Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 1973

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1634 Art Union, &c., Bill [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

TIIURSDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 1973 QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE STAFFING, TOWNSVILLE POLICE DISTRICT Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. W. H. Lonergan, Minister for Works,- Flinders) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. ( 1) Is he aware that the population of Townsville and the Thuringowa Shire in­ creased from 69,210 and 3,320 in 1970 to ADDRESS IN REPLY 73,500 and 4,500 respectively in 1972, while at the same time police strength HER MAJESTY'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT fell from 194 in 1970 to 176 in 1972? Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the (2) How many police stations in the House that I have received the following Townsville Police District are awaiting letter from His Excellency the Governor:- staff replacements and re-appointments? "Government House, (3) How many training con~tables per­ "Brisbane, 12 November, 1973. formed duties in the district during the "Sir, past twelve months? 'I have the honour to inform you that ( 4) What was the strength of police the Message of Loyalty from the Legisla­ numbers at September 30 in the district? tive Assembly of Queensland dated (5) What is the estimated number of 11 September, 1973, has been laid before police required to suitably man the the Queen. stations? "I am commanded by Her Majesty to convey her thanks to the members of the Answers:- Legislature of Queensland. ( 1) "I am not aware of the population increase figureo; referred to but advice from "Yours faithfully, the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and "COLIN HANNAH, Statistics indicates tha!t the figures are "Governor. correct, except .that the 1970 figure for "The Honourable Thuringowa Shire should be 3,350. The "The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, fall in actual police strength from 194 in "Parliament House, 1970 to 176 in 1972 relates to the whole "Brisbane." of the Townsville Police District and not only Townsville and Thuringowa Shire. Also there were 15 vacancies to be filled PAPERS as at June 30 1972 whereas the district The following paper was laid on the table, was at full strength at June 30 1970. There and ordered to be printed:- was an increase in civilian strength from First Annual Report of the Water Quality 14 in 1970 to 18 in 1972." Council of Queensland for the year (2) "Six." 1972-73. (3) "Nil. Trainee constables perform The following papers were laid on the duties in the Metropolitan Area." table:- ( 4) "Details of strength of police num­ Orders in Council under- be.rs as at September 30 1973 are not The State Electricity Commission Acts, readily available. The current strength 1937 to 1965. position of the Townsville Police Distf

(2) How many of the cases have been (3) What measures has he taken to solved and how many convictions have increase police numbers in the district? been obtained? Answers:- (1 and 2)-

Dwelling Houses Other Premises

"Period ' I Persons Persons Cleared Reported Cleared Arrested or Reported Arrested or Up Summonsed Up Summonsed

1-7-69-30-6-70 .. 127 48 55 351 96 127 1-7-70-30-6-71 .. 187 26 25 513 107 lOO 1-7-71-30-6-72 .. 218 57 41 617 115 135 1-7-72-30-6-73 .. 308 41 41 854 181 160 1-7-73-31-10-73 .. 176 11 15 167 34 39 l l Information concerning numbers of persons convicted is not readily available." (3) "All stations in the Townsville (2) Which country and provincial District are subject to a continuing survey centres are to be visited by the com­ on work loads by the Planning and mission in the course of its deliberations? Research Section of the Police Depart­ (3) When will the commission complete ment. If such survey at any time reveals a its report? need for st!aff adjustment at any station appropriate action is taken. Supply of Answers:- add~tional staff is, of course, dependent upon availability of staff and station (!) "182." priorities." (2) "When the Commission was appointed it indicated that it would visit as many centres in Queensland as the sub­ SHORTAGE OF WEEDKILLERS AND missions made 'to it warranted. The Com­ HORMONE SPRAYS mission has visited Charleville and public Mr. Ahem for Mr. Cory, pursuant to hearings were held on November 8, 1973. notice, asked The Minister for Primary Whilst in Charleville the Commission Industries,- visited the following:--General Hospital, State Primary School, State Secondary ( 1) Is he aware of the serious shortage School, Kindergarten, The School of the of weedkillers and hormone sprays which Air, Royal Flying Doctor Service Base. are used for normal control of noxious The Commission wJll be visiting Townsville weeds on rural lands and public roads on November 26 and 27, Mackay on and of the serious effects this is likely to have on prudent farm management? November 28 and Rockhampton on November 29 and 30." (2) How did this shortage occur and (3) "February, what can be done to rectify the present 1974." unsatisfactory and costly situation?

Answer:- ALLEGATIONS BY CANADIAN SCHOOL ( 1 and 2) "As supplies of weedkillers TEACHER and hormone sprays for the purpose men­ Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The tioned by the Honourable Member are Minister for Education,- made available to landowners by the Department of Lands, I suggest that! the ( 1) With reference to the letter in The Question be re-directed to my colleague, Courier-Mail of November 12 headed the Honourable the Minister for Lands." "Teacher annoyed", did this person, Margaret Mcintyre, contact his Depart­ ment?

CoMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO STATUS (2) Will he have enquiries made into OF WoMEN the serious allegations against the Educa­ Mr. Ahern for Mr. Cory, pursuant to tion and Immigration Departments in the notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- interests of State public relations? (1) How many submissions have been (3) How many Canadian teachers have received by the Commission of Inquiry into been recruited by his Department during the Status of Women in Queensland? the past two years? 1636 Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

Answer:- (2) When this is done, will the three States which have non-Labor Governments (1 and 2) "Yes. As soon as I was have established small claims tribunals to aware of Miss Mclntyre's complaint, I took give consumers a cheap and speedy redress steps to have 1t investigated. The report for their grievances? of that investigation is as follows:­ (3) In view of the apparent unwilling­ Miss Margaret Mclntyre in her letter did ness of the States with Labor Govern­ not explain fully the circumstances of her ments to introduce small claims tribunals, arrival and abrupt departure. It should why are these States not following the also be made known that Miss Mcintyre excellent example set by Queensland? had been teaching in South Australia for approximately two years up to May this Answers:- year. So she is not typical of the Canadians coming here to teach and she was not a (1) "Yes, the New South Wales complete stranger in a new country. She Minister for Labour and Industry, the indicated by telegram on November 5 thwt Honourable F. M. Hewitt, recently she would be arriving in Brisbane the next announced that a Small Claims Tribunal day and arrangements were made to meet is to be established in that State after the her. Since she had come back to Aus­ certain re-election of the Liberal-Country tralia from Canada, however, under Party Coalition Governmen1 on Saturday." different circumstances from those applying (2) "A Small Claims Tribunal is in the to other recruits, there was some mis­ process of being established in Victoria, understanding, and she was not met wt the which has a Liberal Government. I am airport. Her interview with the staffing not aware of any undertaking by the Labor officer was courteous and normal. She Governments of South Australia, Western expressed a preference for appointment to Australia and Tasmania to establish Small a place where she could indulge in her Claims Tribunals." hobby of parachute jumping. The Gold (3) "Whilst it may be mere coincidence Coast was suggested to her and she that only those States with non-Labor accepted it quite readily because she had Governments have taken this progressive heard tha1 this pastime was ava:ilable there. step in the field of consumer protection, Arrangements were then made in her it is rather curious that the A.LP., which presence to contact the principal so that pretends to be concerned for the welfare he could meet her and arrange accom­ of consumers, has failed to establish, or modation for her. This was done. Two promise, Small Claims Tribunals in those day's late'r she left without advis.ing the Governments which they control." principal of her wordes or that she intended to depart. She telephoned the Department; she was not treated dis­ courteously, as she claims, unless she interprets the unavailability of the officer DEATH OF FISH, BURNETT RIVER she wanted to speak to as discourtesy. Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked The She was even asked in her telephone call Minister for Local Government,- if she desired a transfer to anmher school. (!) Have the analyses of water and With reference to her having to take a dead fish taken from the Burnett River taxi to her Brisbane accommodation which been completed and, if so, what was the had been arranged from the Depa!'tment, cause of death of the fish? I think it only fair to point out that an officer went wi

dissolved oxygen content of the river Fireman Rogers is stationed at Kemp water. This may have been due to the Place and there would be no reason for release of sugar mill wastes." him to require .transport." (2) "A further fish kill occurred in the Burnett River on November 5, 1973. NEGOTIATIONS ON SUGAR SALES This latter incident has also been investi­ TO CHINA gated. Although evidence is not available Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked The to establish definitely the cause of this Minister for Primary Industries,- latter fish kill it coincided with an acci­ How long have the marketing agents dental discharge of 'massecuite' from the of the Sugar Board been negotiating sugar Bingera Sugar Mill. The attention of the sales with Communist China and what General Manager of Bingera Plantation were the prospects held for sugar sales was drawn to this discharge of wastes and prior to the visit of Hon. Dr. Rex a letter has been sent to him advising him Patterson to that country? of his company's responsibilities under the Clean Waters Act 1971 to avoid water Answer:- pollution and reqmnng him to take "The marketing agents for the Sugar remedial aotion 1o avoid a repetition of this Board have had commercial contacts with incident. The matter of compliance by the Chinese authorities responsible for raw the company with the provisions of the Act sugar purchases from time to time since will be followed up by the Water Quality 1971. These contaots have resulted in some Council." sales of raw sugar. The first sugar con­ tract with China was signed in May 1972. The matte,r of a long term contract has also OFFICIAL CONSULTATIONS WITH been under discussion with the Chinese SECRETARY OF UNITED FIRE­ commercial authorities. Further dis­ FIGHTERS' UNION cussions are to take place shortly. As the Honourable Member will be aware, sugar Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked The industry representatives recently told Dr. Minister for Development,- Patterson that they welcomed the initiative ( 1) Does the Chairman of the State he had taken with the Chinese Govern­ Fire Services Council, Mr. C. A. Clark, ment which had established a basis for hold conferences at his office with Mr. long term access to the Chinese market for Arthur Rogers, Secretary of the unregis­ Australian sugar and which has now set tered United Firefighters' Union, on the stage for the negotiation of detailed matters pertaining to the fire brigade and terms of an agreement and related com­ is Mr. Clark's son a member of this mercial contracts." unregistered union and what part did he play in the bridgade's recent industrial STORM AND TEMPEST INSURANCE action? PREMIUMS, NORTH QUEENSLAND (2) Does the Chairman of the Metro­ Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked The politan Fire Brigades Board, Mr. Kevin Treasurer,- King, of which board Mr. Arthur Rogers In view of the effeot of recent severe is an employee, authorise the use of storms upon certain parts of Brisbane brigade vehicles to convey Mr. Rogers to and the revelation that the southern areas and from conferences with Mr. King or of this State are just as prone to storm the board? and tempest damage as any other area, will he now take steps to remove the Answers:- grossly unfair loading which insurance (1) "The Chairman of the State Fire companies impose upon property owners Services Council (Mr. Clark) does not in North Queensland who wish to insure hold conferences with the secretary of the against storm and tempest damage? unregistered firefighters' union but Mr. Answer:- Clark has seen Mr. Rogers on two occasions on Mr. Rogers' request and I "The present storm and tempest find nothing unusual in such action. As premiums are based on statistical informa­ this union is unregistered, I have no means tion collated for each zone over a period of ascertaining its membership, nor is it of some years and until a reasonable possible to ascertain the actions of Mr. variation in claims experience emerges Clark's son as one brigade member during there is no basis on which to re-assess the the recent industrial action." respective rates. So far as the recent Brisbane experience is concerned it could (2) "The Chairman of the Metropolitan be that this might necessitate a review of Fire Brigades Board informs me that at no the storm and tempest premium in the time whatsoever has Fireman Rogers southern coastal area of Queensland. Here been officially provided with a board again this is a question which will be vehicle to transport him to conferences considered in due course in the light of with the board or for any other reason. the statistical information for the area." 1638 Questions Upon Notice (15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

SHORTAGE OF COMMODITY GOODS, in further exploring the sub-bituminous NoRm QuEENSLAND coals of these areas to determine the Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The feasibility of their utilization for the manu­ Premier,- facture of synthetic liquid fuels and petro­ chemicals in Queensland. Other Queens­ (1) Is he aware that there is deep land coals, particularly those of the Surat concern in North Queensland at the cur­ Basin, also have a potential for liquefac­ rent shortage of certain commodity goods, tion. Some give high yields of liquids on including some lines of foodstuffs, and distillation, but it is envisaged that any that many items of Christmas goods and future development in this field will employ fare are going to be in short supply unless one of the new processes for the pro­ northern wholesalers are able to replenish duction of synthetic fuels, now at an their stocks within the next two weeks? advanced research stage, rather than (2) As this problem has been created distillation." by a number of factors, including manu­ facturing and distributing problems, indus­ trial disputes, shortage of rail wagons DISORDERLY CONDUCT BY ABORIGINE, and the changing policy of distributors PALM IsLAND regarding warehousing in country areas, is he prepared to convene an urgent Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked conference of all parties concerned, includ­ The Minister for Works,- ing unions, manufacturers, wholesalers, Is he aware that recently at Palm transport agencies and Government depart­ Island an Aborigine behaved in a dan­ ments, with: a view to rectifying the situ­ gerous and anti-social manner in that he ation and ensuring that North Queens­ threatened and terrorised the white inhabit­ landers have a happy Christmas and enjoy ants and discharged in public a high­ their normal fill of Christmas cheer? powered rifle and, if so, at what level of the administration did the directive not Answer:- to prosecute this dangerous person origin­ (1 and 2) "As the Honourable Member ate? is aware, shortages inevitably occur in the supply of various commodities from time Answer:- to time. These shortages are caused by a "1 am not aware of full particulars of variety of reasons including those to which the incident in question although I have the Honourable Member has referred. I been informed !hat following the discharg­ do not feel any good purpose would be ing of a rifle at Mango Avenue Palm served 1n convening a conference along the Island on November 10, 1973, an abori­ lines suggested. If the Honourable Mem­ gine was arrested by an aboriginal ser­ ber could let me have specific instances of geant at Palm Island for disorderly con­ shortages in pa,rticular commodities, I will duct. That charge is set down for hearing be pleased to have the position examined." at the aboriginal court Palm Island today November 15, 1973. A full report is being furnished by Constable D. Melling PRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM FROM of the Queensland Police Force who is COAL stationed at Palm Island and a decision will then be made on the available evid­ Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The ence as to the further charge, if any, Minister for Mines,- to be preferred against the aborigine who ( 1) In view of the fuel crisis now discharged the firearm. No directive has facing the world, have any studies into been issued by the administration of the the possibility of the production of pet­ Queensland Police Department not to roleum from Queensland coal been under­ prosecute the person who discharged the taken in Queensland by his Department rifle at Palm Island on November 10, or any private company and, if so, what 1973." has been the result of the investigations? (2) If no such study has been under­ taken and in view of Australia's dependency ACCOMMODATION FOR COUNTRY on obtaining much of its requirements of APPRENTICES, BLOCK-RELEASE petroleum products from the Middle East, TRAINING SCHEME will he cause an investigation to be under­ Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant t0 notice, asked taken by his Department? The Minister for Development,- Answer:- ( 1) Is he aware of the circumstances concerning apprentices attending 7-week (1 and 2) "In anticipation of the short­ courses in Brisbane annually, and the many age of crude oil which Australia could problems that arise, including being suffer in the 1980's, on my recommenda­ boarded in areas of Brisbane at long dis­ tion Cabinet in July approved the release tances from the venue of the courses and of two areas in the Galilee Basin, totalling being subsidised by only $9 per week in 600 square miles. Applications are now the first year and by $1 less during each being considered from companies interested succeeding year? Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1639

(2) Will he look into the question of referred to is that registered in the names board for these country apprentices, many of R. G. & J. M. Atkinson. It is correct of whom come to Brisbane at the early that the latter is the subject of an order age of fifteen, and also consider raising issued under Section 119 of the Meat the board subsidy? Industry Act." (2) "No. I am familiar with the matter. Answers:- The Honourable Member for Mulgrave, (1) "I am aware that some problems Mr. R. Armstrong brought it to my atten­ are being encountered by some apprentices tion quite some time ago. The order attending the block release training. How­ was issued in accordance with the pro­ ever, apprenticeship welfare officers are visions of the Meat Industry Act 1965- available to assist and do assist these 1973. The party affeoted had the right apprentices in every way possible. Many of appeal, as provided by the. Act, to apprentices make their own accommodation a duly constituted magistrates court. In arrangements with friends or relatives, but, fact an appeal was lodged but was with­ where it is requested, the Apprenticeship drawn by the appellant prior to the date Office will seek accommodation. I am set down for hearing." aware of no complaints made to the effect that apprentices have been accom­ modated at great distances from the col­ PROPOSED NATIONAL COMPANIES ACT leges which they have to attend. The subsidy is paid towards offsetting any Mr. Armstrong, pursuant to notice, asked additional costs which may be incurred The Minister for Justice,- as a result of the apprentice being required Has he yet been consulted by the Com­ to live away from his normal place of monwealth Attorney-General regarding residence. The present subsidies are:- details of the proposed national Companies 1st year apprentice, $9 per week; 2nd Act and, if so, has he been given any year apprentice, $8 per week; 3rd year reasons why the Queensland Government apprentice, $6 per week." should alter its stated opposition to the proposed Act? (2) "Surveys of additional costs have been undertaken from time to time but Answer:- it has not been established that these are "! have not been provided with any generally excessive. Plans are in hand details of the proposed National Com­ by the Department of Education to pro­ panies Act, nor have I been consulted vide residential accommodation for appren­ by the Federal Attorney-General in rela­ tices. Land has been acquired at Chelmer tion to the matter. However, the sketchy to erect a Hall of Residence. In addition details that have been made available, by the Arkana Motel at Maryborough has way of leaks and rumours, give every been purchased for a similar purpose. As indication that the proposed Act would finances permit residential accommodation impose great restrictions upon all com­ will be provided in most provincial centres panies in Australia. In view of the policies throughout the State where technical col­ of the present socialist Government in Can­ leges are located." berra, this is hardly surprising. I can see no reason whatsoever that this State should alter its stated opposition to the BAN ON USE OF LOCAL WATER proposed Act." BY BABINDA BUTCHER Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- ScouT AssociATION LAND LEASE, MAGNETIC ISLAND (!) Is he aware of a requisition order placed on Northern Butcheries at Babinda Mr. Ahern for Mr. Aikens, pursuant to to refrain from using the local water in notice, asked The Minister for Lands,- the making of sausages? ( 1) Has the Scout Association a (2) As the Mulgrave Shire Council lease of 36 acres of land at Florence believes that the water is quite pure but Bay, Magnetic Island, for a very long has planned to chlorinate its supply in period and, if so, when does the lease the 1974-75 loan programme, as the expire? Education Department must support the (2) Is it proposed to peremptorily can­ shire council's view on purity as it allows cel the lease and hand it over to a land the school children to consume the water, developer for exploitation and, if so, for and because the Health Department allows what reason? all patients to consume it, will he have this requisition order investigated? Answers:- ( 1) "The Boy Scouts Association holds Answers:- Special Lease No. 31143 over portion ( 1 ) "Northern Butcheries is not a regis­ 26, parish of Magnetic, containing 14·721 tered premises in the records of registra­ hectares (36 acres 1 rood 20 perches) tion of butcher's shops of my Department. for a term of 30 years from July 1, 1967. However, it is assumed the premises That lease expires on June 30, 1997." 1640 Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

(2) "There is no proposal to cancel Answers:­ the lease." (!) "Yes." (2) "Prior to that statement being LEVEL OF COVER, FIRE AND STORM issued, the matter came to the notice AND TEMPEST INSURANCE of the Inspector of Police, Townsville. Investigations were commenced immedi­ Mr. Ahem for Mr. Aikens, pursuant to ately and are continuing. The Inspector notice, asked The Treasurer,- of Police, Townsville has personally ( 1) In view of the new high rates for involved himself in these investigations. storm and tempest insurance, will he To date, no evidence of offences relating review the departmental insistence that to drugs has been established." home owners must take out the same storm (3) "I did not see this particular TV and tempest cover as they do fire cover, programme. However, I am aware that as experience shows that the need for the wife of the present Prime Minister high insurance cover is not as great for has expressed views similar to those of storm and tempest? Dr. Cass. In view of this, such representa­ (2) Apart from the sordid financial con­ tions to the Prime Minister would be a sideration of the insurance company, why waste of time." can not a home owner insure his home against fire for $10,000 and against storm and tempest for $5,000, if he considers that ADJUSTMENT OF LocAL AuTHORITY that is all the risk he should carry? BOUNDARIES, MARYBOROUGH­ BURRUM AREA Answer:- Mr. Alison, pursuant to notice, asked The (! and 2) "Cover for storm and tem­ Premier,- pest is an extra added to the basic policy ( 1) Has the long-awaited Institute of and the premium for such extension as Urban Studies report on the local govern­ is the case with other special protection ment boundaries in the Maryborough­ covers is based on the claims experienced Burrum area, last promised by Professor for that particular extension. If the same Gates for the end of September, yet been cover was not taken out for storm and received? tempest as for fire insurance, it would be necessary to increase the storm and (2) If not, m view of a recent resolu­ tempest rate in order to maintain a suf­ tion by the Annual Conference of the ficient premium pool to meet claims for Local Government Association in favour storm and tempest damage." of the establishment of a tribunal to give consideration to the alteration of local authority boundaries, will he move immedi­ ately, in conjunction with the Minister AVAILABILITY OF MARIJUANA AT for Local Government, to have a local Youm DANCES, TOWNSVILLE government boundaries tribunal set up to Mr. Ahem for Mr. Aikens, pursuant to consider the very serious problems regard­ notice, asked The Minister for Works,- ing the boundaries in the Maryborough­ BlllTUm area, which are retarding the ( 1) Has he seen a statement issued to orderly growth of Maryborough? parents of students of St. Patrick's Col­ lege, The Strand, Townsville, by the Answers:­ Principal, Sister Marie Geddes, that she has definite evidence that at least on one (1) "No." occasion young girls were able to obtain (2) "The Honourable Member is marijuana free of charge from young men referred to the reply to his question on at a youth dance which is held regularly October 12 last, by the Honourable the at the old Fire Station on Saturday nights? Minister for Local Government and Elec­ (2) If so, have any investigations been tricity. The discussion between that made into this serious complaint and Minister and the Local Government with what result? Association Executive scheduled for November 1 took place, and a submission (3) Has he seen a TV programme, will be made to Cabinet shortly by the "Frost Over Australia", wherein the Com­ Minister in connection with the Bound­ monwealth Minister for Environment and aries Tribunal proposal." Conservation, Dr. Cass, appeared and pub­ licly expressed the view {hat the smoking of marijuana should not be illegal and GRANTS COMMISSION ADVANCES FOR that no punishment should be attached POLICE DEPARTMENT to such a practice? If so, does the open advocacy of marijuana smoking by Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked The such a prominent person make the enforce­ Minister for Works,- ment of the law against marijuana smok­ ( 1) What amount of finance has been ing in Queensland much more difficult and received to date from the Grants Com­ will he make strong representations to the mission for expenditure by .the Police Prime Minister on the matter? Department? Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1641

(2) How has the amount been Melbourne, Canberra, Alice Springs and expended? Brisbane. Mrs. Newman has written many articles on kangaroos over the past few Answer:- years for American newspapers and maga­ zines. These are largely emotionally (1 and 2) "Grants received by the charged and factually deficient. Whilst Government of this State from the Grants Mrs. Newman has been supplied with Commission are of a general assistance much factual information published by nature, forming part of consolidated Queensland research workers, i,t is obvious revenue. Grants are not made to specified from her articles that she prefers to dis­ Departments." regard it in favour of the emotional approach. She has l~come quite adept at selecting and linking together, quite out of SUPERANNUATION AND LEAVE ENTITLE­ their context, short extracts from articles MENTS, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER on the subjeot of kangaroos. In my opinion BARLOW, POLICE DEPARTMENT her articles and views are totally Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked The unreliable." Minister for Works,- (1) When was Assistant Commissioner Barlow granted retiring leave from the Police Department? GRANTS AND ALLOCATIONS, TEMPERANCE EDUCATION ACCOUNT (2) What is the period of leave granted Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked The and what leave entitlements does this Minister for Justice,- include? ( 1) Further to my Question of October (3) What payments have been made to 10 concerning Liquor Trust Fund Grants Assistant Commissioner Barlow by way of made under section 47 (2A) of the Liquor superannuation and leave entitlements? Act, how does he justify his statement that the grants are assessed in the light of the programmes by each department when the Answers:- Ministe,r for Education, a beneficiary of (1 and 2) "Assistant Commissioner this grant, tabled in this House a total Barlow was granted all recreation leave expenditure of the Temperance Education due over a number of periods to suit Programme exceeding the 1972-73 Liquor departmental convenience prior to his Trust Fund Grant by $21,251.83 in the retirement." same financial year, and a three-fifths expenditure in the first quarter of the (3) "Assistant Commissioner Barlow current financial year? has been paid cash equivalent of long service leave due at date of retirement. He (2) What are the total amounts of also elected to commute his superannuation money applied for in this financial yea,r by entitlement as provided by the Police the Minister for Education, the Minister Superannuation Act 1968-1971." for Health and the Minister for Transport, to carry out their respective programmes under seotion 47 (2A) of the Liquor Act? KANGARoo CoNSERVATioN; CLAIM BY Answers:- MRS. MARION NEWMAN (1) "The primary purpose of the Liquor Mr. NeaJ, pursuant to notice, asked The Act Trust Fund is to provide funds to Minister for Primary Industries,- enable the Commission to pay compensa­ With reference to an article in the tion in respect of any cancelled or sur­ Sunday Sun of November 11 in which ,rendered license as provided for by the Mrs. Marion Newman made the claim that Liquor Act. All moneys received from the Queensland is not conserving kangaroos, sale of cancelled, forfeited, or surrendered what qualifications has Mrs. Newman to licenses are paid into the fund. Subsection make the claim and is the information ( 4) of sec,tion 47 provides for payment factual? into the fund each year of such portion not exceeding one-sixteenth of the aggre­ Answer:- gate amount of annual fees paid for their "Mrs. Marion Newman is a young respective licenses by licensed victuallers American housewife. So far as is known in the year in question as will maintain in she has no formal qualifications. In cor­ the fund a credit balance of not less than rrespondence, she styles herself Washington $600,000. As this portion of license fees Co-ordinator of the Fund for Animals­ is the principal source of receipt it is an organisation with extreme views on essential that the amount of grants under animal protection and conservation. Until section 47 (2A) be closely scrutinized." August this year M,rs. Newman had never (2) "Minister for Education, $122,600; visited Australia. During tha:t month she Minister for Health, $65,000; Minister for spent three weeks visiting mainly Sydney, Transport, $55,000." 1642 Questions Upon Notice [15 NoVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF (3) What steps has he taken to over­ ALCOHOLICS come comparable financial shortages of moneys such as were experienced in 1972- Mr. Bums, pursuant to notice, asked The 73, to carry out the activities of the Co­ .Minister for Health,- ordinating Committee on Alcoholism in ( 1) Further to his Answer to my 1973-74? Question on October 12 that there was no waiting list for alcoholics seeking treatment Answers:- at Wacol Rehabilitation Clinic and Pavilion 4, Royal Brisbane Hospital, in the last (!) "The present activities of the three years, how can he reconcile his Queensland Co-ordinating Committee on Answer with the fact that in his 1972 Alcoholism are as follows:-(a) Pro­ Annual Report, page 46, there is mention viding information on all aspects of alcohol of a waiting list at Wacol Rehabilitation use and misuse to Government departments Clinic? and community bodies; (b) Providing certain administrative and technical ser­ (2) In view of this, what are the facts vices within the Health Department Alco­ about the nature and number of patients holism clinics; (c) Continuing to up-grade on waiting lists in both clinics in those the approach to alcohol education in both years? State and Non-State Schools; (d) Con­ tinuing professional training programmes for nurses and police, and assisting medical Answer:- students in their courses. The present ( 1 and 2) "I would draw the Honour­ staff comprises:-an executive officer, a able Member's attention to the exact clerk, a stenographer, three education wording of my reply to his Question which officers." read 'There is no waiting list at any of the facilities mentioned'. My Answer did (2) "The grants made available in the not say that there was no waiting list in 1969-70, 1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73 finan­ the last three years and I had no intention cial years were supplemented by amounts of directing busy officers to search records of $15,000, $3,000, $12,650, and $17,000 over a period of three years to obtain the respectively." information sought. It is true that the (3) "Preliminary discussions with my Annual Report of the Director-General of colleagues, the Ministers for Health and 'Health and Medical Services for the year Transport, have taken place and a certain 1971-72 stated thrut between October, 1971, course of action is under consideration." and June, 1972, there were occasions on which male admissions were deferred for up to one week. I would point out to the Honourable Member that the type of alco­ holism under discussion is that which has PRISON SENTENCE IMPOSED ON taken years to develop and a deferment of ABORIGINE one week before admission cannot be Mr. Miller, pursuant to notice, asked The regarded as being on a waiting list in the Minister for Justice,- sense in which the term is used in an acute hospital. At Pavilion 4 immediate ad­ (!) Did he see an article in The mission can be effected to the day hospital Courier-Mail of November 6, submitted and no delay in offering urgent necessary by Mr. Throssell and Misses Brown and treatment is imposed. In some cases ad­ Smith of the Department of Social Work, mission is deferred for a variety of reasons Queensland University, in which they following professional assessment." claim that an Aborigine was jailed for three years, with hard labour, for stealing $50 worth of goods, after having spent 80 days in jail awaiting trial, and that it was FUNDS FOR Co-ORDINATING CoMMITTEE his first offence? ON ALCOHOLISM (2) Was this his first offence and, if so, Mr. Bums, pursuant to notice, asked The why was such a heavy penalty imposed Minister for Education,- when compared with other penalties imposed for similar offences? (!) What are the present activities of the Queensland Co-ordinating Committee on Alcoholism and what is the composition Answer:- of its staff? (1 and 2) "I am advised that the convicted person in this case has lodged an Appeal (2) When and by how much was the against his sentence. It would therefore be yearly Liquor Trust Fund Grant, as it improper to comment any further on the applies runder section 47 (2A) (a) and particular case at this stage. However, ( 1) of the Liquor Act, short of the real the maximum penalty provided by law expenditure of the Temperance Education for the offence of burglary is life imprison­ Programme? ment." Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1643

PROPOSED NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON an intention to by-pass the States. But INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS I go further: The Commonwealth appears Mr. Miller, pursuant to notice, asked The even to be seeking to by-pass the Federal Minister for Development,- Constitution which sets out very clearly the functions and charges of the Common­ (!) Did he see an article in The wealth Conciliation and Arbitration Com­ Courier-Mail of November 13 headed mission, and I don't feel I could be party "Peace Call on Labor Troubles", which to any such conference." stated that representatives of the trade union movement, the Chamber of Manu­ factures and the Employers' Federation ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR NEW will be invited to attend a conference on ART GALLERY December 10 and 11? Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked (2) Has his Department been invited to The Minister for Works,- send a representative to this conference As an amount of $202,840 was spent and, if not, is the Commonwealth Govern­ up to October, 1970, on acquiring 3 roods ment more interested in initiating another 4 · 5 perches of land for the new art gallery move to bypass State Governments and at South Brisbane and the total area to take over their areas of responsibility be resumed is approximately 6t acres-- ;rather than overcoming the problem? ( 1) What area of land, if any, was acquired in 1971-72 and 1972-73 and, in Answer:- each instance, at what cost? (1 and 2) "From the outset I have cate­ (2) (a) How much land still has to gorised the Federal Labor Minister's 'peace' be resumed, (b) when is it expected to be conference on industrial troubles as the ulti­ acquired, (c) what is the reason for the mate in hypocrisy. Mr. Cameron's with­ delay in acquisition and (d) is the money drawal as chairman indicates his advisers for resumptions available and wha{ is the have been able to convince him similarly. A assessable amount for conclusion of great pity, because Mr. Cameron has mod­ negotiation for the remainder of the area estly announced he would have been the concerned? 'greatest chairman' yet. He certainly has unique qualifications. Since his appointment, Answers:- for instance, he has been a persistent and ( 1) "Advances have been made one unrepentant 'business hasher', he has financial year and final payments made denigrated what he calls the 'fat cats' of in subsequent years. Expenditure in a the Federal Public Service and has particular year does not therefore relate repeatedly supported militancy in union­ to the total cost of acquisition of specific ism. Mr. Cameron always acts unilater­ areas of land. However, expenditure for ally. On this occasion he went through 1971-72 and 1972-73 was $157,295.85 the motions of espousing a round table and $452,176.50, respectively." talk but had no intention of doing any­ thing but his own little thing, anyhow. (2) "(a) The Land Administration Only in yesterday's Press, Mr. Cameron Commission has now advised that 'Notice stated that he hoped 'no damn politicians' of Intention to Resume' has been issued would attend his 'peace' conference. But for all privately owned land. The balance then, this was a typical reaction after area still to be acquired is owned by the there was wide condemnation of his pro­ Brisbane City Council, contains an area posal on the grounds that there was of 3 roods 0· 5 perches and is currently already in existence an organisation, the used as a car park; (b) No definite date National Labour Advisory Council, set can be given at present; (c) In view of up by the Liberal-Country Party Govern­ the information furnished above it will ment and comprised of government, be seen that no undue delay has occurred; employer and employee organisations (d) It is anticipated that funds will be which the present and ill-fated Labor Gov­ available to meet further compensation ernment has never deigned to use. So, payments when required. The Honourable in answer to the Honourable Member, and Member will appreciate, however, that it allowing for the fact that Mr. Cameron would not be prudent for me to indicate has sought to save face by withdrawing at this juncture, what amounts of corn: from a farce, I feel I should keep the pensation are expected to be negotiated in record straight by saying it would have finalising outstanding transactions." been most unlikely 'any damn politician', from the Queensland Government any­ APPRENTICESHIP WELFARE OFFICERS how, would have attended because I, as State Minister for Industrial Affairs, have Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice asked never received an invitation. Nor has my The Minister for Development,- ' department. Perhaps Mr. Cameron never ( 1) For each year from 1968 to 1973, intended the States should be represented. what was the strength of welfare officers

He has changed his stance so many times for apprentices in Brisbane0 Rockhamp­ it is difficult to know what is what. I ton, Townsville, Cairns an.d the Gold agree with the Honourable Member that Coast and what ratio is this to the number the Commonwealth has again demonstrated of apprentices? 1644 Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

(2) What are their main duties and Answers:- how do they perform these duties, par­ (!) "Yes, in the New Farm Reach for ticularly when they have large areas to a possible river crossing." ·cover? (2) "No final decision has been made." Answers:- (1) "The number of apprenticeship wel­ fare officers employed has, since 1968 EXTENSION OF PUBLIC SERVICE HOUSING remained at nine-five at Brisbane and SCHEME TO PRIMARY ScHOOL one at each of the following centres: PRINCIPALS Cairns Townsville, Rockhampton and Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked The Toow~omba. The Brisbane officers have Premier,- also been responsible for the Gold Co~st How did principals of prin:ary scho?ls area. In addj.tion, there are 39 Industnal come under the Public Service Housing Inspectors (16 in Brisbane and 23 outside Scheme instead of being provided with Brisbane) with authority under the free houses as they were for many years? apprenticeship legisl~tion. Two of these inspectors are appou~ted at each. of the Answer:- following places: Cairns, Townsvil!e and " By Industrial Agreement effective as Rockhampton. There is one Industrial from December 4, 1967, the traditional Inspector ·at Southport. Therefore, there components of a basic salary plus class are 48 field officers in Queensland who are of school allowance disappeared for head responsible Jor ensuring comp~iance with teachers of schools classes 1 to 4 at thy legislation. Each officer IS allocated the request of the Queensland . Teachers' a distriCt and is responsible for appren­ Union. With increased salanes, these ticeship matters· in that ~istri~t. No set positions were given salary ranges in the ratio of officers to apprentices IS set down. manner of classifications under the Public Records show that, excluding probationers, Service Award. At the same time, and there are approximately 1,550 apprentices again at the union's request, the traditional in the Cairns district, 1,820 in the Towns­ 'rent free' house of the head teacher dis­ ville district and 1,800 in the Rockhamp­ appeared. It was agreed that head teach.ers ton district. With the growth in appren­ classes 1 to 4 would pay rentals applymg ticeship numbers in Queensland in recent under the Public Service Housing Scheme. years as a result of the promotio~al Head teachers classes 5 and 6 would pay activities of my Department of Industnal a specially agreed rent. All would be Affairs the staff complement of welfare subject to any 'general increase' in Pub­ officers is at present under review and it lic Service Housing Scheme rents. The is likely that additional welfare officers Queensland Teachers' Union was a party will be appointed as soon as suitable ,to the original (1960) report. In 1967, accommodation can be obtained in certain when negotiating the Industrial Agreement, country centres. An appointment of a it was aware of the conditions and con­ welfare officer to the Gold Coast will be cepts of the Public Service Housing made in the near future." Scheme." (2) "The main duty of an apprentice­ ship welfare officer is to resolve problems PRINCIPAL AND STAFF, SCHOOL DENTAL which may occur between employers and THERAPIST TRAINING CENTR!i apprentices. This includes wages ~nd similar matters, attendances at techmcal Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The colleges and, in fact, all aspects of appren­ Minister for Health,- ticeship. Each officer is supplied with .an In reference to the appointment of Mr. official vehicle to enable him to provide P. C. Comiskey, B.D.Sc., as Principal on service to apprentices, their guardians and probation at the School Dental Therapist their employers." Training Centre- ( 1) Has Mr. Comiskev had any pre­ vious experience in dental therapist tr~in­ CRoss-RIVER CoNNECTioN, CENTRAL ing? If so, where and for what penod AND NORTHERN FREEWAY, and, if not, is it proposed that he be sent NEW FARM to Tasmania or New Zealand to study the Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked methods and procedures of training there? The Minister for Mines,- (2) Was any approach made to officers (1) Have any soundings been taken in of the Tasmanian Dental Therapists Train­ the Brisbane River within the last two ing College to accept positions in Queens­ years? If so, in what localities and for land? what reasons? ( 3) As the first senior dental nurse (2) If they have been taken for the appointed at the Tasmanian Training Col­ building of a cross-river bridge or tunnel, lege was, because of her experience, what is the final decision in relation to appointed on loan from New Zealan~, the siting of the bridge in conjunction with will a similar procedure be adopted m the Central and Northern Freeway, F.5? Queensland? Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1645

Answers:- (3) Have definite requirements regard­ ( 1) Mr. Comiskey has had no previous ing anti-pollution precautions and pro­ experience in dental therapists' training. visions been laid down and conveyed to He has, however. had widespread exper­ the company? ience in the general practice of dentistry ( 4) Do these anti-pollution require­ within the State's Public Dental Services ments apply to both water and air pollu­ and in private practice. He has shown tion and to noise abatement? a particular interest in pedodontics which formed a major portion of his studies in Answer:- gaining his Fellowship to the Australian ( 1 to 4) "I am informed the Queensland College of Dental Surgeons in 1972. Mr. Cement and Lime Company Limited has Comiskey is currently visiting both the made application to the Brisbane City Tasmanian and South Australian Schools Council for approval to establish a clinker of Dental Therapy studying the methods grinding complex on Parker Island-off and procedures of training in these places." Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton. This is not (2) "The position was advertised a cement works in the generally accepted throughout Australia." sense but a plant to grind and blend clinker and gypsum into cement. I understand (3) "It is not proposed, at this juncture, the application is being dealt with by the to appoint a senior dental nurse to the Council in terms of the provisions of training establishment in this State." Clause 15 of the Town Plan."

