Bill tonight is unjust and incon- either the conditions set down by the coun­ sidCTate to ratepayers, local authorities and cil or by the real professional touchers, the also the Opposition. The Opposition asked lawyers. that this Bill lay on the table of the House for seven days so that the citizens The second amendment relates to court of Queensland could be consulted before costs. It seeks to bring uniformity under the its ccmtent was debated. City of Brisbane Town Planning Act, the Because of yesterday's long sflting hours Local Government Act and the Building and the number of important Bflls that were Act. At this point of time I agree to this dealt with, I beUeve that the Opposition Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) Bill 1275 should have been allowed a little longer Bill is trying to cover up mistakes that have to study this Bfll. Bflls such as this should been made in valuations. We should be not be rushed through the House, but the considering changes in the method of valu­ Parliament wifl adjoum tomorrow. The ing property. It is unreasonable that any Govemment shows no consideration for the .property should have its valuation increased Opposition and the citizens are being treated by thousands of per cent in the last six or with contempt. I state to the people of eight years. Although I do not have the Queensland and to local authorities that I Press cuttings with me tonight, I am quite have not had time for an in-depth look certain that I read in one of the daily news­ at this BiU; however I wiU do the best papers that a property's valuation had risen I can for the ratepayers of Queensland. by 15 000 per cent. That made headlines. The Opposition saw this Bill for the firet I am concemed that in the Minister's time some 30 hours ago, and for most of speech there was this reference— that time we have been in the House "The basic purpose of this Bill is to debating other local government Bifls. AH provide means by which the impact of members know that we sat tfll 1.30 this revaluations uf>on the ratepayer, and par­ moming. ticularly the immediate impact of such This Bill is in keeping with legislation revaluations, may be reduced . . . that was introduced into this Parliament "Valuations are determined largely on in 1962. That another Bill such as this comparable sales, and in recent years land one has to be introduced is unbelievable. prices in many local authority areas in This BiU is being introduced for the same Queensland have increased dramatically. reasons as the 1962 legislation. I firmly As a result, valuations of land have believe that we are again trying to control increased substantially in both urban and major increases in rates. However, we are rural areas and this is causing concern starting at the wrong end. We should be to many landholders because of actual or looking at ways and means of introducing expected rate increases due to revalua­ amendments to the Valuation of Land Act tions." to change the system of valuation. We I firmly believe that valuers have been wrong should be making certain that the valuations in increasing valuations in some areas do not escalate to unrealistic levels, simply because a speculator, real estate I read the debate that took place on the agent, land shark or even a fool, should I earlier legislation on 13 March 1962, Mr say, pays an inflated price. That is not the Pat Hanlon, the member for Baroona, said— true value of that block of land. "From the brief and rather confusing BeUeve me, Mr Speaker, many people are explanation that the Minister gave when dealing in real estate today, and the Taxation introducing the Bill one point stands out Department, and perhajK the Police Depjart- very clearly, that the Govemment are ment, would be wefl advised to investigate interested in one thing only, in endeavour­ their past. It would be interesting to find ing to extricate 'themselves from the where some of the money comes from and pditical results of re-valuations made how it is obtained. under the Valuation of Land Act," The same thing has happened on this occa­ The Minister stated—• sion. The methods being used do not seem "A similar situation existed in 1962 and to suit the circumstances, TTiey should be in order to aiUeviate the impact on rate­ changed, payers at that time a BiU sfmilar to this one was introduced into the House, How­ I have seen notices issued after the latest ever, the 1962 Act apjpHed only to lands revaluation. In some of my own local in certain local authority areas which had authorities the increases have been alarm­ been completely valued or revalued by the ing—in some areas, by thousands of per­ Valuei--General by a valuation proclaimed cent. Even my own area, although not the in force on and from 30 June 1960, 1961 highest in the State, has experienced extremely high—^some say unreasonable— or 1963," increases. I wifl cite some of the figures sup- The situation then was similar to the situa­ pKed to me. At Ambrose, a very small tion today, because land prices had increased country town in the CaUiope Shire—it is greatly. An article in "Local Govemment", more or less only a siding—^the increase was submitted in a personal cai>acity by Alderman 3 557,4 per cent. One could just about buy Wightman of the RedcUffe City Council, the whole of Ambrose for such an amount said— of money. The increase in Yarwun was 1805,4 per cent—^another big increase. The "The Function of a Local Authority valuation at Mt Larcom rose by 983.9 per "To .provide essential services in a com­ cent, munity, each ratepayer pays for his share of the services recdvdi, such as water, Althou^ prices of land in Qiese areas sewerage or sanitary and garbage disposal have escalated—bearing in mind that the latest valuations were fixed as at 31 Decem­ etc , , . ber 1979—since we legislated for the ". . . With aU these attendant advantages Rundle agreement land sales in those areas we are faced with a prdblem that touches have been at a much greater pace and the the individual most, that is in the realm increases have been much steeper. It appears of property ownership. The unrealistic to me that the Government through this values consequent on the post-war upsurge 1276 Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) BiU

