Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 1971

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Matters of Public Interest [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Q1iestions Upon Notice 337

THURSDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 1971

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

PAPERS The following papers were laid on the table:- Order in Council under the Medical Act 1939-1969 Regulations under- Ambulance Services Act 1967-1970. The Hospitals Acts, 1936 to 1967.

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

MEAT EXPORTS AND IMPORTS Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- What quantities of (a) beef, (b) veal, (c) mutton, (d) lamb and (e) pigmeats, were (i) exported from and (ii) imported into Queensland during 1970-71? Answer:- "Information from the Commonwealth Statistician indicates the following quanti­ ties exported overseas from Queensland during 1970-71 :-Beef-fresh, chilled and frozen, 354,708,831 lb.; Veal-fresh, chilled and frozen, 6,633,080 lb.; Mutton -fresh, chilled and frozen, 19,434,521 338 Questions Upon Notice (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Questions Upon Notice

lb.; Lamb-fresh, chilled and frozen. King George Square, urging that a hoard­ 589,997 lb.; Pigrneats-fresh, chilled and ing, extending the length of the project, frozen, 822,036 lb. These figures are be erected to ensure the continued safety subject to revision. Imports from overseas of the public using the Square as the sources are negligible. Information on project progresses and will the Brisbane interstate imports and exports is not yet City Council, which has been notified on available." numerous occasions of this situation, not permit the erection of such a hoarding? SHORT-WEIGIIT BREAD (2) What is the actual situation and Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked whose responsibility is it to give permis­ The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- sion for the erection of such a hoarding? (1) To what brands of bread do the figures of 2,225 loaves short weight from 13,678 checked refer, as included in Table Answer:- 9 of the Report of the Chief Inspector of ( 1 and 2) "I am informed this is so. Weights and Measures? Concrete Constructions (Queensland) Pty. (2) Were any prosecutions launched Ltd. in a letter dated July 8, 1971, and, if so, against which firms? addressed to the Chief Inspector of Mach­ inery and Scaffolding, Weights and Meas­ Answer:- ures, and Chief Safety Engineer, expressed concern with the continued safety of the ( 1 and 2) "Not all of the 2,225 loaves public using the Square as this project of bread found short in weight during progresses. They further stated that the 1970-71 necessitated prosecutory action Brisbane City Council has been notified on against the bakers concerned. In respect numerous occasions of this situation but of bread found short in weight during unfortunately it will not permit the erection 1970-71 successful prosecutions were of a hoarding. The chief inspector informs launched against:-Border Bakery, Goondi­ me that in addition to earnest requests windi (2 complaints); Carters Bakery, from th~ company, he has been attempting Goondiwindi (1 complaint); K. R. Norman, also to have a certain area of this Square Bowen (1 complaint); Oswald Baking Coy. protected by hoardings so that there will Pty. Ltd., Kate Street, Carina ( 1 com­ be no danger of injury to those persons plaint); and Tip Top Bakeries Pty. Ltd., using the Square. The same situation has Annerley Road, South Brisbane ( 1 corn­ arisen in Anzac Square where the new plaint). It is intended that three complaints Commonwealth Building is being erected will be laid against another company at the corner of Ann and Creek Streets. in respect of short-weight bread checked Here again, the co-operation of the Bris­ during 1970-71. Not all short-weighings bane City Council has not been forth­ found, subsequently became the subject coming. The cont;·ol of these Squares is of prosecutory action because:-( a) A loaf vested in the Brisbane City Council. In found underweight by an inspector is the absence of the Lord Mayor, Alderman often. following subsequent analysis, found Clem Jones, who apparently has refused to have not less than the required dry permission to the contractors to erect solids content. This situation can arise such safety hoardings, I call upon the Acting in a well-baked loaf and would not Lord Mayor to co-operate with my Depart­ necessarily be evident on visual inspections ment lest some nerson or persons be by an inspector. (b) l n any inspection killed or seriously ':njured. Otherwise the of loaves of bread in a bakery an inspector Government wili be forced to consider is required to weigh not less than 20 what appropriate action should be taken loaves of any one type and denomination for the protection of the public in view of and prosecuto1y action is taken only if the fact that both the constructing company the average weight of all loaves of the and officers elf my Department are fearful same type and denomination weighed, is, of the present situation." on analysis, found to have less than the required dry-solids content. In many bakery inspections, it is found that under­ weight loaves are more than compensated AGENT-GENERAL SERVICES for by overweight loaves thereby revealing Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The satisfactory average weights." Premier,- ( 1) How many Agents-General are PROTECTIVE HOARDING FOR RESERVE engaged by the Queensland Government, BANK PROJECT, KING GEORGE when were the offices opened, what are SQUARE their locations and what have been the Mr. Lee, pursuant to notice, asked The staffing complements since 1967? Minister for Labour and Tourism,- (2) What are the duties of Agents­ (1) Have representations been received General and their staffs? from Concrete Constructions (Queens­ land) Pty. Ltd., contractors for the erec­ (3) What are the titles of similar _per­ tion of the Reserve Bank of Australia in sonnel in non-Commonwealth countnes? Questions Upon Notice [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Questions Upon Notice 339

( 4) How many offices has the Queens­ Answer:- land Government in non-Commonwealth countries, when were they opened, what "In June 1971, the Townsville City are their locations and what have been their Council approached the Irrigation and staffing complements since 1967? Water Supply Commission requesting that Townsville's future water supply require­ ( 5) What are the duties of these officers and their staffs? ments be considered in any appraisal of the Burdekin River development and the council would like to commence negotia­ Answers:- tions with a view to reaching a formal ( 1) "As every schoolboy knows, Queens­ agreement with the Government giving the land has but one Agent-General and one city rights to divert supplies from the Agent-General's Office. This is situated in Burdekin River or its tributaries. In this London which, for the information of request the council indicated-(a) The the Honourable Member is in the United total quantity of water it wanted reserved Kingdom. The office has been there, with was 824,000 acre feet per annum based one short break of three years, since 1864. on a possible population in excess of The staffing details since 1967 are available, 1 million in the vicinity of Townsville. of course, in the departmental estimates (b) That this quantity could be required in for each of the years involved and I refer 100 year~. (c) The council did not suggest the Honourable Member to them." any particular storage site, but requested (2) "Broadly, to represent and act for that these supplies be made available from the Queensland Government in the United the Burdekin River. The Irrigation Com­ Kingdom and, where necessary, elsewhere mission replied to the council as follows:­ in Europe. I recommend to the Honour­ ( 1) When Stage 2 of the Ross River Dam able Member a pemsal of the annual is completed, the annual supply available reports of the Agent-General which are will be some 38,800 acre feet which tabled in this House each year." together with the Mount Spec Scheme could provide a total of some 58,000 acre (3 to 5) "See Answer to (1) ." feet per annum, equivalent to 58 per cent. of the 1969-70 use for the City of Bris­ bane for a population of some 704,000. ROAD TRANSPORT CHARGES, MOUNT (2) Validity of the estimate of population lsA-ToowooMBA of 1 million in 100 years must be uncertain. Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The However, accepting this figure the require­ Minister for Transport,- ment of 824,000 acre feet per annum ( 1) Under what system do road trans­ would be equivalent to an average daily use port companies calculate their charges and per head of population of some 615 gallons. do these freight-rate tables require the This appears to be excessive, even presum­ approval of the Commissioner for Trans­ ing the establishment of further large port? industrial activities. ( 3) The council can (2) Will he investigate the charge of be assured that in undertaking re-appraisal $19.20 made by Wridgways Removals of possible further development on the (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. for the consignment of Burdekin River catchment, future supply a bicycle and a small carton of books, to the City of Townsville will be kept in measuring •ten inches by ten inches, from mind. Existing knowledge of supplies Mount Isa to Toowoomba and delivered available in the Townsville region indi­ at Toowoomba on August 28, to ascertain cates some 270,000 acre feet per annum whether the consignee has any redress? could be made available in the Lower Burdekin with construction of Urannah Answer:- Dam, uliimate construction of the Burde­ kin Falls Dam could provide up to (1 and 2) "This information is not 1.800,000 acre feet per annum, and stor­ available to me." age on the Herbert River could provide up to 480,000 acre feet per annum. (4) In WATER SUPPLY FOR TOWNSVILLE FROM view of the large potential supplies it is BURDEKJN RIVER considered unnecessary and undesirable to provide at this stage a formal agreement Mr. V. E. Jones for Mr. Bird, pursuant giving the city the right to divert up to to notice, asked The Minister for Conserva­ 780,000 acre feet annually from the tion,- Burdekin River or its tributaries. It is Has an approach been made to his suggested that a better arrangement is to Department by the Townsville City provide for adequate liaison between the Council for a quantity of water from the Irrigation Commission and the city council Burdekin River, or any of its tributaries, for progressive re-assessment of the city to be reserved for future use by the city supplies, and allowance in planning by and, if so, has the Council in its approach the Irrigation Commission, for provision of indicated (a) the quantity of water it these supplies from appropriate sources as requires to be reserved, (b) when the reasonable long term needs and other water will be required and (c) where the developments are more specifically deter­ water should be stored? mined." 340 Questions Upon Notice [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Questions Upon Notice