FLooD MITIGATION, SPRING STREET, NEW CEMENT WORKS, BRISBANE IPSWICH (a) Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked Mr. Ahern for Dr. Edwards, pursuant to The Minister for Conservation,- notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- ( 1) What area of land has been granted for the establishment of a cement works ( 1) Has his attention been brought to in the lower reaches of the Brisbane the report in The Queensland Times of River? November 10 regarding the Spring Street flooding problem? (2) Where is the land situated and (2) What is the present situation regard­ what is the name of the company involved? ing negotiations between the Railway Department and Ipswich City Council? Answer:- (3) When will the work of pipejacking (1 and 2) "No land in the lower reaches through the embankment commence? of the Brisbane River has been granted by lease or otherwise to any company for the Answers:­ construction of a cement works. Subject to (1) "Yes." the approval of the Brisbane City Council under the City of Brisbane Town Planning (2 and 3) "Following the strong repre­ Act 1964-1972 and to compliance with the sentations by the Honourable Member and Clean Air Act and Regulations and the at the insistence of the Railway Depart­ Clean Waters Act and Regulations it is ment, a conference between Council repre­ proposed to negotiate a lease of 2 · 399 sentatives and Railway Department hectares of riverfront land at Macarthur engineers was held at lpswich on October Avenue, Meeandah with the Queensland 24, 1973, in an endeavour to reach a Cement and Lime Company Limited for solution of the problem before the coming development by the company, with river wet season. The Council objected to the barge terminal facilities, a grinding mill proposed jacking of drainage pipes through and storage area. There has been no the embankment, as recommended by rail­ proposal to construct a cement works com­ way engineers, and the matter is still un­ plex on this site." solved. The Department remains of the opinion that these extra waterways through the embankment are required to prevent serious flooding upstream which occurred in 1972." (b) Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Development,- ( 1) What is the present situation in INTERSTATE RECRUITMENT OF relation to the establishment of a cement PHYSIOTHERAPISTS works in the lower reaches of the Bris­ Mr. Ahern for Dr. Edwards, pursuant to bane River? notice, asked The Minister for Health,- (2) Has it been established what will With regard to rthe shortage of physio­ be the precise nature of the indu~try to therapists at the present time, will he con­ be carried on at the works? If so, what sider advertising the vacant positions in is it? southern newspapers and journals in an 1646 Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

endeavour to obtain more physiotherapists (2) "Since the statement made in for hospital appointments in 1974, in addi­ August regarding papaw 'die-back', no tion to those graduating in 1973 from evidence has been obtained to suggest that the Queensland University? this disorder is associated with a virus, bacterial or fungal agency." Answer:- (3) "From the Answer to Question 1 "The responsibility for advertising for above, it will be evident that the research physiotherapists lies with the Hospitals into papaw 'die-back' is not restricted to Boards concerned. It is intended to make the Maroochy and Redlands Horticultural enquiries and if this is not being effected, Research Stations." the Honourable Member's suggestion will be drawn to the Boards' notice."

BUFFER ZONES BETWEEN FORESHORES DIE-BACK DISEASE, PAPAW INDUSTRY AND RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- Minister for Local Government,- ( 1) In view of the unusual severity and ( 1) Has a local authority the power widespread effect on the papaw industry to introduce and enforce a by-law stipulat­ of the recent outbreak of the disease ing a defined buffer zone between the "die-back", what specific research, other foreshore and residential subdivisionaJ thM! in calcium deficiency, is being under­ development? taken by his Department to discover the (2) Is there a universal authority for cause? Queensland with the power to insist on (2) Since his statement on the matter a statutory buffer zone and, if so, what in August, has any evidence been dis­ is the authority? covered supporting a virus, bacterial or fungal source of the disease? Answers:- (3) Is research into the disease limited ( 1) "I do not think that a local auth­ to Nambour and Redlands stations and, ority could introduce and enforce a by-law if so, what is the reason? of the type mentioned. In particular cases, I think that some such control Answers:- would be possible by the local authority ( 1) "Invest:igational work on the by the exercise of its town planning powers relationship between calcium immobiliza­ or its powers to control the subdivision tion in papaw plants and the occurrence of land." of 'die-back' is continuing at the Redlands Horticultural Research Station. Research (2) "As previously mentioned, it is con­ has also been initiated to investigate the sidered that a Local Authority may exer­ interaction of various climatic conditions cise certain powers in relation to the and the uptake of a range of elements in matter. The Beach Protection Authority addition to caloium. This work is being could also have certain powers under the facilitated by the use of the Environmental Beach Protection Act 1968-1972. Any Control Cabinets at the Redlands Horti­ further information regarding the powers cultural Research Station. The principal of this Authority would need to be objective is to induce 'die-back' symptoms obtained from my colleague, the Honour­ so that the causal agencies can then be able the Minister for Conservation, Marine identified. In addition to this work, a and Aboriginal Affairs, who administers the Act in question." detailed examination of climatic data extending over many years and covering all of the major papaw growing areas in south-eastern Queensland is being caDried INCIDENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN out. The objective here is to determine HUMAN BEINGS whether a correlation exists between the Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The outbreaks of 'die-back' and any specific Minister for Health,- weather pattern. It is too early yet to make a conclusive statement but there are ( 1) What is the element of danger to indications that outbreaks of 'die-back' farmers, butchers, stockmen, meat inspec­ have occmred in the past when good falls tors, skin handlers, veterinarians, meat of rain have followed periods of approxi­ processors and consumers from the inci­ mately three months duration when the dence of brucellosis in stock? rainfall was below average. In addition to (2) Could protective clothing and sur­ the above, a field trial has been laid gical masks be used to prevent the spread­ down at Beerwah, and another is proposed ing of this disease and could working areas, elsewhere, to investigate the influence of yards and trucks be well cleaned and dis­ nitrate and ammonium Eorms of nitrogen, infected by strict regulation? ,together with calcium sprays and varying levels of organic matter in 'die-back' (3) Is the number of suspected cases control." of brucellosis increasing? Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973} Questions Upon Notice 1647

Answers:- (2) At the present usage rate, what is ( 1) "Brucellosis is spread by contact the calculated life and usefulness of the with tissue, blood, urine, vaginal dis­ basin, what methods of safeguarding exist­ charges, and aborted foetuses of infected ing supplies are being undertaken and animals. Farmers and workers in slaughter do the same methods apply in all States? houses and butchers' shops may be exposed to infection, and outbreaks occur Answers:- sometimes among consumers of unpasteur­ (.1) "Estimated recharge rate is an ised milk or milk products from cows, average of 150 million gallons per day. sheep and goats." Present Queensland rate of use from (2) "Whilst protective clothing and sur­ flowing bores is some 195 million gallons gical masks can be used to prevent the per day. Use in New South Wales is spreading of this disease, their use is understood to be some 50 million gallons impracticable in the industry in which the per day. Information on use in South disease occurs. Disinfection of working Australia and Northern Territory is not areas and yards is not regarded as a immediately available but would be sub­ method of control." stantially less than in New South Wales." ( 3) "There has been little variation in (2) "Under existing conditions of con­ the number of reported cases over the last trol the supply from flowing bores is three years." expected to reduce to 130 million gallons per day in about 40 years and remain at AVAILABILITY OF POULTRY AND PORK, that quantity from then on. All bores CHRISTMAS PERIOD must be licensed. Conditions of licenses Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The for new bores require cementing to approp­ Minister for Primary Industries,- riate depths to prevent corrosion of inner casing, and headworks to control flows. ( 1) Has the high price of red meat Except for replacement bores serving caused an excessive demand for poultry existing bore drain systems licenses also and pork and will the traditional Christmas require supply to be piped to tanks and table for many Queenslanders be without troughs to avoid high losses in bore drains. these usually accepted items? New South Wales has adopted similar con­ (2) Will the rising prices of grain and trols on new bores. Information on con­ protein additives have a reducing effect on trol in South Australia and Northern supplies of poultry and pork because of Territory is not immediately available. A costs resulting in these meats moving into substan.tial proportion of the recharge of the luxury class? the New South Wales section of the Basin originates in that State, and underfiow Answers:- out of Queensland is estimated to be some ! detect from the honourable member's 10 million gallons per day. Use and con­ question that he is trying to build up a case trol in other States is considered to have for price control of pig meats and poultry no significant effect on flows in Queens­ without any regard to the return to the land." producer. My answer to the question is the same as I forecast will be the answer of the Australian people in the referendum on prices and incomes on 8 December, namely, QUARANTINE PRECAUTIONS, FooT AND ~1) No; (2) No. MOUTH DISEASE The proposed answers are as follows:- Mr. W. D. Hewitt, pursuant to notice, asked ( 1) "No. Whilst the recent higher The Minister for Primary Industries,- prices for redmeats may have caused some (! ) Does he know that concern has switch to poultry and pig meats, the been expressed in the Commonwealth Honourable Member should be aware that Parliament about lax quarantine enforce­ this trend has been evident for at least ment which could allow foot and mouth ten years. There is evidence that there disease to enter Australia? is a heavy demand for pig and poultry meats but this always occurs at this time (2) Does he know that there is par­ of the year. This situation is common ticular concern about light aircraft said to all the Eastern States." to be landing on inland strips without (2) "No. See Answer to (1)." proper quarantine supervision? (3) Recognising the great havoc that WATER RESERVES, GREAT ARTESIAN such a disease could create in Queensland BASIN primary industry, will he make close Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The enquiries into this matter and, if the state­ Minister for Conservation,- ments are substantiated, make strong ( 1) What is the calculated rate of water representations to the Customs Department '!"echarge in the Great Artesian Basin and and his Commonwealth counterpart W how does the Queensland rate of daily ensure that all possible precautions will be usage compa'fe with those of other States? stringently enforced? 1648 Questions Upon Notice [15 NovEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

Answers:- of future supply to Karumba should be ( 1) "I am not aware that concern has directed to my colleague the Honourable been expressed at Federal level concerning the Premier." laxity in quarantine enforcement." (2) "The capital cost of constructing (2) "There have been rumours con­ present supply including reticulation works cerning light aircraft landing at inland at Karumba from the existing artesian bore strips but as far as I am aware, these was $161,800. The cost of operating and have not been substantiated." maintaining the supply from the system in 1972-73 was $48,200." (3) "Yes. However, I would add that .the risk of entry of exotic diseases into (3) "No method for improving the this country has long been foreseen and quality of the existing supply has been the quarantine service, which includes discovered. The water from the existing action by the Customs authorities, as the artesian bore is not suitable for drinking first line of defence, is more than ever and cooking, but is suitable for other alert for the introduction of materials domestic purposes, gardens and some which might be responsible for introducing aspects of prawn processing." such diseases."

I commend the honourable member for NoRMANTON-KARUMBA RoAD his interest in this matter. I believe that his question highlights the risk we face. We Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked must take every possible precaution now­ The Minister for Mines,- adays, particularly with the movement of ( I) When will the Normanton-Karumba aircraft, to ensure that everything possible road be an all-weather road? is done to prevent the entry into this (2) What works are being carried out country of foot and mouth disease and other at present and what are planned for 1973- diseases. 74 and 1974-75? (3) When will the Walkers Creek WEIPA POLICE STATION AND STAFF crossing be completed? Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked Answers:- The Minister for Works,- '( 1) "Notwithstanding that this year the In view of the expansion at Weipa and Government has made a substantial the large area controlled by the police at amount of State loan funds available for that station, will he consider increasing this road, the date of completion will the staff and upgrading the station in all depend upon what funds the Common­ respects? wealth Government intends to make avail­ able in the new Commonwealth Aid Roads Answer:- Act to come into operation on July 1, "The effects of the proposed industrial 1974 and of which no details have yet expansion at Weipa on police duties are been made available." being studied and action will be taken (2) "(a) 1973-74 programme- to increase the police strength at the $1,341,000 by Contract for 19 miles from appropriate time. The Regional Super­ Karumba to Brannigans Creek; $186,000 intendent of Police has been asked to for Walkers Creek Bridge; $100,000 for report on the provision of additional accommodation which may be needed." It miles of approaches to Walkers Creek Bridge. (b) In future years it is planned to continue works until the road is sealed WATER SUPPLY, KARUMBA from Karumba to Normanton but the rate at which the work will proceed cannot be Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked given as stated above until the Common­ The Minister for Conservation,- wealth Government gives details of the ( 1) What are the present plans for pro­ 1974-79 Commonwealth Aid Roads Act." viding a permanent water supply for ( 3) "The bridge should be completed Karumba? this financial year and the approaches later (2) What has been the cost to the in 1974." Government of providing the present water supply from the underground source? EXPANSION OF ACTIVITIES, JUVENILE (3) Have any means of improving the AID BUREAU quality of the existing supply been dis­ covered and, if so, is the water suitable Mr. B. Wood for Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant for prawn-processing and domestic to notice, asked The Premier,- purposes? ( 1) In relation to a statement made by him on an 'Open Line' programme in Answers:- which he claimed that, as a result of the ( 1) "As indicated in my reply to a findings of the special committee set up similar question by the Honourable Mem­ to investigate juvenile aid, juvenile aid ber for Cook on March 27 last, the question would be expanded into country areas Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1649

and also in the metropolitan area and (2) How many of 'this number would remain under the control of the were transferred from (a) Brisbane, (b) Children's Services Department, will he Fortitude Valley and (c) South Brisbane make available to Members the findings Police Districts? and recommendations of this special com­ (3) How many of the total number mittee? were appointed direct to mobile patrol (2) On what date were the changes after being sworn in as either policemen referred to implemented? or policewomen? (3) If the above changes have not been made, on what date will they take Answers:- place? (!) "118 plus 75 trainee constables." ( 4) What are the names of centres (2) "Of the 118 personnel, numbers where appointments will be made? transferred without replacement from (5) Will these appointments be addi­ Brisbane, Fortitude Valley and South Bris­ tional to staff already at such centres? bane Districts were~Brisbane, 24; For­ ( 6) Will the appointees be police per­ trtude Valley, 14; South Brisbane, 19. sonnel? There were a few other members trans­ ferred to mobile patrols from these districts Answer:- who have since been replaced." (! to 6) "The considerations by the ( 3) "On being sworn in trainee con­ special committee will not be published stables generally serve for approximately and a public announcement on the Ques­ 12 weeks in Mobile Patrol Section before tions raised by the Honourable Member undertaking further training at police will be made at the appropriate time." stations."

DISTINCTIVE MARKING OF ScHOOL SALE OF CROWN LAND EQUIPMENT Mr. B. Wood for Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Premier,- Mr. R. E. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- ( 1) With reference to sales of land by Government departments and instru­ ( 1) Will he have his officers, in con­ mentalities, but excluding land upon which junction with the Police Department, estab­ the authority itself builds, whether for lish some better method of marking school sale or rental, what was the number of property so that it can be clearly and sales by blocks or area by acres sold permanently identified without the use of during 1970-71, 1971-72 and 1972-73? special aids such as ultra-violet light? (2) Was the land Crown land or acquired (2) Will he also prevent the sale of land? any marked surplus goods so that posses­ sion of these goods will be illegal? (3) What was the method of acquisition and the Act under which the land was Answer:- acquired? (1 and 2) "The Honourable Member is ( 4) What was the value of sales by referred to the Answer given to a similar block and in globo? Question which he asked on September 12. (5) What was the selling authority and Officers of the Department of Education what were the terms of sales? have worked with the Crime Prevention ( 6) What was the proportion of land Bureau of the Police Department in the sold in the metropolitan area? development of marking kits. It would not be practicable, or indeed a proper use of Answer:- public money, to prevent the sale of sur­ plus school equipment which has been (! to 6) "The comprehensive details marked under the branding program. sought by the Honourable Member are Buyers of such equipment will be given not readily available and the cost involved official receipts to prove ownership." in collating the information is not warranted." ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ADMINISTRATION, FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND POLICE ASSIGNED TO MOBILE PATROLS, Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked BRISBANE The Minister for Local Government,- Mr. B. Wood for Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant ( 1) With further reference to his to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- Answer to my Question on October 11 ( 1) Further to my Question of October concerning electricity supply administra­ 9 concerning the reduction in police staff tion, Far North Queensland, what are the in Brisbane, Fortitude Valley and South names, designations and locations of mem­ Brisbane, how many officers have been bers constituting the investigating com­ assigned to mobile patrol work? mittee and how were they appointed? 1650 Questions Upon Notice [15 NOVEMBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

(2) What were the terms of reference ( 4) Will both management and labour and/or guidelines for this committee? be entitled to deliver addresses to the (3) What are the names, designations seminar? and locations of persons interviewed who (5) Will unions who have members made submissions, gave evidence or were involved in the reorganisation be repres­ called before the committee? ented and allowed to provide information and present evidence and contributions? Answers:- ( 6) Will representation be granted to ( 1) "The members of the Committee members of the Cairns Regional Elec­ were:-Mr. E. D. Murray, Commissioner tricity Board Action Committee, their for Electricity Supply, Brisbane; Mr. I. representatives or delegation? Dennis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Southern Electric Authority of Answers:- Queensland, Brisbane; Mr. F. A. McKay, (1 ) "The Chairmen of The Southern Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Electric Authority, The Northern Electric Northern Electric Authority of Queens­ Authority, the Regional Electricity Boards land, Townsville; Mr. H. T. Priestley, of which Cairns is one and the Mayors Manager, The Capricornia Regional Elec­ or Shire Chairmen of Local Authorities tricity Board, Rockhampton; Mr. R. D. which are also Electric Authorities have Waldie, Deputy Commissioner of Elec­ been invited to attend the special seminar tricity Supply (Engineering), Brisbane; Mr. to be held in Brisbane on December 6 and K. D. Viertel, Deputy Commissioner of 7, together with one other representative Electricity Supply (Administration), Bris­ from their respective authorities." bane; Mr. P. Molloy, Manager, Brisbane (2) "No. However, the media will be City Council, Department of Electricity, admitted to some sessions." Brisbane. The Committee was appointed by Cabinet." (3) "The Committee's report, which formed the basis of the Commission's (2) "A formal direction in pursuance of recommendations, which have been section 25 ( 1) (a) of "The State Electricity accepted by Cabinet, will be presented. Commission Acts, 1937 to 1965" was given Questions and comment will be invited to The State Electricity Commission of from the representatives of the industry." Queensland by the Governor in Council on August 17, 1972, to enquire into and ( 4) "No. Participation in the seminar report to the Minister for Local Govern­ will be limited to those invited to attend ment and Electricity upon all aspects of as set out in (1) above." the future organisation of the electricity (5) "No, but it is intended to consult supply industry in Queensland. No guide­ with the unions during the implementation lines were laid down as this is part of the phase of the reorganisation." Commission's normal function." (6) "No." (3) "The Commission is constituted to advise the Government in matters of this CURTAILMENT OF SUBURBAN RAIL nature. The Government appointed a com­ SERVICES, BRISBANE mittee to assist the Commission in its enquiry and the members of that com­ Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked mittee were specifically selected because The Minister for Transport,- of their extensive knowledge and exper­ (!) Was any decision, recommendation ience of the electricity supply industry, or consideration given to the curtailment both in the State and elsewhere in Aus­ or rearrangement of metropolitan and tralia and overseas. The Commission did near-metropolitan rail passenger services not require additional assistance." during the past month and, if so, what are the services and on what basis was the action taken? SEMINAR ON REORGANISATION OF (2) If not, are any alterations contem­ ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ADMINISTRATION plated? Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Local Government,- Answer:- ( 1 and 2) "I refer the Honourable ( 1) With further reference to his Member to my Answer to his Question Answer to my Question on November 1 without notice on October 26. The position concerning the reorganisation of electricity supply administration, who will be rep­ has not changed." resented at the special seminar to be held in Brisbane on December 6 and 7 and FIRE-ESCAPE FACILITIES, NIGHT CLUBS what guidelines are laid down for rep- Mr. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, asked resentation? · The Premier,- (2) Will the seminar be public? ( 1) What has been the outcome of (3) What will be the accepted methods investigations conducted into fire-escape of submission or delivery of papers at the facilities at Brisbane night clubs since the seminar? bombing of the Whiskey Au-Go-Go club? Supply [15 NovEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1651

(2) Who were the persons responsible between 1946 and 1966 frequency of for the investigations? drought declarations in any one locality in (3) What are the details of the recom­ the State averaged 3 in 10 years. Therefore our rural water conservation and supply pro­ mendations made to Cabinet as a result gramme is a continuing and extending one. of the investigations? It embraces all aspects of water resources, ( 4) What action has Cabinet taken to all types of rural use including stock, domestic implement such recommendations? and irrigation, and, more recently, provision for mineral and power generation develop­ Answers:- ment. It includes all methods of water con­ servation and supply, ranging from major ( 1 ) "Inspections were made of all other schemes servicing large communities to licensed cabaret premises and orders were improving supplies on individual holdings. issued by the Licensing Commission in respect of matters considered necessary." 1973-74 APPROPRIATIONS (2) "Licensing Commission officers and This is clear in our programme for 1973- Fire Prevention office.rs from the Metro­ 74. The total appropriations for expenditure politan Fire Brigades Board." by the Irrigation Commission, from all (3 and 4) "The orders were made by sources, amount to $31,507,971. These com­ the Licensing Commission and Cabinet is prise- aware of these orders and of the action Revenue Fund $4,716,971 being taken to have the orders of the Com­ Loan Fund .. $10,659,000 mission carried out." Trust Funds $16,132,000 The total includes Commonwealth grants of At 12 noon, $7,812,000 towards the cost of Fairbairn In accordance with the provzszons of Dam, phase 1 of the Bundaberg scheme, Standing Order No. 307, the House went Kinchant Dam and water-resources investi­ into Committee of Supply. gation. It also includes contributions of $5,765,000 from other outside sources. These include part of the Commonwealth Govern­ SUPPLY ment loan of $2,000,000 for Julius Dam RESUMPTION OF CoMMITTEE-EsTIMATES­ and contributions by various mining com­ SEVENTH AND EIGHTH ALLOTTED DAYS panies and the Mount Isa Water Board to Julius Dam, Bingegang Weir and the Black­ (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Lickiss, water water supply system. Mt. Coot-tha, in the chair) The amount provided for Commonwealth contribution to phase 1 of the Bundaberg EsTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1973-74 scheme is $5,623;000, which has been CONSERVATION, MARINE AND ABORIGINAL requested from the Commonwealth for the AFFAIRS current year. As yet, however. we are only assured of an amount of $3,415,000, but are DEPARTMENT OF IRRIGATION AND WATER still pressing for the balance. SUPPLY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME Hon. N. T. E. HEWITT {Auburn­ Expenditure from all sources totalling Minister for Conservation, Marine and $19,992,000 is provided for construction of Aboriginal Affairs) (12.1 p.m.): I move- a total of 17 major projects. These include "That $4,7,16,97.1 be granted for 'Con­ work on seven major storages-Julius, Fair­ servation, Marine and Aboriginal Affairs­ bairn, Maroon, Monduran, Glenlyon (Pike Department of Irrigation and Water Creek), Kinchant and the second stage of Supply'." Callide Dam. Four new weirs are provided for, one on Three Moon Creek near Monto, Mr. F. P. Moore interjected. on the Dawson River and the Kolan River Bingegang on the Mackenzie River, Baralaba The CHAIRMAN: Order! Under the Tidal Barrage. provisions of Standing Order 123A, I warn the honourable member for Mourilyan for Development will continue of the disorderly conduct. Emerald, St. George and Bundaberg irriga­ tion areas, as well as works to divert water Mr. N. T. E. HEWITT: I welcome this from the Mary River to Pie Creek and from opportunity to debate the Estimates of the Reynolds Creek to Upper Warrill Creek. Irrigation and Water Supply Commission for Work will be completed on the water supply 1973-74, and to inform members of the Gov­ system from Bedford Weir to serve the town ernment's widely based and vigorously pur­ of Blackwater, Leichhardt Colliery and other sued programme of investigation, assessment new users if required. and development of our vital water resources, In addition the Commission is responsible to serve rural areas. for the design and construction of the Currently, we are enjoying the most favour­ $10,000,000 Ross River Dam for the Towns­ able seasonal conditions experienced in the ville City Council, and for supervision of State for many years. The Government is, the $13,000,000 supply system to convey however, continually conscious of the fact that water from Julius Dam to Mount Isa. 1652 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

OTHER ACTIVITIES Since the inception of the Farm Water The sum of $1,440,000 (including Com­ Supplies Assistance Act, financial advances monwealth grant of $720,000) is provided for totalling $8,870,000 have been made for continuation of the measurement and record­ improved water supplies on individual hold­ ing of surface water and the investigation ings. Technical assistance was obtained by and assessment of underground water 900 individuals during 1972-73. resources. WHAT OF THE FUTURE Investigation of water conservation, irriga­ tion and water supply projects in 18 areas We have achieved a great deal, but much throughout the State will require expenditure remains to be done. Including 1973-74 of $495,000. expenditure, we already have a future pro­ gramme totalling $126,000,000 to complete Provision is made for further advances to schemes in progress and those investigated. individual landholders, totalling $600,000, Commonwealth funds available total under the Farm Water Supplies Assistance $9,250,000 and further grants totalling Act for the improvement of individual water $68,000,000 have been sought. supplies for stock, domestic and irrigation purposes. We are grateful for past Commonwealth assistance. However, we are concerned about Attention is also drawn to provisions for the apparent change in attitude of the subsidies for rural water supply schemes and present Federal Government towards rural improvements to works in existing irrigation water conservation, with the withdrawal of areas. Commonwealth financial assistance of $4,650,000 for the joint Queensland-New REVENUE South Wales Pike Creek Dam. This assist­ Operation and maintenance of existing ance had been notified in a Prime Minister's works increases with each project completed. letter in December 1970. It was confirmed For 1972-73 revenue received totalled in a similar way on 22 May 1972. How­ $1,312,568, giving a surplus of $489,566 over ever, on 22 August 1973, the present Prime actual operation and maintenance costs. For Minister advised that the Australian Gov­ 1973-74 revenue is expected to increase to ernment would only meet one-third of the $1,535,000, with a similar surplus over cost incurred up to that date. This will actual costs expected. Miscellaneous receipts mean an extra $1,900,000 to be found by are estimated to amount to $133,000 for the Queensland to meet its share of the cost. current year. This unprecedented repudiation of a previous Government's undertaking is deplored. Its ACHIEVEMENTS implications for future Commonwealth finance Honourable members must surely agree for such works is even more worrying. that this is a well-balanced programme aimed We are grateful for grants of $550,000 at meeting widespread State needs for all for Baralaba Weir and $5,000,000 towards aspects of improved rural water supplies­ the Eton scheme, but in each case they are from the individual holding to large com­ less than half the total cost. These two munity requirements. schemes are in the area for which the Com­ Our progress to date is something of which monwealth Minister for Northern Develop­ we can be proud. Storage capacity now ment is responsible, and we are indebted to available to the Commission in 12 Dams him for his interest in and knowledge of and 55 weirs totals 2,247,000 acre-feet. Com­ Northern Australia and its needs. pletion of storages under construction and to All of our schemes are aimed at providing commence this year will raise this total to greater reliability and increase of primary 3,042,000 acre-feet. This is almost ten times production, for which increasing opportunities the capacity of the nearly-completed Tinaroo Falls Dam and the 33 weirs available in 1957. for export appear likely. It would be most The area irrigated in the State as at March unfortunate if inadequate funds to implement 1972 was some 453,600 acres, on almost 20 such schemes prevent our grasping these per cent of our rural holdings. From these opportunities and losing markets to other areas over 15 per cent of the State's value countries. of rural production was derived. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION For the measurement and assessment of Environmental protection and improvement surface water resources, we now have a net­ must be considered in future development. work of 558 stream-gauging stations on Drought is a dominant feature of the Aust­ streams throughout the State. The perform­ ralian environment. Its mitigation by water ance of underground water supplies is being conservation must be an important environ­ monitored by periodical observations of 2,199 mental improvement. The recreation and flowing artesian bores and 3,151 observation sporting facilities provided by reservoirs in bores in shallow groundwater areas. inland areas are another aspect of environ­ Stock and domestic water supply is pro­ mental improvement inherent in water con­ vided artificially to some 4,849,000 acres by servation. This is clear from the use being 76 bore-water and rural water-supply systems made of such reservoirs, as shown by the throughout the State. statistics in the Commissioner's report. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1653

DEPARTMENT OF HARBOURS AND MARINE coal-export port, is already one of the fore­ Also within the scope of my cabinet port­ most coal ports in the world. In fact, two folio is the Department of Harbours and world records for single lifts of coal were Marine. The appropriations for the divisions made at this port during the year. of this department are included within the Gladstone and Weipa continue to show Consolidated Revenue Fund and the follow­ remarkable growth. Gladstone's annual ing trust and special funds: beach protection throughput rose from 2,584,633 tonnes for fund; harbour dues fund; Weipa Harbour 1966-67 to 13,969,884 tonnes, or an average fund; smallcraft facilities fund; and quaran­ growth rate of 90 per cent per annum. tine incineration fund. Weipa rose from 1,900,000 tonnes to Dealing first with the Consolidated Revenue 9,000,000 tonnes, or an average growth rate Fund, the appropriations from it for 1973-74 of 79 per cent per annum, for the same amount to $4,340,051. For a better apprecia­ six-year period. Ships up to 140,000 dead­ tion of the impact of this expenditure, I weight tons use the port of Hay Point, and should explain that the appropriations cover ships up to 83,000 deadweight tons use the operational provisions, including salaries and ports of Gladstone and Weipa. Brisbane contingencies amounting to $3,335,051, and serves ships to 55,000 deadweight tons to development and special provisions amounting the oil-refinery berths, and to 83,000 dead­ to $1,005,000. weight tons in light draft in Cairncross Dock. I point out to the Committee that the The additional shipping and increased estimated operational costs are covered by vessel size associated with this dramatic trade the revenue which is expected to accrue to growth is placing increasing demands upon the State as a result of the department's the skills and resources of the pilotage ser­ activities in this field during the current year. vice and the navigational facilities at the Conservancy dues and pilotage charges alone various ports. It is the provision of these are estimated to reach $2,500,00, with motor­ facilities that is financed through the revenue boat registrations and licences, $467,000, Vote of Marine Affairs, for which royalties, $240,000 and other sundry income, $1,494,427 is provided this financial year. a further $155,000. During the year just completed, pilots of This revenue will be produced without any the Department of Harbours and Marine alteration to the basic charges levied by the performed more than 8,000 pilotages and department being proposed for the financial pilotage removals, of which approximately year under consideration. However, it is 3,000 were in the port of Brisbane. This reasonable to advise that the registration fees port maintains a pilot force of 25 men in for private motor boats were increased, addition to the Harbour Master, his assistants, effective from I April 1973, and that, as and the radar and signal station crews at part of the department's normal programme, Caloundra and Lytton, who maintain a conservancy dues and pilotage charges will 24-hour watch for the port. be reviewed during the year. Current rates Prog,ressive development of all portts of conservancy dues have in fact been opera­ is being carried out continuously so as to tive since January 1959, whilst pilotage cater for the needs of larger vessels, and the charges have been operative since August greater tonnage volume of the future. A new 1971. fast pilot launch for Gladstone has just been Trade through Queensland ports has completed at a cost of $73,000, and, in increased more than threefold during the addition, the department is purchasing a past six years, from 13,443,151 tonnes in seven-year-old launch from the Townsville 1966-67 to 27,111,359 tonnes in 1969-70 Harbour Board for a sum of $50,000 to and to 42,614,196 tonnes in 1972-73. Ships replace the existing Townsville pilot launch, calling at Queensland ports over the same which is no longer suitable because of its period have shown only a minor increase age and slow speed. The policy of the in numbers, from 3,345 in 1966-67 to 3,940 department is to progressively replace the last year. This small increase in the number older launches, and modern launches are of ships is indicative of the significant change now stationed at Brisbane, Maryborough, in the size of the vessels and the technology Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, and now required to handle the millions of Weipa. In the immediate future, one will tonnes of trade passing annually through also be stationed at Townsville. our ports. The department maintains the navigation The Government's progressive policies of aids in all Queensland ports. These include decentralisation are clearly highlighted when lighthouses, beacons, and buoys marking we consider the details of trade growth. channels used by both deep-sea and small While most Queensland ports have recorded vessels. Entrance channels to all major ports, increased trade, those handling the greatest except Gladstone, are now marked by per­ quantities of cargoes are Gladstone, Weipa, manent side channel beacons and centre-line Hay Point and Brisbane. Together these leading beacons, which have replaced older ports handled 37,100,000 tonnes during and less efficient systems. A complete system 1972-73, or 87 per cent of the total State's was provided in Townsville in 1972-73 at a throughput. The port of Hay Point, which cost of $1,10,000. Provision is made in this came into operation in October 1971 as a year's loan works programme for a sum of 1654 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

$200,000, towards a total cost estimated at It is worthy of note that there has not been $445,000, for a complete system at Glad­ a single shark attack in the patrolled areas stone. during this period. New leading beacons have been estab­ Other development works being undertaken lished in the Brisbane River and at Mackay, within the Marine Affairs Division include and all other navigation aids in Queensland the provision of a buoy depot at Gladstone ports are maintained and renewed as and a boatshed and jetty at Bowen. required. In Moreton Bay, lighted buoys are The next vote within the Consolidated still considered suitable aids, as the channels Revenue Fund for consideration is that of are generally wider, natural channels, the Administration Division. Services per­ bordered by sandbanks which are liable to formed by this division for the Trust and movement. Moreton Bay buoys are serviced Special Funds are recovered by internal by contract at a cost of $15,000 annually. charges for credit to the Vote. The amount Revenue for maintenance of navigation aids to be recovered during 1973-74 is estimated is raised by conservancy dues levied on at $159,140. shipping. Income from conservancy dues for the current year is estimated at $1,216,000, A special provision of $113,000 has been and expenditure at $65,8,000. included in this Vote for the demolition of the old coal wharf in the South Brisbane All commercial vessels in Queensland, reach of the Brisbane River. This wharf including hire dinghies, ferries, tourist is in a dangerous condition and its removal launches, intrastate ca11go vessels, sea-going is overdue. fishing vessels, harbour and river ships, and The Works Division of the department's tugs and lighters, are inspected annually by proposed expenditure includes special pro­ shipwright or engineer surveyors, or both, as visions for the replacement of a survey the case may require. Surveyors are stationed launch and for electronic distance-measuring at Brisbane and Townsville, and there is equipment. This division also is a service provision in this year's Estimates for an unit, supplying engineering services to the engineer and shipwright surveyor to be other div,isions of the Department and to stationed at Cairns. harbour boards. Services which are avail­ Survey of ships is a safety measure for able include a hydraulic-models laboratory the protection of life and property at sea at Kangaroo Point, which at present is and must be regarded as an essential com­ investigating the feasibility of providing a munity service. Income from survey fees channel and swing basin for overseas bulk­ is estimated at $67,000, whilst expenditure sugar ships at Lucinda. Consultative services for the current year is estimated at $234,000. are also provided to the public with respect to canal development, reclamations, con­ In June 1973 there were 42,578 registered structions below high-water mark and private motor-boats in Queensland. This hydrographic surveys. It is expected that number reflects a 14 per cent increase over the operations of this division will recover the number of boats reg,istered at 30 June by way of charges sufficient income to meet 1972, and is comparable to the annual per­ in full its operational "contingency" expend­ centage increase experienced since 1968. In iture, other than the development items, and the community interest, a measure of control to credit Consolidated Revenue Fund with over the activities of private-vessel operators $95,000. is carried out by the Small Craft Control Branch of my department. There remain only two further provisions from this fund to mention, namely, the Beach During the year, action was taken on 541 Protection Authority Fund, of $500,000, and breaches of the Fisheries Act and 597 the Quarantine Incineration Fund, of breaches of the Marine Act . Warnings under $50,000. These two items prov,ide for the the Fisheries Act were issued in 74 cases transfer of funds to the Special Funds with and, under the Marine Act, in 187 cases which the latter funds will meet their oper­ with regard to the aforementioned breaches. ational commitments. The expenditure Revenue from registration and licence fees from these Special Funds will again be for the current year is estimated at $467,000, referred to at a later time. and expenditure at $572,000. To this point, the main expenditure com­ An amount of $125,000 is provided for mitment has been on matters dealing with protection from sharks, compared with actual the marine activities of the department. The expenditure of $116,252 during 1972-73. The next phase is to deal with matters dealing netting of sharks off popular beaches was with the harbours of this State. Control of commenced in 1962, and a total of 49 expenditure for this phase of activity is bathing beaches between Cairns and the dealt with through the Votes of the Harbour border are now provided with protection. Dues Fund and the Weipa Harbour Fund. Six contracts have been let for the current shark-meshing programme. The programme The principal Vote deals with the Port may be further extended when the results of Brisbane Division, for which a provision of surveys presently being carried out are for expenditure of $7,718,777 has been known. During the 11 years since the included in the estimates. The operations inception of the scheme, a total of 14,650 and development of the port of Brisbane sharks and some 7,237 pups have been taken. are funded from the Harbour Dues Trust Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1655