of feverish production and sale of land, Mr PREST: That is quite right. As I the public's response in land speculation said before, we are starting at the wrong thus creating false values, which has since end. We should not be getting the valuation been proved by the 1%1 recession, con­ down. If a true valuation has been strack sequently placing a heavy burden on the by the Valuer-General, that should be the ratepayer. valuation. However, it is being reduced by "This problem is varied in its execution 50 per cent for this year. That is being done and all Local Authorities are faced with in an attempt to give the impression that this dilemma and are seeking ways to things are not as bad as they look. resolve an iniquitious method of unim­ When people were advised of the new proved land taxes for Local Authority valuations they were given a piece of paper purposes. Taxing the ratepyayer according showing last year's vaulation and this year's to the price a purchaser pays for his land, valuation. They were also given the present a price which has proved of necessity and rates and what are estimated to be the out of all proportion; should not be a future rates. If the average for the town relative factor in regard to Local Auth­ does not go up, a land-owner will not exper­ orities' rating purposes." ience any problems. The point is, however, that people who bought five, six or seven That was back in 1962, and the Bill remained years ago have got away with a very cheap in force only untfl the next complete valua­ rate or alteraativdy have not paid their fair tion came into operation. Therefore, it share of the rates. had a very limited life. The Bill now before the House is somewhat different, Now that a local authority election is in because it will apply from year to year. the offing, those local authorities that are ashamed of the rates that they will be One of the things that does concern me forced to: levy as the result of the revalua­ in the Minister's speech is that he saysi— tions wifl make certain that they tell their "I would add that, in the absence of ratepayets, "Our rate increase was not so an appUcation by a local authority, the bad after all. It was the revaluation that local authority will certainly be consulted made your rates go up. Wei played our part. if a proposal comes forward to apply the We brought your valuation down. Instead Act to its area." of assessing the rates on the true valuation, we reduced it by 50 per cent." ITiat is I do not know who the propjosal would vvhat is happening. I am quite certain that come from. Would it come from any land­ the amendments wfll cover up mistakes that owner in the area of the local authority the department has made. who is objecting to the proposed increase, or would it have to come from a pairticular Mr Moore: So what? body? Under the provisions of the BiH, the Mr PREST: So what! A person who Minister has the right, through the Goveraor wants to pay a high price, for land should in Council, to teU a local authority that it be prepared to pay high rates. can decide how rates should be applied, Mr Moore: Would you have a differential or the local authority itself may ai>ply to between two adjacent blocks, one bought the Minister for his approval. ITie Bill 30 years ago and the other bought yesterday? ap>i>Ues only for a certain period, and one How could that apply? of the methods,, provided for is similar to that used in 1962, The old value and the Mr PREST: The honourable member new value of the land are added together should be listening, and he is not. That and divided by two, Instead of having to is what I have been saying. Why should pay the fufl amount of rates, a person wifl people who Uve in a particular area have have to meet only a .50 per cent increase their valuations increased because some spe­ in the relevant year. It seems to me that culator or real estate agent has paid a high that may be all right. The Government is price for land in that area? attempting to cover up an ermr that has been made in the assessment of valuations. The Govemment should look at the Act to determine a method of rating that will -Many people are now buying real estate give a faii'er result. as an investment, and it turns over quite Mr Moore: You pay rates according to freely. As long as they are making a the services you get. They have nothing to profit, they do not care. do with the value of land. Sometimes I think that a valuation should be based on the last sale of the land and that Mr PREST: We are not talking about the rate should be charged according to the value or the cost of services provided; that valuation. That could have a bearing we are talking about rates that wiU apply on the sale price of land. People would know to the uiuniproved value. that if they paid a high price for their land As I said, we are starting at the wrong their rates would be assessed according to end of the street. Although this measure that price, which becomes the value. may be only a temporary one, the Minister can say to a local authority, "You can Mr Warburton: If they need this tjpe of either assess rates in accordance with the legislation their system of valuation is wrong. Bfll or you cannot," Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) Bill 1277