ROAD ALIGNMENT FOR SOUTH JOHNSTONE reclamation in this area has been planned RIVER BRIDGE APPROACH, !NNISFAIL for this financial year. When this is Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked complete, a boat ramp and parking area, The Minister for Mines,- both of adequate capacity will be provided Has the original surveyed alignment of for public use." the new main road, on the northern end of the new bridge across the South John­ stone River, been altered? If so, how will HOUSING COMMISSION LAND, LINDUM this new alignment affect the playing fields and main oval of the Innisfail State High Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked The School? Minister for Works,- ( 1) Is he aware that the Housing Com­ Answer:- mission owns a large area of land in "No. The alignment remains as pegged Sibley Road, Lindum? some years ago at which time there had been discussions with the Education (2) Is he also aware that this land is Department." and has been for some considerable time in an overgrown state and is a harbour for snakes, rodents and other vermin? APPOINTMENT OF TRADE COMMISSIONER TO JAPAN (3) Will he take action to put this Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The land to a more useful purpose by the Premier,- construction of houses and/ or flats by In view of the favourable prospects for the Housing Commission for rental pur­ increased primary-industry exports to poses, in an endeavour to overcome the Japan, as indicated by the Japanese Agri­ housing shortage in the area? cultural Attache at Canberra, Mr. S. Tsukamoto, when opening the 23rd Annual Queensland Grain Growers Asso­ Answers:- ciation Conference in I)alby last week, ( 1) "Yes." will he consider the early appointment of a Queensland trade commissioner to (2) "The land has been cleared on Japan? occasion and a firebreak cleared recently."

Answer:- ( 3) "It is intended to use this area for house construction as soon as agreement "The Answer to this Question is still is reached with the Brisbane City Council the same as that I gave the Honourable in regard to subdivisional proposals. Dis­ Member for Wan·ego on August 24." cussions are currently in hand in this regard." BOAT-HARBOUR FACILITIES, URANGAN Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Conservation,- OPPORTUNITY UNITS AND SCHOOLS Has 'the plan of the proposed integrated Mr. Sherrington for Mr. Baldwin, pursuant boat-harbour facilities at Urangan been to notice, asked The Minister for Educa­ completed and, if so, is it available to interested organisations? tion,- ( 1) How many opportunity schools are Answer:- operating as one, two, three, etc., group "The plan is still in the course of units within existing schools and how many preparation." of these are within (a) primary and (b) secondary schools? BOAT RAMP, MANLY ( 2) How many separate opportunity Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked The schools are at present in operation and Minister for Conservation,- what is the present minimum enrolment accepted as sufficient to set up (a) an Will he consider having the existing opportunity class or classes within a public boat ramp, adjacent to the Royal school and (b) a separate school? Queensland Yacht Club, widened by 36 feet or providing an additional ramp and ( 3) How many opportunity classes facilities to cope with the anticipated heavy boating traffic during the coming function for super-normal pupils? summer season? Answers:- Answer:- ( 1 ) "Opportunity units are attached to "The planning of the Manly Boat Har­ 14 primary schools and none is attached bour provides for extensive boat-ramp to secondary schools. Of these units 13 facilities at the northern end of the har­ are two-class units and one is a three· bour close to the harbour entrance. Further class unit." Questions Upon Notice [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Questions Upon Notice 341

(2) "(i) 23 separate schools, (ii) (a) (2) How mariy exist in special library approximately 40 pupils, (b) in general rooms? approximately 60 pupils although the deci­ sion to establish classes attached or a (3) How many are still in classrooms separate school will depend on such factors or converted classrooms in schools Class 3 as availability of site and accommodation." and above? (3) "If by super-normal the Honourable ( 4) How much was contributed by the Member means academically gifted pupils, State in subsidies during 1970-71? it is not the practice to establish separate classes for these pupils. School syllabuses Answers:- are so constructed that gifted pupils can (1) "Advice from the Works Depart­ be extended within the school program and, ment indicates that this information is not as he would well know, the interested readily available. The standard provision teacher will devise enrichment activities for primary schools is on the following for such pupils." basis-One-teacher schools-a combined library/services room. All other primary schools-a separate library room. This ALLOWANCE FOR TEACHER-LIBRARIAN accommodation is being provided as funds STUDENTS become available." Mr. Sherrington for Mr. Baldwin, pursuant (2) "See Answer to 1." to notice, asked The Minister for Educa­ tion,- (3) "See Answer to 1." ( 1) Are teachers who are studying the ( 4) "$136,199." teacher-librarian courses being conducted by the Department and who are living away from their homes receiving any addi­ LEVEL-CROSS!NG SURVEYS, AUCKLAND tional allowance to cover their increased STREET, GLADSTONE expenses? Mr. Hanson, pursuant to notice, asked The (2) How many such teachers are living Minister for Transport,- away from their usual place of abode or ( 1) Has his Department completed from their usual family homes while surveys in areas adjacent to the Auckland teaching? Street crossing, Gladstone? If not, when ( 3) What is the duration of the present will full · surveys be ··completed? librarian's course and how many teachers (2) As many people are anxious to are engaged? learn of his Department's intention, will he ( 4) Will he consider granting reasonable release the ultimate 'plan without delay so living-away-from-home allowances for that these people can· make the necessary teachers engaged on this course now and in adjustments to live the rest of their days the future? in peace and contentment?

Answers:- Answer:- (!) "No." (1 and 2) "The surveys at Auckland Street have been completed and are being (2) "Sixteen." plotted. The ultimate plan for this street (3) "(a) Sixteen weeks, (b) 40." crossing cannot be determined until the survey has been plotted and discussions ( 4) "This matter has already been are subsequently held with the Gladstone fully considered. The payment of a living City Council for the purpose of determin­ allowance would have incurred such cost ing the ·most acceptable location to both as to prohibit the arrangement of the parties for the proposed road overbridge." course or to exclude country applicants. The conditions of the course were known by the applicants when they submitted their RELATIONSIDP OF MILK PRODUCTS applications." AND CARDIAC DISEASE Mr. Hanson, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Health,- PRIMARY ScHOOL LIBRARIES (1 ) Has he noted the recent remarks Mr. Sherrington for Mr. Baldwin, pursuant of Professor Blacket of the Faculty of to notice, asked The Minister for Educa­ Medicine, Sydney University, wherein he tion,- made some alarming criticisms of the value With respect to libraries in primary of milk and milk products in relation to schools- cardiac disease? ( 1) How many entirely new ones were (2) As the majority of people believe built during 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71 milk is a good basic food and as the live­ and how many are planned for 1971-72? lihood of people is likely to be affected 342 Questions Upon Notice [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Questions Upon Notice

by such criticism, is he aware of any strong HOSPITAL CHARGES, INTERMEDIATE recent evidence reacting against and refut­ WARDS ing the claims of Professor Blacket? Mr. Inch, pursuant to notice, asked The (3) To his knowledge, has the National Minister for Health,- Heart Foundation countered the claims ls there a difference between the daily made by the Professor in his recent broad­ charge levied against intermediate ward cast? patients who are contributors to medical Answers:- benefits funds and those who are not? If so, what is the difference and why is it (1) "My attention has been drawn to charged? the remarks." (2) "I am advised that few medical Answer:- authorities would categorically deny that saturated fats found in dairy products may "The charge of $11 per day prescribed by be a contributing factor in the causation the regulations under "The Hospitals Acts, of coronary heart disease. However, 1936 to 1967" is applicable to all patients current medical thinking states that if accommodated in intermediate wards." saturated fats are indeed implicated they are only one of several factors which may be operating. It is only those patients FEMALE WELFARE OFFICERS, DEPART• who have a high blood cholesterol who MENT OF ABORIGINAL AND ISLAND should reduce their intake of saturated AFFAIRS fats. There is no reason why health education programmes should not recom­ Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked mend milk as a desirable feature in the The Minister for Conservation,- diet of the general public." ( 1) How many female welfare officers (3) "The National Heart Foundation of are employed by the Department of Abor­ Australia states that the risk factors in iginal and Island Affairs and where are regard to coronary heart disease are they situated? obesity, sedentary habits, cigarette smoking, raised blood cholesterol, and hypertension." (2) Do any vacancies exist and, if so, in what areas? (3) Has any training been given to AGENTS' COLLECTION FEE, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE RAIL FREIGHTS Aboriginal or Islander women to enable them to qualify as welfare officers and, Mr. Hanson, pursuant to notice, asked The if not, will he implement such a training Minister for Primary Industries,- scheme? ( l) Is he aware that the secretary of the Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries has advised the C.O.D. that all Answers:- Brisbane agents have indicated that, as ( 1 and 2) "Categorisation of personnel from July 26, they intend to charge 2t as "Welfare Officers" was discontinued per cent. on the collection of rail freights? following the 1965 legislation. In the (2) Has the C.O.D. opposed the pro­ expectation however, that the Honourable posal and, to his knowledge, are all agents Member is seeking details relating to charging the collection fee? female officers employed in a social welfare (3) As the increased cost would be and medica/social welfare field in the detrimental to the interests of the C.O.D., Department, the following table details growers and the purchasing public, has area, establishment, positions filled, and he noted the move and is any action vacancies. A further four persons contemplated? have been appointed and should take up duty shortly. Their areas have not yet Answers:­ been allocated. Recruiting to fill the (1) "Yes." vacancies is continuing. (2) "The proposal was successfully j I Vacancies opposed by the Committee of Direction of Area Establish~ment Po~itionsFtlled Fruit Marketing." ------1 . (3) "The matter was investigated by Southern Region .. 9 7 2 my officers at the time. It is primarily one for negotiation between the members Central Region .. 6 2 4 of the Queensland Chamber of Fruit and Northern Region 5 Vegetable Industries Co-operative Limited Far Northern and the Committee of Direction of Fruit Region .. 18 9 9" Marketing. The move was not proceeded with and any action on the part of the Government was therefore not necessary." (3) "Yes." Questions Upon Notice [2 SEPTEMBER 1971) Questions Upon Notice 343