Fund and from State Loan. Expenditures maintain dockyard, dredging and mainten­ in 1972-73 were $6,211,332.07 from the ance activities at levels similar to those in Trust Fund and $1,128,599.91 State loan, 1972-73. leaving a credit balance in the account at 30 June 1973 of $988,453. The correspond­ My department is now well advanced in ing Budget expenditures for 1973-74 are a study aimed at producing a strategic plan $7,718,777 and $2,003,000, respectively, with for the future management and development a projected credit balance at the end of of the port of Brisbane. The private interests the year of $947,223. in the port have made a significant con­ tribution to the study, not only by their Receipts are principally derived from dues, constructive interest but also by a practical rents, wharfage, berthage, mooring fees, and approach in supplying information on their dockyard and dredging services, and are business activities. Co-operation by local estimated to amount to $7,478,000 in 1973- authorities and other State and Federal Gov­ 74, and debenture loan raisings to $200,000. ernment departments has been readily forth­ Major provisions for development expendi­ coming and is much appreciated. Three ture from the Trust Fund in 1973-74 include new locations of a deep-water port, namely, $489,000 for the concluding stages of the Fisherman Island, Juno Point and Wellington major rehabilitation programme at Cairn­ Point, are being compared with further cross Dockyard, $202,000 for dredging plant development of the existing river port. and equipment, and $350,000 for port­ Benefit-cost analyses are being conducted for maintenance facilities and plant, including each location, as well as an impact study the initial work on construction of an opera­ of the future development on the environ­ tions depot at Pinkenba. ment. It is expected that the study and report will be completed in the early part At Cairncross the port authority operates of 1974. the largest dock in Australia available for the dry docking of commercial vessels. Cairn­ The department will continue with its pro­ cross is the only Australian dock capable of gramme of reclamation of submerged lands docking the larger ore-carriers and tankers within the confines of the port, and of road engaged on the Australian coastal trade, construction in the Hamilton and Hemmant while the Garden Island Captain Cook Dock lands. An expenditure of $300,000 on road continues to be reserved for Navy vessels. construction has been budgeted. Recon­ It is essential that Cairncross should con­ struction of No. 1 wharf, Pinkenba, to ser­ tinue to service these vessels and, as well, vice the grain-export trade, at a cost of gain an increased share of work on the $250,000 has also been provided for in smaller vessels if operations are to maintain the Budget. profitable levels. The last major contract in the development of the dockyard has now Expenditure for the management and been entered into, that is, the supply of a development of the northern corporation 51-tonne and a 30-tonne crane for an ports, other than Weipa, is by medium of installed cost of $1,275,000. Delivery is the Harbour Dues Fund Vote for Hay expected by June 1974. When completed, Point and other ports. Last year saw the the total investment in new facilities will completion of the extensions to the bulk­ exceed $9,000,000. sugar-storage shed at Mourilyan, and final contract payments for these works will The Department's dredging fleet will con­ shortly be made. tinue its heavy programme of maintenance dredging in the port of Brisbane, as well At Thursday Island a new wharf complex, as in the northern ports of Queensland. including finger piers for pilot launches and During 1972-73 a total of 4,207,442 cubic a public jetty, a barge-landing ramp, a metres of material was dredg_ed from the cargo-standing area and a storage shed is port of Brisbane, and, of this total, 2,178,631 scheduled for completion in 1974. Main­ cubic metres were pumped ashore to reclama­ tion, the remainder being dumped in deep tenance dredging works were carried out in holes near Mud Island. July 1973 at Mourilyan and Hay Point. Estimates for the port of Brisbane main­ Whilst not directly controlled through tenance section provide for the purchase of parliamentary provisions, the development of reclamation plant necessary for the continued the harbour board ports remains a prime construction of reclamation bundwalls and consideration of my portfolio. I should rock revetments, for an operations wharf therefore like to advise the Committee of at Pinkenba costing $268,230, and for minor the more important developments planned plant and equipment items. Increased atten­ for these ports. At Bundaberg, work will tion to port traffic control and pollntion continue on the construction of a revetment control is necessary, and provision has been wall along the southern bank. This wall made for expenditure of $52,000 from the will contain the river to a determined channel Trust Fund on development within the and will provide a primary stage for future traffic section. The purchase of a fast reclamation of port lands. Other works launch will enable early attendance at oil will include expenditure on the board's dredge spills and supervision of gravel-dredging and for barge moorings. Loan funds will operations. Operational expenditure pro­ be expended on a channel-deepening pro­ vided for in the Estimates is generally to gramme. 1656 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

Whilst it is a matter for justifiable pride Expenditure at Cairns will complete the that Queensland ports are in the main viable contract payments for the second sugar bulk­ entities, it is with serious concern that we storage shed, which was finished earlier this must acknowledge that the Rockhampton year. The board has also provided $405,600 Harbour Board has severe financial difficul­ for capital works associated with reclama­ ties. The board has been operating in an tion, wharf extensions, improved electrical overdraft condition for some years, and the distribution, small-boat-harbour facilities and revenues from harbour dues and berthing moorings for trawlers. charges continue to fall short of the sum I should like now to acquaint the Com­ required to meet its operational expenditures mittee with the activities of the Department inclusive of interest and redemption. ' of Harbours and Marine for which pro­ When the port was redeveloped some years visions for expenditure are made under ago, an agreement was entered into between special funds. The first for consideration is the Rockhampton Harbour Board and the the Beach Protection Authority Fund, to Council of the City of Rockhampton. Such which I made an earlier reference concern­ agreement was enacted and assented to in ing the appropriation of $500,000 from Con­ March 1960. Under the terms of this solidated Revenue Fund. Briefly, the func­ agreement the city council has contributed tions of the authority are to investigate and sums up to a maximum of $90,000 per annum plan for preventive and remedial measures to supplement the board's revenues. It is to coastal erosion. To this end, during last reasonable to add that the Treasury has year an experimental groyne was constructed provided relief from interest on certain of on the Gold Coast to assist in the restora­ its loans to the Board since 1945. tion of beaches. The total amount budgeted The long-term situation of the board has, to provide technical services to the Beach over the last two to three years, deteriorated Protection Authority, of $573,500, comprises to a serious level because of the large fall­ $455,900 for investigations into coastal be­ off in trade with respect to meat and salt, haviour and provision of advice on planning which are the basic commodities for the port's and remedial measures for erosion, $78,600 existence. The board's budget for 1973-74 for research and management of coastal sand anticipated an overdrawn cash position of dunes and $39,000 for storm-surge investiga­ $70,000 after the city council's contribution tion. The merit of the planning and remedial of $90,000 as at June 1974. However, measures advised by the authority is wholly owing to a further fall-off of meat exports dependent upon the extent of data available experienced over the last two months, it is to it. The acquisition of data on the behav­ now expected that the actual overdraft will iour of any particular section of coastline and exceed the budgeted figure. the ocean forces acting upon it, which vary from season to season, necessitates the collec­ Gladstone, as is to be expected, has an tion of data for periods of between three extensive development programme, budget­ and six years. ing for a capital spending of $1,732,350 from its own funds. Foremost in this pro­ Surveys therefore form a major portion of gramme is the provision of a new office the work of the authority, and $166,000 has building, a pyrites storage shed, reclamation been included for this purpose. As the ocean works, development of the workshop and makes great demands on both the men and purchase of plant. This development is equipment involved in this form of data across the general field of port activities. collection, the costs of investigation of coastal However, one other provision which is behaviour are invariably high. In this respect, worthy of note at this time is that the the sum of $24,500 has been set aside for board, being conscious of its environment, equipment for wave-recording systems. has made a special provision for the general It needs no emphasis that Queensland is the beautification of the port area and Auckland foremost State in the provision of facilities Creek foreshores. for the boating public. The Govemment's Mackay is continuing its steady rate of programme has received well-deserved praise development, and has budgeted for an expen­ from the local boating fraternity, and also diture of $516,700 for harbour works. These enviable mention in interstate boating circles works will include the reconstruction of the and in national boating magazines. The breast wharf along the southern breakwater recreational boating industry is one of the improvements to the slipway and harbou; State's fastest-growing industries, recording a deepening. 14 per cent per annum growth rate since approximately 1968. During the financial year . Townsville ~s prepa_ring for further expan­ 1972-73 over 1,000,000 was expended on Sion of the mmerals mdustry with the prin­ the development of small-craft facilities, and cipal expenditure being of !~an moneys for the return to the people of the State in new channel deepening to cater for the larger and developed industries associated with boat­ tankers that will transport fuel for the ing, fishing and tourism is immeasurable, Greenvale nickel project. In parallel with its apart altogether from the general well-being Loan Fund expenditure, the board will expend of a recreational activity. a further $1,124,000 for the installation of a portainer crane, development dredging In all areas where funds are being ex­ extension of the eastern breakwater and fo; pended on the development of boat harbours, upgrading the electrical power reti~ulation. the demand for land, for harbourside Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1657 facilities and for mooring is far in excess towards their own self-management without of the supply. The current year's pro­ undue forcing of some who may be unable gramme of $626,383, although limited in to cope with the demands of living in the comparison with that for 1972-73, will outside community, and for whom, through finance construction of a public jetty at age, earlier environment and individual Scarborough, complete the breakwaters at ability, certain assistance by Acts and Urangan boat harbour, complete the break­ regulations may be necessary. There is often waters and stage I dredging at Burnett criticism from certain pressure groups about Heads, improve public jetties at Lindeman restrictive measures in legislation, and and Brampton Islands, provide 20 piled demands continue that all legislation pro­ moorings at Bowen boat harbour, construct viding for the well-being of indigenous people 11 new boat-launching ramps, and finance be scrapped. In conscience, I, as the respon­ dredging and reclamation at Rosslyn Bay sible Minister, and my colleagues in Govern­ boat harbour. ment-and, I am sure, honourable members The last, and relatively new, fund ad­ of the Opposition-agree that such pressures ministered by the department is the cannot be bowed to, although there is no Quarantine Incineration Fund. This fund suggestion that in the next four years certain provides the finance for the operation and amending legislation will not be considered maintenance of 13 port incinerators. These consistent with a sound, progressive and incinerators supply a very ·beneficial quaran­ reasonable attitude directed towards the tine service to our primary industries by general well-being of all people affected by providing a suitable medium whereby all the current Acts of 197,1. waste products can be placed ashore by With legislation dating back to 1884, when vessels and satisfactorily destroyed. Quaran­ the Native Labourers Protection Act was tine, of course, is a Commonwealth responsi­ passed, and followed by the Aboriginals ~ro­ bility, but my Government has been very tection and Restriction of the Sale of Opmm happy to co-operate with the Common­ Act, which was introduced in 1897, the wealth Government in providing these in­ policy of the then Gov~rnment . was ?ne. of cinerators to assist in protecting the live­ protection and preservatwn. This legislatiOn stock industries of our nation. Revenue to was current until 1939, when it was repealed the fund is obtained from service charges to and replaced by the Aboriginals Preservat~on shipping. This year, the Consolidated and Protection Acts, 1939 to 1946, which Revenue Fund has provided a subsidy to remained in force until 1965. During the enable much-needed major maintenance to foregoing periods protection and preservation be carried out with respect to the Brisbane had been accentuated-and, indeed, were and Townsville incinerators in the rebricking necessary-and since 1965, with the repeal of the furnaces. of the 1939 Act, the point of view of assimilation and integration has been deemed DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AND necessary, with the indigenous l(eople !he;n­ IsLAND AFFAIRS selves increasingly able to contnbute Sigmfi­ During the past few years there have been cantly to the common good of the broad many and consistent changes in both the community. direction and the administration of the department, culminating in the proclamation, Since 1965, in the short space of eight on 4 December 1972, of the current Acts years we have seen- under which the department is administered. :(i) The constitution of the Corporation I refer to the Aborigines Act 1971 and the of the Director of Aboriginal and Island Torres Strait Islanders Act 197'1. At the time of introduction of these measures I Affairs; made particular mention in each case that {ii) The provision of assistance for all both were of a transitory nature and that people of Aboriginal and Islander descent, they would cease to be in force five years no matter where they live, and where it from date of commencement unless continued is considered assistance is warranted; as prescribed. In February of this year, when addressing the fourth Aboriginal and Islander !(iii) Oversight on communities removed Advisory Council Conference at Cairns, I from an attitude of superintendency to gave an assurance that the Government stood managerial responsibility, acting in liaison ready to abolish the Acts and regulations with the Aboriginal councils, whose num­ immediately upon any request from the be·r and composition are constituted by advisory councils. Two resolutions were regulation; adopted at the time by both the Islander and the Aboriginal Councils supporting the pro­ '(iv) The provision of parental responsi­ visions of both Acts and desiring no amend­ bility for the guardianship of children; ments or change at this juncture. (v) No impairment of rights of move­ Within the past eight years these two Acts ment; and the Aborigines' and Torres Strait (vi) Removal of restriction through race Islanders' Affairs Acts, 1965 to 1967, now in regard to the use of intoxicating liquor; repealed, have helped in providing the oppor­ tunity for the Aboriginal and Islander people (vii) Establishment of Aboriginal courts; 1658 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973) (Estimates)

(viii) The establishment of a state-wide The instances quoted, covering a period advisory body constituted from community of eight years, provide a list of progressive and Islander council chairmen to enable steps through legislation over a very short periodical meetings to discuss problems period. Improvements-and I use the word and also issues of their own choice; carefully-in general living conditions pro­ (ix) The abandonment of the concept vide also that the people accept the responsi­ and status of "assisted Aborigines"; bilities thrust upon them and so allow the (x) The appointment of Aboriginal and vast majority to enjoy a status not pre­ Islander justices of the peace to exercise viously granted them. Like any laws or all the duties and functions that may be regulations that are liberalised, these laws required of a justice; and regulations claim from the individual an undertaking to abide by the generally (xi) Authority to dwell on a reserve accepted rules that regulate good conduct area--other than those already living there and upbringing of their families and that -by application to the Aboriginal or apply within the general community through­ Islander council in consultation with the out the State. department in terms of a partnership. However, in the case of visitors for short periods of up to one month, either the POLICY Aboriginal council or the department may Departmental policy continues to be approve; directed towards assimilation of the majority (xii) The establishment beyond doubt of the Aboriginal and Islander people. This that residence on a reserve is a purely does not imply that the indigenous people voluntary act; will lose their identity-definitely it will be no more so than applies to other groups within (xiii) Subject to the wishes of residents the general community who may inter-marry as conveyed through their Aboriginal -but that Aboriginal and Islander people councils, establishment of licensed canteen areas on reserves; may live within the general community as an accepted and integral part of such, proud of (xiv) The abandonment of the compul­ their own race and origin, with their own sory concept of management of property, cultural backgrounds, yet in harmony \Vith including trust accounts. In this regard, the broad society of the State. however, there was no unjustified restric­ tion on the use of trust accounts prior It is more and more noticeable that people to 1971. For many years withdrawals in the general community throughout the exceeded, or approximated, deposits, and State accept indigenous families who may be these figures have been published. Pro­ living in their area, requiring only that vision still exists to ensure that those their conduct relate generally to the require­ people who so ask shall continue to enjoy ments acceptable to all family groups in the the advisory service on their property as area in which they are living. I am not provided; now referring to adverse reports we receive from time to time in regard to small groups (xv) Property management ends on who have not made the grade-there are request except in very special circum­ many people of every race who fail to meet stances, conditional upon approval by a requirements or standards of others in whose stipendiary magistrate; areas they dwell-but I am referring to (xvi) Continued provision of respect for thousands of families of people of Aboriginal traditional racial status and practices in and Islander origin who live happily and order to protect the status quo of the in harmony with their neighbours through­ issue of tribal unions; out the State, and who are not even cate­ (xvii) The alternative available to eve~y gorised in statistics on census forms as being Aborigine or Islander to have a depart­ of any race other than Australian. It is mental officer appear on his behalf in conservatively estimated that there are in court, or to make whatever arrangement excess of 25,000 of these people. And the he wishes; and numbers will continue to increase as more (xviii) The provision of general power and more suitable housing is provided away for appeal to a stipendiary magistrate from Aboriginal community areas. should an indigenous person feel aggrieved For those who do not make the grade, by decisions of the council or the director. either on indigenous communities or in cities Other instances are: Dispensation with the and towns, the help of the department is statutory requirement for Aborigines and readily available in its guidance, counsel and Islanders to be bound by written employment funds, as necessary. It may be easy to agreements; adjustment of the membership say that every facility is available to these structure of the Island Industries Board so people, through regular channels in other that 50 per cent Torres Strait Islander mem­ State and Commonwealth Government bership is assured; the appointment of Abori­ departments, to obtain assistance, but fre­ ginal and Islander justices of the peace to quently an inherent shyness draws them exercise all the duties and functions that may towards the department. Frequently they be required of a justice; and a general may be those who have been the department's replacement of the rations-clothing system severest critics on numerous occasions, but, of support by an economy involving cash regardless, to them will remain, under cur­ circulation only on Aboriginal reserves. rent legislation at least and into the future Supply [15 NoVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1659 as necessary, the choice of going to the registers, general business records, etc., no Department of Aboriginal and Island Affairs, special records of people of indigenous or elsewhere, for advice-wherever they con­ origin are kept or encouraged. sider advice most suited to their needs may be forthcoming. I add this to departmental EXPENDITURE--GENERAL policy. It is the intention, through education During the past financial year, a total of and upbringing, to encourage the maximum $15,099,325 was expended within the Depart­ number of people to assimilate within the ment of Aboriginal and Island Affairs general community. Towards this end, special directly in association with the department's assistance in housing, education, and family work of maintaining communities and gen­ benefits is given. Where a breakdown occurs, eral assistance where required for others who the maximum assistance as required is forth­ may live outside communities. This amount coming. included Commonwealth Government funds for housing and major projects directed Collectively, people of Aboriginal and towards better living conditions on sponsored Islander origin within the State of Queens­ communities and elsewhere. land number approximately 53,000. The important fact is that they are fellow Briefly, a break-up of this amount of Queenslanders. These are phrases often $15,099,325 expended during the last finan­ repeated, but, related to facts, are best cial year is as follows:- expressed by simple words. Briefly, the $ $ whole of the indigenous group within the Revenue expendi­ State may be divided into three headings- ture, including (1) There are 15,200 people living on salaries 6,245,682 Government and church-sponsored com­ Departmental wel- munities, and the Torres Strait islands. fare fund expenditure 1,843,074 (2) There are 25,000 people living in Loan funds and the general community-ordinary respect­ other general able family groups-about whom we hear assistance 960,151 9,048,907 nothing in particular, and rightly so, except Commonwealth on occasions when individuals establish 6,050,418 themselves as national figures in the sport­ Funds ing world or in the realm of poLitics and administration, where mention is made as 15,099,325 a token of acclaim. (3) There are approximately 10,000 It is interesting to note from departmental others, numbers of whom are often referred records, dating back to 1948-49, that the to as fringe-dwellers, or any other name total expenditure of the department in that some might care to use, who need assis­ year was $722,196; in 1954-55, $1,550,798; tance and are likely to continue to need in 1965-66, $2,912,094; and in 1968-69, it for many years. $6,003,610. Expenditure within the depart­ ment does not include costs of community Collectively, Torres Strait Islanders are hospitals, where such occur under the aus­ assessed at 9,500, in that many families away pices of various district hospitals boards, from the Torres Strait now live in all parts and education expenses, which are included of Australia, where their services are sought in expenditure by the Department of as building, railway and highway construc­ Education. Further, reciprocal services tion workers of particular ability. Islanders from other departments, particularly Depart­ on the reserves are included in the first ment of Works, Department of Local Gov­ referred figure of community res,idents, and ernment and Department of Harbours and particulars of residents in individual com­ Marine are included in their own Estimates. munity areas are published in the Director's During the present financial year proposed annual report. expenditure allocated is- I recollect former Ministers, on occasion, $ making mention of Aboriginal and Islander Revenue expenditure 7,740,525 population relative to general statistics. Pro­ Estimated departmental welfare gressively, as more and more people move fund expenditure 2,824,120 into the general community, the numbers Loan fund allocation 950,000 of people sponsored on sheltered communities will continue to decrease. Those Total 11,514,645 who continue to look after themselves within the general community are not cate­ Commonwealth Government gorised, and it is becoming increasingly diffi­ assistance Abor,igines fund cult to retain absolutely correct assessments (capital projects) so far of numbers. However, this is the general approved this financial year $7,700,000 aim of the Department. It is a sign of the success of the general policy, and is an Prudent use of such funds allocated has attitude towards assimilation, because on assisted in the fields of education, health, electoral rolls, hospital and social-service community amenities, housing and special 1660 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) works projects. New schools have been work opportunities. Last financial year, 183 erected at Lockhart River, Palm Island, homes were purchased already erected, and Bamaga (primary and secondary), Doomad­ 52 new homes were constructed. From the gee and Kowanyama, as well as additional commencement of the scheme in this State classrooms at Hope Vale and a hostel for to 30 June 1973, 491 already-erected homes Hope Vale school students. It is anticipated have been purchased and 252 homes have in the field of education that a further been constructed, making a total of 743. Of $113,500 will be spent on pre-school centres these 743 homes, 141 have been erected on during the year, with an extra $140,000 on departmental and church-sponsored commun­ general assistance to pre-school centres ities, and 602 are located in 72 cities and throughout the State in areas where there towns throughout the State. is a large proportion of Aboriginal children in attendance. Programmed are new schools Initially, all residences are allocated to at Edward River, Woorabinda and Aurukun, Aboriginal or Islander families on a rental estimated to cost $250,000, $265,000 and basis, but, depending upon the financial $265,000 respectively. It is anticipated that postion of individual families, homes may be these projects will be completed in the purchased under conditions similar to those 197 4-7 5 financial year. applying to the purchase of properties through the Queensland Housing Commission. The In the field of health, hospitals have been percentage of persons who have entered into erected at B.amaga, Kowanyama, Hope Vale, purchase arrangements is so far extremely Lockhart Rrver, Aurukun, and a new aged low, but it is anticipated it will increase as persons complex and maternal and child more and more families within the general welfare centre at Palm Island. Major pro­ community become financially secure and jects programmed to commence during this aware of the benefits of home-ownership. year include a dental clinic and hospital at During the year 1973-74, it is anticipated Mornington Island and hospitals at Edward that approximately $5,000,000 will enable the River, Normanton, Cooktown, Mungindi and purchase and/or erection of a further 399 Woorabinda. Health clinics are programmed homes. for Bamaga, Doomadgee and Mornington Island, Yarrabah, Kowanyama, Doomadgee ABORIGINAL RELICS AND THEIR PRESERVATION and Hope Vale. Funds allocated for use in the field of Aboriginal health are $1,326,344 The Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act of and these are available to the Director­ 1967, proclaimed in May 1968, is designed to General of Health. protect and preserve for posterity all material traces of Aboriginal culture throughout the STAFF State of Queensland. It was the first piece of legislation in Australia solely directed towards Within the staff structure of the Depart­ the preservation of Aboriginal cultural mat­ ment of Aboriginal and Island Affairs, the erial. In January 1971, a professional recommended establishment for the year archaeologist was appointed to the depart­ 1973-74 is 555, an increase of 43 over the ment, and, since then, accommodation has previous year. There are also 1 185 Abor­ been provided within the grounds of the iginal and Islander wages empl~yees paid Queensland Museum. Two rangers of Abor­ from revenue, 125 paid from Aboriginal Wel­ iginal origin have been appointed, one based fare Fund, 72 engaged on capital works, and in Cairns and the other in Injune, and the 108 on projects for which special funds are division co-ordinates the efforts of 150 vol­ provided by the Commonwealth Govern­ untary wardens appointed throughout the ment. Added to these figures are 80 church State. community staff, 330 community employees working on church communities and 75 Public relations in the archaeological sphere Island Industries Board staff and ~mployees. are regarded as most important. Contact is All of these people work directly towards maintained with the general public through the social and economic development of the the news media, and honorary wardens are Aboriginal community people and assist encouraged to initiate personal contact with others, as required, who may live away from local residents, councils, and other local sponsored community areas. bodies. In excess of 1,000 sites for preserva­ tion are now on record and catalogued, and HOUSING FOR ABORIGINES AND ISLANDERS some 250 descriptive signs have been estab­ lished, describing the importance and mean­ Since the financial year 1968-69, the Com­ monwealth Government, in the field of Abor­ ing of the remains and requesting the assist­ iginal and Islander housing, has made avail­ ance of the general community in preser­ able funds in the form of unmatched grants. vation. These annual allocations, varying in amounts The intent of the relics legislation is social from $800,000 granted in 1968-69 and as well as scientific and historical. The increasing annually to $3,003,000 last finan­ traces of Aborginal culture which still exist cial year, have been expended in formulat­ throughout the State are a means by which ing within the State a programme of housing the Aboriginal people of today can gain a for a maximum number of families in areas knowledge of their forebears, thus assisting where every consideration has been given to them in achieving a sense of identity and the availability of essential services, the security. They are also a means by which suitability of areas and environment, and non-Aboriginal people can gain understanding Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1661 and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. Dur­ activities and duties that are undertaken ing September 1973, State administrators of for the advancement of Aborigines and relics legislation throughout Australia met in Islanders. Brisbane at a conference organised by the Within the past few weeks almost 400 Department of Aboriginal and Island Affairs young Aboriginal or Islander people have and aimed at uniformity of procedures in all travelled to various major centres throughout States, consistent with their own particular the State to take part in careers counselling legislation. programmes. The intention of these pro· grammes is to give young people who have QUEENSLAND ABORIGINAL CREATIONS no direct and material experience of employ· The management and staff of this division ment opportunity not only a first-hand know­ are responsible for the encouragement of pro­ ledge of what opportunities and careers might duction of traditional Aboriginal and Islander offer, but also an on-the-spot experience of arts and crafts, and the stimulation of employ­ the conditions of work and the actual nature ment avenues on Aboriginal and Islander of the work itself and the requirements that communities by the establishment of new arts are necessary in terms of academic or tech· and crafts. Towards this end, Queensland nical qualification. Aboriginal Creations supervises the market­ Only six years ago these pro?rammes co.m­ ing within the State, also interstate and over­ menced with a very few children commg seas, of all indigenous arts and crafts received to Brisbane and, as I have said, almost for resale. 400 children have taken part in programmes In 1968, a profit distribution scheme was this year. Officers of my department at instituted to provide an added incentive Ipswich, Brisbane, Mackay. Mount Isa, towards production. Last financial year, a Toowoomba Rockhampton, Townsville and profit distribution bonus of 28 per cent of Cairns hav~ organised accommodation and the value of goods supplied was declared in assisted in the planning of career visits and favour of those people by whom arts :md social activities for large groups of young crafts were supplied. Actual cash takings people. It has been their responsibility ~o for the 1972-73 year were:- assist in answering their queries and m Retail $29,773.00 advising on career prospects, and it will be Wholesale $46,914.00 their future responsibility to follow up each individual case to ensure that, so far as The system of training teenage Aboriginal is possible, all of these young students have and Islander girls in the Aboriginal Creations a knowledge of the opportunities that are retail and wholesale shop in the metropolitan available and, in addition, have the advantage area, instituted in 1967, has proved most of counselling and advice that might assist successful as a training exercise. In excess them to achieve their particular ambitions. of 40 girls have been trained, and subsequently been found positions in sales and industrial Job orientation programmes have also organisations since the inception of the been undertaken. These involve the counsel­ scheme. New industries established on com­ ling of young people who are about to munities since 1970 are potteries at Cher­ commence their lifetime career. In many bourg and Yarrabah, and a koala and fur cases young people from remote areas are products industry at Cherbourg. Considera­ not able to obtain from their parents advice tion is being given to the establishment of based upon knowledge and experience of a fur products industry at Yarrabah. the demands of jobs and society away from the community in which the family resides. HEALTH, EDUCATION INCLUDING PRE-SCHOOL, This is not the fault of the parents and, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE indeed, officers of my department are ~!ready ACTIVITIES researching ways by which parents might be more fully informed as to these needs. It The social welfare activities of the depart­ will, however, be apparent that there is an ment, which have always been extensive, have immediate responsibility for the children continued to expand. Liaison officers are who are leaving school this year, and it attached to all of the communities and to is intended, therefore, that job orientation the regional district offices of the department, programmes be designed to advise young­ which are situated at Thursday Island, Cairns, sters in terms of all of those minor, but Townsville, Mount Isa, Rockhampton and nonetheless important, matters. Brisbane. In addition to these major regional offices, detached liaison staff are located at With the entry into the field of Aboriginal Normanton, Mareeba, Coen, Mackay, Mary­ welfare of the Commonwealth Government, borough and Cunnamulla. It will be appreci­ with its many grants and financial assistance ated that a wide coverage of the State is to Aboriginal people, the work of the Welfare possible in view of this decentralised adminis­ Branch of my department has been very tration and the officers at each centre operate much increased. Departmental officers work on a regional basis to ensure that all centres closely with the officers of the Common· of Aboriginal population throughout Queens· wealth Government Departments of Labour land are able to avail themselves of the and Education. They take every opportunity services. The work of liaison staff is mani· to publicise the availability of Aboriginal fold and, apart from the routine of social secondary grants, of study grants, of the welfare counselling, involves also many other employment training scheme and of the 1662 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

activities of the capital fund. This means Other training programmes have been that liaison officers must be in constant undertaken in very many fields where it has contact with families of Aboriginal people been demonstrated that there is an interest throughout the State, advising them as to and a relevance to the people taking part. what is available, assisting people where At Bamaga, for example, an outboard motor necessary to complete applications and in training school has provided a series of men general providing an important resource to with a basic knowledge of service and main­ Aboriginal people who may otherwise be not tenance of these motors, which are extremely wholly aware of, or perhaps a little con­ important in the life of people of the Torres fused at, the multiplicity of benefits that Strait and the coastal communities. are now provided. The baking of bread at Bamaga has also The housing programme undertaken by been commenced and already the needs of the department has been a massive one, and the total community are being met. In honourable members will be aware that, addition, the Palm Island bakery is now apart from the physical aspects of providing able to train people to commence similar houses, social problems and difficulties must ventures in their own communities. Pre­ inevitably arise. It is only by constant employment training programmes have contact, by mutual respect and by the estab­ proved very successful and, with the par­ lishment of a suitable rapport that many ticular assistance of the State Department of these problems and difficulties can be of Education and the Commonwealth Depart­ solved and in many cases solved before ments of Labour and Education, a number they become really apparent. of these have already been completed. Only a few weeks ago, 14 young people from all In dozens of cases throughout the State, parts of the State took part in a welding Aboriginal people have willingly left poor course held at the Eagle Farm Technical accommodation on the outskirts and fringes College, and before the end of the present of country towns and taken their rightful year a series of other programmes will have place in decent homes in which they are been completed. Once again the intention able to, and very much do, take great is to give Aboriginal and Islander people pride. It will be further understood that a greater measure of opportunity to com­ this transition is one that could be fraught pete in the labour market as men and women with difficulties. These are certainly not with skills that are sought after by employers. jnsurmountable, and could be overcome A considerable problem that is faced by with mutual understanding and co-opera­ the department in many of the schemes and tion. It is due to officers of the depart­ projects that I have mentioned is finding ment who are trained in this regard that accommodation for students, for apprentices the housing programme that has been and and for all of the people who take part in is being implemented has achieved the degree them. of success that it has. In 1973 the Bamaga High School was The Aboriginal and Islander communities opened, together with residential accommoda­ throughout the State constitute a training tion. Currently 93 are in residence, and ground for Aboriginal and Islander people, 137 students are enrolled at the high school. and every effort is made to ensure that The accommodation is modern and the individuals have an opportunity to develop secondary school has a curriculum specifically for the educational needs of the Torres Strait skills that will provide them with increased opportunities on the labour market. Cray­ and Aboriginal students. fishing and prawning is an expanding indus­ Primary schools under the administration try in Queensland, and consequently a depart­ of the Department of Education and the mental training vessel, the trawler "Kuzi", church-sponsored schools at Doomadgee and continues to provide young men with a Hope Vale are attended by 2,182 students, knowledge of the industry and seamanship all of whom receive any additional material that enables them to participate in this assistance that might be required to help rapidly expanding area in competition with them through the primary grades. other people who may wish to enter the Each year a group of Aboriginal and field. Islander teachers receive scholarships to Kedron Park Teachers' College to under­ The new departmental patrol vessel take a teacher-training programme, which is "Melbidir" will also provide training facilities under the direction of a specialist member for officer cadets, and, in addition to this, of the academic staff of the college. Almost the unique experiment in the farming of all teachers in the Torres Strait Islands have turtles and crocodiles not only provides job completed the one-year initial programme, opportunities and training but also represents and currently a second-year programme has a significant attempt to introduce into the been initiated which will, within a short remote north of the State industries that are period, provide second-year training for all relevant to the environment and the ecology. Torres Strait Island teachers. One Torres For very many years considerable thought Strait Island teacher who has obtained a has been devoted to the untapped resources tertiary qualification has been appointed to of the North, and I feel that the programmes the Torres Strait teaching service and super­ that I have just mentioned constitute a vises various aspects of the operation of the most important part in the over-all solution. island schools within the Torres Strait. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1663

The department co-operates with the the reading population. Apart from this, Department of Education in providing resid­ librarians from among interested Aboriginal ential seminars for all teachers who are people are looking after library services, and engaged in teaching Aboriginal children a training course for these young women will either in wholly Aboriginal schools or in take place within the very near future. schools with a significant percentage of Abori­ A preventive medicine programme has ginal and Islander children, and, in addition been intensified by the appointment of to this, the Department of Education has additional staff to the travelling health teams, appointed a group of five advisory teachers which work: throughout the State. A hearing who are constantly in touch with their col­ conservation programme has been put into leagues, ensuring that they are up to date operation, and has proved most effective with modern developments in professional in the various communities upon which it technique and research findings that might has undertaken work to date. be applicable to the teaching needs of the particular schools that are involved. The Health Education Council of Queens­ land has formed an Aboriginal Advisory The Pre-school Division of the Department panel, the duty of which is to prepare, of Aboriginal and Island Affairs has con­ for its permanent staff, programmes of tinued to expand rapidly, and currently 526 health education that would be relevant children are attending 21 kindergartens that to Aboriginal communities and the Torres have been established on Torres Strait islands Strait Islands, and throughout the State and on the communities of the mainland. generally. Already teaching posters, teaching Additional to a director of pre-school booklets, newsletters and a number of films activities within my department, three have been completed, and two seminars of teachers, who are graduates of the Brisbane an instructive nature involving groups of Kindergarten Teachers' College, are stationed Aboriginal people have been completed by at Cherbourg, Palm Island and Yarrabah. health education staff. Two other diplomates are at Mornington The new hospital at Aurukun provides Island and Aurukun. Further, there are Cape York Peninsula with yet another 21 kindercraft-trained teachers, all of whom modern community hospital and a medical are of Aboriginal or Islander descent, teach­ clinic conducted by the nursing staff of ing at community and island pre-schools. the department, which remain in constant The department, in order to ensure continuing communication with the medical superin­ appointments of graduate teachers, has tendent of the Thursday Island Hospital, awarded scholarships at the Brisbane Kinder­ offer immediate service to community garten Teachers' College to three selected residents. This communication is by the students who will, on their graduation, teach radio network connecting every centre with for a period in community pre-schools; also, Thursday Island General Hospital, by the two Torres Strait Islander students are under­ Royal Flying Doctor Service and by the graduates at the college, one of whom is Aerial Ambulance. To expand these latter expected to graduate this year. Presently facilities, landing strips have been completed six students are undergoing kindercraft train­ at Yorke and Badu Islands, and already ing on scholarships provided annually by the department is contemplating the estab­ the department. The department will con­ lishment of further strips at Saibai and in tinue to arrange scholarships for the training the eastern and central islands. In the of indigenous teachers, and has achieved a interim however, a fast ambulance vessel situation in which the directorate of pre­ is ope~ated from Y orke Island, enabling school education within my Department rep­ patients from the outlying islands of the resents the most progressive and advanced east and central Torres Strait to make pre-school system for Aboriginal children connection with aircraft. within Australia. Visitation by medical officers is both In addition to support for the Aboriginal regular and frequent on the mainland com­ pre-school system, my department also munities at Cherbourg, Bamaga, Woora­ financially assists local kindergartens through­ binda and Yarrabah, and work is proceeding out the community where there is some on accommodation to allow of the appoint­ enrolment of Aboriginal children, and has ment of a medical officer at Bamaga. These granted both professional and financial assist­ community hospitals are administered by ance to various major centres, including the relevant area hospitals boards, that is, Brisbane, Maryborough, Rockhampton, the Kingaroy, Thursday Island, Rockhamp­ Townsville, Normanton and Mount Isa. As ton and Cairns Hospitals Boards respectively. well it has a mobile kindergarten that is The Townsville Hospitals Board, of course, operating within the Brisbane metropolitan continues to roster a full-time resident area. medical officer at the Palm Island Hospital. Libraries have been formed in all com­ Health inspectors, funded by my depart­ munities, and a circulating library operates ment, carry out their duties throughout all throughout the Torres Strait. Each year communities and also attend to matters additions are made to these, and community relating to environmental sanitation. In residents are being encouraged to establish addition, maternal and child welfare clinics, library associations so that the department conducted by sisters resident on communities might be kept up to date on the needs of and acting with the advice and guidance 1664 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

of the Director of Maternal and Child the Aboriginal communities. Pastoral Welfare, give Aboriginal people throughout activities and allied improvement works are the State an excellent coverage in this area. also used as a training field for those who In order to implement programmes in may wish to follow the partioular calling. housing, health, education and employment However, in latter years it has not been easy throughout the entire State, the department to maintain the interest of the younger people has an approved staff establishment of in stock work, as more and more tend to approximately 555 officers, with an additional lean towards following other callJngs. How­ number of 1,490 people of Aboriginal and ever, throughout the communities, as at 30 Islander descent who receive training or August 1973, 92 we,re employed in pastoral some other departmental allowance so that and allied work, and as well, there were 14 the socio-economic advancement of more stock overseers. than 50,000 Aboriginal and Islander people The department's stock-raising activities might progress. are co-ordinated by a deparritmental Director [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] of Pastoral Activities, resident in the Central Queensland area and working in close liaison Mr. N. T. E. HEWITT: As well as this wJth the department's head office. This considerable organisation, church communities system allows oversight of the central area sponsor an additional staff, numbering 80, properties, as well as the implementation of who are responsible for the local administra­ a progressive programme of stock develop­ tion of the communities sponsored by the men~ and improvements on propenties in religious organisations. northern areas and on the Cape York Peninsula. Two consultant adv,ise["s to me as Minister (Mr. Ken Sailor, Townsville, and Mr. Eric As at 30 June 1973, ,the total stock on Deeral, Cairns) who are of Aboriginal or community stock registers numbered 29,700. Islander descent, have already been appointed These comprise: and have direct communication following Head upon their inve'stigation and assessment of Kowanyama (Mitchell River) 15,127 problems in the nmthern areas of Queens­ Edward River 3,131 land. It might also be added that professional Weipa .. 2,365 officers are employed where thei[" profession Lockhart River 487 is relevant in various divisions of the depart­ Woorabinda 2,059 ment, and in-service and job-orientation Foleyvale 3,647 training is provided generally for incoming Palm Island 866 staff officers. Old Mapoon 384 With regard to the administmtive services, Cherbourg 740 in which all depMtmental divisions are co­ Aboriginal Training Farm 169 ordinated in the various Meas of Queensland, Yarrabah 133 it must be noted that the office at Mount Isa Bamaga 592 has been upgraded and is now opera:tional as These figures vary with annual report figures a regional office, as will shortly be the case published as at 30 Maroh 1973, and also with Normanton, the reorganisation of which according to brandings added and sales con­ has already been undertaken. Offices have been opened at Mackay and Coen, and it is ducted. expected that the St. George office will In the Central Queensland area, the general become operational within the near future. programme followed allows for breeding to These additional offices reflect the growing be caDried out on Woorabinda and the male relevance of the depa,rtment and add to those turn-off fattened on Foleyvale. Woorabinda already fully functional at Cairns, Rock­ and Foleyvale are run conjointly. Foleyvale hampton, Townsville, Thursday Island, BrJs­ and the adjunct propNties of Sorrel Hills, bane, Mareeba, Normanton, Cunnamulla and Duaringa Station block and Zamia Creek, Maryborough. Officers from departmental with improvements carried out and being branches travel consistently throughout the capable of carrying stock for fattening in regions to which they are allocated, and no excess of present depantmental turn-off, are cen~re of Aboriginal population is without also stocked with purchased store cattle, regular visitation. mainly bullocks. The clerk of the court, in accordance with Since mid-1967, when Kowanyama, the provisions of the Aborigines Act of 1971, Edward River and Lockhart River were remains the district officer to the district accepted for administ~ative purposes, and in which he is stationed, which means that Weipa during the previous year, a pro­ those seeking advice, guidance or assistance gressive programme of improvements has from the department are always able to been pursued. Kowanyama is completely achieve this. boundary fenced, except for a six-mile area neM DunbM, and stock-raising in the STOCK northern areas is programmed and aJmed at Within the department, stock rmsmg is self-sufficiency in beef requiremen