Because local authority elections are loom­ 1969 or 1970, to the latest valuations and ing next year, local authorities are then divide by two. I must know the answer frightened by what people may say if they to that. are rated on the true land valuation increases. What we are doing tonight is Mr Vaughan: To whom are you talking? only covering up a mistake, but I will now resume ray seat and listen with interest to Mr TENNI: I am talking to Mr Speaker, what the other speakers have to say. which is the correct procedure in this House. Mr TENNI (Barron River) (11,6 p.m.): I Mr Vaughan: To which Minister? have pleasure in speaking to the Bill, Like the honourable riiember for Port Curtis, I Mr TENNI: Apparentiy Opposition mem­ am very concerned about the valuation of bers do not even know the correct rules of land in Queensland, But unlike the honour­ debate. able member for Port Curtis, I know that Through you, Mr Speaker, I ask the, Queensland is not the only State in Aus­ Minister whether that is the correct pro­ tralia which has land valuation problems. cedure, because it is very important to the After touring aU the States in Australia I people whom I represent. If that is the can assure the honourable member that correct procedure, we wiU help many of the Hew South Wales, a State governed by the little people whom the honourable member party of which he is a member, has similar for Port Curtis does not want to help. We problems, and has been unable to find an wfll help many pensioners and little people answer to them. As,late as last week I was in the shire and coundl areas that I repre­ told very reliably that Tasmania, although sent, aiid that is what I stand for. I like it is not affeded by such large increases in to look after the little people as well as the land values, is facing similar problems. other people. That is one very big point. Every State In Australia is in trouble. It My views on the Valuation of Land Act is useless for the honourable memiber for are well known. I do not feed a dog that Port Girtis to infer that only Queensland bites me; I get rid of it. The Valuation of faces valuation problems. People of the Land Act has been biting me in this Par­ same political persuasion as the honourable lianient for 6i years. We should get rid of it member in New South Wales and Tasmania if we cannot do something about it. Some are experiencing the same trouble, and they, submissions were made to the previous Min­ like the: honourable member, do not know ister. The new Minister has seen them. I how to get out of the trouble. And neither should like him to act quickly on those sub- do we at this stage. We are honest about it. iriissions and do somdhing. I am sure that all the Httle Labor people It is not his department's fault; it is our in the electorate of the honbiirable member fault because we do not have better legisla­ for Port Curtis wiU be pleksed to know that tion. It is our fault baause the present he believes land should be rated on its last legislation prescribes how land must be val­ sale price. YOung people who are about to ued. I believe that the recomniendations that be married and buy their first block of land were pnit forward are good, solid and sound, will surdy be ithpressed by the honourable and they should be effected as quickly as member's suggestion that they should pay possible. Otherwise we must get rid of the rates on the fest sale price of land. That clog that is iriiting us. is exactly what the honourable member said. I am sure that the people who beUeve that I have only just expdienced this problem they are being represented properly by the again. The Mulgrave Shire Coundl got its Labor Party wifl be very unhappy when they new valuations. The chairman was reported hear jvhat the lionourable member for Port in the Press as saying, "Don't blame . us. Curtis said they wiU pay if he and his party Blame the State Government. It fixed the have their way. valuations. We strike the rate in the dollar." We cop tffls all the time. What a shocking state of affairs it is that Let the councUs do their own valuations. a party that professes to represent the Uttle Let them ap>point valuers who know the Labor people in' Queensland wiU penaUse areas and what is going on in the areas. Let them with high rates because they are the valuations be approved by the Minister urfortiinate enough to buy a block of land. or by Executive Councfl, but let the coun­ That is what. Labor's shadow spokesman cils be responsible for their own problems, recommended. I WiU not forget that at the nest election, just as I am sure a lot of Mr Hewitt: The Local Government Assoc­ little Labor people wiU not forget it. The iation totally rejects that suggestion, Labor^ Party's attitude is, so unreal it is unbelievable, but that is typical,of its Mr TENNI: I know. Wha.1 a good way attitude to the small- people. , out of it! 1 was the chairiiian of a counciL If someone tried to put that on me, I would I should like the Minister to spdl out reject it because I would iiot be able to clearly and predsdy if tiie rateable adjust- blame somebody else in the future. That is ment means that >hires such as the Douglas common sense. Anybody who wants to look ™re, in which land values went stupid in at it politically should either ignore the'local '"'6, causing torhpldely unrealistic' new councils or do something afcout the Ad so valuations, can add the valuations made in that we wifl not have tbis trouble and are 1278 Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) BiU

not forced to do things such as we are doing Let us have a look at a 60 per cent tonight to help) the littie people out. It is a increase. Under this present system, if the very serious situation. rates are set to raise the same amount of money and do not take inflation into account, How silly can it be when a person can a ratepayer would pay only 75 per cent claim for the development of a block that of the rates he paid previously. Under the took place 50 years ago? He can stfll have the new scheme he wUl have to pay 83 per cent, cost of that development deducted from the or an 8 per cent increase. valuation. A farmer can claim his tax over a 10-year period. Surely after 10 years we The figures are very simUar for increases should revert to the status quo. That is one around the 100 per cent mark. We get small thing that would help to fix more sizeable discrepancies only when we look equitable valuations in