Legislative Assembly 5753 16 November 1993

TUESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 1993 National Road Transport Commission— Annual Report for 1992-93 (b) Minister for Justice and Attorney-General and Minister for the Arts (Mr Wells)— Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. Fouras, Ashgrove) Annual Reports for 1992-93— read prayers and took the chair at 10 a.m. Library Board of Board of Trustees of the PETITION Queensland Museum Queensland Law Reform Commission— The Clerk announced the receipt of the Report No. 45—The Assessment of following petition— Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation. Crown Land, Bongaree From Mr J. H. Sullivan (48 signatories) MINISTERIAL STATEMENT praying that the Parliament of Queensland will National Road Transport Commission ensure that Crown land adjacent to the recreation reserve in First Avenue, Bongaree Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich—Minister for is made available for community use together Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier with all necessary approvals for development on Economic and Trade Development) (10.02 in accordance with adopted plans. a.m.), by leave: Today, I tabled the annual report for the National Road Transport Petition received. Commission 1992-93. Broadly, the National Road Transport Commission was a body STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS established to eliminate the myriad existing road laws across States, Territories and the In accordance with the schedule Commonwealth and foster improved transport circulated by the Clerk to members in the efficiency, road safety and a reduction in costs Chamber, the following documents were through the development of nationally uniform tabled— and consistent road transport law and Auctioneers and Agents Act— regulations. Auctioneers and Agents Amendment The achievement of national uniformity Regulation (No. 1) 1993, No 408 for road transport is essential and to date a Children’s Services Act— number of major reforms have been Children’s Services Amendment undertaken by the NRTC and Ministerial Regulation (No. 1) 1993, No 404 Council to rid the road transport industry of Fauna Conservation Act— unrealistic restrictions and regulations. Through Queensland's active participation in Fauna Conservation (Open Season— the NRTC, this Government is promoting the Macropods) Amendment Regulation development of the Queensland road (No. 1) 1993, No. 407 transport industry. Queensland Transport has Government Owned Corporations Act— made a significant contribution to defining the Government Owned Corporations work program and direction of the NRTC, Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1993, ensuring that our industry receives real No. 403 benefits in efficiency and safety. As the National Parks and Wildlife Act— annual report demonstrates, 1992-93 was National Park 340 Counties of Canning another year in which significant progress was and Marsh (Extension) Order 1993, made in regard to the objectives of the NRTC. No. 406 Agreements reached have included— National Park 602 County of Carlisle uniform heavy vehicle charges for (Extension) Order 1993, No. 405. vehicles over 4.5 tonnes which will apply from 1 July 1995; PAPERS a package of revised dimension standards for heavy vehicles; The following papers were laid on the table— a streamlined process for developing new (a) Minister for Transport and Minister or amended design rules is now in place Assisting the Premier on Economic and and investigations during the year Trade Development (Mr Hamill)— covered seat belts in buses, braking 16 November 1993 5754 Legislative Assembly

requirements, emissions and mechanical mind, it should be remembered that a connections between vehicles; condition of teacher employment is that any a working paper on heavy vehicle safety permanent teacher may be required to serve issues was prepared and responses anywhere in the State. We run a Statewide sought to develop research priorities and education system. All schools, including tasks; and country and remote schools, provide a variety of experiences in terms of communities, the Australian Code for Transport of professional responsibilities, cultural and Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail was linguistic characteristics. The new transfer prepared with the input of representatives policy, therefore, aims— of every jurisdiction and industry, based on international and overseas best first and foremost, to meet the staffing practice. needs of schools across the State; The NRTC is currently working towards secondly, to ensure that a teacher who completing legislation associated with the has served in remote locations is able to heavy vehicles operations module. This be transferred to a more favourable includes regulations for mass and loading, the location; and operation of oversize/overmass vehicles, driver thirdly, to enhance teacher professional working hours and roadworthiness standards. development through experience in a The NRTC must continue to make range of educational environments. recommendations which are based on well- founded research and which take account of We acknowledge that there has to be a the costs and benefits of specific proposals. balance between the needs of the education This will ensure that, with Queensland's system and the needs of individual teachers continuing contribution, reforms remain worth while respecting the rights of individual while and bring improvements to road safety teachers. It is for this reason that the and transport efficiency and reduce the costs department has developed a comprehensive of administration. and fair appeal process based on the Public Sector Management Standard for Grievance. It is worth detailing the grounds on which a MINISTERIAL STATEMENT teacher can object to a transfer to highlight Teacher Transfer System the fairness and reasonableness of the new policy. Objections to transfers will be based on Hon. P. COMBEN (Kedron—Minister for grounds of reasonableness. Grounds for Education) (10.05 a.m.), by leave: Later this consideration of the cancellation of transfers week, teachers in State schools will be include— advised of the outcome of the department’s proposed teacher transfers. Queensland has medical circumstances and disabilities; a long and proud history of the provision of a hostile environment arising from factors high quality of public education, regardless of such as potential religious, racial or location or student circumstance. To achieve sexual persecution; and this, for many years the department has had a system of transferring teachers throughout the personal or social circumstances such State. In the past, the distribution of transfers as— and the location to which a teacher was non-custodial parental access to transferred were basically subjective decisions dependent minors where access is made by regional staffing officers. Individual proven to be used on a regular teachers were not aware of their standing for a basis; transfer relative to other teachers and no clear process or policy existed to enable them to dependent aged relatives who rely ascertain their right to a particular location on the teachers for substantial compared to other teachers. I believe the new practical support and for whom other policy that I have introduced is unambiguous, sources of help are not available. and is the fairest and most open transfer Grounds for consideration of the policy in operation in . deferment of transfers include— The basic principle of the new transfer firstly, a current study program unable to policy is to achieve effective educational be completed externally; access to curriculum by staffing schools with teachers to maximise students’ access to a secondly, educational needs of school- range of skills and experience relevant to their aged children, P-12, which cannot be met particular student population. With this in at new location; Legislative Assembly 5755 16 November 1993

thirdly, current financial commitments changed since then. We expect to see the where the transfer would result in extreme final form of the legislation tonight or financial hardship; tomorrow, depending on when it is introduced, fourthly, temporary medical and we will make a decision then. The starting circumstances, including pregnancy; point for this Government is that it will be seeking to be part of a national legislative fifthly, personal crises other than that response to the High Court decision, and it will caused by the current transfer proposal; be seeking to do so in cooperation with the and Federal Government and the majority of the sixthly, current involvement in significant other States. It is clear that Australia cultural, sporting or community affairs at will not be a part of that process at this stage, the State or national level, which is but it appears likely on the basis of previous supported by documentation, and also Federal Government decisions—— adoption arrangements. Mr Borbidge: Nor should it. The new policy has been developed after detailed consultation across the State and is Mr W. K. GOSS: It should, if it wants an appropriate balance between meeting the certainty in respect of validation of title. educational needs of students throughout all Mr Borbidge: Pity you didn’t show a bit of the State’s schools and the individual needs leadership like Richard Court. of teachers. Claims or concerns that teachers in the more remote schools will be forced to Mr W. K. GOSS: Show a bit of leadership stay in these locations longer than the two like Richard Court? The Leader of the years they expected are baseless. I am Opposition has been prattling on about caving advised that there are only four teachers who in to Canberra. What did he do yesterday? He have completed their two years in “two-year went down to ask Johnny Howard for the schools” who have not received a transfer Liberals’ hand in a merger. Talk about caving during the current transfer process. These in to Canberra! What did Johnny Howard do? teachers are secondary teachers whose He gave him the rough end of the pineapple. subject areas are in oversupply in all regions. What is the party called now—the “sliced The department is currently endeavouring to Pineapple Party” or the “crushed Pineapple place these teachers in their preferred Party”? What a joke! The Leader of the geographic areas. Opposition talks about caving in to Canberra, yet he goes down there, cap in hand, to see I commend the new policy to the House. John Howard to ask whether his party can merge with Mrs Sheldon’s Liberal Party. What QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE a joke! What did John Howard say about their meeting? He said, “If I play a role in Mabo preventing the formation of a third anti-Labor Mr BORBIDGE: I ask the Premier: does force in Canberra, then I will not feel sorry he or does he not support the Prime Minister’s about that.” John Howard stuck the rough end Mabo response? Will he be introducing of the pineapple—— complementary legislation into the An honourable member: Careful! Queensland Parliament? Mr W. K. GOSS: As I have said Mr W. K. GOSS: So the Leader of the consistently, we will make a decision in respect Opposition should not talk to me about caving of the Federal legislation when we see it. in to Canberra. To get back to the subject from which I was distracted by that Mr Borbidge: You haven’t seen it yet? interjection—the legal and constitutional Mr W. K. GOSS: We saw a draft last position is clear. week. We understand that it has changed. Mr Veivers interjected. The one that the Leader of the Opposition has is out of date. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Southport will cease interjecting. Mr Borbidge: You saw it at the weekend. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Mr W. K. GOSS: That is, the States do Opposition has asked his question. I ask him not and will not have the capacity to validate to cease interjecting. title unless they have Federal legislative support. So the States have no choice. They Mr W. K. GOSS: The interjection is false. will be in a situation—— It is not so that I saw it on the weekend. On Thursday last week, we had a briefing on the Mr Borbidge: That’s dishonest. legislation. We understand that it has 16 November 1993 5756 Legislative Assembly

Mr W. K. GOSS: The Leader of the This Government has taken it to the point Opposition should not talk to me about at which it believes that the deal can be dishonesty. He should read the Privileges concluded. Tonight, I will introduce into this Committee report. Typical of ex-National Party House the necessary legislation to underpin leaders and Ministers—they cannot recall. the State agreement between the Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of order. I Government and Comalco. I also make it find the remarks made by the Premier plain—and I will table correspondence from offensive, and I ask that they be withdrawn. I the company that makes it plain—that the draw to the attention—— delay in getting land rights legislation, or Mabo legislation, in place nationally has put Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the significant pressure on the timetable for Opposition has asked the Premier to withdraw conclusion of this deal. I stress that it has not those remarks. I ask the Premier to withdraw put pressure on the timetable for construction, them. which will be adhered to, but it has put Mr W. K. GOSS: I withdraw. The Leader pressure on the timetable for conclusion of the of the Opposition should read the Privileges deal. It is absolutely essential, and I think this Committee report, and he should not blame relates back to the point that the Leader of me if he is given the nickname, “Partial the Opposition was trying to make before—— Recall”. Mr Veivers: You’ve made the kid in the In relation to the legal and constitutional gallery cry. position, the Commonwealth Government has Mr W. K. GOSS: The member should in place the Racial Discrimination Act. It is leave Alice alone; she is one of my biggest under that legislation that doubt arises in fans and she gets upset when people are relation to the validity of title, in particular the rude to me. validity of title issued since 1975. We want to give innocent citizens in this State valid titles. To conclude—a crucial issue for the It is absolutely essential that we give them Comalco investment, the company and the valid titles. We will not be able to give them consortium of banks that are involved in valid titles unless the Federal Government financing the deal, is the validity of the titles at gives individual State legislation approval. Weipa. It is very important that, in addition to Unless we receive that approval, then we will implementing the native title decision of the not be able to do that. That is the basis upon High Court, the legislation to be introduced in which we are operating, and we are not going Canberra in the next day or so provide, first to go down the road of Western Australia, and foremost, validity and certainty of title in which has formulated a shonky piece of respect of not only Australia generally but also legislation designed for public relations in respect of Weipa in particular. We have purposes. been assured that it will, but whether or not this major investment, which can generate up to 2 000 jobs for Queensland, can be Gladstone Power Station achieved will depend largely on whether or not Mr PITT: In directing a question to the the investment community is reassured of Premier, I refer him to the Federal validity of title which, as we all know, underpins Government’s response to the High Court’s the security of investment. Mabo judgment, and I ask: does he agree that any response will have an important Tertiary Places impact on Comalco’s planned industrial expansion at Gladstone? What steps is the Mr PITT: In directing my second question Government taking to ensure that this to the Minister for Education, I refer him to expansion goes ahead? comments this morning from his Federal counterpart on the future supply of tertiary Mr W. K. GOSS: This is an important places, and I ask: does he agree that issue, because negotiations between the Queensland has a case for extra places State Government and Comalco in respect of because of the State’s rapid population a prospective $1.8 billion investment in our growth? What does he intend to do to ensure State are coming to an end. It is one of the that Queensland obtains the lion’s share of big investments in the world today, and this growth places? State Government has put every effort into achieving that investment and into achieving Mr COMBEN: Certainly, I agree that we the agreement—an agreement that the have a very good case for extra places in National Party talked about but could never tertiary institutions in Queensland. Later today, deliver. Typical—all talk and no action. I will be sending a letter to Mr , Legislative Assembly 5757 16 November 1993 setting out the factual situation for protect and administer land titles in this State Queensland. The thrust of the letter will be to according to the concerns and priorities of the state Queensland’s disappointment with the Queensland population? announcement of only 1 000 growth places in Mr W. K. GOSS: It is almost laughable to higher education for 1996, and the statement hear another of those honourable members from the Federal Government that it could no opposite talking about us abrogating our longer afford new publicly funded university responsibility to Canberra. The Deputy Leader places. of the is off to Canberra next week to I would ask all members in this House to find out from John Howard what he told Mr join with me in cries against the Federal Borbidge in relation to the “pineapple party”. Government for that allocation. Queensland What a joke! The “crushed pineapple party” is needs more tertiary places. In my letter to Mr what those opposite should be called. I prefer Beazley, I will be setting out the figures, and I the term “sliced pineapple party”. They have will also be including this paragraph— been put back in the can with a whole lot of “In the light of the continued syrup poured over them to try to cover up the substantial population decline in Victoria it divisions between the slices. is unreasonable to continue to provide In relation to the question and the growth places for Victoria in particular, legislation—that legislation will not last five especially as that State is already minutes in the High Court. It is a PR exercise provided (March 1993) with 22.80 higher to try to deal with the particular problems of education places per 1 000 population Western Australia, which has some special compared with Queensland’s 20.14 problems. It is more affected by the High (excluding ACU).” Court’s decision than is any other State. That So Victoria is receiving more than two poses significant legal, moral and political and a half places per 1 000 head of problems. The Government of that State has population than is Queensland. If Queensland tried to deal with those problems by turning its had an equivalent proportion of places in back on the High Court decision and trying to 1993 as had Victoria per 1 000 head of go down this legislative road, which will not population, it would have a further 8 000 succeed. The Bill to which the honourable places for its universities, which would member refers basically ignores the real represent a further $80m per annum to the constitutional power of the Commonwealth, State’s universities. In this State we have and it ignores the core of the High Court worked hard to do our share in relation to decision in Mabo. funding and the provision of appropriate If we are going to comply with the High numbers of places. We are giving capital at Court decision, which has effectively ruled on the present time to Cairns, Mackay, the law of this country in relation to native title, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Sippy Downs. If and if at the same time we are going to we can do that, why is the Commonwealth still ensure that we have a climate of economic discriminating against Queensland in favour of and investment certainty in this country, we a State which is declining? We are the hub of have to achieve one thing in particular—and this nation now; let us have the places. there are many things that need to be achieved and addressed in such legislation—that is, certainty of investment and Mabo security of investment. That goes to the issue Mrs SHELDON: In directing a question to of security of title, which is at the heart of the Premier, I table a copy of the Western security of investment and investor Australian Land Titles and Traditional Usage confidence. Bill, which was introduced on 4 November by The Commonwealth Government has Premier Richard Court. Given that this is an made it plain that the States will have to example of State legislation which, firstly, comply. The States will have to get the meets the requirements of the approval of the Commonwealth if they are to Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act; move on and legislate in accordance with the secondly, provides Aborigines with rights of proper responsibility of the States to validate traditional access and use of land; thirdly, titles within their jurisdiction. We regard it as a provides compensation when those rights are matter of high priority that we validate titles removed or reduced; and, finally, addresses within our jurisdiction, but to do so we will have the unique concerns and interests of that to achieve compliance with the Federal particular State and its population, I ask: why Government’s requirements. It is no good is the Premier handing over to Canberra and, sticking our heads in the sand because the in so doing, abrogating his responsibility to 16 November 1993 5758 Legislative Assembly problem is a difficult one. It is no good going Mrs Sheldon: Four years. down the low road and playing the race card. Mr HAYWARD: If the honourable This problem has to be fixed up; it has to be member would just listen, I will answer her addressed. This Government will do that and, question. if possible, it will do it this year. Mrs Sheldon interjected. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the Deputy Hospital Waiting Lists Leader of the Coalition under Standing Order Mrs SHELDON: In directing a question to 123A. I insist that members listen to answers. the Minister for Health, I refer him to the The honourable member has been warned. revelations I made earlier this year that She will listen to the Minister’s answer. patients on Queensland waiting lists had died, Mr HAYWARD: We are now moving to his subsequent refusal to release the towards the development of new contents of those lists, and to his denials that computerised systems that will enable us to records are not kept of the number of patients obtain those lists. To answer the honourable who have died while on waiting lists. I refer member’s question—no, we do not have him also to the published comments of the those lists, but, yes, I have told Senator Federal Health Minister, who said that he will Richardson that, if he is interested, he can send Commonwealth officers into State come to Queensland and he can spend the hospitals to discover the real facts. I ask: has Commonwealth’s time and money in chasing the Minister refused to supply data to the up those lists. In the meantime, we are Commonwealth? Is Queensland data faked? working on the information technology to be Will the Minister allow Federal scrutiny of his able to develop them. hospitals? Mr HAYWARD: The question raises a very important issue. Importantly, the answer Business Investment in Queensland is: no, I will not be refusing to allow the Mr LIVINGSTONE: In directing a question Commonwealth to come into Queensland to the Treasurer, I refer him to claims by the hospitals if Senator Richardson is interested in Opposition that the State’s economy is being examining waiting lists. I have made it very held back by the lack of business investment, clear to the senator that, if he has the and I ask: can the Treasurer inform the House resources in the Commonwealth to do that, he whether recent trends in business investment can come to Queensland and he can go to in Queensland support these claims? whichever hospitals he chooses in order to Mr De LACY: I thank the honourable carry out those inquiries. member for the question. I note that the I want to make clear exactly what we are Opposition, in attempting to further its anti- talking about. The problem with this issue is Queensland crusade, commented on the that nobody—that is, doctors, hospitals or subdued business investment climate in this Governments—has a good handle on State. It is fair to say that, over the past accurate waiting lists. There is no doubt about couple of years, the investment climate that. This is largely because visiting medical throughout Australia has been subdued. More officers have their own lists for private and business investment must occur if we are to public patients. Hospital lists have never been achieve the level of economic growth that will accurate because the same person is often provide jobs for our citizens. booked into one or more hospitals for the Mr Connor: We looked at the Budget same operation. So when we are dealing with papers. the statistics on waiting lists, they have to be accurate. Mr De LACY: That is right. The Opposition found the only item in the Budget No matter which Government has been in papers that tended to put Queensland down. power in Queensland, the fact is that this After it discovered that item, the Opposition State has never had consolidated hospital issued press releases about it day after day. waiting lists. I am talking about a list of all The Opposition really has to search through patients who are waiting for a particular the economic indicators to find negatives procedure at a particular hospital. Such lists about Queensland, but I will give it credit for have never been kept. This Government is the fact that it is persistent in that endeavour. moving towards compiling those lists. A very large commitment has been made to On Friday, the ABS released the State- developing the appropriate information by-State results of the June quarter 1993 technology. survey of private new capital expenditure. I do not know whether the Opposition studied Legislative Assembly 5759 16 November 1993 those figures, but I note that it did not issue important process of restructuring industry. any press releases about them. The figures This Government believes that the people demonstrate that private new capital involved in industry that is being restructured expenditure—which is an amalgam of do not and should not wear the blame for any business investment and plant and restructuring in that industry. Consequently, equipment—grew strongly in Queensland in this Government very proudly put in place a the June quarter over the previous quarter, package designed to provide for the welfare of rising 11 per cent against a national average the railway employees who sought to apply for of 3 per cent. For 1992-93 as a whole, voluntary early retirement and their families. Queensland recorded the strongest lift in The benefits available under the scheme that investment of all States, bar Western this Government put in place in 1991 are far Australia. I might say that the Western superior to those that were available when the Australian figures were distorted by a couple National Party Government was in office. of very large equipment purchases, namely Indeed, if a person under 45 was being cast the LNG tanker and the new gas platform. In onto the unemployment scrapheap by the Queensland for the year, private fixed capital National Party Government, that person barely investment grew by 7 per cent. The strongest received a letter of thanks for his or her growth—— endeavours. Mr Connor: Residential housing. Mr Johnson interjected. Mr De LACY: The honourable member Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for claims that the strongest growth occurred in Gregory! housing. In fact, the strongest growth was Mr HAMILL: Another interesting feature recorded in manufacturing investment, which of the claims made by the Leader of the was up 26 per cent, and mining, which was up Opposition is that he was trying to cast 14 per cent. aspersions on a $71m figure that appeared in More recent data is also quite the annual report being listed as a borrowing encouraging. In the September quarter, by Queensland Rail for the purpose of Queensland accounted for nearly 24 per cent providing a package to former employees of by value of the nation’s non-residential QR. Only about half of that figure related to building approvals, to be 102 per cent higher voluntary early retirements. The other half of than a year ago. Recently, the QCI Pulse the figure was for the normal benefits that survey for the September quarter also showed workers would expect to receive if their an encouraging picture of investment position were terminated. prospects, with 71 per cent of participants I can understand why the Leader of the expecting an increase in investment in their Opposition is so keen to let fly with a story organisation over the next 12 months, 12 per such as this at a time when both he and the cent expecting no change and 16 per cent Leader of the Liberal Party are busily expecting a decline. Considered together, the canvassing Canberra for someone who will most recent figures put into context the object to their forthcoming nuptials. I have negative approach and the negative often understood the problems that some comments that emanate continually from the people have with pre-nuptial nerves, but the Opposition. actions of the Leader of the Opposition in this regard defy logic. Now, the Leader of the Queensland Rail Redundancies Liberal Party is to ask the two Johns who will give her away. Let me assure the Leader of Mr LIVINGSTONE: I ask the Minister for the Liberal Party and the Leader of the Transport: is he aware of recent criticisms of Opposition that there is no shortage of people the Queensland Rail redundancy program by in Queensland who gave them away a long the Leader of the National Party? Can he time ago. explain to the House what benefits there are for Queensland Rail workers, Queensland Rail and the State from the voluntary early Australian Friesian Sahiwal Cattle retirement scheme? Mr LINGARD: In directing a question to Mr HAMILL: In response to the the Minister for Primary Industries, I refer to honourable member’s question—I am indeed the tendering process associated with the aware of the comments made by the Leader Government’s sale of the breeding centre of of the Opposition. I think that those comments Australian Friesian Sahiwal stud stock at serve to contrast the approach of the National Warrill View. I ask: is he aware that sources Party Government and this Government to the from within the Wacol centre are saying that 16 November 1993 5760 Legislative Assembly the successful—though unannounced— the old programs and said, “Industry is now on tenderer is Mr Peter Harburg? What is the its feet, and it ought to be continuing these result of the tender process, and when will the programs.” The AFS program is one such Minister outline full details of the purchase program. It has reached the stage at which arrangements? there is no point in the Government continuing Mr CASEY: The tender process is in with it. I have stated that fact quite clearly in accordance with that which has been adopted the House previously. Industry has reached by the Government. At this point, the tender the stage at which, if the commercial reality is process is at the stage of assessment. When that this program is of use to the industry, it that assessment has been completed, I will be ought to be continuing the development of making a submission to Cabinet on the the program. However, the truth of the matter matter. At this point, no successful tenderer is that, after 30 years, there are no has been announced or indicated. commercial herds of AFS cattle in Queensland because the industry has determined that it does not need that breed of cattle and that it Australian Friesian Sahiwal Cattle can utilise the normal Friesian breed. Mr LINGARD: I direct a second question As to the sale of embryos into Thailand to the Minister for Primary Industries. He would and other places—those sales have been be aware that the State has spent millions of conducted in a number of different ways over dollars developing the Australian Friesian a number of years. They have been Sahiwal gene pool over some 30 years to conducted from Wacol and from other create a line of cattle that commands establishments and by private industry that is enormous overseas interest and demand. It prepared to take up this work. has long been the policy of the Government not to sell any of the purebred stock or its progeny. However, in view of that fact that the Gold Coast Boat Building Industry information supplied to tenderers indicates Mrs ROSE: I ask the Minister for that some 165 embryos from a top strain of Business, Industry and Regional the AFS line were sold to Thailand during the Development: can he outline any steps that last financial year, I ask: on what basis was the Government is taking to help the Gold the change in sale policy authorised, and by Coast boat building industry? whom? Who was the purchaser? Mr ELDER: That is a good question. The Approximately what price was paid for member for Currumbin has shown a great embryos that previously were unobtainable? deal of interest in the boat building industry on Mr CASEY: The honourable member the Gold Coast. I have not heard too many seems to be under the false impression that representations from members opposite on research that is carried out by any that matter. I would say that, after the work Government must go on and on and on. that the honourable member has been doing However, that is not the case, as was borne on the Gold Coast, many members opposite out quite clearly by the recent external review will have to look at Noah’s Ark type conducted by the Queensland Government constructions if they are to survive the next and the Department of Primary Industries on election. As the saying goes, “Animals in two the direction in which we ought to be heading by two: two Nats, two Libs, two Nats.” with research work in this modern day and in The Gold Coast is one of the largest boat this modern world. The idea of Government building areas in Queensland. Some 40 per involvement in research and taxpayers’ cent of our boat builders are stationed on the contribution to it is to assist industry to reach a Gold Coast. It is a very diverse industry, point at which it can stand on its own feet and ranging from small manufacturers of dinghies proceed with the applied work that has to be right through to larger ocean-going high- done under extension programs of research quality vessels. that is carried out. Perhaps the honourable member is so far behind that he is of the view Mr Hobbs interjected. that we should still be involved in research that Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for was conducted in the 1920s and the 1930s. Warrego! If research work that was conducted in Mr ELDER: The industry has grown from the 1950s and into the 1960s is not bringing being only a supplier to the domestic market. some economic gain to Queensland’s Over the past few years, it has become far industries, it ought to be stopped. That is more export-oriented, and that is very exactly what we have done since our election encouraging. There were some $30m worth of to Government. We have examined many of new exports from the coast last year. In fact, it Legislative Assembly 5761 16 November 1993 would be interesting for those members Railway Stations, Coomera and Ormeau opposite who have not visited the boat yards Mrs ROSE: I ask the Minister for in the Gold Coast region to learn that Cougar Transport: can he inform the House of the Catamarans, which is exporting people- results of the Government’s review of possible moving ferries to China, is just one example of sites for the Coomera and Ormeau railway how the industry is growing on the coast. stations on the new Gold Coast railway line? As the member for Currumbin knows, it is Mr HAMILL: In response to the the sort of industry that is right for the Gold honourable member—there would be a Coast. It does have an international reputation general awareness among some members of as a leisure centre and there is an opportunity the Opposition representing the Gold Coast for the boat building industry to cash in on area that this Government has been that. That is further enhanced by the committing significant funds towards the announcement last week by the Premier that construction of the Gold Coast rail link. Southport will be established as a centre for Indeed, that project is under way and the rail the America’s Cup trials. That will only link will supply a service to Helensvale in 1995. enhance the international profile of that However, an important part of that process industry on the Gold Coast. was to ensure that the location of the stations However, there are a couple of points that will service that fast-growing urban area that need to be made. The study that was were consistent with the planning processes undertaken by my department, in league with that are taking place both in respect of Albert the industry and consultants, does outline five Shire and also in light of the SEQ 2001 major strategies that the industry needs to project. Consequently, this Government adopt if it is to expand to the next phase. One wanted to ensure that the locations for those strategy would be the formation of an industry stations, which had been determined back in association. That would enable the industry to 1991, particularly at Ormeau and Coomera, speak with a more cohesive voice and stood the test of analysis compared with the become an effective body for implementing planning that had been subsequently done in change in the industry generally. The second that regional planning process. To that end, strategy would be a specific training course. I the Minister for Housing, Local Government will be talking to my colleague the Honourable and Planning and I reviewed those two station Matt Foley, because there will need to be sitings. I wish to advise the member for dialogue between TAFE personnel and Currumbin that the locations established in manufacturers in the industry generally, not 1991 for Coomera station at Foxwell’s Road only for those who are going into the and Ormeau station in Mirambeena Drive, industry—that is important—but also for those have been affirmed because they will service who are in the industry now who need support expanding populations in those immediate and assistance. areas. The creation of a marine precinct was This project is very important. Over another necessary strategy. That would $300m of taxpayers funds is going into the re- involve cooperation between State and local establishment of the Gold Coast rail link. I authorities to identify one designated area for assure the honourable member and her that purpose. The educating of manufacturers colleague the member for Albert, who has a towards exporting would be another strategy. very keen interest in this project, that other Also important are simplified processes and stations will be developed as the need arises new education programs in that field. Import to service other population nodes along that replacement generally also needs to be very important and expanding corridor. looked at so that components that can be supplied by manufacturers on the coast into that industry generally can assist the money Breast Cancer Screening generated to circulate locally. Mrs BIRD: In directing a question to the There are opportunities there. It is the Minister for Health, I refer to recent statements sort of industry that we should establish and in the media that not enough is being done to encourage on the Gold Coast. I thank the combat the increase of breast cancer in member for Currumbin for her ongoing Australia. I ask the Minister: what steps has interest. It is an interest that should be this Government taken in the treatment of adopted by those on the opposite side of the breast cancer? House, seeing that almost half a dozen of Mr HAYWARD: I thank the honourable them represent those key areas of industry. member for her question. As many members on this side of the House know, she has taken 16 November 1993 5762 Legislative Assembly a very keen interest in this issue. In fact, the establishments right across the length and honourable member was there to launch the breadth of Queensland. Up to August this mobile breast screening clinic at Bowen last year, some 50 such customer service centres year. In 1992-93, the number of women have been established, including one in screened in this State was double the number Proserpine. I had the pleasure of visiting the for the previous year. That number is staff there at the time of the recent regional expected to double again during 1993-94. Cabinet meeting. I know that the quality of That will take to more than 80 000 the annual service that is provided by the staff in total of women screened Statewide. As Proserpine is indicative of the high standards everyone in this Parliament realises, breast that are provided right across those 50 cancer is very much a life and death issue for centres. women that can be significantly alleviated The Department of Transport’s customer through early detection. This Government has services are not limited to those one stop a strong commitment to support the breast shops. There are also some 13 Queensland cancer prevention programs because we Government agent offices which offer recognise the devastating effect of this Department of Transport vessel and vehicle disease on women in Queensland. This year, registration services. As well, as a we are committed to spending $6.7m for the convenience to a large number of Queensland breast cancer screening program. Queenslanders who perhaps live in centres A further $2.5m will be spent to expand smaller than the major provincial centres and services in other regions through the addition country towns, there are some 800 agencies of staff, new equipment and extended of Commonwealth Bank and Australia Post facilities, which will enable more women to be outlets that handle motor vehicle registration screened. Breast cancer is the most common and vessel licensing registration on behalf of form of cancer affecting Queensland women. the Department of Transport. So, I think it is Screening and assessment programs have quite clear that the Department of Transport been given a high priority by the Government. has been very conscious of the needs of its Just to emphasise the seriousness of clients and has made every effort possible to problem, each year in Queensland about one provide easy access to those services to all thousand women are diagnosed as having Queenslanders, no matter where they live. breast cancer and 300 die from it. I recently had the pleasure—along with the honourable member for Fitzroy—of opening in Policing in Rural Communities Rockhampton the State’s seventh breast Mr STONEMAN: In directing a question cancer screening clinic which, in conjunction to the Police Minister, I refer to the refusal of with the three mobile clinics around the State, his Government to acknowledge that hard provides a comprehensive screening service decisions have to be made in respect of for the women of Queensland. bringing the totally unacceptable level of To conclude—what is important about lawlessness in rural towns under control, and I the question that has been raised by the ask: is the Minister aware that the ratio of honourable member is that Queensland was break and enter offences in Ayr, for instance, the only State to achieve its breast cancer is many times the level of any comparable screening target in 1992-93 as part of the police area in the northern region? What national program for the early detection of plans, if any, does the Minister have to protect breast cancer. the interests of property owners in towns such as Ayr throughout rural and regional Queensland? Motor Vehicle and Boat Registration Mr BRADDY: As the honourable member Mrs BIRD: I ask the Minster for Transport: well knows, I have taken an active interest in can he please advise the House what steps policing matters in Ayr because of reports have been taken to enhance the delivery of about a group of young people who have services by his department and in particular been involved in incidents there, and in what improvements have there been for the relation to charges against them. As the public in motor vehicle and boat registration? honourable member knows, I raised this Mr HAMILL: Since the establishment of matter with the Police Commissioner and the system under which the Department of senior police officers. As a direct result, each Transport covers a range of responsibilities week, some of the Aboriginal and Islander including vessel and boat registration, and liaison officers in Townsville travel to Ayr for motor vehicle registration and driver licensing, several days and work there with the local we have put in a program of one stop shop police and the local Aboriginal and Islander Legislative Assembly 5763 16 November 1993 community in a constructive way to address officers were not posted to Ayr full time, but those problems. Those constructive ways of they have been travelling there on and off. My working cooperatively have indeed brought understanding is that they will continue to go about some successful action by the local there. community. I will raise this matter again with senior The member frequently thinks that he is police in relation to the continuation of the doing some work by issuing a media release posting of those officers to Ayr. Indications and jumping up and down on the spot. As the were that they were successful. They will not honourable member knows, there are prevent all crimes being committed. Aboriginal constructive ways of working, and they have parents and white parents must take the been adopted. My information is that the primary responsibility for disciplining their own effect is that has been a decrease in some of children. They receive significant support from the incidents in that town. I believe that the our Government in the employment of the 46 continuing work in that area over the next 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait liaison officers months will bear fruit—as current indicators across the State. That is something that already show. members opposite never did when they were in Government. We will continue to work with the community. Policing in Rural Communities Mr STONEMAN: In directing a second question to the Minister for Police, I refer to Education Budget the plea expressed by way of petition, which Mr BUDD: In directing a question to the was taken up by a senior black citizen in my Minister for Education, I refer to recent claims electorate and signed by almost 2 000 by the National Party Leader that the people, pleading for the Parliament to support Education budget has not benefited from any parents and the police in returning to a more real increase in funding, but has only been effective community disciplinary process, and I boosted by the transfer of higher user ask: what hope can the Minister give black charges, and I ask: does this criticism parents who have had to take to the streets accurately reflect what has happened in the themselves in a desperate attempt to avoid Education budget? Can the Minister inform further division and violence in the community the House what the real increase in education given the failure of his farcical experiment with funding has been? liaison officers in Ayr, which stopped weeks Mr COMBEN: The statements made over and weeks ago? Is the Goss Labor the weekend by the Leader of the Opposition Government ever going to do anything about were totally false and mischievous. I have the problems his Government seems some difficulty understanding where his basic determined not to acknowledge even exist, let figures come from. alone tackle head on? A Government member interjected. Mr BRADDY: The honourable member’s inability to read his own question parallels his Mr COMBEN: I think it was a press inability to understand this situation at all. release done by someone else. It must have What he is doing, of course, is pandering—as been. The honourable member referred to the he so often does—to the loudest noises he increase in the budget of some $43m. The hears in his electorate. What I have said in increase in the Education budget was $97m. relation to the ATSI liaison officers is that they Mr Borbidge: You’ve got it wrong. have been proven—— Mr COMBEN: I heard this on the Mr Stoneman: They’re gone. radio—as did the rest of Queensland. In the Mr BRADDY: Why does the member not last Budget, we saw an increase of $97m—an listen for a minute? They have been proven to increase of 4.3 per cent to $2.35 billion. be a success right across the State. Mr Borbidge: 2.2 per cent. Mr Stoneman: It’s a farce. Mr COMBEN: I repeat: an increase of 4.3 Mr BRADDY: Far from being a farce, they per cent. That is what the Budget papers say. have been extremely successful. I have If the honourable member wants to start received accolades from the business talking about real as against monetary—— community and the community generally in Mr Quinn interjected. towns such as Townsville, Cairns and Rockhampton in relation to them. In terms of Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for the deployment of those officers in Ayr—that Merrimac! is a matter for the police in Townsville. Those 16 November 1993 5764 Legislative Assembly

Mr COMBEN: In terms of that $97m countryside making a lot of noise about this increase—I can show the honourable member sort of thing. That wording relates to the Water where the increases are. Firstly, in relation to Resources Act of this Parliament, which was new initiatives: the Schools Refurbishment passed by the National Party Government Program, $37.6m; Helping P & Cs with the during the term of the then Premier, Mr Basics, $12.5m; Computers in Schools, Cooper. $9.2m; and the retirement package— Mr Hobbs interjected. unfortunately, not for the Opposition Leader— $10m. As to Forward Estimates adjustments: Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for enrolment growth, $10.5m; and awards for Warrego! teacher increments, $27.5m. That is where Mr CASEY: At that time, Mr Cooper the $97m went. So the real increase in growth insisted that this wording be placed on the in Education since members opposite left back of those licences. It has taken almost office has been some $385m, or 19.7 per four years for National Party people to turn cent. over their licences and see that there is Mr Borbidge implies that the 1993-94 something written on the back. As I said, this budget growth largely reflects the transfer from legislation was introduced in this Chamber by the Administrative Services Department to the the Cooper Government. It has nothing to do Education Department the funds for utilities with anything that the Goss Government of and property management charges. This Queensland is doing in relation to water transfer occurred in 1992-93. Therefore, the resource pricing. member appears to be 12 months behind the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time allotted ball, anyway. Apart from that, all references in for questions has now expired. Budget documents to growth in Education spending in 1992-93 and 1993-94 have been exclusive of these user charge transfers. The MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST growth is, therefore, reflective of real growth City of Debt; Unemployment and is in no way artificially inflated, as claimed Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—Leader of and stated across this State by the Leader of the Liberal Party) (11 a.m.): I rise today on a the Opposition. He has got it wrong again. matter of public importance which was highlighted by the Treasurer in the 1993-94 Budget. On many occasions, the Treasurer Bore Water Licences and I do not see eye to eye, but this is a Mr BUDD: I ask the Minister for Primary matter of some concern to Queenslanders Industries: can he explain repeated claims and all Australians. The issue is debt and its that land-holders have been receiving licence crippling impact on the standard of living and renewal notifications for drawing bore water on the wellbeing of our community. The rhetoric their properties using a different form of words of the Treasurer, which has been taken up from previous notifications? Is the Minister with alacrity by most media outlets in this city, aware that Opposition members have been would have Brisbane people lulled into a false telling producers that the new form of words is sense of security about debt and the threat it proof of an impending rise in charges? Can represents. the Minister comment on the truth of those While there is no doubt that the Treasurer allegations? is devoting considerable attention to the Mr Hobbs: Tell the truth, Ed. wiping out of debt within his area of responsibility, there are at least two major Mr CASEY: I always tell the truth in this flaws in his high and mighty proclamations on place. If you want to hear the truth about this debt, and it would be remiss of members of action, just listen for a moment, because this the Opposition if we did not bring these has an important relationship to you. matters to public attention. Without doubt, the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister should Treasurer has lost sight of the needs of address his comments through the Chair, not Queenslanders, and as a result there are across the Chamber. serious misconceptions built into this State- based crusade and they need to be corrected Mr CASEY: Certainly. Water licences do quickly. have wording on the back of them, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with the current Debt is the Achilles heel of Labor controversy in the community over water administrations across this country, so it is not charges. National Party politicians such as Mr surprising that our Labor Treasurer is paranoid Hobbs and Mr Lingard run around the about it. Debt is the legacy of Labor in Perth, Legislative Assembly 5765 16 November 1993

Adelaide, Melbourne, and now in Brisbane, Queensland State debt, this problem will but it is not a problem across-the-board in require commitment and careful management Queensland. Since Queensland started to fire from the Government in difficult times. under conservative leadership more than 10 The second flaw in the Treasurer’s years ago, where have we seen anything but budgetary rhetoric comes courtesy of the glowing reports about State-based finances? Labor administration living on the Treasurer’s Nowhere! The facts are that the economy built doorstep. This traditionally inept group is by the former coalition and National Party destined to succeed only as a thorn in the Governments is so strong that, more than four side of the Goss Government, and the longer years after Labor came to office, debt remains it holds power in council in this city, the greater low. The Treasurer cannot believe it. the financial pain and embarrassment it will Mr Livingstone interjected. inflict on Labor in Queensland. Mrs SHELDON: The bureaucracy has Naturally, I refer to the inept and blown out, services have been curtailed, unscrupulous Labor administration headed by private investment growth has fallen behind the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Mr Soorley. I say Victoria. What about that? The number of “naturally”, because for every debt-driven Labor mates with their snouts in the public twitch we see on the face of the Queensland trough has never been greater, yet the net Treasurer, we discover another outbreak of debt of this State remains low. It is a wonder. profligate, politically motivated Mr Livingstone interjected. overexpenditure by the Brisbane City Council. The shameful, ignorant and apparently Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for unrepentant overexpenditure of the city Ipswich West will cease interjecting. council under Mr Soorley is the only logical Mrs SHELDON: As I said in my speech in explanation I can find for the State Treasurer’s reply to the Budget, this is the lucky country, masochistic preoccupation with debt. and it remains blessed with high rates of Mr T. B. Sullivan: Ward is going to go interstate migration as a fortunate stimulus to down. growth and Government revenue. This is a Government obsessed with fighting other Mrs SHELDON: I will take that people’s problems. It is jumping about, twitchy interjection, because the honourable member and paranoid, looking under its bed lest debt would know that the Labor Party’s own should be lurking there. research has shown that Mr Soorley’s position and grasp on power is very shallow, and the Thanks to Labor, debt lurks in Victoria, women of Brisbane regard Soorley as a creep. South Australia, Western Australia and in They are right. That is what the Labor Party’s Brisbane, but in Queensland the Labor own research is showing, and Soorley is very Treasurer pursues debt to the detriment of concerned about that. The Labor Party should people who are hurting because of another be concerned, too. dangerous Labor legacy. This is the first major flaw in the Goss Government’s blind pursuit of The only explanation that I can find for debt. I do not have to tell the Treasurer what the State Treasurer’s masochistic Queensland problem is greater than Labor’s preoccupation with debt is obviously Soorley’s abysmal record on debt. He may twitch and outblowing debt. It may well be that the Goss flinch when John Cain’s name is mentioned, Government recognises the growing problem but in two months since the Budget he has in the wasteful antics of Mr Soorley. At least, heard again and again about unemployment. that would explain the Treasurer’s looking for debt under the bed, on his doorstep or Is it not time Queenslanders, especially anywhere else he can find it. those on dole queues, were deigned a response? Is it not time the Goss Government There is one place in Queensland where turned its attention away from the bottom line Labor-driven debt grows faster than the worst and did something about job creation and nightmares of the State Treasurer. Under private sector stimulus? Again and again, the Labor, Brisbane City Council debt has risen Opposition has put forward positive from $814m to $1.215 billion since 31 March suggestions for stimulating private sector 1991, and it continues to grow. Its drive to investment and job creation. The failure of the increase expenditure, without regard for the Government to grasp this issue, while it still consequences, has seen a range of basically has a full bank book, is just unacceptable. dumb financial decisions taken for purely That is problem No. 1. Try as it might, the political reasons. Goss Government will not distract public Under Labor, Brisbane people have seen attention from unemployment. Unlike corrupted the worthy goals of the bushland 16 November 1993 5766 Legislative Assembly levy introduced by the former Liberal council. three dud aldermen, who have been dumped The levy was set up to provide the council with in preselection in ALP Labor Party faction money to purchase and set aside suitable fights. areas in which to preserve bushland around That is not the only side to this lurk. the city for future generations. Under Soorley’s Soorley himself will benefit to the tune of Rambo-style of administration, so much was $33,000 even if the ratepayers do the right spent so quickly that $12m had to be thing and kick him out. Soorley is laughing all borrowed and, as a result, almost one-third of the way to the bank, because if he does the bushland levy is now burnt off each year in manage to ever get back into office, his unproductive interest payments. One-third of personal windfall from this ploy will have the bushland levy does not protect bushland jumped to $66,000. at all. It is simply consumed in the fires of debt stoked by Lord Mayor Soorley. Similarly, we As I have demonstrated, the State have seen Soorley running off to the money Government rhetoric on debt in Queensland is lenders to finance the purchase of the plaza dished up with great dollops of hypocrisy. We area adjacent to City Hall. Many would find have a State Treasurer so obsessed with the that a worthy cause, but few would follow Mr wild and profligate antics of Cain, Soorley and Soorley’s recipe to buy by borrowing every Tim Marcus-Clarke that he cannot see the real cent of the $15m needed to give the venture dangers confronting Queensland. The irony is the green light. that, where Soorley is concerned, the State Government has control. The State Similarly, Mr Soorley outspent the Government is in the box seat because it has ubiquitous drunken sailor when it came to the power to rein in Soorley and send a stern implementing the Liberal proposal to establish message to the electorate that wanton waste world-class refuse disposal and land-filling will not be tolerated. procedures in the city. This, of course, was the promise that Mr Soorley made—that he would Today, the Minister for Local Government never have a dump at Rochedale. He has before him the decision whether or not to reneged on that promise in his first week in approve the superannuation rorts of the Labor office. Waste management was what the Party at City Hall. I urge Minister Mackenroth proposal was all about. Quite rightly, the to simply reject the proposal—to give it short Liberals had put forward a carefully reasoned shrift. plan to invest in the future of our city. Waste If Aldermen Rae, Holliday and Abrahams was to be recycled, where possible, and the are duds and have been dropped from the rewards would be reaped over and over again. Labor preselection, then there is no reason Mr Soorley recognised the political value why these people should have an extra in the scheme, and it is no wonder that he payout deal and, indeed, why Soorley should kept it alive after gaining office—although that get more. There is no need for any deal that broke his promise. However, in his handling of will transfer $20,000 each to a group of Labor the project, Mr Soorley proved that he cares Party rejects and hacks. These three stooges much less about money management than were the victims of a vicious factional brawl, he does about political opportunities in waste and Soorley hopes to give them each a management. Once again, he was back off to $20,000 bandaid at taxpayers’ expense. He the money lenders for $60m faster than his hopes the payout will be sufficient to buy their little legs could carry him. silent departure. This added dimension, of course, is In March 1991, Soorley was fuelling nothing new to the Labor Party, but it is utterly claims of overexpenditure on the lurks and reprehensible. Amongst all of the politically perks of aldermen. Now he is at the head of motivated schemes of the Labor council, this the queue, doling out tens of thousands of one finally takes the personal political pay-dirt ratepayers’ dollars for political purposes and that so motivates politicians of Mr Soorley’s ilk. fighting to be first with his nose in the trough. This one outranks the $600,000 spent by There is no excuse for Minister Mackenroth to Soorley on the Livable City public relations approve the abuse of ratepayers’ funds now exercise, which was nothing more than a thinly endorsed by the Labor Lord Mayor. disguised pre-election Labor Party plug at Time expired. ratepayers’ expense. It blows away the breathtaking campaign of jobs for the boys. The Soorley scheme to which I refer is the Childhood Diseases Immunisation Program blatant manipulation of city council Mrs EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha) superannuation to provide a total of $60,000 (11.10 a.m.): Earlier this year, I was appalled to be wasted in a contemptible ploy to buy off to read a media report that I believe was so Legislative Assembly 5767 16 November 1993 selectively researched, inaccurate and alarmist of public health. Safe and effective vaccines that it constituted a serious danger to the are available for pertussis—which is whooping community. The main thrust of the article was cough—diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, that a program of vaccination of children was measles, mumps, rubella and, more recently, no longer necessary as the diseases that it hepatitis B and haemophilus influenza was designed to protect against were either type HIB—and I welcome recent moves by the minor childhood ailments or were virtually non- Federal and State Governments to make the existent. This article really concerned me, HIB vaccine free to all children under the age firstly, because it slammed the door on a of five years. program that has done more to reduce infant Despite this, in 1989, 2 403 hospital bed mortality and subsequently increase overall life days were used to treat people with vaccine- expectancy than has anything other than the preventable diseases in Queensland. discovery of antibiotics and, secondly, Pertussis accounted for 36 per cent, and because the basic assumption that the hepatitis B accounted for 24 per cent of this diseases are trivial or non-existent is just not total. Pertussis morbidity is highest among the true. The only reason that the presence of very young. In 1990, 661 bed days were used childhood diseases is reduced is mass to treat babies under one year old and a immunisation. further 114 bed days were used for children There is substantial evidence to show between one and two years of age. In 1993, a that, where immunisation programs fall apart, whooping cough epidemic resulted in 2 400 the incidence of those diseases again rapidly reported cases in Australia, which is five times increases. For example, in 1990 in the United the number of 1992 cases, and the highest States—following poor public awareness, the since 1978. I stress “reported cases” because lack of a definite program, and rapidly my daughter was one of them. The chest escalating costs of immunisation—there was a physician who confirmed that she had major measles epidemic of 30 000 reported pertussis also indicated that many general cases compared to 1 500 cases in 1983. practitioners no longer recognise whooping Similarly, the belief that polio had been cough as they have limited experience of it. In eradicated in Holland, with subsequent low particular, whooping cough has resulted from immunisation levels, was dispelled by the an unfortunate falling-off of vaccination rates, occurrence of a recent epidemic which was with less than 70 per cent being covered, believed to have originated in South East which is too low to reduce it spreading Asia. throughout the community. May I point out to those who believe that In the 1970s, there was widespread measles is just a minor childhood ailment that, concern that an adverse reaction to whooping over the last 10 years in Queensland, 22 cough vaccine could cause brain damage, children have died due to subacute even though the study that brought this to our scelerosing pan encephalitis. Measles also attention showed a severe adverse incidence frequently causes respiratory problems and of only one in 300 000 or more. This led to a middle ear infections, sometimes resulting in dramatic reduction in vaccination. Follow-up permanent hearing loss. studies in the United Kingdom highlighted that The National Health and Medical the increased incidence of severe whooping Research Council and the Public Health cough itself led not only to a number of Association have both expressed concern that deaths but also to the tragedy of brain- the levels of immunisation in Australia are damaged children. inadequate to control the acute preventable Subsequent lengthy longitudinal studies diseases of childhood and to give protection in Australia, the United Kingdom and the to those most vulnerable and who are not United States of America, where worst case able to be immunised, namely, very young scenarios were examined, showed that there infants, those who are immuno-compromised was a very, very small increase in brain and those who are extremely allergic to damage in children who had triple antigen vaccines. This is a double tragedy for the child vaccination, which includes whooping cough, and family who suffer that acute illness and compared to those who had the combined the possible long-term effects, and also for diphtheria-tetanus vaccination, CDT. While the public health services and Government most recent study again shows that there may because of the unnecessary burden of costs be a link, the increase is so small that a causal placed on them. link cannot really be shown. The national Immunisation is the single most cost- childhood encephalopathy study in the United efficient means available for the maintenance States showed that the benefits of protection by vaccine greatly outweighed the possibility 16 November 1993 5768 Legislative Assembly of risk to reaction, and that the pertussis In the past, there have been cases of vaccine was indeed very safe and effective. vaccinated children failing to produce sufficient Contrary to claims that the US is turning antibodies to render them immune and against immunisation programs, the Clinton contracting the disease, often in a milder form. administration is concerned about the This may have occurred because of problems resurgence of these diseases and has in shipping, storing or administering the legislated for a major and expensive vaccine. As part of the scheme to which I revamping of the system. have referred, extra information will be given As I stated earlier, there has been on these procedures, and readily available widespread medical concern at the decrease supplies should minimise both stale vaccines in immunisation of young children and the and wastage problems. Currently, wastage is views expressed in the Sunday Mail article, as in the order of 42 per cent. Savings in this well as the consequences they hold for the area will allow for extensions to the free health of young Australians and the costs to vaccine program. Initially, service providers will the health system. This has led to the be asked to record data on postage-paid formulation of a policy on childhood aerogram-style forms to minimise time and immunisation in Queensland of which I hope cost of this data collection to the general Cabinet will approve in the near future. The practitioner or other provider. policy has met with support, and sets out In the Brisbane North health region, the realistic vaccination targets in keeping with the scheme has been extended by a pilot NHMRC’s goals and world best practices. In program that also, with the mother’s recognising the importance of the agreement, allows an outreach program of immunisation program, the policy embodies reminders when vaccinations are overdue, as social justice principles that full protection well as a postcard on the baby’s first birthday against vaccine-preventable diseases be to remind the mother of the benefits of available to all children. The policy also vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella at recognises that vaccines should be part of an year one. Parents are also sent a fridge integrated health service that is culturally magnet that displays the immunisation appropriate for families, and that they should schedules. A major reason why children are be provided free of charge or at minimal cost. not being fully immunised is parent The overall aim is to eliminate the forgetfulness. I believe that that increases with incidence of measles, mumps, rubella and the number of children. It is easy to do things polio among Queensland children, and to by the book for the first child but, by the time ensure that the incidence of hepatitis B, the third child comes along, it is hard to tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and HIB remember who has had what and when, so I is rare among Queensland children. In know that mothers will welcome this reminder accordance with the NHMRC guidelines, the service. proposed targets, in summary, are that, by Civil liberty concerns regarding the 1994, 90 per cent of school-age children will database for immunisation have been be fully protected against diphtheria, tetanus, discussed with members of the Queensland whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and Council for Civil Liberties, who accept that the rubella and that, by the year 2000, more than database will receive total privacy, with access 90 per cent of two-year-olds will be fully only by parents and general practitioners. No protected against all vaccine-preventable individual names will be released for statistical diseases. This overall policy incorporates the or research purposes. newly implemented distribution and monitoring Early next year, I hope to see the scheme for vaccines in Queensland, which is introduction of a new, improved personal an Australian first. Queensland Heath will now health record for mothers of newborn arrange to have both State-funded and babies—paid for by the Golden Casket privately purchased children’s vaccines fund—to enable accurate records to be kept delivered free of charge to participating by the mother as well as give important child Queensland doctors and relevant authorities health information. This multi-pronged attack who still have immunisation programs. In on improving immunisation rates is well return, doctors and public sector service considered and has been well received, with providers are asked to provide individual support from the major medical groups. While specific vaccine usage information, enabling a it offers the long-term, cost-saving benefits of database to be collected to assist in good, primary health care, it can also reduce monitoring vaccine use, adverse reactions and the pain and suffering incurred unnecessarily vaccine failures. by children, by reduced compliance. There will always be a very tiny minority of children who Legislative Assembly 5769 16 November 1993 are unable to be fully immunised, such as my wealthy man. Is it the same Dr Emerson who own, because of severe allergic reactions. is a card-holding member of the ALP; who However, improved community compliance recently bought a house in Mary Crawford’s also protects those children by reducing the seat of Forde; who attends ALP meetings with spread of highly infectious diseases. Having an eye to the future—Mary Crawford’s seat? Is watched helplessly as, for weeks, my healthy it the same Dr who is so close 12-year-old with whooping cough struggled to to Hawke that, according to reports, Hawke breathe, I can realise how much more once claimed that he did not rest at night distressing it must be to watch a wee one. The unless Craig was in the next room? It is the program is realistic. same Craig Emerson that Hawke supposedly Time expired. told Pat Comben to take on. Dr Emerson was appointed Director- General of Environment and Heritage in Dr C. Emerson September 1990. He is an ALP hack from Mr SLACK (Burnett) (11.20 a.m.): I am Victoria who migrated north when he found pleased to see that the Minister for that the gravy train had moved to Environment and Heritage is present. No Queensland. He is another of the inner circle doubt, all members have received an of the Goss/AWU faction, along with Kevin invitation to a 2020 Vision forum. Naturally, Rudd and David Barbagello. members would be curious as to what 2020 Mr Budd: Wrong. Vision is about. It sounds wonderful— Mr SLACK: The honourable member’s “A National project convened in mates told me about this. These are people Brisbane on the basis that gravitational who are paid huge salaries as supposed shifts from the southern States to independent bureaucrats but, in effect, are Brisbane will make Brisbane a leading city ALP hacks who devote much of their time to for defining the Nation’s future”. ALP business. Of course, Emmerson’s wife, That is according to convenor, Craig Cathy Hudson, has been such an asset in the Emerson. Emerson goes on to say in his Office of the Cabinet—friends in high places, covering letter— wheels within wheels. Emmerson’s up-front “It— position in organising these non-political 2020 forums would not do any harm in raising his the forum— profile for his assault on Mary Crawford, the “provides an opportunity for Australians genuinely independent ALP member for from all backgrounds to have a say in Forde. She really should go because, firstly, shaping our country’s future.” she is independent; and, secondly, she The invitation, signed by Craig Emerson, backed Keating when Swan, Goss and states— company backed Hawke. Who better than Hawke’s friend, the compliant, ambitious Dr “I am convening 2020 Vision in a Emerson, to oust Mary, particularly as ALP private capacity. 2020 is non-political and organiser and Goss/AWU-backed faction non-profit making.” member Nicole Stehn had failed. So In a newspaper report, Ms Fleur Emerson, who has a better profile, should Kingham, partner of David Barbagello in succeed. ’s office, is credited with jointly As I said, this same Dr Emerson is also launching 2020 with Emerson. Surprise, Director-General of the Department of surprise, the first speaker is . Who Environment and Heritage. So much for the is this non-political, public-minded fellow with doctrine of the separation of powers between an eye to the future? Would members believe the Executive and public service that the ALP that he is none other than Dr Craig Emerson, Government so righteously espoused! The Director-General of the Department of political affiliation and activities of its Director- Environment and Heritage who, incidentally, General cannot lead any fair-minded person gives his work number as the contact number to believe that the Department of Environment for the purchase of tickets for those wishing to and Heritage is politically independent of the attend his non-political forum. ALP Minister. Obviously, we would be forgiven It would be interesting to know where the for expecting that the Department of funds came from to put all this together. If one Environment and Heritage would benefit from looks at the brochure and invitation, one the expertise that such a high-quality, well would see that it would be quite expensive, thought of person would have brought to the and I do not think that Dr Emerson is a 16 November 1993 5770 Legislative Assembly position of Director-General. The question is: “Claims new environmental has it? legislation would improve the situation What better reference to use as a basis were simply fallacious, since the intrinsic for that evaluation than an internal organisational factors necessary for environment program evaluation report programme performance are not in prepared in 1992 by officers of the place.” department. I turn to the report, which states Having quoted from the report, I will table it. that, even though staff and budget had Ms Robson interjected. increased dramatically, sections of the pollution branch were “inefficient and Mr SLACK: The Minister has this ineffective”. In effect, the Environment afternoon during which to speak. Department’s policing of air, noise and water There is no doubt that the report is a pollution regulations had virtually stopped after damning indictment on the management of the Goss Government came to power. It is the department, for which Dr Emerson, the interesting to note that in 1988-89, when the Minister, the Honourable Molly Robson and National Party was in Government, 1 100 previous Environment and Heritage Minister, inspections were carried out, yet between Pat Comben, must be found wanting. They 1989 and 1992, when investigations for this should take responsibility for the shambles. report were carried out, no visits to premises The Minister should have taken the step of licensed to deal with water polluting materials dismissing her director-general when such a occurred. In the past two to three years, report came to her attention, or is it a case of checks on industry compliance with pollution internal party political considerations laws were poor, and the report stated— outweighing her responsibilities as Minister? “In fact routine compliance auditing The Minister may claim that the report in South East Queensland is almost non- was acted upon by the production of an existent.” amended report, the propriety of which has to The report had this to say about licensing— be questioned, plus the convenient production of a bland follow-up report that states that “Quite simply, there are no valid everything is now rosy in the garden. How operational procedures for licence convenient! The facts are that everything in issuance—outlining licence conditions— the garden does not smell like roses. No none for enforcement.” amount of subsequent reports, environmental The report also states that the licensing protection legislation or talking on the part of section was falling apart at the seams, and the Minister will erase the evidence of that the inspectorate staff were disillusioned dereliction of duty by her and her and underresourced. The report made the departmental head. As shown in the report, observation that the licensing section received the maladministration of that department more than $6m in licence fees for handling demonstrates clearly that their environmental hazardous materials, but did not police the protection responsibilities were not attended licences. I note that, at the end of the first to. How could they be, when the high-flying report, which was subsequently altered—I director-general has been preoccupied with his wonder why—it gives three choices— ALP political ambitions? The evidence of the (i) do nothing and become extinct; power-play machinations of this top bureaucrat and the findings of the Minister’s (ii) adopt the suggestions for own officers, the authors of the report, show improvement proposed in this report clearly that Dr Emerson is not an appropriate and then sit back and do nothing; or person to head a department that needs the (iii) establish employee task forces to full-time attention of its director-general. use this report as a basis for It remains to be seen what are the CJC exploring, designing and findings in response to the allegation of illegal implementing better ideas for dumping of toxic waste. However, given the program improvement. nature of the report I tabled, the daily It also makes an observation which is revelations about problems at Willawong to particularly relevant when, ironically, the which I will refer this afternoon—and I am sure Minister announced her environmental that the Minister is aware of the recent protest protection legislation on the first day of the meeting held on the steps of Parliament CJC public hearing into the illegal dumping of House—and a probable adverse CJC finding, toxic waste. The report states— then I believe that, if the Government’s espoused commitment to ministerial responsibility and accountability is to have any Legislative Assembly 5771 16 November 1993 credence whatsoever, the Minister and her issue. As part of its social justice agenda, this director-general have no choice other than to Government places a high level of importance resign. After all, the Minister’s own on assisting groups with specific needs to gain environment protection legislation proposes to access to vocational education and training to hold company directors responsible for the develop skills which will assist their entry into action of the company’s employees. Surely, the workplace. that should apply equally to Ministers and their Gender equity is another important issue directors-general. I have no doubt that the on the Government’s agenda. Under its equity Minister has been the cartoon that appeared program in TAFE-TEQ, young women are approximately two weeks ago in the Brisbane encouraged to enter a wide range of non- Weekend Times. It is notable for what it says. traditional trade areas, such as bricklaying, It is by Moir. The cartoon states— carpentry, welding or spray-painting. In the “Emerson . . . you’re inconsistent, past four years, more than 15 000 young your language is foul, your memory is women have been given a taste of what it short and your economics abysmal . . . would be like to work in a male-dominated why don’t you try politics . . .?” trade, thanks to the Tradeswomen on the Ms Robson: You’ve got the wrong Move project. Through this scheme, Emerson, mate. professional tradeswomen visit schools throughout the State to talk to students about Mr SLACK: It fits. The Minister should pursuing trade careers. In 1992-93, almost wear it. 4 500 girls in 95 schools throughout Queensland participated in these workshops. Tradeswomen on the Move Project One of those schools, I am proud to say, was Mansfield State Primary School, where girls Ms POWER (Mansfield) (11.29 a.m.): It is were encouraged to consider careers in the well recognised that Queensland has the most trades by the team of tradeswomen who segregated work force of all the work forces in visited on Wednesday, 15 September. the Australian States. Despite the growing number of females in the labour force, they The Tradeswomen on the Move project continue to be segregated in traditional was first conducted in Queensland in 1989 on employment areas. According to ABS figures a very small scale. But in 1990, I was proud to of 1990, an analysis of occupational groups be one of the many women who attended the reveals that Queensland women are Statewide launch by the then Minister, the concentrated in the three main categories of Honourable Nev Warburton. Since that clerical, at 79.21 per cent; service, sport and time—five years ago—it has certainly grown recreation, at 69.09 per cent; and considerably. This year alone it has gone to salespersons, at 57.48 per cent. the peninsula, the north, the north west, the Representation of women in the trades was south west, the Sunshine Coast and the only 12.09 per cent. metropolitan area. In 1988-89, Queensland’s apprenticeship Although the project has been under way commencements included a 14.5 per cent for the past five years, women are still female intake, compared with an intake of unrepresented in non-traditional trades and 12.6 per cent nationally. The 92.6 per cent of courses in TAFE. Current apprentice statistics female apprenticeships that were commenced show that 4.7 per cent of all apprentices, were in the food industry—mainly cooking— excluding hairdressers, are female. This and other categories, mostly in hairdressing. increase is despite an overall decline in the This compares with 89.2 per cent nationally. total number of apprentices. Currently, only These trade categories make up 31.2 per 2.5 per cent of students in the certificate of cent—not quite a third—of Queensland’s total engineering and construction course are apprenticeship commencements. In 1986, 24 women. The Tradeswomen on the Move per cent of males held a trade certificate project allows girls to broaden their horizons in compared with 10 per cent of females. relation to their job opportunities, especially in the trades, if selecting an apprenticeship. This As I have said in this House before, year, the types of apprenticeships, or work, educational qualifications and skills developed shown to the girls in the area included graphic through training are important indicators of the reproduction, motor mechanics, electrical socioeconomic circumstances of Queensland mechanics, butchery, dental technique, women. The statistics that I have outlined carpentry and boilermaking. above indicate the need for Governments to be responsive to these situations and to The message that the team takes around develop programs that address the specific to schools is that jobs do not have a gender, 16 November 1993 5772 Legislative Assembly and that young women should not let returned after the visit. Mansfield State outdated notions about a woman’s place in Primary School, in my electorate, is what society limit their career choices. Young people would call “middle class”. Most of the women should be considering all areas of job children come from the nice two-storey brick opportunities and keeping their options open. homes. Traditionally, those girls would The tradeswomen talk to girls and boys about perceive themselves as going into the the skills they may need and give them traditional women’s areas. There is also a hands-on experience at some of the trades. population of children from a non-English- This year, the program has focused on Years speaking background, as well as some 6 to 8. Girls in this age bracket are more children from some of the less well-off areas. accepting of the idea of working in areas that So there is a broad cross-section. On the once were considered to be a solely male surface, it appears as though it probably offers domain and are also less likely to be affected a better standard than some other schools by the kind of peer pressure which might might appear to offer. I had a good chance to colour their career choices when they are look at the students’ responses. It was older. If they decide to pursue a trade career, interesting to note that of the 27 children in they are also still young enough to gear their the one class that I spoke to—15 boys and 12 high school study programs towards trade girls attended the lesson—13 of those children employment. had no idea what a trade was prior to this As well as focusing on girls in the Years 6 activity. It was also interesting to note that all to 8 bracket, the other strong emphasis of the of the students bar one felt that girls had the Tradeswomen on the Move project is on girls right to do a trade and to keep their options in isolated areas of Queensland’s far north, open for work. The only one who did not was north west and south west. a male! Mr Johnson: What about the central Another interesting thing that came out of west? the questionnaires was that most of the children had not really decided on a career at Ms POWER: I think it was included in the that stage. Some had ideas of being football broad meaning. One of the problems for stars or rock stars, but not many of them had women and girls who decide to take on a seriously considered being a doctor, a lawyer trade is actually getting the hands-on work or an Indian chief. I recommend to members experience needed to qualify in that trade that they become involved in the area. This year, the department has Tradeswomen on the Move project. They developed a women in industry register. As I should seek to have it at the schools in their mentioned last week, about 700 employers in electorates. They should listen to the the State have been listed on this register, responses from the children. It is highly offering schoolgirls and female TAFE students commendable. The responses that I have work experience in non-traditional trades. I heard from around the State from schools, again urge more employers to consider joining students and teachers, and also from the register to give women and girls this employers and the TAFE colleges, have been opportunity to try their hand at various trades. very positive. As they travel around the State, the If we are to be serious about equity and Tradeswomen on the Move team has been about everybody having real choices, this advising the schools and colleges of this new project should be commended for obtaining register. TAFE-TEQ has improved its image these goals. In conclusion, I reiterate the hint over the last few years and is presenting itself given by the Minister, the Honourable Matt as an innovative, up-and-coming alternative Foley, to girls, that is, try a trade as a career for post-school education. The progressive option. nature of Tradeswomen on the Move sits comfortably with those changes. It is an excellent promotional vehicle, and it Queensland Rail Task Force encourages employers to be involved. Mr JOHNSON (Gregory) (11.38 a.m.): In the next few minutes, I would like to Today, I want to speak on the findings and refer to Mansfield State Primary School. As I the revelations of the Queensland Rail Task mentioned earlier, it was one of the schools Force. In a statement to the people of visited by the Tradeswomen on the Move Queensland yesterday, the Premier said— team. I was happy to talk to some of the “I promised we would listen and we people at that school who were involved, and I have listened. I promised the had a look at the questionnaires that they communities they could have their say. Legislative Assembly 5773 16 November 1993

