PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

FORTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT

SECOND SESSION (1974-76)

iltgislntint C!tnuuril attb 11ltgislatint Aastmbly

YEAR 1974-75

voL. cccxvm.

(Fro1n September 10, 1974, to October 17, 1974.)

MELBOURNE : C. H. RIXON, GOVERNMENT PRINTER. m~r

m~r 1Jj ttuttnant-~nutrunr The Honorable JoHN MciNTOSH YouNG, Q.C.

m~t iltntstrg Premier, Treasurer, and Minister of the The Hon. R. J. Hamer, E.D., M.P. Arts Minister of Education L. H. S. Thompson, M.P. " Minister for State Development and Murray Byrne, M.L.C. Decentralization, Minister for Tourism, " and , Minister of Immigration Minister of Housing, and Minister for V. 0. Dickie, M.L.C. Aboriginal Affairs* Minister of Transport , E. R. Meagher, M.B.E., E.D., M.P. Minister for Fuel and Power, and Minister , J. C. M. Balfour, M.P. of Mines Chief Secretary J. F. Rossiter, M.P. " Attorney-General , V. F. Wilcox, Q.C., M.P· Minister for Conservation, Minister of W. A. Borthwick, M.P. Lands, and Minister of Soldier " Settlement Minister of Labour and Industry, Minister , J. A. Rafferty, M.P. of Consumer Affairs, and Minister for Federal Affairst Minister of Agriculture , I. W. Smith, M.P. Minister of Public Works , R. c. Dunstan, D.S.O., M.P. Minister for Local Government, and , A. J. Hunt, M.L.C. Minister for Planning Minister of Health , A. H. Scanlan, M.P. Minister for Social Welfare , W. v. Houghton, M.L.C. Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation, , B. J. Dixon, M.P. and Assistant Minister of Education Minister of Water Supply, and Minister , F. J. Granter, M.L.C. of Forests

Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet : Walter Jona. Esquire, M.P.

• Resigned as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, January 11, 1975. t Appointed Minister for Federal Affairs, February 18, 1975. ill.rmb.rrs nf t4t 1l.J.rgtslattut atnuurtl

FORTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT-SECOND SESSION.

MEMBER PROVINCE MEMBER PROVINCE Block, P. D ... Boronia Hauser, V. T. . . Boronia Bradbury, A. K. North-Eastern Hider, C. A. M. Monash Byrne, Murray Ballaarat Houghton, W. V. Ternplestowe Campbell, W. M. East Yarra Hunt, A. J. South-Eas~er.Q .. Clarke, M, A. Northern Jenkins, 0. G ... South-Western Crozier, D. G. Western Kent, D. E. . . Gippsland Dickie, V. 0. Ballaarat Knight, A. W ... Melb<;>i.u'ne West Dunn, B. P .. . North-Western Long, R. J. Gippsland Eddy, R. J .. . . . Doutta Galla McDonald, S. R. Northern Elliot, D. G. Nicol, G. J. . Mon~sl\ ., Fry, W. G. .. .. Higinbotham Storey, Haddon, Q.C. East Yarra Galbally, J. W., Q.C... Melbourne North Swinburne, I. A., C.M:G. North-Eastern Garrett, Sir Raymond, Templestowe Thomas, H. A. Melbourne West A.F.C., A.B.A. Trayling, I. B. . . . . Melbourne Gleeson, S. E. South-Western Tripovich, J. M. Doutta Galla ' Granter, F. J. Bendigo Walton, J. M. Melbou·me North Grimwade, F. S. Bendigo Ward, H. R. South-Eastern Gross, K. S. . . . . Western Wright, K. I. . . North-Western Hamilton, H. M., B.D... Higinbotham

President: THE HoN. SIR RAYMOND GARREIT, A.EC .• A.E:A.

Chairman of Committees : THE HoN. G. J. NICOL.

Temporary Chairmen of Committees: THE. HoNORABLES. A. K: BRADBURY, W. M. CAMPBELL, D. G. ELLIOT, H. M. HAMILTON, v. T. HAUSER, A. w. KNIGHt, AND H. R. WARD.'

Leader of the Government: THE HoN. MURRAY BYRNE.'

Deputy Leader of tbe Government: THE HoN. V. 0. DICKIE.

Leader of the Opposition : THE HoN. J. W. GALBALLY, Q.C.

DeputY Leader of tbe Opposition: THE HoN. J. M. TRIPOVICfl.

Leader of tbe Country Party : THE HoN. I. A. SwiNBURNE.

Deputy Leader of tbe Country Party: THE HoN. S. R. McDoNALD.' :tltmbtrn nf t~t 1Jjtgtnluttut 1\.s.stmhly

FORTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT-SECOND SESSION. MEMBER DISTRICT MEMBER DISTRICT Amos, D. G. I. Morwell Mcinnes, N. M. Gippsland South Austin, T. L. Hampden McKellar, D. K. Portland Balfour, J. C. M. Narracan McLaren, I. F., O.B.E. Bennettswood Baxter, W. R. Murray Valley Maclellan, R. R. C. Gippsland West Billing, N. A. W., K.St.J. Heatherton Meagher, E. R., M.B.E., Frankston Birrell, H. W. Geelong E.D. •Bornstein, D. L. F. Brunswick East Mitchell, T. W. Benambra Borthwick, W. A. Monbulk Mutton, J. P. . . Coburg Burgin, C. W. Polwarth Plowman, S. J. Evelyn Chamberlain, B. A. Dundas Rafferty, J. A .. . Glenhuntly Crellin, M. L. Sandringham Ramsay, J. H .. . Balwyn Curnow, E. J. Kara Kara Reese, W. F. L. Moorabbin Dixon, B. J ... St. Kilda Roper, T. W ... Brunswick West Doube, V. J. Albert Park Ross-Edwards, Peter Shepparton Dunstan, R. C., D.S.O. Dromana Rossiter, J. F. . . Brighton Ebery, W. T. Midlands Scanlan, A. H. Oakleigh Edmunds, C. T. Moonee Ponds Simmonds, J. L. Reservoir Evans, A. T; .. Ballaarat North Skeggs, B. A. E. Ivanhoe Evans, B. J ... Gippsland East Fogarty, W. F. Sunshine Smith, Aurel Bellarine Fordham, R. C. Footscray Smith, I. W. Warrnambool Ginifer, J. J... Deer Park Stephen, W. F. Ballaarat South Goble, Mrs. D. A. Mitcham Stirling, G. F. . . Williamstown Guy, A. G ... Gisborne Suggett, R. H. . . Bentleigh Hamer, R. J., E.D. Kew Tanner, Sir Edgar, C.B.E., Caulfield Hann, E. J .. . Rodney E.D. Hayes, G. P .. . Scoresby Templet<;>n, T. W. Mentone Holding, A. C. Richmond Thompson, L. H. S. Malvern Jona, Walter .. Hawthorn Trewin, T. C .. . Ben all a Jones, B. 0 ... Melbourne Trezise, N. B .. . Geelong North Kirkwood, C. W. D. Preston Vale, R. M. Greensboro ugh Lacy, Norman Ringwood Wheeler, K. H. Essen don Lind, A. A. C. Dandenong Whiting, M. S. Mil dura Loxton, S. J. E. Prahran Wilcox, V. F., Q.C. Camberwell tMcAlister, R. G. H. Brunswick East Wilkes, F. N. . . Northcote McCabe, J. E. Lowan Williams, M. T. Box Hill McClure, D. H. R. Bendigo Wilton, J. T. Broadmeadows MacDonald, J. D. Glen Iris Wiltshire, R. J ... Syndal Wood, A. R. Swan Hill • Resigned, February 10, 1975. t Elected, April 12, 1975. Speaker : THE HoN. K. H. WHEELER.

Chairman of Committees : MR. I. F. McLAREN, O.B.E. TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF CoMMITTEES: MR. EDMUNDS, MR. A. T. EVANS, MR. B. J. EVANS MR. GINIFER, MR. LIND, MR. McCABE, MR. MACDONALD, MR. MITCHELL, MR. REESE• MR. STEPHEN, MR. SUGGETI, SIR EDGAR TANNER, MR. TEMPLETON, MR. TREWIN, AND MR. WILTSHIRE. Leader of the Liberal Party and Premier: THE HoN. R. J. HAMER, E.D. Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Premier : THE HoN. L. H. S. THOMPSON. Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition : MR. A. c. HOLDING. Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: MR. F. N. WILKES. Leader of the Country Party: MR. PETER Ross-EDWARDS. Deputy Leader of the Country Party: MR. M. S. WHITING. .HEADS OF PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS

Council-Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council : Mr. A. R. B. McDonnell. Assembly-Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr. J. H. Campbell. Hansard-Chief Reporter: Mr. R. G. Stuart, B.D. Library-Librarian : Miss J. McGovern. House-Secretary : Mr. R. M. Duguid. VICIORIA.

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. (HANSARD)

.&tend &tssinn nf tlpt JTnrty-sixtlp Jlarliamtnt.

session of the said Parliament of mtgislatint C!tnuntil. Victoria, for the despatch of business, in the Parliament Houses, situate in Tuesday, September 10, 1974. Spring Street, in the City of Mel­ bourne: and the Honorable the members of the Legislative COuncil and the members of the Legislative OPENING OF THE SESSION. Assembly are hereby required to give The Second Session of the Forty­ their attendance at the said time and sixth Parliament was opened this place accordingly. day. Given under my hand and the At 2.30 p.m., the CLERK read the seal of the State of Victoria following- aforesaid, at Melbourne, the twenty-ninth day of August, PROCLAMATION in the year of our Lord One By His Excellency the Governor of thousand nine hundred and the State of Victoria and its Depen­ seventy-four, in the twenty­ dencies in the Commonwealth of third year af the reign , &c., &c., &c. of Her Majesty 'Queen Whereas the Parliament of Victoria Elizabeth II. stands adjourned until such day and (L.s.) . hour as may be fixed by the President By His Excellency's Command, of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly R. J. HAMER, respectively: Now I, the Governor of Premier. the State of Victoria, in the Common­ wealth of Australia, do by this my Goo SAVE THE QUEEN! Proclamation prorogue the said Par­ liament of Victoria until Tuesday, the GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. tenth day of September, 1974, and I The Usher of the Black Rod do hereby fix Tuesday, the tenth day announced the approach of His of September, 1974, aforesaid, at the Excellency the Governor. hour of half-past two o'clock in the afternO'On, as the time for the com­ His Excellency entered the Chamber mencement and holding of the next attended by his suite. Session 1974.- 1 2 Governor's [COUNCIL.] Speech.

The Legislative Assembly, with promoting the happiness and well­ their Speaker, attended in response to being of the people of Victoria, with His Excellency's summons. special emphasis on the quality of life. His Excellency addressed the fol- lowing Speech to both Houses of Several measures were enacted in Parliarp.ent- pursuance .. of this objective. In this · new session the Government will MR. PRESIDENT ANi> HONORABLE MEM- 'bring before you further .. measures BERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: aimed at consolidating and furthering MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE. . its achievements and objectives in LEGISLATIVE AssEMBLY: education, welfare, youth, decentrali- You have been called together at zation and conservation, as well as this opening of the Second Session in many other fields. of the Forty-sixth Parliament of Vic- First priority will continue to be toria to consider legislative and given to education,. particularly in financial m.atters of great impO'rtance the .provision of additional' teachers to the people o.f this· State. · · and ancillary staff, the improvement Since the First Session of this Par- of disadvantaged schools, and the liament ended, my distinguished provision of libraries, science blocks predecessor, Major-General Sir Rohan and arts and crafts rooms. Delacombe, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., K.St.J., com- The Government intends to pro­ pleted his · and has ceed towards its objective of at least returned to England. During his one year's free pre-school education period· of over eleven years as GO'V- for every Victorian child who wants ernor of Victoria, Sir Rohan fulfilled it. Already Victoria has 936 kinder­ his high position with great distinc- gartens and play-centres, providing tion, travelling to all parts of Victoria for some 65 per cent of Victorian and meeting people in every \valk of h'ld h f life. He endeared himself to all Vic- pre-schoo1 c 1 ren. T is year a ur- torians, whilst upholding the dignity ther 50 new centres will be built and and honour of the .Crown. staffed. It is fitting that I pay tribute to Reference was made at the last him on behalf of the people of this opening of this Parliament to the State. I will do my utmost to main- threat of inflation. The reality is now tain the high standard he has set. with us, and inflation, coupled with I refer with regret to the death increasing industrial unrest and rising earlier this year of His Royal High- unemp1 oyment, is the greatest single ness The Duke of GlO'Ucester. He threat at present to growth and pro­ enjoyed many associations with duction, and the living standards and Australia, including two years as well-being of every Australian Governor-General. family. I refer also with deep regret to The Government has made several the deaths, since you were last called offers to the Commonwealth to take together, of two former Ministers of action in concert aimed at halting or : The HO'norable Sir slowing down the vicious spiral of Gilbert Chandler and the Honorable wage and price increases now James Manson, and a former member threatening the whole economy of of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. the nation. These offers have not so Russell Stokes. far led to positive action, but the In introducing the First Session of Government stands ready · to intra­ this Parliament, my predecessor set duce any necessary complementary out the Government's objective of legislation this session. . Governor's (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Speech. 3

The Government has co-operated at further encouragement of tourism with the Federal Government to the will be presented to Parliament this full in the development and imple­ session. mentation of programmes and pro­ jects involving both Governments Decentralization of Government which are for the benefit of Vic­ departments is proceeding with the torians. It is, however, greatly con­ appointment of regional directorates, cerned that the powers vested in the notably in social welfare and educa­ State by its own Constitution and tion, and this process will continue reserved by the Commonwealth under plans already approved. Constitution shall not be eroded away Regeneration of native forests is by unwarranted Commonwealth in­ proceeding, with the treatment of trusion into fields for which this over 20,000 acres this year. A further Parliament is responsible to the 1,000 acres of fire-damaged forests people of Victoria. will be reforested by the hand­ The response to the Government's planting of eucalypts. initiatives in promoting decentrali­ The creation of the Ministry for zation and restraining the growth of Conservation last year brought to­ Melbourne has been extremely en­ gether the agencies concerned with couraging. There are now more than the Government's conservation ·acti­ 1,396 approved decentralized indus­ vities, and the protection of the tries in Victoria, of which over 150 environment. have been established in country centres within the last two years. The Environment Protection The Federal Government's actions in Authority has already made great cutting back tariff protection and re­ advances in the control of pollution, stricting credit have been most detri­ especially of the atmosphere and mental to some country industries, waterways, through the setting of especially clothing and textiles, standards and the issue of licences. footwear and electrical goods, and The authority is pioneering a pro­ the Government has been actively gramme aimed at reorganizing refuse seeking support for them. disposal in Melbourne on a regional During the past year, the Govern­ basis, and the Government expects ment has co-operated with the to be able to submit legislation on Commonwealth and New South the control of noise. Wales Governments in the com­ The Ministry is also co-ordinating mencement of the Albury-W odonga multi-disciplinary environmental growth centre. Already land costing studies of Port Phillip Bay and over $5 million has been acquired in Western Port Bay and their catch­ Victoria for this important project. m·ents, and will shortly extend its Geelong has been nominated as a activities to the study of the Gipps­ further growth centre, and intensive land Lakes. studies are under way to define the areas to be set aside for new urban The Government regards the Yarra development in this region .. Melton Valley, the Dandenongs, and the and Sunbury were nominated as Momington Peninsula as the most satellite towns, and legislation will sensitive and vulnerable areas in the be presented to Parliament to estab­ State, calling for special protection. lish a development corporation for Each is covered by a Government Statement of Planning Policy direct­ each one. ing that it be preserved primarily for Tourism is an important decentral­ recreation and conservation. In each ized industry, and the Government area the Government has embarked has been active in promotion activi­ on an extensive " buy-back " pro­ ties, in conjunction with · regional gramme so that key areas can. be tourist committees. Legislation aimed returned to public ownership .and 4 Governor's LCOUNCIL.] Speech. permanently preserved. Extensive year at a cost of some $76 million, as protection is also being given by well as building blocks for low income planning controls and, in addition, earners. Further sums will be spent the Government is considering ways on urban renewal schemes, including of improving the protection of these the Emerald Hill project in South vital areas against further subdivi­ Melbourne, in co-operation with the sion and urban type development Commonwealth Government and the which would destroy their character. South Melbourne City Council. In the Mornington Peninsula the Co-operative housing societies are Federal Government is giving wel­ expected to spend over $18 million, come financial support to the pro­ the Teacher Housing Authority will gramme for the preservation of open provide some 50 new residences, and space and large areas of scenic beauty. the Decentralized Industry Housing Authority will increase housing A completely new wildlife Bill to finance for approved decentralized replace the present Game Act will be industries. introduced. The Bill will be based on new philosophies, will give protection Irrigation areas in northern Victoria to virtually all species of native birds, have suffered severe flooding for the mammals, reptiles and amphibians, second time in twelve months. The and will encourage increased public Parliamentary Public Works Com­ involvement in wildlife preservation. mittee, which is investigating methods of mitigating such flooding, is expec­ The Historic Buildings Act, passed ted to report soon to Parliament. last session, is being brought into operation, and an amending measure, The heavy rains in these areas have based on experience to date, will be also caused grave increases in ground­ introduced. New legislation will also water levels and salinity, and the be proposed to give protection to Government provided funds for an whole areas of historic or architec­ emergency pumping scheme in some tural interest. horticultural areas of the Goulburn Valley. Longer term remedial mea­ Government policy is firmly op­ sures are being studied by an inter­ posed to any form of discrimination departmental committee. on grounds of sex, colour, race or religion. Several objectionable prac­ The Millewa pipeline scheme in the tices have already been abolished, but far north-west was opened in August. some ·areas of prejudice remain, and It provides a piped water supply from it is intended to establish a special the Murray to 137 farms and two bureau in the Premier's Department small settlements, replacing an earth to investigate any cases brought to channel system which was wasteful notice, and recommend legislative or of water and labour. administrative changes. The diversion tunnel for the Dart­ The Government also believes that mouth dam in north-eastern Victoria migrants to Australia suffer special is well advanced and a contract has disabilities, principally on account of been let for the main dam, due to be language and unfamiliarity with our completed in 1977. way of life, and it is intended to estab­ lish another special bureau to help Significant developments for town and advise migrants, supported by a water supplies include the virtual Migrant Advisory Council staffed by completion of Rosslynne dam, for members of foreign communities in Sunbury and Gisbome; substantial Victoria. progress on the Otway pipeline for The Housing Commission has con­ Warrnambool and other towns; work tinued its task of providing low and on the Lake Merrimu project second medium-cost housing, and expects to stage for Melton (and the Werribee produce over 4, 700 dwelling units this and Bacchus Marsh irrigation areas); Governor's [10 SEPTEMBER~ 1974.] Speech. 5 and good progress on the new Preventing fare increases. In M'Ornington Peninsula trunk main spite of inflation the Government from Tarago reservoir. actually reduced rail and tram fares last year, which led to a sub­ Late last year the Government stantial increase in patronage. decided to recommence the allocation of land settlement holdings in the Construction of the Melbourne Heytesbury and Rochester projects. Underground. This will provide for some 150 farms New stations, express tracks, to be allocated over the next five and automatic signalling. years. Housing contracts have been let for the first phase of the scheme. Building of car-parks at sub­ urban stations, and modal inter­ Oil and gas production from the changes. Planning for the first Bass Strait reserves continues to two, at Box Hill and Frankston, is increase. Nearly 18 million tonnes of well advanced. petroleum were produced last year. Plans to develop new fields are well The Government is very pleased advanced. at the continuing reduction in the road toll. The number of road deaths The Government has approved the this year to the end of August, 197 4, construction by the Gas and Fuel was 531, a reduction of 205 com­ Corporation of a natural gas pipeline pared with the same period in 1970. to serve the country centres of Sey­ This is due in large measure to the mour, Benalla, Wangaratta and Shep­ reduction in the maximum speed parton and the new growth complex limit to 100 kilometres per hour, and of Albury-Wodonga. This $18 to concerted action against drinking million project is due for completion drivers, strong enforcement by the by the middle of 1976. police, compulsory seat belts, and The Government is looking ahead strong support from the media. The to the energy requirements of Victoria Government will continue to intro­ in the future. Accordingly, the M1nis­ duce road safety measures of demon­ strated value, and maintain Victoria's try for Fuel and Power is preparing leadership in this field. for presentation to Parliament a White Paper on the expected needs of A new scheme is to be proposed the State and the resources available for improved supervision of school from fossil fuels, solar energy, nuclear crossings, requiring joint action by power and elsewhere. It is also pro­ State and local governments along posed that a Select Committee of the the lines of the scheme operating in Parliament be set up to inquire into Great Britain. means of conserving energy. The Motor Accidents Board has The Government is pursuing a firm received more than 14,000 applica­ policy of encouraging the use of tions for compensation under the no­ public transport and reducing the fault scheme since it commenced dominance of the motor-car, especi­ operations in January, 1974. It ally for commuter travel. This policy expects to authorize payment of requires continuing action on several approximately $7 milliou this year. fronts: The Government is not satisfied Provision of new, faster and with the present organization of the more comfortable trains, trams Road Safety and Traffic Authority, and buses. All are on order and and legislation will be presented to new trains are being delivered at make substantial changes. Control a steady rate. The first new over traffic signs and signals and trams will be delivered early next road marking will be transferred to year. the Country Roads Board. 6 Governor's [COUNCIL.] Speech.

It is intended that a proper scheme basis, and has developed a wide of priority roads will operate through­ range of new activities including out Victoria as soon as possible. community arts. The Police Department has con­ The Victorian Council of the Arts tinued the reorganization recom­ is now considering a number of mended by Colonel Sir Eric St. exploratory programmes in such Johnston and this should be com­ fields as development of regional pleted in less than two year's time. centres for drama and music through­ out Victoria and the light entertain­ Police strength is being steadily ment industry. increased, communications are being improved, additional vehicles are The school building programme being put into service, and an has been delayed by shortages of independent patrol group has been basic materials, recurring industrial formed for emergency support of troubles and cost increases due to local police. The results are already inflation. However, it is expected evident in . a significant reduction of that the construction of seven more crime over the past two years. primary schools will be completed almost immediately. Planning is proceeding for the new Police Training Academy at Mount Tremendous improvements have Waverley which will make it the been effected in teacher-pupil ratios. finest of its kind in Australia. The Government has undertaken the biggest recruitment programme of The tunnel through the Great overseas teachers that Australia has Dividing Range to bring water from the Thomson River into the Mel­ ever seen, over 1,600 teachers having bourne system has been completed been brought to Australia from the by the Melbourne and Metropolitan United States, the United Kingdom Board of Works and will enable more and . This programme wi'll rapid filling of the new Cardinia dam. continue. This dam has doubled the water The schooling of handicapped storage for Melbourne and already children, which has been taken over contains 17,500 million gallons. The by the Education Department, will be very large South-Eastern Water Puri­ boosted by the early appointment of fication Plant at Carrum is expected 100 speech therapists, psychologists to be in operation early next year and social workers, and the release to commence treating approximately of 230 teachers for specialist instruc-· 20 million gallons of sewage per day. tion at a new college in the teaching The activities of the Department of these children. of Youth, Sport and Recreation will The Government has approved of be extended through continued the use in al'l schools of a simple· regionalization and the provision of course of sex instruction for children subsidies for municipal recreation in the 11-12 years of age group. This officers. decision was taken only after con­ Subsidies are also being provided sultation with educational, medical for detached youth workers, f.or and religious organizations, and the· sporting association programmes, introduction of the course in any for fostering the community use of particular school is at the discretion schools and for the development of of the principal. community centres. The Government intends to tlrive· The Ministry of the Arts, in com­ ahead with the current five-year pleting its first year of full opera­ programme to improve mental health tion, has made significant strides in Victoria. There are now 56 day­ towards establishing the State's per­ training centres for intellectually forming arts companies on a firm handicapped children, providing· for Governor's (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.) Speech. 7

2, 762 children, and four more centres Registration and advertisement are planned for this year, catering of contraceptives. for an additional 102 children. The Liquor Control Act. The Queen Victoria Hospital will Increased workers compensa­ be rebuilt on a site at Clayton tion. adj~cent to , an Electoral redistribution. excellent location for a teaching hospital. This win be a major step A new Constitution Act for in improving hospital services for the Victoria. south-eastern suburbs. A completely new Act on land The Ombudsman opened his office drainage. on 30th October, 1973, and already Improved superannuation for has received 1,334 complaints for married women in the Public investigation, of which 78 have been Service. found justified. Legislation to amend the Ombudsman Act in the light of Aboriginal Affairs (Transfer of experience will be presented. Powers) Bill. The new tribunal on compensation Cons.truction of special accom­ for victims of criminal assault modation units for elderly couples received its first applications in June, by the Housing Commission. It 1973. has already made 508 awards I have given you a brief outline of involving $430,000 in compensation. the major matters to be presented The Small Claims Tribunal has also for your consideration in this ·session. been operating since February, 1974, and has had wide acceptance. In opening this Second Session of the Forty-sixth Parliament of Vic­ MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE toria, I wish all members a productive LEGISLATIVE AsSEMBLY: and rewarding sitting. Detai'led Estimates of Revenue and I trust that your deliberations will Expenditure for the 1974-75 financial be guided by Divine Providence year will shortly be presented to towards the advancement and wel­ you, together with the necessary fare of this State. Appropriation Bill and other Budget measures. MR. PRESIDENT AND HONOURABLE Copies of the Speech were handed MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE by the Governor's Private Secretary COUNCIL: to the President and the Speaker. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE AsSEMBLY: His Excellency and suite with­ drew, and members of the Legisla­ During this session of Parliament a tive Assembly retired from the heavy programme of legislation will Chamber. be introduced on a wide variety of subjects. In.. addition to those meas­ The sitting was suspended at 3.5 ures I have already mentioned, the p.m. until 4.58 p.m. programme will include:- The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond Commerci

and in accordance with the Stand­ VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT ing Orders, I move that I have leave AUTHORITY BILL to bring in a Bill to amend the Vag· The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON rancy Act 1966. (Minister for Social Welfare) (By The motion was agreed to. leave) : In the last session of Parlia­ ment, during the debate which autho­ The Bill was brought in and read rized the sale of the assets of the a first time. Victorian Inland Meat Authority to the Co-operative Farmers and DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. Graziers Direct Meat Supply Ltd., I undertook, in response to a request The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE from Mr. McDonald, to provide copies (Minister .for State Development and of the documents relating to the Decentralization) : With great transaction which took place. I wish pleasure, I move- to inform the House and Mr. That chairs be provided on the floor of this McDonald that the documents will be House for the Honorable Sir Harry Vincent Budd. President of the Legislative Council available on the table of the Library of , and Mr. Anthony for one week from tomorrow. George Worsley Greatorex, 0.. B.E., M.C., President of the Legislative Council of the The Hon. S. R. McDONALD Northern Territory. (Northern Province) (By leave): I It must surely be a unique occasion thank the Minister. to have two Presidents of other Upper Houses in the Chamber at the COMPANY TAKE-OVERS one time. They are men who have COMMITTEE. given a lifetime of service in their The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE particular fields. Sir Harry Budd (Minister for State Development and has been President of the Legis­ Decentralization) : By leave, I lative Council of the mother move- House of the Parliaments of Aus­ That the Honorables M. A. Clarke, J. W. tralia since 1966. He has had a most Galbally, and Haddon Storey be members remarkable career in the newspaper of the Company T.ake-overs Committee. world, and has been a member of The motion was agreed to. Parliament for more than 28 years. The other distinguished guest has HOUSE COMMITTEE. been President of the Legislative The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Council of the Northern Territory (Minister for State Development and since 1969. He has had a long and Decentralization) : By 'leave, I distinguished military career, and a move- colourful career in the Northern That .the Honorables the President Territory. (ex officio). A. K. Bradbury, D. G. Elliot, H. M. Hamilton, A. W. Knight, and S. R. The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ McDonald be members of the House bourne North Province): I have much Committee. pleasure in applauding the motion The motion was agreed to. moved by the Leader of the House. I welcome these distinguished guests to the Legislative Council of Victoria. LIBRARY COMMITTEE. The Hon. . MURRAY BYRNE The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE (Minister for State Development and (North-Eastern Province): I also Decentralization) : By leave, I have much pleasure in supporting move- the motion moved by the Leader of That the Honorables the President, M. A. the House and extending a welcome Clarke, R. J. Eddy, F. S. Grimwade, and J. M. Walton be members of the Joint to the two distinguished gentlem~n. Committee to manage the Library. The motion was agreed to. The motion was agreed to. . Printing Committee. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.} Notice of Questions. ·9

OSTEOPATHY, CHIROPRACTIC of the Subordinate Legislation Committee, and that the said committee have power to AND NATUROPATHY COMMI1TEE. send for persons, papers, and recorda. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE The motion was agreed to. (Minister for State Development and Decentralization): By :leave, I move- NOTICE OF QUESTIONS. That the Honorables I. B. Ttayling and SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER H. R. Ward be members of the Osteopathy, No. 77. Chiropractic and Naturopathy Committee. · The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE The motion was agreed to. (Minister for State Development and Decentralization) : By leave, I move- PRINTING COMMITTEE. That so much of Standing Order No. 77 The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE as requires a member giving notice of a (Minister for State Development and question to read it aloud to the House be Decentralization): By 'leave, I suspended for the remainder of this session. move-- The motion was agreed to. That the Honorables the President, B. P. Dunn, S. E. Gleeson, 0. G. Jenkins, A. W. SESSIONAL ORDERS. Knight, and I. A. Swinburne be members of the Printing Committee; three to be the The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE quorum. (Minister for State Development and The motion was agreed to. Decentralization): By leave, I move- That Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE. in each week be the days on which the Council shall meet for the despatch of The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE business during tlhe present sessson, and (Minister for State Development and that the hour of meeting on Tuesdays be Decentralization) : By leave, I half-past four o'clock, on Wednesdays four move-- o'clock, and on Thursdays eleven o'clock; that on Tuesday and Thursday in each week That the Honorables the President, W. M. the transaction of Government business shall Campbell, J. W. Galbally, K. S. Gross, C. A take predence of all other business; that M. ltider, S. R. McDonald, G. J. Nicol, L A. on Wednesday in each week private mem­ Swinburne, and J. M. Tripovich be members bers' business shall take precedence of of the Select Committee on the Standing Government business; and that no new Orders of the House; three to be the quonam. business be taken after half-past teD o'clock. The motion was agreed to. The motion was agreed to. STATUTE LAW REVISION COMMITTEE. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern (Minister for State Development and Province) (By leave): Mr. President, Decentralization) : By leave, I in another place Ministers answer move-- questions orally but that is not the That the Honorables W. M. campbell, M. custom of this House. Will the A. Clarke, J. W. Galbally, F. S. Grimwade, Government consider a procedure by Haddon Storey, and J. M. Tripovich be which Ministers who represent the members of the StSJtute Law Revfsion Com­ mittee, and that the said committee have various departments in this House power to send for persons, papers, and answer oral questions about their records. departments? The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond Garrett): That would be a matter for SUBORDINATE ~EGISLATION consideration by the Government and COMMI'ITEE. the Ministers concerned. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Mmister for State Development and Decentralization) : By leave, I HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL. move-- The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister 1bat the Honorables K. S. Gross, I. A. of Housing) , by leave, moved for Swinburne, and ·H. A. Thomas be members leave to bring in a Bill to amend the 10 Newmarket Sheep Sales. [COUNCIL.] Electoral Commission Bill.

Housing· Act 1958 to make provision The Bill was brought in and read with respect to _the hiring of mov­ a first time. able units to certain persons and for other matters. MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN The motion was agreed to. BOARD OF WORKS (RATES) BILL. The Bill was brought in and read The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister a first time. of Water Supply) , by leav1e, moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend NEWMARKET SHEEP SALES BILL. the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act 1958 in relation The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister to rates made and levied thereunder for Local Government), by leave, moved for leave to bring in a Bill and for other purposes. to consolidate and amend the law The motion was agreed to. relating to the regulation of the sale The Bill was brought in and read of sheep at the Newmarket sale-yards a first time. in the City of Melbourne. The motion was agreed to. RIVER IMPROVEMENT The Bill was brought in and read (MINIMUM RATE) BILL. a first time. The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister of Water Supply), by leave, moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend POUNDS (~ENDMENT) BILL. section 36 of the River Improvement The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister Act 1958. for Local Government), by leave, moved for leave to bring in a Bill The motion was agreed to. _ to amend the Pounds Act 1958. The Bill was brought in and read a first time. The motion was. agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read LATROBE VALLEY ·(AMENDMENT) a first time. BILL. The Ron. F. J. GRANTER (Minister LOCAL GOVERNMENT of Water Supply) , by leave, moved (EMPLOYES LONG SERVICE for leave to bring in a Bill to amend LEAVE) BILL. the Latrobe Valley Act 1958. The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister The motion was agreed to. for Local Government) , by leave, The Bill was brought in and read moved for leave to bring in a Bill to a first time. amend the Local Government Act 1958 to make further provision with respect to long serviCe leave for GROUNDWATER (AMENDMENT) municipal employees and for other BILL. purposes. The Ron. F. J. GRANTER (Minister The motion was agreed to. of Water Supply) , by leave, moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend The Bin-· was brought in and read the Groundwater Act 1969. a first time. The motion was agreed to. MILDURA IRRIGATION AND The Bill was brought in and read WATER TRUST (AMENDMENT) a first time. BILL. The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister ELECTORAL COMMISSION BILL. of Water Supply), by leave, moved The Ron. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ for leave to bring in a Bill to amend bourne North Province) , by leave, the Mildura Irrigation and Water moved for leave to bring in a Bill to Trust Act 1958. establish an electoral commission The . motion was agreed· to. for dividing the State of Victoria Abolition of Capital [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Punishment Bill. 11 from time to time into electoral The Bill was brought in and read a provinces for the Legislative Council first time. and electoral districts for the Legis­ lative Assembly and to amend The YARRA VALLEY (PROHIBmON OF Constitution Act Amendment Act HIGHWAYS) BILL. 1958 in connection therewith. The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ The motion was agreed to. bourne North Province) , by leave, The Bill was brought in and read moved for leave to bring in a Bill to a first time. make provision with respect to the preservation of the Yarra Valley by prohibiting the construction of streets ABOLITION OF CAPITAL and roads along the River Yarra. PUNISHMENT BILL. The motion was agreed to. The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ bourne North Province), by leave, The Bill was brought in and read a moved for leave to bring in a Bill to first time. abolish capital punishment. CRIMES (SENTENCES) BILL. The motion was agreed to. The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ The Bill was brought in and read a bourne North Province) , by leave, first tinte. moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Crimes Act 1958, the Just­ CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ices Act 1958 and the Social Welfare LANDS (DETERMINATIONS) BILL. Act 1970 with respect to sentences of The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ imprisonment. bourne North Province) , by leave, The motion was agreed to. moved for leave to bring in a Bill to The Bill was brought in and read a amend section 6 of the Cultural and first time. · Recreational Lands Act 1963 with respect to the determination of ques­ tions, differences or disputes as to the TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF application or operation of the said COMMITTEES. Act. The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond The motio.n was agreed to. Garrett) laid on the table his warrant nominating the Honorables A. K. The Bill was brought in and read a Bradbury, W. M. Campbell, D. G. first time. Elliot, H. M. Hamilton, V. T. Hauser, A. W. Knight, and H. R. Ward to act CRIMES (INHUMANE as Temporary Chairmen of Com­ PUNISHMENTS ABOLITION) BILL. mittees whenever requested to do so The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ by the Chairman of Committees or bourne North Province), by leave, whenever the Chairman of Commit­ moved for leave to bring in a Bill to tees is absent. abolish certain inhumane punishments and· for other purposes. COMMAND PAPERS. The motion was agreed to. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE The Bill was brought in and read a (Minister for State Development and first time. Decentralization) presented, by com­ mand of His Excellency the Governor, the report of the Judges of the VAGRANCY (AMENDMENT) BILL. Supreme Court for the year 1973. The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON bourne North Province) , by leave, (Minister for Social Welfare) presen­ moved for leave to bring in a Bill to ted, by command of His Excellency amend the Vagrancy Act 1966. the Governor, the report of the Parole The motion was agreed to. Board for the year 1971-72. 12 Papers. [COUNCIL.] Papers.

It was ordered that the reports be Mental Health Authority-Report for the laid on the table. year 1972. Mines Department-Report for the year PAPERS. 1972. Monash University-Report of the Council, The following papers, pursuant to together with Statutes ·approved by the the directions of several Acts of Governor in Council, for the year 1973 Parliament, were laid on the table by (eleven papers). the Clerk- National Gallery-Report of the trustees, together with statements of income and Country Fire Authority-Report for the expenditure, for the years 1971-72 and year 1972-73. 1972-73 (two papers). Crimes Compensation Tribunal-Report for the year 1973-74. National Parks-Report of the Advisory Committee for the year 1972-73. Education Act 1958- Police Service Board-Determinations Nos. Primary Teachers Registration Board 219, 220, 221, 224 ·and 225 (five papers). Regulations 1974. Publications-Report of the State Advisory Resumption of Land :at Doveton-Certifi­ Board for the period 6th September, 1973, cate of the Minister of Education. to 30th June, 1974. Secondary Teachers Registration Board Regulations 1973. Public Service Act 1958- Technical Teachers Registration (Amend· Public Service (Public Service Board) ment) Regulations 1974. Regulations. Evidence Act 1958-Evidence (Examination Public Service (Public Service Board) of Shorthand Writers) Regulations 1974. Regulations - Regulations amended (Nos. 766 to 768; and Nos. 1 to 114) Exhibition Trustees-Report for rthe year (one hundred and seventeen papers). 1973-74. Registration of Births Deaths and Geelong Harbor Trust Commissioners­ Marriages Act 1959-General abstract of Statement of accounts for the year 1973. the number of live births, still-bltths, Government Buildings Advisory Council­ deaths ·and marriages registered in Vic­ Report for the year 1973·74. toria during the year 1973. Grain Elevators Board-Report for the year River Murray Commission-Report for the ended 31st October, 1973. year 1972-73. Groundwater-Report of the investigation Statutory Rules under the Prerogative prognunme for the year 1972. Powers of the Crown-Nos. 157 and 378. Hospitals Superannuation Board-Report Statutory Rules under the following Acts for the year 1972-73. of Parliament- Land Act 1958-Schedule of country lands Aerial Spraymg Control Act 1966-No. proposed to be sold by auction. 405. - Agricultural Lime Act 1958-No. 142. Report ·of the Council, together with Apprenticeship Act 1958-Nos. 342 and Statutes approved by the Governor in 399. Council, for the year 1973 (seventeen papers). Audit Act 1958-Nos. 132 and 240. Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act 1970- Statements of income and expenditure for the year 1972. Nos. 341, 393, 394 and 406. Children's Court Act 1973-No. 237. Law Reform Commissioner-Report for the period 18th December, 1973, to 30th June, Clean Air Act 1958-No. 252. 1974. Coal Mines Act 1958-Nos. 125, 209 and 404. Marketing of Primary Products Act 1958- Companies Act 1961-No. 303. Proclamation declaring that oranges, mandarins and grapefruit shall become Consumer Protection Act 1972-No. 276. the property of the Citrus Fruit Co-operation Act 1958-No. 145. Marketing Board for a period Co-operative Housing Societies Act 1958 of two years. ....;.No. 146. Proclamation declaring that tobacco Country Fire Authority Aot 1958-Nos. leaf shall become the property of the 172, 247 and 376. Tobacco Leaf Marketing Board for a Country Roads Act 1958-Nos. 205, .206, furt:her period of two years. 215 and 306. Melbourne: UniVersity-finan.cial statements County Court Act 1972-Nos. 162, .. 336, for the year 1972. 369, 379 .and ~89. Papers. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.) Papers. 13

Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1972 Mental Health Act 1959-Nos. 221, 296 -No. 299. ·and 398. Discharged Servicemen's Preference Act Metric Conversion Act 1973-Nos. 128, 1943-Nos. 141, 169, 220 .and 381. 133, 134, 135, 137, 140, 151, 152, 154, 158, 163, 164, 166, 174, 175, 176, 177, Dried Fruits Act 1958-No. 277. 203, 214, 239, 241, 242, 243, 244, 246, Education Act 1958-Nos. 160, 170, 272 253, 255, 256, 258, 260, 261, 262, 266, · oand 357. 269, 271, 274, 278, 281, 282, 283, 290 Education Act 1958, Teaching Service and 302. Act 1958-No. 308. Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958-No. Egg Industry Stabilization Act 1973-No. 259. 180. Milk and Dairy Supervision Act 1958-No. Environment Protection Act 1970-No. 397. 150. Mines Act. 1958-No. 130. Explosives Act 1960-No. 211. Motor Accidents Act 1973-Nos. 245 and Farm Produce Merchants and Commis- 377. sion Agents Act 1965-No. 129. Motor Boating Act 1961-Nos. 165, 182, Films Act 1971-Nos. 138 and 312. 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, Firearms Act 1958-No. 219. 199, 200, 201, 202, 223, 224, 225, 226, Fisheries Act 1968-Nos. 179, 254, 280 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, and 371. 235, 301, 313, 314, 315, 318, 319, 320, Forests Act 1958-No. 131. 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326 and 327. Friendly Societies Act 1958-No. 334. Motor Car Act 1958-Nos. 139, 147, 156, 171, 181, 298, 300, 305, 311 and 330. Fruit and Vegetables Act 1958-No. 126. Motor Car Traders Act 1973-Nos. 217 Game Act 1958-No. 337. and 218. Gas Act 1969-No. 382. Mt. Hotham Alpine Resort Act 1972--No. Grain Elevators Act 1958-Nos. 390 and 238. 402. National Parks Act 1970-No. 257. Health Act 1958-Nos. 208, 267, 291, 292, Nurses Act 1958-No. 248. 293, 294 and 295. Pesticides Act 1958-No. 279. Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973-No. 370. Police Offences Act 1958-No. 328. Home Finance Act 1962-No. 144. Police Regulation Act 1958-Nos. 159, Hospitals and Charities Act 1958-No. 212, 213, 297, 310 and 383. 391. Printers and Newspapers Act 1958-No. Inflammable Liquids Act 1966-Nos. 153 349. and 304. Private Agents Act 1966-No. 329. Instruments Act 1958-No. 353. Property Law Act 1958-No. 350. · Labour and Industry Act 1958-Nos. 127 and 340. Protection of Animals Act 1966-Nos. 331 and 332. Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Act 1972-No. 167. Public Service Act 1958-No. 143. Legal Profession Practice Act 1958-No. Racing Act 1958-Nos. 372, 373, 374 and 347. 375. Lifts a~d Cranes Act 1967-No. 395. Registration of Births Deaths and .Mar­ riages Act 1959-Nos. 273 and 360. Liquor Control Act 1968-No. 333. Religious Successory and Charitable Local Government Act 1958-Nos. 236, Trusts Act 1958-No. 351. 263, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288,. 289, 307, 343 and 392. Road Traffic Act 1958-Nos. 173, 264, 268 and 270. Magistrates' Courts Act 1971-No. 178. Scaffolding Act 1971-Nos. 338, 339 and Magistrates' Courts Act 1971, Justices 364. Act 1958-No. 363. Second-hand Dealers Act 1958-Nos. 136, Marine Act 1958-Nos. 216, 251, 344, 345, 222, 316, 358 and 359. 346, 355, 367 ·and 408. Seeds Act 1971-Nos. 380 and 396. Marketing of Primary Products Act 1958- . No. 168. Stamps Act 1958-Nos. 335 and 352 . Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of State Development Act 1958-No. 356. Works Act 1958-Nos. 249 and 259. State Savings Bank Act 1958-Nos. 149, MelbOurne Harbor Trust Act 1958-No. 161 ·and 309. · · ·207. Strata Titles Act 1967-No. 354. · ~ 14 Papers.· (COUNCIL.] Papers.

Sunday Entertainment Act 1967-No. 317. Geelong Planning Scheme 1959, Shire of Supreme Court Act 1958-Nos. 148, 204, South Barwon-Amendments No. 38, . 361, 362 and 366. 1972 and No. 41, 1973 (two papers) . Teaching Service Act 1958-No. 210. Lara Planning Scheme 1961-Amendment Town and Country Planning Act 1961- No.8. . . No. 401. Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme Transfer of Land Act 1958-No. 348. -Amendments No. 27, Part 2, with Transport Regulation Act 1958, Commer­ twenty maps, No. 44, with map, No. 46, and ~o. 48, with map (twenty-six cial Goods Vehicles Act 1958-No. 265. papers). Valuation of Land Act 1960-Nos. 155 and 400. Morwell Planning Scheme 1954-Amend­ Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act 1958- ment No. 43, 1972. No. 403. Ocean Road Planning Scheme 1955, Shire Victorian Development Corporation Act of Barrabool-Amendment No. 13, 1973. 1973-No. 365. Seymour Planning Scheme-Amendment Weights and Measures Act 1958-Nos. No. 17. . 275, 368 and 407. Shire· of ·Flinders Planning Scheme 1962 Stock Foods Act 1958-Proclamation.alter­ -Amendments No. 43, 1972, Part 1, . ing the chemical standard of bran and and No. 63 (two papers). pollard. Shire of. Lillydale Planning Scheme 1958 -Amendments Nos. 26 ·and 27, 1971, Teaching Service Act 1958- and No. 38, 1973 (three papers). Teaching Service (Classification, Salaries and Allowances) Regulations (Nos. 11 Shire of Maffra Planning Scheme-Maffra to 14, and 53 to 56) (two papers). Township, with maps (two papers). Teaching Service (Classification, Salaries Shire of Momington Planning Scheme and Allowances) Regulations-Regula­ 1959-Amendments No. 49, 1970 and tions amended (Nos. 281 and 284) Nos. 88 and 89, 1973 (three papers). (two papers). Shire of Sherbrooke Planning Schem~ Amendments Nos. 52 and 53, 1972, Teaching Service . (Teachers Tribunal) Nos. 55, 57, 63, 67 and 68, 1973, No. 71, Regulations- Regulations ani ended 1974 (eight papers). (Nos. 273 to 280, 282 .and 283, and 285 to 288) (fourteen papers) . · · Shire of South Gippsland Planning Scheme -Amendment No. 8, 1973. Tourism-Report of the Director for the period ended 30th June, 1972. Shire of Werribee Planning Scheme 1963 -Amendment No. 18, 1971. Town and Country Planning Act 1961- Town of Stawell Planning ·Scheme­ Ballaarat and District . Planning Scheme Amendment No. 6, 1973. 1966, City of Ballaarat-Amendment No. 5, 1973. Water Supply-Report of the State Rivers Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme and Water Supply Commission for the 1966, Shire of Ballarat-Amendments year· 1972-73. Nos. 1 and 2, 1973 (two papers). City of Ararat Planning Scheme 1953- GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Amendment No. 14, 1973. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. City of Bendigo Planning Scheme 1962- Amendments No. 13, 1973 and No. 14, The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond 1974 (two papers). Garrett): I have to report that His City of Croydon Planning Scheme­ Excellency the Governor attended the Amendment No. 51, 1971. House this day, and was pleased to City of Hamilton Planning Scheme­ make a Speech, of which, for greater Amendment No. 5. accuracy, . I have obtained a copy. City of Knox Planning Scheme 1965-­ As the Speech 'is printed, I take it Amendment No. 59A, 1972. that honorable members do not desire City of Mildura Planning Scheme­ Amendment No. 8, 1972. that I should read it to them. City of Shepparton Planning Scheme 1953 The Hon. D. G. CROZIER (Western -Amendment No. 29, 1973. Province) : I move-- C~anboume Planning Scheme 1960- Amendments No. 4, 1973 and No. 8 That the Council agree to the fo1lowing (two papers). Address to His Excellency the Governor in Geelong Planning Scheme 1959, City of reply to His Excellency's opening Speech- Geelong-Amendment No. 22, 1973. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ExCELLENCY: Geelong Planning Scheme 1959, Shire of We, the Legislative Council of Victoria, Coria-Amendments No. 16, 1973 and in Parliament assembled, beg to express No. 15, 1974 (two papers). our loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign, Governor's Speech:· [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 15 and to thank Your Excellency for the reserved by the Commonwealth Con­ gracious Speech which you have been stitution, shall not be eroded awary by pleased to address to Parliament. unwarranted Commonwealth in­ It is indeed a . privilege for me to trusion into fields for which this move the adoption of an Address-in­ Parliament is responsible to the Reply to His· Excellency's Speech, people of Victoria. If this were just especially on the occasion of Sir an isolated incident, it would be of Henry Winneke's first Speech to sufficient concern to all those who Parliament as . value the concept and reality of the As a former Chief Justice and Federal system. In effect, however, Lieutenant-Governor of the State, Sir it is not an isolated incident but a Henry is nd stranger to these en­ continuous onslaught mounted by virons. Today we have welcomed those dedicated, amongst other him officially as Her Majesty's re­ things, to the eclipse and final presentative, and, as such, the cus­ destruction of the States. todian of a long and honoured tradi­ A prime example of ~his mania for tion. It may seem appropriate, at the centralization of the decision­ least to some of us on this occasion, making process was provided to reflect that at a time when in many recently by the Commonwealth parts of the world the image of gov­ roads legislation. This legislation, as ernment is tarnished and the fortunes honorable members no doubt recall, of· Parliamentary Government are at was intended to give the Federal a low ebb, we in this State, as the Minister for Transport the power to inheritors of a long and ancient approve or veto any road project in tradition - some would say an Australia. The consequences of this archaic system -may yet attract would have been incalculable. Fortu­ men of the highest integrity and nately the Senate, in its .proper role as distinction to the highest offices of a State's House, was able to delete Government, aloof from the partisan­ the more objectionable features of the ship of party politics. I have no doubt legislation, and it has since been that Sir Henry Winneke will prove a toned down. worthy successor to Sir Rohan Dela­ The Hon. J. M. TRiPovicH; That combe, whose years of service to this was done on a party basis. The State will long be remembered by its Senate was not acting as a State's citizens. House. In outlining the aims of the Gov­ The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: As ernment in the forthcoming session, honorable members are well aware, His Excellency felt constrained to the functions of the Senate are two­ remind us of certain problems that fold-firstly, as a House of review; beset us· in this State and confront and secondly, as a State's House. the Governments of all States. The The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: I take it first of these is long standing. Feder­ that members of the Labor Party will alism implies co-operation, and be given the same privileges as have although His Excellency pointed out been extended to Mt. Crozier in deal­ in his Speech that the Victorian ing with Commonwealth matte~s? Government has co-operated with The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond the Federal Government · in the Garrett): In general, in this Chamber, development and implementation of debate is not permitted on programmes and projects involving Commonwealth matters. Honorable both Governments which are of im­ members are permitted only to touch portance and benefit to the people of on· them, and I do not think Mr. Victoria, it is nevertheless greatly Crozier has done more than that. Mr. concerned that the powers vested in Trayling will certainly be permitted the State by its own Constitution and to do exactly as Mr. Crozier has d~ne, 16 G()vernor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply. which was to mount a not very skills and who quickly finds him­ determined attack on another Gov­ self totally disorientated. Despite the ernment. constant and often fluctuating advice The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: of his co-pilot and crew, the aircraft Thank you for your ruling, Mr. continues on a rapid descent while the President. I was about to add pilot continues to try to interpret his that in money matters Canberra's wildly gyrating instruments. In your stranglehold on State revenues con­ .Air Force days, Mr. President, con­ tinues to frustrate planned pro­ fronted with such a performance, you grammes in many areas, notably in would have grounded the pilot per­ the fields of education, hospitals, and manently. -honorable members on the His Excellency referred to the suc­ opposite side of the Chamber may be cess of the Government's decentra­ interested in the final category - lization policy. Since the inception of mental health services. The reduction the ten-point plan two years ago, at of, and disruption to, the school least 150 new industries have moved building programme is nothing short to country areas. There are now of calamitous. almost 1,400 approved decentralized I have long believed that the only industries in the State. In Western answer to this sort of situation is the Province, which Mr. Gross and I have return to the States of some measure the honour to represent, there · are of real fiscal responsibility, at least some prime examples of successful on the Canadian pattern. I realize decentralization, notably in the major that, in the present circumstances, in centres of Warrnambool, Hamilton the short term there is no possibility and Portland. This is testimony of of that happening. the effective partnership of local initiative and commercial expertise The most significant passage in His backed by the imaginative programme Excellency's Speech was the reference to the eroding effects of inflation. Des­ of the Division of Industrial Develop­ pite the differing views on the subject ment. However, this programme has expressed by several Federal Minis· been clouded by Federal policies, ters and despite being told only a few particularly in relation to tariffs. months ago-at the time of the May I agree that there are some merits Federal election-that inflation was in a tariff policy, but I feel constrained no longer a problem, that it was de.;. to remind honorable members once c~ining and that the position was quite satisfactory, and recently from a more more that the effects of the present prestigious source that the problem tariff policy have been devastating to was an attitude of mind-the expres­ many decentralized industries. It is sion used, if I recollect correctly, was well known to honorable . members "hoo-ha "-the ugly reality remains that many decentralized industries that Australia can boast of having are concerned with the production of one of the highest rates of inflation textiles and footwear, and they have of aJI the so-called developed been hardest hit. Only this morning countries. further evidence of this was reported Inflation is the product of gross in the Age and other national daily financial mismanagement of our eco­ newspapers in an announcement that nomy, which is declining daily. The another 240 employees in two wool· problems of the States have been len mills, one in Ballarat and· one in enormously exacerbated by inflation Warrnambool, were being retrenched. that is running wild. If I may make so Because of what has already hap­ bold as .to use an analogy, the econo­ pened in this area as a result of the mic direction of this country may be likened. to the actions of a pHot of an Federal Government's tariff policies aircraft who has strayed into adverse since last June, the number of em­ weather conditions beyond his flying ployees who have lost their jobs is Governor's Speech : [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 17 now nearly 7,000. Members of the further economic shocks. It is diffi­ Labor Party could ponder on this cult to imagine what further Dracon­ fact. ian measures the Federal Treasurer can bring out of his Pandora's box. Other formidable problems face The State Government has somehow decentralized industries. There is to work within the consttictions of no doubt that the prohibitive an overriding ·Federal policy. I do not trunk line and telex charges inhibit have to catalogue the series of dismal other industries from moving to the measures that have exacerbated the country. If honorable members have situation. some doubts, they could ask represen­ tatives of decentralized industries The Hon~ D. G. ELLIOT: Are you by what is the real impediment to de­ any chance a cousin of Job Bjelke­ centralization. They would be given Petersen? the universal answer that a more equitable system of telephone charges The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: I should is needed. be happy to supply Mr. Elliot with a sui·table family tree. The Federal The Hon. S. R. M·cDONALD: Mr. Government's rural policies have been Crozier could give some comparison a total disaster and about the on." between the charges for city members affliction that has not been inflicted and country members. on the fanning community <;)f Aus­ tralia has ·been foot and mouth The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: I thank disease. Even this final calamity may Mr.:McDonald for his comment. That be in prospect unless the q~arantine is ·another fact which is sometimes regulations are more stringently forgotten by some of our city counter­ enforced. parts. Western Province covers an area of 12,009 square miles, and it is The second sessional period of the proposed to be expanded by the forth­ Forty-sixth Parliament commences coming redistribution. At present it against a sombre backdrop of enco~passes some of the best agri­ plunging rural incomes, shattered cultural, grazing and dairying land in business confidence, recurring indus­ Australia. Honorable members might trial dislocation, rising unemployment expect with the prospects of a and exploding inflation. Despite the bountiful spring in most areas with present difficulties, as outlined in His the. exception of the inundated areas Excellency's Speech, the Government in the north of the province, that intends to press on with important a mood of cautious optimism prevails legislation. I thank His Excellency in most areas of Victoria. But all for his Speech; I have no doubt tbat country members are aware that this sessional period will continue exactly the opposite is the case. to provide the sort of lively debate that we have come to expect in this The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: We have Chamber. I hope those flashes of never bad it so good! humour, which from time to time The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: I under­ enliven the Parliamentary process, stand that my colleague, Mr. Long, will also be in evidence. was present at a large and represen­ The Hon. R. J. LONG (Gippsland tative gathering which was told Province) : It is an honour for me that the rural producers had to support Mr. Crozier by seconding never had it so good. Mr. Kent the motion for the adoption of an will well remember that occasion. Address-in-Reply to the S~h of This is a quaint appreciation of rural His Excellency the Governor. Firstly, prospects, and it is no wonder that I pledge my loyalty and that of the primary producers do not have a electors of Gippsland Province to Her mood of optimism but exactly the Majesty the Queen. .Y congratulate opposite. Fanners and businessmen His Excellency, Sir Henry Winneke, alike are preparing themselves for on his appointment to the 'high oftlce 18 Governor's .Speech: [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply. of Governor of. the State of Victoria it is stated that the 1939 bush .fires and I trust that he 'and Lady Winneke were costing Melbourne about $2 will have a long term in office. I pay million a year in lost water. More tribute to His Excellency for the work than 10 per cent of Melbourne's that he carried out whilst he was annual water consumption is being Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. lost through regrowth of bushland following the 1939 fires. The article I have always believed, and will also states that before 1939 near the continue to do so, that the most Maroondah catchment there were important virtue of any person who about 25 eucalypts and mountain ash aspires to the office of a judge of the gums to the acre, but after the fires Supreme Court is that of courtesy. the trees seeded and between 150 Litigants and others who appear in and 400 new trees an acre grew in our courts ·are entitled to be treated the same area. courteously and should not be treated as though they were humbugs. When The financial loss as a result of His Excellency occupied the position bush fires does not stop in the of Chief Justice of the Supreme Maroondah area; it extends over the Court, on every occasion he showed whole of Victoria. The Australian this virtue of courtesy. It speaks Conservation Foundation advocates volumes that I have never heard a declaring millions of acres of Crown complai~t about him and that this land national parks with the object virtue is extolled by people who are of preserving the bush in its natural connected with or have been involved state and preventing erosion by pro­ in the processes of the law. His hibiting cattle grazing on the high­ Excellency treated everyone alike. lands. The object is 'laudable but the I remember one notable occasion methods of achieving it are senile. when, in an appeal case, an appellant It represents the view of conserva­ appeared before him in person. He tion theorists, so-called experts. obviously showed a great mistrust, I support a true and experienced to say. the least, of our legal system. conservationist, Merv. Pearson of As usual, His Excellency afforded Omeo, who has lived in the area 'for this person every courtesy, which I many years. He had a letter pub­ do not think he was used to receiv­ lished in the Bairnsdale Advertiser ing. ae won his appeal and has of 20th June, 1974, in which he haJ;"dly . been heard of since. If pointed out that there is no bush· in people who appear in court are its natural state. In the original treated courteously and fairly, their forests the forest floor was covered estimation of our legal system is in pasture and was the natural enhanced. One often hears a person habitat of native fauna. However, say, ." I had a fair hearing ". Such a this floor has become a .wilderness person i~ happy, even though he lost. of useless scrub that is not only a po­ In his Speech His Excellency said tential fire hazard but also is quickly that the creation of the Ministry for restricting the natural function of Conservation last year brought to­ our watersheds. Victoria's mountain gether the agencies concerned with ranges are largely basalt and slate, the Government's conservation acti­ both of which are porous and absorb vities and the protection of. the the water from the melting snow in environm·ent. In the Age newspaper spring without permitting much run­ this morning a heading on page 1 off. This water filters out through reads- the rock crevices and feeds the Bush Fires Rob City of Water.. springs lower down the mountain side. The article referred to a report which is alleged· to. have been prepared by The tragic state of Victoria's the Melbourne and Metropolitan watershed is the direct result of Board of Works and which is ex­ man's intrusion and his ignorance. of pected- to be released soon, wherein the consequences of fires that were The Hon. R. J. Long. Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 19

started both by design and accident. Forests Commission so that it may These fires forced the germination farm the forests in the way that it of seeds, resulting in excessive growth has been advocating for some time. of trees and scrub, each successive The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH: What fire permitting the growth of scrub about the suggestion that the com­ and debris to make progressive fires mission retain some of its revenue, more destructive until the whole its royalties? environment of the bush rapidly deteriorated and some of the original The Han. R. J. LONG: That should flora and fauna became extinct. be looked at. The Forests Commis­ Before the growth of this scrub and sion is the best conservationist in this debris, the bush provided pasture for State .and I have no doubt that it cattle. Today there is little grass, will carry on the work of preserving and cattle can be grazed only on the our forests for future generations. clear country near or above the snow On the motion of the Hon. D. G. line. ELLIOT (Melbourne Province) , the debate was adjourned. The factors that led to the devasta­ tion of Victoria's catchment areas It was ordered that the debate be were, firstly, the terrific growth of adjourned until the next day of scrub, the direct result of bush fires, meeting. particularly in 1939 and, secondly, the almost complete extermination VAGRANCY (INSUFFICIENT of pasture on the lower ranges MEANS) BILL. through the years of the rabbit The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister plague. In 1939 fires raged through fo.r Local Government) : I move-- the catchment areas causing irrepar­ able damage. The terrific growth That this Bill be now read a second time. that followed has not only disturbed It is a short Bill to amend the Vag­ the natural function of the water­ rancy Act to enable a distinction to sheds but has created a fire hazard be made between social vagrants and more dangerous than has ever pre­ those who might properly be termed viously existed. Billions of young criminal vagrants. The Bill envisages trees which have grown up to 50 that those who are vagrants in a feet high and in many cases as densely social rather than a criminal sense as between 3,800 and 4,000 an acre shall be entitled to care and protec­ since 1939 have absorbed most of tion rather than be sentenced to the rain water that has fallen and a terms of imprisonment. The Bill is vast number of springs and minor identical with Bills twice previously creeks have ceased to flow. An hon­ introduced into this Chamber, firstly ourable member asked how we during the final session of the last could remedy this situation. Parliament, and later in the first ses­ sion of the present Parliament. Each The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: I did. of those Bills was referred to the The Hon. R. J. LONG: The solu­ Statute Law Revision Committee for tion is obvious. We must continue examination and report. That com­ to make multi-use of our forests. mittee is in fact well advanced with This is the only way in which we its inquiry and is nearing the stage can conserve them for future genera­ when it will present a report. The tions. effect of the prorogation of Parlia­ ment was to terminate the commit­ The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: What do tee's inquiry at that point. The pur­ you mean by multi-use? pose CYf reintroducing the Bill is to The Hon. R. J. LONG: Over the enable the Statute Law Revision years officers of the Forests Commis­ Committee to continue its inquiry. sion have shown a perfect under­ On the motion of the Hon. J. M. standing of this problem. More TRIPOVICH (Doutta Galla Prov­ money must be poured into the ince), the debate was adjourned. 20 Newmarket [COUNCIL.] Sheep Sales Bill. It was ordered that the debate be should mention that the Bendigo mar­ adjourned until the next day of ket holds sheep sales on Monday and meeting. therefore would not be affected by this recommendation. The se.cond The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister recommendation of the committee for Local Government): By leave, was that the provision for the Mel­ I move- bourne City Council to determine That the proposals contained in the another day for sheep sales when a Vagrancy (Insufficient Means) Bill be referred to the Statute Law Revision Com­ public holiday falls on a sheep sale mittee for examination and report. day should be retained. The third recommendation was that the provi­ Tomorrow Mr. Galbally proposes to sion exempting the sale of stud and introduce a further Bill affecting the store sheep from the other provisions Vagrancy Act and it is proposed that of the Act should be retained; the the same course be taken in respect fourth was that the provision fixing of that Bill so that the Statute Law a penalty for the sale of sheep in Revision Committee can have the breach of the Act should be retained; whole question before it for the fifth that the provisions requiring consideration. sheep to be booked for sale and limit­ The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH ing the number of sheep for sale on (Doutta Galla Province) : The Oppo­ any one day should be repealed; and sition appreciates and applauds the the sixth that the provision authoriz­ action of the Minister and the in­ ing the Victorian Railways to refuse terest that he has taken in this mat­ to carry sheep intended for sate at ter which has arisen from a Bill Newmarket should be repealed. introduced some time ago. I feel The Government acceded to those that something constructive may recommendations and the Bill gives come out of this matter which would effect to them. I commend it to the not have occurred had the Minister House. not decided to take the course which On the motion of the Hon. D. G. he has. ELLIOT (Melbourne· Province), the The motion was agreed to. debate was adjourned. It was ordered that the debate be NEWMARKET SHEEP SALES BILL. adjourned until the next day of The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister meeting. for Local Government) : I move- That this Bill be now read a second time. MILDURA IRRIGATION AND WATER TRUSTS (AMENDMENT) Some honorable members will no BILL. doubt recall my ill-fated Bill relat­ ing to the same subject in 1972 when The Hon. F. J;. GRANTER (Minister I made a very short speech advocat­ of Water Supply): I move- . ing repeal of the Act. However, That this Bill be now read a second time. representations were received from Its purpose is to change the deprecia­ the Bendigo area, certain thoughts tion provisions contained in the were adopted and the matter was Mildura Irrigation and Water Trusts investigated by the Meat Industry Act in so far as they apply to the Committee, which made a report last First Mildura Irrigation Trust. The November. provisions will remain unchanged for The first recommendation of the the Mildura Urban Water Trust. Meat Industry Committee was that Section 132 of the Act requires both the provisions restricting sheep trusts to raise depreciation moneys sales at Newmarket to Tuesday and unless the Minister is satisfied that Thursday should be amended to sufficient funds exist in the deprecia­ pennit .sheep sales on Tuesday, Wed­ tion account to finance all necessary nesday, Thursday and Friday. I replacements. It is also a requirement Mi/dura Irrigation and Water [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Trusts (Amendment) Bill. 21 that these depreciation moneys must ~II give it much greater flexibility be applied only towards replacing 1n the application of depreciation those assets on which depreciation funds to its works. . was raised. The Bill also contains an unrelated For the First Mildura Irrigation consequential amendment to section Trust in respect of its irrigation 170 of the principal Act which should district, the Bill proposes a new have been made at the time the Act arrangement placing this district on was amended in 1971. I commend the a par with the irrigation districts Bill to the House with· pride, because under the control of the State Rivers the First Mildura Irrigation Trust is and Water Supply Commission in a very old trust,. indeed an ancient regard to depreciation. However, trust, dating back almost to the days there is one essential difference; for when the Chaffey brothers founded the latter districts, district cash sur­ the area. In my opinion the trust is pluses are credited to the commis­ sion's Irrigation District Maintenance well-managed and a very business-like Equalization and Renewals Account body which is dedicated and consci­ whereas for the First Mildura Irriga­ ous of its duty to the community. The ti_on. Trust's. dis!rict, annual depre­ trust is well led by its chairman and Ciation contributions will be charged its executive officer, Mr. Syd. Nice. against the trust's revenue and However, I leave the history of the credited to the similar fund proposed area to the local member, Mr. Wright. for the trust. who has been very forceful on behalf This fund will be known as the of the trust in his representations to First Mildura Irrigation District Main­ the Premier. the Water Commission tenance Equalization and Renewals and myself. · Account which will operate under the On the motion of the Hon. I. B. supervision of the Minister in the TRAYLING (Melbourne Province), manner of a banking account for ·the the debate was adjourned. First Mildura Irrigation Trust. It was ordered that the debate be Payntents to the account are to be made annually by the trust in accord­ adjourned until the next day of ance with M'lnisterial direction after meeting. certification by the Auditor-General. The sitting was suspended at 6.8 Withdrawals up to the total amount p.m. until 8.10 p.m. authorized by the Minister for any one year may be made at any time by the trust to meet the cost of the RIVER IMPROVEMENT (MINIMUM maintenance, renewal and replace­ RATE) BILL ment of works under the trust's The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister control. of Water Supply): I move- In the case of the Water Commis­ That this Bill be now read a second time. sion's Irrigation District Maintenance This is a small Bill to amend Equalization and Renewals Account, annual payments are made to this section 36 (3) of the principal Act. account by the Treasurer after certi­ The section provides that the mini­ fication by the Auditor-General, and mum rate levied on any property the amounts withdrawn to meet main­ shall be 50 cents. However this tenance and renewal costs are deter­ minimum is very low and probably mined by the commission with the does not even cover the administra­ approval of the Minister. tive costs involved in its collection. The creation of the proposed The River Improvement Trusts account for the First Mildura Irriga­ Association has been seeking an in­ tion Trust will place. the trust on· a crease in the minimum rate {or similar footing to the commission and some time and, while the number of 22 Me/bourne and M etropo/itan [COUNCIL~] Board of Works assessments involved is small, an in­ dollar of the four rates which the crease is considered justified. The Board of Works is authorized to proposed amendm,ent will give the make and levy. trusts some flexibility as it provides that the minimum rate shall be not The present high rate of inflation, less .than $2 nor more than $4 as the Commonwealth Government's fixed by by-law. I commend the Bill decision to provide funds for back­ to the House. log sewerage works by means of loans and the current high interest On the motion of the Hon. A. W. rates make inevitable an increase in KNIGHT (M,elbourne West Prov­ rate charges for 1974-75 and for ince) , the debate· was adjourned. successive years while the infla­ tionary trend continues. The sewer­ It was ordered that the debate be age and drainage rates are already adjourned until Tuesday, September at the statutory maxima and the 17. other two rates are approaching their maxima. The board must find MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN an additional amount of about $25 BOARD OF WORKS (RATES) million during 1974-75, because of BILL. increased interest charges of $11 The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister million and wage and material costs of Water Supply): I move- of $14 million. Increased rates are therefore essential to enable the That this Bill be now read .a second time. board to finance its operations during Its main purpos~e is to raise the the current financial year. The pro­ present limits on the amounts in the posed new maxima are-

Rate Amount for 1973-74 Present maxima ~roposed maxima

cents cents cents Water .. 3·2 3·75 7 Metropolitan, general (sewerage) .. 6·66 6·66 13 Metropolitan, improvement .. 1·4 1·66 2 Main drainage and river improvement .. .. 1·25 1·25 2

New areas included in the metropolis under section 3 (5) Water .. 4·3 5 9 Sewerage .. 10·75 12 22

Since 1957 a number of areas have As I indicated earlier, the increases been included in the metropolis for in the maximum amounts in the water supply or sewerage, or both, dollar for the four rates are the main by Order in Council pursuant to sec­ provisions in the Bill, but there ·are tion 3 (5) of the board's Act. In the a number of other incidental provi­ Bill these areas are referred to as sions which I shall describe btiefl~. " included land ". At first such areas pay higher rates than the rateable Firstly, the legislation will be properties in the original metropolis deemed to operate from 1st July, which financed the undertakings in 1974. This will ensure that the board the beginning. In due course, how­ can levy its rates for the whole period ever, their rates become uniform of the financial year from I st July, with those in the original metropolis. 1974, to 30th June, 1975. (Rates) (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 23

Secondly, the board will be auth­ It was ordered that the debate be orized to fix the minimum amount adjourned until Tuesday, Septem­ payable under any water or sewerage ber 17. rate in the included land and also under the metropo~litan improvement ADJOURNMENT. and drainage rates. The position RAILWAY FREIGHT RATES-HOUSING with respect to minimum amounts COMMISSION-LINGA-PINK LAKES under the various rates varies con­ RoAD-SNOWFIELDs-WATER CoM­ siderably at present and is as MISSION WORK FORCE-TOMATO IN-:­ follows- DUSTRY. Rate. How Minimum Amount Fixed. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Water-Fixed by board. (Minister for State Development and Sewerage-Fixed by board. Decentralization) : I move- Metropolitan Improvement- No That the House do now adjourn. minimum. The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North­ Drainage-Fixed at 25c by the Act. Western Province): I rise to outline Included Land. a- decision taken by this Government Water-Fixed by Governot in which will cast some sort of shadow Council. over Parliament. Country Victoria in particular has been dealt a dis­ Sewerage-No minimum. astrous and severe blow by a decision Uniform provisions are now pro­ made by the Government last week. posed which will permit the board I refer to 22 · 5 per cent and up to to fix the minimum in every case. 22 · 5 per cent · increases in ·rail freights across the board. The an­ Thirdly, the present provisions in nouncement was made last week. section 3 of the board's Act, which permit the inclusion of areas in the The Hon. 0. G. JENKiNs: Who said metropolis for water supply or that? sewerage purposes, or both, are to The Hon. B. P. DUNN: Govern­ be amended. The amendment will ment back-bencbers are miles transfer the special provisions for behind because they do not read water and sewerage rates in section 3 the newspapers. It is unfortunate that to the general provisions in the Act, back-bench members of the Govern­ that is, to section 99 for water rates ment party are kept in the dark about and section 175 for sewerage rates. such important matters which it This does not affect the board's pre­ appears they have not had the sent powers. opportunity of discussing in the Provision for an increase in the party room or anywhere else. ceiling on the board's rates was in­ The Hon. 0. G. JENKINS: How cluded in a Bill submitted to Parlia­ would you know? ment in April last but not passed. The matter is now one of consider­ The Hon. B. P. DUNN: able urgency. Apart from the diffi­ We will give Mr. Jenkins and culty of billing and collecting rates other members the opportunity of for some 800,000 properties in the standing up and being counted. remaining portion of the financial The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER year the board faces. the problem of (Monash Province) : I take a point of financing its operations until rates order, Mr. President. I seek a ruling co'Illmence to be received. I com­ from the Chair whether this is a mend the Bill and strongly urge hon­ matter of Government administration orable members to give it a prompt because the alleged increases to passage through the House. which Mr. Dunn has referred have On the motion of the Hon. R. J. not been outlined in detail. An an­ EDDY (Doutta Galla Province), the nouncement has been made that debate was adjourned. there wi'll be some increases. I do not 24 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment. see how the honorable member can would be very few such consign­ criticize a matter of administration ments. I was told that the freight on when at this stage he is not aware general merchandise would increase of the actual details. by up to 15 per cent, which affects The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond groceries and all other goods supplied Garrett): I should like to uphold the to the country. pqint m Qrder in part. What Mr. The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER: And the Hider has said is strictly correct, that city. the final decision has not been made. The Hon. B. P. DUNN: I shaft come I ask Mr. Dunn to restrict his com­ to the city. A week before,. the ments to what has appeared in the Premier said that there would be no newspapers, but there is no indication increase in fares. On 28th August the that this is the final word and opinion Melbourne Herald reported that the of the Government. Mr. Dunn may Premier said that fares would not in­ complete his remarks. crease in the foreseeable future. In The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North­ the same statement the. Premier went Western Province): Mr. President, on to outline that no over-all freight this statement was made by the increases would be introduced in the Chairman of the Railways Board Budget. It appears that the increases appointed by this Government. This will come whether they are included is a good enough indication for me. in the Budget or not. Surely the railways are answerable It is a hypocritical action when to the Government and to the Min­ there is no increase in fares and ister of Transport, who has the ulti­ charges for one part of the Victorian mate responsibility over and above community to increase the charges the railways administration. There­ paid by the farmers and country fore, the matter is in the hands of the people. The position is as simple as Government. that. The Government is asking country people and primary pro­ Last Friday it was stated in the ducers to subsidize travel in the city. Melbourne Sun News-Pictorial by the I invite Mr. Hider to visit the country; Chairman of the Railways Board, Mr. I will take him around. Gibbs, that the Victorian Railways will increase freight charges by up to The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond 22 · 5 per cent on 7th October this Garrett): Order! There are far too year. When I ·saw that statement I many interjections. Matters raised on immediately contacted railways the adjournment should be brief and headquarters and spoke to the to the point. There should be no in· general manager, Mr. Hodges. I terjections. asked him for information on how The Hon. B. P. DUNN: I wish some this would affect country people and of the interjectors would come to the freights on grain and other produce. country to see what the farmers and In a ·later telephone call I was given country people think of this Govern­ the following detail's. I was told that ment's decision. the statement in the press was cor­ The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER: The rect, that there would be an up to decision has not been made. I do not 22·5 per cent increase in freights know what they think. which would apply to all grain and produce with the exception that there The Hon. A. K. BRADBURY: Who is would be certain rebates on wool and running the country? a rebate on livestock. I was informed The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER: It is not that there would be an increase of the Country Party. 20 . per cent in freight on livestock The PRESIDENT: Order! There are with a I 0 per cent rebate where ten far too many interjections. I ask Mr. vaQ lots or more were consigned in Dunn to continue but to make his one lot to the one destination. There remarks as brief as possible. Adjournmenl. (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment .. 25 The Hon. B. P. DUNN: This is one The Hon. B. P. DUNN: By rail; of the most important matters of primary producers are not allowed to concern to country people to come cart by road. before this Parliament for a long time. Freight increases on merchandise The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER: I am will have a great effect in the country. fully aware of the limitations. There Country people are the big payers of 'have been some increases in road freight; they pay it both ways-on transport costs. their produce and on goods returned. The Hon. B. P. DUNN: Primary I invite Mr. Hider to come into the producers are not allowed to cart electorate. wheat by road to the seaboard. The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: I only wish This decision has been made just in Mr. Dunn would attack the Socialist time to catch all the superphosphate Government in Canberra. traffic and all the wheat and .grain harvest. The railways convey wheat The Hon. B. P. DUNN: I am sick of and grain simply from point A to this Government laying all the blame point B. The proposed increases will at the foot of the Government in add from 4 to 5 cents a bushel on Canberra. freight from country areas. Most The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: I hope that country areas pay 19 or 20 cents a statement gets some publicity in bushel for the railways to deliver tomorrow's press. wheat and grain from its point of delivery to the seaboard. In the past, The Hon. B. P. DUNN: The Vic­ an average grower who delivered torian Government wants the best of 10,000 bushels would pay approxi­ both worlds. mately $2,100 in rail freight. The The PRESIDENT: I hope Mr. Dunn increase will add at least $500 to is wishing to round off his remarks. his payment for freight. Perhaps retailers can pass on this extra cost, The Hon. B. P. DUNN: Mr. Pre­ but the farmer is at the end of the sident, I have not fully dealt with inflation line and has no one to whom this item, which is of great import­ he can pass it on. ance to this State and to the people of Victoria, and with your blessing The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: Do you I intend to continue. believe that the Commonwealth Government has done anything to The PRESIDENT: Order! Matters hurt the farmers? raised on the adjournment should be brief. I have been rather tolerant, but The Hon. B. P. DUNN: The I think Mr. Dunn should now try to Minister of Housing wants to take round off his remarks. the credit for everything that is good and blame the Commonwealth Gov­ The Hon. B. P. DUNN: Several ernment for everything that is bad. points should be raised in this The increase in freight rates is a forum. This Parliament is the only disaster. It is most regrettable that place in which members can ex­ the Government, in one week, can press these sorts of views and this offer concessions to the city and, in is the only opportunity we have of the next week, make the country doing so. I do not consider that the freight increases, particularly as they people of this State, particularly the affect primary producers, can be primary producers, subsidize it. justified. An examination of the figures for In October last year there was an 1970-71, which are the latest that I increase of 5 per cent in the cost of could obtain-1 would have to ask a transporting grain, which means that question to obtain later information­ in two years there has been an in­ reveals that 29 per cent of rail freight crease of 27 · 5 per cent. income was derived from grain. .In The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER: By rail? fact, 16 per cent of the total railway 26 Adjournment. [COUNCIT..] Adjournment.