a shire or city. Many at increases above 300 per cent. If the things could be done. valuation of a ratepayer in the Brisbane metropolitan area was increased by 300 per If I were a farmer, which I am not, why cent recently, his bill would have increased should I, because I am growing 201 of by 187 per cent under the present scheme, tobacco, have a higher valuation than the whereas under the new scheme it wfll rise feUow next door who is not growing tobacco? by only 159 per cent. What has that to do with the valuation of I now take a 400 per cent increase. A land? That should go. ratepayer would pay 234 per cent under the Whatever the Minister does, he should present scheme. Under the new scheme he not take any notice of the honourable mem­ wUl pay 191 per cent, which is a saving ber for Port Curtis who recommended that of 43 per cent. the Uttle people be penalised by setting the I now look at a 500 per cent increase. valuations at the last sale price, In that instance the bfll would have gone up by 280 per cent under the present scheme, I thank the Minister for doing something whereas under the new scheme it wifl increase through the Local Government Act to help by 223 per cent, which is a saving of 5' the people of the Barron River electorate, per cent. I look forward to the passing of the Bifl, The gross inequity arises in the Brisbane metropolitan area when people at one end Mr FOURAS (South Brisbane) (11.14 p.m.): of the scale wUl pay more than they would It is obvious that the system of sdting valu­ have piaid, and other people wiU pay less. ations is in a shocking state of disrepair, or Where is the equity in that? I see the we would not have this Bfll before us. We member for Camarvon is trying to wind should look at legislation such as this on me down. I wiU not sit down quickly three bases—equity, eflSciency and simpUdty. when I have something to say, I wiU take Lack of equity is the most important ground the time of this House to put my point of on which the Bfll should be condemned. In view. the case where valuations decreased, the rate­ The increases in my electorate of South able value is the fresh unimproved value. Brisbane were, on average, between 40 and That is the only equitable clause in the BiU. 60 per cent. So by this BiH the Govern­ We should not worry about the level of ment is spying to my electorate, "You will valuations; we should look at what valuations be penalised 10 per cent more than you do, They estabUsh the size of the cake on would have paid", and those benefits wiU go which rateable values can be set to get funds to somebody else. My argument rests on to ran local authorities. that pjoint. On the basis of equity, this is a most disgraceful and inequitable Bill. When we try to alleviate the burden on some people, somebody else has to pay. We Let us have a look at other situations. have been told that the sole purpose of the Let us look at the question of simplicity Bill is to aUeviate the anticipated rate bur­ or efficiency. This Bill gives the Governor den on ratepayers subjeded to above-aver­ in Council the right of divine intervention. age increases. Is it not marvellous that we in this Pariia­ ment give the authority quite readily to the Let us have a look at some of the Governor in CouncU to say to a local increases. I have done my sums in this authority, "Whether you want it or not, matter and I hope that honourable members you are going to use this particular system."? will listen to some of the figures that I What a shocking situation! The Govemmeiit give. With a 40 per cent increase, under is using this subordinate piece of legislation, thc present system a ratepayer would pay which affects the rights of individuals in 66 per cent of his previous rate bill. Under our society and the right of people to take the new system, he wiH pay 76 per cent. decisions, to impose its wfll on local authori- So he will pay 10 per cent more than he ities. I think that it is against the charter would have paid under the present system. of any ParUament, and it is certainly against If any honourable members want to query the charter of any Govemment. I think my figures, I will have a sizeable bet with that it is a shocking situation. It lacks all them that they are correct. I must qualify the ingredients of good government. I can­ this and say that I am talking about the not speak strongly enough against that. It Brisbane metropolitan area, where thc aver­ is shocking that this provision should be age increase was 114 per cent. introduced. Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) BiH 1279

Mr Katter: It wiU be shocking if you talk I hope much more can be done than much longer. introduce this Bill, which concerns me very much. It is not Uke the 1962 Act, It does not have Umited life; it has Ufe until Mr FOURAS: Mr Speaker, I must object the Parliament does something about it. to interjections from the other side of the This is not a once-off matter, it is something Chamber, If members want to go to sleep, that wUl perpetuate inequities and perpetuate they can do so, but I am going to have a system that lacks simpUdty, The Bill my say. has nothing to recommend it. Let us have a look at what has happened I urge the Minister for Environment, in some situations. As I said previously, if Valuation and Administrative Services to do the system was fair dinkum there would something to overcome this. If the matter be no need for this Bill. Valuations should continues for another eight years, then the be stmck on the equflable basis of unimproved gainers and the losers will be even further value. That would enable the local author­ apart. Every time the Govemment amends ities to strike thdr rates and get their legislation to improve the lot of one person, resources. But that is not the position. The invariably that is done at the expense of system contains a great number of anomalies, somebody else. This Bfll is to the financial I believe that people in my electorate have detriment of people