Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

FRIDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 1969

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Questions (21 NOVEMBER] Questions 1731

Certificate and three have completed some of the subjects of the Registration Certifi­ cate. (b) In Rockhampton, there are five on the staff. One has a degree and some of the subjects of the Registration Certificate, one has the Registration Certificate, and three have completed some of the subjects of the Registration Certificate. (c) In Toowoomba there are six on the staff. One has a degree, plus the Registration Certifi­ cate, one has a degree plus some subjects of the Registration Certificate and four have completed some of the subjects of the Registration Certificate. (d) These figures were not readily available. I shall advise the Honourable Member when they come to hand."

LIBRARY EXPENDITURE, INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY AND TOWNSVILLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- For ( 1) the libraries of the Institutes of Technology at (a) Brisbane, (b) Rock­ FRIDAY, 21 NOVEMBER, 1969 hampton and (c) Toowoomba and (2) Townsville University College Library, what has been (i) for each year since their inception the expenditure on books, Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, periodicals, etc. and (ii) since their incep­ Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair tion the total capital expenditure, exclud­ at 11 a.m. ing the book vote? Answer:- DISALLOWANCE OF QUESTION "As the statistics requested are not Mr. SPEAKER: Hon. members, relative to readily available, I request the Honourable the question of which the hon. member for Member to repeat his Question on Tuesday Toowong sought to give notice on Wednes­ next." day, 19 November, and on which I stated yesterday I was seeking a further opinion on PoLLUTION OF NERANG RIVER whether the matter was sub judice, I now Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked advise that the Solicitor-General has endorsed The Minister for Local Government,- my opinion. Consequently, the question is inadmissible. ( I) Has the level of pollution in the waterways in the Gold Coast area been investigated? If so, what was the result? QUESTIONS (2) If no survey has been made, will QUALIFICATIONS OF LIBRARY OFFICERS, he arrange for an investigation as soon as INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY AND possible and for follow-up tests at least TOWNSVILLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE twice a year? Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked The Answer:- Minister for Education,- ( 1 and 2) "Along with other coastal With regard to the Institute of Tech­ rivers in the State, regular water quality nology libraries at (a) Brisbane, (b) Rock­ surveys are being carried out in the Nerang hampton and (c) Toowoomba and (d) River by the Department of Local Govern­ Townsville University College library, how ment. In accordance with usual practice, many of the staff currently employed have the results of such surveys are closely (i) a degree, together with the Registration examined with a view to action being set Certificate of the Library Association of in train for the alleviation of any pollution Australia, (ii) a degree and some subjects which might be found therefrom." of the certificate, (iii) a degree, (iv) no degree, but the certificate, and (v) no degree, but some subjects of the certificate? TRANSPORT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO RA VENSHOE Answer:- Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked " (a) In Brisbane there are six librarians. The Minister for Education,- Of these two have a degree plus the In view of his Answer to my Question on Registration Certificate, one has the degree November 19, as students have been put plus some subject~ of the Registration off the bus between Mount Garnet and 1732 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Ravenshoe for varying periods and in the supported by Inspector Simpson, Chief of latest instance a pupil has been put off the C.I.B., when appearing on a "Meet the permanently- Press" programme- ( 1 ) Did his Department carry out an ( 1 ) Why was a police constable of nine investigation in each case? If so, was it a years' standing recently charged depart­ party to the length of time the student was mentally with raping an Aboriginal girl disallowed transport by bus and, if not, who at Davies Park? decided the time-penalty? (2) Will he publish the record of the complainant girl? (2) Will he make provision for immed­ iate investigation when future incidents (3) Did the departmental Inspector arise and ensure that the Department and Prosecutor admit that she was a girl who lacked credibility? students are represented at such investiga­ tions? ( 4) Did she admit that she hated policemen? Answers:- (5) Why can police officers not have the (1) "An investigation was carried out benefit of a trial by jury as does any other citizen in the community, particularly earlier in the year. Recently one case was when the complainant is a person of low settled after discussion between the moral character without regard for the Regional Director and the Head Teacher. truth? As indicated in my Answer to the Honour­ able Member's Question on November 19, (6) Will he arrange for departmental "kangaroo courts" of this nature to publish 1969, the Regional Director at Townsville reasons for their decisions, whether those has arranged an investigation of the whole reasons are justified, logical, illogical, or matter. My Department has not been a inane? party to determining the period during which a student was denied conveyance. I Answers:- understand that the bus proprietor made (1) "No Constable has been so charged, the decisions in each case. Normally it is but a Constable was charged under the considered the right of a bus proprietor to Police Acts with being unfit to be a mem­ refuse to transport an unruly pupil." ber of the Police Force." (2) "Any future incident concerned with (2) "No." student misbehaviour on the bus will be (3 and 4) "As the Honourable Member investigated in accordance with normal was Counsel representing the Constable in departmental practice, which will involve certain proceedings believed to be the all parties to the complaint." case to which the Question refers, he should be possessed of the desired informa­ tion." SUPPLY OF COAL TO SWANBANK "B" (5) "Members of the Police Force are POWER STATION dealt with in Superior Courts in Queens­ land in appropriate cases." Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Local Government,- (6) "There are no such Departmental Courts." Further to the Answer to my Question on August 20 by the Minister for Mines regarding the Swanbank "B" power station, NELLY BAY STATE SCHOOL, MAGNETIC on what date will it be commissioned and ISLAND require the supply of coal? Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- Answer:- (1 ) What is the reason for providing a "Subject to unforeseen circumstances, the very good and substantial fence on two commissioning of the first 120 MW set in boundaries of the Nelly Bay State School, the Swanbank "B" Power Station is pro­ Magnetic Island, and then bringing the grammed for April, 1970." work to a halt? (2) Will he immediately consider having the fence completed so that the main DEPARTMENTAL CHARGE AGAINST POLICE playing area of the school ground may be OFFICER protected? Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- Answers:- In view of the published statement of (1) "Fencing to the front and western the Minister for Justice that a public boundaries of the school reserve was approved as a first stage during the last servant who committed a criminal offence financial year, this being considered the would be charged under normal court more urgent section of the work, having procedure and because the statement was regard to funds available for works of this Questions (21 NOVEMBER) Questions 1733

nature and the fact that the rear portion of ( 3) If not, because of his Government's the grounds was not being used for school intention and the impending off-shore drill­ purposes." ing operations in Great Barrier Reef waters, (2) "Consideration will be given to will he ascertain and advise this House of having the fencing on the remaining align­ the result of the evaluation of these findings ments erected later in this financial year and the United States Government's action in the light of funds then available." before oil-drilling operations are permitted in reef waters?

PENSIONER PATIENTS' TRUST MoNEYS, Answers:- TOWNSVILLE GENERAL HOSPITAL ( 1) "These findings have not yet been Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The received." Treasurer,- (2 and 3) "Until the findings are ( 1) In regard to his statement con­ received these Questions cannot be cerning the geriatric ward, Townsville answered." General Hospital, if no improper practices were apparent, why was the matter referred to the Crown Law Office for an opinion? NEW RAILWAY DIESEL SHED, TOOWOOMBA (2) Did the audit officer investigate the Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The accrued assets of the person or persons Minister for Transport,- handling the pension moneys? If so, with ( 1) Is he aware of a recent deputation what result? from the shop and jobs committee to the locomotive engineer, Toowoomba, con­ Answers:- cerning working conditions at the new (!) "It should be apparent to the diesel shed during wet weather? Honourable Member that the allegations (2) If not, will he have the matter made by him were of so serious a nature investigated with a view to removing the that they warranted both police and audit cause of complaint? investigation. I am rather surprised that he should question the obtaining of the Answer:- independent opinion of the Crown Law Office on the facts disclosed by the investi­ (1 and 2) "The Shop and Jobs Com­ gation. Indeed, I should have thought that mittee raised this matter with the Loco­ he would have welcomed a full and com­ motive Engineer, Toowoomba, and the plete examination of these facts by the matter is the subject of investigation by Crown Law Office." Departmental Architectural Staff." (2) "No. Neither investigation disclosed the slightest evidence of malpractice and GRADUATES FROM TEACHERS' certainly no grounds were disclosed which CoLLEGES would have warranted a serious intrusion Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The into the private affairs of staff engaged in Minister for Education,- the care and welfare of aged and infirm people. The investigation was a complete (!) How many teachers on probation one-it was not a witch hunt as the are expected to graduate from teachers' Honourable Member had endeavoured to colleges in Queensland this year? engender. I am certainly not going to (2) How many will be secondary associate myself with any reflection of dis­ teachers? honesty which the Honourable Member has endeavoured to cast upon all members of Answers:- the administrative and nursing staff of the Townsville Hospital." (!) "1 ,469." (2) "Of these 1,469, a total of 473 will be secondary teachers. An additional 98 SANTA BARBARA OIL SPILL INQUIRY secondary teachers are expected to graduate Mr. R. .Tones, pursuant to notice, asked from courses of teacher education at The Minister for Mines,- universities." (1) Is he aware of the findings of the United States Senate Sub-committee on PRISONER MAINTENANCE CosT Minerals, Materials and Fuels of the Com­ mittee on Interior and Insular Affairs, Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The following the hearings of May 19-20, on Minister for Justice,- the Santa Barbara oil spill? What is the estimated cost to the State (2) If so, did the Secretary of the of maintaining a prisoner in Queensland Interior, Waiter J. Hickel, make certain prisons? recommendations concerning companies engaging in off-shore drilling under leases Answer:- pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf "The approximate cost of maintaining a Lands Acts, accepting the responsibility of prisoner in Queensland Prisons for the year "unlimited liability"? ended June 30, 1969 was $1,850. This 1734 Form of Question [ASSEMBLY] Supply

estimated cost is based on a daily average RACING AND BETTING ACT of the number of prisoners and comprises AMENDMENT BILL cost of supervision $1,173 and cost of maintenance $677." INITIATION Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ FORM OF QUESTION Treasurer): I move- "That the House will, at its present Mr. BENNETT (South Brisbane) pro­ sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of ceeding to give notice of a question- the Whole rto consider introducing a Bill Mr. SPEAKER: Order! That part of the to amend the Racing and Betting Acts question is out of order as it seeks an 1954 to 1967 in certain particulars." expression of opinion. Motion agreed to. Mr. BENNETT: I want the Minister to find these things out. I want him to ask the STAMP ACT AMENDMENT BILL professor if he is claiming that there are INITIATION senators who are dishonest. It is not asking for an opinion at all. Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ Treasurer): I move- Mr. BENNETT continuing to give notice of "That the House will, at its present the question- sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The question is not the Whole to consider introducing a Bill to in order in its present form. I 'assure rthe amend the Stamp Acts 1894 to 1968 in hon. member that I shall have a good look certain particulars." at it. Motion agreed to. Mr. BENNETI: It is something that con­ cerns the whole of the State, including the COAL MINING ACT AMENDMENT BILL taxpayers, who are paying for the running of INITIATION the university. Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minister Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The notice of for Mines and Main Roads): I move- question contains things that are entirely out of order, and I warn the hon. member that I "That the House will, art its present shall have to have a good look at it. sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider introducing a Bill Mr. BENNETT continuing to give notice to declare the validity of coal mining leases of the question- and licences to ·occupy granted under the Coal Mining Act of 1925 as subsequently Mr. SPEAKER: Order! amended from time to 'time, and of dealings Mr. BENNETT: I want to ask this therewith, to amend the Coal Mining Acts question, Mr. Speaker; when I have finished 1925 to 1967 in a certain particular and giving notice of it, you can rule whether it is for other purposes." out of order. I can ask who is to be Motion agreed to. appointed Dean of the Faculty of Law, surely. SUPPLY Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Bringing person­ RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATES­ alities into a question is out of order. THIRTEENTH ALLOTTED DAY Mr. BENNETI: That is just plain rot. (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Hooper, I am entitled to ask who is to be •appointed Greenslopes, in the chair) Dean of the Faculty of Law. ESTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1969-70 Mr. SPEAKER: Order! If the hon. member DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT wishes to continue giving notice of his ques­ CHIEF OFFICE tion he may do so, but I am not going to permit him to bring personalities into the Hon. F. A. CAMPBELL (Aspley-Minister House. for Industrial Development) (11.24 a.m.): I move- Mr. BENNETT: It is not a question of "That $600,456 be granted for 'Depart­ personalities at all. I am entitled to ask who ment of Industrial Development-Chief it is expected will be appointed Dean of Office'." the Faculty of Law. Queensland today is in the midst of one of Mr. SPEAKER: Order: The hon. member the most vigorous eras of expansion in its will not be permitted to proceed with his history. We see evidence of progress on all question if he continues to argue with the sides-not only in the more densely populated Chair. I am giving him the opportunity to south-eastern quarter of the State but also in finish giving notice of his ques-tion, but I a number of provincial areas which are assure him that it will not be permitted in clearly destined to become highly industrial­ its present form. ised in the not too distant future. Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1735