revenue was obtained from grain The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: That is traffic. It is the country people who correct. will pay dearly under this scheme. The PRESIDENT:· The letter The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond would bear today's date? Garrett): . I have been tolerant with Mr. Dunn on the question· of time The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Yes, Mr. and I ask him to round off his President; it was delivered to me at remarks. Mr. Dunn is not making a the instance of Mr. Symes, for which second-reading speech; he is raising I thank him, just before Parliament a matter on the motion for the met this afternoon. The -letter adjournment of the sitting. reads- The Hon. B. P. DUNN: I am 1 refer to your representations and inquiries in respect to the matter of Mrs. echoing the views of all wheat Dorothy Gregory, formerly of flat 2, 181 growers in the country, and in round­ Elizabeth Street, Richmond. ing off my remarks I express the hope The commission have considered the cir­ that the Liberal members who repre­ cumstances of this case, the facts being- sent country Victoria will stand up Mrs.· Gregory was not evicted-no and be counted on this issue and will notices at all had been served on her- rebel against their Government's That is an important point- decision. Irrespective of whether it likes doing so, the Government must as her tenancy had been satisfactory and ultimately accept the responsibility the rent account was in credit. for the situation to which I have Some time in July Mrs. Gregory had mentioned to a commission officer· that she referred. The Government should was intending to vacate and on Saturday, review the proposed increases with a 17th August, 1974, at 6.30 p.m. the commis­ view to doing away with them com­ sion's resident estate officer noticed a car pletely or making some other adjust­ and trailer loaded with household furniture ment. outside 181 Elizabeth Street. There are many high-rise flats in the The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ immediate area. bourne Province) : Most honorable Some days later an officer of a Common­ members, and perhaps you, Mr. wealth department contacted the estate President, would have read in this supervisor asking whether the tenant of morning's newspapers an article 2/181 Elizabeth Street had vacated as he concerning a Mrs. Gregory, who had had made several visits to the flat without being able to make contact and indicating an unfortunate experience with the that the flat appeared to be vacant. Housing Commission. While Mrs. Gregory was absent from her resi­ The resident estate officer visited the flat on Thursday; 22nd August, 1974, was unable dence-flat No. 2, 181 Elizabeth to make contact, gained the impression the Street, Richmond-members of the flat was vacant and noticed that the commis­ commission saw fit to break into the sion lock had been remov·ed and replaced flat and take away her furniture, with an uncoded cylinder which practice is in contravention of a clause of the condi­ clothes, soft furnishings and, in fact, tions of tenancy. everything. Some of the items were The flat was observed over the next few dumped at a tip and have not been days and as it still appeared that the unit seen since. In all fairness, I feel I was unoccupied the opinion was strength­ should read the complete reply ened that the tenant had vacated. furnished by the Secretary of the On Monday, 26th August, 1974, the re­ Housing Commission, Mr. L. F. V. sident estate officer discovered three other Symes, in answer to a telephone query flats on the Richmond estate which had been by me this morning. abandoned- ! do not know how this is relevant to The PRES.IDENT (Sir Raymond Mrs. Gregory, but I am quoting it from Garrett): Did Mr. Elliot telephone the the letter- secretary and is the letter he pro­ -the tenants having vacated without having poses to quote a written reply given any notice to the commission or with­ received from the secretary as a out having returned the keys but this is not result of the telephone call? an uncommon occurrence. Adjournment. (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 27 In view of the circumstances related above when she had paid rent for the flat in relation to flat 2 the resident estate officer made a judgement on Wednesday, and the stage had not yet been 28th August, 1974- reached when the rent was overdue. With that statement, I heartily In fact, there was a rental credit of concur- $5 or $6 in Mrs. Gregory's favour for the occupancy of flat 2, 181 Elizabeth that Mrs. Gregory had also vacated and accordingly he arranged for the mainten­ Street, Richmond. ance officer to replace the lock, remove any contents of the flat and prepare the unit I do not want to lay it on thick, for reletting. a'lthough I could do so, but the House is entitled to an explanation of the I suppose it is normal practice, if the inner workings of the Housing Com­ officers are doing their job properly, mission which would create such an to ascertain whether the flats are embarrassing situation for this occupied as they · are sorely needed woman. ·Mrs. Gregory has obviously in the community. been mistreated. The mistreatment It is normal policy to take into store items may not have been deliberate, but I of any value and dispose of the balance and do not think the system is right when this procedure was followed in this instance. it creates a set of circumstances such On Sunday, 1st September, 1974, Mrs. as I have stated and heaps this in­ Gregory with a friend called at the estate supervisor's flat inquiring why the lock on justice on Mrs. Gregory and her three the flat had been changed and requested children. access to pick up her clothing. The cir­ cumstances were ·explained to her and she I ask for an explanation as soon was given access to the flat. Mrs. Gregory as possible; maybe now. The. Minister at this interview indicated she was living may have further knowledge pursuant at Brunswick and at no time requested to the letter I received from the com­ possession. mission this afternoon. I am ·sure I understand Mrs. Gregory was in the honorable members will agree that the process of moving from. one address Housing Commission should adopt a to the other. system which would allow more The items of value taken into store at humanitarian treatment than that South Melbourne were handed over to Mrs. given to ·Mrs. Gregory. Gregory on Monday, 2nd September, 1974, and the items disposed of are the subject The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ of a claim submitted by Mrs. Gregory's Western Province): I want to refer to solicitor and the claim is at present under consideration by the commission. a matter of urgent Government ad­ In accordance with normal procedure any ministration which any one of three rent credit at the time of vacation will be Government departments could rec­ refunded to the ex-tenant. tify. I refer to a horror stretch of The actual value of the clothing that road in the Ouyen-Murrayville area was disposed of at the tip by the of the North-Western Province be­ Housing Commission is possibly a tween Linga and the Pink Lakes. moot point; I readily accede that it The road is about 10 miles in length, could be a matter for argument. 3 miles of which is private Through her solicitor, Mrs. Gregory property, and 7 miles of which has claimed $1,500 for the relevant is shire property. In this area there articles. However, it is a matter for are three main industries. Tourism discussion and should be referred to is one of the industries, and tourists the men who qisposed of the material drive along this road to the Pink at the tip. I suppose their word Lakes. At this time of the year the would count for something. What amazes me is that a woman with three water starts to turn pink, as the name children should have to go to the of the lakes denotes. It is a beautiful supervisor of the Housing Commis­ sight during the summer; the shallow sion area to ascertain the where­ water evaporates and turns into salt, abouts of the key with which to gain and this does have commercial value. access to her flat,·. especially There are nq homes in the area, but 28 Adjournment. (COUNCIL.] Adjournment. there are some wheat farmers who are produced each year and at $10 a use the road to transport their harvest tonne this represents earnings of to the Linga rail siding. about $220,000. In reply to my repre­ The third industry is salt mining. sentations, the Minister for State During the summer, after evaporation Development and Decentralization of the water, the salt is scooped up wrote to me on 30th May, 1974, as and placed in heaps. It is later trans­ follows- ported by truck from the lake to the Dear Mr. Wright, Linga railway siding. In the old days Re Shire of Walpeu~Access Road Sub­ camels performed this function; they sidy-Sunray Salt Pty. Ltd. were tied head to tail with bags of Actually, the incorrect reference to salt over their backs. Subsequently, Sunray Salt Pty. Ltd. was later cor­ a small gauge railway was used but rected to Cheetham Salt Ltd. The this proved to be uneconomical, and letter proceeded- the work is now performed by trucks. Thank you for your letter of 6th May, The road surface at the moment is in 1974, concerning the reconstruction of Linga a deplorable condition. North Road in the Shire of Walpeup at an The Hon. A. J. HUNT: What is the estimated cost of $7,000. status of the road? It may help us if I regret to advise that my department's policy on access road subsidies precludes we know whose business it is. assistance towards maintenance and recon­ The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT: I shall struction work of any kind. come to that aspect. With the incom­ I then approached the Minister of ing shire president, councillor Jack Lands because I realized that there Kinnersly, councillor Bernie Brown, was a royalty of 75 cents a tonne on and engineer Mr. Robert Hocking, I the salt which, for 22,000 tonnes, inspected this road recently. It will would yield revenue, according to my cost $7,000 to put the road in working arithmetic, of $16,500. I wrote to the order. Cheetham Salt Ltd. has Minister suggesting that it would not the right to mine the salt. The com­ be unworthy of the Government to pany pays the local council only $35 allocate 25 cents of that royalty of 75 a year in rates, and the shire is under­ cents towards the upkeep of the road, standably not prepared to meet the cost of building up the road. I under­ because without the road the industry stand that the council applied to the would not exist. The Minister of Country Roads Board for a special Lands replied to me on 23rd August, grant with which to do the work. 1974, and stated- The board replied that for various Re Linga-Pink Lakes Road. reasons the shire would have to fit I refer to your personal representations the work in with its normal pro­ of 7th August, 1974, on behalf of the Shire gramme of unclassified roads work. of Walpeup concerning the maintenance The shire which does not have ade· of a road serving an area of Crown land quate money to complete its ·existing in the Parish of Mamengoroock held under priorities felt that it would not be lease by Cheetham Salt Ltd. for the fair to alter these priorities. There­ collection and removal of salt. fore the Country Roads Board could The suggestion is that part of the royal­ ties collected by this department for salt not assist. extraction be applied towards road works The shire asked me to take up the but it is my opinion that any such diver­ matter and I raised it with the Minis­ sion is simply not possible within the exist­ ter for State Development and Decen­ ing legislative and financial structure. tralization, who is also Minister for I am led to believe that in 1966 the Shire Tourism, the Hon .. Murray Byrne, of Wycheproof through the Mallee Regional Committee, sought assistance from the then because not only is this area a tourist Division of State Development for the con­ attraction, but also the salt mining struction and/or maintenance of roads to industry is carried on there as an give access to Lake Tyrrell. I am not aware approved decentralized industry. of the precise outcome of such representa­ Approximately 22,000 tonnes of salt tions but I think it was established at the Adjournment. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment.. 29 time that if Government financial assist­ direction of Cabinet, the State De­ ance for road construction etc. was con­ sidered to be desirable, then this should velopment Committee is at present be given by a grant through an appropriate investigating the development of our body and not by the diversion by this snowfields in relation to tourism. I department of royalty revenue, which is required to be paid to Consolidated had the pleasure of meeting the mem­ Revenue. bers of the committee at Mount Buffalo the other day during their I regret therefore that the shire's request that say 25 cents per tonne royalty be paid visits to these areas. towards road works, cannot receive further We also have the Alpine Resorts consideration by my department. Development Advisory Committee, The Victorian Railways alsO' benefit known as ARDAC, a body set up by from this. The freight on 22,000 the Government to advise it on the tonnes-it might be closer to 25,000 development of these areas in all the tonnes-a t $5. 15 a tonne is worth ways which are raised in the press over $110,000 to the railways. It is statement, including the provision of possible that the freight will be in­ sewerage, drainage, roads, and other creased by 20 per cent in October and services. The committee had been that would result in the railways advising the Government for several receiving $135,000. years. A former member of this The situation is an unhappy one House, Mr. Bridgford, was a member for the Shire of Walpeup and its of the committee which visited each ratepayers. The Government receives mountain and made a report on it. all this revenue but it cannot find We alsd have an Alpine Resorts Com­ the sum of $7,000 so that the enter­ mittee which reports on these mat­ prise can continue. As I have pointed ters to Government departments. out, after processing, this is worth Now, the Minister has announced $250,000 to the decentralized that this new committee will be set industry. It is worth $16,000 to the up and that it will have representa­ Lands Department and over $100,000 tives of the Victorian Ski Association, to the Victorian Railways. Yet the the Ministry for Conservation, the municipality is unable to obtain addi­ Forests Commission, the Department tional funds to do the necessary of Health, the Lands Department, and work at a time when the Government the Ministry of Tourism. It seems is receiving this vast revenue. Surely that this will be another committee the Government can afford the neces­ whose work will overlap that of the sary $7,000 to prevent this road from present committee~ investigating becoming unusable. The Minister is these important matters. Nobody is well known for his interest and sup­ more interested than I in the develop­ port of these projects and I hope he ment of the alpine areas, but I should will give some consideration to what like the Minister to inform the House I have said. who are the members of the com­ mittee and what are its terms of The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE reference to undertake these investi­ (North-Eastern Province): I address gations. this matter to the attention of the Minister for Tourism. An announce­ The Hon. S. R. McDONALD m~nt: appeared in the Age of 31st (Northern Province): The matter I August to the effect that the State raise concerns the Minister of Water Government had set up a committee Supply and the State Rivers and to plan and co-ordinate development Water Supply Commission. There of Victoria's commercial snowfields. is a possibility of retrenchments The State already has the Land Con­ within the commission's work force in servation Council which is charged country areas, and even at its head with the responsibility to tell Parlia­ office. In the past few years, two ment what should be done· with Vic­ factors have developed. Mr. Ward toria's alpine areas. Presumably by mentions that there is now plenty 30 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

of water. This has a bearing on the season there has been a dispute about irrigation maintenance account. It the price to be paid by the processors contains about $600,000 less this for the tomatoes. year than it did last year for this Last season, the first price offered very reason. Consequently, the work by the processors was 90 cents ·a of officers financed from this account 48-lb. case but as a result of a is under considerable pressure, and disastrous season the price became in some areas which I represent there $1.20 a case. Now, the processors is great speculation about what will are offering $1.51 a 48-lb. case, happen. The second factor is that which represents a 25 per cent because of the over-all problem of increase on last year's price. The shortage of loan funds the construc­ growers are asking for $1 . 60 a case tion branch of the commission is in which represents a 33 · 3 per cent the same situation of not having increase. This is in line with the adequate finance, and I understand increase in the price of tomatoes in that there is also a possibility of re­ the shops. At present, the situation trenchments there. is deadlocked with the growers Reports in today's press state that insisting on $1 . 60 a case and the pro­ in some country areas the percentage cessors sticking to their offer of of the work force unemployed is as $1.51. high as 2 · 5. This is serious. The I ask the Minister, as a matter Commonwealth Government has of urgency, to appoint an independent indicated that it may be prepared to arbitrator who can establish the allocate finance for expenditure on present cost of production, particu­ water and sewerage works for the larly the cost of labour. Last year, relief of unemployment. I ask the the cost of picking was 40 cents a Minister of Water Supply whether he case. With inflation, higher. wages, has taken account of this and what and the fact that this year the pickers the result has been. will be unionized and working under an award, the cost of picking may be No honorable member under­ considerably more than 40 cents a estimates the gravity of the unem­ case. Tomatoes are grown under ployment situation, but I have no irrigation and it is possible that the doubt that in some country areas it cost of water will increase although will get worse before it gets better. the Minister has not yet indica ted If the Victorian Government, by itself that. or with the assistance and co-opera­ tion of the Com·monwealth Govern­ If a price could be established now ment, can provide additional finance by an independent arbitrator to settle to the commission, it may mean that the dispute between the growers and members of the commission's work the processors, the position could be force will not be retrenched. reassessed at the beginning of February. Tomatoes will be picked The Hon. M.A. CLARKE (Northern in February, M·arch and April and Province): I raise a matter which there may be a different financial comes under the jurisdiction of the climate then because of the effects of Minister of Agriculture and I ask the inflation. I think the growers would Minister for Social Welfare to convey be prepared to come to terms with my remarks to him. It relates to the the processors under these conditions. operation of the Tomato Processing I suggest that the price of $1.60 is Industry (Uniform Agreement) Act reasonable, particularly as the price which was passed in 1973. That Act in California has increased by 60 per provides for a contract which has cent this year and 'beeause there is brought a great deal of stability to a world-wide shortage of tomatoes. the tomato industry in overcoming Probably someone in the Depart­ disputes between the growers and ment of Agriculture would make a processors. Unfortunately, this suitable arbitrator. Under the Act, Adjournment. · [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 3-1 the Minister is responsible for the 22 · 5 per cent. The freights may rise supervision of the industry and as far up to 22 per cent but there will as I know there have been no com­ certainly not be an across-the-board plaints about the administration of increase of 22 per cent in rail freight. the department. An economist within In any event freights for city manu­ the department could work out the facturers and city users will rise in cost of labour,. superphosphate, fuel exactly the same way as the freights and water and re-examine the position for country users. It is also true that on, say, 1st February, to see how the returns of wheat producers this costs had risen and allow an increase year will be higher than last year. in price to compensate the growers. The Hon. B. P. DUNN: I did. not I a·ppeal to the 'Minister for Social say that. Welfare to direct this matter to the attention of the Minister of Agri­ The Hon. W .. V. HOUGHTON: I culture as soon as possible with the have said it and if the honorable view of having such an independent member cares to contradict me I shall arbitrator appointed now to assess be interested. It would not be im­ the present cost position and to re­ proper if some of the. extra.revenue assess costs at a later date before which will flow to wheat growers picking starts. this year were provided by them to help in a minimal way to contain The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON this year's deficits. (Minister for Social Welfare) : I first refer to the matter of ·reported great Mr. Wright referred to a road from increases in freights, as Mr. Dunn put Linga to Pink Lakes. The rqad to it, · for country areas. As all honor­ which he referred was an unclassified able members know, there will be a road which is the responsibility of serious deficit in r>ailway finances this the municipality. When the munici­ year. If it were not for the railways paHty wishes to upgrade its priorities deficit there would 'be no budgetary for the construction of this road, it problems in this State. However, the will be entitled to funds which may Government sees the railways deficit be contributed by the Country Roads as a cost which they should not be Board· to unclassified roads, but I required to balance because of the point out that the total funds which many beneficial Tesults of subsidizing will be available from the Common­ rail transport for both city and wealth Aid Roads Fund for road con­ country people. When we are con­ struction this year will build fewer sidering passenger rail fares in Mel­ roads than last year. bourne one important point to re­ Mr. Clarke alluded to tomato con­ member is that a rise in fares is tracts. If my memory is correct, the counter-productive because patron­ Act provides for a voluntary confer­ age and railway revenue fall and the ence between growers and processors users of the railways for freight on tomato c<>ntracts to decide on a have to raise their prices to meet price. I presided for a whole day over the resulting increased freight one of these conferences and I have charges. Therefore, nothing is seldom engaged in a more useless achieved by increasing passenger exercise. There is little possibility rail fares in the city. that this type of conference will The second point is that there will work. I understand that the Minister be an increase in freight carried by proposes to introduce an amendment road. The increased charges have not to the Act which will provide for been decided on. Mr. Dunn should not compulsory arbitration to decide on bring up this subject on the adjourn­ the price that should be contracted ment as a matter of Government between the processors and the administration when he does not growers of tomatoes. However, I will know what the proposed freight in­ direct this matter to the attention of crease will be. Mr. Dunn quoted the Minister. 32 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT ·{Mel­ of Housing): Mr. Elliot mentioned a bourne Province) : Mr. President, news item that appeared in the Mel­ ·I rise on a point of order. The Minis· bourne Age this morning. I preface ter, who from time to time is given my remarks by saying that I am the to making interjections and rather Minister responsible for the Housing nasty remarks, to put it kindly, is Commission, whose record is second reflecting on my integrity by suggest­ to none. Since the commission was ing that I did not accentuate properly established in 1946 it has housed a the fact th·at the ·Housing Commission third of a million pP,Ople in the Vic­ said quite unequivocally that Mrs. torian community and has built Gregory was not evicted. He is mak• 80,000 home units. I should like all ing mountains out of molehills for honorable members to remember purely political purposes. those figures. This morning the The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond following article appeared in the Garrett): Order! The Minister did not Age- indicate in an unpleasant way that MOTHER OF THREE EVICTED FROM HER FLAT. Mr. .Elliot was withholding anything A deserted wife and her three children contained in that letter. The honor­ have been evicted from their Housing able gentlem,an merely stated that he Commisaion flat in Richmond and most of wished to emphasize certain parts their belongings dumped on ·a rubbish tip. that had not been accentuated. Mrs. Dorothy Gregory, 38, left the flat in ~ Street. Richmond, on August The Hon. ·o. G. ELLIOT: Why does 29, to take her three children away for not the Minister answer the question? three days. When she returned the com­ mission had changed the lock on her front The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: I will door and removed the family's clothing, answer the question. Mrs. Gregory personal belongings, furniture and carpets. was not evicted, as the news item "The boards were bare," Mrs. Gregory claims. No notices were served on said last night. her as her tenancy had been satis­ The report goes on to say that factory. 'Her rent account was in supposedly the commission dumped credit. ·Mrs. Gregory was a very good some of Mrs. Gregory's belongings tenant. Some time in July Mrs. on a tip, that she was claiming Gregory mentioned to a commission officer that she intended to vacate. $1,500 for wrongful eviction and for On Saturday, 17th August, 1974, at the value of goods which have been 6.30 p.m., the commission's resident disposed of from her flat, and that estate officer noticed a car and trailer the matter was in the hands of a loaded with household furniture out· solicitor. side her flat at 181 Elizabeth Street. I read this report on the way to Some days later an officer of a Com­ monwealth department contacted the my office this morning. Immediately estate supervisor asking whether the I arrived there I requested a full in­ tenant at 181 Elizabeth Street had in quiry. Mr. Elliot read to the House fact vacated as he had made several the result of the inquiry and I appre­ visits to the flat without being able ciate that he did not omit one word. to make contact and he indicated that However, I must emphasize some the flat appeared to be vacant. points more than did Mr. Elliot in The resident estate officer visited the reply that has been submitted to the flat on 27th August, 1974. I remind me by the commission. Mrs. Gregory honorable members that in this morn­ was not evicted. The purpose of the ing's newspaper ·report Mrs. Gregory news item was to denigrate the said that she did not leave the flat Housing Commission. The heading until 29th August. The .resident read, " Mother of Three Evicted from estatE' officer visited the flat on 22nd Her Flat ". ·Mrs. Gregory was not August, 1974, and was unable to make evicted. contact. He gained the impression Adjournment. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 33 that the flat was vacant and noticed occurrence. In view of the circum­ that the commission lock had been stances that I have related, the removed from the door and replaced resident estate officer made a judg­ with an uncoded cylinder lock ment on Wednesday, 28th August, which is in contravention of the con­ that Mrs. Gregory had also vacated ditions of tenancy. During the next the premises. Accordingly he ar­ few days the flat was observed and ranged for the maintenance officer to as it still appeared that the unit was replace the lock that she had changed unoccupied the opinion was illegally. He removed the contents of strengthened that the tenant had the flat and prepared the unit for vacated because she had already reletting. It is normal policy to take told the commission that she in­ into store items of any value and dis­ tended to vacate. pose of the remainder. In this instance this procedure was followed. On Monday, 26th August, 1974, the resident estate officer discovered three On 1st September, 197 4, Mrs. other flats on the Richmond estate Gregory, with a friend, called at the which had been abandoned. This is estate supervisor's flat, inquired a regular feature. People leave these why the lock on the flat had been flats without giving the commission changed and requested access to any notice. Their rent may be paid. pick up her clothing. The circum­ stances were explained to her and she The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: The Minis­ was given access to the flat. At this ter should go into the record. interview Mrs. Gregory indicated that The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond she was now living at Brunswick and Garrett): Order! The Minister is at no time did she request possession. attempting to reply to the question. The items of value taken into store at If Mr. Elliot continues to interject South Melbourne were handed over to I shall suggest to the Minister that Mrs. Gregory on Monday, 2nd Sep­ he does not reply. Does ·Mr. Elliot tember, 1974, and the items disposed wish to hear the Minister's reply? of-for which M·rs. Gregory claims $1 ,500-are now the subject of a The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Not par­ claim between her solicitor and the ticularly. It is a lot of baloney. Housing Commission, and we The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: I want to will pay the full $1,500 i.f Mrs. answer the question because at lunch­ Gregory can prove that that time today I ·was interviewed by This was the value of· the goods she Day Tonight on this subject. I gave left. the answer. I did not listen to the All this has blown up out of an programme but tonight I was tele­ issue which is not correct. This phoned by .a person I have never met. mother of three was not evicted. The She said, "Mr. Dickie, on This Day newspapers and the media have tried Tonight you answered accusations to keep this story running but it has by Mrs. Gregory and all they did was been a fizzer. As I said, I tried to give put your face on and blank out your an answer on television tonight, and voice. Mr. Peach announced that was not permitted to do so; they this is what Mr. Dickie said". I blanked me out by letting my lips thank Mr. Elliot for allowing me the move without voice, and then Mr. opportunity of providing the exact Peach gave the answer. I thank Mr. answer that I attempted to get over Elliot for having raised the matter in the media tonight without success. the House tonight, because it has Three other estate homes were given me the opportunity of pro­ found to be abandoned on the same viding a correct answer. day. This is happening all the time. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Tenants vacate flats without giving (Minister for State Development and notice to the commission or returning Decentralization): I am also grateful the keys. This is not an uncommon to Mr. Swinburne for raising a matter Session 1974.-2 34 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

concerning the snowfields of Victoria. did a great deal of work, spoke to Mr. Swinburne has for a long time many people and dealt with one of the made a valuable contribution to the Parliamentary Counsel, an enthusi- snowfields, and· would have some astic skier, Mr. George O'Brien. knowledge of their value as a tourist industry, which last year was $30 Not long ago I was surprised to see million. At present more than 15,000 a reported press statement by Dr. people are ski-ing in the snowfields, Mosley, who I understand is the which are a rarity in the southern director of the Australian Conserva­ hemisphere. tion Foundation, that the Gov­ ernment was going to take over Six months ago I received represen­ some areas, develop new areas tations from members of Parliament, and interfere with conservation municipalities and people associated and other matters. I asked people with the Victorian snowfields about associated with my department to the problems which they face with make public statements that new rationalization, control and their rela­ areas are not being opened up. The tionships with municipalities. I met responsible bodies are being asked with members of the Alpine Resorts to meet with the authorities and pre­ Development Advisory Committee, on sent a report for the department and which are represented about eight the committee that is looking into Government departments directly the various aspects of tourism. concerned with the snowfields, in­ It would be of some value if the cluding the departments of conser­ committee presented an over-aU vation and health, the State Elec­ report. It has made suggestions and tricity Commission ·and others, as well shown copies of a proposed measure as people involved directly with the to many people. My answer to Mr. resorts and snow bodies. Swinburne is that there is na new The snowfields have sprung up body, but I have asked the Alpine chaotically over many years, and the Resorts Development Advisory Com­ multitude of Government bodies and mittee to advise the public of what instrumentalities involved in their de­ is happening and, when the views velopment has blocked real progress. of the community have been heard, Mr. Swinburne and others have to present proposals for rational con­ known of this for a long time, and the trol. I want to make it clear that way in which the snowfields have been na new fields are being opened up. developed has not been a credit to the Government. I asked the advisory The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (MinistQ.r committee to examine all aspects of of Water Supply): Mr. McDonald the snowfields and issue a general re­ raised the humane matter of possible port. There was total agreement be­ retrenchments of staff within the tween all Government departments State Rivers and Water Supply Com­ represented on that body of hard­ mission. When it became evident working, dedicated people. The com­ to me and the Water Commission mittee was asked, firstly, to ratio­ that retrenchment of staff may be­ nalize its own over-all control; come necessary, I immediately sought secondly, to have discussions with the a conference with the Premier and municipalities because the snowfields pointed out to him the adverse effects come within certain municipalities but this would have on the staff and do not receive the benefits of munici­ on supply and maintenance of the palities, and thirdly, to investigate Water Commission's installations in ways in which the Government could country areas. back the snowfields, particularly by The Premier took up my point Government guarantees, and to give quickly and stated that it was not protection to the preservation of al­ Government policy to dismiss staff. pine areas generally. The committee He has now indicated that there are The Hon. Murray Byrne. Opening of [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] the Sesszon. 35 to be no retrenchments on a large DEATHS OF' THE HONORABLE scale. There may have to be odd re­ JAMES WILLIAMSON MANSON trenchments in districts where people AND RUSSELL NEWTON STOKES cannot be gainfully employed, but I ESQUIRE. assure Mr. McDonald and other mem­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and bers of the House that I will do my Treasurer): I move- best to see that no retrenchments That this House expresses its sincere take place. sorrow at the death of the Honorable James Williamson Manson, and places on record its On the suggestion of making re­ acknowledgment of the valuable services presentations to the Commonwealth rendered by him to the Parliament and the Government for funds to assist un­ people of Victoria as a Member of the Legis­ employed people in country areas­ lative Assembly for the electoral district of Hawthorn from 1955 to 1958 and for the which is a matter of concern to mem­ electoral district of Ringwood from 1958 bers representing country districts­ tto 1973; and Minister of the Crown from ! have advised the Premier that 1965 to 1970. we should consider this with a view I also move- to starting further sewerage schemes. That this House expresses its sincere Mr. McDonald can be assured that sorrow at the death of Russell Newton I will watch the matter closely and Stokes Esquire, and places on record its acknowledgment of the valuable services keep the Water Commission and the rendered by him to the Parliament and the Premier fully informed. people of Victoria as a Member of the Legis­ lative Assembly for the electoral district of The motion was agreed to. Evelyn from 1958 to 1973. The House adjourned at 9.24 p.m. It is not often that the Parliament has to place on record its sorrow at the death of two members-both fairly recent members-of this House. Perhaps it is a reflection on the short life which some of us may expect fljrgislntint Asstmhly. after we leave these noble halls. The late Jim Manson was elected in Tuesday, September 10, 1974. M·ay, 1955, for the electorate of Hawthorn and changed to the elec­ torate of Ringwood when it was created in 1958. He held that seat OPENING OF THE SESSION. until April, 1973, when he retired from the Parliament. He was Parliamen­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. tary Secretary to the Cabinet from Wheeler) took the chair at 2.30 p.m., 7th July, 1964, to September, 1965; and read the prayer. Minister without portfolio from Sep­ tember, 1965, to December, 1965; The CLERK read the Proclamation Minister for State Development from by His Excellency the Governor September, 1965, to June, 1970; and convoking Parliament. l\1inister for Tourism from February, The Usher of the Black Rod of 1970, to 11th June, 1970. He was also the Legislative Council brought a a member of the following committees message from His Excellency the of this House-the Library Commit­ tee; the Statute Law Revision Com­ Governor desiring the attendance of mittee from 1955 to 1964 and from honorable members in the Chamber 1971 to 1972-he was chairman of of the Legislative Council. that committee from 1956 to 1964; The House, headed by the Speaker, and the Standing Orders Committee. proceeded to the Council Chamber. Jim Manson was a member of this Parliament for eighteen years until The sitting was suspended at 2.35 his retirement and devoted himself in p.m. until 4.33 p.m. an exemplary way to Parliament and 36 Deaths of the Honorable [ASSEMBLY.] James Williamson Manson to his duties as a member. He was a devoted to him and to his memory. very friendly person-! do not believe To them we express our sympathy in he had an enemy anywhere in the their loss and ours. Parliament-and his Scottish burr The late Russell Stokes was a was well known in the party room, in member of this Parliament for the this House and elsewhere. It became electorate of Evelyn for fifteen years very much deepened when he was until he retired in 1973. He was in excited. He was an extremely hard his own right a successful business­ worker on behalf of his constituents, man and brought his expertise into was well known in the electorate of this Parliament. He spoke many Ringwood, and a great fighter for the times on subjects on which that ex­ causes he took up and for the indivi­ pertise was valuable. He had many dual constituents who sought his help. ideas, some novel and all interesting. He was a devoted family man, and He contributed widely to the work of an efficient administrator. I served his party and this House, and at the under him as chairman of the same time was a very vigorous local Statute Law Revision Committee and member, travelling widely in his I believe he did much to set that com­ electorate, which spanned the Divide mittee on a path from which it has not and spread from the Yarra Valley since deviated. It is a major and crossing to the Goulburn Valley and hard-working committee of this from the outskirts of the metropoli­ Parliament which does much con­ tan area to townships such as Yea structive work. A good deal of the and Warburton~ He leaves a widow, credit for that work is due to Jim a son and a daughter and to them Manson's chairmanship. again we should like to express our sympathy in their loss and the pre­ As a Minister he was eminently mature death, as we must certainly approachable. He was the first ever believe it to be, of a member who was Minister for State Development, and among us so recently. set that department on its path. In particular he is remembered for his To both our former colleagues we chairmanship of what has become owe a great debt, and the Parlia­ known as the Manson committee. ment should e~press its sense of loss That committee brought in a valu­ to and sympathy for their families. able report on decentralization and made recommendations,. which the Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Government accepted in principle, Opposition): I support the expres­ that we should aim at new cities sions of sympathy and condolence of at least 100,000 people in Vic­ moved by the Premier. Those of us toria. That figure was said to be the who were members of this Parlia­ self-generating level. It was also ment when Jim Manson was a mem­ suggested that we should concen­ ber-perhaps I can except honorable trate on a limited number of those members who won their seats during cities without withdrawing any ad­ the latest election-will realize that vantages that could be afforded to although he had a quiet, unaffected decentralized industry generally. manner and , he left a real mark That led to the designation of the on the Parliament. For any " politi­ five cities which we are attempting cian ", a term that is often used as to build up to the magic level of one of abuse, there are four loyalties 100,000. -to the party, to a member's own In . his personal health Jim political principles, to his electorate, Manson suffered severe handicaps. and finally to the Parliament of which We all know the courage and dignity he is a member. On all four of those with which he faced those handicaps counts, Jim Manson set an example and overcame them. He leaves a which could well be emulated by all daughter and two sons who are honorable members. He was always Mr. Hamer. and Russell Newton [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Stokes, Esquire. . 37 a man of kindness and personal gen­ Mr. Manson held the portfolios erosity. In the heat of debate he of State Development and Tourism could take as well as he could give, at a time when the budget was small, but afterwards he was always ready and the po1rtfolios were more diffi~ to understand the failings of others cult to handle than they are today. and to forgive unkindnesses that He was loyal to his Government and might have been expressed. could always be depended upon in a vote of want of confidence or an Jim Manson served his party, his adjournment motion to give loyal electorate and this Parliament faith­ support to his fellow Ministers. fully and well. That is probably all He was a man to whom religion that anyone can say of any man who meant a great deal, and no doubt comes into this place. He left his this was of immense comfort to him, mark upon us, and we are the worse firstly after the loss of his son, and for his passing. On behalf of the later after the loss of his wife. Opposition, I express my party's Jim Manson was highly respected sympathy to his family. by the members of this Parliament.' Russell Stokes was a man similar I convey the sympathy of my party in mould and character to Jim to his daughter and two sons. Manson. In many ways he was As the Premier mentioned, Russell something of an old-world figure, Stokes brought to this Parliament an having many of the qualities of a outstanding . knowledge of business generatian where kindness and a affairs. He was widely known in more gentle approach to politics business circles throughout Australia, were admired and respected. He, particularly in the manufacturing too, was a man of unfailing loyalty field. It has been said that perhaps to both his party and the Parliament. he belonged to another generation. He had a wide diversity of interests, He was a man of gracious dignity and which, as the Premier said, meant integrity. To his family the Country that many of the propositions heard Party expresses its deepest sympathy. from the corner bench, although pos­ sibly novel in approach, were always Mr. LACY (Ringwood): I join the stimulating and worthy to be con­ Premier, the Leader of the Opposition sidered by members of this House and and the Leader of the Country Party by the community at large. The people in their expression of sympathy and of Victoria and members of this Par­ tributes to the late James Williamson liament can ill afford the loss of a M'anson. I do this on behalf of the man of the calibre of Russell Stokes. constituents of the electorate of Ring­ To his widow and family I extend wood, whose thoughts I believe I am the condolences of members of the expressing. Opposition. James Manson will be remembered Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of by the people of Ringwood chiefly for the Country Party): I suppott the his work as their local member. expressions of sympathy of the Indeed, I believe he was one of the Premier and the Leader of the Oppo­ most effective members that this sition on the passing of James House has had in recent decades. He Williamson Manson and Russell was totally devoted to his ~lectorate, Newton Stokes. a devotion which was expressed by the fact that he lived among his con­ Jim Manson was held in the highest stituents and worked full-time on be­ regard by all who knew him. He half of them. James Manson's door was a man of outstanding courage was always open to his constituents who suffered extreme ill health for and they made use of it. His efforts many years, but to my knowledge on behalf of organizations in his elec­ he never complained and always torate were well known to Ministers made light of his suffering when a of the Crown and members of the person inquiried how he was feeling. Public Service. 38 Deaths of the Honorable [ASSEMBLY.] James Williamson Manson

James Manson served the electorate Party and the honorable member for of Ringwood for fifteen years from Ringwood, and express my regret at 1958 to 1973. The significance of the loss that the State has suffered those dates is that during that period with the departure of James Manson. there occurred the greatest growth He was a Scot, born under adverse in the municipalities of Ringwood, conditions in a poverty-stricken Croydon, Doncaster and Templestowe glen far north of the Highland line. and Lilydale that they have ex­ He knew the bitterness of life but it perienced. In that time James never soured his sunny outlook. The Manson was totally involved in Mansons were part of the Gunn clan. representing his constituents and Gunn or Gunna was an old gaining for them community facili­ Norwegian name for war. Jim ties when they were most needed. Manson followed his clan tradition He was well and affectionately known by being a fighter. He fought to the committee of every school and poverty in Scotland and also out pre-school centre in his electorate. here. He arrived in Australia with He was closely associated with the exactly two shillings and sixpence establishment of the Maroondah in his pocket but with his fighting Hospital; sadly, that hospital was not spirit he threw himself into the task completed before his untimely death. of making a niche for himself in his new, adopted, and loved country, and As a journalist, James Manson was he rose to high office in it. conscious of the value of the written word. Because of this consciousness He had difficult times with the he indicated a desire for every school national parks. He experienced a in his electorate, as well as every com­ most distressing period as Acting munity, to have the benefit of a Attor~ey-General when library. The result was that when he was hanged. He did not like it any retired more than half the primary more than I did when I faced a schools in his electorate had a library. similar situation. However, never He was a man who was able to once did he deviate. He had a shock­ balance his responsibility as a member ing time. He would pick up his 'phone of Parliament with his responsibilities at 7 a.m. and a voice would say, " Is towards his family, a unique quality that Mr. Manson? I think you are which honorable members could well so-and-so ", and a stream of filthy abuse would be directed at him and emulate. his wife because of this hang­ As has been mentioned, during the ing. Not once did he falter in later years of his life James M'anson these challenges and during difficult suffered great tragedy in that both his periods of ill health, Jim Manson was eldest son and his wife unexpectedly the epitome of the successful im­ died at early ages. Personally, I have migrant. He was an inspiration to lost a good friend. Although our this country. . friendship was of a short duration it was one which I valued immens~ly. I knew Russell Stokes for many I have also lost a friend who was an years before he was a member of adviser to me during the early period Parliam·ent. He also was an example of my membership of this House. to us all. He planned his life from his earliest days. Firstly, he believed in I am grateful to have had the op­ tradition, which some of us could do portunity today, on behalf of the con­ with advantage. He wanted to carry stituents in the Ringwood electorate on his grandfather's firm. He planned of ~ndicating my support for th~ that he would be managing director motiOn before the House. when he was 29 years of age and Mr. MITCHELL (Benambra): succeeded in doing so. He then I associate myself with the remarks planned to enter Parliament. He had of the Premier, the Leader of the to overcome a particularly distr·ess­ Opposition, the Leader of the Country ing vocal handicap but he undertook and Russell Newton [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Stokes, Esquire. 39 elocution lessons and training and of the House to the family of the overcame this disability. He studied late Honorable James Williamson the game and studied the political Manson, who was elected to this Par­ handbooks with sincerity. He knew liament on 28th May, 1955. Mr. exactly what he was going to do. He Manson was a small man in stature joined the Young Liberals or Young but big in heart and spirit. He had Nationalists and eventually was elec­ a clear brain and, until he became ted to this House. ill, had a great capacity and love for As previous speakers have said, his work. He was a dedicated mem­ both in his exemplary character and ber who had a keen desire to see his speeches Russell Stokes made his that the rights and privileges of all mark in the House. He went further honorable members were preserved than that. His whole life was the at all costs. Following the tragic family industry. He studied relations death of his son and the untimely with his staff, many of whom were death of his wife, and his service to third-generation employees. He the community and the State being studied modern relations between the completed it appeared to me that staff and the firm. He introduced im­ it was clear to him that his race had proved firm activities, insurance been run. Now he has taken his schemes, socials, and so on. He place in the great beyond. proved himself a real Australian. I The late Mr. Russell Newton Stokes, add my tribute of rest;>ect and sadness who was elected to thi& Parliament to his widow and family. on the same day as I was elected Mr. PLOWMAN (Evelyn): I also was a quiet man who was independent pay tribute to the late Russell Stokes by nature and an exacting business­ and should like to associate myself man who was admired and respected with the remarks of the Premier, the by his many hundreds of empl<>'yees. Leader of the Opposition, the Leader As an employer, he believed that of the Country Party and the other good employee conditions and two speakers. Russell Stokes will be relationships increased efficiency and remembered by the electorate of could lead generally to increased Evelyn as a man of great dignity, productivity. gentility and understanding. As has already been stated, Mr. As has been stated, he was a man Stokes had a diversity of interests. of many interests within the Evelyn He was a successful farmer and stud electorate, and both his business stock breeder, and much of his stud and farming interests were of value stock made a significant contribution to the standard of stock being bred in serving the community. He estab~ lished and maintained perhaps the in Victoria. Whatever he undertook most successful dairy Shorthorn he did well, and no man could d~ stud in Australia and also established more. an Aberdeen Angus stud which has The motions were agreed to in­ been greatly improved in recent silence, honorable members signify­ years. I believe this gave Russell ing their unanimous agreement by Stokes a balanced outlook, and standing in their places. because of this and the sensitive way in which he handled the problems TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF that he encountered he will be well COMMITTEES. loved and remembered by people in The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. the electorate. On behalf of those Wheeler) laid on the table his warrant people and myself, I express condol­ nominating Mr. Edmunds, Mr. A. T. ences to the widow and family of Evans, Mr. B. J. Evans, Mr. Ginifer the late Russell Stokes. Mr. Lind, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Mac~ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Donald, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Reese, Mr. Wheeler): I also join with honorable Stephen, Mr. Suggett, Sir Edgar members in expressing the sympathy Tanner, C.B.E., E.D., Mr. Templeton, 40 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

Mr. Trewin, and Mr. Wiltshire, to Dr. Gilpin, Chairman of the Environ­ act as temporary Chairmen of Com­ ment Protection Authority? Did Dr. mittees whenever requested to do so Gilpin resign in the letter; did he by the Chairman of Committees. indicate that he was going to resign at some future date; did he indicate that he might resign; or did he merely QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. say that he was looking for another job? AREA IMPROVEMENT Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for PROGRAMME. Conservation): I did receive a letter Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Can the from Dr. Gilpin in which he indicated Premier inform me what arrange­ that he would be looking for a job, ments the Victorian Government has preferably with an international made with the Australian Govern­ agency, but that he hoped to be domi­ ment in regard to the area improve­ ciled within Australia. In his letter ment programme that has been out­ he indicated that, as he lacked the lined by the Australian Government? status of the position of a permanent Has the Government put any pro­ departmental head and therefore posal to the Australian Government could not deal directly with the in respect of the proposals that have Treasury or the Public Service Board, been discussed within the ambit of he felt that he lacked job satisfaction this plan? and believed that his efficiency was Mr. HAMER (Premier and impaired. He also indicated that he Treasurer) : So far as I am aware was unhappy that as at this moment nothing has been put forward by the he is not my representative on the Commonwealth Government which Standing Committee of the Australian could be described as an area im­ Environmental Council. He also provement plan as such. A go.od pointed out that in coming to this deal of information and statements conclusion he had the full support of have been emanating from· Canberra his family. ·indicating that money is available for I strongly believe that the chair­ the purchase of land. The Victorian manship of the Environment Protec­ Government is prepared to· co-oper­ tion Authority cannot be left in limbo ate· with the Federal Government in because this is a vital position. the purchase of land in ceitain areas, Leadership and the ability to give particularly for two purposes­ leadership are tremendously vital firstly, to promote the growth of questions~ Therefore, I have written country centres; and secondly, to to Dr. Gilpin and as a matter of provide land at low prices for low­ urgency have sought his advice income earners. To some extent about the date on which he intends these programmes have already to resign because if the position of commenced. If this is not the· area chairman· is to be filled we should improvement programme to which have the opportunity of advertising the honorable member refers, I would throughout the world for a successor, ask the honorable member to place with the minimum delay. his question on the Notice Paper and I shall give him the correct answer. RAILWAY FREIGHT RATES. CHAIRMANSHIP OF Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION Can the Minister of Transport inform AUTHORITY. me whether the freight rates for the Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of cartage of grain by the Victorian the· Country Party) : Will the Railways have been increased by Minister for Conservation inform 22 ·5 per cent? If that is so, can the the House of the contents of a Minister indicate what effect this letter he received recently from will have on the grain producers of Questions (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 41

Victoria? I understand that this looking for another job. I have asked increase .will add about 3 cents a him to give me some indication when bushel to their costs. he intends to resign. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of NATIONAL ROADS. Transport) : The announcement has been made that the Government Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Dundas): has been forced by financial Can the Minister of Transport com­ stringencies to increase rail freight ment on reports that have been cir­ rates in Victoria. It is a fact culated to some rural councils that that the freight rate for grain the Federal Government is planning is to be increased by 22 · 5 per cent. to take full responsibility for all I stress that this must be considered national roads, thus freeing Victorian in the context of the general increases funds for urban and rural roads? in costs throughout the community Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of which, in the ·case of the Victorian Transport): The Commonwealth Railways, have been to the order of Government, at my suggestion, has 37 per cent in the past two years, proposed to take full responsibility during which freight rates have in­ for what has been designated as the creased by only 5 per cent and that national highway system which com­ only in October of last year. I further prises roads linking the various stress that the a basic reason why the capitals. The Commonwealth Govern­ Government has been forced to obtain ment has claimed that this will free further revenue from the railways is considerable sums of money for State the action of the Commonwealth needs and for greater allocations to Government in returning to this State municipalities. by way of reimbursement a mere 8 per cent increase compared with a The fact is that the Commonwealth 25 per cent increase in revenue which Government first deducts from the it received as the result of inflation. total handout of the petrol tax those amounts that it will spend on the national roads. Therefore, action in CHAIRMANSHIP OF keeping contributions from the petrol ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION tax constant for the next three years AUTHORITY. and making no allowance for inflation, Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the will mean a reduction in the amounts Opposition) : Following the answer that are available to the State. the honorable gentleman gave to the Leader of the Country Party, can the HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE Minister for Conservation, in his con­ FEES. cern to terminate the services of Dr. Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds): Gilpin, say that it is the intention of Is the Minister of Education aware the Government to advertise through­ that higher school certificate students out the world for an applicant for the must pay $6 to sit for the examina­ position of Chairman of the Environ­ tion and a further $6 for each sub­ ment Protection Authority who is ject which is taken, making an aver­ more politically receptive to the age total of $36 for each student? Government? Will the honorable gentleman inform the House why it is necessary to Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for charge this amount and how this Conservation): The allegation of the money is spent? Could the Minister Leader of the Opposition could not be reply briefly and in plain English? further from the truth. The question Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of has nothing to do with the open infer­ Education): Higher school certifi­ ence of the Leader of the Opposition. cate examinations are conducted by I merely pointed out to the House that the Victorian Universities and Dr. Gilpin advised me that he was Schools Examinations Board, a body 42 Questions (ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. set up under the University Act, additional loan funds which we which consists of a majority cYf re­ made to the Federal Government presentatives of the university and and which was initially favourably a minority of representatives of the received. When that reply has been school system. Through the years received we shall analyse our priority it has been the practice to meet the list and see which projects can costs associated with the examina­ proceed immediately. tion, such as the payment of super­ visors and examiners and the rental BROWN COAL. of the headquarters building, from Mr. AMOS (Morwell): Can the the fees paid by students. Premier inform the House of the dis­ In approximately July of this year cussions he has had with the East I received a visit from Professors German Government on the question Derham and Mathieson who pointed

considered consulting its own ad­ and, further, can the Minister advise visory council on tertiary education the House of the identity of the new on the form and location of such a appoi'ntee? centre? Secondly, has it consulted Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of the Australian Government, which Agriculture) : I will take up the ques­ obviously will be a relevant party in tions raised by the honorable mem­ view of its role in the funding of ber with my colleague in another tertiary education? If the Government place and furnish the honorable has not consulted these bodies, member with a written reply. could the Minister indicate why? Hopefully, such consultation will lead to the end of the madness in BUILDING INDUSTRY. recent years of mono-purpose insti­ Mr. BURGIN {Polwarth): I address tutions in Victoria. my question to the Minister of Mr. DIXON (Assistant Minister of Labour and Industry. It has been Education): I do not understand the alleged recently in newspapers that concluding remarks of the honorabl·e certain building unions have de­ member on mono-purpose institu­ manded indemnity payments from tions. I should have thought an employers in the building industry institution that has an educational and that the unions have threatened purpose would be described as mono­ strike action if the payments are not purpose. I do not understand the made. Has the Minister of Labour honorable member's apparently dis­ and Industry authority to investigate paraging comments. the allegations; if so, will he under­ take the investigation? Consultation is taking place with the Australian Government; the Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Senate of the State College of Vic­ Labour and Industry) : I think the toria has had a deal of consultation honorable member is adverting to with that Government. The Minister an allegation that I saw somebody of Education has consulted the Aus­ make on a television station. I do tralian Government on tertiary edu­ not know of any reference in the cation. Personally, I have not had press and no such allegation has been consultation with the tertiary advisory referred to my department. If these committee, but I should be surprised matters were referred to the depart­ if the Minister of Education has not ment I doubt whether I would have done so. power to take any specific action un­ The Government has been at pains less the subject differed from the to ensure that whenever a special matter referred to on the television college of education is established, programme. If the honorable mem­ it is sited in the best possible area ber has any information that he and the Government certainly con­ thinks is of sufficient importance to siders that the site at Burwood satis­ refer to the department, I shall have fies many of the parameters that are it examined. required in the best interests of special education in Victoria. FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE. PENTRIDGE GAOL. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North): Mr. JONES (Melbourne): Can the In view of the doubts concerning the Minister representing the Minister future of the land on which the for Social Welfare inform me whether Flemington racecourse is situated, the Government has made a decision following the recent near destruction on the appointment of a new Gov­ of the course by flood waters and ernor at Pentridge Gaol; if so, has the plans of the Victoria Racing a decision been made that the ap­ Club to spend many millions of dol­ pointment shall be made from out­ lars on badly-needed improvements side the present staff of Pentridge O'n the course, is the Minister for 46 Questions without Notice. LASSEl\ffiLY.] Papers.

Youth, Sport and Recreation con­ PAPERS. cerned that the present site may not The following papers, pursuant to be ideal for this multi-million dollar the directions of several Acts of development? Moreover, what action Parliament, were laid upon the table has been taken or will be taken to by the Clerk- prevent a recurrence of flooding of country Fire Authority-Report tor the the course as occurred earlier this year 1972-73. year? Crimes Compensation Tribunal-Report for the year 1973-74. !Vir. DIXON (Minister for Youth, Education Act 1958- Sport and Recreation) : The Govern­ Primary Teachers Regi.stration Board ment believes the Flemington race­ Regulations 1974. course is the site for the major future Resumption of Land at Scoresby and Doveton-Certificates of the Minister of development of racing in Victoria. Education (two papers). It also believes the spring racing Secondary Teachers Registration Board carnival is the primary motivating Regulations 1973. force for the expansion of racing in Technical Teachers Registration Board this State and from which most of (Amendment) Regulations 1974. the racing industry obtains its im­ Evidence Act 1958-Evidence (Examination petus to expand and go to bigger and of Shorthand Writers) Regulations 1974. Exhibition Trustees-Report for the year better things. Therefore, the Gov­ 1973-74. ernment is determined to do what Geelong Harbor Trust Commissioners­ it can to ensure that the Flemington Statement of accounts for the year 1973. racecourse develops appropriately. Government Buildings Advisory Council­ Report for the year 1973-74. A report on the flooding of the Grain Elevators Board-Report and state­ Flemington racecourse has been ment of accounts for the year ended 31st prepared by the Victoria Racing Club October, 1973. and that report will find its way Groundwater Advi.sory Committee-Report to the Racecourses Licences Board, for the year 1972. Hospitals Superannuation Board-Report which will make recommendations for the year 1972-73-0rdered to be concerning any allocation of funds printed. or any other matters that would be Land Act 1958-Schedule of country lands desirable to alleviate the situation. proposed to be sold by auction. The report from the Racecourses La Trobe University- Licences Board has not yet come Report of the council for the year 1973· together with statutes approved by th~ to me. Governor in Council during 1973. Accounts for the year 1972. Law Reform Commissioner-Report for the COM·MAND PAPERS. peri.od 18th December, 1973, to 30th June, 1974-0rdered to be printed. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Marketing of Primary Products Act 1958- Agriculture) presented, by command Proclamation declaring that oranges of His Excellency the Governor, the mandarins and grapefruit shall become the property of the Citrus Fruit Market­ reports of the Parole Boards (Adult) ing Board for a period of two years. for the year 1971-72. Proclamation declaring that tobacco leaf Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General) shall become the property of the Tobacco Leaf Marketing Board for a presented, by command of His further two years. Excellency the Governor, the report Melbourne University-Financial statements of the Supreme Court judges for the for the year 1972. year 1973. Mental Health Authority-Report for the It was ordered that the reports be year 1972-Qrdered to be printed. laid on the table and be printed. Metropolitan Fire Brigades Board-Report for the year 1972-73. Papers. (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Papers. 47

Mines Department-Report for the year Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1972 1972·. -No. 299. Monash University-Report of the council Discharged Servicemen's Preference Act for the year 1973; together with statutes 1943-Nos. 141, 169, 220, 381. approved by the Governor in Council Dried Fruits Act 1958-No. 277. during 1973. Education Act 1958-Nos. 160, 170, 272, National Gallery of Victoria Council­ 357. Reports for the years 1971-72 and 1972-73. Education Act 1958 and Teaching Service National Parks Advisory Committee­ Act 1958-No. 308. Report for the year 1972 .. 73 (two papers). Egg Industry Stabilization Act 1973-No. Police Regulation Act 1958-Determination 180. Nos. 219, 220, 221, 224 and 225 of the Police Service Board (five papers). Environment Protection Act 1970-No. 150. Public Service Act 1958- Explosives Act 1960-No. 211. Public Service (Public Service Board) Regulations. Farm Produce Merchants and Commission Agents Act 1965-No. 129. Public Service (Public Service Board)· Regulations - Regulatlons amended - Films Act 1971-Nos. 138, 312. Nos. 764 to 768 and 1 to 114 (one Firearms Act 1958-No. 219. hundred and nineteen papers). Fisheries Act 1968-Nos. 179, 254, 280, Registration of Births Deaths and Marriages 371. Act 195~eneral abstract of live births, Forests Act 1958-No. 131. still-births, deaths and marriages during the year 1973. Friendly Societies Act 1958-No. 334. River Murray Commission-Report for the Fruit and Vegetables Act 1958-No. 126. year 1972-73. Game Act 1958-No. 337. State Advisory Board on Publications­ Gas Act 1969-No. 382. Report for the year 1973-74. Grain Elevators Act 1958-Nos. 390, 402. State Rivers and Water Supply Commission Health Act 1958-Nos. 208, 267, 291 to -Report for the year 1972-'73-0rdered 295. to be printed. Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973-No. 370. State Development Act 1970-Report of the Home Finance Act 1962-No. 144. Director of Tourism 1for the year 1971-72. Hospitals and Charities Act 1958-No. Statutory Rules under the Prerogative 391. Powers of the Crown-Regulations Inflammable Liquids Act 1966-Nos. 153, governing expenditure of Commissions 304. and Boards of Inquiry Nos. 157 and 378. Instruments Act 1958-No. 353. Statutory Rules under the following Acts of Labour and Industry Act 1958-Nos. 127, Parliament:- 340. Aerial Spraying Control Act 1966-No. Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Act 405. 1972-No. 167. Agricultural Lime Act 1958-No. 142. Legal Profession Practice Act 1958-No. Apprenticeship Act 1958-Nos. 342, 399. 347. Audit Act 1958-Nos. 132, 240. Lifts and Cranes Act 1967-No. 395. Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act 197Q- Liquor Control Act 1958-No. 333. Nos. 341, 393, 394, 406. Local Government Act 1958-Nos. 236, Children's Court Act 1973-No. 237. 263, 284 to 289, 307, 343, 392. Clean Air Act 1958-No. 252. Magistrates' Courts Act 1971-No. 178. Coal Mines Act 1958-Nos. 125, 209, 404. Magistrates' Courts Act 1971 and Justices Companies Act 1961-No. 303. Act 1958-No. 363. Consumer Protection Act 1972-No. 276. Marine Act 1958-Nos. 216, 251, 344 to Co-operation Act 1958-No. 145. 346, 355, 367, 408. Co-operative Housing Societies Act 1958- Marketing of Primary Products Act 1958 No. 146. -No. 168. Country Fire Authority Act 1958-Nos. Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of 172, 247, 376. Works Act 1958-Nos. 249, 250. Country Roads Act 1958-Nos. 205, 206, Melbourne Harbor Trust Act 1958-No. 215, 306. 207. County Court Act 1958-Nos. 162, 336, Mental Health Act 1959-Nos. 140, 221, 369, 379, 389. 296, 398. 48 Papers. [ASSEMBLY.] Papers.

Metric Conversion Act 1973-Nos. 128, Transport Regulation Act 1958 and Com­ 133 to 135, 137, 151, 152, 154, 158, mercial Goods Vehicles Act 1958-No. 163, 164, 166, 174 to 177, 203, 214, 239, 265. 241 to 244, 246, 253, 255, 256, 258, 260 Valuation of Land Act 1960-Nos. 155, to 262, 266, 269, 271, 274, 278, 281 to 400. 283, 290, 302. Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958-No. Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act 1958- 259. No. 403. Victorian Development Corporation Act Milk and Dairy Supervision Act 1958-No. 1973-No. 365. 397. Weights and Measures Act 1958-Nos. Mines Act 1958-No. 130. 275, 368, 407. Motor Accidents Act 1973-Nos. 245, 377. Stock Foods Act 1958-Proclamation alter­ Motor Boating Act 1961-Nos. 165, 182 ing the chemical standards of bran and to 202, 223 to 235, 301, 313 to 315, pollard. 318 to 327. Teaching Service Act 1958- Motor Car Act 1958-Nos. 139, 147, 156, Teaching Service (Classification, Salaries 171, 181, 298, 300, 305, 311, 330. and Allowances) Regulations (Nos. 11 Motor Car Traders Act 1973-Nos. 217, to 14 and 53 to 56) (two papers). 218. Teaching Service (Classification, Salaries Mt. Hotham Alpine Resort Act 1972-No. and Allowances) Regulations-Regula­ 238. tions amended (Nos. 281 and 284) National Parks Act 1970-No. 257. (two papers). · Nurses Act 1958-No. 248. Teaching Service (Teachers Tribunal) Regulations-Regulations amended (Nos. Pesticides Act 1958-No. 279. 273 to 280, 282 and 285 to 288) (four­ Police Offences Act 1958-No. 328. teen papers). Police Regulation Act 1958-Nos. 159, Town and Country Planning Act 1961- 212, 213, 297, 310, 383. Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme Printers and Newspapers Act 1958-No. 1966, Amendment No. 1, 1972, 2 and 5, 349. 1973 (three papers). Private Agents Act 1966-No. 329. City of Ararat Planning Scheme 1953, Property Law Act 1958-No. 350. Amendment No. 14, 1973. Protection of Animals Act 1966-Nos. 331, City of Bendigo Planning Scheme 1962, 332. Amendment Nos. 13, 1973 and 14, 1974 Public Service Act 1958-No. 143. (two papers). Racing Act 1958-Nos. 372 to 375. City of Croydon Planning Scheme, Amend­ Registration of Births Deaths and Mar- ment No. 51, 1971. riages Act 1959-Nos. 273, 360. City of Hamilton Planning Scheme, Religious Successory and Charitable Trusts Amendment No. 5. Act 1958-No. 351. City of Knox Planning Scheme 1965, Road Traffic Act 1958-Nos. 173, 264, 268, Amendment No. 59A, 1972. 270. City of Mildura Planning Scheme, Amend­ Scaffolding Act 1971-Nos. 338, 339, 364. ment No. 8, 1972. City of Shepparton Planning Scheme 1953, Second-hand Dealers Act 1958-Nos. 136, Amendment No. 29, 1973. 222, 316, 358, 359. Cranbourne Planning Scheme 1960, Seeds Act 1971-Nos. 380, 396. Amendment Nos. 4, 1973, and 8 (two Stamps Act 1958-Nos. 335, 352. papers). Geelong Planning Scheme 1959, Amend­ State Development Act 1958-No. 356. ment Nos. 15, 1972, 16 and 22, 1973, State Savings Bank Act 1958-Nos. 149, 38, 1972, and 41 (five papers). 161, 309. Lara Planning Scheme 1961, Amendment Strata Titles Act 1967-No. 354. No. 8, 1974. Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme. Sunday Entertainment Act 1967-No. 317. Amendment Nos. 27-Part 2, 44, 46 Supreme Court Act 1958-Nos. 148, 204, and 48 (four papers). 361, 362, 366. Morwell Planning Scheme 1954, Amend­ Teaching Service Act 1958-No. 210. ment No. 43, 1972. Ocean Road Planning Scheme 1955, Town and Country Planning Act 1961- Amendment No. 13, 1973. No. 401. Sevmour Planning Scheme, Amendment Transfer of Land Act 1958-No. 348. No. 17. Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 49

Shire of Flinders Planning Scheme 1962, obtained a copy. As the Speech is Amendment Nos. 43-Part 1 and 63 printed, and copies are in the hands (two papers). of honorable members, it will not be Shire of Lillydale Planning Scheme 1958, Amendment Nos. 26 and 27, 1971, and necessary for me to read it. 38 (three papers). Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Dundas): Shire of Maffra Planning Scheme, Maffra township. I move- That the following Address-in-Reply to Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme the Speech of His Excellency the Governor 1959, Amendment Nos. 49, 1970, 88 and to both Houses of Parliament be agreed to 89, 1973 (three papers). by this House:- Shire of Sherbrooke Planning Scheme, Amendment Nos. 52 and 53, 1972, 55, MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: 57, 63, 67 and 68, 1973, and 71, 1974 (eight p~ pers) . We, the Legislative Assembly of Victoria in Parliament assembled, beg to express Shire of South Gippsland Planning Scheme, our loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign, Amendment No. 8, 1973. and to thank Your Excellency for the Shire of Werribee Planning Scheme 1963, gracious Speech which you have been Amendment No. 18, 1971. pleased to address to Parliament. Town of Stawell Planning Scheme, Amendment No. 6, 1973. It is a singular honour for me, as the member for Dundas, on behalf of THE SPEAKER AND DEPUTY the Government to move the motion SPEAKER. for the adoption of an Address-in­ Reply to His Excellency's Speech to TEMPORARY RELIEF IN CHAIR. this Parliament. It is particularly Mr. HAMER (Premier and pleasing as this is the occasion of His Treasurer): By leave, I move- Excellency's first Speech to Parlia­ That, during any absence of Mr. Deputy ment as Her Majesty's representative Speaker, Mr. Speaker be authorized to call in Victoria. Of course, he is familiar upon any of the Temporary Chairmen of with this House, having administered Committees to temporarily relieve him in the chair, and that during any absence of Mr. the oath of office to all honorable Speaker, Mr. Deputy Speaker be similarly members last year in his capacity of authorized to call upon any of the Tem­ Chief Justice of this State. He has porary Chairmen. now moved to an even higher office The motion was agreed to. and steps into the shoes of many other distinguished men who have served FORESTS (AMENDMENT) BILL. this State well. I am confident that Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of he will uphold the highest traditions Transport): In accordance with the of his office. usual practice, and in order to pre­ His Excellency indicated in his serve the privileges of this House, I Speech that in the first session of the move for leave to bring in a Bill to Forty-sixth Parliament a number of amend the Forests Act 1958. measures aimed at the happiness and The motion was agreed to. well-being of the people of Victoria were introduced and that during this The Bill was brought in and read a session further improvements will be first time. introduced in the fields of education welfare, decentralization, youth and GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. conservation. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. As His Excellency said, this Govern­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. ment has co-operated to the full with Wheeler): I have the honour to report the Federal Government in several that the House this dav attended His major projects. However, the State Excellency the Governor in the Legis­ Government is greatly concerned that lative Council Chamber, when His oowers vested in this State bv the Excellency was pleased to make a Commonwealth Constitution are be­ Speech to both Houses of Parliament ing eroded by actions of the Federal of which, for greater accuracy, I have Government and its intrusions into 50 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. fields in which this Parliament has centralize the decision-making pro­ responsibility. Unfortunately, in re­ cess. A recent prime example was the cent times there has been a sustained action taken by the Federal Govem­ assault on the Federal system of m~nt in regard to Commonwealth government. The Commonwealth roads legislation. An attempt was Constitution provides a clear division made in that legislation to invest the of powers and responsibilities be­ Federal Minister for Transport with tween the States and the Common­ power to approve or veto any road wealth. project in AustraHa. The ramifications of this move were enormous. If Section 51 of the Constitution sets adopted, it would have caused in­ out various subjects on which the ordinate delays in the decision­ Commonwealth has power to make making process and would have in­ laws; other sections set out fields in volved' ClJ vast and unnecessarily which the Commonwealth has ex­ wasteful duplication of public ser­ clusive powers. Residual powers re­ vants. It would also have caused main vested in the States. However rural councils to put off large num­ there is a vast difference between bers of their road gangs while having the power to do something awaiting decisions to be made. Fur­ and having the financial resources to ther, it would have removed the carry it out. decision-making process from the Today the question is often asked: area where it is best handled, that is Why do we need the States? Why with local councils and State Govern­ not abolish State Governments and ments. Fortunately, the Senate, act­ aJiow all powers and decisions to be ing in its true role as a States' House, vested in the Federal Government? removed the more odious provisions Some people cite New Zealand, where of the legislation. there is a national Government to­ With the complexity of society in­ gether with local governments, as a creasing at an enormous rate, with prime example of what should be the passing of numbers of new stat­ done. That analogy ignores com­ utes and regulations every day, the pletely the essential nature of this tendency towards the impersonaliza­ great country of Australia-that is, tion of society is growing apace. its diversity. Australia has all kinds What we are striving to do, and what of climates and conditions; it encom­ this State Government is trying to passes large deserts, plains and vast do, is to preserve decision making at cities. The variety of opinions and the level closest to the people con­ desires expressed by the people are sistent with efficiency. The Govern­ enormous. One has only to travel to ment places great emphasis on the Queensland, the Northern Territory people being involved in decisions and Western Australia to gauge that which affect them. A prime example the people in those States feel their is to be seen in the operation of the separateness from other parts of the Department of Youth, Sport and Commonwealth. They are concerned Recreation. The department lays the at the financial power that resides in responsibility of deciding priorities for the eastern States and they see the recreational and sporting projects on need to protect themselves from that local councils, which are in the best power. It is nonsensical to believe position to assess the needs of their that one national Government alone community. A similar proposal is en­ can cater for and balance the diverse visaged in the allocation of tourist interests that exist. The States and territories have a real role to play in funds. protecting and preserving the rights One of the greatest criticisms of the individual in Australia. levelled at the Education Depart­ The problem goes much further ment is that it is too big and un­ than that. We have seen attempts in wieldy. After all, there are more an ever-increasing number of fields to teachers in Victoria than there are Mr. Chamberlain. Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 51 members of the Australian armed wage increases of up to 33 per cent. forces. His Excellency has indicated Wag~ increases have outstripped that the Minister has recognized productivity, and unless productivity this problem and has set up a series is improved inflation will get com­ of regional directorates of education pletely out of hand. with the objectiVIe of decentralizing Two weeks ago I inspected a large decision making. It is important, industrial enterprise in Melbourne however, that the regional directors that is considering decentralizing. be given real responsibility and At present the decision to decen­ power, and not be just another tralize has been deferred because of reference point in a decision-making the tight liquidity. A large amount of process. the floor space in that factory was The States have a real role to play taken up with partly-completed in preserving the rights of individuals components which were dependent and their ability to be heard as on parts from other industries which individuals. were delayed by industrial stoppages His Excellency also pointed to the or material shortages. extreme dangers inherent in the The major factor contributing to current inflationary situation. The massive wage claims is an out-dated need for strong co-operation between taxation scale, which has vicious the States and the Commonwealth is rates of marginal tax. The Australian long overdue; without this co-opera­ Taxpayers Journal of 27th April, tion the economy of the country is in 1974, stated- danger of falling into chaos. The ini­ Even for a man on Australian average tiatives taken by all the States in earnings, with a wife and 'two bairns, the concert have incredibly, to date, met personal tax bill leapt by 34 per cent over no reaction from the Commonwealth. the past year, although his income rose by At the Premiers Conference in June only 15 per cent. the States were not given an increase With marginal rates of tax up to in revenue grants by the Common­ 66 · 7 cents in tbe dollar, there is little wealth because it was stated that all incentive to make the extra effort to Governments had to exercise earn more. In these times of lagging restraint and had to prune their production, there should be en­ programmes. It now appears, how­ couragement and not a penalty, for ever, that the Commonwealth extra initiative and effort. Government intends to renege from that arrangement and to con­ I now turn to several matters that tinue its expansionary and infla­ refer to my electorate and rural tionary programmes, while the affairs in general. In recent tim,es a States are forced to increase taxes tremendous gap has developed be­ and charges to maintain existing tween the city and the country, and services. this has reversed a lot of good that was achieVied previously. There is a Despite the conflicting views ex­ need for all members of this com­ pressed on the subject by several munity to understand the problems Federal Ministers, I believe infla­ of others. Lines of communication tion is one of the most serious must be restored. problems facing this country. Infla­ tion, coupled with tight liquidity, has As I have said in this House before, produced much uncertainty among the people in the city need to be employers and employees. Decision educated into believing that decen­ making on capital investment is tralization is not just for the benefit thrown into doubt, and employment, of country people. The pro­ which would normally follow on that gramme that this Government is capital investment, is also in doubt. embarking on is aim,ed at retaining Cost pressures on small businesses the youth in the country, and have become unbearable, and in the encouraging city people to go to t~e past twelve months there have been country. This programme is for the Governor's Speech: fASSEMBL Y.] Address-in-Reply.

benefit of the metropolis because it His Excellency also indicated the will help to ease demand on success that has been encountered by services and facilities in the city. It the State Government in its decen­ is necessary to take that line of tralization programme. The import­ reasoning further and show the ance attached by the Government to whole of Victoria that it is in the in­ this programme is evidenced by the terests of ~everyone in the city that fact that it spends more in grants the problems of the whole State be and loans in this field than recognized and tackled. all the other States combined. The The face of rural Victoria has industries this Government seeks to undergone remarkable changes in attract are labour intensive, particu~ recent years. At pl'lesent beef and larly in the textile and clothing fie'ld. sheep producers are receiving one~ The impact of the Federal Govern­ half the price for their stock that ment's policies in this field on tariffs they received nine months ago. In and quotas, together with high inter­ that tim,e costs have increased est rates and tight finance, has been enormously; shearing and super~ disastrous. Many industries, particu­ phosphate costs are examples. But larly in country Victoria, have been the producers have no control over hard hit, and the problems arising the prices they receive. At long last from this are enormous. There is the wool industry has adopted a evidence that the savings which are sound marketing plan. I believe that after a testing initiation period this meant to flow to the community as a result of these lower tariffs and will be for the long~term benefit of the industry, despite the fact that the quotas are not being achieved. In present floor price is unrealistically many cases these savings are increas­ low. ing the margin of the middle man. The bane of rural industries has The Federal Government should been the boom and bust prices that again look very carefully at its policy have prevailed. The past financial in this field. There ·was an example in year was a good one for most Hamilton in my electorate where over producers, but any benefit was lost by a period of eight months, a successful large tax bills. This happened at a pilot scheme for an industry which time when the rural industries faced produced high-quality children's a record degree of indebtedness. The wear was set up. The employees need to rationalize all forms of rural proved to be satisfactory. The next marketing is now self-evident. The step was to build a new factory, but wild fluctuations in price are no good because of the effect of the tariff and to the producer, and no good to the quota reductions this industry not consumer. only has cancelled its plans to go into · A large cloud on the rural horizon a new factory but has withdrawn is the very tight liquidity, which has from Hamilton altogether. It will be several causes. It appears to be disastrous if the good effects of the worse than the 1961 credit squeeze State Government's policies over the and has been aggravated by the can~ cellation of wool sales for almost past two or three years to foster two months, the delay in the second decentralization are negatived by a payment otf last season's wheat crop short-sighted and apparently thought­ owing to industrial trouble, the re­ less Federal programme. duction by up to ha'lf by many banks An essential ingredient of any of overdraft limits, and the shortage decentralization programme is the of finance from pastoral houses. Urgent action is needed to release provision of housing. It is pleasing to large amounts of additional ·funds to see the increased activity of the meet this difficult situation. Unless Housing Commission in country this problem is tackled urgently, areas, assisted by the Decentralized there will be serious repercussions. Industry Housing Authority, and Mr. Chamberlain. Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 53 additional funds from the co­ The land mass is still predominantly operative housing societies. I wel­ devoted to primary production and come, in particular, the arrangements takes in the towns of Lilydale, recently entered into between the Mooroolbark, Warburton, Hurst­ Housing Commission and Stawell bridge, South Morang and W arran­ Timber Industries Pty. Ltd. to provide dyte. A considerable increase in the up to. 1,000 modular houses for suburban population is evident. country Victoria. This is an im­ Mr. GINIFER.-You really need are­ portant industry in Stawell, and this distribution. scheme will guarantee employment Mr. PLOWMAN: I wil'l come to for a long time. that. The honorable member for This State faces many challenges, Dundas spoke at some length on the most of which can be met with leader­ problems facing country people ship, determination, and hard work. because of inflation and 'increasing The Government is prepared to meet costs. Their incomes at this stage are its responsibility within the limit of fluctuating downwards. Country the resources available to it. people are facing considerable prob­ lems, and one of the ever-present I assure His Excellency of the problems is probate duty. This makes loyalty of the people of the electorate it difficult for people to establish and of Dundas to Her Majesty Queen keep family properties. It is exceed­ Elizabeth II. ingly difficult for young men who Mr... PLOWMAN (Evelyn): I am wish to continue farming businesses pleased to have the honour of second­ or who wish to take on family ing the motion for the adoption of an properties. I am therefore pleased to Address-in-Reply to the Speech of His see the reference in His Excellency's Excellency the Governor of Victoria, Speech to the land settlement and in doing so I firstly pledge the schemes at Heytesbury and loyalty of the residents of the Evelyn Rochester where 150 blocks will be electorate, and of myself, to Her released over a period of five years. Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I support this because this is one way I should also like to pay tribute to in which young men will be able to the recently-retired Governor, Sir go on the land, whether they have , who served this lived on family properties or come State exceptionally well for more with a strong desire to farm from than eleven and half years. Sir Rohan suburban areas. travelled widely throughout the It is essential that young people be State, endeared himself to the people, encouraged to continue to take up and retained the dignity of the vice­ farming but care should be taken in regal office at all times. He set a high relation to two matters when these example for any other Governor to blocks are distributed. The blocks follow. I have no doubt that all must be of viable size to be a real Victorians will be proud to accept Sir financial proposition. In the past, Henry Winneke as the New Governor. under soldier settlement schemes, He is the first Australian Governor land was allocated in boom years in of this . State, and he has had a dis­ the expectation that the booms would tinguished career. I wish Sir Henry continue. The sizes of properties Winneke and Lady Winneke every have been too small for them to success whilst in office. remain viable in times of depression or receding rural income. As the The electorate I represent takes in honorable member for Mildura says, part of the eastern segment ·of the people taking up these blocks also Melbourne metropolis and runs out to feel the effects of inflation. a country area. The character of the electorate is changing rapidly, and I suggest also that the financial this is due largely to the increasing position of the application should not population in the eastern segment. be the prime consideration in the 54 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply.

allocation of a block. What should For many years, people within the be the key question is whether . t?e Yarra Valley have been concerned applicant has the aptitude or ability that unchecked and unwise develop­ to make a success of the project in ment would spoil forever one of Vic­ the long run. toria's unique beauty spots. I am glad that the body to be set up will The Governor referred to the ensure the co-ordination of the happiness and well-being of the groups interested in conservation, people of Victoria. In the outer development, local government, and suburban areas developing to the east other factors. and west of Melbourne, municipalities face tremendous problems in provid­ Before such a regional planning ing necessary services, roads, kerbs authority is set up, cognizance and channelling, water, sewerage should be taken of overseas experi­ and other facilities. There are ence. One part of the Yarra Valley also problems in these areas in the cannot be divorced from another. provision of schools. These problems The upper Yarra, the central Yarra have caused much concern to the and the lower Yarra regions are municipalities in the southern part of inter-dependent. The whole Yarra the electorate I represent. It is Valley must be considered in one pleasing that I can say one good total concept if guided development thing about the Federal Government under a regional planning authority in that it has made direct grants to is to take place. Any such body municipalities and has taken into should consider the experiences of the Metropolitan and Toronto Valley account the special needs and Conservation Authority which con­ financial difficulties which some trols an area of more than I ,000 municipalities face. square miles, including several The decision to provide assistance catchments, and also the Thames recognizes the fact that local govern­ Conservancy and the Peak Planning Board, both of which are concerned ment finance can no longer de­ with farming and industrial com­ pend entirely on funds from rate­ munities, and suburban areas. payers but that municipalities must have direct access to the tax revenue His Excellency referred to the held in the Federal Treasury. The redistribution of electoral boundaries grants have been made uncondi­ and, as one member of the Opposition suggests, a redistribution will no tionally to the municipalities con­ doubt affect my electorate because cerned. I hope that future grants to of the rapid development of its municipalities, whether country or southern suburban area. Flexibility urban, and also to States, will be must be provided for when guide­ made unconditionally. lines for redistribution are His Excellency alluded to the laid down. As one who represents an area of 2,500 square miles of setting up of a Yarra Valley and diverse country broken up by moun­ Dandenongs regional planning tain ranges, I am particularly aware authority. He said that he con­ of that. I also understand the prob­ sidered that these areas, as well as lems of honorable members who the Mornington Peninsula, were the represent large ·electorates to the most sensitive and vulnerable areas north of that which I represent. In in the State, calling for special pro­ addition, migrant populations and tection, and that the primary concern their particular problems in highly should be their conservation for rec­ populated areas should be taken into reational purposes. The people of account. the Yarra VaHey and the Dandenongs All these factors are important in welcome the setting-up of this assessing the reasonable size of any regional planning authority. electorate. The number of electors Mr. Plowman. Governor's Speech: (10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 55

in any electorate should not be the members of Parliament to do their one criterion. What matters is the jobs properly. The use of these way in which a member is able to facilities makes a member more represent every person within his accessible to his constituents and electorate. Obviously in some of the helps him to serve more effectively larger country electorates it is impos­ the people who elect him to Parlia­ sible for a member of Parliament to ment. give the same service to his consti­ tuents that a member who represents His Excellency stated that the a suburban area of a few square Government would give first priority miles can, although, as I have to education. There is a progression said, large migrant populations and in the life of young married people. their special difficulties should be First they want to establish a home taken into consideration. and engage in work which will give them a reasonable income. Then Since federation the respon­ their paramount consideration is the sibilities of members of this education of their children. They House have grown, and they want them to have all the opportu­ have grown most rapidly in recent nities available to ensure their best years. The calls on the time and possible progress through life. It is ability of members of the House are not unreasonable that, because of much greater now than ever before. this situation, many parent groups However, restraint must be shown in and many individual persons become considering the remuneration paid to involved in pressing for improved members so that in some way they education facilities. Every honorable can set an example to the com­ member wants better education munity. It has been suggested to facilities. me that it is naive to believe that any decision by honorable members However, the Education Depart­ not to accept higher pay will make ment faces tremendous problems of any difference to the national or the inflation, industrial unrest and State Treasury. But in this day and material shortages. It is un­ age it is the responsibility of all reasonable that so much criti­ honorable members to set an example cism is heaped on the Education by restraining their desire for in­ Department and the Minister of creased remuneration. Education for doing what I believe is an excellent job under particularly However the introduction of difficult circumstances. Constructive allowances for secretarial assist­ criticism is welcome in any field but ance to honorable members this when criticism is destructive or year has enabled them to en­ fence-sitting it is useless. In the hance the service they give to period of inflation and industrial their electors. Every honorable unrest which the State and the member has welcomed the additional nation face, we look for restraint provisions for offices and secretaries. by individuals in the community, However, in the inflationary situa­ and for leadership by State and tion of today, these allowances Federal Governments, trade unions should be reviewed to make it pos­ and individuals. When all is said sible for honorable members to cope and done, any type of leadership with the ever-increasing amount of or example comes back to the indivi­ work that they must perform. The dual. Individual rights must always Government of South Australia pro­ be promoted. Individual improvement vides members of its Parliament must always be uppermost. However, with offices equipped to a certain the individual also has a responsi­ degree and it pays for their cleaning bility in the community to maintain and for the salaries of secretaries the individuality, the enterprise and engaged by honorable members. the resilience which have been a This is sensible because it allows characteristic of the Australian peopl€ 56 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.l Address-in-Reply.

in past years. That national indivi­ this important office. . I do not pro­ duality and resilience is fast being pose to canvass Sir Henry Winneke's eroded and it is reflected in the record; that is a matter of public national situation and the national knowledge. However, I extend to strength in the world situation. Sir Henry the best wishes of mem­ bers of the Opposition fcrr a successful Finally, this individual enterprise term of office. He has our assurance and contribution to the community is that we will co-operate to make his reflected in our new Governor, Sir important role as successful and Henry Winneke. Sir Henry was born meaningful as it ought to be to the in Melbourne. He spent h!s early people of Victoria. days in Ballarat and was educated at , Scotch There is one matter that I feel College and the University of Mel­ bound to discuss because it affects bourne. At the university he gra­ the relationship between this Parlia­ duated as a Bachelor of La~s and a ment and the new Governor, just Master of Laws. He won the Supreme as it affected the relationship be­ Court prize which is the top place tween former Parliaments and past in the law students of Victoria. During Governors. I refer to the manner the war Sir Henry served his country in which the Address-in-Reply debate as a group captain in the Royal Aus­ has been treated in the House. As tralian Air Force. He became King's a matter of Parliamentary convention and usage-! do not need to refer Counsel, Senior Counsel for the you, Mr. Speaker, to the usage be­ Attorney-General ~and Senior Crown cause I am certain you are familiar Prosecutor and has been Chief Justice with it-the Address-in-Reply debate for ten years. He represented his has been regarded as a courtesy be­ country as centre forward in hockey. tween the House and the Queen or Since then Sir Henry Winneke has her personal representative, and retired to the more gentle sport of therefore the Parliament should, as golf. a matter of courtesy, dispose of the debate by according it a high priority. Mr. DousE: What is the point of this ridiculous speech? The Address-in-Reply debate, over a period of time, has been treated Mr. PLOWMAN: The point of this in this House as a filler, something " ridiculous speech " is the fact that to be called on when Government Sir Henry Winneke is an example of business was lapsing, so instead of someone who has always been pre­ the debate being concluded early and pared to give something to his the address being delivered to the country. The State would be better Queen's personal representative at off if a member interjecting had done the first available opportunity, it has the same. We should. be proud to sometimes been delivered in the dying have such a distinguished Australian hours of the session. This lamentable as the new Governor of Victoria, and practice was the subject of private I wish Sir Henry and Lady Winneke representations and public statements every success. in the House by your predecessor, The sitting was suspended at 6.20 Sir Vernon Christie. The Opposition p.m. until 8.3 p.m. has raised the matter and on one occasion, in order to try to address Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the the Government's mind to its. im­ Opposition): In addressing myself to portance, members of the Oppo;sition the motion for the adoption of an absented themselves from the formal Address-in-Reply to the Speech presentation of the Address-in-Reply. delivered today by His Excellency I sent a note to the then Governor, the Governor, I congratulate Sir Sir Rohan Delacombe, explaining Henry Winneke on his elevation to that this was not being done from Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 57 lack of courtesy but because mem­ most significant economic problems bers of the Opposition were deeply confronting the people not merely of concerned about the way in which Victo;ria but of Australia as a whole. the Parliament was conducting its I agree with His Excellency's state­ business and that matters were not ment that inflation is the greatest being dealt with in accordance with single threat at present to growth long-standing Parliamentary practice. and production, and the living stan­ Now that a new Governor has been dards and well-being of every Aus­ appointed, the proper traditional tralian family. There can be no argu­ practice, which for too long has been ment with that statement, but the abandoned in this House, should be problem must be seen in a national restored. For this reaso11-as has and international context. already been· indicated to the Secre­ Inflatioo and the problems it tary of the Cabinet-the Opposition creates are at present bedevilling not will refuse leave for the introduction merely Australia but every country of proposed Government legislation. in what is commonly known as the Progress must be made in this debate, Western bloc. It is small comfort and when · this O'ccurs and the for people in Victoria affected by in­ Address-in-Reply has been expedited, flation to say that the Australian other aspects of Government business unemployment level is not as high may be proceeded with. as that of America or that Australia's Mr. DIXON: That is an arrogant inflation level is not as high as that statement. of Japan. However, it helps Parlia­ ment to keep the issue in context Mr. HOLDING: Real progress must and to escape some of the narking, be made. The Opposition will not carping criticism which is a feature delay Government business for any of the speeches of the Leader of the useless purpose. Federal Opposition, and which was Mr. DIXON: The Leader of the Op­ emulated in this House earlier today. position is standing on a high ped­ Whichever Government is in power, estal with one thing, and as low as and whatever may be its political the gutter with another. philosophy or predilection, no Gov­ ernment can truthfully say that Mr. HOLDING: The honorable there are simple economic answers gentleman knows that that is unpar­ to the problem. liamentary language, and I ask him Mr. WILCOX: Will the Leader of to withdraw it. the Opposition deal with the indus­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. trial trouble, too? Wheeler): Order! The Leader of the Mr.. HOLDING: I shall be happy to Opposition believes that the state­ give the Attorney-General-who ment made by the Minister for Youth, knows nothing about industrial rela­ Sport and Recreation is unparlia­ tions or about his own department­ mentary, and I ask him to withdraw an elem•entary lesson in industrial it. relations. I shall not engage in the Mr. DIXON: I withdraw. type of public relations stunts carried Mr. HOLDING: I want to deal at out by the Minister of Education. length with only . two of the sub­ Honorable members interjecting. stantive matters raised in the Gov­ ernor's Speech. On page 4 of the The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. printed copy of the Speech the Gov­ Wheeler): Order! I ask honorable ernment's role-or rather, its lack members to cease interjecting, and I of role-o'n the entire question of ask the Leader of the Opposition to inflation is dismissed in approximately address the Chair. three sentences. All honorable mem­ Mr. HOLDING: I have no inten­ bers will agree with me that inflation tion of playing for the front page of and spiralling costs are probably the the Melbourne Herald-not that I 58 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. would get it-by saying that I shall to inflation; but the prime cause is set a standard by donating a certain inflation itself. One can never be­ amount of my salary to some come involved in a discussion on charity. The hypocritical nonsense these issues without the Attorney­ that is engaged in by members of General and the back-bench members this Parliament is exemplified by the of the Government party talking Minister's statement. All honorable about unions, but the problems members supported salary rises for involve those members of th~ com­ judges and senior public servants munity who are on the lowest levels after they received their own salary of income. increases. Everybody knows that Mr. WILCOX: Like the air pilots! Parliamentary salaries rise on an Mr. HOLDING: If the honorable average of about once every three gentleman knew anything at all, he years, and after honorable members would know that the average wage­ received their own salary rises, the earner in the community is the Minister of Education made his great unionist. The reality of the economic personal sacrifice and the Premier situation is not the sort of public came out with his public relations relations gesture made by the Premier contribution, which was to the effect and his deputy; it does not con­ that "having received our in­ tribute anything except to a rather creases, we are now going to freeze specious and dangerous concept by other salaries ". which the community is told that Mr. LAcY: We all know you do not there are some short-term answers. earn yours. There are no short-term answers, and the sooner responsible leaders say so Mr. HOLDING: At ·least I do not the better we will all be. Australian have to talk pious nonsense to try society cannot divorce itself from or to earn my salary. The honorable live outside the economic framework member for Ringwood should stick of the Western bloc. That is the to trying to save souls instead of economic reality. Although the solving the problems of inflation. Premier is vocal, I find it fascinating Mr. CURNOW: That is a sin! that this Government of State­ righters is always talking about the The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. constitutional powers of the States. Wheeler): Order! I appeal to honor­ The Premier and the Attorney­ able members to cease interjecting General know that the State has because it is only taking up the time more real and effective constitutional of the House and achieving nothing. power in dealing with the incidence I again ask the honorable member of inflation than has the Common­ for Kara Kara to cease interjecting. wealth. Mr. HOLDING: Public relations Mr. DIXON: You are damned by stunts will not solve the burdens of your own words. inflation as they are affecting all sec­ Mr. HOLDING: I repeat that the tions of the community. The Attor­ State has more constitutional power ney-General referred to unions. to deal with the incidence of inflation The reason for the increase in indus­ than has the Commonwealth. It is all trial stoppages and unrest prevalent very well for the Minister of Educa­ in this country is inflation because tion to contribute to a charity. The Australia's wage-fixing and industrial reality of the situation is that the tribunals are incapable of processing escalation of price rises and control of the demands generated by constantly them is clearly within the constitu­ rising costs. The average unionist tional prerogative of this State. Only finds it easier to go on strike to get yesterday the Minister of Labour and his increase than to spend time in Industry issued a statement to the the tribunals. Therefore, in the long media on this matter because it had term, industrial stoppages may have been drawn to his attention that prices some spin-off effect in a contribution shown on the shelves of supermarkets Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 59 were not the prices charged to the Mr. HOLDING: The one policy I do consumers. So he issued a warning not support is the Snedden policy. pointing out that breaches of the The Minister of Education would be Consumer Protection Act carried a better Federal Leader of the Liberal severe penalties-but he did nothing. Party than Mr. Snedden. The Premier The fact that the matter was brought does not have to wait for Federal to his attention indicates that in many action. I shall be happy to hear from retail operations all sorts of rip-offs the honorable gentleman on this are taking place and they are being matter. Two previous speakers re­ justified to the consumer on the basis ferred to the statements in His Excel­ that the retailers are also victims of lency's Speech indicating that some inflation. success had been achieved in Govern­ ment initiative in promoting decen­ Earlier, the honorable member for tralization, in restraining the growth Evelyn referred to the problems of of Melbourne, and in the establish­ farmers. The way in which meat ment of 150 decentralized industries prices have fallen and the disastrous in country centres within the past two slump in the price of beef has been years. That statement is made in the public knowledge. Has that been narrow context that one could say shown in the retail stores in Mel­ that a measure of success has been bourne? The M-inister of Agriculture achieved. My objection to the way in indicated that a serious situation which that matter is put is that it existed. It might be a small consola­ would have been better if the Premier tion to farmers whose cattle prices and his Government had outlined the have dropped by almost 100 per cent dimension of the problem which con­ in some areas, if the reduction were reflected in the price paid by house­ fronts Victoria, instead of saying that wives; but it is not. The Minister of 150 industries have been established, Agriculture said that the matter that that is the criterion and that that would be examined by the Govern­ is success. ment. The Government said that it Sooner or later this Parliament will would examine the price of land, price have to make up its mind about the rises in consumer durables and com­ future of Melbourne and its relation­ modities and so on. It is one big examination! Is it not odd that the ship to the regional and country areas Government, which has the constitu­ of Victoria. On many occasions I tional power to act, has not acted? have said, not only in this House but throughout the State, that the Vic­ The Government has not taken one torian Government must make a clear positive action that would have any and positive statement not only that beneficial effect on the purchasing Melbourne's growth will be limited power of the average Victorian wage­ but that action must be taken to es­ earner. It is all too easy for the tablish targets which will provide the Government to say that it ·is a Com­ framework within which Government monwealth problem or that it will planning and policy takes place. The examine or discuss the matter. The alarming feature of the Government's Minister of Agriculture has recog­ attitude is that although the Minister nized the problem but has taken no for State Development and Decentra­ action. Is it not odd that this group lization-he has a good public rela­ of State-righters, who are always talk­ tions outfit-talks about a measure of ing about their constitutional preroga­ achievement and says that 150 fac­ tives, are loath to exercise those pre­ tories have been established and that rogatives? some progress has been made, nothing Mr. THOMPSON: Do you support has been done. the Whitlam policy or the Cairns Mr. Ross-EDWARDs: Dr. Cairns has policy? been closing them down. 60 Governor's Speech: (ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply.

Mr. HOLDING: While the Minis­ The report of the Melbourne and ter is doing little and while the Leader Metropolitan Board of Works to the of the Country Party is making trite Minister, prepared in June, 1967- I comments, the reality is that all the refer to page 5025 - predicted that major planning decisions that· are be­ in the year 2000 Melbourne's popula­ ing made. about M·elboume's future tion would be 5 mHlion. are on the basis that by the year 2000 The document produced by the Melbourne will have a population Board of Works on the progressive of from 5 million to 5 · 5 million. development of Melbourne's water Mr. HAMER: That is absolutely in­ supply programme to meet increasing accurate. demand, prepared in June, 1967, estimates Melbourne's population in Mr. HOLDING: I shall deal with the year 2000 to be 6 · 3 million. The the Premier's interjection. Either the Public Works Committee conducted honorable gentleman is going to be an inquiry into Melbourne's future caught with his own statement, which water supply, and in August, 1967, shows that he is not facing up to the estimated that by the year 2000 Mel­ reality of the situation, or he does not bourne's population would be 6 mil­ know what is going on in his own de­ lion. According to a report published partments. in the P.ort of Melbourne Quarterly, Mr. DIXON: Or, .alternatively, you this State will be involved in an ex­ are wrong. penditure of upwards of $80 million to change its ports and harbor facili­ Mr. HOLDING: If I am wrong I ties. In that report it was estimated shall be delighted to hear from the that by the year 2000 Melbourne Minister for Youth, Sport and Recrea­ would have a population in excess tion. I repeat the statement that of 5 million people. The reports to provoked the interjection from the which I have referred were commis­ loyal supporter of the Government. sioned by the Governm·ent or its I said that most of the planning deci­ sions were being predicated by authorities. Government departments and statu­ Mr. DIXON: Have you read of the tory authorities on the basis that current birth rate? These things Melbourne would have a predicted change. population of from 5 million to 5·5 Mr. HOLDING: Unlike the honor­ million by the year 2000. An environ­ able gentleman, I am not prepared to mental study of Port Phillip Bay was work out a forecast on the basis of sponsored by the Melbourne and what the birth rate might be. It has Metropolitan Board of Works and the been done by the Government's ex­ Fisheries and Wildlife Division. A perts. Reports have been made which number of responsible reports have have cost this State a great deal been made; they are not roneod of money and upon which all sorts sheets but documents that cost a lot of forecasts are being made. I should of money. At page 51 of the report like to hear the opinion of the to which I have just referred appears Minister of Public Works on what the forecast that by the year I regard as an excellent report which 2000 the total population of the Port says that the State must find about Phillip Bay study area will be 6 · 2 $80 million if the future growth of million. the port of Melbourne is to be dealt The Melbourne transportation with. I should like to hear whether survey was an elaborate study. Mel­ the honorable gentleman says, " That bourne's transportation cannot be is all right. We have a plan for that studied unless some parameters are money. We must make arrange­ accepted or endeavours are made to ments so that this plan can be predict population growth. That implemented." Only last month survey predicted the future growth of evidence was given by experts from Melbourne. the State Electricity Commission in Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 61 the appeal concerning the future have difficulty finding but could well placement of the Newport power find with support from the Common­ house and they predicted that the wealth-- population of Melbourne by the year Mr. HAMER: We are not receiving 2000 would be· 5 million people. much support now. Mr. HAMER: The honorable mem­ Mr. HOLDING: Obviously the ber should quot·e directly. He is Premier has not read the Speech of quoting the figure for the whole of His Excellency the Governor· which Victoria. contains some praise because of as­ Mr. HOLDING: If I am wrong, the sistance given by the Commonwealth. Premier should say so. I do not have The Premier knows that the Albury-­ the transcript with me. I have re­ Wodonga project would not have ferred to the report of the Melbourne " got off the ground " without Com­ and Metropolitan Board of Works, monwealth initiatives. The Gover­ the transportation survey, and the nor's Speech refers to co-operation report on the future development of between the Commonwealth and the ports and harbors. It is an extra­ State. Let us not join issue on cer­ ordinary coincidence that all the tain things than can be agreed. Government authorities concerned Every member of this House, irres­ say that Melbourne's growth and pective of his view about State rights, sprawl will continue uncontrolled will welcome the initiatives and the They are working on a prediction of readiness of the Commonwealth­ between 5 and 5 · 5 miUion people. and all sorts of arguments can be However, the Minister is making a raised about how and why things are glib assertion-he is always inclined done--if it is prepared to provide to leave these things to chance-­ back-up funds and assistance to pro­ that in these matters one need not mote decentralization throughout worry because he read, in the Australia. Women's Weekly or elsewhere, that Mr. HAMER: I am referring to the population would fall. charges by the Postmaster-General's Let us put the Government to the Department and to the giving of sub­ test on this matter. As an amend­ stantial incentives by the States. ment to the motion I move-- Mr. HOLDING: Of course there That :the following words be added to the ought to be a reduction of charges proposed address-" and respectfully desire by the Postmaster-General's Depart­ to inform Your Excellency that this House ment. The real problem with my rejects the concept of Melbourne's growth Federal colleagues in Canberra is being unlimited, and Government depart­ that in power they have taken exactly ments and statutory authorities acting on a population figure of 5 million by the year the same attitude as the Liberal­ 2000, and express the view that Melbourne's Country Party Government did when growth should be limited and that a popula­ it was in power. Every Liberal and tion for Melbourne in excess of 3 · 5 million Country Party Senator voted against is socially ·and economically undesirable." decentralization incentives for coun­ try areas. Honorable gentlemen I do not know why honorable mem­ should look before they talk about the bers should interject when I men­ record and the attitude. I believe and tion the figure of 3 · 5 million. Is have always argued that there ought this an unreasonable proposition? to be incentives to industries in The Melbourne Harbor Trust points regional areas in telephone charges out that if the Government policy is and services. Victorian Liberal and successful in moving about 15,000 Country Party Senators, to a man, people a year out of Melbourne­ voted against a motion moved by the that is a tremendous number and in­ then Leader of the Opposition in volves the allocation of all sorts of the Senate, Senator Murphy, resources which the State would when he proposed decentra- 62 Governor's Speech: (ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. lization initiatives, and a reduction The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. of postal and telegraphic charges in Wheeler): Order! I appeal to honor-. country areas. I am happy to defend able members on the front benches, my position on this issue; it has not the centre benches and the back changed. L.et us not argue that Fed­ benches to cease interjecting. eral Liberal or Country ·Party mem­ bers on this issue are any better than Mr. HOLDING: What the Deputy anybody else. The public record Prime Minister has said is that things shows that the interests of regional are going to get considerably worse industries throughout Australia have before they get better and it is time not been faced up to fully by Com­ economic realities were faced. This monwealth Governments, be they Government has not yet taken any Liberal-Country Party coalitions or action. If the Liberal Party has a Labor Governments. simple policy to solve this problem, it should patent it because then it It is unnecessary for me to go fur­ could be sold overseas. In the past ther on that issue. I am, however, the honorable member for Sandring­ concerned to make the valid point ham has been happy to have un­ that the Commonwealth under the employment and to conscript the kids Whitlam Labor Government has to fight the battles, so why should the provided levels of finance which, honorable member now object-- for the first time, make it possible Honorable members interjecting. for State Governments to move in a positive way towards bringing about The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. effective decentralization objectives. Wheeler): Order! I fail to see the necessity to cast any reflection on any Mr. CRELLIN: Tell that to the honorable member. It is not in the people in Wangaratta. best interests of good debate. Again Mr. HOLDING: I have been to I appeal to the honorable member for Wangaratta. I do not know whether Sandringham to cease interjecting. the honorable member has been there. Mr. CRELLIN: Certainly, Mr. Mr. CRELLIN: Yes, and recently. Speaker. Mr. HOLDING: Although people Mr. HOLDING: The elementary in Wangaratta are unemployed as a point I was endeavouring to make result of a policy which did not work, should commend itself to all honor­ they are not suffering the economic able members. The time has come hardships 'and having to live on the for the Parliament of Victoria to state pittance level at which they had to clearly and honestly to the people of live when a credit squeeze was im­ this State that the growth of Mel­ posed by the Federal colleagues of bourne cannot continue to develop 'as the honorable member for Sandring­ it has in the past. It is nonsense for ham. Honorable members have never the Government to refer in His Ex­ before heard this plaintive, pitiful cellency's Speech to the future of the voice expressing concern about un­ Dandenongs by suggesting that the employment, but all of a sudden Government's plans for the future of members of the Government party are the Dandenongs make them safe. concerned about unemployment. The No doubt the Premier has seen the policy of the Liberal Party to which excellent report prepared by a re­ the honorable member for Sandring­ search team from Monash University. ham belongs is clear. There has been Page 20 of this excellent document more unemployment under policies points out that the population of the advanced by Federal Liberal-Country Dandenongs in 1961 was 30,600; in Party Governments than under any 1971 the population was 51,600, and policy ever introduced by a Labor · by 1974 it will be well over 60,000. Government. However, by existing planning Honorable members interjecting. schemes under which land is being Governor's Speech: [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 63 developed and sold, the population I have always been somewhat will rise to more than 245,000. There sceptical of the Premier's statements is no way by which one can put when he has spoken about the quality 245,000 people into the Dandenongs of life. One is entitled to be sceptical and not destroy the area environment­ when one reads the Speech prepared ally and its future capacity to serve by the Government for His Excellency Melbourne. It is social and economic which refers to the existing plans madness. The same is true of the to preserve and protect the Mornington Peninsula. The Govern­ ment has to make a clear and decisive environment of the Dandenongs. That statement on the sprawl of Melbourne. statement is nonsense, as the Premier knows. If population levels of the I am concerned about the figure of kind I have mentioned move into th.e 3 · 5 million people as the future Dandenongs and onto the Mornington population of Melbourne. It should be Peninsula, the environment of those clearly understood that the figure is a places will be destroyed. population prediction and was arrived at by the Melbourne Harbor Trust, Therefore, I hope this amendment which pointed out that by 1981, even will be the first of many to be moved if the Federal and State Governments in a series of debates which I believe could move 15,000 people a year out ought to take place in this Parlia­ of Melbourne, the population would ment if it is to be honest with the still reach 3 · 5 million. people of the State. The Parliament should reject the concept of Mel­ That is the basis upon which I have bourne's growth being unlimited and taken the figure, and I believe its use the concept that increases the ought to be made clear. Honorable urbanization of the metropolitan members should be completely candid about the situation. If my concept is area. The Parliament should reject accepted, the Government will have the economics involved, but most of to involve itself far more heavily in all it should reject the social prob~ planning and will have to seek much lems which a community of that size more Federal assistance in order to would generate. It should also reject accelerate decentralization initiatives. the lifestyle which a community of Unless the estimated figure of popu­ that size would produce. lation growth is reduced, what has been achieved to date will not solve For those reasons, I commend the the problem or go anywhere near amendment to the House. I believe solving it. it will be good for the people of this State if the amendment is incor­ I commend to the House the pro­ position that Melbourne's growth porated in the Address- in­ should be limited because a popula­ Reply to the Speech of His Excel­ tion in excess of 3 · 5 million is socially lency because then, for the first time and economically undesirable. If the in the history of this State, there will figure reached 5 million as predicted, be a positive statement from the Melbourne would be one of the largest Parliament of Victoria to the planners cities in the world. I invite honorable and designers setting out clearly what members to contemplate the enormity the future objective is to be, that the of the social and economic problems population figures proposed should which would be created if we allowed be the maximum but that the Parlia­ that crazy imbalance to occur. A Mel­ ment wants to reduce the figures bourne of that size would milk and below that maximum. If that is done bleed the resources of the State as a whole. What would we have and the Government is prepared to achieved? We would have achieved accept that concept there will be a a city unfit for people to live in­ broad yardstick by which the ob­ that is, if we want to maintain a _jectives of the Government in its de­ reasonable living standard. centralized approach can be measured 64 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. and tested. Until that standard is NoES. created, the growth of Melbourne will Mr. Amos Mr. Lind be allowed to continue to sprawl, un­ Mr. Bomstein Mr. Mutton Mr. Doube Mr. Roper controlled and unplanned, and ulti­ Mr. Edmunds Mr. Simmonds mately that will be a disaster for the Mr. Fogarty Mr. Trezise State. I urge the House to adopt Mr. Fordham Mr. Wilkes Mr. Ginifer Mr. Wilton the amendment that I have moved. Mr. Holding Tellers: Mr. Jones Mr. Curnow The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Stirling Wheeler): Honorable members speak­ ing in future will be deemed to be It was ordered that the debate be speaking both to the motion for the adjourned until next day.· adoption of an Address-in-Reply to the Speech of His Excellency and to the amendment moved by the Leader of the Opposition. COMMITTEE OF PUBUC ACCOUNTS. Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of the Country Party): I move- Mr. HAMER .(Premier and Trea­ surer) : By leave, I move- That the debate be now adjourned. That Mr. Bomstein, 'Mr. Doube, Mr. The House divided on the motion Fordham, Mr. Hann, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Reese, and Sir Edgar Tanner, C.B.E., E.D., be mem­ for the adjournment of the debate bers of the Committee of Public Accounts, (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler in the and that the committee have power to send chair)- for persons, papers, and records, to move from place to place, and to sit on days on Ayes 49 which the House does not meet; three to be Noes 19 the quorum. The motion was agreed to. Majority. for the motion 30

STATUTE LAW REVISION AYES. COMMITTEE. Mr. Austin Mr. Mitchell Mr. Balfour Mr. Plowman Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ Mr. Billing Mr. Rafferty surer): By leave, I move- Mr. Birrell Mr. Ramsay That Mr. Edmunds, Mr. A. T. Evans, Mr. Mr. Borthwick Mr. Reese Mr. Burgin Maclellan, Mr. Aurel Smith, Mr. Whiting, Mr. Ross-Edwards and Mr. Wilton, be members of the Statute. Mr. Chamberlain Mr. Rossiter Law Revision Committee; and that the com­ Mr. Dixon Mr. Scanlan mittee have power to send for persons, Mr. Dunstan Mr. Skeggs papers and records. Mr. Ebery Mr. Smith Mr. Evans (Bellarine) The ·motion was agreed to. (Ballaarat North) Mr. Smith Mr. Evans ( Warrnambool) (Gippsland East) Mr. Stephen Mrs. Goble Mr. Suggett Mr. Guy Sir Edgar Tanner Mr. Hamer Mr. Templeton SUBORDINATE ~LEGISLATION Mr. Hann Mr. Thompson COMMITTEE. Mr. Hayes Mr. Vale Mr. Jona Mr. Whiting Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ Mr. Lacy Mr. Wilcox surer) : By leave, I ·move- Mr. Loxton Mr. Williams That Mr. Birrell, Mrs. Goble, and Mr. Mr. McCabe Mr. Wood Kirkwood be members of the Subordi.nate Mr. McClure Legislation Committee; and that the com­ Mr. MacDonald Tellers: mittee have power to send for persons, Mr. Mcinnes papers and records. Mr. McKellar Mr. Baxter Mr. McLaren Mr. Crellin The motion was agreed to. House Committee. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Company Take-overs Committee. 65

HOUSE COMMITTEE. Take-overs Committee; and that the com­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ mittee have leave to sit on days on which surer) : By leave, ·I move-- the House does not meet. That Mr. Dunstan, D.S.O., Mr. B. J. The motion was ·agreed to. Evans, Mr. Fordham, Mr. Simmonds, and Sir Edgar Tanner, C.B.E., E.D., be members of the House Committee; and that the OSTEOPATHY, CHIROPRACTIC committee have leave to sit on days on AND NATUROPATHY COMMI1TEE. which the House does not meet. Mr. HAMER .(Premier and Trea­ The motion was -agreed to. surer) : By leave, I move-- That Mr. Austin, Mr. Jones, Mr. Mitchell.­ and Mr. Vale be members of the Osteopathy,. Chiropractic and Naturopathy Committee; LIBRARY COMMITTEE. and that the committee have leave to sit on days on which the House does not meet. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ surer) : By ·leave, I move-- The motion was agreed to. That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Edmunds, Mrs. Goble, Mr. Hayes and Mr. Mitchell be mem­ bers of the Library Committee; and that the TATTERSALL CONSULTATIONS committee have leave to sit on days on (SOCCER FOOTBALL POOLS) BILL. which the House does not meet. The motion was agreed to. Mr. HAMER .(Premier and Trea­ surer): Pursuant to Standing Order No. 273o, :I move-- That I have leave 1to bring in a Bill to PRINTING COMMITTEE. provide for the promotion and conduct in Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ Victoria of soccer football pools, for that and surer) : By leave, I ·move-- other purposes to amend the Tattersall Con­ sultations Act 1958, to amend rt:he Lotteries, That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Gaming and Betting Act 1966, and the Youth, Curnow, Mr. McCabe, Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Sport and Recreation Act 1972, and for other Roper, Mr. Templeton, and Mr. Whiting be purposes. members of the Printing Committee; and that the committee have leave to sit on days on which the House does not meet; three Mr. HOLDING {Leader of the to be the quorum. Opposition): Leave is refused. The motion was agre·ed to. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler): Under Standing Order No. STANDING ORDERS COM·MITTEE. 273o, leave is not necessary. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ The ·motion was agreed to. surer) : By leave, I move-- The Bill ·was brought in and read That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Holding, Mr. Maclellan, Mr. Reece, Mr. Ross-Edwards, a first time. Mr. Stephen, .Mr. Whiting, and Mr. Wilkes be members of the Standing Orders Com­ Mr. HAMER .(Premier and Trea­ mittee; and that the committee have leave I to sit on days on which the House do~s not surer) : move-- meet; four to be the quorum. That the Bill .be .printed and, by ·leave, the second reading be made an Order of ,the day The motion ·was agreed to. for later this day. Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the COMPANY TAKE-OVERS Opposition) : Leave is refused. COMMITTEE. It was ordered that the Bill be Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ printed and tthe second reading be surer) : By leave, I move-- That Mr. Ebery, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Mcinnes, made an Order. of the Day for next and Mr. Wilton be members of the Company day. Session 1974.-3 66 Pay-roll Tax (Rate) Bill. [ASSEMBLY.] Films (Amendment) Bill.