They have had their say and we have used to their full potential. However, at the acted on it. It is now up to local same time, Queensland Rail has to do some communities to justify the retention of the homework. It has to get the planning, the lines which Cabinet has decided to keep development and the marketing right. I open on recommendations of the commend Trevor Campbell from the Public Taskforce.” Transport Union for the marvellous work that He also went on to say, “Use it or lose it.” Is he has done on the Rail Task Force. He was this applicable only to Queensland Rail? Or is one of the guts men who stood up and said, it applicable to other important Government “The business of closing down lines without infrastructure within this State? I urge the consultation with the public is not on.” Trevor people of Queensland to keep up their guard. Campbell has worked in those regions—as have some of the other people on the task Firstly, I want to make mention of the force—and he knows full well that such a Jericho-Blackall-Yaraka line in western decision cannot be reached in five minutes. I Queensland. I will elaborate on each line in bet that in some cases Trevor Campbell and turn as I go. On the Jericho-Yaraka line, the other members of the task force would like representatives of the Queensland Livestock to see the six-month reprieve extended. Export Company have been given an ultimatum virtually to come up with the goods Mr T. B. Sullivan: It is. Read the in six months or see the line close. What a decision. standover tactic that is! Mr JOHNSON: I take the interjection from We are in the middle of the worst drought the member for Chermside. I have read the in living memory since white man came to this decision. However, this morning’s Courier-Mail country some 200 years ago—the saga goes contradicts that document. It states that the on—and we are giving the people of central Inglewood-Texas line will be closed, but it will Queensland six months to come up with the not be ripped up. If in 12 months’ time it can goods or else lose their railway infrastructure. be proven that the agricultural demand can This is a sham. I am urging the Deputy sustain a rail service, the line will remain open. Premier, the Minister for Transport and the It is totally contradictory. If the live export task force to give these people a further stay producers of Blackall do not come up with the of execution. That is virtually what this is—a goods, the future of that line will be stay of execution. The people who have had jeopardised. I urge this Government to ensure their lines mothballed are in a better situation that support for the retention of that than the people on the Hughenden-Winton infrastructure is forthcoming. line and the Jericho-Yaraka line. Those people My colleague the member for Tablelands whose lines will be mothballed know that they referred to the reprieve for the Atherton- will not be torn up; they know that they will be Mareeba line and the temporary reprieve for there, if the occasion does arise to reuse the Mareeba-Forsayth line and the Almaden- those lines. Mungana line. As the member for Tablelands Even under normal seasonal conditions, pointed out, that reprieve is only temporary. it will take two to three years before those Some of those lines have been given six producers reach maximum capacity. That months. Members know full well that, over the applies to every sector of the industry—cattle next three to five years, the South Johnstone farmers, wool growers, grain producers on the mill wants to develop a 300 000-tonne downs, or sugar and grain producers in the industry around Atherton and west to Innot central and northern regions of Queensland. Hot Springs. If the railway line is not available There has been total disregard for the people to carry that produce, B-doubles will have to of those regions. Yaraka will face total demise. be used. If that occurs, there will be 20 000 The school will go; the police will go; the hotel single vehicle movements over five months in will go; and the store will go. I feel for the the area, consisting of 10 000 loaded people who own those businesses. They know movements and 10 000 unloaded that, six months down the track, they will no movements on the return journey. That will longer have a business. lead to a further compounding of the road infrastructure problem in that part of the State. I urge Government members to show Those 20 000 vehicle movements could be some compassion and give the producers in serviced by 300 one-way train movements. those regions at least three years to prove Such train movements would ease strain on their worth. I ask the Government to wait until the already overloaded road system in the normal seasonal conditions apply so that region. those producers can achieve maximum capacity. If that occurs, the railways will be 16 November 1993 5774 Legislative Assembly

As well, over the next couple of years, the for them to recover. As the Minister is aware, Mulgrave mill wanted to develop a 250 000- those people shear their sheep only once a tonne industry in the region. But QR will not year. quote on the movement of that sugar. The In closing, I urge the members of the task producers do not want to move the product by force to give the people of those regions a road, so they have no alternative other than stay of execution of at least three years rather not to proceed with that development than six months. Six months is a totally program. The Government claims constantly unrealistic and unfair time span. The that it encourages development in this State. producers in those regions cannot regroup The truth is that it is totally against and put in place the necessary groundwork in development. As well, the Government is that time. I think that everybody would selling out its own people. It has total acknowledge that fact. disregard for the people who work for Queensland Rail. This morning, the Minister for Transport sidestepped a question on the Unemployment redundancies and retrenchments of QR Mr ROBERTSON (Sunnybank) personnel. The people of QR know the real (11.48 a.m.): The recent Estimates debate on truth and what the future holds for them. An the Department of Employment, Vocational agenda of stealth has been dealt out not by Education, Training and Industrial Relations the Government but by the board that it highlighted how moribund this Opposition is appointed to act as its mouthpiece. when it comes to positive ideas and proposals Mr Foley interjected. to reduce the level of unemployment in this Mr JOHNSON: The Minister for State. It is significant that no criticism was Employment, Training and Industrial Relations made by the Opposition of this Labor may interject, but he is a Minister of this Government’s $150m Jobs Plan—a plan that Government. It is about time the Government is succeeding in getting people back to work in started making decisions and not appointing this State. In spite of the success of the Jobs committees to make decisions for it. The Plan, any responsible Government should not Government was elected to make decisions; be prepared to sit back and rest on its laurels the committees were not. As Ian Macfarlane on the issue of unemployment. That is why of the Graingrowers Association said, this is the Federal Labor caucus recently released the worst situation in four years. It is basically submission to the Prime Minister’s expert the only time a decision has been made committee on the future of unemployment is without consultation. The Government such an important contribution to the mucked it up, so it had to form a committee to unemployment debate. consider the matter on its behalf. Mr That submission contains a number of Macfarlane also stated that, if the interesting proposals on how to tackle the Government makes only one more blunder in ongoing problem of unemployment, the next four years, that will be pretty good. containing as it does observations and ideas How many committees has the Government that deserve close scrutiny by governments at formed in the last four years to run this State? all levels. It also provides a barometer on how I turn to cost recovery on the Brisbane this State Labor Government is performing in urban railway system. It is subsidised to the meeting the unemployment challenge. The tune of $300,000 a day. I ask the Minister for Federal caucus report highlights correctly that Employment, Training and Industrial Relations there is no one solution to the unemployment to ask his Cabinet colleague the Minister for problem in Australia and that economic growth Transport to provide the cost recovery figures by itself is not enough to solve the on the Brisbane urban railway system. What is unemployment problem, particularly long-term the percentage per head of population? The unemployment. For example, between 1983 Minister for Employment, Training and and 1989, almost 1.6 million new jobs were Industrial Relations cannot answer that inquiry created, but the number of people registered and he does not like me raising that matter. as long-term unemployed fell by only 90 000. The truth is that the Brisbane urban railway The problem is that whilst economic growth system is subsidised to the tune of $108m a and sound Government policies create jobs, year, yet this Government wants to kick the these jobs do not necessarily go to the people of western and northern Queensland unemployed. Therefore, the economically and in the guts when they are facing the worst socially destructive unemployment cycle, that drought in living memory. This Government so many Australians are currently trapped in, wants to take away their railway facility in six is not broken. months’ time. Six months is too short a time Legislative Assembly 5775 16 November 1993

The central recommendation of the report Nevertheless, as I mentioned earlier, we is that ways must be found in the short term to should study these recommendations to dramatically reduce the numbers of long-term reassess our own performance in a number of unemployed to the maximum extent possible areas to ensure that we are always doing the and to aim for levels of less than 6 per cent. best we possibly can to contribute to the Importantly, the caucus report reduction in unemployment. recommends building a more active industry In particular, a review of Government policy targeted at export enhancement, purchasing policies, combined with an industry investment and import replacement expansion of current capital works programs at as a means to stimulate long-term economic both State Government and local government growth. To this end, the report suggested that levels may provide further opportunities to there is a need for cultural change within our reduce unemployment. Both of these banking system to address the problem which initiatives can be combined with our ongoing Australian companies, particularly small and commitment to the protection of the medium-sized ones, have in getting access to environment and the development of capital for investment purposes. environmental industries in Queensland. There is also a need to introduce The caucus report highlights that measures to provide development capital to environmental industries such as waste small and medium-size enterprises and to management, renewable energy products and encourage investment in productive areas of services, pollution abatement, transport— the economy. Specific initiatives could include particularly rail and light rail—forestry and arrangements to facilitate banks lending to conservation, including ecotourism, agricultural small firms, specific investment saving land rehabilitation and environmental research accounts with favoured tax treatment, and and development, have been identified as increasing above 12.5 per cent the equity areas for potential job opportunities. The which banks may hold in businesses to which OECD has estimated international trade in the they are lending. environment industry currently at Language training in schools, particularly approximately $200 billion a year, growing at Asian languages, is seen as an important tool 5 per cent to 7 per cent annually, to reach for export enhancement. To this end, this around $300 billion by the year 2000. Labor Government’s successful Language Currently, Australia only holds a tiny fraction of Other Than English Program in our schools is international environmental trade, with annual responding to this challenge. The report exports of environmental technology totalling observes that there is a growing body of $200m, with imports of environmental expert opinion which suggests that English is technology, equipment and services not the language of business in North and estimated to be around $1 billion. Meanwhile, South East Asia. The economies in this region the USA, Japan and Germany have all are becoming increasingly interdependent, targeted the environmental industry and generating their own sources of economic technology for employment opportunities. If growth, and correspondingly less dependent the fundamental question to be answered by on trade outside the region. In these Governments at all levels is where job growth circumstances, it is the languages of the can be enhanced, then we should be looking region that are becoming the primary means very closely at environmental industries as an of communication for business. Therefore, an important part of any push towards import inability by Australian exporters to Asia to replacement and export enhancement. conduct business in the languages and For example, the report notes that understand the societies of the region must Australia has the potential to be a world leader be a significant constraint on doing business and major exporter of manufactured solar in these markets. thermal technology and that a move to solar The report also recommends the energy on a larger scale would create jobs. It acknowledgment and exploration of the is estimated that increasing usage of solar potential of domestic and export energy in Queensland from the current 6 per environmental industries to generate job cent to 25 per cent would create directly 1 500 growth. In Queensland, we have already new jobs and a similar number of indirect jobs. accepted the challenge in a number of these The refocusing of the development of our areas, particularly with the State Government’s transport system also has the potential to recent Budget, its $150m Jobs Plan and, in generate additional jobs. particular, its ongoing commitment to the The report highlights the results of a successful LOTE Program in our schools. recent German study which showed that the 16 November 1993 5776 Legislative Assembly spending of one billion deutschmarks on road this House, by the Premier, of the annual construction created fewer jobs—14 000 to report of the Bikeways Project Board is just 19 000—than the same expenditure on light one of many examples of such projects that rail, which created 23 000 jobs and, on heavy are already in place in Queensland. rail, 22 000 jobs. In Queensland, we already I have outlined in the House today some know that enormous potential exists for the of the many recommendations arising out of export of cost-efficient urban transport the Federal Labor caucus task force systems in our region. The Minister for submission to the Prime Minister’s Expert Transport’s recent successful trip to Vietnam Committee on the Future of Employment and highlights the export potential of our Unemployment. As I have already said, many passenger transport industry. of these recommendations apply equally to Waste management is another area State Government and local government. where employment can be created. Even though this Labor State Government Compared with incineration and land filling, has recently brought down a Budget recycling offers more employment and is committed to expanding employment cheaper, due to its much lower capital cost, opportunities in Queensland, this report and the jobs are permanent in both operation should be closely studied to ensure that we and maintenance activities. are doing everything we possibly can to The report also recommends a review of ensure that every Queenslander has an Government purchasing policies to maximise opportunity to gain meaningful employment consumption of Australian manufactured and contribute to the development of this products. This recommendation has received great State. a great deal of attention in the media lately Time expired. due to investigations by the Labor member for Brisbane, Mr Bevis, highlighting the inconsistencies of purchasing in the Federal Brisbane City Council public sector. The committee recommended Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central) that the practical application of Government (11.58 a.m.): I rise today to make some purchasing policies should be reviewed to comments on the attack that the honourable maximise consumption of Australian products, member for Caloundra made on the Brisbane provided this does not become a mechanism City Council. She misled the House in terms of for protecting domestic industries from the information she provided. The blunt reality international competition. is that the Brisbane City Council’s interest The task force recommends that an cover ratio—that is, the ability to repay effective way of ensuring that Government debts—is the second best in Australia behind purchasing policy takes sufficient account of the Queensland Government. That is a proud industry policy is to place an onus on record of achievement. It is better than the Government purchasing officers to explain or Liberal States of Western Australia, New justify decisions not to purchase Australian- South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and the made. It also recommends establishing a coalition in the Northern Territory. So she parliamentary committee with an industry should not come into this House and try and focus to conduct, at random, annual audits of be half smart about the finances of the Government purchasing decisions. The Brisbane City Council. That is not all. The reinstatement of local government capital debts now at a Brisbane City Council level are works programs, together with an ongoing no more in real terms than what they were in infrastructure spending program on national 1969 under a Clem Jones-led council. The projects that provide long-term benefits, is also former Liberal Lord Mayor, Sallyanne recommended. The report recommends the Atkinson, runs around saying how friendly she continuation and expansion of local is with Clem Jones. That is how the figures government capital works programs, and the stack up. Landcare and environmental program would The second point is that this year, in the produce real benefits in reducing Brisbane City Council budget, the council unemployment. borrowed $60m. That is the lowest borrowing Similar initiatives at the State level have in real terms for 20 years. It is also lower than received ongoing support in the recent Goss it was when the Liberal Party was at City Hall. Labor Government’s Budget, with increased It had a disgraceful track record. funding being provided for the employment The member for Caloundra made and training of young people on environment reference to the environmental levy that conservation projects. The recent tabling in Sallyanne Atkinson started. It was a token Legislative Assembly 5777 16 November 1993 effort under the Liberal administration. All it did It is clear that the true potential of was buy a little bit of land at Mount Coot-tha. Queensland’s business and industry sectors is However, under this administration substantive yet to be fully realised. Just one example of amounts of money are going into this huge potential can be seen in the central environmental protection and a substantive Queensland operations of Comalco Limited, effort is being made to do something about an international leader in the aluminium recycling and protecting the environment. Jim industry, and the Queensland Metals Soorley actually puts his money where his Corporation, which is becoming an mouth is. He and his council are doing increasingly significant player in the constructive things. He is not only running this magnesium industry. The development and city effectively financially, but he is also doing growth of these companies, supported by something constructive with this levy. research assistance from the Queensland The other thing I want to say is what an Centre for Advanced Technologies at Pinjarra absolute hide the member for Caloundra has Hills—for which DBIRD has provided a range to come in here and talk about faction fights of assistance—provides the foundation for within the Labor Party, when the party she Gladstone’s exciting future as the light metals belongs to had the biggest brawl imaginable capital of the Asia-Pacific region. The Goss in Kalinga and Hamilton where Carol Government is actively promoting the Cashman got done. What is Cashman going development of these value-adding industries, to do? They tell me she is applying for a job at which have the potential to supply light metals Liberal Party headquarters. She got done, as which will be in strong worldwide demand for did Jane Prentice in Toowong. They are tomorrow’s fuel efficient vehicles. bleeding. They are bleeding in the gutters at It is widely acknowledged that Liberal Party headquarters. Queensland will be the growth State of Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for Australia for the twenty-first century. I want to matters of public interest has now expired. begin this afternoon’s debate by having a quick look at the present strength of Queensland’s business and industry sectors. APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 2) Late last year, the Business Econometrics and Resumption of Committee Forecasting Group—based at the University of New South Wales—issued a survey of Debate resumed from 12 November (see economists’ perceptions of business and p. 5752) on Schedule 1— economic performance in the Australian States. A panel of 32 economic forecasters Minister for Business, Industry and selected from the finance industry, consulting Regional Development and the public sector found Queensland to have the strongest overall prospects for Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba— Minister economic growth. For example, the median for Business, Industry and Regional forecast value for the Queensland Gross State Development) (12 noon): My portfolio provides Product, or GSP, for 1993-94 is expected to an excellent model of how the public and grow by 4 per cent—1.1 percentage points private sectors can work effectively together to above the national average—with promote economic growth. The successful employment growth for 1993-94 at 2 per partnership of the Department of Business, cent—1 percentage point above the national Industry and Regional Development, the average. The National Institute for Economic Queensland Small Business Corporation and and Industry Research in Victoria confirms this the Industry Search and Opportunities Office strong projected growth rate for our State with the private sector again demonstrates economy. that the Goss Government is fully committed to promoting growth in the Queensland Queensland’s GSP growth in 1993-94 is economy. There is no doubt in my mind that forecast to be 4.2 per cent—0.8 percentage DBIRD, in particular, is earning a reputation as points above the forecast national growth rate. a pacesetter in assisting the private sector to On an industry basis, manufacturing develop this State to its full economic contributes strongly to this projected outcome, potential. In saying this, I also clearly growing at 5.7 per cent, with all other sectors, acknowledge the determination and hard work including mining, construction and the tertiary of many Queensland firms which, more and sectors all growing strongly. According to the more, are committed to seeing the world, and National Institute for Economic and Industry not just Australia, as their market place. Research, Queensland’s share of the gross domestic product, or GDP, is expected to grow by 1.3 percentage points over the next two 16 November 1993 5778 Legislative Assembly years. By way of comparison, Western plant and other projects in the non-metallic Australia’s share is expected to grow by 0.95 minerals and chemicals sectors. percentage points, and New South Wales, by The National Institute for Economic and only 0.01 percentage points. All other States Industry Research shows Queensland as the are forecast to lose GDP share. In comparing leading State in industry value-added actual economic performance for 1992-93, projections for 1993-95. The Queensland real GSP in Queensland increased by 5.4 per compound growth rate is projected to be 4.37 cent, compared with a national economic per cent, compared with Western Australia growth for the rest of Australia of just 1.9 per with 4.01 per cent, New South Wales with cent. 3.04 per cent, Victoria with 2.48 per cent, and A range of independent indicators South Australia with 2.1 per cent. In terms of highlights Queensland’s favourable business employment and contribution to GSP, the environment. For example, data from the services sector is the largest sector of the Queensland Department of Consumer Affairs Queensland economy, accounting for almost confirms that new business name registrations 80 per cent of GSP. From 1988-89 to 1992- are 15.1 per cent higher than a year ago. A 93, employment in Queensland’s services record number of new businesses started up sector increased by 8.4 per cent, compared in the last financial year. A total of 34 672 new with a national average of 4.2 per cent. businesses were registered in 1992-93, which Significantly, small business employment now represents an increase of more than 5 000, or accounts for 57.3 per cent of private sector 17 per cent, on the previous year. The Ernst employment. This sector now employs more and Young indicator of corporate liquidations, than 447 000 people. Manufacturing the Business Stress Index, as it is known, employment in Queensland has risen from revealed a 30 per cent decrease in stress 135 000 in 1989 to 170 000 in 1992-93. This sales on levels of a year ago. growth in the number of people employed in The Australian Bureau of Statistics the manufacturing sector translates to a Labour Force figures show the annual particularly stable base in value-added employment growth of 1.6 per cent in industries in the future. Queensland is still well above the national rate According to the Australian Bureau of of 1.1 per cent. The Australian Chamber of Statistics’ seasonally adjusted figures, Commerce and Industry/Westpac Survey of Queensland has made a major impact on net Industrial Trends shows manufacturing output Australian employment over the past three to have improved significantly in Queensland years—contributing some 20 200 jobs in the and that survey respondents expect a year to September 1993. This contribution of continuation of the improvement in output 20.9 per cent of Australian employment growth through 1993-94. growth is still way out of proportion to Queensland Treasury figures indicate that Queensland’s 15.9 per cent of the Australian private business investment was 1.4 per cent economy. However, as the Queensland higher during 1992-93 than figures of a year Treasurer stated again last week, as fast as ago. The National Institute for Economic and we create those jobs, interstate arrivals—that Industry Research expects private business is, people looking for work—not retirees, are investment in Queensland to grow by 8.14 per flooding in to fill these places. cent in 1993-94, with a compound growth rate More and more Australians are voting of 17.5 per cent over the period 1993-95. This with their feet to become part of Queensland’s shows Queensland entering the latter part of growth story. This was underscored last week the 1990s in a strong position, as it is by far by the release by the national accounting firm the highest compound growth rate in business Coopers and Lybrand of a report which investment of all the Australian States—2.9 highlighted this “sun belt” growth. The report per cent more growth than that in Victoria, notes that between July 1991 and June 1992, which has the second-highest projected Brisbane’s population increased by 27 500 to growth rate of 14.6 per cent. The projected reach 1.38 million—making it the nation’s growth in private business investment reflects fastest-growing city. Across Queensland, the a strong profile for manufacturing investment population increased by 69 500, or 2.3 per and a recovery in tertiary investment in 1994- cent, compared with the national average of 95. Numerous manufacturing projects support 1.1 per cent. This brief overview, which I have the underlying level of manufacturing given the Committee this afternoon, strongly investment through this period, including the reinforces the point that Queensland’s Gladstone special steel project, expansions at business and industry sectors are healthy and Boyne Island, ICI’s recently announced growing. It is in this context that DBIRD multimillion-dollar extension to its cyanide provides its services, which are targeted to Legislative Assembly 5779 16 November 1993 give business and industry an effective hand illustrated by the 141 projects which were up, not a hand out. One reason for the supported during 1992-93. These diverse success of the department rests in its successful projects include a chicken businesslike approach and its accessibility processing facility, which in the long term will through 12 regional offices to its wide client create directly and indirectly some 200 jobs on base. The department’s regional staff are the Atherton Tableland, to service a North maximising the amount of time spent in the Queensland market previously supplied from field and are expected to take on a high the south; a synthetic grass surface profile role, consistent with the objectives of rejuvenation project in Ipswich, to employ six DBIRD, within local communities. people in the short term; and an oilseed plant The need for State Government services at Dalby to employ 12 people. Other projects to be accessible to small business is equally include a stockfeed plant at Emerald now important. During 1992-93, the Queensland employing six people, a dried fruit plant at Small Business Corporation directly and Tully to employ eight people and a tropical indirectly assisted an estimated 7 481 existing hardwoods replenishment project in Douglas business owners and about 10 per cent of Shire employing 100 people. This is a good new business starters. In the same period, the example of the way this Government works Industry Search and Opportunities Office, or with the private sector to develop industry and ISO, which seeks to redirect imports into local create jobs. production, handled an estimated 600 Another good example of the pro-active inquiries. approach of DBIRD can be found in its It is a policy within my portfolio that any commitment to improving the business major business proponent, who has a environment in Queensland through the competent business plan in place, will, under elimination of unnecessary Government red most circumstances, have access to the tape. Since its formation in 1991, the Director-General, Mr Ron Boyle, or his senior Business Regulation Review Unit has made staff within hours and certainly to myself within significant progress in reducing and removing a matter of days. Improved accessibility has Queensland’s Acts and regulations. Some 55 also seen improved two-way communication have been removed from the program and a between the business community and my further 43 Acts and regulations have been portfolio about identifying and meeting the repealed. real needs of business and industry. The pro-active approach of DBIRD can be It is important to recognise that DBIRD is seen in its input into the Federal working closely with all levels of Government in Government’s Kelty Task Force on Regional taking a more strategic approach to the needs Development—due next month—which could of business and our communities in the see the reshaping of key Commonwealth nineties. One example of this broader policies. The department is currently working planning agenda is the contribution of the on the development of a regional economic department to the SEQ 2001 study, which will strategy for the nineties, which will clearly influence the shaping of business growth and influence its future approach to regional employment in the rapidly growing south-east economic assistance. corner of our State. Over the year, a great deal of effort has Another example is the move away by gone into upgrading DBIRD’s management the department, from the interventionist policy structure and practices to achieve tangible of being seen as a general provider of results. This pro-active approach to improving industrial land, to a more strategic provider of client service included the adoption last March industrial land where there are clear market of a new Regional Operations Division which is gaps and market failures. In this regard, this now the major delivery mechanism working on year the department established a Planning behalf of all the programs. and Information Services Branch which will In addition to complying with new public seek to influence Government and local sector accountability standards, the authority planning to ensure that strategic land department’s Corporate Services Division has is set aside for future business use. adopted a more streamlined approach to its The importance of also adopting a pro- strategic and operational planning, and has active approach in its dealings with clients is embraced up-to-date modern management particularly evident in the regional economic practices, including continuous improvement. development activities of DBIRD. Its success DBIRD has continued its successful policy of in assisting communities and firms to develop taking a responsible, long-haul approach to and realise new business opportunities is well the promotion of skills development, 16 November 1993 5780 Legislative Assembly advanced manufacturing technologies and example the light aircraft industry, research and development, to improve the environmental management, the plastics competitive edge and growth prospects of industry and information technology. In business and industry. addition to drawing on the skills, knowledge The National Industry Extension Service, and networks of departmental staff, business or NIES, continues its success record in and industry, clients are able to access a helping small to medium size firms in the number of key new databases. These manufacturing and traded services sectors to databases include the Queensland Business become internationally competitive through Licence Information Centre or QBLIC which, in enterprise improvement. Significantly, despite 1992-93, issued more than 17 000 the need by the private sector to reduce information packages—a 35 per cent increase overheads during the recession, the uptake of over the previous year. NIES services has gone from strength to More than 7 500 organisations, mostly strength with the demand for funds jumping manufacturers, are listed on the Queensland from $1.3m in 1989-90 to $3.6m in 1992-93. Industry Information Service, or QINDIS, In 1993-94, approximately $6.4m in funding database which is used to support the will be available. regionalisation of DBIRD’s services and the As part of its strong support for small activities of private sector industry business, funding for the Queensland Small associations. The ISO network, which is linked Business Corporation has been increased this with QINDIS to identify market opportunities year by $1.5m to provide up to $1,000 for competitive local producers, successfully incentives to Queensland small businesses to directed $28m into local manufacturing. That develop their own business plans with the help represented the generation or retention of 867 of expert professionals. jobs during 1992-93. The need to support Queensland DBIRD’s latest database, GOBIS, was manufacturers in developing innovative and launched last July to provide a one stop shop competitive applications of new and existing to allow business to be quickly directed to the technologies has been clearly recognised with assistance programs provided by both the the establishment of the Queensland State Government and the Commonwealth. It Manufacturing Institute at the Brisbane is worth reminding the House that no other Technology Park at Eight Mile Plains. The Government in Australia has been successful centre will be of great assistance to firms in bringing together, on one database, such seeking to design, develop and produce new widely differing information about public sector and enhanced products far more quickly and services and business support. efficiently than previously possible, and reduce One of DBIRD’s significant achievements time and cost in getting these products on to is the support it is giving to business and the market. industry growth initiatives in and around the DBIRD is equally supportive, through the tertiary education sector, which it will continue Queensland Grants for Industrial Research to give. Part of its long-term commitment is to and Development, or QGRAD Scheme of the development of a quality assured supply R&D—particularly projects with significant chain in Queensland. The Government will export or import replacement potential. Over commit further resources to that, including $5.3m has been committed to 36 research $100,000 for funding of a chair of quality at and development projects to date. QUT. Also, the Government will be committing funds to research and development to CRCs DBIRD is also continuing its responsible, in the sum of $3.45m. The CRCs bring long-haul approach of working with key together researchers and research groups industry sectors to create employment from universities, the Commonwealth and throughout Queensland. The department, for Queensland Governments and the business example, is working closely with private sector to undertake collaborative research and enterprise to develop an outward-looking food education programs in natural sciences and processing industry which can think across engineering areas. commodity boundaries to satisfy new and expanding markets for value-added foods in I have outlined many of the department’s Asia. This could lead to a significant boost in achievements to date and recognise the work the current employment level of 34 000 of TAFE-TEQ, CSIRO and QUT in the work people in the food processing industry in carried out by the Queensland Manufacturing Queensland. Institute at Eight Mile Plains. There has been similar involvement by Time expired. DBIRD in other key sectoral initiatives, for Legislative Assembly 5781 16 November 1993

Mr CONNOR (Nerang) (12.21 p.m.): I rise diminished significantly. Moreover, as the to speak on the Estimates, but before doing southern States’ economies have lagged so, I place on record my disappointment that behind and in fact have contracted in many again the Estimates will be reviewed under the industries, they have looked for a market present system. I look forward, hopefully, to share outside the State and this is something participating in a system of a more appropriate upon which the Queensland Confederation of Estimates debate ensuring proper Industry has commented recently, namely, accountability next year. that southern States are taking a bigger share Mr T. B. Sullivan interjected. of Queensland markets. More so now than has been the case in the past, Queensland The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr has this outside competition in the Briskey): Order! marketplace. At the same time, we are seeing Mr CONNOR: I intend to discuss business only marginal increases in the size of the on micro and macro-economic levels from marketplace in Queensland. We are also both the demand side and the supply side, seeing a very slow recovery, if at all, in most but first of all from the supply side. For a industries. number of years, Queensland has had One does not need to be an economic considerable supply side advantages to offset genius to know that if the demand curve on a southern competition with its bigger markets. demand/supply graph has moved only Queensland has also had a certain amount of marginally upwards and the supply curve has regulation that effectively insulated or actually increased as well, then the price will cocooned Queensland industry from change very little. This is what we are seeing competition with southern States. In many in Queensland. We are seeing very low CPI cases, the southern States have a bigger changes and very low inflation; in other words, market share and, because of economies of prices are fairly stagnant, and this is a scale, in many cases they are able to combination of the extra demand in many compete more effectively than we do, even cases being met by additional supply from the taking into account the additional costs of southern States. With prices remaining transporting goods to Queensland. Because stagnant, or very close to it, what we find is of their bigger market and their greater that the increased cost of production in production, they have a lower unit cost than Queensland is significantly affecting the do many producers in Queensland. profitability of Queensland’s small to medium On the one hand, many southern States’ businesses, and this is where the problem industries are more established and their fixed arises. There is no point in increasing costs per production unit are lower. On the investment in plant and business equipment other hand, Queensland in many cases has at a time when the output capacity has not lower costs of inputs, such as labour and other been reached, so what we are seeing is this associated business costs, especially when it inclination for business to hang back from comes down to statutory charges, taxes and investing in plant and equipment, and over charges. So, while Queensland in many cases the last few years this has increased quite still retains lower taxes and charges by dramatically. This also partly comes back to an comparison with the southern States, increase in productivity, but this is being seen generally, the margin by which they are lower right across Australia. has decreased in certain industries. The The bottom line is that business profit is competitive advantage that we had in lower not improving to the extent that justifies the labour costs has also largely dissipated as a increased investment in plant and equipment result of southern States becoming more necessary to increase output. When competitive, lowering their expectations and Queensland’s output decreases comparatively lowering the incidence of above-award wages in terms of the overall demand of the State and conditions. At the same time, because and the excess demand is being sopped up many industries in Queensland were not as by interstate competition, the final result is adversely affected by the recession, a similar that, without that investment, there is an level of restraint has not occurred. For increase in unemployment. To a certain example, wage costs, while not having gone degree, this is alleviated in the central up excessively in real terms over the last few areas—in Brisbane especially, because of the years, have still gone up, whereas in other build-up in the bureaucracy and the States they have either gone up by a centralisation of the spending power. In considerably lower rate or were even reduced. Brisbane, both private and public employees So the competitive advantage that are not doing it as tough as are others Queensland had over the southern States has because so much more capital investment, 16 November 1993 5782 Legislative Assembly

Government spending across-the-board and additional employment and growth in State public service wages are being focused in product. Brisbane. That is why in September there was To sum it up, when one looks at the an 8.9 per cent unemployment rate in overall economic environment in Queensland Brisbane while just 70 or 80 kilometres down from an individual business perspective, we the road there was a 14.2 per cent are seeing a negligible increase in demand in unemployment rate on the Gold Coast. most industries with greater competition from We have a real problem in Queensland southern-based industries and a negligible lift from the supply side of the equation in in prices, yet with great pressure on costs business, but we now have to look at the brought about by additional State taxes and demand side. While the macro economy is charges. There is also a greater expectation generally controlled in Canberra, each State from the work force for higher wages and can be significant. Because of a State salaries and, as a result, a shrinking of net Government’s overall market share in the profit; hence; no justification for further State—remembering that it employs almost a investment. With a reduction in incentive or third of the work force—it can have a major profit, we are seeing, as the Treasurer’s own effect on pulling State economic levers. If a Budget papers show, a substantial downturn Government spends more than it collects in in private investment in the area that creates taxes, that has a stimulating effect on the the true long-term jobs—that is, in plant and economy. What we are seeing in Queensland equipment—yet at the same time the is a reasonably restrictive economic policy Government has not tried at a macro level to during a recession which counters most stimulate the economy. I would like to give an economic wisdom. During a recession, usually illustration of this Government’s approach. a Government sector will try to stimulate the A prime example is Australia’s premium overall economy, as the Canberra tourism destination, the Gold Coast. Its only Government is doing. We are seeing very big road access is the Pacific Highway. Most of Budget deficits. I am well aware of the the year, the Pacific Highway is jam-packed dangers of extending that sort of policy into most mornings and most afternoons with non-recessionary times. As we know, it is very major delays and only one minor accident can difficult to wind back Government spending, create havoc, but the average transit times especially on a recurrent level, but it is very between the international airport and the Gold easy to reduce capital works. But, in the Coast are increasing. In the short term, the rail middle of the worst recession in 60 years, links will do nothing to alleviate this situation. what we are seeing is the State Government The only other alternative is to upgrade the running surplus Budgets with a negative net Pacific Highway or to construct an eastern financing requirement while at the same time tollway. Either of these alternatives should significantly retiring debt, with a policy of nil net have been chosen three years ago, but right debt within two years. now we have not even got a decision. We are While I applaud the medium-to-long-term actually still seeing a great deal of public aim of nil debt, one has to question the debate about whether or not we are going to rationale of trying to do the majority of it during have a tollway north of the Logan River. the worst recession in 60 years because it A minimal amount of $22m has been put means that the public sector, through the aside in this Budget for property resumptions. State Treasury, is sucking the life out of the Where are the hundreds of millions that economy with next to nothing coming back. I should be thrown at this project to get the have no problem with investing in Government Gold Coast back on line? The Gold Coast is a capital works where it shows an economic major money-spinner for the State return. At present, there is no reason why the Government’s coffers. It is Queensland’s Government could not dramatically extend its premium tourism industry. It will take some Capital Works Program, especially into time to build this road. For the next year or infrastructure-based capital works which can two, it can be built cheaply. The economy show a reasonable medium-to-long-term needs a lift, yet we are spending a pittance on prospect of return where the majority of the just a few property resumptions. Where is the money is spent in the private sector. The logic in that? Government will get far better value for money in the marketplace right now than it will by Those sorts of projects should be on line spending money during a peak or an upturn. right now. At the moment, the The extension of the program will also feed bureaucracy—the public works—is suffering right through to the rest of the economy in from the same disease that private enterprise is suffering from, that is, bureaucratic overload Legislative Assembly 5783 16 November 1993 with red tape. The Titles Office is a prime long. The legislation should be in place. The example. As we saw last week, that office is position paper, which was released by the experiencing massive delays. Many additional Government, has some good points to it. The rubber-stamping measures have to be test of this Minister will be his ability to get it processed, and additional forms have to be through the red tape and Cabinet. As I said, it filled in, which cause time delays before is indicative of this Government’s malaise. Its people are able to do anything. As the rhetoric is good, but when it comes to Minister would, no doubt, be aware, time is delivering, it is always seen wanting. money. While a project is on the drawing Another indication is quality assurance. board, massive holding costs are incurred. Although I have no problems with the Also, while a project is on the drawing board, it Government trying to lead the way in a move is not creating jobs and building this State’s towards quality standards in Queensland, I economy. In my electorate, which is one of have considerable problems in the way this the fastest-growing electorates in Australia, Government is implementing quality jobs are sitting on drawing boards for 10 to 12 assurance in Queensland. In certain areas, it months for no reason other than hold-ups really is unnecessary. I refer to an article in the through the bureaucracy. I continually receive Master Builders’ Association of Queensland complaints about these hold-ups. People are Journal by senior journalist Matthew Carr who wanting to build things, but they cannot stated— because all these impediments lie in their way. “The government’s rhetoric on quality The Minister trots out figures from the assurance has received widespread Business Regulation Review Unit which criticism from business. Business leaders illustrate how many regulatory reforms have say government’s purchasing officers still been made. Those figures might look very decide most contracts on price, taking good in theory. The Minister may have got rid little account of a company’s efforts to of a milk licence here or a fish licence there, all implement quality assurance. of which were very much part of the system and which most people had factored into their The effect on Queensland business businesses but, at the same time, the has been widespread because additional red tape involved in major projects government has been one of the biggest is stifling everything. The additional imposts of spenders during the recession.” workplace health and safety, workers’ On the one hand, the Government is compensation, the broadening of payroll tax doing one thing yet, on the other hand, it is and the paperwork involved in trying to doing another. It is saying to the business establish payroll tax on fringe benefits are all community, “We want quality assurance” but, problems facing business. when it comes to purchasing, it makes Probably the best example of the way decisions in an ad hoc way. As the Queensland’s economy is going is shown Government has done on a number of every Sunday afternoon in the north-bound occasions, it bypasses completely the lane of the highway between the Gold Coast requirement for quality assurance. I do not and Brisbane. That highway indicates exactly want Parliament to confuse quality assurance what the lack of Government action can do to with warranties or quality of product. Quality an economy. Every Sunday afternoon, there assurance is a process; it is a standardising of is bumper to bumper traffic gridlock between the process towards manufacture and delivery the Gold Coast and Brisbane. I would hate to of product or service so that, hopefully, quality imagine what this summer is going to be like will be the outcome. It is the process, not the for traffic congestion going to and from the outcome, that is quality assurance. Again, the Gold Coast. The mind boggles. Every time I hallmark of this Government is that it is so drive past, I picture the state that Queensland involved in getting the process right that it is getting itself into because of the additional forgets about the outcome. For example, a bureaucracy, red tape and lack of decision builder, who operates a reasonably-sized making of this Government. I can sum it up in company, has been dealing with the no better way than by describing the Gold Government for many years. The Government Coast corridor—gridlock. has effectively forced quality assurance upon him which, during the last 12 months, has cost Another matter that is indicative of him approximately $70,000. Effectively, the Queensland’s problems is the inertia in the process has not changed because much of process towards sorting out the Retail Shop the process was in place already. The final Leases Act. Obviously, that has no priority. product will be no different, but it has Although I applaud the consultation process increased the cost to that builder. with the industry, it has been going on for too 16 November 1993 5784 Legislative Assembly

Mr Elder: Why? Minister wear some of the blame for the Mr CONNOR: Because he has just paid irresponsible acts of his Cabinet colleagues out $70,000, which is being passed on to the and other departments. Government. I would like to state for the record one Mr Elder: Who to? more time the problems business will have, and is currently having, with workers’ Mr CONNOR: By consultants. In turn, it compensation. It is one of the major labor on- will be passed on to the taxpayer. costs to the business community. If this Mr Elder: Now you’re getting to the crux Government allows it to blow out, as every of the matter. other Labor Government has, Queensland’s Mr CONNOR: Exactly, and this manufacturing sector will shrivel up and die. Government is pushing towards that. As we The only industries that will be left in have seen with the Education Department, Queensland will be those that cannot be which has just put on a whole team of quality transplanted easily. If the Government does assurance inspectors, the Government is not stop the blow-out in claims of almost two- employing more bureaucrats. Throughout the thirds in the last two years, the Government public service, more and more quality can expect to wear the blame for the demise assurance personnel are being put in place. of industry and the associated jobs. It is as This extra layer of bureaucracy is not simple as that. Queensland cannot continue delivering any greater quality; it is just to have growth in claims of this magnitude standardising and formalising a process that, without premiums going up commensurately. supposedly in theory, will deliver quality. The As we have seen, the Government has fact that that theory may not work; the fact increased the average rate by 13.5 per cent that there may be better processes; and the yet, at the same time, claims have blown out fact that there may already be a set of by two-thirds in the last two years. All the inspections such as exist in the building Government has done is delay the payment industry are not considered. of those claims, hence the increase in non- current liabilities within the Workers The current process in the building Compensation annual report. industry, with inspections and the like, deals already with the quality outcome of the Finally, I cannot let an opportunity go by product. While the Government is demanding without mentioning the biggest Government- this quality assurance system from its imposed on-cost on labour—payroll tax. For suppliers, it is not winding back the inspection any Government in the current economic systems within the bureaucracy. In fact, there climate to be gaining its biggest budgetary has been a general increase in the inspection income from a tax on employment is not only process and an additional layer of crazy but also is totally irresponsible. Payroll bureaucracy created to deal with quality tax is the worst possible type of tax. assurance. Again, it is indicative of the Mr Elder: What? Every State problems that are experienced when Government in Australia, Liberal or Labor concentration is placed on the process at the alike? They’re all crazy, are they? expense of the outcome. Mr CONNOR: Because of their previous I turn now to another matter. On page Labor Governments, no other State can afford 29, the Department of Business Industry and to get rid of payroll tax. Queensland can afford Regional Development annual report states to get rid of payroll tax, and the Minister knows that DBIRD has referred to the Business it. It is a tax that is paid irrespective of profit by Regulation Review Unit a series of concerns of the company, and it is paid directly as a result business in relation to workplace health and of employing people. If people employ safety. I certainly have many concerns in machines, they do not pay payroll tax. In relation to workplace health and safety, but I Queensland, we have a 5 per cent, would be obliged if the Minister would cover Government-imposed weighting towards these issues in his reply in this Estimates machines and away from people. How can a debate. Government justify subsidising machines at I acknowledge that most of the problems the expense of people, yet call itself a Labor brought on business by this Government have Party Government? That astonishes me not been brought about by this Minister’s completely. That is exactly what payroll tax is department. However, this department is still doing. It means no new Gold Coast jobs. I responsible for business in Queensland on a would also like to refer to Budget Paper No. 3, Government level and, on that basis, it must in particular to page 349 of the Program wear some of the blame. So, too, must this Statements. Legislative Assembly 5785 16 November 1993