in my electorate and for many years been paying more than many other electorates. I hope that this their share of rates. When I moved does not continue year after year. from Wishart I left a block of land that was valued at only about $3,000 to go tp Mr KATTER (Flinders) (11.23 p.m.): I one that was valued at $8,000. Because of wish to state very firmly to the Opposi­ the length of time that it has taken for tion the valuations to be done, for the last eight years the person who is now living in my Mr Fitzgerald: And briefly. old home at Wishart has been paying nearly one-third of the rates that I commenced to Mr KATTER: Yes, briefly. pay when I moved to the house at South The Opposition is wandering around in a Brisbane. dream not quite knowing what this BiU is For too long ratepayers in inner city sub­ about. Very specifically, this BiH is about urbs have been pwying too great a slice of what is called the "Mission Beach sydrome". the rates. There are reasons for that, but Some 10 or 15 years ago a lot of little I can see no justification at all for coming old people retired to Mission Beach and paid $200 or $300 for a piece of land with out now and saying to people such as those a beautiful view, with native palms waving who bought my old home at Wishart, "You in the background and the ocean in front. have had it good for five to eight years, What happened was that a lot of people but as you have had a 400 per cent or from down South such as Dame Zara Bate, 500 per cent increase in valuation we Don Dunstan and a lot of others said that will give you some remissions." Valuation the area was a very nice one and that they increases of that order have occurred in would buy it. some places. The Govemment is saying to those people that it will give them a 57 Money was no problem to them. If they per cent .decrease. When the valuation of liked a particular piece of land they simply my block at Wishart was $3,000, some seven paid what they thought was a fair pxrice years ago the block next, to me sold for for it—in Melbourae. The net result has $16,000. I beUeve that the values were very been that pieces of land in the area have similar. So far for those five to eight years been sold for $25,000 and $35,000. Unfor­ the people who lived in suburbs such as tunately what has happened to the Uttle that were not pyaying their fair share, I old people who live next door to the Dame believe this point must be made very strongly Zara Bates and the Don Dunstans of this and I am sorry that I am labouring it. world is that they are suddenly hit with The point has to be made because the rates of up to $2,000 and $3,000 a year. position is grossly unfair. Mr Bums: There's something wrong with A lot of unit development is occurring the valuations, then, in my electorate. In such cases people buy houses and do not worry about their Mr KATTER: No. That is where the financial return. They pjay a very large member for Lytton is wrong. The problem price for the house and then move on and arises in the Innisfail Shire because the rest buy another one and rent it out. The of the valuations have stayed static. In dwellings are used for domestic rental. How­ fact, I am told that the valuations of the ever, because the area is zoned B residential tobacco farms have actuaUy gone down. very few sales occur. When the valuer values the area very few sales can be used Identical circumstances have arisen in on which the rateable value is based. That Charters Towers, In the space of the last leads to distorted valuations in areas such five years, valuations of the small acreages ^Highgate HiU and Kangaroo Point, I surrounding the town have risen from an believe il must acquaint the Hfouse v^ith this average of $200 for a IG-acre block to matter. $17,0W). The problem is not that increase. 1280 Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) BiU

The problem is that the other three-quarters land. If people are sitting on good farming of the shire has risen by only 10 or 20 per land and doing nothing with it, we sJiould cent. The result is that the people close apply economic pressure on them to utilise to Charters Towers have suddenly been hit that very valuable resource—^the land. I with an 8 500 per cent increase while the think it achieves that purpose. people further out have had an increase of only 10 per cent. The third purpose it achieves is the same as a graduated tax scale. What we are Mr Vaughan: You're free enterprise, doing is taxing the rich. Those who have aren't you? very valuable land are taxed at a different rate. The local government tax, if I may call it that, is more for them than it is Mr KATTER: I am a private enterprise for the poor people living on land that is person; I am not a free enterprise person. not nearly as valuable. So there is a good Let me state very firmly to the House reason for the basic prinoiple. We should that the problem we are trying to solve probably adhere to that basic principle and is the Mission Beach syndrome. It is hard leave it alone. However, the problem that to find an answer to this problem. Ministers arises is the sudden dramatic change in have been wandering round with this prob­ valuation. That is the problem we are lem for the last 10 years, I pay a great overcoming here. This Bill will solve the tribute to the Minister for L