PAY-ROLL TAX (RATE) BILL. the president councillors and ratepayers of the Shire of Sherbrooke to the Forests Com­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ mission and for other purposes. surer), pursuant to Standing Order Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): No. 273o, moved for leave to bring Leave is refused. in a BiH to increase the rate of pay­ roll tax under the Pay-roll Tax Act CAR·LTON LAND (UNIVERSITY 1971. WOMEN'S COLLEGE) BILL. The motion was agreed to. Mr. BORTHWICK .(Minister of The Bill was brought in and read Lands) : By leave, ·I move-- a first ·time. That I have leave to bring in a Bill to ·revoke the reservation of certain Crown land Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ at Carlton as a site .for a residential college surer) : I ·move-- for women at the That the Bill be .printed and, :by leave, the and to provide for the permanent reservation second reading be made an Order of the Day of the said land as a general residential for later this day. college at the University of Melbourne. Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) : Leave Mr. DOUBE '(Albert Park): Leave is refu·sed. is refused. It was ordered rthat the ~Bill be VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF printed and the second reading be MARINE SCIENCES BILL. made an Order of the Day for next day. Mr. BORTHWICK {Minister for Conservation) : By rleave, I move-- That I have leave to .bring in a Bill to FISHERIES BILL. establish a Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences and for purposes connected there­ Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for with. Cons·ervaiion), pursuant to Standing Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Order No. 273o, moved for leave to Leave is refused. bring in a Bill to amend ·the Fisheries Act 1968. FILMS (AMENDMENT) BILL. The motion was agreed to. Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) : The Bill ·was brought in and read By leave, :r move-- a first time. That I have leave to bring in a Bill to amend section 15 of the Films Act 1971. Mr. DOUBE (:Albert Park): Leave CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING is refused. SOCIETIFS BILL. Mr. .RAFFERTY (Minister of FRIENDLY SOCIETIES (BENEFITS) Labour and Industry) : By leave, I BILL. move-- Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) : That I have leave to bring in ·a Bill to By leave, I move- amend section 76 and section 77 of the Co­ That I have leave to bring in a Bill to operative Housing Societies Act 1958. amend section 26 of the Friendly Societies Mr. WI·LTON .(Broadmeadows): Act 1958. Leave ~is refused. Mr. DOUBE (Albert tPark) : Leave is refused.

THE ALFRED NICHOLAS ROAD SAFETY (EDUCATIONAL) MEMORIAL GARDENS BILL. BILL. Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary): Labour and Industry) : By leave, I By leave, I move-- move-- That I have leave to bring in a Bill to That I have leave to

HARBORS AND NAVIGABLE PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BlLL. WATERS CONTROL BILL. Mr. I. W. SMim (Minister of Agri­ Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public culture) : By leave, ·I move- Works): By leave, I move- That I have leave to bring in a Bill to That I have leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Pesticides Act 1958. amend the Melbourne Har.bor Trust Act 1958, the Geelong Harbor Trust Aot 1958, Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): the Portland Har.bor Trust Act 1958, the Harbor Boards Act 1958 and the Marine Act Leave is refused. 1958, and for other purposes. FERTILIZERS BILL. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows) : Leave is refused. Mr. I. W. SMim (Minister of Agri­ culture) : By leave, I move- That I have leave to bring in a Bill to con­ MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN solidate and amend the law relating to the BOARD OF WORKS (AMENDMENT) sale of agricultural limes, fertilizers ·and soil .BILL. conditioners and for other purposes . Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Works): By leave, I ·move- Leave is refused. That I have leave to bring m a Bill to amend the Melbourne ·and Metropolttan DRIED FRUITS (AMENDMENT) Board of Works Act 1958 and the Sewerage Districts Act 1958, and for other purposes. BILL. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Agri­ Mr. WILTON ·(Broadmeadows): culture) : By leave, I move- Leave is refused. That I have leave 'to bring in a Bill to amend the Dried Fruits Act 1958. BONNIE DOON (PUBLIC HALL) Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): LAND ·BILL. Leave is refused. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works) : By leave, I move-- PHARMACISTS BILL. That I have leave to bring in a Bill to Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of authorize the sale of certain land ·at Bonnie Doon, to .provide for the a·pplication of the Health) : By leave, I move- proceeds of sale and for other purposes. That I have leave to bring in ·a Bill to Te-enact with amendments the law relating Mr. WILTON '(Broadmeadows): to the registration of pharmacists and for Leave is refused. purposes connected therewith. 68 Deakin University Bill. [ASSEMBLY.] Water Resources Bill.·

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Mr•. BOR1HWICK · ·~inister of Leave is refused. Lands) moved for leave to bring in a Bill relating to certain Crown lands DEAKIN UNIVERSITY BILL. in the City of ·Melbourne. · Mr. THOMPSON (Min'ister of Edu­ The motion was agreed to. cation) presented a message from His Excellency the Governor recom­ The Bill was brought in and read mending that an appropriation be a first time. made from the Consolidated Fund for the purposes of the Deakin Uni­ WATER .RESOURCES BILL. versity Bill. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of .Public Works) presented a message from Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ His Excellency the· Governor recom­ cation) moved for ·leave to bring in ·mending that an appropriation be a Bill for the establishment and in­ made from the Consolidated Fund corporation of a university to be for the purposes of the Water Re­ known as Deaki~ University and for sources Bill. · other purpose.s. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public The motion ·was agreed to. Works) moved for leave to bring in The Bill was brought in and read a Bill to establish a Ministry of a first time. Water Resources and Water Supply for the purpose of ensuring the most efficient utilization of the water re­ GEELONG (LAND) BILL. sources of Victoria and for other Mr. BORTHWICK ·CMinister of purposes. Lands) presented a message from His Excellency the Governor recom­ The motion was agreed to. mending that an appropriation be The Bill was brought in and read made from the Consolidated Fund a first time. for the purposes of the Geelong (Land) Bill. FORESTS (AMENDMENT) BILL. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Lands) moved for leave to bring in Labour and Industry) : I move- a Bill to authorize the grant of cer­ That this Bill be now read ·a second time. tain land in the City of Geelong to the Geelong Harbor Trust Commis­ It covers a number of amendments sioners to amend the Geelong Lands to the Forests Act 1958. Clause 2 (1) Exchange Act 1972 and the Geelong (a) (i) provides for the deletion of Harbor Trust Act 1958 and for other the ·words "land ·within the ·Mallee purposes. country within the meaning of the Land Act 1958 or " from the inte·r­ The motion was agreed to. pretation of "Fire protected area" in section 3 (1) of the principal Act. The Bill was brought in and read This amendment will remedy the a first time. situation of the non-application of certain fire protection provisions of MELBOURNE (ALEXANDRA the Act to State forests and national GARDENS) LAND BILL. parks within the Mallee country. Exclusion of Mallee country, which Mr. BORTHWICK ·~Minister of is only loosely defined in the Land Lands) presented a message from Act, had its origin in times when His Excellency the Governor recom­ clearing of MaBee and burning in mending that an appropriation be the summer months was quite ex:­ ·made from the· Consolidated Fund tensive. In addition, at that time ~or the purpos~s .of the ·Melb.ourn~ there was no provision to excise (Alexandra .Gardens) Land .Bill .. part of the fire protected area as can Forests (Amendment) [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 69 now be accomplished under section that the closure of roads and so on, 3 (3) and section 3 ( 4) of the Forests shall be effected by the erection of Act. barriers. In addition, the Bill pro­ vides that roads and so on, may be Clause 2 (1) (a) (ii) will enable closed temporarily by authorized land, within 1 mile of " protected forest officers. This will enable public land "· -which is defined in prompt action to be taken at local clause 2 (1) (c) of the Bill-to be district level in the event of a road included in the ·fire protected area, being rendered unsafe and dangerous and provides for protected public for use by the public because of land to become part of the fire pro­ heavy rain, landslip, washaway or tected area. other hazard. This amendment will Clause 2 (1) (b) provides that the make it possible to take prompt prohibited period for protected pub­ effective action to protect the public· lic land shall be the whole year, and from hazardous situations on roads for land within 1 mile of protected and tracks and so on in forest areas. public land to be subject to the The amendment to section 23 (2) prohiQited period declared by the contained in ·clause 4 provides an Minister. The interpretation of "pro­ increase from $3,000 to $10,000 in tected public land " is given in clause the amount of contract consideration, 2 .(1) (c), namely- in excess of which the sanction of " Protected public land" means any lands the Minister is required. The amount of the Crown not being within a State forest was increased to ·$3,000 by the For­ or a national park declared to be protected public land pursuant to the provisions of ests (Amendment) Act 1968, No. sub-section ( 1) of section 62 of this Act. 7674, and the proposed increase to $10,000 -is justified by the rate at Clauses 2 (2) and 2 (3) contain which average weekly wages and consequential amendments. Clause other costs have increased since 2 (2) excludes protected public land from the fire protected area which is 1968. subject to a prohibited period declared Section 45 (2) of the principal Act by the Minister, and clause 2 (3) contains the words " in the next suc­ provides that the Minister, after ceeding sub-section ". This expres­ consultation with the commission, sion is incorrect as there is no such may declare any land within 1 mile succeeding sub-section. The amend­ of protected public land not to be a ment contained in clause 5 provides fire protected area. These amend­ for the insertion of the correct ex­ ments, together with others in pression, which is " section 46 ". clauses 7 and 8 of the Bill, will give effect to recommendations of the The purpose of amendment to sec­ Land Conservation Council for the tion 50 of the principal :Act proposed application of fire protection by clause 6 (a) is to strengthen the measures to national parks and other tenure of areas of forest set aside Crown land not being within State as forest parks, scenic reserves, al­ forest or national park. pine reserves, roadside reserves or Section 21 of the principal Act special purpose reserves. Under the was amended by the Forests existing Act these reserves may be (Amendment) Act 1970, No. 8035, set aside and varied or revoked by to provide the commission with the commission. The amendment power to close for such period as it gives this power to the Governor thinks fit, or with the approval of in Council in lieu of the commission. the Governor in Council, permanent­ This change is considered appropri­ ly, the whole or any part of a road, ate in the light of the increasing role track, tramway or other work con­ that such areas are playing in Vic­ structed or maintained by the com­ toria's system of nature reserves and mission. It is now desired to define parks. 70 Forests (Amendment) [ASSEMBLY.] Bill.

Section 50 (4) of the principal Act public lands in accordance ·with provides for the payment of travel­ agreement reached between the ling allowances to members of com­ Forests Commission and the ·Ministry mittees of management, not being for Conservation. officers or employees of the Public Service, but makes no such provision Section 94A of the principal Act. for members of advisory committees. which provides for farm forestry Clause 6 (b) of the Bill will remedy agreements, was introduced by the this anomaly by providing that mem­ Forests (Amendment) Act 1964. bers of advisory committees may re­ Since then a number of deficiencies ceive travelling allowances. have become apparent in the legis­ lative basis of the farm forestry Clause 7 introduces a new sub­ scheme. The purpose of clause 9 of section 62 (1) into the principal Act, the Bill is to remedy those defici­ which will enable the Governor in Council, by order, to declare " any encies. lands of the Crown not being within Sub-clause (1) deletes the words a State forest or a national park" " by instalments or otherwise" from to be protected public land on the section 94A ( 1) . The purpose of this joint recommendation of the Minister amendment is to eliminate confusion of Forests and the ·Minister of Lands in the meaning and use of the word or the 'Minister for Conservation and for revocation in the same manner. " advances " in section 94A ( 1) and Hence, under this amendment pro­ of the words " advances " and " in­ tected public land as defined will be stalments " in section 94A (7) aS' afforded the necessary protection amended by clause 9 (5) (b) of the from fire. Bill. Clause 7 of the Bill also inserts Sub-clause (2) provides for into the Forests Act a new sub­ amendments to section 94A (3) (c). section (2) to section 62 which firstly by replacing sub-paragraph (i) places a duty on the commission to which requires an owner to plant carry out fire prevention and sup­ not ·less than 5 acres of the area pression work in any national park within two years of the agreement. and protected public land as well as with a sub-paragraph which will re­ in State forests, but requires that quire an owner to plant the area agreement be reached with the managing authority as to fire pre­ specified in the agreement within the vention work in national parks and specified time, and secondly by in­ on protected public land. Failing serting a new sub-paragraph (iii) agreement the section provides for which will establish the procedure determination by the Governor in to be followed by an owner in the Council. event of the destruction of a planta­ tion in whole or in part, by fire. Clause 8 provides for protected public land to be subject to the pro­ disease or any other agency. visions of section 63 of the Forests Sub-clause (3) introduces a new Act ·with respect to fire-lighting re­ sub-section (3A) into section 94A of strictions, to section 65 relating to the the principal Act the purpose of removal of fire hazards, and section which is to permit the commission 67 concerning the prevention of to lodge a caveat forbidding the spread and reporting of fires. As registration of any person as trans­ mentioned earlier, this section, to­ feree or proprietor of, or of any gether with clauses 2 and 7 of the instrument affecting any land the sub­ Bill, give effect to recommendations ject of an agreement under section of the Land Conservation Council 94A. This amendment is necessary for the protection from fire of because, as the Act stands at national parks and other protected present, dealings in land which is Mr. Rafferty. Forests (Amendment) [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 71 the subject of an agreement or dis­ Sub-clause (7) (a) extends the posal of a deceased owner's estate meaning of the word " owner " in may occur without the commission's section 94A (a) to include a "mort­ knowledge. The lodging of a caveat gagor under the general law ". The will ensure that the commission be­ commission, on the advice of the comes aware of these matters and Crown Solicitor, has not entered into will be able to take steps to protect farm forestry agreements with loans outstanding under an agree­ mortgagors of land under the general ment. law as the Crown Solicitor has stated that such a mortgagor may Sub-clause (4) substitutes a new not be held to be an owner within sub-section for present sub-section the meaning of section 94A (8). This (4) of section 94A. The present sub­ amendment seeks to remedy that section provides that any moneys position. Sub-clause 7 (b) inserts in owing under an agreement will section 94A (8) a definition of the become due and payable if meaning of the term " the rate of the owner, during the term of yield to maturity " which is con­ the loan, sells transfers and so· tained in new sub-section (7A) of on, the land to which the agree­ section 94A. ment relates. New sub-section Clause 3 of the Bill provides for (4) is of broader application and amendments to section 21 of the provides that the balance of any principal Act in relation to closing moneys owing will become due and of roads and has been explained payable if the owner contravenes or previously. Further related amend­ fails to comply with any covenant to ments to section 96 of the principal which the agreement is subject. Act are provided under clause 10 which will make it an offence to re­ Sub-clause (5) (a) amends section move any barrier erected to close a 94A (7 A) by substituting for the rate road or to drive a vehicle on a road, of 5 per cent per annum on ad­ track, tramway or other work con­ vances, "a rate determined in ac­ structed or maintained by the com­ cordance with sub-section (7A) ". mission which is closed for use by Sub-section (7 A) is inserted in sec­ the public. tion 94A by sub-clause (6) of the Clause II proposes to amend two Bill and provides that the rate of of the sub-sections of section 99 of interest payable by owners on ad­ the principal Act; firstly sub-section vances under farm forestry agree­ (I6), so that the Governor in Coun­ ments shall be, in short, the current cil may make regulations to regulate long-term bond rate. camping in State forests as well as the establishment and conduct of Sub-clause 5 (b) contains a series recreation grounds and camping of amendments to section 94A areas ; and secondly sub-section (7) of the principal Act the I9 (c) , to enable the Governor in purpose of which is to enable Council to make regulations to pre­ any owner who has received more scribe the fees, expenses and allow­ than one advance under an agree­ ances to be paid to representatives ment tO' have the advances consoli­ of the timber industry on the Timber Promotion Committee. I commend dated so that repayment may be the Bill to the House. made by one instalment, half yearly, throughout the repayment period. On the motion of Mr. WILTON Sub-clause (6) inserts a new sub­ (Broadmeadows) , the debate was section (7A) in section 94A. The adjourned. purpose of this amendment is stated It was ·Ordered that the debate be in the explanation of sub-clause adjourned until Tuesday, September 5 ~). 24. 72 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

ADJOURNMENT. The SPFAKER (the Hon. K. H. SMALL ESTATES-ROAD SAFETY AND Wheeler): Order! Is it necessary for TRAFFIC AUTHORITY-UNDATED LET­ the honorable member to read the TERS-CREDIT SOCIETIES-SEAT­ correspondence? BELT LEGISLATION - NATHALIA ~Mr. WILTON : I do not think it is PRIMARY SCHOOL-SECOND FAWK­ necessary for me :to read it. The NER SCOUT GROUP-UNANSWERED M-inister would have the file, and. his QUESTIONS-HEATHERTON LAND- office ·could probe the matter for him. WORKERS COMPENSATION-SHOP All I want to say is that this matter TRADING HOURS-SUPERMARKET was first raised last November and ADVERTISING. the ·Minister indicated that a report Mr. THOMPSON ,(Minister of Edu­ had !been obtained from the appro­ cation) :I move- priate officer in his department. I That the House, at its rising, adjourn until now ask the Minister .if 'he is pre­ tomorrow, ·at half-past three o'clock. pared to finalize the matte·r with a The motion was agreed to. view to acceding to the request that has been submitted to him. Mr. THOMPSON .(Minis-ter of Edu­ cation) : I ;move- Mr. EDMUNDS (!Moonee Ponds): I That the House do now adjourn. wish to raise with the Chief Secre­ tary a matter concerning the admini­ Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): I stration of the Road Safety and Traffic wish to raise a rna tter with the Authority. ·on many occasions, the Attorney-General. In November of authority's regulations, which have last year I raised with the honor­ been promulgated and approved by able gentleman a question concern­ the -Governor in Council, which -is ing the Probate Office, and in par­ the Cabinet~ in respect to traffic ticular, a matter which I referred to counts, appear to favour mobile traffic as " small estates ". I understand as against pedestrians. there is a small estates section in the In the Moonee :Ponds electorate Pr

pedestrian traffic :count is too low to ing this procedure--! will not discuss have an ove·rpass erected. The City that aspect now-but undated of Essendon has attempted, through ·material is contrary to normal com­ :its engineer, to have the Road Traffic ·mercial practice. I would not, as a and Safety Authority examine the lawyer, sign a letter •which was un­ matter .in respect to traffic ·counts. dated, and I am sure my lawyer I submit that if a traffic count was colleagues would agree with me that taken on a night during 1the Royal it is not a good practice to do so. Agricultur·al Show, or on a Saturday 1 ask the ~Premier to dis·cuss this night when a trotting meeting was matter with Cabinet Ministers with conducted, there would be an ade­ a view to having letters dated before quate count to justify the city's ·call they are signed. I realize that a for the construction of a pedestrian letter could be delayed after it is overpass type bridge. I know it typed and therefore 'i:t is considered would take some time. The ·matter wise not to date letters until they was considered at a combined meet­ are signed. However, the despatch ing of the parents of the two schools of ·a letter undated only delays it in the area. The parents are par­ further. A Minister might as well be ticularly concerned about .their chil­ honest about 1the position and say dren because of so many near misses that it took a •couple of days to have on the crossing, and also because of a Jetter signed. Anybody would the ·latest fatal accident which understand that. occurred there. I bring th'is matter up as a piece I invite the Chief Secretary to of constructive ·criticism of the examine the Road Traffic and Safety present system. I ask the Premier Authority's regulations in respect to discuss it at a Cabinet meeting to to .traffic counts, as it seem·s that the ascertain whether the system ~could regulations are biased in favour of be changed. vehicles and against the safety of Mr. WILUAMS '(Box Hill) : I wish pedestrians. I ask the honor·able to raise W!ith the Attorney-General gentleman as a matter of urgency to the problem borrowing money is consider the proposition put forward creating ·with ·credit ·soc'ieties in Vic­ by me and the City of Essendon con­ toria. I understand that under the cerning the provision of a pedestrian Money 'Lenders Act credit societies overpass at Burrows Street in Moonee are unable to charge more than 14 Ponds. per ·cent interest. However, in view ·Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of of the present ruling market, U is the Country Party) : I wish to direct necessary :that credit societies should to the attention of the Premier a be enabled to ·charge at least 18 per question relating to undated material cent to be viable. emanating from the offices of The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Ministers. I do not ·want to say this Wheeler): ·Is this a maVter of Gov·ern­ in any sense of criticism, and iJ do ment administration for which a not want to name specific ·Ministers, Minister is responsible? but I receive on an average at least ·Mr. WIL'LIAMS: Yes, Mr. Speaker; one undated letter a week from a the Attorney-General administers the Minister. When this occurs, I instruct Money ·Lenders Act which affects my secretary to ring the department the ·co-operative credit societies in concerned to obtain a date for the Victoria. Under that Act, societies letter. I make a note of the date on in Victori·a are 'limited to a ·maximum my copy of the letter because it could charge of 14 per cent. In Queens­ be important at some later stage. I land, however, .the maximum permis­ believe it is the general practice for sible rate is 20 per cent. Because of letters from Ministers to be undated the high ruling rates of interest when they are typed. The Ministers being charged on the money market·, perhaps have good reasons for adopt- co-operative credit unions must 74 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. charge their .customers-the borrow­ I am also concerned about the ers-at :least 18 per cent interest to number of motorists in Victoria who be viable. Unfortunately, because are booked for wearing seat belts the societies are unable to borrow on not correctly adjusted. If the Chief the money market, they are facing Secretary takes the time to read the defic'its and are unable to advance legislation he will find that it refers money to borrowers. 1ln my com­ to vehicles in motion and not to munity, f.or example, there are ,five stationary vehicles. Therefore, if the or six ·co-operative ~credit societies police see a driver who is not wearing emh~adng some 2,000 ·to 3,000 his seat belt, it is possible for them families. to pull up that motorist and say," You are not wearing a seat belt ". How­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. ·H. ever if they stop a motorist on the Wheeler): Could the honorable mem­ road and say, " Your seat belt is not ber come ·to the point? correctly adjusted ", by the time the Mr. WIULIAM,S: I am emphasizing vehicle is stopped, all the motorist has how socially i~mportant co-operative to do is to unfasten the seat belt and unions are in our society. The under the Act he is exonerated. advances ·made by co-operative The police should be informed of credit organizations in Victoria total this situation. I shall be interested something like $50 million. Unfor­ to learn how some of these cases are tunately, the societies are ham­ handled in the courts. To refresh strung by legislation which does not the memory of the Chief Secretary of exist in other States. the provisions relating to seat belts, If these societies are to be ham­ I refer to the Motor Car (Safety) Act. strung by legislation that is not Section 31B states- wanted in other States, unnecessary A person shall not be seated in a motor harm will be done to small people in car, that is in motion, in a seat for which the community. The co-operative a safety belt is provided unless he is wearing the safety belt and it is properly adjusted credit societies are an important and securely fastened. aspect of the financial community. I The car has to be in motion. If it is appeal to the Attorney-General to try stopped, it does not matter how' the to rectify the situation. I am sure belt is fitted, and there is no way in that if his officers considered the which the police can obtain a matter, they would find that the conviction. position needs to be rectified, parti­ cularly in view of what is taking place The Act ought to be amended. The in the Australian Capital Territory seat belt legislation is good and is where naturally the high interest rates worthy of its introduction by the have been brought about by Federal Government. The Government ought Government policy. to move quickly to amend the Act to Mr. WILKES (Northcote): cover a person wearing a seat belt On two previous occasions I have which is not correctly adjusted. I do drawn the attention of the Chief not wish to see a host of unnecessary Secretary to the inadequacy of the cases cluttering up the courts. The motor car seat belt legislation. Act should be amended in the in­ A situation has now been reached terests of road safety and of facilitat­ in Victoria where drivers have ing the work of the courts. been booked by police for not Mr. BAXTER (Murray Valley): having their seat belts adjusted I raise a question with the Minister correctly. This action by the of Education as a consequence of a police is completely illegal. In ac­ question I asked earlier in the day cordance with the regulation and the concerning the replacement of derelict legislation they are acting improperly. toilet blocks in some Victorian pri­ I am surprised that nothing has been mary schools. I appreciate the done by the Chief Secretary regard­ problem the Minister has had with ing this matter. the shortage of funds in this area Adjournment. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.) Adjournment. 75

over the past year, but I draw his the organization was completely un­ attention particularly to Nathalia aware of the refusal until I found Primary Schoo·l where approval was out about it today. given on 23rd October last year­ about eleven months ago-for there­ Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park): I raise placement of the school toilet block. the matter of unanswered questions Documentation has been completed of the previous session of the Parlia­ and estimates established and it is ment. On previous occasions when ready to go to tender but has been Parliament adjourned questions on deferred on the ground that funds the Notice Paper were answered by are not available. I have had the correspondence from the various opportunity of inspecting this toilet Ministers. I had a number of ques­ block. It is in a deplorable condition. tions on the Notice Paper, one of I am sure the House will agree that which was addressed to the Trea­ where young children are involved it surer. I realize that as another session is vitally important that toilet facili­ of Parliament has commenced it will t.ies be of the highest standard. I par­ be necessary to place the question ticularly ask the Minister to take steps on the Notice Paper again. It has to ensure that the tenders are called been five months since it was asked soon for the replacement of the toilet originaUy and I hope the Minister can block at Nathalia Primary School. expedite the answer to the question. Mr. BILLING (Heatherton): I raise ~r. ROPER (Brunswick West): a matter which is becoming in­ I direct a matter to the attention of creasingly urgent to a number of the Minister for Youth Sport and landowners and residents of Heather­ Recreation. It concerns' the Second ton. It concerns the Minister for Fawkner Scout Group which some Local Government and the Minister years ago applied for a grant of for Planning and it has to do with $1,800 from the then Youth Advisory the town planning authority of the Council for building purposes. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board amount was comparatively small. of Works which nearly three years The association asked for this ago on behalf of the Government in­ money or a portion thereof. It waited troduced amendments to the town for a reply and contacted the Youth planning scheme, particularly a Advisory Council on a number of oc­ notorious amendment known as casions. It appears that in the " Amendment 21 ". On previous changeover to the Department of occasions I have raised the particular Youth, Sport and Recreation a deci­ difficulties which confront these sion was made not to approve the people who are and have been for grant but this decision was not com­ nearly three years under a proposal municated to the body concerned. If for amendment of zoning and town it had received a refusal it would planning. The situation in Heatherton have come back with an amended for most landholders has reached a application and as~ed for various critical stage. They are not able to sell other forms of grant for which it t~eir ·land or pay their rates and many was eligible. of them have exhausted their opportu­ nities of production on unproductive I ask the Minister for Youth, Sport land. and Recreation to examine the reason In three cases which have been why this application was refused, and directed to my attention the people why the Second Fawkner Scout concerned !Ire dependent on using Group was not notified whether there part of their hard-earned savings to are other similar cases'because of the meet their everyday obligations. This changeover and whether the honor­ does not apply only in my electorate· able . gentleman will be prepared to it applies in every electorate i~ consider a fresh application even which the town planning procedures though it is late in the year, because are proceeding at a snail's pace. It 76 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

is unjust that it should take nearly Subsequently the solicitor acting ·three years for the objections to this for the injured worker indicated that plan to be heard. .I ask that the the case would go to the Workers Minister for Local Government and Compensation Board, whereupon the Minister for Planning give an assur­ insurance company refused to make ance that these people will be told a any weekly payment. It was only certain date on which the hearing of this week, when the union took action these objections will be concluded, so and gave the employer a month to that they will know what their future change its insurance company, if it is in holding this land. continued to adopt that attitude, that payment was forthcoming. I ask the The matter was of extreme Chief Secretary to investigate economic importance twelve months whether this is the normal practice ago and, with the escalation of costs, of this company and, if so, to take it is even more so today. This is par­ steps to rectify the position. ticularly so because of proposals by municipal councils to raise rates and 1\'Ir. KIRKWOOD (Preston): valuations. Those concerned who are I present to the Minister of Labour primary producers are now making and Industry two· suggestions for­ representations for a preferential warded to me by the Preston City water rate but they do not expect to Council to help combat inflation. The get it. I implore the Minister con­ first is that late night trading be cerned to do something to relieve the abolished. This is long overdue, and difficult position of these people who the Minister and his advisers would probably be aware of this. cann0t 1 work unproductive land because it is uneconomic to produce Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of vegetables in what was once one Labour and Industry): Mr. Speaker, of the best vegetable-producing areas this is a matter of legislation. around Melbourne. Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston): The Minister could sponsor new legisla­ Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir): tion. There is no doubt that late .I direct to the notice of the Chief night trading contributes towards in­ Secretary a matter concerning flation and that the consumer must workers compensation payments. It bear the cost. concerns the Chamber of Manufac­ tures Insurance Company, St. Kilda The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Road, Melbourne. I have received in­ Wheeler): What is it that the honor­ formation from the Food Preservers able member wants? Union that a Mrs. Smellick, of Ken­ Mr. KIRKWOOD: I ask the Minis­ sington, slipped and broke her ankle ter to consider introducing ·amend­ on her way home from work at ments to the legislation. Flinders Street station on 30th June, The SPEAKER: A suggestion to a 1974. About two weeks ago her son Minister anticipating a change ~n telephoned the union office and stated legislation is out of order. that his mother had received no com­ Mr. KIRKWOOD: There is another pensation payment. He had been in suggestion which relates to the same touch with her employer, Rosella matter. The council advises that in Foods Pty. Ltd., and was re­ its opinion the Minister should con­ ferred to an officer of the insurance sider the banning of large-scale company, who told him that the com­ advertising by chain grocery stores. pany was waiting for Mrs. Smellick to Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of attend its office for an interview Labour and Industry) : Mr. Speaker, before it made a payment. I point I understand that only one matter out that at the time she was suffering can be raised by any honorable mem­ a broken ankle, which was in plaster. ber; this is a separate matter. After further discussions with the The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. officer it was finally stated that a Wheeler): The honorable member for cheque would be forwarded by mail. Preston raised two matters but . I Adjournment. [10 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 77 ruled one out of order. The second as money lenders. What the matter is in order. He is putting credit unions object to is having to forward another suggestion, and register as money lenders. That is until he has been heard it is not somewhat different from the Govern­ possible for anyone to say that he is ment having authority, which it does suggesting certain things. not have in this case, to govern the Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston): The rate of interest charged by credit point I make is that the Preston City unions. The association representing Council believes that the Minister credit unions did see me and the sub­ should consider the effects of large­ mission that it made is under careful scale advertising by grocery stores. consideration. It is not altogether un­ All honorable members are aware reasonable in the present situation that the daily papers contain many that if a body is lending money at pages of this type of advertising, and 14 per cent it should be registered as so do the suburban newspapers. This advertising adds to the costs which a money lender. The other aspect is consumers must bear. They are a that 14 per cent seems to me to be factor in inflation which affects con­ a pretty high rate of interest, and it sumers in many ways. It is proper should not be encouraged to go for a municipality to have the inter­ higher. ests of its ratepayers at heart and make such an obvious'ly worth-while Mr. ROSSITER {Chief Secretary): suggestion. This is something to The honorable member for Moonee which the Minister should give con­ Ponds referred to traffic counts con­ sideration. ducted by the Road Safety and Traffic Authority. I will undertake to let him Mr. WILCOX .(Attorney-General): have a clear statement on how the The honorable member for Broad­ authority conducts its traffic count. meadows referred to probate on small estates. I have no doubt that, The honorable member referred also as he said, he raised this matter with to the provision of a pedestrian over­ me in November of last year, and pass near the showground, especially that I indicated that it would be for use on trotting nights and during investigated. I have a recollection the Royal Agricultural Show. I agree from early this year that it came be­ that this question ought to be fore me and it was decided that no examined, and I will see that this is action need be taken. My memory done. may be astray and I shall be happy to check and advise the honorable The Deputy Leader of the Opposi­ member whether any action will be tion raised· a question on the seat belt taken. legislation, one of the great achieve­ ments of this Government. If the The honorable member for Box Hill police are acting illegally in detecting raised the problems of credit union interest rates. I agree with him about offences, of course the Government the valuable contribution which will see that the legislation is credit unions make to financing the changed, and it will be done in a way various affairs of their members. that will strengthen the law. Perhaps the position is even more The honorable member for Reser­ simple than the honorable member voir mentioned Mrs. Ann Smellick, stated. He suggested that it was up of Flat 95, 56 Derby Street, Kensing­ to the Government to allow credit unions to charge a higher rate of ton, who broke her ankle. I do not interest. That is not the position. know whether this matter can be in­ If the credit unions raised the in­ vestigated by a Government instru­ terest rate above 14 per cent the only mentality, but I will see what I can restrictions on them would be that do and will inform the honorable they would have to be reregistered member. 78 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Mr. DUNSTAN (M:inister of Public Treasurer): The Leader of the Works): The honorable member for Country Party referred to undated Heatherton raised a matter concerning correspondence emanating from cer­ amendments to the Melbourne and tain unnamed and unspecified offices Metropolitan Planning Scheme. I am of Cabinet Ministers. As the matter not aware of the details of the matter was raised generally, I shall reply in he raised but he impressed me of its general terms. In my view all cor­ urgency because of the hardship it is respondence should be dated when it causing his constituents. I assure him is prepared, and if it is not then signed that I will immediately take up this promptly, the date should be changed. matter with my colleague, the I will ask my colleagues to try to Minister for Local Government and ensure that all correspondence carries request him to expedite a hearing and a date. All honorable members are so try to relieve the hardship men­ entitled to receive correspondence tioned by the honorable member. which carries a date so that it can be identified and also so that it can Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of be referred to accurately if a reply is Labour and Industry) : I have taken necessary. It should also carry a date a note of the suggestions made by for the information of constituents the honorable member . for Preston. when it is passed on to them, in ac­ However, both of them, in the con­ cordance with the usual procedure. text in which he raised them, would need legislation and the Government Concerning the matter raised by the at present does not have any plans honorable member for Deer Park, an to legislate on either subject. undertaking was given by the Deputy Premier at the conclusion of the Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, autumn sessional period that ques­ Sport and Recreation) : Regarding tions which remained on the Notice the matter raised by the honorable Paper would be answered directly by member for Brunswick West, I letter. If the honorable member apologize if there has been any asked a question and I have offended mishap to the application made by by not replying to it, I apologize to the Second Fawkner Scout Group to him. If he can give me the number the Youth Advisory Council for a of the question I shall ensure that he building grant of approximately receives a reply. $2,400. The application may not have Mr. GINIFER: I shall place the been proceeded with by the State question on the Notice Paper again. Youth Council, which makes recom­ Mr. HAM'ER: I am offering the mendations to the Minister for the honorable member a quicker method granting of money for building. I will of reply to his question, but if he see that the matter is looked into, and again places it on the Notice Paper I would be prepared to receive a I shall ensure that he receives a fresh application and deal with it prompt reply. accordingly. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of In the past year approximately Education) : In reply to the honor­ $1 miUion has been expended on able member for Murray Valley, I confess that I am not familiar with these types of grants and $37,619 has the lavatory at the Nathalia Primary gone to scout organizations. As I School. However, I am prepared to said before, the department is pre­ accept his word . that it is an old pared to investigate whether an ap­ model which has extensive ventila­ plication has inadvertently not been tion, much of it in the wrong spot. dealt with as effectively as it should Therefore, I will investigate whether have been. it is possible to bring forward a replacement project to remedy the The motion was agreed to. situation. The House adjourned at 10.18 p.m. Unemployment (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.) Relief. 79

and according to few guidelines. illtgi.alntint C!tnuuril. Money was made available immedia­ tely, often on the basis of a telephone Wednesday, September 11, 1974. call, to assist to remedy unemploy­ ment. This was done in full co-oper­ ation with local government. Our objective would be to ensure that this The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond is what occurs again. Garrett) took the chair at 4.24 p.m., However we are a little disturbed and read the prayer. by the announcement that the plan will be administered by a Federal UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF. committee of Ministers who will ap­ prove projects. This is bound to The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern occasion delay, which we would seek Province) (By leave): I wish to ask to avoid. We have been told, a question without notice. In view through announcements, that State of the statements by the Prime Min­ local and voluntary organizations will ister that unemployment relief be invited to suggest projects. We moneys will be made available to the hope we will be able to use the State extent of about $2 million a week, machinery to get speedy approval of will the Minister for Local Govern­ projects at the local level without ment make urgent representations to the need to go to Canberra. the Federal Government requesting a fair share of this money for Victoria, We are told, too, that the Federal and also requesting that the money Government will establish standing be channelled through local govern­ committees in the various States. We ment to the municipalities on the hope they will make use of the exist­ same satisfactory basis as was done ing standing committee and all the with the earlier unemployment relief machinery which worked so effect­ moneys? ively and so promptly on the last occasion when it was necessary The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister to introduce such a scheme. for Local Government) (By leave): Urgent representations have oeen At this stage we are aware only from made to Canberra today and the press statements of the details of the Premier made a brief announcement plan decided upon by Federal Cabinet this afternoon. I assure honorable yesterday. We fully support the members that this will be followed objectives announced in the Federal up. I understand that the Federal Government's press statement which scheme is to be supplemented by are to provide for employment on legislation. It is to be hoped that worth-while community projects in those features of the scheme which need to be improved to ensure that areas of high unemployment, whether it will work effectively and promptly city or country. will be improved. A fortnight ago, in expectation of the need for the reintroduction of PAPERS. such a scheme, we called together The following papers, pursuant to our State committee which operated the directions of several Acts of previously. That committee is geared Parliament, were laid on the table by to undertake distribution of unem­ the Clerk- ployment relief in the same way Public Service Act-Public Service (Public as previously occurred. The pre­ Service Board) Regulations-Regulations amended (Nos. 115 to 122) (eight vious scheme was administered ex­ papers). tremely satisfactorily, as I think all Town and Country Planning Act 1961- honorable members will agree, with a Geelong Planning Scheme 1959-Amend­ minimum of fuss, without red tape ment No. 13, 1972 (City of Newtown). Electoral Commission [COUNCIL.] Bill.

"ELECTORAL COMMISSION BILL. him into Parliament, they deserved The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ the honour of having the smallest bourne North Province): I move- number of electors in any electorate That this Bill be now read a second time. in the State. That position has been altered somewhat by the introduction The Bill has the modest but seemingly of voting for eighteen-year olds. impossible goal of establishing demo­ cratic Government in Victoria. The Liberal Government has Electoral justice in Victoria is remained in office ever since, but clamped in an iron mask. The demo­ only at the sacrifice of its honour cratic ideal of one vote, one value, and our freedom. It has made the has never been allowed to take root Parliament of Victoria a modern .and flourish in the 125 years or there­ Noah's Ark. No one gets in except abouts of self-government in Victoria. on conditions laid down by the pro­ prietor-! mean the Government. In the early 1950s, there seemed When I have introduced a similar to be a chance of this. The Legis­ Bill before there has been only one lative Council, having kept the speaker fo; the Government, the Min­ popular will at bay for 100 years, gave ister. The tongue'less silence of hon­ way to adult suffrage-grudgingly, orable members who support the of course. Nothing it seemed, Government-on the principle of one stood in the way of electing a free vote, one value-a malady rare among Parliament-but just wait and see. public men, came about becau~e on There was nothing but the predatory this issue nothing can be said to .activities of a Government about to justify the injustice of the present fall under the executioner's axe of the electoral system imposed upon this Country Party. Mr. McDonald will State. remember that. By no means a student of constitutional history, the Members of the Government party seek the charity of silence but they hard-pressed Premier fell back on the forget that there have been no greater precedent of the most despised Par­ sinners against Parliamentary demo­ liament in our constitutional history, cracy than themselves. At a time the Long Parliament. The Lo~g P~r­ liament passed a law declarmg 1ts when Parliamentary institutions are members elected for ·life. under scrutiny and threat throughout the world, there is nothing more des­ The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON: It was picable than to undermine the institu­ for eleven years, was it not? tion from within. We are here to guard, not to garotte, Parliamentary The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: It institutions. · was longer than that. Its members did not attain their desires, but they This Bill gives a constitutional passed a law that Parliament could guarantee of a representative Parlia­ not be dissolved without their con­ m.ent in both Houses in the State of sent which, in effect, meant that they Victoria, something we have never were there for life, and so was the had. Parliament. The Hon. M. A. CLARKE: Does it ensure that an equa'l number of Sir was not a man to women will be represented? be upstaged by any of Cromwell's The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: All roundheads, and he put through a that one can say is that women have redistribution ensuring that his the vote and their vote will not be Government-not the members of deleted or distorted any more than Parliament but the Government­ that of a man. If this Bill becomes stayed for life. Our village Hampden law the next election will see the declared that every elector in his first democratically elected Parlia­ ·electorate was worth at 'least two ment in the history of Victoria. Hope­ electors anywhere . else. . Having ful'ly, that is an. exciting, not a dull, demonstrated their sagacity in voting prospect. Session 1974.-3 Electoral Commission [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 81

It is a simple Bill which will ensure in Victoria, and there have been that the vote of the gentlest and most notable instances throughout Aus­ self-effacing of Collingwood sup­ tralia. porters will carry the same weight as that of the distinguished Chief The withdrawal of the power of Justice. That is what democracy the Parliament to knock back a re­ means. The Bill bestows no favours distribution-which I suggest should on any person, party, or group. All follow because of the conduct of are equal before God and, under this Governments throughout Australia­ Bill, the ballot-box. is brought about by the necessity of taking it away from the Executive. I am aware that the Government When the commissioners present a will resist this measure tooth and report, there is always a tendency to claw, just as its predecessors resisted open it up and sneak a look, see how the popular will for more than a cen­ one's own seat fares, and to get busy tury. The slings and arrows that will among one's colleagues saying, " We be hurled at the Bill are predictable, must protect poor old Joe." Then, for but not beyond endurance. But may reasons that seem of the noblest, the I be permitted to hurl across the redistribution is undone and the Chamber not a sling but a challenge. commissioners are forgotten or have No one can say that this Bill is un­ to start aU over again. fair. No one can say that it will bring about a gerrymander. No one can The principle adopted in the Bill say that it contains a solitary prin­ sets a precedent for Australia, but ciple which is unacceptable to those the British Parliament follows it. who are determined to preserve " Gerrymander " is not a word which Parliament as I am and, I hope, we can be used about that Parliament all are. and I hope that the, word will vanish from this Parliament and every other The Bill, properly I believe, for the Parliament in Australia. I believe first time in the history of Australian the passing of this Bill is the government, State or Federal, takes only way to accomplish that. I shall out of the hands of any Government not go through the Bill clause by the power to interfere or override clause. It sets out the duties of the a redistribution as set out by the commission. The terms of reference judicial commissioners. I remind the are that what the commission brings House that the commission, which back to Parliament goes, like it or will virtually be a continuing body, not. Is that unfair? Of course it is will be bound to undertake a redistri­ not! bution from time to time, at intervals of not more than two years and to Anticipating, with some reason, allow for a tolerance of up to 10 per that the opponents of this Bill will cent discrepancy in the number of urge that country people should have electors in the electorates. a greater say in the election of a Parliament than those who live in The Bill takes out of the hands of cities, may I ask on what principle any Government the power to juggle this quaint anomaly is based? gerrymander, distort, or monkey The main argument is that country with a redistribution. Regrettably, members have long distances to the power is also taken away from travel, but that will always be so. Parliament but Australian and Vic­ Whether a member lives in Echuca torian precedents are to be deplored. or Wombat Hill, the Bill makes no· From time to time, Governments difference to him. He must still come throughout Australia have been cor­ to Melbourne. Country members rupted by power. It has been found must travel long distances, both in that they will do anything to per­ their electorates and to and from petuate their own authority. That is Parliament. I acknowledge that this true of the Liberal Party Government imposes a burden that is not cast on 82 Electoral Commission [COUNCIL.] Bill. me. I can be at Parliament House matter as important as the franchise in a few minutes. I am conscious of these principles should be carefully the integrity and workmanlike quali­ considered before a blanket proposi­ ties of country members. I have seen tion is adopted. Because a person, them in this House and despite their whether he is a Collins Street farmer, privations they appear healthy. They an engineer, a school teacher or a doc­ do not seem to be candidates for the tor, is living in the country should grave, invalidism or retirement. The he be given four votes to every one healthy country air is the best thing vote in the city? in the world for members of Parlia­ ment. I wish I represented a country I am rash enough to say that it is electorate. an affront to the nature of demo­ cratic government to give one voter After that expression of praise and more say than another. It is sympathy for members of the Country undemo;cratic. When such a pro­ Party I ask whether these artificial position is acknowledged, why distinctions between town and should not the principle be extended country have much significance in a so that people who are endowed pocket-handkerchief State such as with great intellect should have more Victoria. Where does the country say than a person who can scarcely begin and the city end? A fit young read or· write? Should Sir Macfar­ man can run out into the country lane Burnet have more voting power before one has time to go to the than a hanger-on at the racecourse Library and find the origin of the or even the proprietor of a massage dreaded word " gerrymander ". It is parlour? The answer is simple. Who not only members of the Country is to judge whether one man should Party who have these difficulties. be entitled to more voting power than Federal members are required to another? Whenever one person has travel extremely long distances to more voting say than another, Canberra from Perth, Adelaide and tyranny replaces democracy. That Melbourne. In most instances they is the answer to the country pro­ travel greater distances than some position. of the country members in this House. It is to be regretted that in aU redistributions there are casualties The Hon. K. S. GRoss: They travel among members. Not infrequently by air in the same time that we some oufstanding member is left travel by road. without a seat. But ours is a hazard­ The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: I ous occupation and the electorate understood it took many hours to not the Government must always be travel to Western Australia. The given the power to hire and fire. If problems of large country electorates this independent judicial commission must be recognized and should be is not adopted the Government may alleviated by ample secretarial and decide it does not like the spectacle telephone assistance. That is a mini­ of poor old Joe losing his seat and mum requirement. I have never en­ therefore it will not accept the joyed the help of a secretary,. except redistribution. Nothing is more one provided by myself. Assuming sacred than the right of the com­ that it is reasonable to adhere to the munity to choose its own Govern­ principle of distorting the weight of ment. Nothing is more cynical or the country vote, how does it destructive of freedom than a Gov­ operate? Does a young lady teacher ernment that sacrifices freedom for in Prahran wh'o is transferred to Port the sake of office. In 1965, under Fairy become entitled to four times the threat of being turned out of the vote of a city person? Is the office, the Liberal Party agreed to garage keeper in Warracknabeal everything that was asked of it. The entitled to four times the vote of the Government dare not embark upon garage keeper in Melbourne? In a a fair redistribution. It would like Electoral Commission [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 83

to do so, but it will not take the risk The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: of offending its Country Party third Why does the Government persist eleven. The Government is not quite with these figures if not to save its certain that it can go it alone. The own skin? There has not been a re­ Liberal Party would like to do this distribution of electoral boundaries but the ghost of Hamlet or Hampden since 1965, almost ten years ago. affects its resolution and it keeps putting back the clock. The Hon. R. J. LONG: Did you know the Government is going to An electoral officer whose work is have a redistribution? quick and accurate presented me with enrolment statistics as at 26th July, The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: 1973. I shall not read them but they When I introduced this Bill before are available if honorable members the last election I was told that it wish to see them. For the information was too late because the Government df honorable members I will quote was going to introduce its own Bill. some examples of Legislative Coun­ Honorable members can say what­ cil enrolments. The statistics reveal ever they like about this Bill, but the following enrolments- they should not attack its figures, its Ballaarat Province, 69,000; Boronia Prov­ logic or its unfailing adherence to ince, 210,000; South-Eastern Province, the democratic principles, which 205,000; Northern Province, 68,000; and should be respected and even North-Western Province, 51,000. obeyed by all. Can any honorable member justify The Hon. M. A. CLARKE: In the such distortion and dilution? One ancient Greek States not everybody vote in North-Western Province had a vote and they did not have a equals four in the Boro'nia Province. constituency. That was real demo­ Examples of enrolments for Legisla­ cracy. tive Assembly electorates are as follows- The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: They did not have the same 1long dis­ Broad.meadows, 52,000; Dandenong, 46,000; Frankston, 53,000; Kara Kara, tances to travel in those days, nor 18,000; Lowan, 19,000; and Scoresby, 67,000. were there hospitals and schools like Kara Kara is held by the Labor Party. those about which honorable mem­ I have not mentioned the word bers complain. The Victorian Govern­ " Labor " throughout my speech and ment complains that the Common­ .I challenge the Government to say wealth Government does not respect that this Bill offends any principle the sovereign powers of this State, of fairness. No one can justify the but is not the Victorian Government figures that I have quoted. They unwilling to accept the sovereignty lead to the inevitable conclusion that of the people of this State? the Government retains this system The Hon. V. T. HAUSER: Is it not because it keeps it in office. so that in the three largest elector­ The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: What ates in the Legislative Council, six about the forthcoming redistribu­ Liberal members were returned? tion? The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: I am not arguing about that matter. I have stated the principles; they are I am not looking with a curious eye so simple that even the newest mem­ to see how this wiU affect the Labor ber of this House can understand Party. This is the argument I used them. to state that no Parliament and no The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON: I do Government ought to be entrusted not think Mr. Galbally has drawn a with the redistribution scheme. We fair inference from the figures he has are not worthy of it and never will just read out, that the Government be. I do not like surrendering any of keeps itself in office by its redistribu­ our powers, but the history of re­ tions. distribution in this State is a disgrace. 84 Housing (Amendment) [COUNCIL.] Bill.

The Hon. A. K. BRADBURY: I under­ entirely self-contained and are com­ stood that Mr. Galbally believed in plete with toilet and cooking facili­ the sovereignty of the Parliament. ties . . The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: Persons eligible to occupy these I certainly do, but I believe that units will be married couples-pen­ liberty is the luxury of self-discipline, sioners-who are the father and and it has never been shown in the mother or father-in-law and mother­ Parliament. in-law of the hirer of the unit. The On the motion of the Hon. H. M. hirer must be a person who enters HAMIL TON (Higinbotham Prov- into a hiring agreement with the com­ ince) , the debate was adjourned. mission for the use of the unit during the lifetime of the eligible persons. It was ordered that the debate be adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ It is proposed that the Housing ber 18. Commission will enter into an agree­ ment with a person who- HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL. (a) is the owner, whether solely The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister or with others, of any land of Housing): I move- upon which he resides; and That this Bill be now read a second time. (b) requires accommodation on This Government has for a consider­ the land for two persons able time been interested in the pro­ each of whom is a pensioner vision of accommodation to permit and who are his father and private landowners to provide hous­ mother or father-in-law and ing for their pensioner parents. In mother-in-law this day and age with the advent of for the letting out on hire of a mov­ advances in medical science people able unit. are living longer, and a ·big problem in the community today is the hous­ There will of course be a prescribed ing of aged people. The Government agreement which shall contain considers that many people, rather covenants binding the commission to than see their elderly parents housed certain conditions. The particular in institutions or group housing conditions by which the commission especially designed for older people, is bound are included .in proposed would prefer to house them in indi­ Part IIA. section 54B (3) of the vidual units under their immediate Housing Act as set out in the Bill. and direct care. -It was with this in These include the provision of a mind that the Government has under­ suitable unit upon the land of the taken considerable research in this hirer, the maintenance of the unit in field and is now submitting a pro­ good repair, to permit the unit to posal to permit private landowners remain as long as the hiring agree­ to erect in their back yards self-con­ ment remains in force, to remove the tained units for their pensioner unit as soon as the hiring agreement parents. ceases, and an important provision is '!'he Housing Commission has that the commission will restore the land to a proper condition when the already d~signed typical units, com­ monly known as " granny units." unit is ultimately removed. They meet the requirements of the The hirer of course also must play Uniform Building Regulations, which a part and he or she is required:- are being suitably amended concur­ rently. The units will be constructed (a) to obtain any permits neces­ and financed from Commonwealth sary to allow the unit to be housing funds made available to the installed, to execute the Housing Commission and hired to necessary hiring agreement the private landowner during the life­ and to arrange all services time of his parents. The units are necessary to enable the Housing (Amendment) (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 85

movable unit to be placed charges for water, gas and like ser­ in position and made ready vices. This would also include any for occupation; special rating which a municipality might impose. (b) to pay to the Housing Com- mission, Victoria, the weekly The rental for the units has no't hiring charge for the mov­ yet been determined but it is pro'­ able unit which will be deter­ posed that the rental charge will be mined from time to time by comparable to that applied to normal the Housing Commission elderly persons' Housing Commission commencing from the time accommodation. At the present when the unit is first ready time a pensioner couple occupying for occupancy and ending Housing Commission accommodation with the determination of and qualifying for a rebated rental the hiring agreement; would be paying of the order : of $7. 10 a week, and in a similar case (c) to ensure that no person other of a lone pensioner the rebated rental than an eligible person, as is of the order of $4 . 60 a week. defined in this Bill, is Honorable members may be assured accommodated in the unit; that no efforts will be spared to (d) to notify the Housing Com­ ensure that the provision of this type mission if at any time no of accommodation will not present eligible person is accommo­ any hardship to elderly people and dated in the unit; will provide first-class living in pleasant surroundings with their (e) to advise the Housing Com­ families. mission if he ceases to own the land on which a mov­ Although the major part of this able unit has been provided; Bill makes provision fo'r the estab­ lishment of " granny units " on (f) to advise the Housing Com­ private land, the opportunity has mission if he ceases to been taken to include in it several reside on the land; and minor amendments to the Housing (g) to ensure that the unit itself Act. In clauses 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the is not moved or damaged Bill provision is made to amend sec­ and that no alteration to tions 46, 47, 48 and 49 of the prin­ the structure of the unit is cipal Act. These sections of the made without the consent Act deal with advances to pro­ of the Housing Commission. vide finance for housing purposes. They were inserted into the Act The hiring agreemen~ for the mov­ in 1946 but have. never been used able unit shall be determined only to any extent, mainly because of· the if the hirer dies, ceases to be the lack of funds available for this type owner of the land on which the unit of financial assistance. is situated, or if the hirer and his wife and/or husband cease td reside However, the amendments pro­ upon the land. Honorable members po:sed to these sections of the prin­ will realize that the hiring agreement cipal Act will be utilized in the mak­ will be terminated and the unit re­ ing of advances to property owners moved from the land when both the in remaining proclaimed reclamation eligible persons cease to occupy it. areas in Carlton, Fitzroy and South Melbourne where the Housing Com­ There is provision in this Bill to mission hopes to implement large­ ensure that a movable unit shall not, scale projects .involving extensive for all statutory purpo•ses, be deemed rendvations to properties .. to constitute a fixture to the relevant land. It is proposed, however, that The amendments as proposed have the hirer, in addition to paying the been designed to streamline the weekly hiring charge, would pay all present cumbersome sections of the 86 Pounds (Amendment) [COUNCIL.] Bill.

Act which deal with the fixing of The first of these amendments is maximum amounts to be lent and contained in C'lause 2 and concerns interest rates, and permits a more transport rates prescribed in the Act flexible adaptation of covenants and for the conveyance of cattle to a conditions in mortgages taken out by pound by motor transport. These landowners. rates were inserted in the legislation in 1968, and the advice of the Munici­ I am sure that all honorable mem­ pal Association of Victoria was bers will support the Government's sought on the amounts to be pre­ action in introducing this Bill, which scribed. The association recom­ is a major step in making provision mended 50 cents for every sheep; for the accommodation of our elderly $8 for an entire horse, bull or parents in the twilight of their lives. ram; and $4 for every head of It is a Bill which has, of necessity, other cattle. These figures were taken some time to evolve in view of adopted and proved reasonable in the ramifications of providing Gov­ normal cases. However, where a ernment-owned property on private large number of cattle is conveyed a land, but I believe satisfactory small distance to a pound, the charge solutions have now been obtained to may be quite unreasonable and may enable this course of action to be exceed the actual cost of transport. adopted. One instance is known to my I commend the Bill to the House. department where a landowner had The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH 30 coyvs and 9 calves impounded for (Doutta Galla Province) (By leave): two -hours. The resultant transport I ask the Minister whether it will be charge under the Pounds Act was possible to obtain illustrations of t'he $120. The normal charge for trans­ design and style of these types of porting the cattle would have been houses, because this will greatly in­ only $24. Somebody, either the trans­ fluence my party's discussion on porter or the impounder, made a acceptance or non-acceptance of the principles contained in the Bill. large and quite unconscionable profit on that occasion. The amendment The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: I will make now proposed provides that only the that information available. actual cost of transport wil'l be On the motion of the Hon. J. M. charged, subject to the maximum TRIPOVICH (Doutta Galla Province), charge calculated on the basis of the the debate was adjourned. rates at present prescribed, to which there wil'l be no change. It was ordered that the debate be adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ Clauses 3, 4, 6 and 7 deal with the ber 18. abolition of the requirement in the Act for advertisements to be inserted in the Government Gazette giving POUNDS (AMENDMENT) BILL. noice of the impounding of cattle and The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister of any sales of impounded cattle. I for Local Government) : I move-- emphasize that similar notices are That this Bill be now read a second time. already required to be inserted in It is a simple Bill which contains newspapers published in or circulated three principles only- firstly, to in the districts concerned. I do not limit transport rates to the actua'l cost know of many farmers who read the of transport; secondly, to abolish the Governm,ent Gazette as bedside-like need rfor advertising the impounding material and the advertisements in of cattle in the Government Gazette; the Government Gazette serve no and thirdly, to abolish the provision useful purpose. That is why that a poundkeeper may not impound these clauses will abolish the cattle. requirement, while maintaining the Pounds (Amendment) [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 87 requirement of advertisements in which the provision of the Act was newspapers circulating in the dis­ originally directed no longer exists, trict. the Government considers that its repeal is well in order and will not Clause 5 contains the final amend­ occasion any dangers. ment. It repeals an existing pro­ vision which makes it an offence for a The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: In poundkeeper to impound cattle or to most shires a ranger's wife is the assist in impounding them. The pro­ poundkeeper. vision has an interesting history. It The Hon. A. J. HUNT: That is quite applies only to the pound of which he possible. I agree with MT. Swinburne is the poundkeeper, but it is derived that the provision in the Act serves largely from English experience little or more probably no useful where, in days of yore, a pound­ purpose today. The amendments pro­ keeper was normally employed on a posed are minor; they are not of great commission basis with the result that moment, but they will be of some some poundkeepers were known to assistance to municipalities and may "find" cattle, one way or another, well avoid excessive charges to per­ and impound them. Such a procedure sons whose cattle stray. I commend might almost have been known as the Bill to the House. rustling. Poundkeepers have never On the motion of the Hon. D. E. been paid on a commission basis in KENT (Gippsland Province), the this State under this Act; they receive debate was adjourned. a salary only. It was ordered that the debate be The Hon. M. A. CLARKE: They used adjourned until the next day of to be paid commission in the old meeting. days-not under the present Act. The Hon. A. J. HUNT: Mr. Clarke GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. may well be right .. ~hat certainly wa_s ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. the English prov1s10n, and the an­ The debate (adjourned from the ginal Pounds Act contained nothing previous day) on the motion of the about the mode of payment, Which Hon. D. G. Crozier (W'estern Pro­ meant that some municipalities, even vince) for the adoption of an in this State, may have paid pound­ Address-in-Reply to the Governor's keepers on a commission basis. But Speech was resumed. since quite an early Act the pound­ The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ keeper has been required to be paid bourne Province) : I wish the Leader a salary. The expense of paying of the House were present because his salary and maintaining the almost the whole of my speech con­ pound is a charge against the cerns part of his Ministry. " Victoria municipal fund. That being so, the -All It Needs Is You," by any judg­ danger of improper action by a ment comes up well as a slogan to poundkeeper is certainly lessened, if sell our State to Victorians, to Aus­ not removed entirely. I should think tralians, and to people from other a poundkeeper would hope to get his countries. It is a good slogan. The salary for looking after the minimum advertisements on radio, on television number of cattle rather than the and in the press which have sold the greatest possible number. various regions of Victoria, particu­ The existing provision does occas­ larly the Murray Valley, have been ion some difficulties in a smaU shire well conceived and executed. I give which cannot afford a number of full marks to the advertising agency, officers, and where the ranger, who is the public relation consultants and the presently the person most frequently Ministry of Tourism. likely to impound, is preC'luded from I for one also give top marks to being the poundkeeper as well. That the Minister for accepting the sugges­ being so, and because the danger to tion that I made at a meeting at Swan 88 Governor's Speech: J(COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.; Hill a few months ago, at · 1hich all here that the whole " Sell Victoria " shires and municipalities I in the campaign falls flat on its face. It is Murray Valley were represenfed. The really a disgrace. First things first. suggestion was that the Murray I invite honorable members to Valley should be sold as a1 whole imagine the Myer Emporium, with rather than in regions. The Minister eight full pages of advertisements in saw the wisdom of this suggestion the Herald on a Saturday night, and almost in mid-stream ,changed opening its doors on Monday to a the whole ·of the selling c1mpaign, dingy Victorian atmosphere, with un­ and I must admit that it was an co-operative salesmen and sales­ exceptionally successful one. ladies. Eight full pages of advertise- The Hon. J. M. WALTON: 1 should ments would go to waste because like the Minister's photpgraphic1 people would walk into the shop and account. I walk out with resentment. The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT:1 I shall The same thing applies to the Vic- come to that later, but I do n?.t intend torian Government Tourist Bureau in to resort, as I sometimes do, to creat- Melbourne; it is Edwardian, almost ing unnecessary argument I in the Victorian, if I may use the word in Chamber. Tonight I am making a that sense, in its whole set-up. Most serious contribution, and l expect honorable members would agree that that honorable members ~ill pay it is time something was done about attention to it; if they do, ~hey will Victour not only in Melbourne but learn something. 1 also to Victour centres throughout The Murray Valley television ad- the State. The reluctance-I do not vertisement, which incidentally was say rudeness-of the representatives at the Victorian Government Tourist made in full colour in anticipation of Bureau has to be seen and experi- television going to full cblour in enced to be believed. Sometimes one March next year, got a great !response and has helped to improve I! business might fluke good treatment, but in an area which was severely generally speaking the wait is long affected by the encephalitis outbreak. and the service poor-all in an at- l mosphere of, as I said, almost Vic- Tens of thousands of regi~.mal kits torianism, which no doubt would have been sought by potelltial con- affect these representatives. If one sumers. Those who have acted on compares Victour with Qantas, or their own initiative, by direc1t contact with tourist bureaux of New zealand with hotels and motels, an~ visited and most other States, and any the places suggested in th;ose kits, reputable travel agency, Victour have in the main been satisfied; some suffers seriously. people have been complet¢ly satis- fied. They have also been impressed The Hon. I. A. SwiNB.URNE: It by and gratified at the frien.dly help might be the fault of the potential that has been given to them in the customer. I have never had any regional tourist authoritie:s which trouble. have been set up to date. I The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Mr. . It is obvious that Victoria s biggest Swinburne is a member of Parlia­ potential market is Victo~ia itself, ment and any one at Victour can particularly today when thipgs are a smell a member of Parliament a block little tough economically and people away. I do not know that members are looking for bargains within their of Parliament give off a certain State to cut down on theilr holiday aroma, but the figure of speech is expenses. This will be found: infinitely intended to convey the fact that once more so within the next year, and they know one is a member of Parlia­ perhaps for the next two ye~rs. There ment naturally one is given good is a market readily availabIe in this service. I am not going on my ex­ city of Melbourne, with a population1 perience alone; I have. had dozens of of about 2 · 5 million peopleJ and it is complaints in this direction. I have I I ! Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-z'n-Reply. 89 sent quite a ·few people to Victour have been produced by various agen-­ in an effort to sell my State through cies and if people can see this slogan Victour and so that it can obtain when they go into a Victour outlet, some income from people travelling the whole concept connects and they overseas, within the State, or inter­ have the whole story. Within a state. With only a couple of excep­ matter of a few seconds they recall tions these people have come back to where they had seen the slogan and me with complaints about their treat­ what it meant and immediately they ment. become alert to what they can dis­ The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: That cover at the Victour agency. has not been my experience. As I have stated, it is so essential The Hon D. G. ELLIOT: That may to put first things first. I have al­ be so; Mt. Swinburne is entitled to ways advised the Minister for Tour­ his opinion. It is no good conduct­ ism to go for the " king-hit " in ing a first-class advertising campaign promoting tourism and that is a if at the point of sale one falls down phrase I have used throughout the on the job. That is exactly what years. One project should be com­ Victoria is doing. Scores of people, pleted at a time instead of trying to as I have mentioned, have spoken tackle many projects at the· one time. about the unsatisfactory service at However, I believe that philosophy Victour. To check on this I have sent seems to be the all-consuming ambi­ tion of the Minister fot Tourism. in more than a dozen people and, with The honorable gentleman tries to go two exceptions, they came back with too far too fast and there are many the same sorry story. country towns or regions wanting I ask the Minister, if he has not folk museums or something of that done so already, to look at Qantas, nature in their areas. I believe which is a Government or semi­ Sovereign Hill should be finished government institution, the banks, or and only then should we pro­ any of the reputable travel agencies, ceed to a carefully surveyed and he will see something modem, and researched project for the next something of a welcoming nature, area to be developed. It may be that something that literally induces-or Beechworth, Coal Creek or some even seduces-the potential customer other part of Victoria will be qevel­ into an almost immediate decision to oped, but only after research and a buy some sort of travel there and complete and absolute survey has then. As a rna tter of extreme urgency been carried out. Incidentally, even all Victour offices throughout Vic­ before that stage is reached there toria should be redesigned. It is no must be the certainty that adequate good selling Victoria unless one has a accommodation is available in the point of sale, or a series of selling immediate or near area of the tourist outlets, that measure up to the ad­ attraction. vertising. It is a commonsense view that to lag behind in one's point of The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: What sale is to nullify to a great extent all about Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool? the advertising indulged in over a The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: That pro­ period. Rather appropriately, Mr. ject could be a worth-while one and Clarke interjects, "more seduction! " already it may have been thoroughly Victoria's tourism slogan-" Vic­ researched. I have seen the plans toria-all it needs is you"­ for the project and after examining should be shown and predominantly them I believe an excellent Naval displayed at all Victour outlets museum could be established at Flag­ as a means of identification. As staff Hill, Warmambool. There may soon as people see a television be half a dozen projects in the pro­ or a press advertisement they im­ cess of completion throughout Vic­ mediately get an imagery perception. toria but we do not want projects Some excellent radio advertisements like the quarter-completed project at 90 Governor's Speech: [COUNClL.] Address-in-Reply.

Moe, which will take many years Minister for Tourism ascertained to complete. Honorable members how much the industry is already will find them in a half-cqmpleted paying in liquor licence fees, pay-roll condition and they will retnain in tax, excise duties and other imposts? that condition for the foreseeable future, particularly with thei present The other day the Minister for Tour­ ism returned from Fiji, and of course economic climate. ! I this meant another photograph of I have got around the trtaps and him! The honorable gentleman was the people who will be one of the loud in his praise of Fijian tourism key factors to the success or failure and he yelled to the high Heavens of tourism in Victoria are dead as he can with diaphragmatic con­ scared of the proposed ac:tions of trol. The Minister said, "No­ the Minister for Tourism, whb did not body even feels the nip over even consult them prior toj writing there and it is even extended to them on 23rd July. I am referring to meals as well as accommodation." to the accommodation ind~stry. I invite honorable members to con­ sider that in Fiji, as a matter of The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE:I That is Government policy, all tourist accom­ not true as I did discuss it whh them. modation is eligible for long-term The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: I was Government loans at reduced rates referring to the period up/ to 23rd of interest. It is a separate tourist July when the Minister wrpte them loan at low rates of interest a letter. If the honorable g~ntleman available for all tourist accommoda­ believes that is not the position, I tion. Also, tourist accommodation shall provide all my facts aqd he can enjoys fiscal exemptions and relief in endeavour to refute them. 1 By the the form of company tax, land tax accommodation industry I I refer to and any tax that in the early stages the Australian Hotels As~ociation, of operation would inhibit a fair the Motor Inn and Motel Association return to the investors. An­ and the Boarding Houses /1 Associa­ other concession that applies is tion of Victoria. At the moment that they can procure land on cqn­ there seems little doubt thatl the Min­ cessional terms. Only two States in ister for Tourism proposes I to inflict Australia have a regularized and a 2·5 per cent bed tax on tqe accom­ consistently available impetus for modation industry. The honorable tourist accommodation, and Victoria gentleman's silence indicates that is not one of them. The two States that is probably what he / proposes are Tasmania and Western Australia. to do. The Minister for Tour­ The Minister for Tourism knows ism would be very vocal if he did what is available in those two States. not intend to do so because that In Tasmania, as a matter of Govern­ is his habit and I give him ~ull marks ment policy, long-term ·loans at re­ for it. The Minister wants to use duced rates of interest are provided. this money for tourist I purposes In Western Australia long-term loans throughout Victoria, for a~vertising at reduced rates of interest and tourist attractions and fori loans to guarantees are given. help some of the folk museums and The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE: Victoria other tourist attractions. /The Min­ is doing ister for Tourism proposes that the that. bed tax on accommodation should The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Victoria is be utilized for general tohrist pur­ doing it spasmodically-the least we poses. I ask whether thS Minister say about that the better. far Tourism has esti~ated the The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: Mr. Elliot revenue to be derived from the pro­ means selectively. posals. It should be re~embered that sometimes the cost of admin­ The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: I thank istering a scheme is more than the Mr. Crozier for his assistance­ income derived from it. Has the " selectively " would be a better Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 91 word. In Victoria it comes under The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond State development and if I am wrong Garrett): I invite Mr. Elliot to I can be corrected but there have proceed with the Address-in-Reply. been a few successful applications. The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Certainly, The accommodation industry, not Mr. President. I do not begrudge the only in Victoria but also in AustraUa, Minister for Tourism the publicity he rather than being asked to carry a is getting - I even suggest he is the greater tax burden, needs urgent most publicized Minister in the Gov­ help. Investment is high in this in­ ernment. The honorable gentleman dustry. It is considered on the stock even supersedes the Premier, which exchanges that as a form of invest­ is pretty good, especially when the ment, the tourist industry is a high Pre,mier has so many good friends in risk area. At present the returns are high places. I too, should like to know at an all-time low and yet the Minis­ the cost of publishing and distributing ter for Tourism intends to take an­ Travel News. I should also be pleased other 2 · 5 per cent from gross turn­ if the Minister for Tourism would over in the .form of an accommo­ inform honorable members of the dation tax. This is an i'llogica:l move. part he feels this publication plays in selHng tourism in Victoria, particu­ I refer to the publication, Travel larly at the moment. The Minister for News. It was only a few moments ago Tourism may have been out of the that I learned that a colleague has Chamber when I mentioned that I asked a question on this publication. consider that in the next year or so, I have with me two copies of Travel more than ever because of the present News which were picked at random economic circumstances, we must from my file. They are dated March, turn our attention to selling Victoria 1974, and September, 1974. I like. to to Victorians, rather than going inter­ read the publications to see what state or overseas. We must produce information they contain. On'ly rarely lower cost holidays for Victorians so have I found an edition of Travel that they can visit tourist areas in News without a photograph of the this State instead of having to spend Minister for Tourism. I am prepared their holiday periods at home because to concede that this may be good of the economic circumstances facing public relations, although I would not them. Does the Minister for Tourism indulge in publicity of this type. The want to say something? Minister for Tourism seems to get his photograph everywhere but I suppose The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE: I advise that goes with his portfolio and par­ Mr. Elliot, that the tourist industry ticularly applies to any publication for says that Travel News is the best which his department is responsible. magazine of its type in Australia. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE: Has Mr. The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: The Elliot ever looked at tourist journals Minister for Tourism says that, but I published by other organizations? have been led to believe by sections The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: My con­ of the tourist industry that this is not cern is the Minister, so I invite hon­ a widely-held opinion. The industry orable members to concentrate on is alarmed at what Travel News may that. cost and is afraid that if a 2 · 5 per cent bed tax is imposed, some funds The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE: I may be derived from it might be channe'l'led wrong but I am sure I have seen into helping defray the costs of pub­ Mr. Elliot's face somewhere before. lishing Travel News. I will admit that The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: If the some of the articles make interesting Minister of Housing had not, there :reading but I do not know that they would be something wrong with him will activate Victorians into travelling and he would not be availing himself and spending money at the tourist of an important medium. attractions situated in this State. 92 Governor's Speech: [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply. On a previous occasion I advocated right up until Easter, the accommoda­ the publication of a Victorian tourist tion set-up in Victoria is deplorable. year book instead of having a publica­ It is almose impossible for·a man and tion every month. I again proffer his family to find reasonable priced the suggestion to the Government, as accommodation to get. away for a I believe a Victorian travel year book week or two. I'f they go down to the is urgently needed to promote the Mornington ·Peninsula they are fleeced tourist industry in this State. and have to pay $100 a week for a The Han. G. J. NICOL: Will Mr. poor cottage. If the accommodation El'liot handle the advertising? is any good at all, they have to pay $150 or $160 a week. These costs The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: No, it are beyond the means of the average would be the last thing I would want wage earner and indeed beyond the to do. However, I submit the sug­ means of the medium wage earner. gestion to the Minister for Tourism Accordingly, people. are trying to find because a travel year book would alternative ways of going on. holidays. include all ·the tourist attractions in Because many peop,le ·work in indus­ Victoria. It would also. contain a list tries where employer~ require them of the accommodation available, from to take their holidays at Christmas the cheapest to the dearest. The book tim·e, they are being forced to find could supply information on the best alternative reasonably priced accom- means of travelling to tourist attrac­ modation. · tions-by rail, road or air-and advise motorists o.f the best roads that were Mr. Max Ripper, who, incidentally, available if they preferred to use their is a member of the Country Party own motor vehicle. I suggest that a and ~a councillor of the Shire of travel year book of that type would Tambo, rents his cottage out at $8 be of great assistance to families a night. It is fully-serviced accom­ when planning their holidays in Vic­ modation and a great proposition. toria. These are the sort of things which the Minister should be checking out Only the other day I felt the urge through the 'M'inistry instead of to get away for a couple of days. The indulging in so much theory. These Minister for Tourism would know places ought to be advertised and, Mr. Peter Steedman, whOi has written through a year book, they could be the book Farm Holidays in Victoria. publicized and thus enable families It may not be known but during to plan their holidays in their own way school holidays and over the Christ­ and not have to worry about a kit mas period and virtually through to for each particular 'region. In some Easter, most of the homes publicized instances, ·a person may get eleven in the book Farm Holidays in Victoria kits for eleven regions and by the are fully occupied and accommoda­ time he wants to get away, they have tion is limited. The farm holiday been lost. homes are located in the Western District and in the north-east areas The Minister should have consulted of the State. I went to Timbarra the Australian Hotels Association, as which is in East Gippsland. Timbarra well as the organizations covering is 30 miles up in the moutains from motels and boarding houses, before a turnoff 3 miles on the Melbourne the 23rd July last. side of Buchan. The farm home is The Han. MURRAY BYRNE: I spoke located on the Timbarra River which to the Australian National Travel runs into the mighty Tambo River. Association, which body represents The area has a magnificent valley the travel industry. and the type of accommodation pro­ The Han. D. G; ELLIOT: That vided is most satisfactory. · association does not speak for the ·I do not know ·whether honorable hotel owners and the people who members are aware ·that over the know the business, and who Christmas holiday period and even have lost money and made money Governor's Speech: (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 93 through experience, sometimes to build it up over the last two years. The bitter, sometimes practical and industry has no knowledge of any such sometimes successful. The Min­ build up. The information and suggestions are ister should get down to the grass included progressively in the pages that roots and talk to the people who have follow. had practical experience in the busi­ The Minister's letter also states­ ness. I can only quote from the Min­ Initially, however, all our investigations ister's letter to these people which is suggest that the tax will have little adverse headed " Office of the Minister for effect, even momentarily, on the accommo­ Tourism " and is dated 23rd July, dation section of the industry. I may well 1974. The Minister states- have a big job convincing all parts of the industry of this, but already many segments No doubt you have seen Press mention of the tourist industry do support the of the NSW Government's decision to concept. impose a 2! per cent "bed tax" on travel­ lers staying in various types of accommoda­ The comment by the accommodation tion in that State from January ~ next. industry is- You will also be aware that I have stated What are " our investig~tions "? No in the Press here that we are considering information has been given on this vital a similar proposition for Victoria. matter to the public or the industry con­ cerned. Above all, no advice has been I am attaching to this letter some notes sought from the industry through its trade on what we propose, based on NSW's organisations i.e. the Australian Hotels experience, and on our own needs. I and Association, the Motor Inn and Motels some of the top people from my Ministry Association etc. have held talks as late as last week with the NSW Minister, Tom Lewis, and we have Enough evidence exi$tS to show that the become even firmer in our feeling that this tax would be detrimental but this will be scheme is the most sensible way to deal illustrated more fully later on. with the pressing problems of tourism in The Minister has an impossible task · in Victoria. trying to convince any part of the accom­ We are by no means yet committed on modation industry. And well he knows it. this question. The only way will be for the ·Minister I hope that the ·Minister is never to impose his will or the will of the committed on this subject- Government on the industry. The . I certainly have no intention of imposing industry's comment continues- any tax on the industry we have worked A copy of a letter sent to the Minister hard to build up over the past two years, by ANTA representing all segments of the which will cause any harm to that industry. industry is attached and this completely I want to be certain that in the long term, refutes the Minister's statement about any the real result of the tax will be that it will support on an industry basis for the con­ greatly assist the industry. For this reason, cepts. I will welcome any suggestion or information you might like to put to me in the next I know that wherever the Minister couple of weeks. travels he has a member of the Aus­ There is no way in which the Minister tralian National Travel Association will get me to twist his own letter with him to advise on tourism. The although the Minister of Housing Minister suggests that the last allega­ thought last night that I was twisting tion is not correct and that he con­ something that he had said-the tacted them long before the 23rd of honorable gentleman was very wrong July. and most unfair. Those in the accom­ The Han. M'uRRA Y BYRNE: Before modation industry comprise members that I had spoken to the Australian of the Australian Hotels Association, National Travel Association, which the Motor Inn and Motels Associa· represents the Australian Hotels tion and the Boarding Houses Asso­ Association and other groups. ciation and their comment on that The Han. D. G. ELLIOT: If I had part of the Minister's letter is- an investment in an organization, I The industry to which the Minister refers should want to know the feelings of is the Accommodation Industry. It would be of interest to the members of that the rank and file members on industry to obtain a detailed statement from any matter. If I were the Min­ the Minister on how he has worked hard ister, I wo;u.ld asc~rtain the views 94 Governor's Speech: [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

of the Australian Hotels Asso­ I agree with the Minister's conten­ ciation and the motel and board­ tion- ing house associations, whose mem­ This proposed scheme is not perfect, I bers represent hundreds and thou­ doubt any scheme can be. But after con­ sands of employees and millions of sidering all the facts and possibilities, it dollars worth of investments, as well clearly appears the best. as consulting with the Australian The comment from the accommoda­ National Travel Association. I have tion industry on this is- my contacts within the Australian The matter becomes one of efficiently National Travel Association as well managing State finances. Under separate as the Commonwealth tourist com­ cover are positive suggestions made by the industry on how this might be better mission, and therefore I am reason­ achieved without imposing another iniqui­ ably well informed and know that tous tax on the long suffering public. they are alarmed in some respects. They are not all " Yes men " and I take it that the Minister has received thank Go'd for that. The Minister's those suggestions and I hope that letter continues- they have influenced him. The com­ ment continues- There are two factors that I especially want to mention to yo:u. The first is that If financial problems preclude develop­ the success of our tourism industry is vital to ment by taxing, then either we don't de­ Victoria. It is at present worth $550 million velop in the ways the Minister suggests or to the State, despite the fact that there is we find better ways. Since the industry a lot more tourism going out of the State (accommodation only note) is being asked than is coming into it. With vigorous pro­ to bear the brunt of the effects of this tax motion, we can alter this and greatly in­ it is not unreasonable for it to ask why it crease the return to the State from tourism. is being used to finance something for which the whole community receives benefit. The comment on that is- The Minister's letter also states- No one denies this as it is self evident. The second point, and a very important The Minister's letter continues- one, is that this is an entirely different pro­ position to that brought forward in this Despite this, there are enormous pres­ State three years ago. That proposal was sures on the State to divert all possible for a ten per cent tax, and for the funds funds to such pressing matters as educa­ to be put into consolidated revenue, and in tion, health, housing, major works and wel­ no way used for tourism. I am certainly fare services. Our Federal friends have advocating nothing of that sort now. I made it quite clear they will do little to help believe in a small tax, to be used entirely our plight. to support and build up the industry. This was not very much in evidence I feel sure you will appreciate this fully and I trust that in this respect the when you read the attached notes. Minister will contact the Federal Min­ The Minister's notes were excellent. ister, Mr. Frank Stewart. The industry's comment on this is- In effect this is no different from the The Han. MURRAY BYRNE: I have. original proposal. It amounts to the same thing. Once the tax is imposed, like the The Han. D. G. ELLIOT: I hope petrol tax, it will swell funds for the State that the Minister has done so today and can be used as expediency demands. It would not be long before it was up to 10 following the report in the press this per cent. This " back door " approach is morning or else I will have to castig­ not acceptable to the accommodation sector. ate the honorable gentleman again. The Minister's letter concludes- I am sure that Mr. Stewart will be ! qui.t~ frankly hope you will support this pleased to have a yarn with the Min­ proposition. If you feel you cannot, I do ister who should be castigated for hope you will help to provide us with a not obtaining a larger share of the workable alternative. money. The letter continues- The industry's comment is- It is to be hoped otherwise. The altern­ Thus, if we are to find some extra funds atives are listed elsewhere. for tourism, it will have to come from the industry itself in some form. It is a wide­ Michael Peters in his recent definitive spread industry, reaching into all facets of work International Tourism sums commerce, and difficult to tax fairly. up the position with respect to taxes Adjournment. [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 95 on tourists in the following terms. ADJOURNMENT. His first sentence sums the position FLOODING OF OVENS AND KING up quite clearly and is the one which RIVERS - PROPOSED DRAINAGE the Minister should forcibly heed. LEGISLATION - HUME HIGHWAY. All taxes levied on tourists are a burden The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE on them and, therefore, detrimental to the development of tourism. Ideally they should (Minister for State Development be completely abolished. Unfortunately, and Decentralization) : By leave, I this principle cannot always be followed in move- practice, not the least reason being that some tourism promotion bodies depend on That the Council, at its rising, adjourn these taxes for their income. until Tuesday next. Analysis will prove that in the vast The motion was agreed to. majority of cases where these taxes The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE are imposed, there is a compensatory (Minister for State Development factor in the benefits which I men­ and Decentralization): I move- tioned at the outset such as long-term That the House do now adjourn. loans at low rates of interest, reduced The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE levels of general taxes, guarantees (North-Eastern Province): I bring to and so on. To this extent the tax is the attention of the House the serious justified as a means of producing flooding that occurred during May some sort of income but not when an­ last. Heavy rainfall took place in the other tax is being paid. I could not north-east of Victoria during which think of a fairer proposition but in 10 inches of rain fell over a wide this instance it is only an additional area. The Ovens and King rivers and tax. There is no basis for it except their tributaries caused the most what the Minister and his public devastating damage since 1917. Al­ relations experts will devise. though it is more than three months The Minister advocates the placing since the rivers broke their banks and damaged many farm properties, of a levy on one section of the travel no remedial action has been taken. industrv to finance all of it. If he wants io do something about tourist When I was overseas my secretary accommodation, he should get to­ attended to my mail and when I returned I found my letters relating gether with the accommodation in­ to the flood damage. Letters were dustry itself, not the Australian also sent to the Premier and the National Travel Association. I assure Minister of Water Supply on behalf the honorable gentleman that mem­ of the Ovens River and King bers of the industry will give him River improvement trusts and the the right type of advice. I give an municipalities concerned asking that undertaking that, as soon as the something be done to rectify the Minister agrees, within a few days, damage that occurred. This is I will have the top accommodation essential, for two reasons, firstly, men in this State in his office. They to restore the streams to their will give him the facts and, given former condition and, secondly, to reasonable attitudes on the part of assist the persons concerned so that the land can be rehabilitated. the Minister, will come to the party. Nothing can be done until the river It will be a happy party, based not on improvement trusts carry out their direction but on co-operation. work on the streams. On the motion of the Hon. G. J. On 20th or 23rd July the Premier NICOL (Monash Province), the and the Minister of Water Supply debate was adjourned. wrote to me and said that they were investigating the matter and that I It was ordered that the debate be would be advised at an early date. adjourned until the next day of I have been trying to get assistance meeting. through the Treasury for the river 96 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

improvement trusts but I have not yet During the sessional periods of last received any information. I give year I twice raised the matter on the credit to the Premier; only this week motion for the adjournment of a he answered my representations, and sitting, the last occasion being on assistance has been given to the muni­ lOth April, and the Minister of Water cipality concerned. If something is Supply indicated that for a variety not done soon by the river improve­ of reasons it was impossible to ment trusts many of the summer introduce the proposed legislation to crops which have to be sown shortly Parliament at that time. The muni­ will not be planted. The trusts can­ cipalities involved in this serious not do anything until they are told problem are, like Mr. Swinburne, by the Treasury what funds will be beginning to lose patience. They available. have been waiting for this Bill for I ask the Minister of Water Supply some years. In the past three or four to treat the matter as urgent. I tele­ months a Supreme Court action took phoned the Treasury last week ask­ place on the matter of drainage but ing that something be done but I the question of the control of banking have not yet received a reply. Each was not resolved satisfactorily. week-end all the farmers and inter­ ested persons approach me wanting I again raise this matter with the to know what will be done to plug Minister of Water Supply and the the holes in the river banks. I have Government in the strongest terms. been patient but I am starting to Many of the individual landowners lose my patience. I hope something are directly involved and they are will be done; if not, I will strongly concerned at the long delays. Can request the Minister to visit the area the honorable gentleman indicate so that he can press the State Rivers when the proposed legislation will and Water Supply Commission to do be introduced and will it be finalized something about the problem. during this sessional period? The Hon. S. R. McDONALD The Hon. P. D. BLOCK (Boronia (Northern Province) : I refer to a Province): I direct the attention of matter concerning the administration the Minister for Tourism to a situa­ of the Minister of Water Supply. On tion which indirectly affects his many occasions previously I have raised in this Chamber the subject portfolio. My complaint concerns of proposed legislation to imple­ the condition of a road outside Vic­ ment recommendations of the toria which directly affects Victoria. Drainage Committee. Honorable mem­ Last Saturday I had the misfortune bers are conversant with the final re­ to travel along the Hume Highway. ports of that committee made I was forced to do this by the tragic in 1967. On 4th April, 1973, I led floods in the major river systems in a deputation of representatives of southern New South Wales. I found northern municipalities to the Premier myself on a road-called a highway­ to put a strong case that the prin­ some I 0 kilometres north of Gundagai, ciples involved in the recommenda­ heading south towards Melbourne. tions of the Drainage Committee This road could only be described as should be embodied in legislation as a second-rate highway in a third-rate soon as possible. banana republic. An indication was received from What tremendous damage this the Premier stating that the matter must have on the tourist industry was in hand and that it was in Victoria and ·conversely in New expected that a Bill would be intro­ South Wales! The main highway duced last year. On 24th May of connecting two of the major cities this year the same group of muni­ in Australia is in a most disgraceful cipalities again met the Premier. state. I have every praise for the Adjournment. [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 97-