Mr Elder: You only asked me one regional Queensland. Fortunately for the question. people—— Mr CONNOR: If the honourable member Mr Connor: You sold them off. had listened, he would know that I have already asked him a question. In 1992-93, Mr BUDD: A lot of the sites have been under the heading “Actual”, a negative income sold off. It was just a cheap political stunt by from the intra public account unrequited those opposite who put up a sign saying that transfers to the Estates Maintenance Fund of the site would become an industrial estate. $9,769m is noted. I assume that that figure Those opposite did nothing about it. At least has been transferred to the Estates this Government and this Minister have done Maintenance Fund. I ask for an explanation something. If a site is not viable, it will be sold. from the Minister, under the heading of But if it is viable, it will be used, as the “Program Funding Sources”, of exactly where honourable member for Hervey Bay said. that money has been moved. I would assume Fortunately for the people of regional that the $9,769m is part of the Estates Queensland, there has been a change of Maintenance Fund of $14,306m. Government and a change of strategy. The Department of Business, Industry and Time expired. Regional Development is now fully committed Mr BUDD (Redlands) (12. 41 p.m.): The to assisting with the sustainable economic honourable member’s 20-minute tirade was growth of regional Queensland. like being beaten across the bare back with a Before going into more details on these wet lettuce leaf. I noted that four Liberals were policies, I believe it is important—particularly on the list of Opposition speakers for this for members of the Opposition; although there debate and I thought, “That is great. They are are not too many of them here—to the champions of small business.” But where understand a bit about the growth of our are they? regions and about this Government’s policy on Mr T. B. Sullivan: Supposed champions. regional development in general. Standard Mr BUDD: They are the supposed and Poors Australia has described champions of small business. One of them Queensland as one of the strongest States of has already spoken. At least Government its kind in the world today. However, members remain in the Chamber and do not regardless of this overall position of economic lurk in corridors or heaven knows where else. strength, there is a recognition that the natural resources, industry structure and The primary focus of this Government demographics of Queensland’s regions vary since its election in 1989 has been on the greatly. It is very clear that Queensland’s creation of jobs; real jobs and not just jobs in regions are not developing at the same pace. the south-east corner of the State—jobs for all There are adjustment problems associated Queenslanders. This is in complete contrast to with rapid growth in some regions and the previous National and coalition undeveloped potential in others. This Governments which at each election sought to Government, in response to these problems, buy cheap votes by putting up signs that read has outlined its regional development policy in “industrial estate” in just about every regional the Leading State policy document, released town in the State. What they did not say—and in April 1992. These policy documents were this is the joke—was that all people would get not pie-in-the-sky election promises. They was a stake and a sign. There was no were well researched and documented provision for any assistance to be given to policies that demonstrated this Government’s prospective industries, nor was there any long-term commitment and strategy. encouragement to or stimulus for creative ideas. For the benefit of the honourable Prior to my election to Parliament, I member for Nerang, part of that policy travelled extensively throughout the State as document bears repeating. In part, it says that an adviser to the Federal Minister for Small this— Business, the Honourable . “. . . Government’s strategy for economic development must take into account the Mr T. B. Sullivan: You did a good job. needs and potential in all regions of the Mr BUDD: I thank the honourable State.” member for his comments. Many of the rotting Most importantly, the policy states that— “industrial estate” signs still stand as a monument to and as an indictment of the “. . . economic development should be previous Government’s commitment to commercially viable in the long run rather than depending on Government support.” 16 November 1993 5786 Legislative Assembly

This involves close liaison with other Queensland Office of Rural Communities and departments and agencies, particularly with the DEET Office of Labour Market regarding tourism, agriculture and mining Adjustment Program. developments. I turn now to one of the more innovative This Government has a vision and a long- areas of this program, that is, the term plan for regional economic development establishment of the Future Search in Queensland. DBIRD’s objective is the workshops. These workshops assist small development of programs and policies to communities to identify new business assist each region to reach its business and opportunities through community workshop industry potential. This will be achieved by the processes. Working groups are formed from recognition that Queensland is not a single those attending the workshops to develop economy but a cluster of integrated regional specific business opportunities or to address economies and that, therefore, the region is specific local impediments to economic the best coherent unit for analysing and development. assisting economic development. It will also be achieved by the adoption of an integrated Part-time coordinators are drawn from the approach to the delivery of DBIRD’s programs community and are employed to assist in to enhance delivery and improve customer developing these opportunities. The process is satisfaction; by assisting community working extremely well. Currently, about 200 committees to work together to realise the working groups are active in 17 areas in which business and industry potential of their region; workshops have been organised. Workshops by establishing processes for regional have been focused on areas suffering development that clearly define the role of significant economic stress which, in the main, various departments and organisations have been the smaller towns west of the involved in economic issues; and by working Great Divide. To date, 1 400 people have with the departments, especially the Office of participated in the 17 workshops held since Rural Communities, to achieve a united July 1992. Government approach that will allow the I would like to give some examples of the private sector to identify, develop and utilise different kinds of business or employment the competitive strengths of all regions. generating activities which have come from This Government has a specific program, these workshops so far: a concrete block and all of DBIRD’s activities are now aimed at works was established at Mitchell; a DEET- regional economic development, especially funded student hostel was established at given the department’s strong emphasis on Chinchilla, which is a valuable social resource regional delivery. I would like to give some key and brings new businesses into the town; and examples of those activities. One that the a fishing weekend was held at Coolmunda Minister has already mentioned is the National Dam near Inglewood, which attracted over Industry Extension Services, which assists 1 000 people. This fishing weekend not only manufacturing and traded services firms provided a major boost to the town but also, throughout the State to improve their because of its success, organisers have international competitiveness. This work, decided to make it a regular event, which will, particularly assisting major projects, has a in turn, help to develop the local tourist significant impact regionally. industry. DBIRD’s new thrust into land-use Mr Springborg: A terrific weekend! planning for business and industry has proved Mr BUDD: It was a good weekend. It was relevant for all areas. There has been further another initiative of this Government. Six work on improving Queensland’s technological traineeships were established at businesses in infrastructure in linking regional firms and Ingham, which not only provide training and universities to resources in Brisbane and work experience for young people but will also interstate. The regional economic train staff for those firms. Arts and craft shops development subprogram aims to have been set up in various centres, providing complement these and other regional an important outlet for the local crafts and activities by assisting communities and firms to cottage industries, many of which produce an identify and realise new business important second source of income for opportunities; by working with the communities families in disadvantaged areas. to develop and implement regional development strategies; and by coordinating Tourism information centres have been with all levels of Government on regional established at various towns. As well, tourism economic development, throughout which a strategies have been developed to attract close liaison is maintained with the visitors from overseas. A wine-making industry Legislative Assembly 5787 16 November 1993 has been founded at Charters Towers. and Karragarra with reasonably priced Queensland’s first Telecentre was established vegetables. at Blackall. A Telecentre is a staffed, equipped The Karragarra Island Working Group centre with computer resources which assists attracted 50 per cent of the island’s residents. local farmers and businesses to tap into That is a huge percentage of that small worldwide information sources. Twice-yearly community, which demonstrates clearly that, if international opal auctions have been held at given the opportunity, people will respond. Winton. That activity has been very The group, with the aid of some residents successful. It has created a lot of international from Macleay Island and Greening Australia, publicity for the town of Winton. A regional planted over 280 trees in a parkland setting economic development grant built on the and erected bollards around that park. Future Search concept has been provided for that activity. The last auction was such a The aim of the Macleay Island resounding success that it filled the town for a Community Services Working Group is to build week. It has also had the additional benefit of a community centre including a day care changing the old and unfair ways of opal centre, health clinic and some indoor sports trading. facilities such as cricket, aerobics and netball. Probably one of the most successful The group wants to build that centre close to commercial ventures to come from the Future the jetty so that the residents of the other bay Search workshops has been an export islands can share the benefit of those business established in Tambo. The business, facilities. This in itself is an important step that known as Tambo Teddies, is a wool-based will greatly assist those isolated communities business that has already generated 21 part- to form a closer inter-island relationship. time jobs. Tambo Teddies has already gained The North Stradbroke Island Cottage an export market and is currently exporting to Industry Working Group aims to create a Japan and the United States. Tambo, one of permaculture centre at Dunwich, including the oldest towns in the west, has had new life edible food trails with native herbs and spices, breathed into it as a result of this venture. Its wild mushrooms and greens, native fruits and success is now prompting the town to consider edible weeds, and an artist’s village at which increasing its future housing needs as further local artists can work, exhibit and sell their art. employment is generated. Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of opening Of course, not all remote communities the Russell Island Arts and Crafts Cottage. are situated in the west or the north of the That project was achieved by the dedicated State. Much closer to Brisbane are the Russell Island Cottage Industry Working Moreton Bay islands, situated in my own Group, which has worked tirelessly for five electorate, and also Stradbroke Island, which months towards its vision of the gallery is situated in the neighbouring electorate of opening. Cleveland. In May of this year, the Moreton Mr Nuttall: I think I’ll retire on Karragarra. Bay Future Search Workshop was formed under coordinator Heather Truman. Jim Elder Mr BUDD: The honourable member and I, along with more than 360 people, would be very welcome to become one of my attended the inaugural meeting of that constituents. That outlet will provide jobs and workshop. By the end of the meeting, revenue for the people of the island while at workshop participants from Stradbroke, the same time enhancing the tourism Macleay, Russell, Lamb, Karragarra and potential. I know that the other groups are Coochie Mudlo Islands had formed working on developing the tourist aspect to themselves into 18 working groups to pursue maximise the economic potential of the a range of economic development proposals. islands. Although most projects will take a year or The tourism potential of Russell Island is more before being able to generate one that the locals are very keen to exploit. employment, some examples of development For too long, people have associated Russell to date are as follows. After establishing that Island with the money-hungry land developers there is a ready market on the bay islands for and the Russell Island land scam. The reality fresh vegetables, the Lamb Island agricultural is that Russell Island is a very beautiful and working group applied to DEVETIR for a grant tranquil spot that is ideally situated for day to train 20 people in agricultural skills. If the trips and weekend getaways from Brisbane application is successful, the group will farm and south-east Queensland. If honourable six acres of land. The group aims to provide members enjoy fresh air, peace and quiet, the bay islands of Lamb, Russell, Macleay marvellous sunsets, fishing and native fauna and flora, Russell or any of the other inhabited 16 November 1993 5788 Legislative Assembly bay islands are an ideal spot for a close break. corporations are taking business from small- I might add that they are situated only 15 business operators. At the same time, the minutes by water taxi from Redland Bay. large corporations are carrying out staff- But Russell Island has attractions other shedding programs. Obviously, if such action than its natural ones, one of which is the continues, fewer and fewer people will be Green Dragon Museum that houses Chinese employed. Small businesses are able to keep artefacts dating back several centuries. The their operations small and personal, and they museum also exhibits many interesting old can employ people. As citizens, I believe that books, coins, minerals, bottles, soap carvings we have to support small business. However, and a magnificent Chinese cabinet known as it is up to small business to give consumers a the Cabinet of Life. The museum was the fair go. If a small operator is selling an article lifetime collection of Tom and Eve Swinscowe. at a price that is reasonably competitive with Tom began the collection in the 1930s, his the large combines, it is my view that first item being an eighteenth century coin that consumers should give their business to the he was given for delivering coal. The museum smaller operator. If that does not occur, more was originally closed when Tom passed away and more small businesses will go to the wall. a couple of years ago. But with the advent of Every time a small business goes to the the Russell Island Arts and Crafts Gallery, his wall, three or four people are put out of work. wife Eve—who still lives on the island—has The business that is spread as a result of a reopened the museum. I recommend that small operator closing does not result in more members who are looking for a quiet break people being employed. It really results in a visit the island and view that very interesting net loss of employment, because Woolworths collection. does not need to appoint extra staff to supply I said at the beginning of this speech that the business created by the demise of a the primary focus of this Government is to smaller operator. We have to address that create jobs. That is an area in which this scenario. I believe that everybody is trying to Government has been singularly successful. address it. As Small Business Minister, I In the past two years alone, 58 000 jobs were conducted seminars throughout the State, as created in Queensland, which is more than does the present Minister. Often, the large were created in the rest of Australia put number of people that one would expect to together. The initiatives of the Department of attend such seminars did not turn up. As they Business, Industry and Regional do now, the seminars that were organised Development—led by its energetic Minister, during my time as Minister featured guest Jim Elder—have ensured that these jobs have speakers who were extraordinarily efficient and been created across the length and breadth who could impart a lot of knowledge. However, of Queensland, not just in the south-east often only 20 or 30 people would attend the corner. These business incentives have been seminars, and those were the keen people shared equally and equitably around the who were already doing well. State—not just with a few white-shoed Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.30 p.m. entrepreneurs on the Gold Coast—for the Mr LESTER: I would like to move now to benefit of all Queenslanders. a real social problem. Due to tightening up in Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel) (12.56 the running of many companies, thousands of p.m.): Small business must be assisted and workers are being made redundant. Many of encouraged. Quite frankly, it is the lifeblood of these people come to me—and I am sure to our nation. It employs 60 per cent of the work other members—saying, “I have received a force. Many successful people started in the payout of $200,000. I am 45 years old. I am small-business sector. During my contribution going into small business to make my to this debate, I do not want to knock anything fortune.” Only some of them do. Usually, they in any way, shape or form. As I have been a just do not seem to understand the ins and small businessman—and I believe a very outs of running a small business. For successful one—for many years, I believe example, if someone has been an office that I have a valid contribution to make to this worker and buys a milk run, he does not debate. foresee the difficulties there can be in running Small businesspeople will have to work it. He survives all right for the first couple of smarter. They are facing enormous days until, for instance, he strikes an electrical competition. Bakers are facing competition storm right in the middle of key deliveries. from the big combines. Grocers are facing When situations such as that arise he is not competition from companies such as too sure how to deal with them. Woolworths. Statistics reveal that the large Legislative Assembly 5789 16 November 1993

Some small business people have to the way to go. In the case of small work extraordinary hours, and it is not long businesses, such as petrol stations, the harder before they suffer from a lack of sleep and the proprietors work, the more rent they have find difficulties in running their businesses. to pay. Ultimately, they get put out on their ear Many office workers who go into small as a result of their working just that little bit business have been used to working 37 and a harder. We should be a nation about half hours per week—9 to half past 4—and incentive. Frankly, I think the antics of some of they find the different working conditions the big companies are nothing short of rather extraordinary. If a person of initiative criminal. The proprietors take over these starts to pick up a few extra sales of milk in the businesses, they work like crazy, and what do suburbs, it is not too long before the they get—increased rents and increased supermarkets take action. The money that impositions. It is a most unfortunate and that small businessman had made from the unsavoury situation. One family in Emu Park extra sales of milk is quickly dissipated as recently took over one of the major service people flock back to the supermarkets again. stations. They worked like crazy and built it up, After suffering such predicaments, it is not too only to be hit with increasing, massive rents. long before many business owners lose I know that efforts are being made to interest, become tired, and sell out for a lot reduce payroll tax payable by the small less than they paid for their business. business sector because they obviously do Another example is a displaced public not have the money at the moment. What servant who buys a fast food store. That they do have is all sorts of licences. It is not public servant, who was used to working 37 unusual for a small business to have up to 10 and a half to 40 hours a week, with paid licences, all which increase the overheads. I overtime, suddenly finds that, in this fast food would like it if this Government could store, he is working longer hours and seven somehow overcome a little bit of the red tape days a week. People purchase these sorts of involved in running small businesses and free businesses without giving any thought to the them up. The requirement to pay tax in rent and the wages they will have to pay. In a advance is a Federal matter, but it is a very fast food business, making hamburgers takes severe impost on small business. a long time and the owner finds that he is We should bring into being some form of paying wages for sometimes very little result. schooling for small business people. We In addition, because of the long hours, he should use the skills of retired, successful does not have the time to take little Johnny to business people more. Some of those skills football or little Annie to netball, so suddenly are being used at present. Those people have there is a family problem. Even worse, the an enormous amount of expertise to offer. We owner may get sick. So often we see this should embark upon a program whereby small extraordinarily unhappy result. business people realise that they have to use We need to give more attention to these the available services. Most find that they are sorts of cases. We somehow have to get too busy and do not get round to reading across to people who are leaving the public things. We will probably need volunteers to service or private enterprise to go into give assistance. business themselves that they need In my electorate, a man connected with counselling. We must let them know the the Small Business Development Corporation ramifications. I have no doubt that many of is Jim Berry. He is based in Mackay and these counselling services are available but, comes to Yeppoon, Rockhampton and other so often, so many of these people have fixed places to give advice to small businesses. I in their minds what they are going to do. They give him full credit for what he tries to do. I do not really consider the ramifications of their have taken him to all sorts of people. The actions. Again, as a result of that, we have beauty of it is that he has been a very many serious problems in the small business successful accountant, became tired of that sector. I would like the Minister to have a good and retired. Rather than go into another small look at that social problem. It is a problem that business, he took on this job of counselling will continue to get worse. Unfortunately, I others. So he knows the game and what it is foresee companies and Governments all about. People always get satisfaction from retrenching people for a long time into the Jim Berry. In saying that, I do not take future. anything away from the other good people Another issue of concern is shopping there, such as Mr White. centre rents and I am not sure how to The University of Central Queensland is overcome it. Australia is supposed to be a also doing a lot to involve the community and free-enterprise country. Price fixing may not be 16 November 1993 5790 Legislative Assembly small business. Liam Ryan, senior economics businesses within the Chermside electorate. lecturer at the University of Central The majority of these are situated on Gympie Queensland, played a major role in helping us Road or adjacent to that major outlet from the save the Yeppoon railway line. At one of the north side of Brisbane. Other small businesses meetings we had with him, he pointed out that are located in small suburban shopping the economics of 100 pineapple growers— centres, such as those at Jarvis Road at small businesspeople—would be affected and Stafford Heights, Marban Street at West that those people would possibly be put out of Chermside, Corrie Street in Chermside, or business by the rail closure. We had him there Shaw Road in Wavell Heights. These small when Mr Burns came along. I am quite sure groups of half a dozen shops survive through Mr Burns could not be anything but impressed local custom and drive-by traffic. They with the efforts of Mr Liam Ryan. sometimes find life difficult. I wish to offer a Governments have to be very careful that, special word of encouragement to Tom and when they make decisions, they do not hurt Shirley Darmody of the Wavell Heights somebody else and create a bigger debt. That hardware store and their neighbouring is what could have happened. These newsagent, Richard Bednarski, who are just pineapple growers could have been put out of getting back on their feet after a fire recently business. They could indirectly employ about destroyed their stores. 300 to 400 people. That would have been a Mr FitzGerald: How are their kids? bigger debt for the Government. Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: I hear the Mr Livingstone interjected. interjection from the member for Lockyer. It is Mr LESTER: Golden Circle did a good worth while to take into account the concerns job, too. It supported us very well. These of small businesses in our electorates and to growers are competing against imports. The know those people. I am sure that the only person they were not very impressed with honourable member would do the same for was Mr when he came up people in his electorate of Lockyer. recently and made some outrageous Another reason that small business is an comments. Anyway, he is a Federal Minister. important part of my thinking is that I come DBIRD, in Central Queensland, is doing a from a family of small businesspeople. For good job but sometimes the information that many years, my parents ran a corner store. is given to our small business people is a bit After that, they operated food and beverage abstract. In Yeppoon a young chap is building services. I know what the long hours and gym equipment. He wants a loan to expand financial uncertainty can mean, especially his business. We have had no fewer than when children are dependent on that seven or eight different officers there, all with business. This Government is aware of that, briefcases and God knows what else, and too. Through this Minister, we have introduced they tell him how good he is and then write a number of measures to assist small back about two months later and say, “You business. As well as keeping Queensland the are doing a great job, but what we talked low-tax State, we have introduced a number about does not quite come within our of initiatives that will help small business. I jurisdiction.” We must try very hard to ensure shall discuss these and other programs that that we give those people more assistance. In have contributed to making Queensland a that case, there is the chance of an export better place in which to do business. The industry. That fellow just needs a kick along. reduction in Government-imposed Most small businesses can do very well with impediments to business activity will continue environmental management. I would rather a as a result of the programs that the Minister hamburger made by a small business and his department are implementing. operation than one from McDonald’s or the DBIRD continues to work closely with the rest of them. Queensland Small Business Corporation on Mr T. B. SULLIVAN (Chermside) issues of benefit to small-business clients. The (2.41 p.m.): I rise to support the Estimates of corporation is represented on the assessment the Minister for Business, Industry and panels for the Small Business Search Grants Regional Development. DBIRD is working hard Scheme and the Management Skills to assist its broad business client base, and I Development Scheme, and has been directly wish to outline some of the programs and involved in major projects such as the review initiatives undertaken by the Honourable Jim of the Retail Shop Leases Act. I record my Elder and his department. I have a special thanks to the Aspley QSBC office, which has interest in small business for two main been very helpful in providing material that I reasons. One is because of the 400 small Legislative Assembly 5791 16 November 1993 have been able to disseminate to local some other things, which I will mention later, businesses. which have allowed small business to do this. The systematic review of business Simultaneously, BRRU has investigated legislation and regulations is being conducted 31 complaints from businesses about by BRRU—the Business Regulation Review regulatory issues. Examples of the benefits Unit. It is widely recognised that the which have come from pursuing these regulations on business, which impose complaints include the possible saving of additional unnecessary cost and inhibit about $200,000 to a small business in innovation, must be removed if Australia is to construction costs of a new factory building. In become internationally competitive. In this another case, $160,000 and three successful spirit, the State Government has committed jobs went to one builder following negotiations itself to ensuring that there are as few rules between a number of businesses and the and regulations as possible for business to Queensland Building Services Authority on comply with. Unfortunately, the Government licensing issues. These are successes which faces a dilemma in this regard, because that review has brought about. whenever there is a problem with a product or a service, the consumer often makes this GOBIS is the Government Business known—sometimes through the media, the Information Service. print media, talkback radio or programs such Mr FitzGerald: When did you come as The Investigators. across all this? It is interesting. The main comment that people make is, Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: It is good to know “Why doesn’t the Government do something that Queensland leads the way in providing about it?” The Government can act only when support to businesses. To further this end, there is legislation or regulation. So on the GOBIS was launched last July to provide a one hand people are saying, “Get rid of red one-stop shop which enables business to be tape”, and on the other hand they say, “We quickly directed to the many assistance need protection, or we need quality assurance programs provided by both the Queensland in a product so that what we buy is value for and Commonwealth Governments. money.” In balancing these competing Unfortunately, the member for Lockyer, demands, the Minister and his department through his sarcastic interjection, have a very difficult task, but I believe that demonstrates the lack of regard that the they handle it well. In 1991, BRRU was Opposition has for small business. If he made established to systematically review business an interjection that criticised some action that legislation and regulations; to investigate we had taken, or our lack of action in a certain complaints about business regulations; and to area, I might understand that. If he made a promote the harmonisation of Queensland’s constructive suggestion, we would listen to it regulations with those of the Commonwealth and may accept it. and other States. Significant progress in reducing the regulatory burden on business Mr Livingstone: There is more to small has already resulted. business that sticking your head in an onion Mr Connor, the member for Nerang, went bag, isn’t there? on about a range of issues. He asked, “Why Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: That is possible. don’t you do this? Why don’t you get rid of the From the scarcity of Opposition members, we red tape?” We have got rid of a lot of red cannot get one constructive suggestion. That tape, and a lot more is being reviewed. The is the sort of negative vacuum that small former National Party Government and business in Queensland would face if this coalition Governments introduced that red Opposition ever got into Government. Thank tape—I suggest for good reason at the goodness they are not in Government. Thank time—but because of their lack of coordination goodness that people have some constructive or lack of review, what started off as an aid to things to hang onto. business has become an impediment. Since No other Government in Australia has this review started, 413 regulatory regimes been able to bring together in one place such affecting business have been identified; 81 diverse information about public services and reviews have been completed; 43 Acts or support for businesses. Through the regulations have been repealed; and 261 centralised telephone service, information reviews are in progress. The Opposition officers access database information on all should be aware that a significant amount of business support services available from the work has been done by the Minister and the Queensland Government and, more recently, BRRU in order to make business more from Federal Government authorities. competitive and more streamlined. There are 16 November 1993 5792 Legislative Assembly

Information is provided on a wide range of Borbidge and the Deputy Leader of the subjects, including training, research and Coalition, Mrs Sheldon, the negatives. They development, advisory services, business are negative people. recognition and finance. Access to information Mr Connor: I rise to a point of order. I find is immediate, and a 24-hour mail-out service is what the member said offensive. It was untrue available free of charge. A prospective small- and I ask him to withdraw it. business operator can phone in and ask, “What is needed for me to establish this Mr SPEAKER: Order! particular business?”, and within 24 hours that Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: I withdraw. particular information is mailed back to him. Mr SPEAKER: The member may That is a positive step to get business going. continue his speech. In reference to Mr Connor’s complaints about delays—the honourable member should look Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: We are going to be to some of his own local councils, or some positive. We want to highlight positive things. other areas, but certainly not to this Some Opposition members want to be department because it is not delaying the negative, but we choose to be positive. establishment of small business. The The number of calls in the past few years Government is looking to extend this service has increased. In 1990-1991, there were 53 across the State, enabling easier access to a calls per day. In 1991-92, there were 86 calls database of programs which businesses can per day. In 1992-93, there were 110 calls per access to gain assistance. day. That is a doubling of the access by small The Queensland Business Licence businesses to the service in two years. Such Information Centre—QBLIC—is another asset growth is to be commended. that small business has in this State. In 1990, QBLIC provides a Statewide service. QBLIC was established in partnership with Regional growth has also been strong. For GOBIS. It makes it easier for new businesses example, in 1992-93, demand increased by to be established and assists those already in 26 per cent in Brisbane, by 37 per cent in business to be assured that they are meeting Mackay and by 67 per cent in Bundaberg. their licensing obligations. We do need The fact that our regional areas are gaining licences because there are so many factors of access to and are using this material indicates health, safety or quality assurance that impact that this Government is very keen to make on businesses or services that consumers sure that not just the south-east corner, which need to be protected. Licensing is an is the fastest growing area, but all of essential part of life. However, how that Queensland has a fair go. licensing is carried out and coordinated can be While these tangible benefits are either an assistance or a hindrance to small- important, there are other intangibles that are business operators. just as significant. These include reassurance QBLIC is making it easier for small- that the inquirer has all the advice regarding business operators to get themselves properly licensing needs for a particular business licensed and there has been a steadily activity; confidence for business operators that growing demand for its services. In 1992-93, they will not be reproached or fined for not QBLIC issued more than 17 000 information holding an appropriate licence, which is the packages—an increase of 35 per cent over fear of many people who are first starting out the previous year. In October 1992, the in small business; and the convenience of service was significantly extended by the making one phone call to get most of the addition of Commonwealth licences to the applications required to do business. Again, system. This cooperation between the State within 24 hours of a small-business owner and Federal areas is again to be applauded. contacting QBLIC, it will post out all the The growth in the number of calls to required licences for them to fill out. QBLIC suggests that not only is the service The Retail Shop Leases Registry also becoming better known, but also that there is assists Queensland businesses. The Retail increased business activity. As we all know, Shop Leases Act was passed in 1984. The Queensland is the leading State and the registry established under the Act provides an fastest growing, or second fastest growing, in effective forum for the resolution of disputes business. between landlords and retail tenants. It has The Opposition spokesperson, Mr been identified as the best model of its type of Connor, wanted to highlight in his address the Australia for landlord/tenant dispute resolution. businesses that are going out of operation. He Registry staff are active throughout wants to highlight, as does his leader, Mr Queensland in the preliminary negotiation phase of potential disputes in an effort to Legislative Assembly 5793 16 November 1993 assist parties to reach agreement without the Queensland to perform poorly, relative to need for formal action, which is usually very the material average. Business expensive and time consuming because it has investment in Queensland fell 5.5 % in to be decided by the courts. Currently, the 1992-93, compared with a fall nationally registry resolves over 95 per cent of the of 3.8 %.” referred matters. I wish to record my thanks to This fall last financial year was registered Ian Kerr from that department for the work in the face of a Budget forecast of a 3.1 per that he has done to help small cent rise. The difference is something in the businesspeople in my electorate. We have, order of 8.6 per cent. It follows a 12.2 per cent unfortunately, one particularly despicable fall the previous year. The 1993-94 forecast, shopping centre landlord who is not fair to her without the Gladstone Power Station sale clients. The department is certainly helping included, is a modest 1.2 per cent. Investment those small businesses. The alternative of in plant and equipment is expected to fall by using the court system would impose 0.2 per cent, while rising nationally by 1.75 per significantly greater costs on all parties, and cent. So everything is not as rosy as the this Government is about reducing costs and Minister and the Treasurer would have us paperwork. believe—based on accurate figures. It is no Very briefly, other assistance measures use running around quoting the forecasts. include the peak bodies liaison scheme, a Forecasts by this Government have been small business research grants scheme, proven to be wrong. These key statistics from grants to business associations, including the the Government’s own Budget papers indicate management skills development scheme, and that business activity in Queensland trailed the others. nation last year and is likely to do so again this I congratulate the Minister on the work financial year. that he has done. The Queensland So, while the perception is that Government will continue to lead the way Queensland is the economic powerhouse of through the development of a range of the nation, official figures indicate otherwise. initiatives that ensures businesses are able to This perception, promoted by the operate without unnecessary red tape and Government, is built upon migration trends. regulatory restrictions. In summary, these While private consumption expenditure and initiatives demonstrate the continuing housing expenditure provided the bulk of the commitment by the Government to improving growth—5.4 per cent last year—business the environment in which Queensland investment actually suffered a 0.5 per cent businesses operate. I congratulate the fall. Minister, his ministerial staff and departmental This year, Queensland’s economic growth staff who have provided assistance to is predicted to rise by 3.8 per cent, with businesses. Government expenditure accounting for 1.8 Time expired. per cent and private consumption a further 3.3 Mr QUINN (Merrimac) (2.56 p.m.): In per cent. Private investment will make zero participating in the debate on the Estimates contribution to growth this year. These for the Department of Business, Industry and statistics from the Government’s own Budget Regional Development, I wish to confine my contrast starkly with the rosy business garden remarks to the environment in which business predicted by the Minister in his speech, when and industry operate and to highlight some of he sought to disguise what the Treasurer has the worrying trends that are evidenced in already admitted in his Budget papers. recent economic statistics. These figures show Conditions for business became more that, despite what the Minister would have difficult on Monday with the announcement of everyone believe, not everything is exactly an $8 per week pay rise for two million rosy in the business garden. Australian workers. Although some workers will The Treasurer and the Minister have receive an added Christmas bonus, some will trotted out a range of statistics to give the be faced with the prospect of losing their jobs impression of a rapidly expanding business because of the extra burden placed on sector. However, these figures are based on marginal businesses. Surely it is time to projections, not reality. The reality is contained recognise that a centralised wage fixing in the Treasurer’s own Budget papers, which system is an outdated concept incompatible state in Budget Paper No. 5, The Queensland with any economy that must compete on the Economy, under the heading “Overview”— international stage. Granting wage rises simply on the basis of workers not receiving an “Business investment has been the increase in two and a half years, and not one key component of expenditure in 16 November 1993 5794 Legislative Assembly taking into account any necessity for Until Queensland has an internationally productivity gains, is simply a matter of one competitive business environment, we will worker’s wage rise being another worker’s job. continue to see these abysmal figures which, I This centralist approach, combined with suspect, would be even more disappointing if the Government’s failure to endorse genuine we compared them with our Asian neighbours’ enterprise bargaining, is an anchor that figures. The potential that this State businesses cannot afford to drag if they are to undoubtedly has will continue to be unrealised be internationally competitive. Whilst the unless we have an internationally competitive Government talks about competing in the business environment. world marketplace, whilst it seeks to make Mr HOLLIS (Redcliffe) (3.03 p.m.): I am Gladstone the light metals capital of the pleased to speak to the Estimates of the Asia/Pacific region and whilst it highlights the Department of Business, Industry and growing economies of Asia and the resultant Regional Development. The vision statement opportunities for Queensland business, it still of this department and its Minister should be remains sufficiently inward looking to stated again and again because it not only constantly compare Queensland with other reflects the ethos of the department but also States in the Commonwealth. that of the Government. Government In the presentation of his Estimates, not members are aware of that departmental once did the Minister refer to business vision statement but, for the edification of conditions in overseas markets in which he members opposite, I will repeat it. The suggests Queensland businesses can department’s vision is to “Position Queensland compete. An understanding of these with an operating environment in which conditions is necessary if our businesses are business can prosper throughout the State.” to become exporters. More importantly, we will I intend to speak about one of DBIRD’s have to match or outstrip these conditions in major services, the National Industry certain key areas if we are to be truly Extension Service or NIES. As honourable internationally competitive. Value-adding to members are well aware, the competition for products can occur only if the value to be new ideas, products and markets has never added is done competitively. Research been more intense. As world trade grows, assistance with the product and the market, standards and benchmarks are becoming which this Minister’s department provides, is more rigorous. So, too, are the demands and but one component of the process. Key expectations of end users for good-quality, components, such as labour costs, cost-effective products and services. NIES Government regulations, taxes and charges helps Australian small and medium-sized firms and efficient transport systems are in the manufacturing and traded service conveniently ignored by this Government. sectors to become internationally competitive Reassuring ourselves that Queensland’s costs through enterprise involvement. The service is in these areas are the lowest in the nation will a joint Federal, State and Territory network of cut no ice in the international marketplace. business information, referral and advisory Queensland is not competing against other services. States in Australia. Thanks to Labor’s financial Since 1986, more than 1 200 incompetence throughout the rest of the Queensland small to medium-sized firms have nation, Queensland has already beaten them. benefited from NIES with greater than a 96 The Asia/Pacific economic cooperative per cent satisfaction rate. Independent meeting, to be held in , is this week’s evaluations have shown that maximum single most important event. It is more benefit is achieved by firms which undertake a important to the future of Queensland and this number of NIES programs. Clearly, firms nation than Mabo; it is more important than working with qualified advisers achieve better the republic debate. A successful outcome practice and improved profits. In particular, from this meeting will see Australia’s economic NIES provides subsidies to eligible firms when future welded to this region. It is a future that engaging registered consultants to assist in could be bright, provided that Queensland has the development of enterprise improvement an internationally competitive business programs. Subsidies are available for firms to environment. At the moment, the official attend approved workshops in the delivery of figures indicate clearly that Queensland does value-adding management, costing and not have such an environment, nor does this pricing, quality assurance and marketing. Government have any policies to provide one. The NIES Program is now regionalised, A drop in investment last year when an and firms can negotiate directly with any one increase was predicted proves this point. of DBIRD’s 12 regional offices. This has Legislative Assembly 5795 16 November 1993 resulted in decreased response times and through 48 new and improved businesses.” better servicing of clients. This action has seen I can verify that. A strip shopping centre in the an increase in the uptake of NIES services by electorate of Redcliffe—one of the ageing, regional firms. In fact, 47 per cent of assisted worn-out shopping centres—is now a much firms have been outside the Brisbane more vibrant place. People can now drive metropolitan area. In my own electorate of down the main street on a Sunday and find it Redcliffe, we have had a couple of good packed with cars and people. More and more examples of assistance by NIES. A. I. businesses are seeing the opportunity of Scientific Pty Ltd of Redcliffe, which attracting not only Redcliffe residents but also manufactures high-technology products for people from afar to participate in shopping the scientific instrument market, received the and the very good seaside recreational areas following assistance: in 1992, a business that Redcliffe offers. diagnostic plan; in 1993, a business plan; in 1992, a design audit; in 1993, management I often think about the time that I started servicing; in 1993, product design; in 1990, in small business, which was back in 1976, quality assurance; and in 1993, design audit when I took on a small mixed business in Australian Design Awards. The total of grants Redcliffe. That was my first foray into to that firm alone amounted to $27,300. One business. I can remember looking around and can see that over that period, that firm has saying, “What am I really doing here?” I had a taken great advantage of the assistance few dollars. I was one of those Victorian offered to it by DBIRD. refugees—— Another firm in Redcliffe is Adcrete Mrs Woodgate: A Mexican. Industries Pty Ltd. It manufactures paint Mr HOLLIS: A Mexican. So I decided that coatings and waterproof membranes, and it I would go into a small business. I remember also deals in imitation paving concrete. It the struggles and the toil that I endured to received the following assistance: in 1991, a keep the profits going over the two years that I business diagnostic plan; in 1992, a business had that mixed business and to be able to plan; and in 1992, quality assurance which, as support a family. I also remember when I sold we all know, is the essence of any good that business and then decided to start off as business in this day and age. A total of a carrier. I bought a small truck and then just $14,250 was granted to that business. started knocking on doors. For six months, The help that the Minister and the although I did not make any money, I thought department gave to business in Redcliffe did that I was doing a good job in building up my not end there. I always like to hear the business. If advice about small business had Minister speak when he comes to Redcliffe, been as available then as it is now, I would which he has visited two or three times. The probably be in Lindsay Fox’s position today previous Minister also visited the electorate instead of being a member of this Parliament. some four or five times. The Ministers say that Honourable members interjected. the Government is not giving businesses Mr HOLLIS: We can laugh at what goes hand-outs; it is giving them a hand up. I think on in small business, but the essence of small that is very important for small business in this business is to know what to do, how to do it, day and age. Two years ago, the Redcliffe how to manage finances and how to give that Peninsula Industrial Association received quality assurance. assistance for an expo. It has received $40,000 for a database. Overall, the Main Any small businessman who started back Street program in Redcliffe has also benefited in the days when I started—1976—would say, by $40,000. “If we had had the advice and the support, we could have done much better with our It is quite interesting to read what is business.” The biggest failing and why so stated in the annual report of the Queensland many businesses go to the wall is that they do Small Business Corporation about the Main not have the advice that is now available Street program and what it does for business. through DBIRD and the associated Small The report states that 890 small businesses Business Development Corporation. within five target locations—one of which is Redcliffe, of course—have benefited from the To position NIES services close to Main Street initiatives. It states further— industry, NIES field officers now operate from the Metal Trades Industry Association, the “Main Street programs led to the Queensland Manufacturing Institute and the direct employment of six people, with an Information Industries Board. Officers at QMI estimated 152 additional jobs created are encouraging firms to adopt new technologies. This service is complemented 16 November 1993 5796 Legislative Assembly with assistance from other QMI stakeholders, tailored approach is able to derive the for instance, CSIRO, TAFE-TEQ and QUT. It maximum benefit for the firm in its quest to makes the QMI a powerful tool for industry to achieve international competitiveness. upgrade its technology to compete on the DBIRD, through the NIES Program, world stage. provides a linkage between its own services The NIES operations within the and complementary programs provided by Information Industries Board allow for the other industry support agencies. In this regard, establishment of a close link between the DBIRD actively seeks cooperation with other NIES enterprise improvement programs and State and Commonwealth Government the implementation of the State Government’s departments and has established an industry information technology strategy. The NIES services providers forum. This ensures that a Program has been most successful, with an whole-of-Government approach to service accompanying yearly increase in demand for delivery is established and maintained. funds since 1986. Funding available under Detailed training of all field staff has been NIES in the 1993-94 financial year is undertaken, including the training of other approximately $6.4m, with the Goss agency field officers, in the delivery of NIES Government contributing 62 per cent of these services. funds. To ensure the quality of external As a result of the NIES system, firms are expertise in the delivery of NIES services, an adopting better business practices and are independent consultant assessment program seeking export and import replacement has been introduced. This has enabled the opportunities. Of the six firms which won the development of a consultant register to more Premier’s export awards in 1993, five were readily match client needs with the skills and NIES clients—a clear indication of the value of expertise of consultants. NIES seeks advice the NIES services. A national survey by Price from both clients and consultants to improve Waterhouse in 1991-92 found that the its performance. Formal mechanisms have majority of firms assisted with a sequence of been established for receiving this advice NIES improvement programs became better through the formation of the NIES Champions performers, particularly in price Group and the Consultants Advisory competitiveness and profitability. Committee. The review of the NIES business planning DBIRD recognises the need for smaller group of programs in Queensland, undertaken firms to gain access to the benefits of NIES by Reark Research earlier this year, showed services. In this regard, further low cost that over 70 per cent of client firms are workshops delivered through TAFE and satisfied with their investment in the program private providers are being developed to and believe that the range of programs complement the existing range in quality offered provides an effective package to make assurance, costing and pricing, value-added companies more internationally competitive. management and marketing. The need for firms to network to maximise I notice the hilarity on the other side of export opportunities is a critical element for the Chamber. As I said at the start of this Queensland industry. The networking concept speech, we should repeat and repeat again all of involving small to medium size firms which of the initiatives provided by this Government view the formation of clusters as being critical for business and in the mainstream programs. to their export success is actively promoted I will repeat it again—the vision of this through NIES. These firms may not achieve Government and the Department of Small success if they act in isolation to each other. Business is to position Queensland in an Ten new networks have been established operating environment in which business can in furniture, food, marine vessels and prosper. Mr Deputy Chairman, you can see equipment and surf equipment. NIES services why we thought it very important today to are now being targeted at the traded services repeat everything that has been said sector, particularly in the areas of building and previously. construction, legal, health and medical, In conclusion—DBIRD recognises the telecommunication, education and training. need for smaller firms to gain access to the During 1993-94, continuing emphasis will be benefits of NIES services. In this regard, placed on tailoring services to meet individual further low-cost workshops delivered through client needs. In this regard, firms are TAFE and private providers are being encouraged to adopt an enterprise developed to complement the existing range improvement process which enables them to in quality assurance, costing and pricing, progress through a sequence of services. This value-added management and marketing. Legislative Assembly 5797 16 November 1993

DBIRD will continue to build upon the services had and, obviously, will continue to have. It is of the NIES Program. In doing so, it will place not simply a case of growth in numbers, but a particular emphasis on the delivery of NIES change in the make-up of those people. services to the traded services, food Whereas we traditionally used to have a processing, and information technology considerably higher average number of industries, in addition to meeting the needs of persons per household, this figure has now its existing clients. It may be worth repeating dropped to 2.8 persons and will probably drop again that there are so many benefits now further. available to all business people in this State, One might ask: is this of any including small business. consequence? It is when it is recognised that I do not think that an Opposition with 50 years ago 100 000 extra people required even the most callous of objectives could 26 000 dwellings. The same additional deny that there is much more assistance out 100 000 extra people now require 36 000 there. We have fewer businesses going broke, dwellings. That is 10 000 more dwellings, with which is very important. Of course, by fewer all of the infrastructure that goes with them. businesses going broke, more families have There are those who would say that an income and more families have a quality of Government has no role to play in planning life that we as a Government seek to achieve. where people live, work and invest. That Mr LAMING (Mooloolah) (3.18 p.m.): approach is admirable enough in theory but, Most of my remarks this afternoon will be in a sophisticated society, where the aimed at the problems and challenges of community expects and demands state-of- regional development in fast growing areas. If the-art services from the three levels of Queensland’s population of 3 million were to Government, it becomes impractical. continue to grow at the present rate of just In places such as the Sunshine Coast the over 2.3 per cent per year, the State would influx of people is quite often driven not by a have over 4 million people at the turn of the frontier mentality but by a desire to improve century; 6 million in about 25 years; and 26 their ambient lifestyle. Many people seek to million in 75 years. retire in a most desirable location. Who would Although it is obvious that growth of this argue with that? However, as such people magnitude is unlikely to continue for such a quite often bring with them a high expectation long time, the possibility nevertheless of Government services—sometimes reinforces the necessity to consider the heightened by previous interstate Labor serious long-term consequences that the Governments that sent their own State present rapid rates of growth are likely to broke—the Queensland Government should have. The primary sources of this rapid growth have some say in how those infrastructure have been interstate migration and a relatively costs are coordinated. The issues are: how high birth rate. More recently, overseas much control should Governments have; migration has also begun to play an important which level of Government should have that role. However, not all regions within responsibility; and how to coordinate the Queensland have shared in this rapid plethora of recommendations from all of the population growth. Most of the growth has affected Government agencies, business, and occurred in the south-east corner—that part of community groups, and not forgetting the the State which has dominated Queensland ordinary citizens. throughout its history. Yet there is still a group to which I have It is our responsibility to assess the not referred above, that is, future residents. I implications of these changes in population on do not simply mean our own children—who the future of Queensland and on those who are certainly important—but, in an area that is have a stake in its future. First and foremost of growing rapidly because of migration, one those with a stake in Queensland’s population must plan for a huge anonymous population future are its current residents and those who in the future. That is the challenge. Where do are considering moving to Queensland. Many we start? As tempting as it is to start with others have an interest as well. They include infrastructure—we have all asked for schools, those who sell goods and services and those hospitals and police stations—that is not the who are contemplating investing in starting point. Access to and use of land is the Queensland. It is not so much a case of key. Only land provides a practical dimension encouraging population growth in south-east of space for people to live. Only land, with our Queensland and in particular places such as present technology, provides our source of the Sunshine Coast; it is the challenge of food. I do not discount the contribution of the managing the growth that we already have sea, as I include the adjacent waters in my definition of land use. That is for a very 16 November 1993 5798 Legislative Assembly definite reason to which I will return a little there are many planning, economic and later. Only land can give us the areas to set environmental considerations that transcend aside for factories, shops and sporting such boundaries. Amalgamation of local facilities. In order for Governments to provide authorities is not necessarily the answer. Big is services, it is necessary to take land for roads, not necessarily better in all cases. We can run rail, schools and hospitals. The issue that the risk of moving local government—which is causes particular concern for nearby residents the tier of Government that is closest to the is land taken for roads. people—further from them. That has obvious Roads and their upgrading are the best disadvantages. A larger local authority area examples of the lack of planning by still has boundaries, so the problem is shifted Governments in earlier years. Yet it is unfair rather than solved. The State Government for us to blame former Governments and has regionalised its departments and, even councils, which would have had little though the boundaries of those regions do comprehension of future growth and the not coincide for all departments, at least there impact of the motor car, and little in the way of is a recognition that the Sunshine Coast, for funds to do anything about it. It would be instance, has an extended community of hypocritical as well as unfair to be critical of interest. The Sunshine Coast has an identity those who went before if we ourselves do not regardless of local authority boundaries and plan to the best of our ability, not only for the State Government regions. expected growth rates but also for some of I understand that the State Government the technological and social changes that are regional managers meet and discuss common becoming apparent even now. interests and concerns. That is of vital Who should take the key role in that importance if a whole-of-Government process? Both local and State Governments approach is to be achieved. The concerns of have a huge responsibility to provide all departments rely on and, in turn, are relied infrastructure, and therefore each has a role to upon by other departments to function play. Business interests make the financial properly. However, local and Federal commitment, whether it be in agriculture, Government interests have to mesh with commerce, land development, and industry or those interests. Where are business and as private service providers. The business community interests taken on board? For that community must have input. Without them, reason, I suggest that there is a gap in the nothing will happen, no jobs will be provided, consultation process. We know for whom the and our standard of living will deteriorate. regional managers speak, as vital as that Consultation with community groups— input is. Local people have access to their particularly in the areas of amenity, recreation council representatives, who have direct input and the environment—is also very important. into council planning, but this is quite rightly That might sound quite acceptable in theory, confined to local government matters. Unless but it does pose some difficulties at the State members, regardless of party affiliation, implementation process. are given the opportunity to provide formal input into the planning of their region, there is The SEQ 2001 study has been released. a gap in the process. I understand that the Department of Business, Industry and Regional Development had Who receives the calls for extra State considerable input to that study. That is Government facilities in and around the understandable and desirable. DBIRD’s aims electorates? That is the purview of the State are to identify and then address regional member, and rightly so. Does that member planning issues affecting business, industry simply write to the Minister, ask a question in and employment opportunities. That, of Parliament, refer to the matter in an Estimates course, must include the adequate provision debate or jump up and down in the press of appropriately located and serviced land for about it? Some of those activities may from business and industry. The department has time to time bear fruit, but is that planning? Is an interfacing role to provide advice to local that ensuring the best use of existing authorities on planning for business and resources? Does that lead to the objective industry. That is of the utmost importance, placement of facilities to satisfy the need because local authorities have the rather than political expedience? Only last responsibility to prepare town plans. week, the Minister for Health suggested that I was looking for a community hospital to be I referred earlier to the possibility of located in my electorate, when I was actually difficulties in the implementation process. suggesting that would be a Although local authorities by definition confine more practical site. their concerns mainly within their boundaries, Legislative Assembly 5799 16 November 1993

I am interested in the opinion of the such people available to assist those in Minister for Regional Development on this business. matter: what is wrong with encouraging I am pleased to advise the Committee regions to develop their own planning forums that the Caloundra City Council has adopted a made up of the chairman of the regional future search strategy, which I had pleasure in managers group, the shire chairman and attending earlier this year. Great concern was local, State and Federal members? Such a expressed about unemployment. That subject group, I hasten to add, would have no role—I always seems to come up at any such repeat “no role”—in taking over the function conference on the coast. I have spoken at and responsibility of any level of Government. length on that subject in other debates, but I It is not a harbinger of regional Government. repeat that I do not believe that the Federal There would be no necessity to make Government or this Government is doing all resolutions. I am talking about a forum to that it can to address the problem. exchange views on regional problems, aspirations and, of course, medium to long- I return to this Estimates debate. As to term planning. regional development—there is a fear on the Sunshine Coast that continued development It is not difficult to think of some of our lovely area will eventually destroy it. examples. There is some concern on the Although there must be a limit on how many coast regarding access to suitably zoned and people the Sunshine Coast can absorb, I do serviced industrial land. Is the area going to not subscribe to the theory that the gate have a hazardous and noxious industry at all? should be closed. To subscribe to that theory If not, what are the costs? If so, in whose could suggest that it might have been closed backyard should it be? The siting of the prior to my arrival. It is not the quantity of recently announced Sunshine Coast university development; it is the quality, the placement aroused a fair bit of debate on the coast. and the planning that will allow us to reach our There was no forum to discuss those issues optimum and still be able to claim that we from a regional perspective. There are many reside in the best part of the best State of examples in which Government facilities—and, Australia. more importantly, the users of those facilities—pay no mind to local authority Mr BARTON (Waterford) (3.30 p.m.): boundaries and even less to State or Federal DBIRD is fully committed to advancing electorate boundaries. innovation and technology in this State. It goes without saying that the business world is Such a forum as I have suggested could constantly changing, and that Queensland meet perhaps quarterly and discuss one or firms, like others in Australia and overseas, two major topics of concern. One such issue need to adapt in order to become more would be public transport. If he adopts—as I competitive, and in some cases, more am sure he does—a whole-of-Government competitive on the tough international market. approach, that issue would be of interest to the Minister. Without adequate public No longer can firms depend on their transport, the development of any area will be strength from a single product or market to restricted. When an issue such as that was to maintain their competitive position. receive general discussion, specialised International trade in high value-added personnel from the Department of Transport, products is rapidly increasing and new and local bus and cab operators and a improved products are now the norm. This representative of any local commuter situation presents new challenges to firms and organisations could be invited. I am sure that to Governments and requires that both some honourable members could see some sectors become more innovative. difficulties in implementing such a forum, but I In a commercial sense, innovation takes ask: is that not better than the system that is place through the creation of new products, operating in the regions at present? new product features and associated process I take this opportunity to acknowledge the and equipment developments. To the extent efforts of Dr Ken King, Alistair Double and Del that a firm can generate these new products Woodcock of the local DBIRD office, Dennis and bring them to the market fast, the more Bailey of the Queensland Small Business competitive that firm will become. To design Corporation and their respective staffs. and efficiently produce new and improved Additionally, I acknowledge the tremendous products to customers often requires that firms research efforts of Mr Ted Fitzgerald of the engage in some form of applied research and Sunshine Coast Development Board. The technology development activities which, Sunshine Coast is indeed fortunate to have although valuable, can be quite costly. In many instances, these research and 16 November 1993 5800 Legislative Assembly development costs are unable to be met by The clustering of high value-adding firms individual firms and industry sectors. helps to create a better atmosphere or hot Governments, using a variety of mechanisms, spot for the development of innovative ideas, can play a positive role in helping firms and world class research and technology industry to become more innovative and development and the commercialisation of competitive. new products and processes resulting from It was pointed out by the Premier in this these activities. International studies have Government’s policy document demonstrated that science and technology Queensland—Leading State— parks and technology precincts are positive mechanisms for the development of such hot “Innovation, research and associated spots and can lead to competitive advantage scientific and technical advances play a at the firm or industry sector and at regional crucial role in economic development. and international levels. Technology parks Innovation and research are an important usually contain a collection of advanced key to value adding for all our industries, technology industries concerned with research to the broadening of the economic base and development, innovation and of the State and to the creation of manufacturing. They may or may not have a challenging and rewarding employment direct association with a university. The opportunities in the medium and long Government has developed a strategic land term.” management policy for the technology parks In Queensland, Government support for of the State that will assist industry to gain the innovation and research has three main best results from their research and objectives: to enhance our scientific and development activities well into the next technical capability and skills base; to support century. infrastructure for dissemination and adoption This policy ensures that the Government of new technologies and innovative products is continually looking at the future and practices; and to encourage the requirements of industry for land in commercialisation and successful assimilation Government technology parks. At the present of innovation and scientific advances into a there are four parks, the Brisbane Technology wide range of economic and commercial Park at Eight Mile Plains, the Gold Coast activities. Technology Park, the Mount Gravatt Research This Government has strongly articulated Park and the Townsville Aviation Park, all of policies and programs to achieve these which have varying levels of tenancy. More objectives that will contribute to the economic, recently, attention has been given to the social and employment development of the development of technology precincts. This State. These policies have been reinforced by approach to the clustering of technology a visible commitment to key science and infrastructures involves developing a balanced technology initiatives that will enhance the mix between industry, research facilities, potential of Queensland firms to become business support and a quality education skills more innovative and competitive. development infrastructure. The Queensland Some of these initiatives are: the Government is now looking at ways to best development of our research and technology integrate this mix of needs to enhance the parks; establishment of the Queensland competitive advantage of Queensland firms Manufacturing Institute; Queensland Grants and industries on the technology parks around for Industrial Research and Development the State. Scheme—QGRAD—and support shown by A report is being prepared by officers of this Government to the Cooperative Research DBIRD to ensure that such initiatives as the Centres—CRCs—Program. In particular, we Queensland Clunies Ross Centre, the QMI are developing the support mechanisms such and other activities that are centred on or as science and technology parks and around the State Government technology technology precincts. There is a realisation parks all work towards the same goal—that of that new industries driving world economies State development, strong economic growth are increasingly reliant on rapid advances and an increase in the number of jobs for through science, technology and research. In Queensland. order for such industries to develop and The Queensland Manufacturing Institute maintain their competitive position, it has been at the Brisbane Technology Park, to be realised that mechanisms are needed to help officially opened later this year, has been cluster new firms and close the physical and developed over the past two years as a joint cultural gaps between industry and venture between the Department of Business, educational and research institutions. Industry and Regional Development and the Legislative Assembly 5801 16 November 1993