Mr EATON: It could be of assistance out only the current revaluation; it will in some places. TTie Govemment has done not have any effect on the next revaluation nothing for so long that everything has got of any of the areas about which honourable out of hand. The best I can say about the members are speaking. The maximum period BiU is that it is only a temporary measure for which it can work in any shire is five designed to give relief to a badly admini­ or six years. It must be only a precursor to stered department. a major review of the Local Government Act and the method of financing local gov­ Valuations were not consistent, and I erament in Queensland, That is the basis wonder whether the valuers were not trained of the whole problem. We are talking about properly or not instracted properly. Let me the income from general rates levied by local give an example. A property on a secondary authorities, and the problem must be road on which there was forestry timber resolved. As the honourable member for and no water and with which very little Mourilyan said, the BiU is a perfect example could be done was valued at $9,000, whereas of the real need for positive action to be a property of similar size on • the Kennedy taken. Highway comprising good arable land suitable for dairying or agriculture was valued at A serious social problem arises in Queens­ $8,000—$1,000 less. Valuations such as that land as the result of enormous variations not only cause concera to ratepayers but and the flow-on effect on rates. General also worry counciUors who have to strike rates based on the valuation of a property a rate in the doUar. No matter which way were introduced at a time when councils they go about it, they cannot achieve an were responsible only for roads. The con­ equitable distribution of the rate burden. dition of the road in front of a property had a very strong bearing on the value Ratepayers in the Herberton Shire believe of that property. Therefore, it had very that the whole system needs to be upgraded. clear relevance to the rates paid on that It is unjust, unfair and unworkable. property. Mr Katter: But this change wiU help. Since that time, however, councils have started to .become involved in other activ­ ities, such as libraries, immunisation, parks, Mr EATON: As I said, there could be a playgrounds, sporting fields, football fields, short-term benefit in some areas. I appeal basketball courts, tennis courts, expensive to the Goverament to either do away with community Centres, child-minding centres, the present system of valuation or upgrade it town-planning, and so on. Those items have to ensure that any increases that occur give very little relevance to the value of a a fair and equitable distribution of the rate property and therefore have little relevance burden. to the general rates that should be paid. There are two shires in my electorate, the Herberton Shire and the Johnstone Shire, The situation is further confused by the The ratepayers agree that they must foot the avaUabiUty of sewerage, water and garbage bill, that the councils need so much money services to a property. They increase the and that it must be obtained from the value of the .property, thereby increasing ratepayers. the general rate. However, those services are not paid for out of the revenue collected There are heads of department and quali­ by way of the general rate. That adds to fied men who could, if they were given the total of the bfll and that has a very time by the Goverament to do the work, serious effect on people. Although the gen­ come up with the answers. AMien people eral rate is increased as the result of the in some areas have been treated very provision of those services, there is no unjustly and people in other areas have been real connection between them and the value treated fairly, councils have a very difficult of a property. job in administering a shire. There is evi­ dence not only in the Herberton Shire but Tonight the Valuation of Land Act has throughout the State that the system is going had severe criticism levelled at it—I believe downhill and is becoming virtuaUy unwork­ quite rightly. Over many years, various able. In fact, the Government has introduced Governments have totally emasculated the the BiU because it acknowledges the mess Act because it is no longer relevant. Gener­ that the valuation system is in today and ally speaking, there is nothing wrong with the effect that that is having on local the valuations assessed on properties. Very authorities. few people would sell their p>roperty at a price below the valuation assessed on that I conclude by saying that the BiH would not have been introduced unless its intro­ p>roperty. However, that is not relevant to duction was warranted. this debate. Mr Prest: That is what they base it Mr AKERS (Pine Rivers) (11.33 p.m.): I on—sales. support the BiH for what it is—a very short-term answer to a very serious problem. Mr AKERS: That is what I am saying, It wiU modify—and I emphasise "modify"— and sales are totally irrelevant to what the the effect of new valuations. It wifl even general rate should be now. 5189-42 1282 Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) Bill

GeneraiUy, valuations are correct valu­ The point made by the honourable mem­ ations. I have not seen too many that ber for Hinders and others is valid in that have been reassessed after they have been area, too; I remember that our last CJiiet through the appeal process. Reporter (Mr Baxter McCarthy) Harold Dean and others, bought land at HoUywell The Bifl does not provide an answer. a long time ago. They sat on that land No change to the Act will compensate when it was served by dirt roads and had for the disastrous effects referred to by yer^ few fadlities. When the Runaway Bay the member for Flinders. He said that a subdivision was developed, land was sold for few years ago people used to pay rates $50,000 a block and the valuation of .Baxter amounting to $30 or $40 and that now, McCarthy's land increased in accordance because millionaires have moved in near with sales in the area. No consideration was them, they are paying as much as $1,000 given to the years that he was there without or $1,500 by way of rates. No change to services or the fact that he had planned to the present system wfll overcome that retire there, which was a point made by the problem. Many Ministers have tried to honourable member for Flinders, The change it and have failed. Their counter­ increased values created a problem. parts in other States have failed also. What is needed is the appointment of We should not allow the Valuer- General's Department to continue