Victorian roads; when a motorist Victoria. Although Mr. Swinburne reaches Victoria he knows he is on was good enough to inform me that good roads. he proposed to raise the matter on the motion for the adjournment of The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond the sitting tonight, I was not able to Garrett): Order! I cannot see how this check on the progress of the submis­ is a matter of Victorian administra­ sion. I understand that it was for­ tion. warded to Canberra but a reply has The Hon. P. D. BLOCK: I ask the not yet been received. I will treat this Minister for Tourism, because lt as an urgent matter and endeavour dam~ges his portfolio, to take up the to advise Mr. Swinburne of the results matter with his confrere in New of my representations tomorrow. South Wales to ascertain whether Mr. McDonald referred to the pro­ anything can be done to improve the posed drainage legislation. A second highway. It concerns Victoria draft of this Bill was received by the deeply. I have made my point; I State Rivers and Water Supply Com­ realize I was skirting around the mission today. I hope to present this edges of Victoria. draft to my Cabinet colleagues on The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Monday week. The measure con­ (Minister for Tourism): Tourism tains some serious legal and financial covers a vast area and a multitude of implications which will be considered sins, even beyond the areas of this by the commission. The Bill will be State. Interestingly enough, if hon­ available for consideration by Parlia­ orable members look at the Act, ment as soon as possible. I expect they will see that the depart­ that it will follow a course that was ment is empowered to promote set by my colleague, the Minister for work outside of the State. I will be Local Government, on a number of happy to oblige Mr. Block in making occasions; it will be introduced in representations to my colleague in this House, I will make the second­ New South Wales, Mr. Lewis. He reading explanatory speech and the and his Government have espoused debate will be adjourned to obtain the an accommodation levy and I am hopeful that the resources he has can views of municipalities and interested be used for this purpose. persons on the serious problem of river banking. The problem is not The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister confined to one part of Victoria of Water Supply): Considerable but concerns all Victoria. The damage was caused by the flooding main problem relates to banking. of the Ovens and King rivers and their tributaries. Probably they As I have said before, the Bill is a caused the greatest damage they have long one, with many clauses. ever caused. Officers of the State I am sure that my colleagues on the Rivers and Water Supply Commission Drainage Committee will have some visited the area and inspected the comments and criticisms to make damage; unfortunately, I was un­ that will be taken well by the Water able to go. On their return they Commission and by myself. I propose informed me that the damage was to treat this as 'a non-party Bill and considerable and that the rivers were I am sure members of this House not in good shape. I made a submis­ will appreciate that, especially the sion to the Federal Treasury on behalf members of the Drainage Committee, who did extremely valuable work and of a number of municipalities wh~re flooding occurred, and not only in re­ were dedicated to framing drainage spect of river improvement works. legislation for the State. The amount I sought was $2 · 5 million The motion was agreed to. with an allocation of $700,000 to The House adjourned at 6.15 p.m. repair the damage to rivers within until Tuesday, Septe'mber f.7. Session 1974.--4 98 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Min­ ister for State Development and LAND FOR LOW-COST HOUSING. Decentralization): The answer sup­ (Question No. 15) plied by the Minister of Education The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ is- bourne Province) asked the Minister The work has been deferred due to lack of Housing- of funds. However, the provision of finance to enable the work to proceed will be ( a') Has the Housing Commission re­ further investigated. ceived a request or requests to examine the possibility of developmg low-cost housing in Port Melbourne on land presently owned by the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Vic­ WYCHEPROOF HIGH SCHOOL. toria; if so, who made the request or re­ quests? (Question No. 34) (b) Have any discussions or negotiations The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ taken place between the commission and Western Province) asked the Minister the corporation or any other State or Com­ monwealth body on the possibility of pur­ for State Development and Decentra­ chase of the land for the provision of low­ lization, for the Minister. of Educa­ cost housing; if so, what is the present position? tion- Has the Teacher Housing Authority pur­ The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister chased land at Wycheproof to build two residences, including one for the new prin­ of Housing) : The answer is- cipal of Wycheproof High School; if so, ( a) Yes. The Gas and Fuel Corporation when will tenders be called, and when is and the Port Melbourne council, in con­ it expected the houses will be ready for junction. occupation? (b) Yes. Discussions have taken place The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE between the commission, the Port Mel­ bourne City Council and the Gas and Fuel (Minister for State Development and Corporation, but negotiations are not yet Decentralization): The answer sup­ finalized. plied by the Minister of Education is- WATER SUPPLY SCHEME· F'OR Negotiations are in progress to purchase· ROCKBANK. two vacant lots in Jolly Street, Wycheproof. (Question No. 20) As soon as these negotiations have been successfully concluded, arrangements will The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ be made for the preparation of site plans bourne West Province) asked the and the calling of tenders. At this stage, no firm estimate can be given on when the Minister of Water Supply- houses will be ready for occupation. Will he lay on the table of the Library the file relating to the proposed water supply scheme for the Rockbank township? EXTRACTION OF GROUNDWATER. The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister (Question No. 35) of Water Supply): The answer is- Yes, this will be arranged.· The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ Western Province) asked the Min­ SEA LAKE PRIMARY SCHOOL. ister of Water Supply- (Question No. 25) In respect of the Groundwater Act 1969 -(i) how many construction permits have The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North­ been issued for the extraction of ground­ Western Province) asked the Min­ water; (ii) how many drillers' licences have been issued; and (iii) how many ister for State Development and groundwater licences have been issued? Decentralization, for the Minister of Education- The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister In view of the serious health risk from of Water Supply): The answer is- existing toilets at Sea Lake Primary School and that tenders for a new block had been Questions (i) and (ii) are matters for .the called and received in June, when will this Minister of Mines. In regard to question urgent project further proceed? (iii) the answer is 2,884. Questions (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 99

FOURTH UNIVERSITY. of the Victorian Football League (Question No. 38) televised; if so, what action has he taken to achieve this end? The Hon. S. R. McDONALD (Northern Province) asked the Min­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and ister for State Development and Treasurer): At about this time last Decentralization, fo.r the Minister of year, there was a proposal from the Education- Trades Hall Council that the grand ( a) When will legislation be introduced final should be televised. A meeting to establish an interim council for the fourth was held between the Victorian Foot­ university? ball League and the council, at which (b) When is it expected that the univers­ I understand it was agreed that if the ity will commence operation? grand final was sold out the match (c) Will the principals of the Geelong would be televised. Institute of Technology and the Geelong Mr. SIMMONDS: What does the branch of the State College of Victoria be represented on the interim council? Government think about this? (d) Have the over-all aims and objectives Mr. HAMER: I agree that it is of the university been formulated; if so, eminently sensible. If all the tickets what are these aims and objectives? are sold, there seems to be no reason (e) How · will the facilities for techno­ why the match should not be tele­ logical education and primary teacher train­ vised. I say that here and now. ing, currently provided by the Geelong Institute of Technology and the Geelong As I understand it, the situation branch of the State College of Victoria, be this year is that all the tickets for incorporated in the fourth university? the grand final have not yet been sold The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE and the matter is still under discus­ (Minister for State Development and sion between the Victorian Football Decentralization): The answer sup­ League, the Trades Hall Council, and, plied by the Minister of Education of course, the television stations is- which may be interested. ( a) It is hoped to introduce legislation Mr. WILKES: But they have not to-day. yet been approached. (b), (c), (d) and (e) The answer to the Mr. HAMER: The television sta­ honorable member's other questions will be tions have been kept informed but covered in the legislation. they still have to line up the necessary sponsors for what is probably an expensive operation. It is in the hands of the people who are really interested. I merely express a view 1Jlrgislutiut Asstmhly. which I think would be the view of Wednesday, September 11, 1974. this House-that if all grand final tickets are sold, and nobody else can get into the ground, the game should be televised. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler) took the chair at 4.9 p.m., PAYMENT TO MRS. T. O'CONNOR. and read the prayer. Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of the Country Party): Can the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. Premier advise whether a payment of $40,000 or thereabouts was made to a TELEVISING OF FOOTBALL Mrs. Terry O'Connor by the Govern­ GRAND FINAL. ment or a Government instrumen­ Mr. WILKES (Northcote): tality following the death of her Has the Premier taken any action husband last year? The late M'r. consistent with his promise at this O'Connor was charged with causing time last year that he would do all malicious damage following an inci­ in his power to have the grand final dent approximately two years ago on 100 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. the Port Phillip Bay pipeline at FISH IN GIPPSLAND LAKES. Carrum. If any payment was made Mr. MciNNES (Gippsland South): to Mrs. O'Connor what was the basis Is the Minister for Conservation of the payment and, furthermore, to aware of the death some weeks ago the knowledge of the Premier, was of a substantial number of fish in workers compensation paid to her? the Gippsland lakes, particularly in Mr. HAMER (Premier and Lake Victoria and Lake Wellington? Treasurer): I have never heard of Has a survey of the causes of the Mrs. Terry O'Connor nor have I any mortality rate been carried out by knowledge of a payment to her of the Fisheries and Wildlife Division, $40,000 or even $1. I will investigate and, if so, has the Minister received the matter and find out whether any a ·report, and is he prepared to lay such payment was made and, if so, on it on the table of the Library? what basis. I would appreciate it if Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for the Leader of the Country Party gave Conservation) : An investigation into me some details as to who would the matter has been carried out by have made the payment, because at the Fisheries and WHdlife Division, the moment I have no idea. but I have not yet received a final report. The fish were being taken MICHELTON VINTNERS PTY. LTD. from the lakes and scientifically Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the examined to determine the cause of Opposition): Can the Treasurer in­ their death. form the House what sums have been made available either by way of The situation in the lakes this year grant or loan to Michelton Vintners has not been unique; initially it was Pty. Ltd., and what were the terms believed that the excessive inflow of and conditions of the loan. Further­ fresh water, due to the heavy rains more, will the Treasurer ·lay on the that fell this season, had caused the table of the Library the file dealing deaths of species of fish which need with this matter? a higher saline content. I shall certainly make available to Mr. HAMER (Pr~mier and Treasurer) : I believe $250,000 was the honorable member for Gippsland advanced by way of secured loan to South or any other honorable mem­ the proprietors of Michelton by the ber any scientific information which Victorian Development Corporation. I obtain and wiU lay the report on the table of the Library when I Mr. HOLDING: No grants? receive it. Mr. HAMER: So far as I am aware, no grants; it was a loan of $250,000 within the charter of the MOTOR CYCLE INSURANCE. corporation. I will obtain further Mr. CRELLIN (Sandringham): details and let the Leader of the I ask the Chief Secretary: In view of Opposition have them. I am not the concern currently being expressed aware of the security, the rate of by many owners of motor cycles, interest or anything of that kind. I what is the present situation on com­ know that a body as well en­ pulsory third-party insurance on dowed and experienced as the Vic­ motor cycles? torian Development Corporation, which is composed of men of great Mr. ROSSITER {Chief Secretary): eminence and success in decentralized I am pleased that at least one mem­ industry, would have fully examined ber of this House is interested the whole question and made what enough in the fate of motor cyclists seemed to it to be a perfectly sound in Victoria to have the courage to and justified loan. I will obtain the ask such a question. The current details and let the Leader of the .s.pate of rumours throughout the Opposition have them. community and in the media concern- Questions [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 101 ing increases in motor cycle third­ found that this Parliament is up with party insurance premiums has been the leaders throughout Australia. irresponsible. For 1973, in actual hours of sitting, Mr. CuRNOW: You have not denied the Victorian Parliament was next them. behind the Commonwealth and Western Australia. Victoria was also Mr. ROSSITER: I do not propose amongst the leaders in the number of to deny them until I am asked a Bills passed. How long it takes a question in this place. The Govern­ Bill to pass is in part within the pro­ ment is now examining third-party vince of the Opposition. insurance increases and wHl make an announcement on the subject at the Mr. WILKEs: And the Government. Executive Council meeting next Tuesday. Mr. HAMER: That is so. Mr. WILKES: And the use of the PARLIAMENTARY SITTINGS. guillotine and the gag. Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds): The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Will the Premier consider the pro­ Wheeler): Order! The honorable posals contained in a leading article member for Moonee Ponds has asked in tonight's Herald headed, " State this question. All honorable mem­ House Not Seen Enough ", and in bers in this Chamber, whatever their particular those regarding sittings of party affiliations, have to some extent Parliament? Will the honorable been under criticism by statements gentleman examine the suggestion in in the press. Therefore, I ask honor­ the article regarding the debating of able members to listen in silence to private members' Bills? the answer of the Premier. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) : As I have not yet read Mr. HAMER: Secondly, I believe the leading article in the Herald I am this Parliament gives a greater oppor­ unable to comment on it. I point out tunity than any other Parliament for two things. Firstly, the hours spent debate on private member's Bills. actually sitting in this Parliament are Mr. EDMUNDS: What about this not a true measure of the work or Chamber? value of a member. The Victorian Parliament uses its committees to a Mr. HAMER: I am talking about far greater extent than any other this Parliament. I invite the honor­ Parliament in Australia, and the able member for Moonee Ponds lo parties use party committees to a consider how many private members' much greater extent than any other Bills are debated in the Federal Parliament. In addition, honorable House or in any other State House of members serve their constituents at least several days a week when they Parliament in Australia and compare are not otherwise engaged in the them with the number of private House. members' Bills that are debated in the Victorian Legislative Council. I reject the notion that the hours actually spent in this House are a Mr. HOLDING: There is no debate true measure of the work of members on private members' Bills in this of Parliament and I hope I would be Chamber. supported in this by members of the Mr. HAMER: This House has a Opposition and the Country Party. If a proper appraisal is made not just great deal to do, especially in the of the days on which this House and spring sessional period, which is the another place sit, but of the hours Budget session. I assure honor­ over which they sit and the work able members that there will be that they do, measured by the number plenty for them to do in the weeks of Bills that are considered, it will be that lie ahead. 102 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] · without Notice.

RAIL FREIGHTS. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East): Education) : At the Brunswick Girls I refer the Premier to his press re­ High School in 1968 there were 28 lease dated 28th August, which members of staff. Today official states, inter alia~ departmental figures show that there No over-all freight increases will be pre­ are 44 members of staff at the same scribed but the Railways Board will be school, with only an additional 39 given a target in the State Budget for in­ pupils. In other words, an extra 16 creased 'receipts to compensate. members of staff have been appointed Can the Premier indicate whether the for an additional 39 pupils. Of the recently announced increases in rail additional staff 10·5 members are freights are in line with his statement engaged in the important fields of and when did Cabinet approve of the migrant English and remedial teach­ increases? ing. Mr. HAMER (Premier and I might add that although the Treasurer): What has happened is money with which to pay the staff exactly in line with the statement who specialize in migrant teaching read by the honorable member for comes fron1 the Commonwealth, it Gippsland East. He may remember was Victoria which first sponsored that the Bland report on land trans­ this scheme. In 1968 I personally port in Victoria strongly recom­ took Mr. Lynch, the then Minister mended that instead of Cabinet, the for Immigration, around suburban Government and Parliament approv­ schools in an endeavour to persuade ing increases in passenger and freight the Commonwealth to provide money rates, the Victorian Railways should for the appointment of special staff be given a target of freight, goods of this type. An additional sixteen and passengers to be carried. In members of staff sice 1968, for an accordance with that recommenda­ addition of only 39 pupils, is generous. tion, which the Government adopted, the Victorian Railways have been BROWN COAL. given a target and have drawn up a Mr. AMOS {Morwell): Further to schedule of tentative and prospective my question yesterday concerning increases to achieve that target. the discussions entered into between the Victorian Government and the Mr. Ross-EDWARDS: It has been East German Government about the announced. exploitation of brown coal resources, Mr. HAMER: The Victorian Rail­ two parts of the question I asked ways have drawn up a list of prospec­ the Premier were not answered. The tive increased freight rates. The first part of the question I asked the method of achieving the target is Premier yesterday related to the within the province and competence benefits the East German Government of the Railways Board. We expect saw coming to it as a result of the the railways to make some sort of exploitation of Victorian brown coal contribution, although it is only small resources. Secondly, I asked whether in proportion to the increased costs. the Premier would lay on the table The way in which the contribution to of the Library all files, correspond­ the cost is made is in the hands of ence and memoranda dealing with the board. the two agreements the Premier men­ tioned yesterday in his reply. BRUNSWICK GIRLS HIGH Mr. HAMER (Premier and SCHOOL. Treasurer): In my answer to the Mr. REESE (Moorabbin): I wish to honorable member for Morwell I gave ask the Minister of Education a summary of what was agreed on whether he could advise the current with Germany this year. I shall cer­ staffing position at the recently well­ tainly lay on the table of the House, publicized Brunswick Girls High if he wishes to see it, the documents School. verifying what I said. I believe I Questions (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 103 indicated that at the moment the East who are recruited from the North German Government is not taking American continent. It may well be part in any agreements, except for that such a statement was made by the testing of briquettes from Mar­ people recruiting on behalf of the well, in their laboratories at Freiburg. Victorian Government, and I will If, and only if, a decision is subse­ make investigations. quently made to undertake a feasi­ Concerning the particular teacher bility study on the design of the plant, who has been mentioned by the then the East German Government is honorable member for Dandenong, I prepared to offer its expertise and suggest that he should contact Mr. experience to the extent of assisting Rex Murfett, who capably looks after in the feasibility study and in the personal problems of overseas design of the plant, and in getting teachers who are in this country for the plant operating. a limited period. I understand from Mr. AMos: For what reason? the Minister of Health that free Mr. HAl\.1ER: The East German medical treatment has been provided Government is not interested in for people in this category. investment or in putting any money into the operation; it is simply giving REGISTRATION OF TEACHERS. its experience and its knowledge-­ Mr. SUGGETT (Bentleigh): I ad­ of course, at a fee-to help us with dress this question to the Minister· of the industry if Victoria wishes to go Education. In view of: the failure of ahead with it. the Teacher Registration Boards to register certain teachers of long TEACHERS FROM OVERSEAS. standing, experience and proven Mr. LIND (Dandenong): I ask the ability-and I refer to one case, of Minister of Education: Is it a fact which the Minister is aware, of a that officers recruiting teachers in the teacher of 27 years' experience--what North American continent have told steps does the Government propose teachers that they will be looked taking to rectify this anomaly? after .in the field of health, hospitaliz­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of ation and medical costs, and that if Education) : The Teacher Registra­ they arrive in Australia with $400 tion Boards were under the impres­ Australian they should have sufficient sion that they could not take into to tide them over until their first consideration previous· teaching ex­ cheque arrives? If this is so, how perience. To clarify this doubt I does the honorable gentleman pro­ obtained from the Law Department pose to deal with the problem of a an opinion which stated that previous teacher in my area whose wife is teaching experience could be one of seven months pregnant? Will he be the .factors considered. It may be compensated through some hospital necessary to amend the Act to direct and medical fund? How does the the Teacher Registration Boards to Minister propose to deal with teach­ take this factor into account. ers who are called upon to pay key money, bond money and four weeks' The teacher mentioned by the hon­ rent in advance out of their $400? orable member for Bentleigh had 27 years of teaching experience and had The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. previously enrolled at the Associated Wheeler): Is this question directed Teachers Training Institute, having correctly to the 1Minister of Educa­ tion? Would it not be better directed completed a two-year course of to the Minister of Health? training. Mr. LIND: No, Sir. I wish to know BOUNCERS. about the teacher. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North): Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of I address a question to the Minister Education) : I am not aware of such of Labour and Indusry. In view of the undertakings being given to teachers periodic complaints of people being 104 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. treated with excessive violence at The SPEAKER: I appreciate what places of entertainment by employees the honorable member for Mildura known as crowd controllers or, to be is trying to put, but it is not permis­ more specific, " bouncers , , who sible to request an opinion to be often are little more than punch­ given on a Minister's views as drunk thugs who pick fights with appearing in a press statement. Per­ people, will the Minister consider the haps the honorable member could re­ registration of these employees and frame his question. their places of employment so that it can be ascertained whether they are Mr. WHITING: Has the Premier the right types of individuals to be decided whether there will be any employed in this classification? Could fare increases by the Victorian RaH­ some code of ethics be set by which ways within the next financial year? these people could conduct their em­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and ployment in a similar manner to that Treasurer): What I have said is that used by police in controlling crowds? the Government has decided that Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of there will be no fare increases in this Labour and Industry) : This is the first Budget. I defy the honorable member indication I have had of the problem or anyone else to predict what will that concerns the honorable mem­ happen within this financial year. ber. If he will provide me with However, so far as we can see ahead, details of the information which he and barring rises in wages and obviously has, I shall have the salaries which cannot be predicted at matter examined. present, the Government intends that there shall be no fare increases for trains, trams or buses. FARES ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT. Mr. WHITING .(Mildura): I direct a RELEASE OF BLAND REPORT. question to the Premier. In the Age of 29th August the following article Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the appeared- Opposition) : Is it a fact that the Premier has given an undertaking to The Premier, Mr. Hamer, announced yes­ terday that the State budget next month members of the press that he will would contain no fare increases for trains, make available to them copies of the trams and 1t11amway buses. He said the Bland report and, if so, wiH the Government would not prescribe any freight Premier give an undertaking to the increases but he left it open to the Railways Board to impose increases. House that copies of the Bland re­ port, if they are being issued, will be The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. issued simultaneously to honorable Wheeler): This question is out of members of the Parliament before order. It is not in order for honorable they are issued to members of the members to quote from newspapers press? and speeches at question time. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Mr. WHITING: I ask the Premier: Treasurer): The answer is, "Yes". Following the statement published in the Age of 29th August, did the RESIGNATION OF honorable gentleman state that there EDUCATION DEPARTMENT would be no rail fare increase in Vic­ OFFICER. If toria in the foreseeable future? so, Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray): what does the honorable gentleman Can the Minister of Education advise consider to be the " foreseeable whether it is true that the Assistant future " in view of the fact that he Director-General of Education, Mr. is also quoted as saying that he Morton, has resigned from his posi­ would not guarantee that there would tion with the department? Is it true be no increase within the next finan­ that this is because of his disenchant­ cial year? ment with the Government's school Questions [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 105 building programme? If not, can the officers of his department to investi­ Minister outline the reason for Mr. gate the use of the Lethenair decom­ Morton's resignation? pression chamber and provide a full report to the House? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) : Approximately a year Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of ago Mr. Morton indicated that he Health): Yes, I will be happy to give was anxious to seek employment that undertaking. elsewhere, in private industry. At that time, because I greatly appreci­ LEARNER-DRIVER PERMITS. ated his services-! believe he has Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park): been an outstanding public servant­ Can the Chief Secretary confirm ! asked him to have a holiday and to whether the learner-driver permit reconsider his decision. This he did. scheme wiU come into operation on Now he has decided for personal 20th September and, if so, can the reasons to adhere to the original honorable gentleman clarify the posi­ decision. However, because of his tion of licence testers, as there is a outstanding ability, I still hope to body of opinion which implies that persuade him to remain in charge of there will be no persons to be tested the building section. in the first three months of the opera­ tion of this new scheme? FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EDUCATION. Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary): Instructions concerning the new pro­ Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Dundas): cedures have been circulated to all Can the Minister of Education advise police stations and have appeared in what funds have been made avail­ the Police Gazette. I ask the honor­ able for education by the Federal able member to consult that Government in the first six months of document. this year and what p·roportion of those funds is being committed to VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT education by his department? AUTHORITY. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Education) : In the first six months Agriculture) (By leave) : I wish to of this year $8 million was made announce that for the information of available for building purposes and honorable members I have arranged $18 million was committed to to have laid on the table of the Library contract. for one week the documents contain­ ing the terms and conditions of the LETIIENAIR DECOMPRESSION sale of the properties owned by the CHAMBER. Victorian Inland Meat Authority to the Co-operative Farmers and Mr. JONES (Melbourne): Is the Graziers Direct Meat Supply Ltd. Minister of Health aware of the nature of the Lethenair decompres­ PETITION. sion chamber, and is he further aware that it is used at the Lost Dogs Home, POLICE STATION FOR SAN REMO. North Melbourne, for the destruction Mr. MACLELLAN (Gippsland of animals? Is the Minister aware of West) presented a petition from cer­ a body or organization known as tain residents of San Remo, New­ Animal Rights which has been formed haven and Woolamai Waters and in Melbourne and which has been in­ certain citizens of Victoria praying vestigating the process by which that the House take action to animals are destroyed and has ensure the establishment of a found that the Lethenair process is permanent police station at San very protracted and intensely dis­ Remo. He stated that the petition tressing to the animals concerned? was respectfully worded, in order, Will the honorable gentleman ask and bore 185 signatures. 106 Brunswick Girls [ASSEMBLY.] High School.

It was ordered that the petition be Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the laid on the table. Opposition): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I oppose your ruling-- COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC The SPEAKER: I have not yet ACCOUNTS. ruled. Mr. REESE (Moorabbin) presented Mr. HOLDING: In that case what a report from the Committee of Pub­ I say might assist you. I ask you to lic Accounts upon the State Insurance take into account the nature of the Offices, together with extracts from adjournment motion. Under the forms the proceedings of the committee and of the House an honorable member is appendices. entitled to raise a matter of public It was ordered that the report, urgency. The forms require that the extracts from the proceedings of the motion is to be specific and to be a committee and appendices be laid on matter of urgency, and there are the table and be printed. already precedents on what that means. A motion such as this PAPERS. requires a specifi·c answer from the The following papers, pursuant to Minister or whoever is responsible the directions of an Act of Par­ for the matter. You, Mr. Speaker, liament, were 'laid on the table by should take into account that it is the Clerk- simply not enough for an honorable member to have the opportunity of Public Service Act 1958-Public Service (Public Service Board) Regulations­ raising a matter such as this. It is Regulations amended-Nos. 115 to 122 a derogation or limitation of a mem­ (eight papers) . ber's rights i.f a matter is raised and is not specifically answered. BRUNSWICK GIRLS HIGH For the Deputy. Premier to give a SCHOOL. general undertaking that the Address­ in-Reply debate will be brought on Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East): today is not sufficient for you to make I wish to move the adjournment of a decision on the rights of the honor­ the House for the purpose of discuss­ able member for Brunswick East. ing a definite matter of urgent public The Leader of the Country Party has importance, namely, the failure of the the call in the Address-in-Reply Minister of Education to honour a debate and, if proper procedures are public commitment to provide ade­ followed, the ·call will then go to the quate educational facilities for Brunswick Girls High School. Government side of the House. Mr. WILCOX: That is not . the The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. normal practice. Wheeler): Order! I appreciate the fact that the honorable member for Mr. HOLDING: It is normal for Brunswick East delivered to me by the Speaker to .follow certain rules the required time of one hour before in giving the call to honorable mem­ the House met a copy of his proposed bers; the Attorney-General ought to motion. I am of the ·opinion that know that. there ·will be opportunity for the hon­ The Deputy Premier cannot give an orable member to raise this matter on assurance on this matter because of the Address-in-Reply debate which is the nature of the Notice Paper. There set down for today. Before is a notice of motion standing in the giving a ruling, I would we·Icome an name of the honorable member for undertaking from the Leader of the Gippsland East and seven Bills are House that the Address-in-Reply listed for the second reading, quite debate will be called on this day. apart from the other notices of Can I have that undertaking? motion. Even if the assurance of the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Deputy Premier is accepted, it is Education): Yes. highly unlikely that the honorable Brunswick Girls [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] High School. 107 member for Brunswick East will have are prepared to accept an assurance the opportunity of participating in the from the Deputy Premier, and to rule debate today. Moreover, it is almost against the honorable member for certain that ·any matter which the Brunswick East would create a honorable member wishes to raise dangerous precedent and ultimately would not be subjected to the scope it could involve a substantial diminu­ and nature of a debate on an adjourn­ tion of the rights of honorable ment motion. members. To rule simply on the basis of an Mr. WILKES (Northcote): For you assurance by the Deputy Premier merely to inquire of the Leader of that the Address-in-Reply debate will the House whether a debate will be be brought on, having regard to the brought on this day should not be Notice Paper, involves the Chair sufficient, Mr. Speaker, and indeed in a further finding that the honor­ should not be taken seriously as a able member .for Brunswick East will get the call. Admittedly, you, Mr. basis for ruling in a certain way. Speaker, might 'be possessed of some It is competent for any honorable further knowledge of the order of member at any time to move business about ·which I do not know, that the ·House adjourn; if the motion and if so the House ought to be were carried, as it well could be--it informed. has happened on other occasions-the Unless this specific matter can be House would then adjourn. 'In those dealt with in the manner in which it circumstances, the assurance from would be on an adjournment motion, the Deputy Premier would be ·of little for you, Sir, to rule on the basis of use in deciding whether this subject the information that has been given ought to be debated under an item by the Deputy Premier would involve on the Notice Paper. Moreover, a gross diminution of the rights of the Deputy Premier cannot know honorable members. what the Opposition's attitude I ask you to have regard to the will be to the seven Bills that are rights of members in this place and listed on the Notice Paper. I am to the way in which the Government prepared to give an assurance to the has organized the Address-in-Reply Secretary of the Cabinet at the ap­ debate because, unless care is exer­ propriate time, but this is not that cised, a dangerous precedent will be time. Accordingly, the Deputy Pre­ created. It is common knowledge mier would not be aware of the Oppo­ that, over the years, the Address-in­ sition's attitude on the other items. Reply debate has been used as a filler and kept on the Notice Paper for In addition, the honorable member weeks and even months. If you were for Gippsland East has given notice to establish a precedent in this way, of a substantive motion which could the rights of all honorable members well be debated at some length and could be adversely affected. the only weapon which the Govern­ The importance of debating a ment could use would be one that matter on a motion for the adjourn­ it has used on many occasions-the ment of the House is that a member gag or the guillotine-unless an is not merely provided with the agreement has been reached on that opportunity of presenting the facts matter. If this is the case, the House but, more importantly, an immediate ought to be told about it. answer is required from the respon­ sible Minister, and the House has to The mere fact that the Deputy resolve the issue one way or the Premier has given an assurance other. that the Address-in-Reply debate I submit, ·Mr. Speaker, that, in the will be brought on does not neces­ light of the state of the Notice sarily mean that this will eventuate Paper, for you simply to say that you because in the past the business of 108 Brunswick Girls [ASSEMBLY.] High School. · the House· has prevented similar Mr. WILCOX: That is the usual assurances from being implemented. practice and therefore it is in the A similar situation could occur today. hands of honorable members oppo­ The Chair ought to pay atten­ site to give the honorable member tion to the position of the Address­ for Brunswick East his opportunity in-Reply on the Notice Paper. Ob­ to speak. viously, last night it was not in­ What really matters is that the tended that the Address-in-Reply de­ honorable member should have the bate should come on again today. In opportunity of raising the matter those circumstances, irrespective of which he considers to be of urgent the assurance from the Deputy public importance-! have some Premier, it would be quite competent doubts about that-and he will have for you, Sir, to take the view that that opportunity today. This is quite it is unlikely that the honorable clear from the Notice Paper and from member for Brunswick East will have what has been said by the Deputy the opportunity of raising this mat­ Premier. ter, which he regards as important and urgent, having regard to the posi­ Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of tion of the Address-in-Reply debate the Country Party) : MT. Speaker, I on the 'Notice Paper and the con­ urge you to allow the adjournment tingencies that may arise between motion to proceed today for· quite now and when that item might be different reasons from those which reached. have been stated by other honorable members. Certain things happened in Mr. WILCOX .(Attorney-General): Parliament yesterday and this would Lest it be assumed that the Gov­ be the appropriate time, and perhaps ernment is aquiescing in the argu­ the only opportunity, for some honor­ ments advanced by honorable mem­ able members who hold definite views bers opposite, I wish to make on certain occurrences to express one or two points. Obviously, you, their views. This matter has been Mr. Speaker, having received notice one of public interest and has re­ of the proposed motion in accordance ceived considerable publicity with with the usual practice, have applied most unusual circumstances sur­ your mind to the subject. Good rounding it. For those reasons alone, sense has normally prevailed in this I urge you, sir, to allow the adjourn­ Parliament in ordering the bus,iness of ment motion to be debated. the House, and if that same good sense is adopted on this occasion, Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): the proceedings of the House will I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to consider flow smoothly. The Leader of the consequences if the House were the House has given an under­ to agree to the motion proposed to be taking that the Notice Paper moved by the honorable member for will be followed, and the Address­ Brunswick East. Obviously, the hon­ in-Reply is listed as item No. 8 under orable member considers that this Orders of the Day. Only seven Bills matter is of such major importance are listed for the second reading and that the House should resolve it with­ honorable members know the usual out delay. He is asking the House to custom with second-reading speeches. adjourn and if the House does so, the Government will be defeated. I When the Address-in-Reply debate should like the Chair to consider is brought on, the call will go to this situation. the Government side of the House, then to the Leader of the Country It is not merely a question of an Party and, in accordance with usual honorable member's opportunity to custom, back to the Opposition. speak. The honorable member for Brunswick East has framed his Mr. HOLDING: That is. not the motion in such a way-the Standing usual practice. Orders provide that any honorable Brunswick Girls [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] High School. 109 member can move such a motion­ basis of the argument adopted by that if the House agrees to it no the honorable member for Brunswick further business can be dealt with by East and you would rule out the House until the electorate re­ of order any honorable member solves who shall govern the State. whose contribution was not germane That is the real situation which you, to the motion. In other words, mem­ Mr. Speaker, must consider. The bers of the Opposition are asking Leader of the Opposition and the that a debate take place on a speci­ Deputy Leader of the Opposition fic subject. That situation could not have pointed out that the arguments be achieved by allowing a discussion advanced by the Minister and the on the motion for the adoption of Government are an exercise in which an Address-in-Reply to the Gover­ the Government indulges when it nor's Speech. As you know, Mr. wants to beg the question. The Gov­ Speaker, in speaking to that motion ernment gives the Chair an assur­ an honorable member can raise any ance that a particular debate will be subject-matter. Members of the Gov­ brought on to give the honorable ernment party could ignore the topic member concerned an opportunity of sought to be discussed so that no putting his case. debate could take place on the sub­ How can the honorable member ject raised by the honorable member for Brunswick East achieve his objec­ for Brunswick East. tive by speaking to the motion for Members of the Opposititon are the adoption of an Address-in-Reply asking for a debate within the forms to His Excellency's Speech? He is of the House when a subject must be asking the Parliament to sack the discussed specifically and no other Government and he cannot do so subject-matter is introduced. Unless during that debate. That is the reason that is done, the rights and wishes of why Standing Orders provide for the the honorable member for Brunswick adjournment motion; it is not merely East will be frustrated; they cannot a question of giving an honorable be replaced by a discussion within member an opportunity. If Parlia­ the framework of the motion for the ment is not permitted to debate the adoption of an Address-in-Reply to motion of the honorable member for the Governor's Speech, which covers Brunswick East, he will be denied every subject under the sun. Mr. the opportunity of debating what he Speaker, if you do not accept the considers to be an important matter views of the Opposition that this and Parliament will be denied the opportunity of passing judgment on matter should be specifically and the Government. minutely debated within two hours, you will be limiting the rights of Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park): honorable members to debate a Mr. Speaker, you are about to give a specific subject. If the honorable most important ruling which can member for Brunswick East is re­ affect many important debates in the quired to raise the matter in the future. There are three cogent reasons why you should allow this Address-in-Reply debate, no member debate to proceed. The honorable of the Government party would member for Brunswick East has answer his questions. That has moved the adjournment of the House happened time and time again; mostly to allow debate on a specific subject the Minister concerned is not in the to take place. House to answer the questions that The Standing Orders provide that are asked, and if he is present, he a debate on a motion for the adjourn­ does not rise to answer them. A ment of the House shall last for two motion for the adjournment of the hours. In your capacity as Speaker, House is the only way in which the Sir, you would ensure that honorable member for Brunswick the subject was debated on the East can expose the shortcomings at 110 Brunswick Girls ·[ASSEMBLY.] High School.

Brunswick Girls High School. My he may wish to canvass but he will argument adds to the good reasons not be able to do so if this debate already advanced. cannot proceed. Mr. JONES (Melbourne): Mr. Mr. HoLDING: The call goes to the· Speaker, I refer you to the appropri­ Government side after the Leader of ate section of May under the heading the Country Party has finished. " General Restriction on Motions for the Adjournment of the House " and Mr. JONES: The point of the also to Standing Order No. 9. I submit Leader of the Opposition is well that the conditions set down in May made; the call could be taken by a on a motion for the adjournment of member of the Government party and the House have been satisfied. It must the opportunity for the honorable be definite and it must be urgent. member for Brunswick East to speak on this important matter would be A certain number of honorable lost. For those reasons and specific­ members believe that it is urgent and ally for the reasons advanced on the it is definite. The normal practice of general restrictions on a motion for the House is that if sufficient num­ the adjournment of the House set out bers of members of the House indi­ in May which are perfectly satisfied cate their support, the Chair accepts by the motion moved by the honor­ their contention as being in good able member for Brunswick East, I faith. The matter must be of public urge you, Mr. Speaker to allow the. importance; the matter must involve debate .tO' proceed. more than the ordinacy administra­ Mr. ROPER (BrunswiCk West): tion of the law; the matter must con­ Before you give your ruling, Mr. form to the general rules applicable Speaker, I urge you to consider that to all motions for the adjournment if the debate does not proceed "it of the House. would substantially restrict the. rights The honorable member for Bruns­ of honorable members in this House. wick East has raised the matter at With the assistance of the Clerk I the first opportunity. Although the have gone back through the Notice Papers of the spring sessional period Attorney-General has indicated that of last year. The first time the the debate on the motion for the Address-in-Reply debate appeared on adoption of the Address-in-Reply to the Notice Paper was Tuesday, lith the Governor's Speech could be September, 1973. It was placed in an called on, it could be late at night. extremely low order on the Notice In this case, the call will go to the Paper until it was finally discharged Leader of the Country Party. The.n on Tuesday, 29th November, 1973. an honorable member could again That, apparently, has been the custom move the adjournment of the in this place for some time. debate. Perhaps the honorable Your ruling suggests that until an member for Brunswick East, honorable member has spoken to the through sheer bad luck, might motion for the adoption of an not be in the Chamber to get the call Address-in-Reply to the Governor's immediately after the Leader of the Speech, he is virtually not in a posi­ Country Party had finished. If the tion to move a motion for the ad­ matter is to be discussed, if it is a journment of the House. So far, ·only matter of importance as members three honorable members are in the of the Opposition believe, the appro­ position of being able to move a priate way to deal with it is on a motion for the adjournment of the House. No matter what situation motion for the adjournment of the arises outside this Chamber your House. The point of the Leader of ruling, Mr. Speaker, would suggest the Country Party is well made that that so long as an honorable member there are some general issues that has an opportunity of speaking to Brunswick Girls (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] High Schoo/. 111 the motion for the adoption of an ing on the matter is given by Mr. Address-in-Reply, he cannot move a Speaker Christie. I also refer to page motion for the adjournment of the 1292 of Hansard of 22nd October, House. That seems to be a consider­ 1970, at which. a further ruling is able restriction. A number of honor­ given by Mr. Speaker Christie. able members may not wish to speak Opportunities will be made available to the Address-in-Reply debate. at the appropriate time, almost forth­ However, if honorable members wish with, for the honorable member for to move a motion for the adjourn­ Brunswick East to raise the matter ment of the House they could turn to which he has referred. For the the Address-in-Reply debate into a reasons I have stated, I cannot accept farce by speaking for only two the motion. · minutes. RACING (FURTHER AMENDMENT) Mr. HOLDING: I am gagged; I have spoken. BILL. Mr. ROPER: Therefore, the Leader Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, of the Opposition will be unable to Sport and Recreation): By leave, l speak on the subject of the Bruns­ move- wick Girls High School. If your That I have leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Racing Act 1958 and for other ruling, Mr. Speaker, prevents honor­ purposes. able members from moving a motion for the adjournment of the House, Mr. . WILKES (Northcote): they will adopt the practice of getting Leave is refused. up for " two-minute quickies " in the CHIROPODISTS (ADDITIONAL Address-in-Reply debate. TRAINING OF APPLICANTS) BILL. .The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Wheeler): The honorable member Health) moved for leave to bring in for Melbourne mentioned several a Bill to amend the Chiropodists Act matters from May. I also refer to the 1968. appropriate paragraphs of the seven­ The motion was agreed to. teenth edition of May. The matter can be raised by moving a The Bill was brought in and read motion. The matter can be raised a first time. by moving an amendment to the Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of motion for the adoption of an Health) : I move- Address-in-Reply. That is most That the Bill be printed and, by leave, appropriate. It is not required of me the second reading be made an Order of to get an undertaking from the the Day for later this day. Leader of the House, but I feel that Mr. WILKES (Northcote): I would do this. If the honorable Leave is refused. gentlemen concerned feel they could It was ordered that the Bill be give me an undertaking, I am pre­ printed and the second reading be pared to accept it. made an Order of the Day for next The honorable member for Bruns­ day. wick East has not yet spoken to the DENTAL ALUMNI RESEARCH motion for the adoption of an FOUNDATION BILL. Address-in-Reply to the Governor's Speech and an early opportunity can Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of be afforded to him to raise this Health) moved for leave to bring in matter in that debate. It is an a Bill to vary the trusts upon which appropriate matter for him to raise. certain funds are held by the Uni­ versity of Melbourne and for other There are precedents relevant to purposes. somewhat similar situations. I direct the attention of the House to The motion was agreed to. page 1092 of Hansard of 22nd The Bill was brought in and read October, 1968, at which a rul- a first time. 112 The Alfred Nicholas [ASSEMBLY.] Memoria/ Gardens Bill.

Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Health): I move- Leave is refused. That the Bill be printed and, by leave, It was ordered that the Bill be the second reading be made an Order of printed and the second reading be the Day for later this day. made an Order of the Day for next Mr. WILKES (Northcote): day. Leave is refused. CARLTON LAND (UNIVERSITY It was ordered that the Bill be WOMEN'S COLLEGE) BILL. printed and the second reading be Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of made an Order of the Day for next Lands) moved for leave to bring day. in a Bill to revoke the reserva­ tion of certain Crown land at Carlton CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING as a site for a residential college for SOCIETIES BILL. women at the University of Mel­ Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of bourne and to provide for the per­ Transport) moved for leave to bring manent reservation of the said land in a Bill to amend section 76 and as a general residential college at the section 77 of the Co-operative Hous­ University of M'elbourne. ing Societies Act 1958. The motion was agreed to. The motion was· agreed t®. The Bill was brought in and read The Bill was brought in and read a first time. a first time. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Lands): I move- Transport) : I move- That the Bill be printed and, by leave, the second reading be made an Order of That the Bill be printed and, by leave, the Day for later this day. the second reading be made an Order of the Day for later this day. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Leave is refused. Leave is refused. It was ordered that the Bill be It was ordered that the Bill be printed and the second reading be printed and the second reading be made an Order of the Day for next made an Order of the Day for next day. day. VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCES BILL. THE ALFRED NICHOLAS Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for MEMORIAL GARDENS BILL. Conservation) moved for leave to Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of bring in a Bill to establish a Victorian Transport) moved for leave to bring Institute of Marine Sciences and for in a Bill to make provision with purposes connected therewith. respect to the transfer of certain land The motion was agreed to. in the Shire of Sherbrooke from the The Bill was brought in and read president, councillors and ratepayers a first time. of the Shire of Sherbrooke to the Forests Commission and for other Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for purposes. Conservation): I move- That the Bill be printed and, by leave, The motion was agreed to. the second reading be made an Order of the The Bill was brought in and read Day for later this day. a first time. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Leave is refused. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Transport) : I move- It was ordered that the Bill be printed and the second reading be That the Bill be printed and, by leave, the second reading be made an Order of made an Order of the Day for next the Day for later this day. day. Road Safety (11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] (Educational) Bill. 113

FILMS (AMENDMENT) BILL. The Bill was brought in and read Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) a first time. moved for leave to bring in a Bill to Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary): amend section 15 of the Films Act I move- 1971. That the Bill be printed and, by leave, The .motion was agreed to. the second reading be made an Order of the Day for later this day. The Bill was brought in and read Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): a first time. Leave is refused. Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary): It was ordered that the Bill be I mOV{..'- printed and the second reading be That the Bill be printed and, by leave, made an Order of the Day for next the second reading be made an Order of the Day for later this day. day. Mr. \VILTON (Broadmeadows): TERANG MECHANICS INS'f.ITUTE Leave is refused. AND FREE LIBRARY TRUST BILL. It was ordered that the Bill be Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of printed and the second reading be Labour and Industry) moved for made an Order of the Day for next leave to bring in a Bill to enable the day. surrender to Her Majesty of the property of the Terang Mechanics FRIENDLY SOCIETIES (BENEFITS) Institute and Free Library Trust free BILL. of the trust ·and of a certain mort­ Mr. ROSSI'FER (Chief Secretary) gage, to facilitate the appointment of moved for leave to bring in a Bill to the Shire of Hampden as a committee amend section 26 of the Friendly of management thereof under the Societies Act 1958. Land Act 1958, and for purposes con­ The motion was agreed to. nected therewith. The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read a first time. The Bill was brought in and read a first time. Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary): I move- Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of That the Bill be printed and, by leave, Labour and Industry) : I move­ the second reading be made an Order of the That the Bill be printed and, by leave, Day for later this day. the second reading be made an Order of the Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Day for later this day. Leave is refused. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): It w·as ordered that the Bill be Leave is refused. printed and the second reading be It w·as ordered that the Bill be made an Order of the Day for next printed and the second reading be day. made an Order of the Day for next day. ROAD SAFETY (EDUCATIONAL) BILL. HARBORS AND NAVIGABLE Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) WATERS CONTROL BILL. moved for leave to bring in a Bill to Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public provide for the transfer of two Works) moved for leave to bring in employees of the National Safety a Bill to amend the Melbourne Harbor Council to the Public Service of Trust Act 1958, the Geelong Harbor Victoria in connection with the trans­ Trust Act 1958, the Portland Harbor fer of certain responsibilities from the Trust Act 1958, the Harbor Boards National Safety Council to the Road Act 1958 and the •Marine Act 1958, Safety and Traffic Authority. and for other purposes. The motion was agreed to. The motion was agreed to. 114 Bonnie Doon (Public [ASSEMBLY.] Hall) Land Bill.

The Bill was brought in and read a Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): first time. Leave is refused. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works): I move- Works) : In view of the reckless and That the Bill be printed and, by leave, the irresponsible precedent being pursued second reading be made an Order of the by the Opposition-- Day for later this day. Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park): Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): Mr. Speaker, I raise a point of order. Leave is refused. It is all very well for honorable mem­ It was ordered that the Bill be bers on the Government benches to printed and the second reading be take the view that they do, but all made an Order of the Day for next that is happening is that the forms day. of the House are being observed. To describe our actions as reckless and MELBOURNE AND irresponsible is to make derogatory METROPOLITAN BOARD OF comments about the forms of the WORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL. House. The motives of the Opposi­ Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public tion are its business. To illlPute Works) moved for leave to bring in a improper motives to any honorable Bill to amend the Melbourne and member is a grave breach of the rules Metropolitan Board of Works Act of the House. I ask that the Minister 1958 and the Sewerage Districts Act who used those words withdraw 1958, and for other purposes. them. The motion was agreed to. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler): I can hardly rule that the The Bil'l was brought in and read a word " irresponsible " is one which first time. must be rejected by the House. I Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public do not think any inference was cast Works): I move- on members of the Opposition other That rthe Bill be printed and, by leave, the than by the use of that word, and I second reading be made an Order of the cannot uphold the point of. order on Day for later this day. that ground. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): The forms of the House are being Leave is refused. used by both the Government and It was ordered that the Bill be the Opposition. Leave for the second printed and the second reading be reading to take place today has been made an Order of the Day for next refused. day. It was ordered that the Bill be printed and the second reading be BONNIE DOON ·(PUBLIC HALL) made an Order of the Day for next LAND BILL. day. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works) moved for leave to bring in a WHEAT MARKETING BILL. Bill to authorize the sale of certain Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of land at Bonnie Doon, to provide for Agriculture) moved for leave to the application of the proceeds of bring in a Bill to amend the Wheat sale and for other purposes. Marketing Act 1969. The motion was agreed to. The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read The Bill was brought in and read a first time. a first time. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Works): I move- Agriculture) : I move- That the Bill be printed and, by leave, That the Bill be printed and, by leave, the second reading be made an Order of the second reading be made an Order of the Day for later this day. the Day for later this day. Parliamentary [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Privilege. 115

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the been placed there so that it could be Opposition): Leave is refused. supplied to honorable members. If It was ordered that the Bill be that had been the case I should have printed and the second reading be allowed the matter to rest. But the made an Order of the Day for next report has not been supplied to the day. Papers Room. and I was informed by one of the officers that it was not PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL. available. I regard this as a serious matter and I ask you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of to treat it as such. As I said, this Agriculture) moved for leave to is a matter of regret but the stage bring in a Bill to amend the Pesti­ seems to have been reached when cides Act 1958. undertakings given to this House are The motion was agreed to. not honoured. It seems more The Bill was brought in and read important to service certain sections a first time. of the daily press than members of Parliament. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Agriculture) : I move- The SPEAKER: When a matter That the Bill be printed and, by leave, such as this is raised, it is the practice the second reading be made an Order of for the Speaker to take time to con­ the Day for later this day. sider it ·deliberately and carefully, Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the and to make a factual and positive Opposition) : Leave is refused. statement to the House. I undertake to do that. I shall report to the House It was ordered that the Bill be on the next day of sitting. printed and the second reading be made an Order of the Day for next Mr. HOLDING: With respect, Sir, day. an explanation may be forthcoming and I would not. wish to pre-empt it. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE. The Premier was not in the House when I raised this matter and it does COMPLAINT: PUBLICATION OF REPORT. invalve him. In fairness, perhaps I Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the should repeat what I said so that the Opposition): Mr. Speaker, with honorable gentleman is able to con­ regret, I raise a matter of privilege. sider his position. I ask leave of the I have just been shown a copy of the House to make a statement. Bland report which was distributed Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of to members of the press with an Agriculture) : Leave is refused. embargo on its publication until 11 a.m. tomorrow. Less than an hour The SPEAKER: I do not know ago I asked the Premier for an under­ whether that refusal of leave was taking, which was freely given, that meant to be taken seriously. The the report would be distributed and Premier was not in the House when made available to members of this the Leader of the Opposition raised a Parliament at the same time as it matter of privilege. He has asked was given to members of the press. leave to repeat the charge. I accept that offer and I sincerely hope that Honorable members interjecting. the refusal of leave will be withdrawn. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Wheeler): I ask honorable members Agriculture): On a point of order, to listen to the Leader of the Opposi­ Mr. Speaker, when you, Sir, called on tion in silence. It will be required me a short time ago the Leader of of me to make a decision and I want the Opposition rose to his feet with­ an opportunity to deliberate care­ out being called. I sat down expect­ fully and correctly. ing that I would be called but that Mr. HOLDING: I immediately made did not happen. I think I could quite an inquiry in the Papers Room to rightly feel upset about that. There­ ascertain whether the report had fore, my immediate impulse was to 116 Parliamentary [ASSEMBLY.] Privilege. refuse leave to the Leader of the nor's Speech are made available Opposition to make his point. How­ to members of the press in ever, I am sure that the Premier time for them to examine them. would wish to reply to the Leader of I have never found that the press the Opposition and I withdraw the has disregarded an embargo or not refusal of leave. kept the contens of the document private. I do not propose to depart Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the from the practice. The undertaking Opposition): By leave and for the I gave to the Leader of the Oppo_sition benefit of the Premier, I repeat what was quite clear, that at the moment I said. The honorable gentleman will it became public he would have a recall that at question time today I copy. sought an assurance, which he gave clearly and voluntarily, that copies of Mr. DousE: "At the same time as the Bland report would not be made the press ". available to the press until they had Mr. HAMER: If I misunderstood been made available to members of the question, I shall repeat the posi­ this House. When I went to my office tion. As far as I am concerned, a I was shown a copy of the report document is made public when it is which had on it an embargo on press made available either in the House publication until 11 a.m. tomorrow. or the Papers Room or otherwise Obviously, the report had been dis­ distributed. That has not been done tributed to members of the press. with this report except that it has I caused inquiries to be made in the been given to members of the press Papers Room presuming that the under an embargo. No other member Premier had given instructions so that of the House has seen it but it will the undertaking given to the House be available to aH honorable members would be honoured. However, I was when the term of the embargo is told that there were no copies of the completed, that is at 11 a.m. to­ report in the Papers Room and that it morrow. If you, Mr. Speaker, rule had not been issued. Therefore, as that that is a breach of privilege, no I am bound to, I raise this matter at more documents will be distributed the first opportunity. to the press in similar situations. But I believe it to be a perfectly legiti­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and mate thing to do, and it is well Treasurer): I am glad of the oppor­ known that it is done. There is no tunity to reply to the Leader of the reason to depart from the practice. Opposition. I remind him of what is I do not regard it as a breach of any well known to all honorable members undertaking I gave the Leader of the that in cases where documents ar~ Opposition and the House. In any about to be issued and become public case, this is not a House document. it is not only the usual but the sensible practice that members of the press re­ Mr. WILTON: But you gave an ceive copies under an embargo. As undertaking to the House. I understand the meaning of the word Mr. HAMER: I gave an undertak­ "embargo", members of the press ing to the House and I propose to are allowed to examine the document honour it. At the time the embargo in private without indicating its con­ is 'lifted, in other words, when the tents to anybody. document becomes public, there will be ample copies available in the I remind the House that it is well Papers Room to any member of known that copies of Budgets are Parliament who wants them. made available to the press in advance by both Commonwealth and State Mr. WILKES {Northcote): I am Treasurers, and also by the Parlia­ surprised at the Premier's explana­ ment of Westminster, as are reports tion. It is a further indication of the of Royal Commissions and boards of complete disregard of the Govern­ inquiry. Even copies of the Gover- ment for the Parliament. When a Fertilizers [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 117 report is to be tabled in Parliament, Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of it is not available to the press until Agriculture) : I move-- after it is tabled, and this report That the Bill be printed and, by leave, should not be treated in any other the second reading be made an Order of way. the Day for later this day. Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Leave is Mr. HAMER: It is not a Parlia­ refused. mentary report. It was ordered that the Bill be Mr. WILKES: It is as important printed and the second reading be as any report tabled in Parliament. made an Order of the Day for next Notwithstanding the fact that, half an day. hour ago, the Premier gave a particu­ lar undertaking about the report, it DRIED FRUITS (AMENDMENT) has been made available to the press. BILL. Hansard will prove exactly what the Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of question was and what the Premier Agriculture) moved for leave to answered. bring in a Bill to amend the Dried I am sure that every honorable Fruits Act 1958. member in the Chamber believed the The motion was agreed to. Premier would make the report avail­ The Bill was brought in and read able to members of Parliament when a first time. it was made available to the press. But that is not the case. But members Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of of the press have or a member of Agriculture) : I move- the press has the report before any That the Bill be printed and, by leave, member of the Opposition has been the second reading be made an Order of able to see it. I regard that as a the Day for later this day. serious abrogation of the rights of Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Leave is members of this Parliament. I can refused. understand that the Government It was ordered that the Bill be wants to advise the press. printed and the second reading be The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. made an Order of the Day for next Wheeler): Order! I have no desire to day. listen to a full-scale debate at this PHARMACISTS BILL. time, for obvious reasons. There is no question before the Chair. The Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Leader of the Opposition raised a Health) moved for leave to bring in matter of privilege. He afforded the a Bill to re-enact with amendments Premier the opportunity of putting the law relating to the registration his case. Until I have time to con­ of pharmacists and for purposes con­ sider the matter there is no question nected therewith. before the Chair. The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read FERTILIZERS BILL. a first time. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Agriculture) moved for leave to Health) : I move- bring in a Bill to consolidate and That the Bill be printed and, by leave, the amend the law relating to the sale second reading be made an Order of the of agricultural limes, fertilizers and Day for later this day. soil conditioners and for other pur- Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Leave is poses. refused. It was ordered that the Bill be The motion was agreed to. printed and the second reading be The Bill was brought in and read made an Order of the Day for next a first time. day. 118 Avoidance .of [ASSEMBLY.] Discrimination Bill.

NOTICE OF MOTION. The Bill w~s brought in and read Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East): a first time. In view of strong indications that the Government is yielding to pressure GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. by the Country Party to revise the charges which are the subject of ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Notice of Motion No. 1, General The debate (adjourned from the Business, standing in my name, I previous day) was resumed on the desire to indicate that I do not wish motion of Mr. Chamberlain (Dun- to proceed with the motion today but das)- ' will move it on Tuesday next. That the following Address-in-Reply to the Speech of His Excellency the Governor to both Houses of Parliament be agreed FAMILY COURTS BILL. to by this House:- Mr. WILKES (Northcote) moved MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ExCELLENCY: for leave to bring in a Bill to make We, the Legislative Assembly of V~ctoria provision for the establishment of in Parliament assembled, beg to express certain Magistrates Courts as family our loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign. and to thank Your Excellency for the courts for the better determination gracious Speech which you have been of disputes or matters affecting pleased to address to Parliament. family life, to vest family courts with certain jurisdiction and powers, and and on Mr. Holding's amendment- for purposes connected therewith. That the following words be added to the ·proposed address-" and respectfully The motion was agreed to .. desire to inform Your Excellency that this Hous-e rejects the concept of Melbourne's The Bill was brought in and read growth being unlimited, and Government a first time. departments and statutory authorities act­ ing on a population figure of 5 million by the year 2000, and expresses the view that LANDLORD AND TENANT Melbourne's growth should be limited and (AMENDMENT) BILL. that a population for Melbourne in excess Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) of 3 · 5 million is socially and economically moved for leave to bring in a Bill to undesirable". reform the Landlord and Tenant Act Mr. McCLURE (Bendigo): The 1958 with respect to persons suffer­ motion for the adoption · of an ing financial hardship upon premises Address-in-Reply ta the Governor's ceasing to be prescribed premises Speech affords honorable members and for regulating and controlling the an excellent opportunity of speaking giving of security deposits. on many of the matters which con­ cern them, particularly in their elec­ The motion was agreed to. torate. I offer no apologies for The Bill was brought in and read discussing matters which pertain to a first time. my electorate of Bendigo. Mr. CuRNOW: Here comes the AVOIDANCE OF DISCRIMINATION parish pump. BILL. Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) Mr. McCLURE: I take the moved for leave to bring in a Bill to opportunity of reaffirming the make provision against the exercise loyalty of the constituents of of certain discriminations on account the electorate of Bendigo ta Her of sex, marriage, religion, politics, Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. and also race, colour, or ethnic or social back­ of congratulating and wishing we]) ground in relation to the holding of the new Governor of Victoria, His public offices and the exercise of Excellency Sir Henry Winneke, on statutory rights and duties and for his elevation to the position, and of other purposes. conveying kind regards tO' the retired Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan. The motion was agreed to. Delacombe. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 119

The honorable member for Kara it could pay for the filtration and Kara, by interjection, indicated that purification system without any this was a good opportunity of work­ difficulty. ing the parish pump, and that is Water has many uses, one of which, exactly what I intend to do. The l~st and by no means the least important occasion on which I gave the pansh in an urban society, is the putting pump of Bendigo a decent pull the out of fires. It is of great concern to water that issued forth was by no the people of Bendigo that improve­ means clean. This is of considerable ments to the Bendigo fire station concern to the people of Bendigo and which have been proposed for some the people who are served by the time by the Country Fire Authority upper Coliban water system oper­ have been completely thwarted by the ated by the State Rivers and Water action of some trade unions and the Supply Commission. On occasions Bendigo Trades Hall Council which the quality of the water issuing from have seen fit to put a black ban on the mains in Bendigo leaves much the improvements to the station. to be desired, particularly in summer Recently the Trades Hall Council has when a large quantity of water is written to municipalities in the supplied from the Lake Eppalock Bendigo area comp'laining that the system. There is a large amount fire services available to the people of of suspended material in the water Bendigo are inadequate and that fi~e and I believe it is proper to suggest appliances are too often delayed In that this time the Government should reaching fires. If the Trades Hall give earnest consideration to install­ Council and the relevant unions are ing a filtration or purification plant sincere, they will immediately lift for all the urban areas supplied from their ban on the work proposed at the Coliban water system. This Bendigo fire station and allow one of system was developed in approxi­ the most important utilities in the mately 1872. city to be improved. In its day the Coliban system was At present the Bendigo railway an excellent piece of engineering but station is another area of concern. the demands on it are now too great. The station is one of the oldest in the The supply is mainly via an open State and unfortunately some of the channel, with the result that a great equipment that is used is also prob­ deal of matter enters the water be­ ably the oldest in the St.ate._ The fore it is distributed through the equipment available for freight handl­ mains. In the early days our fore­ ing at Bendigo railway station is bears had the foresight to install a insufficient to cater for modem de­ filtration system and an excellent mands and contributes in no small beds system exists at the Crusoe measure to the difficulties the reservoir. However, these beds have railways have in conduc.ting not been used for many years as their business through that terminal. capacity is inadequate. It is interest­ One of the most important ing to note that at the time the Crusoe pieces of equipment required reservoir was being built the com­ IS an overhead travelling crane pany that had the franchise raised to enable a large number of railway only a small amount of capital trucks to be unloaded simultaneously because it fondly believed it would and those loads to be placed directly pay for the bulk of the work by sell­ on to road vehicles for distribution. ing the gold it expected to find when In addition to this, the Railways excavating the main embankment, but Board could well rethink its method it was unsuccessful and the company of parcel handling throughout the went broke. In digging about Bendigo State. The current trend in handling the State Rivers and Water Supply parcels almost anywhere is to pack Commission probably unearths gold. them in small containers for each If it could tap that resource no doubt destination. Instead of the railways 120 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. handling a large number of small running the service it was losing an items, it would be easier to unload enormous amount of money. There quickly from rail wagons containers are some simple arguments against designated for a specific railway that. However, if the organization station, and for the staff to unpack that runs the tramway could carry the containers and distribute the commuter passengers as well as contents in a more orderly fashion tourists, it would return a handsome than at present occurs. profit. At the moment the service As well as freight and parcel could be run daily even without the handling, there is undoubtedly an commuter passengers. If a more opportunity for the railways to in­ novel approach to the railways were crease the amount of passenger taken and rail services were mar­ traffic that can be carried between keted attractively, much more country centres and Melbourne. The patronage could be attracted. main object here is to obtain a faster Another matter causing grave con­ service. This is not always easy to cern to the people of Bendigo and achieve in areas where only a single throughout Victoria from Gisborne railway track runs, but where dual to Swan Hill is that the Central tracks exist or conditions are right, Victoria District Ambulance Service the railways could endeavour to pro­ is being frustrated in its desire to re­ vide a service at least as fast as on place its ambulances with others of State roads, and preferably faster. a type which it regards as most Many people have become aware that suitable for use in the district. Some although driving has a degree of time ago the Hospitals and Charities flexibility, it is by no means as safe, Commission formed a vehicle comfortable or convenient as design committee to design a travelling by rail. It should be pos­ standard ambulance. In the same way sible to run a rail service between that the Federal Government's Bendigo and Melbourne, with a standard urban passenger rail car journey time of between an hour will not be able to cope with all the and a half and an hour and three variations that exist throughout Aus­ quarters. At present the train takes tralia, the standard ambulance approximately two and a half hours designed for the Hospitals and Chari­ to complete this journey, which is a ties Commission is not able to cope little too long to attract a large num­ with all the types of work that ber of daily or weekly commuters. ambulances are required to do. Recently I travelled by rail motor I can speak with some knowledge to Echuca, and although many of of the types of ambulances available, my friends thought that was a daring because my colleague, the honorable thing to do, the journey proved to be member for Midlands, and I recently one of the most pleasant I have rode as passengers on stretchers and undertaken in a long while. If the rail­ test-drove the ambulances available ways sold its services on the basis for use at present. They fall into that there is more to travelling by three categories-firstly, the ambu­ rail than just getting from point A lance based on the Ford FIOO; to point B, and that one may secondly, the one based on the Ford travel to interesting places and see a Fairlane chassis; and thirdly, the one great deal of countryside that cannot based on the Ford Falcon chassis. be seen from the roads, more revenue The differences are that the Ford could be gathered. FIOO can carry four patients, two on complete stretchers and two on tem­ An example of how a rail service porary type str·etchers above. The can be made to pay exists in Bendigo, Ford Fairlane type ambulance is also where a tourist tramway service has capable of carrying four patients, one been introduced and its costs are on the complete type stretcher, one at least covered, whereas when the on a more simple type of stretcher, State Electricity Commission was and two on temporary types of Mr. McClure. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 121 stretchers carried above. The Ford of great concern is that the Fairlane Falcon type ambulance carries one type ambulance costs only about patient on a conventional stretcher, two-thirds the price of the Ford FIOO and one on a simpler version-two ambulance, and yet the Fairlane has at the most. many desirable features. The com­ In the area covered by the Central mission cannot afford to be inflexible Victoria District Ambul,ance Service in such an important matter when the only 5 per cent of the work involved ambulance service concerned has a is accident work, so the possibility great deal of experience in designing exists for multiple loading. How­ ambulances and has had few problems ever, multiple loading accounts for with the Fairlane type version which only a small proportion of that 5 per it pioneered. The Fairlane ambu­ cent, and when viewed in total, the lances have almost completed 200,000 need for a large capacity ambulance miles' travelling, and the ambulance is fairly small. By comparison, a drivers-quite rightly-have declared larger amount of running over long that once the vehicles reach 200,000 distances is done, mainly taking miles, they will refuse to drive them. people to and from Melbourne. The I make no apologies for supporting service needs an ambulance that has the ambulance drivers in this matter. good riding capabilities. The Ford Ambulances cannot be run for much F 100 rides like a truck, and indeed, more than 200,000 miles and still that is the type of chassis it is built provide a secure service. on. The Fairlane ambulance is quite It is deplorable that the Hospitals comfortable and handles very well, and Charities Commission has failed as does the Ford Falcon type. The to see reason on this point. The Central Victoria District Ambulance ambulance service is not refusing to Service desires to replace its ambu­ have Ford F100 ambulances-it agrees lances progressively, mainly with the to have some of them to do special Ford Fairlane type ambulance. In types of work-but it does not want an emergency this type of vehicle is the entire fleet to be comprised of capable of carrying four patients, for those or the Ford Falcon type ambu­ example in crash work, but it is the lances, which have such a limited comfortable ride that is so necessary capacity. when carrying patients over long dis­ tances. In addition, if a patient can In his Speech the Governor touched be seated, a special seat in a con­ on some important issues that affect ventional position is provided. my electorate, and I intend to cover only a few. The Leader of the Oppo­ By comparison, in the Ford F100 sition moved an amendment to the ambulance the seated patients are motion before the Chair, and I am required to sit on the stretcher in the puzzled because I thought His Excel­ back at right angles to the direction lency's Speech adequately covered in which the ambulance is travelling. the point raised by the Leader of the Only a lap safety belt is provided, Opposition. I refer to the initiatives and if an F 100 ambulance had the taken by the Government in promot­ misfortune to be involved in an ing decentralization. It is a source accident, a patient seated within the of annoyance to the Opposition that vehicle would run the risk of being the Government's decentralization injured. programme is not only succeeding I find it unthinkable that the Hos­ but is progressing better than the pitals and Charities Commission could schemes of any other Government in adopt a hard line on this matter. The Australia. The efforts of the Vic­ Central Victoria District Ambulance torian Government in the area of Service has been unable to obtain decentralization leave for dead those permission to replace its vehicles with of its alleged colleagues who cur­ the Ford Fairlane type ambulances rently comprise the Federal Govern­ which it desires. An additional factor ment of .Australia. 122 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Repty.

It may be of interest to know that that His Excellency has kindly con­ the honorable member for Kara Kara, sented to become the patron of the who has interjected, and I both Bendigo Trust. This has made the attended the same school. In fact, people of my electorate very proud. recently I was told that we were both Recently the trust conducted a fund­ in the same class, but in those days raising programme to obtain funds he was so quiet that I was not even towards the development of a major aware of his presence. tourist project called Dai Gum San. In the Bendigo area there has been Despite the alleged gloom that has a pleasing development of new been hanging over the economy or industry, and this is continuing. This the country, the people of Bendigo is why the Bendigo area is not feeling and district responded magnificently, the same degree of unemployment and the appeal so far has achieved a that is currently rife throughout the result of $310,000. This speaks rest of the commt,Inity. wonders for the way in which tourism is being accepted as an industry. Not Mr. CURNow: Did you see yester­ only are people pleased to see the day's Herald? It stated that Bendigo development of tourist projects, but is in the worst eight. they obviously realize the financial Mr. McCLURE: My colleague advantages that are in it for all con­ from the Bendigo High School forgets cerned. that the figure that is associated with Mr. EDMUNDS: Do you like. photo­ the name" Bendigo", comprises com­ graphs of the Minister being plastered munities flung far and wide from the over everything? They are frighten­ city and incorporates a large number ing little children. of small country areas which, un­ fortunately, show an immediate Mr. McCLURE: The Minister is response to unemployment. If what reasonably photogenic. It has been the honorable member for Kara Kara pointed out in this House on previous says is true, it is significant that per­ occasions that the Victorian Govern­ sons who are unemployed have not ment spends less on tourist promotion sought assistance from any of the that does any other State. Bendigo members of Parliament, nor With those few remarks I shall have they drawn their unemployment conclude. The Government has pro­ to our attention. posed a fully-rounded programme for Two industries which are currently this session. I am a relatively new establishing in Bendigo wiU do a member of this House. I thought all great deal to attract not only addi­ honorable members would have tiona! people but also additional reasonable regard .for the forms of industries to the area. I speak of Parliament, and for the need of the Empire Rubber (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Government to get its business which has shifted from Footscray to through. I have been dismayed with Bendigo--a wise move--and the firm what I have seen from members of of Sinclair & Duncan Foundries Pty. the Opposition during today's pro­ Ltd. which is shifting from Thomas­ ceedings. town. Both of these industries will The sitting was suspended at 6.20 act as a catalyst and will attract a p.m. until 8.2 p.m. large number of other industries. Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East): His ExceUency the Governor During his Speech the Governor touched on tourism in his Speech and made distinct reference to education. said that it was an important decen­ He stated that first priority ~would tralized industry. I fully support his continue to be, given to education, view. In the Bendigo area there is a particularly in tfie provision of addi­ wealth of interest to tourists, and an tional teachers and ancillary staff, organization known as the Bendigo the improvement of disadvantaged Trust is doing a magnificent job in schools, and the provision of libraries, promoting the district. It is pleasing science blocks and art and crafts Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 123 rooms. The people of Brunswick The Government has shown a East would regard those comments scandalous disregard for the welfare with wry amusement. of staff and pupils alike. Brunswick I wish to acquaint the Governor Girls High School has been a fire with the situation of Brunswick hazard from its inception, and since Girls High Scho'Ol and the Govern­ the construction of the school in ment's contemptuous attitude to­ 1922 very little action has been taken wards the problem of meeting its by the Government to minimize the educational needs. I wonder whether danger to staff and pupils. The Gov­ His Excellency would have made the ernment's attitude to Brunswick comments that I have quoted if he Girls High School has had an effect had possessed that knowledge. I on two senior figures in the Educa­ wish to deal specifically with the tion Department. It has led directly Government's failure to meet the to the resignation of one of those needs of Brunswick Girls High people and has had an indirect effect School, particularly the desperate on the resignation of the other. I need for a new school structure and refer in the first instance to the prin­ expanded site. The matter is of cipal of the school, Mrs. June Engish, great urgency, not simply because of an extraordinary educationist who the need to provide the new school has brought about remarkable inno­ and expanded site but because of the vations to the school, unique in this implications of the Government's country. She has been virtually failure to carry out those much­ driven into the ground by the needed requirements. bureaucratic procedures of the Min­ The most serious implication of the ister and his department until she Government's failure is the threat can stomach them no more. to the future existence of this school. I also refer to the resignation of the In the process of delay and inaction Assistant Director-General of Educa­ which has characterized the Govern­ tion, Mr. Morton, who, as members of ment's approach to the school, the the Opposition as well as the Minister very future of the school is threat­ have known for more than a year, ened. Since leading a deputation has been utterly disillusioned with to the Minister of Education last the building programme of the year and receiving a specific under­ Education Department and the poli­ taking that the school would be either cies of the Government. He was rebuilt or remodelled, I have heard placed under severe pressure during for the first time that the Govern­ negotiations and demonstrations ment is proposing to · swallow up involving Brunswick Girls High Brunswick Girls High School in a School. Just before his resignation co-educational Brunswick Technical he took the unusual step of rejecting School. That proposal is probably in a specific request by the Minister to the embryonic stage; it certainly has discuss with the principal of the not been conveyed in any official school, Mrs. Engish, the shambles manner to anybody associated with that the Government had got itself Brunswick Girls High School. into over its failure to honour an The other disturbing aspect that undertaking given by the Minister to threatens the future existence of the rebuild the school on an expanded school ·is the surreptitious change site. The shambles materially con­ by the Education Department in the tributed to the resignation of Mr. school's zone, in a deliberate en­ Morton. Of itself, that is serious deavour to cut down its enrolment enough to justify this question being for next year, a move which strikes raised in Parliament. at the future viability of that school. For those reasons alone it is import­ Brunswick Girls High Schoo'l is a ant to raise the question of the Gov­ good school and a bad school. It is ernment's failure tto meet the a good school in that it has a remark­ school's desperate educational needs. ably talented and dedicated principal 1~4 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. and staff and pupils receptive to the Fifteen acres is the standard size innovative programmes which the specified by the Minister for a high principal and staff are trying to im­ school; that is Government policy. plement against the opposition of the A statement to that effect was made department, the Minister and the in answer to a question by the hon­ Government. But it is a bad school­ orable member for Footscray on indeed it is appalling-in its physical 20th November, 1973, which appears faci'lities. I defy the Minister or any at page 2290 of Hansard. Government supporter to provide me The school has pupils of 30 differ­ or any member of the Oppositon with ent nationalities. It is possib'le that the name of any other school which is Liberal Party members may find that worse off in physical facilities. For difficult to ~omprehend, but 85 per the edification of Government sup­ cent of the pupils are classified as porters, I shall refer to some of the migrant pupils. That does not mean basic facts relating to the school. that all of them were born overseas. In 1970 the school had an enrol­ The classification is based on the ment of 401 pupils. In 1971, the fact that a language other than number increased to 462. In 1972, the English is the main language in use number of pupils dropped slightly to in the home of the pupil. Seventy­ 449, but since then it has continued five per cent of the pupils are Italian, to rise. In 1973 there were 471 pupils 8 per cent are Greek; and 2 per cent and this year there are 517. Before are of a variety of other nationalities. the belated zoning change the ex­ There are eight portable class­ pected enrolment was 558. rooms on this site of 1 · 25 acres. There The area of the school site has is approximately four-tenths of an remained the same throughout all acre of breathing site for 517 pupils. that period. Certainly, it is the I defy the Minister to indicate any smallest secondary school site other secondary school in the State in the State. The site covers which is choked to the same extent. approximately 1· 25 acres. However, Even if he could do so I am sure that I am intrigued by varying answers the Minister would take no pride in given to the honorable member naming any other such school. for Brunswick West and myself The school comprises 13 class-rooms, about the area of the site. In comprising 6 full·rooms, 4 half rooms an answer to a question I asked which can be used for art and sewing on 29th September, 1970, which only, and 3 connected rooms which appears at page 389 of Hansard, the are termed open space. Because they Minister told me that the area of the are constructed in that way they can school site was 1 acre 1 rood 38 be used by only one class at a time perches. On 20th June, 1973, unless the class happens to be a nearly three years later, the honor­ drama class. The class-rooms pro­ able member for Brunswick West vided are nine rooms short of the was told, in answer to a similar ques­ Education Department's mm1mum tion, that the area was 1 acre no requirement. The school is short of roods 33 perches. That question and five ordinary class-rooms and four answer appears at page 136 of Han­ seminar rooms for the teaching of sard. I am not sure which answer is English as a second language. On correct. Basically, the site has re­ the small space of the school site, mained the same-1 should be sur­ there are 8 portable class-rooms, prised if it had shrunk in the inter­ comprised of 6 ordinary portables, vening period. It is incredible that and 1 Bristol containing two rooms. although the enrolment at the school has increased by about 25 per cent, The library of the Brunswick Girls that is by 116 pupils, in five years, High School must be unique. At the no real effort has been made to en­ most it seats 15 of the 517 pupils, large the site over this paltry 1 · 25 and they would need to· be small acres. pupils. That number can only be Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 125 seated when books are not being Mr. BORNSTEIN: The school has catalogued or processed by the no gymnasium and when pupils are librarian. When the librarian is work­ engaged in physical education ing on these activities, not even activities and it rains, they have the fifteen pupils can be seated. That choice of going to the dining room may be one of the reasons why that section of the canteen, to the library is on the list produced by the lavatories downstairs in the school Library Promotion Council of Victoria building or sheltering under open for a special tour later this month. balconies where the school's lockers, I am sure that members of that which are rusting and covered in council are anxious to show as many pigeon droppings, are situated. I people as possible the state of this point out to honorable members that library. It is almost deserving of a Melbourne averages 144 wet days a National Trust classification. year and I suggest that the number may be a little higher this year. Science is taught in a laundry between troughs and coppers, but cer­ There is no student common room tainly not because the teachers for relaxation or private study. There want it that way. They would be is no counselling area and there are happier to teach science in the inadequate facilities for science, art laundry if the coppers and troughs and drama. Drama classes have were removed. But the principal has " shared the stage " with the canteen found it impossible, after five years for several months. There are no of trying, to get the Public Works showers. The canteen is small and Department or the Education Depart­ congested and as the roof is unlined ment to remove the coppers or this produces condensation. It is a troughs so that the laundry could be furnace in summer, and in winter the used as a science room. students freeze. That is a brief picture There is not one store-room in the of the physical nature of the school. whole school. I suppose the only The school is a death trap and has room that could have been called a been for many years. The Govern­ store-room is that which is now the ment has callously disregarded the principa'l's office. It measures 10 feet safety of the students by its failure by 7 feet. Can any honorable member to provide adequate fire safety pro­ on the Government benches tell me tection. In 1958-59, the Education that he would happy to work in an Department asked the Metropolitan office of that size? Fire Brigades Board to review all Mr. BILLING: We work in offices school fire facilities. The board re­ like that here. ported back very quickly that the two upstairs wings of the Brunswick Mr. BORNSTEIN: I am talk·ing Girls High School urgently required about work, and for the whole year, alternative means of exit other than not flitting in here between other internal stairs situated about 40 or duties at members' law offices and 50 yards from the extremity of both company offices. wings. An alternative means of Mr. THOMPSON: Now tell the House escape is urgent. why the extension plans were Those recommendations were re­ knocked back twice. iterated to the Government on The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. numerous occasions, and 1960, 1970 Wheeler): Order! I do not know and 1973 were three occasions when whether honorable members are the Metropolitan Fire Brigades Board aware that they must advise their pressed home the urgency of these guests or constituents 'that silence measures. The board also suggested must be preserved in the gallery, but that thermal alarms should be in­ that is the situation. If there is any­ stal·led and eonnected to the local fire thing but abso'lute silence there, I station so that the local fire station shall order that the gallery be cleared. would be quickly notified if a fire 126 Governor's Speech: (ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. broke out at the school. One would of pupils would be happier to hear of have assumed that the Government the imminent destruction of the may have been interested in that school so that a new school could suggestion. arise in its place on an extended site On 3rd May, 1973, the Education because that is basically what is Department notified the principal needed. at the Brunswick Girls High that tenders had been called for the School. provision of fire escapes. On 5th There is a very long history of June, 1973, the Public Works Depart­ negotiation with the Minister of ment accepted tenders for the erec­ Education and officers of his depart­ tion of steel fire escape stairs costing ment concerning the desperate· build­ the magnificent sum of $3,068. To ing requirements of the Brunswick date no action has been taken to erect Girls High School. I shall briefly those steel stairs. summarize those negotiations so that Embarrassingly, the Minister of honorable members can gain some Education went on A.B.C. national background knowledge of the television on 22nd July, 1974, the desperation confronting the com­ day after a fire had occurred at the munity in Brunswick, the principal, Brunswick Technical School, to tell staff, pupils, parents of pupils and the the people of Victoria just what the advisory council of the school. In Education Department and the recent months the advisory council Government were doing in providing has taken the unprecedented action fire-protection measures at schools. of supporting direct action taken The honorable gentleman informed by those bodies to bring about the interviewer that an example of the implementation of policies that Government activity was the fire will meet the education needs of escapes installed at the Brunswick those attending the school. Girls High School. Obviously the Shortly after I was elected to this Minister based that statement on place, on 4th November, 1970, I led information incorrectly given to him a deputation from the advisory coun­ by someone within his department, cil of the Brunswick Girls High because, as the Minister of Education School to the Minister of Education ·well knows, that statement is untrue. seeking the declaration of the school The honorable gentleman was as a co·educational school; a blanket fortunate to bump into me in the cover on properties bounded by precincts of Parliament House Albert Street, Evans Street, Blair on 6th August when I pointed Street, and Ellingsworth Street, out to him that fire escapes which would have increased ·the had not yet been installed. My state­ future site of the school to ment shocked him a little. What I 2 · 2'5 acres; the construction of did not know was that he was appear­ an L-shaped, 4-story block on ing on. This Day Tonight the the south-east boundary of the school same night to discuss the problems to accommodate between 600 ·and confronting the Brunswick Girls 700 pupils; and more senior staff for High School. Instead of answering the school. 4 ' cold " after being asked by the interviewer why he had said that fire On 8th ·February, 1971, ·the Educa­ ·escapes had been provided, he was tion Department notified the principal able to point out that he had been that the erection of a 3-story misinformed. block was under consideration. .It took •a reminder letter from me on Mr. THOMPSON: Tenders were let lOth May, 1971, to prompt a reply on 8th August. from the Minister of Education ten Mr. BORNSTEIN: I am very glad days later rejecting the four requests to hear that. I am sure that the ·com­ made by the deputation. I received a munity of Brunswick, the principal, reply from the Minister of Education the staff, the pupils and the parents six months after the deputation had Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 127 outlined four requirements and the edification of honorable members, the reply was received only after jogging Multi-Cultural Co-ordinating Council the memory of the Minister. is one of the innovations which have been brought about by the efforts of On 9th June, 1971, the Education Mrs. Engish and her staff. It in­ Department notified the acting prin­ volved the creation of four parent cipal that a standardized block would ethnic bodies and represented the not meet the needs of the school. parents of Austra·Iian-born Italian Then there was a period of inaction and Greek students and students until 9th October, 1972-a period of whose parents came from Turkey approximately sixteen months-and and Middle East countries. Those then all of a sudden the Education bodies were created only after Department gave the principal an intensive visits by members of assurance that a 3-story block the staff to 250 hom.es of families would be constructed if it fitted on of pupils of the school. They the site. I suggest that at that stage were encouraged to form these one could be excused for thinking the councils so that they could develop construction of the block was begin­ their own ideas on the future needs ning to· resemble Alice in Wonder­ of the school and articulate their land--commonly known as the old­ demands. The 1\.fulti-Cultural Co­ fashioned " run-around ". ordinating Council was an amalgam On 24th November, 1972, the Public of all four parent ethnic groups Works Department was asked to in a co-ordinating action group. investigate the feasibility of siting a The deputation to the Minister on 3-story block on this site. On 30th August represented a break­ 9th April, 1973, the p,rincipal notified through in the negotiations for a new the Education Department that de­ deal for the Brunswick Girls High spite the guarantee of an investiga­ School, or so members of the deputa­ tion and a feasibility study for a tion thought, because at the meeting 3-story block given six months the Minister conceded the desperate previously, no one had yet arrived physical plight of the school and its to take measurements. However, lack of basic minimal facilities. He two days later someone from the assured the deputation that the school Public Works Department arrived to would be rebuilt or remodelled in the assess the possibility of siting a near future as a matter of high 3-story block and the recommen­ priority. The Minister did not com­ dation, naturally enough, was that mit himself to razing the school the site be extended. On 14th June, entirely or renovating or remodelling 1973, the Education Department in­ to a large extent, but he referred to formed the principal that Public an expenditure of at least $1·5 Works Department officers were million. That was a clear assurance working on the feasibility of several given to me and other members of alternative projects, and stated that the deputation and was even con­ a report was due on 6th July. On veyed publicly by the Minister, 18th July the principal was told that although not adequately reported in the project architect was on leave. the media. On 9th August someone from the Education Department telephoned the In the light of that assurance, I principal and stated that the Public approached the Minister in Decem­ Works Department was not satisfied ber, 1973, in the precincts of this with the report due on 6th July. House and asked him to approve of Presumably that went into another a feasibility study to be conducted pigeon-hole. by a brilliant young architect, Evan Walker, of the firm of Walker and On 30th August, 1973, I led a Jackson, which had designed a build­ deputation from the school's Multi­ ing at Princes Hill High School. This Cultural Co-ordinating Council to school is also in my electorate, and the Minister of Education. For the the Minister and the Government can 128 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address~in-Reply.