State’s leading manufacturing research now inevitable. This will assist Queensland organisations and support agencies, which industry as a whole. The QMI, although a include TAFE-TEQ, CSIRO and QUT. successful initiative on its own, is also part of a The QMI will provide a wide range of much larger plan to develop technology consultancy services to help support precincts, which, as mentioned earlier, will Queensland manufacturers in developing provide a hot spot of innovative ideas, innovative and competitive applications of new research and thinking. and existing technologies. These services will The Queensland Clunies Ross Centre, include technology investment evaluation, which was announced by the Premier during technology transfer and implementation and last year’s election campaign, is progressing technology appraisal and applications on schedule. The establishment of this centre development. QMI will have key research is intended to create an interactive capabilities in a number of important areas environment for academia, industries, that will help our Queensland manufacturing educators and professional groups to develop firms to design, develop and produce their intellectual networks. The centre will play a new or enhanced products far more quickly significant role in: forging links between the and efficiently than previously and get their private and public sectors and technology products on the market in significantly less research and development; encouraging time and at a much reduced cost. These commercial development of new products of capabilities include: stereolithography and technology leading to new industries, new rapid prototyping capabilities; concurrent skills and more jobs; and increasing interaction engineering and lean production capabilities; between scientific, technical and business rapid development of prototype tooling related organisations located within the centre and to plastics injection moulding, squeeze those people who wish to visit the meetings casting, die casting and investment casting and conferences. techniques; and medical applications of rapid A most significant part of the interaction prototyping techniques, including the between science and industry and the manufacturing of tailor-made prosthetic creation of linkages that promote and affect devices. the application of science to the benefit of The QMI initiative has already obtained industry will come from the effective use of the success by securing its involvement in the conferencing and meeting facilities available International Intelligent Manufacturing for this purpose. These include the use of Systems Program, which is an international facilities by scientific and technical institutions, collaborative program that also involves a firms and industry groups for purposes such number of other Australian firms and research as demonstrating products to local, interstate institutions. The long-term goal of the IMS and international customers by emphasising Program is to develop and deploy a set of the technological advantages of these technologies and business practices that will products in the technological atmosphere of lead to rapid product development for a wide the centre; undertaking training of technical range of applications. Additional goals are to personnel in quality, improved manufacture conduct an unprecedented worldwide and the utilisation of the latest technology; assessment of rapid prototyping and recruiting young people and/or influencing measurement technologies and to develop their chosen career direction; conducting business and management practices that will seminars and/or conferences that will allow accelerate the deployment and utilisation of industry to act directly with the scientific these technologies. community and which will provide for industry The QMI was invited to participate in the to display the latest technically advanced IMS Rapid Product Deployment test case as products; and the training of industry by QMI is the only Australian technology transfer private, public and academic institutions in facility with the specific resources required to leading-edge technology and management maintain a strong involvement by Australia. systems. Investigations are now under way to This is an indication of the high quality facilities decide on the best way to produce this and systems the Queensland Government cooperative environment that will assist all of has in place to assist the industry sectors of Queensland industry. the State. The QMI has been afforded the The Queensland Grants for Industrial status of an international coordinating partner. Research and Development Scheme— Advice from DITARD, the Federal department, QGRAD—is one particular Government and the IMS secretariat is that beyond this initiative which promotes and assists private initial test case a 10-year program of sector research and development. The vision international collaboration within the IMS is for the QGRAD scheme is to identify and 16 November 1993 5802 Legislative Assembly support high-quality financially constrained representation by Queensland institutions in new product or process R and D projects. 15 CRCs, seven of which are based in Particular emphasis is placed on projects with Queensland. Also, Queensland institutions are strong export or import replacement potential. represented in all of the six broad fields of QGRAD is a significant initiative in the research. Government’s industrial innovation policy. To The Queensland Government strongly date, after seven rounds of applications, over supports the establishment of CRCs in the $5.3m has been committed to 36 R and D State and the participation of Queensland projects. Of these projects, 12 have been institutions in multi-State CRCs. Last year’s completed, 20 are ongoing and four have yet State Budget provided a maximum State to officially sign the agreement to begin the contribution of $1.15m per annum for three projects. Preliminary outcomes for QGRAD years—a total of $3.45m—towards successful have included 80 per cent of projects Queensland CRC applicants requiring State achieving their technical objectives, and 62.5 support in rounds two and three. Of the per cent of completed projects are already $3.45m funding available, approximately achieving commercial results. Firms which $2.86m has been used to help establish have completed QGRAD-supported R and D Queensland-based centres and to assist projects were recently surveyed and have Queensland-based institutions participate in reported gaining notable spin-off benefits such multi-based State centres. These initiatives as increased levels of technical knowledge are only a few examples which indicate that and skill; improved R and D management the Government is taking an innovative, skills; enhanced ability to develop other new responsible and constructive approach to products; improved investment attractiveness; industry development in this State. greater market shares; and improved competitiveness of the firm. Time expired. There are also external benefits flowing to Mr LINGARD (Beaudesert—Deputy the Queensland economy from QGRAD’s Leader of the Opposition) (3.46 p.m.): I intend support, which include the areas of export, to concentrate largely on the Regional and import replacement, job creation and business Project Development Program of the investment in R and D. At this stage, QGRAD Department of Business, Industry and has completed 12 projects with total grant Regional Development. This program is payments of $2,113,593. Of the 12 projects, designed to provide assistance to facilitate five have completed the R and D project and economic growth in the regions of have achieved sales through the Queensland; to encourage the development commercialisation process. A number of these of major projects; and to ensure that future projects are yet to complete their industrial growth has adequate access to development. The QGRAD scheme is strategic land-holdings and infrastructure. presently being reviewed to assist in ensuring I note that, during 1992-93, under the that its quality of service is the best for Regional Economic Development Scheme, Queensland industry and that the State is $1.5m was made available to 141 projects. It receiving the best returns on its investment. is this sort of scheme that helps to encourage The Cooperative Research Centres development of rural Queensland. I commend Program—CRCs—brings together researchers the officers of the department for pursuing and research groups from universities, regional growth wherever feasible. As well as Commonwealth Government research this, the Business Advice for Rural organisations, State Government Queensland Scheme assisted in excess of 50 instrumentalities and business to undertake businesses in rural Queensland to either collaborative research and education establish themselves or expand their activities. programs in the fields of natural science and I note from the Budget Estimates that, engineering. The CRCs are categorised into during the current financial year, the six broad fields of research: agriculture and Government has committed $125,000 to fund rural-based manufacture; information and the Central Western Queensland Remote communications technology; the environment; Area Planning and Development Board to medical science and technology; mining and carry out economic development and energy; and manufacturing technology. The planning. It is essential that, for the future Commonwealth Government has funded 52 development of this State and to ensure the CRCs in three selection rounds. All States and growth and viability of rural communities, the Territories, together with regions such as north Government of Queensland—whatever its Queensland, are represented. It should be complexion—ensures that every opportunity is noted that there has been significant taken to site industries and associated Legislative Assembly 5803 16 November 1993 infrastructure in our rural areas. I commend dealers to supply motor vehicles to shire the department for every step that it takes to councils. Q-Fleet, based in Brisbane, will assist the economic development of rural supply vehicles throughout the State and then Queensland. rely on local dealers to undertake servicing I note in the program outlays that total and repairs. But, of course, it is the local grants and subsidies have increased by dealer who has invested in establishing the $3.5m. This has gone to regional dealership and employing local people. It is development boards, grants to industry those people who have benefited the rural organisations and grants to industry. In community, not Q-Fleet. Q-Fleet does not addition, capital outlays largely comprised invest anything, but comes in over the top to fixed capital expenditure. I ask the Minister take business away from the dealership where that additional expenditure is being without investing any money at all. spent and exactly what it comprises. The Mr Livingstone: People from the local Minister has, of course, ensured that, because area get their vehicles through that dealer. of a departmental restructure, it is very difficult Mr LINGARD: Not in the particular to compare the current year with the previous situation that I am discussing. The other worry financial year, as obviously staff have been in relation to Q-Fleet is that it not only affects transferred within various programs. As the new car sales but it will adversely affect department was one of the first reviewed by second-hand car sales in the local districts the infamous PSMC during 1990, I ask: is this because Q-Fleet disposes of the used current restructuring a result of a further vehicles through the auction system in review, or did the PSMC get it wrong the first Brisbane, thereby, once again, depriving the time? local dealer of making any money on the Although I have commended the officers second-hand sale of the vehicle. of the department for their efforts to A further example of this Government’s encourage regional development, callous disregard for rural businesses was the unfortunately the same cannot be said for the establishment of Q-Link, the motor transport Goss Government. In the last 24 hours, we link of Queensland Rail. Once again, we have have seen how the Goss Government is quite a Government organisation which is exempt prepared to destroy parts of the transport from sales tax and import duties as well as infrastructure of rural Queensland with the many other State Government charges definite closure of six railway lines, the competing against private enterprise which is mothballing of a further five lines, and the not allowed any concessions whatsoever. threat of eventual closure of anything up to 18 Naturally enough, Q-Link’s costs must be far additional lines. Not only does the less than those incurred by private enterprise. Government intend to close lines, it also Not only is this competition unfair, it is a intends to rip them up. complete waste of resources. We see classic The Minister would be fully aware that in examples of semitrailers being used by Q-Link order to encourage regional development and to deliver three or four parcels. Obviously, the the decentralisation of industry, it is essential staff and management of Q-Link certainly do that a first-class transport system be in place not feel the same cost constraints as the and properly maintained. Not only is this people in private enterprise do. Q-Link has Government intent on destroying railways, but spent millions of dollars purchasing motor we also find that its contribution to road vehicles just so that it can compete on a funding in this year’s budget has been cut. I totally unfair basis with private enterprise. This ask the Minister: what is the point in his is money that is being wasted. It could be far department trying to expand regional more usefully spent on social infrastructure development when the Goss Government programs while allowing those people who knives him in the back by destroying transport have built up transport businesses and who infrastructure? have invested in the local community to get Unfortunately for rural communities, the on with the job of moving small freight around Goss Government does not stop at destroying Queensland. the transport system. It is also intent on We are all aware of how the Labor ruining small business in rural Queensland. Government has single-mindedly gone after The Minister may not be aware that Q-Fleet, the people of rural Queensland. It has allowed the Government’s vehicle management and infrastructure to run down, withdrawn services purchasing organisation—once again, a and done everything it possibly could to wreak product of Peter Coaldrake’s mind—is some sort of perverted revenge on rural engaging in competing with rural vehicle Queenslanders. Unfortunately, some of these 16 November 1993 5804 Legislative Assembly cutbacks go to the very heart of rural and I both believe that the creation of this Queensland. I refer in particular to cutbacks industrial land zone gives Gladstone and the and threatened cutbacks to the education Calliope region enormous potential. system. In his statement today, the Premier Anyone in the Minister’s department warned that the region would run out of could advise him that he will not get regional industrial land for major projects within three to development unless the infrastructure exists to five years. Now, the creation of this State provide a decent education for the children of development area means industrial land will the employees of any business. Instead, we be available for the next three years. A 20- find a Government which continually threatens month study funded by the Goss Government the closure of primary schools in rural pointed to a site west of Gladstone known as Queensland and which talks about reducing the Aldoga site, after extensive scientific study the number of teachers in rural schools and incorporating environmental management, forcing the amalgamation of schools, courses community acceptance as well as indicative and classes. When the standard and scope of industries suitable for such a site. This study education is reduced, naturally the incentive was very important because it should provide for people to move into the affected areas is further encouragement to industry to look to also reduced. Gladstone as a site for new investment. It will It is vital in any regional development be an important marketing tool to attract new plan that sufficient moneys be spent on industry to the Gladstone/Calliope region. providing a full education system right through Port cities elsewhere in Australia and to the provision of TAFE and university throughout the industrialised world have run courses. It is only in this way that a locally out of room for new development. In based work force can be trained in the conducting this study, the Goss Government necessary skills to obtain and attract has foreseen this problem and has outlined development. that it is governing not only for today but also The PCAP scheme is a superb example for the future. We should add to this the of an imaginative Government providing concept for Gladstone to become the light assistance to rural school children to ensure metals capital of Australia. The Government that the tyrannies of distance that many rural deserves accolades for this worldwide push. It school children face are overcome, and that shows that we are not waiting for these major courses and facilities that are commonplace in projects to drop out of the sky; we are actively Brisbane are provided, wherever possible. This going out and seeking them. We are actively scheme has enriched the cultural life of rural creating an environment for industry to come children and must be retained. It should be to Queensland. managed by the local communities who best Capital is international: it has no national know their own needs—not by the principal of boundaries; it has no loyalty; it is looking only the local school and certainly not as a subset for the best return it can get. It is the job of of other special programs. Governments to look after their own backyards Rural communities are naturally, given and to extract the best quality of life for their the record of the Labor Government, very citizens. Governments can attract international apprehensive about reductions in services, capital by offering the best environment for particularly where it concerns their children. capital to invest in industrial projects, by Consequently, I urge the Minister to use his ensuring political stability, by honouring office and influence to ensure that, when he is contracts entered into, by having infrastructure considering regional development in and trained labour available to meet future Queensland, he looks at the whole picture— industrial demands, and by having a low-tax everything the Government is doing that environment for industry. affects the development of rural Queensland, With its proposed Boyne smelter third not only the particular activities of his own potline expansion project, Comalco said that it portfolio. would proceed only if it had a sovereign risk Mr BENNETT (Gladstone) (3.55 p.m.): premium with power supplies. To that end, the The Goss Government is continuing its long- Goss Government entered into negotiations to term plan for the Gladstone region to be one transfer the ownership of the Gladstone Power of Queensland’s centres for industrial growth Station to Comalco in return for an this century by the Premier’s announcement undertaking to build a third potline expansion that the Queensland Cabinet has approved at Boyne Island. the creation of a special 6 800 hectares State Having been a former power station development area in Gladstone. The Premier employee for thirteen and a half years, I have Legislative Assembly 5805 16 November 1993 been very close to the whole process. I am assistance to those 13 projects is estimated to pleased to announce that my main concerns be $6.2m. It is worth noting that, to date, were that the project had every chance of 1 012 direct jobs have been created by those success and that the power station 13 projects, which have involved an estimated employees’ interests were well catered for. I $370.6m capital investment. am pleased to say that the industrial relations I turn now to another important activity of outcomes have been very satisfactory and DBIRD, which is the Industry Location that wages and conditions of employees have Scheme. Since 1964, DBIRD and its various been maintained, if not enhanced in some predecessors have had public sector areas. This is not to say that there were no responsibility for industry development in hiccups along the way. Queensland. The industrial estates program While talking about this major project, I has been important in achieving the goal of would like to sincerely thank the Premier for stimulating the expansion of manufacturing his stand on the importance of validation of industries and providing significant stimulus to mining leases at Weipa, for his personal economic development. The significance of interest in the project and for his support of the scheme was underlined in an internal the power station workers’ interests. At this departmental review of the program in 1987, point, I would like to mention one of my former which revealed that in 1985-86, industry on workmates, Chris Swift. Chris is presently very Crown industrial estates generated ill. I extend my best wishes and support to his approximately $1.2 billion in turnover, $438m family during his illness. I hope that he has a in value-added product and provided speedy recovery. employment for 12 697 people. Over the life I turn now to the Major Project Incentive of the scheme, a substantial asset base was Scheme undertaken by DBIRD. Under this accumulated. By the end of the 1980s, 68 scheme, projects offering significant benefits estates had been developed throughout to the State, but unlikely to proceed without Queensland. an additional incentive, may receive In recent years, a number of concerns Government assistance in the early years to emerged about the operation of the scheme. defray some costs. Special assistance These included the variation between packages are negotiated with investors on a contributions made by the individual estates to case-by-case basis following detailed expanding Queensland’s manufacturing evaluation of the net benefit of a particular industry and the use of the financial incentives project to the State. This assistance may based on subsidised land rents which did not involve concessions on industrial land, stamp necessarily reflect the economic benefits duty, payroll tax, land tax and a subsidy on generated for Queensland by individual relocation expenses. The Budget allocation for enterprises. In 1990, Coopers and Lybrand the scheme in 1993-94 is $2m plus carry were commissioned to undertake a review of overs from previous years. the scheme, while at the same time the This funding is administered by an PSMC was reviewing the structure, programs interdepartmental working group, representing and operations of the department. Both the office of the Co-ordinator General, Coopers and Lybrand and the PSMC found Treasury and DBIRD, which considers each that the scheme was not meeting its proposal on its merits after a financial analysis objectives, and it was not considered to be has been undertaken. It is important to cost effective. I think that is a very important recognise that rigorous eligibility criteria have point to make. In December 1990, the been established for this assistance to ensure Queensland Government decided that action maximum value for money to this State. In should be taken to refocus the scheme and particular, it needs to be demonstrated that, in that a new land incentives scheme should be the absence of the assistance proposed, the developed. The original scheme has since new industry or expansion would not have been refocused and has operated in an proceeded in Queensland. The industry must interim capacity pending development of the be clearly additional to Queensland and not a new land incentives scheme to be known as substitute for other industry in this State or the Industry Location Scheme—ILS. industry that would otherwise have proceeded In addition, while talking about DBIRD, I here. would like to talk about my regional office. I The MPIS has had a solid record of cannot miss pointing out the hard work that success since its introduction in 1989. To John Beason and his team in Gladstone have date, half of the 26 projects that have been done over the past several years. They have offered assistance have accepted it. The total undertaken their task with extreme vigour and proficiency. Many people are interested in 16 November 1993 5806 Legislative Assembly bringing their initiatives and programs to be a recognition that the structure not only Gladstone. I support the Estimates. applies to areas such as Bamaga or Mr STONEMAN (Burdekin) (4.03 p.m.) I Cooktown but also to the Gold Coast, the rise in this debate to emphasise the point that north coast and the inner city. What I am regional development is really State getting at is that the signals have to be development. It is the very base of the positive. They have to be such that processes that drive this State—its gross businesses in regional areas are able to pick product, its employment and its investment up and grow. The DPI services have been opportunities. They are encompassed within allowed to run down. As the member for the broad State development area, which is Beaudesert said, lack of education in regional what I would like to talk about rather than go areas is a problem, and the same problem is into the details of some of its structures. faced with law and order. People look up and down the street and say, “Is my shop front A Government member interjected. going to be safe?” Are the processes that Mr STONEMAN: I take that interjection protect not only the average law-abiding from the honourable member. The Estimates person but also the person who is setting up a are about the way in which the Government business in a regional area secure? At the allocates the money to drive the departments moment, that question would be answered by which, in turn, provide the services and a resounding “No” in a considerable number of support for the broader community. That is areas. where we really and truly have a problem. So Although the Minister for Police flicked the honourable member’s interjection is timely, past the question that I asked this morning, and I acknowledge it. The only problem I have the fact of the matter is that, under this is that the Government does not seem to be Government, the increase in break and enters putting those services in place. It sees the in my electorate has been astronomical. I do Estimates purely as numbers, as a not say that it is all this Government’s fault, bookkeeping exercise and leaves aside the but it does not do the confidence of the philosophy and the mechanics that really drive community any good to hear a Minister say the economy of the State. that things are okay. We hark back to the old The charge structure is of prime “Don’t you worry about that” days, and that importance, because it takes money from everything is all right. Let me tell members every business. It is vital, and that is where the that things are not all right. The business regional development processes are so community has major concerns about important. There needs to be feedback from insurance premiums and other costs that are that department into areas of Government part and parcel of setting up, running and such as Treasury, and the programs such as maintaining a business, all of which face the law, order and public safety and education. A threat of increases. I will refer to some charges moment ago, my colleague the member for later. I am sure that the Minister will not only Beaudesert referred to education. I could talk be interested in what I have to say, but also about that subject at some length as well, that he will want to overcome very quickly the because if people in regional areas do not problem I will point out. have sufficient access to education, they will Infrastructure is a major requirement that be driven away from those areas. impacts upon regional development Those issues need to be gathered throughout the State. Areas such as rail, road, together and filtered back to the highest level air and telecommunications are most of Government to make sure that the charges important. Again, the support that is given by that are applied are relevant, and that the Governments generally in sustaining those constraints that are applied through the most important links in their various forms is regulatory processes and Acts are relevant vital if there is to be continuing and and do not create a ripple effect that will not sustainable development in this State. We just damage but damn regional development. have seen the farce of the proposed rail I am most concerned about that possibility, closures. I know that all Government because the ripple effect that is being caused members—those thinking ones, anyway, and I by the reduction in service support, which is am sure that there is a good number of being nibbled away by this Government, is not those—will shrink in shame at the way the good. In fact, it is bad news for the regional farcical closure process has been carried out. areas of this State. The announcements were made, and then Regional development applies not just to there has been this back-pedalling until, lo the far-flung areas of the State. The south- and behold, Cabinet’s decision yesterday that east corner is also a region. So there needs to really was a decision to take the soft option Legislative Assembly 5807 16 November 1993 and send out a signal, as the Premier said, which, although it is disrupted by the odd hill, “Use them or lose them.” is able to be farmed. One of those hills is the For instance, woolgrowers will take years location of the Burdekin Quarrying Company’s to produce enough wool to enable those rail quarry. It recently received from the services to be used. In this time of drought, Department of Consumer Affairs a bill for the woolgrowers have been given a year to show registration of a weighbridge. This epitomises the Government that these services are the sort of problem that businesses are facing. viable. It behoves the Government to Previously, it paid $54 for the registration of recognise not only the cyclical nature of the weighbridge. The company had to pay for market forces throughout State and the way a public weighbridge licence. Under this this impacts on the development of the State Government, instead of paying $54, it will but also to recognise that one does not grow have to pay $324. The letter stated in part, a fat bullock overnight. One cannot order “total payment of $324 is required by 1 100 K wagons for next year simply because it October. The letter, dated 11 November, from has rained. It takes a minimum of five years the Department of Consumer Affairs is from go to whoa to raise a bullock. addressed to R.A. and F.E. Wall, M. and T. Populin and Colevale Estate Pty Ltd and In a lot of cases—particularly in the states— electorate of the member for Cook—there is probably only a 50 per cent calving. So there “On 21 October 1993 I wrote to you would be a very long wait before the services advising that the annual registration of could be used. Rail services are pretty thin in your organisation as a public weighbridge the Cook electorate. Nevertheless, I worry licensee and the annual issue of a about the way in which the proposed closure Certificate of suitability for each of the rail link between Winton and weighbridge were due on 1 October Hughenden—an area which I know particularly 1993. well—is being dealt with. I am aware that there A copy of that letter is attached. is a problem with the usage of that rail line. My proposal to this Parliament, to the department If payment of $324 is not received at and to the Government is that, with the this office by 12 December 1993 I will acknowledged closure of the Greenvale line, assume that you do not wish to continue the track from that line should be immediately as a public weighbridge licensee, and the taken up and used to upgrade the line from registration of that weighbridge will be Hughenden to Winton. cancelled.” Who knows what may be found in the The letter was signed by G. Samuel, the Chief back country of this State. Enormous mineral Inspector of Trade Measurement. deposits could be found in the areas around As the Minister may be aware, the Boulia and Middleton. If we take away the rail Burdekin is a huge development area. The lines—the arteries of State development—the Government, and therefore the taxpayer, has people with the capacity to create investment, spent an enormous amount on the area. jobs and wealth for this State will not have the Apparently, the department is now saying that basic infrastructure necessary to support each of the partners—not the quarry, not the them. We need to look at what will be required partnership, but each one of them—is liable in the long term. After the greatest series of for the payment of the $54. In that case, if droughts in modern history, it should not be a there were 20 partners, it would be 20 times case of saying, “Show me what you can do in $54. How ridiculous! a year, otherwise it will all be gone.” That is the Government’s loud and clear signal. It will give New South Wales imposes one charge people a year and it will then conduct a PR per unit. The company’s office manager wrote exercise while closing the rail lines. To pick up to me stating— a few miserable dollars at the expense of the “Following a meeting of the partners future of the State is ridiculous. this morning, it has been agreed that if I will cite an instance of the way in which the Queensland Department of charges can impact on the way in which areas Consumer Affairs continues to insist on all are able to sustain business and partners paying for a licence, BQC development. Today, I received a letter from a Quarries will cancel the public partnership that runs a quarry in my weighbridge facilities at the ‘Rocks’ quarry electorate. We do not have many quarries in as we do not rely solely on its income.” that area because, as members would know, In reality, it is a public service. The letter the area is a large delta system, most of continued— 16 November 1993 5808 Legislative Assembly

“The weighbridge is used by many but, because of a meeting, I was somewhere small crop farmers in the area who would else and, fortunately, my colleagues had the see the withdrawal of its use as a loss to flexibility to take up the slack. She is wrong their area and a costly inconvenience, as again. they and their cartage contractors would The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr have to travel to Ayr twice, approximately Stephan): Order! 24 kilometres, for the one load of goods—firstly, to tare off and then to Dr CLARK: This dynamic department, of weigh their full load.” which I will speak this afternoon, is committed to policies that will produce the necessary This is the sort of thing that sends the wrong changes required within businesses to make signals. Here is a department looking through them internationally competitive and export- the fine print and asking, “How can we charge oriented, and which will create an environment more?” The charge for the weighbridge rose conducive to economic growth. Nowhere is the from $54 to $324. However, all of the small success of these policies seen more clearly farmers who depend on that weighbridge than in the small-business sector and in far- because it is close to their properties—it is in north Queensland. the middle of the industrial developments—will lose that weighbridge simply because The small business sector is someone has decided that it was about time a spearheading growth in Queensland’s bit more was squeezed out of the egg. The economy and is providing substantial egg is not an egg; it is a rock—literally. employment opportunities. Last year in Queensland there were nearly 35 000 new The quarry does not need these hassles, business names registered. ABS figures show but it is being taken to the cleaners simply that small business employment increased by because a regulation has been interpreted a net 8.27 per cent between December 1991 ineptly. The department should have said, and 1992. In fact, in recent years the small “There is a mistake here. Let us see how we business sector has created all the net new can get around it.” Instead, it sent out a bluey. jobs in Queensland’s private sector work force. That is the sort of thing that will damn regional The small business sector now accounts for and State development—and this nearly 60 per cent of private sector State—unless this Government and this employment. With every restaurant, Minister get on top of the situation and make convenience store and small manufacturer sure that what is happening out there is that opens comes job opportunities, increased relevant to the needs of the business income for suppliers and service providers, community. and greater spending within the community. Time expired. The Government understands the significance Dr CLARK (Barron River) (4.18 p.m.): It is of small business, and these results are no with pleasure that I rise to speak on the accident. We are providing the appropriate Budget Estimates of the Department of low-tax environment and the appropriate Business, Industry and Regional targeted services for small business needs. Development. Indeed, I am sure that the Business people are moving to Queensland in Committee will appreciate the debate greater numbers than ever before, seeking returning to this topic. I feel that it is a better business opportunities and better damning indictment of the Opposition that it lifestyles. They are finding them. has not been able to fill its quota of speakers The benefits created by the small to these Estimates. business sector in terms of economic Mr FitzGerald: You are just reading efficiency, productivity and micro-economic written speeches. Half of them were in last restructuring and flexibility are substantial. The year’s speeches. social benefits and challenges that arise from self-employment and home businesses are Dr CLARK: I place on the record the fact also being increasingly acknowledged. It is that the Opposition seems to care so little interesting that women in particular are about business, industry and small business moving into small business and finding it that it has barely been able to fill its quota of attractive, because they are realising the speakers. Indeed, it has had to rope in benefits to them of a small business operation members such as the honourable member for from home in which they can manage to Burdekin who, fortunately, can speak under juggle more successfully their responsibilities molasses. of child care and career. Mr Stoneman: I rise to a point of order. I The Queensland Small Business was listed as the second speaker originally Corporation is the Government’s main method Legislative Assembly 5809 16 November 1993 of servicing the small business sector and hope that more people will take advantage of helping individual business operators to that facility. succeed. This year, the Government has Mr Connor interjected. allocated an additional $1.5m to the budget of the Queensland Small Business Corporation, Dr CLARK: I noticed that, during his increasing it from $4.1m last year to $5.57m contribution, the member for Nerang referred this year. The corporation is a team of to hardly any statistics. He seemed to have qualified professionals throughout dreamt up the information contained in his Queensland who work together to provide free speech. I look for figures that are advice to small and emerging businesses, documented. foster training for all small businesses and Mr Bredhauer: It’s called research. highlight the needs of small businesses to the Dr CLARK: Exactly. That concept is quite Queensland community. The corporation acts unknown to the member for Nerang. as a resource on small business issues for Government, industry associations and small While on the topic of business education, business representatives, and it creates I want to acknowledge the work of Angela awareness of the contribution of small Toppin, a teacher at the Smithfield State High business to the economy. The corporation’s School, and the Cairns QSBC office, for their management and staff strive to create an contribution to small business education at environment conducive to small business high schools at Cairns, and Smithfield in success and growth, furthering employment particular. Two businesses were established in opportunities and sustaining economic Cairns under the Young Achievement development, as I have documented. The Australia program, which encourages corporation now has nine offices throughout secondary school students to establish and Queensland, with experienced business manage their own small businesses. advisers travelling to regional and remote Mr Bredhauer interjected. areas to provide support to small Dr CLARK: She does a wonderful job. businesspeople across all industries. Angela Toppin organises a whole range of The QSBC programs are targeted at activities. I have visited Smithfield State High those sectors of small business that research School to attend breakfasts that she has has shown generate the most employment, organised at which business people address that is, new starters and growing businesses. students. She is doing a tremendous job to The QSBC new initiatives address the gaps strengthen the links between education and identified by researchers by increasing business. Business advisers from the Cairns resources in growth areas, improving cost QSBC office have maintained and efficiency using group workshops rather than coordinated various aspects of the program to individual consultations, and providing which I referred in which young people are additional assistance towards planning for learning at first hand what it means to get a sustained growth. In times of a depressed small business going. Those young people will economy where larger businesses are be contributing to the future economic shedding jobs, unemployed people often view development of Queensland. small business as a way of buying themselves Small business activity is certainly taking a vocation. With little or no business off in Cairns, largely as a result of the growth management experience, those people are at of the tourism industry. The Cairns QSBC greater risk of business failure. As a result, a office—headed by the regional manager, wave of eager yet inexperienced Peter Stephenson—has increased its entrepreneurs is created. The corporation consultations with business operators by 37.5 seeks to assist those people in particular to per cent over the last financial year. The office achieve success. business advisory team has conducted 39 The QSBC has introduced Your First Step regional and area visits, including regular visits into Business information sessions in all to Mareeba, Innisfail, Weipa, Karumba and regional centres. In 1992-93, 421 such Thursday Island. I am sure that the member sessions were presented. Through the QSBC, for Cook is aware of the benefits that flow from the Government is maintaining the availability people from that office visiting far-north of 21-hour business planning courses at 33 Queensland on a regular basis. TAFE colleges throughout the State. That has A Government member: It’s very helpful increased by 29 per cent the total hours spent to small business in remote areas. in training small business operators through TAFE. There is really no longer any excuse for Dr CLARK: I am sure it is. The QSBC ignorance in how to operate a business. I staff have also participated in 25 speaking 16 November 1993 5810 Legislative Assembly engagements to 591 small business operators operators that was sponsored by Suncorp. and presented 49 Your First Step information Those seminars covered the topics of costing sessions to 490 attendees. I place on record and pricing, budgeting and cash flow, and my appreciation of the fine work of Peter business planning. I understand that more Stephenson and his staff in Cairns. than 700 people attended those seminars. It is no accident that Cairns was selected Certainly, the feedback that I received was as the pilot for the $1.5m QSBC incentive really excellent. Operators who were present scheme Business Plus, which has now been benefited from the information that was launched across the entire State. The provided, and they feel that they will be able Government understands that business to use that information to make their planning is essential for success. Good businesses more successful. business managers know the day-to-day Independent research in June this year trading position of their business as well as the showed that QSBC clients experience real long-term goals that they wish to achieve. improvement in their businesses as a result of However, to date, small businesses, as the support that they receive. A study of opposed to large businesses, have not taken corporation clients starting businesses showed sufficient advantage of the benefits that flow that 88 per cent were still operating three from a good business plan. The Government years after using QSBC services. The national is now redressing that situation with its latest success rate after three years is only 42.8 per business incentive scheme. cent—only half that of businesses that have The Business Plus scheme provides been helped by the QSBC. That high financial incentives to small businesses for percentage demonstrates the value of that professional guidance and support in creating advice. However, there is no doubt that there a business plan. Professionals participating in is room for improvement. We all acknowledge the scheme will reduce the fees for their that. In fact, at present only 6 per cent of services by one-third. Additionally, the business operators are assisted by the incentive available to applicants will be 50 per services that the QSBC provides. I believe that cent of the amount paid for professional more can be done to extend those services to services, to a maximum incentive of $1,000. assist more business operators. No doubt Together, the incentive and the discounted consideration will be given to the methods by professional services can reduce eligible which those services can be improved in the business operators’ expenses by two-thirds. future.That does not take away from the The scheme allows business operators to excellent work that is being performed to date. develop and implement a detailed business The Government also rewards small plan for their business, using professional businesses that succeed via the annual expertise for minimal cost. Queensland Government small business awards, thereby providing another incentive to When I attended the launch of Business businesses by way of the free advertising that Plus in Cairns—it was launched by the results from the winning of one of these Treasurer, Keith De Lacy—I met some of the awards. consultants who will be involved in the scheme. I can certainly vouch for the expertise It was with pleasure that I attended the that will be available to small business recent small business awards in Cairns and I operators in Cairns. I know that Peter congratulate Craft Print, our regional winner. I Stephenson has written to banks pointing out am sure that that firm is already gaining more to them the existence of the program and business as a result of the extra exposure that suggesting that they consider certain of their came as a result of that win. Congratulations clients who may benefit from the scheme. In are also due to International House, Cairns that way, small business operators can make Cabinet Works and Car Electric Cairns, the the most of the incentive offered and we can winners of other individual categories. assist as many of them as possible. In the time remaining, I would like to The Queensland Small Business briefly recognise the role that the Cairns QSBC Corporation is particularly well positioned to office has played in the development of a deliver the Government’s programs and has a code of ethics for tour guide operators after more recent history of effective delivery the so-called “Kickback” scandal earlier this through partnership with industry and year in Cairns that threatened to damage community organisations as well as joint relationships between Japanese operators ventures with the banking and finance sector. and Japan generally, and the retailers of the Last month in Cairns, I launched a successful Cairns central business district. Their series of three seminars for small business businesses were actually at risk as a consequence of what one could describe as Legislative Assembly 5811 16 November 1993 less than ethical practices of certain Japanese annual report and take selective quotes and companies. This code of ethics that has been they actually bow to the Minister, compliment widely adopted is now successfully operating him on the job he is doing and then they sit to the benefit of retailers, tourists and tour down. If that is what the Government calls a operators. detailed investigation of the department’s I think it is interesting to note a couple of Estimates, I am afraid I am at a loss. points on this particular code of ethics. As We also have the Minister and people know, there was a concern that certain honourable members stand up and read tour guides were being paid to bring tourists to speeches. I commend to anyone in the particular businesses in Cairns to the Chamber a reading of last year’s speech of Mr detriment of other retailers. Point six of this Sullivan, the now member for Chermside, particular code of ethics is that tour guides because we have had most of it quoted back under no circumstances are to accept any again by the member for Redcliffe this year, commission such as cash, cheque or goods in word for word. Not only that, but the member any form directly from a supplier. It states in for Waterford quoted from it also. It was read point seven that guides are obliged to escort word for word from last year’s speech by the or recommend clients to particular shops member for Chermside. This is starting to get under contractual agreement. However, they ridiculous. We are talking about research will also encourage free choice shopping. being done by members of Parliament who Point eight states that guides must report to come here to speak in debates. The their company if they are approached by a honourable member for Barron River raised supplier or operator who wishes to pay a that as a question. I would not have commission direct to the guide. So, with points mentioned it. I have in front of me the speech such as this we have actually been able to the honourable member for Chermside gave address what was potentially a very serious last year and, sure enough, the honourable situation. We now have a much more member for Waterford is now finishing off that harmonious situation in Cairns due, as I said, speech for the honourable member because it to the very good work of the Cairns office of was not finished last time. This debate is QSBC. getting to a ridiculous level when I would like to commend the Minister and circumstances like this arise. his director-general, Ron Boyle, for the There is one point I do want to cover. achievements of DBIRD. The Government is Saying that this department was set up by this in no doubt that small business is vital for the Parliament is not true. It was set up by the future of Queensland and there is no doubt previous Government. It has obviously been that the Queensland Government is currently successful because the Minister is endorsing supporting and working directly with the small what is happening. I notice that only one of business community to create that future. I the original directors of its board is left in the commend the Estimates. department, so we have quite a changeover Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer) (4.32 p.m.): in the personnel in the department. However, With pleasure I join in the debate of the the department has a responsibility to assist Estimates that are before the Committee this by being a co-ordinator for business so that it afternoon. I am taking the place of the can get on with the doing of business. It is the honourable member for Noosa, who Government’s job to govern, and it is the job unfortunately has been indisposed. At short of business to get on and do business. The notice he asked me if would I take his place. I more Government leaves business alone to am not going to read his speech for him; I am carry on, the better it will be. going to make my own. I will admit, as I am sure the Minister will, The honourable member who just sat that we all get a lot of people coming in to our down made comment about the level of electorate offices asking, “What can the debate from this side of the Chamber. The Government do for me in starting up a honourable member failed to notice that her business?” I will admit that the Minister’s own colleagues on her side forget exactly department does quite a lot. People who are what debating Estimates is all about. It is the considering opening up a new small business Parliament quizzing the Executive about the come in thinking that they have a good idea. expenditure of money. It is not standing up The department tries to point out the pitfalls to here and quoting out of annual reports—a these optimists. They come in with no idea of little bit on page 1, a bit on page 3, a bit on accounts, no money in the bank and a page 5 and a bit on page 7. Speakers from complaint that no bank manager will back the Government side go right through the them. They have no proven track record. Then they start complaining because nobody will 16 November 1993 5812 Legislative Assembly listen to them and the Government will not crates, happen to have a beautiful wrap that back them. We all have people like that preserves them, and happen to be perfectly coming into our electorate offices. Very few of coloured all the way around—they are just them will make a success of it. We know that ripe. They will carry very well. To the Japanese the failure rate is terribly high for these they are not food, they are gifts. They are a optimists. The fact is that business is a very symbol of prosperity. It is the same as tough field because, if you have a little niche westerners taking along a bottle of wine or a in the market where you can make some bunch of flowers when they go to visit dollars and make them fast, somebody else is somebody. In Japan, it is a custom to take going to spot it at the same time. Inevitably, it along a perfect piece of fruit. That is a specific will be the best one who will get through. niche market. It is not the normal food market. Tough business people know that that is what A lot of people hear of these extremely high competition is all about. There is no such thing prices. Let me warn honourable members that as getting a dream run. the Japanese will buy the best food they can There are a number of other things I want at the cheapest price. There is no doubt about to draw to the Minister’s attention. Japanese that. They want to have quality food but they industries in Australia have succeeded, even do not want to pay any more than they have though the Government has interfered a lot in to pay for it. the running of business to the extent that it Recently, I read an article in Time tells business which way it wants them to go. magazine dated 22 February 1993. In that The MIT—Ministry of Industry and Trade, I article there is reference to the Campbell Soup think it stands for; the Minister is nodding his Company which had been dabbling around in head, so it must be right—— the Asian market since 1986. The article Mr Elder: No, I was nodding off. states that last year it decided to charge into China, a market of 1.16 billion potential soup Mr FITZGERALD: At least he is awake eaters. No-one would think that Campbell now. The Government has a hand in how a would sell all its soup in China. The article business is run. For instance, after the war states— Japanese industries got into processing a lot of woollen goods, cotton goods and apparel. “Campbell expects to export 100 Eventually they started selling off all their million cans a year to Asia. One already equipment. They wove five different multi- big hit: duck-gizzard and watercress coloured cloths at one stage. They were the soup.” first in the world to do it. They were the best That might not be a big seller in Australia, but weavers in the world. They dominated the obviously it is tailored for the Chinese market. world in printed cloth. They then got out of It is not much good simply selling them a that sphere and went into electronics. They product that one thinks will sell well in then went out of electronics and now are Australia. going on to the next phase. Japan has always I know of one case involving a big pie been at the leading the edge of technology. maker down south who had very high quality Of course, they sold off all their redundant pies. He decided to send a trial batch to equipment to the Asian markets as they came Japan to test it out. The report came back that into the low wage areas. Now we know that the pastry was not up to the Japanese taste; the Japanese have a very high wage. It has the salt content was not right for the Japanese been said that our future lies in Asia. I agree taste; they did not like the pieces of meat; and to a large extent. they wanted more juice in the pies. That fellow As has been mentioned before in annual said, “Blow that. I make the best pies in reports, there are comments that we should Australia. They have always been the best be looking at the food processing industry, pies in Australia. I am not going to modify with the idea of getting more of our products them for those so-and-so Japanese. They can manufactured in Australia and sold in Asia. I take their market wherever they want to go.” commend the Minister for those initiatives Of course, he did not sell any more pies to because it is extremely important that we get Japan. However, another manufacturer into that market. Of course, it is not very easy entered the market, and I believe that the to walk straight into an Asian food market, Japanese are now big pie eaters. But we have particularly the Japanese market, because to give them the pies which they want and they are extremely fussy. which are acceptable to their tastes. I do not We all hear of the glamour crops sold in believe that duck gizzard soup would go too Japan, such as the $50, $60 and $70 well in the members’ dining room. It is rockmelons. They are packaged in wooden obviously an acquired taste, as are many Legislative Assembly 5813 16 November 1993 other foods. The disposable income of those because, if they do, they would have a great countries is very high. For instance, according future. to a report of February 1993, the cash I know the difference between what the reserves in Taiwan are A$90 billion. Taiwan is Government expects to spend in a year—the the wealthiest country per head of population Estimates, which is what honourable members in cash reserves. China has around A$45m in are debating today and which we debated last cash reserves. These are enormous amounts year—and what it actually spent. In the of money. Taiwan and China are very good Program Statements for 1992-93, there was a trading countries. If they have a need for our line item stating that the fixed capital products and we can supply those products to expenditure for the 1992-93 Estimates was them, that is excellent. $14.8m. That is what the Government Much has been said about selling rice to expected to spend. What did it spend? That Japan. We know what has happened to the item related to industrial estates. This year, rice industry in Queensland. It has gone the Program Statements for 1993-94, Budget broke. It is in receivership. The Home Hill Paper No. 3, show that actual fixed capital based factory of the Queensland Rice expenditure for 1992-93 was $4.154m. The Marketing Board is in receivership. Yet, this Government did not spend what it budgeted year, there is a poor crop of rice in Japan. for last year. This year, the Government Where is it going to get its rice from? I do not estimates the figure for next year to be know, but it will not be from Queensland. The $16.95m. The department has not been varieties that we were growing in Queensland spending. were exactly the varieties to which the On 12 November 1992 in the Chamber, Japanese palate is accustomed. That is a the Minister made this statement— crying shame. Because of the vagaries of growing a crop such as rice, the low prices for “As I said to the honourable member a number of years and the increase in the earlier today, the land subdivision at prices of sugarcane, we dropped out of the Lytton was deferred pending decisions by world scene. That rice market could have kept Government, and the city council in developing. I believe that, one day, Japan will particular undertaking a study of industrial accept foreign rice and will overcome the land used in the Gateway Arterial area political problems that it has with its peasant and the port of Brisbane so that we have farmers. a whole-of-Government view on just how that land should be used. That is why the A Government member interjected. funding has been rolled over into this Mr FITZGERALD: I know that members year’s program.” opposite think that we are all peasants. But I think it has been rolled over into next year’s some of the farmers in Australia do not want program. This Parliament approves the to stay as peasants. They want to get up in expenditure of funds—— the real world and make a dollar, because they contribute so much to the State economy Mr Elder: Is this the hard quizzing? and the national economy. Mr FITZGERALD: No, it is not hard As to new markets—one company in quizzing. It is a simple question. Why is it that, Australia was trying to develop a market for two years in a row, we approved something edible soybeans so that one can eat the pod like $14m-odd last year and the Government with the grain in a green state. They can be spent about $4m, and this year it wants frozen or eaten fresh. I know that Japan buys another $16m? This is the second year in a quite a lot of that product from Taiwan and row that this has happened. I believe that the other agricultural areas in Asia. In Australia, department and the Minister should give us we have an advantage because we are in the an explanation. I believe we have every right southern hemisphere. Therefore, when people to ask questions when debating the in Japan are suffering a big winter and they Estimates. If the Minister happens to be a bit want to eat edible soybeans, it is possible to touchy about it—— get them frozen or fresh from Australia. That Mr Cooper: He is only new and very market has not been developed because it inexperienced. takes a lot of money to develop a market. Mr FITZGERALD: He is very Companies such as Edgell have been short of inexperienced and very new, and he is getting cash in the past. I know that Adsteam has a bit excited about it. I trust that the Minister sold out, and the company has gone to will address all this in his reply. Pacific Dunlop. The challenge should be given to those companies to develop those markets Mr Elder: I will answer it. 16 November 1993 5814 Legislative Assembly