In presenting the Estimates of the Depart­ level of committed orders and, therefore, in ment of Industrial Development I propose the level of the work-force in particular areas initially to review the impact of industrialisa­ and industries. Taken in perspective, how­ tion on the State's economy. ever, the over-all situation [s quite healthy, Then, in more detail, I wJll cover the thanks to the growing industrialisation of energetic and, I believe, effective operations the State. of the various sections of my department. Each and every member of this Assembly Queensland, economically, is forging will be aware of the tremendous impact that firmly ahead, despite the ravages of one of recent events must have on the Queensland the worst droughts [n the history of white industrial scene. Of course, the Central settlement. This march of progress is Queensland 1100 MW power-house project directly attributable to the achievement of stands out as the major catalyst in a chain sound Government objectives in the form of reaction that will change the face of an rapid population growth, high employment already active region. Industrialists are and improved living standards. aware of the vast potential of this area, but, in my opinion, it is too ear,Jy to speculate Development generally, of course, involves on the size of the industrial mushroom that the smooth, co-ordinated expansion of the will grow in the wake of the completion of primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the power-house. But I am certainly pre­ the economy. pared to forecast that many hundreds of Industrialisation, therefore, is a vital millions of dollars will be invested in that ingredient in the formula for the prosperous region of Queensland. Furthermore, many advancement of this State. Accelerated of those industries will be important dollar­ industrial expansion, rapid mineral develop­ earners for Australia. ment and a strong upward trend in building and other service industries have produced Mr. Sherrington: When do you think the substantial changes in the State's economic power-house will be completed? structure. This diversification of activity has Mr. CAMPBELL: Approaching the mid given the State greater stability and balance. 70's. I believe that at this point in time we are poised for a phase of economic deve,lopment Equally vital is the fact that big under­ at a rate unsurpassed in Queensland's history. takings like these produce a widespread The importance of industrialisation as a diversity of industrial activity in many other fundamental means of creating employment fields, both secondary and tertiary. Soon opportunities and promoting population after the announcement of the power-house growth is widely recognised. Apart from project, Queensland Alumina Ltd., the inter­ the scope that secondary industry offers for national consortium controlling the Glad­ the absorption of a large volume of labour, stone alumina refinery, started the financial its expansion also stimulates over-all growth. ball rolling. The company, which has already Accelerated industrial development in recent invested $165,000,000 in the Gladstone plant, years has, therefore, multiplied the employ­ is considering another $100,000,000 expansion ment opportunities in tertiary industry. plan. Indeed, the pronounced expansion of manu­ Another important announcement in the facturing activity is clearly reflected in the industrial metals field came from the Com­ growth of population, work-force, and monwealth Aluminium Corporation, which employment. plans to build an alumina plant at Weipa by In 1968-69 the rate of population growth the middle of the next decade. This will jumped to 2.1 per cent. compared with an be another sizeable project. Initial capacity average annual rate of 1.9 per cent. in other is planned at 600,000 tons of alumina a recent years. In 1968 the total civilian year. In the meantime, the company has employment in the State was 3.1 per cent. duplicated its bauJC]te beneficiation plant and higher than ,in the previous year. Net expanded mining operations to a new capaoity migration, another important contribution high of 7,000,000 tons of benefioiated baux­ ite per year. to population growth, reached an all-time high in 1968-69. Quite obviously, increased Mr. Sherrington: Is there any indication employment opportunities are attracting more when we will start aluminium manufacturing people to Queensland. At tlhe same time, here? fewer people are inclined to leave the State to look for other jobs. Mr. CAMPBELL: Aluminium fabrication is already in process in Queensland. Opposition members may well argue that in certain regions that are subject to seasonal A feasibility study is also being under­ and other influences some difficulty has been taken by Tipperary Land and Exploration experienced in maintaining employment Limited on the possible construc'iion of an stability; again, that in certain individual alumina plant with 1,000,000 tons a year workshops in the State retrenchment of capacity in the Cape York area. labour has regretfully been necessary due to Development in the field of Queensland's a temporary lack of orders. This is a industrial metals is, however, not limited situation that is of course inevitable in a to bauxite and alumina. Mount Isa Mines fast-developing economy. In other words, Ltd. has set new records in ore treatment there will always be peaks and troughs in the and metals production during the year. This 1736 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