rightly feel proud of it. It is a magni­ to go to the office and get a drink. ficent structure, and it is obvious why They finally went to Mrs. Engish's people were anxious to obtain the office-it was the old office, not the services of Evan Walker to design store room; I doubt whether they a building to meet the special needs would have fitted into the store of Brunswick Girls High School. room. They briefly discussed what The cost of a feasibility study to be the Public Works Department archi­ conducted by Walker and Jackson tect was doing. would have been approximately In January of this year I received a $1,000. Some schools might have call from Mr.. Serpell, the Director­ been able to raise the money but General of Public Works, informing because of the socio-economic status me that the feasibility study had been of the parents of students of Bruns­ completed and three alternatives wick Girls High School that was were under consideration. On 13th utterly impossible. It is in the Min­ February I visited Dr. Shears, who ister's favour that he agreed in prin­ was accompanied by Mr. Morton, dple that Evan Walker should carry and I learned in more detail out the feasibility study. The Min­ what the three alternatives were. ister of Education wrote to the Min­ Before I saw Dr. Shears I ister of Public Works requesting his was made aware of the three alter­ formal permission for Evan Walker natives suggested in the feasibility to do so. The Deputy Premier wrote study. I have a copy of it. to a junior Minister and his junior It is under the nomenclature of one .colleague turned him down flat. D. C. Bradbury, F.R.A.I.A., Chief Mr. HOLDING: You are jo;king. Architect. He has taken the credit for the feasibility study conducted by Mr. BORNSTEIN: I am not joking. an architect who had been employed Apparently the Public Works Depart­ by the Public Works Department for ment is extremely touchy on the sub­ two days. That study did not even ject of outside architects. It is not take one full day to carry out. It is .concerned with meeting the special interesting that in the introduction ·educational needs of a school but to the feasibility study this sentence it is touchy about its prestige and appears- believes it is far more impottant to Because of the school vacation and the save face than to meet the educa­ limited time allowed for the preparation tional needs of a school such as of this report, it has not been possible Brunswick Girls High School. In to ascertain any likely submissions from the light of that refusal there was the school. no altetnative but to accept a feasi­ That is how the Public Works De­ bility study conducted by 'the Public partment conducts a feasibility study Works Department. for a new school! On 14th December, 1973, an archi­ Mr. HOLDING: Did they mention tect, who I believe had been em­ the gardener? ployed in the Public Works Depart­ Mr. BORNSTEIN: The gardener ment for twO' days, arrived at the was not even mentioned. I am sure school. He told no one he was there that the department could have ob­ but started wandering around the tained some formal submissions from grounds with a photographer. He the gardener. I cannot imagine any­ asked the gardener of the school thing more farcical than a feasibility whether he considered the school study in which no submission is needed to be rebuilt. The gardener, sought from a school which has an intelligent man, to~ld Mrs. Engish shown for four years, through various that a couple of men were wandering submissions to the Education Depart­ around the grounds of the school. ment, how much it wants to express That was two days before the end its views and the views of the prin­ of the term. It was a hot day, and cipal, staff, pupils, parents, the ad­ the men should have had the sense visory council and the community Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 129 generally, on what sort of school east with an enclosed link. A·· ·pro­ should be provided at Brunswick menade deck was to be incorporated Girls High School. This is how a so that there would be little loss in feasibility study is prepared by the open space. The person who wrote Public Works Department. Is it any this must be joking. The third solu­ wonder that the services of Evan tion also stated that the addition of Walker were sought! the 2-story extension to the south would provide 11,840 square feet of Under the heading "Criteria", ap­ gross floor area while a new 3-story pear statements such as- block to the east would add another A design target of 650 students should 37,800 square feet, excluding the area be sufficient to meet present needs, and no more than 700 students should be catered of the promenade deck. The total for in the future. area would then be 66,378 square feet. This would cater for a minimum of I do not know who is determining 660 students at 100 square feet per those sorts of criteria; they are being student, which is the average re­ determined without any consultation quirement for a secondary school. with anyone associated with the This solution would cost $1·65 school. Further, the study states- million. At this stage, it has been indicated from the Education Department that funds will The attitude of the advisory be limited for both the acquisition of land council, the principal and staff, and and the construction of new buildings. other people associated with the Therefore, the whole scheme and the school was that they strongly feasibility study were circumscribed favoured the construction of an en­ from the beginning. tirely new school. They were not too happy about the criteria or the condi­ Three separate proposals were sug­ tions generally under which the fea­ gested as alternative solutions and I sibility study had been prepared. As shall refer to them from the feasibility a consequence, I visited the Director­ study. These were some of the solu­ General of Education, Dr. Shears, who, tions about which the Minister was as I said earlier, was accompanied by fairly vocal. In the feasibility study, Mr. Morton, the Assistant Director­ the first alternative solution provided General of Education who is con­ for expansion of the site to cover the cerned with buildings. I put to him 2 ·15 acres of land bounded by Blair, the case for the construction of an Albert, Ellingsworth and Evans entirely new school. Dr. Shears ex­ streets, demolition of the existing pressed a preference for the third 2-story building and ancillary out­ solution at a cost of $1· 65 million. buildings, and replacement by an en­ I pointed out that the additional tirely new school at a cost of $2 · 2 $600,000, which is not a great million. amount in terms of the total Educa­ Alternative solution No. 2 was the tion Department budget, could well extension of the site to the east and be utilized in the construction of a construction of a 3-story block, new school. Dr. Shears did not indic­ similar to that at Elwood, providing ate which of the three solutions a library, science facilities, additional would be a definite starter other than class-rooms, toilets and staff rooms that he favoured the third proposal. plus refurbishing and alterations to The most intriguing feature of my existing buildings at a cost of $1· 2 meeting with Dr. Shears and Mr. million. Morton was the information con­ The third alternative solution was veyed to me-this was the first time the acquisition of adjoining land to that I had heard it-that a proposal the east and extensions in the form of to merge the Brunswick Girls High a 2-story rna tching building to the School with an expanded Brunswick south integrating with the existing Technical School, making it a co­ school and a 3-story block to the educa tiona! technical school, was Session 1974.-5 130 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. being mooted either by the Bruns­ on the Government back benches, wick Technical School or from. within who · feel strongly that migrants the Technical Schoo'ls Division of the ought to put up and shut up, that department. migrants ought to be assimilated and As yet, the Government has made allow their cultural diversities no public comments about this pro­ to be swallowed up almost posal although obviously it is exer­ in their entirety in the broad cising the minds of persons within social fabric of our society. the department. Obviously, they They do not want migrants to ex­ feel that this would solve two prob­ press that cultural diversity by re­ lems at once in that it is easier to taining vital aspects of their culture, knock off one school, particularly one particularly their language, and to that is embarrassing the Government, inculcate in their children pride· in and consolidate it into a large co­ maintaining that culture. Mrs. Engish educational technical school despite and her staff at the Brunswick Girls the parents of pupils at the Brunswick High School this year introduced a Girls High School having stated over­ unique scheme at first form level whelmingly that they wish their whereby pupils are taught basic school to remain a single-sex school subjects in their primary language­ and although the Minister, in answer in other words, in the language in to a question asked by me in this which they are most competent-and House, has stated categorically that English as a second language in the he will make no attempt to change same way as Australian-born pupils a single-sex school into a co­ learn French, German, Japanese or educational school without the any other language. The value of this approval of parents of pupils at that programme has been recognized as school. The Minister is apparently far afield as the Netherlands and considering a proposal to subvert the Italy, and Mrs. Engish has already wishes of those parents and contrary received an award from the Italian to his Government's stated policy. community for her work in that area. One can only wonder what the Min­ Does anyone believe that that pro­ ister's motive is. gramme can survive against the Similarly the zone from which opposition of the Education Depart­ students are drawn :to the school has ment without support from the com­ been altered so that fewer pupils will munity and the Government? be enrolled this year-I 05 instead of The feeder schools to the Bruns­ 140. This will place the school's wick Girls High School should be en­ viability in jeopardy because the sixth couraged to become part of such a form, which was created for the first scheme. If the Education Depart­ time this year, wil'l not be able to continue. ment believed that this was a worth­ while programme designed to If the enrolments are increasing overcome the immense educational because the community believes in and social disadvantages suffered by the type of programme that is being migrants, both adults and children, it conducted at a school, particularly should encourage the scheme. The the bilingual programme which would use of interpreters on the staff is obviously interest parents of many migrant pupils in areas away from beneficial, and we are asking the Brunswick, surely the move to restrict State Government, with the full the zone and to reduce the options of assistance of the Australian Govern­ those people can only affect the ment, to encourage feeder schools to future of the school. Brunswick Girls High School to assist in the maintenance of a programme One can only suspect that there are persons within the Government, of that kind. One would hope that, either departmental officers or repre­ given the inevitable success of that sentatives in the Ministerial ranks or programme if it is allowed to breathe, Mr. B9mstein. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 131 it will be extended to other schools High Scho·ol, and Mr. Manly of with similar problems to those at Fitzroy High School-in conducting Brunswick. withdrawal classes for the instruction of young migrants in the English The basic needs of the Brunswick language to see whether this would Girls High School are clear. A new make class-room teaching easier. building on an expanded site is Obviously it was not easy to teach needed. The teachers and students a class where 75 per cent of the do not want to be " mucked around " students were born outside Australia any longer. They have gone through or went home to parents who the due process in requesting that did not speak the English language. their minimal needs be met; they have written letters, requested depu­ I was extremely impressed with tations, asked their local members the work done in these withdrawal of Parliament to make speeches, and classes, and believed that a reservoir done all the other things that are of teachers was needed for this pur­ regarded as a legitimate part of the pose. Therefore in early 1968 I con­ political process. Only in recent ducted Mr. Lynch, the then Federal months has it been decided to resort Minister for Immigration, over the to direct action to obtain the basic Fitzroy High School and the Bruns­ requirement for the continued via­ wick Girls High School, Albert Street, bility of the school. to show him at first hand that the type of work being done there was I assure the Minister and other worthy of Commonwealth investment Government supporters that the prin­ in the payment of teachers' salaries. cipal of the Brunswick Girls High The Comm'Onwealth is bringing the School, the staff, pupils, advisory migrants to Australia and we are council and the community of stretched to the limit of educational Brunswick are united in their demand resources. A larger percentage of for a new school for Brunswick, and the Budget is being expended on will continue to press in any way education in Victoria than in any possible for that school. They will other State of Australia, and the not be satisfied until a start has been Victorian Government thought it not made on its construction. unreasonable to ask the Federal Government-whether Labor or Lib­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of eral-to pay the salaries of specialist Education): Honorable members teachers in this category. The have in recent weeks seen a tremen­ Federal Government was asked to dous amount of publicity about arrange for classes to be conducted Brunswick Girls High School. The in the migrant hostels and overseas view of senior officers of the Educa­ before people come to Australia. tion Department is that as much time has been spent endeavouring to At present Victoria has 50· 04 per solve the needs of that school as of cent of the total number of specialist any other ten schools. It may be that teachers of migrant English in the these efforts have not been com­ Commonwealth of Australia. At 1st pletely successful. June, 578 such teachers were operat­ ing in Victoria, and that number has I invite honorable members to look now been increased to 630. The at the problems of this school. Firstly, Commonwealth pays for this but the it has a large migrant population. State Government is obliged to For the first 23 years of the large­ organize the training of the teachers. scale migration scheme no thought It cannot use Commonwealth money was given to providing specialist to purchase a nearby house in which staff to assist schools such as Bruns­ to conduct the classes but it wick Girls High School. In 1967 a can use Commonwealth money number of experiments were con­ to place demountable portable class­ ducted by some of the best teachers rooms on school sites. A perfect illus­ in. the field-Mr. Treyvaud of Altona tration occurred when there was no 132 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. room to place a demountable port­ particular. This illustrates the clear able class-room at Victoria Park interest in assisting innovative pro­ Primary School, so the Victorian grammes. Government said that it would spend In the past twelve months nearly Commonwealth money on purchasing $30,000 has been given to the Bruns­ a nearby house, but it was not permit­ wick Girls High Schoal from Com­ ted to do so. That is one difficulty monwealth funds and from the Myer that has been encountered. In 1968, trust. No school has received more the Brunswick Girls High School had money from the Myer trust, on the no specialist teachers of this type. recommendation of the Education According to departmental figures at Department, than the Brunswick that time, it had a total staff of 28 Girls High School. This is in addi­ teachers. I am told that today- six years later - the school has 44 staff tion to the extra sixteen teachers members. An additional 16 teachers who have been appointed. have been appointed to look after 39 Mr. HOLDING: Do you believe it is additional pupils. Any reasonable, enough? fair-minded person would regard Mr. THOMPSON: I believe it is that as real progress. spectacular progress in that area. I Mr. DOUBE: In terms of the allega­ cannot say at this stage that I am tion, that is not progress. satisfied in the building field, but the Education Department should not be Mr. THOMPSON: The honorable accused of not trying or of not being member for Albert Park is labouring interested. under the delusion that the appoint­ ment of sixteen additional teachers to Mr. BORNSTEIN: Throw it at the cater for 39 extra pupils is not prog­ Public Wol"ks Department! ress. He should return to the Albert Mr. THOMPSON: It is not known Park Primary School. by the average person in the street, Mr. HoLDING: Do not generalize; who does not read these reports, get down to the facts. that in August last year the Govern­ ment offered to erect a 3-story block Mr. THOMPSON: The Leader of at the Brunswick Girls High School the Opposition does not enjoy listen­ at a cost of $800,000. That proposal ing to the facts. With regard to the was rejected by the principal, Mrs. specialist course to which the honor­ Engish, and the members of her ad­ able member for Brunswick East re­ visory council. The officer in charge ferred, I believe there is a lot of of buildings in the Secondary Schools merit in this type of experimentation. Division saw some merit in the At the beginning of this year, the objections of Mrs. Engish. department asked the Teachers Mr. HOLDING: Did you see some Tribunal to appoint eighteen spe­ merit in them? cial translators to assist in courses of this type at the Collingwood High Mr. THOMPSON: I did not know School in the electorate of the Leader of their e~istence at the time, but I of the Opposition and the Brunswick do in retrospect. I do not believe the Girls High School. standard 3-story block was the right answer but nevertheless it was the Mr. HoLDING: You made a mess recommendation of the Public Works of that. Department. Having read and heard Mr. THOMPSON: A sum of $5 of these objections, the Secondary million was spent, and the result is Buildings Director, Mr. Russell, asked magnificent. The Teachers Tribunal the Public Works Department for a acceded to .the request of the depart­ feasibility study which was pro­ ment for these eighteen special trans­ vided. It would be difficult to lators to be hired at the rate of $24 get everybody associated with a day to assist those two schools in education to agree that these were Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 133 the right answers; but they were I agree, when the Government is genuine attempts to solve a real building a new school of this type­ problem. Three schemes were sug­ and this certainly took place at Col­ gested. One would have cost $1·2 lingwood High School-there should million; another $1·7 million; and the be a maximum degree of consultation third $2 · 2 million. That involved with local citizens, provided that this demolition. does not cause unreasonable delay Mr. BORNSTEIN: Are you satisfied and the financial outlay is not un­ with the feasibility study? reasonable. I extended this invitation in August but it was declined on the Mr. THOMPSON: The feasibility basis that I had, first of all, to agree study was a constructive attempt to to four demands before the deputa­ meet the needs of the rebuilding and tion even came in. I was not pre­ renovation requirements of this pared to say that money would be school. At present it is an inadequate made available for any sort of building for its purpose. The Public school unless I knew aU the details. Works Department recommended that scheme two should be adopted Mr. BORNSTEIN: Read the four at an estimated cost of $1·7 million. demands. It involved the erection of a 3-story The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. building on the eastern side with a 2- Wheeler): Order! The honorable story building on the southern side member for Brunswick East has been of the existing building. It also in­ afforded the opportunity of making volved an expenditure of $200,000 on his contribution. He has made it. I the existing 2-story building of 167 now ask him to listen to the Minister squares. of Education in silence. On the surface it was a reasonable Mr. THOMPSON: I thought it was proposal. I believe it would have unreasonable, without hearing the been accepted by many schools. deputation, and before I saw it, to However, strong objection was agree to the four major demands. I raised by the council and the prin­ wanted these things to be discussed cipal. I do not say that all of the at the deputation. counter proposals were wrong and I Mr. BORNSTEIN: Have the guts to informed Mrs. Engish of this over read the demands. the telephone. Indeed, I said I was prepared to receive a further depu­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. tation in the week before the school Wheeler): Order! I have already holidays. I told Mrs. Engish person­ warned the honorable member for ally that the deputation could com­ Brunswick East and I will not warn prise the advisory council and him again. interested citizens with the local Mr. THOMPSON: The demands, member of the Parliament to discuss from memory, were that the site plans for the renovation and rebuild­ should be extended, that a new ing of the school, in view of the fact school be built, and that I should that four schemes had already been guarantee that money would be suggested and, for various reasons, available. I thought it unreasonable were not acceptable to the principal for them to insist that before I re­ and members of her advisory council. ceived a deputation on the type of Mr. FoRDHAM: · In retrospect do school to be built, there should be a you agree that they could not be guarantee from me that money would acceptable? be made available for it. That was not accepted. I tried a further Mr. THOMPSON: For the first approach and I said I would ask the time I was informed that there had Assistant Director-General of Educa­ not been consultation with the tion, Mr. Morton, to visit the school. principal during he non-school He was not keen to visit the school. months of December and January. Do honorable members blame him? 134 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply.

Following that I then asked the been given to the school from Com­ newly-appointed Director of Planning, monwealth funds and from the Myer Dr. Maddocks, to visit the school. Trust. The Government has now I did that, I think on Monday, reached the stage where it has and he has arranged to meet been knocked back on four differ­ the principal and to discuss the parti­ ent plans for the rebuilding or cular needs of this school in con­ extension of the school. It is junction with the needs of the prepared to try again. I cannot schools in the surrounding area. The think of any other school in Victoria whole Brunswick district really that the department has had more needs a master plan for the rebuilding trouble or greater difficulty with in of its schools. One cannot look at the pleasing the interested parties. The problem of the Brunswick Girls High department is still prepared to keep School in isolation without looking on trying. at Brunswick Technical School and the Fitzroy Girls High School, which The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. is a comparatively small girls' school. Wheeler): Order! I again appeal to Generally speaking the Government honorable members to listen in does not favor the retention of girls' silence, and to refrain from further schools; it would prefer, as a general interjection. I believe my tolerance policy, that these schools should be has been well and truly extended. In developed into co-educational schools. this place every member has his just The Government must also look at rights, and I also believe that I can the fact that schools such as Princes only go a certain distance with my Hill High School, Collingwood High own tolerance and perseverance. School and Fitzroy High School are Mr. THOMPSON: The depart­ not filled to capacity at this stage, ment's plan for a 3-story block cost­ and there are signs of falling enrol­ ing $800,000 was rejected, and the ments. plans emanating from the feasi­ I have asked Dr. Maddocks to bility study for a school costing conduct an in-depth investigation into $2 · 2 million, $1 · 2 million and $1 · 7 the needs of these schools so that a million were not accepted. My master plan can be produced for the department is prepared to look at rebuilding of certain of the schools the problem again to see what and extending others. The master changes can be made in addition to plan should look 5, 15, or 20 those already suggested to meet the years ahead. Although a lot of special needs of teachers of migrant work went into the previous plan, children. I can see that a different I am not going to insist that those type of programme has been conduc­ plans should be automatically adop­ ted at this school, and there is a case ted, but I do strongly resent the for a special design of building suggestion that the Education appropriate for the programmes. Dr. Department and the Minister are not Maddocks will be doing this work as interested in solving these problems. a high priority. He will be asked to If members of the Opposition ask consult with the Minister for Youth, any officer in the department what Sport and Recreation, so that in has been done to try to meet the evolving a plan for the rebuilding of needs of the Brunswick Girls High schools in the Brunswick area the School, they will get a five-minute Government will be making the maxi­ burst. mum utilization of open space, which Spectacular progress has been I know is in short supply in Bruns­ made in improving the staffing situa­ wick and Fitzroy. My department has tion at this school. Great improve­ succeeded in one area; I believe in ment has been made in providing spectacular fashion. It has yet to special interpreters for the new type succeed in obtaining · agreement on of course. An amount $30,000 has the type of building, but it is not for Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 135 tbe want of trying. It will keep trying honesty of the Minister of Education. to .produce appropriate plans within I ask the honorable member to with­ reasonable financial bounds which draw it. have the maximum support from the local area. The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. McLaren) : Order! The Minister has Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara): taken exception to the remark of the Honorable members have just heard honorable member for Kara Kara a most woeful answer from a and I suggest that the honorable Minister. The honorable member for member should consider withdrawing Brunswick East fairly described the it. pitiful and shocking conditions at an Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara): inner suburban school, and the I withdraw the remark. The people Minister's attitude in reply has wonder whether the Minister is heightened my belief that he is inept genuine in his attempts when and incompetent in his portfolio. I he has made so many promises will give him another serve and tell him· about a few country schools that and whether he will ever provide a need consideration. The Minister science ~and library wing at Mary­ knows of the problems which have borough Technical School. existed for the past four years at the For three years Maryborough High Maryborough Technical School. In School has been promised a library that time the Minister has promised but no tender has been called or on every occasion that he has been accepted. This is not good enough. contacted personally, or written to, Maryborough High School does not that a science and library block even have a ~craft room. Boys' craft would be built at the school. This has is carried on at Maryborough Techni­ gone on for four years, and even as cal School, 1 mHe away. Boys in late as this year when the Minister forms I. to IV. who wish to do visited the school he promised then woodwork or metalwork have to and there that the science and library travel a mile in all weathers. This wing would be built at the school has gone on for probably 50 years forthwith. Whilst at the school he and yet the Minister and the Educa­ made a telephone call to Melbourne tion Department will not recognize and confirmed that this was so. The the critical needs of Maryborough Maryborough Technical School still High School. has no science and library wing. No I ·could also mention the Charlton, tenders have been called for the new Boort and St. Arnaud high schools wing, and it is not known when it which badly need art wings. Although will be built. This situation cannot promises have been made, no genuine be condoned because two years ago attempts have been made by the this Parliament passed an Act to close Education Department and the Min­ an important street in Maryborough, ister to provide these facilities. The on which site the science and library mismanagement by the Victorian block was to be situated. Government of funds provided by the For two years the people of Australian Government cannot be Maryborough considered this closely, comprehended by the ordinary per­ wondering at :the honesty of the son. Although funds were committed Minister of Education and about the for many of these projects six months competence of the Victorian Govern­ ago, suddenly six weeks ago the ment. funds disappeared. One asks how so Mr. DIXON (Assistant Minister of many millions of dollars could be Educat·ion) : I find the remark of the drained away ovem:ight? The mis­ honorable member for Kara Kara to management in this instance was be offensive as it ds directed at the absolutely appalling. 136 Governor's Speech: (ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply.

People in country areas are tired THE DEPUTY SPEAKER : I have of the rotten and raw deal they are requested the Minister to withdraw receiving in the field of education. the remark. The Leader of the Op­ The department administered by the position has taken objection to :the Minister of Public Works, who is statement and I request the Minister interjecting, has not helped. The to withdraw it w·ithout any reference Public Works Department's treatment to any other member. of'1l serious situation at Wedderburn Primary School was absolutely Mr. DUNSTAN: On the reconiz­ incompetent. Every time it rained the able basis that the Leader of the s·chool was flooded by effluent from Opposition is objecting, I will with­ the septic tank. Parents had to with­ draw the remark. draw every child from the school a Mr. CURNOW {~ara Kara) : As I month ago to get the Public Works have clearly demonstrated, there are Department to drain the septic tank great problems in the country with and remove some of the overflow. regard to education. When the Min­ The Minister of Public Works ought ister of Education and the Minister to be ashamed :to be the head of of Public Works come to grips with such a department. the problems and realize their ·im­ Mr. DuNSTAN : There is not one mensity, we in the country shall be letter from the honorable member in greatly relieved. the whole department. This si.tua tion exists not only in Mr. CURNOW : I sent letters and education but also in the field of telegrams and personally rang the housing. In every part of my elector­ Director-General of Public Works. ate and most other !country elector­ Mr. DuNSTAN : You are a bludger. ates there is a shortage of houses for sale and rental. The Housing The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Commission has failed miserably to McLaren): Order! 'I request the Min­ provide the required housing in most ister to cease interjecting. country towns. For many months the Mr. HOLDING {Leader of the Minister of Housing held up an offer Opposition) : I raise a point of order. of many millions of dollars from the I request the Minister to withdraw Austr·alian Government which could his remark which is not only offen­ have been used adequately to relieve sive but also unparliamentary. a greatly overtaxed situation. In towns such as Maryborough up to The DEPUTY SPEAKER : The 60 people are now waiting for Hous­ Leader of the Opposition has taken ing Commission homes. Four years objection to the Minister's remark ago they could have had a choice of and I suggest that the honorable twenty empty commission homes. gentleman might withdraw it. Much of the growth in Maryborough Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public ds due not to the decentralization Works) : I will withdraw it if the moves of this Government but to honorable .member asks me to· do so. initiatives of the people in the ·town. There exists a desperate need for The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is not housing. In the past twelve mt>nths a matter of the honorable member only seven houses have been built asking the Minister to do so ; the and a further four are under con­ request has come from the Chair. struction. The provision of eleven I request the M,jnister to withdraw houses when there is a waiting list the remrark. of 60 families can be described only Mr. DUNSTAN: If the honorable as f·arcical. member for Kara Kara, who has never taken up this matter with me, The same situation exists in towns asks me to withdraw the remark, such as Donald and St. Arnaud which I shall do so. have grown rrapidly in the past three Governor's Speecht [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 137 to four years, yet this inept Govern­ If they changed the roster by one ment and the Minister of Housing hour, they could save these cannot be convinced of the desperate extra costs by using in a proper need for housing there, not for 1 way staff they already have. At or 2 houses at a time but for 10 and one stage during the week, a driver 20 houses. The demand exists and the drives the Hopetoun-Murtoa rail Housing Commission and the M-in­ motor for one hour only although he ister should meet the need as urgent­ is paid for eight hours. That is to ly as possible. If they wish to keep meet the requirements of a badly people in the country they must drawn up roster. This state of affairs show some good faith and help the is unbelievable to other sections of town immediately, not in a year or the community. No one else would two. dream of running a rail motor ser­ vice in such a ·way. The sooner the In recent months much concern railways wake up to the fact that has been felt at the attempts of bad situations can be corrected with­ the Victorian Railways to curtail out services being cut out complete­ passenger services on some country ly, the better off they will be. lines. Instances that come to mind are the Benalla-Yarrawonga line and The railways have gone so far the Murtoa-Hopetoun line. The rail­ downhill since the new board came ways have such a poor accounting into existence that the amount of system and such an unbelievably money they are losing cannot be naive economic advisory system that comprehended. It is claimed that they cannot produce figures to sub­ costs have risen by more than 37 stantiate their claim that money will per cent in twelve months. This is be saved if .these services are cut. I because of the inability of the board demonstrate this point by mention­ to correct the situation. Members ing the Murtoa-Hopetoun service. The of Parliament criticized the former railways claim that they would save commissioners but they did not have $80,000 if this service were cut. costs rising at the rate of 37 per cent The railways worked out that they per annum. would be able to use fewer staff It is not only on the two lines and take a rail motor off the line, which I have mentioned that services saving the cost of its maintenance, ·will be affected. I notice that the and that they could reduce various Hamilton-Koroit, the Yea-Mansfield, other costs. However, they did not the Healesville and the Daylesford say that they would use in other services are all under threat. places within the railways employees To lose a rail service in a taken away from the Murtoa-Hope­ country area means more than toun service and that the rail motor dollars and cents. Surely country would also be used somewhere else. people are entitled to at least the Nor were ·we told that on Mon­ equal of what is provided in the city. days, when the rail motor leaves As the Minister could explain, every Hopetoun in the morning, the driver person who uses a train in the city sleeps at ·Murtoa that night. When costs the railways money. Each per­ the rail motor goes back from son who travels from Melbourne to Murtoa to Hopetoun in the evening, Ringwood costs the railways perhaps it is driven by a driver from Ararat $1. The only reason that the railways who sleeps at Hopetoun. So, on are not losing $300 million or $400 Mondays, the regular driver sleeps million a year is because of their at ~Murtoa and a driver from Ararat substantial profits from country sleeps at Hopetoun, at some enorm­ freights. ous cost to the railways. Yet the railways believe that what they have It is wrong that railways freights suggested will save them $80,000 a are to be raised by as much as 22 · 5 year. per cent. Unfortunately, this rate of 138 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. increase will be imposed on the car­ result in an increase in the use. of riage of the railways' greatest the railways to such an extent that revenue earner, grain. The the 37 per cent increase in costs freight on general merchandise would be greatly compensated for. will rise by 15 per cent Any genuine attempt by the Rail­ and on wool and stock by 20 per ways Board to hold the level · of cent. How the railways justify freight rates as they are would be such increases in the light of the welcomed by all country people. I statement by the Premier on 29th have worked out that an increase of August is something ·which has not 22 · 5 per cent in the freight on grain yet been explained. On that day the will mean roughly an extra 3 cents a Premier said-in complimenting the bushel in costs to the primary pro­ Governn1ent as he always does­ ducer. By the time the cost is passed that the State Budget to be intro­ on to the person who buys a packet duced in the following month would of flour in a shop it will be 10 cents not provide for any fare increases on a kilogram of flour. for trains, trams, or tramway buses. The honorable gentleman stated When primary producers · are that the Government would not pre­ not having the best of years scribe any freight increases but that because of many circumstances, it would be left open to the Rail­ freight increases are to be deplored. ways Board to do so. On But the actions of the Victorian the same day the Minister of Trans­ Government are one of the greatest port, when questioned, said that the causes of inflation within the State railways would have to make ~orne and throughout Australia. When adjustments here and there in this there should be a genuine attempt financial year. But increases of the to help people in the country order of 22 · 5 per cent are more than to hold prices steady in a way " some adjustments ". which would be appreciated by con­ sumers, the Government is increasing At the same time as the Premier freights by up to 22 · 5 per cent. said that there would be no tram or train fare rises, he also said that One wonders how such increases the railways would be given a target can be justified when figures show for increased revenue to compensate that enormous profits are made from partly for the enormous increase in freight even on what are termed expenses. The honorable gentlen1an marginal lines. I direct attention to stated that it would be the board's the revenue derived from a 20-mile management task to conduct its section of line from Lubeck . to operations accordingly. He said that Bolangum. In 1970-71, that line the Government was trying to avoid showed an operating profit, mainly any action which would add to livi.ng from grain, of over $300,000 ; in costs at a time of acute inflation. 1971-72, the profit had increased to The honorable gentleman also stated over $400,000; and in 1972-73, it that the Government's decision to was approximately $400,000. Surely, drop some outer-suburban fares in when profits of that magnitude are the past 'Budget-the first decrease made on such small sections of line, since 1938-had led to a 6 per cent to increase freigths by 22 · 5 per increase in tram patronage and a 2 cent and to slug the people who per cent increase on the trains, and are contributing much to the revenue that the extra patronage virtually of the railways is grossly unfair. offset the fall in revenue. In 1971-72 the Murtoa-Hopetoun ser­ It seems that at the time the vice made an outward freight profit Premier was suggesting that the of nearly $2 million. In 1972-73 it Railways Board might make some was a little more than $1 million. major increase in freight. But per­ Country lines virtually keep the rail­ haps a token decrease in the present ways afloat. How can the Railways freight of, say, I per cent might Board justify an extra charge of 3 Mr. Curnow. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 139

cents a bushel for the transport of excuse for that price increase is wheat? That freight rise goes right to be found in little print at the top down the line, and by the time it is of the advertisement which states- reflected in the price of a loaf of Higher prices apply in some country areas bread it probably accounts for an to cover .freight costs. increase of 1 cent a loaf. If it costs 5 cents to send a packet On the Gippsland line in 1970-71 of Harpers Dog Chow to the country inward goods, outward goods and now, what will be the result of a parcels revenue amounted to approxi­ 22 · 5 per cent increase in freight mately $10 million. The maintenance charges? Comparing other prices, I cost was estimated at $1· 2 million. see that a tin of peaches costs 2 Operating costs are not available cents extra, a bottle of White King but they are approximately the same 3 cents extra, a bottle of safflower for every line. To estimate the oil or peanut oil 2 cents extra, and a operating costs one has only to packet of Rinso 3 cents extra. If a double the maintenance costs so I 22·5 per cent freight increase is to suggest that although the mainten­ be added to those items, it can be ance and operating costs totalled taken for granted that if the increase $2 · 4 million the line made a profit works out at 0 · 75 of a cent, then 1 of approximately $7·5 million. Now cent will be added and not half a the Railways Board proposes to in­ cent. crease the freight charges. I believe the performance of this I suggest that the Liberal Party is Government in the past twelve looking after its friends in the city. months has been one of the greatest It is asking the country people to causes of the inflation that is now subsidize further those who travel affecting the country. The Minister of on trams and trains in Melbourne. Consumer Affairs was reported in the From now until when the Australian Bendigo Advertiser of 7th September Government takes over the ·victorian as stating that people did not com­ Railways, every country person will plain enough. The honorable gentle­ contribute probably 50 cents to­ man was referring to people who wards the travel costs of every per­ did not make complaints to the Con­ son who uses a train or tram in sumer Affairs Bureau when exorbit­ Melbourne. This is because the ant prices were charged for products Government knows that its support. such as Harpers Dog Chow and lies in the city. Rinso. I forwarded to the Minister I assure honorable members that a copy of the advertisement which these freight increases will not be showed these price increases for taken lightly by the farmers. The country areas. He replied informing Government may believe the farmers me that he had no intention of at Fiery Creek were upset by the taking action, yet two weeks later attitude of the Australian Govern­ he has stated that people do not ment to primary producers, but the complain enough. However, when I farmers of this State will be more did complain he said he would do than upset and more vehement in nothing. The honorable gentleman their opposition to these freight in­ further said in Bendigo that if prices creases, which will not only add to rose sharply the public should not the cost of a loaf of bread, but will buy, and that statement provoked affect the cost of other products. an interjection from the audience to the effect that if the public did In the Sun News-Pictorial of 24th that it would starve. August, 1974, the Four Square grocery chain advertised some 25 to I take the opportunity, while the 30 " specials ". In Melbourne, at a Minister of Lands is at the table, of Four Square store, Harpers Dog reminding the honorable gentleman Chow costs 81 cents but in some that he is doing very little to pro­ country areas its costs 86 cents. The 'mote decentralization in country 140 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply areas. The Minister has compelled that its friend Snedden might call four employees, who previously another double dissolution. Fortu­ worked in Maryborough, to work in nately, most people in the State have Ballarat. He has also transferred one the brains to realize that the record Lands Department employee from of this Government during the past St. Arnaud to Melbourne. As the sixteen months is one of which no honorable gentleman interjects, I one can be proud. The Govern­ was consulted about that move but ment will make the situation even I did not agree to it. The Minister worse when it presents its Budget, for State Development and Decen­ which will cause it to lose the next tralization continually claims that the election. Government is encouraging industry to move from Melbourne to country Mr. MITCHELL CBenambra): ,H is areas. I suggest that the actions of a great privilege to participate in the Minister of Lands are forcing the debate on the motion for the people to centralize. I believe he adoption of an Address-in-Reply to should reverse some decisions he has the Speech of His Excellency the made. Governor. There are a number of points on which one should com­ As a further illustration, I point ment. His Excellency paid a pleasing out that before the 1973 State elec­ tribute to the former Governor, tion the Minister of Lands could not Major-General Sir Rohan Delacombe. write quickly enough to indicate that This tribute was well earned. The the Survey Office in Maryborough Delacombes won all hearts, not by would not close but now, mid-way dramatic actions but by good solid between elections, the honorable personal worth and a natural innate gentleman has struck again ; he has sympathy for their fellow men. shifted the four employees in Sir Henry Winneke is the ,first Aus­ that office from Maryborough. In effect, it means shifting fifteen tralian Governor of Victoria. We people, including wives and chil­ pledge our support to him and wish dren. The actions of the Minister him every success. He is a brilliant of Lands will be long remembered man who has a charming wife. At by the people of Maryborough. the same time it cannot be denied The silence of his colleagues, the that there is a tinge of regret that Premier and the Minister for State in Victoria the old tradition of ap­ Development and Decentralization, pointing a Governor from the Old could only be taken as condoning Country has at last been broken. his actions. Many people think the Governor plays a part similar to that in Gov­ This Government is in a state of ernor Macquarie's day when he could disarray, decay and shambles. Its do what he liked. That is far from actions in mismanaging and delaying the truth. For many years the Gov­ the massive spending of Australian ernor has provided an effective link Government money and in many with the Old Country. That tradition instances refusing that money are and sentiment was the progenitor of imposing immense burdens on the the true national spirit. There is a citizens of the State. There are offers practical aspect. We depend on the that could be taken up immediately, Old Country in many ways and it such as those of the Australian is not good tactics to slap in the Government to take over the railways face someone from whom one wants and to meet half the cost of the help. At the same time there is now health services, and the State Govern­ a sense of responsibility that ment should quickly reach agreement we are on our own and must on the ratification of road grants. hop in and do what we can. The Government is deliberately When there is constitutional difficulty delaying and refusing these offers for an impartial mind is needed. In some cheap political gain in the hope the days of Mr. Lang, when Sir Mr. Curnow. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 141

Philip Game was the Governor of with a view to future expansion. The New South Wales, and in 1935 with Minister of Education has failed Sir Albert Dunstan, Mr. Tunnecliffe, Corryong in that direction. and Sir Stanley Argyle, when Lo.rd I am glad that libraries were re­ Huntingfield was Governor of VIc­ ferred to because the Minister of toria, an outside view was needed. Education has been most unhelpful Many people who want an Australian regarding library and science facili­ Governor demand an outside judge ties at the high school. In an iso­ of their fat stock at the local show lated place like Corryong one cannot or their plum puddings in the go to the next suburb and borrow pavilion. With Sir Henry's ability, a few books. Modern subjects re­ keen knowledge and interest in quire books. With the modern ap­ people, should such an occasion arise proach to education children do not he will deal with it in the masterly have facts hammered into their way of which he has proved him­ heads. They are taught to search self capable in other directions. out the answers and almost to teach In his Speech the Governor re­ themselves. They learn to acquire ferred to Sir Gilbert Chandler, the knowledge through their own efforts Honorable James Manson and Mr. rather than have it hammered into Russell Stokes. Victoria and the their heads in a parrot-like fashion. Victorian Parliament owe much to In his Speech, the Governor re­ these men. ferred to inflation and increasing in­ I am disappointed with the efforts dustrial unrest. He stated- of the honorable member for Bruns­ The Govemmen.t has made several offers wick East on behalf of the Brunswick to the•.Commonwealth to take action in con­ Girls High School. I was impressed cert aimed at halting or slowing down the with the masterly and gentlemanly vicious spiral of wage and price increases now threatening the whole economy of the reply of the Minister of Education. nation. In Corryong there is a shortage of housing for teachers. Teachers above With that famous " Maggie hoo-ha " a certain age are required to obtain Government in Canberra it is wish­ their own houses. That may be satis­ ful thinking that this will be factory when many houses are avail­ achieved. It is absolutely hopeless. able but Corryong is isolated and What will happen if the industrial unrest continues? There are certain few houses are available. Unless some forces which consider that they can action is taken it will be difficult to take action, not exactly blessed by get teachers to go as far away as the law. Mr. Gallagher has said that Corryong. The Education Department there will be a general strike next and the Minister have frequently year. Something more is needed than been approached regarding work vague statements that the Govern­ on the oval at the Corryong con­ ment stands ready to introduce solidated school. Parents and the de­ any necessary complementary legis­ partment did a magnificent job but lation this session. In the time of the oval urgently needs completing. Hallway and Oldham emergency leg­ It is on a hillside where there is a islation was going to do all sorts of great potential for erosion from win­ things if there was industrial unrest. ter rains, and implementation of the The Government drafted a Bill in work is urgent. We are bitterly dis­ great secrecy but its contents were appointed that the Minister of Edu­ known all over the place within two cation did not take the opportunity minutes. The legislation was abso­ of buying the site of the old sale­ lutely impotent. I say that with due yards which is opposite the consoli­ respect to the legal ability of the late dated school in Corryong, and a Thomas Hallway and the late Trevor stone's throw from the high school. Oldham. It is not possible to cure an It would have been a wise choice industrial crisis with paper, and that is 142 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. exactly what the Government is try­ and to Holbrook or Wagga. in the ing to do now. The textile industry north. I have asked the Minister a has been mentioned. ·Many textile series of questions which had been factories have been closed down and asked of me by local people, but I do not know what the Government they have not been adequately intends to do about it. answered. In his Speech, His Excellency also Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public referred to the Albury-Wodonga Works): On a point of order, I growth centre which is perhaps the should like the honorable member greatest challenge in Australia's for Benambra to relate the Address­ history, first of all because of its in-Reply to his attack on the Prime vast scope and, more importantly, Minister of Australia about the because it crosses State borders Albury-Wodonga complex. where different sets of State The DEPUTY S·PEAKER (Mr. laws operate, different municipal Mc·Laren) : There is no point of laws apply, different customs exist order. and different dates apply to the Mr. MITCHELL (Benambra): opening of the duck season and Apparently, the Minister of Public other important national events. As Works is absent-minded tonight the Minister for Youth, Sport and because I have not mentioned the Recreation reminds me, there are Governor-General during my remarks also two racecourses and one won­ although the Albury-Wodonga growth ders in which direction the horses centre is mentioned at page 4 of will run. I thank the 1Minister for His Excellency's Speech. his most brilliantly academic and cultured contribution to my address. I also asked another question con­ cerning people in the electorate of For the first time, I heard a person the young and able honorable mem­ being hooted when the Minister ber for Murray Valley, who has done for State Development and Decentra­ an excellent job in representing the lization visited Albury. The honor­ electorate and with whom everyone able gentleman is in an extremely is delighted. 'He won the seat in the difficult position. The complex can face of intense Liberal Party prepa­ be made to work but it needs deep ration and really held back the consideration and level-headed think­ forces of entrenched privileged Capi­ ing by the Minister who has already talism in the way that they deserved. side-stepped a letter ·which I wrote to him on 2nd July asking many Many people object to the area of pertinent questions, one of which the complex extending to Yackan­ related to why 70 per cent of the dandah. The local people are ex­ area was in Victoria and only 30 tremely worried about the difficulties per cent in New South Wales. I also that are arising. Mr. John Patterson wanted to know the arrangements of Allans Flat has one part of his concerning milk distribution across property in the prescribed area whilst the other is not. How will the border. this person be situated concerning Another important problem relates the title to his land in the future? to freehold land. I understand that I have examined a map and I cannot freehold titles will be taken away understand ·why the boundary line from the landowners and business should not be drawn along an ad­ people. But what will they get in jacent road instead of through the their place, and what security of land middle of a person's land. If the tenure will they have? I also asked Government is sincere in its inten­ a question concerning the different tion, it will examine the matter. laws and ·whether or not this was Some of the land along Yackandan­ to be a second Australian Capital dah Creek is boggy and damp in Territory with the border extending winter and therefore definitely un­ back to Wangaratta or Springhurst suitable. I ask the Government to Mr. Mitchell. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 143 examine the impact of the Albury­ sort of accommodation, will a bed Wodonga complex on the area sur­ tax apply? These matters are caus­ rounding Yackandandah. ing apprehension. When I travel The local municipalities of the around, I often sleep in the back of United Shire of Beechworth, the my station wagon. I am wondering Shire of Towong and so on have not whether the bed tax will apply to received full information from the people who sleep in sleeping Government. I took the President of bags in the back of their station the United Shire of Beechworth, wagons. This could occur if the Councillor McKenzie-McHarg, to scheme is pushed ahead as it see the ·Minister for State Develop­ threatens to be at the moment. ment and Decentralization in Albury In his Speech the Governor stated­ when the honorable gentleman tried . Reg~neration of native forests is proceed­ m1$, With the treatment of over 20,000 acres to side-track us by telling us what thts year. A further 1,000 acres of fire­ a wonderful job he had done for the damaged forests will be reforested by the Beechworth Museum. We brought hand-planting of eucalypts. the Minister back on the beam and !here is a bit of window-dressing asked for a guarantee that he would m that proposal. The creation of the give the ·municipality the fullest in­ Ministry for Conservation was then formation. The Minister said that referred to. he would provide information on the I refer to the impact of the full ramifications of the Albury­ Snowy River scheme along the Wodonga complex. upper reaches of the River Murray. Tourism is referred to at page 5 Honorable members will recall that of His Excellency's address. The that when Sir John McDonald was imposition of a bed tax has been he would not sign mentioned on a previous occasion. an agreement on the Snowy River Certain shires feel that such a tax scheme, and neither would the mem­ will be advantageous to them, but bers of the Cain Labor Government. many hotelkeepers and motel prop­ However, Sir Henry Bolte and Sir rietors are extremely apprehensive. Arthur Rylah rushed in and signed Holidays are expensive enough for a blank cheque. When Sir Henry the family man and others without Bolte realized with cold horror the loading an extra bed tax on top of mistake he had made, he promised. to present costs. The local propietors are assist in every way, and a supple­ frightened that trade in places such mental agreement was drawn up. as Falls Creek will be affected. Some Landholders outside the Snowy River are willing to compromise on the area obtain benefits over and above basis that money will be distributed those enjoyed by landholders within in the area in which it is collected. the Snowy River area. There are However, there is the strong fear many landholders along the upper that the money thus collected will River Murray, and practically none in be spent away from the districts the upper Snowy River area, so this where it is collected. This will place aspect is vital. a restriction on the movement of Sir William Hudson fulfil'led one tourists in north-eastern Victoria. promise, which was that the Snowy The Government dropped the scheme River scheme would not operate until on a previous occasion and I suggest a regulating pondage was installed. that it should take more than a During the second world war there second look at it this time because was an urgent need for electricity. I have received many protests from The Kiewa hydro-electricity scheme hotel and motel proprietors in my was operated without any regu­ district. lating pondage, and because of One problem that arises concerns this farmers lost hunks of their land, the family ·which sleeps in a caravan areas were inundated with water, and in a caravan park. When mum, dad lagoons were scooped out. A man and four or five children use this would take his cows to pasture in tbe 144 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. morning, and by afternoon would toric interest such as the Princess have to swim them back. Immense Theatre or the or damage was caused to the mechanics whether it includes all the shops, of the land and to the botanical houses and flats in between. Those ecology. Sir William Hudson built few words are extremely dangerous, the regulating pondage at Khancoban. and I emphasize that this matter I asked him how it would cope with should be examined because it was the demand for peak load electricity hinted previously that the proposed when the river system and the re­ legislation would take in not merely gulating pond were already over­ a few historic buildings, but entire taxed. Sir William would not give suburbs. That would be most dis­ me facts and figures to submit to the turbing because people would not engineers to find out whether the know where they could erect build­ scheme would be effective. ings. Who wants to build a shop or a building and find that it is under a The very thing I foresaw happened blanket threat because of the his­ the other night when there was an toric and architectural interest of ~rgent need for peak load electricity In Sydney. Extra electric jugs, tele­ a few of the neighbouring buildings? vision sets, stoves and other appli­ The severe flooding suffered in ances were being used. Ordinary basic irrigation areas in northern Victoria load electricity can be provided by was also referred to in the Speech. a thermal station, but this needs 24 The Minister of Public Works visited hours to get under way. With peak Wangaratta, but the situation must load electricity, a button is pressed be closely examined. As Shakespeare, and water rushes in. The Indi River said, "We have scotch'd the snake, and the regulating pondage at not kill'd it". This could happen Khancoban were full, and a flood again. We do not want to see the of water was let in, causing damage floodwaters going through people's ~ill along the River Murray. It homes. Water to a depth of 3 feet IS not a matter of needing warning or entered the home of the Honorable compensation, but of increasing the A. K. Bradbury, warping the ward­ height of the wall of the regulating robes and doors, and saturating the pondage at Khancoban to enable it to underfelt, and the house was left a cope with any foreseeable situation complete mess. In the homes of such as the one I have outlined. I several other friends of mine water appeal to the Government, in the in­ 4 feet high came in, even through terests of conservation, to join with the windows. This is a very the Federal Government, if necessary, dangerous position, and we want to to carry out this extra work. ensure that it does not happen again. The Governor's Speech stated that The Dartmouth dam project is a completely new wildlife Bill to referred to in the Governor's Speech. replace the present Game Act would For many years I have been hammer­ be introduced. The reference is ing the Government to provide a gloriously vague, but before one can police station in the dam settlement. fry a fish one must catch it. Unless The Government has compromised every inch of bush is policed it is by stating that the police station at impossible to prevent people' from Mitta Mitta, 12 miles down the road, setting snares for wallabies. will serve the purpose. Nothing can take the place of a uniformed police­ His Excellency's Speech also man in the village itself. It is a stated- deterrent to would-be offenders to New legislation will also be proposed to give protection to whole areas of historic know that a policeman is close by, or architectural interest. but if he is 12 miles away a dangerous This has been an interest of the situation would be over by the time Deputy Speaker and of mine. I do not he reached the town. Some nasty know whether the phrase " whole incidents have occurred in Dart­ areas " means only buildings of his- mouth, one involving a threat to a Mr. Mitchell. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 145 woman. The Government should I do not know what the Gov­ consider urgently the siting of a ernment means by the refer­ police station in the dam construc­ e!lce in His Excellency's Speech to a tion settlement. This occurred at simple course of sex instruction for Mount Beauty and Corryong during children. the construction of the Snowy River The Government apparently pro­ scheme and the Kiewa scheme. poses to amend the Ombudsman A policeman must be on the Act. There was much doubt whether spot because strange types of the appointment of an Ombudsman people who are not restrained was a good idea. when it comes to assessing the amount of liquor they can hold can His Excellency also referred to a be dangerous to the community. I proposed new National Parks Bill. do not want to see nasty incidents The forr~er Premier, Sir Henry Bolte, occurring at Dartmouth, and this broke his word, and instead of re­ could happen if something is not done. forming the National Parks Auth­ I ask the Government to invite Mr. ority he put the whole work load onto Dunstan, the Premier of South Aus­ Dr. Smith's shoulders. It is too much tralia, to come to Victoria-he can for one man. I have changed my stay at my house-to look at the mind considerably about Dr. Smith. Dartmouth dam project and see how He has done a good job and he has it will affect South Australia and also stuck to his heavy task. to see the Snowy River scheme. The question of botany, zoo­ In his Speech the Governor said­ logy, shelters, roads and barbecues must be considered. All sections of The Government is pursuing a firm policy of encouraging the use of public transport the community must obtain the use and reducing the dominance of the motor of our national parks and they must car, especially for commuter travel. not be locked up for the bug-hunters This may well apply in the crowded to spy on the sex life of the insects. streets of Melbourne, but not in the The Country Party has never been country where a person is literally against national parks. We will dependent on the motor car. Such a always support more of them pro­ scheme could be potentially dan­ vided that we can look after what we gerous. The proposed introduction have got. For years this could not of priority roads is mentioned be done and the national parks were sketchily in the Speech, but some­ in a terrible state. When I suggested thing along those lines could be to Dr. Moulds in 1947 that further achieved. It was also stated that alpine areas should be opened up· and police strength was being steadily that Mount Buller could possibly be mcreased. I have referred to this in part of a national park he said "No, my comments about the Dartmouth we cannot look after what we have dam. got". The Governor stated that the Vic­ Members of the Country Party torian Council of the Arts was con­ would be intensely worried and would sidering development programmes for not consider the incorporation of regional centres for drama and music farming areas in national parks. in Victoria. Mr. Eric Godward of In Japan and in England, the Yackandandah, is planning an ~rts Government has taken over the and craft centre and has applied for a heads of valleys similar to the grant to make it a tourist attrac­ Ovens and Mitta valleys. In that t~on for the area. I ask, irrespec­ country the farmer is allowed to carry tiVe of any representations that on under lease but he loses his free­ may have already been made hold. He is not allowed to cut even on his behalf, that the Govern­ a. twig from a tree without getting ten ment provide adequate assistance signatures. The sawmillers are get­ to help build up Yackandandah. ting worried. Again, this will fulfil the policy of Mr. Swinburne, a member of an­ dec en traliza tion. other place, has done an excellent job 146 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. as chairman of the committee of I appeal to the Government to make management of the Mount Buffalo a more realistic approach to safety National Park. However, there is in the alps before more lives are lost need to hasten slowly. It is all very in the snow. well to go around an area with a pen­ Mr. RAMSAY .(Balwyn): I move cil, but someone must look after the That the debate be now adjourned. vermin and noxious weeds. Many The House divided on the motion problems were caused at Kosciusko for the adjournment of the debate National Park which is a harbour for (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler in the vermin such as kangaroos and rabbits, chair)- and for noxious weeds such as St. John's wort and blackberries. As Ayes 44 the result of the mismanagement of Noes 19 that national park, the shire of Upper Murray would not have Mount Elliot Majority for the included as a national park. motion 25 AYES. I have received all sorts of com­ Mr. Austin Mr. Mcinnes plaints about the filthy condition of Mr. Balfour Mr. McKellar the ladies' toilets at Falls Creek. I Mr. Baxter Mr. McLaren Mr. Billing Mr. Meagher have complained of this poor manage­ Mr. Birrell Mr. Mitchell ment to the Minister of Health and Mr. Borthwick Mr. Plowman the Minister for Fuel and Power, be­ Mr. Burgin Mr. Ramsay cause Falls Creek is getting a bad Mr. Chamberlain Mr. Reese Mr. Crellin Mr. Scanlan reputation. The M'inister of Public Mr. Dixon Mr. Smjth Works has iust informed me that it Mr. Dunstan ( Bellarine) gives Falls Creek a bad smell. That Mr. Ebery Mr. Stephen is a masterpiece of understatement. Mr. Evans Mr. Suggett (Ballaarat North) Sir Edgar Tanner I refer to an ~rticle in the Age Mr. Evans Mr. Templeton (Gippsland East) Mr. Thompson newspaper of Friday, 6th September, Mrs. Goble Mr. Vale under the heading "Australia's Blue Mr. Guy Mr. Whiting Streak Rocket". The article states Mr. Hamer Mr. Wilcox that one of our best-known skiers Mr. Hann Mr. Williams Mr. Hayes Mr. Wood skied and streaked in a race at Mr. Jona Tellers: Thredbo. We do not want anything Mr. Loxton Mr. McClure like that in Australia. The race was Mr. McCabe Mr. Skeggs organized by the Ski Club of Aus­ NOES. tralia. Peter Brockhoff was the Mr. Amos Mr. Lind unfortunate skier. He is not Mr. Bomstein Mr. Mutton Mr. Curnow Mr. Roper just a mad kid who had a skin­ Mr. Doube Mr. Simmonds ful of plonk and who kicked on. Mr. Edmunds Mr. Trezise It is sad, because he is a mature Mr. Fordham Mr. Wilkes married man, who was a member of Mr. Ginifer Mr. \Vilton Mr. Holding Tellers: an Olympic team with which the Mr. Jones Mr. Fogarty honorable member for Caulfield was Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Stirling concerned. I hope nothing like this Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of occurs again. Education): I move- I wish to refer to the subject of That the debate be adjourned until safety and the need for the provision tomorrow. of more huts in the alpine areas. In Mr. WILKES (Northcote) : I intend some of the larger. areas, commerce to try to convince the Government is creeping in seeking a dollar here that this debate is of sufficient im­ and a dollar there. But human life is portance to be allowed to continue. worth the provision of huts. They are It was indicated quite clearly yes­ the types of structures that are used terday by the Leader of the Opposi­ by people who cannot afford the time tion how members of the Opposi­ or the money to go to the big resorts. tion regarded the debate on the Ad- Mr. Mitchell. Governor's Speech: [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 147 dress-in-Reply, and how your pre­ ernment does not intend to do decessor, Mr. Speaker, regarded it, that. It intends to allow the de­ and how I am sure you regard it. bate to be dragged on and the Ad­ For the Government to continue per­ dress-in-Reply delivered to the Gov­ sistently to delay this debate-it ernor at a time to suit itself. I am was No. 8 on the Notice Paper to­ sure you, Mr. Speaker, would be day-and to attempt to adjourn the humiliated by that sort of action. I debate at 10.35 p.m. and place it urge the Government on your be­ low on the Notice Paper for to­ half, as well as on behalf of the morrow, is an indication of the Gov­ Opposition, to allow this debate to ernment's disregard for the import­ continue and not consistently put it ance of the debate, and an indication at the bottom of the Notice Paper. of the Government's sheer disregard The Government should give the de­ for His Excellency who delivered the bate the precedence it deserves and Speech on its behalf. allow it to continue. Year in and year out the Govern­ Mr. DUNSTAN ~CMinister of Public ment has begged His Excellency to Works) : I want to know if the open Parliament, and then it treats Deputy Leader of the Opposition will the Address-in-Reply debate in a be supported by the honorable mem­ cavalier manner. On the second last ber for Melbourne. day of the previous session His Ex­ cellency's predecessor had to tele­ Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the phone the Government and ask when Opposition) : I support the view the Address-in-Reply would be deli­ that has been put by the Deputy vered. Members of the Labor Party Leader of the Opposition to rein­ do not intend to be humiliated like force views stated candidly in that again. this Parliament by the honorable gentlemen opposite, particularly by Mr. STEPHEN : Members of the those who could be described as Opposition did not attend the pre­ wanting to lecture the community. I sentation of the Address-in-Reply am tired of listening to Ministers last year. who are always urging wage earners Mr. WILKES : Of course we did to increase their level of productivity. not go. We did not go because we If they were paid on the basis of were humiliated by the actions of pro~ductivity not one of them would the Government. Members of the be earning the minimum wage. Labor Party have no intention of em­ barrassing the new Governor in any The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. way, and if he is foolish enough to Wheeler) : I remind the Leader of the put up with the treatment that he Opposition that we have dispensed gets from this Government, then I with the question that the debate be feel sorry for him. He does not de­ adjourned. We are now on the serve this treatment. question of time. Mr. HOLDING: That is so, Mr. This debate should be continued Speaker. As the Deputy Leader of and completed as soon as possible. the Opposition has pointed out, it is This was the policy agreed to by the 10.40 p.m. and the House commenced Premier last year, but honorable sitting only at 4 o'clock. Half an members know what happened. We hour was spent on question time. do not want the same thing to hap­ This debate has been going pen again. We want the debate to for less than three hours. be finished as quickly as possible and Not only has this debate not fin­ delivered to His Excellency in a re­ ished ; it has not really started. That spectable way so that the House is what the Opposition is suggesting can get on with its business. to the Premier. Let us be perfectly Proper respect should be paid frank. If it had not been for the to the Governor, but the Gov- attitude taken by the Opposition in 148 Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY.] Address-in-Reply. refusing leave to the Government, activity. It appears that the Govern­ we would not have made the pro­ ment is not prepared to debate those gress that has been made. The Gov­ matters at this stage, although the ernment opens Parliament and laps recent recess-it was as lengthy a up the frills-the afternoon tea and recess as most of us can remember the socializing-but it does not wish -has attracted the attention of the to treat the Address-in-Reply debate Melbourne Herald which is not noted with the importance that it merits. for criticizing the Hamer Govern­ ment. Hamer makes nothing happen I support the statements of the in this State. That has been demon­ Deputy Leader of the Opposition who strated in this Chamber. The honor­ is responsible for the organization of table gentleman also knows how to the business of the House on behalf stop other people seeking to make it of the Opposition and who expresses happen. I support the Leader of the the views of the Opposition on these Opposition and the Deputy Leader. matters. I commend him and the Opposition Whip for their persistent The motion was agreed to, and the refusal to grant leave to the Govern­ debate was adjourned until next day. ment, in order to try and give this ADJOURNMENT. debate some precedence. If the Min­ ister wishes to proceed with this COBURG POLICE STATION-EDUCATION motion I would invite him later this DEPARTMENT CLEANERS- BRUNS­ evening to have this Parliament sit WICK TECHNICAL SCHOOL-HOUS­ tomorrow. ING COMMISSION - LALOR HIGH SCHOOL - FIREWORKS - UNDER­ Mr. SIMMONDS '(Reservoir) : On PAYMENT OF WAGES. the question of time, I support the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ Leader of the Opposition and the cation) : I move- Deputy Leader. The Governor's That the House, at its rising, adjourn until Speech referred to a number of tomorrow, at five minutes past twelve matters and problems in members' o'clock in the morning. electorates. During the Address-in­ The motion was agreed to. Reply debate today the matter of Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ education in one electorate was cation): I move- raised. There are many problems that the Government should debate That the House do now adjourn. in the time that is available. The Mr. MUTTON (Coburg): I wish to Speech of His Excellency was fol­ draw to the attention of the House lowed by a ceremony which occupied and particularly the Chief Secretary as much time as this House has sat who has not graced this House and the various matters raised in the with his presence this evening, an Speech seem to be of sufficient im­ important and serious problem con­ portance to justify this Chamber con­ fronting officers at the Coburg police tinuing the discussion. Because of station. At that station 23. uniformed the urgency of the matters, I express officers are doing a capable job my support of the remarks of the under strained circumstances. Leader of the Opposition and the Until about two ·months ago the Deputy Leader. officers at the Coburg police station had ·at their disposal two motor If the Government is concerned vehicles with which to carry out about inflation in the community and their duties in the Coburg distdct. about the matters which have been Unfortunately, one of the vehicles raised-! heard an honorable member needed mechanical attention. It was mention industrial problems-it has sent to a Govern·ment garage for an opportunity to do something about repair but after it had been there for them while the House is considering rtwo weeks the officer in charge of the Governor's Speech, which covers the Coburg police station was in­ the whole ambit of Government formed that because the vehicle had Adjournment. [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 149 exceeded 30,000 ·miles it ·would have Mr. ROPER (Brunswick West) : I to be disposed of. The officer was again raise a matter which I have notified that a new car would be previously raised in the House _be­ provided within a shor.t period of cause it now has a new connotation. time. .Jt relates to the Brunswick Technical School. The ·Minister will be aware Since then two months have that in this morning's press there elapsed but no new car has been was reference to a meeting ·Of the supplied. There are now 23 men Brunswick City Council concerning dependent on one motor vehicle. the future development of education This situation is a standing disgrace, in the Brunswick area, and that was especially when one considers the also mentioned .in the debate tonight. problems confronting the staff at the I have reason to believe that the site Coburg polic·e station in regard to suggested for the extension of the crime :in tthe district. I recommend Brunswick Technical School may be to members of the Government, ·and sold in the near future, so that un- in particular the Chief Secretary, that 1ess the department moves at some an urgent investigation be made into speed, even if it deddes to rebuild ·in the complaint that I have recorded the Brunswick area, it may not have to ensure that the Coburg police a site available to it. station is supplied with a motor vehicle forthwith. The history of this problem is interesting but I do not intend to go Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the through all its details now. Currently, Opposition): 'I desire to bring a mat­ the department .plans to acquire. a ter to the attention of the Minister site oppos'ite the school. That s1te of Education. I refer to a letter will be acquired by the time my which the Minister has received from great-grandchildren are ~t scho_o'l. It the Miscellaneous Workers Union is really a matter ·of I·mmediately seeking an audience with tthe ·Min­ acquiring an ·additional ~ite ~or the ister for the purpos·e of discussing development of education m the with him the considerable problems Brunswick area. Unless the depart­ and the future status of cleaners em­ ment moves quickly the GKN (Aust.) ployed in the Education Department Ltd. (Nettlefolds .Oivis'ion) site will and the State colleges of education. be lost. As both the Minister and the There is a lack of satisfaction Assistant Minister know, that is the among cleaners who have been un­ site nearest the development of 30 able to obtain any definitive answer acres of parkland in Brunswick from the Minister. which has a total of only 70 acres of An industrial stoppage has been parks. This will be a substantial threatened but it could possibly be addition to that area and it provides averted if the Minister met represen­ an opportunity for a small site to be tatives of the union and discussed added within the next ten years or their problems to see if some assur­ so. ance can be given to a section of the ·Leaving the long-term problem work force which, throughout Vic­ aside for the moment, I ask the Edu­ toria, carries out important and re­ cation Department to reserve a site sponsible tasks within the frame­ such as the GKN site because areas of more than half an acre are not work of the Education Department. often available in Brunswick. I ask the Minister to meet the Mr. GINIFER {Deer Park) : I direct union at the earliest possible oppor­ a matter to the attention of the Min­ tunity for the purpose of attempting ister representing the M'inister ~f to resolve what are real problems for Housing. The husband of a consti­ a not inconsiderable section of the tuent of ·mine who lives in St. Albans work force currently employed by his is at present in the remand section department. at Pentridge because. of alleged 150 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. cruelty to children. Four young Yesterday, I received another children have been taken from the letter dated 27th August, in which mother by the State until she can the Acting Minister of Education in­ find suitable accommodation. Be·cause formed me that he visited :the school of the problems involved, it was on 17th July and, as he put H, he was necessary for the mother and child­ well aware of the present situation ren to move from the home they had. at the school. He also indicated that Applications ·were made to the Hous­ he had met representatives of the ing Commission for accommodation various groups. When I received this so that the mother and four children letter I inquired at the school. I 'Was could live together and so that the informed that the Minister visited it children would be brought :back unofficially inasmuch as he had re­ under her care from the Social sponded to an invitation extended Welfare Department. some time previously to address a social studies class at the school on All these ·matters were put by me the operations of Parliament. As all to the Minister of ·Housing, but a honorable members know, 'invitations letter I received from him today to address students on these matters states that the best that can be done are frequently received. No one was for this unfortunate woman and her aware of the Minister's intention to children is to provide accommodation visit the school on that date and he in three months' time. This case arrived unannounced. deserves special consideration. The mother ·is suffering mental anguish Mr. DixON: The people who invited because of the unfortunate train of me were aware of it. events with the husband being Mr. WILTON : The principal of charged with cruelty to children and the school was not aware of the the children be'ing taken fr.om her. intended visit and neither was the ·chairman of the advisory council ; I thought that when the case was nor was I. The purpose of the repre­ explained to the Minister something sentations made to the Minister was would be done to re'lieve the plight to have him go to the school so that of the family, but the best I can tell the advisory council, the staff asso­ the woman is that she must wait ciation and other interested people three months for acc-ommodation. ·I could present a proper case to him ask the Minister representing the on all of :the problems of the school. Minister of Housing to be good I understand that the discussions enough to take this letter to see U that the honorable gentleman had something can be done for the were of an informal nature. woman i·m·mediately. I do not wish to mention her name and address at ·Mr. DIXON : That is right. this time. Mr. WILTON : The original re­ quest was for an official visit so .that Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): ·I a formal presentation could be ·made am concerned with the proble·ms of to the M'inister of all the evidence Lalor High School. In June, repre­ of problems at the school. I raise this sentations were made to the ·Minister matter now for the purpose of .infor­ on behalf of the advisory council and ming the Minister that it is still the the staff association of that school, desire of the school 'council and staff asking him to receive a deputation assodation that he should receive a as they wished to discuss with him deputation. In doing so I reaffirm the various matters of grave concern to original representations made to the the school. I was asked to support honorable gentleman, that the mem­ the representation and I did that by bers ·of these organizations wish to writing to the Minister. I received discuss all the problems of the school from the then Acting Minister of with him. U the Minister accedes to Education, the Assistant Min'ister, an that request, it will be very much acknowledgement of ·my letter. appreciated. Adjournment. [11 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 151

Mr. EDMUNDS {Moonee Ponds): furniture factory in my electorate. I direct the attention of the Minister It appears that the society referred of Mines to the problem of fireworks the matter to the department ·and being used by children and to the that officers at the .Preston branch fact that injuries resulting fr-om their of the Department of Labour and indiscriminate sale will again be with Industry reported 1that they were us soon with the advent of Guy unable to prosecute because section Fawkes night on 5th November. 76 of the Labour and Industry Act­ Other Governments in Australia which was originally introduced in have banned the indiscriminate sale 1896 before Federation but had and use of fireworks. The Govern­ remained unchanged except for the ment of South Australia is the deletion of the word " Chinese " in latest to attempt to prevent the definition of a furniture factory injuries ·caused by fireworks. -effectively places all work af,ter Mr. Speaker, you would be aware of 5 p.m. on a week day outside the a service organization ·in the City provisions of the Act. The Act of Essendon called the Quota Club. declares that no work shall be per­ That organization has written ex­ formed in a furniture factory on a pressing an opinion that the Govern­ week day aft·er 5 p.m. or after 2 p.ln. ment should rtake action over the on a Saturday or at any time on a sale of fireworks. Years ·ago the sale Sunday. The effect of the Act is to of ·fireworks to children by shop­ make work performed after those keepers was restricted to the period hours illegal. Therefore. the officers immediately prior to an event such of the department are unable to as Commonwealth Day, Guy Fawkes successfully prosecute for the under­ Day and Queen's 'Birthday. Now payment of wages. Perhaps the ques­ fireworks seem to be on sale aH the tion of industrial safety could also time. ·arise. I ask the Minister of Labour I am raising the matter in this and Industry to investigate the posi­ forum because to my knowledge tion and to take suitable corrective there is no other way I can ask the action. Government to consider the ·matter. ·Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ I know of children in the immediate cation) : I will draw to the attention vicinity of my home who have been of the Chief Secretary, who is tem­ injured by fireworks. There is time for porarily absent at a public function, the Government to take action be­ the matter raised by the honorable cause 5th November is the next date member for Coburg. .J refer to the when fireworks will be used by matter raised by the Leader of the chHdren. No one wishes to disadvan­ Opposition concerning the new posi­ tage shop-keepers who may or may tion of cleaners working in State not be considering stocking their colleges. Prior to the enactment of shops with fireworks for sale to the legislation to establish State public. colleges, cleaners working in I request the Minister of Mines to teachers' colleges were employed by make an early public announcement the Education Department. The on whether the Government intends status of cleaners has now changed to restrict the sale of fireworks as and the councils of the various State has occurred in South Australia. colleges employ cleaners who are Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) : I therefore working under ~arrange­ raise a ·matter for the attention of ments different from those operating the Minister of Labour and Industry in the Education Department. I did concerning a situation which has say that some time this morning I developed over section 76 of the would ensure that the position was Labour and Industry Act. The Fur­ clarified by Mr. Scully, the secretary niture Trades Society has referred of the department, and ·I will have to ·me a case of underpaym·ent of further discussions with him in the wages for overt'ime worked in a morning. 152 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

Turning to the matter raised by application of section 76 of the the honorable member for Brunswick Labour and Industry Act. I will refer West, I personally do not favour the ·matter to the Minister of Labour the particular proposal and would and Industry for his consideration. regard as objectionable the progres­ The motion was agreed to. sive acquisition of quite a large num­ The House adjourned at 11.8 p.m. ber of houses over a pe~iod of time that would still not provide the tech­ QUESTION ON NOTICE. nical school with a suitable building The following answer to a question site and access to open space. I will bear his comments in mind on notice was circulated- when making a decision on rthe par­ RIVER IMPROVEMENT TRUSTS. ticular area which he says is avail­ able for sale at present. I shaH (Question No. 50) immediately draw it to the attention Mr. BAXTER .(Murray Valley) of Dr. Maddocks, who, as I men­ asked the Minister of Public Works, tioned earlier, will be carrying out for the Minister of Water Supply- a survey on the development of !. Which river improvement trusts are presently constituted in Victoria and what primary and secondary educational is the approximate length of stream con­ facilities in the !Bruns·wick area in trolled by each trust? conjunction ·with the reservation of 2. What information is available concern­ a suitable area of land for recrea­ ing the profile of the river or stream in each tional purposes. trust area? 3. What Government funds have been The honorable member for Broad­ made available to river improvement trusts meadows raised a problem at Lalor in each of the past ten years? High School. I shaH have discussions Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public with the Assistant ·Minister of Educa­ Works): The answer supplied by the tion to see exactly what the position Minister of Water Supply is- is and, if necessary, will arrange a 1. RIVER IMPROVEMENT TRUSTS CON· deputation before the Assistant ·Min­ STITUTED AS AT 11TH SEPTEMBER, 1974. ister of Education or myself. Length of gazetted Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Trans­ Trust. streams in port): If the honorable member for trust Deer Park will supply me with the district name and address of the person to Shire of Alexandra 180 km whom he referred, I shall take up the Avoca .. 135 km Avon.. .. 55 km matter with rthe Minister of Housing. Bendigo Creek .. 39 km Mr. BALFOUR '(Minister of Black Dog Creek 40 km Mines): The honorable member for Broken .. 238 km Bullock Creek .. 76 km Moonee Ponds raised a question con­ Cann .. . . 40 km cerning fireworks. The present period Fifteen Mile Creek 43 km during ·which fireworks may be sold Glenelg 77km Kiewa .. 135 km commenced on 28th ·May and ceases King .. .. 95 km on 15th November. Over a period King Parrot Creek 47 km the Government has been viewing Shire of Korumburra .. 64 km this question closely to see Whether Latrobe 177 km Macalister 54 km it should do what other States have Mitchell 64 km done, thart is to totally ban the sale Mitta Mitta 134 km of fireworks or implement other res­ Ovens .. 240 km trictions. I assure the honorable Penta! Island .. 63 km Seymour Shire .. 56 km member that the matter is receiving Snowy .. 48 km attention and that at the appropriate Tambo 34 km stage an announcement will be made. Tarwin 97 km Thomson .. 63 lm Mr. SCAN·LAN (Minister of Whorouly Creek 24 km Health): The honorable member for Yarra.. . . 114 km Reservoir raised the question of the Shire of Yea .. 108 km Parliamentary [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Privilege. 153

2. Information regarding stream profiles ABSENCE OF MINISTERS. would be available from river improvement trust engineers. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler) : I have to announce the 3. RIVER IMPROVEMENT TRUSTS FINANCIAL absence of the Minister of Labour ASSISTANCE FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS. and Industry, who is receiving medical treatment, and also the Govern- ment absence of the Chief Secretary. Year loan Frontage Interest Total including grant subsidy Mr. HOLDING: I should like to grant know where the Chief Secretary is. The SPEAKER : The advice I have $ $ $ $ is that the Chief Secretary is una­ 1973-74 .. 659,999 32,217 1,289 693,505 1972-73 .. 719,999 59,413 1,291 780,703 voidably absent. 1971-72 .. 812,716 55,860 1,892 870,468 1970-71 .. 583,521 66,019 1,672 651,212 Mr. WILKES: Who is handling 1969-70 .. 501,331 38,201 2,434 541,966 1968-69 .. 500,000 53,806 2,691 556,497 questions on behalf of .the Chief 1967-68 .. 440,000 32,728 3,178 475,906 Secretary? 1966-67 .. 440,000 39,321 3,339 482,660 1965-66 .. 440,000 41,540 3,446 484,986 The SPEAKER : I have not been 1964-65 .. 440,000 39,139 3,695 482,834 advised, but I should !imagine it 6,020,737 would be the Attorney-General.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. TOY PISTOLS. ill.egisltttin.e Asstmbly. Mr. WILKES (Northcote): I address a question to the Minister representing the Chief Secretary. Is Thursday, September 12, 1974. the Minister aware that facsimiles of pistols that could be mistaken for The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. genuine pistols are on sale in Mel­ Wheeler) took the chair at 12.39 a.m., bourne at exclusive prices? On two and read the prayer. occasions I · have examined these pistols. Considering the crime rate in Melbourne today, what action does PARLIAMENTARY P.RIVILEGE. the Minister propose to take to ensure COMPLAINT: PUBLICATION OF that these pistols, which could be REPORT. used in lieu of the real article, are not available to the public? The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Mr. WILCOX {Attorney-General) : Wheeler) : Order! During 1he last This is a matter of personal explana­ sitting of :the House the Leader of tion. The only thing I can say is :the Opposition •made a complaint that an honorable member ·can ask a concerning ·certain ·matters relating question only if the relevant ·Minister to the ·report known as the Bland is present. It is quite simple, Mr. report. I undertook to consider the Speaker. All honorable members matter and to report my opinion at the understand the practice of Ministers next sitting of the House. It is cus­ in this House representing a Minister tomary, both in this House and 'in the in another place. House of Commons, for the Chair to consider ·such matters for a period of Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the 24 hours. I do not have to advise Opposition) : I rise to a point of order. Honorable members are in the honorable members that this has strange situation that the Govern­ been impossible. In view of the lack ment of its own volition ·chose to call of time and opportunity available to this meeting of Parliament at this me to research the matter, I shall odd hour. In the same way as it is defer giving my opinion until the unable to organize its business, the next sitting of the House. Government is unable to organize the 154 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.· presence of its ·Ministers, and an im­ Australia? What are the reasons for portant Minister-the Chief Secre­ opposing the measures which have tary...... ~is not present. No e~planation been legally passed under the Com­ for the honorable gentleman's ab­ monwealth Constitution? Who is sence has been forthcoming to the providing the 'legal opinion upon House, and no arrangement has been which the Victorian Government in­ made to have that Minister repre­ tends to act and from where is the sented 'in the •House so that questions public money coming to brief bar­ which normally should be put to him risters for the High Court hearing? in this Parliament when the House is sitting ·can be asked. Mr. WILCOX (kttorney-G·eneral) : I am not sure whether this question If the Government intends to treat is proper, but I am happy to answer the House with this type of disdain it. The State of Victoria has already and contempt, nothing can be done issued a writ which challenges the about it, but I ask you, Mr. Speaker, validity of the Petroleum and Mineral as :the custodian and guardian of the Authority Act. rights and privileges of members of this House, to press either the Mr. EDMUNDS: On whose legal Prem'ier or the Deputy Premier to opinion? ascertain what satisfactory arr·ange­ Mr. WILCOX : On very sound ·ments have been made to ensure that legal opinion which I do not intend the House can conduct its business to canvass in this House. Concern­ and not be made the laughing stock ing the other Bills passed by the of the nation. joint sitting, at least one State has The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. already challenged what are called Wheeler) : Order! I have explained the electoral Bills. Victoria will be that I have been advised that the seeking leave to intervene in that Chief Secretary is unavoidably matter, and in the other matters absent. Quite clearly a question to which need serious consideration, for which an answer has been refused the simple reason that Victoria and cannot be insisted upon, and it is other States-particularly Queens­ futile for a question to be directed land, New South Wales and Western to a Minister if he refuses to answer. Australia, where there are Govern­ ments in office which appreciate the DAYS AND HOURS OF MEETING. necessity to foster the Federal Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS ·(Leader of system-have the closest liaison to the Country Party) : Can the ensure that the Commonwealth Gov­ Premier advise the House of the ernment does not impose on the days and hours of meeting next week, pebple of Australia matters which particularly in regard to Thursday are unconstitutional. and Friday? GAS ACCOUNTS. Mr. HAM.ER (Premier and Trea­ surer) : The days and hours will be Mr. .AJYIOS (MorweH): I direct a as prescribed under the Standing question to the 'Minister for Fuel Orders unless the sitting is disturbed and Power. In the ·metr.ication of the or otherwise delayed unnecessarily Gas and ·Fuel Corporation's gas by some petty and irresponsible accounts for domesltic and industrial action on the part of the Opposition. consumers, do consumers now pay more for the same quantity of gas COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION. that ·was available to them under the old system of accounting? Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) : Can the Attorney-General advise Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel what legislation passed by the joint and Power) : I confess that I do not sitting of the Australian Parliament know whether what the honorable will be opposed by the Victorian member says is correct, but I shall Government in the High Court of certainly find out and advise him. Questions (12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 155

MATHEMATICS TEACHERS. whether the Gladstone Park Primary Mr. SKEGGS (Ivanhoe): ·I ask the School is to be included in that pro­ Minister of Education : In view of gramme with the view o·f removing what appears to be a general short­ the unsightly, unhygienic and com­ age of mathematics teachers, some pletely unacceptable conglo·meration of whom have been attracted to the of portable class-rooms which have pr.ivate sector, what steps have been been dumped in a paddock and which taken to step up the recruitment and the Government is attempting to training of mathematics teachers? establish as a primary school? Mr. TH8M·PSON •(Minister of Edu­ Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Pub­ cation) : Firstly, when studentships lic Works): I shall be happy to ascer­ are awarded priority is given to tain the information requested and to people who wish to undertake advise the honorable ·member. sdence and mathematics courses. Secondly, in the recruitment of FARM ALLOCATIONS. teachers from the United States of A·merica first preference was given Mr. HANN (Rodney) : Can the Min­ to mathematics and science teachers. ister of Lands advise the House Nearly 1,800 of them were recruited, when the first applications will be ·and 90 per cent of them came from called for the allocation of new farms the United States, but first prefer­ at Rochester and Heytesbury, how ence was given to ·mathematics and many farms will be open for aHoca­ science teachers. tion in the first applications, and when they are likely to 'be allocated? PRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Mr. FORDHAM (Foottscray) : Can Lands): I cannot provide the precise the Minister of Public ·Works explain date from :memory, but I believe the reason for the delay in the letting there are to be 25 farms at Heytes­ of contracts for the construction of bury and about six at Rochester. The 60 primary school librar-ies, bearing Governm·ent hopes to call applica­ in mind that the funds for this pro­ tions in the first half of next year, ject were made available to the Vic­ in ·March or April, but at this stage torian Government six ·months ago, I cannot be precise. and notice of the projects was given another six months earlier? In view CONSTRUCTION OF DREDGE. of the importance of primary school Mr. STIRLING (Williamstown) : I libraries to the needs of Victorian ask the Minister of Public Works school children, can the Minister whether a firm decision has been overcome these interminable delays reached on the construction of a in his department? bucket-and-ladder type dredge for Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public the port of Melbourne? Works): I ask the honorable member Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public to place rthe question on the Notice Works) : •I understand that rthe ques­ Paper. tion has been asked and that the answer has been provided to the GLADSTONE PARK PRIMARY honorable member by the Melbourne SCHOOL. Harbor Trust Commissioners. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): I direct a question to the 'Minister of Public Works. In a statement issued ACQUISITION OF LAND AT LAKE by the honorable gentleman in the VICTORIA. past few days he referred to the Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East): substantial a·mount of work that is Can the Minister for Fuel and Power to .be done on schoo'l building pro­ inform me whether he will lay on gram·mes. Can the ·Minister advise the table of the Library the file 156 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. relating to the acquisition by the tenderers, it can cover the floor and Gas and Fuel Corporation of 900 the Education Department will pay acres of land fronting Lake Victoria? for it. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power): This is a matter for METRICATION. the Gas and Fuel Corporation rather Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) : It has been than for the Minister. The honor­ reported that the changeover to the able member for Gippsland East metric system has been a .major would know of the relationship be­ contribution to inflation. Can the tween the Minister and the Gas and Premier submit to the House a prog­ Fuel Corporation. However, I should ress report of the agreement that be happy to discuss the matter with exists between the Federal Govern­ the chairman of the corporation and ment and Victoria in regard to the I am sure that he would be prepared costs that have already been in­ to make any information available curred on metric conversion? to the honorable member. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer): I am not sure whether ERROL STREET, NORTH there is any written agreement on MELBOURNE, PRIMARY the subject; there may well be. If SCHOOL. so, it would go back for many years. Mr. JONES (Melbourne): Is the The metrication of the various units Minister of Education aware that the of measurement throughout Australia Errol Street, North Melbourne, Pri­ was ordained by the Federal Govern­ mary School will celebrate its cente­ ment because it is within that nary in October? Does the honorable Government's field. The Common­ gentleman recall that in June he wealth Government has made avail­ undertook to provide a supply of able sums of money to reimburse linoleum and hardboard to cover the some of the costs but I do not know floo'rs of that school in time for the whether there is any written agree­ celebration of the centenary? Is he ment. If there is, I will table it in the aware that in July the then Acting Library of the House. Minister of Education, the Chief Sec­ retary, wrote stating that the matter MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND was being considered, although it RAIL LOOP. had been pointed out that the Minis­ ter of Education had already given Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North): an undertaking? Is the honorable Can the Premier inform me whether gentleman also aware that in Sep­ any approaches have been made in tember the then Acting Minister of recent weeks by the Melbourne City Education, the Minister for Youth Council expressing concern at the Sport and Recreation, wrote to m~ proportion of costs to be borne by to say that this rna tter had been that council for the Melbourne under­ referred to the Public Works Depart­ ground rail loop and, if so, is it not ment for a report? a fact that the Government is now reviewing the financial obligations of [n view of all of this, can the the council in relation to the under­ Minister of Education give a firm ground rail loop rather than continu­ assurance that in order that the Errol ing the present allocations? Street, North Melbourne, Primary Mr. HAMER (Premier and ~chool can celebrate its centenary m all the glory to which it is entitled, Treasurer): The newly-elected Lord this linoleum will be provided before Mayor mentioned the matter to me the end of the month? in passing in the course of a courtesy visit soon after his election. He Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of said that, in years to come, the bur­ Education): If the school committee den on the Melbourne City Council agrees to obtain quotes frO'm three would increase considerably because Questions [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] without Notice. 157 of the escalating costs of the under­ TROTTING AT ROYAL ground rail loop. He undertook to MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS. supply facts and figures and I said Mr. GUY (Gisborne): I direct ·a that the Government would consider question to the Minister for Youth, them. Sport and Recreation. In view of the recent purchase of land at Keys­ ENCEPHALITIS. borough by the Trotting Con~o·l Board, and the proposed future use of Mr. BAXTER (Murray Valley): that land, what will be the position Can the Minister of Health indicate of trotting in the future at the Royal to the House the success he has had Melbourne Showgrounds? in his endeavo;urs to discontinue the adjective "Murray Valley" to the Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, noun " encephalitis " and to convince Sport and Recreation): I have been health authorities in this State and informed by the Chairman of the other places to adopt a more tech­ Trotting Control Board that he nical term for this disease? wishes trotting to be continued at the showgrounds, which is the No. 1 Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of venue for trotting in Victoria, and Health): There has been general that currently a feasibility study is agreement at the National Health and being undertaken by representatives Medical Research Council to describe of the Royal Agricultural Society, the "Murray Valley encephalitis" as Treasury, and the Department of " Australian arbo encephalitis ". How­ Youth, Sport and Recreation, to ever, to receive international recogni­ ascertain whether a world standard tion, its designation will have to be 800-metre track can be located satis­ accepted by the World Health Organ­ factorHy, from all points of view, at ization. I understand that this matter the showgrounds. is currently being considered, and that an application will be made for FINANCE FOR MILK recognition. REFRIGERATION. Mr. MciNNES (Gippsland South): BOARD OF' WORKS FINANCES. Can the Minister of Agriculture advise, firstly, when finance will be Mr. LIND (Dandenong): I direct a available to dairy farmers to enable question to the Minister representing them to change over to refrigerated the M'inister for Local Government. milk; secondly, who will administer In view of the fact that it is planned this scheme; thirdly, what is the for much of the work of the Mel­ general definition of a marginal dairy bourne and Metropolitan Board of farm; and finally, will finance be Works to be taken over by the Coun­ available to milk producers currently try Roads Board, can the Minister on water-cooled milk? indicate the estimated saving to the Board of Works? If there is to be Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Agriculture) : The honorable member the saving that is expected can the will probably be aware that this honorable gentleman indicate why the scheme, financed by the Common­ proposed increase in Board of Works wealth, will be administered by my rates is necessary? colleague, the Minister of Lands. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public However, together with the honor­ Works): That is a difficult question. able gentleman, officers of my depart­ ment have had negotiations with the I will take up the matter with my Federal Government. These negoti­ colleague, the Minister for Local ations are not complete. Regrettably, Government, and see that the hon­ the Marginal Dairy Farms Agree­ orable member for Dandenong­ ments Bill which passed through the one of the better members of the Federa'l Parliament was not as com­ Opposition-receives a direct reply. plete and as broad as we would have 158 Questions [ASSEMBLY.) without Notice. liked, and the processes of consul­ discussion between the M'inister of tation were not as extensive as we Agriculture and the unions involved. would have liked. The answer to the second question Since the Act was passed by the is contingent on the first. The answer Federal Parliament we have been able to the third question is contingent on to achieve a situation whereby the second. administrative decisions can be made which we believe will encompass a FLOATING DOCK. wide spectrum of the dairy farm Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong): My ques­ community. Up to about one-third tion is directed to the Minister of of Victorian dairy farmers will be Public Works. What progress has able to avai'l themselves of interest­ been made by the floating dock in its free money to convert their water­ passage to Melbourne? cooled milk vats to refrigeration. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Further, dairy farmers who have sub­ Works): The progress of the floating standard dairies and who wish to dock across the Pacific is more suc­ improve their standard may be able cessful than that of the Southern to borrow money for other useful Cross in its first trial race against farm improvements which will make the American yacht. The progress their farms more viable units. of the Australian yacht across the The criticism that we had of the Pacific is very courageous. previous system was that it was too The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. restrictive. It is not the wish of Wheeler): I suggest that the honor­ dairy farmers in Victoria to be able member be courageous and reconstructed out of the industry. Negotiations between my colleague answer the question. and departmental officers and the Mr. DUNSTAN: I shall try also Federal Government are rapidly lead­ to be intrepid. The floating dock is ing to a solution. I believe it will not in mid-Pacific, about 1,800 nautical be long before we are in a position miles from Australia. I cannot say to announce the terms and when exactly where it is. It was travelling finance from the Federal Government at about 130 nautical miles a day. will be made available under the Now, because of westerly winds, it scheme. has slowed down to about 35 nautical COOL STORES. mHes a day. I cannot give a precise answer-! will not bet on it-but if Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine): the westerly winds do not delay it, I address my question to the Minister the dock should arrive by 23rd of Public Works. Is it the intention September. of the Government to cease operations of the Government Cool Stores in Dudley Street, West Melbourne, on ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. 30th November of this year? If so, Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the is it the intention of the Melbourne Opposition) : I desire to move the Harbor Trust to occupy the area of adjournment of the House for the land now occupied by the Govern­ purpose of discussing a definite ment Cool Stores? :finally, when did matter of urgent public importance, the Minister first know of the expira­ namely, the failure of the Govern­ tion date of the present lease of the ment to provide adequate facilities land in question? for the administration of justice. Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works): I have been asked to The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. answer three questions. My answer Wheeler): Order! The motion pro­ to the first question is that it is con­ posed by the Leader of the Opposition ditional upon employees in the cool was handed to me at the correct time. stores being provided with alternative I have analysed it and rule that it is employment. This is the subject of in order. Administration (12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 159

Approval of the proposed discus­ believe it is important that the House sion was indicated by the required should not merely acknowledge the number of members rising in their importance of this communication places, as specified in Standing Order but that it should use the No. 8B. forms of the House to ensure that the Attorney-General takes Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the the appropriate action to act Opposition) : I move- upon the report with a real sense of That the House do now adjourn. urgency. The first problem to which I rely strongly on an important docu­ I refer is the capacity of the courts ment transmitted to this Parliament to deal with problems-- by the Supreme Court of Victoria and The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. signed by the justices of that court. Wheeler): Order! I do not want to For the administration of justice in interrupt the Leader of the Opposition this State we should not only have but it is unparliamentary for honor­ judges of high calibre and capacity­ able members to read newspapers in in that regard Victoria is probably this House. I repeat that I will allow as well served as, if not better served a certain amount of discretion but than, most States in the Common­ I ask honorable members to help me wealth-but also it is important that to afford that discretion because the the courts, in order to carry out their rustling of newspapers, as honorable important functions, should not be members well know, does cause dependent or seem to be dependent problems. upon the Executive to have the faci­ lities within which justice can be Mr. HOLDING: I point out that properly administered. this debate is not just an argument about buildings. If it were, perhaps When one looks at the report which the Opposition would not need to has been prepared by Their Honours, take up the time of the House. having regard to the fact that However, the number of judges who normally a communication between have been appointed substantially the judiciary and the Attorney­ affects the capacity of the courts to General or the judiciary and this dispose of all litigation. Honorable House is by its nature always members will recall the old saying, couched in appropriate and circum­ "Justice delayed is often justice spect language, one must be deeply denied ". Unfortunately, many cases concerned by the depth of feeling have occurred in this State where shown in the allegations contained on delay in the court process has meant pages 11, 12 and 13 of the report. not merely that justice has been Generally those allegations are delayed but that justice has in fact largely related to the question of been denied. It was not so long ago accommodation for the Supreme that delay in the processing of a Court at Melbourne. Many honor­ criminal trial meant, at least on one able members, particularly country occasion, that a person suffered. members, are aware of the problems I have previously mentioned a case of administration of justice in to the House and to the Attorney­ country areas. I refer to the inade­ General in an earlier debate but it is quate and almost primitive facilities worth repeating because it does which exist in country towns. Those bring home the problems inherent in facilities have not been included in these delays. I refer to the case of the the subject-matter of this report but citizen who, having been committed I believe they can properly be con­ for tria'l, found himself in the remand sidered in the course of the debate. yard at Pentridge for up to nine I draw attention to the views months before his case was finally expressed by the judges of the dealt with and he was found not Supreme Court in this report. I guilty. '160 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice.