Mr FITZGERALD: That is good. I am glad the State’s labour market continues to perform the Minister will do that. strongly. Mr Elder: I suggest that you read the A survey by accounting group Coopers Budget papers. and Lybrand, which was released last week, Mr FITZGERALD: The Minister says, shows an unprecedented rate of interstate “Read the Budget papers.” He spoke about migration to Queensland—more than 54 000 the Business Regulation Review Unit. He said in 1992-93. This all means that, although jobs that a public sector-wide review of forms will be are continuing to be created in this State— undertaken in 1993-94 by the Public Sector 33 800 over the past 12 months—we are Management Commission as part of the finding it difficult to reduce the number of reduction in the paperwork burden imposed people unemployed and combat the problems on business and as an efficiency improvement caused by unemployment because of the measure from the public sector. Is the Minister influx of people from other States who see going to try to convince this Committee that Queensland as the State with a future for the PSMC will solve all the problems with the them and their families. paperwork, as it did with the Ambulance There is no doubt that, as a result of high Service and all the other services that it has levels of interstate migration, the demand for touched—in the same way as it oversaw the goods and services increases, creating problems in the Primary Industries opportunities for employment. As the Budget Department? Is the Minister telling members papers show, the demand for housing and that the PSMC is going to solve all the consumer goods has increased, bringing problems with regard to business after what it about substantial employment growth in the has done to Government? In last year’s construction, transport and wholesale and annual report of the department, there is a retail trade industries. One has only to observe line item to the effect that this has been done. the amount of housing construction that is I want to know how that has gone. What has going on to realise the extent of the demand the PSMC done and what has it in that area alone. No sooner are the recommended to help business? Trusting it to earthworks completed in an estate than the help business would be like—as my former houses start popping up like mushrooms. In a colleague the honourable member for very short time the area is occupied by people Somerset, Bill Gunn, used to say—trusting a and cars. rabbit with a head of lettuce. In 1992-93, there was a general Time expired. improvement in business conditions in the Mr VAUGHAN (Nudgee) (4.48 p.m.): State, although the magnitude of the Figures released on Thursday, 11 November, improvement varied considerably. There was show that for October the unemployment rate an increase in the number of new businesses in this State was 10.6 per cent—down from registered, but the good news was that the 11.1 per cent in September and comparable number of bankruptcies fell. According to the with that of October last year. Over the last report of a recent business survey conducted month, 15 200 people obtained full-time by the Queensland Confederation of Industry, employment, taking the total to 1 390 700, there has been sustained but slow which was 33 800 more than in October last improvement in profit, sales and exports. It is year. However, the number of people suggested that this will continue for the next unemployed was 164 200—8 000 less than in six months, and will be followed by further September but 3 900 more than in October growth. Interestingly, the report stated that last year. According to these figures, the total industry in the State was still running at 73 per labour force in the State in October this year cent of capacity. So, although the number of was 1 554 900—37 700 more than in October new businesses being registered is increasing, last year. there is a capacity for existing businesses to substantially increase output to meet future As has been frequently stated, there are demand. more than 1 000 people coming to Queensland every week, mostly from southern If we are to manage the impact of States, and not all of those are retirees interstate migration and reduce seeking to retire in the Sunshine State. A unemployment, it is our businesses and our large number of those people are attracted industries that will do it. It is in such an here because they are aware that environment that the Department of Business, Queensland’s economy is relatively strong Industry and Regional Development can and and, by comparison with the rest of Australia, does play a vital role. One of the goals of the department is the expansion and Legislative Assembly 5815 16 November 1993 diversification of the business base of the State via a toll-free telephone number, will State and targeting value-added, export- provide information on over 1 000 support oriented and import-replacement businesses. programs. As we are all aware, in the past this State There is no point in the Government has relied heavily on its primary providing assistance to business if people do industries—the production of grain, sugar, not know how to access information about the wool, cotton, meat, etc., and on the mining of assistance that is available. People wanting to our natural resources—coal, copper, lead, start a new business can obtain information zinc, gold, bauxite and magnesite. Although about State and Commonwealth Government the current drought has had an adverse effect licences, permits, certificates, etc., needed to on many areas of primary production, when it legally operate a business in Queensland from ends we will see, as has happened in the the Queensland Business Licence Information past, a return to full productivity. However, Centre, which is a one-stop shop for all State while our primary and mining industries will and Commonwealth business licences. Last continue to underpin the prosperity of this financial year, the centre handled 29 000 State, the expansion of our manufacturing inquiries and sent out 69 000 licence and tourism industries will add significantly to applications. that prosperity. To assist and promote the Under the Business Program, the expansion and diversification of the business Business Regulation Review Unit, which is base of the State, an amount of $10.4m has responsible for managing and coordinating been allowed to the department’s business the review by the State Government of program, whose goal is to make it easier for business legislation and regulations, business to operate. This year, a major focus completed 69 of the 373 reviews commenced of the program will be the implementation of last year. This year, 74 reviews will commence new training initiatives for small business, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the which will include the promotion of existing systematic review program will also be training programs and the development of undertaken. Over-regulation has been a skills-related services. consistent problem for small business, and Unfortunately, one of the reasons a large there is an urgent need to rationalise and number of small businesses fail is that many simplify the number of Government forms and people who go into business lack basic licences that are restricting business efficiency. management skills. Besides the business As I mentioned earlier, one of the goals training programs that are available, the of the Department of Business, Industry and Queensland Small Business Corporation Regional Development is the targeting of provides comprehensive advice to help value-added export-oriented businesses. An operators of small businesses to succeed. example of the role the department plays in This year, the Queensland Small this area is the study that is being undertaken Business Corporation will administer a new into the feasibility of setting up a magnesium initiative—the Business Plus scheme that is die-casting facility in Gladstone, close to the designed to improve the business planning proposed magnesium smelter, which is ability of small-business operators. Under the currently the subject of a $50m feasibility scheme, which will cost $1.5m, between 1 500 study. and 2 000 people will be helped into small Queensland has one of the world’s business each year. Persons contemplating largest deposits of magnesite at Kunwarara, going into business can apply for assistance north of Rockhampton. At present, magnesite under the scheme, and approved applicants is being processed at the QMAG magnesia will receive a grant of $1,000 to help towards plant at Rockhampton. Further processing of the cost of a business plan necessary to magnesite will be carried out at the Enviromag obtain bank finance. Unfortunately, in the past magnesium oxide/hydroxide plant that is many people who have wanted to go into under construction. business have been unable to do so because they were unable to convince banks that their Of course, one of the best examples of planned business was viable. value-adding is the State’s aluminium industry. Bauxite is mined at Weipa and shipped to the In order to assist people in business to Queensland Alumina Refinery at Gladstone, access the numerous support programs and where it is turned into alumina and then into assistance schemes that are available, last aluminium at the Boyne Island smelter. I want July, GOBIS—the Government Business to take this opportunity to comment on the Information Service—was opened. The centre, department’s publication Industry. I do not which can be accessed from anywhere in the know whether it is classed as a magazine, a 16 November 1993 5816 Legislative Assembly newspaper, or whatever, but as far as I am The Regional and Project Development concerned it is extremely informative and very Program, which is aimed at promoting and well presented. As a publication, Industry supporting sustainable development certainly promotes the capabilities and throughout the State within a regional achievements of the manufacturing sector in development strategy, has been allocated Queensland, just as is claimed by its editor $46.3m this year. Queensland is, of course, a Jim Kershaw. very decentralised State and it is most A regular reader of Industry would important that industries are established on a certainly get first-hand knowledge of the range regional basis, in particular in the western of industry carried out in this State. For areas of the State. example, until I read the June 1993 issue of The current drought and the problem that Industry, I did not realise that there was a exists in the wool industry have illustrated the factory in Bundaberg producing two-seater need to create other avenues for employment sports aircraft and that another in Hervey Bay, in western towns. In this regard, Business after receiving a grant under the QGRAD Advice for Rural Areas—BARA—is playing a scheme, was about to commence production vital role. I note that this scheme, which of a light aircraft for patrol and surveillance assists individuals and firms in remote areas to work. establish, expand, diversify or stabilise their Unfortunately, most people do not have enterprises, was instrumental in the an appreciation of the variety and quality of establishment of 37 new businesses and in products manufactured in this State. Until I assisting 17 businesses to significantly expand visited the Austral Denning coach and motor their operations last financial year. Importantly, body plant at Geebung, and the Olex Cables 80 new jobs were created and 52 jobs plant at Zillmere last year, I had no retained. At a time when so many jobs are appreciation of the quality of work that was being lost as a result of technological change being carried out in my own electorate. It has and economic rationalism, this is very to be remembered that all of the businesses refreshing. and industries written up in Industry and all of As a result of a visit to south-west the businesses and industries we have in our Queensland last July with the Premier’s electorates mean jobs. If our industries are to Northern and Rural Task Force, I am aware prosper they must be able to compete, and to that business advisers employed under the be able to compete they must produce a BARA scheme have done and are doing a quality product. I noted in the department’s very good job. However, while the regional annual report that more than 2 000 economic development program—which companies are registered with the Quality provides financial assistance on a dollar-for- Assessment Unit for a quality system audit dollar basis to projects that encourage and and that more than 600 companies have facilitate regional development—has not to achieved full certification. date been of much assistance to south-west As a result of implementing quality Queensland, the region has been successful systems, Queensland firms have increased in securing some grants. profitability and productivity and increased The Booringa Action Group, based in employment due to expanded business Mitchell, received $5,000 for a market operations and improved management skills. I assessment of a concrete block note that Cabinet decided yesterday that the manufacturing plant and a $6,500 grant for a Government is to work closely with industry study of the use of clay deposits for brick- associations to help business improve the making. I understand that the first stage of the quality of its processes. Under the new concrete block manufacturing plant is system, industry associations will be operational and an expansion is now being developing their own standards of quality examined. The Mulga Tourism Board in assurance to apply to specific industries. For Charleville received $19,000 for a feasibility small business, this means that in future study into a Charleville tourism complex and quality assistance procedures necessary to an arid region research and education centre. obtain business from the Government will be The Roma Tourism Council has received set by industry associations rather than the $15,000 towards a feasibility study of a Government. A quality development unit will national oil and gas museum and associated be established within the Department of gallery. The Economic Future Research Business, Industry and Regional Development Program—the object of which is to identify to help suppliers and agencies. economic and business opportunities and to assist their development through community- driven self-help—is aimed principally at rural Legislative Assembly 5817 16 November 1993 and remote regions. The program involves the South East Asia last year in which I took part, community, with DBIRD assistance, in running and the opportunities that will be opened up workshops where potential business projects for this State and for my electorate in are identified and community-based working particular. groups are established to develop the project A couple of years ago, both in this place to the stage of a feasibility study or and outside it, I suggested that an enterprise presentation to investors. The Mitchell zone be based on the Darling Downs. At that concrete block-making plant that I mentioned time, the idea was greeted with a great deal of earlier was an outcome of the workshop held scorn from Government members, who did in that town. not feel that it was the correct way to go about A workshop in Tambo, referred to earlier encouraging business and industry in this by the member for Redlands, resulted in the State. Maybe it was a philosophical argument. now famous Tambo Teddies, which are However, it is my duty, obligation, goal and currently being manufactured in Tambo and objective as the member for Warwick—as it are in big demand in the tourism industry. was when I was the member for When I was in Tambo last July, I had the Carnarvon—to come up with ideas that I pleasure of meeting the ladies who make the believe could help my electorate. At this teddies and seeing them actually being made. stage, I would like to outline my proposal to Each teddy is virtually handmade, and each honourable members, because if we fail to has a name. The teddies are quality products. come up with such ideas and implement It just goes to show what can be achieved with them, we are going to be left on the scrap a bit of thought, enterprise and ingenuity. I heap. would advise anyone who is out Tambo way No doubt the Minister is well aware that to call in and see the teddies being made. small business is the backbone of this State. I Before I conclude, I want to make including farming in the definition of “small reference to the Self Employment Venture business”. Usually, a small businessman who Scheme, which is run by the Department of operates a shop employs one person or he Employment, Training and Industrial Relations just operates it by himself. Small but which, in my opinion, plays a significant businesspeople employ something like 60 per role in enabling those people in the cent of the people who are employed in this community who are self-motivated to enter the country. So it is obvious that they are very business world. Although the scheme, which important. commenced in 1985, is primarily designed to I suggested that we should trial an assist unemployed people by providing enterprise zone based on the Darling Downs. interest-free loans, business planning advice It has been done in other places. Recently, and training and income support in when I was in China, I saw examples of conjunction with the Commonwealth’s New attempts at similar schemes in that country. Enterprise Incentive Scheme, it inevitably An enterprise zone would entail setting up a provides the opportunity that many people special area. Obviously, there would be need to establish themselves in business. Government, local community, industry and During the last financial year, $2.3m was local authority involvement. The Government advanced to help 464 people in self- would come to the party in offering offsets in employment ventures. To date, 1 000 new payroll tax, land tax and electricity. It would not enterprises have been established under the actually give people cash in their hands, but it scheme, and every one has the potential to would give people incentives to help them to develop into a flourishing business and create start businesses. This enterprise zone would more job opportunities. not conflict with existing businesses. It would As I said earlier, if we are to manage the attract new businesses to the area. Those impact of interstate migration and reduce incentives would be phased out over a period unemployment, it is our businesses and our of five years. The payroll tax rebate would be industries that will do it. 100 per cent for the first year, 80 per cent for Time expired. the second year and 60 per cent for the third year—until the business was up and running. Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick) (5.03 p.m.): After that, the Government would be able to In rising to speak to the Estimates for the make an evaluation of the scheme and Minister for Business, Industry and Regional decide whether it had worked. Development, first of all, I would like to talk about a couple of matters concerning my In all seriousness, I point out to the electorate. If time allows me, I would then like Minister and Government members that I to talk about an overseas trade delegation to have suggested this enterprise zone because 16 November 1993 5818 Legislative Assembly it concerns me that business in rural areas, as being taken to eliminate the impediments in all areas of Queensland, seems to be identified in that report will be finalised in early experiencing very harsh economic 1994. I would like the Minister to tell the circumstances. People in rural areas are not Committee—if he is able—the name of that finding it very easy. To be able to retain national retailing company. decentralisation in this State, we need to Owing to time constraints, I will not be come up with such ideas. Unfortunately, rural able to talk about the overseas trade areas suffer from an image problem. Many delegation. I wish I had a few extra minutes in business people believe that going west of the which to do so. However, in the short time left Great Dividing Range is like going to the end to me, I would like to talk about the impacts of the earth. I have spoken to them myself—I and the effects of the Workplace Health and know that, because of his affinity with Safety Act on small business and many other Cunnamulla and places such as that, the industries, whether they be involved in Chairman does not share the same view—and construction or farming. I do not want I can say that they do not seem to understand honourable members to think that I am anti- that that part of Queensland west of the Great safety in the workplace. I am very much pro- Divide is part of a national highway system; safety. I think that any employer who is worth that it has a good rail system—or it will if the his or her salt is going to make sure that his or Government does not try to close it down; that her employees are safe. it has electricity and water; that it offers employment; and that the people are well Time expired. educated. I believe that ideas such as an Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba— Minister enterprise zone are certainly worthy of the for Business, Industry and Regional Government’s consideration. Development) (5.10 p.m.), in reply: I I turn now to the Future Search appreciate the support shown by members workshops. No doubt, they are a great who participated in the Estimates debate. In innovation. I certainly hope that they do not particular, I thank those members of the degenerate into talkfests. Recently, I had the Government who contributed. They articulated pleasure of opening one of those workshops quite clearly the department’s activities over in Inglewood. People went along to that the last 12 months—something not reflected workshop with visions for the future and in the comments of the Opposition. different views and, at the end of the day, I would be surprised—and I am probably they came with up a lot of ideas. Earlier today, overselling it—if honourable members one of those ideas was mentioned, that is, the opposite combined spent more than 15 fishing competition at Coolmunda Dam. The minutes of the debate dealing with the more effective use of primary industries and Estimates of this department. The honourable Queensland’s timber resources was also member for Lockyer, Mr Fitzgerald, spoke of discussed at that workshop. At this stage, it bringing on the inquisition. I find being quizzed looks like the idea of a green-cut fodder by my daughter on a Saturday morning, in factory might come to fruition. If we can get talking about my activities in the Parliament, the money for it, it would probably be worth far more severe than I have received from the many hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Opposition in this Chamber in some four hours Inglewood area. I know that the Department of debate. of Primary Industries is currently considering it. Mr FitzGerald interjected. The department regards it as a worthwhile initiative, and one that has a great deal of Mr ELDER: The contribution of the potential. As long as people go away with the honourable member for Lockyer was very same level of commitment as they display on ordinary. At least Government members the day of the workshop, I believe that those articulated the role and the activities of this workshops will be a success. These sorts of department and the work that it has been initiatives will provide opportunities for our rural doing for small business and for the business areas. sector generally over the last 12 months. Before I go any further, I would like to I congratulate and thank the member for make reference to the annual report of the Redlands, Mr Budd, for his support, Minister’s department and the Business particularly his recognition of the role of the Regulation Review Unit. In that report, Future Search Program, which identifies reference is made to a study that was opportunities for communities through the undertaken in conjunction with a national community workshops. The Moreton Bay retailing company to identify regulatory Future Search Program has certainly been a restraints in the retail sector. The action that is resounding success. This was no doubt due to Legislative Assembly 5819 16 November 1993 the honourable member’s very active and of the six exporter awards this year were won responsible representation in that area. I by companies that had adopted those would like him to pass on to the coordinator, programs—companies that had them in place Heather Truman, and to the committee and had been successful. That success was chairman, John Connolly, my thanks and reflected in the Premier’s awards. appreciation, because it has been the most The honourable member for Waterford, successful Future Search workshop held to Mr Barton, emphasised the role that date. As I said, it was appropriately held in the innovation and technology play in the growth wondrous and beautiful islands of Moreton of an economy generally, and particularly in Bay. I thank the honourable member again for the growth of businesses in the value-adding his contribution to the debate. It was pretty apt area. Value adding is the one thing that will when he said that industrial estates were stuck drive the economy of the State. It will provide around the State just for the sake of local the future growth. Research and National Party members. This is reflected in development, enhancing, supporting and the fact that I have to resolve the issue by encouraging the role that Governments play selling them. will play a primary role in doing that. Having a The honourable member for Chermside, critical mass of programs in place—through Mr Sullivan, is a keen supporter of small technology parks, QGRAD and the CRC business. Having a family background in small Program—is one way that Governments can business, he understands only too well the provide support. concerns of small business and how those QGRAD, as the honourable member concerns are being addressed by a number of said, is a Government initiative to pick up the initiatives in the department and within the slack that existed for some time in R and D Queensland Small Business Corporation. He funding. We have been disadvantaged for referred to the work that the Business years in terms of the Commonwealth funding Regulation Review Unit has been doing in to the private sector and our access to dealing with outmoded regulations. He R and D. This Government has recognised referred to the Queensland Business Licence that, and QGRAD has been the appropriate Information Centre, GOBIS, and to the review vehicle for us to provide that support to the of the RSL Act. As the honourable member business sector. I also point out, as the pointed out quite rightly, dispute resolution is honourable member said, that the well recognised in Australia as the most Queensland Manufacturing Institute has been successful forum for dealing with the concerns a collaborative effort—and one that we have between retailers and owners. He also been very pleased to be involved in—between commented on the Peak Bodies Liaison TAFE-TEQ, CSIRO and the QUT. I thank him Scheme, which is also an important again for his positive support. mechanism for communication between the private sector and Government. It has been The honourable member for Gladstone, fully supported by this Government. Mr Bennett, is only too well aware of the role that Gladstone will play in Queensland. It will The honourable member for Redcliffe, Mr be the light metals centre of the world. I have Hollis, is another member with a long no doubt that we will see value-adding background in business. He gave good opportunities in Gladstone. The sale of the examples of the role that NIES plays in this Gladstone Power Station will also further State. He spoke about its role in improving the enhance Gladstone’s growth. The honourable efficiency and productivity in business member commented on the role that the generally. I, too, would like to congratulate him Major Projects Incentive Scheme plays. It for the work done by the Main Street Bid plays an important role in facilitating new Committee, because there has been a ventures into this State. He also commented, significant change in Redcliffe. He mentioned following on from the honourable member for the turning of strip shops into a very active Redlands, on the Industrial Lands Scheme, a and vibrant Main Street within the Redcliffe new scheme that is a far more appropriate business community. This is improving response to industry and to manufacturing opportunities for growth and is providing generally than was the case under the further opportunities for businesses within industrial estates program of the previous Redcliffe itself. administrations. The previous program may The honourable member for Redcliffe have been well considered, but in time it also touched on a number of the new proved unsuccessful in developing technology initiatives—the Queensland manufacturing opportunities in this State. Manufacturing Institute and NIES generally. But, importantly, he did point out that five out 16 November 1993 5820 Legislative Assembly

Mr FitzGerald: Every shire council need Australian standards to access wanted to have one, but it did not work. Government tenders. That has been Mr ELDER: Exactly. It did not work. That recognised. The proposal that I took to is recognised as one of the reasons why we Cabinet on Monday will appropriately deal with are selling this land and are appropriately the concerns raised by business generally. having local communities themselves driving He mentioned a heavier weighting for those industry initiatives. supplies with QA and an industry timetable for The honourable member for Barron River, the adoption of quality standards across-the- Dr Clark, did touch a raw nerve with her initial board generally. All those measures are in comment. As I said earlier, that is not out of place. If members of the Opposition would like place because I do not believe that the a more detailed briefing on them, they are Opposition spent any more than about 15 quite welcome to that. It went through Cabinet minutes on these Estimates. Maybe that is on Monday. The press releases were out just a re-endorsement of the role that I am yesterday. It has been an area in which I have playing as Minister. At least I will take it in that had a lot of involvement over my 12 months vein and will leave it at that. As the as Minister. If those opposite want a briefing honourable member said, we have increased for small businesspeople or for industry the budget of the QSBC. It plays a positive associations, they or the associations have role in supporting small business. As the only to ring me for that, or they can talk to my honourable member quite rightly pointed out, department. this is particularly so in north Queensland. The I will leave the Opposition spokesperson Business Plus scheme that she mentioned will until last. He might like to ask me a question fill a gap in terms of business planning for then. small business. The fact that we have support The honourable member for Keppel, Mr from consultants generally, from the Lester, just got it back to front. But that is Queensland Law Society, from accountancy nothing unusual for Mr Lester. I cannot quite groups and from business consultants has work it out. I was not sure what he was on been a big plus. Again, it demonstrates the about. All I can say to him is that we do have role of this Government in developing projects a Queensland Small Business Corporation that have the support of the private sector for that does help small businesses. It has been the benefit of the private sector in the long there for some time. All of us on this side of term. The honourable member went on to the Chamber and most honourable members mention the small business awards. I would on the other side of the Chamber know about also like to congratulate the State award it. All he really needs to do is to contact the winner, Austbelt Splicing in Mackay. That was QSBC or officers of my department. We can a splendid effort on its part, and it received help him with some of the cases that he has. due recognition during the national awards. The retired businesspersons’ position has The honourable member for Nudgee, Mr been on the agenda of the Queensland Vaughan, emphasised the role of Business Confederation of Industry, and it is something Plus and what it will do to fill the gap in terms that I have been working on with it for some of business planning for small business. He time. Retired businesspeople—particularly reinforced the role of Gladstone in terms of executives—can play an appropriate role in the magnesium industry. It is a very important that regard. We should use that resource. one, as he quite rightly outlined. He has been to Kunwarara and has seen the developments Mr Connor interjected. there. The development is extending to the Mr ELDER: Yes, but it was not driven new pilot plant. There will be some $50m successfully at any stage. If it is to be done, it spent on the Enviromag plant. We see that as must be done properly. I have been an endorsement of value-adding opportunities discussing that matter with the QCI for some in the magnesium and aluminium industries time. and, in particular, the lightweight metals I did not quite catch the point that the developments from that point onwards. He did member for Keppel made about small- touch on quality. We have recently put business seminars. The small-business through Cabinet a number of measures that seminars that I have attended throughout the have addressed many of the concerns of State have been well attended. Perhaps the business in terms of new informal systems for member struck a seminar on a very poor day. quality assurances—for ad hoc, one-off buys. On the other hand, perhaps he should have He spoke of having the private sector and the attended such seminars himself rather than industry bodies themselves driving the industry listening to feedback from others. standards. This can help. Not all companies Legislative Assembly 5821 16 November 1993

Mr Laming, the member for Mooloolah, that we have now called tenders for the spoke about planning and not much about development of Lytton Stage 2—end of story. the department. We have been involved in That is basically where the money was spent. planning, and we will continue to be involved I thank the member for Warwick, Mr in planning for appropriately zoned industrial Springborg, for his support for Future Search. I land through the SEQ 2001 process. The do not believe in enterprise zones, and I never member referred to having an input into local have. I have always believed that Queensland issues. He provided an answer to his own is a total enterprise zone. I believe that no question. He should approach the Sunshine region should be dealt with differently from Coast Tourism and Development Board. That any other region in Queensland. The chain is an excellent vehicle for input at a local level, that we are dealing with is Coles Myer. whether one is a State parliamentarian or a councillor. I turn now to the contribution by the member for Nerang, Mr Connor. He referred to Mr Lingard, the member for Beaudesert, a lot of ifs and buts, but that was about it. As spoke about a number of matters, but they usual, his contribution reinforced the negative did not necessarily relate to my department. upon the negative. Once again, he knocked To comment on them would only give them Queensland. He made little reference to my credence, so I will leave most of them aside. department or its Estimates. He referred to the He referred to the PSMC getting it wrong. In general state of affairs in Queensland as the fact, the PSMC did not get it wrong. The Opposition sees it. His contribution contained changes in DBIRD over the past 12 months nothing new and suggested no changes. have been initiated by the appropriate regionalisation of the department. As a result, The member for Nerang referred to staff are not based in Brisbane. I believe that capital expenditure. I can talk about that. He that refutes his claim that the PSMC got it used those figures to suggest that everything wrong. That information is available in the is Brisbane based, both in terms of capital Budget papers. As to the other matter raised expenditure and employment. Once again, by the member for Beaudesert—he need only the honourable member need only have refer to Budget Paper No. 6. It is all there in referred to the Budget papers. In case the black and white. We are certainly not trying to member cannot understand the figures on the hide anything. previous page, page 13 of Budget Paper No. 6 contains a bar graph that shows exactly What can one say about the contribution where capital expenditure in this State is being by the member for Lockyer? Duck gizzards, I directed. If he refers to that graph, the guess. However, I can answer his questions. member for Nerang will discover that Brisbane As to fixed capital expenditure, which included does not fare well in comparison with the rest plant and equipment—only $12m-odd relates of the State. He should not argue that capital to capital works. We did spend $4.2m out of expenditure is Brisbane based to try to prove that $12m. A number of maintenance a point. The truth is there in black and white. activities on industrial estates did not go All the member has to do—as Government ahead. Those activities totalled about $1m. members do—is follow the bar graph. We rolled over Lytton—— As to rail infrastructure on the Gold Mr Connor interjected. Coast—a Government member summed it up Mr ELDER: That is basically because we by asking who pulled up the Gold Coast will not rush such activities. As to an railway and who has had to rebuild it. That is appropriate development of land between the the simple truth. If this Government does Gateway Arterial and the port—I will not pre- anything, the Opposition complains. If this empt the Gateway Port Study; nor will I take Government does not do anything, the any decisions without consultation with other Opposition complains. The Government Government departments and the Brisbane considered upgrading the highway, and the City Council. That process has been followed. Opposition complained. The Government is I have now called tenders for the development upgrading the highway, and the Opposition is of Lytton Stage 2, after having gained an still complaining. It strikes me that the member appreciation of where it fits in relation to the for Nerang knows very little about business, rest of the available land. but he likes to complain generally about Mr Connor: Is it going to happen this different matters. time? The member for Nerang referred to the Mr ELDER: What did I just say? I said compliance costs imposed on small business. In that regard, he should refer to a cost of compliance report undertaken Australiawide 16 November 1993 5822 Legislative Assembly by the University of Newcastle. That report Hon. M. J. ROBSON (Springwood— states quite clearly and categorically that tax Minister for Environment and Heritage) matters are not significant and that (5.29 p.m.): The Department of Environment compliance issues have been exaggerated. and Heritage has received a record budget The report states that the real sources of allocation of $142.6m this financial year—a 10 concern for small business are financial per cent increase on 1992-93. This is an management—which is true—developing new allocation which recognises the importance of products and markets, and economic this portfolio and means more good news for conditions. Tax is certainly a problem, but conservation, the environment and heritage in small-business operators do not view it as their Queensland. The allocation for the most significant problem. I could refer to the Department of Environment and Heritage has ABS figures relative to fees and charges. The increased substantially in each of the four member for Nerang always refers to that fees Labor Government Budgets and it is now 195 and charges. The simple truth is that on-costs per cent higher than the last National Party in this State are lower than those in any other Budget in 1989-90. The budget provides an State in Australia. allocation of $15.7m for the Environment As to economic growth—our economy is Program, which includes a corporate services growing at similar rates to those of South East allocation of $2.9m. An allocation of Asian countries. Whether the member for $2.75m—an increase of 5 per cent—has been Nerang likes it or not, our economy is growing made for Environment Program activities at the same rate as that of Korea, and it is across the department’s five regions—south growing at a rate that is just below that of eastern, south western, central coast, northern Taiwan and other countries. The member for and far northern. Lockyer emphasised the fact that our I have recently released the draft economy is part of the Asian marketplace. Our Environmental Protection Bill which will soon economy is competing at an replace the existing Clean Air, Clean Waters, international—not just a national—level. Noise Abatement and State Environment For the benefit of the member for Acts. The proposed Act is a major component Nerang, I will cite the taxes, fees and fines of this Government’s revision of the imposed per capita in all States: Queensland, antiquated and ineffective environmental $1,000; New South Wales, $1,600; Victoria, legislation in Queensland. This Bill fulfils a $1,600; South Australia, $1,200; and Western Government commitment to enact modern Australia, $1,200. The member for Nerang environmental management legislation claimed that the differential between consistent with the principles of ecologically Queensland and the other States is closing. In sustainable development. The Environmental fact, it is not closing but becoming greater. Protection Bill contains million dollar fines and Last financial year, per capita taxes were 42 gaol terms for serious offenders, as well as per cent higher in New South Wales than they financial and community rewards for were in Queensland. They are now 47 per responsible operators. But, despite its tough cent higher than they are in Queensland. In new provisions, including substantial increases respect of Victoria—last year, they were 33 per in penalties, the Bill’s emphasis is on cent higher than they were in Queensland and protecting the environment rather than now they are 45 per cent higher. Across-the- conviction. board, the differential in terms of this State’s For most activities, environmental impacts competitive advantage is growing. It is not—as can be minimised by sound environmental th e m embe r q uit e wr ong ly planning at the approval stage. However, suggested—closing. some activities have a substantial At the end of the day, it is important for environmental risk and require accountability the member for Nerang to understand that, if of their ongoing management through a he is to be taken seriously in the business licensing system, and this draft Bill proposes a community, he must stop micturating into the regulation which will list activities that must not breeze. If he does not, he will not survive on be undertaken without a licence. The Bill the Opposition front bench and he will not provides for the development of issue-specific survive as Opposition spokesman. If he is to strategies, known as Environmental Protection survive, he should do himself a favour and Policies—EPPs—which will set out the stop the habit. At the end of the day, he will standards required. Environmental protection suffer for it. policies on air, water, waste minimisation and noise will be developed first and it is expected they will be law before the end of 1994. EPPs Minister for Environment and Heritage for litter, the Brisbane River and mining should Legislative Assembly 5823 16 November 1993 follow in 1995, with an EPP for agriculture allocated $230,000 to fund the activities of the coming after that. The Budget has set aside Brisbane River Management Group, and a $120,000 to encourage public review and further $300,000 over the next two financial comment on the new Bill and EPPs. During years. the months of November and December, staff In its first year of operation, the BRMG will from the Policy Co-ordination Section of the finalise a draft environmental protection policy Department of Environment and Heritage are for the Brisbane River which will deal with holding consultative meetings on the Bill at 11 sewage and chemical discharges into the centres across the State—in Cairns, river, dredging, agricultural and industrial Townsville, Mount Isa, Mackay, Rockhampton, development near the river, and preservation Gladstone, Emerald, Caboolture, and rehabilitation of wildlife habitats along the Toowoomba, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. river. This year’s budget included new initiative During the past two financial years, the funding of $150,000 to operate a BRMG Department of Environment and Heritage secretariat in the Department of Environment spent almost $400,000 on assistance to local and Heritage. authorities in preparation for the transfer of In response to the Clean Waters Plan some environmental management announced at the last election, the budget responsibilities under the devolution provisions has provided $500,000 this year to establish of the new environmental protection the first 73 out of an eventual total of 100 new legislation. Previous expenditure included sites throughout Queensland for the $215,000 to 61 local authorities to help them monitoring of water quality in fresh, estuarine purchase a wide range of air, water and noise and marine waters. This will more than double pollution monitoring equipment, and $150,000 the number of sites tested for water quality on training 360 local authority staff, mainly and is a major push to increase the scrutiny of environmental health officers, in the theory Queensland’s waterways. The new total of and practice of air, water and noise pollution 190 water quality monitoring sites will be in 65 monitoring and use of their new equipment. different fresh, estuarine and marine water This financial year, the Department of bodies, including beaches, bays, ports, rivers Environment and Heritage has allocated and creeks. These new sites are part of the almost $500,000 as grants to Queensland’s Government’s Clean Waters Plan re-election 134 local authorities to assist them to commitments last year which included a establish appropriate management systems to $4.2m program over the next three years to implement increased pollution monitoring test and monitor all of Queensland’s responsibilities. The grants are part of the significant inland and coastal waters. State Government’s $1.5m, three-year A further $300,000 over three years has commitment to assist local authorities with been allocated from the Federal their new pollution monitoring responsibilities. Government’s Healthy Rivers Program to help This year’s grant and the training of new establish the new biological monitoring environmental managers and pollution program in selective catchment areas which controllers will significantly improve pollution will involve the observation and sampling of monitoring throughout Queensland. marine animals—a more direct method of The Brisbane River is the subject of determining the health of waterways. The data considerable development pressures and gathered from these monitoring programs will conflicting land-use interests. The difficult task enable the Government to produce a status of managing the river is complicated by the report on Queensland’s waterways by 1995. large number of agencies with responsibilities The sum of $200,000 has been allocated for the river. There are 28 State and local this financial year to upgrading air pollution Government agencies directly responsible in monitoring in the Brisbane region. This is part the administration of the river and its 13 560 of a $600,000 program over three years to square kilometre catchment. develop a clean air plan for Brisbane—another As a result of the need for a coordinated Goss Government election commitment. Four approach to this important catchment’s new air monitoring stations will be established management, State Cabinet recently at Ipswich, Beenleigh, North Maclean and approved the creation of the Brisbane River Deception Bay. Management Group. The Brisbane River Almost $3.2m will be spent on expanding Management Group will be the focal point for and establishing Queensland recycling coordinating the existing management and schemes. In recognition of the need to approval powers of State Government and encourage and support recycling industries, local government agencies. The budget has the budget has provided for the establishment 16 November 1993 5824 Legislative Assembly of a new Recycling Industry Incentive draft Coastal Protection Bill for three months Scheme. This innovative program will receive of public comment, and more than 100 formal funding of $500,000 this financial year, and a submissions were received. They are currently total of $2.5m over the next three years, to being reviewed. The Bill has been drafted to provide financial assistance to encourage provide for the protection, management and industries to either use recycled materials or sustainable use of the coast, its ecosystems manufacture equipment which can be used in and land forms and processes. The sum of recycling processes. The program is being $3m has been set aside for the coastal implemented in cooperation with the management subprogram this year, with a Department of Business, Industry and further $1m being earmarked by the Beach Regional Development’s National Industry Protection Authority for specific coastal Extension Service Branch. management programs, including provision for The budget has also allocated $600,000 the preparation of this new coastal protection over the next three years to extend the legislation. successful Recycling Grants Scheme. The This Government introduced sum of $200,000 each year will go towards Queensland’s first comprehensive heritage supporting the development of large-scale, laws with the Queensland Heritage Act in centralised composting programs in local August last year. The Budget has set aside authorities. $2.351m this financial year for the operations The budget has also delivered $80,000 of the Cultural Heritage Division of the for Queensland’s Waste Exchange Register— department. One of the main requirements of a shopping list for recyclers. These funds will the Act is the establishment and maintenance provide for the computerisation of the register of a State Heritage Register, which is to improve the service to enterprises looking overseen by an independent Heritage Council. for new customers and users for their by- As at 30 June this year, there were 882 products. The computerisation of the Waste permanently registered places on the Exchange Register will enable the provision of register—mainly buildings—and 103 a better service to clients in local government, provisionally entered places. As part of the industry and interstate. As an initiative of the division’s allocation, $320,000 was earmarked State, agreement has been reached with for the employment of five heritage officers in other States that Queensland’s scheme will regional centres and two in head office. In form the basis of a national scheme. addition, a Regional Heritage Advisory Service is being established—initially in Charters As a result of consultation with the tyre Towers and Maryborough—to provide local industry, through the Queensland Motor expert advice to property owners, developers Trades Association, a Queensland Tyre and local authorities. Industry Council has been formed to facilitate the management of waste tyres. The This Government has given an Government is providing $40,000 in this year’s undertaking to double Queensland’s national budget to support the council as part of a park estate. Significant achievements have three-tier strategy to manage the disposal of been made on the way to meeting this goal. tyres in Queensland. Industry will provide As at July this year, the total area of national $80,000. park was 5.8 million hectares, or about 3.36 per cent of the State. To reach our target of 4 The budget has provided an additional per cent, another 1.1 million hectares is $300,000 to support the Environment required. The Budget has allocated a total of Program’s activities involving identification and $4.6m for land acquisition in 1993-94—a remediation of contaminated land. This smaller allocation than in previous years, additional money will be used principally to which indicates that our long-term acquisition maintain client services, update the goal is close to being achieved. For the next contaminated land register and to undertake few years, our acquisition program will an ongoing monitoring program at Mount concentrate on obtaining lands from within the Taylor Park, Kingston. State’s 13 biogeographic regions, which are The 1993-94 Budget provides a total of still poorly represented within the national park $125.12m for the Department of Environment estate. and Heritage’s Conservation Program. This To help achieve this biodiversity Government believes that the coast is a protection, we may use some of the other unique and outstanding asset that must be complementary nature conservation strategies managed carefully to ensure its use is in the that are provided for in the Nature long-term best interest of the whole Conservation Act. These include voluntary community. Earlier this year, I released the conservation agreements, which can apply to Legislative Assembly 5825 16 November 1993 private land and other Crown land. These Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and conservation areas will involve public and Management Act was passed by Parliament private land being managed cooperatively in September this year and was subsequently between the State Government, local proclaimed on 1 November—the first State Act authorities and private land-holders. To foster in Australia that protects a World Heritage participation in nature conservation by rural area. The Wet Tropics Management producers, local authorities, developers and Authority—based in Cairns—now has a conservation and community groups, legislative framework that it can use to ensure $447,000 has been provided to establish a that our obligations are met in appropriately regionalised Community Nature Conservation managing this unique and important area. Program. This year, funding of $15.7m, including $9.4m The Government recognises that the from the Commonwealth, has been provided expanding national park estate requires for a variety of projects. management and has made appropriate The sum of $3m has been allocated this provision in the 1993-94 Budget for this financial year to provide 300 more training purpose. Funding for national park positions for long-term unemployed adults in management will increase to a total of national park management and up to 100 $20.1m. This includes $5.6m in full-year more positions to develop visitor facilities at funding for the 80 new national park ranger popular national parks. The Budget has also positions created last year and provides for provided a 121 per cent increase in funding the appointment of a further 30 rangers in for the successful Youth Conservation Corps, early 1994. This will bring the total number of which means jobs and training for another 600 new positions to 110. unemployed youth in 50 projects throughout The 1993-94 financial year is an Queensland. The $4.2m provided means that important one for national park management the Department of Environment and Heritage in Queensland in terms of involving Aborigines can continue this successful labour market and Torres Strait Islanders. To date, 13 program. The scheme, which is part of our national parks have been gazetted as $150m Jobs Plan, has proved to be one the claimable under the provisions of the most successful run by the Queensland Aboriginal Land Act and the Torres Strait Government. Three months after 10 pilot Islander Land Act. Hearings before the projects were completed late last year, 74 per Aboriginal Land Tribunal have commenced in cent of the 112 young people who completed relation to certain national parks, and it is those projects had either been employed or anticipated that these will be determined were in further training. Very few labour market during the year. If so, it will mean the freehold programs achieve more than a 40 per cent transfer of ownership to the successful success rate three months after their claimants and the subsequent lease-back to completion, so the YCC programs have the Government. However, the successful achieved excellent results—74 per cent after claimants have to accept joint responsibility for three months. management of the area, and a management The sum of $2,008,000 has been plan has to be prepared before any transfer is allocated for departmental capital works in finalised. The sum of $600,000 has been set 1993-94. They include major extensions to the aside this year for these activities. Charleville district office, which will be The sum of $637,000 has been provided completed at a cost of $480,000. The this year to allow for the department’s Fraser Townsville regional centre buildings will be Implementation Unit to continue its task. A refurbished at a cost of $270,000, and a draft Great Sandy Region Management Plan district office is being established at Roma as has been prepared and is currently being part of the department’s ongoing reviewed in relation to the 250 submissions regionalisation program. received from the public, special interest Mr SLACK (Burnett) (5.48 p.m.): We groups and industry during its three-month have just heard the Minister outline significant public consultation phase. Following review of increases in Budget allocations to the all submissions, appropriate legislation will be Department of Environment and Heritage. We prepared, and I expect to introduce a Great could be forgiven for expecting that the Sandy Region Management Bill to the House Government would have a proud record on in the near future. environmental matters—or at least that is what The Government has a commitment to the Minister would have us believe. But has it? providing effective management of the Wet Members heard me speak this morning about Tropics World Heritage area. Accordingly, the the antics and failures of the department’s director-general and, indirectly, its Minister. 16 November 1993 5826 Legislative Assembly

Apart from the obvious political agenda of the would appear that there is a lot not being director-general, there is the gross done that should be done. The state of our mismanagement, as shown by the 1992 rivers is a classic example—dirtier than they internal report. ever were! Again, much talk and no action. The matter of a CJC inquiry into illegal I am pleased to note that the Minister dumping of toxic waste is coupled with the has at least acknowledged that she is now more recent revelations of the failure of those going to monitor some of those problems in responsible within the department to do respect of air, water and noise. We have seen anything about alleged major environmental authorities, committees and studies but, as of damage being caused by disposal of waste at now, the common claim is that they are dirtier Willawong. Needless to say, is it any wonder than they ever were. Many people have told that environmentalists generally are saying me of making specific complaints only to be that this Government is much worse than the fobbed off with, again, no action. I have previous National Party Government? Is it any spoken to many of those people and they wonder that people were protesting outside have said how they have rung the department Parliament House today? Members would in relation to oil slicks or diesel slicks on rivers have seen those people with their placards in but that nothing has been done about them. front of the Parliamentary Annexe, putting However, to get back to the forward their points of view about the situation budget—while the department is titled in the Willawong area. Is it any wonder that Environment and Heritage, there appears to the Greens are so disillusioned with the Labor be little consideration given to Heritage. It is Party that they are seriously considering merely cast as a subprogram—Cultural allocating their preferences to the Opposition Heritage. It is not shown as a separate at the next election? program; there are no Estimates for the Government members interjected. Heritage Council or some indication of the Mr SLACK: There you go! Government grants to community organisations. For members cannot deny that one. instance, will the National Trust receive a grant Environmentalists who have experienced the this year or will it be only those organisations hypocrisy of this Government and know the that have not been critical of the real commitments of this Government to Government? Questions were legitimately matters affecting the environment have been asked as to whether the hold-up with the horrified to learn what has not been allocation of the $100,000 plus annual grant done—despite all the rhetoric. Even this to that organisation last financial year had Environment and Heritage budget, while anything to do with the opposition by the promising so much, is significant for what it National Trust to the Heritage listed Treasury does not say; for what it does not itemise; and and Lands Office Buildings being used for a for what it obscures. casino. The recently released annual report of It is quite obvious that the Government the Department of Environment and Heritage does not like the policy area of Heritage. One is similar. It talks in general terms about only has to recall how it used special studies, management and planning, but is legislation to bypass the powers of the obscure on what action has actually been Heritage Council in relation to the casino. In taken. It also fails to give an adequate essence, the Heritage Department is a sham, breakdown of departmental spending. For as it does not even rank as a separate instance, in relation to national parks—and the program. There is no genuine commitment by Minister mentioned national parks—it is this Government to heritage values—merely impossible to determine what is being spent window dressing. within the various regions on wages and Again, there is no separate explanation general maintenance. It is impossible to check accounting for National Parks and Wildlife, whether a little over $100,000 is all that is Conservation Funding and Coastal available—after wages—to manage our parks Management. I note that the Minister referred in the south-west region. The Minister may talk to the Wet Tropics and announced the of extra national parks being purchased, but it amount of money that was to be involved in is equally important to know just what is being that area. The budget for the individual areas allocated in each region for management of is hidden in the overall program of these parks. It is even more important to know Conservation. I note that $4.6m will be spent what is being done in the other 97 per cent of on national parks. However, there is no Queensland—outside of national parks—to separate program of actual spending in this ensure that our environment is protected. It area for 1992-93 and no estimate for 1993- Legislative Assembly 5827 16 November 1993

94. Then, of course, there is no mention of Environmental Planning, Pollution funding for the Starcke purchase. Management and Waste Management. With Queenslanders are entitled to know where the the daily disclosures in this regard, it is funding is to come from and some honesty in understandable that the Minister and her respect to the possible contribution by the department would be somewhat hazy on this Commonwealth in relation to this purchase. I subject. What is shown, however, is that the noted in the paper at the weekend that the Ministerial Office has received a nice increase Commonwealth is disputing its alleged from $506,000 to $706,000. That is an promise of a 50 per cent contribution. increase of 37 per cent. Ms Robson: That’s the problem. You With regard to receipts, I note that the believe everything you read in the paper. estimates for the various Trust Funds—for Mr SLACK: I notice it. Will the Minister instance the Queensland Recreation deny that there is any dispute between her Management Board and the Beach Protection and the Commonwealth over this particular Authority—are expected to earn less this year. issue? Is it a case of the expected receipts being deliberately understated so that it will look Ms Robson: There is no dispute. good if they come in above estimate? Mr SLACK: I am pleased to hear that, Full-time equivalent employees for 1993- because other people who have spoken 94 total 1 475. That is an increase of 69. It is believe there is. However, it should be a pity the conservation program statement did emphasised that there is no appropriation for not mention the number of employees the purpose, so it should be outlined just involved in the Work and Labour Market where the funds are to come from. I would be Program so that a better overview of staffing pleased if the Minister would do that in her could be obtained. One would next question reply this evening. whether this is deliberate or not. Can the So much for the claim of Minister advise the House of the relative accountability—there is none. Subsidies and staffing position? current grants are hidden in two lines—grants Salaries and wages show an increase of to non-State recipients and grants to State 25 per cent—$40m to $50m. It is noted that, Government recipients. What is the nature of since 1990, salaries and wages and related these State Government grants, and who are payments have more than doubled from the recipients? $24m to the current $50m. However, I note that $7.2m has been allocated to administration costs have shown a slightly the Work and Labour Market Program, but greater increase of 26 per cent from 1992- there is no overview of the program, such as 93—up $13m from $37m to $50m. However, how many of the people to be employed while since 1990 wages have increased by under the program are already employed and 108 per cent, administration costs have risen what is to be the respective State and by $35m or 233 per cent. I repeat: 233 per Commonwealth contribution to the program. cent. The member for Cook shakes his head. While it would appear that there is a 13 Does he dispute the figure? Therein lies the per cent increase in the Consolidated and story, as per the 1992 internal report that I Trust Funds to Environment and Heritage, it mentioned this morning. Money, and more should be recognised that the Conservation money, has gone into administration, without Program of $125.1m actually shows a comparable tangible results. decrease of some $6m in the State Mr Bredhauer: Oh, rubbish! contribution—down from $96m in 1992-93 to Mr SLACK: Less and less action, more $90m in this Budget. In other words, it is the and more complaints, with more and more Commonwealth component that has costs—just to handle the complaints. The increased significantly, as the Commonwealth member for Cook should read the report that Specific Purpose Funds have gone from was tabled this morning. He should read it for $20.9m to $36.4m—up $15.5m or 74 per his own information. Is the honourable cent. So we are seeing the State taking credit member telling me that he did not read that for what is really due to the Commonwealth report? I suggest that all Government contribution when, in fact, the State members read the report. contribution has actually gone down. Mr BREDHAUER: I rise to a point of Again, the Environment Program is order. At no stage did I say that I had not read significant for what it does not tell us. After the report. That is a false assertion by the reading the document, one could be forgiven member and I ask for its withdrawal. for not being any wiser about the spending on 16 November 1993 5828 Legislative Assembly

Mr SLACK: The honourable member I table a letter from Mr I. F. Badham, an made out that what I was saying was rubbish, Environment and Heritage Principal so I referred him to the report. Environmental Officer, dated 7 November The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr 1990, to the Manager, Operations Branch Stephan): Order! The honourable member (Brisbane South) which, among many other has asked the honourable member for Burnett things stated— to withdraw his statement. “Given the type of waste accepted by Mr SLACK: If it offends the member, I will the company for disposal, there is a withdraw it. The public is entitled to come to potential for a public health hazard of the conclusion that it is simply a case of the major proportions. In fact, in my view, inaction of the department in various crucial there exists at the present time a very spheres which has, in itself, generated more real risk that Ace Waste is already and more complaints, which give a false causing serious public health problems, impression of the requirement for more and both in the short and long term.” more resources being needed for That was a very serious memo indeed. It administration. What has actually happened is so serious that, in my mind, it would within this department is that it has been so constitute gross negligence if it was not acted preoccupied with PR that it has failed to face upon. Obviously, very serious implications for up to the real problems and deal with them. the department could arise if health problems Of course, if action is not taken to remedy a could be traced to the disposal units following complaint, then there will be further such a memo and if it was shown that the complaints. Similarly, if licensing requirements department had failed to act on that memo. are not policed, pollution monitored and action The question is whether the department took taken when the accepted levels are effective action. exceeded, there will be an increasing number I refer to another memo dated 12 of abuses and ensuing complaints. February 1992 which begins with the For the Minister’s information, I point out sentence— that to acknowledge and respond superficially “I have been asked to review the to complaints does not constitute licence RSA in relation to the above licence compliance policing or pollution monitoring. application. Given the company’s The Minister’s argument, in response to her abysmal record in operating the facility, I own departmental officers’ lack of supervising have severe reservations about making of licence compliance or pollution monitoring, any recommendations that the company is pathetic. To use an analogy, it would be like proceed until a very clear and definite a person having a driver’s licence and nothing number of conditions are firmly in place being done to police the observance of the and until the Department (from the road rules until that person had an accident Minister down) is prepared to implement involving someone else. Imagine the chaos some key operational criteria.” our traffic would be in; yet that appears to be the position with pollution control in this State. This letter goes on to state— We are seeing the mind-boggling allegations “Some of our inspectors and officers coming forward with regard to illegal dumping will not even set foot on the place of waste material. It appears to be so blatant knowing what they are trying to dispose and widespread that surely the director- of. In addition, neither the company, the general and the Minister were aware of it. If residents, nor we have a clear knowledge they were not, they should have been. of the character or fate of the chemicals Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.30 p.m. being produced by the operation.” Mr SLACK: We are reading daily about It also makes the following observation— misuse of waste material. The latest to surface “At times it seems that to give these is the treatment of hospital waste at Willawong people any consideration in relation to by Ace Waste Pty Ltd, about which those in operating this facility, is virtually writing a authority within the department surely cannot ticket to Wittenoom—Brisbane South.” deny knowledge, as it is well documented. No So it goes on. This company and the doubt, there have also been many complaints incinerators referred to in the memo are still and internal discussions. The amazing part is operating today, 16 November 1993, despite that it has not surfaced before now, and it the fact that, as per the memo, senior officers would not have surfaced before now had it not of the department, including the director- been for the actions of the residents of the general and the Minister, had to be aware of area and the efforts of the Greens. the serious consequences of allowing the Legislative Assembly 5829 16 November 1993 company to continue to operate. The of 21 October 1991 to the Minister via the substance of the information obtained under director-general indicates numerous freedom of information legislation indicates a complaints about Ace Waste and a lack of situation of such gravity that failure to act on resolution of the problem. An internal memo sufficient information could actually constitute of 10 February 1992 indicates that the criminal negligence on the part of those in Minister was aware of problems with the authority. present waste disposal operation. On 12 The questions are: did the Minister and February 1992, a departmental officer her director-general know about it? If they did, expressed his concern that his why was the company allowed to continue to recommendations and requirements of Ace operate? Does the Minister acknowledge that Waste were being ignored, and he requested if she and her director-general knew of the that he be withdrawn from the exercise. A situation and did not take immediate action to memo of 3 March 1992, which was issued close the cause of a health hazard, they were following an inspection of the Willawong site, guilty of gross negligence? This Minister, and indicates considerable difficulties with the also the previous Minister, has some operation of the waste facility and the non- explaining to do, both to this Parliament and conformity with environmental requirements. to the people of Queensland. I am sure that Over a period of at least two years, the we will be eagerly awaiting her explanation at department knew that highly toxic waste was the end of this debate. being emitted at the Willawong facility, and In summary—from documents obtained that it posed serious health problems. The under freedom of information it is clear that, Minister and the director-general were also firstly, evidence of investigation by made aware of those concerns. No action was departmental officers of the Ace Waste taken either to temporarily halt the disposal of operation at Willawong occurred in April 1990. waste or to consider closing down the facility. The departmental inspector wrote a report Throughout this entire period, public health which found incinerators were being and safety were totally ignored by both the overloaded, and that long and short-term Minister and senior officers of the department. health risks could exist. On 23 May 1990, the Ms Robson: That is rubbish, and you manager of Ace Waste, advised by Mr I. F. know it. Badham, the principal environmental officer of Mr SLACK: It is all there in the Minister’s the department, raises concerns about department’s memos. I will table them all. The pathological incineration at Willawong and lack Opposition will be seeking a legal opinion in of confidence in dealing with the types of respect of the possible culpability of the waste being accepted. The company was Minister and her departmental officers about advised of the possibility of dioxins being the possible implications raised by the material present in waste and the need for the matter obtained, which I now table. Needless to say, be addressed immediately. On 13 June 1990, there should be a full, independent an inspection of illegal dumping in the investigation of this matter. The Minister says, Willawong area took place. Material containing “Rubbish”. It is all contained in the internal burnt and partly burnt hospital waste, together memos of her department, which were with computer print-outs from the Australian obtained under freedom of information. The Taxation Office, were discovered. A file note Minister can say that it is rubbish. I would be indicates that waste can be traced directly to pleased to hear a full explanation at the end Ace Waste. On 7 November 1990, a of this debate. departmental memo indicates a potential for a public health hazard of major proportions. It Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (7.37 p.m.): I will states in part— not wait for the Minister’s reply. I will tell the member for Burnett that it is rubbish. He “ . . . there exists at the present time a commenced his speech by talking about the very real risk that Ace Waste is already Greens considering directing their preferences causing serious public health problems.” to the National Party at the next State The memo states further that officers will election, which I find a fairly curious concept not even enter the building in which the given the National Party’s record on present incinerators are situated, and that it is environmental issues. I am sure that most condoning an operation capable of giving rise people in Queensland have the same view to severe health problems. Further that it is a rather amusing concept. I know that departmental memos of 25 January 1991 and a lot of the people—— 13 September 1991 indicate major concerns Ms Robson: The Greens certainly think with the operations of Ace Waste. The memo it’s amusing. 16 November 1993 5830 Legislative Assembly