WATER SUPPLY, KARUMBA (2) If not, as many prawners are now Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked by-passing the local Fish Board because The Minister for Conservation,- of the inadequacy of its facilities, will he take urgent action to have this work ( 1) Has any further investigation been carried out? made into the water supply problem at Karumba? Answers:-· (2) In view of the increase in the ( 1) "l understand that the North number of permanent residents and the Queensland Fish Board has been investi­ prevailing climatic conditions which greatly gating the possibilities of establishing a increase the demands on the water supply, will he consider this as urgent and take first-stage processing plant in North all possible steps to provide adequate Queensland and that Mackay is one of potable water for all residents? the centres under consideration. The Board is in fact meeting today in Townsville, and Answer:- I am informed that the matter is on the agenda." (! and 2) "Previous investigations into possibilities of water supply for Karumba (2) "The decision on this matter is from desalination of artesian water, the one solely for the North Queensland nearest freshwater source in Walker Creek, Fish Board. The Board is not a Crown shallow groundwater supplies or the supply instrumentality." from the Norman River upstream of Normanton, showed that the only practi­ cable source of suitable and adequate water supply of 200,000 to 240,000 gallons per SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL BUSES day would be from the Norman River Mr. Bmmley, pursuant to notice, asked The upstream of Normanton. Supply from Minister for Transport,- this source was estimated to cost $1 · 5 million. I am aware of the recent increase ( 1) Are school buses completely exempt in the demand for water created by a from the transport licensing laws? If not, good prawning season and the increase what standards are laid down with regard in residents. I am also aware of difficulties to the safety and general condition of being experienced with the artesian bore school buses? supply. Because of this, an Inter-Depart­ (2) How many prosecutions concerning mental Committee has been convened to safety factors, etc., have been made in the consider and make recommendations on last 12 months? possible action on water supply." Answers:-·

TEACHER AccoMMODATION, MouNT ( 1 ) "Licenses or permits are issued under the State Transport Acts for public GARNET bus services which convey school children Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, aske

Answers:- DECOlV!PRESS!ON CHAMBER, TOWNSVILLE ( 1 ) "Initial preliminary surveys have HosPITAL been completed as part of a long-term Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The project." Minister for Health,- (2) "No. Engineering reports on the What is the present position in regard to my representations for a decompression surveys are presently being prepared for chamber and staff to be stationed at the consideration by the Beach Protection Townsville General Hospital for the assist­ Authority." ance and care of those divers, professional (3) "No special loan funds or grants and amateur, who, after diving too deeply have been granted to the Gold Coast City or for too long in Barrier Reef or other Council for beach protection works, nor northern waters, might suffer from what is commonly known as "the bends"? has that council made a decision to pro­ ceed with any such works." Answer:- 'The provision of decompression cham­ REMEDIAL TEACHER, MOSSMAN bers has been examined previously by the State Health Department. In view of the Mr. Sherrington for Mr. B. Wood, pur­ Honourable Member's recent representa­ suant to notice, asked The Minister for tions a further close examination is being Education,- made. Due to the considerable difficulties (!) Has further consideration been associated with the location of such given to the appointment of a remedial apparatus and the provision of engineering teacher at Mossman? and trained medical staff necessary to man this equipment, all recent authoritative (2) Will a teacher be appointed at an opinions on the subject are being studied early date? and it is expected that a decision can be reached in the near future." Answers:- (1) "It is not policy to appoint remedial teachers in areas where the primary school CuLTURAL ACTIVITY GRANTS TO population is not large enough to yield TOWNSVILLE ORGANISATIONS sufficient children with learning disabilities Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The too complex to be treated by the ordinary Minister for Education,- class teacher." Have subsidies for cultural activities been (2) "On these grounds Mossman does granted to various associations in Towns­ not qualify for the appointment of a ville for 1970-71 and 1971-72 and, if so, remedial teacher. However, any cases of what are the details? serious learning disability should be referred by the principal, for diagnosis Answer:- and advice, to the Regional Guidance Office in Townsville." "Grants to Townsville organisations from the Cultural Activities vote for the 1970-71 financial year were:-Goethe Society of Townsvi!le, $100; North Queens­ HEALTH SERVICES, LAKELAND land Ballet and Dance Society, $1,000; Mr. Sherrington for Mr. B. Wood, pur­ Queensland Postal Institute Concert Band, suant to notice, asked The Minister for Townsville Branch, $250; Townsville Health,- Chamber Music Society, $500; Townsville What is the result of the consideration Independent Players, $900; Vice­ Chancellor's Committee for Music and given to the improvement of health services the Fine Arts, James Cook University, at Lakeland? $1,200; Townsville Youth Orchestra, $840. Allocations for the 1971-72 financial year Answer:- have not yet been determined." "I am informed that on July 1, 1971. representatives of the Australian Inland Mission met officers of my Department to ORDER IN CHAMBER discuss a proposal by the Mission to estab­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is far too lish a Nursing Outpost at Lakeland to much conversation going on and far too provide improved health services in that much animation in the Chamber during area. At the conclusion of such dis­ question time. The honourable member for cussions, Rev. H. McAndrew, assistant South Coast should know very well that superintendent of the Australian Inland moving around the Chamber and conversing Mission undertook to furnish further with other honourable members in loud tones information to enable consideration to be is not in order. given to this matter. To date this addi­ tional information has not been received." Mr. Thackeray interjected. Questions Without Notice [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Questions Without Notice 345

Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Mr. FLETCHER: It was not ruled out member for Rockhampton North, the Opposi­ of order. tion shadow Speaker, should also know better than to interrupt. Mr. Bromley: It was not allowed. Mr. FLETCHER: Was it disallowed? FORM OF QUESTION Mr. Houston: It has to be reframed. Dr. CRAWFORD (Wavell) having given notice of a question- Mr. FLETCHER. That is a different thing. The honourable member who asked Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable the question will be able to re-word it. I member's question is not in order in its have every confidence in his powers of present form. It appears to seek a great deal of comment from the Minister. It will have rearrangement. to be reframed before I can admit it. I think it would be better for all, and certainly easier for me, if I were allowed QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE to cogitate on this question and answer it as a composite question on notice. SMALLPOX VACCINATION Mr. MURRAY: May I place the question Mr. W. D. HEWITI: I ask the Minister on notice? for Health: Has the Minister's attention been drawn to a report in today's issue of "The Mr. SPEAKER: The Minister has the Courier-Mail", in which a visiting German right either to answer the question or to professor is reported as having said that defer his answer. Australia would be advised not to have its population vaccinated against smallpox, Mr. MURRAY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. despite the threat of jetborne germs from May I be allowed to place ,the question on Asia? Would the honourable gentleman out­ notice? line the policy of his department on this matter? Mr. SPEAKER: A similar question has already been posed. If it is in order, the Mr. TOOTH: The policy of the Health question of the honourable member for Department is to encourage the community Clayfield will be out of order. to accept vaccination against smallpox, particularly the very young age groups where, Mr. MURRAY: I am in your hands, Mr. I understand, the undesirable side effects Speaker. are minimal. This State has only something Mr. SPEAKER: If the honourable member approaching 40 per cent of its community cares to write out his question and submit protected against smallpox. In view of the it to the table, I will consider it in conjunction dose proximity of Asian areas, where the with the question that has already been disease is endemic, and the rapid transport asked. that is now developing from those areas to Australia, it is proposed, in the near future, COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR RAIL to mount a public relations campaign aimed ExTENSIONS, WILBUR SMITH SURVEY at encouraging a greater degree of protection against smallpox in the community. Mr. R. JONES: I ask the Minister for Transport: Further to his answer to my STUDY OF OBSCENE LITERATURE BY SENIOR question on 10 November 1970, wherein he ENGLISH STUDENTS indicated that no form of assistance had Mr. MURRAY: I ask the Minister for been given by, or approach made to, the Education and Cultural Activities: Has his Commonwealth Government in implementing attention been drawn to that portion of the the Wilbur Smith Transportation Survey statement in this morning's "Couder-Mail" recommendations, how does he reconcile that by the president of ,the Queensland Teachers' answer with his recent Press statement that Union, Mr. G. Semple, wherein he said the State Government is now seeking Com­ that "teachers and librarians are very monwealth assistance for electrification of perturbed because it appears ,that their the north-side railway system? professional ability to choose books for their Mr. KNOX: I have no recollection of students is being questioned by unqualified making any statement such as is alleged in the people like housewives and politicians"? latter part of the question. What steps can he take regarding Mr. Semple's academic arrogance in denigrating the role Mr. R. JONES: The statement was made of women, who bear and rear the children in-- of this State? Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Mr. FLETCHER: I think I should draw member cannot debate a question. the honourable member's attention to the fact that a question has already been placed Mr. R. JONES: Is the Minister prepared on notice for Tuesday next with respect to to give the Opposition some credit for this very matter. planting the idea in his mind? Mr. Bromley: It was ruled out of order. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! 346 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