Mr. Ross-EDWARDs: He should Mr. HOLDING: I invite the have been out on bail. Attorney-General to examine the gravity of the situation as pointed out Mr. HOLDING: That is possible by his own judges. The report only if one is in the financial situa­ tion where one can get bail. If that states- Not only is there no room for expansion, occurred the person to whom I refer but at times a judge is available to sit in would not have been in that situa­ Melbourne and is unable to do so for want tion. It is a basic maxim of our law of an available court room. Three of the that no person is guilty until proven court rooms, the Seventh, Fourteenth and to be so. When, because of economic Fifteenth, are sub-standard and it is highly circumstances, a citizen, who is sub­ regrettable that the court has to use them. sequently adjudged to be not guilty, No amount of arithmetic can reduce is in fact incarcerated for nine the pungency of that statement. What months, it is a reflection upon the exercise in arithmetic provides an system of justice and upon the admin­ answer to the next statement- istration of that system of justice. The Seventh is ·a small converted room with paint peeling off the walls and with en­ Those problems arise when there are tirely inadequate accommodation for counsel, insufficient judges to move the number solicitors and litigants. The judge has to of cases that are before the court. take his seat on the Bench by walking down a public corridor. The Fourteenth Court Having looked at this report, it is true has been converted from two rooms. It has to say that the judges of the Supreme been used for at least 26 years as a Prac­ tice Court. More practitioners and litigants Court have worked diligently and attend eacl) day in this court than any other hard to reduce the number of cases in in the building. It is not uncommon to find the list, but they point out that it scores of people packed into this ill-ven­ does not matter how many judges tilated room. there are; if they do not have the faci­ Honorable members who belong to lities to enable them to work properly the legal profession would agree that the system starts to fold up and can that is a moderate statement. break down. The report points out the impos­ sibility of the situation in which The judges say that fifteen court members of the legal profession find rooms are available in Melbourne for themselves- a court consisting of twenty judges. Many a very important matter is settled The result is that three judges sit in outside the Practice Court, but the vesti­ the Full Court and usually occupy the bule is small, awkwardly shaped and badly ventilated, cold in winter and hot in summer. First Court :for the whole of each Conditions in this court room and its month. Two or three judges are on approaches are, in view of the purpose it circuit; and sometimes one judge is serves, a disgrace. on sabbatical leave. Fourteen judges Those are strong terms from gentle­ occupy the courts from the Second men who are usually constrained to Court to Fifteenth Court. Thus the use moderate language in their com­ court room accommodation in the munications with the Executive. The Law Courts is always fully occupied. judges point out that- The Fifteenth Court is a curved room at Mr. WILCOX: But the figures the rear of the Supreme Court Library. It is in a state of dilapidation, with paint peel­ balance out if the honorable member ing off the wall in large sheets. It has been does his arithmetic. necessary to use this room as a court room since at least the last war. Mr. HOLDING: I shall be happy to I will leave it to my colleagues to hear the arithmetic of the Attorney­ develop some of the other points con­ General. I hope the Attorney-General tained in the report. On page 13 will not become involved in a silly the report states- question of arithmetic. It is noted that financial authorization of the alterations has not yet been formally Mr. WILcox: There is nothing silly communicated to the Law Department. Yet, about it. at the time and as a result of the increase Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 161 of the number of judges from seventeen to can deal with this. Merely because twenty some eighteen months ago, an assurance was then given that the Crown a man is in Pentridge and is being Law building would be available for occu­ dealt with for offences which have pancy as an. extension or annexe of the occurred there, does not mean that Supreme Court in 1974. he is automatically denied due pro­ I ask honorable members to note that cess of law, that he. should be re­ statement because it is important- garded as a second-rate citizen and In the meantime great inconvenience and as someone who is not worthy of a grave shortage of court room facilities, legal representation when (a) he or with consequent wastage of public moneys, she seeks it, and (b) members of are being suffered by the court. Even if the work commences in August, 1974, the the legal profession are concerned building will not be ready for occupancy to discharge their professional obli­ until late 1976 at the earliest. gations in these matters. The document points out that the I had hoped that the Attorney­ existing facilities are significantly General would comment on these inadequate, that the judges of the matters but all he has done is to court in many instances are unable to interject on some CO!llplicated exer­ adequately fulfil their duties and that cise in mathematics. That does not both judges and members of the legal surprise me, because the Attorney­ profession, and probably more impor­ General will agree that his depart­ tantly, the average citizen who comes ment is considerably understaffed to the court to have his case and in some areas it is surprising adjudged, finds himself in what can that the officers of his department only be described as slum conditions. get through the amount of work that That is the proposition which should they do in view of the shortages be of the deepest concern to the that exist in the department. For Attorney-General. that reason, I am interested to note the recent escapades of the Attorney­ There are many other matters relat­ General when delays have occurred ing to the administration of justice in the civil list and when he has re­ and the effect of the lack of adequate ceived a report from the justices of facilities in that administration. I the Supreme Court advising him of direct the attention of the Atto'mey­ the inadequacies of their facilities. General to a situation which was This has been at a time when the brought to my attention this week State has been racked by company involving the administration of jus­ scandals and there have been in­ tice in Pentridge. Members of. the sufficient officers in the company law legal profession were concerned to branch of the department to ensure be present to represent a prisO'Iler that the persons responsible for the before a visiting .magistrate. They frauds which have been perpetrated had difficulty getting into Pentridge upon the citizens of the State are and then were told that the case was brought to justice. There have also adjourned. They went to no small arisen the matters referred to in the trouble to communicate with both recent report of the committee the Law Department and Mr. chaired by Senator Rae. Boo1ih to inform him of their wish ta represent their client adequately What is this intrepid Attorney­ and well. The case was proceeded General doing about these matters? with by a visiting justice. A deci­ Is he concerned to honour an obliga­ sion was made without the members tion which was given to the judges of the profession, who were acting of the Supreme Court some eighteen for the prisoner, being consulted. months ago? The honorable gentle­ man is concerned to pursue this odd One problem which is continually James Bond-like quality which he raised by visiting magistrates is the seems to have undertaken and spend totally inadequate facilities in Pen­ his time setting up a specialized sub­ tridge for dealing with these matters. section of a super State rights move- The honorable member for Melbourne ment. · Session 1974.--6 162 Administration LASSEMBLY.] of Justice.

Mr. WILCOX: The Leader of the no objection to this-and the Min­ Opposition is getting on to dangerous ister's proposal concerning State ground. public servants-particularly senior Mr. HOLDING: I am happy to hear public servants, whether officers of the Minister's interjection because I the Treasury, the Department of have a'lready raised this matter out­ Health or the Education Depart­ side Parliament. It is germane to the ment-who have to be involved con­ issue and therefore I should raise it tinually in discussions with their in the Parliament so that the equal and opposite numbers in other Attorney-General can deal with it in States and in the Commonwealth. I the House. It is extraordinary that, have always been impressed with the when confronted with these enor­ frankness· and the integrity with mous backlogs, the Attorney-General which those officers discharge their can take time out to involve his responsibilities. already over-worked officers in what The ingredient which the At­ are essentially political exercises torney-General has introduced is which ought to be performed by the that if a Victorian senior officer is research secretariat of the Liberal having discussions with a Common­ Party. wealth senior officer and, as a result In this connection, I refer honor­ of that free and frank discussion able members to the letters which which always takes place, some new were recently made public and which Commonwealth initiative is brought the Attorney-General admitted he to his notice, the Victorian public had written. In a letter addressed to servant is duty bound to report it to the Premier on 25th July, the this group of super snoopers of the Attorney-General referred to a Cab­ Attorney-General. This will auto­ inet decision requiring him to exam­ matically create a barrier to the free ine Commonwea'lth legislation and and frank discussions that have been administrative acts which appeared possible between public servants of to be of doubtful constitutional State and Commonwealth depart­ validity. There can be no objection ments. Once the Commonwealth to any Attorney-General examining Government knows of the existence acts which he believes are of doubt­ of this instruction, any Federal ful validity. Minister will be bound to say that the only communications that may Mr. WILcox: He would not be take place between the Common­ doing his job if he did not do so. wealth and Victoria shall be between Mr. HOLDING: I agree. What is Ministers. objectionable in this concept is the ingredient which the Attorney­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. General has introduced and which I Wheeler): Can the Leader of the believe destroys the whole basis Opposition relate this to the terms of upon which senior Victorian public the motion? servants operate. In the letter, the Mr. HOLDING: Yes, Mr. Speaker. honorable gentleman specifically I make the point that the Attorney­ refers to the fact that Victorian public General ought to be concerning him­ servants may well become aware of self with the problems of the adminis­ Commonwealth legislation or admin­ tration of law in this State when istrative proposals before they re­ hundreds of citizens are denied full ceive publicity and that such matters recourse to the due process of law. should be drawn to the Minister's The fact that the Attorney-General is attention as soon as possible. prepared to use his over-worked There is a wide gap between officers on these other duties means legislation that the Attorney-General that they have not the time to devote believes is of doubtful constitutional to their proper duties. validity and wants to challenge on the Mr. JONES: Doing the hatchet advice of his officers - there can be work of the Liberal Party. Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 163

Mr. HOLDING: That is right. I but agree with the comments af the have no objection to the Minister judges, and, as I pointed out earlier, using officers of the Liberal Party that is the problem only at the apex on this sort of exercise, but the Law of the legal system. If one looks Department does not have the staff around the State one will see that necessary to enable the department these problems are to be found else­ to discharge its obligations; the where, particularly in some country Attorney-General will agree with and outer-urban areas. that. I commend the motion to the While the Attorney-General is House and hope it will prompt the playing out his James Bond fantasies Attorney-General to honour undertak­ of super spy, the super ego of State ings given by the Government to rights, the judges of the Supreme take action which will not only pro­ Court in their traditionally moder­ vide the facilities that o;ught to be ate ianguage, are pointing out provided but will enable the judges that the Attorney-General, who is of Victorian courts to discharge their responsible for these matters, ought obligations to the community and to to get on with the task of honour­ Parliament. ing obligations and undertakings Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General): that have been given to the judges I do not propose to take much of the concerning the administration of time of the House in dealing with justice. I urge the honorable gentle­ this motion which has been put man to ensure that the matters raised forward by the Leader of the Opposi­ by the judges of the Supreme Court tion. It is obvious that the Opposi­ are dealt with expeditiously and with tion had to search around, in the a sense of urgency. Essentially circumstances of the House meeting the judges are putting a plea today, to find an adjournment motion that is deeply related to the which would delay the further busi­ need for them to discharge their ness of the House. duties to the citizens of the State. Mr. HOLDING: Don't you think this When we speak about the struc­ is important? tures of government, we should re­ Mr. WILCOX: I think it is quite member that the courts are an essen­ important, and it is being dealt with. tial part of the fabric of society. In The Opposition is scraping the discharging their functions and pre­ bottom of the barrel in order to hold serving the all-important balance up the legitimate business of the which must be maintained between House. I do not consider this the Executive, the Government, the motion to be legitimate business in citizen and the courts-which in the the terms of an adjournment motion, final analysis is often between the but it is before the Chair and I shall citizen of the day and the tyrannical deal with it. acts of any Government-it is not The Leader of the Opposition has good enough for judges to' be forced dealt fully with the annual report to operate in conditions which might of the judges of the Supreme Court. have been regarded as appropriate It is interesting to note that the when Victoria . was a colony, and report does not actually have to be probably would not have been con­ presented to the Parliament, but it sidered appropriate even then. has been a tradition that it be trans­ Justice shO'uld not be hampered or mitted to the Parliament by the delayed or ad~inistered under the Attorney-General. I think it is a good sorts of circumstances described in thing that that is the tradition, and the report. I commend Their Honours I am glad the report comes to the for the way in which they have put Parliament. . · their case. If :any· honorable mem­ The Leader of the Opposition used ber chooses to inspect the facilities the report as the basis for his motion. referred to · in the report he cannot It contains fourteen ·pages, two '·or 164 Administration [ASSEM'BL Y.] of Justice.

three of which deal with accommoda­ one on sabbatical leave, and there tion in the Supreme Court in Mel­ are fifteen judges occupied and bourne, so it is a matter of perspec­ fifteen courts for them to sit in. tive. It is nonsense to say that the The judges go on in their annual facilities at the Supreme Court are report to say that on occasions they inadequate in a total sense. are able to make use of four court Mr. WILKEs: The judges say that rooms. They would not use the four they are. rooms at the one time because there is no need for that, but the four Mr. WILCOX: The judges do not courts which can be made available say that they are inadequate. If to them are situated in the High honorable members would take the Court building and the Industrial trouble to read the report they would Court building, both of which are oc­ see that that is not so. If I am given cupied by the Commonwealth. The the opportunity, I will go into that judges can on odd occasions-be-. part of the report in total. It is non­ cause that is all there is a need for­ sense to say that the facilities at the use one of those courts. The Com­ Supreme Court are inadequate, and monwealth does not like them doing more than nonsense to say by clear it, and I do not blame it for that, but inference that the judges are unable that can be done. The matter must to do their job. be seen in perspective. Mr. HOLDING: They say that that On the subject of accommodation, is so. it is worth looking at the statistics on the various matters that come before Mr. WILCOX: The judges of the the courts. The great burden derives Supreme Court do not say in their from divorce, which is Common­ report that they are unable to carry wealth jurisdiction, about which out their duties. I have great con­ something can be said later. Mention fidence in Their Honours, and I know could also be made of the situation they would have informed the At­ in the circuit courts. I repeat that it torney-General well before the pre­ is nonsense to say that the judges are sent time if they found that they unable to do their job, and it is a were unable to perform their duties. reflection on the judges to say so. I There is no doubt that what the know the judges well enough to say judges have done in their annual that if they could not do their job report is to point out some of the they would tell me promptly. inadequacies of accommodation, and in so far as they picked out three To the best of my knowledge, I courts out of fifteen, I agree with have not received a letter from the them. judges during the sixteen months I have been Attorney-General. I do not There are fifteen court rooms blame the judges for making some­ available in Melbourne for twenty thing of these three courts in their judges. The judges' own figures annual report. I have conceded that are that three judges sit as the the courts need considerable im­ Full Court and usually occupy the provement, and I am prepared to First Court for the whole of the agree with the cynic who said that month. Two or three judges are on there are no votes in the Law De­ circuit and sometimes one judge is on partment. There is a good deal of sabbatical leave. I understand that truth in that statement. I am also each year one of the judges is on prepared to concede that some sec­ sabbatical leave for more than half tions in the Law Department. could the effective time of the court sitting use more staff. during the year, so that immediately Most of the other court rooms are the figure of twenty is reduced to in a good state of repair except for: eighteen. Then one takes the two or the Fourth Court-the criminal three judges who are on circuit, the court-which is now in th.e process Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 165 of renovation. Only the other day one criticism has been made of the Law of the judges asked: " Have you seen Department, I am glad to say that the criminal court since it has been the letter, which was obtained by restored? It is magnificent." It is all the Leader of the Opposition from a matter of perspective. The judges the Government service, came from went on to say, inter alia- the Premier's Department. The position will be alleviated when the Mr. HoLDING: You are not en­ proposal to convert the old Crown Law Building for court purposes is implemented. titled to say that; you have no idea from where I got it. The judges, being human beings, understandably are looking for The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. additional chamber space for them­ McLaren): Order! The honorable selves. That is human enough; when gentleman has one more minute. the old Crown Law Building in Lons­ dale Street is converted, it wil'l On the motion of Mr. WILKES include additional office space for the (Northcote), Standing Order No. 8B judges. It is a waste of time of the was suspended to enable the House to debate a motion of Attorney-General to continue his this nature, although I am happy to speech for ten minutes. place on record that, so far as I am Mr. HOLDING: Tell me more about concerned, the administration of spies. justice is not being delayed; but I concede it could be better performed Mr. WILCOX: It is unfortunate if three of the fifteen courts were that this matter came up at this time improved. of the morning because it is an im­ I should like to refer to the matter portant matter of great concern that that the Leader of the Opposition the Leader of the Opposition should raised in relation to a letter that I be able to obtain this letter from the Pre~ier's ~epartment. I say that he wrote to the Premier. It is correct obtamed It from the Premier's that he had the letter. Department because he produced it Mr. Ross-EDWARDS: You wrote to to members of the press who came the Premier, and the Leader of the to see me as they wanted to Opposition had a copy of it? ensure that it was real and that it Mr. WILCOX: Yes; it is interesting. was a letter I had signed. Indeed it Members of the press gallery came was a clear photostat; there was no to see me to check. doubt about my signature. There Mr. WILKES: What about the was no doubt that it was a photostat spies? of a letter I had written to the Premier. In addition, it also carried Mr. WILCOX: It is unfortunate that the honorable member referred on it the date stamp of the to spies, because obviously the hon­ Pre~ier's Dep~rtment as having been orable member has his own spies in received. This was a relief to me the Premier's Department. because at least it made it clear that the letter had been released to the Mr. HOLDING: What about the personal letter that you sent to' me honorable gentleman from the and which was addressed to the Chief Premier's Department and not from Secretary? I opened it and forwarded the Law Department. This is a very it to the Chief Secretary. grave matter, and I am glad that I Mr. WILCOX: That was an un­ have had the opportunity of putting fortunate happening. the full facts before honorable members. Mr. HOLDING: Was it a matter of spies? Mr. HOLDING: Actually, it is an Mr. WILCOX: It was not a matter attack on the Public Service. Is it the of spies. It was a " foul-up " in the Public Service that yau suspect? Tell Law Department. Because some us about your big inquiry. 166 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice.

Mr. WILCOX: I would attack any activities of this Government, of public servant who released that how it treats Supreme Court judges, letter. It was a dereliction of duty. of the accommodation it provides for them and of how it treats the Mr. HOLDING: When you released people who are forced to use the the letter to me was it not a derelic­ courts in this State. In particular tion of duty? If you apply the same the report adverted to the fact that standards to yourself you should there are serious backlogs in Vic­ resign. torian courts as well as dilapidated Mr. WILCOX: If the Leader of the and unhealthy court rooms where Opposition would let me mention the justice is administered at a Supreme subject-matter of the letter the matter Court level. The Government's an­ would become quite obvious. In re­ swer to the pleas of the nineteen lation to the subject-matter of the justices who signed the report is letter-this again is most important that there is nothing terribly wrong; -the Leader of the Opposition has only perhaps 20 per cent of the court no understanding of the role of the rooms used by the Supreme Court Attorney-General or o'f any other Min­ judges need paint here and there or ister. The Attorney-General not only some adjustment and they would be has the responsibility of administer­ all right. After all, three judges are ing his department, but also by long always on circuit. . tradition has all sorts of other special The Attorney-General did not say, duties imposed on him. One duty however, that circuit judges from which is impo;sed on all Minis­ time to time find themselves in the ters and certainly on the At­ position where their lists collapse. torney-General, is to uphold the They then normally come back to Constitution. It is interesting that Melbourne to administer justice. although the Commonwealth Gov­ When they do so, no court rooms ernment is daily involving itself in are available to them. This situa­ legislation and unconstitutional ad­ tion in the Supreme Court has not ministrative acts and is seeking in just happened. The Minister's pre­ total tO' destroy the Australian Fed­ decesso·r, Sir George Reid, · was eral system, members of the Opposi­ aware of this situation and his pre­ tion in this House do not raise one decessor, Sir Arthur Rylah, was also voice in objection to that policy and aware of it. Any improvement that seek to make something out of the has been made in the Supreme Court situation of the Ministers. As the over the past twenty years in honorable gentleman disclosed, in redecorating or rebuilding has the letter he received I was simply been minor. It must be de­ implementing a Cabinet decision­ pressing for the senior judges of there is no doubt about that. The this State ta have to administer jus­ State of Victoria will fight tooth and tice under the conditions about nail to ensure that the Australian which they have complained to the Constitution is upheld. Attorney-General and which the It is always clear ta me that when honorable gentleman treated in a members of the Opposition in this cavalier way tonight. House begin barking and yapping The Attorney-General read only like dogs one has touched a soft the parts of the report that he re­ spot and is winning. We shall fin­ garded as satisfactory from the Gov­ ally win the battle to preserve the ernment's paint of view. The Gov.. people of Australia through the Con­ emment has not ~ade any atteJl1pt stitution. to correct the situation which, ·ac­ Mr. WILKES (Northcote): Honor­ cording to the report, the judges· able members have just heard an have been telli-ng the Attorney­ amazing explanation of a ·report General -about for :some· time-26 which is . an indictment of -the years in regard to one· -aspect. Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 167

The backlog of court cases is re­ On page 10 in their comments on ferred to on pages 7 and 8 of the new business the judges mention the report. On page 8 the judges State increase in business in certain juris­ that matrimonial causes continue to dictions. On page 11, to which the be difficult matters to dispose of. Attorney-General briefly adverted, There are insufficient judges to dis­ the judges said that 15 court rooms pose of these cases as promptly as are available in Melbourne . for a they should be dealt with. The court consisting of 20 judges, the re­ Attorney-General did not acknow­ sult being that 3 judges sit as the ledge that insufficient judges Full Court and generally occupy the are available. The judges state that First or " Banco " Court for the undefended petitions in which no whole of each month. Two or three children are involved are heard judges are on circuit each month. If with the least delay. Undefended these judges found that their lists petitions in which children are in­ collapsed, all cases being settled, volved are subject to the greatest they could. return and sit in Mel­ delays and take longer to hear than bourne if court rooms were available. cases in which there are no children This would overcome some of the backlog in the administration of to be considered. Undefended justice. divorces are generally subject to a delay of about twelve months after Fourteen judges occupy the Second a date of hearing has been set. Court to the Fifteenth Court. Thus the court room accommodation Th.e judges also say that appeals in the Law Courts is always fully from Magistrates Courts to a single occupied. Not only is there no room judge of the court by way of orders for expansion but at times a · judge to review have always been regarded is available to sit in Melbourne but as an impo~nt part of the Supreme is unable to do so for want of an Court jurisdiction. The appeals are available court room. The judge therefore has no job to do, although on questions of law, and an order there is a backlog in trials in both nisi to review a magistrate's decision civil and criminal jurisdictions. must be obtained within one month. Three of the court rooms, the In 1973 there was a delay of more Seventh, Fourteenth and Fifteenth, than six months before an appeal are sub-standard-the Attorney­ could be heard. General said that they are not the On page 9 of their report the best-and it is highly regrettable that judges state that the number of the court has to use them. These criminal trials heard in Melbourne in facts are being advanced not by the Opposition, but by the nineteen 1973 was eight ·more than in 1972, Supreme Court judges, including the but that the volume of criminal Chief Justice. The report states that work was in fact much larger than the Seventh Court is a converted this quite small number might sug­ room with' the paint peeling off the gest. Of the 64 cases heard 32 were wall and that it is entirely in­ murder trials over which the Supreme adequate for counsel, solicitors and Court has exclusive jurisdiction. litigants. The judge must walk along Thirteen of these trials occupied five a public corridor to take his seat on or more sitting days. In the case of the bench. This must be the only The Queen v. Law less, the trial of State in Australia where a Supreme the accused proceeded for seven Court judge sits in a miserable court sitting days when a retrial was which is not fit for habitation and must subject himself to any of the .ordered. The retrial lasted 31 days. indignities which can occur around A number of non-capital trials were courts by having to approach his extremely lengthy. The kidnapping court along a public corridor. But case consisted of three trials. that is the way in which justice is 168 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice.

dispensed in Victoria under this senior judges of this State, and in Government. It shows the importance which advocates and others con­ that the Government attaches to the cerned with cases are compelled to conditions in which Supreme Court congregate. How must the judges, judges operate. litigants and defendants feel? The Fourteenth Court has been That does not matter so long as converted from two rooms; a hole has the Government can say in this been chopped in the wall. This court House that it wants to go ahead with has been used as a Practice Court for its Bills and that the Opposition at least 26 years. More practitioners should not dare to use this report and litigants attend this court than of the judges at this time of the any other and it is not uncommon morning, that it is something that for scores of people to pack into this the House should not even consider. HI-ventilated room. Does the But this is an important matter. The Attorney-General regard this as Leader of the Opposition should be normal habitation in which justice is congratulated for raising it. If we dispensed? As many actions are waited for the Government to raise heard in that court each day, there this rna tter no one would ever know ought to be adequate vestibule or what judges put up with in this foyer accommodation outside the State. court room where the parties and The judges also say that mast of their legal advisers can confer and the other court rooms .are now in a negotiate. However, in Melbourne good state of repair except for the they are expected to do that in the Fourth Court-the Criminal Court­ street. The Government will not which is now in the process of re­ provide proper accommodation and novation. They point out that the it is no wonder that the judges have eight original court rooms and the submitted a report of this nature. four main courts added after the The judges also state that many second world war are large. Mast are important matters are settled outside acoustically poor, but they are the Practice Court-that means in otherwise functional, although the the street. They state that the larger rooms at least should be fitted vestibule is small, awkwardly shaped, with amplifying devices. The court badly ventilated, cold in the winter rooms of the original buildings, ac­ and hot in the· summer and that the cording to the judges, are quite mag­ condition of this court and its ap­ nificent, although the facilities in proaches are disgraceful. The Attor­ them could be improved. ney-General did not say that and Finally, at page 13 of the report, neither did the Opposition; the judges the judges say that there is no scope said that. The situation is a disgrace for providing any further accommoda­ to the Government. tion in the Law Courts for additional The Fifteenth Court is a curved judges or their associates. Two room at the rear of the Supreme judges occupy rooms in the library, Court Library. It is dilapidated, although it is pointed out that this with paint peeling off the walls does not hamper the use of the lib­ in large sheets. It is of an rary. At least two associates have unsuitable design for use as a court to share one room. Furthermdre, re­ room, and is, in any event, a part of novation and repair work is required the library. Nevertheless, the judges in the corridors and public places. say, it has been necessary to use it The whole report is an indictment as a court ro'om at least since the of the Government's lack of apprecia­ second world war. This Government tion of the importance of the Law has been in office too long and during Courts and accommodation for the all that time it has refused to pro­ dispensation of justice. The Attorney­ vide a coat of paint for the wall of General made an oblique remark to this court, which is used by the the effect that the report need not Mr. Wilkes. Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 169 have co·me to Parliament. If the Op­ justice. As I have pointed out, there pasition had not been prepared to has been a considerable increase in raise this matter, no one would have the amount of the work of the been prepared to consider the prob­ County Court. lems of the judges and juries and all the other people concerned with dis­ If honorable members examine page pensing justice in this State. The 10 of the report of the Supreme Government should take immediate Court judges, they will find that there action to correct this dreadful situa- · has been a decrease in judge and tion which exists in the courts in Mel­ jury actions from 1,495 in 1972 to bourne as outlined by the justices in 1,097 in 1973. One of the reasons their report. for the decrease is that claims for personal injuries arising out of motor Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Dundas): car accidents or industrial accidents, I welcome the opportunity which the formerly instituted in the Supreme Opposition has provided for the Court, are now being instituted in House to discuss this important issue. the County Court following the in­ It is obvious from a perusal of the creased jurisdiction of that court. report that physical deficiencies exist The County Court is assuming a in the facilities available for the Sup­ more important responsibility in the reme Court in Melbourne. One has administration of justice. I believe only to walk around the courts to see honorable members should keep the these deficiencies. The situation has whole question in proper perspective. been improved over the years, but wdrk on these buildings, like work on Another feature of the administra­ mo~t old buildings, seems to be pain­ tion of justice is to be found on fully slow. The main reference in page 6 of the report, which refers to the motion is to the provision of ad­ the high percentage of cases that equate facilities for the administration do not come before the court. The of justice, and the House is now con­ report refers to the many cases sidering facilities fdr the Supreme settled after they have been set down Court. for hearing. The judges state that Mr. HoLDING: You can consider the percentage is high not only for any other facilities. actions set down for trial before a judge and jury but also for cases Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: So far, the before a judge alone. Figures pub­ main emphasis has been on the report lished by the County Court within of the Supreme Court justices, but I the past twelve months indicate that want to shift that emphasis. The jus­ of all cases instituted, only 10 per tices refer to the increased jurisdic­ cent are set down for hearing and of tion of the County Court and to the that 10 per cent, only 2·5 per cent go fact that this has resulted in a de­ to trial. The inference can be drawn crease in the number of jury matters that insurance companies do not dealt with by the Supreme Court. So meaningfully negotiate until the let us consider the court on the other side of William Street and the facili­ rna tter is set down for hearing and ties available there. A modern and that is one reason why many cases comfortable building has all the feat­ do not reach the court. ures desirable for courts. Ideally, that It is also apparent from the report is what is wanted for the Supreme that there has been a large increase Court. 'in the work of the circuit courts, The County CO'Urt premises contain which sit outside Melbourne. The adequate facilities for waiting jurors, work of the circuit courts is im­ excellent facilities for counsel and portant as more than 1 million. people solicitors to interview their clients, reside outside the metropolis. Country facilities for interpreters, adoption residents are entitled to the same suites, and all the other basic facili­ recourse to justice as people who ties required for the dispensation of reside in Melbourne. In fact, they 170 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice. get a much better service because subsequent increase in jurisdiction the waiting lists in the country are imposed on that court must in·crease smaller. the work load of that court. I admit I refer honorable members to the that there are deficiencies in the figures appearing on page 5 of the physical facilities available to the report. Section B relates to sittings Supreme Court. I share the view of of the court on circuit. The number the Attorney-General, who looks of cases disposed of by trial by judge forward to the day when large and jury increased by 30 per cent. sums of money are made avail­ In the case of undefended matri­ able for the renovation of the monial cases, the number of cases Supreme Court building. disposed of increased by 85 per cent. Mr. JONES (Melbourne). Before To me that is not the sign of a rising I paused for a moment to see system which is in decay but a whether a member of the Country system which is coping satisfactorily Party would rise, but the rigours of with a growth situation. the session appear to have exhausted On page 5, honorable members the Country Party-it has not been a will also find statistics relating to good day for them. new proceedings commenced. In the Mr. MciNNES: The Country Party issue of writs for trial by judge alone has a higher percentage of members there has been a significant decrease. present than the Labor Party. The decrease has occurred because Mr. JONES : That is probably the County Court is taking over more true, but we have a higher propor­ of the functions of the Supreme tion awake. When the debate for Court, and again I speak from local the adoption of an Address-in-Reply experience. to the Speech of His Excellency was In Hamilton, each year there are adjourned, the Country Party was two sittings of the Supreme Court not prepared to debate the amend­ and three sittings of the County ment of the Leader of the Opposition Court. When a case is set down for on the question of decentralization, hearing at that venue, often it is a question with which it should be heard within twelve months. It is vitally interested. Honorable members sometimes even heard within three of the Country Party had the oppor­ months of an accident occurring, tunity to speak but the opportunity which is a remarkable record. It is was lost. usually found that quick justice is Mr. Ross-EDWARDS : The oppor­ administered in country areas be­ tunity has not been lost. cause usually good facilities are pro­ vided for the circuit judges. Also, a Mr. JONES : The Country Party much better and more personal rela­ secured the motion for the adjourn­ tionship exists with the judiciary. ment of the debate. The honorable This helps in bringing justice to the member for Gippsland East had a people. A ceremony is conducted at notice of motion on the Notice Paper the opening of the circuit court and but that too has fallen by the all citizens in the community are wayside. The Country Party would invited to attend to let them know have had an excellent opportunity to that they are part of the court pro­ speak on this motion about some of cess and that the court process is the deficiencies in the administration not above the people but for the of justice in areas outside the metro­ people. politan area. I shall be talking about Honorable members opposite the metropolitan area but I thought should keep the debate in proper honorable members would have perspective and I summarize it in this heard the honorable member for way: Honorable members ha:ve ig­ Gippsland Sou~h speak about the nored the improvements that have shocking conditions at Sale. taken place in the County Court Everything that the honorable jurisdiction and its facilities, and the member for Dundas said was per­ Mr. Chamberlain. fectly correct. My colleagues, the Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 171

Leader of .the Opposition and the metropolitan area. The conditions in Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the City Court are deplorable, as they quite correctly concentrated their are in many of the courts located in remarks on the facilities in the inner-metropolitan areas. For ex­ Supreme Court. That is the apex of ample, if a crowd is congregated at the pyramid. From a physical point the City Court on a M'Onday morning of view-and this affects the work and it starts .to rain, the people load and so on-in some ways the have to huddle under the judges of the Supreme Court operate verandas of the court. The working under better conditions than judges conditions are extremely degrading. in some other courts. From a If the Attorney-General were to physical point of view the County make a visit to the court on any Court has the best provision of all at sitting ·morning ihe wou1d come the moment. However, the question away disgusted with the realiza­ before the House does not revolve tion that counsel have to consult around the provision of physical faci­ with their clients under extremely lities in courts but seeks the provi­ disadvantageous conditions which sion of adequate facilities in seeking are not at all conducive to the justice for those who reside in the proper administration of justice. Cer­ State of Victoria. tainly the physical condi~ions of In the case of the County Court, many of the courts are very bad. The despite the increase in the number of City Court and a number of inner­ County Court judges to 25, the wait­ metropolitan courts are extremely ing time for cases to be heard is overcrowded and have poor facilities. increasing, and this is particularly As a result, the typical situation is so in criminal cases. There has that people are simply. hanging been a tendency in recent years for around outside and that is where the Supreme Court to deal with a consultations have to take place. smaller number of criminal matters Therefore, the administration of and for the County Court to deal justice is not merely a matter of the with an increasing number. However, provision of buildings. It is also en­ the time lag between apprehension tails the provision of facilities of and the commencement of the trial various types. is getting longer and longer. One of the most deplorable aspects Unfortunately, one is not able to of the administration of justice in provide up-to-date statistics for the this State is the failure of the State County Court because, unlike the Government to make itself respon­ judges of the Supreme Court who sible for the provision of legal aid furnish to the Governor an annual in civil cases. I have mentioned this report, which is passed on to this before and no doubt will do so again. House, the judges of the County It is true that the Public Solicitor Court are under no obligation to pro­ will provide ass~istance in criminal vide an annual statistical report. matters where indigent persons are One would have thought the charged with indictable offences. Attorney-General could find time to In .the case of persons who are liable devote his considerable energies to to be tried summarily, an increasing this aspect. The Attorney-General number go to court and ~are tried could suggest to the judges of the without benefit of counsel. County Court that they provide this Mr. Ross-EnwARDS : They might do House with an annual report so that better. honorable members could compare Mr. JONES: That may be right, the work of the Supreme Court with but if one looks at the statistics what the judges of the County Court compiled in a recent survey carried are doing. . out in New South Wales and com­ There are also 60 magistrates who pares the fate of persons who were operate a total of approximately 200 summarily tried and who appeared Magistrates Courts throughout the with representation as against those 172 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice. who appeared without representation, sible. He lacks both the skill and knowledge adequately to prepare his defende, ~ven one finds that there was a striking though he have a perfect one. He reqwres divergence in the penalties. the guiding h~d of C

now the Governor, Sir Henry Win­ requirement for the judges to re­ neke, in his campaign against the port on what amendments or altera­ Commonwealth Human Rights Bill a tions it would be expedient to make deplorable exercise. He :is quite for the better administration of jus­ happy to continue his crusade against tice. Accordingly, the motion is per­ the Aust~alian Government but when haps relevant to this matter. How­ we asked him to provide the House ever, the omission in the report is with a reasoned statement of his that it deals not with the whole of case and to table his correspondence the Supreme Court but with only with the Chief Justice, he declined that part which is situated in the to do so. 'I thought it was a reason­ metropolitan area. I remind honor­ able request. able members that justice is spread The list in the Supreme Court throughout the State and that Sale judges report of the number of cases has the ·only Supreme Court situated waiting to be determined appears to east of Dandenong. be satisfactory, but I suggest that it The physical condition of the is misleading. It is fair to say that Supreme Court building at Sale is because of the long delays in actions, well known to me and perhaps I am litigants often feel obliged to settle on sounder ground in dealing with without going to court, because after that matter because one does not Ia period of two years or so precise need to be a lawyer to know that a recollection of the facts in a case building is falling down or is in an becomes blurred. If the matter is inadequate state of repair. It has settled expeditiously the case may be been reported to the Attorney­ decided one way, but if the matter General that the condition of is long delayed it may very well be the building warrants attention. decided differently. On occasions, when rain is leaking The Attorney-General should give through the roof, litigants and bar­ serious consideration to the sugges­ risters in the court have to wear tion of the Australian Government galoshes. The building is inadequate Attorney-General, Senator Lionel in other respects. For instance, the Murphy, that courts should be open jury room has only one toilet, and this for longer hours. This is true of the can cause embarrassment when Parliament as well, of course, but members of the fairer sex are on the certainly the courts should be pre­ jury. Difficulties are experienced by pared to sit in shifts as required. judges and barristers with the The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. changing rooms and other facilities. McLaren): Order! The honorable Indeed, one magistrate refuses to use member's time has expired. portion of the court house because of its inadequacy. I make a plea to Mr. MciNNES (Gippsland South) : the Attorney-General to consider the I take up the challenge issued by physical state of the building and the honorable member for Melbourne the circumstances in which justice that members of the Country Party is dispensed in country areas as well should show some interest in this as in the metropolitan area. matter. I had intended to participate in the debate in any case. However, Whilst I would never reflect upon not having the sort of familiarity the integrity of justices in this State, with courts that my legal friends undoubtedly people must be af­ have, I am probably a little like a fected by their surroundings. I often lamb being led to the slaughter. wonder what effect a dull, listless, grey court room has on those present The motion relates to a report in the court, particularly the unfor­ which has been presented by the tunate litigants who are unfamiliar justices of the Supreme Court of Vic­ with court proceedings and are rather toria. Sub-paragraph (ii) of para­ apprehensive of them. To the graph 1 of the report refers to the hardened criminal, I do not suppose 174 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice. the surroundings mean very much, ·Surely, the need for the appointment and they may make no difference of more judges is implicit in that to the judges. I often wonder statement. That is my interpreta­ whether the surroundings in a court tion but perhaps the ·Minister, being room in Melbourne or anywhere else a lawyer, interprets it differently. can result in a person· receiving a heavier sentence than he might In one area of law-that of divorce otherwise receive. -delays are a continual source of complaint by litigants. An honorable The Opposition has tried to make a member has interjected that people case on the failure of the Govern­ " want to get out of it quickly ". I ment to provide adequate facilities agree that that may be so, but I sup­ for the administration of justice. Un­ pose in divorce proceedings there is doubtedly, lawyers argue a case some justification for taking things around a particular word or phrase slowly, and I am sure the judges take and, although I am unfamiliar with the delays into consideration. the practice, I have to try to do the Reverting to the Supreme Court same thing in assessing whether the at Sale, I should like to say that motion should be supported. I refer although I do not have the honorable members back to the re­ figures with me at the moment, I did quirement that the judges have to provide the Attorney-General with report on what alterations it would information indicating the amount of be expedient. to make for the better business transacted at that court administration of justice, whereas over the past ten or fifteen years. the motion deals only with adequate There is no question that the facilities for the administration of amount of business transacted at justice. This leads to some doubt Sale and other provinc·ial centres whether the Country Party should has increased quite dramatically. support the motion. A comment supporting the statement In this connection, I would have is contained in this report. Speaking preferred the Attorney-General to again of the physical condition of exhibit more concern for the com­ the courts, I am reminded of a com­ ments of the judges of the Supreme ment made by a former Chief Justice Court. They are an honourable body and Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, in the community and I doubt Sir , when he was whether they would make the sort one of the judges on the panel at of comments that one hears from the premier town contest held last members of the teachers' organiza­ year. When the name of Sale was tions in Victoria. Undoubtedly, more m~ntioned, the learned judge said weight could be placed upon their that the only thing he remembered words on rna tters concerning not about Sale was the dreadful state of only the physical construction of the court room. I am sure His Honour court houses but also the manner in saw more of Sale than the court which justice is dispensed. rooms. He is a wise and intelligent person. If a Chief Justice is moved In their report the judges recom­ to make such a comment, one is mend the appointment of additional 1bound to take notice. judges. I have made my comments in Mr. WILCOX : They do not say answer to the honorable member for that. Melbourne that we are very con­ Mr. MciNNES : On page 8, the cerned in this general matter. report states- 'Frankly, I do not know that I would be prepared to vote with the Opposi­ Matrimonial clauses continue to be difficult matters to dispose of. There are insufficient tion on the motion, because the argu­ judges to dispose of these matters as ment turns around the weighting of promptly as ~ey should be. a particular word, and whether the Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 175 facilities are " sufficient " or " ade­ reme Court judges to report annually quate" for the better administration to the Governor, and states that the of justice. I would need legal counsel judges are to report on---- to decide how one should look at that . . . what other provisions. if any, which cannot be carried into effect without the matter in law. authority of Parliament it would be expedi­ ent to make for the better administration Mr. DousE : You only have to of justice. decide on the facts. The judges say in their report---- Mr. MciNNES: That is right, and We therefore take this opportunity to comment upon the matters which we con­ the facts before me certainly place a sider should be rectifi-ed and to present to doubt in my mind. This is the you information concerning what has trans­ first report I have ever seen pired during 1973. from the judges, and the only Previous speakers have gone into time scale that is evident in it detail about the accommodation at is the reference to the Law Courts the Supreme Court in Melbourne, building which should have been and it is important for the House to completed two years ago. This is also know precisely what these distin­ a serious matter, and adverting to a guished jurists consider necessary discussion on schools that was held for the proper administration of the last evening I think we all know that courts of Victoria. The photostated it takes a long time for Government signatures of nineteen judges appear on my copy of the report, including action to be translated into physical that of the Chief Justice, and those of repairs to a building. I am not sure, Sir George Pape, Justices Little, however, whether there are sufficient Gillard, Starke and Menhennitt. These grounds for supporting the motion men could not be considered to be un­ on that point either. I should cer­ informed about the circumstances of tainly like to see a future report to the conditions in which they work. determine whether the other matters They are distinguished in their field. mentioned by the justices in regard They said all the things which were to the build-up in the number of stated by. the Deputy Leader of the cases and the delay in getting them Opposition. On page 13 of the report to the courts warrant the Attorney­ the judges state---- General's close attention. In the meantime great inconvenience and a grave shortage of court room facilities, with consequent wastage of public moneys, Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds): are being suffered by the court. The honorable member for Gippsland South said that he would require This is the most important and legal assistance to interpret what relevant section of the report, that a was meant by the phrase "adequate great deal of wastage of public money is being suffered by the court facilities for the administration of in the administration of justice. This justice in Victoria ". One does not is not a new thing, because a great need to be a lawyer or have a legal deal of information is contained in opinion ; it is for the House to decide the 1968 report of the judges, in whether the motion stands or fails. which Their Honors complained about their accommodation in the courts. This debate is unique, because They said this---- judges' reports have never before In the beginning of 1968 the Building been debated in Parliament. They Sub-Committee of Judges, referred to in the have been coming into Parliament last two reports, made an appreciation of the building requirements for the Court to since about 1961. The report is pre­ the year 2000 Anno Domino. After investi­ sented in accordance with the provi- gating the potentiality of the present build­ ing, and hereby discovering its deficiencies, sions of section 28 of the Supreme the Sub-Committee reported to the Council Court Act, which requires the Sup- of Judges that, with the expansion of the 176 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice.

Court, the present building was quite ·in­ brought in to look at the position. adeauate to meet the demands of Court space, jurors' accommodation, including As the Deputy Leader of the Oppo­ provision for women jurors, and the sition said, a hole was knocked in accommodation of the judges and admin­ the wall to get into another room istrative staff. Accordingly, it recommended which was part of the library. The the radical course of demolishing a portion report then continued- of the east wing ·and erecting thereon an eight-story building with foundations for In such improvization, no accommodation the provision for a further two floors in can be made available for new court rooms the future to provide eight new courts and or other requirements of the court. appropriate facilities for judges, jurors and staffs. The judges were whistling to the wind. The next report relating to The Council of Judges consists of men the accommodation for the judges who are doing their jobs like any was signed by seventeen judges, one· other members of the community. of which was the Chief Justice-now They are well rewarded for their the Governor of Victoria-Sir Henry efforts, but why should they work in Winneke. Sir Henry Winneke had conditions in a building which, if City this to say about the accommoda­ of Melbourne health officers· were as tion-- observant as the health officer at There are at present fifteen rooms which Essendon, would have been con­ are being 1put to use as court l'ooms within demned or made subject to a repair the Suoreme Cowt. One of these is make­ order by the Housing Commission? shift and has been taken from the library to which it will have shortly to be returned If nothing were done from 1968 to and of which it fonns an integral part. 1974 a demolition order would have been placed on the building and An incredible situation is revealed people would not be able to occupy when the facts of this report are aired it. These are two sets of rules in the in Parliament. They went on to community. report- I know the House is very inter­ Two of the remain-ing rooms used as ested in these reports, because the courts were not ·built ·as such and are quite unsuitable for normal judicial use. If the Full information has never before been Court is sitting and only one judge is on given to the House. The 1968 report circuit, ·the available court rooms will just be went on to s.ay- sufficient to allow each judge to be employed in court, with the continued adoption of un­ In the meantime, the sub-committee,­ satisfactory improvisation with ·regard to two rooms. Should the Full Court not be sitting that is the sub-committee trying to and two judges are on circuit there will be, organize better quarters for the after the library resumes the space now judges and the people who go to see serving as the fifteenth court, insufficient courts in which all the .present number of whether they can get justice- judges can sit. with ·the assistance of Mr~ Dunn, an archi­ tect from the Public Works Department, has Time will not allow me to go through gone ahead to improvise, so that the present the relevant sections of this report accommodation might be made available for because I wish to refer to the report use by members of the court, the personnel It of which is expected to increase in 1969. now before the House. states, inter alia- They had to improvise; there was We feel bound, ·therefore, again to point no hope of getting the new building, out the futility of considering the ·appoint­ because there were no votes ment of additional judges, unless and until in the Law Department. substantial building additions are undertaken to provide not only courts, but the necessary Therefore it was decided to im­ concomitant .accommodation for judges, provise, and the architect from the associates, tipstaff's, other cowt officials and the necessary amenities to service any such Public Works Department was additional courts. Mr. Edmunds. Administration [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] of Justice. 177

It is no wonder that Sir Henry Win­ the people outside. One of the rea­ neke grabbed at the new job! The sons why Parliament might be drift­ report continued- ing away from the people is that To this end we refer to and repeat the honorable members do not talk about recommendations contained in paragraph 7 the subjects in which people are in­ of our report for 1968 .for the provision of terested, but deal mainly with "tin­ additional court faciltties on the present Supreme Court site. pot" amendments to Government legislation. This debate has been At page 13 the report stated- most informative. In the meantime great inconvenience and a .grave shortage of court room facilities, The Attorney-General said that he with consequent wastage of public moneys, thought the debate was hardly worth are .being suffered ·by the courts. while and that the matter raised by the Opposition in the early hours of If the Government cannot provide the morning was not a subject about accommodation for the adequate ad­ which honorable members should be ministration of justice, how can it talking. This is an odd attitude for claim that it is providing sufficient an honorable member holding the facilities for people to obtain justice important position of Attorney­ at the Supreme Court level? Honor­ General. It must be realized that it is able members have referred to by an Act of Parliament that the Magistrates Courts and County judges make their annual report to Courts. A further aspect in the pro­ the Government in the hope that vision of better facilities for the ad­ these matters should be rectified. ministration of justice is the provi­ Time and time again in past reports sion in the Magistrates Courts of a the judges have complained, but the duty counsel to assist the poor people Minister has done nothing. The report who are unrepresented at the stage which honorable members are con­ when their cases are being heard. sidering is couched in careful lan­ If any good is to come from this guage, which one would expect, but debate that aspect ought to be there is no doubt that it is an in­ considered. dictment of this Government. It Honorable members now learn that states, firstly, that there are insuffi­ magistrates do not inform people cient judges. The Government has before the court of bail procedures. done nothing about it; it takes no Many people are required to obtain notice of the judges of the Supre~e this information without assistance, Court. and they are unaware of court pro­ Secondly, the judges pointed out cedures. I support the motion be­ that they require legislative amend­ fore the House; it would be in the ments, but again the Government best interests of justice if the motion has done nothing about it. Thirdly, for the adjournment of the House they point out that their accommoda­ were agreed to. tion is disgraceful. The Minister said that only three courts are referred Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) : I con­ to, but that represents 25 per cent of gratulate the Leader of the Oppo­ the total accommodation. The situa­ sition for moving this motion, tion is serious when Supreme Court and members of the Opposition who judges state that point to the Gov­ have contributed to the debate. I include also the members for Dundas ernor. and Gippsland South because their Mr. WILCOX: Your arithmetic is remarks were well worth listening to. not correct. The debate has been refreshing. The Mr. DOUBE : The Minister should Government believes that Parliament examine the report. There are fifteen is a rubber· stamp for Government courts ; three of them are described business, and usually talks about as disgraceful, and one is in items which have .little relevance to the process of being renovated. 178 Administration [ASSEMBLY.] of Justice.

We are speaking about a substan­ As was pointed out, nothing has been tial percentage of the number of done and their wishes have been court rooms available and yet the ignored. Minister is still adopting the attitude that the figures are wrong. Even One of the points which has 10 per cent would be a disgrace. been mentioned previously and This Government has become so used which should be mentioned to portables and to second-rate again is the comment that apl?eals accommodation over many years for from Magistrates Courts to a single children in schools, that it cannot lift judge of the court by way of orders its collective mind to the proposition to review have always been regarded of something better than second as an important part of the jurisdic­ class. tion of the Supreme Court. The ap­ peals are on questions of law and an Mr. WILcox: Does the honorable order nisi to review a magistrate's member think the Law Department decision must be obtained within one could have some of the education month. In 1973 it took more than money? six months before the appeal itself could be heard. These cases are put Mr. DOUBE: The Government is into the miscellaneous court list receiving more education money from where they await their tum. What the Federal Government than it has sort of justice is that? Apparently ever had before. the Minister can see nothing wrong Mr. WILcox: Does the honorable with the peeling paint, the over­ member think the Law Department heated court rooms in summer, the could have some of that? ice-cold court rooms in winter, and the lack of accommodation which Mr. DOUBE: A remark like that prevents courts from operating with could be expected from a bankrupt dignity. The Opposition believes Minister. The honorable gentleman that is not good enough. I support cannot see any way out of this the Leader of the Opposition, who problem other than to take money raised this matter. I commend the from education. He knows that justices but I condemn the Minister money could be found for this impor­ and his Government for having taken tant work. To have people, whether no notice of pleas made over many they are defendants, convicted per­ years. sons, judges, lawyers, barristers or clerks working in the conditions that The House divided on the motion apply in those three courts is dis­ (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler in the graceful. It is no good the Minister chair)- at this point of time saying that the Government stood there like the figure Ayes 19 of justice balancing whether it would put money into improving the courts Noes 44 or into building another portable at some school which was bereft of ac­ Majority against the commodation. The M-inister is trying motion.. 25 to get off the hook. He has received these reports from year to year and if he had been here when the honor­ able member for Moonee Ponds made AYES. Mr. Amos Mr. Kirkwood his valuable contribution, he would Mr. Bornstein Mr. Lind have heard the 1969 pleas of the Mr. Curnow Mr. Mutton Supreme · Court judges, the 1970 Mr. Doube Mr. Simmonds Mr. Edmunds Mr. Trezise pleas of those judges and later Mr. Fogarty Mr. Wilkes their request, under section 28 of the Mr. Fordham Mr. Wilton Supreme Court Act, that something Mr. Ginifer · Tellers: Mr. Jones Mr. Roper be done to alleviate their position. Mr. Holding Mr. Stirling Racing. (Further [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Amendment) Bill. 179

NOES. TATIERSALL CONSULTATIONS Mr. Austin Mr. Mcinnes (SOCCER FOOTBALL POOLS) BILL. Mr. Balfour Mr. McKellar Mr. Baxter Mr. McLaren Mr. HAMER {Premier and Trea­ Mr. Billing Mr. Meagher surer) : •I move- Mr. Birrell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Borthwick Mr. Ramsay That this Bill be now read ·a second time. Mr. Burgin Mr. Reese Its purpose .is to a·mend the Tatter­ Mr. Chamberlain Mr. Ross-Edwards sall Consultations Act 195'8 to enable Mr. Crellin Mr. Scanlan Mr. Dixon Mr. Skeggs soccer footba'll pools to be promoted Mr. Ebery Mr. Smith . and conducted in Victoria. Mr. Evans (Warmambool) (Ballaarat North) Mr. Stephen Honorable members will recall Mr. Evans Mr. Suggett that in 1972 the Tattersall Consulta­ (Gippsland East) Sir Edgar Tanner tions Act was amended to authorize Mrs. Goble Mr: Templeton Tattersall's by way of licence to Mr. Guy Mr. Thompson Mr. Hamer Mr. Vale conduct football pools based on the Mr. Hann Mr. Whiting results of Australian rules football Mr. Hayes Mr. Wilcox matches played hy the Victorian Mr. Jona Mr. Williams Football League. The pools did not Mr. Loxton Tellers: Mr. McCabe Mr. Plowman capture the imagination of the Mr. McClure Mr. Wood public. They were not supported by the public and from a revenue-rais­ ing point of view they were a dismal RACING (FURTHER -AMENDMENT) failure. BILL. The amending Bill will ·revoke the For Mr. DIXON (Minister for old licence and enable a new licence Youth, Sport and Recreation) , Mr. to he issued to Tattersall's ·to pro­ I. W. Smith ('Minister of Agricul­ mote and conduct pools on soccer ture) moved for leave to bring in a footbal'l matches played in Australia, Bill to amend the Racing Act 1958 the United Kingdom and els~where. a·nd for other purposes. The new licence will also authorize The motion was agreed to. Tattersall's, as the promoter of the The Bill was brought in and read pools, to engage any other person to a first time. promote and conduct soccer · pools on its behalf. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Agri­ ture) : I move-- If the proposed legislation is That ·the Bill .be printed and, by leave, the acceptable to the Parliament, Ver­ second reading be made an Order of the Day nons Pools, ·a firm with ~considerable for later this day. experience in the ·operation of soccer pools in the United Kingdom, will be Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the engaged by Tattersall's to· promote Opposition) : Leave is refused. and conduct the pools on behalf of It was ordered that the Bill be Tattersall's. printed ·and the second reading be made an Order of the Day for next The Bill provides for 37 per cent day. of the total amount subscribed in each pool to be paid by way ~f prizes and for 30 per cent of the CRIMES (INHUMANE total pool to be paid to the Consoli­ PUNISHMENTS A·BOLmON) BILL. dated 1Fund. It is intended that one­ Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the third of that 30 per cent will be paid Opposition) moved for leave to bring to the Mental Hospitals Fund, and in a Bill to abolish cer.tain inhumane the remaining two-thirds will be paid punishments and for other purposes. to the Sports ·and Recreation Fund. The motion was agreed to. As penalties for offences under The Bill was brought· in and read the Tattersall Consultations Act a first time. have not been varied since the Act 180 Pay-roll Tax (ASSEMBLY.] (Rate) Bill. was first enacted in 1954 the oppor­ the limited tax fields available to the tunity has been taken of having States, the Premiers were left with these penalties increased. no option but to increase pay-roll tax. The Bill also provides for conse­ As agreed by all States the new quential ·amendments to be made to rate of pay-roll tax will apply to sections 14 and 15 of the Youth, wages paid or payable on or after Sport and Recreation Act 1972 and 1st September, 197 4. The increase in section 5 of the Lotteries, Gaming revenue from this Bill is estimated and Betting Act 1966. to be $23 million for 1974-75. The principal Act provides for the For the information of honorable making of regulations by the Gover­ members, and also the business nor in Council and it will be neces­ community generally, I want to say sary to prescribe, by regulation, the at this stage that the Government intends to introduce shortly another rules under which the soccer foot­ Bill amending the Pay-roll Tax Act ball pools will be conducted. I com­ to close a loophole, the use of which mend the Bill to the House. is becoming widespread and is caus­ On the motion of Mr. WILKES ing a significant loss of revenue. (Northcote), the debate was ad­ The .Pay-roll Tax Act contains a journed. general exemption from tax for the It was ordered that the debate be first $20,800 of wages paid by an adjourned until Tuesday, September employer in a year. This exemption 24. was designed for the benefit of .the small business man, but it is being used by larger organizations to re­ PAY-ROLL TAX (RATE) BILL. duce their pay-roll tax liability and, Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ in some cases, to avoid pay-roll tax surer) : I move- altogether. This is being done by That this Bill be now read ·a second time. splitting what is really one business entity into a number of parts to ob­ This is a short and simple Bill, tain the benefit of multiple exemp­ which gives effect, in Victoria, to the tions. decision taken by all Premiers at the The measure to be introduced .Premiers Conference on 7th June to shortly is designed to close this loop­ increase the rate of pay-roll tax from hole. It will apply to wages paid or 4 · 5 per cent to 5 per cent. payable on or after 1st October, The decision taken at the Premiers 1974. I commend the Bill to the Conference followed the refusal of House. the Federal Government to provide On the motion of Mr. WILKES any additional grants to supplement (Northcote), the debate was ad­ tax reimbursement grants calculated journed. under the formula. All Premiers It was ordered that the debate be pointed out that such additional funds adjourned until Tuesday, September would have been consistent with 24. the additional grants which had been paid in previous years. If additional FISHERIES BI·LL. financial assistance was not granted for 1974-75 the States would be Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for forced to raise their own taxes and Conservation) : I move-- charges to cover their Budget needs. That this Bill be now read ·a second time. All Premiers recognized that this in­ It amends the Fisheries Act 1968. In crease in pay-roll tax would have an December, 1967, a Fisheries BiH was inflationary effect and would increase enacted for the purpose of providing the cost of goods and services. How­ ·a new 'licensing system and estab­ ever, because of the attitude of the lishing a iFishedes Research Fund Federal Government and because of into which all moneys raised from Fisheries [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 181 licence fees were to be placed and Over the past two years some of -excepting a 10 per cent adminis­ the moneys accumulated in the Fish­ trative charge-us·ed to provide eries Research Fund have, together finance for research into Victorian with Com·monweaJ.th funds, been and adjacent fisheries. used to ·finance an exploratory fish­ ing program·me in ·Bass Strait by Vic­ Under the 1967 Act the Minister torian shark fishermen who were was obliged when considering appli­ adversely affected by the prohibition cations for additional fishing licences, of the taking and marketing of large to have regard not only to the wel­ snapper shark. The projects were fare of the fishery concerned but also designed to investigate hitherto un­ to tthe persons engaged in the in­ exploited .fish species and the intro­ dustry concerned. The Act effec­ duction of modern .fishing techniques tively preS'erved the right of persons as yet not established in Bass Strait engaged in the different ·fisheries to, waters. Some projects, in particular be licensed in respect of those fish­ the otter trawl experiments, have eries, and empowered the Minister been encouraging while others have to refuse entry into fisheries which proved disappointing. However, the were being heavily exploited or in results and knowledge obtained will danger of over-exploitation. prove beneficial to fishermen in The provisions of the 1967 code, demonstrating practical ways of im­ together with ·modifications and proving their efficiency and· diversify­ amendments, were re-enacted in the ing into other fisheries. 1968 Act which spelt out new The Government recogniz·es that policies for research, conservation the Victorian fishing industry has and management which have sinc·e ''come of age " and desires the COJl­ been pursued in the administration tinuing involvement of representa­ of Victorian fisheries. tives of the industry to assist fish­ The Victorian .fishing industry has eries resourc·e managers in reachin·g developed dramatically over the past decisions and making reco·mmenda­ ten years. Lakes Entran·c·e is now tions on the future management of one of the largest fishing ports in fisheries. 'In addition, ·fishermen or Australia. The Victorian abalone persons repreS'enting their interests catch is the second highest of any will be given an opportunity of ex­ State in Australia, and that fishery pressing their v-iews when applica­ has been maintained at its optimum tions for com·mercial fishing licences only because of good management. are being considered. Uncontrolled entry into the abalone ~Furthermore, it is the wish of the fishery would have resulted in over­ Governm·ent that the fishing industry fishing of the stocks and detriment be given special attention ~o that to the welfare of all those persons it may continue to progress and engaged in the several sectors of this realize its potential. industry. The BiU introduc·es amendments An industry of the siz·e and poten­ which are partly designed to this tial of the V-ictorian fishing industry end, and partly to overcome diffi­ needs sensible planning by industry ·culties which have prevented the as well as Government to ensure its proper administration of fisheries and continued development and viability. of the exis~ting legislation. I am therefore delighted to s·ee res­ Until now, the Fisheries and Wild­ ponsible fishermen becoming organ­ life Division has been unable to give ized and affiliating ·with the Victorian the fishing industry the service and Farmers Union as a Commercial specialized attention that it demands. Fisheries Section. Fishermen are also Clause 2 therefore provides for the represented on the Victorian Branch establishm·ent of a Commercial Fish­ Committee of the Australian Fishing eries Section within the division to Industry Council. administer all its activities relating 182 Fisheries [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. to the fishing industry. More staff Whenever general matters pertain­ will be needed. Although the new ring to the fisheries industry are being section will be supported by existing discussed then the several repre­ staff of the division, additional field sentatives aforementioned s:hall elect people will be required. one of their number to represent them and their interests in respect I am already considering proposals to the matter or ·matters for consider­ for the appointment of additional marine and supervising fisheries ation. inspectors. This would ensure that The functions of the management all important fishing ports and areas committee shall be to make recom­ would have the services of the mendations to the Minister concern­ equivalent of an inspector fully ing the number of persons to be devoted to fisheries work. licensed in the different fisheries, and the management of those ·fisheries. The section will be administered The committee will also recommend by an assistant director, supported the number of licences to be held by a secretary, whose sole responsi­ in reserve to ensure that the desired bility will be commercial fisheries. total number of licensees is not ex­ The clause also provides for the ceeded in the event of the tribunal constitution of a ·Fisheries ~Manage­ allowing the appeal of persons who ment Committee, a Co·mmercial have previously had their applica­ Fisheries Lic·ensing Panel and a tions for fishing licences refused by Licensing Appeals Tribunal. the director. The Fisheries Management Com­ The Commercial Fisheries Licens­ mittee will consist of three divisional ing Panel shall consist of three div­ officers, including the assistant direc­ isional officers, including the assistant tor, who will be chairman, and three director, ·who shall be chairman, and industry representatives. Of the in­ two industry representatives as dustry representatives- specified in the Bill. }. One person shall be selected to As I have already indicated, the represent the interests of commercial Government is anxious to have in­ fishermen generally and he will be dustry representatives involved in eligible to attend all meetings of making recommendations concerning the panel whilst he remains in office. the management of their fisheries and the issue of licences authorizing 2. One person shall be seleoted satisfactory use of those fisheries from each of the several kinds of resources. The establishment of the fisheries, such representatives being said committee and panel gives effect eligible to attend meetings in accord­ to Government policy. I believe it is ance wUh the particular fishery re­ well known, but it is certainly worth ceiving the consideration oif the com­ mittee. For example, when the lob­ repeating, that some of my more ster fishery 'is being examined the difficult tasks since assuming this p·erson selected to represent the office have been in applying my interests of lobster fishermen shall powers to refuse applications for participate in the committee's delib­ fishing licences under the Fisheries erations ; in circumstances where the Acts in circumstances where addi­ abalone fishery is receiving atten­ tional entry into the fishery con­ tion the person selected to represent cerned would have proved detrimen­ the ·interests of abalone fishermen tal to the interests of the persons shall be in attendance and so on. engaged in it. 3. One person shall be selected to represent the marketers of fish; As the discretionary power to he will be eligible to attend all grant or refuse a licence has many meetings of the panel whilst he associated problems, I consider it remains in office. essential for an aggrieved person to Mr. Borthwick. Fisheries [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 183 have a right of appeal to an inde­ to invoke the entitlement provisions pendent body whenever an applica­ of the principal Act to have their tion for a licence is refused. licences renewed for participation in The Licensing Appeals Tribunal what may be described as restricted and its composition, as specified in entry ·fisheries. Such persons prevent clause 2, meets a need which is others from obtaining the right to lacking in the existing principal Act. participate in a restricted industry. It is important to note that the tri­ The clause also empowers the bunal will not be bound by legal director to require a fisherman to technicalities and that its decisions show cause why he is inactive will be final and given effect. Clause which in effect denies another per­ 3 provides for additional licensing son the opportunity to participate machinery to implement the follow­ in that industry. In the circumstances ing- where ·a fisherman is· unable to give (i) To allow the holders of fishing an adequate explanation for his in­ bait licences, upon payment of a fee activity, the director may refuse to of $5, to employ one assistant in renew the licence. An aggrieved gathering fishing bait for sale by the applicant would have the right of use of the e·quipment specified in appeal to the tribunal. the licence. Clause 6 provides for fees ob­ (ii) To provide for the licensing tained from the sale of fish culture of people engaged in the selling of permits to ·be paid into the Fisheries live aquarium fish upon payment of Research Fund established under a fee not exceeding $20. section 19 of the principal Act and Control over people selling live also provides scope for moneys in fish is necessary in order to prevent the fund to be applied towards the the spread of fish diseases and un­ establishment of fish hatcheries, the desirable species into public waters. training and equipping .of enforce­ ment officers and the decentraliza­ Clause 4 repeals the provisions of tion of those officers. the principal Act relating to the fur­ nishing of false or misleading infor­ Clause 7 provides for the issue of mation in connection with an appli­ amateur fishing licences by author­ cation under the Act, together with ized persons or organizations. This the consequential cancellation and gives effect to Government policy of suspension provision. Those pro­ removing the sale of angling licences visions are re-enacted in improved from police stations. form and a penalty of $1,000 fixed Clause 8 makes provision for fees for contravention thereof.· payable for amateur licences to be Clause 5 simplifies licence issuance fixed by regulation. The maximum procedures and provides for all amount which may be charged for licences for each fishery to be the issue of an amateur fishing (ang­ issued so as to expire on a ling) licence is $7, and for amateur common date, as specified in the hoop or netting licences $20. licence. The existence of such uni­ form renewal dates will simplify Mr. Speaker, although it is not licence issuance procedures, for both contained in the written notes, when the fishermen and the division, par­ honorable members examine the Bill ticularly where a number of different they will note that the Government licences are held by a single person. has waived the charge to pensioners. The clause also provides for several In the past a concession rate of 50 licences to be printed and issued on cents has applied to angling licences a single document. for pensioners, but the charge will Fishermen have been concerned be deferred in future. about the situation where a number Mr. WHITING: What about per­ of inactive fishermen have continued sons under the age of sixteen years? 184 Fisheries [ASSEMBLY.) Bill. Mr. BORTHWICK: The existing of fish, molluscs or crustaceans system will continue. The clause specified in the Act. A fish farm also provides for issue of a 28-day registration permits the hatching, holiday amateur fishing-angling­ rearing and raising of fish for human licence at a reduced fee, and consumption or the provision of an further provides for all moneys angling amenity for which a charge obtained from sales of amateur fish­ is made. ing licences to be paid into the An application for fish farm regis­ Fisheries Research Fund which is tration for a project on private land established under section 19 of the not adjacent to public waters but principal Act. which draws or discharges water The current amateur fishing-ang­ into public waters, clearly involves ling-licence fee of $2 has not been the criteria to be applied to both raised since 1966. The existing hoop fish culture and fish farms. By ex­ net and amateur netting licence fees tending the fish culture provisions of $4 have not been increased since of the Act to cover all fish rearing 1968. activities, · controversial proposals Clause 9 proVides for the produc­ will be eliminated. tion of amateur fishing licences Further, commercial fish farms on thr9ugh the post. Clause 10 private land which at present pay a strengthens the fish culture pro­ fee of only $5 for initial registration visions. of the principal Act by pro­ will be required to pay an annual viding for the issue of permits upon fee of $50. This means they will be payment of the prescribed fees for contributing towards the cost of the growing fish for commercial pur­ advisory service provided by the poses in any Victorian waters or on Fisheries and Wildlife Division. Crown. lands or private property. The clause authorizes the director, Rainbow trout can now be grown instead of the Minister as was form­ successfully in the sea in pens and erly the case, to issue fish culture other species could be similarly permits and provides additional farmed. Clause 10 provides a more grounds on which the director may effective control over this activity. refuse applications for permits. The Under section 48 of the principal clause also provides that any fish Act, inspectors are empowered to culture permit issued in respect of search boats and vehicles for fish Crown lands has no force or effect and fishing equipment. Clause 11 unless the 'Minister of Lands con­ enables divisional inspectors and sents in writing to its issue. police to call on the operators of such boats and vehicles to stop for :. Since the provision for fish culture the purpose of performing such was first incorporated in the 1968 searches, unless in the circumstances Act advances have been made in it would be unsafe or unreasonable culture techniques and the develop­ to do so. The Government considers ment of intensive methods applic­ it reasonable for inspectors to be able to such species as eels. Inten­ empowered to stop boats and sive culture may be carried out ex­ vehicles for the stated purpose. tensively on private as well as Crown land so that there is a need Clause 12 amends section 49 of to adopt a uniform licensing system. the principal Act to permit the At present it is often difficult to seizure of fish which, contrary to the distinguish between a fish farm and provisions of the Act or regulations, a fish culture proposal. are in the possession or control of any person . . Under the existing Act a fish cul­ ture permit allows a person to create Clause 14 empowers fisheries in­ or improve a habitat on any land in spectors to board fishing boats for or adjacent to public waters for the the purpose of inspecting the opera­ purpose of growing certain species tional condition of scallop dredges Fisheries [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 185 and other equipment, and to ascer­ shall be prima facie evidence that tain whether poorly maintained scal­ that person consigned those fish for lop dredges or other equipment could or on sale. break loose and foul fishing grounds. Clause 16 repeals section 57 of the The clause also empowers inspecto~s to direct in writing the owner or principal Act. The section is re­ person in charge of any fishing boat enacted in improved form to pro­ to remove or repair any ·fishing hibit the unauthorized release of any equipment which is deemed to be in fish or fish eggs into Victorian danger of breaking loose from the waters. The clause also requires per­ vessel during the course of its fish­ sons bringing non-indigenous live fish ing operations. or eggs of . fish into Victoria from any place, to forthwith· notify the Lakes Entrance fishermen in par­ director and furnish particulars of ticular have incurred large financial the place and hours during which losses because of fouling of their those fish may be inspected. These expensive synthetic trawl and Danish provisions are necesesary for pre­ seine nets on scallop dredges, and venting the introduction of diseased their wire hauling lines, which have and undesirable fishes into Victoria. broken loose from scallop boats and been deposited on such fishing Clause 18 provides for courts to grounds. suspend or cancel the licences of persons who are convicted of taking Some of the once productive or possessing scallops or abalone in trawling grounds off Lakes Entrance contravention of the Act or the are no longer worked because of the regulations. Under existing pro­ hazards associated with the number visions of the Act courts are em­ of scallop dredges deposited thereon. powered to cancel or suspend cray­ These proposed powers will do much fish licences. I am informed that law­ to preserve good order among abiding scallop and abalone fisher­ fishermen exploiting different fisher­ men have requested that this pro­ ies in the one area. vision be extended to apply to their Clause 15 strengthens the section fisheries. of the principal Act relating to the Clause 19 empowers the director prohibition of fishing in fish hatcher­ to require persons engaged in the ies and research stations, the control taking and handling of fish to furn­ of which is vested in or under the ish in writing information concern­ Director of Fisheries and Wildlife. ing the time and effort expended in The clause also contains provisions the taking of a catch. This informa­ to simplify the furnishing of evidence tion is required to assist fisheries on certain matters in cases of prose­ administrators to make decisions and cution by empowering the director formulate policies for the good and officer in charge of a research management of fisheries. station or hatchery to issue certifi­ cates for the purpose of certifying Clause 20 enables any area of whether any specified place, build­ marine or estuarine waters to be set ing or object is within the boundaries aside as a marine reserve for con­ of any research station or hatchery servation, scientific; educational or under the management and control recreational purposes. I am advised of the director. of the existence of unique flora and The clause further requires the fishes in several areas of Victorian statement on oath of an inspector, waters. I am satisfied that there is a that any packaging label or slip on need for specific provision in the the outside or inside of any box, Act to ensure the preservation, con­ container, or package of fish con­ trol and protection against exploita­ signed for or on sale is marked with tion of the fish and flora now exist­ the name or brand of any person, ing with,in those areas. 186 Fisheries [ASSEMBLY.] Bill.

Clause 21 provides for fees for the honorable member. This is an impor­ inspection of live fish being intro­ tant Bill and the Government must duced into Victoria to be prescribed be mindful of the fact that members and fixed by the regulations. Clause of the other parties do not see Bills 23 raises the maximum penalties until they are introduced into the Par­ which may be imposed by courts for liament although other people in the contraventions of the Act. community have the privilege of ex­ The Government considers that amining draft Bills. Indeed they are the higher penalties are necessary to asked to comment on them and are serve as a deterrent against persons even prepared to write to members who deliberately contravene the pro­ requesting them to take certain ac­ visions of the Act. However, the Bill tion on Bills which those members does not increase any licence fee1 have not seen. and these are the same as existed This is one of the failures of the in the previous Act. The clauses or Government and, in the absence of parts thereof to which I have not the opportunity for members of the referred are either formal or machin­ other parties to examine draft Bills ery provisions for the effective ad­ before they are introduced, although ministration of Victorian fisheries. I copies are distributed to other inter­ commend the Bill to honorable mem­ ested people in the community, hon­ bers. orable members are entitled to more On the motion of Mr. EDMUNDS consideration, particularly the honor­ (Moonee Ponds), the debate was ad­ able member for Gippsland East and journed. other members of the Country Party, whose areas will be affected by the Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for legislation. Conservation) : I move- That the debate be adjourned until Tues­ Mr. MciNNES (Gippsland South): day, September 24. I support the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the honorable . mem­ Mr. B. J. EVANS '(Gippsland East) : ber for Gippsland East. This Bill is far I oppose the adjournment of the de­ reaching and is probably the first bate until Tuesday week. This is an major legislation relating to the fish­ important and far-reaching Bill, and ing industry. Obviously, it will for­ it will be impossible for honorable malize the licensing of the Victorian members to approach people fishing industry, which is probably involved in the fishing industry overdue. The week-end is by no within that time to ascertain means sufficient time for honorable their views on the measure. members to circulate copies of the The Bill has considerable merit but Bill to people who are concerned. I I hope the Minister, to prove the sin­ support the view expressed by the cerity of his expressed desire to in­ Deputy Leader of the Opposition and, clude representatives of the fishermen whilst I have no objection to discus­ in the administration of the legisla­ sions with the people in the industry tion, will at least give them the op­ concerning the general framework of portunity of expressing their opinions a measure and what provisions might on the measure. The period sug­ be incorporated in it, the actual Bill gested by the Minister is completely should not be circulated until it has inappropriate, and, as an amendment, I move- been introduced into Parliament. That the expression " Tuesday, September Another Bill which will be presen­ 24" be omitted with the view of inserting ted shortly has already been sighted the words " one month ". by other people and members of my Mr. WILKES (Northcote): I ex­ party have received correspondence pected the Minister to reply to the on the matter. honorable member for Gippsland East Mr. BORTHWICK: Is the honorable but, in the absence of any comments, member suggesting that this Bill has I support the views expressed by the been sighted by the fishing industry? Fisheries [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 187

Mr. MciNNES: I do not know NOES. whether that is so in this case but I Mr. Amos Mr. Mcinnes know that this is done in some Mr. Bomstein Mr. Mitchell instances. I contend that this has Mr. Curnow Mr. Mutton Mr. Daube Mr. Roper occurred with another Bill which is Mr. Edmunds Mr. Ross-Edwards lister on the Notice Paper. I shall Mr. Evan Mr. Simmonds certainly need at least two or three (Ballaarat North) Mr. Stirling weks in which to study the measure Mr. Fogarty Mr. Trezise Mr. Fordham Mr. Whiting adequately. Mr. Ginifer Mr. Wilkes Mr. BORTHWICK (M~nister for Mr. Holding Mr. Wilton Mr. Jones Tellers: Conservation): I appreciate the sig­ Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Baxter nificance of the remarks of the hon­ Mr. Lind Mr. Hann orable member for Gippsland East and other memebers of the Country Party. The motion was agreed to, and the In this instance, I am prepared to debate was adjourned until Tuesday, agree to an extension of the period September 24. of adjournment for a further week, which will mean that the debate will be adjourned until Tuesday fortnight. DEAKIN UNIVERSITY BILL. Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East) Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ (By leave): I have moved an amend­ cation): I move- ment, and I wish to persist with it. That this Bill be now read a second time. Mr. WILKES (Northcote) (By It is rather appropriate that I should leave) : The suggestion by the Minis­ be introducing item 4 on the agenda ter is tantamount to what the honor­ paper at 4 a.m., because it happens able member for Gippsland East to be a Bill to establish Victoria's wants because the Government pro­ fourth university, which will be poses that the House shall not meet known as the Deakin Universit.y It during the first week in October. is interesting to recall that Victoria's The House divided on the question first university was established in that the words proposed by Mr. B. J. 1853. One hundred and five years Evans to be omitted stand part of the elapsed before a Bill was introduced motion (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler in into Parliament to establish the sec­ the chair)- ond university in 1958. In 1964 Ayes 35 another Bill was introduced into Noes 26 Parliament to establish the La Trobe University. Majority against the As I mentioned, this university will amendment 9. be called the Deakin University. That AYES. is a choice which has been recom­ mended by the interim planning com­ Mr. Austin Mr. McKellar Mr. Balfour Mr. McLaren mittee, and I believe it to be a singu­ Mr. Birrell Mr. Meagher larly appropriate choice of name. Mr. Borthwick Mr. Plowman Honorable members will be familiar Mr. Burgin Mr. Ramsay Mr.Mr. Chamberlain Mr. Scanlan with the magnificent profile of Alfred Mr. Crellin Mr. Smith Deakin which is apparent to anybody Mr. Dunstan ( Warrnambool) walking into the Parliamentary Lib­ Mr. Ebery Mr. Stephen Mr. Evans Mr. Suggett rary. Alfred Deakin was amember of (Gtppsland East) Sir Edgar Tanner the Victorian Parliament from 1878 Mrs. Goble Mr. Templeton to 1900. He was Commissioner of Mr. Guy Mr. Thompson Mr. Hamer Mr. Vale Water Supply for a long period and Mr. Hayes Mr. Williams was the pioneer of many of our most Mr. Jona Mr. Wood important irrigation schemes, mainly Mr. Loxton Tellers: Mr. McCabe Mr. Billing those in the a~ea represented by the Mr. ·McClure ·Mr.. Skeggs Deputy Leader of. the Country Party. Deakin University [ASSEMBLY.] Bill.

Mr. Deakin was Solicitor-General the establishment of a university in for a period, and in 1900, as one of rural Victoria. It felt that if the fourth the founders of the Federal system, university were established in the he was elected to the Federal Parlia­ metropolitan area of Melbourne, this ment. He became Prime Minister in would postpone indefinitely the es­ 1903 and was Prime Minister on three tablishment of a university in a coun­ different occasions between 1903 and try area of Victoria. The Government 1910. He laid the foundation stone also believed that a university in a of the Malvern Town Hall. country district could fulfil the much­ Mr. GINIFER: He also introduced needed charter of a university speci­ legislation setting up wages boards alizing in external studies. in 1896. The fourth university report· indi­ cated that, taken on an Australia­ Mr. THOMPSON : I thank the hon­ wide basis on an average, 0·8 of the orable member for Deer Park for that age group from seventeen to twenty contribution; that is another achieve­ years would be seeking external study ment of Mr. Deakin. He was an out­ courses in Victoria. The addition of standing orator, a distinguished writer part-time students of orthodox and a man of exceptional intellect, courses would bring the figure to and it is most fitting that his name 1·7. Translated into student num­ should be honored in this way be­ bers, this would mean that 3,000 to cause he was an eminent Victorian 6,300 students would be seeking ex­ and Australian. It is strange that his ternal study courses. In other words, name has not already been perpetu­ there is immense potential to make ated in any distinctive form. use of a university offering corres­ In May. 1970, the Government pondence courses. promised to establish a committee Speaking in Melbourne this week, to advise it on the location and date Sir Walter Perry, the Vice-Chancellor of establishment of the fourth uni­ of the Open University, Great Britain, versity. The committee was .finally said that of 52,000 applicants who appointed in November of that year enrolled, the university was able to and made its report in January, 1972. take on·ly 13,000 students this year. The committee consisted of twelve There is a world-wide trend towards members under the chairmanship of a greater demand for correspondence Sir Thomas Ramsay. The committee and external study courses. had a more difficult task than that The Government decided in faced by the committee associated July, 1972, that the fourth univers­ with the establishment of Monash ity should be established in either University or La Trobe University. Ballarat, Bendigo or Geelong. Finally, It was faced with three existing in February, 1973, the Government universities and a strongly developed decided that it should be a multi­ advanced college system and campus university with wings at Bal­ teachers' college system. larat, Bendigo and Geelong a.nd that The committee had difficulty in in each of those areas the existing making clear and definite recommen­ advanced college and State college dations, but its final recommendation should be absorbed as part of an was that a site should be acquired institution at tertiary level em­ in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne bracing three wings-the university for the establishment of a fourth wing, the advanced college wing university, and that consideration and the teachers' college wing. s.hould be given to the acquisition of In December, 1972, the Federal a. site which might serve the western Government set up a special com­ suburbs of Melbourne, and Ballarat mittee consisting of Professor Bull, and Geelong. The Government care­ Vice-Chairman of the Australian Uni­ fully considered this report and versities Commission, and Mr. Swan­ decided that the time had come for son the Chairman of the Australian Deakin University [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 189

Commission of Advanced Education. The report was accepted in full. The charter or terms of reference of It included a recommendation that this committee were to investigate the unversity at Geelong should the desirability of establishing a uni­ embrace the Gordon Institute of versity in the Albury-Wodonga area, Technology and the State College of an additional university in the Sydney Victoria at Geelong. The Gordon metropolitan area, and a university in Institute, as honorable members are the Melbourne metropolitan area. The aware, is a well known and famous committee's report was finally com­ institute. It was established in 1877 pleted in February, 1973, and it re­ and was named after Gordon of commended that Victoria's fourth Khartoum. This institute has made university should be at Dandenong. a name for itself, particularly in the The Government strongly objected field of training people in the to this proposal because Dandenong chemical-textile area and other allied is only a few miles away from Vic­ fields of learning. It has some toria's second university-Monash fourteen diploma courses and four University-and, as I indicated degree courses, with 1,430 students before, the establishment of a fourth and 240 staff members. The State university in the metropolitan area College is a slightly different body would postpone indefinitely the but equally effective. It awards a establishment of a university in a three-year teaching diploma, and country area. has 70 staff members and 630 students. Both these institutions It was also noted that in New are of some consequence. How­ South Wales there were three uni­ ever, the Government agrees with versities in country districts-in the recommendations of the Aus­ Wollongong, Armidale and New­ tralian Universities Commission, castle. At Townsville in Queensland headed by Professor Karmel, that there is the James Cook University, the university should absorb these which is also outside the metropolitan two existing institutions. area. The Government made strong and repeated recommendations to An interim planning council. of the Commonwealth Government and twelve people was immediately set to the Australian Universities Com­ up. This has now been extended to mission, as a result of which the sixteen. people and is headed by Mr. Commonwealth Government asked Peter Thwaites, head of the Geelong the Australian Universities Commis­ College, who has given drive, enter­ sion to make a further investigation. prise and initiative to this committee On this occasion the investigation during the short period that he has was extremely thorough, indeed an occupied the position. A particular exhaustive one. Bendigo, Ballarat problem has to be faced by the and Geelong were visited. Teachers' planners of this university because colleges, and advanced colleges in it is absorbing two existing institu­ that area were visited and lengthy tions. Most of the controversy which conferences were held with the has centred around the Gordon Premier and myself. The committee Institute and the State College of made a final report which was pre­ Victoria will be settled by the sented in December, 1973. It re­ interim council of the new university. commended that the fourth univer­ I should like to quote from two sity should be established at Geelong letters that I received, one from the with regional study centres at Bal­ Chairman of the Australian Universi­ larat and Bendigo. The Government ties Commission, and one from the regards this report as a most worth­ Chairman of the Australian Commis­ while one and as a vindication of sion of Advanced Education. These the Government's original programme letters indicate that the bodies, of and policy to establish a multi- which these people are members, campus university. ·· strongly believe that the council of 190 Deakin University [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. . ·. the university should be free to staff of both institutions will be taken determine which members of staff over by the new university. of the existing institutions in I refer briefly to the more impor­ Geelong should be engaged .a_s tant aspects of the proposed legisla­ members of staff of the new "Qnl­ tion. Clause 5 (b) gives the new versity. There have been req_uests university a special charter to cater that everybody should automatically for external studies. It states- be taken over and guaranteed security. I refer to the letter from to provide tertiary education at university level for students attending the University Professor Karmel dated 6th June, and to provide the opportunity for tert.iary 1974, which states- education at university level to all qualified persons whether within or outside Victoria The Commission's main concern is that by means of external studies programmes; the new university should be, a~d s~ould be seen to be an institution of umvers1ty level This is the first occasion in Victoria in the tru~ sense. It firmly believes. that that a university has been given a the University Council should be m a position to appoint academic staff who az:e special charter. There is an inciden­ appropriately qualified and ca.pa?le of ~DI­ tal mention of external studies in the versity level work. The Commis~Io~ realises Monash University Act but no men­ that the requirement that the ex1stmg V.I.C. tion of the Melbourne and Latrobe and S.C.V. Colleges be wound up and t;hat universities Acts. That is followed the university absorb the appr~pr1ate activities of the Colleges presents difficul­ up by the· words in paragraph (c) - ties relating to academic staffing. However, " to arrange for the provision of study it believes that these difficulties mus~ . be centres in appropriate places through~ut resolved without prejudicing the. recogmtion Victoria, including Ballarat and Bendigo, and acceptance which would be needed .for where students taking external studies pro­ the new university from the commumty, grammes can have access to library and students and other universities. other study facilties and can be given The same approach is taken by Mr. tutorial and practical assistance". Swanson, and he states- When the recommendation of the The Commission supports the policy that Australian Universities Commission the Council of the new institution, for the was accepted, the right was reserved academic reasons stated, should not be re­ to proceed at some stage with the quired to absorb all the s.taf! of the existing institutions. The Commission nevertheless multi-campus university with wings at hopes that the most favourable considera­ Ballarat and Bendigo. At present, tion will be given to these staff members the Government has accepted the should they apply for appointments, and idea that the main university should believes that opportunities to apply should be available as early as possible. be at Geelong and that study centres should be set up at Ballarat. I refer Assistance in obtaining other employment honorable members to clause 5 (f) should be extended to the unsuccessful staff members and this Commission offers its which gives the university power to help "in making these latter arrangements. confer degrees and diplomas. I mentioned diplomas particularly In the proposed legislation provision because at present the Gordon Insti­ is made for those who are not suc­ tute of Technology runs fourteen dip­ cessful in obtaining employment at ploma courses and it is desired that the university or who do not wish the new university, for a period, if to do so, to transfer to the Teaching not indefinitely, should carry on the Service or the Public Service at a role of the institute with its high-level level of emolument not less than that diploma courses. which they were receiving before Clause 7 (2) (a) makes provision applying for such transfer. This for student representation on the seems to be a most reasonable ap­ council at the same level as at proach and will protect the interests Monash University-two undergrac,Iu­ of the great majority of those who ate students and one . graduate may not be absorbed by the univer­ student. In similar vein, in clause sity. It is, however, .highly likely 26 (2) (b) .-:;.ptovision ·. is made :for that ~ .. great proportion· of the student representation , on . · ~the Mr. Thompson. Deakin University [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.) Bill. 191

Academic Board. Similar proviSIOn external studies. This will be of was made last year for Monash tremendous benefit to teachers who University. are posted to country areas of Vic­ The next section of particular toria and, generally speaking, to relevance is Part II., which makes those who, because of geographical provision for the interim period. location or the nature of their em­ Following the passing of this Bill the ployment, are prevented from attend­ interim planning council will be ing an orthodox university. replaced by an interim council con­ If the fourth university of Victoria, sisting of fifteen members, whereas the Deakin University, makes as the permanent council of the uni­ great a contribution towards learning versity will have 32 members. and the development of this country Finally, I direct attention to clause as did the man after whom it has 43 (7) , which provides- been named, it will be a university of At any time during the transitional period which the State will be proud. a person who is employed on the academic staff of the Institute or of the State On the motion of Mr. FORDHAM College- (Footscray) , the debate was ( cz) if he is or is entitled to be registered adjourned. as a teacher in Victoria sllall be Mr. TIIOMPSON ~inister of Edu­ entitled to be appointed to a posi­ tion in the teaching service of Vic­ cation) : I move-- ·toria; and That ·the debate be adjourned until Tues­ (b) in any other case shall be entitled to day, September 24. be appointed to ·a .position in the Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) : The Publfc Service of Victoria- House has before it a major piece· of That is the clause to which I referred proposed legislation introduced by a moment ago, and I shall not read it the Government after many years of again in detail. anguish, report and discussion. The I believe this is an exciting Opposition is told that it has until experiment in tertiary education Tuesday week, a period of nine or in Victoria. A university is being ten days, to discuss the Bill. The created which will be different Opposition needs at least three in three respects. The first is that it weeks. will be outside the metropolitan area. The Minister highlighted how dif­ Mr. WHITING: Only just. ferent and unique is this Bill relating Mr. THOMPSON : That is true, to tertiary education. For those but there are the regional study reasons alone it is important that the centres and it is proposed to extend Opposition should have adequate the university to Ballarat and Ben­ time to consider these matters. I digo. The Government fought a long have already been approached by battle on this matter and considers academic and non-academic staff in that it has won a substantial if not a the Geelong area who are concerned complete victory. about their future. I wish to ensure The second respect in which the that this university will receive the university will be different is that it support of the Australian Universities will provide a far greater range of Commission. It is essential that the courses than normally would be the Opposition should have at least three case for a new university. The reason weeks to consider this matter. The is that it will be taking over the Opposition is quite insistent on that. Gordon Institute of Technology and Mr. MITCHELL (Benambra) : Three its four degree courses and fourteen weeks is a perfectly reasonable time diploma courses, as well as the State to ask for. What the Minister said College of Victoria at Geelong. is well cloaked up with a lot of The third point is that it will be history we all sucked in with our the first .university established in mother's milk. The decision to locate Victoria with a special charter for the university at Geelong was a 192 Gee/ong Land [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. dirty slap in the face to Albury­ and other activities as well as tennis Wodonga. However, there is much courts with lighting for night use, merit in what the Minister has said. squash courts and a running track. This is a good Bill, worthy of It is intended that many of the adequate thought. The Country facilities will be available not only Party demands three weeks in which to dub members but also for use to consider it. by the general public. Mr. mOMPSON ·('Minister of £do­ The additional area sought by the cation) (By leave) : I agree to an club is part :of the land containing adjournment of the debate for three 4 · 528 hectares which is described weeks.· in the Second Schedule to the Geelong Lands Exchange Act 1972, By leave, the motion was with- No. 8326. Honorable members will drawn. · recall that the purpose of that Act It was ordered that the debate be was to ·make. available for Mental adjourned until Thursday, October 3. Health Authority purposes certain land at the corner of Leather and Tanners streets, which was at that GEELONG LAND BILL. time vested in the Geelong Harbor Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Trust :commissioners. ·In exchang~ Lands) : I move- for this, an area of 4 · 528 hectares That this Bill be now read a second time. fronting Wood Street. .which had previously been reserved for mental Its main purpose is to enable addi­ health purposes, was authorized to tional land to be leased to the be granted to the Geelong Harbor Geelong East Community Youth Club. Trust Com·missioners. 'f.he actual The site presently occupied by that Crown grant document has, however, club comprises 4022 square metres, not been prepared and issued in 'View being allotment 3 of section 4C, City of the youth ·club's present proposal. of Geelong, and is held under a lease The land immediate·ly south of the pursuant to section 134 of the Land land in the Second Schedule to the Act 1958 for a term of 21 years. This 1972 enactment is Crown land, and site fronts the west side of Wood it :is therefore possible to exclude Street and is already fully utilized. the area required .for youth dub It contains a club-house building and purposes, and to ~compensate for this open-air provision for courts for by including an equivalent additional basketba'll, volley-ball, badminton and area of the available Grown land. net-ball, together with car parking space. The effe·ct of this Bill is therefore si·mply that the area to be granted Membership of the club is about to the Geelong Harbor Trust Com­ 300, comprising members of both missioners will not be as authorized sexes between the ages of seven and by the 1972 Act, but will be an ·area 26. Numbers are increasing ·each of similar extent surveyed so as to year, and this growth will be exclude the proposed youth club accelerated following the current area and to include an equivalent development by the Housing Com­ area of Crown land. Both the Gee­ mission of accommodation for some long City Council and the Geelong 700 persons off Wilsons Road, Harbor Trust Commissioners have Whittington. agreed to the propos·al. The land desired for expansion of Clause 1 of the Bill cites the short the club ·facilities is an area of 1·128 title and provides for the commence­ hectares situated directly bebind the ment of the legislation. Clause 2 pro­ existing site. The club desires to vides that the land delineated in the extend its facilities greatly so as schedule may be granted to the Gee­ eventually to include another build­ long Harbor Trust Commissioners. ing with provision for gymnasium Olause 3 :repeals the provision in Melbourne (Alexandra [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Gardens) Land Bill. 193 the 1972 Act for the grant of the reserved in 1873 as a site for public original land to the commissioners. park and gardens. The permanent Clause 4 ·makes a consequential reservation of 1873 was revoked in amendment to the Geelong Harbor 1897 so far as the land now compris­ Trust Act 1958. ing Alexandra Gardens w·as con­ The schedule contains a plan cerned, excepting the sites of the showing the land to be granted to boat-sheds as then existing. Never­ the commissioners. A plan showing theless the boat-shed ·sites were in­ the relative positions 'Of the parcels cluded in the temporary reservation of land -involved has been prepared for ornamental plantations of 1907. for the benefit ·of honorable ·mem­ The sites of the boat-sheds were bers. the subject of licences granted ·last This measure will allow for a ·Con­ century by the Lands

clause 1 of Schedule Two, which women at the University of Mel­ has been specifically drafted to en­ bourne. The site has been placed sure that, for the purposes of the under the control of a committee Public Service Act, the Chairman of management, being the nominees of the Water Com'lnission shall be of the . council of the University permanent head of the Ministry and Women's College. will thus continue to handle all deal­ ings affecting commiSSIOn staff The council of the college is now directly with the Public Service of 'the opinion that recent trends in Board. I commend the Bill to the education may result in the council House. having to provide for both m·en and women as resident students. The On the motion of Mr. GINIFER college is experiencing difficulty 'in (Deer Park), the debate was filling places and interviews with adjourned. students have indicated that some It was ordered that the debate be prefer co-residence. Moreover, the adjourned until Tuesday, October 1. college has always been an innovator in education and has attracted stu­ THE ALFRED NICHOLAS dents of high academic ability. The MEMORIAL GARDENS BILL. council fears that these standards may not be ·maintained if the ·college Mr. MEAGHER CMinister of Trans­ continues rto accept women students port): I move- only. That this Bill be now read a second time. H the college does not keep in step Honorable members will recall that with current trends, the council feels a similar B'iH was introduced during it may become the last choice of the last sessional period of Parlia­ women instead of enjoying high ment and had reached the second­ priority as in the past. The council reading stage but had not been sees the college as being primarily debated when the Par liam·en t was for women and would continue prorogued. operating with this purpose in mind. The purpose of the Bill is to trans­ The purpose of the Bill is to re­ fer the Alfred Nicholas Memorial move the legal impediment, which Gardens from the Nicholas holding applies to the college site, to the company to the Forests Commission acceptance of men as resident stu­ for the purpose of establishing a re­ dents. search centre to study animal and plant life in the Dandenong Ranges. Clause 1 of the Bill cites the shor-t I commend the Bill to the House. title and provides for the commence­ ment of the legislation. Clause 2 On the motion of Mr. FORDHAM revokes the permanent reservation (Footscray), the debate was ad­ of the land as a site fo·r a residential journed. college for women. Clause 3 per­ .Jt was ordered that the debate be manently reserves the land as a site adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ for a general residential college at ber 18. the University of Melbourne. The schedule includes a plan showing the CARLTON LAND (UNIVERSITY reserved land. I commend the Bill WOMEN'S COLLEGE) BILL. to the House. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands): I move---- On the motion of Mr. FORDHA·M That this Bill be now read a second time. (Footscray), 1the debate was adjourned. It relates rto the Crown land situated at College Crescent, Cadton, which It was ordered that the debate be was permanently reserved in 1934 as adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ a site for a residential co liege for ber 18. 196 Victorian Institute of [ASSEMBLY.] Marine Sciences Bill.

VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF for the protection of coastal resour­ MARINE SCIENCES BILL. ces from pollution and despoliation. Mr. BORTHWICK '(Min'ister for Not long ago the Commonwealth Conservation) : I move- Government announced plans to That this Bill be now read ·a second time. establish •an Institute of Marine Sciences at Townsville, Queensland. The southern coast of Australia :is Admirable though such an institute one of the most interesting coast­ will be, its estabHshment by no lines in the world. Although it is ·means provides for the total needs less spectacular than the more of Australia ·in ·relation to her vast famous Barrier Reef, it is in many coastline and the variety of waters ways more important, bo:th biologi­ that wash her shores. The Townsville cally and for its oH and mineral institute will, perforce, be directed wealth. Cold and temperate oceans specially to problems of tropical are more fertile than tropical ones ; waters and to investigation of the all the major oceanic fisheries are in Great Barrier Reef. There :is an equal cold water. - perhaps gre·ater- need for an in­ 0 In the latitude 35: - 40° south, stitute that would concern itself w.Uh the rich waters of the ·cold Southern the temperate ocean around Austra­ Ocean meet the Australian l·and mass, lia. giving flise to a unique and valuable, but as yet little ·studied, community Because of the importance of of plants and animals. marine ~research generally ~n the development of tthis country, the The basic exploration of this Royal Society of Victoria, which is m•arine environment has hardly one of the oldest scientific bodies in begun, yet already oil and gas re­ Australia, if not the oldest, took the serves have been discovered. The initiative in proposing that an In­ potential for the future is virtually stitute of Marine Sciences be estab­ unlimited, but we are already feeling lished in Victoria. the effects of our .Jack of knowledge. Coastal developments have caused Accordingly, :the Royal Society set problems of erosion. Much of the up a committee drawn from its own basic knowledge essential to good .council, the three Victor.ian univer­ fisher·ies ·management, such ~as de­ sities, the Victoria Institute of Col­ tailed information on seasonal breed­ leges, the National Museum of ·ing periods and migration, egg and Victoria, and what is now the Fisher­ larval development and definition of ies and Wildlife Division of the Min­ food webs is lacking for most of istry for Conservation, together with Victorian commercia:! fish, shell fish and crustacea. More recently the members with legal and business problems of heavy metals have been experience, to lay down the purposes highlighted and a great deal more and objectives of an institute. investigation tis required. The recommendations of the com­ In recent years interest in marine mittee have been accepted by :the science has developed strongly in all Government and the purpose of this advanced nations. Science, industry Bill is to constitute an Institute of and Government are realizing the Marine Sciences in Victoria. necessity for exploring and utiHzing the abundant ·resources of the oceans. The Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences will not be a Government There is an a wakening ·interest in department or a Government instru­ marine science in ~ustralia, stimula­ ted on the one hand by rich dis­ mentaHty- 1it will be a private cor­ coveries of off-shore oil and gas and poration, and comparison ·might be on the other by a growing realization made with a body such as the Florey of the need for conservation of natural Institute at the Un1iversity of Mel­ assets such as the Harrier Reef and bourne. Victorian Institute of [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Marine Sciences Bill. 197

It will differ from other marine in­ oil wells, can afford not to: have stitutes in Australia in its multi­ knowledge and expertise that will disciplinary approach: It wHI not be enable selected personnel to operate just a biological institute; the physical benea'th the sea surface, using the sciences •and marine technologies will latest technical aids. be an important part of the exercise. As stated in the Bill, the objects of It is of interest to note that the the ·institute shall be to: provide Commonwealth Government has re­ facilities for and foster, carry on and cently decided that Dr. G. Aitchison, support scientific research and tech­ Chief of the Division of Soil nological development in all branches Mechanics, Commonwealth Scientific of learning concerning or touching and Industrial Research Organization upon marine sciences. It will ·concern should take leave of six months itself with the sea, the sea bed, the from h1iS normal duties, in order to sea shores ·and the resources and lin­ investigate and report on wha:t can habitants thereof and draw particular and should be done in regard to re­ attention to mankind's relationship with and use of the sea. search on sediment on the Australian continental shelf. This is another in­ Another unique ·aspect will be the dication of the growing awareness accent upon education. The institute -in Australia of urgent problems of will assist the universities and colleges marine geology and related subjects. to stimulate and train students, thus helping to provide the manpower The institute will make important necessary to staff marine establish­ contributions to environmental con­ ments elsewhere in Australia. The trol, particularly in the marine en­ institute will provide a stimulating vironment. The universities are being and co-ordinated focus on the ·schools called on more and more to parti­ of marine science which are being cipate in the environmental studies developed ·in Vktorian tertiary educa­ of the estuaries, and as the three tion 1institutions. universities and the institute of :col­ Victoria has had ·Considerable dif­ leges will be associated within the ficulty in recruiting from within Aus­ one institute, greater assistance can tralia the wide range of marine be anbicipated. biologists who were required for the Port Phillip Bay environmental study I now propose to deal in detail and the Westernport Bay environ­ with the provisions of the Bill. mental study. The problem wHl be Clauses 1 and 2 ·are the usual cita­ further aggravated by staff needs for tion and definition clauses. Clauses the proposed environmental study of 3, 4 and 5 provide for the ·incorpora­ the Gippsland lakes and their catch­ tion of the institute for legal pur­ ment. The institute w:ill play an im­ poses and set out the objects of the portant role in making Aust·ralia less institute. dependent on overseas experts. for en­ vironmental studies of all kinds. This Generally, clauses 6 to 17 establish country will never get the full range 'the council as the governing body for of experts :it needs in the broad field the institute and include the standard of marine science until there are a procedural provisions in relation to number of well-equipped institutes 1governing bodies. Provision is made around our shores. for the appointment of officers and the regulation of council meetings. Australia has no cadre of people The council of the institute is to expert in the operation of submer­ consist of not more than eighteen sibles. No country with Australia's members appointed by the Governor length of coastline and Australia's in Council, of whom three are to be m·afline resources, -induding off-shore members of Parliament. This is the 198 Friendly Societies [ASSEMBLY.] (Benefits) Bill. desire of the Royal Society of Vic­ FRIENDLY SOCIETIES (BENEFITS) toria committee. One member is to BILL. be nominated by the society. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Trans­ Clauses 18, 19 and 20 empower port) : I move- the council to make statutes in That this Bill be now read a second time. respect of the affairs of the institute. Its pur-pose is to increase the maxi­ These powers are similar to those mum amount of weekly payment contained in the Victoria Institute of which a registered friendly society Colleges Act and the Melbourne may ·make to a ·member in respect of University Act. sickness and other benefits. Clauses 21, 22 and 23 deal, again Section 5 (1) and (4) of the largely in conformity, with standard Friendly Societies Act I958 provide financial provisions for bodies of this that societies may be registered to type. Special provision is made in clause 23 for the investment of provide, by voluntary subscriptions common funds for trust moneys. of members, for the relief or main­ Although this may be regarded as a tenance of members and their somewhat novel way of dealing with families in old age, widowhood, sick­ trust moneys, the Act wiU override ness or other infirmity, or to mem­ any but a specific direction that the bers in search o.f employment or in moneys are not to be invested in distressed circumstances. common funds. The proviso to section 5 prohibits Clause 24 provides for an annual the registration of ·any s·ociety which, audit of the accounts of the institute in respect of the objects of section by the Auditor-General. Clause 25, 5 (I) and (4), contracts .with any which is comparable to similar pro­ person for the payment of benefits visions in the art gallery and museum Acts, deals with the acquisi­ exceeding $30 a week. Section II tion of property by the institute. ( 1I) (d) of the Act prohibits any Clause 26 requires council to prepare society, whether formed before or an annual report for presentation to after the commencement ·of the prin­ Parliament. cipal Act, from contracting with any person for the payment of a rate The Institute of Marine Sciences exceeding $30 a week in respect of will, I believe, be an important and benefits under section 5 (I) and (4) significant step towards the better of the A·ct. understanding of our environment and the prosecution of scientific Section 26 of the principal Act studies in this part of the continent. restricts the entitlement of any mem­ It will certainly lead to a greater ber of a registered .friendly society, knowledge of marine life and our or any person claiming through a off-shore resources. I have much ·member, to a rate not ex·ceeding $30 pleasure in commending the Bill to a week in respect of benefits. This the House. rate has applied since :May, I966, prior to which the amount was fixed This Bill was on the Notice Paper in the last session for a considerable at $20 a week. time and was not proceeded with. Following the receipt of ~represen­ tations from interested bodies seek­ On the motion of Mr. LIND ;(Dandenong) , the debate was ing an increase, and upon the advice adjourned. of the Government Statist, the Gov­ ernment proposes to increase the It was ordered that the debate be maximum rate of benefit which may adjourned until Tuesday, September :be paid to a member by a registered 24. friendly society to $50 a week. Road Safety [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Educational Bill. 199

Accordingly, the Bill makes the for their employment, the Public Ser­ appropriate amendment to section 26 vice Board was unable to create the of the Friendly Societies Act 1958. I per·manent positions for the following com·mend the Bill to the House. reasons- Firstly, the board was and is On the motion of Mr. LIND (Dan­ cir·cumscribed by the provisions of denong) , the debate was adjourned. the Public Service Act 1958 relating to age of entry. It was ordered that the debate be adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ Secondly, the requirements of the ber 18. Public Service Act 1958 prohibits the board from appointing persons .from outside the service to permanent positions unless applications have ROAD SAFETY (EDUCATIONAL) been invited from persons already .in ·BILL. the service and, as ·a result of such Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Trans­ advertisement, the board is satisfied port) : I move- that there are no suitable applicants already in the service. That this Bill be now read a second time. Thirdly, the board was unable to Its purpose is to effect the transfer give a guarantee that if the positions of Messrs. Francis George Harris and were created and advertised within John Michael Evans, at present em­ the Public Service the two persons ployees of the National Safety Coun­ concerned, if they were eligible to cil, to the Public Service of Victoria apply, would be successful in their and to appoint them to be officers of applications. the Road Safety and Traffic Auth­ The only way "in which the situa­ ority. tion ·can be resolved to the satisfac­ tion of all parties concerned is by The Government has agreed to legislation. I ·commend the Bill to the take over .from the National Safety House. Council the responsibility for con­ On the ·motion ·of Mr. LIND (Dan­ ducting a public education pro­ denong), the debate was adjourned. gram-me designed to improve the attitudes of drivers and pedestrians It was ordered that the debate be towards the road traffic laws. The adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ responsibility for this task was allot­ ber 18. ted to the Road Safety and Traffic Authority and, pursuant to an TERANG MECHANICS INSTITUTE arrangement -made with the National AND FREE LffiRARY TRUST BILL. Safety Council, the employment of Mr. HAMER {Premier and Trea­ Messrs. Harris and Evans, who were surer) : I move- engaged in the administration of the campaign by the council, was to be That this Bill be now read a second time. continued within the Road Safety Its purpose is to facilitate the surren­ and Traffic Authority structure. der to the Crown of property held Accordingly, the two gentlemen ·con­ by the Terang Mechanics Institute cerned were seconded to the auth­ and Free Library Service Trust, and the appointment of the Shire of ority and in fact have taken up duty. Hampden as a committee of manage­ The question of their employment ment over such property. as permanent public servants has The trust property, situated in the presented some difficulty. Although ·main street of Terang, comprises a Treasury clearance was obtained for public hall, 'large reception area, the creation ·of permanent positions library meeting rooms, kitchen 200 Terang Mechanics Institute and [ASSEMBLY.] Free Library Trust Bill.

facilities and shop space: To date, the whole of the trust property to the property has been administered the council. The Crown law authori­ by .Jocally-elected trustees. ties have advised the Government that special legislation is required to In 1959, the trustees obtained a enable the council to take over re­ loan of $40,000 from the National sponsibility for the property from Mutual Life Association of Austral­ the trustees on the agreed basis. asia Ltd., to finance extensions and improvements to the building. At The Bill therefore provides that that .time the trustees were confident the land will be surrendered to the that their annual revenue would be Crown, free of the trust and all en­ ·more than suffkient to meet the cumbrances and reserved for public interest and repayment ~charges on purposes. The council of the Shire the loan, particularly as !income was of Hampden will be appointed as a expected to increase upon the com­ committee of management under the pletion of the building extensions. Land Act to administer the property However, by 1962 the picture theatre for the benefit of the local com­ which operated in the hall began to munity. lose money and by 1965 it was necessary for the institute to negoti­ The Bill also provides power for ate an extended repayment terom on the council, as a committee of man­ the loan. Notwithstanding this relief agement, to lease the whole or any the financial position of the institute part of the property for business, continued to decline. social or recreational activities on the conditions contained in clause As the trustees controlled the only 5 (2) of the Bill. Revenue received large reception area and public hall under any such lease arrangement in the town, the Government, in shall be applied by the shire towards 1967, decided that it would assist by the maintenance and improvement of enabling the trustees to pay off the the property. I commend the Bill to existing mortgage loan and to re­ the House. place it with a Government loan on even more favourable interest and On the motion of Mr. LIND (Dan­ repayment terms. The institute, denong) , the debate was adjourned. faced with rapidly diminishing It was ordered that the debate be theatre audiences and falling revenue adjourned until Tuesday, September from other activities, was not able 24. to meet the level of commitments on the Government loan. In 1972, the council of the Shire BONNIE DOON (PUB·LIC HALL) of Hampden indicated that it would LAND BILL. be ·willing to assume responsibility Mr. MEAGHER ·CMinister of Trans­ for the property for community pur­ port): I move- poses. The Government considered That this Bill be now read a second time. the matter and agreed that, proovided This Bill is identical to one which the buildings were to continue to be proceeded to the second-reading stage available for such purposes, the only during the last sessional period. It is viable solution was to transfer the designed to effect the removal of a management of the property to the · restrictive covenant on the Bonnie council as a centre for community Doon hall site to enable the Bonnie activities. Doon Hall Com·mittee to seH the now The property is subject to a trust unwanted land and apply the pro­ registered under the Religious, Suc­ ceeds of the sale towards the ·erec­ cessory and Charitable Trusts Act tion of a sports centre, including a 1958 and the terms of the trust did public hall, on the Bonnie Doon not permit the trustees to transfer Recreation Reserve. Wheat Marketing [12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 201

On the motion of Mr. LIND specify that all over-quota wheat (Dandenong), the debate was ad­ delivered by the holder of a quota journed. during the season 1973-74 is to be treated as quota wheat delivered dur­ It was ordered that the debate be ing that season. It is envisaged that adjourned until Wednesday, Septem­ a similar arrangement will operate in ber 18. respect of the season 1974-75, and provision is made accordingly. WHEAT MARKETING BILL. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Agri­ The third amendment, shown in culture): I move-- clause 4 of the Bill, extends the reference in section 48 to include the That this Bill be now read a second time. season 1974-75 as a season in respect This Bill proceeded to the second­ of ·which the Wheat Marketing Act reading stage in the last sessional shall have effect. period. Hs purpose is to extend the operation of the Victorian wheat The other amendment proposed in delivery quota scheme to cover the the Bill has been included fO'llowing season 1974-75. Under the Wheat a specific request from the Grains Marketing Ac•t 1969 as it now stands, Division of the ¥ictorian Farmers the operation of the scheme .wiH ·ex­ Union. The union has pointed out pire on 30th September, 1974. that the existing requirement in the Act for ·the Wheat Quota Committee It is the Government's intention to issue individual quot:a notifications to undertake an early thorough re­ to some 17,000 quota holders view of the Victorian scheme and involves considerable ·expense. In with this in mind the Government, respect of the season 1974-75 it is after considering 'the representations envisaged, as I said earlier, that a of the Grains Division of the Vic­ specification will be ·made under the torian Farmers Union, has decided Act whereby all wheat delivered by that the best cours·e to follow at this a quota holder during that season stage would be to extend the opera­ will be treated as quota wheat. tion of the current legislation for Therefore there is little point in the one season only. In order to imple­ ment this decision, amendments are com·mittee notifying quota holders of required to three sections of the Act rt:hei~ individual q:uota allocations, containing references to specified although the com·mi.Uee wiU, of seasons. course, record them for administra­ tive purposes. The first of these amendments, as set out in claus·e 2{ 1) of the BHI, is In these circumstances the union to section 32{3) of the Act Which has requested that, in order to save deals with the apportionment of a unnecessary expense, the require­ quot:a between a landowner and a ment to issue individual quota noti­ sharefarmer where the ~applicant for fications be suspended .for the season a quota was a party to a sharefarm­ 1974-75. The Government cons'iders ing agreement in respect of the seasons 1969-1973. Th'is reference is thart: the request ·is reasonable, and extended to cover the season 1974- the relevant amendment is included 75. in clause 2(2) of the 'Bill. The second amendment, contained In order that necessary administra­ in clause 3, is to section 38 (2B) which tive arrangements in relation to the makes provision for over-quota season 1974-75 can be put ·in train, it wheat to be treated as quota wheat. is most desirable that the amending This sub-section provides that the legislation be .passed during this Minis.t:er, after consultation with the s·ession. I commend the Bill to hon­ Victorian F·armers Union, may orable members. Session 1974.-8 202 Fertilizers [ASSEMBLY.] . Bill. On the motion of Mr. · WILTON agricultural limes, and to introduce (Broadmeadows), the debate was some ~important new provisions in adjourned. the legislation. Olauses I and 2 are introductory clauses and include the It was ordered that the debate be usual saving provisions. It ·is pro­ adjourned until Wednesday, Septem- posed to bring the legislation .into ber 18. · force by the begining of October this year which would be the date at which applications would normally FERTILIZERS BILL. be due for the nen annual registra­ Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Agri­ tion period. culture): I move- The scope of the current legis Ia­ That this Bill be now read a second time. tion will be extended by additional The Department of !Agriculture ad­ and amended interpretations in ministers a number of Acts govern­ clause 3 to cover aU materials sold ing the sale of products used in agri­ as fertilizers, including manure and culture. In ·many cases, the man in trade ·wastes, and also including the street wiU also use these pro­ packet trade fertilizers. These were ducts in his home garden. This previously all ·exempt. Matefi.als, in­ legislation, which enables the quality cluding gypsum sold as soil condi­ of the products to be controlled by tioners, will also be covered. Provi­ the department and provides some sion is ·made in si'mi'Iar terms to those limitation on the sale of products included in the Pesticides Act for the which may be unsatisfactory for use expansion of interpretations of ~the or ·which may pres·ent some hazard various products ·by ·means of a pro­ to crops, ani·mals or people, has be.en clamation. This provision would in force for m~any years, and the In­ enable materials such as bacterial dustries involved have accepted the preparations which ·could have the need .for iot. same effect as agricultural limes, fertilizers or soil condi~tioners to be Two such Acts are the Fertilizers proclaimed at some later date. Act 1958 and the Agricultural Lime Act 1958. The former has its origin Unless exempted by the provisions :in the Ar.Uficial Manures Act 1897, of clause 5, or by proclamation under clause 4, all products must be regis­ which was almost entirely self-help tered with the Department of Agri­ legislation providing that a vendor culture and, if packed in parcels, must disclose rthe composition of a must be labelled, or if sold in bulk fertilizer on the invoice upon any accompanied by an approved deliv­ sale and giving a purchaser the right ery document. Animal manures and to an official analysis. Later, pro­ gypsum are exempted by clause 5 vision was made for an official from th'e labelling and registration analyst to inspect and take samples, provisions whilst agricultural lime with publication of a list of the packed in parcels of less than 25 analyses in the Government Gazette ; kilograms in weight is exempted from and later still in 1910, provision was the labelling provisions of the Bill. made. to require manufacturers or Products such as trade wastes or importers to register brands of all fertilizer packed with seeds may be exempted by proclamation. Sales of fertilizers sold. The Agricultural soil, clay, sand and gravel are com­ Lime Act, first introduced in 1935, pletely exempted by clause 5. includes by reference ·many of the provisions of the Fertilizers Act. The interpretation of sale in clause 3 has been extended to cover con­ This Bill proposes to consolidate tract application, and the supply of and · reframe rthe current legislation a product in consideration for the controlling the sale of fertilizers and use of services. Fertilizers (12 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 203

Power will be given by clause 6 mode of statement of analyses on of the Bill to prescribe standards for labels will in future be fixed by re­ the various products. Currently gulation, instead of being set out as there is one standard for bone dust at present in a schedule to the Act. in the Fertilizers Act, in respect to Difficulties have been ·experienced in fineness. It is proposed that this and making provision in the schedule for other standards will be set by regula­ the wide range of constituents and tion. forms of constituents now found in products used for agriculture and for Over the past year or so, because the use of terms uniform with legis­ of the shortage of blood and bone, lation in other States. Provision is various mixtures of organic waste made for warning statements on and other materials have been on the labels to be prescribed. market as blood and bone manure. In some cases the substitute pro­ The registration procedures in duct has been unsuitable for the clauses 9, 10 and 11 have been re­ purpos·es for which blood and bone drafted to bring them into line with manure is traditionally used, causing those currently required by the some damage to plants. Most of this Pesticides Act, which was revised in product has been sold in small this respect in 1972. packets, less than 7 kilograms in Registration wiU be on a three-year weight, and as such has not been cycle. This is in accordance with a subject to the Fertilizers Act. As a decision by the Australian Agri­ result, home gardeners and some cultural Council to arrange three­ nurseries have been particularly year cycles of registrations . for affected. Products in small packets pesticides, fertilizers and agricultural will be covered by the Bill and it is limes, and stock foods and stock proposed that power shall be given medicines, on the basis that pesticides for standards for products such as would be registered every thre·e years blood and bone manure to be pre­ after 1973, fertilizers and ag'ricultural scribed, so that substitutes cannot be limes every three years after 1974, described as the genuine article. and stock foods and stO'ck medicines Power is also provided for the pre­ every three years after 1975·. scribing of standards for gypsum sold for soil application. In view of the time· of the introduc­ tion of this Bill, it is planned that Under clause 7 the sale of any current registrations for the relevant agricultural lime, fertilizer or soil products shall continue until 28th conditioner is prohibited unless the February, 1975, and that the· first product has been registered under cycle for agricultural limes, fertil­ the Pesticides Act. Additionally, izers and soil conditioners should power is provided to prohibit the use start on I st March, 1975 and expire of certain materials to package some on 30th June, 1977. In succeedi;ng products. This provision will enable cycles the first day of July will be the the prohibition of re-usable jute bags commencing date. for use with fertilizer containing pesticides, so as to prevent later con­ Provision is made for copies or tents being contaminated with specimens of labels to be provided· pesticide residues. All labelling pro­ with applications for registrations. visions of the legislation have been Currently the requirement is speci­ brought together in clause 8 of the fied in the regulations. Procedures Bill. are provided whereby approval may be given for minor changes in labels There is some change of termin­ and other specified information pro­ ology, in conformity with other Acts vided in the application for registrai. regulating agricultural materials. The tion which became necessary in the 204 Fertilizers [ASSEMBLY.]. Bill. course of the three-year registration provtstons will apply to all agricul­ period. Cha,nges wbich materially al­ tural limes, fertilizers and soil cO'ndi­ ter the identity of a prod_uct would tioners, including those such as. require a fresh application for regis­ animal manures and gypsum which tration. do not require registration and label­ ling. Power is given to the Director of Agriculture, where a product ·could.. Clause 14 is a new provision de­ be sold either as a fertilizer or an signed to prevent deliberate false or agricultural lime or soil conditioner, misleading advertising with respect to determine to which category the to products covered by the Bill. product belongs, and also for him to. Clauses 15 to 19 relate to the appoint­ require substantiation of any claim ment of inspectors and analysts and made on labels for a product. the powers of inspectors. Inspection A list of registered products will procedures are set out in detail and be published in respect of each three­ have been up-dated to cover modern year period in the Government Gaz­ practices in industry and to• cover the ette, and where necessary supplemen­ packet trade in fertilizers. The powers tary lists during the period of regis­ of an inspector are restricted to the tration. However, between publica­ property of a wholesale dealer or ven­ tion of lists, it will be possible for dor, as defined in the Bill and, with the consent of the purchaser, to his any person to inspect a record of property. registered products upon payment of a nominal prescribed fee to cover ad­ Clause 20 retains the existing right ministration expenses. for a purchaser to obtain an analysis of a product he has purchased al­ The provisions of the legislation re­ though detailed procedures will be garding special prescriptions have set out in regulations. The provisions been simplified in clause 12 and the in clauses 21 and 22 for certificates requirements set down in more detail. of analysis and the-· carrying out of Matters such as a requirement for re­ reference analyses are substantially tention of orders and prescriptions, those of existing legislation. and their production to an inspector,. Tolerances for analytical figures delivery of a copy of the special pre­ have been retained in clause 23, in scription to the director together with much the same form as previously, the payment of a prescribed fee and with the additional provision that the labelling or documentation to identify analysis may be compared with any a sale of product with the relevant standard proclaimed, any bona fide prescription have been set out in the prescription, and in some cases, with Bill. The circumstances under which the analysis specified in an applica­ this provision can be used to exempt tion for registration, to determine if a product from labelling and regis­ the product is adulterated. tration have been more precisely de­ The provisions of current legisla­ fined. tion in respect of court proceedings The provisions in respect of special have been incorporated in clauses 24 to 26 of the Bill and in addition two imports have been retained with only areas are specified where the burden slight modification, although few of proof is placed on the defendant. persons or organizations have taken One is the proof of the nature of a advantage of these provisions in re­ substance when the defendant claims cent years. that it is not a product subject to the Clause 13 is similar to a section in Act. The other is the proof that a the Stock Foods Act and provides a product is not for sale where the specific warranty to the purchaser for inspector has discovered it on products covered by this Bill. The wholesale or retail premises. Adjournment. (17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 205

On a number of occasions, pro­ to leave sooner on Wednesday blems have occurred in these areas evening than would otherwise be where a statement made by a person possible. at the time of sampling as to the Mr. WILKES (Northcote): r sup­ identity of a product or as to its being port the proposition put by the for sale have conflicted with his Deputy Premier. It is a reasonable evidence in court and prosecutions arrangement and as we have met have been dismissed because of this until 5.30 a.m. today, we have at conflict. least cleared the air so that we know Penalties generally through the Bill where the session is heading; it has have been increased to bring them been put on some sort of a basis. into line with present-day money Country Party members particularly values. The powers to make regula­ must be satisfied to know that the tions set out in clause 28 are substan­ motion for the adoption of the tially those contained in the existing Address-in-Reply will take pre­ legislation with additional items to cedence next week. cover the new provisions incorporated Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ in this Bill. I commend the Bill to cation): With a great degree of the House. reluctance, I move-- On the motion of M'r. WILTON That the House, at -its rising, adj-ourn (Broadmeadows), the debate was until Tuesday next, at half-past three adjourned. o'clock. It was ordered that the debate be The motion was agreed to. adjourned until Tuesday, September The House adjourned at 5.31 a.m. 24. until Tuesday, Septem·ber 17.

ADJOURNMENT. DAYS AND HOURS OF MEETING. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education): Before moving the motion ifitgislntint C!tnuuril. for the adjournment of the sitting, for the guidance of honorable members I Tuesday, September 17, 1974. shall give a brief outline of the intention of the Government for the next two weeks. It is intended to The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond concentrate on the Address-in-Reply Garrett) took the chair at 4.52 p.m., debate next week, following the com­ and read the prayer. pletion of the debate on the sub­ stantive motion moved by the honor­ able member for Gippsland East. DOG (AMENDMENT) BILL. There is a possibility of the House The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister sitting on Thursday of next week. On for Local Government), by leave, Tuesday evening of the following moved for leave to bring in a Bill week there is a Government function to amend the Dog Act 1970. occasioned by the visit of a dis­ The motion was agreed to. tinguished overseas visitor and the The Bill was brought in and read Government intends to sit at 2.15 a first time. p.m. on Tuesday, to allow members attending the function time to dress. Because Thursday, 26th September COMMAND PAPER. is Show Day, it is the Government's The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE intention on the preceding Wednes­ (Minister for State Development day to sit at 11 a.m. The earlier and Decentralization) presented, by sitting will allow Country members command of His Excellency the Session 1974.-9 206 Local Government (Municipal [COUNCIL.] Employes Long Service

Governor, the first report of the service leave entitlement in respect Board of Inquiry into the Victorian of a specified degree of part-time Public Service. service. It was ordered that the report be The lack of portability of service laid on the table. as between the 211 municipalities within Victoria has been of consider­ PAPERS. able concern to officers and gener­ The following papers, pursuant to ally a matter of some contention. It the directions of several Acts of is believed that this Bill contains Parliament, were laid on the table by measures, such as provision for pay­ the Clerk- ment by one municipality to another on account of long service leave Land Conservation Council-Report for the year 1973-74. entitlements, which will to a great Public Service Act 1958-Public Service extent remove areas of contention. (Public Service Board) Regulations­ Regulations amended (Nos. 123 to 138) The Bill springs from the belief (sixteen papers). of the Government that service with Statutory Rules under the following Acts any municipality is service with local of Parliament- government and that local govern­ Dental Te·chnicians Act 1972-No. 384. ment should be treated as one ser­ vice, serving the one public, and that Films Act 1971-No. 387. the Bill will contribute to putting the Finance Brokers Act 1969-No. 409. best man into the job and so assist Mental Health Act 1959-No. 386. local government most effectively. Motor Oar Act 1958-No. 385. Further than that, some degree of State Savings Bank Act 1958-No. 388. reciprocity with the State Govern­ Stock Diseases Act 1968-No. 410. ment is provided. I suggest this is a welcome precedent. I look forward Teachers Tribunal-Report for the year to the day when there will be absolute 1972-73. transferability between all govern­ Town and Country Planning Act 1961- ment service, local, State, Federal. Report for the year 1972-73. and instrumentalities. This occurs in Canada, and I believe it can and LOCAL GOVERNMENT should occur here. It helps to broaden (MUNICIPAL EMPLOYES LONG not only the experience of those who SERVICE LEAVE) BILL. transfer from one arm of govern­ The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister ment to another, but also of the for Local Government) : I move- various arms of government them­ That this Bill be now read a second time. selves. Officers would think more in terms of serving the public as a The Bill will certainly be welcomed whole rather than Federal, State, or by municipal officers and employees local government. throughout the State. It has four primary objectives. They are, firstly, Considerable research and effort to provide for the portability of has been undertaken on this measure service and the long service leave and I must pay all due tribute to the entitlements of municipal employees committee of my party for the careful· from one municipality to another; and detailed analysis of the many sub­ secondly, to allow municipalities to missions received. I particularly com­ enter into arrangements towards pliment Mr. Geoff. Hayes, the honor­ reciprocal recognition of service with Governments, public authorities and able member for Scoresby in another prescribed offices of the Crown; place, who as chairman of that party thirdly, to reduce the period of ser­ committee has given a great deal of vice required for absolute entitlement his time and effort to the many con­ to long service leave from fifteen to siderations necessary in such a ten years; and, fourthly, to allow long matter. Leave) [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 207

Because of the considerable Section 167A (3) to (10) re-enacts changes intended by this Bill, a existing provisions as to entitlements close examination has been made of with proportionate adjustments of the nature and effect of existing entitlement. legislation in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. A Section 167 A ( 11) provides for the study team from Victoria discussed recognition of the whole of an em­ all relevant detail with representa­ ployee's service with the employing tives of both local government and municipality at the date upon which municipal officers in those States. the Act comes into operation and for The Bill has been prepared with recognition of subsequent service the advantage of a comprehen­ with other municipalities. A maxi­ sive report submitted by the study mum period of two months' interrup­ team and, of course, with the co­ tion to service will be allowed. It is operation of the Municipal Associa­ considered both inequitable and tion of Victoria and the Municipal financially impracticable that munici­ Officers Association. palities be asked to accept total res­ The Hon. J. M. WALTON: Will ponsibility for the past services of that report be made available to the their present employees to other House? municipalities, particularly when they have long ceased. The Hon. A. J. HUNT: I will be happy to make it available to those In section 167 A ( 11) provision honorable members representing their is made to require a minimum party in this debate. period of three years of service with The Bill re-enacts, with amend­ a municipality prior to that munici­ ments, the whole of existing pro­ pality becoming liable to recognize visions dealing with long service and contribute towards long service leave, with the exception of the exist­ leave. No such minimum period is ing section 167B (2), in that no to apply in cases where services are provision is made whereby payment terminated by age, ill health, death may be made at the will of a council or, in the case of a female, by mar­ although no entitlement has accrued riage. to an employee. This, it is con­ Such a minimum period is con­ sidered, will bring the legislation more sidered to be of dual benefit in that it closely in line with that applicable not only ensures some reasonable to government and public authorities. period of service prior to the accept­ The major changes proposed by the ance by the municipality of a liability Bill are contained in clause 2. I in respect of long service leave shall refer to new provisions by the entitlement but should also allow a section numbers which they will have more ready acceptance by councils of in the amended Act. Section 167A (2) an employee having some years of provides for a reduction from fifteen service with another municipality to years to ten years in the period of his credit. continuous service required for entit­ lement to long service leave and a Section 167 A ( 11) (d) provides for proportionate reduction of entitle­ recognition to a limited and specific ment from 4·5 months after 15 years degree of part-time employment. to 3 months after 10 years. This has been a vexed question and an area of contention. Some muni­ Where an entitlement has accrued cipalities provide for this and others to an officer no provision is made for do not. The intention of this provision consideration by the employing auth­ is to al'low recognition of service ority as to factors such as unsa tis­ which in fact represents a major pro­ factory service or misconduct. portion of the normal working hours 208 Local Government (Municipal [COUNCIL.] Employes Long Service Leave) Bill. but to specifically exclude from con­ Section 167c (10) provides for the sideration those instances of part­ refund of payments received if an time employment over one or two employee concerned resigns without days a week. It is considered that having gained entitlement to long this provision will be of considerable service leave and where it is not assistance in the employment of known within three months of married women. resignation whether the employee has been re-employed by another It will provide some measure of municipality. Such instances will be justice to those who work, for ex­ relatively rare in view of the fact ample, from 10 a.m. to 4 p·.m. every that no payment is made between day and who, under the existing municipalities in respect of less than law, may not be entitled to the bene­ three years of service. fits. Section 167c (11) provides for Section 167B re-enacts, with agreements as to reciprocal recogni­ appropriate and proportional reduc­ tion and payments in respect of the tions, the provisions enabling pay­ service of persons transferring be­ ment in lieu of long service leave tween various areas of employment upon resignation or dismissal. under the Crown and with Govern­ Section 167c (1) to (5) provides ments, public authorities and local for the establishment and operation government. by each municipality of a Long Section 167c (12) provides that, by Service Leave Reserve Fund, and for right, one municipality may obtain each municipality to make annual from another all available informa­ provision towards its liabilities in tion necessary for the purpose of respect of long service leave. It may assessing its liability in respect of surprise honorable members that the past service of an employee. such a provision is required, but good accountancy demands it. Section 167c (13) and (14) pro­ vides for agreements between muni­ Because of the nature of this fund cipalities for the joint employment specific provisions and controls are of an employee, and authorizes the made concerning its operation. These Treasurer and other authorities to are intended to bring transactions enter into agreements for reciprocal separately within the published recognition of service. annual statements of accounts of all The four primary objects of the municipalities. Bill are, I believe, properly and Section 167c (6) provides for the reasonably dealt with and in a man­ payment by a municipality of a pro ner which ensures that no loss of rata entitlement for service upon an present entitlement will devolve upon employee taking up duty with another any employee. The financial effect municipality. Where that employee upon municipalities will be minimal leaves with less than three years but I believe the Bill will represent service in the new municipality, then quite an advance in the recognition no payment is to be made unless the of local government as a common municipality has received payment in area of employment closely allied to respect of service with any previous government. I commend the Bill to municipality. In such cases the the House. amount previously received will be On the motion of the Hon. J. M. passed to the newly employing WALTON (Melbourne North Prov­ municipality. ince), the debate was adjourned. Section 167c (7) to (9) prescribes It was ordered that the debate be the method of computation of adjourned until Tuesday, Se,ptember entitlement. 24. The Hon. A. J. Hunt. Latrobe Valley [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 209

LATROBE VALLEY works or works for the treatment or (AMENDMENT) BILL. disposal of waste, constructed by it The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister on behalf of owners or occupiers of of Water Supply): I move- industrial premises pursuant to agree­ ments made under section 35 (d) of That this Bill be now read a second time. the Act. The Bill contains four amendments In such cases the owners would to the Latrobe Valley Act. The first, normally reimburse the board the full contained in clause 2, amends section amount of the interest charges applic­ 36 (1) of the Act. This section at able to the loans so raised and the present provides that the board must Government interest subsidy, which invite proposals from tenderers and is at present mandatory, will in future obtain Ministerial approval before not be applicable unless the Treasurer entering into any contract, the con­ decides otherwise. I commend the sideration of which exceeds $4,000. Bill to the House. This figure was fixed in 1951 and is therefore unrealistic compared with On the motion of the Hon. D. · E. present-day values. The proposed KENT (Gippsland Province) , the amendtnent increases the figure to debate was adjourned. $10,000 and, in this regard, brings the It was ordered that the debate be Act into conformity with the West adjourned until Tuesday, September Moorabool Water Board Act. 24. The second amendment extends GROUNDWATER (AMENDMENT) the provisions of section 42 (1) (a) BILL. of the Act to provide that the board may grant easements over any land The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister to which it holds title. The board of Water Supply) : I move- is already able to sell and lease such That this Bill be now read a second time. land and also has power to acquire The Bill amends the Groundwater easements. However, at present, it Act and it is mainly concerned with has no power to grant easements. rectifying fundamental weaknesses in The third amendment amends sec­ the provisions of the Act which have tion 49A ( 1) and rectifies an error been brought to light by experience made in the original drafting of this over the years since the Act first section. Section 49 authorizes the came into operation in 1970. making of the loans to which the The commission's responsibilities provisions of section 49A ( 1) applies. under the Act include the registration This should have been quoted in the of bores used for domestic and stock section when it was enacted in 1969 water supply and the licensing of by the Latrobe Valley (Amendment) bores used for the extraction of Act (No. 7859). The fourth and groundwater for other purposes. The most important amendment inserts primary weakness that has been a new section 64A in the Act. brought out by experience in the ad­ Under section 304 of the Water Act ministration of groundwater licences -which is incorporated in the La­ has been that the Groundwater Act treats groundwater as an independent trobe Valley Act by section 64-the resource and does not recognize that board receives subsidies from the groundwater and surface water re­ Government to meet the costs of sources are complementary in both interest payments on its borrowings their occurrence and use. in excess of 3 per cent per annum. Under existing provisions of the The proposed new section provides Act the only stated grounds on which that this concession shall be at the the' commission ·can specify limita­ discretion of the Treasurer in the case tions on extractions under a licence of private loans raised by the board or refuse to issue a licence are to for the financing of water supply protect the entitlements of existing 210 Groundwater (Amendment) [COUNCIL.] Bill. · groundwater users. Aggrieved ap­ The second significant amendment plicants can appeal to the Ground­ to the Act is contained in clause 5 of water Appeal Board which, having re­ the Bill. Groundwater licences con­ gard to the existing provisions, can­ tain a standard condition providing not be expected to recognize any for the restriction of groundwater ex­ other grounds for refusal or limitation tractions, on notice from the com­ of a licence. mission, when extraction under the licence might adversely affect other Different situations have devel­ groundwater users owing to a short­ oped, however, when other grounds age or anticipated shortage of should be recognized in the interests groundwater. The proposed amend­ of proper management of total water ment will enable the commission to resources. Firstly, representations impose temporary restrictions in a have recently been made to the com­ particular district by notice published mission on behalf of a landowner who in a newspaper circulating generally is authorized under the Water Act to throughout the district. This will en­ divert water from a creek which able the rapid imposition of restric­ depends for its summer flow on tions at times when conditions neces­ groundwater emerging as springs in sitate this being done. The Water the bed. Another landholder, by Commission at present advises all sinking a bore on his property nearby, affected groundwater users by letter has tapped the groundwater source and will continue to do so. However, of the spring thereby seriously in cases of prosecution, it is some­ diminishing the flow in the creek. times difficult to prove in court that Secondly, in many areas adjacent proper notice has been given. Publi­ to watercourses, the aquifers from cation of a notice in a newspaper, or which water is· extracted by bores are newspapers, will put the issue beyond prior river courses or are directly doubt. connected to and fed by the flow in Clause 6 of the Bill permits condi­ the watercourse. Indirectly, and tions in a new licence to depart from sometimes directly, the extrac­ those notified to the Minister of tion of water from a bore in these Mines if the test capability of the circumstances results in an equiva­ bore is not consistent with the condi­ lent diminution of the flow in a tions originally imposed. stream. Authorized diverters under As the Act no.w stands, when an the Water Act may thus be deprived applicant desires to construct a new of their entitlement to the available bore he must first obtain a construc­ surface waters. tion permit from the IVlinister of Th~ amendment now proposed in Mines. Before. the permit is issued his clause 4 of the Bill will allow the application is referred to the com­ commission to take into its considera­ mission which is required to notify tion of new applications for ground­ the said Minister of the conditions water licences, the adverse effects on it would attach to a licence in res­ the entitlement of other persons pect of the proposed bore. If con­ under the \Vater Act or any other struction proceeds the commission is bound on application to issue a Act and also. the volumes of water to licence with conditions no less which the applicant is entitled from favourable than those originally sources other than the proposed notified. Cases arise, however, where bore. The amendment will not apply pump tests carried out on the bore to a groundwater licence once it has prior to the issue of the licence indi­ been issued. The existing right of cate that the yield is less than ex­ appeal will also apply to any applic­ pected, and less than the yield ant for a new licence where the com­ allowed for in the commission's mission has either refused the licence original notification of proposed con­ or attached restrictive conditions to ditions. In such cases it is pointless its issue. to adhere to the original notification. The Ron. F. J. Granter. Groundwater (Amendment) [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Bill. 211

One further amendment designed amendment resulting from the Well to rectify a weakness in the adminis­ Drillers Association changing its tration of groundwater licences is name to the Victorian Branch of the proposed in clause 7 of the Bill. The National Water Well Association of Groundwater Act presently provides Australia. The second amendment, for the cancellation or revocation of contained in clause 3 of the Bill, licences but does not provide for allows drillers' licences issued in amendment of licences except collec­ other Australian States and Terri­ tively in declared groundwater con­ tories to be recognized. I commend servation areas. Licences contain a the Bill to the House. standard condition that the licensee shall achieve full development On the motion of the Hon. A. W. allowed by the licence within four Knight, for the Hon. J. M. TRIPO­ years. Where the licensee fails to VICH (Doutta Galla Province), the achieve such development, it may be debate was adjourned. desirable for his entitlement to be It was ordered that the debate be reduced to avoid the locking-up of a adjourned until Tuesday, September usable resource that could be re­ 24. allocated to other users. However, the Act does not at present permit NEWMARKET SHEEP SALES BILL. amendment of a licence where condi­ tions are contravened; it permits only The debate (adjourned from Sep­ the revocation of the whole licence. tember 10) on the motion of the The amendment now proposed pro­ Hon. A. J. Hunt (Minister for Local vides that the commission may vary Government) for the second reading a licence after four years, in accord­ of this Bill was resumed. ance with the development achieved The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ to that time by the licensee, where bourne Province) : I am sometimes the development is less than that re­ amazed when subjects concerning quired by the conditions of the decentralization arise, because I can licence. never get in touch with the Minister for State Development and Decen­ A similar provision is incorporated tralization. I realize that the honorable in all diversion authorities issued gentleman is a busy man with a busy under the Water Act, but there is Ministry, but I delight in seeing his this significant difference: the pro­ face attentive to what I am speaking posed amendment to the Ground.. about, and look forward to the conse­ water Act will give groundwater quent verbal ripostes which not only users a right of appeal to the add to the debate but at times inform Groundwater Appeal Board if they me a little as the debate progresses. are aggrieved by any proposed The Minister may be at the photo­ variation of the licence. grapher's having another snapshot taken for publicity purposes. However, the commission's prac­ tice in the case of surface water The measure will replace the New­ users is to discuss the matter with market Sheep Sales Act 1958, and the landholder concerned and, if he with the exception of one sub-clause has sound reasons for failing to the Labor Party sees no reason to achieve the required development, he object to it. The Bill is supported is given an extension of time to do by a number of organizations, not so. This practice will also be followed only of producers but also of pro­ in the case of groundwater users. cessors and those who buy and sell · stock at Newmarket. I cannot under­ Two further machinery amend­ stand why there should be a build­ ments have been included in the Bill, up of sales at Newmarket when the both of which were requested by the spirit of today in Victoria is aimed Mines Department. The first, con­ towards decentralization. The sale­ tained in clause 2 of the Bill, is an yards at many places in Victoria can 212 Newmarket Sheep [COUNCIL.] Sales Bill.

be developed considerably. I am surely forgotten in the sale of sheep. sure the Country Party would sup­ A proposition has been put forward port that proposition. that sheep be sold four days a week The Labor Party believes there apart from the cattle sales. The rail­ should be a major move by the Gov­ ways do not have any right to cart ernment to ease the pressure at New­ sheep. My party agrees with that. market and to increase the volume I notice the shadow and the omni­ of sheep and cattle sales at desig­ potent presence of Mr. Grimwade, nated country centres. I understand the Minister of Water Supply and the that the object of the deliberations of member for Bendigo from another the Meat Industry Committee was place. A special deputation was not only to ascertain where these arranged in an effort to apply pres­ sales centres should be located, but sure on the Minister to protect sheep also to try to impress on the Gov­ sales at Bendigo on Mondays, but ernment that the upgrading of the what about protecting sales in other centres would result in more effici­ parts of the State? ency and greater returns for the Melbourne is a unique capital city producer. In minor sale-yards there iry. Australia because it is centrally is usually plenty of mud in winter, situated and contains many killing and this can affect the price of sheep facilities in its immediate area and and cattle-particularly sheep, whose surroundings. That does not excuse sales potential is more visibly affected the fact that at Ballarat there is the than that of cattle. Co-operative Farmers and Graziers It is not good enough for the Gov­ Direct Meat Supply Ltd., which ernment to speak on the one hand took over the Victorian Inland Meat about what it is doing to encourage Authority-! hope it will be success­ decentralization throughout Vic­ ful. It is regrettable that the autho­ toria-and I am glad to note that the rity had to go, but we wish the new Minister for State Development and owners well. Sheep sales in Ballarat Decentralization has now entered the or elsewhere in that area could be Chamber-and on the other hand to held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurs­ do little about it in certain direc­ day or perhaps Friday, and should tions. A unique opportunity exists be protected. These matters are to upgrade immediately, with a small important to Victoria because they outlay, the key centres throughout provide business for local stock Victoria with the object of syndicat­ and station agents and generate ing cattle sales throughout the employment. In Melbourne plenty country areas of the State. of business for the big stock and station agents is going through The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: You Newmarket at the moment. I could not sell them if you had a wonder what is at the bottom of this. yard to put them in now. I should like the Minister to clear The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Mr. up this matter. The sooner it is dis­ Swinburne has just made the pro­ cussed in the House, the better. found observation that the sheep Clause 4 (I) provides- could not be sold even if one had a Subject to sub-sections (2) and (3) sheep cattle-yard in which to put them. I shall not be sold at the Newmarket sale­ remind him that this Bill concerns yards on any day other than a Tuesday, sheep sales, so the honorable mem­ a Wednesday, a Thursday or a Friday. ber is literally bleating in the wrong The Labor Party suggests that that direction. sub-clause be deleted. The Labor Party is not happy about The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond the situation. It has received repre­ Garrett): Is Mr. Elliot foreshadowing sentations from concerned munici­ a suggested amendment? palities and shires, whose representa­ The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: . No, Mr. tives say that if Newmarket is further President. If the Government does developed they will be slowly but not accede to our request to delete Newmarket Sheep [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Sales Bill. 213 sub-clause ( 1) from clause 4--it Council, the Bendigo City Council,. may be better if I propose an amend­ the Associated Stock and Station ment-as a protest the Labor Party Agents of Bendigo, and Mr. Kennedy, will vote against that clause in Com­ a journalist on the Stock a.nd' Land mittee. newspaper. After deliberation, the The PRESIDENT: 'It would be committee submitted a number of better to move an amendment in the recommendations, which were . out­ Committee stage. lined by the Minister in his remarks. The principal recommendation was The Han. D. G. ELLIOT: I shall that the provisions restricting sheep leave that matter to the Clerk of sales to Tuesdays and Thursdays the House. I understand that I can should be amended to permit them move an appropriate amendment. to be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Consequently, I shall move for the Thursdays and Fridays. deletion of clause 4 (1). The Minister also indicated that I could canvass the component because sheep sales are held there parts of the remainder of the Bill and on Monday, Bendigo would not be make some comments about them, affected by this recommendation. Five but that would be wasting the time further recommendations are outlined, of the House. My party concurs with and I do not place on them the same the measure, and the sooner it is importance as I do on the first recom­ implemented, the better. The sheep mendation. I shall not take the time sales that may be held in the regional of the House by going through them centres of Victoria should be pro­ in detail. My party accepts that the tected now more than ever. That is recommendations of the Parlia­ why we object to clause 4 ( 1) . mentary committee were sound, and The Hon. S. R. McDONALD will therefore support the Bill. (Northern Province): When the Mr. Elliot raised one or two other Minister for Local Government ex­ issues on which I should comment. plained this measure, he mentioned He mentioned the development of that on an earlier occasion the pro­ large regional selling c.entres in the posal to repeal the Newmarket country areas of Victoria. At present Sheep Sales Act had met with some the Meat Industry Committee, of opposition. That is certainly true. which I am a member, is investigating The amending measure before the this subject, and it would not be House is a result of a reference by appropriate for me or any other mem­ the Minister for Local Government ber of the committee to refer to its to the Parliamentary Meat Industry deliberations. However, I emphasize Committee to recommend necessary for Mr. Elliot's information that the or desirable changes to the Act. committee is investigating the matter, Under the chairmanship of my col­ and for that reason I do not accept league, Mr. Gleeson, the comm~ttee his criticisms of the Government in investigated this reference. It rece1yed saying that this subject should have evidence from a number of organiza­ been provided for in the Bill. tions which are set out in app.endix A on page 9 of the report of the com­ Mr. Elliot also asked why Bendigo mittee which was presented to the should be protected in this way. No House on 28th November, 1973. It selling centre in Victoria other than also received .evidence from a num­ that at Bendigo tendered evidence ber of witnesses involved in the meat to the committee that its interests industry, including the Victorian would be affected by the change. Farmers Union, the Graziers Associa­ The committee accepted the evidence tion of Victoria, the Victorian Meat­ presented by representatives from works Association, the Associated Bendigo, although not in its entirety. Stock and Station Agents of Mel­ The argument put forward and evi­ bourne, the Victorian Stock Agents dence given were strong enough to Association, the Melbourne City justify this recommendation of the 214 Newmarket Sheep [COUNCIL.] Sales Bill.

committee. A great deal could be I am surprised that the Labor said about Newmarket and its future Party has indicated its opposition to in the meat trade, but the debate on clause 4 (1) because this is com~ this Bill is not the appropriate time pletely the reverse of the attitude it to discuss those matters. took some time ago. I do not know why the Labor Party has changed its When the debate began, one of the mind, particularly in view of the more outspoken members represent­ reasons put forward which really do ing Bendigo was absent, and I was not bear close inspection. After all, hoping the Bill might have been this clause states that sheep 1nay be passed before he arrived in the sold at Newmarket sale-yards on House. However, the honorable Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays member is now in the Chamber and and Fridays; it does not mention no doubt noteworthy contributions Bendigo. It is known that Bendigo will be made to the debate by the sale-yards sell on a Monday and it is members representing the Bendigo assumed that this clause therefore Province. gives the exclusive right to Bendigo With those remarks I indicate that to sell sheep on that day.. The clause my party accepts the Parliamentary does not provide that; it simply states committee's recommendations which that Newmarket can sell only on the are embodied in the Bill. other week days. The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE One must also take cognizance of (Bendigo Province): This is an in­ the recommendations of the com­ teresting little Bill which will mean a mittee which put forward the changes great deal to all those who have to contained in this Bill. An all-party sell livestock in Victoria and committee made these recommenda­ perhaps in the Riverina area. tions. It will enable Newmarket to function The Hon. A. J. HUNT: Unani­ much more efficiently, and that reason mously. alone makes it valuable. The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: That It is also an important Bill because is so. The recommendations should it raises the question of regional be endorsed in this way. selling centres. Although I do not The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: Would wish to canvass this point to any an increased number of market days extent, this matter has been at Newmarket mean an increase in prominent in the country press and the volume of sales at Bendigo? there is tremendous support for the The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: An development and encouragement of increased number of selling days at regional selling centres. I read with Newmarket will ease the congestion interest a statement by the Loddon­ problem there. I consider that Campaspe regional authority which Bendigo will still have good ·sales was published in the Bendigo irrespective of what happens at Advertiser and which it made to a Newmarket. In fact, as Bendigo sells committee that is inquiring into this on the first day of the week perhaps matter. It is undoubted that regional it is the market indicator for sheep selling centres are here to stay; they sales. Although many people tend are important. If one takes Bendigo to say that Newmarket sales are the as an example it is a major livestock indicator, in fact Newmarket sells after Bendigo and if there is a change selling centre which sells more than in the value of livestock, particularly 1 million sheep annually and about sheep, it will be noticeable on Monday 150,000 head of cattle. It is and perhaps carried on to Newmarket. important that it should receive some The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: We do not consideration when other centres are object to sales at Bendigo; we should being allowed to sell. like them to increase. Newmarket Sheep [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Sales Bill. 215

The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: I am upon producers by stock and station_ pleased that Mr. Elliot will support agents and by buyers restricting at­ Bendigo. The honorable member tendance at sales. holds a dual position in that he will The Hon. B. P. DUNN: Are you vote against clause 4 which will saying that the auction system is enable Bendigo to prosper but he also rigged? says that he will support Bendigo. The Hon. D. E. KENT: Mr. Dunn The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: Yes, on is a young man, but I thought he principle; we want to protect other had more knowledge of what goes on. areas. Sales are frequently rigged. I am not The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: I talking particularly about the rigging should like to say a great deal more of prices but about pressure which about this small but important can be exerted by the non-attendance measure, and I wish it well. of buyers, for example. As Mr. Dunn is aware, if persons can obtain The Hon. D. E. KENT (Gippsland an additional 10 cents a head at Province): I support Mr. Elliot's Newmarket they will not support a remarks. I am surprised at Mr. market, in say, the town of Warrack­ Grimwade's parochial attitude. As a nabeal. member of this House he .has a responsibility to the rest of the One of the pressures that can be people of Victoria. With other brought about is to allow competing members of his party, he sheds sales at Newmarket. Many farmers crocodile tears for the rural com­ are competitive and free-enterprise munity, but like the Hamer Govern­ minded when it is profitable but are ment he supports this Bill, which is Socialistic when they want a handout a centralist move. from the Government. If they send stock 200 miles to Newmarket they The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: It is a are involved in considerably mare Socialist plot! expense, and if they travel to New­ The Hon. D. E. KENT: It is a market to see them sold and put a centralist, capitalist plot. Protection reserve on them they face additional is to be given to Bendigo, but no costs. It is not easy for a country support is to be given to other person to take his stock home from centres. The people are entitled to Newmarket, but it is much simpler expect support from their members for him to do so and to place a without having to make specific reserve price on his stock if they are claims on every issue. Every one sold at a relatively local market. By knows that pressures can be brought providing the opportunity for New­ to bear on the producers of stock by market to hold sales on four days a centralist organizations, by the large week the Bill makes it more difficult stock and station firms and by meat to establish regional centres and to processors who have shown their bring about the rationalization of strength by the threats which they sheep or fat stock selling throughout have made in the past to restrict the Victoria because of the pressures attendance of buyers at sales in which can be exerted. That is why particular areas. That is one members of the Labor Party consider reason why meat buyers are sup­ that it is opportune to oppose pO'rting the regionalization and ration­ clause 4. alization of selling centres through­ The Hon. S. E. GLEESON (South­ out the country. Western Province): I shall be as Members of the Labot Party are brief as possible. Mr. McDonald opposing this Bill not because of outlined the history of the inquiry any dramatic change that is likely to conducted by the Meat Industry take place in the near future but be­ Committee, so I shall not go over cause it allows pressure to be brought that ground, except to say that this Newmarket Sheep [COUNCIL.] Sales Bill. is the first report of that hard-work­ Firstly, if sales were held at New­ ing committee which has been ac­ market on Monday many stock cepted in its entirety. This Bill transports would be on the road purports to bring about changes on Sunday, which is the day for recommended by the committee. outings for the majority of Mel­ bourne motorists, and would only The committee was asked to ex­ add to the road traffic hazard. amine the situation and its members Secondly, the railways were not in­ were absolutely objective. This is terested in loading trucks for New­ not a Bendigo benefit, as has been market over the week-end; in fact, suggested. The point was that the they definitely opposed Monday sales. Newmarket Sheep Sales Act, together Thirdly, neither the agents nor, I with many other Acts passed some think, farmers were particularly time ago, had become outdated and interested in preparing stock on the situation had changed so con­ Sundays for transport, as they would siderably that it was well worth have to do for Monday sales. making necessary changes to enable the Newmarket sale-yards to operate Therefore, the committee decided sa.tisfactorily. not to include Monday in the list, although it can always be changed One of the main reasons for the later. If it can be shown that the change is that at Newmarket the meat trade needs sales to be held at number of cattle offering had in­ Newmarket on Mondays-the trade creased and the number of sheep did not tell the committee that it did had decreased-which does not really -the position can be changed. I do seem to be a good indication why not mean that it can be changed at the the Newmarket Sheep Sales Act whim of Parliament this evening. At should be amended. However, cattle present there is no representation were in such numbers that they could from anyone that Monday sales are not be accommodated in their proper essential-apart from one witness section so that the sheep yards were who did not put up a particularly good used for the sale of young and small case. On that basis the committee cattle. The result was that the yards made its recommendations. were not in a fit state to receive At no time did the committee let sheep for Thursday's sales. the question of regionalization or There were a number of other the advantages of sales in country reasons for change, including the fact areas outweigh other considerations that not many sheep come by rail; in the determination of suitable these days most of them come by Newmarket sale days. The com­ road. Also, the matters concerning mittee discussed the matter, but the Victorian Railways in the existing it does not really have any Bill were outdated. To cut a short relevance to the provisions con­ story even shorter, the committee tained in the Bill or those recom­ produced a report. If all the members mended by the committee and the of this House had read it, a lot of this necessary modifications of the Act debate would be unnecessary. As they that the committee advised. For this have not done so, I shall outline one reason the House should support the or two points about which there has Bill and not the amendment that has been some argument. been foreshadowed. The Hon. D. G. CROZIER (Western The reasons why the committee Province): I did not intend to parti­ suggested that Monday be not al­ cipate in this debate, but I find the lowed as a sale day at Newmarket temptation far too strong. I am sure were not particularly to do with Ben­ Mr. Gleeson's speech does not need digo, although the committee heard any explanation, but perhaps the evidence from Bendigo with interest. attitude of members of the Opposi­ There were two or three main tion does. I find it refreshing that at reasons, one of which was traffic. long last there is some advocacy for The Hon. S. E. Gleeson. Newmarket Sheep [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.) Sales Bill. 217 a decentralization policy among the argument was, shall I say, a little philosophical adherents of centralism. removed from the reality of the inten­ Having listened to Mr. Elliot pro­ tion of the Bill. pound his views with his customary The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Doutta strength and advocacy, I find this Galla Province) : I did not intend to most encouraging for the future enter the fray but as a member of philosophical enlightment of some of the Meat Industry Committee, I rise his party colleagues. I must reiterate to support previous speakers from that the question of regional selling the Labor Party. I appreciate that versus a central selling complex, as a member of the Meat Industry which is of interest not only to Committee, after listening to the primary producers but also to this evidence submitted on this question, Government and indeed to all mem­ I have already made a decision. bers of this Chamber, is only, at best, However, I wish to state my views obliquely relevant to this Act, as my and to support the Labor Party policy colleagues, Mr. McDonald and Mr. on this matter. Much discussion has Gleeson have pointed out. Also, as centred around clause 4 in connection Mr. McDonald said, the Meat with regionalization. I cannot see Industry Committee is currently in­ anything about regionalization in the vestigating the future of Newmarket Bill. and this is where such considerations are relevant. Members of the Labor Party object to clause 4 (1) which The time for a full-blown debate in provides that sheep shall not this Chamber and in the other place be sold at the -Newmarket sale-yards on this question would be ·when the on any day other than Tuesday, Wed­ Meat Industry Committee produces nesday, Thursday or Friday. It is its report on the matter. proposed to seek the deletion of sub­ clause (1) so that sheep sales can In regard to this simple Bill and occur at Newmarket only on Tues­ the straight forward recommenda­ day and Thursday. tions contained in the· report of the Meat Industry Committee, I consider I wanted to make clear my position that to criticize the recommendations as a member of the Labor Party, and suggest that the proposed and to support the previous speakers amendment to clause 4 ( 1) would from this side of the House. in effect strengthen the concept The motion was agreed to. of a central selling complex at the The Bill was read a second time expense of regional market is, to say and committed. the least, drawing a pretty long bow. Clauses 1 to 3 were agreed to. · The factors are these: The industry Clause 4 (Sheep (except store as represented by all the major sheep or stud sheep) not to be sold grower bodies which wished to give at Newmarket sale-yards except on evidence unanimously supported Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays the recommendations. The stock or Fridays). agents were not opposed to the recommendations and the committee The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ invited all interested parties, as all bourne Province): The Labor Party committees should do in these protests at the inclusion of clause 4 matters, to give their views. Finally, (1) and suggests that it should be as was pointed out, the recommenda­ omitted. tions of the Meat Industry Committee It has been explained to me that were unanimous. if the sub-clause is omitted, the whole substance of the Bill will be Whilst I have enjoyed the debate, virtually reversed, and I understand I find the opposition of members of that. However, I wish to make a the Labor Party a little surprising few points before a vote is taken and I thought the thrust of their on the clause. 218 Newmarket Sheep [COUNCIL.] Sales Bill.

Firstly, we wish Bendigo well was made on the conditions pertain­ for its Monday sheep sales and ing at Newmarket which are still a we hope they will be successful disgrace to Melbourne, but nothing for many years to. come. I say that has been done. The recommendations because we do not want any mis­ were ignored because it suited the quotations of the kind Mr. Grimwade Government to do so. is prone to make in the Bendigo Advertiser. If the honorable member A little earlier, honorable mem­ does that, I shall go to the Herald bers heard the Minister for Local and see that his misstatements are Government crowing like a clucky corrected because the Herald owns hen about the fact that the Govern­ the Bendigo Advertiser. ment had seen fit to acknowledge the protests of this "great" Meat Secondly, the Labor Party Industry Committee and had accepted makes no apologies for con­ its recommendations on sheep sale sidering that Tuesdays and Thurs­ days at Newmarket. All I can say is days are enough fqr sheep sales at that the honorable gentleman is bay­ Newmarket. Either Mr. Crozier or ing somewhat hypocritically. The Mr. Gleeson mentioned that the inten­ Labor Party oppo•ses the whole clause. tion of the Bill has received the sup­ I make it quite clear that the principle port of the Victorian Farmers Union involved is that of enhancing coun­ and the Graziers Association of Vic­ try selling centres rather than those toria and various bodies connected centres having continual competi­ with Newmarket. Members of the tion from sheep sales at Newmarket. Labor Party have received objections to the Bill from many municipalities It is generally recognized, even as and shires throughout Victoria. far as Deniliquin or Hay, that it costs more to send vealers o'r sheep The Hon. A. J. HuNT: Which ones? to Newmarket than to sell them locally. If this has to occur The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: I can pro­ it will add considerably to the costs vide the Minister for Local Govern­ to be deducted from gross returns. ment with a list, if he desires. How­ The Government should be enhancing ever, I do not have it with me at the potential of provincial selling cen­ present. tres. However, all that honorable The Hon. A. J. HUNT: I would like members can expect from die Gov­ it. ernment is its centralized ideals for a greater metropolitan Melbourne .. The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: The Min­ The Government is centralist in out­ ister will get it. Let us ask some look but in the sale of sheep the questions. How would Kyneton be Labor Party is for the producer and affected? Quite a few sheep are for decentralization. bred in the Kyneton area, right up as far as Castlemaine, and this Bill The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister could have an effect on them. for Local Government): The pro­ posal to omit clause 4 (I) is indeed As a matter of principle, members a curious one, bO'th as to its of the Labor Party consider that an genesis and its effects. In an investigation should be undertaken. earlier clause, the Committee The seven or eight-year-old Meat In­ agreed to repeal the Newmarket dustry Committee has been making Sheep Sales Act. The effect of delet­ suggestions to the Government but ing this sub-clause, which enables sheep sales to be held on Tuesday, this is the first time in the history of Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, the committee that the Government would be to leave the Newmarket has seen fit to heed its recommenda­ sale-yards at large and to enable sheep tions substantially. When I was a to be sold on any day. Where then member of the Meat Industry Com­ is the Labor Party's much vaunted mittee a unanimous recommendation concern for Bendigo? Newmarket Sheep (17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Sales Bill. 219

The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: The Minis­ factual comments. The committee ter is twisting words. and I definitely did not feel the number of sheep going through New­ The Hon. A. J. HUNT: I am ex­ market would be substantially plaining to the Committee the effects affected by the change of sale days. of the suggestion made by the So, as all other markets will be mini­ Labor Party. Of course, if one read mally affected there should be no the Bill another way, then strictly necessity for them to be suspended sub-clause {2) would become sub­ or altered. clause (1) and sheep sales at N ewmar~et would be confined only As the Minister for Local Govern­ to a public holiday when it fell on ment said, the main purpose of the a Monday or to another day in that Bill was to provide flexibility but not week in lieu of the public holiday. to favour any particular concept of changes to other markets or speci­ Every honorable member could fically to increase or decrease sense Mr. Eddy's embarrassment. Newmarket as a sale centre. It was I saw honorable members looking at not put forward at any time that this him and they could see how he felt. flexibility would result in large sales Mr. Eddy contributed greatly to the of sheep on any other days than at debates of the Meat Industry Com­ present occur. mittee and all members of that com­ mittee recognized the valuable part The Hon. S. R. McDONALD which he played in making the deci­ (Northern Province): Mr. Eddy and sion after hearing the evidence. Mr. Mr. Elliot put forward the proposi­ Eddy knew that with the busy cattle tion on some principle--I have not sales on Wednesdays, sheep would be quite worked out what it is-that coming into a market place which Tuesdays and Thursdays should be would be in a disgusting and deplor­ retained for the selling of sheep at able condition This situation had to Newmarket. The Minister and Mr. be remedied. That could be done Gleeson both mentioned that the only by granting flexibility on the change was first mooted because of days on which sheep could be sold. hygiene. It was the hygiene require­ No other stock market in Australia ments imposed by meat importing has a restriction on the days when countries which made the change .sheep can be sold. Mr. Eddy knew necessary. I stress that to Mr. Eddy that and he voted for a report which and Mr. Elliot. gave flexibility and which enabled decent, clean conditions which the Mr. Elliot referred to the earlier community demands, to be provided investigations of the Meat Industry for the sale of sheep. This is neces­ Committee into Newmarket and sary if Victoria is to maintain its meat assailed the Government for neglect­ supply contracts with the United ing its recommendations. I should States of America. have thought his memory would be good enough for him to recall that The Labor Party knows that this the committee's first report related to sub-clause is the crux of the Bill; it the abattoirs and not the sale-yards. was recommended unanimously by the Meat Industry Committee on a Most of this debate on the region­ non-party basis. For those reasons, alization and development of selling the Government will not accept the centres in the country is more or proposal to omit the sub-clause. less irrelevant. The matter is at present under review by the com­ The Hon. S. E. GLEESON (South­ mittee and I expect that a report Western Province): With due re­ will be submitted to Parliament gard to the remarks of a previous later this session. It is hoped the member of the Meat Industry Com­ Government will accept the commit­ ·mittee who, I feel, has fallen into evil tee's recommendations in full, as it ways, I should like to make a few has on this occasion. 220 Mildura Irrigation and Water [COUNCIL.]. Trusts (Amendment) Bill.

The Committee divided on the The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ clause (the Hon. G. J. Nicol in the Western Province) : This Bill fol­ chair)- lows a deputation in January this Ayes 25 year from the First Mildura Irriga­ Noes 9 tion Trust which was introduced to the Premier by the Minister of Water Supply and was accompanied by local Majority for the members of Parliament. Represen­ clause 16 tatives of the trust at the deputation AYES. were Commissioner Rawson, chair­ Mr. Byrne Mr. Hider Mr. Campbell Mr. Houghton man, Commissioner Fleming, Mr. Clarke Mr. Hunt deputy chairman, Commissioner Mes­ Mr. Crozier Mr. Jenkins senger, Mr. Sydney Nice, manager Mr. Dickie Mr. Long and secretary, and Mr. Krishna-Pillay, Mr. Dunn Mr. McDonald Mr. Fry Mr. Storey engineer. I thank the Minister Mr. Gleeson Mr. Swinburne for his gracious invitation for me to Mr. Granter Mr. Ward speak on the history of the proposal. Mr. Grimwade Mr. Wright Mr. Gross Tellers: The First Mildura Irrigation Trust Mr. HamiJtton Mr. Block is the statutory authority which sup­ Mr. Hauser Mr. Bradbury plies water to the dried fruits and NOES. citrus growers around MHdura, lrym­ Mr. Galbally Mr. Tripovich ple, the Mid area, and that part of Mr. Kent Mr. Walton Mr. Knight Tellers: the Merbein settlement which is not Mr. Thomas Mr. Eddy supplied by the State Rivers and Mr. Trayling Mr. Elliot Water Supply Commission. The trust is unique in that it is the only The Bill was reported to the House authority of its kind in Victoria. without amendment, and passed Most honorable members will be through its remaining stages. aware that the Chaffey brothers left The sitting was suspended at 6.39 California to establish an irrigation p.m. until 8.18 p.m. project in Australia and they chose Mildura because its warm climate MILDURA IRRIGATION AND was more suitable for the drying of WATER TRUSTS (AMENDMENT) fruit. Honorable members will appre­ BILL. ciate this when it is realized that at a The debate (adjourned from Sep­ lower latitude as far south as Swan tember I 0) on the motion of the Hill or even Robinvale, the fruit dries Hon. F. J. Granter (Minister of Water several weeks later. This is a vital Supply) for the second reading of this factor in the drying of fruit. Bill was resumed. It is also in close proximity to the The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ confluence of the Murray and Darling bourne Province) : The Bill proposes rivers which was important in the an amendment to the Act affecting the days when river boats were the First Mildura Irrigation Trust to alter only form of transport and Echuca the depreciation provisions so that was the third-largest port in Victoria. they will conform with the provisions Another important factor was that applying to irrigation districts under sufficient Crown lands were available the control of the State Rivers and to grant the Chaffey brothers 250,000 Water Supply Commission. acres on which to develop. My party sees nothing wrong with Work commenced in 1887 and set­ the proposal. I understand that it tlers came from all over the world. will make the depreciation provisions Water was pumped by a Chaffey­ less rigid than has been the case owned company known as the M'il­ under the existing scheme. This ap­ dura Irrigation Company. Settlers pears to be a beneficial Bill and we purchased land for about $40 offer no opposition to it. an acre and received water for some Mildura Irrigation and Water [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Trusts (Amendment) Bill. 221 years at 60 cents per acre per annum. only fair that the Mildura growers. Some settlers felt that water should should receive the same treatment in be provided free of charge. One can respect of capital expenditure. imagine the desperate financial situa­ In recent years, the trust has met tion that the State Rivers and Water all operating costs from revenue, Supply Commission would be in if including the provision of deprecia­ that were the case. The current rate tion based on the capital cost of the is $20 an acre which is half the origi­ water distribution and sub-surface nal purchase price in 1887. drainage works which had been The brothers struck many difficul­ completed. It may be of interest to ties with periods of low rivers and our accounting friends in the droughts-at one time it was possible Chamber that the depreciation rate to walk across the River Murray at allowed and charged by the First Mildura-and leaking channels. Yah­ Mildura Irrigation Trust is 1 per cent hies were the main reason; today they on channels and pipelines and 2! per are regarded as a delicacy. There cent on pumps and so on. The money was no rail link with Mildura until received from depreciation was 1903. There was also a prohibitive invested and the interest earned duty on the export of fruit into New credited to the reserve funds. South Wales and some growers were Recently, the trust has pursued a ingenious enough to take their fruit policy of replacing and renewing the across the river in rowing boats and original open channel system by dry it over there. replacing lateral channels with pipe­ The main factor which caused the lines and lining the large main failure of the scheme introduced by channels with concrete. the Chaffey brothers was that The Hon. 0. G. JENKINS: Where although they were skilled in many will you swim now? fields, they were not good financial The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT: I have managers; they had only a small discontinued the practice. Of course, working capital and went into liqui­ modern swimming pools are now dation in 1895. available in the district which 1neans that children of the settlers no longer From that time, water has been have to use the channels for that supplied to the settlers by the First purpose. Mildura Irrigation Trust which had an elected body of six members on In 1972, the trust placed before the board and every grower was a the Water Commission a proposal that shareholder. future replacement of main channels should be carried out by using large By 1949 the trust's distribution diameter pipes; with the increased works urgently required modernizing. labour costs, it was no longer The trust found it impossible to economically viable to line the finance the day-to-day operations and channels with concrete. This pro­ capital works as well. Deputations posal was approved by the Minister met various Ministers of Water and the State Rivers and Water Supply and in 1949, the then Minister Supply Commission and the con­ of Water Supply, M'r. Bolte, later Sir struction of the first section-the Henry Bolte, introduced a Bill making laying of 2 · 87 kilometres of 1500 future expenditure on irrigation capi­ millimetre pipeline-commenced in tal works a responsibility of the February, 1974. The total scheme State. The proposal was well re­ involves 39 · 62 kilometres at a cost ceived in the irrigation areas around of $2 ·5 million. With drainage Mildura. Prior to that, capital works works and lateral channels, the total had been financed from loan f.unds. cost will be $2 · 75 million. The new proposal placed the M'ildura The trust realized that the pro­ growers on the same basis as those posal would greatly benefit the at Merbein and Red Cliffs. It was irrigators of the district and the State 222 Mildura Irrigation and Water [COUNCIL.] Trusts (Amendment) Bill.

as a whole. It prepared a cost­ necessary, and so that there would benefit analysis to prove to the be no ill-effects on the local decen­ Minister and the commission the tralized industry which manufactures value of the proposal. The analysis the pipe. revealed that if the works were con­ structed over a period of five years The Minister and his officers, when the net return over 50 years would they were in the district recently, be 10 per cent per annum compound. saw those men in action, and I am sure they were most impressed with The trust would save money in the efficiency of the operation. If many ways. Saving would be it were possible they would do some­ effected because of reduced evapora­ thing about it, but unfortunately the tion and seepage losses which, Minister informed us on the spot whilst not as great as the 95 per cent that funds were not available for this indicated by the Premier when he work because of the situation cur­ opened the Millewa pipeline scheme, rently prevailing with regard to fin­ .are fairly substantial. There wou1d ance between the Commonwealth also be a saving in pumping costs. and the States. I should like to make Another saving would result from the a plea to the Minister that efforts be release of an additional 100 hectares made to obtain unemployment relief of land which is currently occupied funds to carry out this work, because or affected by the present channel the cost-benefit analysis is particu­ system. This area can be planted to larly good. At a 20 per cent infla­ produce crops. There will be a tion rate over the next two years, further saving to growers in the $200,000 would be saved on the pro­ amount of sub-surface drainage ject in doing pipelines B and C. run-off, and also in the reduction .of pipe sizes for head ditch pipe1ines. The Hon. H. M. HAMILTON: Make Another aspect is the aesthetic it 40 per cent now. improvement by the cleaning up of these areas, which will make them The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT: That more pleasant to the eye. would improve my figures. The clauses of the Bill are not controver­ The trust considered that because sial. Clause 2. which inserts pro­ of inflation and the need to carry out posed sections 9A and 9B, sets up the these works quickly, it was desirable First Mildura Irrigation District that the depreciation reserves of the Maintenance Equalization and Re­ trust should be placed on a similar newals Account and sets out the way basis to those of the State Rivers and funds can be invested and used for ·water Supply Commission districts, maintenance, renewal or replace­ such as at Red Cliffs and Merbein. ment of works. It also refers to the That was the reason for the transfer of funds from the. deprecia­ deputation to the Premier which, tion a·ccount for movable plant and .as I mentioned earlier, was intro­ machinery. Proposed sectiO'n 9A (3) duced by the Minister of Water refers to the type of investment that Supply. I am pleased to say may be made. I should like to men­ that the Premier and the Minister tion again to the Minister that con­ readily agreed to the proposal. sideration be given to investments Therefore, we seek this legislation. with approved building societies, 'I should mention that recently the although I realize that it is not pos­ trust placed before the Minister a sible to have a provision in the Bill :submission that more funds be made which differs in a pertinent way from available to carry out more work in that contained in the principal Act. this financial year; in other wo'rds, that a grant of $150,000 additional Proposed section 9B applies the to the $150,000 that has already been provision of ·the existing section 132, -allotted should be made available so relating to the depreciation account, that the retrenchment of the skilled to movable plant and machinery. :men doing this work would not be Clauses 3 and 4 allow the trust to The Hon. K. I. Wright. Mildura Irrigation and Water [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Trusts (Amendment) Bill. 223 make payment from rate revenue to the Minister and his officers, and the First Mildura Irrigation District the local Parliamentary members. I Maintenance Equalization and Re­ commend the Bill. newals Account. The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE Clause 5 ensures that section 132 (North-Eastern Province): I direct of the principal Act applies to the the attention of the House to clause 6 Mild~ra Urban Water Trust, which of the Bill. There seems to be some provides water to the urban district difficulty in relating this amendment of Mildura and is separate from the to the principal Act. I trust that First Mildura Irrigation Trust. Clause when this clause is reached in Com­ 6 corrects a previous drafting error. mittee, if the difficulty is not straight­ I should like publicly tQi commend ened out beforehand, the Minister the chairman, members and officers will report progress so that the of the trust for their responsible wording might be checked. If hon­ attitude in the administration of the orable members read the clause they First Mildura Irrigation Trust and will see that it has no application in providing water to the growers. whatsoever to section 170 (1) of They have offered to make a contri­ the principal Act, No. 6316 with bution to the capital works O'n irriga­ which the Bill deals. Honorable mem­ tion construction· projects and this is bers ought to be sure of this point a most generous offer. It is different before the clause is agreed to. from the arrangement that was made The motion was agreed to. with Sir Henry Bolte when he was the Minister. They have voluntarily The Bill was read a second time offered to do that in the interests of and committed. making progress in the provision of Clause 1 was agreed to. efficient economical irrigation in the area, and the means of achieving this Clause 2 (New sections inserted). is that this Bill allows the First The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister Mildura Irrigation Trust to utilize its of Water Supply): I thank Mr. annual depreciation provision and Trayling and Mr. Wright for taking interests on investments, which are part in this debate, and especially of the order of $500,000 at the Mr. Wright, who has a great deal of moment, to augment Government local knowledge of the activities of funds for capital works. The amount the First Mildura Irrigation Trust. He involved is approximately $30,000 a has told the House the history of this year. ancient and worthy trust, which I take this opportunity of thanking has done a terrific job in promoting the Minister and his officers, not only Mildura and which has also been of for introducing this measure, but great assistance to the growers in the for introducing other legislation that area. has come forward. Without doubt There is not much more I can say, the Minister has proved himself to because it has all been said by Mr. be hardworking, approachable, sin­ Wright. It is a pleasure to support a cere and vitally interested in irriga­ trust that is so considerate both to tion in the area. He has been Minis­ the administration of the State Rivers ter of Water Supply for a little over and Water Supply Commission and twelve months and in that time to myself, and one that has promoted he has made two visits to' Mildura itself well when it visits the com­ and district. On his last visit we mission. The trust always has a good had the opening of the Millewa pipe­ case and I hope my association with line scheme, which was an involved it will be a long and happy one. function, but the Minister also agreed to meet no less than eight deputations The clause was agreed to, as were and attended other functions. There clauses 3 to 5. is a first-class relationship between Clause 6 (Amendment of No. the First Mildura Irrigation Trust, 6316 s. 170). 224 Governor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE and the seconder of the motion, and (North-Eastern Province): On read­ add that we were proud to have our ing this Bill through I was intrigued new Governor here on the occasion with the wording of clause 6 which of the opening of Parliament and provides- wish him well during his term of In sub-section ( 1) of section 170 of the office. The official opening of principal Act for the expression " two Parliament is a rather significant hundred and fifty-one sub-section (3) of occasion. It is one of the rare occa­ section two hundred and fifty-one sections " there shall be substituted the expression sions in which the three components "sub-section (3) of section two hundred of Parliament are present-the and fifty-one sections two hundred and Crown, through Her Majesty's fifty-three". personal representative, the Governor, This clause does not seem to make the Legislative Council and the Legis­ sense when it is read in conjunction lative Assembly~ with section 132 of the copy of the principal Act at present in the In view of the presence of Chamber. I am having great difficulty all three components of Par­ in finding this sub-section (3) men­ liament, I consider that this is an tioned in the clause. If we are going opportune time to give a brief re­ to omit something we ought to find view of the Parliament and how it where it is before it is omitted and functions, and whether it is perform­ be sure that what is being put in has ing all those functions which it ought the same meaning. I suggest to the to perform. If one goes back into Minister that he report pro­ the very early days of history, gress so that the difficulty can be one finds that man was, as straightened out. He may have more Locke puts it, " in a state of information than I have. nature." By this he meant that he was not a member of an integrated The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister community; he was an individual of Water Supply): I thank Mr. responsible to nobody but himself and Swin'bume for directing this matter he had all the responsibilities of pro­ to my notice. It is typical of Mr. tecting himself, his property, and his Swinburne who, with his eagle eye, family against would-be aggressors. goes through Bills thoroughly. I am sure honorable members appre­ The general situation was that it was ciate the work he puts into Bills. the law of the strong. I accede to his request and suggest In view of all this, eventually men that progress be reported because got together into groups. They I have no explanation to give decided to unite in communities Mr. Swinburne. The clause does not for their safe, comfortable and read right to me and I should like to peaceable living together in the make inquiries about it. secure enjoyment of their properties Progress was reported. and greater security against outside aggression. The basic object of set­ GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. ting up governments of whatever form, and/ or Parliaments as many of ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. them subsequently developed into, The debate (adjourned from Sep­ was to protect their liberties, not to tember 11) on the motion of the Hon. enslave them. As Pliny once re­ D. G. Crozier (Western Province) marked, " If we have a prince, it is for the adoption of an Address-in­ in order that we may not have a Reply to the Governor's Speech was master". One of the great respon­ resumed. · sibilities of a Parliament, particularly The Hon. G. J. NICOL (Monash a democratic Parliament, is the Province) : I commence by associat­ protection of the rights and liberties ing myself with the expressions of of individuals. It is worth con­ loyalty to Her Majesty Queen sidering briefly some of these rights, Elizabeth II. expressed by the mover liberties and freedoms. Governor's Speech : [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 225