to value a select committee of this Parliament to land on the basis of comparable sales in an investigate the serious problems that, exist. area. Too many people with sutstantial Every speech made tonight has highlighted sums of money want to buy a partioular the problems. The Opposition spokesman block and will pay wdl. above its value. proposed one scheme; he was immediately BarUef I was talking about the Noosa shot down by somebody else; and so it Resort Corporation, wbidi inflated the price went on. I hope that the first item that of land in that area. Blocks of land on appears under General Business on the Noosa Sound that sold four or five years Business Papers for the next session is a ago for $30,000 or $40,0()0, are now selling motion for the appointment of a select for $100,000 to $120,000. The increased rates committee to examine the system of valu­ caused by the $9{),000 increase in prices, ation in this State and the financing of without this averaging system, would have local government generaUy. put many retired people out of their homes. Mr BURNS (Lytton) (11.38 p.m.): When I am concerned about the average fellow the revaluations .for my area were issued in my area to whom I have said, "Your by the Valuer-General, the form that was rates wiU not go up. You wiU not be sent to ratepayers showed the current valu­ affeded adversely by the valuation, so don't ation of their land, the new valuation, the object." After the objection period has old rates and the new rates. A land-owner expired, we are changing the system. Under was able to work out whether he would the averaging system he may pay a bit more, be disadvantaged by having to pay more as but it is too late to object. the result of the 114 per cent average As the honourable member for South Bris­ increase that was applied. bane s^id, we can surdy make provision to Many people looked at their revaluation help those who are adversely affected by the notices and decided that they would not large increases in valuation, but at the same lodge an objedion. They said to themselves, time we should provide that no-one at the "My valuation has not gone up by 114 bottom has to pay more. If we are moving per cent, so I wifl not be paying more." to help one section, why should we not help In fact, certain land-owners in my area all sections? would have had a reduction in rates. I am not opposed to the. averaging system Those people wiU not be advantaged by that is designed to overcome the problem the Bill; it will be an advantage only to caused by the Government's failure to do those people who bought a block of land something about our land valuation system for $1,000 and now have a valuation of over the yeiars. At the same time, I object $20,000 placed on it—in other words, those to helping only one section—and it is usually with a substantial increase in valuation! the silver tafls who have the big, high-value A great number of people will pay more blocks of land. There are many Uttle people as a result of the introduction of this Bill, at Mission Beach or Runaway Bay. Many In my area, for example, we have been other people who bought land for $50,000 arguing for a long time that the valuations or $60,000 could afford to do so, but their of land adjacent to the polluting industries rates will be reduced. At the same time, at Murarrie should be lowered. people at Cannon HiU, Murarrie and other We beUeve that the department's valua­ places, who have to put up with pollution, tion of that land can be unreal in view of are to be treated differently. the poUution problems that the peop)le have lo contend with and the failure of the Gov­ Mr HARPER (Auburn) (11.43 pm.): The ernment to do something about them. In the whole point about the Bill is that it allows last five to six years a new estate was local government to take the initiative in developed in the area. When the land was smoothing out the crest that arises from put on the market it brought some remark­ the, market pressures on land sales. The able prices. When one visits the area on a option is open to local goverament, if it good day there is no poUution and it is a chooses to exercise it, and it is open to nice spot. The land brought a good price. the Minister, The principle whereby a fresh Local Government (Rateable [13 MAY 1981] Value Adjustment) BiH 1283 unimproved value does not exceed the former need for remedies to be found to bring about unimproved value—and when talking in the Government's intent in introducing the generalisations we do not include the odd BiH. new value that does not exceed the previous value—wdll further tend towards a mean Hon. R, J. HINZE (South Coast—Minis­ level of rateable values. It is a further ter for Local Government, Main Roads and smoothing of the crests and troughs. The Police) (11.47 p.m.), in reply: With the options wfll be available at the discretion lateness of the hour in mind I shall be brief. of local authorities or the Minister. I thank honourable members for their con­ tributions, fpr restricting their speech times The BiU introduces the term "adjusted and, in some cases, refraining from speak­ rateable value" to describe the value result­ ing at aU. , ing from an arithmetical exercise with the unimproved value for the same parcel of The basic purpose of the Bifl is to provide land determined at two dates, probably five a means by which the impact of revalua­ or seven years ap>art. tions upon the ratepayer, and particularly the immediate impact of such revaluations, The meaning of the term "unimproved may be reduced. Considerable interest has value" is not altered. Most of us know that been shown in the legislation by all honour­ it is a hypothdical value calculated to reflect able members and indeed the people of the markd price of land in an unimproved Queensland, particularly in the light of recent state. It merely sets out to relieve the rate­ valuations. payers who are caught up in escalating land values which improve their capital asset but The