Mr. R. JONES: The statement was made I emphasise the words "by our own police." in the 4 August issue of "The Express". In another portion of his speech the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Are there any honourable member said- further questions? "I rely completely on Sergeant Bopf's judgment." Mr. R. JONES: That was a supplementary question. He also said- "If I had wanted to play politics I could Mr. SPEAKER: It was not a question at have made an issue of the fact that ,the all. It was a statement. Minister had said ,that he did not know about it. But I refrained from doing so CHANGES IN OPPOSITION SEATING and said nothing else." Mr. SPEAKER: I notice that again there Let me get back to the facts of the case. has been some change in the seating in the The fact is that some weeks ago a man House. This morning I received a call from whose name, as I said on Tuesday, is Wayne the honourable member for Baroona, who Francis Gould, was arrested in Perth. While paid me the courtesy of asking me if he he was in custody in Perth he confessed to could change his seat. However, I notice the police there and made a written confession that there are now two other changes in that he had murdered the two little Mackay the seating. I think it behoves either the girls in Townsville. I want to draw the Secretary or the Whip of any party at least attention of the honourable member for to advise my office of any change of place in Townsville North, and of everybody else, to the House that any member of his party the fact that there is not a policeman or wishes to make. When seats are changed, a decent citizen in Australia who would not it is very difficult at question time to recog­ crawl on his hands and knees over broken nise a member if he is sitting in other than glass bottles to bring the real murderer of his customary place. these ,two little kiddies to justice, so that, the moment this man made his written Mr. SHERRINGTON: Unfortunately Mr. confession, that fact was immediately Speaker, I was unable to notify you of conveyed to ,the Queensland police, from the rearrangement as we did not decide on where it was conveyed to the Townsville it until the House resumed this moming. police and to Detective Sergeant Bopf, of I apologise to you. It was certainly not whom the honourable member for Townsville done intentionally. North said, "I have complete confidence in Mr. SPEAKER: I accept ,the honourable his judgment." member's explanation. However, if possible The moment the name "Wayne Francis I should like to be advised of any future Gould" was transmitted to the Townsville changes before the House resumes business police, ,they, knowing him well, shied off on any day. it; but, being good policemen-and they are good policemen-they decided .to check and ·recheck in case there was something ADDRESS IN REPLY they had missed-just in case there was a RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-TimiD ALLOJTED million-to-one chance that Gould might have DAY committed the murders. Therefore, they Debate resumed from 31 August (see checked; ,they went through the town with p. 316) on Mr. Muller's motion for the a fine-tooth comb and put the whole place adoption of the Address in Reply. under a microscope. They worked day and night like beavers, and established that Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (11.51 Gould had not been in Townsville since he a.m.): Yesterday, during my unfortunate was two years old and that his confession absence from the House following my having was a shocking fake. been sent into the cold and cheerless night Consequently-and this includes the very by the Chair, the honourable member for man in whose judgment the honourable Townsville North made a speech from which member for Townsville North said he had I intend to quote some portions, and I full confidence---.they knew that it would be then propose to deal with the attitude of useless going to Perth. I assume that Mr. Bopf the honourable member in this deplorable notified his superior officers, and maybe the matter. Minister, of that fact-not that the Minister First of all, in his speech yesterday the wants to know. After all, the Minister is honourable member for Townsville North only the ministerial head and things are said, inter alia- brought to him only by his departmental "Many weeks ago I was advised tele­ officers where matters of policy and judgment phonicaily by a colleague in Perth that are concerned. a man in gaol there had confessed to the Nevertheless, the Townsville police sent to murder of the Mackay girls in Townsville. Perth all the documents that they thought At that stage I accepted the information were necessary in the case so that the Perth but did not act on it. I waited to see detectives could put Gould through the what action would be taken by our own hoop. Again I say that the Perth detectives police in relation to it." would be just as anxious as anyone else Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 347 to pin Gould if they could. When they put did he ask his question? I shall tell honour­ him through the hoop, however, they real­ able members why he did ask the question, ised that he was only a fraud, a fake, and, and in doing so I shall expose the sickening in criminal parlance, a "dog". hypocrisy of the honourable member for Townsville North. I remind honourable The honourable member for Townsville members that yesterday he said, "If I had North said that he had let the matter die. wanted to play party politics in this matter He did not bring it forward again until I could have done so." 29 July, when he asked the following question of the Minister for Works and Housing, Remember the date on which the honour­ without notice- able member asked his question-29 July. "Within the last month has any person On that very day the following amazing who was held in any Australian prison document was issued by Dr. Zelman Cowen, confessed to the murder of the two the Vice-Chancellor of the Queensland Mackay girls at Townsville? If so, in University- what prison was the man held, on what "Yesterday afternoon, July 28th, a elate approximately was the Queensland document was presented to me under the Commissioner of Police notified of the signature of Mr. Errol O'Neil on behalf confession and what action was taken by of the University of Queensland Strike him to determine whether the confession Committee. It stated that a motion was had any basis in fact?" passed at a mass meeting held on July 28th, with a vote of 1,500 for and 7 To that question the Minister replied- against. It read as follows:- "! am not aware of the matter raised 'That in view of the rumours circu­ by the honourable member for Townsville lating on campus about possible Gov­ North." ernment action and imminent arrival of There would be no need for the Minister to police on campus, this meeting considers be made aware if it, because, as I have said, that the Vice-Chancellor and Senate the matter had been very effectively and would be failing in their responsibility efficiently dealt with by the police, including if they did not set before the whole Detective Sergeant Bopf, in whose judgment University community at a public the honourable member claimed he had com­ meeting- plete confidence. (a) all the facts at their disposal I knew that these things were going on, about the attitude of the Government and I was not the only person in Towns­ to the strike, ville who did. The moment we knew they (b) a clear statement of the char­ were going on we checked on them. I did acter of recent police action on the not stand up in Parliament and make issues involved in the strike, and on political capital out of it; I checked with the the strike itself.' " police, and I knew what they were doing. The statement containing that ultimatum was I had complete confidence in them, and I issued on exactly the same day as that on expressed my confidence in them by allowing which the honourable member for Towns­ them to do their job and telling them that ville North asked his question. We are asked if there was any way I could help them I to accept that purely and simply as a for­ would be happy to do so. tuitous coincidence. I refuse to do so. The honourable member for Townsville I will prove up to the hilt just what motive North only had to do one scintilla of what the honourable member for Townsville I did; he only had to go to Detective North had in asking his question by reading Sergeant Bopf, the man in whose judgment the following extract from 'The Sunday he claims he has all the confidence in the Mail" of 1 August 1971- world, and ask, "What gives with the fellow "Deputy Leader of the State Opposition, in Perth?" I have no doubt that he would Mr. Tucker, said yesterday he was appalled have been told. However, he did not go to learn that the Police Minister, Mr. near the police. He did not make even the Hodges, was unaware an alleged confes­ slightest move to find out if the Townsville sion had been obtained concerning the police had been advised by the Perth police Mackay sis1ers' murder in Townsvme Jast of the matter and, if so, what the Perth year. police or the Townsville police had done. 'I am perturbed to think that the Min­ On the contrary, he did absolutely nothing. ister had not been told about the matter', He avoided the Townsville police as he Mr. Tucker said. Mr. Tucker was com­ would a typhoid-carrier. menting on an alleged confess·on fr= The most miserable part of the whole a prisoner now serving a sentence in thing is that it was not until 29 July that Western Australia." the honourable member for Townsville North Who would expect the ministerial head of asked the Minister in charge of police a a department to be told every little, incidental question without notice on the matter. If detail of police administration, any more he had every confidence in the world in the than the Minister for Education is told every judgment of Detective Sergeant Bopf-and, little de'ail of what goes on in his own although he has not demonstrated it, he has department? He is not even told what goes every right to have confidence in him-why on at the university. 348 Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