increase reflected completion of a number Malleys Ltd. has completed a new of sections of a large expansion programme. $1,350,000 industry .centre at Woollongabba The company has a:lso announced a multi­ as part of a continuing expansion pro­ million dollar mining, concentrating and gramme. The company manufactures a wide smelting operation to commence in the 1970's. range of household appliances. Mount Morgan Ltd. in Central Queens­ Central Queensland Roofing Pty. Ltd. at land is continuing with a $7,500,000 expan­ Rockhampton started producing galvanised sion and re-equipment programme and, at iron roof sheeting in August. Gladstone, Mu!1phyores Incorporation Pty. Steelbar (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. opened a Ltd. has established a $1,700,000 mdneral $100,000 factory at Wacol in February, and sands dry mill. is supplying reinforcing steel to many A survey completed by officers of my projects. department shows that 118 industries in New premises for P.M. Industries Pty. Queensland p1an to spend $100,000,000 this Ltd. were opened in August. Printing and financial year on expansion. Each of the processing of film is carried out in this industries proposes to spend at least $100,000. $95,000 complex. A broad examination of current manu­ Queensland Fibre Packages Co., a subsi­ facturing activity highlights the wide diver­ diary of Australian Consolidated Industries sity of the State's operations. Olay brick Ltd., has spent $300,000 on its West End, productiOI!l in 1968-69 was more than Brisbane, plant to manufacture solid fibre­ 134,000,000-a rise of 13.3 per cent. over board containers. the previous year-and record production is Expansion of the manufacture of textiles continuing. In July and August this year and textile goods continues strongly in 25,000,000 bricks were produced. Queensland. The House of Jenyns, Brisbane A significant factor in the brick industry -the largest employer of textile labour in is the use of natural gas from the Roma Queensland-is one example in this manu­ fields. My department is pleased to have facturing field. This organisation at present been able to facilitate the construction of the employs 925 people, and, as at the end of pipeline through the provision of a Gov­ October this year, had 175 unfilled vacancies ernment guarantee under the Industrial Devel­ for skilled machinists. opment Acts, 1963·64. Plants owned by And now, a brief examination of export Brickworks Ltd., Rochedale, Brittains Bdcks activity. Queensland's overseas exports have and Pipes Ltd., Darra, and Oxley Brick­ increased by 97 per cent. in the past 10 works Pty. Ltd. are all connected to natural years to a record annual total of gas. Rocla Stoneware Pipes Ltd., Wacol, $670,000,000. In 1968-69 exports increased is also connected to the supply. by $107,000,000 compared with 1967-68. The capacity of the Brisbane plant of Last year, exports of chemicals, mainly Queensland Cement and Lime Co. Ltd. will alumina, were worth $50,700,000. be increased to 750,000 tOI!ls a year with One of the significant features of the the introduction of a proposed new kiln export picture is the rapid rise in trade with and dry mill. North Australian Cement Japan. Total Queensland exports to this Ltd. expects to increase production capacity country last year were $180,400,000, an of its Townsville plant to 200,000 tons by increase of 160 per cent. in six years. the middle of next year. At Gladstone, This review of Queensland's performance Besser (Qld.) Ltd. has started production at leads me to the confident prediction that the the company's $200,000 concrete~block underlying trend in the State's economy will manu£acturing factory. remain a strong upward movement. Indeed, One of the biggest ventures to come to there is every indication that the pace of Queensland is the $34,000,000 complex development will continue to gain established by Austral-Pacific Fertilizers Ltd. momentum. However, as I said at the out­ on Gibson Island. The company is also set, we must anticipate that on a short-term building a $6,000,000 phosphatic fertiliser basis there will be slight deviations from plant nearby, which is expected to start pro­ this trend, particularly at this embryonic duction next March. The present Gibson stage of the State's over-all development. Island plant is a prolific user of natural gas No rational person would expect our -about 14,000,000 cubic feet a day. State, so closely linked with rural production, Austral-Pacific is also building bulk fertiliser to escape entirely unscathed from the ser­ terminals at Cairns and Mackay, each cost­ ious loss of farm income in the drought. ing $1,000,000. Again, developmental projects of a major In a look across the industrial board there nature do not conform to a regularly flowing are many more enterprises which have pattern. "Flat spots", or brief periods injected vigour into the economy. The Aus­ without significant singular multi-million­ tralian Match Manufacturing Company Pty. dollar projects, are inevitable. But, as our Ltd. has spent $1,000,000 on a plant at pattern of progress has shown, these "flat Strathpine, which is using Queensland raw spots" have been short-Jived. All of us materials. This operation is a joint venture should remember that, while gigantic strides between Australian and Japanese capital, have been covered in the march towards with board control in Australian hands. sophisticated industrialisation, we are still Supply (21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1737 very much in the transitionary stages so far a result of that survey, early attention was as our economic structure is concerned. We concentrated on Townsville, Rockhampton, need to assess and examine Queensland Gladstone, Toowoomba and Southport. as a single-State entity-one which has its Arrangements were made with the Land own specific features and problems. Administration Commission to set aside land Applying this measure, national stabilisa­ at Gladstone and Southport. As suitable tion policies do not always appear to be areas of Crown land were not available applicable in the special circumstances of at Townsville, Rockhampton, and Too­ the State. Therefore a stabilisation policy woomba, parcels of privately held land were which meets the situation in more indus­ acquired by negotiation. This has since trialised regions of Australia, such as in been extended to other areas, such as Kinga­ Victoria, is not necessarily appropriate in roy, Warwick, and Gatton. Queensland, where there is still heavy At this point, I would like specificwlly reliance on rural economy. However, we to record that all local authorities within can and do help ourselves. The Queens­ whose areas estates are being established have land Government, I submit, has shown shown marked enthusiasm for and co-opera­ this in a practical way in its own stabilisa­ tion in the department's proposals. Indeed, tion policies. Positive action, particularly the looal authorities have also given the in the heavy engineering field, has carried department a large measure of practical several enterprises over "flat spots" and kept assistance in this regard. men in jobs. As an example of that, I refer to contracts let over the course of Estate development has been accelerated the last year by the Railway Department to in recent years and the department is now Queensland manufacturers. Those contracts able to offer industry developed sites ready were worth $10,500,000. In the main, they for immediate occupanion in the metropolitan covered the manufacture of locomotives, area, Cairns, TownsvH!e, Rockhampton, diesel rail-cars, wagons, bogies, buffers, Gladstone, Kingaroy, Toowoomba, and points and crossings, dog spikes and springs. Southport. In addition, first-stage develop­ The same department also let contracts in ment planning is under way for estates at 1968-69 for uniform dress material and the Maclmy, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Dalby, Narangba, and Warwick. In all of these manufacture of uniforms. This represented plans it is expected that the actual work another $185,000 worth of business for of development will proceed this financial Queensland industry. year. More Government business has gone into Throughout Queensland the department State industry in the first four months of now has a total of more than 8,000 acres this financial year. Since 1 July, the Railway for industrial development. Of this, more Department has let contracts worth nearly than 5,000 acres are situate.d in pro\Oincial $6,000,000 to Queensland engineering shops. centres. As hon. members are aware, New locomotive orders alone in this period moneys for the acquisition and development are worth more than $5,000,000. In a of 'land ·as industrial estates are provided further effort to help industry, preference is from the Industrial Estates Constmotion given to Queensland suppliers when tenders Fund, which is financed from rentals assessed are called by the State Stores Board for on leasehold land and by transfers from commodities required to meet the needs of the Loan Fund. Government departments. In this way the During the year 1968-69, $1,497,928 was maximum support possible is afforded expended from the fund. As at 30 June, Queensland manufacturers. 1969, there was a balance of $1,261,202 I now propose to deal with the various covering commitments made during the year operations of my department. An analysis but in respect of which work had not been of the growth in the number and size of finalised at that date. For the year 1969-70, industrial estates in Queensland underlines provision has been made for the expenditure the department's positive approach to decen­ of $3,161,000 from the Industrial Estates tralisation. Since 1966, when the Depart­ Construction Fund. This oomprises the ment of Industrial Development accepted balance of $1,261,202 just referred to, an over-all responsibility for the allocation of expected revenue of $99,798 from rentals, industrial Crown land, there has been and a transfer of $1,:800,000 from the gradual, solid expansion in manufacturing Loan Fund. activity. Industrial estates initially were Let me point out that last financial year, developed in the metropolitan area, where which saw the effective commencement of there are now six-at Hamilton, Rocklea, provincial industrial estate development, the Acacia Ridge, Colmslie, Lytton, and Wacol. allocation of budgeted funds was approx>im­ Gratifying as it has been to have develop­ ately 65 per cent. to metropo>litan estates ment taking place at Wacol and the other and 35 per cent. to proVIincial areas. For metropolitan estates, that was never intended the present year, with the extension of the to be more than just the beginning. For department's plans to pro'.Oide estates in some time now the department, fully aware additional localities, the allocation in respect Qf tlie encouragement decentralisation of provincial estates has grown to 43 per merited, has been carefully assessing the cent. and that for projects in the metropolitan estate requirements of provincial areas. As area has fallen to 57 per cent. 1738 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I propose now to discuss the individual The Clinton Industrial Estate on the north­ estates, their development, and the amount western outskirts of Gladstone was extended of money to be spent on each this year. during the last financial year by the For ease of reference, I will deal firstly acquisition of about 580 acres of freehold with the provincial estates in alphabetical land. The estate now covers more than order. 1,200 acres and will be developed specific­ At Bundaberg, two areas of industrial ally to meet the demand for sites by large­ land have been set aside. One occupies scale projects which are expected to be 40 acres, 2t miles from the centre of the attracted there. It is on this estate that the city, the other covers about HO acres, new major power-house is to be constructed. 2 miles south of the city. Initial. A preliminary over-all development plan development of the larger area is of the area, embracing rail and road access programmed for the current financial routes, has been prepared and a detailed year. This will comprise roadworks, stol'm­ design will be undertaken shortly so that water drainage and water reticulation, at an construction work can get under way. The estimated cost of $25,000. The co-operation bulk of the funds allocated to Gladstone this of the Bundaberg City Council has been financial tyear will be expended on the sought, and the council has readily agreed Clinton Estate. In conjunction with the to prepare the necessary plans and to con­ Gladstone Harbour Board and the Gladstone struct this work on behalf of the department. Town Council, the department is financing So far one lease over a 2t-acre site has the erection of a bridge across Auckland been finalised on this estate. This has gone to N. F. and M. R. Spann, who plan Inlet to provide access to the estate. At to establish a steeJ faJbrication and general South Trees Inlet, also in the Gladstone engineering plant. Until the first-stage devel­ area, about 650 acres are available for c:pment works are undertaken, it is not pmc­ development. tlcable to release other factory sites on the Of the $411,470 which has been appro­ estate. priated for expenditure in Gladstone this It is heartening that a number of other financial year, $13,500 relates to works which industries have shown interest in the were authorised during 1968-69 but not com­ Bundaberg estate. We expect that firm pleted by 30 June. applications will be lodged by these organisa­ At Gympie, negotiations are under way tions when initial development works are to acquire suitable industrial land. Subject completed and serviced sites are available to satisfactory completion of these negotia­ for occupation. tions it is proposed to commence develop­ Now, let us examine plans for Cairns, ment of the selected mea immediately. A sum of $25,000 has been allocated for wh~~e. about 127 acres adjacent to port facilities and the bulk-sugar terminal have developmental works this financial year. been set aside for development. Preliminary A somewhat similar situation exists at reclamation works, using spoil from harbour Ipswich, where negotiations have just been dredging, were completed some time ago. completed for the acquisition of land for Filling of about 11 t acres to final levels an industrial estate. To develop the project was completed during 1968-69 at a cost of this financial year an initial allocation of $66,000. Provision has been made for $50,000 has been provided. departmental expenditure of a further $50,000 At Kingaroy, the Taabinga Industrial this financial year on additional development Estate of about 60 acres is located on the work should the demand for this arise. town's southern outskirts. The area was Austral-Pacific Fertilizers Ltd. has been purchased from the Kingaroy Shire Council allocated a 10-acre allotment for a fertiliser in April this year. The council has since facility to meet the needs of Far North been authorised to build roadworks and pro­ Queensland. At present, negotiations are vide services on the department's behalf. under way for other sites on this estate. This initial development is almost complete, Again, with future expansion in mind, the and $20,000 has been appropriated to meet department has reserved a 250-acre parcel of the commitment. Kingaroy Toasted Peanuts land adjoining the estate. (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. is to erect new premises on a 2-acre site on the estate. Applications At Gladstone, the department plans to have been made for two other sites, and spend $411,470 on industrial estates this these are expected to be occupied soon. financial year. Factory sites are now avail­ able on the 150-acre Toolooa estate, about At North Mackay, 170 acres of Crown 2 miles south of the town. Ten organisations land have been set aside for the establish­ have already been allocated sites on this ment of an industrial estate. A programme estate, and negotiations are under way with covering reclamation and roadworks and a number of other firms interested in estab­ based on an expenditure of $50,000 is lishing plants in the area. The majority of being prepared for the current financial the industries going onto the estate are year. Negotiations are under way with an engaged either in general engineering or the organisation seeking a site on the estate. manufacture of concrete products. A soft­ Consulting Engineering are preparing drink-bottling plant has been commissioned plans for development of the Maryborough and a new bakery will soon be built. Industrial Estate, which comprises 218 acres, Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1739

2t miles north of the centre of the city. In Toowoomba, the Wilsonton Industrial Initial works to be started this financial Estate of 96 acres is being developed pro­ year will cost $25,000. When details of gressively with the assistance of the Too­ the estate design are available, this informa­ woomba City Council. Already roads, water tion will be released to the organisations that supply and sewerage reticulation have been have already inquired about the allocation laid. Following delivery of the necessary of sites on the estate. In addition to the equipment later this year the area will be main Maryborough estate, the department effectively sewered. A park has been pro­ has another 22 acres of land, about 2t vided in the over-all planning, and the miles south-east of the city, for future Council is co-operating in the development development. of this area and the planting of trees and The Narangba Industrial Estate of about grass in the road median strips. Textor 1,000 acres is situated 7 t miles west of Metal Industries Pty. Ltd. is about to erect a factory on the estate for the manufacture Redcliffe and fronts the Bruce Highway. of prefabricated farm buildings and the like. Contracts providing for construction of water reticulation were let last year as part of It is confidently expected that the next six the initial development of about 60 acres. months will also see the commencement Of the appropriation of $39,451, $19,451 of other industries on the estate. is for work under existing contracts, whilst At Warwick, the department has acquired the remaining $20,000 is for new works. about 176 acres on the south side of the oity for an industrial estate, a!Ild initial At Rockhampton, work on the initial development worcks costing $15,000 will start development of the 437-acre Parkhurst in the near future. Industrial Estate is progressing satisfactorily. For this estate, $193,859 is sought to meet I have outlined the growth of provincial the cost of present contract works and industrial estates in some detail to show additional development projects such as how our decentralisation policy is working provision of sewerage reticulation. A 1t­ effectively. Indeed, we have also provtided acre site has already been granted to Amal­ $100,000 to cover the acquisition of land gamated Chemicals (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. for -other than at Gympie and Ipswich-and erection of a factory that will manufacture preliminary development in other provincial salt licks and other food supplements for areas where demands exist for industrial the grazing industry. Negotiations are in estates. hand also with an organisation interested In the metropolitan area, estate develop­ in acquiring a 2-acre allotment. ment is also proceeding in accordance with a planned progmmme aimed at ensuring Work on the second stage of the develop­ availability of serviced sites ahead of demand ment of the Molendinar Industrial Estate by industry. At the Acacia Ridge EMate has been completed. This estate, on the development has been completed and several Nerang Road 2t miles west of Southport, industries are in occupation. Apart from covers 110 acres. Services being provided one small section of road and drainage con­ include new roadworks, stormwater drain­ struction which is to be undertaken shortly, age and water reticulation. Two sites have development at the Colms1ie Esta1e has also already been leased. Golden Sun Hosiery been completed. Here, again, a number of is manufacturing a range of men's and industries are operating. Virtually the whole children's socks. A modern mechanised of the area under the department's admin­ bakery will soon be built by United South iMration has been allocated. Coast Baking Company. Of the $31 000 appropriated for this estate, $11,000 i~ to The Hamilton Industrial Estate is also finance work committed in 1968-69. The approaching saturation point, there being only balance of $20,000 is for new works on approximately 20 acres remaining available the widening of the perimeter road. for allocation. This does not include areas between Curtin A venue and the Brisbane The Bohle Industrial Estate, of 191 acres, River, which have been handed over to the is located 7 miles west of the centre of Department of Harbours and Marine to cater Townsville. Initial estate development by for future pmt development. A deal of way of roads, drainage and water reticulation work remains to be done before the estate has been completed. Provision of a sewage is completely developed to the standard treatment plant is under way. Concrete desired. Od' the $291,652 allocated for Industries Monier Ltd. has established a work at Hamilton this year, $5,1,,854 relates tile-making plant there to cater for the to works commenced during 1968-69 and northern market. A further seven acres are carried over into the present period. The being reserved to cater for expansion and balance of $239,798 will be applied to a diversification of the company's activities. continuation of road construction and ancil­ A number of other industries have shown lary works. interest in sites on the Bohle estate. We Gibson Island is another area where there are now negotiating with one organisation is only a limited amount of land available on the acquisition of a site for galvanising for allocation. By arrangements with the operations. Of the $168,361 provided for Southern Electric Authority and the Land this estate this year, $143,361 relates to Administration Commission a further 26 commitments made in 1968-69 and $25,000 acres were made available to us during last is for minor new works. year. Since then, site reservations have been 1740 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