Mr BREDHAUER: I know that the Greens target of 4 per cent of the State’s land area as think that it is amusing. In my electorate, national parks. Given that, as at the end of many members of various conservation July, 3.36 per cent of the State is included in groups have sought to distance themselves national parks, then it is understandable that from any suggestion that has been made by the rate of progress should slow and, more Drew Hutton that the conservation movement specifically, target the former objective of generally might direct its preferences to the diversity. National Party under any circumstances. After On a couple of recent trips into parts of the honourable member had started his my electorate, I have mentioned this matter to speech in that vein, to finish it off we heard a people who were still concerned about the five-minute diatribe about Ace Waste which, I program of national park acquisitions. There presume, was written for him by Drew Hutton. I has been a slight reduction in the allocation of suggest to the honourable member that he money for national park acquisitions in this really should check his facts when he receives year’s budget. I have assured people that we information from someone such as the so- are not just going to run around looking for the called convener of the Queensland Greens, additional 1.1 million hectares that we need to because I think he will find that they are fairly make up the 4 per cent. We will be fairly unreliable. People in Queensland are selectively pursuing our program of national suspicious of both the National Party and the park acquisitions to make sure that the Queensland Greens when it comes to most of biogeographic diverse regions are adequately these matters. represented within the national park estate. There have been many highlights in the So it is understandable that there is a slight first four years of the Goss Labor Government, reduction in that area. but few as impressive as the dramatic The other related issue involves the turnaround in funding for the Department of management of those parks. I wish to make a Environment and Heritage. As the Minister couple of points about these areas. The State has stated already, this year’s Budget Government has gazetted 13 national parks allocation of $142.6m represents an increase for claim under the Aboriginal Land Act, and of 10 per cent on the allocation for 1992-93. claims have currently been lodged for six of When one takes into account the fact that the these. This represents a fundamental policy first three Labor Budgets effectively doubled shift embraced by our Government in the amount bequeathed to us by the dying recognising prior ownership of land by the days of the former National Party Government Aborigines and in making national parks the for environment funding in 1989, then this subject of ownership and joint management year’s Budget is placed in a remarkable arrangements. perspective. Further, considering that the three major factors that concerned the people I would like to talk about just how of Queensland in the 1989 election were significant that shift in policy is. A week ago corruption, education and the environment, it today—on Tuesday of last week—I had the is no coincidence that these three areas have great honour of travelling to Aurukun to attend been the beneficiaries of a concerted program the unveiling of the tombstone of the late Mr to counter decades of neglect, and the Koowarta, who was a champion of the land constructive gains are evident to everybody, it rights movement in Queensland. I undertook would seem, except Drew Hutton and the that trip in company with the Federal Minister honourable Opposition spokesperson on for Aboriginal Affairs, ; the State Environment and Heritage. Minister for Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs, Anne Warner; a former A major area of activity by the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, who was a Department of Environment and Heritage in champion of the cause of social justice for the Cook electorate has been in the area of Aboriginal people; and the honourable national park acquisitions. This reflects the member for Leichhardt, Mr Peter Dodd. unique geography of the electorate and the significance of the biogeographic diversity of That tombstone unveiling was a very the region to the State’s national park estate. moving occasion. I was also privileged to be The allocation in this year’s budget of $4.6m is present some time ago for the house opening less than in recent years, which reflects the for the late Mr Koowarta. I want to thank fact that the Government is nearing its primary Martha Koowarta, the late Mr Koowarta’s objectives of ensuring that Queensland’s 13 spouse, for inviting me to attend and to be major biogeographic diverse regions are part of that ceremony. I wish also to thank the adequately represented in the national park Aurukun Shire Council and the Aurukun estate and that the Government is nearing its Community Incorporated, which went to a Legislative Assembly 5831 16 November 1993 great deal of trouble to extend to us their management of the Alice/Mitchell National hospitality and to make us feel welcome. The Park, and I wish to assure them that, with the significance of that event was that Mr appointment of a ranger to that park, they will Koowarta had attempted, through the support still get the full cooperation of the Government of the Federal Government, to acquire a cattle and of the department in this placement. property at Archer Bend. But the State Furthermore, in the far-northern region the Government’s policy at that time was not to Government is anxious to employ Aboriginal allow Aboriginal people to own land. and Islander people wherever possible and Mr Koowarta took the State Government, appropriate. I hope that graduates of the primarily former Premier Bjelke-Petersen, to Cairns TAFE ranger training program will the High Court. He won his case that provide a pool of skilled and valuable people Aboriginal people should have the right to own suitable for consideration for employment. land in Australia and also in Queensland—that The Government is also making the it should apply equally to both—under the Good Neighbour policy a priority and is terms of the Racial Discrimination Act brought progressing with work on fencing and pest and in by the then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. weed control in national parks. These are very In what can only be described as one of the important issues. We have large national lower acts of the Queensland Government, parks in the Cook electorate. Many of them the area was declared a national park after are partly or poorly fenced. It is important that the High Court case had been won, so that he in terms of stock control we upgrade our could be deprived of the opportunity of fencing. I commend the efforts in this regard. occupying his land. He passed away before It is also important that we carry out pest and achieving his dream. But Archer Bend is one weed control. We need to be cooperating with of those national parks that has been property owners in the area, because pests gazetted for claim. His descendants will be the and weeds obviously do not originate or beneficiaries of this, as I said, significant shift confine themselves to national parks; they in our Government’s policy. I want to put that exist throughout pastoral properties and on on the record tonight. other forms of land title throughout the Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria. To date, hearings have been held in Pigs and rubber vine are two that come to relation to only one national park at Cape mind. We need to be playing our part in Melville, but others will soon follow. The conjunction with the other landowners in the important process of working up the claims area through our Good Neighbour policy to establishing the plans of management and attempt to control those pests, which are fast related issues has attracted funding of becoming a scourge on the landscape and on $600,000 in this year’s Budget. That is an the environment of Cape York Peninsula and important part of the process of working the gulf. through the claims. But the State Government I wish to make one plea to the is pursuing other strategies to improve the Government through the Minister about the management of national parks. Foremost acquisition and management of national parks among these is the employment of additional and the implications for local authorities. A rangers. There is $20.1m allocated in this number of relatively small local authorities in year’s Budget for national park management, my electorate have a high proportion of their which is an increase of $3.1m. There will be rateable land included as national parks. an additional 30 rangers employed arising These include the Douglas, Cook and from this year’s Budget. Etheridge Shires. Land for national parks is The far northern region, which includes often acquired from pastoral land, which most of the Cook electorate, will benefit to the councils would normally rate. Whilst I do not tune of 10 of the 16 Wet Tropics related suggest that rates should be paid on national positions, 11 of the 80 positions identified in parks, I believe that the Government should last year’s budget and 5 of the 30 new consider some ex gratia payments to those positions budgeted for this year. This latter councils to help offset rate losses according to group—5 of the 30 new positions—includes the number of national parks that they have in allocations for additional rangers to be placed their electorates. at the Cape Melville and Iron Range National The issue of funding maintenance and Parks and, for the first time, for a ranger to be upgrading for access roads and internal roads appointed to the Alice/Mitchell National Park. also, in my view, needs more attention. This I would like to commend the Kowanyama issue has been raised with me repeatedly by community for its efforts in recent times in the the Cook Shire and recently by the Etheridge Shire. I believe it is an issue worthy of 16 November 1993 5832 Legislative Assembly consideration by the State Government. A interest to ensure that they adequately and shire such as Cook contains a vast area. Its equally fund both the “yes” and “no” cases to total rateable income is less than $1m—just ensure that voters can make an informed and over $900,000 a year. If we remove even a educated choice. I must say that the concept small portion of its rates, such as $5,000 or of conducting such a referendum is somewhat $10,000, we are looking at affecting 5 per novel. Not long ago, we were being criticised cent or 10 per cent of its total rates. for confusing local authority elections with The Youth Conservation Corps has been State issues by holding a referendum on four- another welcome initiative of this Government year terms. I might add that the construction about which I have had much positive of hydroelectric station is a State issue. Now feedback in my electorate. I commend the that it suits local authorities, they are happy to Minister for her role in this employment and conduct that referendum, and they do not training program, in conjunction with the seem to think that it will confuse voters. Minister for Employment, Vocational I want to mention another couple of Education and Training and Industrial environment and heritage related issues. The Relations, Mr Foley. I am pleased to note that Low Isles Preservation Society has become another project is due to start in my electorate actively involved in the management of the in Mossman Gorge in January. The project is Low Isles area since the withdrawal of the expected to engage 12 young people and a Australian Maritime Safety Association. The member of the community as a leader, and it lighthouse in the area is to be automated. I will focus on managing the many visitors to think that could be an important model for the Mossman Gorge community and to the community involvement in the management gorge itself. of those sorts of important assets. Wet Tropics has been allocated a total of Finally, I want to commend the Minister $15.7m this year. Included in that is an and her staff. There are many environmental allocation of $6.3m from the State issues in my electorate that take up a lot of Government. Earlier, in her opening remarks, my time. I make many demands of the office the Minister referred to the fact that the Wet of the Minister and her staff. I always find Tropics legislation had been passed. That has them very cooperative and courteous in been welcome news to all of the Wet Tropics helping me with my inquiries. I place on record related agencies and organisations in my my appreciation in that regard. electorate. They are confident that we will now Time expired. get on in a meaningful way with the process. I have, as recently as yesterday, had Mr LAMING (Mooloolah) (7.52 p.m.): It representations from the Rainforest Aboriginal gives me pleasure to participate in the debate Network about the current review of the on the Estimates for the Department of structure of the Wet Tropics Management Environment and Heritage. It is generally Authority. At the appropriate time, I will be recognised that the State Government’s main taking up that issue further with the Minister. role is that of service provision such as law and order, health and education. For far too I want to mention briefly the sealing of long, these hard issues held centre stage. the Daintree River-Cape Tribulation Road, That is not surprising in a country such as which is proceeding apace. That was an Australia, which was relatively unspoilt and, by important initiative of the Government prior to world standards, underpopulated. Australians the 1992 election. We have made funds enjoyed the luxury of being able to cut, burn, available to the Douglas Shire for that project, dig, plough, graze and dump without concern. and I am pleased with the way in which the In most cases, those activities were not only Douglas Shire and the Wet Tropics relatively harmless but also were a necessary Management Authority have got on with the part of creating a young nation with the job. highest standard of living in the world out of a While on subject of Wet Tropics areas, I hard and unforgiving continent, all in the want to mention briefly the suggestion that space of 100 years. That was a remarkable has been made in north Queensland that achievement. early next year we should conduct a For us, at the end of the second century referendum in conjunction with the local of western civilisation, to be critical of the authority elections on the Tully/Millstream activities of our pioneers is to be forgetful of hydroelectric scheme. Although I do not want history and to be ungrateful for the fortunate to make a specific comment on that project at position in which we find ourselves today. We this stage, if a referendum is to be conducted cannot deny that some of the activity of by local authorities, I will be watching with humans—both Aboriginal and European—in Legislative Assembly 5833 16 November 1993

Australia was and continues to be not in the popularity. It risked being loved to death by best interests of our environment. In common visitors. That is also the case with another park with other movements in history, some of the more often visited by Australians, the early manifestations of the environmental Yosemite National Park. We witness this movement may have been somewhat historic trend in environmental awareness, misdirected. There was a tendency to rush from a once blissful ignorance—particularly in about and stop progress, as it was then the minds of city dwellers, who did not share called. Regardless of this, a focus was the farmers’ respect for the land—to a highly directed towards the way in which we did educated and concerned population. things that would eventually affect the way we There is a realisation that we all affect the thought about and conducted every aspect of environment, and we all share a responsibility our lives. to, as they say, think globally and act locally. No longer is concern for the environment How do we react to that responsibility? the private domain of the hard-core Because of the mass media, too often new environmentalists; nor should it be. No longer policy is generated in the wake of the publicity is the debate simply one between the given to a particular environmental crisis as development and anti-progress groups; nor though the problem did not previously exist. will it be again. It is not politicians who should That is another example of being reactive. It is take credit for that, because they are more time to complete the circle and get back to often reactive than pro-active. Because of some basics. Clean air and water and soil higher education standards and superior conservation would have to top such a list. We communications, the population—the obviously still have a long way to go—even in electorate, if you like—is demanding a much Australia—either with technology or the will to more sophisticated approach to the real enforce better practices when we still allow environmental concerns that they know affect untreated or poorly treated wastes to be their lifestyle and, more importantly, that of dumped into our rivers and oceans. their children. Fortunately, our situation is not as bad as that There is now a growing awareness of and in Sydney. concern for the world environment, most of We still have not tackled the basics if which we will never even see. As well, industry continues to pour tonnes of waste advanced science has alerted us to concerns into city skies and if developers are still such as the greenhouse effect and the hole in allowed to slow burn dozed trees on housing the ozone layer. These are phenomena that estates in areas such as the Sunshine Coast. not only will we never see but also that most I would like to hear from the Minister whether of us do not even completely understand. As existing or proposed legislation effectively much as most people are concerned about controls these activities, particularly burning the environment in which we live and work, so off. We still abrogate our responsibility to too are they concerned about employment, coming generations if thousands of tonnes of health and education. It is interesting to topsoil in rural areas are washed or blown observe that overt concern about the away. What assistance is the Government environment appears to move in direct giving to the rural community—particularly in proportion to the state of the economy. That is the drought conditions now being faced—to not hard to fathom, as survival, food and overcome this problem? shelter have always been at the top of the The new buzz word is “ecologically human agenda. It is for this reason that it is sustainable development”. It would be a brave important that we recognise the value of a speaker who goes the full 15 minutes in this strong economy to our ability and will to debate without some reference to it. The safeguard our environment. principle, as I understand it, requires One has only to consider those countries consideration of future generations, that are on their economic knees to discover community involvement, economic as well as the worst excesses of blatant environmental environmental considerations and a global vandalism. The Soviet Union is a graphic perspective. I am not aware whether or not it example of that. In fact, the most free is definitive about controlling the world’s enterprise oriented nation in the world, the population growth as perhaps a key factor in United States—which has copped more than any ecologically sustainable development its fair share of environmental criticism from plan. Perhaps the Minister can advise whether time to time—is also responsible for creating she sees population growth—both worldwide the first national park in the world. I visited that and in Queensland—as being a factor in the national park—Yellowstone—in 1988 and environmental equation. If so, what is the discovered that its main problem was its Government’s strategy in that respect? 16 November 1993 5834 Legislative Assembly

Of course, it is not just the number of were disposed of improperly in drains and humans on this earth or in Queensland that waterways. This represents 32 times the affects our environment; it is the manner in amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez in which we now live. We have become Alaska. I suspect, Mr Chairman, that it is extremely consumer oriented, and even took becoming a bigger problem now in Australia. I pride 30 years ago that we were becoming the have had service station proprietors complain throw-away society. The introduction of to me that this is becoming more and more of wheelie bins about 10 years ago was, in many a problem. respects, counterproductive. Where previously The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Ms compost heaps and paper and bottle depots Power): Order! I remind the honourable were used, the wheelie bin soon took the lot. member that my title is Madam Temporary In hindsight, a second small bin for recyclable Chair, and if he thinks that economically products might have been a better option or, sustainable development is dangerous, better still, a paper bin, a glass bin, an continuing to not notice my correct title is aluminium bin and a plastics bin could have probably more dangerous. each been collected once a month. However, councils are now generally moving in the right Mr LAMING: Thank you, Madam direction. Temporary Chair. I ask the Minister if she supports what I am told is a Federal ban on Another aspect of modern living is our the export of used oil to New Zealand for love affair with the motor car. There is no recycling. I believe that New Zealand has an doubt that cars have revolutionised our lives, efficient recycling process. They want the but there have been costs. One of the major product, we have the product, and it is costs has been that of lead pollution in the air becoming a nuisance. Will the Minister take in cities. The advent of unleaded fuel for steps to have this ban lifted? Will the Minister modern engines has provided a major leap consider taking steps to ensure that oil forward in the battle against smog. I sound a companies accept used oil from service note of warning, however, against stations to be recycled or disposed of Governments—State or Federal—that might properly? be tempted to penalise drivers of older vehicles that rely on super petrol. The annual While on the subject of fuels and the report of the Department of Environment and impact on the environment of motor vehicles, Heritage is not clear on future intentions. In one could scarcely overlook the threat to our today’s economic climate, quite often people global environment posed by some cargo who are retired or unemployed drive older ships. I refer to the substandard vessels cars, and they cannot afford to be recently dubbed the “ships of shame”. At a disadvantaged in this way. In most cases, time when we are becoming more critical of time itself will solve this problem, as the older motor vehicles and refusing roadworthiness vehicles reach the end of their life. certificates to cars that drip just a bit of oil, why do we allow these rusting relics, these “ships There is, of course, the category of of shame”, to ooze their oily paths around our enthusiasts’ cars, many of them approaching oceans? The recent debacle of the APJ vintage status—that is, the cars and not the Anand, which had to have emergency repairs drivers—which will remain. I think that in time done in Gladstone before it could safely leave their contribution to what was once a very harbour, is not an isolated case. serious problem will be minimal. I understand that my colleague the member for Aspley has During 1991-92, there were 22 oil spills presented to this Parliament a petition reported along the Queensland coast. Most containing over 7 000 signatures that media attention is given to the spectacular advanced such a point of view. accidental spills of oil from tankers that run aground or are involved in collisions, but it is It is not just leaded petrol that is causing the non-accidental spills that are more a problem. Similarly, there is a great concern insidious, less dramatic and, therefore, less in some sections of the industry about the newsworthy. Unfortunately, in the long term, it recycling or disposal of used engine oils. I am may be these less dramatic spills that may told that some companies will not accept used pose the greater risk to fragile ecosystems oils. In case the Minister is of the opinion that such as that of the Great Barrier Reef. this is not a serious problem, let me suggest that it is probably worse than we imagine. In addition to the visiting “ships of shame” in the period 1989-91, there have been 102 I have read that in the United States it reports of pollution from fishing vessels in the has been reported that in one year Great Barrier Reef region. Time does not approximately 350 million gallons of used oil permit me to go into the detail that I would like Legislative Assembly 5835 16 November 1993 to with this subject, but I would also like to problem, particularly with young Aboriginal express my concern about tankers plying our males, and that hunting native animals fulfils a waters. Even though the Australian Maritime psychological need. I can understand that line Safety Authority is adopting International of thinking, but I submit that we have a Marine Organisation Protocol 13F—and this is general cultural identity problem in this country a Federal responsibility—would the Minister that is not confined to the Aboriginal section of advise what special requirements her the community. It might have something to do Government has insisted upon to minimise with the lack of employment opportunities. I danger from a tanker disaster in the vicinity of simply want to know the details of the the Great Barrier Reef and our southern Government’s intention on this matter. Can beaches? Also, what clean-up equipment and the Minister explain the details of this trained staff is available in Queensland, and proposal; what qualifies as traditional hunting; how quick is the response time to various are such activities anticipated in national points in Queensland, say, for instance, the parks; and how will the proposed Animal lovely Whitsunday area or the equally Protection Act apply to this proposal? beautiful Sunshine Coast? This is a very Mr Bredhauer interjected. important question, because time is of the essence in containing oil spills. Mr LAMING: I realise that there was an interjection, but I am a little short of time and I Having been critical of other Ministers would like to continue. I believe that an who dumped their annual reports on our answer to those questions is very much in desks on the day that the Estimates were to order. be debated, I must acknowledge that we at least had the report from the Department of Finally, I would like to remind the Minister Environment and Heritage a few days early. I of the contribution made on 14 September by found a number of interesting points in the the member for Western Downs. He asked the annual report and believe I stumbled on a Minister to consider the capabilities of a new departmental buzz word. I cannot wait to process called Ecologic in the treatment of get to the workshops to be held Statewide to toxic waste. I might be in error, but I am not find out what the six interpretive staff learnt at aware of her response to this question. I the first Interpretation Australia Conference. believe it is important that every possible process for the improvement of treatment of On a more serious note, I noted a all waste should be given a fair trial. reference to a new approach to communicating with indigenous people on Dr CLARK (Barron River) (8.07 p.m.): It is issues such as traditional hunting. It is not the with great pleasure that I rise tonight to communicating to which I refer here, but to contribute to the debate on the Estimates of the Aboriginal and Islander hunting. I believe the Department of Environment and Heritage. a case might perhaps be able to be made for I would like to begin with some general some type of traditional hunting in some comments about the role of the department. It places, at some times, for some animals. was apparent at this year’s Federal election However, what concerns me, and a lot of that economic issues predominated. Some people who have spoken to me over recent commentators interpreted this to mean that months, is that the Minister may be environmental issues were no longer of contemplating a law for Aborigines that may concern to people. I consider that such a not apply to other Australians. Whatever the conclusion seriously misreads the significance rights and wrongs of the past in this country, of the environment and lifestyle to they will not be solved by reverse Queenslanders, and particularly to far-north discrimination. The future of this country relies Queenslanders. Environment has moved from on it being recognised as one Australia with a fringe issue a decade ago to a mainstream one status of citizen and one law applying to issue—from a concern of just one all. Government department, with responsibilities for environmental matters, to a whole-of- It is quite probable that there is not one Government approach in which environmental non-Aboriginal Australian who is the least bit issues are of concern to just about every interested in stalking a bandicoot with a spear, department. but I believe we are looking at a dangerous precedent here. I try to keep an open mind on Nowhere is this change more clearly such matters and have taken the opportunity illustrated than in the Department of to speak with experienced people whom I will Environment and Heritage mission statement, not name who claim that there is some merit which is to achieve ecologically sustainable in the proposal. The suggestion has been development, and also in the decision in made that there exists a cultural identity March this year to give the Department of 16 November 1993 5836 Legislative Assembly

Environment and Heritage lead agency status Conservation and Environment. The as recommended by the PSMC. This decision Conservation Program comprises the requires the department to be the lead subprograms of National Parks and Wildlife agency and have overall responsibility for all Management, Conservation Strategy, Cultural environmental management matters in Heritage and Coastal Management, and has Queensland. had an allocation of $125.1m this year. The department now has a mandate to I turn to national parks and wildlife coordinate environmental management management. During the last financial year, aspects of the activities of other Queensland nearly 900 000 hectares was purchased from Government departments at a policy level and areas across the State and declared as to conduct appropriate environmental audits. national park, bringing the total to 5.3 million Officers within the department have been hectares, or 3.07 per cent of Queensland. forging new working relationships with other After large acquisitions in past years— departments such as the Department of including more areas that were required to Business, Industry and Regional represent all the various biographical types in Development, the Department of Housing, the State—we have seen a decrease in the Local Government and Planning and the acquisition rate. This year, in far-north Department of Transport, at the same time Queensland, that figure stands at only 3 121 strengthening its relationships with the hectares along the wet tropical coast, Department of Lands, the Department of including a small addition of some 36 hectares Primary Industries and the Department of to the Barron Falls National Park in my Minerals and Energy. Areas of input have electorate. However, following clarification of focused on energy efficiency, greenhouse gas native title issues, significant areas of the emissions, regional planning and water MacAlister Range State forest, which provides resources management. The Department of the scenic backdrop to the Marlin Coast and, Environment and Heritage also provides policy indeed, other State forests, may be gazetted advice to the Office of the Cabinet on a range as national park. I note that some $4.6m has of environmental issues. been set aside for further acquisitions this year The net result of the lead agency role of to bring the total in the State to 3.36 per cent. the Department of Environment and Heritage Whilst the measures to increase the area will be sustainable resource use practices and of national park to 4 per cent will be responsible environmental management continuing, we will also be looking at across the whole of Government—a prospect increasing environmental protection by other never considered appropriate or even methods. In that category is the conservation desirable under the National Party agreement that is currently being considered Government. for the Cairns central swamp. That area of The significance of environmental issues remaining wetland and swampland in the to the Queensland Government is Cairns area has been unprotected and underscored by the increasing resources that requiring protection for a large number of have been made available to the department years. I understand that, finally, it will be since 1989. Every year the Budget allocation declared as a recreation reserve with the has substantially increased, and this year it council as trustee. A conservation agreement, stands at $142.6m—a 10 per cent increase— which will be entered into by the council, will and compares with a mere $43m in the last then be worked out. I hope that this will be a year of the National Party Government. This satisfactory resolution to a longstanding issue. indicates an increase of some 195 per cent of The significant increase in national park the Budget allocation to that department in estate over the last four years has created the that period. need for additional rangers and other I indicated at the outset that resources for park management. Last year, environmental issues have remained at the $2.1m was provided to employ an additional forefront of public concern in far-north 80 rangers. This year, a further 30 will be Queensland, a state of affairs I welcome and employed from the allocation of $5.6m for consider entirely appropriate and indeed management. Far-north Queensland has necessary if our very considerable done very well with those increasing numbers environmental assets are to be managed in a of rangers and, over a two-year period, will sustainable manner. I therefore intend to have had an additional 30 rangers in that area focus in particular on far-north Queensland, to provide better management for our national and in particular on some aspects of the two parks. Of course, management requires the major programs of the department, namely development of management plans, as required under the Nature Conservation Act, Legislative Assembly 5837 16 November 1993 and considerable resources are being devoted Over $1m is to be allocated to maintain to that activity. Indeed, 13 conservation plans the network of roads through World Heritage for various species of wildlife are currently areas, and over $400,000 is to be allocated being prepared. for the maintenance and upgrading of walking During 1992-93, a total of 13 national tracks throughout the World Heritage area. parks in far-north Queensland was gazetted Importantly, $1m has been allocated to the as available for claim under the Aboriginal establishment of visitor centres that will aid in Land Act, and claims have been lodged on six the understanding and enjoyment of World parks. In view of what I regard as outrageous Heritage areas by both visitors and locals. The assertions by some opposing recognition of authority is keen to develop those centres as Aboriginal tradition in national park cooperative ventures with local community management, I point out that, where national groups and private enterprise. Already, the park land is successfully claimed, prior to that development of such a centre is under way at park becoming Aboriginal land, a Mission Beach in cooperation with the management plan must be prepared following Johnstone Shire Council, and negotiations are consideration of public submissions and, well advanced on several others, including a further, that national parks will continue to be major centre in the Cairns business district. managed according to the cardinal principle of Other funding allocations this year will address preserving the land in its natural condition to the control of pests and other threats, in the greatest possible extent while allowing the particular feral pigs and weeds, and improve traditional interests and responsibilities of the the effectiveness of fire control measures in traditional owners to be taken into account. lands surrounding the World Heritage area. There will be no extermination or extinction of Coastal management is a high priority for any wildlife as a consequence of Aboriginal far-north Queensland, where so many co-management of our national parks. development proposals are either approved or Contrary to the claims being made by some, under consideration and where the Great social justice and nature conservation are Barrier Reef is central to the tourism industry. compatible and complementary goals. I The department’s Coastal Management believe that Aboriginal involvement has the Branch consists of four operational areas: potential to enhance management of our coastal planning, coastal resource national parks. assessment, coastal development National park management is currently management and marine parks management. benefiting from the introduction of two labour This last area has been allocated $3.05m in market programs, namely, the Youth the budget, which includes the State’s Conservation Corps and the Jobs for the contribution to the management of the Great Environment Program, with additional funding Barrier Reef Marine Park and complementary of $4.2m. The Mount Whitfield environmental State marine parks. This amount includes a park in my electorate has benefited from two sum of $30,000 to commence work on the Youth Conservation Corps programs, with review of the management options for the upgrading of walking tracks, and has been declaration and zoning of Trinity Inlet and providing training and employment Marlin Coast marine parks. The Trinity Inlet opportunities for some 28 young people. draft zoning plan should be available for public comment by mid-1994 and, when completed, As to management of the Wet will form an important part of the overall Tropics—this year, the budget for the Wet management of Trinity Inlet as required by the Tropics Management Authority will total Trinity Inlet Management Program. $15.7m, including $9.4m from the Commonwealth. This year’s budget will I wish to put on record my thanks to the continue funding for planning and research Minister for her commitment of funds to activities and will increase funding for on- commence the preparation of the State ground management of the Wet Tropics marine park for the Marlin Coast following my World Heritage area. To cater for the ever- representations to both herself and the increasing number of visitors to the World previous Minister for Environment and Heritage area, the upgrading of visitor facilities Heritage, Pat Comben, over a period of nearly will continue to be a priority for 1993-94. The two years. As members would be aware, there sum of $900,000 is to be used to upgrade are a number of tourism developments picnic and camping areas with better toilet approved along the 20-kilometre stretch of facilities, car parking areas, walkways, coastline north of Cairns known as the Marlin lookouts, etc., as well as investigate possible Coast, and I have campaigned long and hard locations for the development of new facilities. for protection of those areas not yet developed, which include wetlands, estuaries, 16 November 1993 5838 Legislative Assembly headlands and beaches. Gazettal of the State nutrients due to poor flushing in that part of marine park will be the first step in that the inlet. Water quality in most of the inlet, process, and I am pleased to say that however, approaches the natural levels found community consultation should begin early in near its mouth. The monitoring program will be 1994 to initiate that process. of assistance in future deliberations with More comprehensive protection of the respect to the question of when alternative Marlin Coast and other coastal areas of far- sewage disposal methods will be needed to north Queensland will have to await the be utilised in the Cairns area. There is passage of the Coastal Protection Bill, which community concern regarding the disposal of provides for the gazettal of regional coastal effluent from sewage treatment plants in the management plans over designated control Cairns area, which are only to a secondary districts, as well as the Statewide treatment level. There is certainly an management plan. Preparatory work is well opportunity to use the information from our under way for coastal management plans, monitoring program to assist us in making with the collection of field data for the key decisions in that area. Currently the effluent conservation areas being completed in July of from the Cairns treatment plant, particularly this year. Further work will be carried out in the the one going into the Trinity Inlet, on next financial year and added to previous work occasions does not conform to the water on assessment of visual amenity, fishing quality standards set down by the department. areas, marine habitats and wetlands. The The council is very well aware of this problem State Coastal Management Plan will also and is undergoing an upgrade of its sewage include policies of State significance for the treatment plant. We have to recognise, protection and management of the coast, and however, that the time will come when tertiary a State planning policy is being prepared by treatment or disposal on land is going to be the Department of Housing, Local required, and I am working with the Cairns City Government and Planning in consultation with Council and the Mulgrave Shire Council to the Department of Environment and Heritage. explore the means of implementing tertiary This coastal management policy will provide treatment. guidelines for local authorities in preparing In conclusion, I thank the Minister and their planning schemes and approving her departmental officers for the support for developments, because they must have far-north Queensland and myself during the regard to its content as set down under the year and for their hard work and the Local Government (Planning and achievements of the department, which are Environment) Act. A further project in support very considerable. I place on record my of the State Coastal Management Plan is the appreciation, and I support the Estimates. preparation of maps that will delineate the Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) (8.21 p.m.): coastal zone with respect to land tenure for In rising to take part in the debate on the the whole of Queensland. That project has Estimates of the Department of Environment received further funding in this budget and will and Heritage, I will mention several matters. I progress accordingly. will say some nice things about some of the The Minister made mention in her speech items in this budget that I believe should be of some $4.2m allocated over three years to recognised. I will then touch on a subject monitor water quality in both marine and about which I am very concerned, and I would freshwater sites across Queensland. Such like to do it justice. monitoring has already begun in the Cairns First of all, I refer to the Conservation area as part of the Trinity Inlet Management Program and the $18m that has been set Program, which involves the Cairns City aside for Fraser Island, the Great Sandy Council, the Mulgrave Shire Council, the region and the Maryborough region. One Cairns Port Authority and the Department of would be a fool to suggest that this money Environment and Heritage. Funding from the would not be of assistance to Fraser Island department of $105,000 over three years will and the Great Sandy Region. However, one enable that program to proceed. I would like must ask whether declaring the area as a to commend the work of Lindsay Delzoppo, national park was the best way to go about it. the departmental officer in Cairns, who has Obviously, many people think that Fraser demonstrated a deep commitment to that Island should be a national park. When I was program. the responsible Minister, I actually declared Initial results of the program suggest that part of Fraser Island as an additional area of attention needs to be paid to the upper national park. However, I am concerned that reaches of Skeleton and Chinaman Creeks, there seems to be a tendency to consider that which have the potential for a build-up of all sorts of areas have special conservation Legislative Assembly 5839 16 November 1993 value under the Heritage Program. If we are administration are increasing from $2.4m to not careful, we will, as it were, devalue the $4m. There are only eight additional currency. No-one would argue about the employees. After a quick appraisal, those declaration of areas that are totally pristine, figures appear to be a bit skewiff. If I have such as the Great Barrier Reef, as national misunderstood how those figures relate to one park. The Great Barrier Reef should be another, I would be happy for the Minister to declared as a national park because it is one explain it to me. In any case, I would like the of the great wonders of the world. However, I Minister to explain the figures in her reply. wonder whether we are getting a little carried I congratulate the Minister on further away as we continue down this road. enhancing an initiative of mine when I was the I welcome the appointment of 80 responsible Minister. I refer to the Youth additional rangers. This is a true measure of Conservation Corps. As honourable members what we are doing about conservation. When know, I have long been a supporter of this it is all said and done, those rangers are the initiative. I have seen it working well in people who are at the coalface. The rangers America. I think it is a fantastic program. It is are the people—whether they are doing the something that we should all work on and work themselves or whether they are something that we should all support. As supervising—who are ensuring that the members of Parliament, with our various walking tracks are kept in a good state of electorates, we should give every assistance repair. If those tracks were not kept in a good to that program in every way, shape or form. state of repair, people would be walking into The program offers a very real opportunity not the bush and defacing our national parks. It is only to do something tangible to protect the important that the rangers are able to carry environment in our national parks but also to out their duties in a meaningful and assist people who are unemployed to reasonable way without being too overcome the dreadful stigma associated with overbearing. It is important that they are able unemployment. A lot of young people do not to relate well to the people who visit the parks want to be unemployed. They would love to and that they are able to maintain the human be doing something that they consider to be face of the National Parks Program. really meaningful. Young people see Under no circumstances do we want our conservation as a very meaningful and national parks rangers to be viewed as worthwhile area in which to work. It is policemen who are there to stop people from beholden on all of us to support this initiative having fun in the parks, to prevent people to the hilt. from taking their dogs and cats into the parks, I welcome the grants to non-Government and to ensure that nothing pleasant happens recipients. I note that that is increasing from in the parks. That is far from the truth. Most of $452,000 to $1.808m. Obviously, that is a the rangers are very dedicated. I have found step in the right direction. As shadow Minister, them to be a marvellous group of people. The and at other times over the years, I have been people with whom I was associated were very very critical of the department playing keen about their work. They probably did far policeman and saying “You will not touch this more work than that for which they were paid. building” without giving people some incentive. They worked a lot of overtime without It is the old story of the carrot and the stick. If payment. people are given an incentive, they will try to An honourable member: They are assist. The department should not just say, committed. “Thou shalt not.” I invite honourable members to consider the example of a Queen Street Mr ELLIOTT: The rangers are totally building that was valued at approximately committed. I do not think I have ever $8m. After it was heritage listed, that building encountered another group of public servants was valued at $3.9m. Is that really fair? We who are more committed to their job. It is live in a democracy, and we are supposed to unfortunate that, in their view, the identity of pass laws that are fair to all concerned. Surely the national parks is being eroded. To some no-one would suggest that that is fair. It is degree, this has disillusioned some rangers. beholden on the Minister to investigate that That is most unfortunate. I urge the Minister to matter and try to overcome a lot of these look very closely at this whole program. problems. Capital outlays have been reduced from Administrative costs in the corporate $23.5m to $22m. If one looks at the services area have soared from $4.833m to Environment Program, one finds that salaries $6.544m, yet the staff has increased only by and wages are in fact down from $5.204m to seven. Once again, I would be interested to $4.96m. At the same time, costs of hear the Minister justify those figures. In fact, I 16 November 1993 5840 Legislative Assembly would like to hear the Minister justify the to people who, for one reason or another, expenditure in the entire area of corporate wish to can the process. That is not a good services. enough reason to ignore the invention. This is I turn now to an area that interests me a pioneering field. Earlier, a member referred greatly, that is, the environmental problems to our pioneers, and the point should be facing this State and this nation. Honourable made that, if all technological inventions had members who cannot see that the outfall of been examined by people who had tunnel sewage from all of the towns and cities of the vision and no powers of lateral thinking, quite inland is polluting the Murray-Darling system frankly half the inventions that are responsible and causing real problems must have their for the tremendous living standard in Australia heads in the sand. This is an area in which I that we all experience and benefit from as a believe the department is being heavily society would never have taken place. criticised by the Greens. I was a guest speaker Instead, people would have said, “The old- for one of the groups that is very concerned fashioned technology tells us that this will not about the ocean outfall, that is, the Surf work.” The Minister cannot afford to treat Riders Association. It is the belief of that group technological advances in such a manner. that, although the Government is paying lip- I had a chemical engineer examine the service to the problem, it does not appear to D’Oliveira methane process. He certainly be doing much about it. Consideration should indicated to me that there were very real be given to overcoming this problem. I believe possibilities that it would work and he saw that there are some very real solutions to it. nothing that was hocus-pocus about it. The Technology is providing many ways of dealing words he said to me were, “There is nothing constructively with the problems not only in there that really is not already in some way, relation to ocean outfall but also inland shape or form around the place. It is purely sewerage plants. and simply some lateral thinking and it is Mr Pearce: Have you been into the applying technology that can be found in coalfields to see what they do out there? refineries, fertiliser factories and in methane plants, and it is putting them together in a Mr ELLIOTT: I applaud anything that the different way to overcome a certain problem coal companies are doing. Actually, I think a which is, of course, the speed with which you lot of the mining people are doing excellent can have an anaerobic reaction take place.” work. We are not arguing about that. We are To my layman’s mind—and I have had a talking about a specific problem that no-one degree of involvement and experience with has even bothered to address. For argument’s chemicals and fertilisers—this looks as though sake, I mention the D’Oliveira methane it will be a practical solution to a real problem process. Honourable members can say what that confronts all of us and which will only get they like and say whether they do or do not worse. believe in it, but no-one has even bothered to spend the $28,000 for which the University of People say that, in Sydney, a great deal Queensland would be prepared to critically of money has been spent in constructing a analyse and evaluate the D’Oliveira process. deep ocean outfall with cutters installed at the Surely in this day and age, with all the publicity ocean end of the pipe, but all that is being and interest in the environment that has been done there is moving the problem from A to B. generated right across the nation, this process The pipeline has been moved farther offshore should be investigated. The suggestion has which means that the dispersal is more been made that the Dutch have actually effective and the beaches are not as unsightly started down this road already. Are we going as they were, but this particular strategy has to allow this whole process to wither on the not overcome the problem. The Minister vine because we are too lousy to spend a should talk to representatives from the Surf miserable $28,000-odd to decide for Riders Foundation and other people who are ourselves, with the benefit of a fair and involved in the surfing movement. They will tell unbiased report from the chemical her that the quality of the water is getting engineering department of the University of worse and worse. Queensland, whether the process is viable? Mr Ardill: That is not true. The chemical engineering department of the Mr ELLIOTT: If we do not do something university is the ideal organisation to carry out about it, it will happen in Queensland, too. such an analysis. The member for Archerfield could probably I urge the Minister to put aside politics mention some parts of the Brisbane River and have a good look at the process. She where the quality of the water may have should decide for herself and not simply listen improved, but I am talking about the ocean Legislative Assembly 5841 16 November 1993 outfall of sewage which is, in the main, still a of the Chamber, one of the department’s massive problem. most significant programs is the Youth Treated sewage is a resource that is Conservation Corps. In the 1993-94 period, going begging and it is being wasted. We the conservation corps will put another 600 should be treating the sewage that is being young unemployed people through its pumped out to sea on the Gold Coast. We beneficial employment and training program. should be taking the nutrients out of it and In the 1992-93 period, the Youth creating liquid and solid fertilisers from it. We Conservation Corps, in coordination with the should be undertaking a number of projects Gold Coast institute of TAFE, carried out involving a chemical process that can be used important work in the Springbrook national in industry. Instead, we are pumping an park which lies in the Gold Coast hinterland. important resource out to sea, which is quite One of the themes that stands out in the unacceptable. As far as the Murray/Darling 1993-94 budget is the extension of assistance system is concerned, the Government is to both industry and local government to help pointing the finger at the cotton industry and them play a more effective role in saying that it is all the fault of the cotton- environmental protection. This includes growers. I do not grow cotton, so Government $40,000 to help industry to find effective ways members cannot say that I have a vested of disposing of waste tyres; $200,000 a year interest in what I am saying. It is not for recycling grants to local authorities over the necessarily the fault of the cotton industry at next three years; $500,000 under the all. The largest source of phosphate in the recycling incentive scheme to encourage Murray/Darling system is sewage plants. There industry to develop and take on recycling is a massive requirement for phosphate for technology, and the list goes on. use in agriculture, so why in heaven’s name In March this year, the Department of can we not treat sewage and put it back into Environment and Heritage, in coordination the land where it belongs rather than pump it with the Queensland Recycling Advisory into the Murray/Darling system? If we were to Council, granted the Gold Coast City Council do that, it would certainly resolve the blue- $25,000 under the recycling grants scheme. green algae problem. The incorporation of local authorities and Time expired. industry into the broader environmental Mrs ROSE (Currumbin) (8.36 p.m.): It management network is an effective strategy gives me pleasure to speak to the 1993-94 which has been adopted by the department to Budget Estimates for Environment and ensure that environmental management Heritage. The Department of Environment and practices are taken on board by the various Heritage plays a significant role on the Gold sectors of our community. In the case of Coast, particularly on the southern Gold Coast industry, there is a need to provide ongoing where it is generally considered that the local incentives which make environmental environment is unique and fragile. One of the awareness a more viable proposal. Actively most significant aspects of environmental involving local government in the concern on the southern Gold Coast is water environmental management network will help quality and waste water management. It to create an important link between town would not be an exaggeration to say that planning and environmental protection. almost every Gold Coaster has a great deal of Two of the department’s most significant concern about the maintenance of high water Bills to be considered by the Parliament next quality standards and clean beaches. It is for year reflect the notion that effective those reasons that I wish to concentrate on environmental management should involve a the department’s programs that relate to all coordinated and cooperative approach by the aspects of water quality and water State Government, local authorities, industry management in Queensland. Of course, this and the community. Both the Coastal relates to the issue of monitoring of pollution Protection Bill and the Environmental in general. Protection Bill recognise the need for Having said that, I wish to touch upon a consultative planning. This is a positive step few of the department’s other initiatives that towards recognising who has a stake in are an integral part of its $142.6m budget for environmental management considerations. the 1993-94 period. An increase of 10 per Of course, it is my firm belief that all cent in the Environment and Heritage budget Queenslanders have a stake in the future of represents the Queensland Government’s our environment, and so have an important ongoing commitment to the environment. As part to play in its management. Through a mentioned earlier by members on both sides process of intense public consultation over both the Environmental Protection Bill and the 16 November 1993 5842 Legislative Assembly

Coastal Protection Bill, the Queensland The Department of Environment and community is being given an opportunity to Heritage will provide funding to assist councils have its input into the future shape of key with pollution monitoring, which will add to environmental management legislation. funding provided already to help them with the Another initiative reflecting the integration purchasing of pollution-monitoring equipment. of local authorities into the environmental In May this year, I presented a State protection network involves $500,000 set Government subsidy to the Gold Coast City aside for 1993-94 to assist them to take on Council worth over $7,000 to assist in the vital pollution-monitoring responsibilities. To purchase of pollution-monitoring equipment. illustrate the role that local authorities will play I have mentioned environmental health in pollution-monitoring, I point to the officers employed by councils, and the role Government’s elaborate and widely welcomed that they have to play in the State water quality monitoring strategy. During 1993- Government’s push to extend the pollution- 94, the department will spend $500,000 to monitoring network. Through the Queensland extend fresh estuarine and marine water University of Technology, the department has quality monitoring to another 100 sites spent $150,000 on training 360 local authority Queenslandwide. In total, 190 sites are now staff, mainly environmental health officers, in being subject to ongoing monitoring under the the theory and practice of air, water and noise Queensland Government’s clean water plan pollution monitoring and management. Under introduced at the 1992 State election. On the this program, 11 staff from the Albert Shire southern Gold Coast, Currumbin and Council and 18 are from the Gold Coast City Tallebudgera Creeks are being monitored. Council have been trained. Under the clean water plan, and with the Pollution monitoring is vitally important, assistance of pollution-monitoring grants, the particularly in communities that are still Gold Coast City Council will carry out water- growing. With development and a growing quality monitoring on the Government’s industrial sector, environmental protection behalf. Recently, the Minister for Environment practices must be carried out in coordination and Heritage announced a $1.5m grant to with town planning. Development on the Queensland’s local authorities to help them southern Gold Coast cannot go ahead without with their pollution monitoring responsibilities. environmental considerations being taken into Under this grant, the Gold Coast City Council account. Everything from stormwater to and the Albert Shire Council have been emissions from industry must be scrutinised as allocated $20,000 each. Over the next three our community continues to grow. I years, the State Government will spend $1.5m understand that the Gold Coast City Council to assist local authorities with these monitoring and the Albert Shire Council now have a tasks. responsibility to monitor for pollution by small If pollution is detected, local authorities industries, which include motor works, spray are best placed to take immediate action to painters, wreckers, concrete batching plants trace and deal with it at its source. The and cabinet making. The emphasis on pollution-monitoring network that is being put improving the effectiveness of local authorities in place by the Government is both efficient in regional environmental protection is and appropriate. It is efficient in that a designed to benefit communities by ensuring duplication of services is avoided, that is, on that, under the guidance of the department, a the Gold Coast, both the Albert Shire and the certain amount of uniformity in environmental Gold Coast City Council have environmental standards is achieved from region to region. health officers who already perform pollution- That means by making a local authority part of monitoring tasks as part of their general an environmental protection network, certain duties. Having these officers carry out the standards will be adhered to that require monitoring on behalf of the Government is a sensible forward planning and development. way of utilising a service that exists already I would like to describe a situation in the without needlessly spending money on Currumbin electorate that I believe could have establishing another. The new monitoring been avoided if accurate forward planning had network is appropriate because, as authorities been implemented some time ago. This in charge of town planning, councils are best involves two artificial lakes in that part of the placed to incorporate the results and Currumbin electorate that falls within the projections from pollution monitoring with authority of the Albert Shire Council. It goes planning strategies to ensure that without saying that the lakes to which I refer, environmental considerations are always the Nineteenth Avenue Lake and the Pine taken into account. Lake, are of great concern to local residents, not least of all because they affect the value Legislative Assembly 5843 16 November 1993 of their homes. People move to a lakeside that of the creeks with which they interchange. residence to enjoy all the attributes that It is not acceptable for the council to expect waterside living brings. That can include fresh others to rectify the mistakes that are the breezes, fishing and, almost certainly, clean result of its poor forward planning. In the case water fit for primary recreational use. I am of Nineteenth Avenue Lake, no moves at all afraid to say that in the case of Nineteenth have been made to rectify its poor Avenue Lake and the Pine Lake, these interchange. The Department of Environment attributes have been under threat. Earlier this and Heritage is now encouraging local year, I met with more than 50 local residents authorities such as the Albert Shire Council to who live in the vicinity of Nineteenth Avenue plan right the first time when allowing Lake. As long ago as 1991, residents in the development to proceed. On the southern area petitioned the Albert Shire Council to Gold Coast, where water quality in our creeks take action to improve the water interchange and lakes is of the utmost importance, we between the lake and Tallebudgera Creek. cannot afford to allow the build now think later This interchange is the lake’s only avenue for mentality to prevail. Environmental circulating its water, which emanates mostly considerations must be taken into account from a number of stormwater drains pouring when planning for artificial lakes and, for that into it from the surrounding neighbourhood. If matter, any other development on the the lake’s water does not interchange southern Gold Coast. regularly, there is every chance that it could be Once something is planned and reduced to poor-quality levels caused by constructed, rectifying problems that occur concentrated stormwater. years down the track can be expensive and A meeting between myself, difficult. The Queensland Government’s representatives of local residents and the strategy to ensure that local planning meets Albert Shire Council was held in an attempt to environmental management requirements will resolve this issue. As a result, the only help to put an end to poor planning and commitment given by council was a promise subsequent environmental problems. This is to report back with the results of water-quality reflected in the 1993-94 Budget through tests. These results still have not been made initiatives designed to extend and coordinate available to local residents or me. The council a network of environmental responsibility has concurred that a larger interchange involving local authorities, industry, the between the lake and Tallebudgera Creek Government and the community at large. would be the appropriate way of ensuring that During the course of the debate on the there is no danger of water quality ever Estimates of the Minister’s department, I have deteriorating to an unacceptable level. concentrated on the devolution of the In November 1991, a motion was moved administrative and mechanical responsibilities and seconded in council recommending that of environmental management. Such a an adjustable height weir be installed to process allows greater efficiency in carrying replace the existing interchange. This has out vital tasks, such as pollution monitoring never been implemented and, hence, the and the like. It also allows such tasks to be potential for a deterioration of water quality still carried out in many more locations than they exists. would have been otherwise. As a matter of Similarly, we have a problem with flood course, the State Government has moved to flows and water quality in Pine Lake. This provide assistance to the various authorities in situation has been resolved by council through industry to help them with their monitoring and a stipulation that a landowner wishing to management responsibilities. However, I subdivide in the vicinity must first sort out the believe environmental management in problems with flood flow and water quality. Queensland has to ultimately be under the The developers subsequently made auspices of the Department of Environment application to the Department of Environment and Heritage. This is how we will maintain a and Heritage to construct a weir which, in balance to ensure that in the various regions combination with an artificial channel, will allow serious environmental considerations never increased flood flows between Currumbin give way to self-interest and expediency. Creek and the lake, so solving the water Environment issues are of paramount quality problems. concern to residents of the Currumbin These unfortunate exercises in poor electorate. I acknowledge and thank the planning with little or no environmental Minister and staff for the help and assistance consideration not only threaten the quality of that they have given me on the many issues I water in the lakes I have mentioned but also have raised with them. I support the Estimates before the Committee. 16 November 1993 5844 Legislative Assembly

Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook) (8.51 p.m.): I would like to speak about the Wet It is a pleasure to join in the debate on the Tropics Authority. It is significant that the local Department of Environment and Heritage membership of this organisation is specifically Estimates for 1993-94. It is significant that for the far-north Queensland sector; it has no there has been a substantial rise to $142.6m southern sector members. I understand that it in these Estimates. This is an increase of has a budget of around $15.7m. From what I about 10 per cent over last year’s Estimates can understand, most of it has been spent in and over last year’s spending in the Budget of the far-north Queensland region. There about $13m in all. Importantly, in relation to appears to be some problem at the present this additional expenditure, we have to look time. I noticed in the 1992-93 annual report of very seriously at the problem of noxious the Department of Environment and Heritage weeds and feral animals, such as pigs and so that the authority has worked closely with the on, in our national parks. Fires are also a tourism industry in promoting the World major concern. If these problem animals are Heritage area, particularly in efforts to de- not attended to in the national parks, and are emphasise the Daintree region and to virtually encouraged in those areas, they can promote other visitor destinations. This could spread out into the wider community areas be done very effectively. surrounding them. To achieve funding for anything in the I congratulate the Minister on the setting southern area is like getting blood from a up of the Youth Conservation Corps and the stone. I know the Ingham, Tully and Innisfail Jobs for the Environment project. These regions have applied for assistance for the projects have been allocated a total of about funding of a number of projects. I am pleased $7.2m for next year. They provide some to report that some funding has come excellent prospects for people working for the through. The interpretive centre at Mission dole. I believe they could be implemented. A Beach, which involves both a tourist number of Aboriginal groups in my part of the organisation and the C4 group about which I world would be very interested in working in have spoken before, is now taking the old national parks. They have a great kinship with school buildings—and they are pretty well in the environment. Having seen them working place. They will be used for what I think is a on a number of projects, I know that this great initiative. It is a combination of both would be a worthwhile initiative. They have a tourism and interpretive type facilities for small project in the Upper Murray area that visitors to the area. has been very well received. An explanation of There is lots of planning going on. There different trees and the plant life in the Wet is very little action in areas such as the Tropics area. They are also involved in the Lumholtz National Park. I can only hope that tasting and distribution of native foods. in the future this situation is turned around. Funding for non-Government recipients, We need activities in the southern region. This or the environmental movement groups, has would take some of the pressure off the increased from $1.25m to $2.29m. It would be Daintree area. I would like to speak about the fitting for some of these groups to play a more Cardwell National Park Information Centre, significant role in assisting the recovery of which is being refurbished at a cost of $1m. I native animals after injury. In my area, a group do not know when this refurbishment will called the Consultative Committee for occur, but it is certainly mentioned in the Cassowary Conservation does just this. I department’s report. It seems a very high price believe there are other groups on the north for the taxpayer to pay to get it back to its coast that do quite a bit of work in this area. I previous condition. There was only minor think that more could be done. I know of structural damage during the fire which, I instances of native animals being injured, but understand, occurred on 10 January 1993. So there being no facility at which to treat them. it was some time ago. The department has I would also like to bring to the Minister’s not indicated when it will make available this attention a group called the RSPCA, which is $1m and what it will be used for. funded by the Government to the extent of There was another initiative to build an some $85,000. It cares for injured and amphitheatre adjacent to the national park homeless domestic animals. It does a facility. I do not know whether that will be marvellous job, even though it has problems included in the funding. There were to be with some aspects of public liability and so on. pagodas and so on to encourage tourists to There is an opportunity for some of these spend some time along the foreshores of the conservation groups to do a great deal more very beautiful Cardwell area. I would be work than they do as far as injured native pleased if the Minister gave us some animals are concerned. Legislative Assembly 5845 16 November 1993 indication of what the $1m is for and when it operators in my part of the world are finding it will be spent. extremely difficult to maintain their viability. A During the debate on the Wet Tropics few shonky operators in the area have given World Heritage Protection and Management the council some problems. If the current Bill there was an indication that the section of operator does not receive some consideration the Nature Conservation Act that dealt with on freight costs, he will find it extremely difficult omitting any other neighbouring areas would to continue. be withdrawn by an amendment to the Act. I Large sections of some shires are World understood that this was to have been Heritage listed or dedicated as national parks. introduced before the end of the year. I do not The Cardwell Shire is one such example, and know what the intention of the Minister’s approximately 60 per cent of it is dedicated in department is as far as amendments to the that manner. That shire has great difficulty Nature Conservation Act are concerned. Many finding dump sites. As a consequence, it is people with properties adjacent to World looking to relieve some of the pressure from Heritage areas are quite concerned about that the dumps by sending material to be recycled. aspect and particularly about the provision for I turn to the Beach Protection Authority. buffer zones that may be exercised in Last year’s budget allocated $2.7m to that accordance with the provisions of the Nature authority. As the shadow Minister stated Conservation Act. earlier, the 1991-92 budget allocated $3.8m I would like to discuss recycling, which is a to the authority. I am concerned about that very important initiative. I was there at the time reduction in funding. Erosion on beaches and the Minister distributed money to the Ben along rivers entering the ocean is of some Bunda organisation in Innisfail. It shreds quite concern in my part of the world. At Tully an amount of newsprint and a whole range of Heads, residents were forced to build a rock paper items that are very much appreciated wall. A ridiculous plan was put forward that a by the paw paw industry. It is used for packing rock wall would be built 15 metres from their paw paws and a number of other fruits grown homes. That wall was the last line of defence in the area. Community recycling programs against the sea. It was behind the high sand and drop-off centres are to receive funding of dune. In an effort to retain the present about $1.3m. One of the major concerns is coastline, the residents built a rock wall that, while there might be some 48 local themselves. Subsequently, the department authorities involved, the freight costs from the came along and said, “It is not good enough. furthest centres of the State make it You will have to put more money into it.” That prohibitive for a lot of these organisations, area has now been declared as a benefited whether they are councils or contractors, to area, and the residents are up for a effectively bring recyclable material from either considerable amount of money. the northern or western districts. That material A major problem exists at Dungeness. has only one selling point—Brisbane. I have The Enterprise Channel is an outlet for the had a deal of correspondence with the Herbert River. Massive erosion problems exist Minister on this matter. The last letter that I there. People from the Beach Protection received was on 12 January 1993. We had Authority have examined the problem. The discussed the prospect of using rail wagons planning requirements of the authority are not returning to the southern areas to transport clear, despite the fact that a strategy plan for recyclable material as a low-priority loading. As the area was undertaken. That matter has to a result of those discussions, the Minister be addressed in the future. If the erosion wrote me a letter. I want to quote a section of along the Herbert River and the Enterprise it without being too selective. It states— Channel worsens, a number of developments “I am writing to my Cabinet colleague in the area will be endangered. the Honourable David Hamill . . . to I turn to sensible development for marine propose a joint consideration of the park areas. In the future, we must plan for matter.” ecologically friendly developments. A proposal The letter went on to state— for a pearl industry in the Hinchinbrook “The future viability of the recycling Channel has been advanced. At present, that industry is a matter of great importance proposal is under consideration by the and you may be assured that the impact department. I know that a strategy plan is of transport costs will continue to receive envisaged for the area. While that plan is priority.” being formulated, a couple of options have been advanced. One is that no new Almost 11 months has passed since that letter was sent to me. I know that the recycling 16 November 1993 5846 Legislative Assembly mariculture operations be permitted in the underlying the national greenhouse response Hinchinbrook Channel. strategy. Time expired. It is a very exciting time for environmental Mr WELFORD (Everton) (9.06 p.m.): I issues. In many ways, although the have great pleasure in contributing to the environment has a warm fuzzy feel in the debate on the Estimates for the Department community, there is an underestimation of the of Environment and Heritage. It is fair to say importance of the critical state in which we that environmental policy and planning are at presently find ourselves in respect of these a very exciting stage in Queensland, and important environmental issues. I note that indeed in Australia. That is evident from the the department has received a 10 per cent important responsibilities that the Minister’s increase in its budget allocation this year. I department now bears, particularly in relation applaud the emphasis that this Government to broader environmental issues. I want to has given over its last three Budgets to address certain aspects of those issues in my increase substantially the resources available contribution to this debate. In particular, I note to the Department of Environment and that the department has prime responsibility Heritage. Those resources will be critical to the for the Government’s endorsement of the effectiveness with which our Government national strategy for ecologically sustainable addresses the essential issues for development. Very few parliamentarians Queensland’s future, not only the important across Australia and perhaps not too many planning responsibilities in which the people in the community are familiar with the department will be involved because of the details of the ESD strategy or its related massive growth of the Queensland economy national greenhouse response strategy. and urban growth but also in a more general Those two strategies and the policies that sense in terms of the overall strategies for underlie them will be critical to the long-term which all Government departments take some environmental welfare of this country and, responsibility in promoting ESD and a sensible indeed, in many ways critical to the long-term response to greenhouse strategy policies. social welfare of the Australian and Let me turn specifically to the Queensland communities. greenhouse strategy. I think this is an issue I note that the Department of which to some extent has gone onto the Environment and Heritage has specific backburner recently, after an initial level of responsibility for the observance of ESD high publicity. Greenhouse is, I think, the great principles throughout Government sleeper in our assessment of environmental departments and agencies in Queensland. crises. It is an issue which does not have overt Although it is very early days, there will need consequences that are immediately obvious to be a more determined focus by the to any of us. It is an issue which Governments department on overseeing not just the policy find very difficult to deal with at a specific level decisions that go to Cabinet or the legislative rather than at a general policy level. While arrangements that go via the Executive to this everyone in a general sense is aware of the Parliament but also the administrative implications of greenhouse, no-one is quite activities of the various departments, many of sure what precise consequences it will have which have quite severe environmental economically, socially, agriculturally and in impacts but which do not sound in legislation terms of its impact on coastal regions. that might otherwise come to the attention of However, one thing is for sure—that if nothing members of this place or indeed to the is done to address this issue, then the department generally. The Department of consequences, if they occur, are going to be Environment and Heritage will have an quite serious. enormous responsibility in that regard. I note One important area in which we can rise specifically that the Government has endorsed to the greenhouse challenge is that of energy the PSMC’s recommendation that, in relation policy. I would like to address that point to environmental management matters, the specifically in the debate because, although Department of Environment and Heritage is energy policy issues are not directly the now the lead agency. That reinforces the point responsibility of this Minister’s department, it is that I am making about the department abundantly clear to me that unless this having primary responsibility, particularly in department, with its overall lead agency role in relation to the activities of Government respect of the greenhouse strategy, is departments and agencies in Queensland involved, then there is a real prospect that our that affect principles of ecologically whole-of-Government response is not going to sustainable development and principles be adequate to address this very critical issue. Legislative Assembly 5847 16 November 1993