The article continues- The article continues-- "(Last Thursday in the House, Mr. "! believe if I bad not brought thi~ Hedges said he was unaware of the matter up last Thursday, nothing would matter. He had been questioned by Mr. have been done about it." Tucker about the alleged statement.) What an idiotic statement to make when "Yesterday, the Police Commissioner, the police in both Townsville and Brisbane Mr. Whitrod, said Detective Sergeant C. had sifted and resifted, and checked and Bopf of Townsville would fly to Western rechecked, every aspect of the statement Australia to question the man. Detective made by Wayne Francis Gould and had Sergeant Bopf played a leading part in formed their opinions on it. the investigation into the deaths of Judith and Susan Mackay, murdered in Towns­ The honourable member for Townsville ville last year. North is then reported as saying- "Mr. Tucker said yesterday he had "! was sure that a senior officer with known about the alleged statement for knowledge of this crime and its history about two weeks." should talk to this man." When Detective Sergeant Bopf was told by I should be interested to know what Detective the Police Commissioner that it was feared Sergeant Bopf said to this man when he that more political capital would be made went to Perth. I will guarantee that his out of this if he did not go to Perth remarks included some statements that would personally and interview Wayne Francis not be connected with the murder. Honour­ Gould, he made a statement which appeared able members all saw the photos depicting in "The Townsville Daily Bulletin"-! have how Senior Sergeant Bopf brought Gould no doubt it was read by the member for back. As a matter of fact, he had his back Townsville North-and in which he said, turned to him. in effect, "I will go over to Perth when The member for Townsville North is I have the time. As a matter of fact, I further reported as saying- have some jobs to do here first. I have to appear in court on this case and that "lt would be no good getting the case. When I have the time I will go over police in that State to interview the man and personally interview Wayne Francis or sending over a list of questions." Gould, the man in Perth." I will tie up the next statement made by ·No-one knew better than Detective Ser­ the honourable member for Townsville North ge1mt Bopf-the man in whom, I repeat, with the appeal that went out following the honourable member for Townsville the ultimatum served on the Vice-Chancellor North says he has complete confidence­ by the scum section at the university and that a trip to Perth would be absolutely the riff-raff at the Trades Hall. I have useless and redundant. If the honourable read that part of it. member for Townsville North had been as Now I come to the real genesis of it. The honest as he professes to be, he would have honourable member for Townsville North djscovered that. panicked, and by did what many people do The article in "The Sunday Mail" con­ when they panic. He let the cat out of the tinues-- bag. The following paragraph in "The "I did not bring it up before because Sunday Mail" reads-- we"-that means the A.L.P .-"didn't want "1 have no idea why action was not to turn it into a political matter, but taken sooner to send a man to Perth. I didn't want this man to slip through Perhaps it was preoccupation with the our fingers." State of Emergency." What a stupid, irresponsible statement to If that is not political, if that is not playing make. Fancy Wayne Francis Gould slipping politics in this issue, I should like to know through the fingers of the police. He has a what is. record as long as your arm, covering all The appeal for help had gone out from types of detestable offences. He is no sooner out· of gaol than he is back in again. I the scum section at the university to the would not mind betting that if he had been A.L.P. I remind honourable members that the released from the Perth gaol he would have Springboks were still here, the police were walked down the street till he came to a still here from all over the State, and every­ blind man and got a policeman to witness thing was ready for another confrontation. him in the act of knocking the blind man A big confrontation had already taken place down and robbing him. That is the type the previous week-end. The university riff­ of "dog" criminal he is. He is known raff did not know about Whitrod's gutlessness, throughout Australia. I do not want to but they were afraid that there would be embarrass the honourable member for another serious confrontation between them MeFthyr, but I will guarantee that he could and the police. Therefore, an appeal for descdbe in detail the physical appearance of Wayne Francis Gould. Yet the honour­ aid was sent out to the Trades Hall. Of able member for Townsville North virtually course, it did not take long for that appeal said, "I didn't want him to slip through for aid to get to the honourable member for the. fingers of the police," and get away Townsville North and every other member to the tall timbers, or somewhere else. of the Labor Party. Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 349

So we see the whole tie-up between the political organisation that I will not name, anti-Springbok riots and the implication of had been closed down. He wanted to know the riff-raff section at the Trades Hall and why the game at the Jubilee B

Mr. F. P. Moore: Have you ever played the players to some extent and he was also "slippery Tom" or "slippery Sam"? "touching" the pool. Because I knew Eddie Carlsen well-1 had worked with him for Mr. AIKENS: I have never played with years-I said to him, "Do you know that people like the honourable member, because so-and-so is 'touching' you? He said, "Yes, I do not play with people who "take the I know it, and I know how much he is knock" and do not pay up. 'touching' me for every week. But I am As I said earlier, I am quite easy about not going to put him off, because if I these games of chance-these gambling did I would probably put someone on who games. But if it is suggested that they would 'touch' me for more. I know how should be legalised on the basis that one much that man is 'touching' me for and can have a bet on the T.A.B. or buy a I put it down to the ordinary expenses of ticket in the Golden Casket, I point out that running the game." those "games" cannot be rigged and those That is the attitude of people who run running them cannot welsh. It would not these games. They even allow for being matter if the manager of the Golden Casket "touched" by the ring-keeper, :1s long as office-not that he is likely to do it-put the whole of the takings for the day in his he does not make it too hot. pocket and took off to the tall timber. Mr. Hanson interjected. Every ticket-buyer and every prize-winner would be protected by the Government Mr. AIKENS: I knew of publicans in the guarantee. old days who always allowed the barmaids Similarly, it would not matter if the to "touch" them for so much. as long as manager of a T.A.B. agency put all the they did not make it too hot. day's takings in his pocket and lit out for As I have said, I have played every the tall timber. All the bets staked would gambling game that has been invented or be paid, because the Government guarantee devised by man, and I object to the legalis­ would operate. Of course, the T.A.B. and ing of any gambling game that is conducted the Golden Casket office are both run under for money by people who are not members strict Government supervision. of a Government agency or is not played As I say, the Government cannot legalise under strict Government control. one game of chance without legalising them I have cited two examples of just how all. If it is going to legalise all games of the honourable member for Townsville North chance, they should only be conducted by can duck and dive all over the place like Government instrumentalities under the a kitchen cockroach. He said first of all strictest possible supervision. that he did not want to play politics over the Mackay murders, yet he synchronised An Honourable Member interjected. his question in the House with the ultimatum Mr. AIKENS: I will not be led up the delivered by the scum section at the university garden path about Police Commissioner on Vice-Chancellor Cowen. Although he Bauer. Let honourable members have a claimed that he did not want to play politics talk to him one day. He will tell them in the matter, he said that he felt sure the what can be done with Ln tan and pakapu. Minister did not know about it because he He knows a lot about fan tan and pakapu was too busy with the confrontation over -in Townsville, anyway. the Springboks-whatever his actual words were. Then he was rushing all around That is my attitude towards games of Townsville on the bingo-raid issue. We chance. I do not care whether the Govern­ know now, of course, who got in touch ment legalises them or not. But if it did, with the Justice Department. I could name and if it left them in the hands of private him if I wanted to, but it does not matter. people or private organisations to conduct, When he felt that the magistrate at Towns­ it could be calling tenders for all the trouble ville, Mr. Fairweather, had very effectively in the world. scotched the story that the raid at the I remember what happened with a great Jubilee Bowling Club was a drive by this friend of mine who was one of the best Government to penalise and victimise pen­ men that ever came out of the back country, sioners, when he knew that the story circula­ with the possible exception of the Minister ted around Townsville by A.L.P. stooges for Lands, the Minister for Local Govern­ was no lon~!er holding water, he stood up ment and old Bill Lonergan. This friend lr~st Saturday at the pioneers' dinner and of mine--Eddie Carlsen by name-was suggested that they stay on for a game of running a big gambling "joint" in the old binao so thdt the police could "pinch" the days and some policemen used to come pioneers. around every J'vionday with a big sugar bag and t'ke th;;ir toll. He was running (Time expired.) a big gambling den underneath his premises !V!r. LEE (Yeronga) (12.24 p.m.): I, too, where a g:~me known as fan tan troy join with the mover and seconder of the was played. rnotion for the adop1icn of the Address in I went in on one occasion and had a Reply in congratulating the Governor and look. I s~'w that one of the ring-keepers also in expressing my loyalty to Her Majesty was "touching" the game. He was "touching" the Queen. In moving the motion, the 352 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply honourable member for Fassifern made a Mr. LEE: You're lovely. You are stepping fine contribution that was sound and well up to the front seats stabbing your mates to the point. He completely silenced Opposi­ as you go. tion members; they had no answer to his Mr. SHERRINGTON: I rise to a point contribution. The seconder, the honourable of order. I think that is an insinuation. I member for Windsor, like myself, is not the point out that I am too busy trying to cut best of speakers, but he is certainly sound the throats of the Government to have time in thought, and his speech was also well to stab my own mates in the back. to the point. I take this opportunity of congratulating both honourable members. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Now let me say a few words on the once famous Australian Labor Party. I believe the Mr. LEE: Sections of the A.L.P.-and top­ events of the past few weeks, and as late level sections at that-have accepted demon­ as yesterday, have given the people of strations, disruptions and the fostering of Queensland a clear indication that within the dissent within the community as a normal Australian Labor Party the existing situation part of its activities. In recent weeks we is the same as that in the late 1950's. have seen the flabby figure of A.L.P. Senator Georges splashed across the pages of the Soon we can expect to see in this State a nation's Press, with his fat seat parked in new splinter group of the Labor Party. Queen Street. This A.L.P. rabble-rouser is a In 1956, when Vince Gair was the Premier professional demonstrator of the worst type of Queensland, the secretary of the Trades and he should be banned from contact with Hall Disputes Committee, a Mr. Egerton, young people on the university campus. He said- is so unlike Mr. Hanlon, who shows dignity "The Premier can have his Constitution, and refuses to sit down in the streets but and the Premier can have his Premiership, is forced out of the Q.C.E. That is the and we will not presume to direct a difference in the characters of the two men. Government. But we will presume to direct Another shining light in the A.L.P. team over the Parliamentary representatives of the the past month has been Comrade Hamilton, Australian Labor Party." a member of the State Executive of the This, of course, is the same Mr. Egerton Communist Party disguised as a top official who in recent weeks has been sponsoring of the Building Workers' Union. We have demonstrations against law and order and also heard quite a deal from Trades Hall who has also been threatening A.L.P. secretary, Mr. Whitby, a foundation member members of this Parliament. of the Marxist Research Foundation. This trio is also well known for its leading role in the Mr. Sherrington: Tell us what Frank establishment of the Treason Room at the Packer said. Trades Hall. People tend to forget that this l\tlr. LEE: Be careful! The honourable Treason Room is still in full operation and member knows what his instructions are from going as strong as ever. the Q.C.R He is not supposed to interject Mr. Tomkins: Business as usual. or he will finish up losing that front seat. Mr. LEE: As my colleague has said, In his present role as President of the business as usual. It is a shocking thing Trades and Labor Council, Mr. Egerton that Labor figures like Egerton, Georges, controls the destinies of the Labor members Whitby and Hamilton-a mob of Commas of this House. He could not care less -are better known in the movement than whether or not the A.L.P. governs so long most A.L.P. members of this Assembly. This as the Trades Hall has power. That is true means, of course, that greater and greater and honourable members cannot deny it. He control of the A.L.P. is being handed over has made this clear on many occasions. He to irresponsible people. has also made it clear that he will black­ mail the Tower Mill Motel and, if necessary, The real setback to the Egertons and the send it into bankruptcy. That is the type Whitbys came from the electorates of Mer­ of man he is. We must applaud Mr. Hanlon thyr and Maryborough, where the results for his stand. I regret he is not in the were a total rejection by the average Aus­ Chamber now; I suppose he is outside wiping tralian of A.L.P. activities over the past the blood off his shirt. We must applaud few months. It is very important to appreci­ Mr. Hanlon's rejection of the Egerton threats. ate that the rejection of those activities was H must also be accepted as a fact that it not the voice of the professors and lecturers has become second nature to many honour­ at the university, or of the news media, or able members opposite to accept instructions of the radical element in our community, or even of the parliamentarians, but the from the Trades Hall and Q.C.E. bosses as voice of the ordinary people. The Leader final. It is doubtful if there has ever been of the Opposition showed a very poor appre­ a time in its history when the A.L.P. in ciation of the right of these electors to this State has been dragged to the gutter make their voices heard when he called level it has reached in the last month or two. them "racists". I would bet that the l'vlr. Hanlon's resignation yesterday is proof Leader of the Opposition is the best draughts of this. player in Australia, because lately he has Mr. Sherrington: What are you so worried had plenty of practice in shuffiing his front about? benches around. Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 353