Detailed reference to pastoral activities all future physical developments on the com­ on the various communities is contained munities will be based. The surveys are in the Director's annual report. There are, nearing completion. however, a few matters to which special The schemes, when implemented, will pro­ reference should be made- vide sewerage connection to all dwellings 1. During the past five years, towards on communities. It is intended that this the development of Peninsula properties work will be carried out under the super­ and the upgrading of beef stock-which vision of consultants, using local labour. numbers include 75 bulls to be secured Cost estimates for the completion of these in the immediate future for Kowanyama jobs over a two and three-year period are- and Edward River--448 bulls, 2,731 $ selected females and 125 calves have been Palm Island 474,000 added to the Kowanyama, Edward River, Bamaga 226,000 Lockhart River and Weipa herds. With Cowal Creek 109,000 approximately 420 stock and work-horses New Mapoon 64,000 secured for these various communities, the Umagico 10,500 value of this livestock, all purchased Lockhart River 147,000 from the departmental welfare fund, is Mornington Island 245,700 $490,000. Hope Vale 256,000 2. During the 12 months ended 30 Doomadgee 235,000 June 1973, gross sales of livestock not Aurukun 219,000 required for departmental use totalled Edward River 205,900 $424,585. The net return credited to the Kowanyama 273,400 departmental welfare fund was $405,409. These figures are not to be confused with 3. Cattle slaughtered for community the current year's departmental Estimates. use numbered 1,000 head. 4. As a matter of comparison and as WATER SUPPLIES an indication of progressive build-up of Major works are in progress to upgrade sales and accelerating use of the various water supplies, storage and reticulation to properties, I quote the following figures- meet demands for sewerage installations and $ provide adequate domestic supplies at both 1957-58 sales netted 12,394 Palm Island and Bamaga areas. This work 1962 sales netted 160,000 has been engineered by the Department of Local Government, and installations will be Between 1963 and 1967 net sales averaged supervised by that department, using local 125,000 labour. Contracts have been let for supplies 1967-68 sales net return 240,000 of materials, and deliveries of these are Year ended 31-3-69 net sales proceeding. were 247,653 Drilling for subartesian water sources Year ended 31-3-70 net sales is under way at Edward River, and were 260,728 this will also be continued at Kowanyama. Year ended 31-3-71 net sales were 252,262 The Irrigation and Water Supply Com­ mission is at present surveying all water Year ended 30-6-72 net sales were resources, storage and reticulation require­ 318,807 ments on all islands of the Torres Strait. Year ended 30-6-73 net sales Work is under way to improve supplies were 405,409 and reticulation at Badu Island. Cost Special works worthy of mention include estimates for the completion of these jobs proposed development in northern com­ over a two and three-year period are: munity areas, and I shall now detail them. $ SEWERAGE--cOMMUNITIES Aurukun 77,000 Hope Vale 50,000 Private consulting engineers, Messrs. Mornington Island 62,000 Cardno and Davies, have been engaged and Lockhart River 53,000 have undertaken a survey for the installation of sewerage at the following locations: Palm Kowanyama, Edward River, Doomadgee Island, Yarrabah, Hope Vale, Doomadgee, and Palm Island are also included in these Mornington Island, Kowanyama, Edward programmes. These figures are not to be River, Aurukun, Bamaga and satellite com­ confused with the current year's depart­ munities. At Weipa South a similar type mental Estimates. of survey is being carried out by consultants Gutteridge, Haskins and Davies. These ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER surveys embrace water supplies, subsoil Cairns Regional Electricity Board engin­ studies for placement of sewerage lines and eers undertook a survey of the Doomadgee, treatment works and budgetary estimates. Mornington Island, Edward River, Aurukun A photogrammetry survey is being prepared and Lockhart River communities for the for this work, and this will also provide installation of a 24-hour supply of electric detailed and accurate information upon which power. Diesel alternator sets have been 53 1666 Supply [15 NoVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) purchased for this purpose, and contracts With the base station established at Thurs­ have been let for house-wiring and power­ day Island, 24 land stations, 5 radio-equipped house buildings. Installation is presently vessels and 14 portable two-way radios are proceeding at Edward River, and it is maintained. expected that this installation will be com­ The foregoing is but a brief picture. At pleted before community access roads are this stage I should like to place on record cut off by monsoon rains at the end of my appreciation of the work done by the the year. Other installations will follow in officers of the Department of Aboriginal rapid progression. All installations should and Island Affairs, including all those who be completed by the end of 1974. serve in outlying areas.

ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER, The CHAIRMAN: Order! As it is the TORRES STRAIT practice to put to the Committee-- Engineers of the State Electricity Com­ Mr. Bums interjected. mission and the Cairns Regional Electricity Board are at present preparing a report on The CHAIRMAN: Order! I had occasion the feasibility of providing electric power this morning to speak to the honourable to the inhabitants of the Torres Strait. This member for Lytton for talking while I was is being done with a view to preserving, as on my feet. I do not intend to warn him far as possible, natural foliage and the again. natural beauty of the islands. As it is the practice to put to the Com­ mittee the amount voted for the first item STORES ON COMMUNITIES of the departmental Estimates I propose to put the question for the amount voted for A new store complex has been designed the Department of Irrigation and Water by the Department of Works for Kowan­ Supply. This will not have any effect on the yama. The total cost will be approximately discussion of the Estimates of all of the $250,000. It is planned to undertake the departments under the Minister's jurisdic­ first stage-a butcher shop-this year. tion. I trust that the Minister will accept Increased refrigeration is being supplied to this arrangement. Yarrabah, Palm Island, Woorabinda and Mr. WALLIS-SMITH (Cook) (2.28 p.m.): Lockhart River. A trial shipment into In introducing his Estimates, the Minister Edward River by the Mason Shipping Co. dealt first with the Department of Irrigation during the last monsoon season has shown and Water Supply. I concur in his decision. the practicability of supplying limited During my time in this Assembly, I have amounts of foodstuffs to Edward River always maintained that the basic need of during the period when roads are closed every person in the world is water. This because of the wet season. A retail store department has spent quite a large sum of complex is also programmed for Woora­ money and undertaken a great deal of binda, embracing a retail butcher shop which investigation. is estimated to cost $200,000. It is expected I do not think anyone could argue with that work will commence on this project the priorities I attach to the provision of during the current financial year. water. First should be the supply of suitable and adequate domestic water because the living conditions and good health of the RADIO COMMUNICATION community depend on it. It is the basis of With the exception of Weipa and Bamaga, life, and for that reason should receive first all Peninsula and Torres Strait communities priority. Second priority should be given are beyond the reach of normal post office to rural water, which includes water for telecommunication. For some 35 years my stock and irrigation purposes. Third priority, department has provided radio communica­ as the Minister seems to indicate, should be tion to bridge this deficiency. The system allocated to water supplies for mineral and has been improved as technological advances power production. have made more effective equipment avail­ The Minister told us that water had been able. The area is now covered by a single provided to meet needs ranging from those side-band network, which provides a 24-hour of individual holdings to large communities. service to and from all outposts. Small I am somewhat concerned about the large portable equipment enables field parties to number of bores drawing ,water from the maintain contact. All sea-transport units Artesian Basin, which the Minister men­ in Torres Strait are also equipped with radio, tioned. Recently I read a book which and all equipment is maintained by depart­ emphasised that, throughout the world, there mental personnel. In this regard, I pay is a lowering of the level of artesian waters. tribute to the services of Mr. Joe McKenna, It was written in 1963 and forecast that, in formerly radio engineer operator at Thurs­ 10 years, the Californian fruit district would day Island for a period of 25 years, to be without fresh water. It indicated that the whose efforts the effective system of com­ normal level had been lowered to such an munication presently existing can be attrib­ extent and salt-water from 'the sea was uted. A new workshop complex was built intruding at such a rate that the water would at Thursday Island during the current year. become saline after 1973. I shall study the Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1667 answer to the question that the honourable willing to serve as honorary observers. We member for Warrego asked in the House this could re-introduce coast-watchers. It would morning concerning the artesian level because be simple for them to telephone the boating although this is a national responsibility, I officer and tell him what they knew, surmised hope that the State will play its part in or alleged and he could act immediately. bringing the seriousness of this problem to It is not good enough to have honorary the notice of the relevant authority. officers who have no powers of arrest, and The Government says its policy of decent­ who at times may be subjected to some ralisation is highlighted by the work of degree of danger. I ask the Minister to the Department of Harbours and Marine. give this matter some consideration. Its claim is based on the large volume of exports that pass through Weipa, Hay The Department of Harbours and Marine Point and other northern ports. But for has land at Cooktown, and at present its those exports, it would be clearly seen that affairs there are administered by the Clerk the Government in fact is making a very of the Court. He is a very nice person and poor effort in decentralisation. he does his job well, but, with all due respect to him, I think he would be found As an example, I cite the harbour at wanting if it was necessary to manoeuvre Portland Roads. A jetty was in existence a boat across a half-mile strip of water. In there-in fact, it gave good service during other words, the Government gives only lip­ the war-but it has been allowed to deterior­ service when it says that there is a rep­ ate to such an extent that the Minister resentative of the Department of Harbours closed it and said that anybody who used it and Marine in Cooktown. did so at his own risk. It is being allowed to rot away simply because the Minister says that The Minister knows my feelings about it services only a few people. The restoration the new wharf at Thursday Island. I still of that jetty would promote decentralisation, maintain that it does not meet the needs because that port could service the Aboriginal of Thursday Island, and that it will be found community at Lockhart River and handle to have a number of shortcomings when cattle from Cape York peninsula and other it is completed. I know that the reason areas. It is a safe harbour and, from it, for such a small structure is an economic cattle could be transported to various abat­ one, but where is the Government's policy toirs. It is only 29 miles from Lockhart of decentralisation when it trims expenditure River. The Minister knows only too well in the far-distant parts of the State? What that the Quintell Beach ramp was provided is being done at Thursday Island is not at high cost and is now an absolute white realistic for a Government that claims it elephant. is committed to decentralisation. I under­ stand that the shed has been relocated, the Mr. R. Jones: It is very difficult for only reason being that it was blocking the mariners to approach that ramp. view from some of the buildings on Thursday Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Yes, because on 98 Island. days out of 100 a south-easterly is blowing The Minister's Estimates cover a number and it is dangerons to approach the ramp. of other departments. Because it deals with The Minister said that a 24-hour watch people, perhaps the most controversial is is kept on the port of Brisbane by various the Department of Aboriginal and Island radio stations. I add to that the wonderful Affairs. The Minister said that Aborigines assistance and co-operation of the 4KQ and Torres Strait Islanders understand the patrol boat, "690". I know that the Director Acts that govern their affairs. I disagree of the Department of Harbours and Marine with him, and with the Director and any is very pleased with the co-operation he other officers who are of that opinion. In receives from that service and its ready my opinion, the Acts are bulwarks for the acceptance of any task it is given. Department to hide behind, and to use when Legislation to increase receipts is not the they are needed. The differences between the two Acts, which deal with virtually only type that should be enacted. I am of the opinion that policing of our laws is identical situations, are sufficient to confuse being overlooked, hence the pollution that anybody. They even confuse departmental has occurred on several occasions. Mention officers. Throughout both Acts the overriding has been made of 541 fishing breaches, but authority is not with the Minister but with when it is realised that the Queensland departmental heads. coastline is 3,236 miles long, that number So bad is the situation that one island seems ridiculously small. chairman sent a message to me to the effect I ask the Minister to consider the appoint­ that he did not think it was a good idea ment of a boating patrol at Cooktown for me to go there, and that message was which is very close to where the recent countermanded. He was told, "You cannot oil spills occurred. In addition, fishing stop him from coming." The Act in fact breaches in the form of netting in adjacent provides that a council has the right to rivers are far more prevalent in that area prevent anyone from going to an island. than many others. As well, the port of Confusion arises when people who have Cooktown could be used for illegal imports been duly elected make a decision, only to and exports. Many people in Cooktown are find that it is countermanded. It is for 1668 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (E·.timates) this reason that I say that departmental training college and then sent back to the heads have too much power in the making island, there is no hope of the children of such decisions. going to secondary school. They are now The Minister compared the current legisla­ going into Grade 8 at 15 years of age, tion with the 1884 Act, and he made refer­ and no boy or girl on the islands wishes ence to the "short space of eight years." to continue attending school after they have In my book, eight years is quite a long reached leaving age. time for people to wait for anything. I On the mainland, the problem is being am quite sure that if each of us in this overcome because virtually all teachers in Chamber was promised something, we would all the communities have been trained as want it to happen before the end of eight teachers through the Department of Educa­ years. tion. Many of the children still speak The Minister also mentioned a more equit­ their native tongue, and once the difficulty able share in the running of the Island of communication is overcome by properly Industries Board. I did not quite appreciate trained teachers speaking that tongue, boys the implication of that remark. The I.I.B. and girls of 12 and 13 years of age will is a co-operative that serves the islands with begin going to high school in the normal all their goods and other requirements and way. on the surface, it is an excellent organisa: I should like the Minister to use all his tion. Unfortunately, prices have continued influence to try to get the Minister for to increase, and the very people whom the Education to establish a manual training board should be serving are looking for and homecraft school at Weipa North. At other avenues through which to obtain their Weipa South there is a very good teaching requirements. In fact, they are even sending staff in the primary school. At Weipa away to places on the mainland for their North there is a secondary department up stores. I think that, instead of having to junior standard. If manual training and a 50 per cent Aboriginal representation homecraft classes could be provided, a great the only outsider on the board should be ~ service would be done to the children of magistrate. As an administrator, his role that area. would then be one of guidance. I was horrified this morning to see a The word "guidance" brings my mind to leading article in "The Courier-Mail" headed the appointment of Aboriginal and Islander "Black violence". I suppose every hon­ justices of the peace. Again, these people ourable member has read it. I think it is do not understand the qualifications that shocking that such a state of affairs has are needed; they do not understand the job come about, but it is further evidence of they have to do. In my 10 years in this the frustration of these people. The chair­ Chamber, I have striven hard in order to man of a council has written to the Director have two Aborigines appointed as justices asking that a manager be removed. That of the peace. . I_ am grateful to the Depart­ man could be transferred. I have here a ment of Abongmal and Island Affairs and copy of the letter to the Minister and to the Premier's Department for their assist­ the Director, to which the Minister replied- ance in allowing the appointment of those ''! have given careful consideration to two persons, but I assure the Committee Mr. so-and-so's suggestion, and whilst I that my success was not achieved without appreciate his complimentary remarks, I a fight. I know full well that the other regret to advise that it is not possible at justice of the peace who has been appointed this time to meet his wishes." simply had the "touch on the head". It I stress the words "careful consideration". has to be explained that that person was The council was elected by a community not literate and would not understand what of 600 people. was required of a justice of the peace. Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: What would you do There has been a great upsurge in educa­ if tomorrow morning they asked for the tion on both the islands and the mainland mechanic to be transferred, and there was but particularly on the mainland. Whe~ no mechanic to replace him? Would you I asked questions about the secondary educa­ transfer him? tion of children on the mainland, I was pushed aside to the Minister for Education, Mr. WALUS-SMITH: I am speaking about and that should not happen. These are one specific case involving the chairman of people living in communities that are a community who was elected by the people. under the jurisdiction of the Minister for The letter is a credit to him. He admits at Aboriginal Affairs and the Department of the end of it that he asked for and was Aboriginal and Island Affairs, and I say given assistance in writing it. In portion of here and now that an all-out effort should the letter to Mr. Killoran he said- be made to ensure that every child who "On your last visit here, and in Cairns, wishes to have a secondary education­ you told me I was running this place for it does not matter whether he lives on Aborigines and the Manager was an one of the islands or on the mainland­ adviser. We have one now and we want should be able to get it. The trouble is to keep him. At Council meetings, we that, for the next 50 years, if people from now have the things we say written down. the islands are not trained at the teachers' In the past the Manager left things out Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1669

or changed them for himself. When I Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: Not this Govern­ growled about this I was told, 'I am the ment. It is the so-called Australian Gov­ Manager and I know best.' " ernment-the Federal Government-that is The Government is talking about eight doing it. short years. I know that man personally. When one looks at Aborigines as a whole, He is one man who understands what is one wonders exactly how they got into happening. He is a leader of his people, the position they are in today in the com­ yet the department, with its overriding munity. Only as far back as 1901, when influence, brushes him off, irrespective of the Commonwealth Constitution was drawn what is contained in the Act. I admit that up, Aborigines were not even counted in talk about repealing the Act quite often the census. To us, in today's so-called stems from pressure groups, but then we get enlightened state, this is rather hard to evidence like that. The chairman does not believe. It means that 72 years ago we know whom to turn to. He writes not to completely ignored a group of people in the Minister, but to the head of the depart­ the community. But there were certain ment. When one sees that sort of thing, problems associated with the situation. These one starts to believe that there is something people were mainly nomadic; there were wrong with the administration. I think it language barriers; the Australian continent has been proved conclusively that the Gov­ was large and diffuse; and communications ernment has failed miserably in bringing were not what they are today. A problem about an improvement in the conditions also arose in the compiling of statistics; and the understanding of these people. I returns were not good. am not going to be silly enough to ask for a royal commission, but, unless the Govern­ In May 1967 a referendum repealed section ment can quickly bring about a change in 127 of the Commonwealth Constitution and the present situation, it should admit that it deleted from paragraph 26 of section 51 has failed, and should consider repealing the words, "other than Aboriginal race in many of the sections in the two Acts which any State". The result of this was to give this unwieldy, inhuman and overriding give Aborigines citizenship status, and the authority to the head of the department. Commonwealth Government then established a Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Before There have been many instances of that referendum, Queensland had a highly wrongful accusations. I am not pursuing sophisticated welfare system for Australian those, and I am not going to say what they Aborigines. We have the largest population were, but I have produced a water-tight case of Aborigines of any State. At the moment in respect of a large community. What it totals 53,000, and it is steadily increasing. happened in another community highlights The race will not die out. It is interesting what appeared in the Press this morning. to note, however, that many people lay (Time expired.) false claim to being Aborigines. An Aborigine Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG (Townsville) (2.49 is usually defined as a person who has p.m.): It. gives me great pleasure to speak to 50 per cent of Aboriginal blood in his the Estrmates of the Minister for Con­ body. Many people falsely claim to be servation, Marine and Aboriginal Affairs. Aborigines, and it is some of these who are stirring up trouble today. They are negroid ~fter cons!dering the welfare of the Aborigine m Austraha, I have come to the conclusion in type. They are militant negroids who are that he is far better off in Queensland than causing through the Black Power movement, in most other States. I except some of the the trouble that the previous speaker men­ more remote areas of Western Australia tioned. They are very violent, and are and the Northern Territory where he still quite different in outlook and background lives in his tribal group an'd has not been from the Australian Aborigine. influenced by some of the rather bad aspects The Aborigines' and Torres Strait Islanders' of European culture. Evidently this is caus­ Affairs Act of 1965 was amended in 1967 ing some trouble because recently Mr. Hay­ to remove all restrictions en these people de_n, the Federal ~inister for Social Security, and to provide assistance to them when sard that the tnbal groups were suffering necessary. It still left the back door open rather severe cultural jolts as a result of the to them for help. They were given their introduction of social service payments. own councils; they were allowed canteens; Mr: Hayden sees lots of troubles arising. they were allowed to have alcohol; and they He drd not enumerate them, mainly because were given legal protection. Incidentally, he thought they would be of political im­ that protection is far better than mine. If portance. In all probability they are of I get into strife I have to pay my own legal political importance, but they really create fees, but an Aborigine has his paid for him. a problem in that the Aborigines in these In addition, these people have freedom to areas have been disturbed 'bY having been leave or to return to the missions as they given large sums of money and many com­ wish. forts which they do not appreciate and being completely uneducated, are unable to In 1971 there were nine Aboriginal or handle. Islander settlements or hostels in Queens­ land, and these were extremely well run. An Opposition Member: Thanks to your There were State and secular schools in Government. these missions, as well as hospitals and 1670 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) farming and fishing projects, and an intensive Government is keen to help the Aborigine, study by the Department of Aboriginal and a former Labor Cabinet Minister, Mr. Cal­ Island Affairs was under way into the pro­ well administered the White Australia policy tection and prevention of exploitation of with an iron hand. Under his leadership these people, especially so far as employ­ Australians discriminated against, and even ment and their women were concerned. I repressed, the Aborigines. Furthermore, spoke to several women on Palm Island and some Australians adopted the same attitude they expressed considerable fear that legisla­ towards European immigrants. Our English tion had been enacted to allow them to blood relatives were referred to in a deroga­ leave the island. In days gone by they tory sense as "Pommies", and we felt sus­ had often been pushed out onto the streets picious about the Italians. so that their men could get a bottle of Mr. Davis: Who did? wine. While they were under the protection of the Department of Aboriginal and Island Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: Australians as a Affairs their children were properly fed, their whole. We cannot seem to rid ourselves of men were disciplined and they enjoyed in this very bad habit that we have developed their lives some luxury that they had not over the years. It is time that we grew up previously experienced. They were worried and got it out of our system. that they may have to leave the island Most of the trouble has been caused not and go to the mainland, where they would by the indigenous people, the small ethnic become the butt of our social system. They groups or the migrants but by the attitude were not at all appreciative of our system of what I will term the "other" Australians. and preferred to stay on Palm Island. It is amazing, however, how quickly the The Commonwealth Government has disease can spread. It is not unusual to recently spent many millions of dollars on hear a migrant who has been in Australia these people. I think the expenditure to for only six months condemning the "bloody date has been $98,000,000, and in 1973-74 Pommies" or the "bloody !ties". the Commonwealth expects to spend White Australians consider that the Abori­ $117,000,000. Taking into account the gine is unable to manage his own affairs number of Aborigines in this country, that or to own his own property. We took amounts to $1,000 a head for every man, land from the Aborigines and would not woman and child in the country. It is a allow them to be covered by industrial colossal sum of money to spend in one awards. In the past, the unions certainly year, and I feel that the Australian Govern­ did not jump off their tails and fight for the ment has gone into this matter with its Aborigine; it is only now that they are head down and without much science. starting to do so. The popular belief today Almost every day we read Press reports is that we should champion the cause of to the effect that spending on Aborigines has the Aborigine. In the past, there was no been extravagant. Money has been squan­ trade-unionism to support him. dered and sums as high as $100,000 have It was also claimed that the Aborigine been unaccounted for. Some of the accounts could not hold liquor, and that he was were not even audited, and in some instances unable to plead his own case in court because there were no receipts. Not only were the he did not understand the proceedings. Some Aborigines not used to handling money, but, Aborigines, when convicted, did not even as well, many of the so-called white helpers know the nature of the charge for which were obviously damned dishonest. The they were being imprisoned. Years ago, hand-out to Aborigines of colossal sums of it was claimed that the Aborigines could money with no strings attached can cause not conduct their own communities. What bitterness among the white people. The a change we see today! Aboriginal councils Commonwealth Government will have to have been created to control their com­ take care that it does not create a white munities. The recent situation that arose racist policy by discriminating against the at Palm Island was quite capably handled whites. I venture to suggest that in the by the local council. Although some of the future there will be such things as "poor" islanders were misled by this so-called Black whites. Power, the situation was brought under con­ While on the subject of racism, it is trol by the local council. interesting to recall that to some extent The Aborigines are no more short in Australia has adopted a racist policy. As memory than the majority of white people. far back as the 1860's, in the gold-rush They have forgotten that doctors once cared days, Australians held a strong feeling of for them, and they now criticise the doctors. racism against what were referred to as However, most members of the medical pro­ the "yellow hordes" from China. In fact, fession have great sympathy for Aborigines. in those years racism permeated the whole In fact, at the Townsville General Hospital world. In California, for example, the they are given extremely good attention, and people were against the introduction of they appreciate it. Chinese miners. Occasionally trouble is caused by fire­ Out of this feeling of racism arose the brands like Mr. Clay and his wife, who reside White Australia policy. It is interesting to on Palm Island and readily make Press head­ note that, whereas the present Federal Labor lines. Probably in some instances they are Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1671 misrepresented. Generally, however, the When these schools have been established, Aborigines are able to handle their own we must increase the number and improve affairs. The department is giving them the quality of social workers in the depart­ proper guidance and, furthermore, is teaching ment. There is a great dearth of social them tolerance and how to administer their workers in the Department of Aboriginal and own affairs. Island Affairs. I recommend that this matter It is interesting to note that Mr. Clay be given high priority so that well-trained and Mr. Congov, from Palm Island, said people can help in the integration and assim­ that Mr. Bryant, like Captain Cook, was ilation of Aborigines. Tuition should begin all promises. They said, "He was full of with the young chHdren and the adolescents. promises and not much substance." Evi­ They should be taught to be interested in dently they did not think much of Mr. their own group welfare, and instructed in Bryant. the fundamentals of public health and hygiene We have built a type of subculture for and also in domestic science. At the same Aborigines. They are extremely well off on time, they should learn to appreciate the the settlements and missions in Queensland. value of education. Many of them think They are taught agriculture, and their children this is a bore and a tedious procedure that are looked after, taught domestic science, we force on them. This feeling, of course, religion and the basic elements of personal and public hygiene. However, when they is not confined to Aboriginal children. Many leave the missions they often go rapidly of our own children have the same idea. down the social scale. They are soon living Aborigines must be taught the value of a in poverty, frequently with a number of trade and of personal possessions. The Torres families occupying an inferior type of house. Straight island people have a desire to possess They practise very poor hygiene, their health that is greatly lacking in Aborigines. We must deteriorates, and they suffer from venereal teach them the value of ownership so that disease, alcoholism, chronic bronchitis, mal­ they can take their proper place in society. nutrition and Hansen's disease. Then they lose We must teach them that they belong to their jobs. When they become unemployed Australia and are part of it. I make the they have little trade ability, so that there strong point that they are not black; that are few work avenues available to them. they are not niggers. They are brown people. We have come a long way in 70 years in That radical woman, Bobbie Sykes, who refers our treatment of Aborigines. The department to them as "niggers" is quite wrong. It is has done a marvellous job, but these people interesting to note that the colour and features need continuing help even when they leave of Aborigines will breed out, whereas those the missions, because at least 50 or 60 years of the nigger will not. The nigger is a must elapse before they become fully apprec­ dominant, whereas the Australian Aborigine iative and cognisant of our culture. I suggest is not. I refer to Aborigines as being brown. that there should be a strong move to provide As far as I am concerned, the word "nigger" pre-school education for Aboriginal children. is out. At the same time, we should break down Aboriginal children must be taught to the language barrier or difficulty that many revere their own culture. This could be of them experience. The pre-school could bc:­ done, especially in the missions out in the staffed with the usual teachers as well as inland areas. They could be taught to specially trained Aborigines, which would appreciate their own culture and collect their help to remove from the exercise any thought own relics without keeping aloof from the of racism. rest of the community. They should assim­ ilate and blend with us. Many Aboriginal children lack the means of verbal expression. While attending pre­ In conjunction with the Commonwealth school units they should undergo careful employment training scheme, which started and regular medical checks. They suffer in 1969, the Queensland Government has from hearing problems and are prone to commenced trade teaching of Aborigines. In ear, nose and throat diseases. Many of them 1971, two pilot courses were conducted and, could not progress in secondary school in 1973, six courses were conducted in weld­ because they have hearing disabilities-they ing, sheet-metal processing, fibre-glass pro­ are not receptive. We have to start in a big cessing, food servicing and catering. The way. We must tmin the teachers, and we intention is to introduce additional courses in must get suitable people from the Aboriginal electroplating, for assistants in nursing and community to teach and work side by side for training as builders' labourers. This is with Australian teachers. an excellent move, particularly the training for assistants in nursing. Over a period of We must forget the idea of having "black" many years, I know of only one Aboriginal schools. We should not separate or segregate girl who has qualified as a trainee nurse at the children. That is only asking for trouble. the Townsville Hospital. This was not Acting on advice along these lines, such a because the nursing staff was not trying to school was started in Townsville. This [s push them through. These girls do not simply heaping coals on their own backs, and seem to have become motivated. I hope the move should be strenuously resisted by they will, because the one to whom I refer the department. is an excellent nurse. Unfortunately, she 1672 Supply (15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

was a "loner". The work done by the Harbour officials were aware that, at 4 Department of Aboriginal and Island Affairs a.m., the vessel "Columbus New Zealand" must be commended and lauded. was ordered to berth at the Hamilton con­ The Townsville Harbour is an artificial tainer wharf and that another ship, the harbour with a natural outer harbour, which "Manoora" was scheduled to depart from is being developed. that wharf at 3 a.m. "Columbus New Zealand" entered the river at 2 a.m. in the (Time expired.) clear, but by the time she reached Hamilton Mr. BURNS (Lytton) {3.7 p.m.): I shall fog had set in, and the "Manoora" would confine my remarks to Harbours and Marine not leave her berth in the foggy conditions. matters. In doing so, I intend to show that Thus we had one ship waiting out in the fog the control of shipping in the Brisbane River in midstream to take a berth that was already and the Moreton Bay area fails to provide occupied. This mix-up between 2 a.m. and adequate protection for our seamen and our 4 a.m. should have alerted harbour officials city. In fact, I suggest that unless urgent to the dangers of the fog, and the problems steps. are t~ken to provide a properly planned, that ships could experience two or more full-time, mtegrated traffic-control system in hours later on the same morning. our port, there could be a major disaster at But let us continue to follow the "Marco the n:outh of the Brisbane River one foggy Polo" after she had narrowly missed colliding mormng. I am speaking of a major disaster with the oil tanker berthing at the Ampol which could affect the lives of manv oil refinery at Lytton. One of the tugs from citi~~'"!s as well as property, ships and port the tanker raced at full speed to pick up fac1hties. I refer to the possibility of a a bow line from the "Marco Polo". Having collision involving an oil tanker and another achieved this, an indication of cross-river vessel at the mouth of the river and the traffic was noticed on the tug's radar screen. possible resultant conflagration that could I ask honourable members to remember occur in this area with two oil refineries that radar equipment operating in conditions placed on opposite sides of the river. where river channels are only 400 feet In case honourable members think this wide, and where buildings, wharves, shipping, could not happen, I refer to incidents-or etc., could crowd the screen, could not under near accidents-that occurred on Wednesday, any circumstances be regarded as accurate. 8 August 1973. Responsible ship captains Under these conditions, an indication of cross­ a_nd seamen who regularly operate on the river traffic was seen on the screen of the nver reported that early that morning there tug. The BT>isbane vehicular ferry "Sir J ames could have been a major accident involving Holt" was then seen chugging from one the overseas tourist vessel, "Marco Polo" side of the river to the other in these and the Ampol oil tanker, "P. J. Adams". dangerous foggy conditions. The seamen said that three tugs picked up The "Marco Polo" finally ran into trouble the "P. J. Adams" when it entered the river again when trying to round Bulimba Point. at 5.25 a.m. Fog closed in to such a degree Visibility was now so low that the tug had that the tug at the bow could not see the to turn violently to avoid running aground tug at the stern. The "P. J. A dams" reduced near Kingsford Smith Drive. The tug, as a speed in order to berth and, as the tugs were result, hit the mud bank at Bulimba Point. manoeuvring it into its berth the "Marco The wires between the "Marco Polo" and Polo", with a pilot aboard, c~me steaming the tug parted, and the ship's anchor was out of the fog, passing dangerously close to let go. Officially, in a letter from the Min­ the !anker .and forcing the tugs to take rapid ister, the pilot confirms that he had difficulty evasive actwn. rounding the point, and that the wires parted These statements by seamen and skippers and the anchor was let go. I am therefore are based on facts supported by the Minister. not saying anything that the pilot has not His advisers reported that the pilot on board said, and that the Minister does not know. the "Marco ~olo" confirmed that visibility In the words of the Minister's advisers, was bad-a mce way of saying that things dropping anchor itself is a tricky and danger­ were tough-and also confirmed that his ship ous manoeuvre in the narrow Brisbane "passed the oil tanker 'P. J. Adams' in a River channels, for a ship stopping to anchor close situation". is affected by currents and winds and is Hable The situation must have been very danger­ to run aground. This, I might say, was ous when an admission such as that is made an overseas passenger vessel coming to the by the Minister. tourist State. I am sure the Minister will I have been told on a number of occasions not deny the accuracy of my description of that there is a rule that vessels carrying the highly dangerous turn of events that dangerous flammable cargo should not be occurred whilst the city slept on that Wed­ moving in the Brisbane River, above Luggage nesday morning in August. Point, when other vessels are in motion. If A similar shuation occurred on Monday t~~t is so, i.t seems strange that, in fog con­ 17 September. when it was proposed to have ditiOns, wh1ch had already disrupted river two, and possibly three, ships all moving in traffic conditions at Hamilton three hours pre­ the one section of the river, with one of ,viously, both an oil tanker and a passenger the vessels carrying highly flammable $hip would enter the fog-bound ri•ver mouth material. Again I stress that it has been my within half an hour of each other. belief that such a manoeuvre was not allowed Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1673 in the river above Luggage Point, and I ask suggest that speedy steps should be taken the Minister to see, even if there is no such to beautify and clean up the river banks. rule. that action is taken to enforce such Surely that is a job for the Department a necessary safety practice in the narrow of Harbours and Marine. river channels. Down at the mouth of the river, at At 6 a.m. on 17 September of this year, Wynnum and Manly, there are mud banks the 24,000-ton 790-ft. "Esso Gippsland" was on the foreshores. But we have evidence scheduled to leave its berth at Hamilton of a large deposit of sand under the mud Cold Stores and move to the Shell wharf, that has been washed ashore in many Pinkenba. And, remember, we are talking areas at Wynnum. The recent dredging of a river channel of only 400 ft. The "Juyo of Wynnum Creek, which was organised Maru" was to leave Borthwicks at the same by the local Labor member, Mr. Ted time to take "Esso Gippsland's" berth at Harris, produced a large amount of sand. Hamilton Cold Stores. At 7 a.m., the pas­ If we are to plan a port at Juno Point senger vessel "Chitral" was to berth at or Fisherman Island, let us make sure that Hamilton No. 3. The "Esso Gippsland", the that development does not destroy the living second largest ship to be built in Brisbane, conditions of nearby residents. was carrying naphtha, jet fuel and other fuels, and the "Juyo Maru" was carrying A boat harbour has been built at Manly. molasses. The danger that would result With proper planning and the injection of from a collision is obvious. some Harbours and Marine Department The pilot on "Esso Gippsland" was money and know-how, we could make the obviously worl'ied about such a danger, as waterfront at Wynnum and Manly an aquatic he asked Lytton Signal Station to ring the playground. Why do we have to send Duty Harbour Master and ask if he was people 50 miles to the Gold Coast when we to shift while two incoming ships were have such a beautiful stretch of water as moving, and he especially referred to the Moreton Bay right on our doorstep? People dangerous cargo. The signal station con­ could be travelling only 12 miles to Wynnum tacted a port official, who told him to tell and Manly or a little further to Sandgate the pilot to sort it out himself. Such an and Redcliffe. In the process of developing offhand response is unpardonable. our port, we have turned the bayside suburbs into mud banks. An inquiry this week was told of hazardous river conditions, and the lack of communi­ The boat harbour and the landing ramps cation between two State Government-owned on our rivers and bays need more lights, and controlled vessels "Boyne" and "Sir parking areas and security patrols. There Thomas Hiley". Seamen could tell of many is a pressing need for the provision of addi­ other dangerous practices that are develop­ tional facilities for the thousands and thou­ ing. For example, ships leaving port and sands of small-boat owners who get a raw crossing Moreton Bay have been using the deal and virtually nothing in return for the very dangerous money-saving device of greatly increased fees they pay. running on one generator instead of two, In the boat harbours themselves, we could or, 'in some cases, four. When the single cut out the system of boat-owners having generator fails and another is being brought more than one mooring on lease from the into service, the ship loses all power and department when many are waiting to obtain steering. This is a highly undesirable turn a single mooring. At the moment I think of events. there are 200 on the waiting list for the The seamen who use our port have Manly Boat Harbour. expressed concern that Brisbane does not On the subject of dredging of creeks, the have a fully integrated traffic-control system. Department of Harbours and Marine must No-one has suggested that the staff of the take a major share of the responsibility for signal station at Lytton Hill does not do a flooding in many Brisbane suburbs. The magnificent job under existing conditions. department has allowed many creeks to My concern is not to be construed as silt up, reducing the drainage at their mouths. an attack on these officers, or on any of the For example, the mouth of Bulimba Creek port's seamen. I am sure we all agree that has a current build-up of 2 ft. of silt, we need to plan and implement proper port resulting in channel depths which make the traffic control, with the most modern equip­ creek difficult to navigate at low tide. In ment available. We cannot afford to take fact, the department has estimated that at chances with the lives of those who work low tide there is only 2 feet of water at in the port, or the hundreds of thousands the mouth. whose homes and places of work spread along the river banks. Mr. CampbeU interjected. From a tourist and civic-pride point of Mr. BURNS: There is no argument about view, Brisbane is situated on a remarkable that. The Minister told me by letter that river, but all who care to come to the that is what had happened at the mouth of river banks in the Lytton electorate will that creek find themselves confronted with a series of broken-down wharves and mud banks. I Mr. Campbeil: What about the city council? 1674 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