given over albout 30 acres pending the com­ Linked with this positive decentralisation pletion of detailed feas]bility studies of vari­ policy are practical incentives to new industry, ous industries new to Queensland. Con­ and a liberal financial assistance plan. With sequently only about 15 acres remain uncom­ cheap land, they aH add up .to one of the mitted. best industrial bargains in Australia. Reclamation of the first 60-acre section In establishing industrial estates there are, of the 400-acre Lytton Industrial Estate has of course, other considerations in mind been completed, and work is about to com­ beyond the immediate goal of providing for mence on construction of roads, drainage, the present needs of industry, Indeed, we water and sewerage reticulation. The amount are looking well ahead and endeavouring 'to of $580,920 allocated for expenditure here plan for the future-at least for the next during the year includes the sum of $250,000 decade. for additional reclamation work. Sites on Hon. members who have visited industrial the estate will be reserved for industries areas irr southern States in recent times will whose operations have an affinity to the need no reminder of the difficulties which port. have been experienced in coping wi.th an Development of the 436-acre Wacol influx of industries, all seeking to establish Industrial Estate has been accelemted and, in a limited area. Indeed, I think it is fair when current works are finished, about l:talif to say that in Sydney it is now difficult to the estate will be fully serviced. The demand acquire industrial land on reasonable terms for sites has been good. Nearly aH the within 20 miles of the G.P.O. It is this land serviced by completed works has been type of situation that I am anxious to avoid allocated or reserved for particular under­ here in Queensland. We confidently anticipate that our efforts will result in suitable land taroings. Nine leases have been finalised being available on attractive terms in covering 64 acres, and seven other allot­ practically any locality, metropolitan or ments are being held pending the submission provincial, in which an industrialist might of detailed development programmes. wish to establish. As hon. members will In conjunction with the Railway Depart­ appreciate, this in itself is a direct incentive ment, the Department of Industrial Develop­ to development. ment is financing the .provision of rail A further point I desire to stress is that facilities in the area. The project is now in the provision of Crown industrial estates, under way and entails the construction of we are acting as a stabilising influence in a railway line under the Bris:bane-·Ipswtich terms of land values. Let there be no Highway. A sum of $912,371 has been pro­ mistake: it is not our intention to interfere vided for Waco[ this financial year. Of this, with the normal principles of supply and $512,:371 is for works committed during demand. We do not wish to artificially 1968-69, the balance being for further ser­ deflate land values. At the same time, we vices. The estate will be extended progres­ are determined to ensure that the upsurge of sively to include a further area of more than industry does not result in an explosion of 1,000 acres set aside for this purpose in land prices, to the detriment of development. In this sense, the availability of land on the adjoining Moreton Shire. A request has Crown industrial estates provides a ready already been made for the reservation of a1ternative to the acquisition of sites which a 50-acre site in the extension area. indust·rialists might, in ordinary circumstances, It will be readily apparent to those who regard as excessive in price. have visited the metropolitan estates that due Rail freight subsidies are :helping in the emphasis is being placed on beautification in establishment of decentralised industry, and all the development being undertaken. This in the expansion of the State's export trade. is an evolving process, which does not take place overnight. However, trees have been For example, the department will pay planted, growth of grass encouraged, and Queensland railway charges up to $5,000 for continual maintenance effected. The co­ the movement of equipment to start a operation of ·all lessees is sought in main­ pioneer-type industry where that equipment taining a reasonable standard of landscaping cannot be obtained locally. The same subsidy and the like; in: fact, such a requirement is extended to expanding decentralised is incorporated as a condition of lease. industries where the increased activity leads Similar standards are being set for provincial to increased employment and does not conflict estates and, eventually, it is 'hoped to with other already-established industry. achieve an industrial park atmosphere Industries located at Cecil Plains, Townsville throughout all estates. and Y eppoon have already benefited from this As a further encouragement to new special rebate plan. industry, it rs proposed to undertake the The department also subsidises inward and construction of factory buildings on industrial outward rail freights to the extent of 25 per estates. The premises will be available for cent. to enable manufacturing industries rental to pioneer industries seeking to estab­ located more than 25 miles from overseas lish manufacturing operations in

such as Napier Bros. Ltd. of Dalby to obtain more than 81 per ce.nt. relates to decentral­ overseas export orders for agricultural ised industry. Almost all assisted industries equipment. have emerged as successful commercial ven­ As hon. members are aware, financial tures. In the very few cases where assistance for the establishment and expan­ losses have been sustained, they have sion of industry in Queensland is given been met from the Assistance to Indus­ under the provisions of the Industrial tries Fund. This fund is also used to meet Development Acts, 1963 to 1964. It may freight rebates on plant for industry estab­ surprise hon. members to know that one lishment. In addition, it provides the area which has benefited widely through this moneys for approved loan advances in respect form of ·assistance is the State's tourist of the establishment and expansion of industry. In the main, this aid has gone pioneer industry in decentralised areas. into the development of accommodation and As hon. members will appreciate, all attractions on Barrier Reef islands, and in applications for financial assistance are the establishment of tourist cruises. examined thoroughly. If they are likely to That in itself is further evidence of the be able to meet the provisions of the Acts, Government's desire to promote decentral­ they are referred to the Industries Assistance isation. Indeed, it is probably true to say Board for consideration and recommenda­ that, generally speaking, insufficient recog­ tion. This board, which is chaired by the nition is given by the public to the industry Director of the department, numbers amongst aspect of tourism. Without any doubt, the its members some of the best commercial and tourist industry plays a large part in the financial intelligence in the State. Any continuing prosperity of many Queensland application that has received the board's communities. The expansion of existing endorsement will indeed have met and passed resorts and the development of new ones a searching inquiry. can mean just as much to a locality in I have referred already to the extent of economic terms as the erection of a new assistance granted to the tourist industry. I factory. Significantly, every single guaran­ might also add that without the guarantees tee to the tourist industry has been outside provided to Associated Pipelines Ltd. and the the metropolitan area. South Brisbane Gas and Light Co. Ltd., It would perhaps not be inappropriate if natural gas would not have been available I were to mention a few examples of the in Brisbane, and this State almost certainly practical assistance given in the form of would not have had the major fertilizer Government guarantees over the past few project that was recently commissioned on years. Barrier Reef Cruises Pty. Ltd. has Gibson Island. I need hardly say that the recently been loaned $100,000 to build a Department of Industrial Development, and tourist vessel which will operate out of indeed the Government as a whole, is Yeppoon. Similarly, Eveley Enterprises Pty. delighted to have been associated with these Ltd., of Townsville, received a guaranteee major operations, which are destined to play of $25,000 in 1968. Again in 1968, Car­ an increasingly important role in the develop­ narvon Development Company Pty. Ltd., ment of this State. of Roma, received $20,000 towards the Progress in any field is closely associated construction of tourist accommodaHon at with research and investigations. Officers the Carnarvon National Park. Green Island of my department are constantly engaged Marineland, off Cairns, obtained $6,000 in in studies aimed at assisting and meeting 1963 for the construction of a tourist the needs of established industries and in facility. In 1959, Lindeman Island Pty. Ltd. locating further opportunities for the received $85,000 for additional tourist expanding industrialisation of Queensland. accommodation and other improvements. Both of these loans have since been repaid. A Of about 30 preliminary industrial studies guarantee for the sum of $160,000 was that have been undertaken, at least three given this year to Great Barrier Reef Hotel have resulted in additional industries for Pty. Ltd. for the provision of additional the State. They are the processing of accommodation at Dunk Island. maltings, the weaving of towels and towelling, and the manufacture of parllicle boaTd. Each In addition to these projects, the Govern­ is well established. But, further to these, ment has provided financial assistance to other projects, such as the processing of improve facilities on Bedarra Island and nickel, an iron and steel complex, an alkali Magnetic Island. The Magnetic Island plant, and an abrasives factory, which have Marine Gardens, one of the outstanding also been the subject of examination, are tourist attractions in North Queensland, now much nearer to realisation with the received a guarantee of $30,000 in 1967. decision to proceed with construction of the Before proclamation of the Industrial new Gladstone Power House. In addition, Development Acts, 1963 to 1964, assistance market surveys are prepared for interstate was provided under the Industries Assistance and overseas industrialists who show interest Acts, 1929 to 1933, and the Labour and in establishing manufacturing operations in Industry Acts, 1946 to 1963. Since the this State. inception of those three Acts, no less than A number of studies have also been $20,981,039 has been guaranteed or carried out by the Queensland University advanced by the Government, of which in collaboration with the department. For 1742 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

example, the university's Department of responsibility to explore expanded market Chemical Engineering has been studying avenues and develop export outilets so vital various aspects of utilisation of the large to the national economy. coal deposits in Central Queensland. The I propose now to survey in some detail same department is also undertaking for another activity under the administration of the Department of Industrial Development my department-migration. At the outset, a detailed study of the resources and develop­ I should like to pay a tribute to the work ment problems of the rich, but remote, of Mr. W. Rutherford, the former State north-west region of the State. A study Migration Officer. He gave many years of of the Central Queensland area to determine devoted service to this State and I am sure hon. members will join with me in wishing the likely pattern of development in the wake him well in his retirement. I am sure of the new power-house has been completed Mr. Sheehan, the new Migration Officer, by the university's Department of Economics. and his assistant, Mr. Johnson, will prove These will all be valuable working documents. worthy successors to Mr. Rutherrord. The Department of Economics has com­ Migration has of course shown a strong menced a comprehensive resources survey upward trend. This is apparent in all of the Moreton region. This study will categories-personal nominations, Queens­ embrace the cities of Ipswich, Redcliffe., and land Government nominations and Common­ Gold Coast, and contiguous local authority wealth nominations. The average yearly areas excluding Brisbane. The particular intake of United Kingdom migrants for purpose of the survey is to pin-point the ~he five-year period ended July th[s year opportunities that may exist for the introduc­ was 5,660. In the previous five years, from tion of new industries and expansion of 1959 to 1964, the ave·rage annual figure was existing operations. Particular emphasis 3,851. I am confident that this trend will will be given to the export or import continue. An increasing number of migration replacement prospects involved. applications is being lodged through the State The natural-resources surveys of 46 Migration Office as personal nominations selected shires have been completed and and with the Agent-General in London for distributed to hon. members of this Assembly, direct Government sponsorship. The Queens­ the local authorities concerned, and other land Government's active participation in Government departments. These informative this field has resulted in the successful set­ documents were prepared under the guidance tlement of thousands of British migrants in of Dr. P. J. Skerman, of the Queensland this State. University's Department of Agriculture, and Government nominations have been pro­ have brought forth much favourable gressively reviewed and expanded to meet comment. the State's growing industrial demands. Emphasis has been placed on recruiting In conjunction with the Commonwealth skilled tnadesmen. The introduction of these Department of National Development, my tradesmen is making a valuable contribution department is continuing with the preparation to Queensland's industrial expansion. of a resources and industry survey for the Townsville region. It will follow the pattern The Commonwealth Immigration Depart­ of the recently produced survey on the ment, in association with the Labour and Central Queensland region. This is expected National Service Department, also sponsors to be published next year. migrants in all categories. They are accom­ modated in Commonwealth hostels, such as As a further contribution to the expan­ Wacol. These nominees are sponsored on sion of industry in this State, the Department an Australia-wide basis. They are allocated of Industrial Development is now compiling to the various States on arrival, depending an inventory to show the full 11ange of on work vacancies in a particular State and goods and articles manufactured in Queens­ availability of hostel accommodation. land. This inrventory, of course, will place us in a much more favourarble position to Queensland's proportion of Common­ promote locaJ industry and will assist in wealth-nominated United Kingdom migrants our discussions with potential industrialists. for the five years to June, 1969, was only about 8 per cent. of the total. To some In the compilation of this commodity extent this is due to the fact that the index, a questionnaire was recently circu­ Commonwealth hostel at Wacol is the only lated among 4,500 manufacturing enterp11ises one in Queensland of about 24 such hostels in Queensland. The early response to \he throughout Austnalia. Wacol's capacity is questionnaire has, I am glad to s.xy, been 1,250 people. However, the construction quite good. of 50 migrant fiats in the Brisbane area The scope of the department's research is included in a building programme now and investigation activities shows that the being formulated by the Commonwealth Government, through the department, is Immigration Department. doing its level best to bring to the atten­ Following my representations, the Com­ tion of the industrialist and the capital monwealth Minister for Immigration is con­ investor the undoubted opportunities which sidering the need for further migrant accom­ exist in Queensland. However, the job modation in Queensland. In this connection, does not end there. Industry, itself, has a particular attention is being given to the Supply (21 NOVEMBER) Supply 1743