Even though the honourable members for Mr. SPEAKER: Order! South Brisbane and Baroona are a little late in rejecting Trades Hall policies, it is good Mr. LEE: It would have been far better to see them following the lead given by if Burns had defended the honourable mem­ the voters in the recent by-elections. But, ber for Baroona instead of putting the skids of course, Mr. Hanlon has been forced to under him. He would have been better quit, and I venture to suggest that Mr. employed defending a man of Mr. Hanlon's Bennett will be next. character than defending Senator Georges. Mr. W. D. Hewitt: It would be interesting Mr. Kaus: Isn't it a fact that the people of to know how Mr. Houston voted on the Maryborough said they would tar and censure motion at the Q.C.E. feather Burns? Mr. LEE: I could deal with that, but I Mr. LEE: Of course, it is. shall save it for later. The Burns section of the A.L.P. is very I hope that other members of the Opposi­ closely tied to the radical element. Was not tion will use this debate to speak out. I the Foco Club given sanctuary in the Trades challenge them to do so. I am sure that Hall, and is not the "treason room" still as Independent candidates in the next elec­ operating there? Opposition members are tion they would get the Liberal preferences. very silent when they are hit with the truth. However, I doubt very much whether they Did not Mr. Burns's office provide the will speak out, because the moment they organiser for the disruption and strife that express their own thoughts they are forced occurred in this city last month? Was it by the Q.C.E. to resign. not his own office that was host to the pro­ Since the President of the A.L.P., Tom fessional agitators who were imported to Burns, has returned from Peking, he has this country to stir up strife and cause dis­ added his voice to the A.L.'P. tumult, but sension within the community? Of course, he has not done much good. it was! Mr. Burns should be the last person Mr. Davis: Is that right? to decry the radical element of the A.L.P. He is one who has given them sanctuary Mr. LEE: Who said, "That's right"? The within the A.L.P. movement. He helped honourable member for Brisbane? He agrees them to grow and gave them strength so with me, does he? If he does he will that he could use them to further his own be up the back next week. political ambitions. A week or so ago Tom Burns began Mr. Burns's latest absurdity was his by denouncing the radicals who he claimed appearance on television last week to deny had battened onto the A.L.P. What absolute that A.L.P. policy is to nationalise cattle rubbish! For years the Burns section of stations, sawmills, meatworks, woollen and the A.L.P. has worked hand in glove with cotton mills, fruit canneries, iron and steel people like Brian Laver and Mitch Thomp­ mills, and air and road services, among many son, who have been the professional radical other things. leaders for years. Opposition members can­ not deny that. Mr. Burns has used these Mr. Sullivan: He would do away with all people in the A.L.P. and sponsored mora­ private ownership. torium campaigns. He has worked hand in hand with Senator Georges, who is the Mr. LEE: That is right. biggest radical of all, and he has made The only contribution he could make to attacks on the Premier of this State in the television debate was to keep calling his defence of the Communist element at the opponent a "liar". Yet he is the Federal Trades Hall. president of the Australian Labor Party. Mr. Wright: You don't really believe that, do you? Mr. F. P. Moore: He was a liar. Mr. LEE: Of course I do. Mr. LEE: He was no such thing. Mr. Sullivan: Senator Georges spends more Mr. F. P. Moore interjected. time sitting in Queen Street than he does in the Senate. Mr. LEE: Just listen and then say if he was a liar. Mr. LEE: That is true. In any street where the radicals sit down he can be seen This is the A.L.P. Kedron branch resolu­ sitting down with them. tion that was carried unanimously and In last week's "Sunday Truth" Mr. Burns adopted as State A.L.P. policy by the ~abor­ is reported as having defended Senator in-Politics Convention at Surfers Paradise on Georges. What a sorry mess the A.L.P. 12 February this year- is in when its President defends radicals. "Labor ideals on democratic socialism should be put into some practical effect, Mr. Jensen: He's not the President; he's particularly at the industrial level. The the Federal President. A.L.P. is based broadly on the industrial Mr. LEE: I am talking about Burns. You sections of society, and the vast complex be careful, because you are one of the of factories and machines supply the fellows who will get the chop. essentials for life and living. 354 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