I have been involved specifically in the context that the Alternative Energy Advisory role of the Alternative Energy Advisory Group Group is currently doing work to demonstrate established by the Minister for Minerals and renewable energy systems and technologies Energy. I commend the Government and both in strategic locations throughout the State. It is the Minister for Environment and Heritage and also looking down the track to see what can the Minister for Minerals and Energy on the be achieved not just in remote areas where initiative in establishing the advisory group. remote area power systems based on That group has a $5m initial allocation to renewable technology such as solar and wind pursue these very issues—issues which might be used, but also to see whether respond precisely to the problem of the energy efficiency measures can be extended greenhouse emissions. As I mentioned very to penetrate right across the Queensland briefly in the debate on the Estimates of the economy. Minister for Minerals and Energy, in particular, It is worth noting that, just on the the advisory group has two broad economic development front—and I responsibilities: one is to look at the potential mentioned in the previous debate the for the expansion of the use of renewable potential in this area—last financial year energy resources in Queensland; and the Indonesia, which has something like 6 000 of second is to see how those resources can be its 9 000 islands inhabited, spent in the vicinity harnessed in the most energy efficient way of $455m on the installation of renewable and, indeed, how we can conserve our energy systems—solar energy systems—on existing energy resources and encourage many of those islands which are inhabited by energy efficiency using the energy resources smaller populations, largely, admittedly, to that are currently our mainstream source, serve domestic needs. In Queensland our namely, electricity generated through fossil domestic market constitutes something like 30 fuels in Queensland. per cent to 35 per cent of our overall energy I have previously mentioned the use, so it is not an insignificant sector of important potential that I think renewable energy use which we can address using energies and the technologies related to them renewable technologies which, I might remind have in Queensland, for two very important members, are already highly advanced and, reasons, the first being one of sheer economic indeed, Australian technologies which are the development potential—I made reference to best technologies in the world. that in passing in the previous Estimates There is a window of opportunity—as I debate—and the second and more important have described it in my discussions with function so far as this Estimates debate is communities in north Queensland and concerned being the renewable energy and western Queensland—for us to capitalise on energy efficiency measures which we might the very real advances that Australian seek to implement in Queensland. That is the researchers have achieved in the renewable potential to address quite seriously—and technologies field to address the domestic probably more seriously than in most other demands of our greenhouse strategy and States at this stage at least—and it is the also, to provide an opportunity to develop our important challenge that is posed to all economic potential in terms of new Australian Governments by the national technologies, elaborately transformed greenhouse response strategy. If we are manufactures which can be exported into the going to address that in any sort of serious Asia/Pacific region and, indeed, take way, then it is simply not possible for us to advantage of those opportunities. The ignore the current systems of energy use in investment made by Indonesia is just one Queensland, and, in particular, our inefficient example of using those sorts of technologies. and largely wasteful use of electricity generated, as it is, by greenhouse emission I am aware that United States companies producing fossil fuels. such as Westinghouse, Pacific Gas and Electric, and other large private utility Electricity provides something in excess generators in the US are already seeking of 50 per cent of all of Queensland’s energy markets in the South East Asian region. They use. Given that well over 80 per cent of all of will ultimately secure those markets because, that electricity is generated by energy sources increasingly, the environmental imperatives of which have greenhouse gas implications, it is greenhouse will be driven home to simply not possible for us to address the Governments across the globe and national greenhouse response strategy increasingly there will be pressure on all seriously without addressing our current countries—and particularly those countries in generation of electricity and our current use of the Third World whose massive populations electricity and energy generally. It is in that are now demanding higher standards of 16 November 1993 5848 Legislative Assembly living—to meet the future growth in their development and construction by energy needs in ways that are not likely to Governments in flood plains and to more adversely impact on greenhouse gas critically examine what have until now been emissions. acceptable methods of undertaking flood So, renewables is one important element studies. This is not just a town planning issue, of the work of the Alternative Energy Advisory but is truly a concern of both the environment Group which addresses a key responsibility of and heritage aspects of the department. The the Department of Environment and Heritage. power to exercise this scrutiny at least as an Another element is the opportunities that exist advisory body is indicated in the State for energy efficiency and what is called in the Development and Public Works Organisation industry “demand side management”. There Act. have been some studies in western Europe My electorate of Maroochydore is largely where researchers have looked specifically resident upon flood plains. There is no need into the potential of replacing many of our to alarm people about this, as thousands existing appliances and technologies with have lived quite happily with little or no effect more efficient ones and they have found, for of flooding upon their location. But there are example, that the cost of electricity in many others who, in good faith, have not Sweden—a country that has got very low known the risks of their residences and do not electricity cost already because of the large have easy access to historical data to make generation of hydro-electricity—can be halved. informed choices when considering where to An assessment done in Denmark showed that live. More importantly, I am concerned about the electricity used in Danish buildings could the lack of historical flood information which is be halved or, indeed, brought down to 25 per collated for the benefit of engineers who cent of its existing level simply by better undertake the flood studies for major building design. These are things that we constructions in flood plains. The engineers really have not addressed in Australia. In can be excellent number-crunchers and do a Germany there is a current program to install fantastic job based on the information 100 megawatts of renewable energy—that is available, but, put simply, engineers are solar energy—every year. They are doing that seldom historians. regardless of the current market comparisons At present, the Railways Department is and regardless of the comparative differential undertaking a new deviation of the north coast costs that renewable technologies currently line between and Yandina. The new impose, simply because they appreciate in rail bridge over the South Maroochy River will those countries that there is an environmental clear the 1893 flood level. It is interesting, imperative which is fast approaching and though, that the flood model undertaken by which, for example, in countries like ours I do the Railways Department consultants came up not think we have really tackled as seriously as with a Q-100 flood level as being 1.5 metres we need to. So, there are a number of below the 1893 flood level. The consulting opportunities, I believe, that are available to engineers have done the right thing and us in this country and in Queensland. designed a bridge which will still cater for the I commend the department on its same passage of water as the old bridge responsibility in this area. I look forward to beside it. However, I find this 1.5 metre working with the Minister to see that the difference between the theoretical one-in-100- department plays an even greater role across year flood and the actual one-in-100-year all Government agencies to address these flood quite staggering. I was told another issues and, in particular, I look forward to the interesting thing about how, in doing their work of the Alternative Energy Advisory Group study, they used two totally legitimate in spearheading some new policy initiatives of engineering methods of calculating the our Government in this area to see not only volume of water discharged through the study that we diversify our energy resources and area. The results were 1 300 cubic metres per provide a larger domestic market for second, calculated on one method, and 1 600 renewable technologies, but also that we cubic metres per second for the other method. expand the use of energy efficiency to meet That is a big difference. The engineers have our future energy needs. rightly used the higher figure for their design Time expired. calculations. Nonetheless, the theoretical Q- 100 comes out 1.5 metres below the 1893 Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore) flood level. I ask: how could this be? The (9.21 p.m.): I believe it is time for the answer I received from one engineer was that Environment and Heritage Department to the 1893 flood to which I referred may have more actively scrutinise the process of been a one-in-200-year flood, or greater. Legislative Assembly 5849 16 November 1993

As history records, the 1893 flood still is Long-time residents at Bli Bli and on the the greatest flood on record for most areas upstream side of that structure claim that the between Bundaberg and northern New South 1992 flood since its construction had a much Wales, and certainly in Brisbane and on the more devastating impact with flood heights Sunshine Coast. But to put it in historical than those experienced in the 1951 flood, context—there were many great floods in the even though many claim that there was more 1880s and that did come within a bull’s rainfall in the north branch of the Maroochy roar of the highest recorded level and clearly and other parts of the catchment than in the rank as disasters on their own. These multiple 1992 flood. floods put paid to that one-in-200-year flood I believe that it is time for the living history theory about the 1893 flood. The 1887 flood as related by the children of pioneers to be around the Maroochy River was two feet documented before it is lost, not just for its below the great 1893 flood. The highest of the own heritage value but for the sake of those 1898 floods was only a foot below the highest who are new to an area, and in the of the 1893 floods, as measured at the rail construction of new works. To illustrate the bridge over the South Maroochy River. force of nature, I refer to the Queenslander of So why, as mankind designs his impact 11 February 1893, which mentioned the upon the earth, does he so arrogantly believe houses striking the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane. that there will never be another flood like the It stated— 1893 flood? As development has grown upon “It was a literal rending of the heart flood plains, the catchment has changed but, strings when the crash came . . . Time in many instances, it means that the velocity after time was this repeated with a of run-off is greater. There are more built sickening regularity and as the day wore surfaces and drainage and much less on the timbers piled up against the bridge forestation, which encourages a more rapid side grew and grew until their pressure on discharge into the waterways. Any obstruction the structure itself threatened to become of this in the waterways and flood plains has serious.” an impact upon the local environment, and certainly the people who live there. This is That is quite a horrendous part of our history. where the heritage value of oral as well as But there is a living history of the children of written history must be applied to pioneers, now elderly themselves, who have mathematical flood levels. This is also where I some incredible stories about the force of believe the Environment and Heritage nature. Was it Bacon who said that man is the Department has a greater role to play in minister and interpreter of nature? I think this scrutinising certainly public works. illustrates the arrogance of mankind, who believes that we can play with nature, conquer For example, the Nambour bypass was it and defy the consequences. The incredible built using a mathematical flood model. The irony is that the newspapers of 1893 warned engineers from the local sugar mill which of never forgetting the tragedy that these owned land there and long-time residents people had experienced. And yet, in 1974, warned the then Main Roads Department that Brisbane was caught. In a space of a couple the road would cause flooding. The road of generations, how quickly we forget. So I builders did not believe this, as they had a urge the Minister to consider the importance mathematical flood level and they believed of using this department to provide greater most sincerely that they were right; but they scrutiny upon the works of Government itself. were wrong. There was a flood before the Local and State Governments tend to be Nambour bypass was open to traffic, and stringent in their conditions on private guess what! The road engineers had to go out development in flood plains, but not so and put more passageways for water under stringent with their own constructions. The their precious, mathematically flood-modelled losers are the ordinary citizens who do not road. These structures are supposed to be have the money to sue the Government for built to cater for the one-in-100-year flood damages, and there is no doubt that there level, and that flood did not even come near have been damages. it. One good thing is that it proved the value of oral history about previous flood levels there. I On the subject of clean waterways—the believe that some shire councils have also Environment and Heritage Department has adopted the one-in-100-year levels for been much in the news lately. The massive development guidelines. fish kill in Paynter and Petrie Creeks in early September was shocking. I call on the Minister Another major public work through flood for Environment and Heritage to make sure plain is Stage 2 of the Sunshine Motorway, that the water samples are taken by her and Stage 1 where it leads up to the bridge. 16 November 1993 5850 Legislative Assembly department wherever there is a significant kill point is definitely needed. Councils are talking of fish at the time they are discovered. I find it about a central collection point for the disposal interesting that the Minister stopped me in the of chemicals. It goes much further than having corridor of Parliament House and told me that a central disposal point which should, at least, one of her officers had collected water be adequately funded by the Environment samples when first notified of the fish kill. She Department itself. We also need to have told me not to believe what the newspapers people who are adequately trained and had said about the water samples being equipped to go out and collect chemicals collected the following week. It is just as well which have deteriorated on the shelves and that I made a point of doing my own research, are no longer in a safe condition to be moved. because the Minister was wrong. Water There is no doubt that these chemicals need samples were not taken by her departmental to be dealt with in a satisfactory way. The irony officers when the fish were first discovered. is that some of the bottles and containers They were taken the following week. A have deteriorated to such an extent that they mistake was made because, at first sighting are actually dangerous to move. by officers on Friday, 3 September, they The big problem with the collection that believed there to be only a spot kill of about occurred several years ago on the coast—and 50 fish due to natural causes. I believe those containers are still located in a The larger amounts of fish—some many central point at the DPI horticultural station in thousands—were clearly apparent the Nambour—is that the containers of those following week, when the alarm was well and chemicals have deteriorated to such an extent truly sounded. It is not yet clear whether these that the officers are not sure what chemicals fish were dead from the previous week and are held in those containers. I am sure that had been floating within the creek system or that is a scenario that would be repeated whether they had died from spillage since the throughout the community. No doubt, there is first kill. Since then, departmental officers have a problem with funding. However, it is worked very hard to track down the source of important to know what those chemicals are the endosulphin poisoning of the creek, and so that they can be dealt with adequately. testing of the samples is continuing. But the There is quite a problem out there in the message is clear: all significant fish kills must community, and I do not believe that it should be subject to testing, because our waterways fall on the head of local government to try to are too important to be taken for granted. solve this problem. There is a need for a Despite what the Minister told me, that testing coordinated approach at the State level. did not occur straightaway when it should I do not believe that it is appropriate for have been undertaken. the average person in the street to try to fund This issue has raised the question not the means of getting chemicals dumped at only of the proper use of chemicals but also of Willawong or somewhere similar. The purpose the proper disposal of chemicals and of having a central collection point would be to containers. I believe that a special campaign allow average people to have access to an is needed for the careful collection and adequate means of disposal. We do not want disposal of toxic chemicals on the Sunshine to impose too heavy a fine or too heavy a levy Coast. I am talking about not only agricultural upon people accessing these points. chemicals but also backyard chemicals. Lethal Obviously, the main intent is to ensure the cocktails are sitting in people’s backyards. The safe disposal of the many chemicals which problem is how to dispose of such chemicals. have now been banned or for which it has Only 18 months ago, endosulphin was been found there is a need for a more commonly contained in a number of grub stringent means of disposal. killers sold for use in people’s backyards. Most I urge the Minister to consider adequate people do not clear out their chemicals within funding from the Department of Environment a short period. There is no doubt that many of and Heritage for collection points within the these chemicals are left sitting around and community, regardless of whether or not those people have no satisfactory means of funds are to be administered by councils. I disposing of them. I hate to think how many believe that discussions along those lines bottles containing chemicals are just being have taken place. The pressure should not fall thrown into the wheelie bin at the moment. on local authorities, without adequate funding People may, in good faith, believe that that is from the State Government, to establish those a good way of getting rid of chemicals. collection points. There is a need for people As I have said, there is no doubt that who are adequately trained and equipped to there are lethal cocktails sitting in people’s go out into the community and deal with sheds and backyards. A central collection unknown chemicals and containers that are in Legislative Assembly 5851 16 November 1993 an unsafe condition and ensure their safe the poor relation of Government budgeting. disposal. The last thing that we want is to The Goss Labor Government has given have a central disposal point only to find that environment and heritage the priority that it people are chucking the chemicals in the back deserves. A total of $142.6m has been of the ute or the car, driving through the local allocated in this year’s budget, which is a 10 area and causing a greater environmental per cent increase on last year’s allocation. hazard than presently exists with those I speak as an active member of the chemicals sitting in their backyards and sheds. ministerial legislative committee on I turn now to the issue of the Maroochy Environment and Heritage, and as someone River. This is another dilemma of man who is proud to be a part of a Government competing with nature. It is most obvious that that is exhibiting such forward thinking in this the mouth of the Maroochy River is moving area. Prior to outlining the new initiatives for south again. It can be argued that the rapid 1993-94, I wish to advise the Committee of erosion of Cotton Tree is a natural some of the substantial achievements of the progression. There is a camp site slap-bang Government, the Minister and the Department against that channel, which was once a safe of Environment and Heritage over the past swimming area for children, but it is now a very year. fast-moving and very dangerous channel. The Queenslanders must acknowledge that river has moved south and is ready to rush we have the most to gain and, conversely, the through buildings and camping grounds. The most to lose if we do not adopt a program that dilemma is: do we let nature take its course or brings together two policies that are often is there a way of diverting the water with little regarded as mutually exclusive, that is, or no impact? protection of the environment and job This is an issue that is currently being creation. National parks already provide a core considered by staff of the Beach Protection resource for environmental tourism, and they Authority in the Minister’s department who are are one of Queensland’s potentially greatest doing modelling for the Maroochy Shire job-creating and income-generating industries. Council to determine whether artificial groynes Since the Goss Labor Government was are the answer. They are looking at putting elected in 1989, it has acquired 3.5 million geo-textile sausages in the river in the hope of hectares of national park and is only 900 000 deflecting the fast-moving current. This hectares short of doubling the national park process has taken many months. In fact, estate inherited from the previous many would argue that it has taken too long. Government. When the very necessary and extensive Presently, the national park estate testing has been completed, I urge the comprises 3 per cent of the State. In response Minister to give the project priority and fast- to the Opposition’s concerns that this track it through Cabinet. If, after extensive additional land will increase job losses, I point testing, artificial groynes in the river mouth out that to date 80 additional rangers have prove to be the answer, then we should not been employed to manage new national waste any more time. We should get on with parks. Part of the employment program will it. I seek the Minister’s assistance in finding a focus on placing staff in national parks in rural solution to this problem and taking whatever Queensland. This will help to draw tourists to action is necessary as quickly as possible for these areas and it will give support to local the benefit of the local people and the economies. The State Government has a children who used to swim in that location. longstanding commitment to acquire and Mr PYKE (Mount Ommaney) (9.38 p.m.): manage national parks in Queensland and will This Government is committed to ensuring continue to pursue that program responsibly. that Queensland pioneers the highest In addition, nearly 250 000 hectares of other standards of any State in Australia for parcels of Crown land, such as State forest safeguarding our unique environment and areas within the Wet Tropics World Heritage heritage. I rise to highlight a number of major area, have been nominated for inclusion in budgetary initiatives which will support this the national park estate. undertaking. I congratulate our Government In keeping with the current Year of and the Minister for Environment and Indigenous Peoples, the Department of Heritage, Ms Molly Robson, not only for these Environment and Heritage has been mindful Budget initiatives but also for their continued of the need to extend to our indigenous and increasing efforts in protecting people the opportunity to participate in the Queensland’s precious environment and preservation of our joint estate. To this end, heritage. Under the previous National Party 13 national parks have been gazetted as Government, environment and heritage was 16 November 1993 5852 Legislative Assembly available for Aboriginal land claims under the south-east Queensland’s greatest assets, it provisions of the Aboriginal Land Act 1991. To needs to be managed wisely. date, claims have been lodged over Cape The Brisbane River management group Melville National Park, the Flinders Island has been formed and will provide a practical group and the Simpson Desert National Park. administrative structure. It will become a focal The $3.6m Youth Conservation Corps job contact point for the public, for people who live scheme is another example of a promise along the river in places such as Jindalee, made good by the Government—a promise Mount Ommaney, Westlake, River Hills and made during last year’s State election Sherwood, and also for industry groups. I campaign. The program has provided work believe that this group will ensure better and TAFE training for 560 unemployed young management of the river, resolution of people on 40 conservation projects conflicting issues and facilitation of public throughout Queensland. The Youth participation in decision making, as well as Conservation Corps and the Jobs for the ensure that information is shared among all Environment programs are training interested parties to promote better decision unemployed young people for the broader making. labour market while upgrading departmental A Brisbane River water quality study facilities, equipment and staff skills. report is also being prepared and it will have Thirty Youth Conservation Corps projects three expected outcomes, namely, assuring are taking place in national parks and State the quality and adequacy of previous water forests throughout Queensland, employing quality monitoring programs; recommending young people in the installation of, or the establishment of a sampling and testing improvement to, walking tracks and public program which will provide a statistically access. The YCC is designed to direct youth reliable basis for measuring change; and employment training activities towards identifying environmental values for protection. preserving the State’s national park estate As the study will affect my electorate and its and improving recreational facilities. The constituents, I will be taking a keen interest in Youth Conservation Corps is linked to the it. Commonwealth Land Care and Environment Another area of personal interest is the Action Program—LEAP—and the Federal preservation of our natural and historical Government has greatly assisted the YCC by heritage. The Government is taking a pro- providing more than $5m. active stance in relation to several areas of our The Jobs for the Environment Scheme is natural heritage. The 1993-94 National Estate part of the Federal Government’s LEAP job Grants Program and the 1993 Heritage Grants skills program which provides young Program have made available approximately Australians with an opportunity to develop $900,000 in grants for specific projects in skills in conservation, cultural heritage, land Queensland this year. With funding of care and the environment. This coming year in approximately $650,000, the National Estate Queensland, the scheme will employ for a Grants Program encourages projects to be period of six months 300 long-term developed that are relevant to Queensland unemployed adults over the age of 21 years. with regard to three environments—the Of particular interest to me as a member Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander for an electorate where the Brisbane River environment, and the historic and natural plays a significant recreational role is the environments. Brisbane River Management Program. In my As this is the International Year of electorate of Mount Ommaney, the river is Indigenous People, as I mentioned earlier, the heavily utilised for sailing and Government is encouraging the development waterskiing—particularly the Jindalee of any projects regarding, or being undertaken Reach—and also for major sand and gravel in cooperation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait extraction or dredging. The Department of Islander communities, and which lead to the Environment and Heritage has undertaken a identification, conservation and management detailed analysis of submissions in response of national estate places of value to to the December 1991 Brisbane River indigenous people. With funding of management discussion paper. This paper approximately $250,000, the Queensland examined the effects of the activities Heritage Grants Program will provide financial mentioned above, as well as other popular assistance to local government authorities, river uses, including recreational fishing, boat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mooring, commercial fishing, ferries and community organisations and owners of commercial shipping. As the river is one of properties that are listed under Queensland’s Legislative Assembly 5853 16 November 1993 heritage legislation. Special emphasis will be regarded as the innovator in environment and placed on projects that involve the heritage initiatives in this country. As the father development of community understanding of of two daughters, I have grave concerns indigenous people’s cultural heritage, surveys about how our generation is treating the of cultural heritage places on a regional or natural resources that exist so abundantly in local authority basis, conservation planning for this State and about the condition in which we buildings and structures on the heritage will leave them for future generations. Mr register, and community history recording and Temporary Chairman, if you have received no preservation. other message tonight, I want you to know Recycling and waste management are that the Goss Labor Government is ensuring two areas of interest to many constituents in that the Queensland we have today is the the Mount Ommaney electorate and are Queensland that our children will receive. The areas for which the State and local year 1992-93 was an outstanding year of governments deserve a hearty round of achievement for the Department of applause. The Recycling Industry Incentive Environment and Heritage. The new budget Scheme will receive funding of $500,000 this initiatives mean that we can look forward to financial year and a total of $2.5m over the more blue skies, more green trees, and more next three years. This funding will provide clean air and unpolluted waters. This is the financial assistance to encourage industries to very best legacy that we can leave our either use recycled materials or manufacture children. equipment which can be used in recycling Mr JOHNSON (Gregory) (9.47 p.m.): processes. I am very pleased to say that in my Tonight, I rise to speak to the Environment electorate of Mount Ommaney there is an and Heritage Estimates, but I wish to first important industry, BCD Technologies, which make reference to a couple of matters is leading the world in the disposal and mentioned by the honourable member for recycling of hazardous and intractable waste. Cook during his speech. He said that the An audit of recycling activities in Department of Environment and Heritage had Government departments has been been very selective in obtaining suitable areas completed and an information paper is being for national parks. This is a matter of grave prepared for presentation to Cabinet. A concern not only to me and to other members promotional kit that has been developed by of the Opposition but also to people right the Queensland Recycling Advisory Council throughout the length and breadth of was distributed to all local authorities in Queensland. I know that this Government support of community recycling programs. aims to achieve 4 per cent of the total area of Also, four local authorities have been granted this State being declared as national park in funds under the recycling grants scheme. My the very near future. constituents are keen recyclers, and the The situation is that very productive Brisbane City Council recycling bins have grazing lands are being turned into non- provided an incentive for them to participate in productive areas, and this is a matter of grave this process. concern to members of the Opposition. In the area of waste management—from Another matter of concern that I have tyres to waste oil—the Goss Government is witnessed first-hand is the management of continually developing waste management national parks in western areas of the State. strategies to establish new systems for more In recent times, the Government purchased effective waste disposal. For example, the areas in places such as at Welford, Jundah, waste minimisation working group of the Bladensburg and Winton for national parks South East Queensland Organisation of and I know for a fact that the management Councils is actively looking at waste program in those areas will have to be minimisation methods. Cabinet has approved addressed further. In the past, these areas the development of a waste management have been very valuable grazing properties strategy for Queensland which includes the but are now non-productive areas. formulation of a tracking system for the I again refer to the speech made by the management of hazardous waste. member for Cook who mentioned feral It is important to note that these animals in national parks. He was correct achievements have been realised in little more when he mentioned the existence of feral than two years. It is to the credit of the animals in national parks, and another intelligent and forward-thinking policy member also referred to rubber vines. There development process and the dedication of are rubber vines and also other noxious plants departmental officers that Queensland is now and weeds that are growing in national parks. At this point, I believe the Minister and 16 November 1993 5854 Legislative Assembly departmental officers must address the region. I refer to a dam site that is in the problems being caused by the existence of vicinity of the Bladensburg National Park. No feral animals and noxious plants in national doubt, the Minister is aware of the gorge parks. about which I am speaking. If dammed, this The feral animals will be a problem area would hold approximately 10 000 acre forever and a day because the national parks feet of water. It would be an asset not only to will become a haven for them and provide a the national park but also to the people of the breeding habitat. This will only add to the Winton region. At this point, I urge the Minister concerns that are felt by the land-holders and the Department of Environment and whose properties adjoin national parks. The Heritage to reconsider this matter, because I Government should instigate some sort of believe that the development of this site would eradication program so that these problems be advantageous not only to the people of can be addressed. I can assure honourable the Winton Shire but also to the people of members that, at this point, pest control is a Queensland as a whole. We are about very important issue, especially in areas such promoting development and growth in this as the Carnarvon National Park that has a State, whether that be in the field of tourism, very big problem with dingoes which, as horticulture or something else, and that can honourable members will realise, pose a great be achieved by the development of this water threat to the sheep and cattle industries of this storage. I think that it is a matter that we State. There is concern about noxious plants should be addressing with great priority. and weeds upstream. Most national parks, As the Minister is well aware, some time such as the Diamantina Lakes, the Carnarvon ago Diamantina Lakes was sold by Janet National Park and the Welford National Park, Holmes à Court, and it is now a national park. are on river systems. Of course, the people The property is still under lease to Mrs Holmes downstream are always going to have a à Court and is still a productive cattle property. problem with seeds from noxious weeds and However, when the lease expires within the plants being washed downstream. This matter next two or three years, it will become a non- must be addressed, and I am sure that the productive area. We are fast seeing some Minister will make a note of it. very large areas of Queensland cattle country The other matter to which I want to make or pastoral country being tied up in national reference relates to the national parks in my parks and becoming non-productive. While I own electorate. I make reference to the am talking about Diamantina Lakes, it brings Bauhinia Shire, which has Springsure as its me to the Lake Eyre catchment area and the base. For some time now, the very productive Lake Eyre proposed World Heritage listing of grazing area of the Bauhinia Shire has been that part of Queensland. As the Minister is well eroded by the acquisition of some land for aware, that area incorporates 30 per cent of national parks. I refer to the Goodlift property, Queensland, which ties up a very large area. I half of which—some 20 000 acres—was long have asked the Minister a question about this ago acquired for national park purposes. before, and she said that the Government will Maybe the Minister can answer queries I have not be a part of this program. I hope and pray about the future of Castlevale, which is a Clark that she stands by her convictions on this and Tait property, in the Bauhinia Shire in issue and does not bend to the pressures of terms of her department’s acquisition her Federal counterpart, Mrs , who is program. Is she pursuing this matter further? hell-bent on having that part of Queensland Are Clark and Tait aware of the stage at which and parts of other States of Australia placed the Minister and her department are at on the World Heritage list. That part of currently? I believe that the future of 120 000 Queensland is very productive. It is probably acres of good, valuable cattle country is in one of the only hormonal growth promotion question and, again, we are seeing productive free cattle areas—better known as HGP—in cattle country turned into non-productive the cattle industry in this State. This area has regions just for the sake of national parks. I terrific potential to become one of Queensland believe that we have to reassess this program. and Australia’s best cattle export areas, I believe that the responsible people in particularly as we are currently trying to Government have to pay attention to the promote the export of cattle out of the port of country that they acquire. Karumba. This area lends itself extensively to that program. I urge the Government to I refer also to the Bladensburg National maintain its stand of opposition to the World Park which not long ago was proclaimed at Heritage listing of the Channel Country. Winton. The people involved in the remote area program in Winton are trying desperately I also want to make special mention of to find alternative ways in which to develop the the kangaroo industry in this State. Under the Legislative Assembly 5855 16 November 1993 program for last year, the department’s annual one, the dredging of the river and the pollution report states that the commercial quotas of the river, we have virtually seen the demise which were approved were 1.5 million eastern of the fishing industry in Moreton Bay. I urge grey kangaroos, 600 000 red and blue the Minister and the Government to pay a lot kangaroos, 200 000 wallaroos and 25 000 more attention to the pollution that is occurring whiptail wallabies. There will never be a fear in in the lower reaches of the river. this State and in this country of the kangaroo An article which appeared in the Courier- population being wiped out. I believe that Mail on Saturday, 2 October, and which was everybody in Australia is a conservationist at written by Peter Morley, states— heart and that nobody will indiscriminately rid us of our natural fauna. I am referring “Since then, everyone has been particularly to the kangaroo industry. I believe looking into the matter. Close to the end that the terms of this industry could be of 1991, a draft management discussion prolonged. The program must be addressed paper was prepared. It emerged this and monitored more closely. I know that the week as a public information paper, directions come from the Federal having been formally approved by Government, but I believe that the State Cabinet. Government could have more input into the Like so many of her ministerial approved quotas for each year. colleagues, Ms Robson is treading the Although many people would be aware of traditional path of this Government. the ability of the kangaroo to migrate and to Instead of making decisions it was look after itself during dry times, I think that elected to make, the administration relies many people are not aware of that. No doubt, on committees, inquiries and kangaroos will find where the best feed is. commissions to make the running.” There will never be a threat of total eradication I urge the Minister and her department to of the kangaroo. However, I believe that many make this a priority area, because I believe we people are pursuing the roo industry at the are all concerned about the environment— wrong time and do not understand it fully. I especially the Brisbane River and Moreton urge the Minister and officers of her Bay. I trust that that issue will be high on the department to pay particular attention not only Minister’s agenda in the very near future. to the benefits of this program but also to the Mr ARDILL (Archerfield) (10 p.m.): The program itself. It will provide benefits to the past year has been a busy one, not only for graziers in central-western, south-western and the Department of Environment and Heritage northern Queensland as a second form of but also for the Minister’s parliamentary income in the near future. It is an industry that committee. Apparently the coming year will has terrific potential for export earnings for this not be any less busy. One of the highlights of country. I urge the Government to continue to the past year was the passage through this provide a service so that people can develop House of the Wet Tropics Word Heritage and take advantage of another primary Management Act. This will result in industry, if I can call it that. considerable activities during the coming year I want to touch briefly on land care. As I and in years to come. I visited the area and mentioned, we are all conservationists. I know was impressed with its incredible beauty and that land care comes under the responsibility variety. Proper management of this of the Department of Primary Industries, but I magnificent piece of Queensland will make it also believe that land care goes hand in hand one of the greatest assets of the State, as with conservation. As the member for Mount eco-tourism expands and develops around Ommaney said, we are about leaving this that World Heritage area. place in a better condition for our children. The Planning for management and protection Landcare groups that have sprung up of vital areas of our State has progressed throughout the State are doing a fantastic job during the year with the management of in preserving our environment and heritage. I Moreton Bay, the Great Sandy Region and urge both State and Federal Governments to the Whitsunday areas high on the list. Tourism continue to support that program. Finally, the and the environment have a close relationship member for Mount Ommaney also made in Queensland, with environmental areas reference to the Brisbane River. No doubt, the achieving an ever-increasing importance in Brisbane River is a concern not only to the attracting tourists to the State and with tourism people of Brisbane but also to the people of then imposing the need for adequate Queensland as a whole. At the moment, it is a management and protection. haven for pollution. Since we have seen the dredging of Moreton Bay in more ways than 16 November 1993 5856 Legislative Assembly

Riversleigh and the incomparable Undarra the usual shyness of the Northern Territory lava tubes are examples, with Undarra Aboriginals. These were fully professional becoming an important stop on the tourism people in their own environment and spheres journey through the Gulf Savanna. In passing, of interest. They were totally in command of I would like to give due praise to the Collins the situation. I believe that we in Queensland family for their expert and careful stewardship must institute a program to train Aboriginal of what was their family property for over a people as guides to provide an equally century. Discussion papers have been excellent service in this State. prepared on a coastal protection Bill and on In the Northern Territory there is a small the management of the Brisbane River. The entrance fee for the most popularly used Brisbane River is one of Queensland’s national parks, which can be paid either in greatest assets, not only because it adds advance or collected at the entrance to parks, character to our capital city and provides a such as Uluru, Standley Chasm and Kakadu. I leavening of our climate but also because of would support this in Queensland, provided it its practical uses as a thoroughfare for is retained by the National Parks Division. A passenger traffic, as a waterway for our rainfall camping fee is charged at camping grounds, and also as the major source of water for all with funds and proper documentation purposes in our community. deposited in a steel box. The fact that we produce and use Aboriginal lands will be included in future potable water, to the extent of 33 per cent of national parks, with traditional hunting and the yield from Mount Crosby, for industrial gathering rights being reserved to the local uses, which could be supplied from sewage Aboriginal owners to continue their traditions. effluent, is an issue which we eventually must One of the most disgracefully racist actions of address. Our built heritage, the environment the Bjelke-Petersen Government was the and pollution management have received decision to take Aboriginal land for the Cape considerable attention in the past year, as Melville national parks to prevent the proper these are issues dear to the heart of the claim by the Aboriginals. When we extend this Minister. This should give the community a park by including the Starcke property in an great deal of satisfaction. Heritage buildings adjacent national park, I am sure that the local have been in the news, and considerable Aboriginal people will be considered. Starcke success has been achieved in protecting our was another disgrace of the Bjelke-Petersen built heritage. National parks have still been era, when public land was given away at high on the agenda, and four new national $1.28 per hectare, with a mark-up of millions parks totalling over 160 000 hectares have of dollars available to the recipient. been added to the national estate. Even more important, many existing national parks have Air pollution is an issue which will require had strategic adjacent areas added to them. considerable attention, not only from the These areas include Lawn Hill, the White Department of Environment and Heritage but Mountains, Undarra and Porcupine Gorge in also from local authorities and transport the Gulf Savanna, Cape Upstart near authorities. SEQ 2001 foresees a huge Bowen—it was increased by 50 per cent—and increase in the population of the Moreton the Kroombit Tops near Biloela. Moreton region. This could become a source of air Island has received another 1 400 hectares, pollution similar to that of the and the Mount Etna caves and many others region of California if we do not control the use have had their areas extended. of the motor vehicle. In Los Angeles there are days when it is difficult to breathe, and many In the recent past, a number of forestry thousands of people have to restrict their reserves have been rescinded and the land activities to sedentary pursuits. included in national parks. The most notable of these this year was the addition to the Brisbane’s location in the Moreton region Scenic Rim national parks in the McPherson could be subject to the same constraints if we Range and Main Range to the west of fail to control the use and spread of motor Brisbane. vehicles. Already, in typical early spring weather, a great cloud of emission gasses Marine park management will be a major travels out into the bay from Brisbane and activity of the department in coming years. returns on the north easterly wind during the The people who work in national parks are the following afternoon, mixed with the oil refinery department’s greatest asset. They deserve emissions. It appears as an almost invisible the accolade as the most conscientious brownish haze on a sunny day. It is a source workers in Queensland. I was also impressed of problems for people with breathing with the effort of the Aboriginal national parks difficulties. Unless we find funds for public workers in the Northern Territory. Gone was Legislative Assembly 5857 16 November 1993 transport extensions and plan them wisely, To say that I am unhappy with the this problem will get progressively worse by Willawong saga is to put it mildly. Residents stealth until it is too late to attack it, as Los must understand that politicians cannot Angeles and a large section of California has override the legal system. Few people seem found. to understand that very important fact. I These pollutants impact heavily on stone, believe that it is imperative that this so we can only hazard a guess at the hazard Government do everything possible to induce to human tissue. This year’s environmental the company—which, after all, had been protection Bill will give greater control over this persuaded to put a lot of capital into its plant issue as well as to over-contaminated land by the actions of the Liberal Atkinson and water pollution. The activities of other council—to relocate to another unpopulated departments impact heavily on the area. There are big dollars involved in the Department of Environment and Heritage and, waste disposal industry in Australia and in some cases, other authorities and the around the world, and a lot of malpractice has courts also impose problems with which the been uncovered. In Australia, the cost of department has to cope. disposal of hospital waste has been assessed at over $100m per annum. This brings me to a matter of great concern in my area. On 14 September, I One of the big players in the industry is a spoke in this Chamber about the cavalier company called Kolback, in which media attitude of the Opposition to the people of mogul Kerry Packer has an interest through Willawong and Pallara. On that occasion, I Consolidated Press, which owns 12 per cent was discussing attempts by the Opposition to of this multinational, and its Silverwater plant delay the transport of toxic dried residues from in Sydney. Kolback is at war with Ace Waste, the Willawong plant to a secure landfill at and some of the information becoming Gurulmundi on the Great Dividing Range north available must be questioned in the light of of Miles. Those delaying tactics of the this range war. However, there is no doubt National-Liberal coalition were unsuccessful, that, if it is not controlled, this type of and the process of transport has commenced. operation can produce an unacceptable hazard. If the waste is burned off at a Tonight I want to discuss the temperature below the optimum, emission responsibility of the Liberal Party in the matter standards will be at a completely of the Ace Waste incinerator at Willawong. unacceptable level and could contain not only Unfortunately, this Government and the an unacceptable odour but also particles that present Brisbane City Council are being held could contain pathogens dangerous to responsible for the sins of the Atkinson Liberal humans. Unless total quality control is council which allowed, on 29 October 1987, exercised over waste before burning, the incinerator to be built and to operate in pathogens could escape into the air or into contravention of the town plan of Brisbane. water. For these reasons, it is essential that Clearly, an incinerator could be used as an the department exercises tight control and ancillary use to the existing sanitary depot on inspection over the plant and monitoring of the site, but that incinerator could not be emissions. construed to be an ancillary use. It is a gigantic failure. The people of Willawong/Pallara must be protected from this possible fallout, which has When action was taken by the present been a feature of hospital disposal units Soorley council to prohibit the use of the around Australia, including Brisbane. Residues incinerator to destroy hospital and toxic waste, up to 1 000 times acceptable levels have the company—Ace Waste—appealed. been recorded at these outdated installations. Incredibly, on 20 December 1991—just before The best information I have is that Ace Christmas—the Planning and Environment Waste’s new plant will feature state-of-the-art Court gave approval to the operation. Despite equipment that can filter out the residues if it the fact that the Liberal council had turned a is operated properly, and it therefore must be blind eye to the situation, that decision carefully and continuously monitored. The astounded me. As one of the architects of the actions of other bodies such as the Atkinson 1976 Brisbane town plan, I have some council have imposed that responsibility on knowledge of town planning. I was part of the this Government, and we must not fail. I want tripartite campaign to prevent Pallara to reassure the people of Algester and other becoming a noxious industry zone in 1975. suburbs that prevailing winds in Brisbane will The other aldermen involved were Clarrie protect them, but no such comfort can be O’Sullivan and the late Gordon Thomson. given to the people of Willawong and Pallara. It is up to the Department of Environment and 16 November 1993 5858 Legislative Assembly

Heritage to ensure the safety of those people. Curtail land contamination and foster site I insist that the department carry out that duty. clean-up and safer use of contaminated Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick) land.” (10.14 p.m.): It is a pleasure to participate in Not one right-minded person in this State the debate on the Estimates for the would disagree with those goals. However, Department of Environment and Heritage. At perhaps there would be disagreement about the outset, I pay a compliment to the Minister. their implementation and the way in which I believe that she has gone about her job in a they could be achieved in the future. considered manner. She is a reasonably I turn to biological diversity. More than 3 intelligent and articulate Minister. Although I per cent of this State is now locked up in do not necessarily agree with everything that national parks. That is one way of maintaining the Minister says, I must admit that I have biological diversity. However, we must ensure been quite impressed by the way in which she that land is not locked up in national parks for has conducted herself generally in her the sake of it. We must ensure that we do not portfolio. just set a goal of having 4 per cent, 5 per Government members interjected. cent, 6 per cent or 10 per cent of the State Mr SPRINGBORG: However, there are a dedicated as national park and set about couple of problem areas. If members of the achieving that goal without consideration of all back bench can contain their enthusiasm for a ancillary areas. Such areas include the little while, I will outline the areas of concern management and other obligations related to that I wish to raise with the Minister. Hopefully, maintaining an effective national park system by the end of the night, I will have some that preserves biological diversity. answers regarding those problems. In my electorate, I am fortunate to have Over the last three or four years in this large areas of environmental interest, place, I have placed on record my concern for, including the Girraween and Sundown involvement with and interest in the National Parks. My electorate also contains environment. I believe that it is an area about the Scenic Rim, which is a controversial topic which the majority of Australians are at present, and I will deal with it later in my concerned and have been concerned for a contribution. Girraween is an area visited by long time. By and large, there would be very many thousands of tourists each year. In that few environmental renegades out there, if one area, one can walk through the bush, go rock can call them that. As the honourable climbing—— member for Mooloolah said earlier this An honourable member interjected. evening, people temper their concern for the Mr SPRINGBORG: Yes, one can go environment at certain times due to economic swimming or basically do whatever else one or other social pressures. That has occurred chooses. Sundown National Park is for the throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. In more rugged and adventurous tourist: the the 1980s, there was a growing environmental person who wishes to rough it in a 4-wheel- awareness in society and, as a result, drive vehicle. One would not visit that area in a environmentally oriented members of Datsun Bluebird and hope to survive the Parliament were elected. Subsequently, there weekend. I was impressed by some of the was a swing the other way, when areas that I observed when I toured that unemployment and other social issues national park with the park ranger, Peter dominated the agenda. Hasslegrove. I was surprised that people take Environment and Heritage is one of the 4-wheel-drive vehicles to some of that terrain. most important portfolios that the Government Obviously, those people are quite foolhardy. has to administer. That administration must be The fishing in the Sundown National Park is planned in a balanced and moderate way. extremely good. Many large Murray That does not always occur. The annual report cod—weighing about 40 or 50 pounds—have of the department states that its goals are been caught in the park. I hope that people to— will continue to be allowed to enjoy that pursuit “Reduce waste and air, water and noise in the future. As I was saying before I was pollution. interrupted a moment ago, Girraween is attracting many people to the southern downs Maintain biological diversity in land, and to the Granite Belt. It is bringing many freshwater and marine habitats. thousands if not millions of dollars into the Curtail land degradation and restore area each year. I commend the staff who do degraded land, river and coastal such a wonderful job in those two national ecosystems. parks. Legislative Assembly 5859 16 November 1993

I turn to some other heritage matters that members were to go and talk to students they are relevant to my electorate. One is the would find that all students talk about planned refurbishment of the Glengallan recycling. I know of some people in my Homestead, which is a majestic old electorate who have tried it, and they went out homestead south east of Allora. A committee the back door. Unfortunately, that is has been formed to raise funds for that sometimes the reality of it. I think that people project. The adventurer/philanthropist Dick need to be a little bit reflective in their views Smith is now one of the life members of that about recycling. restoration project. I now turn to the issue of the Scenic Rim Mr Casey: He doesn’t want you to go and its nomination for World Heritage listing. I bush for a year, does he? also mention my correspondence with the Mr SPRINGBORG: No; I can provide Minister. I hope that by my contribution tonight better service by doing other things in my the Minister might be able to follow up this electorate. issue. I originally wrote to the Minister on 21 July this year. The Minister acknowledged that Mr Casey: I think so, too. correspondence on 13 August. I chased the Mr SPRINGBORG: I thank the Minister. I Minister up once again on 30 September commend all the people involved in that regarding a letter on behalf of members of the refurbishment, and the departmental officers local horse riding club who want to continue who have provided advice and drawn up the pursuit of their pastime in that park. some of the draft plans for the refurbishment To take that a little bit further, we have of that homestead. heard right from the beginning of this year that Another heritage project in my electorate there was going to be a consultation process. is the re-shingling of the Leyburn church. The On the face of it, I suppose there was—but it dedication and commitment of the local was not a very good one. It was promised at a Anglican congregation and officers of the meeting in February this year that a public Minister’s department ensured that that discussion paper would be published within a project was undertaken. There are a large few weeks of that meeting. That did not number of shingles on that roof— happen. That meeting between the council approximately 13 000 or 14 000—or perhaps and various rural bodies was held at Boonah. the number is 30 000. Those shingles were The paper was to be called the “Scenic Rim split individually. I think it took several months Management Discussion Paper”. I do say to to split those shingles. Demonstrations were the Minister that if it was published, these given of the splitting of shingles. If one goes people certainly did not see a copy of it at that out there and sees the work that is actually time. put into reshingling a roof, one can appreciate Quarterly meetings were also promised. the dedication of the people who want to So far, meetings have been held in February preserve the heritage value of the church. It is and August. There may have been one since, said that those shingles, which have been split but I am not aware of it. The cover of the an extra quarter of an inch thicker than usual, Scenic Rim discussion paper was produced will last longer than the originals that were and it was promised at that time that the made many years ago, and that the roof paper would be available and posted to might last for up to 80 years. So, we are everybody interested within two to three preserving the heritage in my electorate. weeks. Obviously, a fair time has passed since I would like to talk briefly about recycling August. A member of that horse riding club before I get into the areas of the Scenic Rim came to see me again the other day. I was and beekeeping in national parks. A lot is informed that that person still has not seen a heard about recycling. I think that we all firmly copy of the paper. Last week, the Minister believe in recycling as an initiative and as a actually promised this gentleman, Mr Milton goal, but one of the unfortunate things that Rippingdale, that a copy would be sent to him people do not seem to understand is that in the near future. there are a lot of companies that went broke I express a little bit of dismay about the trying to achieve the ultimate goal of recycling way that process developed. The people out everything. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases in that area are not necessarily against World recycling is not proving cost-effective, so Heritage listing. However, they are growing people are not pursuing it. How that problem more and more concerned about the delay in is to be overcome in the future I do not know. the publication of the discussion paper and a However, I will say that we need a reasoned lot of the other issues that they know about. I and rational approach to recycling. So much hope the Minister can appreciate that. My about it is heard in schools. If honourable 16 November 1993 5860 Legislative Assembly concern is that if the Minister does not publish options. There is growing concern now with those issues for people to discuss and have the locking-up of more of those areas in some input, then she will create hostility and national parks as we increase our national concern and those people will be less likely to park estate and we look at the management support it when it finally does come to fruition. plan for those national parks. What is going to I do say to the Minister that if it is not her fault, be the future of those beekeepers post 25 but that of the department, that she should May 1996? Many of those areas which are hurry it up. A little bit of haste is needed going to be locked up are some of the most because, obviously, the nomination is going to productive areas in the State. For example, have to be finalised some time soon. We some of the beekeepers in the Wet Tropics in need to be looking at issues such as what are north Queensland were told by some clubs such as the horse riding and trail riding departmental people that it would not be a clubs allowed to do under World Heritage problem. It now appears that they cannot go listing. Issues such as these are going to be into that area. These people sat back and administered basically by the Minister’s rested and thought, “Okay, whatever the department. Are those people going to be management plan is, we are going to be able able to ride their horses around the park? to take our bees in there.” The concern is that After all, they have been doing that for 100 as we go further down the track, post 25 May years, if not longer, with very little detriment to 1996, what will the future be? There have the area. These people have a right to at least been various plans, including 3-year be involved in the process of deciding what is renewable permits for beekeepers in national going to happen to their pursuit. parks, which was introduced in the late 1980s, The Scenic Rim is probably one of the then there was a 3-year non-renewable plan, most beautiful areas in which someone could and now we have another proposal. go horse riding. To lock up the area where I say in all sincerity that I hope that when they currently ride because of World Heritage the Minister makes this decision that she does listing would be a great miscarriage of justice, not just get hijacked by the people on the but as long as those people could be involved committee who have the pro-green attitude of, in the process, if the Minster could put a “Keep the bees out of national parks under reasoned and rational argument to them as to any particular circumstances.” I have heard why they could be kept out of certain areas, some concerns from the beekeepers that they then I do not particularly have a problem with have been trying to get to see the Minister for that. However, I do not believe it should be the last couple of weeks or more and she has closed off lock, stock and barrel. If that is not been unable to see them. The Minister might the intention of the Minister, why has she not have a busy schedule, but I know there has said so publicly? been some influence on that committee by Also, there is concern among the Aila Keto and Mr Jefferies. beekeeping fraternity regarding that area and I would like the Minister to write to me at other areas, including the Wet Tropics in north some time in the future and tell me who is on Queensland and what will be the future post the independent advisory group that will be 25 May 1996 regarding beekeeping in providing the information to the Minister on national parks. I see the Honourable Minister what we are going to do with bees in national for Primary Industries in the Chamber. I parks. Also, there is some concern over the believe that he has also been involved in funding of the study to determine whether some of the lobbying on behalf of the there is any impact by those bees on the beekeepers. biodiversity of our native flora in the national Mr Casey: I look after the bees. parks. I ask honourable members to keep in mind that those bees colonised and adapted Mr SPRINGBORG: There seems to be a very quickly after Europeans came to problem there. One of the problems is that Australia. So, one has to ask the question: there is uncertainty over what impact the what more harm can be done to those introduced European bees, Apis mellifera, national parks? have on national parks. It was originally suggested by one of the Mr Casey: I have had a few seminars Minister’s departmental officers that the with the bees, but they won’t take any notice department would pay for that study. Now it of me. They still keep flying into the national seems to be a combination of industry, the parks. Department of Primary Industries and the Mr SPRINGBORG: Maybe if the Minister National Parks and Wildlife Service. I am fits them with guidance devices they might concerned that there seems to be a little bit of not, but obviously that is not one of the funny business going on in that respect. I Legislative Assembly 5861 16 November 1993 would like to hear answers to those questions introduce in the new year, will have those when the Minister does respond. By and teeth and that bite. I believe that the large, I believe that this debate does prove honourable member would have to agree useful. It gives us an opportunity to raise that, from time to time, we have to give these queries and hopefully have them someone a whack. When we give them a answered by the Minister. I do say to the whack, another 100 will step into line with Minister that we need to know what is guilty looks on their faces and start doing the happening with the Scenic Rim, because right thing. If the legislation to do that is not in people are concerned about it. If the Minister place, that will not happen. can tell the people what is going on, I do not It has taken some time for this legislation think there will be a problem, but I think, to be released in draft form, because an unfortunately, a bit of a hash has been made enormous amount of consultation had to be of it. undertaken. I am sure that the honourable Time expired. member will appreciate that. Not too far down Mr PURCELL (Bulimba) (10.29 p.m.) I am the track, legislation introduced by this pleased to be given the opportunity to speak department will directly impact on the to the Estimates of the Minister for honourable member’s constituents, such as Environment and Heritage. At the outset, I farmers and graziers. I am sure that he would congratulate the Minister, the Honourable want the department to take the time to Molly Robson, on the initiatives that the consult with those people. I am also sure that Minister has taken to replace the old Acts that the department will seek their guidance and dealt with clean air, clean water, noise use their expertise to formulate land uses that abatement, litter and the environment. It is an prevent land degradation. No doubt the enormous job that the Minister’s department honourable member wants the valuable has taken on, because those Acts have been farming land in his electorate protected, in existence for a long time, and it was long because we are not making any more land. overdue that they be looked at and revised. What you see is what you get. We need to look after future generations and make sure I refer to what the Minister said in a that we and they have the means of statement in the front of the draft Environment production to sustain our way of life for this Protection Bill and Commentary which, I and future generations. believe, should be compulsory reading for all members on both sides of the Chamber, The Environment Protection Bill will have because that legislation will protect their a great benefit for the electorate of Bulimba, constituents and the environment in which an industrial and residential area in which they live. The Minister stated— industries and residents must live side by side. When I first became a member of this place, I “Proposals outlined here emphasise thought that, when I wanted to make a the need for the Government to be a complaint on behalf of a constituent about partner with all sections of the community noise or particular activities, it was just a in managing the environment. Society as matter of picking up a phone and speaking to a whole has to develop a culture of someone from the Minister’s department. But stewardship and a duty of care to protect it is not that simple. Under the present the environment.” legislation, it is an enormous task to make that I could not agree more with that statement. area a much better area for residents. The Environment Protection Bill will also I shall cite a couple of examples. I have protect the health and safety of had cause to talk to Mrs Crocket’s Kitchen, Queenslanders. which is a salad-making—I will not call it a I seize this opportunity to take the factory—processing operation in my honourable member for Burnett to task. I electorate. It is on Lytton Road just behind believe that he was wrong to accuse this Balmoral and fronting onto Colmslie. John Minister and her Government of doing nothing George, the proprietor, is a very good about air, water and noise pollution. That is employer in the area. He employs over 60 not correct at all. If the honourable member people. knows his shadow portfolio, he would realise Mr Nuttall: Pays award rates. that much of the legislation on the statute book in Queensland is very old, and this Mr PURCELL: He pays award rates. His makes it very hard to start a prosecution and employees are in a union. I know that be successful with it. The current legislation storemen and packers representatives have has no teeth or bite. I believe that the visited that company to check that everything proposed legislation, which the Minister will in that processing area is operating okay. 16 November 1993 5862 Legislative Assembly