expected industria[ upsurge in Central Queens­ fermentation. The department received land. With keen competition between the 183 inquiries from industrial firms interested Australian States-and indeed by other coun­ in these ventures. They came from the tries-for skilled British tradesmen, special United States, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, measures are being taken to ensure that Argentina, Kenya, Britain, Holland, Ger­ Queensland receives an equitable share of many, France, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, those offering themselves for migmtion. For Israel, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Japan, South example, specialised advertising is being con­ Africa, and as well other parts of AustTalia. ducted by the Queensland Agent-General in This widespread interest, of course, takes London. us back to the Central Queensland power­ Additional staff has been appointed to the house project. Doubtlessly, all of these London office. Also, applications have new industries will become realities once recently closed for the appointment of a a plentiful power supply is available in the Migrant ·Promotion Officer, and he will join Central Queensland region. the London office early in the New Year. On the national front, the 1968-69 adver­ An annual allocation of 150 Queensland tising campaign covered a wide range of Housing Commission homes for rental to manufacturing opportunities available in skilled tradesmen migrants arriving under Queensland. These included particle board, State Government nomination has been kitchenware, carpets, domestic appliances, approved by Cabinet. This allocation will asbestos cement and citric acid. As part continue for three years to June, 1972, when of a co-ordinated plan, space was taken, the position will be reviewed. Whilst an on a regular basis, in "The Australian increasing number of migrants arrive in Financial Review", "The Australian" and Australia either by ,gpecial charter planes "Rydge's Business Journal". Advertising or on schedule flights, significant numbers emphasis nationally has been placed on still journey here by ship. For instance, a departmental services, particularly industrial vessel well known to many migrants, the estates. "Fairsky", is scheduled to arrive at Fre­ The department has also been associated mantle on 4 December. She will be carrying with international Press supplements on Aus­ more than 160 persons who have selected tralia. These have been published in Britain, Queensland as their new home. I shall the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, the join the ship at Fremantle and t

made. Copies are being forwarded to the I should also like to acknowledge the ser­ Agent-General in London and to Australian vices of the Director of Technical Services Trade Commissioners overseas. (Mr. W. Young), and the Assistant Under Because of its industrial and historic sig­ Secretary (Mr. J. Bensted). They lead a staff nificance, the department co-operated with dedicated to the expansion of industry and Associated Pipelines Ltd. and Thiess Bros. prosperity in this State. They carry an ever­ Pty. Ltd. in the production of a colour film increasing work-load in the discharge of their on the construction of the Roma-Brisbane responsibilities, which has resulted in the natural gas pipeline. The department has great upsurge in industrial activity outlined also been active in the display field~at the by me this morning. I feel quite sure that Royal National Show in Brisbane, at South­ all hon. members appreciate their dedicated port's South 1Pacific Trade Fair and in banks efforts to expand industrial development in and stores. It has also continued to give this State. strong support to the "Buy Queensland Made" It is now with pleasure that I submit the campaign. Estimates of the Chief Office of the Depart­ The image of Queensland both interstate ment of Industrial Development and the State and overseas has never been better and, for Migration Office for the consideration of this, I believe the Department of Industrial hon. members. Development is responsible in no small Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (12.37 measure. Queensland is in the midst of a p.m.): If, as the Minister stated, there is tre­ tremendous upsurge of growth and develop­ mendous industrial development throughout ment. Hon. members can rest assured that Queensland, the portfolio of Industrial my department will continue to use its Development should be one of the leading best endeavours to accelerate the inflow of portfolios in the Ministry. Personally, I industry and capital to the various regions believe that we are making a poor showing of the State. compared with the rest of Australia, and l I propose -to conclude the presentation of shall back that up by quoting a number of these Estimates with an acknowledgment of figures. I did not interrupt the Minister when the fine service rendered to Queensland by he spoke, and I hope that the Minister will officers of my department. I refer, particu­ extend me the same privilege. larly, to the Director (Sir David Muir), who If we accept the Government propaganda was recently awarded the James N. Kirby disseminated by the Minister this morning, Medal of the Institution of Production the Department of Industrial Development Engineers. That award is made annually by must and should receive a good deal of atten­ the institution to "some person, who, in the tion from the Government. But does it in opinion of the Australian Council, has fact? What position does it occupy today achieved eminence, distinction and public among the departments? Is it leading or is recognition in his particular sphe_re of it trailing? A perusal of the Estimates pre­ activity." A condition of the award IS that sented by the Treasurer on 25 September the recipient should deliver a paper on his shows that only one of the 15 departments particular subject. that operated during 1968-69, that is, the To indicate the rather small number of Department of the Auditor-General, received recipients of this coveted award, I refer hon. an allocation smaller than that of the Depart­ members to the following list of distinguished ment of Industrial Development. I emphasise persons in Australia who have received it- that point. Therefore, the Government gives only lip-service to the Department of Indus­ 1956-J. D. Norgaard trial Development, and the cold hard fact is 1957-Sir Waiter Scott that that department has been relegated to 1958-Sir Mark Oliphant the tail end in the allocation of funds. If 1959-L. P. Coombes it is such an important department, why has 196Q.-Dr. J. A. L. Matheson a Government supposedly interested in the industrial development of the State adopted 1961-Sir Henry Bland this peculiar attitude? 1962-Sir William Hudson With the appointment of the Minister 1963-David L. Hegland for Conservation, Marine and Aboriginal 1964-Sir Ian McLennen Affairs, there are now 16 departments in all, 1965-Sir Philip Baxter and 13 of them receive a greater allocation 1966-Ronald Wagstaff than the Department of Industrial Develop­ 1967-The Hon. Alan Fairhall ment. What a shocking state of affairs in a State that should be moving ahead 1968-The late Trevor A. Housley industrially! What a rebuff it is to the I firmly believe that the selection of Sir Minister for Industrial Development to be David Muir as recipient for 1969 of the given only the present miserly allocation James N. Kirby award is not only a com­ for the job that he claims he has to do pliment to him personally but also a tribute for Queensland! It appears to me that to the Department of Industrial Development such an allocation amounts to a vote of no and the State of Queensland. This award confidence in the Minister and those who to Sir David by the industrial leaders in work under him. How frustrated his very Australia was made in recognition of his dedicated staff must be when they see that outstanding service to Queensland. sort of treatment meted out year after Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1745

year! I acknowledge, as the Minister did, appointment would certainly assist to ease that his department is led by one of the the burden a little. It would be unfair most brilliant public servants Queensland has to ask the clerical staff to do the work, ever had, namely, the Director, Sir David because research work requires the applica­ Muir. Under him are other brilliant men, tion of some technicaJ skill. and they must be frustrated by the fact As I said earlier, I beLieve that the pre­ that the department's vote has not increased sent Government is dominated by the Coun­ to permit it to get off the ground in terms try Party and is preoccupied w1th rural of real industrial development. matters. I have told hon. members what the It has been said that the Government is s~aff numbers are in the Department of interested only in rural matters. It has Industrial Development. Let me turn now been called many things. I have heard it to the Department of Primary Industrie3. referred to as a "cow-cocky" Government. In contrast to a staff of 48, or one or two I do not like that description myself, but it more, in the Department of Industrial Devel­ has been applied to the Government. The opment, the Dej}arliment of Primary Indus­ facts, however, prove that the Government, tries has a staff of 1,273-a year earlier dominated by the Country Party, is primarily it was 1,230~and these include agronomists, interested ·in rural matters, and that it is baoteriolog;ists, entomologists, horticulturists, not really interested in ·industrial matters. soil conservationists, and many other classes That is borne out by the small financial of employee. allocation made to the Department of Mr. Armstrong: Are you suggesting that Industrial Development. we s]]ou}d not have them? Is it any wonder that the frustrated Liberals in the coalition are today striking Mr. TUCKER: I have no argument with back at every opportunity, and searching it, and I am not suggesting that the number for a win somewhere and somehow? The of staff should be reduced. I am merely Liberals are interested in industrial develop­ drawing a comparison. All ·those profes­ ment, but they cannot escape the domination sional! officers are availruble to assist primary of the Country Party, which is concerned industries, and that is as it should be. first and foremost with rural matters. I Mr. Armstrong: And we need them. have no argument with the expansion of rural industries. but I believe that a balance Mr. TUCKER: They are needed. But It should be struck between rural and secondary they are needed in that field, do not hon. industries. There is no such balance at members opposite think that technical present. experts are needed on the other side, in I shall substantiate my statement by secondary industries? quoting a few facts. Excluding the Mr. Armstrong: No. Immigration Office, the Chief Office of the Department of Industrial Development has Mr. TUCKER: I say that they are needed. an establishment of 48 for 1969-70, which In all, there are over 800 professional men is the same as it had in 1968-69. How on the staff of the Department of Primary seriously is the Government taking industrial ln·duSitries, and I emphasise that I have no development? Apart from clerks, clerk­ quarrel with that. Surely the handful of typists, assistants and messengers, who nor­ staff of the Department of Industrial Devel­ mally are associated with the administration opment is inadequate when contrasted with of any department, the staff of the Depart­ the large staff of the Department of Pflimary ment of Industrial Development consists of Industries. the Director, Director (Technical Services), I acknowledge that a farmer cannot be Assistant Director (Technical Services), one expected to carry out a great deal of research. Senior Economist, one Research Officer, two He certainly cannot carry out research of Economists, and a few others. They are the type carried out by an industrial firm. the main officers whose duty ·it is to advise However, if the Government hopes to attract on professional, technical and economic industry to this State it should at aLl times matters, and the work-load to be borne by be ready to assist industries, and the depart­ those very capable officers must, as I see it, ment should be geared to provide that be intolerable. The position is completely assistance. I do not believe that it is ludicrous. Perhaps it could even be said properly geared at present. I do not think that it is rather frightening to the people of it receives an adequate allocation; I do Queensland that the Government should not think it has the staff that it needs to adopt such a parsimonious attitude to this do its job properly. If it bad, the greater department. would be the chance of attracting industry IncidentaLly, I have been informed that the to Queensland. I acknowledge that the positions of cadet marketing technician and Depavtment of Primary Industnies has a full cadet research officer in this department team. Surely it wouJd be an advantage if have not yet been filled-if they have, they the Department of Industrial Development have been filled only within the last few also had a fun team of physicists, biologists, days. That places an even heavSouth Australia, Mr. Hooper, and I do nort know albout. Vhe DepaTtments of Industrial Development If adequate staff was available, perhaps are under the control of the respective the department could remove doubts from Premiers. In New South Wales and Western the minds of some firms and give them Australia the Deputy Premiers control them. technical advice to show that they could It is perhaps significant that Queensland, the come here and operate profitably. At pre­ State with the lowest average earnings, sent, the two engineers in the Department relegates the Department of Industrial of Industrial Development are tied up vir­ Development to the lowest status and the tually all the time with administrative duties. Premier does not even mention this vital They do not really have time to carry out department and its leader in such an import­ the duties that they should be carrying out. ant debate as that on the Goonyella Bill. Hon. members know how technical men can The Department of Industrial Develop­ become tied up with administrative duties. ment should be used to ensure greater ~t . is wrong thart this should happen, but co-ordination between various departments. It Is happening today. It should be a co-ordinating department. If more than one department is interested in Turning now to the economic services a project, the Department of Industrial provided by the Department of Industrial Development should be the co-ordinator. Development, six professional officers are For example, the Commonwealtlh Govern­ engaged on this work compared with 50 in ment asked for certain particulars about the only one division of the Department of proposed Central Queensland power-house. Primary Industries~the Marketing Division. It expected to be given a full and com­ Fifty men in that division are ready to obtain prehensive cost-benefit analysis under one inform