Mr. BURNS: I do not think that the berths to 200 feet, and the possible relocation city council has ever been responsible for of shipbuilding facilities at Fisherman dredging the mouths of tidal creeks. If Island, with large ship facilities at the mouth the Minister can show me that it has been, I of the river. will take the matter up with the Lord The Brisbane Airport Committee, which Mayor; in the meantime, I think the Minis­ held its final meeting on 21 January 1972, ter is well out of his depth. provided these details in its report, so the Mr. Campbell interjected. information was available to it for some time prior to that. I would like to know Mr. BURNS: The Minister could not be when details of the planning for future port out of his depth in some of the creeks facilities will be made public, so that the around Brisbane today. He would be up people who work the port and make it a to his neck in mud. In fact, that is where viable proposition can publicly debate this he is now. I say to him, "Don't get your important State and city planning decision. mouth full of it. Stay out of the debate; I do not believe that we can really afford you don't know what you're talking about." to wait any longer. Already southern news­ Residents of Brenda Street, Lytton Road, papers, including the national "Australian," Lang Street and other streets in the Mom­ have criticised our port. I remind the Com­ ingside-Cannon Hill area adjacent to the mittee of the headline "Europe shuns 'shallow' Colmslie Hotel suffer each rainy season Brisbane" in the national "Australian". The because of the penny-pinching attitude of article stated- the department to the dredging and straight­ "European shipowners are holding back ening of Perrin Creek. Perrin Creek has a decision to send containerships into been affected by the future plans for Cairn­ Brisbane because they think the port's cross Dockyard, and may I suggest that it facilities are inadequate. is time for a very close look at the depart­ "They fear that without a major dredg­ ment's management policy at that dock. Men ing programme their ships would risk working at the dock are concerned for its going aground if they used the port." future and the stability and continuity of The article quoted a Mr. Otte, who is a work opportunities. They take a pride in director of Germany's Hapag-Lloyd shipping their work and in the reputation of the dock. line and the new chairman of the Australia Their work is equal to any in the world. Europe Container Service. According to Given the right atmosphere and a spirit of the newspaper article he said- helpful co-operation, they could restore the dock to its former peak efficiency. "A couple of weeks ago we were ready to go, but we have now decided not This brings me to the question of a new to for the time being. port for Brisbane, or a long-term plan for "If there had been better terminal the existing port. The whole question of facilities, and a greater depth of water bayside development and sand restoration there it would have made our decision in areas such as Wynnum and Manly is tied to go there much easier. up with the discussions on, and planning of, a new port for our city. By world standards, "If a containership went aground down practice and experience, Brisbane's port facil­ here there is nowhere close where we ities are poor. Our lack of world-class could have repairs carried out. facilities taxes the skill and endurance of "So we have to play it very safe. those who work in the port. The future of "Marketing-wise there may be very Brisbane as a port and the chance of South good reasons for giving Queensland a Queensland industries successfully competing direct container service to Europe, but in world trade depend on updating the port as far as the operational considerations facilities and keeping them up to date. are concerned it is 'no'." The 1973 Annual Report of the Depart­ That is bad news for Queensland, and that ment of Harbours and Marine makes brief is not a political statement. It is bad reference to the Port of Brisbane Study. news for all of us when the shipping lines Many Queenslanders, including those who say they cannot use our port. We have work in the port, support the proposal of a problem down at the Lytton Rocks, where Captain Edgar Whish that the port should the channel is at its shallowest point. We not be a river port and that advantage should also have problems because conditions in the be taken of the large area of navigable water bay are very difficult on many occasions. in Moreton Bay with depths of more than The Waterside Workers' Federation, a 60 feet. But I think they will be disappointed. team of hard-working men who are vitally The Department of Harbours and Marine interested in the survival of the port because has told the Brisbane Airport Advisory Com­ their own survival depends on it, originally mittee that long-range plans of the State called for feasibility studies. Now it has envisaged several overseas-class shipping called for immediate action on the port wharves and berths from Hamilton Reach plan. Yet we get only 25 to 50 lines to Juno Point and Bishop Island, presumably in the Annual Report of the Department of on both sides of the river. These long­ Harbours and Marine on this important range plans spoke of cranes to a height of matter. When the new container port in 275 feet at Cairncross Dock, cranes at ship the river was being opened by the Treasurer, Supply [15 NoVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1675 he said that he saw new port facilities for is done to make the passengers feel that bulk-handling and containerisation as the they are arriving in tropical Queensland. key to expansion of the State's export trade. They probably think that they are arriving All of us agree on the need to do something in a banana republic. And probably they about the port. Captain Whish and many are. other people are suggesting that we move We need larger dry docks and floating it out of the river. A report of the docks. People who work at Cairncross Department of Harbours and Marine that dock are concerned about its future. They was made available to the Brisbane Airport are starting to worry about the new Gateway Committee, but not to the public, stated Bridge that will cross the river at the end that the port was going to be built at the of Creek Road. Will it affect the type of mouth of the river. ships entering Cairncross Dock? Are these We cannot get answers to questions in men going to be put out of work in this this Parliament about the establishment of area by a decision of Evans Deakin and Evans Deakin's shipbuilding works at others who might decide that the correct Fisherman Island. Every day of the week, place to locate a new repair dock is the we can see dredges spewing out river spoil Darwin area? Will the decision on the onto the Fisherman Island area. We can Newcastle dock affect the dry dock in our look at the number of porphyry stones that area? The situation at Cairncross Dock, have been quarried at Kangaroo Point and the workers say, is that, since the manage­ ferried down the river for revetment of the ment consultants went in, there are more banks at Fisherman Island. So it is fairly white hats and bosses than there are workers. obvious that Fisherman Island is going to I know that some of the disputes at the become a heavy industrial area. It is going dock can be blamed on demarcation issues, to be developed just as the Department of but far more can be placed at the door Harbours and Marine is developing that area of poor departmental management, or on now for the cement works at Parker Island people who would be prepared to tie up on the northern banks of the river. a large oil tanker or other ship in the If this industrial development is to come, dock for days rather than provide an ambu­ let the people be told about it. There are lance officer at the dock. many people in the Wynnum-Manly area There are many problems in the port who are vitally interested in what is happen­ of Brisbane. I do not believe that the ing there. They remember that the first Annual Report of the Department of Har­ news they received about the cement works bours and Marine on this occasion has even was the brief Press release by Queensland scratched the surface. I think many port Cement and Lime Company, in the financial problems are hidden. I submit that most pages of "The Courier-Mail", announcing officers are trying to do the right thing. its grand expansion. At no time did we They know there is a pressing need to hear from the Department of Harbours and do something about the port. The Minister Marine that it was building up a river island knows of the problems I have raised. He for a pollution-type industry. knows that in many cases tugs are now Let us move quickly to update our capital going back to blowing their fog horn as city port. The Government should take they used to do. Fog-horn blowing on the people into its confidence on its plans. turns and bends in the river has disappeared The livelihood of many people is involved. because it annoyed some local residents, When we update our capital city port, we but I do not think we can afford to gamble must make plans for deep-water berths, with lives or property or the welfare of provision for large bulk carriers of 100,000 people who work in our port. tons dead weight, or larger, more container berths, roll-on roll-off berths, berths for Mr. ARMSTRONG (Mulgrave) (3.27 ships carrying chemicals and explosives, p.m.): I am happy to have the opportunity berths for nuclear-powered ships, and large of participating in the debate on these modern passenger terminals. Estimates. Listening to the previous speaker made it quite apparent to me that his area Mr. Wharton, have you ever been down is badly represented. It would appear to the river to welcome an overseas passenger need reconditioning from one end to the ship? It is the most disgusting example other, so I suggest that, in future, he should of a passenger terminal that you could see use his energies along the correct line so anywhere in the world. People have to that the next time he speaks on these wait for hours in an old wool-dumping shed Estimates he might have something better while customs officers determine whether to say. they will put them through Gate A or Gate B. Visitors are herded through the A Government Member: He won't be here shed like sheep. Meanwhile their friends and then. relatives have to stand outside in the sun or rain. The smarter bus operators and Mr. ARMSTRONG: This is probably true. taxi-drivers line up. There is no proper I was also interested in some of the public transport service to the tourist vessel. remarks of the honourable member for Cook There is no organisation to look after the who, like many other people in this State passengers and/or their visitors. Nothing and Commonwealth, is very critical of the 1676 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

legislation covering Aborigines and Islanders. itself in their day-to-day affairs. It is bent This distresses me. I know something about on shoving aside the State Department of this matter, and it is quite apparent that Aboriginal and Island Affairs, and apparently many of the department's critics do not. think the department's officers possess no I am sure that if they took the trouble to knowledge and are unimportant, and not ascertain the correct situation, they would worth talking to. appreciate just what this legislation means From time to time Queensland has been to Aborigines and Islanders. accused by the Commonwealth Government The honourable member complained about of following a policy of paternalism. I having to obtain permission to enter settle­ suggest that, when history is written, the most ments. I think many of us would be much shocking example of paternalism to come to happier if permission to enter these settle­ light will be the Commonwealth Govern­ ments was not granted to some people who ment's practice of white-anting, if not des­ go there, as they merely create trouble and troying, the Aboriginal people of Queensland. cause headaches for those trying to help I am aware of hand-outs of funds that, the Aborigines. irresponsibly, have been made to people of Mr. Wallis-Smith: To whom are you Aboriginal ancestry. Vast sums of money referring? have been given to sponsor business ventures conducted by Aborigines who have had no Mr. ARMSTRONG: People have to seek training in the particular fields involved. In permission from the council to get onto a many instances the money has has been given settlement, and they find it objectionable when with no oversight, no guidance and, even they are refused. However, I liken this worse, no care. Many Aborigines have gone to someone going into the honourable mem­ broke, and large sums of public money have ber's home. These settlements are set aside been wasted. Of more importance is the for Aborigines, and they should have the fact that many AJborigines have become right to refuse entry to them. The depart­ demoralised and even thrown onto the scrap­ ment respects this, and it will seek per­ heap of human wastage. The Queensland mission to enter on a person's behalf. Government has then faced the onerous task of rehabilitating the derelicts. I should also like to remind honourable members and, indeed, Australians generally, In the field of secondary education, I that this so-called terrible legislation about understand that, with the consent of the which we hear so much, particularly from Commonwealth Regional Director, Abor­ members of the Federal Government, does igines' school fees, uniforms, text-books and not force anyone to live under its protection. fares are paid for by the Government. An No-one is compelled to do so if he does Aborigine who lives at home is paid $7 not wish to. I further point out that the a week, and also receives a gift of $3 as legislation was introduced at the wishes of pocket money. I have heard of Aboriginal these people themselves. They have councils families getting as much as $3,000 a year for running the communities, and these councils each of their student members. That sum are elected by those living on the settlements. includes fares and the other items to which They have regular meetings, and then dis­ I have referred. The aspect that particularly cuss matters with the Minister and the Direc­ disturbs me, and many other people, is tor of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. If it that no means test is applied. Is it any is humanly possible they are given their wonder that unrest is beginning to creep into the relationship that exists between Abor­ way. We do not hear any of them com­ igines and white Australians? In many jobs, plaining about this so-called vicious legisla­ tion. Perhaps it has some shortcomings­ Aborigines and whites work side by side and there is always need for improvement-but are paid the same wage. However, whereas the Aborigine is given preferential treatment generally the Aborigines and Islanders are to assist him to educate his children, the white content with it. worker is required to meet his own costs. Mr. F. P. Moore: Is it true that when you From time to time we hear it said that were elected to Parliament it was claimed in there is discrimination against coloured North Queensland that you would be the people. Sometimes I wonder whether such Minister for Aboriginal and Native Affairs? allegations are true. Recently an intelligent and diligent young Aboriginal asked me if it Mr. ARMSTRONG: When I entered Par­ was possible to have the education allowance liament the situation was a lot different from that was paid to his parents stopped. I was the one that exists today. I do not even amazed at his attitude, so I asked him the like being reminded of the conditions under reason for his request. He replied that which our coloured people were forced to since his parents had received the allowance live at that time. If I have sufficient time, the family home had fallen apart and that I will enlighten the honourable member for his mother and father frequently visited the Mourilyan. local hotel, with the result that sometimes Having spent much of my life among the children had no food. This is the way Aborigines-! employed a number of them they are being led by people who have not and came to have some regard for them- given much thought to the matter or 1 have been horrified by developments since sought advice from people who are the Commonwealth Government invoived knowledgeable. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1677

More recently, the greatest fraud of all Mr. ARMSTRONG: Some Opposition time perpetrated on the Australian public members were on Darn when we heard the was the so-called N ationa1 Aboriginal Con­ story. sultative Committee. We did not hear of it I suggest that in the light of the beating until recently, but on this committee are that the A.L.P. took on this issue and, more gathered together the greatest bunch of no­ particularly, since the then Commonwealth hopers, spongers and drifters-and false Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Bryant, politicians who get their ear. These people attempted to invade the Torres Strait islands have never done an honest day's work. All using a Roy<~.l Australian Navy vessel, the they can do is to speak volumes on behalf matter has been allowed to rest. He could of their so-called fellow Aborigines. not get permission to land on any of the islands. He was regarded as an invader. Mr. Wallis-Smith: Do you know them all personally? Although the matter has been allowed to rest, it is certainly not dead. I forecast that Mr. ARMSTRONG: I know some of them. there will be further attempts to carry out They have never lived a tribal, semi-tribal the pact with Mr. Somare. The honourable or traditional. Aboriginal way of life. They member for Cook stood up and was counted have been ratsed alongside white people in as being against the wishes of the people of the normal urban situation. We now have his electorate. He had the effrontery to vote the ridiculous situation that thanks to this against the express wish of his own electors paternal financial sponsorshlp by the Com­ on this issue, and I am sure the people of monwealth Government, these former whites the Torres Strait islands will not forget it. -the people to whom I have referred as white _Australians-now find it financially Mr. WALLIS-SMim: I rise to a point of benefictal to become Aboriginal Australians. order. The honourable member's accusation I have seen them moving around Queensland is entirely untrue. It is offensive to me by ai:, sea an~ ~oad, under the pretext of and I ask him to withdraw it. enrol~mg Abongmes, spreading their evil doc~nnes. And I understand that they are Mr. ARMSTRONG: It is on record. If gettmg $140 a week, plus a liberal allowance it is upsetting to the honourable member for doing so. ' I shall withdraw it, but that will not erase it from the records of this Parliament. I A Government Member: Surely there will recognise, of course, that he could not be a backlash from this. have done otherwise, because he is subject to the direction of the Q.C.E. and his _Mr. ARMSTRONG: Undoubtedly there cohorts at the Trades Hall. He knows as wtll be. I do not know the purpose of it well as I do that if he does not comply all. If time permits, I will point out in he will be treated in the same way as detail that in Queensland we have the best the honourable member for Mackay, who expertise in Australia to help these people. was returned to this Parliament only because There is no need, therefore, to set up such of his own efforts and certainly not with a committee consisting of malcontents, drop­ the blessing of the cohorts of the honour­ outs, do-gooders and people who have never able member for Cook or the Q.C.E. What done an honest day's work. These same a tragic series of events has occurred con­ enrollers are mainly the candidates for elec­ cerning the Aboriginal and Islander people tion to the consultative committee, which is of Queensland and Australia! to be held up to the people of Australia and the world as representing a true cross­ The turtle project in Torres Strait is worth section of Aboriginal Queenslanders and developing, and if I had the time I would Australians. Never before have I seen or spend a good deal of time discussing it. heard anything so ridiculous being sponsored It was initially developed as an ecological by a so-called responsible Government. exercise and showed considerable promise. r believe it could still be developed into We recently witnessed the tragic attempt a sound economic and viable industry. But it by the Commonwealth A.L P. Government has wallowed-if it has not completely to give away part, if not the whole of the foundered-in the sargasso of wanton irres­ Torres Strait area to Papua New 'Guinea. ponsibility, misuse of funds, lack of manage­ It was only the determination of our ment and business expertise, and administra­ Premier and this Government to support the tive inefficiency. The Melbourne "Age" Torres Strait Islanders that stayed the hand recently reported that, because of mis­ of the irresponsible Commonwealth Govern­ management and lack of application by the ment. It is a fact-and it has been publicised Commonwealth masters, these poor little --;-that Mr. Whitlam made a pre-election pact turtles are infested with worm parasites. wrth Mr. Somare to hand over the islands Surely this is an all-time low. It is an and these Queensland residents. He made absolute waste of nearly $500,000 of public that promise in Port Moresby, and also money that Queensland could well use. This on Daru Island. industry can still be saved, and I strongly advise the Commonwealth Government to Opposition Members interjected. become actively involved in the project and 1678 Supply (15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) seek the practical experience of people who say, "Let us keep politics out of it." Perhaps understand the problem, as well as the he really did not know what he had said assistance of the people whom they trust. previously. Mr. Frawley: Senator Georges is the new I say at the outset that I do not agree chairman. with some of the statements made by the honourable member for Mulgrave. He was Mr. ARMSTRONG: I am aware of that. critical of the National Aboriginal Consulta­ tive Committee, which is about to be formed. In the few years that the Commonwealth He was very critical of some of the candidates Government has been involved in these for that committee, whom he called, amongst matters, I have noticed it adopt a "go it other things, spongers, no-hopers, malcon­ alone" policy. It has either ignored or tents and drop-outs. I know some of them avoided local experience and knowledge, to in my electorate, and I would not describe the detriment of the Aboriginal people. them ·in such terms. I find them to be Surely it is time that the Canberra bureau­ Abor-igines who are interested in the welfare crats and, more particularly, the Common­ of their people. wealth Government realised that they are dealing with human beings and are shattering Mr. Armstrong: Who are these people? their lives, hopes and aspirations by making Mr. B. WOOD: Those I know are good the irresponsible hand-outs I have spoken people. about. That money could be put to a more useful purpose. The honourable member also referred to irresponsible hand-outs and unlimited funds The Prime Minister and the Federal Min­ allegedly being made available by the Austra­ ister for Aboriginal Affairs have both said lian Government. It is clear to me that he they have sought the co-operation of the is happy to fan the flames of any so-called States. It is time the public realised that white backlash to Aboriginal assistance that all the co-operation they seek is abject there might be in society today. consent or concurrence with their ideas, Whilst disagree·ing with the honourable which completely ignore practical knowledge, member, I begin the major part of my speech professional expertise and years of experience by agreeing with the Minister's statement that are readily available to them from those in a Press article yesterday that the problems who have been looking after these people. confronting Aborigines would not be solved I appeal to the Commonwealth Government by "heaps of money". In my opinion, money to throw away party politics and realise could be a handicapping factor in Aboriginal that it is dealing with human beings. advancement. It is sometimes thought by If those in Canberra sincerely want to Aborigines, authorities and the community help the Aborigines, I would have thought at large that money is the sole solution to that the correct and sensible approach would the many problems that face Aborigines and be to have discussions with some of the Islanders. It is, in fact, only one of a officers in the Queensland department. I number of necessities. Although it

The housing for Aborigines at Mossman Department might train as nursing aides, is not adequate, and needs to be replaced, local Aboriginal women at each of the three I would propose a self-help building pro­ centres I have mentioned. I have spoken gramme which in the end would go a long to a number of them, and I am sure way towards solving the housing problem that they would be very happy to undertake and the health problem, and, in the mean· this training and then move around and time, the unemployment problem. It would teach their fellows as well as help them, have the added advantage of giving these nurse them, and care for them. Although people training in building skills. I believe it would be only one factor, it would at that the Aboriginal people in those three least be one step towards improving the areas, particularly at Kuranda at this time, health of these people. could be trained in building arts so that, There are hospitals at both Mareeba and given financial assistance by the Australian Mossman, but a clinic is needed at Kuranda. and, I would hope, the State Government, I still hope that the Queensland Minister they could build their own homes. for Health will show some interest in this. I would hope that they could utilise the I have not finished fighting for it, but huge supplies of sand in the Barron River I regret that at the moment, the outlook in their building work. A tremendous is fairly pessimistic. I must admit that amount of construction in the North these I see this not so much as a problem for days is done, as it is elsewhere, in concrete the Minister in charge of Aboriginal and blocks and there is an unlimited supply of Island Affairs as for the Minister for Health, raw material adjacent to where these people just as the problem of education is one live. In order to construct their own homes, for the Education Minister. I should hope that the Aborigines could be I regret to say that as yet no pre-school trained in carpentry, bricklaying and plumb­ centres have been established at Mossman, ing. Many homes are needed, and their Kuranda or Mareeba. Centres might be construction would solve many problems. It established soon at Mossman, but those at would give these people employment skills. Kuranda and Mareeba are still some time There is no end to the number of homes away. I was sorry the other day to hear that will be needed over the next 50 years. the Minister for Education join with the We would be giving them skills with which honourable member for Townsville South in they could help themselves and which would an attack on a school conducted by Abori­ enable them subsequently to move into the gines and Islanders in Townsville. I have community at large. We have the materials, not seen that school, and I have some doubts the people and the need. Let us put them about segregated schools, but I must say all together. To do this we need the finance, that these people showed more initiative the incentive and the enthusiasm of Govern­ in providing some stimulus to education ments. Let us put them all together for the than the Education Department itself has benefit of these people. shown in the last 50 years. It was a self­ I turn now to health matters. With help project, and it certainly did not deserve the living conditions under which most of the condemnation that it received. Unfor­ these people live, it is inevitable that their tunately, the Minister for Education has health will be poor. If scabies break not seen fit to do much in the way of out, infection inevitably spreads rapidly. establishing pre-school centres at those three It was said at the time of the recent out­ places. break that the people would not go to I conclude by referring briefly to recent hospital. It is not easy for them to do so. acts of violence. They seem to me to be It is easy enough in Mareeba, but it is completely out of character for the certainly not easy for them to go from Aboriginal people. To say the least, I find Kuranda to hospital. them unusual. I can only excuse them by To the best of my knowledge, Kuranda saying that the Aborigines are acting pre­ comes under the control of the Cairns Hospi­ cisely as any other group of human beings tals Board. At the same time, anyone would act when faced with economic and who wants an ambulance service at Kuranda social circumstances of the type that con­ will find that it comes under the control front our coloured people today. These acts of the Mareeba Ambulance Centre. This are unfortunate. Certainly, the Aborigines is just one area of difficulty. The fact are reacting. However, I hope that those is that these people did not go to the who are responsible for the management hospital. Local residents, both Aboriginal and control of Aboriginal Affairs are able and European, have called on the Minister to adapt themselves to this situation. I hope for Health to establish a health clinic at that they do not respond too strongly to Kuranda, and I regret that the Minister these rather isolated outbreaks-and they has not seen fit to approve of this. There are isolated. seems little chance at this stage. The Aborigines and Islanders in Queens­ I have made approaches to the Australian land have a long way to go. They are Government to see if it will divert to taking steps to improve their conditions, and Kuranda some of its funds which are going I hope that the Government as well as towards the establishment of clinics. I other interested people will be able to assist should hope that, along with this, the Health them on their way. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1681

Mr. ROW (Hinchinbrook) (4.7 p.m.): At facilities on the eastern coastline, particularly the outset, I congratulate the Minister and in places where only rudimentary facilities his officers on their efficient administration of now exist. the departments under the Minister's con­ The proposed redevelopment of the port trol. I wish to refer particularly to the of Dungeness, more commonly known as the Department of Harbours and Marine as well bulk-sugar terminal at Lucinda Point, is of as to the annual report of the Director (Mr. particular concern to me. It is very import­ Peel). For 1973-74 the department's Esti­ ant as an outlet for Queensland's raw sugar mates reveal a projected increase of approxi­ and molasses. With the advent of the mately $100,000 over last year's expendi­ importation of bulk aqua ammonia in recent ture. Although, when compared with years, the importance of this port to ship­ increased expenditure for other departments, ping has been increased. With the world such a figure is small, it is a reflection of demand for sugar possibly increasing greatly the efficient administration of the depart­ in the foreseeable future, it is essential for ment. this port to be brought up to the standard of other sugar ports with similar potential. It is interesting to note that last year the revenue credited by the department to the It is pleasing to note that the Sugar Board is sponsodng the development of Consolidated Revenue Fund rose from the Lucinda as an overseas terminal. The previous year's figure by approximately model under study by the department's $450,000. Over the same period, marine hydraulics laboratory in Brisbane indicates survey and small-craft registration fees the Government's interest in the develop­ increased by $75,000, which reveals the ment of this port. In his report, the Director present widespread interest in boating. said that the tests on the model would prob­ Naturally, this brings with it a similar ably be completed this year. As it ,js now increase in the demand for small-boat facili­ almost the end of the year, I sincerely hope ties. The growth in popularity of boating that his forecast proves correct. has become a permanent feature of our way of life. The resultant steady demand for I thank the Minister for his courtesy in boats, trailers, harbourage, loading pads and inspecting the port of Dungeness during his ramps, fuelling facilities, accessories and recent visit to my electorate. The present supplies has created new industries and approach channel depth to the port, at low retail outlets that are heavily dependent on water, is only 4.88 metres. This restricts the Department of Harbours and Marine the size of ships that can use the port to playing its part in providing maritime about 6,500 tons displacement. Up to the facilities. present the port has been suitable for mainly domestic shipping, but as most of the sugar Much emphasis has been placed on the produced at the Herbert River mills is up development of tourism throughout Queens­ to export standard, it is essential, if our land, and a good deal of private capital has best-quality sugar is to be used to meet already been invested in this industry in Australia's overseas commitments, that this Queensland. I do not think anyone will port be able to cater for export shipping in accuse me of being parochial if I refer to the very near future. North Queensland, because I emphasise that It is also necessary to establish a small­ in this area lies the best avenue or potential boat harbour in conjunction with this port for new development. There are many to serve local domestic needs and the needs beautiful areas on the North Queensland of the rapidly developing tourist industry in coast that have virtually untapped tourist the Palm Group of islands as well as the potential. Some of the best areas are to be Hinchinbrook Channel and Hinchinbrook found in the far northern group of islands Island. Some of Australia's most attractive which are awaiting development. If adequate tourist features exist in this area and, if boat-harbour and servicing facilities are not proper development is to take place, the available, development will not take place maintenance of boating facilities is absolutely at a rate in keeping with the general growth essential. of tourism in the area. The movement of building materials and other commercial sup­ In addition, we have potential maritime plies to the islands depends virtually on sea industries, such as oyster farms. From time transport, and costs are greatly affected by to time attempts have been made to establish handling facilities on the mainland. these industries. If facilities were available to service this kind of development, it would Some of the larger northern provincial take place at a much more satisfactory rate cities, such as Cairns and Townsville, are than at present. From time to time a as well served as other centres on the rather substantial prawn-trawling industry Queensland coastline, but the popular unde­ operates in the area. It fluctuates with the veloped and unadulterated areas should be movement of prawns. Nevertheless, the opened up in conjunction with the main facilities at Dungeness have often created ports to ensure orderly development. I congestion when the prawning fleet is opera­ therefore urge the Minister to continue to ting in the area. seek Cabinet approval for the allocation of The development of an open-sea channel funds to enable the completion of currently to replace Hinchinbrook Channel is extremely planned port improvements and small-boat important to the general development of the 1682 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973) (Estimates)

area. It is very time-consuming for ships the work of river trusts, and I hope there using the port of Dungeness to have to will be a great deal of co-operation in navigate, usually under pilotage, this 30-odd developments of this kind. miles of restricted waterway, in which they I intended to refer to irrigation, but time frequently run aground on mud banks. This is running short. I would, however, like. to causes further delays in the removal of sugar, make some reference to the Beach ProtectiOn which has increased greatly following the Authority. I note that a comprehensive advent of bulk handling. This was quite report has been submitted on thi_s . compar­ a remarkable development for both domestic atively new activ,ity. I urge the Mtmster and and overseas sugar shipments. However, it his staff to give earnest consideration to the is something like the air service. A person recommendations by local authorities on can fly from Brisbane to Townsville in an beach protection in certain areas. I know hour and 20 minutes, but he then has to that in this field there has been some degree wait perhaps 20 minutes to get his luggage. of conflict between academics and practical After a ship has been loaded in a matter of men who have lived all their lives on the hours, it can wait for many more hours to eastern seaboard and have a fair idea of what navigate the channel out of the port at takes place there. I know also that conser­ Lucinda. vation work has to some extent been I am pleased to note that, this financial restricted by this conflict. I think this could year, a great deal of money-$900,000, if be overcome by a greater degree of co­ my figure is correct-is being spent on small­ operation and understanding between these boat harbours in many places in Queens­ two parties. land. Some of this development should be Much has been said about the Department undertaken in the Far North. I urge the of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. I, too, Minister and his staff to consider this sug­ have made frequent references to the work gestion. of this department. I am rather disturbed An interesting feature of recent legislation by some of the statements that are being has been the inclusion in local government made on this subject, and some of the areas of most of the islands in North things that have been happening. I agree Queensland. I urge the Department of Har­ entirely with the Minister's remarks about bours and Marine to recognise the assistance the need to do something realistic for that might be received from local govern­ Aborigines. ment in the development of the maritime I commend the honourable member for requirements of island areas when they are Barron River, who made what I thought was absorbed into shires. I hope that comment a fairly sane contribution to the debate. will bear fruit. However, he very conveniently overlooked I should like to commend the efforts of the real nigger in the woodpile-the recent the department to promote safety in the action of the Federal Government, and par­ use of small boats. Lectures on navigation ticularly the action of Mr. Bryant, who, and classes on safety regulations have made fortunately, has now been removed from a valuable contribution to the pubiic enjoy­ that portfolio. ment of this particularly pleasant recreation, I agree with the honourable member for which seems rapidly to be developing into Barron River that there is room for a part of the way of life in this State. great deal of sensible and conce_rted. action in the handling of the present sttuatwn. I I should now like to mention the work also agree entirely with Mr. Killoran's refer­ of the Irrigation and Water Supply Com­ ence in his report to the fact that, in recent mission, which has presented a particularly months intellectual paternalism has done a comprehensive and attractive annual report. great d~al of harm to the cause of Aborigines It is quite voluminous, and shows the in this State. Disturbances such as those extremely wide field of the Commission's that have been experienced can only result operations. I was rather concerned to hear in apprehension or disciplinary action by the remarks of the honourable member for law enforcement. Of course, this is objected Cook about the Great Artesian Basin. I to, and the Act is regularly quoted and could not quite understand his reference to blamed as being a restrictive influence in the California. Surely the tropical rainfall in affairs of our indigenous people. I believe this State is shed across the Great Dividing that these people are encouraged by some Range into the Great Artesian Basin. I members of the community to seek the cannot see that a comparison can be made abolition of the Act that in fact protects between the potential of this area and that them. of a place as far away as California. I was very pleased to hear the Minister, The activities of river trusts have been in introducing these Estimates, outline the greatly increased in scope in recent years history of the Act. Any sensible person following the declaration of shires as river would agree, I am sure, that that history trusts in place of the old acceptance of indicates clearly that the Act was designed restricted areas of river trusts. I feel that to protect the Aborigines, not to restrict Irrigation and Water Supply Commission them. projects involving special boards, drainage boards, and the like, could well augment (Time expired.) Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1683

Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) (4.27 p.m.): In Finally in 1971 we were told that the speaking to the Estimates for Conservation, Delft Hydraulics Laboratory had submitted Marine and Aboriginal Affairs, I intend to a report. Many of us had an opportunity refer to only two of the departmental reports. to peruse that report. It made specific I shall not make any attempt to deal with recommendations on how to prevent erosion the very important report of the Department on the Gold Coast. I understand that of Aboriginal and Island Affairs, because some of them have been implemented. How­ I do not think I am competent to do so. ever, I am told by people who have lived That is in spite of the fact that I have had all their lives on the Gold Coast that if the privilege from time to time of travelling others contained in that report had been throughout the State with the Opposition's implemented, some of the existing problems shadow Minister, Mr. Wallis-Smith, and of would not be confronting us. The Kirra visiting many of the Aboriginal settlements. Beach that we knew many years ago has I have been impressed by many of the almost disappeared. Something seems to things I have seen; I have been depressed have gone wrong in the implementation of by other things I have seen. recommendations. I am not blaming the Before I leave the subject of Aboriginal members of the Beach Protection Authority, Affairs, I must say that it has distressed me but the Government must be lacking in to hear the slighting remarks made about some way for not implementing the recom­ the Australian Government. No doubt, mendations more quickly. being very eager and willing to assist the Great destruction has taken place along Aborigines-and other people in Australia, the beaches on Moreton Island. We hear for that matter; after all, we are all Aust­ a lot of talk about that island, but very ralians-it has made mistakes. But we must little action is taken to prevent erosion there. give credit to the Australian Government Many people say that the sand-mining for attempting to assist the Aboriginal people operations have been a contributing factor. as quickly as possible. As I said, I do No doubt that is true, because once the not believe that I am competent to discuss ecology of an area is disturbed nature this subject. The honourable member for must react. That seems to have happened Cook spoke from experience, as did the on Moreton Island. Surely we are not honourable member for Barron River, who going to wait until Moreton Island has represents one of the northern areas of the been totally destroyed. We do not want State and who gave a clear exposition of a repetition of what happened on Bribie the problems of some of these people. Island. To my mind Bribie Island has I wish to refer to the report of the been destroyed. I have been visiting Bribie Beach Protection Authority and to the report Island all my life. It was a vastly different of the Department of Harbours and Marine. place before the upheaval brought about by First, let me compliment the members and subdivisional development. Previously it the staff of the Beach Protection Authority. was one of the best islands off the coast Although all members of that authority are of Queensland. It was famous for its competent to carry out their duties and are fauna and flora. What do we see there expert in their calling, it was pleasing to today? It has been torn and ripped about see Mr. O'Gorman appointed to the authority. to such an extent that erosion has taken All honourable members know Mr. O'Gorman its toll and, in the eyes of older residents, as a very good officer of the Lands Depart­ it has been completely destroyed. ment, a man who is always willing to advise them and assist with any problems they I hope we do not wait until Moreton have. I feel sure that he, like the other Island suffers the same fate. While dealing expert members of that authority, will play with Moreton Island, I must refer to the his part to the full. deliberate vandalism that takes place there, and the problems arising from the use of To my mind there seems to be a certain beach buggies, which have come into vogue amount of apathy about the erosion of in recent years. They are a real menace. Queensland's beaches. For some years now Many fishermen, particularly amateur fisher­ concern has been expressed by many people men who go down there for a week-end's at the damage being done to our beaches. recreation, have told me that their lives Despite all the investigations, inquiries and are endangered by crazy beach-buggy drivers. reports, very little seems to have been done They show no concern for life or limb as to implement the advice that has been they career up and down the beach. Of received. Beaches on the Gold Coast have course, they get their amusement and been very badly eroded. No doubt some recreation in that way, but I think some work has been carried out on those beaches, kind of restriction or ban sl}ould be put but I feel that the Government is too on them until an area can be set aside for slow in implementing many of the recom­ their use, or some other control instituted. mendations it has received. Without going much more deeply into In 1970 we were told that the problem the matter-and time does not permit this­ would take a long time to solve and that I ask the Minister to give some consideration finance would be one of the stumbling blocks. to the beaches situated closer to the city In 1968 a report was commissioned by of Brisbane. In my own electorate of Sand­ the Co-ordinator-General's Department. gate we have a wonderful opportunity for 1684 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) development. Much of the responsibility for I do not think that the Yarra and Torrens the foreshore itself lies with the Brisbane Rivers are more picturesque than the City Council. But I think a Jot more assist­ Brisbane River. ance could be given to the council to make Gradually the port of Brisbane is being the beaches themselves-that is, from the transferred to the mouth of the Brisbane point of view of sand-the best places in River. Old wharves in the city reaches are the Greater Brisbane area for recreational being demolished. However, I suggest that purposes. The population of the city of the work could be accelerated to make way Brisbane is now approaching 800,000 or for river&ide drives and parks. The movement 900,000, and it is growing rapidly, and the of the port downstream would reduce dredg­ beaches at Wynnum, Manly and Sandgate, ing and maintenance costs, and would also which are very easy of access, could be pave the way for the installation in the turned into excellent areas for family relax­ upper reaches of improved small-boat facil­ ation. So far as public transport is con­ ities. No longer do boat-owners require cerned, the railway service to the area at permanent moorings near their homes. These the moment is rather good. days a great number of boating enthusiasts One section that comes readily to mind transport their craft on trailers to the various is the Flinders Parade area. This is a long boat ramps along the river banks and on foreshore that could be easily developed. the shores of Moreton Bay. However, atten­ For many years people have spoken about tion must be paid to the creation of car extending it out to the low-water mark. parks near boat ramps. Great use is made by Mr. Lane: What has the council done boat-owners of Cabbage Tree Creek at about it? Shorncliffe. The result is that vehicles and trailers left on the foreshore interfere with Mr. DEAN: The council has done a Jot the activities of day picnickers. Particularly about it. I can assure the honourable mem­ in summer-time the whole of the shaded area ber that one person who has been most is occupied by cars and trailers. interested in that area for a very long time is the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. In fact, Brisbane is visited regularly by yachts both the Lord Mayor and the council have from all over the world. As a matter of recently shown keen interest in this project, fact, on any day one can see a large number and I am sure would do something about of overseas yachts moored in the Gardens it if they received some assistance. If this Reach of the Brisbane River. I suggest that area were extended to the low-water mark, the facilities made available to yachtsmen it would undoubtedly be one of the most could be improved, for example, by installing excellent playground areas around this city. freshwater faciHties at the moorings. I have I have already mentioned the islands off seen female members of crews come ashore the coast. This area is nearer and much with containers and then have to climb the more accessible to the people of Brisbane. steep slope in the Botanic Gardens to obtain In fact, it is only a comfortable half-hour freshwater supplies for their yachts. Surely drive from the city. I suggest that the fore­ freshwater hydrants could be provided at shores of Sandgate should be looked at the moorings so that the yachts could take by the Beach Protection Authority with a on their supplies direct. view to their development as a valuable As the majority of yachts are fitted with recreational area not only for the city of only small motors, which are used mainly Brisbane but for the State generally. for mooring purposes, I do not suggest that Turning now to ,the annual report of the [ue11ing facilities should be provided for Department of Harbours and Marine, I wish them. to deal with matters affecting the Brisbane Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: We are dealing with River. I think every member of this Com­ the council at the moment and we will most mittee would agree that it compares favour­ probably put in an amenities block. ably with any other river in Australia, both for beauty and utility. In my opinion it Mr. DEAN: I am very pleased to hear is one of the most beautiful rivers in Aus­ that, because I have often witnessed the tralia. From this building we can look inconvenience that arises. We provide moor­ across to a grassed area that was once ing piles for the boats but watering facilities occupied by the fish markets and old wharf are ,essential. It is somewhat dangerous to sheds. manoeuvre 10-gallon drums of water and Mr. Burns: What about getting the Depart­ other containers down that slope. I am sure ment of Harbours and Marine to clean up members of the boating fraternity would the mud flats on this side of the river? appreciate watering facilities. We should ensure that safety regulations Mr. DEAN: I sincerely hope that they covering small craft which venture to sea are will disappear in the near future. If the properly policed. I have seen boats leaving Brisbane City Council was assisted financially Cabbage Tree Creek for Moreton Bay with by the Government, I am sure it would very limited safety equipment. Many boat transform the area into a beauty spot. operators do not even check the amount of One of the main aims of the council is fuel they will require for a boating excursion, to follow the examples set in Adelaide and and subsequently run out of fuel. If it Melbourne and beautify the river banks. were not for the other boats using the bay, Supply [15 NoVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1685 particularly some of the prawn trawlers, as well as overseas, and this must have an there could be more fatalities. When boats adverse effect on trade in and out of the run out of fuel, they have often to be towed port of Brisbane. into the safety of Cabbage Tree Creek. For In 1971-72, trade through the port of everyone's sake, we must appoint more safety Brisbane increased by 16.2 per cent. This inspectors to police the regulations. When trade is worth money to the State and people get into trouble in the bay, lirves are creates prosperity and real growth for the at stake. Operators of many boats carrying people of Queensland. It is a great shame small children fail to appreciate the haz­ that it has fallen off in the past 12 months. ards of the sea and venture forth with ill­ I should like to hear from the Minister the equipped boats. It is essential that the reason for this falling off and who his boating regulations be policed rigidly for experts, officers and he believe is responsible the sake of safety. fur~ ~1 (Time expired.) Like many other people in the community, I will be interested to hear the result of Mr. LANE (Merthyr) (4.47 p.m.): The the Port of Brisbane Study, which was com­ Minister's portfolio covers Harbours and menced some time ago. We have been told Marine activities, in which I have a some­ that the report is expected to be in the what parochial interest as my electorate Minister's hands early in 1974. The study overlooks much of the port of Brisbane and is investigating the strategy for the develop­ is bounded on most of three sides by the ment of the port of Brisbane. It will investi­ Brisbane River. While the port of Brisbane is gate many aspects of activity. Apparently, important to me, it is also of great import­ seismic studies have been undertaken to ance to the Government because of the estimate the cost of deepening the river and revenue it brings to the State. I was where it should take place. pleased to note in the annual report of the Department of Harbours and Marine that Anyone who lives on the bank of the revenue from harbour dues alone in the last Brisbane River, as I do, knows that it is financial year totalled more than $3,000,000. quite shallow in many places. It is a At the same time, berthage, wharfage, rentals shame that it is not dredged more exten­ and so on returned in excess of $2,000,000. sively. If it were, more use could be made of it. The mud flats at Bulimba Point and Before the waters of the Brisbane River near the Botanic Gardens and Parliament pass down to the sea, they wash three sides of my electorate. The water is therefore of House indicate the need for the river to particular interest to my constituents as it be deepened and widened to make it more carries on it a large volume of shipping and useful to the community. the nuisances and hazards that accompany it. I was pleased to read in the annual Later in my speech I shall have more to report that a traffic manager for the port of say about the effect of shipping on my elec­ Brisbane had been appointed, and that during torate. 1973-74 the department proposes to call I believe that a port authority should be tenders for a patrol launch that is estimated established in Brisbane to take control not to cost approximately $60,000. It will be only of the narrow area of responsibility used by the traffic section to supervise port concerned directly with Harbours and Mar­ traffic, gravel and dredging operations, and ine but also of the many other activities on sources of river pollution, as well as to the river. People who wish to engage in deal with oil spil!ages and other port any business associated with the river have emergencies. These, with collisions and to approach many Government departments, failure to take safety precautions, could be as well as the local authority, to get the perhaps small in the over-all picture; never­ necessary approval. theless, they would be quite important to the people who are affected by them. I Brisbane has a wonderful port. The hope that, when the report iS' released and annual report of the Department of Harbours the launch is acquired, immediate action and Marine indicates that, in 1971-72, will be taken to attend to some of the imports, including general cargo, iron and day-to-day things that go wrong on the steel, fertilisers, chemicals and petroleum river. products totalled almost 4,500,000 tonnes. In the same period, exports of some­ Recently, by way of a question in the what similar products totalled 3,124,033 House, I asked the Minister whether there tonnes. During the period under review, would be some degree of co-operation imports fell to 4,301,410 tonnes and between, on the one hand, the officers of exports to 2,693,911 tonnes, a decrease of 7.7 his department and the people who are per cent, which is disastrous. We must inves­ undertaking the study, and, on the other, tigate this, and discover where the blame the Commonwealth officers who, in the lies. From mixing with certain sections of near future, will be undertaking a marine the business community I know that, since industry inquiry throughout the nation. He 2 December last year, when the Australian assured me that this would be so, so that Labor Party gained power in the Federal there would be no wastage of public money sphere, great uncertainty has existed among or time. I think we may see some benefits people who do business in this city and State, coming from it. 1686 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

In the early stages of the study of the Control of trade through the port by a port of Brisbane, many firms, companies and traffic officer could well come under the organisations were communicated with by central authority, as could also pleasure the Minister's department so that their views boats and small craft, speedboats, and the would be known, and so that the effect that small open prawning boats that work on the any developments might have on their river. Honourable members may not know businesses, homes or other areas of interest that there are people at Breakfast Creek could be taken into consideration. So who earn their living by prawning from far as I have been able to ascertain, at 17-ft. open boats on the Brisbane River. least until the time I drew this matter to the attention of the Minister, views had Mr. Davis: I know them well. not been sought from those who provide Mr. LANE: The honourable member for river passenger-transport facilities. I intend Brisbane says he knows them well. He to say more about this matter in detail knows them well only because they happened very shortly. to get in the way of the new A.LP. head­ Because the Brisbane River runs through quarters at Breakfast Creek, and they are a the capital city, which has the greatest nuisance to him and his party's president. concentration of population in the State, If he likes to invite me to do so, I will tell it is a special case, and it should have a him some stories about that, too. He has special authority to control it. This body no respect for these ordinary working people, could concern itself with such matters as men of independent mind who scrape a living the provision of parks along the banks from prawning on the river without holding of the river and sufficient small-boat ramps a union ticket or being subject to some of to provide access to the water, thus pre­ the controls to which the honourable member is subject. venting some people from having exclusive use of the waterfront to the detriment of I wish to speak specifically about the the public. These are things that should Brisbane River as a great freeway, because come under one master plan, and one auth­ that is what it should be. Honourable mem­ ority. Such an authority need not itself bers have heard many suggestions recently necessarily carry out all these tasks; it that public transport should be provided in could have them looked after by co-ordina­ preference to providing freeways for motor tion with various departments. transport. I believe that there should be a balanced approach to this question. There Pollution of waterways is a matter that should be sufficient roadways and other could at present come under two separate facilities to enable people to travel past the Acts of Parliament. Pollution caused by city, into the city or through the city in overseas vessels, and by industries established private transport, if they wish to do so. But, along the banks of the river, would be best in competition with that, to keep traffic at controlled by one central organisation set a reasonable level there must also be an up under the Minister's jurisdiction. The adequate system of public transport. control of ferries should be taken from the local authority in Brisbane and given I am amazed that neither the Government to a central authority of the type that I nor the Brisbane City Council has placed envisage. greater emphasis on the use of the Brisbane River as the great freeway it could be. Many people have had tenure over wharves for a considerable time, and I Mr. Burns: Charlie Newitt is doing a good am not sure whether these wharves are job. now being put to their best use. Some Mr. LANE: Charlie Newitt, who operates private owners who hold exclusive rights the Golden Mile Ferry Service, is doing a over wharves on the Brisbane River wonderful job. He is the same Charlie Newitt have had them under family or company who has asked the honourable member for control for generations. In many cases, Lytton three or four times for assistance to these wharves are used for the parking of expand his ferry service and been "wiped"; cars owned by people who work in the just as he asked the former alderman for city and the Valley. I am not convinced Norman for assistance and was "wiped"; just that this is putting the wharves to their as he asked the honourable member for best use. I should like to see a whole Brisbane and was "wiped"; just as he begged new assessment of the way in which wharves to see the Lord Mayor, who refused to see are owned and used. Certainly the rights him. He ended up by coming to me for of people who have invested money in assistance, and I fixed things up for him. them over three or four generations should be respected, but there is only a limited Unfortunately, under the Local Govern­ amount of waterfront land and a limited ment Act 1936-1968, authority is given to amount of space on which wharves can be the Brisbane City Council-in fact, to all built. I do not think it should lie idle, local authorities throughout the State~to with only minimum use or perhaps not control ferry services across rivers, creeks or being put to its best use, simply because watercourses, and to maintain and manage a certain company happens to have had them. That authority is contained in section tenure of it for the last 100 years. 43 (1), (2), (3) and {4) of the Act. I suggest Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1687

that the Minister confer with his colleague an emotional or hysterical issue. Today the Minister for Local Government and we have many emotional issues, such as Electricity and request that, in the Greater "Save the Kangaroo", beach mining, Brisbane area, that power be withdrawn Cooloola, canal development, the preserva­ from the local authority and given to the tion of rain forests, national parks, and so Department of Harbours and Marine, where on. In their place they all have merit, but I believe it could be better implemented. they must be associated with sane and practical thinking. Mr. Davis: How much subsidy does the Government give to Mr. Newitt? "Conservation" is a widely applied word. Because I belong to the land-to me, the Mr. LANE: The Government does not land of Queensland is the most important give any subsidy to Mr. Newitt; neither does and most valuable in the world-I say that the Brisbane City Council. In fact, Mr. land is not something that is to be given Newitt pays rates on the sheds he built on away as it was yesterday. Consequently, the banks of the Brisbane River. Although today I will relate most of my remarks to he pays rates to the Brisbane City Council, land and water conservation. he gets no subsidy. On the other hand, the cross-river ferry services are subsidised to the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. extent of about $113,000 a year. If I were W. D. Hewitt): Order! I remind the honour­ the honourable member, I would retract that able member that these Estimates refer to interjection. water conservation only. I therefore ask him to confine his comments to that section I believe that all these things should be of the Estimates. gathered together and handled in a reasonable way so that anyone who wanted to provide Mr. AIKEN: What would you do without public transport on the Brisbane River would the land, Mr. Hewitt? have to approach only one authority for permission to conduct his service. It would The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! mean that he would not have to go cap I am not in the chair to debate; I am here in hand and beg to the Lord Mayor; he to rule. I have given a ruling, and I ask would not have to suffer rejection by the the honourable member to comply with it. A.L.P. lackeys who do nothing for anyone; he would not have to go to the Lands Mr. AIKEN: In this respect, the Federal Department over some technical legal Government has moved to a more compre­ arrangement about putting a landing stage hensive policy for the future management on the bank of the river, and then have to of Australia's water resources, and has pro­ pay land tax; he would not have to pay moted an investigation into the social, econ­ rates to the Brisbane City Council because omic and environmental effects of water he erected a shed; and he would not have harnessing and control and the best way to get permission from the Department of these resources can be used in the interests Harbours and Marine to put a pontoon in of the nation, both today and in the future. the river. Such a person should be given Let us remember that Queensland possesses very sympathetic consideration by the Depart­ the largest areas of undeveloped fertile soil ment of Transport in any regional transport in the Commonwealth, needing only water. scheme that might be envisaged. I was Fortunately, most of these areas are located very pleased to note that the Treasurer where, with modern technology, research announced recently that river transport would into salinity, the continuance of climatic be taken into full consideration in the current conditions and the availability of water, the study by the Regional Transport Authority. soil could be made possibly the most fertile in the world, capable of tremendous pro­ Opposition Members interjected. duction. Mr. LANE: Honourable members opposite There is little doubt that water is the have been no help in providing an up-and­ resource capable of the greatest contribution down river ferry service to feed people to the concentrated development of Queens­ in and out of the city. Despite all the land. The broad design of water resources cackling by them this afternoon, they have utilisation should be to consolidate and only hindered the promotion of such a further expand existing industries, to create service. new industries, and to reduce the ravages of devastating drought. Undoubtedly, over the (Time expired.) years influential politicians, acting on their Mr. AIKEN (Warrego) (5.7 p.m.): Per­ own behalf, have been the motivating factor haps the major menace to practical conserva­ in securing costly water development, often tion is the ardent, but ignorant, Queen Street not in the best interests of economic devel­ conservationist. Some unreal application of opment of the State. thinking now applies to environment pro­ I commend the Federal Government's tection. If sane thinking is not applied, actions in the management of our all-import­ many conservationists who already resent the ant water resources. With possibly the most coming of Captain Cook and the creation unpredictable climate in the world, Queens­ of Adam can force conservation into a land forms part of the region with the ridiculous perspective. We need conserva­ lowest annual rainfall per square mile. With tion in a practical perspective, but not as drought a regular occurrence, its duration 1688 Supply [15 NovEMBER 1973] (Estimates) often lengthy and its effect immensely I now wish to deal with beach erosion disastrous, thus making a regular pr?­ on the Gold Coast. The coastline is the duction pattern almost impossible m natural barrier between the sea and the land. almost all instances, irrigation becomes this However, as a result of poor Government State's most important protection and insur­ planning and bad local development, the ance. There is an ever-increasing need for Gold Coast presents an ever-changing appear­ food production. This brings higher charges ance. At all times the forces of the sea are and costs, and I believe that, on an intensive working on it. acre-production basis, water stabilisation and irrigation costs are relatively cheap when Mr. R. E. Moore interjected. such marvellous results are possible. Rural producers are really factory pro­ Mr. AIKEN: It is a pity those forces do ducers, churning out the foods of life. To not work on the honourable member. Any stabilise and further improve this necessary association between him and a sensible inter­ production, irrigation must be utilised to jector would be purely accidental. the maximum. As markets are showing a pattern of more certain demand, irrigation Australia's most famous beaches, namely, has a growing importance to this State and those on the Gold Coast, are almost ruined every endeavour must be made by this Gov­ as a result of both natural causes and ernment, in conjunction with the Federal irresponsible development. Of course, part Government, to research storage sites and of the blame for this must lie at the feet of land pattern adaptability. a Government that is simply not able to comprehend. Conservation on the Gold Initially, irrigation costs are undoubtedly Coast is now a match between natural forces high, but, if it is properly planned and and man-made attempts to restrain, as well efficiently managed, the results will push as convert, these natural forces into a beach­ Queensland to magnificent heights. Perhaps restoration plan. In the interests of the the greatest forward thrust to irrigation has reputation of the Gold Coast, as well as of been the development of the soybean industry the preservation of Queensland's title as the and the high cropping possibilities of cotton, tourist State, an almost impossible task will grain and fodder. In a giant movement have to be undertaken. Unfortunately, how­ across the State, extending to areas such ever, it is in the hands of a Government as St. George and Emerald-and I hope that in many instances cannot even do the eventually further west-water and irrigation, possible. backed by determined Government planning, is the key to marvellous future development. The restoration of the Gold Coast will no doubt cost millions of dollars. It will involve Despite the "knockers" and the immature a study of sand-blowing and the control of thinking of those economists who, long on ocean currents by groynes. The build-up of thinking but short on understanding, argue sand in restoration work will be a good against water storage, the results of stabilised start to the re-creation of beaches in places production continue to vindicate the use of where the surf has intruded through to road­ fodder for stock, lot feeding and countless ways. I have no doubt that, having seen the other examples of the tremendous value to situation on the Gold Coast as a stern warn­ be derived from the planned association ing, the Government will ensure that future between water and land. Dynamic new coastal-resort development will be closely methods of trickle irrigation have delighted allied to conservation and the retention of fruit and vegetable growers. This system is sweeping beaches and sand dunes. conservation itself, and is available at cheap cost. Mr. PORTER (Toowong) (5.19 p.m.): I Water conservation and irrigation planning take this opportunity to speak on the will eventually turn Queensland into a Aboriginal Affairs aspect of the Minister's specialist State, and transform it from one portfolio. I venture to suggest that the that has been severely handicapped as a Aboriginal community represents an area in component of the driest continent in the which enormous harm has been done, great world. With its vast potential of land and water, and in close proximity to the expand­ offence has been given and deep distress has ing markets of the Far East, Queensland will been caused. This can be both witting and probably soon become the food bowl of the unwitting and can be either well-meaning or Pacific. ill-meaning. Water makes for security, and it is an It is well said that the road to hell is incontrovertible fact that it is, so to speak, paved with good intentions. I have no doubt the life-blood of a nation. Water storage that much of the road to distress for the makes for better living. With sufficient water Aboriginal people is also paved with good supplies will come decentralisation. In fact, intentions. However, there are some people decentralisation is impossible without water. who have deliberately exploited certain situa­ We must now create the rewards for those tions, and not all the exploiters have white who are prepared to work hard and are skins. In recent times we seem to have bred proud of their calling-the primary pro­ in this country a race of what might be ducers. called "professional Aborigines". Supply [15 NoVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1689

This is an area of discussion in which a people with tremendous capacity, great dig­ we hear more cant and humbug than is nity and a very real art. They were able voiced in perhaps any other field of discus­ to provide responsible leadership. Indeed, sion we could enter. The care of Aboriginal they provided all that was required to make people is a wonderful vehicle for all those an effective community in the circumstances people who profess nobility of purpose, but in which they found themselves, and to in real fact, as the record shows, only want which they had very carefully adapted them­ to engage in political fishing in muddy waters. selves over a great many years. I suppose that has probably always been the case. Let us look at what has happened in the 200-odd years since Captain Cook appeared The bleeding hearts have always been off these shores and the First Fleet sailed Very evident in Aboriginal causes, but this into Botany Bay. The Aboriginal population trend has accelerated vastly since the Fed­ declined markedly for quite a number of eral election of 2 December last. The years and by 1950, I think it was down to bleeding hearts now bleed much more cop·· about 40,000. Today, the total is increas­ iously and spectacularly. And why not, ing steadily. We now have an Aboriginal because they receive ample blood trans­ population of over 100,000 and it is estim­ fusions from the quite fantastic attention that ated that by the end of the century the is being paid to this area by the new Federal number of people of Aboriginal descent in Government, with its policy of submerging Australia will exceed 300,000. Of the total the proper aspirat'.ions of the Aboriginal number of people of Aboriginal descent, people in a swirling tide of hand-outs and Queensland is responsible for 28 per cent, paternalism. which is a considerable number involving I should say that the Federal Govern­ a fair amount of responsibility. ment's aim for the Aboriginal people is quite It is fatally simple to make facile judg­ clearly discernible. There are very good ments in this field. It is very simple to reasons why the Queensland Government suggest that, in this situation of vast change has resisted them. It aims at making Abor­ th~t has already occurred for the Aboriginal iginal people aimless, feckless and hopeless people, and even vaster changes which, quite -a despondent and dependent minority inexorably, they will meet in the future, group. But what is worse is the clear aim easy solutions can be found for the problems of the Federal Labor Government to make of the Aboriginal people. There are no them a totally separate unit-that is, some­ easy solutions. It is much easier to express thing always apart from, and never a part of, a spurious compassion, pity and concern for the Australian community. Hence we have the problems while, in fact, doing things that the Federal Government's Council for Abor­ only exacerbate those problems. To make iginal Affairs, its National Aboriginal Con­ Aboriginal people the plaything of callous, sultative Committee, and now we are mov­ calculated, political ploys is quite damnable. ing towards the National Aboriginal Con­ [t is a shabby, sordid and miserable business. gress. Mr. Davis: You would make sure you We have had a plethora of gimmicky walked on the other side of the street when­ stunts-streams of money ad nauseam-from ever you saw an Aborigine; that would be the Federal Government since it was elected about your form. last year. We have had millions of dollars appropriated theoretically for Aboriginal Mr. PORTER: We should heed the com­ purposes, without a Budget, and with thou­ ments made by members of the Opposition sands of dollars missing from the places in this context. It is always interesting to to which they were given because they were reflect that, despite all the wild, loud state­ handed out without reasonable care and ments we hear from honourable members precaution. This does no good at all for opposite, it was my party which provided the the people who are the recipients of the vehicle for an Aborigine to become the money. first Aboriginal member of the Common­ We have enough new Federal bodies deal­ wealth Parliament of Australia. And I might ing with Aborigines to make alphabet soup­ ;;ay that I played a major role in effecting the D.A.A., C.A.A., A.I.A.S., N.A.C.C. and that. N.A.C. Incidentally, it is the National Abori­ The question for people to consider is ginal Congress which is to be the elected not what is said by others but what, in fact, body and not the committee, as one Oppo­ they do. Anyone who is really concerned sition member claimed earlier. It is due about the fate of our indigenous people has for election shortly, and it is quite remark­ to remember that they are part of a race able how candidates with known radical which has been here a long time-probably backgrounds seem to have unlimited funds 30,000 years or more--and that they were to spend on promoting themselves, while totally isolated from the rest of the world candidates who represent much more the while it was changing and moving from a mainstream of Aboriginal opinion unfort­ stone age into an industrial age and then unately seem to have very little money to into tremendous technological development. spend. The result is that they carried on with a culture which put them in unique harmony Mr. Davis: I hope you have proof of with their particular environment. They were this. 1690 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

Mr. PORTER: The honourable gentleman communities and observe the same standards can go and look for himself and find out as the rest of the community, as tens of what the story is. It is happening all the thousands of them do, they become totally time. part of the community. They are indis­ One of the problems facing us is the tinguishable from others in it. It is a shame professional Aborigines who have appeared that so much attention is focused on the in hundreds since all of this money has been Denis Walkers and Bobby Sykes, and little provided by the Federal Government to on those who have completely adapted them­ people who give evidence more of radicalism selves to the normal community. than of good will towards the real causes What are we to do about all of this? of Aboriginal advancement. It is essential I think we all want to see the Aboriginal to remember that the pressures for change community become part of the general Aus­ in the Aboriginal community are very great, tralian content, with all the opportunities and that they are different in different places. available to the rest of us. Most certainly It is quite foolish to imagine that a simple, we do not want to see Aborigines condemned across-the-board solution can be found to to live perpetually in a "no man's land", the problems of Aboriginal groups. stranded between two cultures, as it were, caught in a kind of arid waste-land because Equally, we have to make up our minds they can no longer go back to their past­ what we want for Aboriginal people. The indeed, many of them have not even known sentimentalists might like to see the trend towards assimilation or integration stopped an Aboriginal past-and are unable to move or, as it were, freeze the Aboriginal people into the future. Whilst they are regarded in their own culture. Most realists appreciate as a separate people, they will be condemned that this is not a possibility. It is accepted to a life of poverty and dependence. that traditional Aboriginal life is doomed to One is forced to ask: Is this really in the lose its vital force and, more and more that best interests of the Aboriginal people? Is the Aboriginal people must become p~rt of what the Federal Government wants designed the over-all Australian community. It is to help them enter the mainstream of Aus­ regrettable if, in the acceptance of this, we tralian life? Is this the goal of the much· do not realise that very particular things vaunted humanist aims of the A.L.P. for must be done in particular cases. Anybody Aborigines? I wonder why such scathing who believes that an attempt to foment attacks are being made on the Queensland ~iscontent or to try to tie Aboriginal aspira­ system. After all, there is a long record of tions to such movements as the United States successful and humanitarian care of Abori· Black Power movement does nothing but gines by this State. It stands in very con­ exaggerate our problems. An atmosphere siderable relief to the record of successive of hysteria and violence is quite useless in Federal Governments-! do not refer to dealing effectively with the situation. Labor Governments only-in their treatment of Aborigines in the Northern Territory. I believe that what has been done in Queensland has always been useful, because I wonder what we can do as a Parliament a~ attempt has been made to use the good that is meaningful, sincere, and sensible in w1ll, knowledge, background, traditions this matter? I feel that Aborigines must be experience and common sense of the Abori: helped in both social welfare and education. ginal people as far as possible. I want to In plain terms, I think that we have to say that anybody who suggests that there is realise that our best hopes lie in concern for violent colour discrimination in Australia­ today's and tomorrow's children, rather than racial discrimination against Aborigines-is in concern for today's adults. This is not in my view, completely wrong. There may to suggest that adults be discarded. It is, well be pockets of it, of course, but to however, a recognition that it is with the suggest that it is ~niversal or major is wrong, next generation that we can hope for the and does no service to anybody. I am sure greatest progress. that any discrimination that exists has no I believe that welfare must include better racial origin, and has nothing to do with housing, because I do not think it is sensible skin colour. It is primarily because people to provide education opportunities for Abori­ fear that Aborigines in the community will ginal children and then see these opportunities not be able to maintain the basic social and frittered away or diminished because of the hygiene standards that the rest of the com­ unhappy conditions that they face in terms munity wants. This is a problem, but it is of their home environment. I think that one that is far from insurmountable. a State Government-and a Federal Govern­ ment, too-may well have to consider pro­ Where then do we go to try to find viding hostels for Aboriginal children in solutions? larger cities and country towns to which Mr. Chinchen: Certainly not the ghetto students can go, certainly at the secondary idea. level, and live in an environment which is a little bit better than that in their own Mr. PORTER: Certainly not. The notion homes. of apartheid that is being fostered by the I certainly think that hostels such as these Federal Government is abhorrent to all of us. should be segregated, and I think it would We all know that when Aborigines live in be advisable if they were under the control Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1691 of Aboriginal house parents. I am quite prepared to go to that stage yet, without sure that by doing that we would provide a great deal of thought. However, it may a very real and positive step towards the well be that that would be necessary. assimilation which, in my view, is quite Finally, I see the destiny of the people inevitable-unfortunate, perhaps, in many of Aboriginal descent in Australia as quite senses, but inevitable. I think that that type irrevocably linked with our own destiny. of hostel, staffed, as I say, by Aboriginal Some of them will retain a very healthy house parents, would provide a kind of pride in their own Aboriginal background, emotional security for Aboriginal children and that is proper and desirable because that I believe children of the Aboriginal race there is much in Aboriginal culture that quite desperately need. So this type of can enrich the Australian way of life. But welfare and this form of protection in educa­ essentially they must go hand in hand with tion is, I think, one of the essentials for the rest of the community. I do not see the future. any future at all in any system which tries However, when we talk of welfare, we to make the Aboriginal people always a must not think always of imposing welfare separate and dependent group. It is for on the Aborigines. I am certain that it is that reason that I totally condemn the notion necessary to get them to largely help them­ of an Aboriginal Congress trying to pose selves. We must provide opportunities where as some sort of Aboriginal Parliament in they work out solutions for their own prob­ its own right. That is the type of phoney, gimmicky, spurious concern for Aborigines lems. And let me mention to the Com­ that has no real value. mittee that what I am saying is culled from comments made at a seminar not very (Time expired.) many months ago by very prominent Abori­ Mr. BLAKE (Isis) (5.40 p.m.): In intro­ ginal people-people such as Margaret ducing his Estimates, the Minister covered Valadian. many methods of both water conservation I think we must have a total programme, and water utilisation. In view of the wide and it should include education, both formal scope of the Irrigation and Water Supply and informal. If it is necessary to do so, Commission's activities, I intend to confine the children should be isolated from any my remarks to its activities of significance environment which tends to detract from to my own electorate. I wish to refer what they are being given at this period specifically to the Bundaberg and district of formal and informal education. In this irrigation scheme because it is of such way, I think we will provide the best importance to my electorate and the economy opportunities for Aborigines to come of of the State and the Commonwealth. age. Briefly, the purpose of this scheme is to stabilise and improve the efficiency of Mr. P. Wood: Put them into camps. the sugar-growing and processing industry in the drought-prone Bundaberg region. That Mr. PORTER: The honourable member is Queensland's third-la.rgest sugar-producing says, in a disparaging tone, "Put them into region, with 128,000 acres of assigned land camps." Children deserve a chance. I held under 1,567 assignments, serving six think it is a tremendous tragedy to bring sugar mills with an annual mill peak of Aboriginal children to a secondary school 341,000 tons of sugar, which is 16 per level of education, put them amongst their cent of the State's peak, and, at a price of own peer group, including white children, and $100 a ton, is valued at $34,100,000. In then expect them to go back to the camps this region, the average annual value of and the hovels and make a success of their lives. It is too much to ask of anybody, production deficit below peaks for all the mills in the area, together with increased and our Aboriginal children deserve better milling costs as a result of drought, has from us than that. Although it is not the been in the vicinity of $5,033,000 a year. most desirable in perfect circumstances­ and we have not got perfect circumstances­ For the purpose of implementation, the { believe that the hostel proposal, which scheme has been divided into phases I and has been advanced by prominent Aboriginal U. Phase I is now under construction, speakers, who use intelligence much more with the main storage, Monduran Dam, than they use incitement to hatred to having a storage of 475,000 acre-feet, well advance the cause of the Aboriginal people advanced, as are also the main channel and is the best one available. ' ancillary works. But already there has been a re-estimate of costs, with the cost Mr. P. Wood: Would you make it com­ of phase I now being estimated at $27,940,000 pulsory? and phase II at $30,540,000. There has been some head-shaking at these escalating Mr. PORTER: The honourable member costs. I do not know why, as it is a for Toowoomba South asks whether I would natural escalation. All other factors­ make it compulsory, and I must admit that labour and materials-are escalating in cost. that is a large question. I am not sure An irrigation programme such as this entails whether I would make it compulsory. I a large labour and material content. No think there are considerable reasons why it other construction work of this type is could be made compulsory, but I am not getting cheaper by any means. 1692 Supply [15 NoVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

The viability of the scheme was based on "Dr. Patterson said an economic evalua­ a sugar price of $100 a ton for sugar. tion of the Bundaberg irrigation system had Sugar prices have risen far in excess of not been made by the previous Govern­ that figure in recent years, and the indica­ ment. tions are that they will remain so. There­ "I can say that in fact the only st.ate­ fore, the viability of the original proposal ment on evaluation made by the prevwus and the cost of the scheme remain relatively Government, or by an int~r-departmental unaffected. The Commissioner of Irrigation, committee, was that the project was totally Mr. Haigh, obviously holds this view also. uneconomic," he said. It would not be just a view, but an opinion based on a proven economic exercise. To "Dr. Patterson said the Labor GQIVern­ prove my point, I quote from the Bundaberg ment did not accept that view, and a "News-Mail" of 1 November 1973 as speedy appraisal of the project was being follows- made for a submission to Cabinet." It appears that, in future, all aspects ~ssoc­ " Mr. Haigh explained that .final sugar iated with any irrigation proposal wrll be prices had risen significantly since the considered by the Commonwealth Govern­ irrigation project began, the return from ment-the economics of the scheme itself, production of sugar therefore providing the provision of water, the return from it higher benefits to offset the increased as well as the environmental effects, the costs. value of the project to tourism, and so on. "This was a factor in benefit cost To us the additional aspects may seem to be studies. (Commonwealth authorities are time-c~nsuming and annoying-a humbug­ now evaluating applications for the grant­ but, in the long term, such things as value ing of $4.45 million to finish Common­ to tourism and so on might enhance the wealth-financed Phase I works, and a acceptability of the scheme and. of course, the implementation of phase Il. I only submission by the Queensland Govern­ hope that on this occasion, Government ment for an $18 million grant to enable members do not flog their hobby-horse that the second stage of the scheme to pro­ the Commonwealth Government should retard ceed)." inflation by drastic curtailment of Govern­ Of course, there is great need for approval ment expenditure. for Commonwealth funds before phase II Mr. R. E. Moore: What other way can can be undertaken as at such a large cost they do it? it would be a long time before the State could complete from its irrigation and con­ Mr. BLAKE: What other way can we get servation expenditure such a programme on production and stability if we do not have its own. water through conservation? Is the honour­ able member one of those economists who Bluntly, there is a very great need for the think that the world should stand still? undertaking and completion of phase II, Cities provide services to primary industry because the land that is most prone to to the extent that, if primary industry drought and that the scheme was initially collapses, many of the city-oriented bus­ introduced to service will not receive irri­ inesses will go fiat with it. gation water unless this phase is proceeded with. I am not complaining about that. It is I note with regret that the report on the only natural that the first land to be served Mary Valley irrigation project dc:es not _list would be that nearest to the source of any construction work for a werr or trdal barrage on the Mary River to serve Marybor­ supply. It is an economic as well as a mechanical exercise to serve water to the ough and adjacent farm lands or future nearer lands and obtain some return as work industries. As early as June 1969 I made progresses. That is quite understandable. I representations to the Premier for a water storage for this area, and I have made s~c­ am simply mentioning that, if phase II does cessive representations since then t~ the. Mm­ not eventuate, the worst of the drought­ stricken lands will not get any water. ister and his department. At that trme rt was thought that a storage on Tinana Creek would The Federal Minister for Northern be more in keeping with the limited finances Development (Dr. Patterson) has said that likely to be available to the area .fr?m the no detailed investigation of phase II was lrrigation and Water Supply Commrsswn. undertaken by the previous Federal Gov­ In October 1969 the Minister promised ernment, and he has initiated an urgent that a reconnaissance would be made early economic assessment of the proposal. The in 1970, giving consideration to a more Federal Leader of the Opposition recently detailed investigation programme when questioned Dr. Patterson on this point and, some of the urgent committments then before again quoting from the "News-Mail" this is the Commission had been dealt with. In what it published on 26 October 1973- the Supply debate in 1970 I spoke further "The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. on ·irrigation and water needs in the area. Snedden, asked Dr. Patterson in the House When the survey was carried out, the Com­ of Representatives if the Government had missioner (Mr. Haigh) addressed a meeting reached a decision on when funds for at Maryborough and advised that a weir phase II would be made availacble. or tidal barrage on the Mary River was Supply [15 NovEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1693 the preferable proposition, as there were in the Burnett River. Those going south few obstacles in the way of reticulating water who arrive in the Hervey Bay area on the from a Mary River storage to Tinana Creek, lower half of the tide shelter in Sandy and serve the adjacent areas. Although no Strait, because they know, either from experi­ construction is listed, apparently site surveys ence or from information received, that they and topographic mappings for a tidal barrage cannot enter the Urangan boat harbour for near Tiaro have been completed. shelter or to use the facilities. As a result, On 6 November 1973, under the headline many boatmen bypass Hervey Bay and the "Site surveys for a tidal barrage", the follow­ business community there loses trade. On ing report appeared in "The Maryborough the other hand, the cruising public miss Chronicle"- out on an aquatic playground second to none. The effect on the reputation, economy "Site surveys and topographic mappings and development of the Hervey Bay area of an area for a t,idal barrage near Tiaro is even greater from a tourist and com­ had been completed, the Commissioner for mercial point of view. Irrigation and Water Supply (Mr. F. B. Haigh) said in his annual report to Parlia­ Urangan is a main embarkation point for ment for 1972-73. stores, building equipment, passengers and "His department and the Department tourists bound for Fraser Island, which of Primary Industries had examined the enjoys a significant and developing tourist potential and likely agricultural develop­ industry. Boat passengers suffer great ment under irrigation ,in the area. inconvenience when they have to off-load "Diversiqn of water supply to Tinana by punt at low water at all hours of the Creek and provision of an assured supply day and night. The trials and tribulations for irrigation of sugar cane in the area of passengers are common to the operators. between Tinana Creek and the Mary River, The vertical iron ladders at the head of north of Tiaro, were also being investigated, the jetty are so rusty as to be disgraceful. the report said." It is shameful to see old people trying to battle their way up these ladders when the I hope that the construction of a barrage tide is more than halfway out, while at will be undertaken in the very near future. low tide boats cannot even approach the Although there is no lack of rainfall in the bottom of the ladders. Needless to say, area at present-in fact it has received very many people never return. heavy rainfalls-I have seen the ravages of drought there and have no doubt that it will I hope that stairways, which are under recur. consideration by the department as a result The huge quantity of water that flows to of my representations, will be provided waste down the Mary River is shameful. I shortly. Locals and visiting boatmen have fully appreciate the economic difficulties that become "browned off". Many visitors drag have arisen since the surveys have been boats miles behind their cars to try the carried out, nevertheless I sincerely hope fishing and view the attractions of the area, that the Irrigation Commission will find it but, after trying to use the Urangan boat­ possible to construct a barrage quickly, which, harbour facilities, they never return. If in terms of the return to be gained, would something is not done shortly, it is doubtful not be a costly proposition. if Urangan will ever retrieve its former good reputation. The Maryborough area is endowed with The Minister announced that he had huge timber reserves, and, with adequate about $1,000,000 to spend on boating facilit­ water supplies, paper-pulp and timber-treat­ ies throughout Queensland. This boat har­ ment mills could be attracted to it. A bour has been under construction for so plentiful supply of water is essential to the long that I suggest money should be found area, which is crying out for the establish­ to complete the complex so that efficient ment of industrial enterprises. So far, the boat-harbour facilities, rather than the abor­ industrial estate that has been established tive ones now available, will service boats there has not attracted one industry. proceeding north from Brisbane, and also I refer now to the Urangan boat harbour. fulfil local needs. It has received wide publicity in the Press, It is essential that departmental officers and fully deserves the criticism that has been urgently investigate a complaint I have levelled at it. It is totally inadequate and is received from the Hervey Bay Boat Club. in a sorry state. I will endeavour to be both After checking a proposed survey that was fair and objective in my remarks. issued, it appeared to the members that The Urangan boat harbour was established they have only 20 feet, or less, of leased as a link in a chain of boat harbours land above high-water mark. The trouble stretching from Brisbane to the North of could have arisen when the frontage to the the State and situated one day's sailing apart. caravan park alongside the lease was adjusted. However, owing to very shallow water at If this is so, the land leased to the boat low tide, the harbour cannot be used by club and the air-sea rescue organisation is other than the smallest of vessels. Most mainly under water. If the leased areas seagoing boatmen or yachtsmen who do cannot be placed further back they will not arrive at Hervey Bay on the upper half encroach so far on the harbour that the of the tide hurry on and get safe anchorage required expenditure on facilities will be very 1694 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973) (Estimates)