"The A.L.P. should show to the people, enterprise, particularly in taxation. I have who supply the labour and knowledge to no doubt that Mr. Hawke would be fully this complex, that we stand for their aware of them. eventual collective control of it, rather It would not be in the best interests of the than being serviced to it, as now." nation to see the growth of co-operatives Mr. Sherrington: Isn't that terrible! competing against private enterprise and enjoying taxation concessions. Co-operative Mr. LEE: I should say it is. societies can and do distribute their trading The resolution continues- profits to shareholders free of company tax. "A publicity campaign should be insti­ In the case of retail co-operatives, the share­ tuted to convince people that participation holders pay no tax on the major portion of in the industrial system is their right." the distributed profits. Section 120 of the Taxation Act provides that all profits of a This, the final paragraph, is right down the co-operative that are distributed to share­ Communist line- holders as rebates, and business done by "This will help to overcome the fear shareholders, are a deduction for taxation campaign which will come from the people purposes. And a co-operative may treat as who own and control our industrial a deduction all dividends paid to share­ system." holders. In contrast, the general principle I repeat that that was the text of the motion of taxation of companies is that they shall carried unanimously on 12 February last pay tax at the company rate on total profits year, yet Mr. Burns denied it and called derived without any deduction in respect of Mr. Evans a liar. So much for Mr. Burns's dividends to shareholders. Repayments of denial of what happened in 1968. This was moneys loaned to a producer co-operative, declared as A.L.P. policy only a few months or payments to a Government for assets ago. This last paragraph bears repeating acquired from the Government, are deductible because, if it does not mean a take-over by amounts for taxation. Not only interest the Comms, I know nothing- charges but also capital repayments them­ se! ves are deductible. "This will help to overcome the fear campaign which will come from the people I am not against co-operatives, which pro­ who own and control our industrial vide necessary marketing services, but it is system." my belief that the tax-paying gap between a Fancy the A.L.P. wanting to nationalise road co-operative business enterprise and private and a_ir services when the Brisbane City enterprise is altogether too wide. There is a Council cannot even run a bus service very great shortfall in taxation from the properly. expanding operations of co-operatives and this loss of revenue is increasing the burden " Everyone u~ing a taxi is told by the driver, on other sections of the community. Clem Jones Is the best friend I've ever had. He keeps whipping off the buses and people We have in our own midst a well-protected have to use taxis." Taxi-cab franchises co-operative enterprise which paid $13,756 have risen $2,000 in price in the last couple in tax for the years 1964 to 1969 inclusive. of y~ars, all becau~e Clem Jones keeps I am referring to the Cannery Board which reducmg the bus services. If the Australian is established under the Fruit Organisation Labor Party did nationalise rail and road and Marketing Acts 1964. It is classified for services, one thing would be certain: a the purpose of taxation as a co-operative person wou~d have. to be a left-winger to get company. One might think that there was a pass. It IS certam that Comrade Hamilton not much wrong with tax of $13,756, but and a number of Labor members of this the "crunch" is that if this were a public House would get them. company it would have paid $1,341,000 in tax. This tax saving, plus a large upward Opposition Members interjected. valuation of assets soon after it was separated Mr. LEE: I feel that I have silenced most from the Committee of Direction of Fruit of the Opposition. They have very little to Marketing in 1964, has placed the cannery ~ay _abo_ut it. There has been very little at Northgate in a very strong capital position. mteqect10n, because they have had instruc­ With only $2,000,000 in subscribed capital, tions from the Q.C.E. not to interject. If it has $8,500,000 in reserves. they interject and say the wrong thing, out The cannery was originally set up to pro­ they will go. I will leave them alone for cess pineapples and, to a lesser degree, other the time being. fruits. It has diversified into other fields. I would now like to say a few words and operates in an almost tax-free atmos­ today on a subject which might be called phere in the production of soft drinks and the "Hawke Enterprises" and the policy of cartons. I also understand that there is a the A.C.T.U. in entering the field of private limited amount of printing done in the plant. enterprise. It is not the proposed activities If this is to be allowed to continue, its that cause me concern, but the manner in unfair advantage over its competitors should which they might be implemented. In this be adjusted by the Taxation Commissioner. regard I should like to draw some attent;on I should like to make it clear once again to the advantages that operations under the that 1 am not against orderly marketing. co-operative system can have over private Criticism has been voiced by honourable Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 355

members of inefficient co-operatives, but, in this way leads me to assume that they must general, these play a very important part in have something to hide. I ask the Depart­ !he stabilisation of our primary industries. ment of Primary Industries to keep a close But, if it were not for the fear of section eye on the situation and, if necessary for 92, they may not be so efficient. the betterment of the grazing industry, give Mr. Sherrington: What do you think about consideration to making it mandatory that Dairy King as a co-operative? such a live-weight basis be implemented.

Mr. LEE: [t would be one of the best. I shall now relate to the House some of the lkcause of the leadership of the honourable major projects that have been undertaken member for South Coast for many years, in my electorate in recent times. Let me take it would be one of the best companies in first the field of education. At the Moorooka Queensland. State Primary School, a new multiple four­ l would now like to say something con­ class open-area teaching centre has been cerning the beef industry. Slaughtering fees built, the most modern of its type in Aus­ have been increased, and there has been a tralia and definitely the most modern in strong rumour lately of a possible increase Queensland. The parents and citizens' associa­ in freight rates for livestock, particularly tion was so pleased with my efforts and the cattle. There is also talk of the possibility efforts of the department that it named the of synthetic meats coming onto the market. building the "Norm Lee Wing". I should say l feel that the beef industry should have a that I would be the only private member in ~mall levy placed on it, with a matching this House who has had a school building Government grant, so that it can engage in named after him. That was not my wish; it an active campaign now to counteract syn­ was the wish of the people of Moorooka and thetic meat, and conduct market research of the parents and citizens' association of into the type of beef the consumer wants. that school. Plans for the deputy principal's The beef industry should learn a lesson from room and the clerk-typist's room have been what has happened in the wool industry. approved, extensive ground works have been We do not want that situation. We should carried out, and heating of the swimming not wait until it is too late before we pool has been subsidised. start a campaign against synthetic meat, At the Moorooka Infants State School, which is coming onto the market now. two new classrooms, a new principal's admini­ l would also ask the Government not to stration block and a new play shed have "milk" the beef industry just because it is been built, and ground improvements have enjoying prosperity at the moment. Beef been carried out. prices would have to fall by only $10 per l 00 lb. and many people who have changed The Y eronga State School has been pro­ from sheep to cattle would be in more vided with new multiple open-area class­ financial trouble, because they have bought rooms, a new library, new toilet blocks, a cattle at the top of the market. I believe sealed playing area, and extensive ground that now is the time for the Lands Depart­ improvements have been made. ment to consider the size of living areas for cattle. A property that will run 500 to The Y eronga State High School has a new 600 breeders today is certainly a living area. science block, a new modern carpeted library, However, if the price of beef falls by $10 and the most modern teaching auditorium per l 00 lb. or more, 900 to 1,000 breeders and learning centre in Queensland, which was may be needed to obtain a reasonable living, subsidised by the State Government to the and I say to the Government that many areas extent of $50,000. The Minister for Educa­ being cut up now will not run 900 breeders. tion will back me up on that point, I am Do not make the mistake of past A.L.P. sure, because he had the honour of opening Governments and set land sizes on boom that building. New classrooms have been prices. Even with rising costs today, it provided, extensive ground improvements may. be necessary to give larger areas, as a have been carried out, and $6,000 worth of grazter has to provide little more capital road and sealing works were approved on 20 in wages, plant, yards, etc. to run a property August. of 20,000 acres than one of 10,000 acres. ln quoting these figures, I do not mean thet Mr. Davis: Are you happy with what all prope;ties should be of 10,000 or 20,000 you have got? acres. Stze depends entirely on the type of Mr. LEE: I am more than satisfied. country and its situation in relation to markets and rainfall. Mr. Davis: Can you tell me why similar improvements have not been made in my Whilst I am dealing with the beef industry, electorate? I may say that I am disturbed that the agents and buyers who operate at the Widgee Shire Mr. LEE: Because you are a damned poor Council stockyards refuse to operate on a live­ representative! weight selling basis. This system is accepted as the best in Great Britain, U.S.A., and Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable New South Wales, and in my opinion it is member for Y eronga will please address the a very fair system of selling. The fact that Chair, and the honourable member for the agents and buyers have refused to deal Brisbane will cease interjecting. 356 Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