doing. I know full well how quickly it gets stage at which it is ready for immedia•te the co-operation of the research sections of use by interested industrialists. I should other departments, and it would be extremely like the Minister to know that I, and the foolish and wasteful if the Government were people of Warwick, appreciate what the to establish large specialised sections in the Department of Industrial Devdopment has Department of Industrial Development. That done ~in the provision of 17 6 acres as an would be merely duplicating the sections in industrial es~tate, followed by the allocation other departments. of $15,000 for the developmenil: of part of I compliment the Minister on his Estimates. it this year. Of particular importance are This is the second year in succession that the realistic terms on which industriaJis,ts these Estimates have been debated, which can acquire 1and in this estate. is an indication that much has been achieved The department is doing a very practical job, in the various sections of the community and its approach to this task could well be in which sthe department is interested. followed by many other people. The depart­ I thank the Minister's officers, particularly ment is a co-ordinating body whose duty it is Sir David Muir. I wish to personally thank to provide facilities for industrialists on Mr. John Benstead and Mr. Floyd Williams, reasonable terms. That does not cost a lot of with whom I have had a close and har­ money, and the Deputy Leader of the monious relationship. Opposition failed to realise that when he assessed the extent of the department's Obviously, any scheme organised by a activities by its budgetary allocation. department such as this has certain faults, and the biggest fault this department has, I commend the Minis~ter and his depart­ as I have mentioned previously, is that it is ment on adopting a realistic approach to virtually impossible for the small man to making land availalble on reasonable terms get off the ground while it is simple for for lea:sing or 1ong-term purchase. For the large operator to get financial backing those who wish to remain in the area and for further expansion. Although this pro­ make a success of their businesses, the blem cannot be overcome easily, it must be terms are indeed very attractive. tackled. The large man or company can, I stress particularly the manner in which comparatively easily, provide security to the department has obtained the co-opera­ guarantee backing for further development. tion of loca,J authorities. Throughout the However, I hope that the genuine, individual whole State, people would like to see the tradesman or craftsman can be assisted to population increase in their own areas. It is expand his personal or small business. I also true that all producers and manufacturers shall not elaborate further on that subject are interested in increasing the markets for today, because I did so last year. Although their goods. Every wage-earner is inter­ the department has that basic weakness, it ested in the provision of job opportunities. is playing a worth-while part in the develop­ The Department of Industrial Development ment of Queensland as a whole and in the has the responsibility of COilllbining the objec­ establishment of markets for the products of tives of the various sections of the com­ our primary and secondary industries. muni•ty, and this it is doing. Only by One important function of this depart­ industrialisation will it be possible to increase ment which it got its teeth into quickly was the populations of the various areas quickly the compilation of detailed information on enough to expand the home market for all areas of the State. It is kept up to date the products of primary industry. Local and takes into account all changes that occur, authorities, producers, manufaoturers, wage­ and is always available to people all over earners, and the community in generaJ have the world who might be interested in setting a real reason for wanting to see market up industry in Queensland. That, in itself, and job opportunities increase, as it is might not achieve much buf it is a basis. there that the road to prosperity lies. I commend the officers of the department I appreaiate tlhe way in which the Depart­ on the way in which they have methodically ment of lndustr1al Development has co­ assessed all the areas of the State and on operated with the Warwick Ci·ty Council, the ready availability of that information. and also with me, in attempts to achieve Another important facet of the depart­ those objectives. ment's activities today is its progressive expan­ I commend the Premier for setting in sion in areas outside the metropolis by the motion the implementation of a policy of provision of industrial estates in areas away regional development. It has already played from the seaboard. The provision of indus­ no small part in the activity of the Depart­ trial estates has been the policy of this ment of Industrial Development in inland Government for a considerable time, and areas of the State, and I am sure that the it is now very pleasing to see the problem activity in this direction will be even greater being tackled in a tangible way and indus­ in the future. trial estates, which a few years ago were I look forward, also, to seeing more provided only in Brisbane, being established co-operation between various Government in decentralised areas. departments and parties who are interested The first necessity for the estaJblishment in development. Co-operation of that type of such an estate is the purchase of land, could increase the rate of expansion and and the second is its development to the encourage progress. Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1749

Mr. Wright: Are you satisfied with the rate favour of a high standard of hygiene, but of reg,ional growth? I think that things which do not affect the quality of the meat that is supplied to the Mr. CORY: I am not satisfied with the public should be disregarded. rate of regional growth, and I do not think I ever will be. I live in a region that it At present we have a very high degree vitally interested in regional growth, and if of decentralisation in the meat-processing there is not something to fight for and work industry. Let us not break away from this harder for in the future, one might as well system and tend to a high degree of give the game up. However, the present centralisation simply because of the bureau­ policy is producing noticeable results, and cratic theories held by some who are I suggest that when one goal lis reached, one associated with the industry. should raise one's sights and aim at a higher I commend the Departmen~ of Industrial target. Development, first of all, for the proposed For several years past the Queensland ,amendment that will increase the percentage Meat Industry Authority has recommended of security that can be guaranteed to an in its annual report that the area of the industry that is to be set up outside the Metropolitan Public Abattoir Board be metropolitan area. It is to be increased from extended. The Department of Industrial 66~ to 75 per cent. This in itself proves Development would not have shut its eyes the Government's ,sincerity in doing all it completely to that recommendation, but possibly can to assist industry to start in inland probably it has not been brought sharply to and non-metropolitan areas and thus pay its notice. Because of the Government's more than lip-service to the te,rm "decen­ policy of decentralisation, the Department of tralisation" that so many hon. members Industrial Development and the department opposite are inclined to pay from time to controlling regional planning would have to time. confer before anyone gave an arbitrary ruling The second matter on which I commend on a recommendation such as that. All the department is the export encouragement interested sections of the community must by a ,subsidy on rail freight to places further be consulted if the Government is com­ than 25 miles from the nearest seaport. The pletely genuine in its desire to see its policies concession would be of the OTder of 25 per implemented and their ends achieved. It cent. of the normal freight. This, of course, must be kept in mind that the franchise sys­ would include certain carriage to works, tem relating to abattoirs has not a very happy which would be approved. I stress that this history up to date in Queensland. Although concession is for export only and, because it has been comparatively satisfactory in of this, the scheme has cer,tain limitations. some areas, in many areas it has not been However, the part I criticise i~ that the very satisfactory. If one looks at the risks concession is extended to rail freights only. that have been taken and the money that I can see some ,reason for this because the has been lost in some of the franchise areas, railway system is a Government instrumen­ it becomes obvious that it would be very 'tality and it is easy tu move funds from foolish to act on the advice of only one one Government department to anuther; but authmity in a matter that could do a great it is grossly unfair to restrict it to rail freights deal of harm to this State and its taxpayers. only. It should be extended to road transport A great deal of emphasis is placed on the for all commodities which it is impracticable requirements of the American market. But to transport by rail. Such commodities, of if one is quite honest about it, one must course, are meat, butte,r and cheese. None admit that many of these requirements are of these can be successfully transported by only theoretical and the conditions laid down rail. However, they are commodities that are far more strict than the home-consump­ are exported in large quantities. tion requirements in meatworks in the United I fail to see why industries such as these States of America. The problem is a political should be denied the Government subsidy one in the U.S.A., and every possible pin­ solely because they use road tra:r;sport only. pricking requirement is imposed in an attempt I should not have so much objection if to control the import of Australian meat. rail transport was suitable for these com­ Of course, that is largely because of the modities. Restricting the concession to rail strength of the Cattlemen's Association in freight would then be fair enough, but when the U.S.A. it is completely impracticable to use other than road transport for certain commodities, Mr. O'Donnell: They do it with wool, too. the subsidy ~should also apply to them. Mr. CORY: That is true. I have no I ~hould like the department to take notice argument against a high standard of hygiene, of the situation arising with the permit but the pin-pricking requirements to which system under which we operate at the present I referred are only technicalities that should time. The 25-mile limit that opemtes now not be taken ,into account in considering from various centres is very injurious to domestic requirements. Meat inspectors industry and commerce in country areas. employed by the Department of Primary This matter has been mentioned previously Industries inspect meat for home consump­ by many speakers on this side of the tion, and they are always available to carry Chamber. I mentioned it last year when out such inspections. I am completely in speaking on transport. I fail to see why 1750 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Brisbane and Ipswich should be permit free I do not wish to take any crediJt from when areas outside a 25-mile radius have Sir David Muir, C.M.G., who is the Director to pay a permit fee. This affects me. The of Industrial Development, because he has man who has to pay the most for tmnsport done a tremendous job for this State for has also to pay tax. quite a long time. Irrespective of the sphere Unless one has a solution it is not much in which he operates, he does his work well use speaking. I think the solution to this and efficiently and deserves crediJt for it. problem lies in abolishing the permit •system Both the department and the State derive a completely and administratively imposing a great deaJ of benefit from his efforts. petrol tax so that all transport pays. Then, Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Your deputy leader when goods for export are transported and w.ants io double the ~taff, but you want to come into the category for which a rail halve the printing costs. subsidy is paid, a road-transport subsidy could be granted for these commodities as Mr. BROMLEY: I will deal with that well. That would provide a very fair means matter shortly. I do not want to be side­ of obtaining income for the State, as ail tracked, because I am limited to 25 minutes would be paying a smaller share and and I want to refer to a number of points commodities like meat, cheese and butter, that are worth mentioning. whic•h cannot be transported efficiently by Mr. Campbell: I am still waiting for the rail, could be transported by road and point about the brochures. thereby receive the benefits that this Government desires to extend to them. Mr. BROMLEY: As interesting as many (Time expired.) of the brochures and booklets are, a great many of them set out their contents in such Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) (2.40 p.m.): a way that they blind the people with Of all the Government departments that science. It seems that the Minister is trying publish political propaganda and books, never to do that instead of setting out their con­ have I seen one that approaches the Depart­ tents in a way than can be understood. ment of lndustrial Development in the num­ Mr. Chinchen interjected. ber of publications that emanate from k And, of course, the vast majority of that Mr. BROMLEY: I do not want the hon. department's pulblioa,tions contain photo­ member for Mt. Gr.avatt, the Ford man, graphs of the Minister. I do not deny interjecting. I am suggesting ihat they can that he is a handsome individual, but good­ be improved. If we are to get the full ness knows what the cost of publishing those benefit of these booklets, they should be photogmphs is. It must be astronomical, printed in 1anguage that most people can because, like all other hon. members, I understand. I am not implying that we receive as many as a dozen copies of the cannot understand them. booklets. Mr. Campbell: You just said that you can­ Mr. Campbell: Would you like me to not understand them. strike you off the mailing list? Mr. BROMLEY: I did not. I said that Mr. BROMLEY: No, I certainly would we should compile them so that they can not because all books that I am sent by be understood by the people, including stu­ Government departments or priv.ate firms, dents, to whom they are sent. I do not if I consider them to be of interest or of want the Minister to say to himself, "We will educational value to school-children, are keep sending these booklets out in this form passed on to the schools in my electorate. and blind people with science". Whether the school is a primary, secondary Decentralisation of industry is a par­ or denominational school, it receives its ticularly difficult assignment, especially in share of the booklets sent to me. Even Queensland. The department is doing a the Minister's publications go to the schools reasonably good job and, later on, I will in my electorate. The cost of these book­ cite some of its achievements and suggest lets must be astronomical in view of the methods of improvement. The depart­ number of copies circulated to memlbers. mental report highlights some of its suc­ cesses. However, the department's task Mr. Campbell: I could knock your number is difficult in Queensland with its vast spaces, do.wn to one. lack of adequate transport and suitable Mr. BROMLEY: The Minister can do harbours, and sparsity of population in some what he likes. I can contact his depart­ areas where decentralised industries are ment and have additional copies sent to needed to provide employment. me. Aill I am saying is that it seems to Mr. Miller: Which industries are you be a waste of time to send so many copies referring to? to members of Parliament. Instead, copies should be circulated to other people. Unless Mr. BROMLEY: In a previous debate a member specifically asks for 10 or 12 I referred to some of the country areas copies of a publication, he should not receive that people have left for the provincial that number. I am grateful that I receive cities and Brisbane. Before dealing further as many as I do becauS'e, as I have said, with the Department of Industrial Develop­ I circulate them to the schools. ment, I should like to refer to the important Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1751