honourable member for Port Curtis do nothing to improve their tangible income. referred to; the Bill being designed to cover It provides local goverament with just one up valuation mistakes, I cannot agree with more avenue by which to adjust the impos­ that. The Valuer-General is making valua­ ition on those of its residents who are tions pursuant to the Valuation of Land Act. obliged to make a direct financial contribu­ As in every other State, the valuation system tion to local responsibUities. is not perfect. We acknowledge that and say that the BiU wifl assist local authorities I trust that the Government's intent in and many ratepayers. this legislation wiU be achieved. Anybody who has had experience of the attitude of The question has been asked by the hon­ the Valuer-General's Department—and I am ourable member for Barron River whether talking about the department, not particular this Bill could apply to a local authority Ministers or Valuer-Generals—could be area where a revaluation was made before excused for having some scepticism in this the Act came into force or, say, even one, regard. two, three or more years ago. The answer is that the Bfll has .been worded so that it We have witnessed attempts by this Gov­ will apply in any situation, provided that the ernment in previous Parliaments to provide, G&vernor in Council declares that the Act through a different Act, an impartial chair­ wfll apply to the particular local authority man for so-called without-prejudice confer­ area^ as froin 1 July in any year. The Act ences. It was a very well-intentioned move wfll apply only as from 1 July in a financial which in practice has .become a complete year, and to rates levied after that date. farce and an expensive one at that. The Of course the Bill also provides that a fur­ intention was quite clear. It could have ther declaration can be made that the Act made a significant contribution to valuation no longer apply to a local authority area. practices! It has not done so because the intent of the Government has not been The essential" points of the Bill are based realised. I say quite definitely that the abuse A 4- B of the Government's intent does very little on the • -^ formula for calculation of to boost confidence in the Valuer-General, 2 and again I am referring to the office and an adjusted rateable value, where A is the not to the man. fresh unimpjToved value and B is the former I hope that the Govemment's aims in this unimproved value. The fresh unimproved Bill wiU not suffer the same fate when the value is the valuation of such land which Bill is implemented. In this case, much wifl last took effect, either .by way of a complete depend on the attkudes of local authorities. valuation of the area or by an interim valua­ As time .progresses, much will depend also tion subsequent to that complete valuation. on the attitudes of valuers, because they are The former unimproved value is defined as most important. A valuer can be sent out the rateable value prior to the fresh unim­ into the field to do a job, but he has to proved value taking effect by way of a com­ exercise his prerogatives in determining plete valuation. yalues, in looking at sales and in making interpretations. If he goes out with the The legislation is prospective in that it can wrong attitude, it could be ddrimental to apply only to rates levied after the Act is tne objects of this Goverament. declared to apply to a particular local auth­ ority area. However, the adjusted rateable I congratulate the Minister on tackUn&i a value is determined by the comparison with offlicult problem with objectivity. If the the fresh unimproved value and former government's intent is thwarted, I have no unimproved value as defined, at the time coubt that the Minister wiU acknowledge the of levy*; 1284 Local Government, Ac, BiU [14 MAY 1981] Ministerial Statement

I foreshadow an amendment to clause 3 covering the definitions of former unimproved value, and interim valuation. The member for South Brisbane (Mr Fouras) questioned the effect of this BiU on those ratepayers who receive a reduced valuation or a smaU percentage increase. It is true that the savings to ratepayers under this BiU will be picked up by afl of the ratepayers. I said that in my* second- reading speech. However, the equity of the present situation is also questionable. The case of the old established residents must also be considered in those cases where they have been hit by massive increases. The honourable member for Flinders clear­ ly explained this situation. The honourable member for Lytton raised the same point. I repeat that if concessions are made, they have to be met by the ratepayers as a whole. The little people have been writing to me about massive valuation increases, and central business areas will be in the category that loses a Uttle of its rate reductions. Those are the contributions to which I wish to refer at this podnt in time. Motion CMr Hinze) agreed to.

COMMIlTEE Mr Powell (Isis) in the chair; Hon. R, J, Hinze (South Coast—Minister for Local Goverament, Main Roads and PoUce) in charge of the BiU. Clauses 1 and 2, as read, agreed to. Clause 3—^Interpretation— Mr HINZE (11.52 p,m,): I move the following amendments— "At page 2, line 31, after the word 'value' insert the words— 'by way of complete valuation of the Area'"; and "At page 2, Une 40, after the word 'value' insert the words— 'made by way of complete valuation of the Area'," Certain terms used in the Bill are defined. The terms as defined are self-explanatory. It will be noted that the term "local authority" includes Brisbane and rderence in the BUl to a valuation made by the Valuer-Genera is stated to be to the end result of an objection or appeal lodged against such valuation. Amendments (Mr Hinze) agreed to, Qause 3, as amended, agreed to. Clauses 4 to 7, as read, agreed to. Bill reported, with amendments.

THIRD READING Bfll, on motion of Mr Hinze, by leave read a third time. The House adjourned at 11.57 p.m.