high in comparison with the harbour area black or white. The average person is that can be used for boating purposes. The not a racist but possibly looks down on curvature of the beach in the area proposed Aborigines because of their nomadic habits, to be leased by the air-sea rescue organisation hygiene problems, and so forth. To me, means that very little land, if any, is above­ a white hobo is a hobo, and that is all high-water mark. there is to it. Irrespective of colour, a I make an urgent appeal to the Minister, hobo is still a hobo. if this has not already been brought effect­ It has been said by many people that this ively to his notice, to send somebody to is the Aborigines' country because they were Urangan to look into this matter. Quite here first, and that we took it from them. frankly, if the leases cannot be moved It is, of course, no more the Aborigines' back, the boat harbour will be greatly country than it is mine. To my mind, a reduced in size and these people will pro­ person who is a day older than I am has a bably never get the facilities they need. slightly greater stake in this nation. The I doubt if there is enough material left contention that this country belongs to the to be dredged out of the harbour to provide Aborigines is not valid. the necessary filling if the leases are mostly in the water. Consider the position in Great Britain. Is [Sitting suspended from 6.1 to 7.15 p.m.] it to be said that it belongs only to the descendants of the Celts? Does it belong Mr. R. E. MOORE (Windsor) (7.15 p.m.): to the descendants of the Romans, or Italians I do not intend to discuss the financial as they are called today, who came to aspects of the Minister's Estimates. Br.itain with Julius Caesar in 55 BC? Or does it belong to the descendants of the Mr. Baldwin: Sit down then. soldiers from Spain and Mesopotamia who settled in Great Britain? Should Great The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honour­ Britain be handed back to them? Should it able member for Redlands will leave the be handed back to Neanderthal man, if we Chamber if he is not careful. go back that far? Do we say that it belongs Mr. R. E. MOORE: I intend to deal with only to those of Anglo-Saxon stock? The various matters within the Minister's res­ people who were born in Britain and live ponsibility and I shall commence with there have every right to be 1here. Aborigines, which is a very topical subject. Mr. K. W. Hooper: Would you say that The Federal Government has criticised those born in Australia are geographically Queensland's legislation and has suggested Asians? that it be repealed. Our legislation dis­ criminates in favour of Aborigines rather Mr. R. E. MOORE: Of course not. We than against them. If that legislation were are not Asians. Alfred Russel Wallace, the repealed, how could consideration be given eo-discoverer with Charles Darwin of the to their problems? Personally, I would theory of evolution, drew a line that now like to see both Acts abolished and have bears his name between Bali and Lombok, the same laws and conditions apply to all up the Strait of Macassar and south and east people, otherwise we will be in trouble. of the Philippines, and all the people, flora We should treat, as special cases, all people and fauna south and east of that line are not in the community who have special needs; Asian. They may be Australasian or Oceania, whether white or black. The problem must or something else, but they are separate and not be polarised, although I am afraid that apart from Asian. We in Australia may be that will happen. As education of Abor­ south of Asia and in that region, but we are igines has been compulsory for many genera­ certainly not Asians. tions, why have they not made as much progress as they could have done? 'In Europe, the tribes came across from Greece. Of course, populations were then Mr. K. 1. Hooper: They haven't been smaller, and that part of Europe was referred encouraged at all. to as Athens. The Babylonions came across, too. To whom, then, do we return Europe? Mr. R. E. MOORE: I was not encouraged In the United States, should Manhattan either. Island be handed back to the Indians? To say Mr. K. J. Hooper: But you think you're that Australia is the Aborigines' country, and brilliant. that we have to do something special for them that is not being done for all other Mr. R. E. MOORE: Modesty prevents Australians, is a mistake of the highest order. me from denying it. The Present Federal Government, with its The CHAIRMAN: Order! Would the hazy and fuzzy thinking, will put this nation honourable member for Windsor please into "Queer Street", and future generations direct his brilliance to the Chair? will not give it any thanks. One hears academics talking about integ­ Mr. R. E. MOORE: Yes, Mr. Lickiss. ration and assimilation as if those two No racial discrimination exists in this words greatly differ in meaning. I spent five country. If a person is a gentleman, he minutes of my valuable time in the Parlia­ is treated as a gentleman, whether he is mentary Library today checking the meaning Supply (15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1695 of those words in half a dozen dictionaries, Mr. R. E. MOORE: We have a black and, even with my high-powered brain, I minority and a white majority. could not see any great difference in meaning. Mr. K. J. Hooper: That is better. Basically, each means the same thing. Never­ theless, academics will spend any amount Mr. R. E. MOORE: I am sorry about of time talking about the situation when all that. When a nation is divided, black that we have to do is elevate every section against white, internecine bitterness occurs of the community that needs lifting up and more and more problems develop. We because it has not had the advantages that have an Aboriginal Senator-- have been enjoyed by others. This must be a country of no discrimination. In recent Mr. Davis: "Uncle Tom" Bonner. years there has been discrimination in favour Mr. R. E. MOORE: He is not "Uncle Tom" of Aborigines. Bonner. He won on his ability. Why we call them Aborigines is beyond me. In effect, all a person has to do is Mr. W. D. Hewitt: If the Opposition show that he has the slightest trace of didn't like him, why didn't it put up a Aboriginal blood and he gets these wonder­ counter proposal when we nominated him ful advantages. Education is fairly costly in this Chamber? today, so I thought I would make a search Mr. R. E. MOORE: That point is well and perhaps be able to find a little bit of taken. As I said, Senator Bonner won on Aboriginal blood in me, so that my children ability-not on super-ability, but. ~:m the could go from kindergarten to a university ordinary ability that any other Citizen of at no cost to me, and with additional money this nation has. to assist me to look after them. With my Scottish-Irish-Welsh ancestry, I could not Mr. Jensen interjected. find any Aboriginal blood. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I warn the Mr. K. J. Hooper: Do you believe in a honourable member for Bundaberg for the classless society? last time. Mr. R. E. MOORE: The honourable mem­ Mr. R. E. MOORE: Any citizen, black ber's party believes in a classless society. or white can be elected. There is no colour That is the sort of thing that one sees bar whe~ it comes to standing for Parliament. happening in China today. People walk If the Aborigines want to be represented down the streets and in the squares looking in Parliament by members of their own race, like peas in a pod-all alike-and the women let some of them stand for Parliament. That all wear baggy pants. What a show! That is the way they should do it, not by suggesting is what honourable members opposite are that they have an Aboriginal Congress in advocating. Canberra. One of the problems associated with the There has been all sorts of talk about Federal Government's proposals for Aborig­ giving Aborigines certain tribal lands. It ines is that a situation of apartheid is being has been suggested that stations should be created. South Africa's policy of apartheid bought for them and that they should be is criticised by the Federal Government, allowed to run them. What would happen which is imposing all sorts of restrictions if such a station were run at a loss? Would on that nation. At the same time, it is we treat those who were running it as treating Australian Aborigines in a similar special citizens and not require them to pay way by establishing a National Aboriginal rates and other charges? Would we then Congress in Canberra. Where will the pro­ take the station off them? What would we posal end? First, that congress will be an do under those circumstances? Schemes advisory body. It will advise the Federal which envisage such favoured treatment are Government what it should do. fraught with the risk of failure. They do Mr. K. J. Hooper: The Australian Gov­ not produce responsible citizens. I was ernment. talking to some Torres Strait Islanders ;vho obtained a pearling lugger from the prevwus Mr. R. E. MOORE: The Federal Govern­ Federal Government. I think they had paid ment; an Australian Government would be some instalments on it, but I asked them, one composed of the Governments of the "What about paying it off?" They were various States. not greatly worried about paying it off. They That congress will advise the Federal Gov­ felt that if they let payment go long enough, ernment, in the first instance, what it should the lugger would eventually be given to do. Next it will want to be a law unto them. itself. If that type of situation arises-and it could well arise-future generations will An Honourable Member: Cargo cult. not thank us. We must not have a divided Mr. R. E. MOORE: Possibly. However, nation, black against white. At this stage I must say that I have the utmost regard for we have a white minority, but who is to Torres Strait Islanders. say it will always remain that way. To me the expenditure of money on turtle Mr. K. J. Hooper: You said "minority"; farms is the easiest way to throw away you meant "majority". several million dollars that I have ever 1696 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

heard of. I believe that there is a place facilities for vehicular traffic to cross the for the oyster industry in the Torres Strait river somewhere near its mouth, it was also area. There are many uninhabited islands felt that there was urgent need for con­ where oyster leases could be granted. The sideration to be given ,to harbour develop­ waters are unpolluted, and oysters grow fast ment of far greater importance than had so in those warm waters. There would be no far been mooted. In short, a major develop­ poaching. ment of the port of Brisbane is absolutely An Honourable Member: What about cul­ essential. tured pearls? Over the years, the Labor Party has Mr. R. E. MOORE: There are some continually impressed upon the Govern­ problems in the cultured-pearl industry ment, and also upon the Minister in charge because of a microbe that is invading the of this department, the importance of oyster shells. such a development, yet up to 1973 very little has been done. I sincerely hope that Possibly a prawning industry could be the Minis,ter will make some observations established in that area. But when one sees on the important points I intend to suggest f!!illions of dollars being spent on a pipedream on tralian Government one Harbours and Marine of $1,187. So far, scrap. This is the attitude of the State Govern­ the department has spent $4,500 on the boat ment towards building facilities that the ramp and access channel. people of Queensland are justly entitled to. The shipping industry is the lifeline to Bris­ Deception Bay has a very wide foreshore, bane and Queensland and, with the small­ and any channel cut through the tidal flats cr~ft industry, it should be supported by will regularly suffer from siltation, and this Government. The Minister has major siltation in times of rough weather. frequently assisted me by providing amenities It is a rather exposed site for a boat ramp, for small craft but little has been done to and it was for these reasons that the Depart­ establish wha:t is of 1the utmost importance ment of Harbours and Marine was in the to Queensland at this point of time-a port first place prepared to accept the Caboolture for Brisbane. Shire Council's proposal of a half-tide ramp only. It has been estimated by the Depart­ Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (7.53 p.m.): ment of Harbours and Marine that the After listening to some of the Opposition annual maintenance cost of dredging the speakers, I can well understand why Parlia­ channel at Deception Bay would amount to ment is neither broadcast nor televised. Half $4,000. The department is prepared to of them are as photogenic as my blue cattle contribute one-third of this amount each dog and the other half cannot read their year from the State's Smallcraft Facilities speeches. They certainly would not want to Fund. be on radio or television. Although many residents of Deception I congratulate the Minister. He holds a Bay use the channel, the majority of people very demanding portfolio, and his task is who use it are from outside the area, even made more difficult by the continual and outside the shire of Caboolture. I therefore deliberate attempts to foster unrest among personally feel that a larger share of the Aborigines. Later in my speech I shall expose cost of annual dredging should be met by some of the Communists and fellow travellers the Department of Harbours and Marine. who are doing this. My feeling is that 50 per cent would be a fair and equitable arrangement. I realise Firstly, I shal,l deal with a matter that is that only three miles away by sea, but of great importance to my electorate. The nine miles by road, the Scarborough boat­ growth in the number of small craft harbour ramp is available, and it is con­ registered in Queensland continues. As at sidered by the Department of Harbours and 30 June 1973, 42,578 small craft were Marine to be a reasonable alternative to registered. That is an increase of about 5 Deception Bay for the general boating public. per cent on the number last year, which These people are entitled to have the use Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1699 of facilities to launch their craft without with them on the pretext of getting agricul­ having to travel by road from Deception tural and technical advice. A Black Power Bay to Redcliffe. leader in Sydney said- I therefore urge the Minister to give "I think we will get a lot of money some consideration to alleviating the prob­ from China, and we certainly won't have lem that exists at Deception Bay and thus any hangups about accepting money enabling residents and visitors to launch their because we identify ourselves very boats without having to wait till high tide strongly with China and Chinese culture." or wade through sand and silt. I suggest What a lot of rot that is! The Aboriginal that the department offer 50 per cent of the culture and Chinese culture are poles apart. cost of dredging the channel to the Cabool­ He also said that they will accept money ture Shire Council now, and then revert from anyone as long as there are no strings to one-third of the cost for the future. attached. Mr. Foley is the gentleman's name. We have heard some very interesting He must be very naive if he thinks that speeches in this debate. The honourable Chinese money does not have any strings member for Cook wants to destroy Abori­ attached to it. ginal culture by preventing Aborigines from He also said that Aborigines need an speaking their own language, I heard him alternative society so that they can escape say that in his speech. What a shocking the exploitation of white society. Let me thing to be said by a man who is supposed assure Mr. Foley, and anyone else who to represent Aborigines! The honourable wishes to listen, that if ever Communists member for Lytton usually castigates Gov­ take over in this country he will see exploit­ ernment departments, and on this occasion ation as he has never seen it before. The he picked on the Department of Harbours Aborigines will be the slaves of the Com­ and Marine. He attempted to throw a scare munists. into the public, mainly tourists, but he failed to do justice to the brief he was given. Is The Builders Labourers' Federation in it not typical of the Opposition to constantly New South Wales believes that, for Aborigines attack Government departments? Why, the to emancipate themselves, they must unite honourable member even called some public with the rest of the Australian working servants "fat cats" not very long ago. He class, and together they must overthrow complained bitterly about the lack of facilities the capitalist class and set up a socialist at passenger terminals. Of course, he did not system under the dictatorship of the proletar­ have to avail himself of any of these facilities iat. This is a deliberate incitement to violence, on his recent jaunt to Red China as part of to revolt, with the Aborigines used as mere the Australian Maoist pilgrimage led by the pawns. Prime Minister. He went on the trip to China Of course, when one realises that Jack only to arrange a shipment of Peking ducks Mundey, the secretary of the New South that he bought from a Chinese workers' Wales Builders Labourers' Federation, is a commune. well known member of the Communist Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders have Party of Australia-- been used by all those with a vested interest Mr. K. J. Hooper: He is not the secretary in undermining the Queensland Government. of the Builders' Labourers Federation. The chief participants in this scheme are Senator Keeffe and Senator Georges. Through­ Mr. FRAWLEY: He is a Communist, and out all the movements towards black militancy he makes no secret of it, which is more all over the world, it is not difficult to than can be said of some members of the trace the Communist hand at work. Aust­ Opposition. He is not afraid to admit that ralia is no exception. Communists and their he is a member of the Communist Party, as fellow travellers, the socialist workers, and some of them are. the A.L.P. have distorted and exploited the Aboriginal probleii} out of all proportion. In 1971 a group of 15 Black Power workers They have done it to further their own from America came to Australia to explain ulterior and traitorous motives. Look at the how Black Power militancy works, under the way the Red Chinese have attempted to use guise of investigating conditions of Aborigines Aborigines! Why, a party of Aborigines has in Australia. In November 1971 a demon­ already visited Red China at the invitation stration took place outside the offices of and expense of Peking. They did not bother the Department of Aboriginal and Island to visit other countries; they were concerned Affairs. About 50 Aborigines charged the only with the Red Chinese, as was the door, threw rocks, and knocked down and honourable member for Lytton on his recent kicked a police officer, and nine were arrested. trip. They were led by Pastor Brady and Denis Walker, who is not a true Aborigine-in There is a very grave danger that manipu­ fact, he has more white blood than black, lation of Aboriginal tribal lands by the and he has been living off the fat of the Communists may eventuate. If the Left­ land while inciting Aborigines to riot. Of wing Aborigines get full control of certain course, he will be living off the lean of the tribal lands in the Far North, nothing can land for the next three months. The Aborig­ prevent them from inviting Chinese to live ines taking part in that riot had on their 1700 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973} (Estimates) clothes red and black "Free Blacks" stickers, The CHAIRMAN: Order! In this Chamber indicating that they could be obtained from the honourable member will not refer in Chairman Mao's bookshop. those terms to any other member. One might ask: why does the Government of Queensland allow these obvious Commun­ Mr. FRAWLEY: Despite all the propa­ ist-inspired revolutionaries such as Denis ganda by Senators Keeffe and Georges, this Walker to walk about, free as birds, spread­ Queensland Government has ensured that ing their filthy propaganda? It [s because the Queensland will not be a racist State. Since Country-Liberal Government recognises the this Country-Liberal Government came into individual right to personal freedom. Only power in 1957 it has progressively removed in a country such as this are these revolution­ all the controls and regulations imposed by ary Communists tolerated. Under a Com­ previous Queensland Labor Governments that have dominated the lives of the Abor­ munist regime, Denis Walker and his mates iginal and Islander people. We made them would be taken out and shot without even a free people. We gave them the right to being given a trial. vote, something that the Labor Government In 1970 Denis Walker spent $19,000 of never even thought of. Now the Common­ Federal money. He is secretary of the Abor­ wealth Government is planning an all-out iginal Tribal Council, and as the Tribal attack on the Queensland Aborigines Act Council's Co-ordinator in Brisbane he was and the Torres Strait Islanders Act. responsible for spending that money, plus another $12,000, mak1ng a total of $31,000. On 28 February last, Senator Georges Two other counciHors and two secretaries stated that it would not be long before the assisted him, and their salaries totaUed interests of the Torres Strait Islanders would ~9,000. Mr. Walker's salary is unknown, but be better served by the nations to the It. would be fairly safe to say that he helped north of them than by the State to the south of them. Senator Georges knows full well himself to a fairly large slice of the remain­ that Red China has agents already in New ing $22,000. As a part white, Denis Walker Guinea waiting for the day when a base has used the Aborigines for his own advan­ can be established there. In fact, Australian tage. In no way could he be regarded as a typical Aborigine. Communist unions ha·ve been active in Ne·w Guinea since 1969 when Reg McA!Iister, a Senators Georges and Keeffe have used well-known Communist, was sent from the Aborigines and Islanders to propagate Sydney to Port Moresby. By 1971 he had their own peculiar set of political beliefs. become the secretary of the Papua New Senator Keeffe said that the Queensland Guinea Central Districts Waterside Workers' Government is attempting to degrade Abor­ Federation. Mr. McAllister attended the igines. He also repudiated a statement that Newcastle Workers' Control Conference last he is a member of the Black Power move· Easter, which was organised by the Corn· ment. Even the dogs in the street know munist Party of Australia. that Senator Keeffe is right up to his neck in the Black Power movement. Mr. Bousen interjected. He is one of the greatest inciters to riot Who has ever v'isited these Aborigines. He The CHAffiMAN: Order! The honourable: call~ _for the abolition of the Queensland member for Toowoomba North will contain Abongmes Act and the Torres Strait himself. lsland:rs Act. In fact, in February this year at Cairns t~e Minister for Aboriginal and Mr. FRAWLEY: On his return to New Island AffairS at the Fourth Aboriginal Guinea he set up a small Communist Party Advisory Council gave an assurance that based on local unions, and called it the the Queensland Government would abolish Social Workers' Party of Papua New Guinea .. those Acts immediately if requested to do so Its joint patrons are Senator Georges and by that Council. The Aboriginal and Island­ the honourable member for Everton, his ers Council supported the provisions of both stooge. The Chief Minister of Papua New Acts, and said that it desired no change. Guinea has already strongly attacked this Senator Georges would grve the Torres interference in his country's affairs. Strait islands to Papua New Guinea, the same as this Opposition, whose leader is A few years back a sudden, violent Corn· known throughout the State as "Give-away munist uprising almost toppled the Indones­ Jack", would give away the State of ian Government. The Communists came Queensland--- within a hair's breadth of seizing Indonesia, which would have meant a great stride for· The CHAffiMAN: Order! The honourable ward in the Communist plan to conquer first member will refer to other honourable mem­ North Australia and then the Australian bers in correct terms. continent. Mr. FRAWLEY: When I was at Mt. Isa Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. two months ago, the Leader of the Opposit­ ion was referred to as "Give-away Jack" The CHAffiMAN: Order! The persistent by all the unions up there. I am only interjections of the honourable member for repeating what they told me. Archerfield will cease. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1701

Mr. FRAWLEY: The Communists have about 50 were Aborigines. Aboriginal been forced to delay their operations inside speakers were in the minority. In fact, Indonesia and to accelerate their efforts to they were kept in the background, and the dominate Papua New Guinea. conference was under the direction and domination of extreme socialist groups and Mr. Bousen interjected. Left-wing students. The Queensland public The CHAffiMAN: Order! I hope that as a whole has not the slightest idea of the honourable member for Toowoomba the tremendous amount being spent on Abori­ North, knowing that I have already warned gines and Islanders or of the facilities being the honourable member for Murrumba about provided by the Queensland Government for addressing other honourable members in cor­ the benefit of these people. rect terms, is not trying to provoke the We hear so-called experts on education Chair. on the Opposition side of the Committee Mr. Bousen: I would not think of doing attempting to denigrate our education system, that. but they do not speak of the efforts by this Government to educate Aborigines, some­ The CHAmMAN: If he is, he will not be thing that the previous A.L.P. Governments here very much longer. in this State neglected. They did not educate Aborigines, nor did they want them . ~· FRAW~EY: Let him keep it up, Mr. educated. They wanted them to remain Lickiss. He IS terrified of me because he knows that I am going to expose him for ignorant and uneducated so that they could what he is before I am finished here. manipulate them in the interests of the Communists. Australians should be seriously alarmed at these threats when they see that the Fed­ Let us look at the pre-school facilities we eral Government is doing its utmost even have provided for Aborigines. About 500-odd against the wishes of many of the people children of pre-school age attend the 21 of Papua New Guinea, to force independ­ kindergartens on Aboriginal communities, ence upon a country which has had a close Torres Strait islands and church-sponsored and friendly association with Australia for communities. so long. The actions of the Federal Gov­ ernment are forcing Papua New Guinea to Mr. Bousen: You only did that because look elsewhere for aid. This is just what it was Australian Labor Party policy. Red China wants. She will promise trade Mr. FRAWLEY: What rot! The only and economic assistance in exchange for the policy the Australian Labor Party has is establishment of a base in New Guinea, and to give away the State of Queensland. We no doubt other installations on Australia's want to keep Queensland free. What did doorstep. We must keep the Torres Strait islands in Queensland, regardless of any the Labor Party ever do in regard to pre­ attempts by the Federal Government to hand schooling? Absolutely nothing for Aboriginal them over to Papua New Guinea. What a or white children. In fact, when one reviews shocking situation exists today! We have a the history of Labor Governments, one Federal Government virtually wanting to realises the neglect and mismanagement that hand part of Queensland over to New Queensland suffered under socialist adminis­ Guinea. This present Opposition, which is trations. referred to lovingly as "the give-away group" Mr. K. J. Hooper: You used to be a mem­ wants to hand over the rest of Queensland to ber of the Labor Party. Canberra so that it will be a suburb of that city. Mr. FRAWLEY: I have never been a Mr. Davis: Is it true that you walked out of member of the Labor Party. There has a meeting when Senator Bonner walked in? been an increase this year in the number of pre-schools available to Aboriginal and Mr. FRAWLEY: I supported Senator Islander children living in the general com­ Banner in the last Federal election. I got munity. The Department of Aboriginal and up on the platform at Samford and I spoke Island Affairs has provided assistance for in favour of Senator Bonner. this and, in kindergartens where 80 per cent The Communists have found that they of the children are Aborigines, full support can make more advances towards their aim is given. Kindergartens have been established of complete industrial and economic break­ in Mt. Isa, Normanton, Maryborough. down, and their consequent take-over of Rockhampton. control, by exploiting the Aboriginal problem (Time expired.) and promoting deliberate racial disharmony. The start of this attempt to establish Black Mr. BALDWIN (Redlands) (8.13 p.m.): Power in Australia could clearly be seen The honourable member who has just in the "Action Conference on Racism and resumed his seat took it upon himself to Education" held on 28 January and 2 Feb­ become the self-styled critic of the efforts ruary 1972 at the Queensland University of other members of this Chamber. The hypocrisy of the movement was appar~ ent from the start. A non-Aborigine opened Mr. K. J. Hooper: He is the Senator the meeting, and, of 400 who attended only McCarthy of this place. 1702 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

Mr. BALDWIN: His contributions in this underwritten the losses incurred by the Evans Chamber leave much to be desired. As a Deakin shipyard, which suffers from matter of fact, I would say he is the worst inadequate equipment and poor administra­ self-styled critic I have ever heard, and tion. The Federal Government is quite certainly the most misinformed muck-raker willing to assist the south-east region of ever to lower the standards of this Chamber. Queensland and to update its transport His ability to convince himself that his facilities. information is correct would be the greatest feat in self-deceit I have ever seen. The One of the reasons for the fall-off in way he relates his anti-union speech to these shipping using the port of Brisbane was Estimates makes him the most agile acrobat put forward by an honourable member on of semantics of all time. this side of the Chamber. He highlighted the need for vessels to traverse a 20-mile, I do not intend to waste any time on treacherous channel when either entering such self-styled critics when there are such or leaving the port. Both the time and important matters before the Committee as those presented by the Minister in his Esti· the pilotage costs involved are tremendous, mates, which have been so ably debated particularly for large cargo vessels. by many members on this side. To be able to answer the question pro­ I. am plea~ed to have the opportunity of perly, one must be aware that some months takmg part m the debate on the Estimates ago, for a variety of reasons, including the of the Department of Conservation Marine expense involved in navigating shallow and Aboriginal Affairs. The 'activities ch!lnnels, the owners of LASH-type cargo ~overed by this department are growing in shtps refused to allow their vessels to use ~mportance from decade to decade, as is the port of Brisbane. As much as 20 Illustrated by the steep increase in expendi­ or 30 hours can be added to the turn-round ~ure. From the figures given, I notice that time o~ ships using the port of Brisbane, m the last fiscal year over-all expenditure and thts could add up to $50,000 to the exceeded the estimate by 25 per cent and cost of each visit to the port. in. t~e Irrigation and Water Supply 'Corn~ mtsston, by more than 30 per cent. It The result is that the LASH vessels, as appears that, with an over-all increase of well as other modern cargo ships, unload more than 14 per cent in the department's at southern ports, and Queenslanders are expenditure, the current year should be well forced to meet the cost of road and rail­ catered for. With more than $16,790,000 transport charges imposed on goods that exi:ended by the department, and costs are transported from the southern ports to :sttmated at $78,500,000, we should see­ this State. Other large vessels are unable m ~act, I know we will see-this department to use the port of Brisbane unless they takmg some steps forward. are almost empty. The Minister has said that the largest vessel that can safely use .T~e estimated cost of running and main· the port is one of 55,000 tons gross. I tammg the port of Brisbane has however suggest that in quoting that figure the Min­ shown an increase on last year'; figure of ister is making a generous assessment. o_nly 16 per cen~.. When introducing his E:-sttmates the Mmtster gave the figure of If any Government other than this one $8,780,000, which is barely sufficient to is to blame for the present situation it is cover the increased costs of labour and the previous Federal Liberal-Country Party materials ?uring the current year. However, Government, which did everything possible because, m terms of tonnage activity in to inhibit the development of the port of the port of Brisbane has decrea;ed by almost Brisbane so that its wealthy friends in 16 per cent, I suppose that the Estimates Sydney and Melbourne could batten on the will cover the requirements. The annual suffering of Queenslanders. The Queensland report of the Director of Harbours and Government aided and abetted the previous Marine reveals that in 1971-72 the number Federal Government for the sake of its friends who had their fortunes stuck in the of ships that u~ed the port dropped by 47 on the prevwus year's figure. This mud of the Brisbane River. represents a drop of 1,600,000 tons. I note from the Estimates that expenditure During his speech the honourable mem­ on port development is to be cut back to ber for Merthyr fatuously asked the Minister one-twelfth. Perhaps in the light of what the reason for this decrease, and then the Minister and the Director of Harbours brazenly suggested the answer that should and Marine have revealed, this could por­ be given. Naturally the honourable member tend well for the future. It seems that the attempted to lay the blame for this down· Government no longer intends to throw ward trend on the Australian Labor Govern­ good money after bad. I hope it is now ment. No blame whatever can be put onto determined to put more effort into estab· the Gough Whitlam Government or on his Minister for Transport (Mr. Charles Jones), lishing a deep-water bulk terminal, of inter­ or, for that matter, on anyone in Canberra. national standard, to serve the south-east Queensland owes nothing but thanks to the region of the State. I refer to information Australian Labor Government for haviny given about the proposed survey to examine Supply (15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1703 and compare the suitability of Juno Point, published in part in the Press. I have also Fisherman Island and Wellington Point, received about a dozen letters asking which was referred to by the Minister. me to protest if the port development at Wellington Point goes ahead. It is high time that Brisbane's main shipping actiV'ity was taken from the narrow, Unfortunately, much as I should like to shallow river. This survey and planning see a deep-water port at Wellington Point, should have taken place a decade ago. If and much as I have pressed for it in this that had been done, a good deep-water Chamber for nearly five years, I think time terminal port would now be in use, and the has beaten both me and the Government. I bene.fits to South-east Queensland producers, do not believe it is now a financially practic­ exporters, consumers and importers, as well able or socially acceptable proposition. If as the waterside work-force, would by now the Government goes ahead with it, it will have been manifold. However, as with most face from hundreds of people the type of other matters of importance to the people opposition it has not experienced S'ince the of the State, such as education, drought relief three years ago, flood and storm relief in Cooloola uproar. Woodridge, Kingston and Rocheda.Je about I must ask, "Why the about-face?" Why three years ago, and perhaps in the more are the council and other people pushing this recent disaster, this Government has again port development at Wellington Point? I proved itself to be late. I hope it is not too include names such as A. H. Stephens, of late this time. Raby Bay infamy, Cambridge Credit and Intercapita1 Realty? Now that there has been About 12 years ago, when Mr. Bill Fair­ a lull, and perhaps even a reduction, in man, a retired London dockside engineer, the price of residential land while the price was telling the Government to get shipping of industrial land has continued to rise, out of the river because it would choke and which it must because of the artifically break us, he was laughed at. Fairman and his caused shortage in Redland Shire, I suggest sons, and engineering consultants, tried plan that these people, in collusion with others, after plan to save the shipping situation in have switched to industrial land, and the South-east Queensland, but to no avail. For only way they can make their industrial land years they pushed for the establishment of a valuable is, if not to actually start con­ deep-water, all-weather bulk terminal on the structing a terminal there, to give the impres­ natural, mud-free, deep channels of Welling­ sion that one will be constructed there. ton Point. About a year or so ago they gave up trying. Time beat them. AU the Years ago the Government was warned once-plentiful supply of cheap land has that this would happen and that the whole gone to the big developers, speculators and environment and character of this district builders. Hundreds of houses have been would change. Mr. Fairman wrote to the built, from Muroondu Point along the water­ Premier earlier this year and told him that front through Waterloo Bay, Wellington Point he was no longer in favour of the establish­ and Ormiston to Cleveland, and for miles ment of a deep-water terminal at Wellington inland. All these areas would be adversely Point, and that he and his engineers had affected by such a large undertaking as would turned their attention elsewhere. In my be required for a bulk-terminal point to meet opinion, he has turned his attention to the the needs of South-east Queensland. Hundreds most acceptable alternative, both in position of couples now live there because of the and from the economic and financial aspects peace and quiet and clean fresh air that is -Fisherman Island. My colleague the hon­ available for their children. ourable member for Wynnum is quite entitled to favour Waterloo Bay. No doubt the After all these years, the Government whole matter will be considered. Anywhere intends to make a survey. Its "puppy dogs" between Waterloo Bay and Fisherman Island in the Redland Shire Council, who yapped would now be better than Wellington Point. in unison with their masters here against this Unfortunately, times have changed. Welling­ idea, or any other development in the Red­ ton Point would have been an ideal location lands district years ago, are now squealing in earlier. delightful anticipation of the Government perhaps putt,ing the port termina1l there I would not say that the plans I have seen after all. I have here cuttings from local in the paper concerning Fisherman Island are newspapers that show what is taking place good plans. I do not profess to be a dockside in the Redland Shire concerning the hoped­ or wharf engineer, but common sense, experi­ for port development. This headline news ence and history show clearly that a port shows that the Council will have no objection. cannot be established where the siltation of the Brisbane River will continue to add The Government will face a bitter fight to the cost of dredging. From information if it intends to go ahead with this proposal. I have received from dredgemen, I am of I also have here a sheaf of letters of protest the opinion that the mud of the Brisbane written to the Press following the announce­ River in the channel cuttings has long since ment of an investigation, and a report by passed its isostatic equilibrium point, and the Department of Harbours and Marine that that there is a definite limit, in both width was given to the Redland Shire Council and and depth, to which it can be cut. Therefore, 1704 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) any channel and any port area must be and amusement, I have in my hand a photo­ cut aside of and parallel to the Brisbane graph of the Dunwich jetty in 1891 and a River outflow and the present channels. recent photograph, and I defy him to detect much difference between them. To indicate the alternatives, I have with me rough working lay-out plans of a pro­ Mr. R. E. Moore: That shows good main­ posed deep-water terminal facility at Fisher­ tenance. man Island. I am prepared to table them for the information of the officers of the Mr. BALDWIN: The jetty is in a disgrace­ Department of Harbours and Marine, who ful state. I suggest to the honourable mem­ would know what they are talking about, ber who interjected that he go to Dunwich much more so than the geese who are gag­ and try out the jetty. He may break his gling in ignorance on the other side of neck, and we would all then be happy. the Chamber. This is not the best plan In the final couple of minutes of my [ have seen. Another firm-Redlands Indus­ speech I want to raise a matter of great trial Development Company-has a far better importance. It has been mentioned by many plan for the establishment of a deep-water other speakers. I refer to the situation of terminal at Fisherman Island. Aborigines in this country compared with that of their white conquerors. On Strad­ Mr. Chinchen: How deep? broke Island there is the best example, not of integration or assimilation but simply of Mr. BALDWIN: Obviously you do not the assumption of a culture, that I have know anything about Moreton Bay or Fisher­ ever seen or read about in Australia or man Island, or you would not ask such anywhere else. In dealing with the Aboriginal a stupid question. problem, one of the most important things should always be equal training and job The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable opportunities for Aborigines. I agree to some member will please address the Chair. extent with the rare words of wisdom that dropped from the lips of the honourable Mr. BALDWIN: I should have said, "They member for Windsor when he said that our would not know." I apologise, Mr. Lickiss, duty to Aborigines is to give them more than for being diverted by honourable members equal opportunities because, in general, our opposite. society has not given them the chances that are given to white people. Another matter of interest that I wish to raise concerns the general small-boat (Time expired.) facilities along the coastline of the Redland Shire. The boat-ramp design adopted there Mr. NEWBERY (Mirani) (8.33 p.m.): I is more suitable to rivercourses than open am pleased to take part in this debate, par­ bay areas. I had some plans, but I was ticularly as it embraces irrigation and port unable to bring them with me because I facilities, which are important in my region. could not find them in a hurry, but I have plans of more suitable boat ramps In the first place, I should like to thank which . ar~ like truncated rectangular the Minister for the interest that he has pyramids with three surfaces of low dihedral taken in my electorate over the last two angle to the horizontal. Something like this years. I also pay a tribute to Mr. Fred is needed at popular boat-launching places Haigh, Mr. Jim Peel, and Mr. Pat Killoran such as Wellington Point, Cleveland and for the tremendous jobs that they are doing Redland Bay. They are becoming more in their respective departments. and more popular, and I regret that the When I entered the Chamber tonight, I Government has seen fit to load onto local thought of the sugar industry, and I thought authorities more responsibility for ramps and of irrigation and water supply. Those things jetties than I think they are capable of came to my mind because of the prospect bearing, or should be expected to bear. of expansion in the sugar industry. Of I have been at these boat ramps early on course, to expand, it is necessary to first Satur?ay and Sunday mornings, which are stabilise. The sugar industry is expanding the times when they are most used, and I greatly. In 1950, total production in Queens­ do not know even 10 per cent of the people land was 900,000 tons. To date-a matter who use them. They come from all over of 23 years later-there has been an expan­ Brisbane. I therefore think it only fair that sion to 2,700,000 tons. Of course, that has the State should shoulder 90 per cent of the been brought about by the foresight of the responsibility for the design, construction and Country-Liberal Government of this State. I maintenance of these ramps, because the clearly remember the 1963-64 production. Minister has acknowledged that they play an important part in people's lives today. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I hope that the honourable member will relate his I have regretfully to mention the Dunwich remarks to the Estimates under discussion. jetty. Although it seems to be a good talking point for some people, nothing much is ever Mr. NEWBERY: I am relating them to done about it. For the Minister's information irrigation, Mr. Lickiss. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1705