matter of migration. It is incumbent on the above statement was certainly untrue, me to deal with the section of the report for it was impossible to have my quali­ to be found on page 17 headed "The fications recognised unless I, State Migration Office." No doubt hon. (a) Start my study all over again members are aware that many overseas at any Technical College or University migrants live in my electorate. Many have which meant another 4 years study­ difficulty in becoming assimilated and in expenses, adjusting to our way of life. Without doubt, or some of them are extremely smart. To use (b) Be employed for at least 5 years the vernacular, a few soon wake up to all at a lower grade with the Australian the lurks around the place. In some instances Industry, which meant 5 years working migrants undermine our conditions by work­ in a lower income-bracket. ing in two jobs, with different firms, at all "Whatever way I choiced it was obvious hours of the day. After only a short stay that it was going to cost my money. they own businesses and houses. "I was naturalised in 1965 and applied Mr. Chinchen: Good luck to them. for a position as a Chemist II with the Royal Australian Air-force at Mel­ Mr. BROMLEY: The hon. member is bourne. They flew me over from Sydney speaking to the point. I congratulate them for an interview and was interviewed by and wish them good luck. I wish them a Board of Directors. During the inter­ happiness and security in our country. view everything was dealt with even the salary was determined. I was informed On the other hand, we have many loyal, that as far as the Board was concerned co_nscientious migrants who, like us, love the job was mine. Only the signature of this country for what it is; they appreciate some higher authority was needed to make the security it offers. I am happy and for­ it official. tunate that I have been able to assist a "I should be notified within 14 days. I great number of them. Most migrants are waited 6 weeks and nothing happened. extremely hospitable and generous, and wel­ When I met Mr. Lucetti, the Federal­ come us to their homes. member for Maquarie, in which elector­ ate I lived that time, I mentioned this I am pointing out both sides of this matter matter. Some time later I was informed as a lead-up to a letter that I will read at the Commonwealth Public-service sh.ortly. ~here are vocal malcontents among office at Sydney that they were very migrants, JUSt as there are among Australians. sorry but they could not find my file. It Some of them have genuine grouches, but seems the whole file had disappeared! The we are a wake-up to others who we know fact of the matter was that nobody are not genuine. knewn something about it. Many people who have complained to me "Any further effort to obtain a position are tradesmen who were considered skilled within the Commonwealth Public-service and efficient in their own countries but was unsuccessful, obviously!! for various reasons, could not follow thei~ callings in this country. I know the various "In February this year, I applied for a reasons, because I have discussed the matter Associated-membership with the Royal with different trade union officials, and I Australian Chemical Institute, which know enough about the trade union move­ application was sponsored by a member ment and the standards of workmanship of the Institute. In June, I was invited to be able to understand them. for a interview at the Queensland Uni­ versities School of Chemistry by three Although I wanted to make some sug­ Committee-members of the Queensland­ gestions on industrial development and branch of the Institute. The interview was decentralisation in this State, in all fairness directed by the Hon. Secretary, Dr. B. I think, that it is incumbent upon me to Grigg. Again anything indicated that this read the following letter:- interview was successful and my struggle "Dear Sir, over the last nine years was over. How "I respectfully like to drawn Your wrong I was!!! The Head-office of the attention to the following:- R.A.C.I. in Melbourne rejected my admission, without even stating the "! am 49 years of age, be in possession reasons. of a Diploma in Metallurgy from a Tech­ nical School in Amsterdam, Holland, with "Never in my whole life did I experi­ 24 years practical experience on several enced such a impudence, which seems to laboratories as a Chemical-analyist. be part of the Australian way of life, "When I migrated to this Country in the very part of life to which I am still 1960 from Holland I was informed at not use to. the Australian Embassy at the Hague, "I just mentioned those two instances Holland, that I should have no difficulties in which Commonwealth-institutions were in obtaining suitable employment in my involved, however I did experienced the profession in Australia. After arrival in same attitude with private Australian this Country I soon found out that the Companies. 1752 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

"The main objective of my migration Government officials on the other. Co-opera­ to Australia was, to take part in the tion between industry and unions will have development of this beautiful Country to be sought for the placing of migrants, ~s _a fully _recognised partner. But pre­ JUdice agamst new-comers makes it both skilled and unskilled, in jobs. ompossible to realize one's intentions. I believe that there should be, attached to "It gives plenty of evidence however Queensland House in London, a Government that the assurance, that Naturalised Aus­ official charged with the responsibility of tralians are given the same chances as the looking after Queensland's migrant intake. I Australians by Birth, just becomes a big firmly believe that those in authority, whether joke!!! they be members of Parliament, Ministers or "I adviced You about this matter with­ departmental heads, should travel to see out entertaining any expectations on that what goes on in other countries, and learn score, but because I thought that You what they can there. as a Member of Parliament will be interested." A Government official should visit the United Kingdom and the Continent to encour­ We should all be interested in the problems age people to migrate to Queensland. confronting migrants in settling down. Although I know that a Commonwealth The letter continues- official travels on migrant ships, I suggest "As for my, the only thing I can do that a Queensland official also should travel is: to bind oneself to warn New-comers on such ships to inform migrants of the about the consequences of being ~ advantages of settling in this State. Migrants Naturalised Australian. need more general information, and they "It is much better to be a first-class certainly need more counselling on various Citizen of one's own Country as a second­ matters such as the recognition of their status hand Citizen of one's adopted Country and professional qualifications, housing, and and I certainly do all I can to get the job opportunities. Such things could be fully message through, to the parties con­ cerned." explained to them when they apply to come here, and also on their arrival. It is most disconcerting. I have met this gentleman on several occasions and he Migration officials at Queensland House seem_s to me to be a pretty sinc·ere and should provide more information for mig­ genume sort of chap. I have seen several rant families wanting to come to Queensland. of these cases. For example, they should be able to tell Mr. Miller: What was his problem? intending migrants the number of people who are allowed to live in one dwelling. Mr. :BROMLEY: Goodness me! I would I could take hon. members to a number not waste my time answering that interjection. of houses in my electorate and to others in the electorate of the Temporary Chairman Mr. Miller: Please do. that are overcrowded, with two or three Mr. :BROMLEY: The fact that the inter­ migrant families living in them. These people jector made a speech during the week on become upset when they are told that they are things of which he knows nothing is a further not permitted to live under such overcrowded reason why I should take no notice of him. conditions. It upsets my kind nature to say things like When migrants arrive in this State, people that. but nevertheless I have to say them. should be available to guide them and assist I wish to pay a tribute-in common, I them with many of the psychopathological am sure, with all in the Chamber-to that worries that arise from isolation and loneli­ very kindly gentleman, Mr. Bill Rutherford. ness. All hon. members know that unless The Minister and I, and indeed all who are a person who comes here from another here, know him very well, and wish him well country mixes with the right people and in his retirement. He worked hard and gets the right sort of job, he becomes conscientiously at his job, and did much good lonely. If he cannot mix with Australians, work for the Government and his department. he and his fellow migrants tend to form little He always gave everybody a square deal. community groups and drift away from Aus­ tralians. It then becomes very difficult to It appears that time will not permit me to get it into their hearts and minds that deal with the matter of industrial develop­ they ought to be real Australians. ment, as I want to continue briefly with some suggestions that I have concerning migration. Legal advice also should be more readily With the expansion of migration, I believe available to these people. I am amazed that, to keep migrants settled in Queensland, at the number of migrants who telephone more staff will have to be employed in the me and ask my advice on all sorts of Migration Office. That is necessary for the legal problems. As I am not an expert, implementation of my suggestions. Migration I suggest various places that they might go. is not primarily an economic matter. Prin­ Mr. Lee: Do you recommend Col? cipally it involves the readjustment of human beings, and a closer and much wider relation­ Mr. BROMLEY: No, I do not, because ship will have to be encouraged between he is a barrister. If they say, "Can I see migrants, on the one hand, and employers and Col Bennett?", I say, "Certainly. His office Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1753