Firstly, there is the freedom of con­ whole of the Chamber joins in science. That is a matter internal to guaranteeing will be discussed. I do the individual. Secondly, there is the not think there is a member of this freedom of thought and feeling so that Chamber who would willingly and the individual may be permitted his freely sacrifice that right. This is one free, unfettered thoughts and his free, of the ways in which we get the inter­ unfettered fee.lings. Then there is the change of opinions, and in many freedom of opinion on all subjects, cases through this interchange of with no compulsion that these opin­ opinions we find that some of us ions must always agree or coincide. are prepared to change our line of We have the freedom to exercise thinking, believing that we have been individual tastes and pursuits; we thinking along the wrong lines. have the freedom of framing a plan of our own lives in the way best There is one form of minor tyranny suited to our individual characters. that is imposed on this House, and Then we have the freedom to combine that is the control by another place with other individuals into groups. of the funds made available or not Of course, this is the freedom to made available for the proper ex­ unite. penses and conduct of Select Com­ mittees. Within our jurisdiction we I believe all of these freedoms are do have funds to meet the expenses the essential desire of the great of Select Committees, but these ex­ majority of the peoples of the world. penses are limited to such matters as We can thank God that we are living stationery, the provision of a secre­ in a democracy where, up to date, tary and matters of that type. When most of those freedoms have been it comes to expenses for Select Com­ preserved. However, there is one mittees to travel, to move around, great danger. It is a tyranny that members of those committees are re­ is not often recognized and one that quired to meet the expenses out of is often too readily accepted. That their own pockets. There is possibly is the tyranny of the majority. There at present a sound reason why this is probably nothing more important should be so inasmuch as if members that this Parliament, that this House, of Select Committees, without special o·ught to do than protect the rights provision, were to accept reimburse­ of minorities. We hold opinions; we ment of their personal expenses they may be temporarily in a majority. might well be guilty of accepting an Although we are in a majority and we office of profit under the Crown hold certain opinions in common and thus endanger their positions. there is nothing on earth to say This is a matter which ought to that these opinions are inviolate receive early and earnest considera­ and are the only truths. At times I tion. If this House desires to estab­ fear that there may be some tendency lish a Select Committee the members to try to suppress the expression of of that committee are at the very least opinions contrary to those that we enti tied not to be out of pocket may hold. I submit that it is only by because of their service to this House permitting the freest interchange of and to the Select Committee. opinion that we can test whether our opinions are in fact truth. The Hon. A. J. HUNT: And to the State. There are a number of things which, at any rate so far as this The Hon. G. J. NICOL: That is so. House is concerned, we treasure tre­ This raises the whole question of mendously. In this Chamber we en­ committees. Honorable members may joy a freedom of expression much well give some thought to the whole greater than in most other Houses of of our committee system. Up to Parliament in this country. We enjoy date it has operated successfully and the right-I emphasize that it is a impartially. To the best of my know­ right and not a privilege-of introduc­ ledge-! have been a member of Par­ ing private members' Bills, which the liamentary committees-no decision 226 Governor's Speech : [CO UN CII. .. ] Address-in-Reply. of such a committee has been in­ The Ron. J. W. GALBALLY: Mr. fluenced by party politics. Members Nicol might consider that the two of committees, irrespective of the Select Committees we have had here party to which they belong, are there -on the Royal Botanic Gardens and to do an honest, imp·artial job of the Little Desert-were held in public. work, and I am quite certain they do it. The Hon. G. J. NICOL: Indeed they were. To the best of my know­ I wonder at times whether it is ledge, Select Committees are required not our tendency to proliferate these to sit in public except when they are committees to too great an extent. deli hera ting. There are at present eleven or twelve Parliamentary committees which are The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: Why occupying a tremendous amount of draw a distinction between them and the ti-me of members. Again, this the statutory committees that are leads me to mention the reports appointed? of committees which are submitted to The Hon. G. J. NICOL: Again, this House and to another place. I I understand that statutory commit­ sometimes .fear that too often the tees may conduct much of their reports are merely tabled. On proceedings in public other than occasions there have been motions actual deliberative proceedings. ·It is that reports of committees be con­ probably an unfortunate practice sidered at a later stage, but I some­ that has grown up whereby for this, times feel that we do not give suffi­ that or the other reason committees cient attention to a full discussion of tend to sit too much in camera. the reports of Parliamentary com­ mittees. To some people this may The Hon. A. J. HuNT: Some people seem rather time-wasting inasmuch are less inclined to give evidence in as one can obtain copies of reports public. and read them, but one does not get The Hon. G. J. NICOL: That is the same interchange of views and an argument, but even allowing that reactions on these reports as would some witnesses may be reluctant to be obtained if they were discussed give the fullest information in public, in the Chamber. it is within the power of the com­ Only too frequently these days an mittee to hear a witness in camera, ill-informed-! am being generous on request. I am advocating that so perhaps when I say "ill-informed"­ far as is possible, pr:_actical and press becomes far too critical of the reasonable, our committees should time occupied by the Parliament in consider conducting more of their actual siUing days. I believe a lot of proceedings in public than they do this criticism could be nullified if at present. more Parliamentary committees held There is another reason why more of their proceedings in public. people banded together to set up It is permissible for them to do this, Parliament as distinct from having within limits, but I do not think it is chiefs. They discovered that a Par­ the general practice. If committees liamentary system offered greater gave more thought to conducting a protection to the people from poli­ substantial portion of their proceed­ tical tyranny. Certainly in most ings in public there might well be two Western democracies and in the effects-firstly, it would be seen that Westminster Parliamentary system a members of Parliament are indeed number of checks and balances sitting for quite lengthy periods on have been set up. We should ask committees; and secondly, the fact ourselves whether we ensure, as a that members of the public could Parliament and as a Legislative Coun­ attend the hearings might give the cil, that these checks and balances public a greater sense of participating operate as they are intended to oper­ in government. ate and as the people want them to The Hon. G. J. Nicol. Governor's Speech : [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 227 operate. Sometimes I fear that this Many people may not appreciate the may not altogether be so. That as­ significance of the expression " vice­ pect of our functioning should be roy ". There is a vast difference be­ examined with extreme care. If it is tween a Governor-General and a considered that the system is not . The Viceroy, while repre­ operating, efforts should be made to senting the Sovereign, is able to act ensure that it does. It rests entirely as he sees fit. The Governor-General with us. is directly responsible to Her Majesty for his actions. I am convinced that In addition to attacks from the term was used deliberately. It was press, other attacks on this Parlia­ a further indication of the dedicated ment are mounted from time to time. determination of the present Govern­ Some take the form of public criti­ ment in Canberra to do away with cism. Unfortunately, at times even all decentralized government and members within Parliament encour­ centralize all power in Canberra. age actions that are not in the best interests of the reputation of Parlia­ The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond ment or of Parliamentary democracy. Garrett) : Order! I cannot permit the It is no exaggeration, and it is prob­ honorable member to go too far in ably generally accepted today, that debating matters of a Federal nature. democracy as a system of govern­ I have always permitted honorable ment is under attack. I believe members to touch on Federal Parlia­ democracy and the freedom and ment in passing, but not to dwell rights of the individual are best pro­ on it. tected by a system of Parliamentary The Hon. G. J. NICOL: With the democracy that comes closest to greatest respect to you, Sir, I am not the people. That is, from the Federal proposing to discuss matters affecting sphere, through the State sphere to the Federal Government but to dis­ the local government sphere. Some­ cuss only matters which directly times I wonder whether we ourselves impinge on this Parliament. The im­ are inclined to put fetters on local pingement is that it is the declared government. If we do, it makes it intention of the present Federal much more difficult for us to object to Government to abolish State Parlia­ fetters being placed on us by another .ments and local government and to Government. set up in their place regional coun­ cils which will be answerable and . The Hon. P. D. BLOCK: Is the hon­ responsible only to the Federal Gov­ orable member saying " fetters " or ernment in Canberra. "feathers "? The Hon. 0. G. JENKINS: The hon­ The Hon. G. J. NICOL: That is a orable member has been saying· that relevant point because, firstly, the since 1957. Government in Canberra is putting The Hon. G. J. NICOL: It has now fetters on us, and secondly, it is happened. We, as a Victorian· Par­ plucking us of all our feathers. liament, were original parties to the The Governor-General addressed Constitution of the Commonwealth the official opening of a Constitutional of Australia. This Constitution is Convention last year and a vote of being bastardized-if I may use that thanks was moved to him by the expression-not by constitutional Prime Minister. It is interesting to means but by sheer financial power. quote the words of the Prime Min­ The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: That, ister, which I have extracted from the if I may say so unkindly, started official repo'rt of the proceedings of long before the Labor Government the convention. In one passage he was in office. said- The Hon. G. J. NICOL: I agree. There can be no person better qualified This has been a tendency of all to open and address this convention as Governments in Canberra for many scholar, statesman and Viceroy. years. 228 Governor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: Espe­ for the adoption of an Address-in­ cially since the second world war in Reply to the· Speech of His Excel­ the days of that great constitutional lency the Governor, moved so ably lawyer, Sir Robert Menzies, who has by Mr. Crozier, one of the members deplored it in the books he has since for Western Province, and seconded written but never did so as Prime by Mr. Long, one of the mem­ Minister. bers for Gippsland Province, I join with them in their expres­ The Hon. G. J. NICOL: If Mr. sions of loyalty to our most Galbally casts his mind back to the gracious Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth occasions on which I have spoken on II. Over many years honorable this subject, he may recaU ~my stric­ members have taken the opportunity tures on the then Federal Government of joining in this expression of loyalty were nearly as severe as they are on in the Address-in-Reply. I believe the present Government. there is no more important time than The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: No one the present as we face the future of could accuse Mr. Nicol of being in­ democracy, as ·Mr. Nicol has rightly consistent on this subject. outlined it, in this great country. The Hon. G. J. NICOL: The only The Hon. D. E. KENT: Is the hon­ difference is that it is the declared' orable member referring to Victoria intention and the overt action of or Australia? the present Federal Government to The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: It destroy this Parliament and all other does not matter which one it is called. State Parliaments. On previous occa­ We are part of the Commonwealth of sions I have introduced the Victorian Australia, which has carried on for flag to the 1House. Victorians should many years under Her Majesty and be more aware of the fact that we I am proud to be a member of it. have a flag, and that in the opinion I hope we shall long remain under it. of most people this flag represents the freedom and rights of the indivi­ I express my appreciation to the duals of Victoria. I believe we are Government for recommending to Her being forced into a situation whereby Majesty that Sir Henry Winneke one day in the near future, under this should be made Governor of the very flag, we may agree to secede State. Over the past 28 years I have from the Commonwealth. I give this watched Sir Henry's progress from warning, that if the system of demo­ being a member of the staff of the cratic Parliamentary government in Crown Law Department until he was Australia is to be preserved we may appointed Solicitor-General of the well find ourselves in a situation State in 1951. Then he became Chief where that flag will be heading the Justice and eventually attained the movement for secession from the high office of Governor of the State. Commonwealth, perhaps with the in­ Over those years he has shown aptitude in every position to which tention of reforming it. We will he has been appointed. This will certainly be forced into this situation stand him in good stead in his present if we value the principle of decen­ position. I am certain that Sir Henry tralized government and this Parlia­ and his good lady will lead the State ment in which we all serve. with great dignity and with much The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE advantage to the people of Victoria. (North-Eastern Province): Honor­ I thank the Governor's predeces­ sor, Sir Rohan Delacombe, and Lady able members have listened with great Delacombe for a job well done. This interest to Mr. Nicol. He has sounded noble pair extended many courtesies a note of warning, which he has to people throughout the State, and sounded on many previous occasions, their graciousness has always been and we should heed it. In acknowledged by young and old. On joining in the debate on the motion the many occasions when members Governor's Speech : [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 229 of my party were associated with of education, and this concerns them either in the city or in distant me greatly. Money does not parts of the State, they were always provide education; it provides the gracious to those whom they met. facilities with which people may be educated. In the present era many The Governor's Speech is a review academics are being educated, but of past happenings and a preview for not many people are receiving tech­ the future, and brings to mind many nical training and entering apprentice­ matters of importance. I do not in­ ships for trades which keep the world tend to cover the whole ambit of the moving. No matter how extensive Speech-many other speakers will academic education is, if there are take portions of it-but I have no plumbers, electricians, motor selected matters which I think are of mechanics and people working in significance. Once again, the Govern­ essential trades, the world will soon ment has announced, through the come to a standstill. More emphasis Governor's Speech, that education should be placed on these fields than will be given pride of place in the on spending money on the purely expenditure of State finances. academic fields. Before entering the Chamber this evening honorable members heard When one goes home on a week­ about the millions of dollars which end and the good lady says that will be ploughed into education by something has gone wrong with the the Federal Government and the plumbing installations in the home, amount to be spent on education by it is difficult to find somebody to the Victorian Government. One attend to the problem. Technical wonders where the desires of some people are becoming scarce. One is people will lead and what will be the not worried by the amount charged eventual cost of education in the by tradesmen, but at the difficulty great country of Australia. in obtaining their services when they are needed. If the hot-water service I am all in favour of education, has burst and water is flowing through probably because in my youth I did the house, the flow must be turned not have the opportunity to obtain off, and often the only way of over­ as much education as many other coming the problem is to go into the people did. I have always endeav­ street and turn off the tap. In many oured to see that people obtain as areas it is extremely difficult to have much education as they can. these rna tters corrected. One should The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE: Mr. think about who will be the techni­ Swinburne attended the university of cians in the next decades rather than life. That is more valuable than a who will be the intellectuals who will lot of education. provide all the knowledge which is necessary for the future. The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: Those who went through the tough The next important matter which times from 1922 to 1940 will always was raised in the Governor's remember that that was probably the Speech is inflation. In moving the best university anybody ever at­ motion for the adoption of an tended. Address-in-Reply to the Governor's Speech, Mr. Crozier made some com­ The Hon. S. R. MeDoN ALD: There ments. I listened attentively to him were some very distinguished gradu­ despite all the interjections he re­ ates. ceived, and to fortify myself I read The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: That his speech to find out what were his is so, and we did not have much answers to the problem. I failed to opportunity to obtain formal edu­ find any suggestion in Mr. Crozier's cation. One wonders at present remarks on how to combat the prob­ wbether young people are being lem we face. I do not set myself guided into the right channels up as the one who can fully answer 230 Governor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

the question, but inflation will not In the Governor's Speech appears be solved in Australia by bringing the following intriguing phrase-- down special budgets or imposing . . . the Government's initiatives in taxes on this and that. Inflation is promoting decentralization and restraining a world-wide problem and must be the growth of Melbourne has been ex- tackled on that basis or it will not tremely encouraging. · be overcome. Firstly, people must Surely the Government did not mean get back to work, and secondly, they this. I agree with the first portion of must earn what they are paid. the statement, and I give credit to the Minister for State Development Having gone through the hard and Decentralization and the Govern­ school of education from 1922 to ment for their efforts in promoting 1940, I know that it was only by the decentralization because they have work force going back to work that made a reasonable contribution. Not­ the problem was overcome at that withstanding the criticisms that may time, and this must be done again. be levelled at the publicity which the Those who are unemployed today are Minister receives about his photo~ victims of the system. I have every graphs, at least he is a trier. If I sympathy for them and I hope were as photogenic as the Minister, they will be able to return to I should be able to get my photo in work and not continue to receive the paper. I give full marks to the the dole. Minister for being a good trier and If Victoria could return to bringing about some progress. the position that obtained twelve Great strides were being made in months ago when unemployed people decentralization, but a severe jolt has could be hired by various depart­ been received over the past few ments or municipalities on the basis months. I hope this will soon be re­ of payment being made for work medied and that progress will be made carried out, full employment would again. The second part of the state­ again come about. I do not believe ment I quoted from the Governor's in giving handouts for nothing. The Speech uses the words- practice should be terminated at the . . . restraining the growth of Mel­ earliest possible moment. Social bourne has been extremely encouraging. services are p·rovided by the Com­ If somebody will drive me around monwealth Government to ensure Melbourne to see where some of this that people who are ill, injured or restraint has been applied, I shall be too old to work are catered for. pleased to come with him. I drive Hand-outs should not be given to around Melbourne and its 6utskirts able bodied persons who remain un­ on my way home or to other parts of the State, and am amazed at the employed for months on end and continual spread of the city. The have no intention of ever returning tipsters say that if it continues at the to work. This is degrading not only present rate, by the end of the to the country but also to the person century, or even before, Melbourne's who is the victim of the system. If population will have reached 5 million a man has work to do, he is always or 6 million people. I hope that happier and feels that he is a cog population is never reached and that in the machine and is making a · the Government will not strive to worth-while contribution to the com­ achieve it. munity. I trust there will be an early The Hon. A. J. HUNT: The Gov­ end to this practice. As has been ernment will certainly not strive to proved over the years, many improve­ reach that figure. ments can be made in country and The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: If city areas with the rewards which the Minister for Local Government come from engaging unemployed and for Planning would stop planning persons in useful occupations. satellite cities within a stone's throw The Hon. I. A. Swinburne. Governor's Speech: [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 231 of Melbourne, the growth might stop, When overseas recently I had the but if he continues to do so, nothing opportunity of seeing what has been can be done to stop the spread of taking place in Great Britain. Suc­ population. When I was first elected cessful efforts have been made there to Parliament, Dandenong was a and in Canada to add to country satellite city 22 miles from Melbourne towns instead of creating new satel­ and there was a huge gap of country­ lite towns. This principle is operat­ side between Dandenong and Caul­ ing to the best effect in the old coun­ field on which was practically tries. Unfortunately, the greatest nothing. It was a country shire in problem in England is to stop the those days, and I well remember growth of London. Large groups of going to that area when I was Min­ people and industries were shifted ister of Housing and interviewing into new satellite towns on the out­ the council regarding matters affect­ skirts of London. However, other ing the shire. Today Dandenong is people moved into the homes which right in the city, and the City of had been vacated and new homes Melbourne extends far beyond it and were also built. These people had no will continue to spread. Nothing that work and their complaints about lack has so far been done appears to be of work are reported ·every day in the able to stop it. press. Unless the expansion of Melbourne The Minister has nominated is stopped, the statement that appears Pakenham as a site for a satellite in the Governor's Speech is a mock­ town and it will not be long before ery. If the Minister for Planning one is established at Drouin, if would join with the Minister for State growth continues at the present rate. Development and Decentralization Satellite towns are planned on the and plan a few of our country towns other side of Melbourne towards and ho\V to shift industries there, a Gisborne, and at Melton. There are great contribution to decentralization satellite establishments at Werribee would be made. However, no suc­ and Laverton, on the outskirts .of cess will be achieved if satellite Melbourne, and before long these towns are built on the outskirts of will be joined up with Footscray. Melbourne. Nevertheless, the Minister has the audacity to suggest that he is restrict­ The next section of the Governor's ing growth. I cannot see this, and I Speech deals with tourism. The Min­ do not think the statement is factual ister for Tourism is making a because nothing the Government is contribution to State development by doing is aimed at restraining the endeavouring to promote the tourist growth of Melbourne. industry in Victoria as a decentralized industry. It has been one of the most While the Leader of the House is lucrative avenues by which some urging people to go to the country, country areas have been developed. the metropolitan area is growing What will happen in the next few rapidly. When the next series of years is problematical because at pre­ statistics is released, it will be seen sent many set-backs are taking place that Melbourne is growing twice as in country areas. The number of fast as the country. tourists from both our own State and other parts of the Commonwealth There will be no doubt in any­ might slacken off. In the past much body's mind about this matter. One has been made of the possibility that has only to fly over Melbourne to see we might be overrun by tourists ar­ ·what is happening to it. The state­ riving from overseas on jumbo jets. ment that the growth of Melbourne I have always thought that was a is being restrained can be described myth. Most overseas tourists fly into only as window dressing. The growth one city, jump on a bus, drive around of Melbourne must be restrained and the city, hop on a plane and go country towns must be developed. around the next city and do not see 232 Governor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

much of the country that they are The Hon. R. J. LONG: Why should visiting. The most remunerative he not pay something? area of tourism which we can de­ velop is that of our own citizens The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: A spending their annual holidays on State tax could be levied on every­ tours or trips around the country. body. Why should the Government levy a tax on the poor fellow who It concerns me that at present a has to travel to make his living? The recession is occurring in country next step would be a bed tax in a areas because of the mechanics of our private home because somebody there farming community-this is already may not be paying rates. This is the being reflected in the towns-and the wrong time to be talking about tax­ effect may be that people will not ing the tourist industry. travel as much as they did in the past. When it was decided to raise more I cross swords with the Minister on funds for Victorian hospitals, all sorts one point. The honorable gentleman of gambling devices were introduced talks about taxing the tourist indus­ and these have continued to operate. try at a time when we are trying to Half a million dollars a day go into get it off the ground. I feel this is the these funds from various sources in wrong time to introduce such a tax. the State. It might be said that the proprietor will pay the tax but the only person The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: Victoria who ever pays an increase is the does not have a casino. customer. The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: Where Tattersall sweeps, since the introduc­ would the money come from? tion of Tattslotto, have declined. There is probably an exhaustion point The Hon I. A. SWINBURNE: That at which funds can be found for the is a responsibility which I fully ac­ gambling devices which now operate. cept. I believe that if a tax is to be These were started for the purpose levied, it should not affect only one of adding to the funds available for section of the community but that hospitals in Victoria. It was proved everyone should share it. If one goes in the debate in this Chamber three overseas one finds that in the first or four years ago, when the gambling hotel there is a I 0 per cent charge on devices were introduced, that about a meal. If one buys an article in a 9 per cent of State finances were shop, there is a IO per cent charge being paid into hospitals. At present on that article and when the hotel the proportion is about 4 per cent. bill is paid, there is a I 0 per cent It may be said that 4 per cent of charge on that; the charge is levied today's Budget represents much more on everybody, everywhere-on every than 9 per cent of the State Budget section of the community. of some years ago, but a smaller per­ centage of our annual Budget is now If a survey was taken of major being allocated to hospitals. The hos­ towns one would find that 80 per cent pitals were financed from revenues of tourist accommodation is occupied obtained from the gambling devices every day of the week by commercial but the mat was pulled out from travellers or tradesmen carrying out under other sources of finance. special duties in the towns and that This will happen again if a tourist the other 20 per cent is occupied by fund is created. We will obtain the tourists. money for the Tourist Fund but the The Hon. R. J. LoNG: The com­ Treasury will not supply money for mercial traveller does not pay any other purposes. Much of the money rates in the town. which the Minister for Tourism has The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: I been using for the past couple of did not say that he pays rates in the years has come from Treasury town. finances. These funds will dry up. Governor's Speech: [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 233

The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON: It will The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: Both be an advantage. the Minister of Housing and the Min­ ister of Transport are making state­ The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: Years ments which do not line up with the ago when Tattersall's was introduced, implementation of programmes and honorable members were told that projects for the benefit of Victoria it would be an additional source of and which involve both Governments. revenue. However, the mat was pulled out and Tattersall's is the only I want to refer to the statements money that is provided in these fields made by Mr. Long who seconded the today. motion for the adoption of an Address-in-Reply to the Governor's The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON: It Speech. The honorable member must have gone to education. made some comments regarding an The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: The article in the Age of 1Oth September Minister would take the Tourist Fund which stated- and expend it on education, too. The Bush Fires Rob City of Water. Country Party is not so green that it I am pleased to hear a member on cannot see what is happening in the other side of the House request regard to the Budget of this State. greater support for the Forests Com­ Let the tax be paid by everyone; do mission to carry out its work in Vic­ not impose it on one section of the toria. For a long time the Minister community. Income tax is paid ac­ and I have been advocating that cording to the earning capacity of something be done in this matter. I each person. Today sectional taxes thank Mr. Long for joining us; we are being introduced with which I will give the honorable p1ember all do not agree. If taxes are to be im­ the support he needs. posed, they should be ones to which most people make a contribution, ac­ The Hon. R. J. LONG: Do you cording to what they spend. If one promise not to interject next time I wants to spend a lot of money on speak? trips, one should pay more to do so, but in every-day life some contribu­ The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: I do tion should be made towards the not think I interjected, except to tourist tax. These are the things the support the honorable member. In House ought to be looking at. order to preserve the catchment areas for the next decade, we will have to The next statement in the Gover­ start to do some forest husbandry. nor's Speech was that the Govern­ In a press article the Melbourne and ment was having great co-operation Metropolitan Board of Works stated with the Federal Government. I do that there were too many trees to the not intend to debate this. The acre and that this was causing less Minister. of Housing and the ·Minister run-off. But what will happen when of Transport could supply the answer those trees reach maturity? The to that statement. catchment areas will probably get The Hon. R. J. LONG: "In certain less water. If one drives through fields", was the quotation. Healesville, past the Maroondah dam and up the Black Spur, one finds The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: I that the Melbourne and Metropolitan quote-- Board of Works has planted large The Government has co-operated with areas of trees which are a contribut­ the Federal Government to the full in the ing factor to the very problem development and implementation of pro­ grammes and projects involving both the board is now decrying. Governments which are for the benefit of If one looks at the forest plantations, Victorians. one wonders how the Board of The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE: That is Works is to overcome the difficulty only one-way co-operation. it is creating in that forest. 234 Governor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

!he Hon. ~· W. KNIGHT: It might I do not know how one gets the ut1hze the timber, a policy which it message to the Melbourne and has opposed for a long time. Metropolitan Board of Works, that it The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: I is creating its own problem. I will come to that in a moment. It is do not like to enter into a newspaper easy to say that because of bush fires controversy but when I read the art­ 400 trees or some other fanciful icle about the problems of the Board figure grow to the acre. However, of Works because of the number of the Board of Works planted many of trees in its water catchment areas, I the trees so the problem is of its own felt inclined to sit down and write a making. reply. Whether the paper would have printed it is another matter. I The forest is now too thick and believe the Board of W arks should the trees are drinking water which be taking positive action. The longer otherwise could flow into the dam. it takes to act, the greater will be The Board of Works will have to the problems confronting the board learn the hard way. Irrespective of with its water catchment areas. If whether honorable members call it the board acts now, its areas will be multi-purpose usage or good hus­ similar to areas under the control of bandry, it is obvious with all these the Forests Commission where be­ forest areas, whether catchment cause of good husbandry an adequate areas of the Board of Works supply of water has been made avail­ the State Rivers and Water Supply able. Commission or water trusts that The Government is considering some action will have to be taken or vesting the responsibility for water there will not be enough water during supply in one authority. If this dry periods. is the ultimate result of its proposals, I hope it will look at some of the I agree with the remarks of Mr. problems to which I have referred. Long and the gentleman he quoted. I agree with Mr. Long that action A big proportion of the areas where should be taken to overcome the the 1939 fires occurred would be in problems. the mountain areas of the Great Dividing Range. Other areas have The Hon. R. J. LONG: The first step suffered because of fire. Those areas would be thinning. m~st be properly managed or they The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE: That will not make a contribution to the is the logical step. I live in the water supply systems in the future. Ovens Valley where there is a pine There is no better organization than forest in which the trees are thinned the Forests Commission to see that out gradually. The small trees are this management is put into effect. used for pulp. The next growth of trees are cut before they mature and Unless the Melbourne and Metro­ there remain only the mature trees politan Board of Works returns to the which have grown as a result of the principle of thinning its trees in previous thinning. Eventually the these large areas, it will face a major forest is completely cleared and the problem because the trees will grow process starts again. and completely close the forest for This policy does not appear to be a long time. There will not be the adopted by those in control of the normal regrowth which occurs in a water catchment areas of· the Mel­ forest where proper husbandry has bourne and Metropolitan Board of been practised. Whether there is to Works, The board believes it is all be a multi-purpose use or just normal right to grow trees as close as they husbandry by the Forests Commis­ are on the Black Spur mountain. sion, these are decisions to be made Every time I drive up the hill I by the Government. shudder to contemplate what will be Governor's Speech : [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Address-in-Reply. 235 the result when in twenty years' will realize that house construction time the trees will be nearly has fallen at a fairly rapid rate, touching one another. When the especially over the past two or three trees mature they will be falling months. It will be found, as the cost over on top of one another and will of housing moves outside the ambit become a dangerous fire hazard. of people to provide their own Unless the Government does some­ homes, that there will be a greater thing about the water catchment demand for State housing. That is the areas of the Melbourne watershed, logical sequel to this type of process. they will become one of the worst fire hazards in the State. Victoria could I am pleased that the Minister of encounter another disastrous year Housing has now entered the like 1939. Chamber as I want to ask him a favour. We have heard many state­ The fact that there have been a ments from the Minister of Housing. number of wet summers may make the and his Federal counterpart concern­ authorities foolhardy. However, the ing the Commonwealth-State Hous­ day will come when a fire hazard will ing Agreement, under which the exist and when that occurs those finance for State housing is pro­ areas will probably be the most vided. It is difficult to hazard a guess dangerous portions of our State as to the housing programme being forests. I hope action will be taken undertaken not only in Victoria but to prevent a repetition of the also throughout Australia. I invite bush fires in 1939. Those of the Minister of Housing to make a us who had to fight the fires, Ministerial statement setting out the in temperatures up to 117 degrees programme for housing throughout Fahrenheit in the shade, could do nothing to control the fires because the State so that honorable members of the heat and the dryness of every­ will know what is proposed. The thing in the country. Ministerial statement should be similar to the statements the Minister Now that the matter has been brought into the open by Mr. Long, made last year. It could contain a I hope the Government will take factual statement setting out the action to induce the Board of Works programme of the Ministry of Hous­ to do something about protecting its ing in this State, and leaving out all forest areas. If it does so there will the political implications which may not be a recurrence of dangerous involve himself and the Federal fires. Minister for Housing. Honorable I regret that the Minister of members would then be in a position Housing is not in the Chamber at to know what programme was pro­ present but perhaps he is busily en­ posed for the construction of various gaged on something else. I hope the types of housing throughout the Minister in charge of the House will State. convey my remarks to his colleague because the housing facilities being I ask the Minister of Housing to provided -for elderly citizens are give consideration to my suggestion. causing concern throughout the If it is adopted honorable members State. Honorable members will agree might be able to refer to the position that because of the economic posi­ in the areas which they represent; tion in the past twelve months, home This would be in the interests of finance has been difficult to obtain many people who are wondering why and this, together with the increased there is a delay in the provision of interest rates, has slowed down the homes and what the programme is construction of homes. · Honor­ likely to be. Some houses seem to able members who receive the be constructed under the control of quarterly statistics issued by the the State Minister of Housing and Bureau of Census and Statistics some under the control of the 236 Governor's Speech : [COUNCIL.] Address-in-Reply.

Federal Minister for Housing. To me benefit will be gained and the this seems to be wrong. Honorable Government will be engaging in pub­ members would welcome information licity without any actual develop­ concerning current housing works ment or benefit for the people. and the future programme. I shall await the introduction of I noticed in the Speech of His the amending Bill, but hope it will pro­ Excellency that there is to be a vide for adequate recreational facili­ reconstruction or reorganization of ties for the people of the State and the National Parks Service. Some that people will travel from all over years ago national parks were under the Commonwealth to visit the the control of the Lands Department. national parks of Victoria. Although Later they were administered by the I have expressed my views on the National Parks Authority, under the Speech of His Excellency, I hope the Minister of State Development. Then Government will succeed in the the Government decided to establish implementation of its programme. I .a National Parks Service under the assure the Government that the Minister for State Development. Country Party will do its utmost to Responsibility was transferred to ensure that it is carried out in the best the Ministry for Conservation, and way possible and in the interests that is probably its correct position. of the people whom it represents. There have been about four changes If members of the Country of control in the past ten years and Party do not agree with some this is not in the best interests of the portions of the programme as National Parks Service. It has been they are presented to this House, suggested that there will be a com­ they will criticize them, but they will plete reorganization of the service support those parts of the Govern­ and that additional parks will be ment's programme which are to the established. benefit of the people of Victoria. My attention was drawn to an On the motion of the Hon. A. W. article in tonight's Herald which KNIGHT (Melbourne West Pro­ stated that Victoria has established vince) , the debate was adjourned. its 26th national park. I do not know It was ordered that the debate be how a new national park could be adjourned until the next day of established because all national parks meeting. must appear in a schedule to the Act. Perhaps the Government proposes to amend the National Parks Act. Hon­ MILDURA IRRIGATION AND orable members will have to await WATER TRUSTS (AMENDMENT) the introduction of enabling legisla­ BILL.· tion to find out what is proposed. The House went into Committee for the further consideration of this I realize that the National Parks Bill. Service must be updated. When this Discussion was resumed of clause occurs, I hope sufficient funds will 6 (Amendment of No. 6316 s. 170). be made available so that national parks can be developed for the use The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister of the people. It is of no use declar­ of Water Supply) : When the Com­ ing a national park unless it is made mittee was previously dealing with available to the people and properly this clause, Mr. Swinburne suggested serviced. Up to date sufficient fin­ that the copy of the statute ance has not been provided to service on the table, or the Bill, may some of the parks. Unless the fin­ not be correct. Apparently the ancial provisions are updated, no statute had not been amended. The Hon. I. A. Swinburne. Adjournment. [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 237

Research by the. Clerk and myself can be taken to overcome the present established that the section of the Act situation in the Geelong area. should read- · Today's issue of the Geelong Ad­ For the expression two hundred and vertiser contains a headline," Govern­ fifty-two there shall be substituted the expression sub-section (3) of two hundred ment tariff strikes again and ,another and fifty-one sections- 170 lose jobs in Gee long ". The and the Bill now has a consequential article indicates that the number of amendment including the words­ people · in the area who are un­ two hundred and fifty-one sections two employed and the number receiving hundred and fifty-three. unemployment benefits are practically I think Mr. Swinburne is now sa tis­ at record levels. This is of great tied that the amendment is correct. concern to the area and will signifi­ cantly affect plans for its develop­ The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE ment. (North-Eastern Province): I had some difficulty in lining up the I quote statistics which represent amendment with the Act. The copy human beings currently out of work on the table which I checked and which indicate a real social prob­ did not seem to be right and I lem. Normally, at the end of August, thought the position should be the number of unemployed in the area corrected. I am satisfied that the is of the order of 1,200 to 1,500. In amendment was carried at some 1969, it was 1,251 ; in 1970, 1,241 ; earlier time but did not appear in and, in 1971, 1,599. There have the statute. I am now happy with always been problems because of the the position. seasonal nature of employment in Geelong and unemployment figures The clause was agreed to. were always relatively high in May The Bill was reported to the House and June, and sometimes in July, but, without amendment, and passed by August, a turnabout would nor­ through its remaining stages. mally have occurred. Unfortunately, the number of people unemployed in ADJOURNMENT. the Geelong area is now 3,255. This UNEMPLOYMENT IN GEELONG- is more than double the number for FLOODING IN COROP AREA-FLOOD­ 1973, just one year ago. Another ING OF RIVER MURRAY. significant figure is the number of people receiving unemployment bene­ The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE fits at the end of August, 1,793, as (Minister for State Development and against the usual 500 or 600. So Decentralization): I move- there has been a 200 per cent That the House do now adjourn. increase. The Hon. 0. G. JENKINS (South­ In addition it is estimated that Western Province): I direct a matter about 400 or 500 people are receiving to the attention of the Minister for some form of special disability State Development and. Decentraliza­ benefits because they have been put tion. It concerns the development of out of work as a result of the Federal Geelong, which has been designated Government's tariff policy. Many as a growth centre by both the Com­ have no prospect of work in the near monwealth and State Governments. future. During recent weeks, a number of I seek the advice and assistance occurrences have severely impaired of the Minister for State Development that growth. and Decentralization. I ask him what I raise this matter with some negotiations he has had with the rele­ hesitation because when one speaks vant Federal Ministers during the past of unemployment in a particular area few weeks. A number of promises people come to the conclusion that have been made that a Federal task things are bad there and will be force would make an assessment in difficult to improve. ·But action the area. I understand that a task Session 1974.-10 238 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment. force attended an area in the north­ One has only to read the article in east of Victoria and produced a report tonight's Herald to underst~nd that of little use which had little practical the situation is serious. I know that result. the Minister will be in the area next This is a matter which concerns week but because of the article in this Parliament although we have today's paper I ask for some indica­ no control over many of the tion of the intention of the commis­ policies of the .federal Government. sion and the Government. I ask the Minister what action he The Hon. K. I. WRIGHf (North~· can take and what discussions he Western Province): I direct the at­ has had with Federal Ministers about tention of the Minister of Water overcoming this serious and unfor­ Supply to the disastrous floods mov­ tunate situation. ing down the River Murray. In the The Hon. S. R. McDONALD Sunraysia area the flood peak, (Northern Province): I refer to a which is expected on about 4th matter which is given some promi­ October, will be the highest since the nence in today's Herald. It concerns 1956 floods. It will be about 3 feet floods in part of the province I repre­ higher than the peak on 4th July this sent between the townships of Stan­ year and only 3 feet below that of hope and Corop. I know that the the 1956 flood. Great loss of property Minister of Water Supply will under­ is occurring and there has even been stand the problem because a similar loss of life. · situation arose last year and the pro­ cedure which I ask to be adopted was A number of undertakings have adopted then. been entered into to prevent these losses of property, both public and The area is unusual in that al­ private. In the Nangiloc area pro­ though it is flood prone it is not perty owners are building up levee served by any of the river systems. banks about 3 feet high along the It ils unique in that it is the only place Nangiloc-Colignan Road. The settle­ in Victoria where the Water Commis­ ment at Iraak has been isolated; the sion has the means of successfully flood waters are about to cut the disposing of the water by pumping it only road and the residents ask for into its channel system. For about some kind of pontoon bridge to be six years the commission has used provided to give access. the Corop lakes as an off -stream storage during certain periods and at In the Mildura area, the sewerage times of peak demand has pumped farm, the tennis courts, and the golf the water into the Waranga-Western links are being flooded. People are channel. building private levee banks. One group of people near the brick kilns I understand the reluctance of the find that it is costing them up to commission and the Government to $6,000 each to build levee banks to use the pumps in a flood situation protect their properties. This is hap­ when the Campaspe River and the pening in a number of areas. It has River ·Murray are subject to flooding. been stated by the Premier that when However, within the next month it a disaster of this nature costs the is conceivable that the irrigation season will commence and the com­ State Government more than $3 · 5 mission could then usefully use the million it is entitled to approach the water in this flood-prone area. Last Commonwealth Government for assis­ year the Government made a special tance. It is evident that this will be grant available for this purpose. It the case. cost about $3,000 a week to operate The officers of the Water Commis­ the pumps. I ask the Minister what progress has been made in following sion are vigilant and helpful and I the procedure which was carried out ask the Minister to ensure that in this last year in allocating special funds case they are even more so in order to the commission for this purpose. that all the facts and figures are Adjournment. [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 239 available, and that they do every­ have on industries and above all thing possible to relieve the difficul­ upon the centres which depended ties of .this heart-breaking situation. very much upon the employment in The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE those industries. (Minister for State Development and Over a period of twelve months, Decentralization) : With regard to a number of cases were put to various the matter raised by Mr. Jenkins, no Commonwealth Government depart­ one in this Chamber or anywhere ments. Indeed, in May this year, I had in Victoria, irrespective of his poli­ a meeting with a large section of the tical views or his occupation, is not textile industry. Other members of concerned with the economic prob­ Parliament, including Mr. Swinburne, lems facing Victoria and indeed Aus­ were also present. We had a public tralia. No one in tlie community discussion with Dr. Cairns and would be unconcerned about the pointed out that, unfortunately, many problems facing sections of Austra­ of the things that we had forecast lian industry, nor could anyone had come to reality. ignore the serious problems that have Over a period~ I had been asking been forced on the community in Dr. Cairns for a meeting and I had particular areas as a result of certain also made a similar request to other economic policies. Ministers for State Development. In Victoria is in a worse position than response to my requests, a meeting most States because of the particular was held with Dr. Cairns approxi­ industries that have been affected, mately two weeks ago. I went to such as the textile, clothing and shoe that meeting full of fight and anned industries and, to a lesser extent, with more than 30 letters and tele­ the motor ·car and electrical indus­ grams that had passed between my tries. Victoria employs more than department and Dr. Cairns and Mr. 50 per cent of the total Australian Uren, and indeed from the Premier work force in the textile industry and of Victoria. I also had a number approximately the same percentage of quotations by Mr. Whittam and in the shoe industry. Accordingly, Dr. Cairns that many of the fo're­ because those industries have been casts were political nonsense and adversely · affected, Victoria faces that no one would lose his job. After I had submitted what should be done some real problems. and I suppose I had been slightly My own department has a close critical-I think with some justifica­ association with industries and more tion-of the effects of the economic particularly with the 1,400 decen­ po•Itcies, in· fairness to Dr. Cairns tralized industries which are receiv­ who had with him Mr. Enderby, the ing financial assistance to a lesser or Minister for Manufacturing Industry, greater extent from the department. I should say that Dr. Cairns was man In some cases, the department is enough to admit that the policies lending money to them. Moreover, which had been adopted had certainly the department is associated with not achieved the results that they the municipal councils, which are expected and he agreed to give the financing those industries. co-operation that I had requested. I suppose it is not surprising that I had the full support of the other more than twelve months ago, when Ministers who were present. I had some of these economic policies were held discussions with the Ministers first adopted by the Commonwealth on what should be put to the Federal Government, such as revaluation, re­ Government. It was agreed that duction in tariffs and the abolition of there should be immediate consulta­ quotas, my department conducted a tions with representatives of all survey, following which strong re­ States. We recommended that we presentations were made to the Com­ should get together and examine monwealth Government pointing out centres ·where there was need for the effect that these actions would immediate action by the Government. 240 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

We put up a case that there should about some twelve months ago when be some immediate changes in the we first raised this matter, about tariff policies of the Federal Gov­ retraining, is all very well if the ernment and that a quota system retrained people have no jobs. In should be reintroduced straight away. those circumstances, such statements My requests were unanimously sup­ were meaningless. ported by all! Ministers, irrespective of their political views. This was I shall be having a meeting with not so much to protect industry be­ Mr. Uren when he returns from over­ cause, on the surveys tiiat had been seas next week. Again, I have made conducted with the help of unions, an ·assessment, through my depart­ O'n the whole Australian industry ment, of our projects in the hope was comparable with any in the that we will be able to ·assist" because, world. after all, Mr. Uren is the responsible Commonwealth 'Minister in this field. We were trying to protect the The major growth centres will be Australian living standards because Albury-Wodonga, and now Geelong. Australian industry cannot be. ex­ We hope to put submissions to the pected to compete with goo~ds from Federal Minister, particularly . in Asian countries where people work, regard to Geelong where there is a in some instances, for about $4. a high incidence of unemployment, on month and have never heard of a the sort ·of things that could be host of things that are part of our undertaken by both Governments. way of life. One does not need to be an economic genius in Canberra to I have also agreed with the other work out what the effect will be. Ministers to have a further confer­ What concerns me most is that ence with Dr. Cairns. The Minister obviously the economic theorists in for Local Government and I will also Canbe:rra had no idea of the effects have a meeting with Mr. Uren in of their policies. Again to the credit Geelong at which we will put the of Dr. Gairns and ·Mr. Enderby, we point of ·view of the people. of Geelong have had their officers in my depart­ and also of other areas that are most ment and holding discussions with affected. departments in other States and con­ jointly since :the ·meeting. We have I pledge the Victorian Government offered to give in confidence to the to co-operate with the Federal Co"mmonwealth Government a list of Government in some immediate industries that are p~repared to action. . If ever there was a need for develop in this State and have indica­ immediate and joint action, surely ted they are interested to move out that need is present today. The into the country in the hope that greatest problem facing us today is some conjoint action can be taken fear and it is necessary to try to in areas where there is real hard­ generate some economi·c confidence ship, such as those which are within the community and get back experiencing a high and frightening to the position that we . enjoyed incidence of unemployment. It is previously. It is a heavy blow to me necessary to obtain alternative em­ and to my department to see how, in ployment for these people·. the short term, the economic confi­ we also agreed to place before dence of this State can be destroyed. Dr. Cairns and Mr. Enderby the I have not had the opportunity of major. development projects in which listening to the Federal. Treasurer the State was involved in the hope introduce the Federal Budget, but I that the Commonwealth would join with us and again stimulate the certainly hope that Budget will help economy, particularly in areas of to generate economic confidence in need. Again unanimously, we put a the community. I will be playing my case that we did not want the dole, part and I pledge the co-operation of that the panacea that we were told the Government in any efforts to The Hon. Murray Byrne. Adjournment. [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] Adjournment. 241 generate development in the areas into the Campaspe River, which in concerned, particularly in the area tum would aggravate flooding at mentioned by Mr. Jenkins. Echuca. The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister The Hon. M. A. CLARKE: Could of Water . Supply): Mr. 1McDonald the water not be pumped into the referred to the article in the Herald Waranga channel? on the subject of the Corop lakes and The Hon. F. J. GRANTER: It Greens Lake in particular. The area would eventually flow into the Cam­ is well known to me as it is not very paspe River and still create problems far from my home. The water level at Echuca. in the lake deeply concerns the land­ The Hon. M. A. CLARKE: If they holders who are being inundated by are irrigating, the water could be water from Greens Lake. This prob­ pumped out to the western plains. lem has existed since last year. The The Hon. F. J. GRANTER: That years 1870 and 1956 were the two is so, but irrigators are not irrigating previous occasions on which Greens at the moment. There is also a prob­ Lake flooded land holdings. lem at Nhill where a number of houses The major problem is that the lake have been inundated in the township. has no outfall. The recent heavy Some residents have had to leave rainfall has aggravated the problem. their houses. There would be a case As Mr. McDonald said, it is a natural for the allocation of special funds flood basin and on occasions ·the State for both areas. I am not sure Rivers and Water Supply Commission where the ·water would be pumped has used water from the area during to at Nhill because there is no demand dry spells for the spring and autumn for irrigation water at the moment. irrigation season. It is a useful stor­ I give Mr. McDonald an undertaking age for this purpose. that when there is a demand for ir­ rigation water I will further discuss Last year, the commission pumped the position with the Water Commis­ water from the lake at a cost of sion and ascertain whether some $23,000, a rate of $1.20 an acre­ relief can be given. foot .. The water level could be I will certainly take the matter lowered considerably if further pump­ raised by Mr. Wright up with ing were undertaken but no funds the Water Commission and ask are available this year for the pur­ them to prepare for these floods pose. I have written to the Treasurer which will occur in Mildura requesting him to consider allocating and surrounding districts later funds for this purpose. this year. As was stated earlier The Country Roads Board is con­ in this House, I was in the Mildura cerned with flooding of the Midland area only a short time ago. The Highway and has offered $4,000 to salinity committee made an aeroplane the commission for pumping to lower available to Commissioner Little and the water level by 6 inches, which I myself. We were flown over the understand would clear the Midland area and saw a lot of water, and a Highway. The commission will con­ large area was already flooded. It was apparent this flooding could get sider this matter when the inflow has worse. I will certainly speak to the ceased. As Mr. McDonald knows, it Water Commission to ascertain is useless to pump out whilst water is whether some banking of the river still flowing into the lake. It has can be done by them if money is ob­ been raining in the district almost tained from the rural unemployment every second day and the expenditure relief scheme. This would be a good of money on pumping in these cir­ way of etnploying men in the area cumstances would be putting money who may be out of work. down the drain. A further problem The motion was agreed to. is that any pumped water would flow The House adjourned at 10.32 p.m. 242 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. week will indicate a steady flow of adver­ tisements for library and other additions INQUIRY INTO LOCAL at primary schools. · (b) No schools are involved in delays. GOVERNMENT. Following investigations by the ~ucation (Question No. 1) Department's task forces, briefs were sup­ plied to the Public Works Department as The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern they became available. The work of Province) asked the Minister for design and documentation, in many cases Local Government- by outside ·consultants, then commenced. Tenders are inv.ited as documents ·are com­ (a) What are the purposes of the inquiry pleted, and include not only libraries, but into local government proposed to be held other improvements such ·as art and crafts in 1975? rooms and staff-room improvements in many (b) What form will the inquiry take? cases. (c) Who will conduct the inquiry? (c) Yes-to be expended by 31st Decem­ ber, 1975. The Ron. A. J. HUNT (Minister (d) (i) $777,499 committed. $911,836 for Local Government) : The answer released for tender. is- (ii) $206,702 expended. Review of the structure and organization of local government was recommended by MUNICIPAL RECREATION the Voumard report. The Institute of Municipal Administration .and the Local OFFICERS. Government Engineers Association have (Question No. 4) jointly convened a seminar on that subject which will be held on 15th November next. The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern Determinations as to a further inquiry on Province) asked the Minister of the subject will be made following evalua­ Housing, for the Minister for Youth, tion of the material presented at the semin·ar. Sport and Recreation- ( a) How many municipal recreation I might add that the deferment was officers have been appointed under the at the request of the organizers of departmental $1 for $1 subsidy arrange­ the seminar. ment? (b) Which municipalities have made such appointments on a sole basis •and a PRIMARY SCHOOL LmRARIES. joint basis, respectively? (Question No. 3) (c) What is the annual salary of a muni­ The Hon. M.A. CLARKE (Northern cip~l recreation officer? Province) asked the Minister for The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister State Development and Decentraliza­ of Housing) : The answer supplied tion, for the Minister of Public by the Minister for Youth, Sport and' Works- Recreation is-- (a) What are the reasons for the delay (a) (i) Approval has been given for in calling tenders for 60 new primary school subsidies to seven municipalities. libraries? (ii) Appoin1tments have been made in· (b) Which schools are involved in this four of those municipalities. delay? (:iii) Applications for subsidies from the­ (c) Has the Minister of Public Works following municipalities ·are currently known since approximately March, 1974, receiving consideration- that the Commonwealth Government has City of Broadmeadows allo·cated $4·2 million for these libraries? City of Frankston (d) How much of this allocation-(i) has City of Moe been expended or committed; and (ii) City of Sunshine remains to be expended? (b) (i) No appointments have been· made on a joint basis-that is, where the· The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE appointment is shared by two or more· (Minister for State Development and municipalities. Decentralization): The answer sup­ (ii) Appointments on a sole basis have plied by the Minister of Public been made by :the following municipali­ ties- Works is- City of Caulfield ( a) There has been no delay in the City of Melbourne . calling of tenders for primary school lib­ City of Oakleigh raries. Reference to the tenders invited each City of Prahran Questions [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 243

(iii) Appointments are pending in the Most other States have some comparable cities of Dandenong, Doncaster and Tem­ publication, but the Victorian publication plestowe, ·and Springvale. has been claimed by such people as Mr. Basil Atkinson, General Manager of the (c) The salary of a municipal recreation Australian Tourist Commission, to be the officer is fixed by the municipality con­ best of its type in Australia. cerned. No salary scale has yet been estab­ lished for this position. The maximum It clearly reveals what is .happening subsidy av·ailable from my department is on the tourist front. $4,000 on a $1 for $1 basis. (b) So far as the detail of Travel News is concerned, there is no Ministerial direc­ "TRAVEL NEWS" PUBUCATION. tion or interference with editorial matter. (Question No. 5) Selection and publication of photographs to illustrate material are matters for edit­ The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ orial discretion. bourne Province) asked the Minister for Tourism- TOMATOES. ( a) Will he provide information on the circulation figures, costs of production, and (Question No. 6) despatch of the Ministry of Tourism publica­ The Hon. M.A. CLARKE (Northern tion Travel News? Province) asked the Minister for (b) Is it by Ministerial direction or edit­ Social Welfare, for the Minister of orial policy that each publication must con­ tain at least one photograph of the Minister.? Agriculture- In respect of the past five seasons-(i) The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE what acreage has been planted to tomatoes; (Minister for Tourism): The answer (ii) what has been the total yield of toma­ is- toes for processing; (iii) what has been the price paid by the processing companies per (•a) Travel News is a monthly publica­ 48-lb. case or its equivalent in kilograms; tion produced by the Ministry of Tourism (iv) what amount of tomato pulp or paste to inform news media representatives and has been imported from overseas for pro­ members of the tourist industry of current cessing? developments in tourism in Victoria. It has a limited circulation of 1,500 and· it is also The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON distnbuted to the Australian Government (Minister for Social Welfare) : The Trade Commissioners, to wholesale tour operators in New Zealand, and some in answer supplied by the Minister of America. Agriculture is rather statistical and, The average cost of production and post­ with the leave of the House, I should age during 1973-1974 was $650. like it incorporated in Hansard with­ The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: Do you out my reading it. mean $650 a copy? Leave was granted, and the answer The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE: Yes. was as follows-

(i) ~ii) (iii) (iv) Area (a) Production or processing Price Paste imports (b) ha tonne c/48-lb. case kg

1969-70 .. 2018 53,695 79c 557,510 1970-71 .. 2082 57,232 79c 484,342 1971-72 .. 2411 63,755 81c 364,259 1972-73 .. 2245 51,590 81c 60,962 1973-74 .. Not available Not available 95c 882,710 (c) $1.20 from 1st Feb., 1974

NOTES (a) These figures relate to the for 1973-74 was less than 60 per cent of the total area of tomatoes grown in Victoria for yield expected by processors. both processing and for the fresh market. (b) Paste imports refer to the whole of Area and :eroduction figures for 1973-74 Australia. Pulp imports were negligible. are not available. Department of Agri­ (c) Preliminary -paste import figures to culture estimates indicate that production the end of June, 1974. 244 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

CATANI GARDENS. make a ·recommendation 1to the Governor in Council immediately I have received •and (Question No. 7) . considered that report. The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ I have personally examined the file and bourne Province) asked the Minister have been ·greatly perturbed regarding the of Water Supply, for the Minister of manner in which the previous request was Lands- processed and have therefore written to the council accordingly. ( a) Has the Government given approval for the excision of a part of the Catani Gardens in St. Kilda for road-widening POLICE STATION FOR PRAHRAN. purposes; if so, when was such approval given; if not, does the Minister of Lands (Question No. 11) have an •application for approv·al pending? The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ (b) Is there any section of the Catani bourne Province) as:ked the Minister Gardens listed as a permanent reserve; if so, what is the locality and area of such for Local Government, for the Chief permanent reserve? Secretary- ( a) When was the original decision taken The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister to build a new. police station at Prahran? of Water Supply): The answer sup­ (b) How much money has been expended plied by the Minister of Lands is- on buying land for the new building, and (a) (i) No. when was this money expended? (ii) No firm proposal on the matter has (c) What is its present priority rating, yet been submitted. and when is site building work expected to start? · (b) The area known ·as Catani Gardens contains about 7·3 hectares (18 acres) and The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister is between Beaconsfield Parade and the fore­ for Local Government): The answer shore, west of a line approximately in line with tthe western side of Fitzroy Street. supplied by the Chief Secretary is This area is temporarily reserved under statistical and I ask permission to the Land Act for the recreation, conveni­ have it incorporated in Hansard. ence and amusement of the people. The area east of the gardens is permanently Leave was granted~ and the answer reserved for recreation purposes. was as follows- (a) 1963. ROAD PROJECT AT ST. KILDA. (b) $145,850-$62,000 expended in 1963* (Question No. 9) $83,850 expended in 1970 The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ *$31,000 contributed by Law Department. bourne Province) asked the Minister (c) The building of Prahran police for Local Government- station has been accorded a high priority, and, subject to the availability of finance, Has the St. Kilda City Council requested work is likely to commence in the 1975-76 him to give approval for ·an interim devel­ financial year. epmentt order to control development in the High Street area of St. Kilda pending decision on an amendment to the pl.anning UNEMPLOYMENT IN NORTHERN scheme submitted by the council; if so, when was the request made for the order, PROVINCE. and when might the council expect a reply (Question No. 12) to their request? The Hon. M.A. CLARKE (Northern The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister Province) asked the 1Minister for for Local Government): The answer State Development and Decentraliza­ is- tion- An earlier request was superseded by What are the present unemployment resolution of the council dated 19th August, figures in the various centres in the North­ 1974, making an interim development order, ern Province? which was on 21st August, 1974, received by the Town and Country Planning Board The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE for examination and report. As a result of (Minister for State Development and defects in documentation discovered by the board, the matter was referred back to Decentralization) : The answer 'is- the council which has promptly remedied The latest figures, issued to.day by the them. I am assured that the matter will be Commonwealth Department of Labour and dealt with by the board this week and a Immigration, show registered unemployment report made to me without delay. I will figures of 154 persons (103 males; 51 Questions [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 245 females) at Kerang, and 1,017 (570. males; ·hold in the Public Service, and for what 447 females) at Shepparton for the month period of time has each been a member of of August. . the board? A further breakdown showing the tin­ employment situation in other towns within (b) In respect of each of the past ten the region is not available. financial years, what was the total amount paid into the Superannuation Fund .by con­ tributors? SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES. (c) What was the value of the fund at (Question No. 14) 30th June, 1974? The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern (d) What amounts of the fund's assets Province) asked the Minister for are in cash, public debentures, Government State Development and Decentraliza­ commercial loans to contributors, and loans tion, fot the Minister of Education- to persons or organizations who are not (a) How much money has been expended contributors, respectively? on secondary school libraries in the past (e) What is the average interest rate three years? received from each classification in which (b) How much of this money has been the fund's assets are held? · provided by the Commonwealth Govern­ ment? (f) What are the terms and conditions (c) In view of the deferment of sixteen of housing and commercial loans, respec­ Commonwealth library projects, what addi­ tively, made tc;> contributors? tional funds have been requested from the (g) In respect of each of the past ten Commonwealth Government, and over what financial years, what loans have been made period? to persons or organizations outside the fund, The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE stating in each case-(i) the person or organization receiving the loan; ( ii) the (Minister for State Development and occupation or business activity of the bor­ Decentralization): The answer sup­ rower; (iii) the amount of the loan; (iv) plied ·by the Minister of Education the maximum term over which the loan has is- been taken; (v) the interest rate charged; ( a) and (b). (vi) any guarantee and/or security given in respect of repayment of the loan; and Expenditure (vii) the purpose for which the loan was 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 made?

$ . $ (h) Does the board invest any of the $ fund's assets in property or real estate; if Commonwealth funds .. 2,719,015 1,918,867 3,709,471 so--(i) what property or real estate has State-Library IP'antl 9,246 17,535 26,932 been purchased in each of the past ten 2,728,261 1,936,402 3,736,403 financial years; ( ii) what was the purchase price in each case; and (iii) what was the . selling price or the value of any .such Secondary school library buildings are financed from Commonwealth-States grants property or real estate at 31st December, funds. 1973; if not, why? (c) The Commonwealth Government has (i) What interest rate does the board been requested to approve the use of part pay on moneys paid into the fund where ·an of. the General Buildings Grants (Schedule officer resigns from the Public Se,rvice? 1) of the States Grants (Schools) Act 1973, to provide library facilities including the (j) Is the interest rate paid on moneys financing of the sixteen library projects at in the fund less than interest rates charged present deferred. on loans made by the fund; if so, for what purpose is this additional money used? STATE SUPERANNUATION FUND. The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and (Question No. 16) Decentralization): The answer sup­ The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH plied by the Treasurer to M:r. Tripo­ ('Doutta Gall~ Province) asked the vich's question involves six pages of Minister for State Development and detailed information. With the Decentralization, for the Treasurer­ approval of Mr. Tripovich and (a) Who are the members of the State Superannuation Board, what are their terms members of the House, I suggest that of offic~ what position (if any) does each it be incorporated in Hansard. 246 Questions [COUNCIL.] · on Notice.

Le(we was granted, and the answer was as follows- ( a) Victor Henry Arnold, F.I.A., A.AI.I., A.S.A., (Chairman and Actuary); Philip Alexander William Macpherson, A.A.S.A., (Government member); Edwin Charles Bone, (railways contributors' member); David Charles Fleming (other contributors' member). All members are appointed by the Govemor in Council for a term of five years or for the unexpired portion thereof in the case of an appointment to fill a casual vacancy. The current term expires on 23rd December, 1975. Messrs. Bone and Fleming are members elected by the respective groups which they represent. Annual allowances payable to members are­ Chairman: $1,000. Members: $600 each. Position (if any) held in the Public Service- V. H. Arnold-chairman, Motor Accidents Board (formerly Government Statist). P. A. W. Macpherson-Assistant Director of Finance, E. C. Bone-Railways officer and State President, Australian Railways Union, D. C. Fleming-systems analyst, E.D.P. Centre, Public SeiVice Board. Date of initial appointment as member- V. H. Arnold-30th July, 1954 (appointed Chairman on 24th December. 1965). ·P. A. W. Macpherson-18th May, 1971. · E. C. Bone-18th February, 1969. D. C. Fleming-24th December, 1970. (b) Contributions paid to fund-

Active units Reserve units Total

$ $ s 1963-64 5,914,942 19,628 5,934,510 1964-65 6,754,140 129,301 6,883,441 1965-66 7,270,050 156,029 7,426,079 1966-67 12,114,966 94,361 12,209,327 1967-68 12,889,111 85,762 12,974,873 1968-09 14,483,817 108,577 14,592,394 1969-70 16,690,970 130,442 16,821,412 1970-71 19,886,324 152,500 20,038,824 1971-72 22,787,459 449,718 23,237,177 1972-73 . 25,421,430 663,204 26,084,634

(c) Value of the fund at 2nd March, 1974- $236,411,734. (d) Analysis of fund's assets at 2nd March, 1974- $ Cash 8,502,012 Public debentures Nil Government securities Nil Semi-government securities 127,641,150 Housing loans 11,749,799 Commercial loans to contributors Nil Loans to persons or organizations who are not contributors (includ­ ing co-operative housing societies $144,296) 88,518,773 236,411,734 (e) Average interest rate from investments- $ Commonwealth Government and semi-government securities 6·11 ~approx.) Local government securities 5·47 approx.) Co-operative housing societies 3·875 approx.) Mortgage loans on property 8 · 5 approx.) Other loans 6·53 approx.) (f) Terms and conditions of loans­ Housing: (i') Security required-a first mortgage. (ii) Amount of loan-$10,000 or more. Questions [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 247

(iii) Loan not to exceed 90 per cent of approved property valuation in respect of established properties. Building loans have been temporarily sus­ pended-position to be reviewed in January, 1975. (iv) Purpose of loan-to finance the purchase or erection of a house to be occupied by the contributor. (v) Term-(1) Not exceeding 30 years. It can be generally accepted that the board will expect the loan to be repaid before the borrower's 65th birth­ day. {2) The loan will become repayable on resignation. (vi) Interest rate 11 per cent with review after each five-yearly period. (vii) Where the loan exceeds 70 per cent. of the value of the security lodged, one-half per cent of the amount of the loan will be payable by the borrower into the Mortgage Reserve Account as an insurance premium against loss by the board. (v.iii) Insuran·ce-the borrower will insure against fire, storm damage, etc. (ix) Life insurance-to protect the borrower's dependants the board insists on a life insurance policy, sufficient to cover the mortgage liability, being assigned to the board. (x) Fees and costs-the borrower will meet the valuation fees and legal COBts. (xi) Repayments-regular fortnightly payments of a fixed amount to cover principal and interest will be deducted from salary. (xii) Fortnightly repayments not to exceed 25 per cent of gross fortnightly salary. Commercial: (i) Security required-first mortgage. (ii) Amount of loan-not less than $60,000 nor more than $2 · 5 million. (iii) Loan not to exceed 55 per cent of approved valuation and not transferable if security is sold. (iv) Term-fixed loan for five years, interest only payable quarterly. (v) Rate of interest--currently 13·9 per cent per annum. (vi) One per cent of amount of loan allocated to Mortgage Reserve Account from interest payments over the period of the loan. (vii) Insurance-improvements to be fully insured against all insurable risks in the names of the mortgagor and the board. (viii) Fees and costs-to be met by the borrower. (g) It is not considered appropriate to rublish the particulars sought since it involves what is normally regarded as confidentia information by the business community. (h) Yes; (i) 35 Spring Street, Melbourne; (ii) $7·3 million; (iii) $7·3 million. (i) Nil other than on contributions to the Reserve Unit Account. (j) The actuarial calculation of contribution rates assumed that an interest rate of 3f per cent per annum would be eamed on investments. In general terms interest in excess of 3! per cent may be regarded as ·surplus unless the experience in regard to mortality and invalidity is unfavourable. Surplus in the fund is used to update 2/7ths of the total pension paid each year having regard to the changes in the consumer price index pursuant to Act No. 8523. The Consolidated Fund meets the balance of updating costs.

DREDGING OF KOROROIT CREEK. PRAHRAN HIGH SCHOOL. (Question No. 17) (Question No. 21) The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ The Hon. I. B. TRAYUNG (Mel­ bourne West Province) asked the bourne Province) asked the Minister Minister of Water Supply- for State Development and Decen­ Does the Melbourne and Metropolitan tralization, for the Minister of Board of Works propose to dredge that Education- section of Kororoit Creek west of Millers ( a) Has the Education Department Road; if so, when will such dredging take located ·a site f.or a new high school to place? relieve exisrt:ing accommodation problems at Prahran High School, .and to make provJ­ The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister sion for future needs in the area? of Water Supply): The answer is,. (b) What has been the maximum enrol­ "No". ment at the school during 1974? 248 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

(c) In percentage terms, what is the the Swan Hill and Kerang region, have been break-up in the school population-by assisted by the Government or the Rural nationality-of children who came to Aus­ Finance and Settlement Commission? tralia as migrants or who were born of (b). What total amount of finance has migran't parents? been made ·available in loans and grants, (d) Did the department, in 1973, order respectively? the demolition of a house located on the school grounds, which was being used for The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE teaching purposes? (Minister for State Development and (e) Did· the department, in November, Decentralization): The answer sup­ 1973, promise the school it would build a plied by the Treasurer is- migrant annexe on the grounds for use in ( a) Twenty-four farmers have been the 1974 school year? assjsted through ·the Rural Finance and (f) Was the school advised in February, Settlement Commission. 1974, that provision of this annexe was to (b) A total amount of $59,390 has been be delayed until April? made available in loans. (g) Was there a subsequent deferment of the project until May? DEER PARK-MELTON RAILWAY (h) Did the department then advise the school that the project would not go ahead LINE. unrtil 1975 at the earliest? (Question No. 24) (i) Did the school ask for a portable The Hon. A. W •. KNIGHT (Mel­ class-room in lieu of the annexe; if so, what was the department's response to this re­ bourne West Province) asked the quest? Minister for Social Welfare, for the (j) How many migrant English teachers Minister of Transport- · are at the school? . (a) Is it proposed to continue the rail (k) Are there sufficient migrant English duplication from Deer Park to Melton; if teachers at 'the school? so, when, and is it proposed to build a spur line to Melton West? (l) Following a statement by the Minister of Education in April this year, did the (b) What are the estimated costs of the department provide two remedial teachers project? for the school in place of the two who did The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON not report for duty at the beginning of the school year; if so, are these teachers properly (Minister for Social Welfare) : The qualified, and ·are they working full time; answer supplied by the Minister of if not, what percentage of a working week Transport is- are they working? (a) ·and (b). It is not proposed to con­ The .. Hon. MURRAY BYRNE tinue rail duplication from Deer Park to (Minister for State Development and Melton at this stage. Decentralization): The answer sup­ LIQUID WASTE IN SHIRE OF plied by the Minister of Education MELTON. is- (Question No. 26) ( a) Not yet. (d) The department requested the demo­ The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ lition of the house, which was acquired for bourne West Province) askeq the site extension in March, 1973, in order that Minister for Local Government;_ two portable class-rooms could be located on this site. As a result of representations (a) Has an application been made to I deferred the demolition until the Christmas dispose of liquid waste in the Shire of vacation. Melton; if so-(i) where, and at what location; and (ii) who. are the applicants? Parts (b), (c), (e) to (l) require more (b) In view of results ·of tests by the research. Answers to these will be provided Mines Department on the underground as · soon as possible. aquifers· in the western suburbs and the inherent dangers, will cognizance be given FLOOD RELIEF. to the problems in considering such an (Question No. 23) application? The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North­ . The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister Western Province) asked the Minister for Lo.cal Government) : The answer for State Development and Decen­ is- tralization,. for the Treasurer- ( a) An application has been made to (a) What number of f·armers, who ex­ the Shire of Melton for an offensive trade's perienced financial loss due to flooding in permit to establish a treatment plant in Questions [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 249

Grieg's Road, Ro·ckbank, which is a rural (b) What considerations were given to zone. The plant was intended to treat a interests. of the residents whose properties limited range of liquid wastes. A large adjoin the area in question when such leas­ number of objections were received, and the ing was contemplated? Environment Protection Authority is ad­ (c) What restrictions (if any) were vised that the applicant, E. F. Horne and placed on such lease in regard to. .the Company, is not at present actively pursu­ operations? ing the application. (b) If an application for an Environment The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON Protection Authority licence was received, (Minister for Social Welfare) : The possible effects on the underground aquifer answer supplied by the Minister of would be copsidered before issuing such a Transport is- licence. ( a) Mid Metals Pty. Ltd. was successful in tendering for the purchase of scrap CHANNEL POLLUTANTS. metal from the Victorian Railways. The company was granted a licence to (Question No. 27) stockpile scrap metal purchased from the railways on an area of railway land of The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ approximately 0·6 hectares adjacent to bourne West Province) asked the Champion Road, Newport, pending its ship­ Minister of Housing, for the Minister ment overseas. for Conservation- The land was formerly used for storing (a) What. action (if any) has been taken rail wagons awaiting repair or scrapping. to stop the pollutants entering into ,the (b) The nearest residence is approxi­ channel which runs parallel to Dynon Road, mately 85 metres from the land and it is South Kensington, on the south side? considered that the company's activities are virtually an extension of what in effect (b) When is it proposed to have the is ·a railway operation, i.e. the storage ·of channel dredged and cleaned? railway scrap metal pending disposal. The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister (c) The company has been requested to of Housing): The answer supplied restrict its operations to normal working by the Minister for Conservation is- hours except in cases of emergency. ( a) Following complaints made during TULLAMARINE MONITORING 1973, the Environment Protection Autho­ rity entered into discussions with organiza­ BORES. tions discharging wastes to the channel (Question No.· 29) known as Tidal Canal and as a result of these discussions several discharges have The .Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ now ceased. Applications have been made bourne West Province) asked the for licences for the remaining discharges to Minister of Housing, for the Minister the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of for Conservation- Works which is the delegated agency of the Environment Protection Authority for ( a) What are the results of the three this area. Assessment of these applica­ monitoring bores in the Tullamarine area, tions is being undertaken and appropriate since the 23rd April, 1974? conditions will be set. (b) What did the monitoring show to be the chemical constituents of the flow? (b) The Environment Protection Autho­ rity recently undertook a preliminary investi­ The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister gation of the Tidal Canal with a view to of Housing) : The answer supplied by having recommendations prepared concern­ the Minister for Conservation is- ing any modification in terms of construc­ (a) A sixteen-hour pumping test was tion and maintenance requirements. carried out by the Mines Department on one of the observation 'bores at a pumping rate of 200 gallons an hour with similar samples RAILWAY LAND AT NEWPORT. taken for chemical analysis at hourly (Question No. 28) intervals. Monthly sampling was carried out at The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ the other observation bore still in operation. bourne West Province) asked the The results are similar to those reported Minister for Social Welfare, for the on 23rd April, 1974. (b) The chemical constituents present in Minister of Transport- · the samples included the range of salts ( ci) What area of land is leased by the normally present in groundwater in this Victorian Railways Board •at Newport to a area, which would . only be suitable for scrap metal contractor, ·and who is ·the watering stock, because of the high content contractor? of total dis·solved solids, that is 2,000 to 250 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

3,000 parts per million, as compared with (b) What factors are considered of most the maximum of 500 parts per million gen­ importance in assessing the need. for a erally recommended in water for human flashing-lights warning device? consumption. A temporary increase in total dissolved solids and chloride content oc­ The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister curred in the early stages of the pump test. for Local Government): The answer As before, the concentrations of phenolic supplied by the Chief Secretary is­ compounds and surfactants, and in one c:i) Yes, in both cases. sample chromium, were slightly above the < levels recommended for water to be used (b) The view which the motorist has of for human consumption. approaching trains combined with the volume and speed of both road and rail traffic are the most important factors in FORESTS COMMISSION PREMISES. assessing priority for flashing light (Question No. 30) installations. The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ GROUNDWATER LICENCES. bourne West Province) asked the (Question No. 35) Minister of Forests- The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ Does the Forests Commission propose Western Province) asked the Minister to fully vacate their premises in Market of Water Supply, for. the Minister of Street, Newport; if so-(i)" when; (ii) in view of their condition, what is it proposed Mines- to do with these buildings? · In respect of the Groundwater Act 1969- (i) How many construction permits have The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister been issued for the extraction of of Forests) : The answer is- groundwater; and Yes~ (ii) How many drillers' licences have been (i) When alternative facilities and issued? arrangements are available. Estimated in The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister 1975. of Water Supply) : The answer sup­ (ii) Investigations are currently proceed­ plied by the Minister of Mines is­ ing concerning the future of the buildings. Pursuant to the provisions of the Ground­ water Act 1969 the Mines Department has DENTAL CLINIC FUR MILDURA issued- BASE HOSPITAL. (i) 5242 ~re construction permits; and (Question No. 32) (ii) 218 drillers' licences. The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ MUNICIPAL SUBSIDIES FOR Western Province) asked the Minister . YOUTH, SPORT AND of Housing, far the Minister of RECREATION. Health- (Question No. 36) When is the dental clinic to be established The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Doutta at Mildura Base Hospital? Galla Province) asked the Minister The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister of Housing, fo'r the Minister for of Housing) : The answer supplied by Youth, Sport and Recreation- the Minister of Health is- What subsidies have been granted to muni­ The dental chair and unit are to be cipal councils in the Doutta Galla Province installed by the supplier at the end of this by the Minister for Youth, Sport and month. All other equipment is available. Recreation, naming the municipalities con­ It is anticipated that the clinic will open cerned, the amounts received, and the youth, in the secon-d week in October. sport or recreational facility for which the subsidies were granted? LEVEL CROSSINGS COMMIITEE. The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister of 1Housing) : The answer supplied (Question No. 33) by the Minister .for Youth, Sport and . The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ Recreation is- Western Province) asked the Minister Subsidies have been approved to the for Local Government, for the Chief following municipal councils in the Doutta Secretary- Galla Province- ( a) Is the Level Crossings Committee still City of Broadmeadows­ operating; if so, is there still a member Subsidy approved: $119,000. to be· appointed from the Road Safety and Facility: Construction of a community Traffic Authority? centre at Gladstone Park. Questions (17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 251

City of Essendon- The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister Subsidy approved: $70,000, of which of Housing) : The answer supplied Commonwealth has contributed $35,000. by the Minister of Health is- Facility: Athletic sports complex, Aber­ There has been no delay in approval of the plans for the construction of the kinder­ feldie Park. garten at Windermere at Werribee. The proposal is for a combined kindergarten Shire of Kilmore- and infant welfare centre and application Subsidy approved: $70,000. for approval of these plans was made to the Facility: Construction of swimming pool Commission of Public Health by the Shire at Kilmore. · of Werribee on 3rd June, 1974, and letters of approval issued on 7th and 20th June, Shire of Whittlesea­ 1974. Subsidy approved: $7,500. The department's file shows that a letter Facility: Completion of the second oval to inform the honorable member to this at Main Street Recreation Reserve, effect was forwarded to him on the 24th Thomastown. July, 1974.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS OF POLICE STATION FOR EDUCATION. ST. ARNAUD. (Question No. 41) (Question No. 39) The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern The Hon. S. R. McDONALD Province) asked the Minister for (Northern ·Province) asked the Min­ State Development and Decentraliza­ ister for Local Government, for the tion, for the Minister of Education- Chief Secretary- ( a) What are the present powers and Has a decision been made to construct a functions of the Regional Directors of Educ­ new police station and/or residence at St. ation? Arnaud; .if so, when is it anticipated that (b) What plans does the Education De­ the building will be commenced and com­ partment have for giving regional directors pleted? a ·more effective role in the proposed de­ centralization of educational administration? The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE for Local Government) : The answer (Minister for Stat~ Development and supplied by the Chief Secretary is- Decentralization): The answers sup­ It is proposed to construct a new police plied by the Minister of Education are station and residence at St. Arnaud and the lengthy and, with the consent of Mr. project has been included in the current I works and services programme. Subject to Clarke and members of the House, a satisfactory tender being received, work should like them to be incorporated is likely to commence early in 1975 and be in Hansard. completed within twelve months. Leave was granted, and the answer was as fo·llo·ws- KINDERGARTEN (a) The present powers and functions of the Regional Directors of Education are FOR WINDERMERE. those indicated in the Education Gazette (Question No. 40) (11th December, 1973, page 542) for the eight recent appointments. They are as The Hon. A. W. KNIGIIT (Mel­ follows- bourne West Province) asked the A. PRoFESSIONAL- Minister of Housing, for the Minister l. To work with schools and departmental officers in the provision of educational of Health- services. (a) VVhat are the reasons for the delay 2. To co-ordinate the work of regional in approving the plans for the construction officers and subject consultants. of the kindergarten at Windermere, Wer­ ribee? 3. To stimulate the development of re­ gional in-service educa~tional programmes (b) When is it expected that the plans and programmes in the areas of guidance, will be approved by the Department of special education, and educational media, Health? and generally develop educational facilities. 252 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

4. To supervise the work of continuing tors are also currently responsible in their education officers. regions. for the arrangements to consider the reorganization of school councils. 5. To act as the public relations officer of the Education Department. BOARD OF WORKS. 6. To encourage forward planning and (Question No. 43) community involvement .in relation to educa­ tion. The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ bourne Province) asked the Minister B. MANAGEMENT- of Water Supply- I. To collect information, determine re­ gional ·priorities, and allocate funds associ­ ( a) What was the gross income of the ated with school maintenance and school Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works improvement, and to initiate emergency for each of the years · from 1970-71 to works within the funds provided ·for this 1973-1974? purpose. (b) In each of these years, how much of gross income, in percentage terms, was com­ 2. To undertake the initial placement and mitted to loan and interest repayments? transfer of first-year exit graduates occupy­ ing temporary positions, the employment of (c) In broad categories (e.g. sewerage, emergency teachers. the movement of tem­ road works, etc.) what were the percentage porar-Y teachers, and the recommendation to expenditures made by the board from gross staffing officers· of ·areas of particular need. income for each of these years? (d) How many members of staff have left 3. To organize school transport; to re­ or been transferred from the board due to ceive, appJ;"ove, and pay allowances associ­ the transference of road-building design, ated with pupil conveyance, and to liaise construction and maintenance responsibili­ with the administration in providing local ties from the board? accommodation for teachers. (e) In percentage terms, what is the estimated expenditure (not including loan 4. To carry out any other duties assigned and interest repayments) that the board will by th~ Director-General. sav•e by being relieved of responsibility for (b) The decentralization of the adminis­ road-building design, construction and main­ tration of education in Victoria is now based tenance in 1974-75 and 1975-76, respectively, on eleven regions which cover the entire such estimate to include cost provision for State. R·egional directors are currently office space, savings as part of building analysing their allotted powers with direc­ operating costs, etc., as well as loss of staff? tors of divisions in order to achieve greater The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister co-ordjnation and integration of regionalized of Water Supply) : The answer is administration. Proposals to increase still statistical and I ask that it be incor­ further the powers of regional di_rectors, are porated in Hansard. ia the discussion stage. One example how­ ever, is the proposal to advertise on a re­ Leave was granted, and the answer gional basis for relieving teachers in the was as follows- Technical Schools Division. Regional direc- (a), (b) and (c)-

How income expended exp~sed as percentages Total gross 'Year revenue income Loan interest Water Sewerage Drains and Planning and .and repayment suppi.Y rivers highways charges acttvtttes activities activities activities

$ % % % % % 1970-71 65,802,067 47·95 21·39 20·86 5·01 4·79 1971-72 76,438,997 47·57 21·17 20·33 5·05 5·88 1972-73 83,361,714 52·14 19·58 19·01 4·41 4·86 1973-74 101,638,464 48·49 20·79 21·05 4·94 4·73

(d) There were 217 persons who were, list " pursuant to section 38 ( 1) (a) o.f the at 1st July, 1974, classified within the mean­ Metropolitan Bridges Highways and Fore­ ing of section 39 of the Metropolitan Bridges shores Act, resigned from the service of the Highways and Foreshores Act as being Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works " entitled to be appointed or employed by prior to 1st July, 1974. the C:ountry Roads Board ". (e) Approximately 1 per cent of estim­ ·In addition three persons~ whose names ated board's gross mcome for 1974-75 and were included on " the bridges and highways 1975-76. Questions (17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 253

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALLS. Princes Hill High School Frankston Technical School (Question No. 46) Swan Hill Technical School The Hon. S. R. McDONALD (d) Taking into account 'the cases listed (Northern Province) asked the in paragraph (b) the following is the cur­ Minister for State Development and rent priority list- Decentralization, for the Minister of Broadford High School Education- Chadstone High School Cobram High School ( a) What are the present subsidy Koonung High School arrangements for the ·construction of Macleod High School assembly halls at State secondary schools? Morwell High School Glenroy Technical School (b) How many assembly halls will be Kangaroo Flat Technical School constructed in the current financial year, Blackburn Technical School and at which schools? Rochester High School (c) How many assembly halls were con­ Monash High School structed in the last financial year, and at Mt. Waverley High School which schools? Whitehorse Technical School Hadfield High School . (d) What is the current priority list of Banyule High School schools that have applied for assembly Heywood High School halls? Merrilands High School Colac Technical School· The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Foster High School (Minister for State Development and Kyabram High School Decentralization): The answer sup­ Maffra High School Altona High School plied. by the Minister of Education is Parkdale High School lengthy and I .request that it be incor­ Monbulk High School porated in Hansard. Mortlake High School Oak Park ·High School Leave was granted, and the answer Bell Park High School· was as follows- Maroondah High School Buckley Park High School ( a) The present grant for assembly halls Red Cliffs High School is on a $3 for $1 basis up to a maximum Sunbury High School of $126,000. To obtain the maximum grant Macleod Technical School ·a school must contribute $42,000. However, Wattle Park High School consideration is currently being given to an Templestowe High School increase in the amount of grant. Beaufort High School Casterton High School (b) Subject to the availability of finance Bayswater High School it is . anticipated that halls will be con­ Oberon High School structed at the following locations during Nathalia High School the 1974-75 financial year- Castlemaine High School New projects expected to commence­ Braybrook High School Coria Technical School Sunshine West High School Terang High School Werribee High School Vermont High School Jordanville Technical School Preston East Technical School Preston Girls High School Watsonia Technical School Horsham Technical School Myrtleford High School Projects already commenced but not Upper Yarra High School completed- Wonthaggi High School Horsham High School Hamilton Technical School Nunadwading High School Benalla High School Glenroy High School Belmont High School Belmont Technical School Watsonia High School Niddrie High School Golden Square High School Orbost High School Westall High School Syndal Technical School Trafalgar High School Geelong East Technical School Broadmeadows Technical School Keon Park Technical School (c) A total of six halls were completed Mooroolbark Technical School during the 1973-74 financial year at 'the Monterey High Schoo 1 following locations- Cohuna High School Flora Hill (formerly Bendigo Girls High Ballarat Girls High School School)· High School Clayton Technical School Kew High School Lalor High School Maribyrnong High School Flemington High School 254 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

St. Albans Technical School the Education Department which will Kingsbury Technical School eventually assume responsibility for the Echuca High School training of teachers for centres for the Broadmeadows High School menially retarded. Niddrie Technical School Geelong North High School Mitcham Technical School Prahran High School STAFF RETRENCHMENTS AND Moorleigh High School COMPANY CLOSURES. Moe High School Moorabbin High School (Question No. 48) Eaglehawk High School Portland Technical School The Bon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ Thornbury High School bourne Province) asked the Minister Hurstbridge High School for State Development and Decen­ Korumburra High School tralization- Koo-wee-rup High School Mirboo North High School Will he name the 133 firms, with accom­ · Northcote Technical School panying town or city loc-ation, indicated by Knox Technical School him in his press release of 5th September, Warmambool North Technical School 1974, as having suffered staff retrenchments Blackburn South High School and closures caused by the Commonwealth CoUingwood Technical School Government's tariff and import quota Donvale High School policies? Lake Bolac High School Upfield High School The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Yarr.awonga High School (Minister for State Development and Euroa High School Dromana Technical School Decentralization): The answer incor­ Newlands High School porates a list of 133 industries which Boort High School have to retrench people, and I sug­ Hopetoun High School gest that it be incorporated in Baimsdale Technical School Jrymple Technical School Hansard. Donald High School Leave was granted, and the answer was as follows- INSTRUCTORS FOR MENTALLY It will be recalled that, in my press re­ RETARDED. lease of 5th September, 1974, I stated that some 5,000 persons were out of work dn (Question No. 47) Victoria, of whom approximately 2,480 were The Hon. S. · R. · McDONALD resident in Victorian country towns. I. might add th·at the number out of work in Vic­ (Northern Province) asked the Minis­ toria has increased by approximately 600. ter of Housing, for the Minister ·of approximately 400 of whom are located in Health- country towns. It is understood that the current figure for those unemployed at (a) What course is available, this year, Geelong is 875, an ;increase of 86 persons for the training of instructors in day-training since 5th September. centres for the mentally retarded? · Retrenchments have increased from 3,157 (b) How many students are enrolled for to 3,712 in some twelve days. Ten Victorian this course? firms, seven of which are located in country (c) What arrangements have been made areas, have retrenched additional staff. for the training of ~instructors in 1975?

The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister Name of firni Location of Housing): The answet supplied by the Minister of Health is- Ellis Clothing Pty. Ltd., Ballarat N. S. Electronics, Bayswater ( a) The teachers' training eourse con­ Clark Fashions, Benalla ducted by the Mental Deficie_ncy Training A. R. Varley & .Sons Pty. Ltd., Brunswick Services is ·again ·available this year. Berex Knitting Mills, Brunswick (b) Twenty-three. Sun Ray Hats Pty. Ltd., Blackburn J. A. Jacobs Pty. Ltd., Churchill (c) The course will be continued in 1975 Zora Fashions, Collingwood and the Mental Health Authority will ensure Brucknit Pty. Ltd., Collingwood that courses will continue to be held as a Golden Glory Clothing Co., Carlton function of the Mental Deficiency Training Lorraine Knitting Mills, Campbellfield Service until the training is 1taken over by John Sackville & Sons, Colac Questions [17 SEPTEMBER, 1974.] on Notice. 255

Name of firm Location Name of firm Location

L. & B. Knitting Mills, Collingwood J. L. McGregor Pty. Ltd., Geelong Classweave Federal Industries, Drouin C. B. K. Knitwear Pty. Ltd., Geelong La Flairette Pty. Ltd., Dandenong Classweave Federal Industries, Geelong Bambury Distributors, Dandenong Geelong Weavers, Geelong Gaynette Pty. Ltd., Gee long Geelong Spinners, Geelong Lorraine Knitting Mills, Geelong Robert Blake Pty. Ltd., Hamilton John Forster Valley Ltd., Geelong Cleckheaton Limited, Mooroopna A. H. Plain & Son Pty. Ltd., Geelong Bambury Distributors, Melbourne Fashion Fabrics, Geelong Warrawee, Richmond Geelong R. S. & S. Woollen & Worsted V. Mayes & Co. (Sale) Pty. Ltd., Sale Co-operative Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Aywon Juniors, St. Albans Gee long Gaynette Pty. Ltd., Sale S. K. M. Pty. Ltd., Hawthorn Victoria Gloves, Shepparton J. A. Brady, Hawthorn Hody Moratronik Knitting Mills, South Salex Manufacturing Pty. Ltd., Korumburra Melbourne Famous Fashions, Leongatha · Heidi Knitwear Pty. Ltd., Talbot Valentine Lee Pty. Ltd., Moe Scamper Footwear, Collingwood C. & D. Shoes, Maldon Phillis Shoes Pty. Ltd., C. & D. Shoes, Fitzroy (Columbia Shoes Pty. Ltd.'), Coburg V. Mayes & Co. Pty. Ltd., Mornington Robin Mond, Croydon Givoni Manufacturers Pty. Ltd., Moe Hollandia Pty. Ltd., Dandenong Valentine Lee Pty. Ltd., Malvern Porter Shoes Corporation, Fitzroy V. Mayes & Co. Pty. 1,-td., Moorabbin Cadet Cobblers Pty. Ltd., Fitzroy Aywon Pty. Ltd., Portland Cadet Shoes Pty. Ltd., Fitzroy J. J. Cash Pty. Ltd., Richmond Splendid Shoes, Fitzroy Gaynette Pty. Ltd., Richmond Porter Shoe Corporation, Greensborough Crestknit (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Sale Catkins (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Moe Kezander, Stawell Paddle Shoes Pty. Ltd., Morwell Cleckheaton Ltd., Shepparton F. Adler & Sons Pty. Ltd., Mordialloc Stately Shoe Co. Pty. Ltd., Preston Goulburn Valley Lingerie, Shepparton Phillis Shoes Pty. Ltd. Fitwear Limited, St. Albans (Columbia Shoes Pty. Ltd.), Rutherglen Zora Fashions Pty. Ltd., St. Kilda Phillis Shoes Pty. Ltd. Givoni Manufacturers Pty. Ltd., Sandringham (Columbia Shoes Pty. Ltd.), Whittlesea Wee Willie Winkie Pty. Ltd., Seymour Cambridge Polyvaricon Co., Terang Ansett Knitting Mills Pty. Ltd., Seymour Prestige Ltd., Ararat Woolcord Fabrics, Seymour S. K. M. Pty. Ltd., Avoca Givoni Manufacturers Pty. Ltd., Swan Hill Robert Blake, Broadmeadows Cleckheaton Ltd., Tatura Cleckheaton Ltd., Benalla Perfectfit Hosiery Pty. Ltd., Bendigo Sheraton Textiles (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Miller Carpet Yams Pty. Ltd., Bendigo Traralgon Fibremakers, Bendigo Wheen Bairn, Traralgon Jansco Investments, Bendigo Wangaratta Woollen Mills Ltd., Wangaratta N. & 0. Wessely Manufacturing, Bendigo Bruck Australia Ltd., Wangaratta Prestige Ltd., Brunswick Maurice C. Dowd Pty. Ltd., Warragul Valstyle Pty. Ltd., Brunswick Lorraine Knitting Mills~ Warragul James Miller & Co., Brunswick Fine Fabrics, Yarrawonga Courtaulds Hilton Ltd., Ballarat Fairchild Australia, Croydon Hilton Fabrics, Ballarat Crestknit/Aywon Clothing Factories- Ballarat Woollen & Worsted Co. Ltd., Ballarat Bendigo, Camperdown, Collingwood, Gee­ Cleckheaton Ltd., Coburg long, Mildura, Hawthorn, Wonthaggi Lorraine Knitting Mills;-Collingwood Wendouree Textiles, Ballarat Maglia of Melbourne, Collingwood Warmambool Woollen Mill Pty. Ltd. Clark Fashions, Coburg Warrn•ambool Saxony Fabrics, Collingwood Paddle Shoes (Manufacturing) Pty. Ltd. Fitwear, Carlton Sebastopol Castlemaine Woollen Co. Ltd., Castlemaine Clarks Shoes (F.R.S.) Ltd., Abbotsford Givoni Manufacturers Pty .. Ltd., Castlemaine J. Robins (Vic.) Pty. Ltd., Traralgon Salex Manufacturing Pty. Ltd., Dandenong 0. & S. Holdings Pty. Ltd., Ballarat Gaynette Pfy. Ltd., Dandenong Oliver & Stevens Pty. Ltd., Ballarat Custom Carpet Manufacturers Pty. Ltd., DandeRong Veretti Shoe Co. of Australia Pty. Ltd., Daytex Fabrics Pty. Ltd., Daylesford Ballarat Custom Carpet Manufacturers Pty. Ltd., Collins Bros. Pty. Ltd., Geelong Eildon Winterfold Spinning Mill Pty. Ltd., Dande­ Classweave Federal Industries, Fitzroy nong