Mr T. B. Sullivan: They won a small Ms Power: Gone bush. business award this year, too. Mr PURCELL: It has gone bush. One line Mr PURCELL: It did—for employers of is now operating. The second line will be fewer than 100 employees. That company will operating by March/April next year. The plant not be in that category shortly, because it will in Bulimba will close down its processing. soon be employing over 100 people. It is Mr Vaughan: Are you going to throw a expanding by about 20 per cent a year. John party? George has consulted with residents in that area. He has quietened down the motors in Mr PURCELL: I am sure we will have a his processing operation. Because of the party at the Murarrie community hall to types of food that his company processes, it celebrate. We might even put the arm on A. J. has enormous amounts of cold storage. That Bush to finance a few stubbies. We will invite is a 24-hour-a-day operation. Engineers have them to their farewell. been in to look at the blades on the fans that Hon. M. J. ROBSON (Springwood— push cool air into the cold rooms to get the Minister for Environment and Heritage) right pitch to reduce the noise, and so forth. (10.40 p.m.), in reply: I thank all honourable That is an example of how a consultative members for their contributions to this debate process has been successful. on the Estimates of the Department of The Minister would probably remember Environment and Heritage. Clearly, a wide that there was a fair bit of consultation with range of subject matter has been addressed Conaust, which is in Queensport Road, with in this debate today, and issues which need to regard to a dust problem. I thank the Minister be discussed have been brought out and for making Des Boyland, one of her aired. I will systematically work my way through departmental officers, available. I know that comments that were made by various the Minister’s department and John Campbell members, and I will try to give a useful from the Brisbane City Council have done a lot response. I suggest that any members who of work to assist residents in Queensport Road have issues that they wish to raise do so. My at Murarrie in reducing the dust problem there. department always welcomes the raising of I am sure that, under the proposed legislation, concerns by members. I am sure that all that would not have taken as long as it did. honourable members are aware that my That legislation will get their attention a bit officers respond as quickly as they can to such quicker. issues. My officers are always happy to accommodate all the inquiries that honourable I go from one extreme of a good members may have. employer, who is prepared to negotiate and sort out a problem, to the other—and this is I will deal firstly with the contribution of the why we need legislation with teeth. I refer to A. Opposition spokesman, the member for J. Bush, which has been a problem in the Burnett. I was absolutely disgusted and really Murarrie area in the electorate of Bulimba for disappointed at the disgraceful and cowardly over 20 years. I congratulate Ron McLean, attack that he made on the Director-General the previous member for Bulimba, who was of my department, Craig Emerson. Craig the Minister in charge of Q-Build. He did Emerson is a well qualified, effective and enormous work in regard to having A. J. Bush highly respected person. If the honourable relocated. I know that A. J. Bush took some member had taken the trouble to look at the moving. The current legislation makes it very man’s qualifications before he made the difficult to force a company to do many things statements that he made, he would that should be done, particularly with regard to understand that Craig Emerson obtained that the smell that was coming from A. J. Bush. position on merit. The honourable member That company grew like topsy. It was never clearly does not understand the concept of meant to process the enormous amounts of giving people jobs that they can do, and Craig offal that it now processes. When it was Emerson does do his job extremely well. To established, there was probably an attack him in this cowardly way, in a forum in environmental incentive, because it was which the honourable member knows very well handling processes from the meatworks up Craig Emerson cannot respond, really the road. But it outgrew its usefulness. The demeans the member for Burnett. It is a pity technology in that plant was never meant to that he continues with this practice. Apart from handle the present volumes. I am pleased to the fact that the contribution of the say—and let the residents of Murarrie and the honourable member was an unresearched, surrounding suburbs know—that A. J. Bush inaccurate and very shallow analysis, it was has been relocated successfully to very unbalanced. Beaudesert. Legislative Assembly 5863 16 November 1993

The honourable member for Burnett honourable member will have to do a bit more should not kid himself that Drew Hutton or any homework. member of the Green movement will support In terms of the Ace Waste issue—Mr him at the next election. The conservation Ardill clearly outlined the fact that that was an movement has not forgotten the old days of inherited problem. The department has the National Party. Its members examine the worked very hard to get to the stage that we record of the National Party constantly. are at now of seeing the opening of a state-of- Although it is perfectly valid for them to push the-art incinerating facility which will overcome any Government—this Government or any the problems that we inherited. Over the past potential Government—it is important to three years, we have been working with that assess the achievements of this Government company to rectify this problem. during its term, and those achievements are substantial. The record of the National Party Apart from that, the member for Burnett does not hold up. I could cite many instances did not actually address any substantive of that. The honourable member should issues presented in the Budget papers. He did consult more widely than just with Drew mention the financial aspect of the report and, Hutton, because he is another person who once again, he has indicated that he does not does not conduct very meaningful or relevant understand how to read a Budget paper. If he research. He tends to grab onto the odd fact had asked us, we would have helped him do here and there and ignore reality. a comparison and analysis of the figures. The administrative increases that he mentioned The honourable member has also done are just the result of modern accounting this in terms of his analysis of the Environment methods. Administrative Services Department Department internal report to which he keeps funding is now included in the departmental referring. That report spanned a period of 20 budget. The figure of $5m in 1993-94 is years and highlighted the problems of our simply a transfer from one part of the State internal officers. These problems were Budget to another. It is nothing more than effectively highlighted in that report. I can that. We would have explained that to the assure the honourable member that that honourable member. In fact, it is explained in report was not altered. I have made that the notes of the Budget paper. statement on a number of occasions. If the report were as bad as the member makes out, I turn now to the contribution by the and if it were altered, he would not have seen member for Cook. Mr Bredhauer has worked the report in the form that he did. He should very closely with the department on issues have worked that out. It was a brutal report. It related to his extremely vast and complex was intended to tell us what had been wrong electorate. He has a great appreciation of the in the last 20 years in that department; it did value of the preservation of biodiversity and that. The subsequent report that was biogeographical regions. The department has prepared 12 months later—— worked with him on a lot of issues, particularly the Aboriginal land claims. He has actively Mr Slack: There were three reports. supported the gazettal of these lands to Ms ROBSON: There were not three enable claims by Aboriginals and he has reports at all. That is the problem. The actively participated in achieving fairness and honourable member does not do his equity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait homework. There were two reports. Islander people, whom he values very highly, Mr Slack: There was a third report. as we do in the Department of Environment and Heritage. I thank him for that support. Ms ROBSON: The honourable member does not understand the procedure of a draft I take on board the comment by the report and a final report. The final report was member for Cook in terms of local authorities not amended or altered. If the honourable and the problems that they are experiencing member did a good page-by-page in relation to losing a rating base. The comparison, he would see that. He has department is trying to address those typically referred to excerpts out of context. He problems and ensure that those local has not looked at the executive summary of authorities are not disadvantaged in terms of that last report which, in fact, says that the the infrastructure in their areas or in the performance of the department had improved. member’s electorate of Cook. He has totally ignored that, just as he has I thank the honourable member for his ignored the report that was presented 12 positive feedback on the YCC projects. They months later which confirmed that the have been extremely valuable labour market problems that had been raised in the first programs. I am sure that almost all members report had in fact been rectified. The in this Chamber would agree that they have 16 November 1993 5864 Legislative Assembly produced the very good outcomes for which is looking very positive. A few small problems they were geared. I thank the member for exist that have yet to be overcome and trials Cook. He is a hard-working, effective local are being conducted to overcome them. member. The department appreciates his Once again, the member for Barron River support and energy. made a very significant contribution to the The member for Mooloolah spoke of the debate on the Estimates. She spoke about importance of environmental considerations. the significant increase in national park He observed—correctly—that protection of the management and the additional rangers for environment is the responsibility of the whole far-north Queensland; conservation plans for community and not just the role of wildlife; traditional use of national parks; the Government. I appreciate that observation, Youth Conservation Corps, which is very because one of the hardest battles that we important in terms of what is going on in her fight is getting the community to become electorate; and the Wet Tropics area, which is involved in environmental protection, an issue in which she is extremely active, and preservation and restoration. The honourable she is constantly bringing matters to our member clearly understands this. He attention. I thank her for doing so because it is mentioned water pollution. This is a major always very helpful when local members are concern. The department must consider bringing grassroots issues to our attention, farming practices and sewage disposal, and it particularly when they are being mentioned in is currently doing that. a preventive sense, such as if there is The member for Currumbin outlined the something going on that we need to know water monitoring program that is being carried about. Again, I thank the honourable member on around the State. Another 100 sites have for doing that been declared for water quality monitoring, The member also raised the issue of bringing the total to 190. That figure will Aboriginal involvement in national parks, and I continue to increase. The department is know that she is very supportive of that issue. working closely with the DPI and it is moving I know also that her interest and input are very forward to rectify some of the problems and much appreciated. I thank her very much for practices of the past. It is important that the her persistence and diligence. She constantly community is involved in that and that we raises issues with us, which is a very valuable actively encourage that participation. practice. In relation to oil spills—I think I have said I agree with the member for in this Chamber on a number of occasions Cunningham, who said that the Youth that the department is greatly concerned Conservation Corps is a great innovation. He about the spilling of oil on the Great Barrier certainly promoted it actively, and again I Reef. The Minister for Transport, Mr Hamill, congratulate him this year—as I did in last who is the appropriate Minister, is working very year’s Estimates debate—for originating the closely with the Federal Government and my idea. It has certainly proved to be worth while. department to rectify any potential problems. He has expressed concerns about national Hunting by Aboriginals is an interesting parks being declared for the sake of being issue. I will give honourable members a declared. Time and time again, other Ministers definition. What we call hunting is not the and I have said that national parks are same as what the Aboriginal people call declared or chosen only for their significance hunting. Why Aboriginals hunt is a different and for their biogeographic importance. We issue. We hunt mainly for sport, but the simply do not declare national parks for the Aboriginal people hunt for different purposes. sheer fun of doing so. There is a good reason They hunt for ceremonial purposes, for behind the selection of each one of them. We medicinal purposes and for sustenance. That will continue to follow that practice. Only concept has to be explained more clearly. As significant areas will be included in the the honourable member would be aware, the national park estate. department is putting together a conservation The member referred to the reduction in plan which addresses those particular issues, value of heritage properties, but his comments and the outcome of that will be known very do not accord with the information I have. shortly. The ecologic process is being However, lately I have read media reports considered; I can assure the honourable indicating that what he has said is the general member of that. In this regard, my view that is circulating. I believe that the Real departmental officers consider any viable or Estate Institute of Queensland will not agree potentially viable process, and they are with him, but I will be happy to discuss it with currently assessing this matter. I am told that it the member at some time in the future. Legislative Assembly 5865 16 November 1993

I have been working very closely with the Corps and BCD Technologies, which has been member for Currumbin on water quality and set up in his electorate to deal with PCB waste water management. She has been wastes. The company is progressing very extremely active on those issues. I have nicely with its experiments. Hopefully, in the visited her electorate a couple of times and we very near future, it will be a viable alternative looked closely at water quality monitoring. The for the treatment of PCB wastes, and we look member has given me inside information on forward to a successful outcome of those what has been happening in her electorate, experiments. I thank the member for his and that has been very valuable to the support and for his input into the work of my department in terms of designing our department, as well as for the work he does programs. She referred to the role of DEH in as a member of my committee. Through the devolution process and to the desirability various issues that he talks to me about, it is of informing local authorities of the obvious that he has a very genuine concern environmental implications of their decision for the environment, which I appreciate. making. A very important aspect of my The member for Gregory again referred department’s role is ensuring that local to the selection of national parks. I repeat that authorities take on board those they are selected on the basis of biodiversity considerations. I thank the member for her and by biogeographic regions of which there efforts. are 13 in this State. I wish to comment on his The member for Hinchinbrook referred to current and constant claim about more treatment centres for native animals, which is grazing land being made available. Currently, a very interesting issue. I am keen to pursue more than 80 per cent of the State of the issue, and the department is in fact Queensland is under some sort of grazing pursuing it. I take on board his concern about pressure. Only 3.6 per cent of the total area of the Nature Conservation Act and buffer zones. this State is made up of national park estate, Once again, I say that there are no buffer so fair go! I think that 3.6 per cent compared zones. He and I have discussed freight costs with more than 80 per cent suggests that he and the problems associated with moving the should give us a break. I mean, how much collected recycling material out of regional land does the honourable member want for areas. I have spoken to the Minister for grazing? The reality is that grazing causes a Business, Industry and Regional Development lot of problems of which we are all aware. about this matter. The Minister and I will be Introduced animals such as feral pigs and cats funding some initiatives for small industries, in have to be dealt with, and when all the native particular, to set up and use recycled grasses are eaten we are left with woody products. We hope that our efforts will come weeds, with which the department also has to to fruition and that something substantial will deal. I must say to the honourable member be achieved. that the grazing areas of this State are quite I was puzzled by what was said by the adequate and that I do not think the national member for Maroochydore. I could not quite park estate is too big. get a grip of which Estimates debate she The member for Archerfield, Mr Ardill, thought she was participating in. We seem to referred to the Wet Tropics World Heritage be having the Ove Arup argument all over area and he mentioned his appreciation of the again, and I have to say to her, “It ain’t management balancing act that we have to relevant.” However, she said that the perpetuate to retain the integrity of information I provided in relation to fish kills environmental values while accommodating was incorrect. I point out that I did not give her the growth in ecotourism and the needs of the wrong information. She simply did not people who wish to visit beautiful protected understand what I told her. What I told her areas. I appreciate his input and the support was accurate, and it might be worth while for that he gives to me both as a member of my her to do some follow-up work and find out committee and outside that function. He also what the final outcome of these issues really referred to Queensland’s built heritage and is. She has not bothered to do so. recognised the importance of leaving for Miss Simpson: You said that the future generations something from which they newspapers got it wrong, and that they had can learn and upon which they can reflect. He collected it. is quite right in his assertions. He acknowledged the valuable work that is being Ms ROBSON: The member still does not done by DEH officers in protecting sensitive understand. The member for Mount areas, as did other honourable members—for Ommaney referred to the national parks which I am very grateful. The member is very acquisition program, the Youth Conservation conscious of pollution issues, particularly 16 November 1993 5866 Legislative Assembly motor vehicle emissions. He also expressed Progress reported. concern about the operations of Ace Waste—an issue in which he has been involved for a considerable period. GLADSTONE POWER STATION AGREEMENT BILL I thank the member for Warwick very much for his vote of confidence in relation to Hon. W. K. GOSS (Logan—Premier, the Scenic Rim. I can inform him that World Minister for Economic and Trade Heritage listing will not necessarily prevent Development) (11 p.m.), by leave, without horse riding, but it is currently considered to be notice: I move— an incompatible activity in national parks. I “That leave be granted to bring in a understand that one area where people want Bill for an Act authorising the making of to ride horses is Spicer’s Gap. It is likely that an agreement about the sale of the recognised groups will be allowed to do this, Gladstone Power Station, and for related subject to a permit being issued. This is an purposes.” issue that the member for Warwick and I can Motion agreed to. pursue further. Mr Springborg interjected. First Reading Ms ROBSON: Okay. I have undertaken a three-year trial in beekeeping to get a Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and database together. Nobody knows the impact Bill, on motion of Mr W. K. Goss, read a first of this activity on national parks. I have had time. ongoing discussions, including a major meeting with the beekeepers’ association. My Second Reading department is constantly in touch with the association, which I believe is appropriate. I Hon. W. K. GOSS (Logan—Premier, would be happy to write to the member for Minister for Economic and Trade Warwick and give further information to him if Development) (11.01 p.m.): I move— he wishes to pursue it. “That the Bill be now read a second Mr Springborg: They wish to meet with time.” you again. On 12 August 1992, the State Ms ROBSON: If they have something Government resolved to accept an offer from new to say, that will be fine; but it will probably Comalco Limited for the purchase of the have to be in the New Year because we are Gladstone Power Station to provide a secure very busy at the moment. I again thank the supply of power to the existing smelter and to member for Bulimba for his supportive enable the expansion of the smelter by statements about the work of DEH and the construction of a third potline. Since that time, Government’s efforts to protect and enhance Government officers have negotiated detailed Queensland’s environment. He appreciates contracts with Comalco for the sale of the the value of the Environmental Protection Bill power station, interconnection with the State as it relates to the State at large and the grid, purchase of electricity, supply of coal and Bulimba electorate in particular. He haulage by rail to the power station. understands the difficulties associated with This transaction has been described as balancing the interests of industry and the largest and most complex transaction of residents, both in terms of protecting jobs and its kind being conducted in the world at the the quality of life. He has certainly proved to moment. For its part, Comalco has committed be a very conscientious local member who around $30m to the transaction to date, and has fought consistently and hard to represent has spent approximately $200m in increasing the interests of his constituents, and I thank its equity in the smelter expansion. This is not him for doing so. simply an asset sale from which the I thank all members for their contributions Government can walk away upon completion. to this important debate. I recommend to all The Gladstone Power Station will remain honourable members that they read the connected to the Queensland Electricity annual report of the Department of Commission grid and supply power to the Environment and Heritage together with the Queensland Electricity Commission. This Budget papers because I think it is an requires complex agreement on excellent report which clearly outlines the interconnection, power pooling, mutual direction in which DEH is headed in the future, support, interruptibility, billing systems, rail what is being planned, and how it will be agreements and a number of other done. agreements to sustain an expenditure of $1.8 Legislative Assembly 5867 16 November 1993 billion and the needs of five equity partners commitment to this major project and outlining and the banks. The very detailed and complex their agreement to the arrangements for nature of these agreements and delays to completion of the transaction and the Boyne financing arrangements arising out of the Wik Island smelter expansion in accordance with people’s claim over part of the Weipa bauxite the construction timetable agreed on 12 lease have delayed the finalisation of the sale August 1992. of the power station. Leave granted. Comalco remains committed to the COMALCO LIMITED project and to the previously agreed 55 Collins Street construction schedule whereby construction of Melbourne Australia the third potline will commence by 30 June 5th November 1993 1995. The final go-ahead for the project is, of course, subject to finance from the banks. The Hon. W.K. Goss This, in turn, will require the banks to be Premier and Minister for Economic Trade and Development reassured as to the validity of title over the 15th Level Weipa leases. As we know, the 100 George Street Commonwealth introduced today the Mabo BRISBANE QLD 4000 legislation into Federal Parliament, and it is Dear Premier, hoped that this will provide the necessary reassurance. The banks also expect that the Gladstone Power Station—Legislation Queensland Government will subsequently This letter is to confirm our commitment to introduce appropriate Mabo legislation. My proceeding with the acquisition of the Government is committed to this course of Gladstone Power Station as part of a action. purchasing consortium. Mr Borbidge: You’ve sold your soul. In order to bring the acquisition of the Power Station closer to finalisation, I Mr W. K. GOSS: Sold my soul! The understand it is now timely to introduce the prince of the “pineapple party”, leading the enabling legislation for the project. pineapple pieces over there. The Leader of the Opposition should not talk to me about To facilitate its introduction into the caving into Canberra. He is the prince of the Parliament, I am pleased to be able to tell you “pineapple party”. He has led them down the that we are proceeding to obtain approval in garden path, and the Liberals have thrown it principle from a lending syndicate to the back in his face. project; that approval can only be given when the lenders have had the full benefit of being I was provoked, and now I will return to able to review the proposed transaction my second-reading speech. As a documents in their final form. consequence of pressure this has placed on Yesterday we issued our detailed the timetable for completion of negotiations, Information Memorandum to the proposed the Government and Comalco have agreed to lenders essentially completing the information a delay in the completion date of up to three they require to advance consideration of this months to 31 March 1994. financing. After they have had an opportunity Mr Borbidge interjected. to consider it, we can proceed to formalise the lending arrangements. Lenders will require Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the Leader reassurance by way of the enactment of of the Opposition under Standing Order 123A. appropriate Federal and State legislation that Mr W. K. GOSS: So long as the the questions over the Weipa titles raised by agreements are in an executable form by 31 the Wik claim, and the new claims, are January 1994, and the financiers are satisfied satisfactorily resolved. Other than this I can with the Weipa title position by 31 March confirm to you that I am not aware of anything 1994, then any delay in completion beyond to date which would in our view cause the 31 March 1994 will result in an additional proposed lenders to be concerned about payment to the Government of $500,000 per lending to the project. week. It is agreed, of course, that the QEC will The lenders’ task will be made easier by also retain the full cash flow and profit from virtue of the fact that the Information the power station until the completion date, Memorandum includes Terms Sheets which and that the original construction schedule will have been finalised between Comalco and the be adhered to. Government for the transaction documents. These operate as a record of the detailed I table and seek leave to have arrangements which have already been agreed, incorporated in Hansard correspondence from much of the hard work having been done. Comalco and CRA reaffirming their 16 November 1993 5868 Legislative Assembly

As you know, Comalco and NRG Energy, Inc., COMALCO LIMITED the US independent power producer, have 55 Collins Street progressed the transaction considerably from Melbourne Australia an operational viewpoint. They have recently 8th November 1993 agreed the terms of the proposed agreement which will govern both the operation and the The Hon. W.K. Goss Premier and Minister for Economic Trade and maintenance of the Power Station. This is a Development significant step towards completion of the 15th Level acquisition. 100 George Street I would mention that the assumptions BRISBANE QLD 4000 about the Power Station which were set out in Dear Premier, the letters of 12 August 1992 making up the “in I confirm our understanding that the principle” agreement have all been dealt with. Completion Date of the Gladstone Power As a consequence, I confirm that the purchase Station Purchase will be extended beyond 31st price of $750 million as set out in the December 1993 because of delays in agreement will be paid by the purchasing completing the execution of agreements critical consortium on completion of the acquisition. to the purchase of the Power Station and Of course, dealing with those because of delays to financing arrangements assumptions has been part of a larger arising out of the Wik claim to part of the Weipa investigation into the Smelter expansion as well bauxite lease. as the acquisition and operation of the Power Comalco, acting on behalf of the Station. We are not at present aware of any Purchaser, agrees that it will complete the material matter or thing which would render transaction by 31st March 1994, provided the what we want to do commercially non-viable. IPPA agreement is in an agreed and executable form ready for review by the financing Critical to the success of the project is institutions by 31st January 1994. If the IPPA the securing of a satisfactory industrial relations agreement is agreed and is in executable form package for the Power Station. I am pleased to by that date and the financing institutions are be able to tell you that we are satisfied with the satisfied as to the Weipa title position by 31st current progress in this area and the likely March 1994, then if the Power Station outcome. Purchase Agreement is not completed by 31st March 1994 the Purchaser will pay the In summary, Comalco is strongly Queensland Government a penalty of $500,000 committed to the Smelter expansion, which I per week for every week that completion is full expect will be completed according to the delayed beyond 31st March 1994. already agreed construction schedule. Yours sincerely, Kind regards. (Sgd) J T Ralph Yours sincerely, for N. W. Stump (Sgd) N W Stump Mr Borbidge: Mr Speaker, can I ask: N. W. Stump have you seen it? CRA Limited Mr SPEAKER: Yes, I have seen the 55 Collins Street, Melbourne 3001, Australia letters. The Premier brought them around to 8th November, 1993 my office and showed them to me. Dear Premier, Mr Borbidge: I am glad he extends to you some courtesies in this place. I am aware of the letter you have received from Mr Nick Stump, Chief Executive of Mr SPEAKER: I am glad he does also. Comalco Limited in relation to progress as to Mr W. K. GOSS: I therefore put before the financing of the purchase of the Gladstone this House a Bill which will provide for the sale Power Station from the QEC. I would like to advise that I fully support the letter which you to proceed. Comalco has continued to pursue have received. with vigour the arrangements it has to put in place for the sale to proceed. In early Yours sincerely, November, Comalco invited 12 major (Sgd) J T Ralph Australian and international banks to tender The Hon. W. Goss, MLA for supply of loan funds to purchase the power Premier station. The purchasers of the Gladstone 15th Floor Power Station will pay the Queensland Executive Building Electricity Commission $750m to acquire the Cnr George & Alice Streets power station. The State will gain a further Brisbane 4000 $75m benefit from the Australian Government by way of forgiveness on concessional loans Legislative Assembly 5869 16 November 1993 raised for the construction of the power station Secondly, the Bill provides the to provide electricity to the original smelter. authorisations for State bodies to perform and The sale of the Gladstone Power Station give effect to the State agreement and, more is not a sell off of public assets for short-term specifically, for the Government agencies to gains, but an integral part of a package which enter and perform their obligations under the will secure for Queensland approximately $1.8 numerous commercial agreements. The billion of private investment. Government agencies and Comalco, as the representative of the purchasers, have Under the package of commercial negotiated the commercial terms of transactions arising from this Bill, the agreements listed under the State agreement purchasers of the Gladstone Power Station will as the transaction documents. The continue to supply electricity to the Boyne commercial basis of the transaction is Island smelter and the Queensland Electricity paramount. Commission. These arrangements will enable the further development of the Boyne Island The third element of the Bill establishes smelter through an upgrade of the two the operation of the power station as an existing potlines and the addition of a third integral part of the State’s interconnected potline. Completion of these works will result in electricity system through the confirmation of the smelter’s annual production increasing by the licensing arrangements and the inclusion approximately 230 000 tonnes to 460 000 of provisions which acknowledge the specific tonnes, making it one of the largest smelters needs of a private company to operate the in the Western World. I understand that the Gladstone Power Station. Through the final smelter expansion will cost the Boyne Island aspect of this Bill, the Government has smelter participants around $880m, recognised the need to provide the personnel comprising approximately $200m in wages at Gladstone with the necessary assurances and $680m on capital items. The expansion that their conditions of employment will not be will enhance Australia’s aluminium exports by eroded as a result of this transaction. approximately $400m each year—a very Mechanisms have been provided which substantial improvement in our balance of recognise the current conditions of the trade. employees and which enable the Based on independent studies, 943 superannuation entitlements to be preserved. permanent new jobs will be created by the Negotiations, of course, are continuing aluminium smelter expansion—375 at the between the employees and the purchaser to smelter, 306 elsewhere in the region and a achieve an employment package beneficial to further 132 in the State. The additional 681 all parties. jobs in the Gladstone region will generate I mentioned earlier that the agreement $28m annually in wages. It is also expected records the rights and obligations of the State that at the construction peak, approximately in relation to the transaction and supports the 2 060 jobs will be created in the Gladstone transaction as a commercially driven region, with a further 400 elsewhere in the arrangement. I would like to bring to the State. attention of the House a number of important The legislative package for the issues addressed by the State agreement. transaction consists of a Bill and a State The sale of electricity from the power station agreement. I refer honourable members to will be to the smelter or to the Queensland the detailed Explanatory Notes which have Electricity Commission. This means that the been provided with the Bill. I will now outline ability of Comalco to finance this substantial the broad scope of the Bill and address a investment in the State is strongly dependent number of the significant issues associated upon the Queensland Electricity Commission with the State agreement. The Bill principally meeting its obligations in relation to the establishes a framework within which the sale purchase of electricity from the Gladstone of the power station can proceed. The Bill is Power Station. brief, focusing on four prime aspects of the To address the understandable concerns transaction. First, the Bill authorises me, as of the financiers that the QEC may in the Premier, to enter into an agreement with the future be prevented from fulfilling its payment purchasers and the operator for the sale and obligations, the State has provided a credit future operation of the power station. The support package which provides the security form of the agreement is scheduled to the Bill necessary for the purchasers to meet their and is an essential part of the transaction financial obligations. outlining the commercial obligations and rights of the State in relation to the transaction. Mr Borbidge: What does that mean? Tell us more. 16 November 1993 5870 Legislative Assembly

Mr W. K. GOSS: I will. This support is not Mr Borbidge: You weren’t listening. a Government guarantee but ensures that a Government members interjected. financially capable entity will have sufficient credit to meet the commercial obligations Mr SPEAKER: The night is getting late. under the agreements entered into by the Withdraw it again. QEC. A paramount objective of the Mr Borbidge: I will. transaction has been to ensure the commercial basis is right to allow for the Mr SPEAKER: You will withdraw it? operation of the Gladstone Power Station and Mr Borbidge: How many times do you the smelter for at least the next 30 years. want me to withdraw it? A power exists under the Electricity Act Mr SPEAKER: Fine. It is okay. which would allow the Minister for Minerals Mr W. K. GOSS: Once! He has to say the and Energy to ration the use of electricity. This words. power could be exercised by another Minister in the future in a manner so as to override the Mr Borbidge: I did before. You weren’t commercial obligations of the QEC in respect listening. of its arrangements with the purchasers. This Mr W. K. GOSS: I move— is counter to the stated objectives of the “That the resumption of the debate arrangement. A provision has, therefore, been be made an order of the day for included which limits the relevant Minister in tomorrow.” the exercise of the rationing power in relation to the smelter. However, the arrangements Motion agreed to. ensure that, should the Minister acting in good faith require in the interests of good government and for the protection of life and LANG PARK TRUST AMENDMENT BILL property to ration power to the smelter, he Hon. R. J. GIBBS (Bundamba— Minister may do so. I commend the Bill to the House. for Tourism, Sport and Racing) (11.14 p.m.), by leave, without notice: I move— Mr BORBIDGE: I move— “That leave be granted to bring in a “That the bribe”— Bill for an Act to amend the Lang Park I mean— Trust Act 1962, and for related purposes.” “the debate be now adjourned.” Motion agreed to. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will not allow the First Reading normal forms of debate to degenerate to that. Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and I ask the honourable member to restate his Bill, on motion of Mr Gibbs, read a first time. motion. Mr Borbidge: I move— Second Reading “That the debate be now adjourned.” Hon. R. J. GIBBS (Bundamba— Minister Government members: Stand up. for Tourism, Sport and Racing) (11.15 p.m.): I Mr SPEAKER: On your feet. I ask you to move— withdraw the word “bribe” and move the “That the Bill be now read a second adjournment of the debate properly. time.” Mr BORBIDGE: In deference and respect Brisbane’s Lang Park is an important for the Chair and not the Premier, I move— public facility which has been held in trust for sporting and recreation purposes for more “That the debate be now adjourned.” than 30 years. It is held by trustees pursuant Motion agreed to. to the Lang Park Trust Act. The Lang Park Mr W. K. GOSS: I find the term “bribe” Trust has identified a need to redevelop the offensive and untrue, and I seek a withdrawal. facility and has received approval from the State Government for significant financial Mr SPEAKER: Order! I did ask for a assistance to accomplish this. The complex withdrawal. I will ask for it again. requires substantial upgrading and Mr W. K. GOSS: He did not withdraw it. refurbishment to ensure long-term multipurpose usage. Mr Borbidge: It was withdrawn. The need for international standard Mr SPEAKER: It was withdrawn. I did ask facilities to stage major sporting and cultural for a withdrawal. events, and the impending arrival of a second Legislative Assembly 5871 16 November 1993 major Rugby League team in Brisbane all give A review committee consisting of rise to the need for redevelopment. It is an representatives of the Department of asset that must be enhanced to maintain its Transport, the Lang Park Trust and the optimum value for its owners—the taxpayers Brisbane City Council has been formed to of Queensland.The Lang Park Trust has plans consider issues such as traffic and the for a two-stage redevelopment. Stage 1 will amenity of the area. This will ensure that the expand the ground’s capacity and refurbish normal concerns raised in town planning and existing facilities. Stage 2, in five to seven building procedures will be considered. I years’ time, will provide additional capacity and commend the Bill to the House. further upgrading. Debate, on motion of Mr FitzGerald, On 19 July, the trust lodged a consent adjourned. application with the Brisbane City Council. On 20 August, further particulars as required by the council were lodged. As a result of the ADJOURNMENT public advertising of the application, two Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH objections were received. The trust has been (Chatsworth—Leader of the House) advised by senior officers of the council that (11.20 p.m.): I move— the concerns raised by both these objectors “That the House do now adjourn.” have been satisfied. However, despite these impediments to development being removed, the Local Government (Planning and Queensland Electricity Commission, Environment) Act prescribes that the council Audited Accounts must still give the objectors 40 days to appeal Mr GILMORE (Tablelands) (11.21 p.m.): I against approval of the development, even rise in the Adjournment debate to bring to the though their concerns have been addressed. attention of the House some apparent This is an intolerable situation. The State contradictions and serious discrepancies Government cannot stand by and watch a between the annual report of the Queensland development which will create 300 jobs on site Electricity Commission, as tabled in this and inject $15m into the community House, and the Minister’s explanation of unnecessarily bogged down by a futile certain parts of those accounts. The accounts bureaucratic exercise. as audited by the Auditor-General and It is essential for the viability of Lang Park presented to the Parliament indicate clearly that the redevelopment be completed by June that a dividend of $125m has been paid to 1994 in time for the annual Rugby League the people of Queensland from the QEC. That State of Origin series. The normal $125m was made up of $30m—which was administrative time frames applicable in town provided subject to an Order in Council on 20 planning and building applications will not November last year—and $95m, which is allow this to happen. In order to fast-track the clearly accounted for in the audited accounts redevelopment, this Bill exempts the Lang as being a dividend provided for in the Park Trust from the necessity to comply with accounts. It is referred to as “dividend” in the requirements of any town planning several places in the QEC accounts. scheme. The amendment will allow The Minister, in his attempts to explain to construction to proceed without delay. the people of Queensland on radio and to this The Bill clarifies that the Lang Park Trust Parliament, has indicated that the $95m was is a statutory body within the meaning of the indeed a dividend to be charged against this Building Act 1975 which removes the year’s accounts and was to be made up in necessity to seek building approval from the three parts, those three parts being $54m of Brisbane City Council. I must stress, however, dividend, $16m of loan guarantee to the that the construction will still be subject to all Queensland Treasury Corporation and $25m standard building by-laws. The Government is of rebates. There is no indication in the in no way seeking to skirt around the Queensland Electricity Commission accounts standards which would have been required by that the $95m is to be so subdivided. There is the council. The Lang Park Trust will still have no mention whatsoever anywhere in the to ensure the development meets accepted accounts of $54m. The $16m in loan standards of health and safety. This guarantee accounts is accounted for amendment will ensure construction proceeds elsewhere, and the Minister is therefore in a time frame which will guarantee Lang double-dipping and double accounting for the Park is of continuing benefit to the community. same amount of money. The $25m is clearly accounted for in Budget Paper No. 3 under 16 November 1993 5872 Legislative Assembly the Department of Family Services as Rollason—as his duties as the Auditor-General “electricity account rebates”. require him to do—report back to the Therefore, I have had cause to write to Parliament in respect of these most serious the Auditor-General of Queensland and matters and apparent deficiencies in the request that he revisit the accounts of the accounts of the Queensland Electricity Queensland Electricity Commission as audited Commission. by his department, with a view to determining whether those accounts, as presented to this Surf Lifesaving Parliament, are accurate and are an appropriate representation of the affairs of the Mrs ROSE (Currumbin) (11.26 p.m.): One Queensland Electricity Commission and the of greatest assets that the southern Gold distribution boards, or whether the Minister’s Coast has is a strong surf lifesaving account of them to this Parliament was at movement. There are 11 surf lifesaving clubs fault. I have no doubt that I am correct in the in the Point Danger branch of the Queensland assumptions that I have drawn from those Surf Lifesaving Association. The Point Danger papers. My letter to the Auditor-General dated branch stretches from Coolangatta to 15 November 1993 stated— Tallebudgera, covering a majority of what is considered to be the southern Gold Coast. “The Minister (copy of Hansard Eight of the 11 surf clubs in the Point Danger record enclosed) claims that the dividend branch are within the Currumbin electorate. In to the Queensland Government from the the summer months, bathers and surfers can Q.E.C. in 1992/93 was $30 million which enter the water with a greater peace of mind was drawn, subject to an Order in Council in the knowledge that our beaches are of 20th November, 1992. The Minister patrolled by surf lifesavers who are very well also claims that the $95 million, which is trained in surf proficiency, lifesaving skills such indicated as ‘Dividend’ in the Annual as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other Report, is in fact made up of three resuscitation techniques and first aid parts”— procedures. These volunteers provide an and I have referred to the composition of invaluable service to the southern Gold Coast those parts. The letter stated further— and indeed to the whole Gold Coast “There is no indication within the community. pages of the recently tabled Q.E.C. More than anything else, the surf annual report of the subdivision of the lifesaving movement relies on a strong $95 million, as is proposed by the tradition. That tradition is founded on the minister. It is my understanding that preservation of human life in an environment under accrual accounting standards, such that is not familiar to many. Surf lifesaving is matters must be divulged in the an invaluable part of the emergency services accounts. I must also query the network in Queensland. In common with implication of the Minister’s statement another vital emergency service, the air sea that the $16 million for ‘loan guarantee rescue, it relies heavily on a combination of fee’, which has been elsewhere State Government assistance through the accounted for, can appear in the same Bureau of Emergency Services, a significant column as part of a second line item, amount of its own funds raised locally and the thereby appearing twice in the accounts.” hard work of volunteers. Recently, surf I mentioned also to the Auditor-General lifesaving clubs on the southern Gold Coast that he should revisit the Department of received their half-year entitlement of funding Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander from the Queensland Bureau of Emergency Affairs accounts as outlined in Budget Paper Services. In total, clubs affiliated to the Point No. 3, because it appeared that this Danger branch received $126,000, and will Government had falsely inflated those receive a further instalment of funding in accounts and never had any intention to March 1994. Statewide, over $2m will be transfer those funds from the Treasury to the allocated to surf lifesaving clubs in 1993-94 Department of Family Services and Aboriginal under the Voluntary Marine Rescue Subsidy and Islander Affairs. Those funds were Scheme. This represents the Government’s transferred directly from Treasury to the commitment to assisting volunteer groups to distribution boards, as is accounted for in the continue to provide their vital services. As I pages of the QEC and distribution boards’ have said, on the southern Gold Coast the annual accounts. services provided by voluntary marine rescue organisations such as the surf lifesaving I inform the Parliament that I have taken movement are invaluable. That is why an this action. I have requested also that Mr Legislative Assembly 5873 16 November 1993 ongoing funding commitment from the State women out of 70 000 people involved in surf Government is essential. lifesaving. Nevertheless, I understand that Competition is an integral part of the surf women within the sport are still lobbying for lifesaving movement, and the impetus behind greater equity in prize money and organised competition is not detached from sponsorship. I believe this is a task that has the surf lifesaving movement’s most obvious been taken on by the new women’s charter—preserving safety and saving lives. subcommittee on the Board of Surf Sports. Regular competition encourages club Surf lifesaving on the southern Gold Coast members to take on elaborate training provides a great service to the community in programs in surf and lifesaving proficiency to many ways. I have described only some of maintain their competitive skills. Younger those this evening. members of the movement, known as nippers, are able to hone their skills in all the Reduction in Teacher Numbers areas that are required to become excellent surf lifesavers, both in and out of competition. Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (11.30 p.m.): I More recently, through greater television rise tonight to highlight the empty rhetoric of exposure, the prominent figures of surf this Government in many different areas, but lifesaving competition have become role none more so than in the area of education. models for the younger generation. Many Time and time again, we have seen that what parents are comfortable with their children this Government says is not what it delivers. aspiring to greater levels of fitness and High schools are a good example of this. Just increased proficiency in the water and in crisis a few years ago, the Government was situations in which lives are at stake. complaining about how understaffed those schools were, and how severely Recently in Brisbane, a 15-year-old boy disadvantaged they were. Now it is taking the by the name of Angus Jeffries saved the life teachers away from those schools. The of another boy aged 14 who had been struck Government’s actions are getting its own by lightning. Angus Jeffries learned his supporters off-side. lifesaving skills at the Pacific Surf Lifesaving Club on the southern Gold Coast, where he To begin with, I will just highlight the fact was trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. that when the Labor Party was in Opposition, That is an excellent example of the relevance the candidate who stood against me on three on and off the beach of the skills attained by occasions was a spokesman for the young people from the surf lifesaving Queensland Teachers Union. He opposes movement. I place on record my very strongly what the Government is doing to congratulations to Angus Jeffries for his education at present. He opposes it so much lifesaving feat of quick thinking and the skilful that he is no longer a member of the Labor administering of his resuscitation skills. As Party. He walked away from the party. As a unfortunate as it is to have those skills brought matter of fact, he ran away, and he has gone to light through a near-tragic accident, there is very fast indeed. Surely there is a message a great need for more people to become there for the Government. Surely the conversant with resuscitation and first aid Government realises what it is doing to skills. Many people all over the country, some education in this State. of whom may have never entered the surf, The problem is not so much what the owe their lives to the skills attained by Government is doing to the teachers but what members of the surf lifesaving movement. it is doing to the students. The Government is Lightning strike victim Andrew McKenna, taking from students courses that they will saved by Angus Jeffries, is one of those need to be able to secure a career path in the people. I am sure that all members wish future. In many instances, they have very Andrew well in his recovery. limited choices. I will read some extracts from Surf lifesaving is moving quickly to a letter that was sent by the regional office establish a greater status for women in its and highlight what the Government has done competitive structure. In the 1993-94 season, to teacher numbers. For example, Gympie there have been a number of advances for State High School, which has 18 fewer women in surf lifesaving. Surf Lifesaving students, actually received a reduction of 6.4 Australia has sanctioned the wearing of two- teachers. piece costumes by female competitors as a Government members interjected. matter of choice, and a number of new Mr STEPHAN: Government members competitions for women have been put in can say whatever they like, but that school place. Queensland has 5 330 women surf received a reduction of 6.4 teachers. lifesavers. Australiawide, there are 20 000 16 November 1993 5874 Legislative Assembly

Honourable members interjected. how these targets were to be met and how Mr STEPHAN: I know that this is hurting important it was that they be maintained? In Government members. I am just trying to work fact, the Ahern committee was too generous out which interjection to take. Another good in its ratio. Now the Labor Government is example is the James Nash State High saying that it is quite all right. The letter goes School, which is not very far away from the on to state— Gympie State High School. That school has “The Wide Bay Region is committed had an increase of 43 students and its to minimising the impact of changed staff teacher numbers have remained the same. levels on schools and has implemented a Despite an increase in the number of students number of strategies in relation to at that school, the number of teachers this”—— remains the same. Time expired. Mr Bennett interjected. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Yandina By-pass Gladstone will cease interjecting. Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) (11.36 Mr STEPHAN: The Imbil State High p.m.): On 10 November, I informed the House School is a smaller school than the other two of the unethical involvement of the member schools that I have mentioned. The student for Maroochydore in the Yandina by-pass numbers at that school are the same, yet debate. It is patently obvious that the there has been a reduction of one teacher at member’s family has a financial interest in the that school. I can see that you are listening to outcome and, for that reason, she should take me, Mr Speaker. Of course, the members of no part in discussions on the matter. Sadly, it the Government are hoping that the problem is also obvious from the member’s demeanour will go away. You would realise, Mr Speaker, since then that she has no intention of that the reduction in teacher numbers is going withdrawing from the debate. Even sadder is to adversely affect the students. It is going to the realisation that the member does not have a marked effect on their future understand the significance of a conflict of education. interest. The regional office has sent out a letter in There can be no clearer indication that, an attempt at appeasing the teachers and, despite the Fitzgerald process, nothing has hopefully, helping them to re-establish changed as far as the National Party is themselves or overcome the problems that concerned. The National Party has an they are experiencing. For example, it pointed obligation to send to this place members who out— understand what the community expects of its “The proposed teacher elected representatives in post-Fitzgerald establishments for secondary schools in Queensland. your electorate for the Wide Bay . . . the Perhaps the member for Maroochydore reason for any increases/decreases fall can plead mitigating circumstances as her role into four main groups: model—her father—was a Joh clone during (i) Enrolment fluctuation . . .” the dark Bjelke-Petersen years. The dead I just told honourable members of one hand of Gordon Simpson is clearly visible in all instance in which the number of students was the actions and words of the member for reduced by 18 and the school has six fewer Maroochydore. Particularly contemptible is the teachers. The letter goes on— browbeating style of media control attempted by the member and her father. Most, if not all, “(ii) Current over-entitlement . . . Sunshine Coast media organisations—— Curriculum Factor.” An Opposition member interjected. It is this curriculum factor that is causing concern. The letter continues— Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Members opposite should stop and listen. Media organisations “Changes in student/teacher have been subjected to intimidation from the ratio—the new allocative model Simpsons whenever they have dared to run introduces a slightly higher student to any news item not wholly complimentary of teacher ratio, although this is well within the member for Maroochydore. The Simpson the Ahern class size targets.” paranoia has even zeroed in on individual Do honourable members remember journalists who are simply trying to do the best when the Ahern committee brought down its job they can of reporting the news. That would recommendations? Do they remember the be detestable from anyone, but coming as it noise that the Labor Party made in relation to does from a person who was a working Legislative Assembly 5875 16 November 1993 journalist before her election and who is National Party’s candidate at the 1993 Federal supposed to understand journalistic ethics, it is election in the Division of Fairfax. doubly so. At least there is a consistency If the Nationals do not view with concern there—either the member does not this kind of use of party funds, and the blatant understand, or she does not believe in, the public deception practised by high-profile party ethical constraints of either profession. figures, then they have a long way to go A number of advertisements in support of before the people of Queensland can begin to the central route option for the Yandina by- trust them again. pass have been running in the Sunshine The members of the Simpson family Coast Daily and Sunshine Coast Weekly have no place involving themselves in the newspapers in recent weeks. That is a quite Yandina by-pass debate. They have no right legitimate tactic with which I have no quibble, involving the National Party in the way that but remember, this is the option favoured by they have and, in particular, they have no right the Simpson family. After about three weeks, to lie to the people of the Sunshine Coast in Gordon Simpson admitted that he was acting the way that they have. as what he called an “agent” for the people behind the advertisements. An article in the It is not up to me to give the National Sunshine Coast Daily of 25 October stated— Party organisation advice, but it can have this advice for free: the members of the Simpson “Mr Simpson said more than 20 family need counselling, and they need it people approached him to help organise quickly. The odium of the family’s actions will the advertisements out of concern that be long lasting on the Sunshine Coast. If the the Daily had not reported the facts in National Party does not rein in the foolhardy relation to the Yandina by-pass debate. Simpsons, that odium will attach also to the . . . party that supports them. Mr Simpson said that the people who approached him came Mr D. Yock; Riot at Transit Centre; from ‘across the board’ and probably Comments by Lord Mayor represented a lot more people. Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly) He said he was not paying for (11.40 p.m.): I enter the debate tonight to the advertisements, and thought the draw the attention of the House and the community members were doing a Government to a most disturbing interview the ‘whip around’ to pay for it. Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Mr Jim Soorley, gave He said that they suggested on ABC radio a week ago. This interview what should go in the occurred the very morning after the rioting and advertisements, and he arranged damage which took place opposite police quotes and helped put it together.” headquarters—a worrying event that resulted Once again, we see members of the in a number of police being injured, yet no Simpson family practising the deception that arrests being made. The atmosphere following we have come to expect from them. Only the death of a young Aboriginal, Mr Daniel someone with the supreme arrogance of the Yock, was tense and difficult, as the events in Simpsons would use the columns of a the Transit Centre surely demonstrated. newspaper to peddle misinformation that can In these circumstances, the comments easily be shown to be false from the made by the Lord Mayor in an interview with newspaper’s own records. You see, Mr Rod Henshaw on Tuesday, 9 November, Speaker, the contact for the advertisements is deserve to be widely and totally condemned. Norma Simpson, spouse of Gordon Simpson, In view of subsequent events, the Premier mother of the member for Maroochydore, and and the Police Minister ought to demand that a well-known National Party figure on the the Lord Mayor withdraw some of the Sunshine Coast. inflammatory, damaging statements he made. Mr Borbidge: So what? I have a transcript of the interview. One of the points that the Lord Mayor kept advancing Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: The Leader of the was the need for all sides to “cool off”. In Coalition asks, “So what?” I will tell him. The almost the same sentence, Mr Soorley quite Sunshine Coast Newspaper Company, which deliberately poured fuel on the flames himself publishes the papers that carried the by making outrageous and, I believe, untrue advertisements, in fact billed the National statements—statements that would inflame Party of Australia, Fairfax Division, for those the Aboriginal community and that were a advertisements. What does Mr Borbidge think of that? Gordon Simpson was, of course, the 16 November 1993 5876 Legislative Assembly grave and direct attack on the Queensland Their task had been made much more difficult police. The Lord Mayor said— by the “standards” required by the post- “Steve Biko died in similar Fitzgerald process. Yet, in the face of violence circumstances in a police van, and, I am and the most extreme provocation, they not making any parallels, I am just sort of displayed great restraint. The Police Service saying . . .” deserves to be treated better than the first citizen, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, treated it At that stage, Rod Henshaw intervened and on radio a week ago. He smeared the police said— in the worst possible way, and he did so “Well you really are, aren’t you.” without producing one iota of evidence to I heard the interview, and so did many back up his smear. other citizens, and they came to the same I table a transcript of the Lord Mayor’s conclusion as Rod Henshaw did. That interview with Rod Henshaw on 9 November, conclusion is simply this: that the death of Mr and I challenge both the Premier and the Daniel Yock was similar to that of Mr Steve Police Minister to call on the Lord Mayor to Biko in police custody in South Africa. Even withdraw his outrageous slur against the police the pre-de Klerk apartheid regime in South or provide evidence to back it up. Africa had to admit that the black activist, Mr It is, I believe, a sad and worrying day Steve Biko, was brutally beaten to death in when the Lord Mayor of Brisbane quite custody by the South African police. deliberately inflames an already tense When the Lord Mayor used “similar situation by drawing a parallel between the circumstances” to describe the death of Mr death of Mr Daniel Yock and the infamous Daniel Yock, he knew full well what he was police murder of Mr Steve Biko in South Africa doing—he was alleging that Mr Yock was years ago. He should be totally ashamed of beaten to death by the Queensland police. himself, and the Premier and the Minister That is an outrageous and dangerous claim ought to ensure that he either produces the for someone holding the office of Lord Mayor evidence to back up his disgraceful claim or to make when he obviously had no evidence apologises for it. to back it up. To demonstrate the outrageous Finally, I challenge the Lord Mayor to go hypocrisy of the Lord Mayor, after making this before the CJC inquiry to be headed by Mr claim he went on to say— Wyvill and name the witnesses whom he says “Let’s make sure we cool off, let’s are “in fear for their lives this morning”. He is make sure we have the CJC do its job alleging they fear intimidation, and that is a and do it fairly.” most serious claim. Let him substantiate it That pious nonsense came from the Lord before the CJC inquiry. Mayor who, not one minute previously, had In view of this latest outrage from the likened the death of Mr Daniel Yock to the Lord Mayor, it is little wonder that Ministers in brutal murder by the South African police of this Government go out of their way to avoid Steve Biko while in custody! The Lord Mayor the Lord Mayor at public functions. It pains me went on to say— to have to admit it, but their judgment with “And this is a death in custody and if regard to the Lord Mayor is remarkably you hear the Aboriginal side of the story, accurate and remarkably similar to that of it is just as horrific as many other deaths political, business and community leaders who in custody.” have to put up with his pious, condescending Then, to further smear the police, he went on sermons at naturalisation ceremonies and to say— various other functions around this city. “But I know some of the witnesses to Time expired. this are in fear for their lives this morning.” I will come back to that point in a minute, but let me deal first with the Lord Mayor’s attempt Rail Closures to link this death to that of Mr Steve Biko. Mr ARDILL (Archerfield) (11.45 p.m.): I Our police have a difficult job, and am ashamed to be in the same House as the anyone in the Transit Centre who saw previous speaker. He has spent a lifetime in policemen and policewomen being physically politics vilifying people, just as he has done attacked would have been as angered and tonight with the Lord Mayor. He has certainly disgusted as Commissioner O’Sullivan was reached the greatest depths since he came when he saw television footage of the incident into this House, and has the privilege of this after he returned from Papua New Guinea. Legislative Assembly 5877 16 November 1993

House so that he can continue his vilification upsurge in patronage brought about by to the greatest depth ever. The great thing dedicated service by the railway men and about it is that his efforts will be totally futile. women involved, their own publicity and the He has absolutely no chance of preventing improved carriages now provided at the the onward rolling of the Labor council in express instructions of the chief executive, Brisbane. Vince O’Rourke, and the excellent service I shall now talk about someone on that provided by Mr Smith at Forsayth. I believe that, to allow capitalisation of facilities, much side of the House who does represent his own longer than six months is essential to this constituents—instead of people such as the Liberal members of this House who represent service. The Forsayth and Chillagoe services should both be retained as part of the overall no-one. I am talking about the member for tourism services of the region. I would be Gregory. At least he represents his electorate to the best of his ability. The member spoke happy to provide a suitable timetable. about the branch lines that will be kept open The people of the Winton area should and those that will be closed. The Premier also make sure that they support the said, “Use it or lose it.” That is very good Hughenden-Winton line as part of a Townsville advice. link that will be of great benefit to them in the long term, and to the whole State. I support The Blackall-Yaraka line is not under the Premier’s statement “Use it or lose it”, but threat of closure in six months, as was claimed by the member for Gregory. Clearly, its future Treasury must pick up the shortfall as a CSO—not Queensland Rail’s other customers. will be reviewed in six months and then, six months later, it will again be reviewed in the The member for Gregory is out of his light of whether or not the live sheep trade is depth when he talks about the Texas- viable. The Premier’s advice should be taken Inglewood ;ome. It has generated no traffic for to heart by the people of Blackall, because a long period, and together with some other not only do they stand to lose their railway if branch lines it will now die legally, long after they fail to support it but the fortunes of towns they have really expired. The task force and at both ends of the line also will stand or fall Cabinet should be congratulated on their on the efforts of the people of Blackall. I refer sympathetic consideration of communities to Alpha and Yaraka, which will virtually such as Glenmorgan, Yeppoon, the Mary disappear if that Blackall line closes. This was Valley, the Callide/Dawson Valley and one of the classic cases which caused me to Wamuran.I congratulate the member for speak out in the first instance against the Caboolture on keeping open the pineapple proposals to close rail lines. line to Wamuran, and I trust that the people of that area will reciprocate the offer and use the The huge cost of relocating people from country towns to the coastal cities, leaving services provided. behind housing stock and other assets, must Time expired. be considered against the costs of Motion agreed to. maintaining rail services as a community service obligation. But the Government is not The House adjourned at 11.50 p.m. the only player. The people in those areas have a duty to support their rail lines—as the Premier said. Queensland Rail also has to improve its game in the freight area. It cannot ignore the customer’s wishes—as the New South Wales State Rail Authority continues to do; insisting that passengers travel when it is convenient for the SRA, not the passengers. Suitable wagons must be provided for agricultural produce even if it means retaining some old wagon stock. The member for Gregory mentioned the Forsayth line. This is an example of a service that could be improved by timetabling changes. This is one point of disagreement that I have with an otherwise excellent task force report. I believe that this service has clearly indicated an