is always open to people, every day of the Mr. LEE: That interjection shows wha:t week. He will be only too happy to help a warped mind the hon. member has. you." Mr. Miller: Tha:t is an A.L.P. mind. Mr. Bennett: That is true. Mr. LEE: I thank the hon. member; Mr. BROMLEY: I did not know that I had not thought of that. It should be the hon. member for South Brisbane was in of interest to the new memlbers in this the Chamber. I might have said even Chamber-paP1Jicularly those opposite--to be nicer things about him if I had. given such a complete run-down of indus­ trial development in the State as was given In my opinion, migrants need regular by the Minister. The fact that the Estimates advice relative to their jobs, where they of this department were deba·ted last year can work satisfactorily, and so on. This and are again being debated this year is helps them to settle down and become better some indication of the importance o.f the migrants and better Australians. work it is doing for the State. Unlike the hon. member for Townsville North, who It is difficult to deal with matters affecting claimed that the department had made no the economy of Queensland and Australia progress whatever in Queensland, the Go•v• in only 25 minutes, and I have therefore ernment recognises its work as extremely dealt briefly with some matters that I think important. The hon. member must have are particularly important. Unless I am been sound asieep during the Minister's given an extension of time, I shall not be address, because it contained some very able to make suggestions relative to industrial interesting figures. Today the Government development or the way in which industries speaks in hundreds of millions of dollars should be decentralised. Therefore, I shall whereas, when the Labour Party was in deal with the reference to the trade mission office, it would have been difficult to speak to South-east Asia appearing on page 19 in terms of thousands of dollars. of Sir David Muir's report. The same hon. member drew attention to the fact that, of all the departments, I am very happy to see that a trade mis­ this department has the second lowest allo­ sion from this State visited South-east Asia, cation of funds. What is wrong with that? because some years ago-I think it was We do not necessarily want to spend more in 1960, in one of my early speeches in money and employ more s·taff, but I am this Chamber-! suggested that consideration sure that if the department required a greater be given to forming a South-east Asian or alJocation it would get it. The Treasurer is Pacific Common Market. Apparently a fully aware of the department's responsi­ move is now being made in that direction, bilities. If hon. members opposite occupied and I think it will be successful. I ask the Treasury benches, thousands of doUars the Minister and the Government to con­ more would be required for this depaPt­ tinue their efforts along the present lines. ment as a result of their socia1istic policies. We must help our neighbours, and in return, Under their socialistic banner, not many years of course, our neighbours will help us. In would pass before no allocation at .all my opinion, a South-east Asian or Pacific would be required for this department Common Market is well within reach. because there would be no industry left in Recently I attended the official opening of the State. For proof of that one has only to new premises in Brisbane. The opening cere­ refer to the position in 1957 when industry mony was performed by the Treasurer, and the in Queensland was virtually non-existent Minister for Industrial Development also was because investors did not have enough faith present. I refer to the premises of R. M. in the Government to come to this State. Gow & Co. Ltd. These people should be They could not trust the socia:l1istic tenden­ proud to call themselves Queenslanders. I cies of the Government of the day. am proud to do so because I know they In my opinion the Department of Indus­ have been connected with Queensland for trial Development has done more in one many years. This firm does things for year than Labour Governments did in 30 Queensland, not only interstate but over­ years, not to mention what has been achieved seas as well. ,in the 10 or 12 years that this Government (Time expired.) has been in office. When the hon. member for Townsville North was speaking his tongue must surely have been bleeding as he could Mr. U)E (Yeronga) (3.6 p.m.): First of not have avoided biting it. all, I should 1ike to congratulate the Minis­ ter on his speech introducing his E~timates, The hon. member for Norman said that in which he set out 1Jhe benefits accruing he cannot understand the department's to the State from the activities of his depart­ brochures. I send copies of the brochures ment. The free-enterprise policies of this to school-children in my electorate, and Government are undoubtedly attracting even they can understand them. investors and constantly providing work opportunities throughout the State. Mr. BROMLEY: I rise to a point of order. I explain to the rather ignorant mem­ Mr. Baldwin: Government help is sociali­ ber for Y eronga that I did not say I could sation. Watch out! not understand the brochures. I fully 58 1754 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply understand them, but when I send them Mr. LEE: Very well, Mr. Ramsden. I to school-children I like them to be able was distracted by the hon. member for to understand them, too. Norman. Over the years members of the Opposi­ Mr. LEE: I do not mind accepting the tion have complained about the influx of point of order raised by the ignorant mem­ overseas capital to Queensland, but although ber for Norman. However, he did say that there are still some die-hards among hon. people could not understand the brochures, members opposite I believe that I see a and it :is no use his denying it. I circulate shifting of ground. They are starting to the brochures among the schools in my elec­ spJ.it, just like a tree that has been struck torate, and not once have I heard school­ by lightning. There is a big split in the children, even those below 6th grade, say Opposition. A little while ago they were that they cannot understand them. all opposed to foreign investment, but now that they see how successful it has been The hon. member claimed that the depart­ and how important it is, they are starting ment did not promote Queensland. In to shift ground and come on-side. "The Australian" today the department has inserted a very large advertisement promot­ Mr. Tucker: What were you for-mar­ ing Queensland. If the hon. member for ganine or butter? Norman cannot understand it, I shall explain it to him outside. That sort of promotion Mr. LEE: I am for free enterprise. is wonderful for this State. Indeed, as their areas start to reap the Mr. Bromley: That's a newspaper. benefit from the Government's free-enterprise policy, there is a growing liberal thinking Mr. LEE: It is in "The Austra1ian", among hon. members opposite. What a which is circulated throughout AustraLia. bitter pill it must be for them when they Yet the hon. member says that the depart­ have to swallow some of the things they ment does not engage in promotion. I can­ have said about overseas capital. Now that not possibly understand how he can say that. they see their areas reaping the benefit, they Every hon. member should have a clear have to shift ground and change their views. picture of the efforts made to encourage industry to the industrial estates :in Brishane It is true that from time to time: the and in a number of other towns through­ Government would like to see development out the State. accelerated even beyond its present fast pace, but we have done more in one year than I know that the A.L.P. will decry the the Labour Party did in the 30 years prior Government's policy on decentralisation; but to 1957. how can the A.L.P. decry it in v,iew of the department's report and the fact that An Opposition Member: That is a hyper­ in all provincial cities in Queensland indus­ bole. trial estates are established to encourage industry? The ALP. claims that the Gov­ Mr. LEE: What I say is quite correct. ernment does not decentralise. What utter The hon. member can check trhe statistics J1Ubbish! Each year we see evidence of the on it. benefits that this State derives from the It is not possible to be constantly preparing Government's policy of encourag,ing second­ great plans for the whole of the State when ary industry. It is apparent that members from time to time there is a falling-off of the Opposition are quite upset by the in the demand for metal trade: workers, nurnber of secondary industries that the as has happened in the last few weeks. It Government has attracted to this State. For has happened at Evans Deakin's shipyards, years members of the Opposition have and unfortunately a number of men will be "knocked" the industrial development of out of work for some time. Queensland. The Government has spent millions of dollars on promoting secondary Mrs. Jordan: Not only Evans Deakin industry, and the only reason why indus­ is affected; the whole engineering industry tries did not come to Queensland before is affected. this Government came to power was that Mr. LEE: No-one is happy about the they had no faith in the A.L.P. system. situation. And how could they have faith in it? Mr. Bromley interjected. Mr. Bromley: You sacked a bloke once because he wanted to umpire at a cricket Mr. LEE: It is a pity the hon. member match. would not lis,ten to a little of t!his. He has as much thought for the workers as Vi Jordan Mr. LEE: I would sack you immediately. has. I would even give you a month's pay to get rid o£ you. I would not give you Mrs. JORDAN: I rise to a point of order. sleeping time. I ask the hon. member to withdraw !his statement that the hon. member has as much The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. thought for the workers as "Vi Jordan". Ramsden): Order! The hon. member will Over the years that I have been in this please address the Chair. Assembly, and even before that, I have proved Supply [21 NOVEMBER] Supply 1755 that I have had a lot of interest in the unions. If they have anything to workers. I ask that the statement be do with it, we will never have satisfaction withdrawn. and unity in this world. Some of these unions thrive on the ill will of the workers, Mr. LEE: I find it hard to accept the yet they say they are there to protect the hon. member's point of order. workers. I just cannot understand them. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. It would be well for Opposition members Ramsden): Order! I ask the hon. member to realise that, because of the inflow of to withdraw the remark. overseas capital into various projects in this Mr. LEE: Withdraw what? I did not say State, only a small percentage of such workers that the hon. member for Ipswich West-- have not had continuity of employment. For a number of years, mineral development Mrs. .Jordan: The hon. member implied has created a constant demand for rolling­ it. stock and railway lines. No doubt A.L.P. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! members will immediately claim that it was The hon. member for Ipswich West has taken not manufactured in Queensland or in Aus­ a point of order and asked for a withdrawal tralia. However, they will know that rolling­ of the statement. I ask the hon. member stock for the Moura railway line was for Yeronga to withdraw the statement obtained from overseas only because it could without any further discussion. not be manufactured quickly enough in Queensland. Engineering firms have bene­ Mr. LEE: I will withdraw the statement, fited from the incentive we have given over­ Mr. Ramsden·, but I would certainly like to know what the point of order is. I said seas developers; they would be much worse that the hon. member for Norman had-- off today but for our foresight in fostering projects such as Goonyella, the very one The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN Order! that the A.L.P. has been so bitterly opposed to. The Opposition opposed it in this Mr. LEE: I think "Hansard" will have my Chamber from start to finish, yet it says remark fully recorded. I cannot really understand why the hon. member for Ipswich that there is not enough work for boiler­ West got so upset. makers. Without this industry, without this rolling-stock and without all these rail­ At this stage I should like to read an way lines, there would be far less work article about some of the things that are and many more than 87 workers would have happening in the boilermaker's trade, been retrenched. The A.L.P. is diametrically particularly at Evans Deakin. The article states- opposed to anything we try to do to ensure that work is available for these men. How " 110 strike after dismissals can the A.L.P. members justify their attitude "Boilermakers from the Evans Deakin when this type of development is what has shipyards in Brisbane will ask the company kept these men in work? today to change its retrenchment system. "All 110 boilermakers at the yard walked I believe that, in the 1970's, following con­ off the job yesterday morning after 87 men struction of the Central Queensland power­ were dismissed as part of the company's house, we will see another stage of industrial retrenchment plans. growth based on our natural resources. I believe that this is a great accomplishment. "The acting Queensland secretary of The hon. member for Townsville North the Boilermakers Society, Mr. W. Young, criticised the Premier for not bringing the said the men were annoyed because several Minister for Industrial Development in on men with considerable length of service those discussions. After all, it was a matter with the company had been dismissed. that came under the Department of Mines. "Other men at the yards for relatively I know as well as he does that the Minister short periods had been kept. and Sir David Muir were present at those "Mr. Young said the men would return discussions; in fact, Sir David Muir, on to work today to ask the company to behalf of the Minister, was one of those change its retrenchment system from who went to Canberra, where they were held. random dismissals to a first-hired last­ How can the hon. member say these things dismissed basis." when he knows they are so untrue? He Surely a firm like Evans Deakin is entitled is simply misleading the public. to retrench staff in the way it wants to and Mr. Ahem: It is deliberately misleading. does not have to adopt a first-on, last-off system. Surely a man with ability must be Mr. LEE: Yes, it is. The Minister has given an opportunity to improve his position. been well informed, and I believe that it The free-enterprise system allows such a was through the efforts of his department, man to rise to the top, and we should the Department of Mines and others that not be put in the position of having 110 men this Government was aible to sell to the go on strike because they wish to break Commonwealth Government the idea of a down that principle. I say here and now power-house that will result in great indus­ that that situation was caused by the Commo trial expansion in Central Queensland. I 1756 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions believe that in the 1970's smelting opera­ tions may be undertaken in this State, pos­ sibly in Townsville. If that happens, it will have been brought about only because a cheap supply of power is available. Mr. Marginson: How cheap? Mr. LEE: It will be cheap enough. Before concluding, I should like to take the opportunity of congratula1!ing Sir David Muir. Mr. Bennett: Did you say "Alex Dewar"? Mr. LEE: That is the sort of thing that the hon. member for South Brisbane would say. I congratulate Sir David Muir on winning the James M. Kirby award. It is wonderful to see a man with such hi·gh qualifications in such an important depart­ ment. Even if the hon. member for Towns­ ville North does not think it is important, I do. I also thank the other officers of the department; they have been very co­ operative and most helpful when I have approached them on any problem. Progress reported. The House adjourned at 3.29 p.m.