I remember the expansion in 1964, which Mr. NEWBERY: The irrigated areas have resulted from the Cuban episode. The milling a much better c.c.s. and bigger crops. We and growing sections of the industry were have had a good example this year. On not backward in taking up the challenge irrigated farms the growers can burn their to increase production. I reiterate that cane from the start of the crushing. production increased by 300 per cent between I turn now to the North Eton irrigation 1950 and 1973. scheme, a scheme which is very necessary for The seasons, of course, play a very import­ the Mackay area. The North Eton area is a ant part in the production of any crop. fairly dry part of the Mackay region. As I Today Australia is exporting 70 per cent have pointed out previously, in that area we of its production and using 30 per cent for have land very suitable for irrigation. With home consumption, compared with 66 per irrigation in the North Eton area, the farmers cent for home consumption and 34 per cent wHl be able to grow excellent crops, which for export in 1964. With the development will bring stability to the area. of overseas markets-- Mr. Jensen: That area is not viable. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honour- Mr. NEWBERY: It is quite viable. The able member will have to relate his remarks honourable member for Bundaberg says that to the Estimates under discussion. it is not viable. What I am saying is that with irrigation in that area, as recom­ Mr. NEWBERY: I am relating them to mended by this Government four years ago, the Estimates, Mr. Lickiss. Irrigation is at a time when we could not get support needed to ensure stability of production of from the Federal Government-- sugar. That is the point I am leading up Mr. Jensen interjected. to. To support my argument I go back to Mr. NEWBERY: It is quite viable now 1968, which is not long ago. In 1968, and the scheme is ready to go on. The because of a very good wet season, the sugar Federal Government has given $5,000,000 industry in Queensland produced 2,600,000 towards this scheme. I am sure that the tons of sugar. That was followed by a Country-Liberal Government in this State poor season in 1969-of course, irrigation will support the scheme. I hope that in the was not very highly developed in those near future the North Eton irrigation scheme days-and production dropped to 2,100,000 wiii be under way. That scheme will supply tons. I draw that comparison, Mr. Lickiss, not only the North Eton area but some of the to illustrate how advantageous irrigation is dry areas of Pleystowe, Marian, Plane for the sugar industry. The lack of water Creek and Racecourse, which at the moment in 1969, after the wet season in 1968, meant are unable to obtain underground water. a difference of 500,000 tons of sugar, which This Government is interested not only in is almost equal to our current exports to the North Eton irrigation scheme, but also Japan. There were similar differences in in the Bundaberg scheme. We hear the earlier years, although the tonnages were not honourable member for Bundaberg squealing so great. For example, 1950 was a very his head off when he should be getNng behind good season and there was a big crop; in me to do something for his area. At the 1951 production was down by about 150,000 moment the Bundaberg scheme is dormant. tons. The first phase of the scheme has been If we are to take advantage of export completed at a cost of $12,000,000. A tota·l markets, we cannot produce 2,500,000 tons of $30,000,000 is required for the second of sugar this year, 3,000,000 tons next year, phase. His A.L.P. Government in Canberra then drop back to 2,000,000 tons the next has not offered one cent to finance the year. We must do something about getting scheme. stability in the industry, and I am satisfied Mr. Jensen interjected. that irrigation is the only method of getting stable production of agricultural commodities Mr. NEWBERY: The honourable member in this State. It seems likely that we wiiJ should be quiet. He should give us a hand receive increased quotas, and countries such to try to do something for his area, instead as Japan know that, once Australia enters of trying to kiH it. into agre~ents relative to production, it can be relied on to meet its quotas. Mr. Jensen interjected. An Honourable Member interjected. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Wharton): Order! The Chair will not tolerate Mr. NEWBERY: In some areas irrigated these continuous interjections. farms this year are producing 24 and 25 per cent over their peaks. Other cane farms Mr. Jensen interjected. within the same area and very close to the irrigated farms are down as low as 25 per The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! cent of production. Unless the honourable member for Bunda­ berg ceases interjecting, I wiJJ have to deal Mr. Casey: A much lower c.c.s., too. with him under Standing Order 123A. 1706 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

Mr. NEWBERY: We cannot afford to lose Creek, and at Camila, Koumala and Flaggy the $5,000,000 that has been offered for Rock. There was such a big demand for the North Eton scheme. I know the Queens­ water in the Mackay region last year that land Government is keen to support the by the end of the year the Pioneer River scheme. I hope that out of the dis­ had been virtually pumped dry. Applications cussions that have taken place some­ for surface water were very numerous last thing will eventuate very soon so that we can year. Of the 207 applications received by get on with the job in the Eton area and the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission, so give some stability to that part of the 40 were for the Pioneer River. I under­ Mackay region. It wiU enable us to take up stand that, after considerable investigation by the challenge to produce the big tonnages that the Commission, 131 licences were issued we expect in the future. on the Pioneer River. More work is needed on tributaries of the Mr. Casey: Do you think the honourable Pioneer River, such as Cattle Creek. In the members for Windsor and Redlands should case of Cattle Creek especially, we need eat more sugar? more small dams. It is a fairly fast-running Mr. NEWBERY: Certainly. The Queens­ creek with very few waterholes, and I land sugar industry must fill the export believe that some small dams are necessary quotas and give stable supply. This can to hold the water back. In passing, I might be done, I believe, with irrigation. With mention that on Cattle Creek there is an irrigation in areas such as Eton and Bunda­ excellent site on the boundary of Charles berg, the sugar industry, without any expan­ Langdon's farm, which is at the mouth of sion at all, can fill the quotas that are offer­ the Finch Hatton gorge. ing. If water is available, the land under Mr. K. J. Hooper: Near Merrill's farm. production is quite cap!ible of filling these I have it here. You are repeating a previous quotas year in and year out. The figure I speech. mentioned earlier in my speech for 1968, 2,600,000 tons, is very close to the 3,000,000 Mr. NEWBERY: In spite of the honour­ tons we could expect if we retained some of able member's rude interjection, I must repeat the British market and supplied the Chinese. this--- Mr. Jensen: You are going to supply the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Chinese? You are on our side now? The Committee will come to order. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Mr. NEWBERY: 1 do not care how much Wharton): Order! There is too much persist­ the honourable member interjects or accuses ent interjection in the Chamber. me of repeating facts. I repeat that there is Mr. NEWBERY: To attain this production, a good dam site in the Finch Hatton gorge irrigation is required. I am not just plug­ between Langdon's and Merrill's farms. I ging for Mackay. I am plugging for the believe that a dam built at this site would honourable member for Bundaberg, who is completely overcome the shortage in the so rudely interjecting. Cattle Creek area above the proposed Mirani dam. Mr. Jensen: I am plugging for your Eton Many suitable sites are available in the scheme, too. Mirani area. For example, the 42-mile site near Mia Mia could easily cater for the Mr. NEWBERY: I am pleased to hear it. future development that will come with the Mr. Jensen: Dr. Patterson gave you that. establishment of a paper mill, a steelworks and a power station. Its daily flow will be Mr. NEWBERY: The Federal Govern- 25,000,000 gallons. ment must allocate more finance for irriga­ As well, the Dumbleton Weir is being tion and conservation to allow this big examined by the Mackay Council. It could expansion in the sugar industry to take provide large quantities of water to the area place. and would add tremendously to the under­ What of the future? Much has been ach­ ground water reserves in the lower Pioneer ieved, but a great deal more remains to be valley. done, including in 1973-74, a programme I congratulate the Irrigation and Water totalling $126,000,000 to complete the Supply Commission on the wonderful job schemes and to develop those investigated. that it is doing in Mackay. At the Eungella Commonwealth funds available to date total Dam it has erected a new operations office, $9,250,000, and we are asking for a further which comprises an office, storeroom and $68,000,000 to enable these jobs to be com­ four garage bays, as well as a toi:et block pleted. and two picnic shelters. Further picnic shelters and barbecues are planned. These Mr. Jensen: Where in the hell are you facilities have attracted a great number of getting that from? tourists to the area. Mr. NEWBERY: The Eton area is not In the Mackay region tourism has received the only one that needs water. We need a tremendous boost from the Irrigation and water along the Pioneer River and Cattle Water Supply Commissoin. In 1972-73 a Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1707 total of 5,400 vehicles visited the Eungella a few remarks to make about the need Dam. Over the six-day Easter break in 1973, to undertake a full environmental and 650 cars visited the site. ecological study of the area before there is any further extraction of sand and gravel Before concluding I wish to refer briefly from the North and South Pine Rivers to the proposal to establish a small boat and surrounding areas. Such an investiga­ harbour at Hay Point. Although I have tion, which is far beyond the means of the mentioned this matter before, I believe that local authority, should be instituted by the it is so important that it merits repetition. State Government. It should cast a wide I understand that the Department of Harbours net, covering fish and wildlife habitats, and Marine is planning the construction of erosion and so on, and in some instances the harbour at a bay north of Halfside should include a full hydraulic study. Island. However, both my council and I agree that the ideal site is Castrades Inlet, Preliminary drilling results in an area or, as it is more familiarly known, Grasstree near the North Pine River show gravel Beach. It presents a beautiful site for a at a depth of from 20 to 60 feet. The small boat harbour. In an investigation that estimate of the quantity along the river was carried out some years ago, it received bank is 16,000,000 cubic yards, with a number one priority. I believe that a boat further 2,000,000 cubic yards in the river harbour of international standard could bt' bed. The total amount of such material provided there. available from both rivers far exceeds those estimates. (Time expired.) The availability of quality sand and gravel is well evidenced in the North and Mr. LEESE (Pine Rivers) (8.54 p.m.): l South Pine Rivers. These materials are was not at all surprised to hear the honour­ in demand, but further permits should not abel member for Murrumba make his be issued to extract them until studies have embittered racist-type speech. It is well known proved that they can be removed with a in both his electorate and mine that he minimum effect on the surrounding environ­ refused to attend this year's annual Pine ment. Only after careful study will we Rivers Show simply because Senator Banner be able to spell out the conditions that was the guest of honour. must be adhered to while extraction of this material is being carried out. Mr. FRAWLEY: I rise to a point of order. The honourable member's statement Floods have shown that the policies of is completely untrue. The show was held the various State Government departments in his electorate, and I was not even invited relative to the distance that edges of excava­ to it. It is offensive for him to claim that I tions must be from bridges and banks have would not attend it because Senator Banner not proved effective. These arbitrary distances was present. have not prevented damage to bridges or the destruction of banks during floods. In The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. fact, the five clear chains from any bridge (Wharton): Order! I ask the honourable mem­ structure insisted on by the Main Roads ber for p,ine Rivers to withdraw the state­ Department, and the two clear chains to ment that is offensive to the honourable be retained between any workings and a member for Murrumba. river or creek bank insisted on by the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission, Mr. LEESE: If it is offensive to the have not prevented the destruction of the honourable member, I will withdraw it. banks in flood-time. A very good example of the damage Mr. B. Wood: It's true, just the same. that can be done is to be found in the Cash's Crossing area. Any honourable The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! member who may have been familiar with There is no need for any comment. this area on the South Pine River before an extractive industry commenced operations Mr. LEESE: The annual report of the there will know that it used to be a tre­ Irrigation and Water Supply Commission mendously popular swimming spot for both devotes only one paragraph to quarrying children and adults. But the picture is materials. It shows that the number of very different today. Banks are eroded permits issued in 1972-73 for the removal and the river has now silted up and meanders of controlled quarry materials totalled 234, in several small streams. The picnic spot which was a decrease of 18 on the previous is completely destroyed. All this has year. However, the amount of material resulted solely because an extractive industry removed from watercourses was 990,233 has been allowed to operate without there cubic yards, an increase of 72,738 cubic being sufficient knowledge of its effects and yards on the previous year's total. because insufficient control has been Some of the major deposits of river exercised. gravel in South-east Queensland are to be Until a local authority has before it a found in and around the North and South complete study of the effect of such opera­ Pine Rivers. With that in mind, I have tions, how can it, in all conscience, issue 1708 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimate!!)

a permit? However, because of the demand the river are moved downstream. Movement for these materials the Pine Rivers Shire of the materials from the bed produces a Council is under very strong pressure to steeper bank, resulting in collapses in many issue licences. There are certain State places, and a change in the river location controls but, as I have pointed out, without develops. a complete study no-one knows whether they will be effective. It has been shown that, in times of flood, water flows across the flood plains and dis­ With the quantity of materials available in charges into these excavations, causing its rivers, the Pine Rivers Shire is fast becom­ erosion, which could well ultimately extend ing a major supplier of sand and gravel to upstream to rejoin the main channel, and a the northern section of the Moreton region. new river channel would then be formed. It The economic importance of gravel deposits has also been shown that this erosion is to the building and construction industry most likely to occur where meandering of cannot be underestimated. With each appli­ the stream bed occurs. As I said previously, cation for a permit, the council is faced with an example of this is Cash's Crossing. I am the knowledge that, if it grants the permit, advised that the tidal limit of the South Pine the extraction of gravel could, and possibly River extends to a point in the vicinity of the would, disturb the habitats of birds and North Coast railway line. animals and could seriously interfere with fish-breeding grounds, and also cause future I understand that further applications have flooding and erosion. been received for the removal of gravel from deposits along the river, upstream from the Of course, another very important point is bridge. There are already two workings that more gravel trucks will use the shire in operation in the vicinity of Gympie Road. roads, with all the inherent problems, such as One, which can be seen from Gympie Road, damage to the roads and interference with is not only an eyesore but is also causing the day-to-day movements of the shire's considerable concern to one dairy farmer by population. People who previously lived in a reason of the erosion that is taking place. quiet area would find they had gravel trucks The erosion on his land has only started roaring past their homes at all hours of the since this extractive industry has been in day. operation, and to date quite a considerable amount of erosion has taken place. I am I understand that the Pine Rivers Shire of the opinion that gravel from this site is Council presently has submissions before it being taken from a position that is far to extract 20,000,000 cubic yards of gravel too close to the river bridge. Of course, over a 20-year period. The resultant hole although what I am about to say remains would be 60 feet deep and would become an to be seen, I suggest that, in future floods, artificial lake. But its location is at the limit possibly severe damage will be done at the of tidal influence, with the result that the bridge at Strathpine Flats. water would be neither fresh nor salt and would therefore be unsuitable for the ducks Because the bed in this section of the and fresh-water turtles that are now found in stream is very flat, the excavation of gravel the river. Advice that the council has will allow salt water to penetrate much received shows that the position and depth greater distances upstream. This will result of the lake would result in increased in areas of the river being exposed to salt­ velocities in the incoming and outgoing tides, water effects where previously such effects which could cause flooding and erosion in were not present. I am advised that, in the Lawnton district. periods of drought, salinity may penetrate underground to the water supplies, adversely Additionally, the council sewage plant affecting their use for pastoral activities. and the Australian Paper Mill factory both Here is an indication that I am more inter­ discharge waste into the river. Even though ested in pastoralists than are many National it is supposed to be of acceptable standards, Party members, or whatever they now call its effect on the artificial lake needs very themselves. close examination. This must involve the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission, the These are just a few of the factors that Department of Harbours and Marine and the should be taken into consideration prior to Department of Local Government. The effect the issuing of permits. I am hopeful that of these excavations on stream velocities the Minister will take cognisance of my would also be of concern to the Main Roads remarks and see to it that sufficient studies Department and the Railways Department, are undertaken to ensure that the extraction both of which have bridges in that area. of the rich deposits of gravel in the Pine River is carried out in such a way as to Case studies of the South Pine River have the minimum effect on the surrounding indicate that the excavation of deposits at environment. various locations along the river's length increases the bed slope at the upstream edge Mr. Frawley: Why don't you tell Clem of the excavation and that, in turn this Jones to stop thieving the sand? increases stream velocity, and scouri~g of the stream bed occurs. The result is that Mr. LEESE: Why don't you stop telling loose materials from the higher reaches of lies? Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1709

Recently I had the opportunity to pay a he had never before seen in Brisbane. That visit to the Born Free Club. To say that is where the white people are sleeping. The the conditions under which the people there filth of the building is indescribable--excreta, are living leave much to be desired would waste paper, empty bottles, and so on. At be a gross understatement. It is indeed least the Aborigines are trying to do some­ Rhocking to realise that people are living thing about improving the Born Free Club. in such substandard conditions in Brisbane. We have not advanced very far when, The conditions are so bad that they should in a city as affluent as Brisbane is, people be of real concern to all honourable members. can be found living in what I can only l know that they are of real concern to all describe as degrading squalor, yet this is members on this side of the Chamber. The happening at the Born Free Club. The club is, in the main, used by Aborigines from huilding is extremely dangerous as it is a Cherbourg. very serious fire hazard; no doubt it would Mr. Casey: There are a few who did take a major operation to make it safe. The pretty well for a while, didn't they? They people who call tha1 place home, even if have now gone to gaol as a result. only temporarily, must have somewhere to Jive, and I say that the Government stands condemned for the fact that Aborigines have Mr. LEESE: One person has gone to to use the building as a hostel. gaol. The honourable member for Mackay is voicing an opinion that is more in keeping I understand that the Born Free Club is with what one would expect from the other attempting to acquire alternative accommoda­ tion and is receiving the assistance of the side of the Chamber. national Government. It is also receiving The building is a disused shop, and it has a certain amount of assistance from the become dilapidated. The sleeping quarters Brisbane City Council. are situated in a basement, which could be (Time expired.) very aptly described as a dungeon. The honourable member for Merthyr would know Mr. GUNN (Somerset) (9.13 p.m.): The something about dungeons. There are no honourable member for Pine Rivers seems windows in this room, and the only ventila­ to blame the Minister and the Government tion creeps its way through a musty passage­ for everything from the erosion that is way. Some 30 or 40 men and women occurring on the Pine River to happenings sleep in this room each night, and it is at the Born Free Club. I suggest that only recently that they have been able to the conditions at the Born Free Club are enjoy the comfort of beds. Prior to that, mainly the result of alcohol. I do not think !hey slept on the floor. There are no there is any doubt about that, and I do not cooking facilities. Indeed, if there were, know what the answer is other than to a severe health problem could be created, wean many of the people who frequent the as the hygiene of the place leaves a lot club, black and white, from the bottle. to be desired. Mr. Leese: I will take you round. I feel it would do a few honourable mem­ bers opposite a lot of good to visit this Mr. GUNN: I do not have to go there. place. There are no lights there, and when I have a fair idea of what conditions are anyone enters he has to feel his way around like when people are "on the grog" for as best he can. There is one shower in the weeks and weeks at a time. building. It is on the second floor, and Mr. Leese interjected. it, too, is in a dilapidated condition. One gets to the second floor by going along a The TEMPORARY CHAffiMAN (Mr: rickety staircase. There are no lights, and Wharton): Order! The honourable member it is impossible to see a hand in front of for Pine Rivers has made his speech. one's face. Young Aborigines coming from Cherbourg to Brisbane usually find that this Mr. GUNN: And not a very good speech is the only accommodation available to them. at that. I should like to direct my remarks to Not only Aborigines are living under matters that I consider are of greater import­ these conditions. I could make a similar ance, and I refer particularly to water type of speech about the conditions under conservation. The primary producer faces which white people are living. Of course, drought as a recurring threat to his very the majority of white people living under existence. As the Minister said, drought has these conditions would be referred to by occurred three times in 10 years. That honourable members on the other side of emphasises the absolute necessity for water the Chamber as "no-hopers"; I would refer conservation. I offer my congratulations to to them as "unfortunates", or possibly as the Minister and to the Irrigation and Water "alcoholics". Supply Commission for the investigations The Born Free Club adjoins another build­ that have been carried out all over Queens­ ing, and the partition between the buildings land. is being broken down. If anyone cared to The Lockyer Valley, one of the most pro­ look into the building adjoining the Born ductive areas in Australia, relies solely on Free Club, he would see llqualor such as underground water supplies. As we have 1710 Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

enjoyed very good seasons recently, there has There has been a great deal of controversy not been a great call on the underground in the top part of my area over a proposal supply. However, irrigation in that area is to build a dam at Barker's Creek. I under­ increasing and I believe that some control stand that the Commissioner has already on the use of the underground water will attended meetings in that area and in be necessary when dry seasons return. Murgon. I hope that the Minister will Mr. Davis interjected. accompany me to ~ingaroy in the near future to speak about this proposed dam. Mr. GUNN: We have never spent [ cannot remember so many objections to a $20,000,000 in the Lockyer Valley. I do not dam anywhere. The proposed Wivenhoe think that amount of money would be neces­ Dam will be in my electorate. It is unfor­ sary for an irrigation project there. For the tunate that a dam built for water storage mformation of the honourable member for and flood mitigation purposes often inundates Brisbane, this is an area that has a good some of the best producing land in the area. underground water supply. I wm indicate This is one of the facts we have to face. later on what I believe to be the answer to We must supply water to industry and to the future problem. It would only require a our capital city. In the case of Barker's certain number of weirs. Creek, this would be solely an irrigation Opposition Members interjected. dam and, while it might lend itself to this purpose, it would flood thousands of acres Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Would you say that the of good land to supply another area with interjections of honourable members opposite irrigation water. The scheme would cost reflect the same disinterest in rural matters in the vicinity of $8,000,000 and, by the that is evident among their Federal time it was completed, it would probably colleagues? exceed that amount. We must question that, and I know that the Minister will give much Mr. GUNN: This is the tragedy. thought to the matter before committing the Government to it. Mr. Davis interjected. The work done by the Irrigation and Water Mr. GUNN: I have said things on many Supply Commission has meant millions of occasions solely for the benefit of the hon­ dollars to Queensland producers. The various ourable member for Brisbane. I can only dams that have been constructed throughout conclude that he has taken no notice of my Queensland, particularly in the dry areas, remarks. have increased the value of export commo­ dities by millions of dollars. The area in which I live produces over I should like to turn briefly to the Abori­ $10,000,000 worth of primary produce a ginal question. While there is not a great year. I am referr,ing to an area of 264 number of Aborigines in the electorate of square miles. I believe that the trial weir Somerset, it is only natural that we should on Laidley Creek has been a success, and I all take an interest in affairs affecting coloured hope the Minister and the Commissioner for people. It is very unfortunate that these Irrigation and Water Supply wUl give con­ people have become the subject of political sideration to the establishment of more weirs play. within that area. Farmers in the Lockyer Valley have invested millions of dollars and I believe that the Department of Aboriginal it would be a tragedy to see the area run and Island Affairs has done an excellent short of water. If the solution to the problem job for these people. Recently, I had a means the registration of bores, I assure the trip to Thursday Island and saw most of Minister and the Commissioner that such a the islands in the Torres Strait area as welL scheme would have my support. I particularly recall the time I was at Bamaga. I was extremely pleased with what I saw The construction of Atkinson's Dam to there. I believe that in Bamaga we have supply farms in the Lower Lockyer has the answer to the Aboriginal problem. proved a wonderful success. Not only has it proved to be a success as an irrigation Mr. Wallis-Smith: In what way? project but it has also provided a wonderful Mr. GUNN: I visited the new school and recreation area. I congratulate the Minister hospital and I saw the farm section and and his officers for what they have done in all the facilities that were there. I con­ supplying this wonderful asset for this very sider that they compare with the agriculture important district. There are plenty of signs college adjacent to my electorate. segregating swimming and skiing enthusiasts. but the area has become so popular that I Mr. Wallis-Smith: Do you know that the should like to see it better policed by rangers hospital is run by single-certificated sisters? to ensure that swimmers do not encroach into the skiing area. I have had many com­ Mr. GUNN: I know that the hospital is plaints about that. I know that rangers do run by two sisters who are doing it very visit the area at odd times, but I should like well. I also know that they have an airstrip to see them there more often. It has become on the island, and an excellent medical service a very popular picnic area, attracting visitors on Thursday Island. from far afield. Mr. Wallis-Smith: That is not an island. Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1711

Mr. GUNN: Does the honourable member the problems that have arisen could have mean Thursday Island? Bamaga is not an been obviated if the do-gooders had not island. been allowed to intrude into their affairs. I do not believe that large welfare payments Mr. Wallis-Smith: I did not say it was. are the answer. During my short visit Mr. R. E. Moore: He is talking about to the Torres Strait islands I came to Horn Island. the conclusion that the local people are an intelligent race. Mr. GUNN: I do not think he knows what he is talking about because Bamaga Mr. P. Wood: You sound like a is not an island. do-gooder. Mr. Wallis-Smith: I am quoting you. Mr. GUNN: I certainly am not a do­ gooder. I can see that the Islanders have Mr. GUNN: If I said that, I did not the initiative to get ahead. mean to do so. Bamaga, of course, is Mr. B. Wood: Would you define a not an island. However, it is a beautiful do-gooder? area and what has been done there is a step in the right direction. The irrigation Mr. GUNN: I know what a do-gooder is. system on the farm at Bamaga is very I commend the Minister on the job that modern. All the machinery I saw was similar his department is doing. If he is allowed to that used in the progressive Lockyer to continue without interference, the vast Valley. The manager was very capable. majority of the problems will be solved. There is no doubt that, with training, these It is tragic that the Commonwealth Gov­ coloured people can take their place any­ ernment has tried to exploit the Islanders where in Queensland. in order to catch votes. Uninformed persons Mr. Wallis-Smith: Are they getting rid have visited the islands and tried to influ­ of the produce they are growing? ence the local people, who are quite content in their present environment. Mr. GUNN: I am not particularly interested in the produce. They are being trained. Mr. Baldwin: The Premier was one. That is the primary purpose of the exercise. Mr. GUNN: Mr. Bryant was the one Never mind about the profits that may be who caused most of the trouble. The made out of Bamaga. As a matter of fact, Premier certainly visited the area, but he the honourable member was not even known told the Islanders that his Government was up there at the time of my visit. I asked right behind them. At that time the about him and was told that the people had Commonwealth Government had clearly not seen him for months. The man who stated its intention of giving the islands was there did not know whom I was talking away. about. The Islanders love to fish and hunt. Mr. Wallis-Smitb: Have a look at the Similarly, the Australian Aborigines love votes polled at the last election and you'll the bush and derive great pleasure from know. hunting. Their way of life cannot be changed. As soon as an Aborigine con:es Mr. GUNN: I will look at the next one. to Brisbane he ends up on the south Side That is the time the honourable member of the riv~r and is quickly in trouble. has to worry about. Never mind about I suggest that in many instances liquor is the last election. From my conversation the root of the problem, and that it should with most of the people up there, he will be withheld from a person who cannot take have to pull up his socks. it without suffering severe after-effects. I think that young Aboriginal people can The Department of Harbours and Marine be trained, but I believe we have a special is doing a mammoth job. .I do no! have problem with these young people. Once time to refer to all the duties that It per· again I want to emphasise the dangers of forms, so I shall content myself by dwelling alcohol. These young people are the greatest on its operations in the small-boat field. imitators of all time. They listen to the Very often small craft put to sea in danger exploits of their fathers, uncles and other areas without sufficient safety equipment on members of their family and imitate them. board. When a small boat is missing, I believe that Mr. Killoran and officers of the rescue organisations are put to a good his department understand these people, and deal of inconvenience and, furthermore, they would be far better off left in their persons engaged in the search risk their hands. The intrusion of the Commonwealth lives. On occasions searchers have lost into this area has proved to be a disaster. their lives. Mr. B. Wood: It provides the hospitals As Queensland continues to develop, so, and schools. too must port facilities be updated. The gro'wth of some of the State's northern Mr. GUNN: So it should. In encouraging ports as the result of increased trade is and training the Islanders to take their phenomenal. During the recent recess I place in society, we should warn them of had the privilege of visiting several Central the pitfalls in modern living. Many of and North Queensland ports. 1712 Supply [15 NovEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

The Minister referred specifically to staff, and they are an embarrassment. The Gladstone, which has expanded at a very building is totally inadequate. If two people fast rate. Weipa is another centre that are being attended to at the counter, one has shown tremendous growth. Similarly, must jostle the other when he turns round Hay Point, which commenced operations to walk out. as a port in October 1971, is now recog­ An Opposition Member: They seem to be nised as one of the foremost coal-exporting faring as badly as members of Parliament. ports in the world. In introducing his Estimates, the Minister Mr. R. JONES: They are probably on a told a wonderful story of achievement. No par. fair-minded person could fail to congratulate Something must be done to improve the him and his officers on the work they are accommodation available in this office. doing. I offer my personal thanks to him When I realise that the harbour master andl as well as to his officers for the courtesy other officers who look after the department's that they have extended to me and my interests are crowded into this building with constituents. boating-patrol officers and their staffs, andl I have already referred to the Wivenhoe that very shortly two Marine Board officers Dam, which is proceeding according to plan. -an engineer and a surveyor-are to be The dam will provide Brisbane with addi­ appointed-they are provided for in the tional water and, as well, assist in flood Estimates-! wonder how everyone will be mitigation. The resumption of land needed squeezed in. for the dam was a very delicate matter, but On my last visit to the office, I noticed it was handled very well. About 250 farms that private conversations could not be were involved. I thank the Minister and his carried on with departmental officers, andl department for the way in which this was also that they could not carry on private done, although I know it was a joint effort conversations with one another. There are, by the Co-ordinator-General's Department, of course, no interviewing rooms. the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission Another unfortunate feature of the office and the Local Government Department. It is is the open back verandah. It has the usual not easy for people to tear up established problem of vandals and ne'er-do-wells sleep­ roots and leave an area their families have ing there, which is generally associated with occupied for generations, especially when it the quieter end of Abbott Street. is some of the best country in Queensland. While I did not like to see it happen, I If the provision of $50,000 has been made understand that it was done in the cause of in these Estimates, why did the Minister, in progress. Brisbane needed further water answer to a question I asked in the House supplies, and this was the ideal area. on 13 September 1973, say that no design plan had been drawn up or approved, that Mr. R. JONES (Cairns) (9.31 p.m.): It is no costs had been estimated, and that no not my intention to repeat many of the provision had been made for the construction comments by honourable members on this of the new office building in 1973-74? I side of the Chamber or to regurgitate any would like to know how these new officers of the nonsense that has emanated from are to be accommodated and how the Minister Government members. I wish to raise a few can expect the best service from them when matters pertinent to my electorate, dealing they are housed in an old, decrepit building. initially with the Department of Harbours To give the Committee an idea of the and Marine and its present accommodation condition of the building, and as the Minister in Cairns. for Transport is in the Chamber, I would The Minister is well aware that in Cairns say it is worse than some of the railway the department has rather dingy diggings at goods offices scattered throughout the State. the top end of Abbott Street. The building I am sure that will crystallise in honourable was probably used originally as stables, and members' minds how bad this office is. in its present condition it is still only fit for What must be investigated is the planning horses. In this day and age it is not good of this office block, with consideration being enough for a State office in a thriving, given to the best and most efficient use of bustling, tourist-oriented city like Cairns to the land. As the location is at the "top" end have such dingy, dungeon-like offices. of Abbott Street, as we prefer to call it­ I read in the annual report that a new the port entry to Cairns-the new building building is urgently needed. Quick action should be commensurate with the new Hayles should be taken to recommend an early tourist centre, the new Cairns Harbour Board start on its construction. I understand that buildings and the contemplated new Barrier the office space in the existing building is Reef complex and tourist hotel-motel on the being extended. I hope that will prove to "Barbary Coast". It should also be commen· be only a temporary arrangement. The surate with the new Travelodge Motel on Minister should review the proposal and the Esplanade, facing the other direction. It recommend the construction of a new build­ is a prime site and, to say the least, the ing. It is a shocking example of an over­ present buildings are shocking. The Govern­ crowded Government building. The offices ment should look at this matter very closely. are inadequate to cope with the existing As it is in the Minister's corner, he should Supply [15 NOVEMBER 1973] (Estimates) 1713 ensure that a new building that will tone in the best of weather. When the weather is in with the surroundings is erected. It should bad, it is impossible for them to get about be such that the public and the Government in their present boats. The Minister should can be proud of it. give consideration to supplying them with more suitable craft. Mr. Tucker: What are the Australian Gov­ ernment offices like? I was disappointed that the Minister made no mention of the Flaggy Creek scheme. I Mr. R. JONES: They have been built am pleased to see that a sum of $38,000 has recently, on the corner of Shield and Grafton been allocated for the storm surge investiga­ Streets. tion. There is much concern in Far North The CHAIRMAN: Order! Would the Queensland about this problem. We in Cairns honourable member mind including the Chair are situated close to the Great Dividing in this conversation? Range, and this is becoming a matter of great concern to the State Disaster Relief Mr. R. JONES: Yes, Mr. Lickiss. They Organisation and other bodies. tone in with other buildings in the city of Cairns. Behind them is a vacant block of I also wish to mention in passing the land that the Minister might recommend difficulties being experienced by those work­ that the Department of Works use for the ing on tourist boats in the matter of wages erection of a block of State offices along and conditions. Although I shall not go too the same aesthetic lines. far into this matter, I think it should receive some consideration by the department. The Mr. Wallis-Smith: Another one of the problem applies equally to skippers and Minister's departments in that building is engineers as it does to deckhands and in the same state. hostesses, and it is not peculiar to my area. Recently I was at Shute Harbour, Mr. R. JONES: That is so. It is the and I found that the same difficulties are Department of Aboriginal and Island Affairs being experienced there. These employees office. I believe it is to be moved from are very lowly paid, and they accept respon­ there. sibility for hundreds of passengers. They The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable work irregular hours, they sometimes operate member is offending the Chairman by not after dark, and the operators on some boats including him in the conversation. Will he are not qualified for the work they do. This please address the Chair. is a matter that should be of interest to the Minister. Mr. R. JONES: The other matter I wish to raise is the Cairns boat harbour. In reply I now turn to the Department of Abor­ to a question I asked in the House on 21 iginal and Island Affairs and make some March 1971, the Minister told me that the comments on the remarks of honourable planning of this harbour was still in progress, members opposite. The honourable mem­ that the feasibility studies associated with it ber for Mulgra:ve said he knows a little about were in hand, that the reclamation of the this subject. I think that comment should foreshores was still in hand, that consultants be amended to convey that he knows very had been engaged and, in effect that every­ little about it. The honourable member for thing was right, rosy and re~dy for the Toowong said we have to make up our building of the harbour. Since the matter minds what we want for Aborigines, of a boat harbour for Cairns was first raised in 1965 by Sir Thomas Hiley in a by-election Mr. Miller: That is right. th.at ! c<;mtested, it. has become a hardy tnenmal Issue that IS raised each election Mr. R. JONES: I disagree. I feel that year. It is something like the alumina Aborigines should be allowed to make up refinery that we have heard so much about their own minds what they want. lately. Considering that boating has increased Mr. Miller: How stupid! !n Cairns more than it has in any other port !n the State, and that a big-game fishing mdustry has developed for tourists, I think Mr. R. JONES: The honourable member says, "How stupid!" I have in my area the Go_v~rnmei!-t sh<;n_tld be looking closely at prov1dmg this facility as soon as possible. the community at Yarrabah, which is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in the State. I also want to pass some remarks in sup­ It was established, I think, by the Church port of the honourable member for Cook. of England in 1892, although I stand to be He suggested that patrol officers be stationed corrected on that statement. These Aborigines at Cooktown. Patrol officers in Cairns are are at the stage where they want to take presently policing a coastline which, in dist­ the responsibility for their destiny into ance, would probably be equal to the coast­ their own hands. I think that Mr. Killoran line of Victoria. They are responsible for and Mr. Murphy are in the lobby. Mr. the coastline from Karumba to my area. Murphy has served at Yarrabah, and I am This is a vast distance, and the boats in sure he would agree with me on these which these officers operate are completely points. inadequate for the job they are required to do. Craft of a good size are needed, even Mr. Miller interjected. 1714 Supply [15 NovEMBER 1973] (Estimates)

Mr. R • .JONES: The honourable member's With Aborigines, there win be quite a knowledge of the Torres Strait islands was number of faHures because many of the gained by accompanying a former Minister schemes that are implemented will be purely for Works who was responsible for A!bori­ experimental. I think that the European ginal and Island Affairs-he is now the way of life with which we have dominated Premier-around the islands. I was also the Aborigines in this country over a long on the boat on that occasion. It was a period could be the cause of the breakdowns very limited excursion, but it would be the that we are seeing today. It probably is extent of the honourable member's know­ unfair to place the blame on the Government ledge. You do not talk to Aborigines and or on the church missions when the com­ Torres Strait Islanders for five minutes and munity itself is to blame. We, the people of find out all there is to know about them. Australia, have broken down the heritage, You do not sit down at a feast at night identity and culture of the Aborigines, and and know all about them by dawn next we must accept responsibility for that. We day. You must win the confidence of these have created a vacuum in the lives of these people. people, and we have forgotten that tradition­ ally they are a tribal people. I think it could Mr. Miller: Have you? be quite a devastating experience for an Aborigine or an Islander to be pushed into Mr. R. JONES: Yes. I have an Aboriginal living in a white community without being community in my electorate. given an opportunity to become adjusted to it. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the honourable member to please address the I reiterate that I think Yarrabah is an Chair. ideal community in which to set up a pilot scheme to see whether or not the Aborigines Mr. R. JONES: Yes, Mr. Lickiss. can be given some responsibility. It is close I have also been reared with them. Abori­ to other communities, and I believe that the gines and Islanders live in the street where people of Y arrabah will surprise the Minister I live; I have attended school with them. if they are given such an opportunity. Con­ My area is one in which one gets to know fronting them with a European society Aborigines and Islanders because one is creates great difficulties, and I have noticed reared with them. I have been on many more that Aborigines who have been allowed to reserves and talked to many more Aborigines retain their own culture, identity and way over longer periods than the honourable member for Ithaca has. of life have been happy in their own environ­ ment. I think they have a better enthusiasm I do not profess to be an expert in this for life when they are left to their own field. but I know that the present Minister, devices. In those circumstances they take the Premier. who formerly was Minister in more pride in themselves, have more con­ charge of Aboriginal and Island Affairs, and fidence in themselves, and are a happier particularly the honourable member for people. One sees more laughter and more Cook. would admit that what I am saying is closer to the truth than anything that has happiness in Aborigines when they are with been said about the Aboriginal people earlier their own people and are evolving in their tonight. own way. They do not want to be pushed too far too quickly. As 1 said, these people wish to work out their own destiny. If a pilot scheme Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: You are making some seems desirable, then Yarrabah is the place very inteUigent comments. to set it up. As I mentioned on an earlier occasion, I think that a reforestation scheme Mr. R. JONES: I thank the Minister. at Yarrabah would be well worth while. There is a sawmill there, and a scheme of Mr. Bjelke-Petersen interjected. that type would assist these people to lift their industry and provide more employment Mr. R. JONES: Like everybody else, they in the area. I do not think I have made are pretty well intentioned. I do not think that suggestion previously when the Director we should condemn anyone for being well or his deputy has been in the lobby; I intentioned. Perhaps we do work too fast think I made it when I was discussing the sometimes; maybe in some areas we work Lands and Forestry Estimates. In my too slow. When we see confidence displayed opinion, Yarrabah would be an ideal place for a pilot scheme. in these people we should make it easy for them and allow them to make a more Mr. Wallis-Smith: The people there have meaningful entry into our communi1y-if proved their ability in that field, too. they want to come into our community. (Time expired.) Mr. R. JONES: Yes. They are good saw­ millers and timber-workers. Let us give Progress reported. them opportunities in a field in which they have proved themselves. The House adjourned at 9.52 p.m.