Mr. LEE: At the Y eronga Technical explained the position to the Minister. In College, the following work has been either every 24 hours the gates are closed to road carried out or approved:- traffic for 7 hours 42 minutes. Imagine the $ effect that has on the flow of traffic on Administration Block 290,000 that main highway. It is essential that the Electrical and Mechanical $1,200,000 overpass be proceeded with as soon as possible. The Government has Building 350,000 embarked on many other projects, but as Boilermaking and Plumbing they are not of such major importance I Building 350,000 will not refer to them at this stage. Moulding and Patternmaking I should like to take the opportunity to Building 150,000 thank the Ministers in charge of the various Bricklaying Workshop 120,000 departments, particularly the Minister for Canteen 80,000 Mines and Main Roads, Mr. Ron Camm, Other buildings 30,000 the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Roadworks 130,000 Max Hodges, and my friend Mr. Alan Woodwork Fletcher, the Minister for Education and and Painting Cultural Activities. Building 265,000 Equipment 600,000 Mr. Bromley: That is not what you said the other day. The total Government spending is $2,400,000. I point out to honourable members that the Mr. LEE: It is different from what the contract for the woodwork and painting honourable member says outside about building was let this week. members of the Q.C.E. It is different I believe that these facts should be stated altogether. because people do not realise what a wonder­ I should like to thank many departmental ful job the Government is doing in educating heads, particularly Mr. Harold Young of the and training people throughout Queensland. Works Department, who has given me won­ Not enough credit is given, and all the derful co-operation. It has been a pleasure A.L.P. wants to do is "knock". The Govern­ to work with many of these departmental ment does not have sufficient money to do officers, and for this I thank them very as much as it would like, but Country-Liberal sincerely. Governments have done more in the last [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] 10 or 12 years than Labor Governments did in the preceding 50 years. Mr. MELLOY (Nudgee) (2.15 p.m.): I At the Tennyson Power House, $1,500,000 want to take advantage of the Address-in­ has been spent on soot elimination and noise Reply debate to deal with various aspects of control. That was very necessary because it our hospital services. I am rather concerned was extremely unfair that the people in my that in the Opening Speech delivered by His electorate should suffer from soot fall-out. Excellency no mention was made of any intention on the part of the Government to The new $3,000,000 Rocklea fly-over prob­ place special emphasis on hospital and ably will be opened either next week or medical services in Queensland. In my view, the week after. It is designed to take a this was a very serious omission. traffic flow of 75,000 cars daily, as against The hospital and medical services of the present flow of 15,000 cars daily. Of Queensland should have the highest priority course, when there is water in that death trap under the railway line, the flow drops in Government expenditure. I say this to about five cars daily. With the completion because our hospitals. are not in a condition of the fly-over, there will be almost 24 miles to provide the services necessary for a grow­ of double-lane highway to Ipswich. The ing and developing State such as Queensland. Rocklea fly-over will save many thousands Over the last 12 months, members of the of man-hours for factories in the area. Many Opposition's health committee, have had the people throughout Brisbane, particularly the opportunity of visiting some 40-odd hospitals business people of Rocklea, appreciate how in the State, and we have been able to assess much the Rocklea fly-over will mean to the position as it relates to all aspects of them in man-hours. It even got to the those hospitals. We had brought home to us stage where industry in that area could not very strongly a feeling of general dissatis­ retain employees because they were not pre­ faction among the staffs at these hospitals, pared to wait 40 minutes in traffic snarls a situation that has resulted from doctors in the morning and evening peak hours. working 80 hours a week, and nurses, student _Plans have _been completed for a temporary nurses and matrons all being called upon to carry out duties they should not be required rmlw~y crossmg at Nyanda to cost $66,000. to do. It Will be used only until the completion of a new $1,200,000 overpass, which is In many cases it is necessary for matrons badly needed because the difficulties in that to carry out much of the work that is area are much the same as those that will normally done by a doctor. We discovered be overcome by the Rocklea fly-over. This that it is very general throughout the State morning I had to wait there at least 10 for 90 per cent of confinements in these minutes until a train went through. I have hospitals to be attended by matrons and A.ddress ill Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address ill Reply 357 nursing staff because doctors are not able to apply in this State's hospitals. It is all arrive on time or are not available. The very well for him to visit various towns nursing staff are carrying out work that to open new wards, dedicate new vehicles, should normally be done by a medical and so on. But, of course, everybody in officer, and this in turn has meant that first, a town that he is about to visit knows second and third-year nurses are called upon that he is coming, so the hospital is given to carry out duties normally performed by a complete run-over with the ·result that trained sisters.. This is the very serious situ­ it looks spic and span before he arrives. ation that has developed in our hospital That is done not because the hospital staff service. are frightened of him but because they want The answer, of course, is a more serious to put up as good a front as :they can to campaign-it is not simply a matter of offer­ indicate their concern for the condition of ing higher pay-to improve general condi­ their hospital. tions and amenities to induce young girls to In the Minister's trips around the State accept a career as nurses. That is one of he has not taken ·the opportunity to talk the problems we must solve in our hospitals, to the people who work in the hospitals­ and it is a serious one. Unless the Govern­ the nurses, the sisters and the matrons. If ment pays due attention to it, we will con­ he did that, as we have done, he would tinue to have inadequate services in our have obtained a ·true picture of the situation hospitals. that exists in the hospitals. If anyone wants In addition, we found that the equipment to acquaint himself with the conditions that in many hospitals was outdated. We also prevail in any institution, he has to talk found that they were short of equipment. to the people who work in it. For instance, most of the equipment in the The Minister, however, reads his report operating theatre at the Southport hospital and is conducted on a Cook's tour around belongs to private practitioners who visit the the hospital by the superintendent and the hospital. If they were to take it away, the chairman of the hospital board. If he does hospital would be in a sorry mess. The same not break away from the official party to situation applies in other hospitals that talk to the people who run the hospital, specialists visit. These things must be he cannot get a true picture of what is examined closely by the Government and happening there. It is shocking that the Minister for Health. conditions in our hospitals should be so bad. Service is provided only through the The overriding factor is the mammoth dedication of doctors and nurses. task that confronts hospital staff, who are called upon to maintain essential services We must find the cause of the trouble in with substandard equipment. They are our hospital system, and it can be done required to bear a burden that they should only by holding a full and independent not be asked to carry. Apparently the needs inquiry into hospital administration. It is of the hospitals are not assessed correctly imperative that the Government initiate by the Minister-perhaps they may not even a full and proper inquiry into our hospital be within his knowledge. If they were he services, otherwise they will become a burden would be making more insistent demands on the people and the State, as well as for the necessary finance to improve .the those employed in them. I ask the Minister position. Every year the various hospital to institute such an inquiry. It need not boards are ordered to cut back on their be a punitive inquiry designed to pin the expenditure. They budget for certain responsibility or blame on anyone. Rather, equipment and improvements and they feel it should be an inquiry designed to discover that without them .they ar~ not able to what can be done to improve hospital ser­ carry out their work properly. I have vices. nothing but praise for the manner in which Mr. Sherrington: A constructive inquiry. the hospital staffs carry out their work under the present conditions. They are Mr. MELLOY: It should be a constructive forced to work long hours. Doctors work inquiry into conditions in our public hospitals. as many as 80 hours a week, and nurses With very few exceptions, the conditions are also called upon to work overtime. All we saw in hospitals throughout Queensland this builds up a sense of frustration in the were appalling. Residents in country towns minds of the members of the hospital boards. realise what is happening, but despite many I lay no blame at all on the individual requests for improvements nothing has been boards; they are aware of the deficiencies done. Even the honourable member for in their ~ospitals and that they are not able South Coast will admit that he threatened to prov1de all that the hospital super­ to go to the Premier if the Minister for intendents ask them to. Health did not improve the Southport hos­ In hospital after hospital we found pital. inadequate accommodation and unsatisfactory Mr. Hinze: I have been to the Premier. theatre equipment. As well, generally, hospital equipment is in a state of disrepair Mr. MELLOY: And the honourable mem­ and out of date. These deficiencies result ber has not yet got his hospital. He wants from the Minister's failure to acquaint a new hospital at Miami, but the Minister himself, properly with the conditions that for Health said he would have to make 358 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

do with the one at Southport. That is not Mr. MELLOY: A considerable amount, satisfactory. The hospital at Southport should but it is a matter of priorities. The Govern­ not be enlarged. A new hospital should be ment has to decide whether to effect these built at Miami because it is a fast-developing improvements or to build big buildings like area. the "Taj Mahal" in George Street. ln Government Members interjected. the minds of the people, health should be given top priority. The Government must Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Hooper): make the hospitals of this State so attractive Order! to doctors in the other States that they Mr. MELLOY: Hospital services on the will be only too pleased to come here and South Coast are completely unable to meet work in them. the demands placed on them, and many Mackay, too, has a substandard hospital. patients are transferred from Southport to Its old wooden buildings, which could not Brisbane. That sort of thing cannot be stand up to even a reasonable cyclone, have tolerated. been patched up, and paint has been used to I believe that I should highlight some cover the cracks inside the buildings in of the things that we saw in hospitals on an effort to give them a decent appearance. our tour of the State. The state of the buildings would not permit Mr. Jensen: After Christmas, they intend the installation of sophisticated surgical equip­ to cut out tonsil operations at the Bundaberg ment. One pathologist at this hospital told hospital. us that the pathology laboratory should be condemned. The pathologists are carrying Mr. MELLOY: I am not surprised that out all types of pathology work, such as they should cut back on the services. the cross-matching of bloods and the testing Honourable Members interjected. of specimens, within two feet of one another in a 10 ft. x 8 ft. room which is called Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind the "pathology laboratory". In these circum­ honourable members on both sides of the stances, the specimens could be subject to House that conversations and cross-firing are cross-contamination. In fact, the Mackay not permitted. hospital had the poorest accommodation, buildings and equipment of any hospital we Mr. MEI,LOY: The tendency is to reduce visited. the services provided, but I was not aware of what the honourable member for Bunda­ The Maryborough hospital presented a berg has just said. completely different picture. H is a delight­ ful, modern hospital, in excellent condition, Mr. Jensen: It has just been announced. apparently well staffed and well equipped. Mr. MELLOY: Without doubt, the reduc­ The ambulance service in Maryborough is tion in hospital services can be traced back conducted as part of the hospital board·s to the Government. Little is to be gained activities. by building a new $13,000,000 block at At a later stage, the committee also Royal Brisbane if we neglect or cut back visited Western Queensland, and we were services in country areas. most distressed by what we saw there. Hos­ We visited hospitals throughout Queens­ pitals had insufficient medical staff and were land, starting with the Cooktown hospital, being run by matrons. Very much greater which was in a very dilapidated state. The consideration should be given to hospitals isolation ward for patients with infectious in Western Queensland. diseases was not a wa1d at all. It was I am not going to go into great detail, merely a hospital veranda that was parti­ but throughout the State the position is the tioned off. Further, the hospital has no same. Queensland has a low standard of special ward for children. Water is not hospitalisation. A free hospital service may reticulated to the hospital, and at certain be provided, but that does not excuse the times of the year it has to be carted to Government from providing a service that the hospital in trucks. The hospital has is inadequate. It should be the policy of no water-piping, and water has to be carried the Government to protect the health of around in basins. This might be acceptable the people of this State by giving them in a miner's bumpy, but certainly not in adequate medical services. a hospital. We then visited the Cairns hospital. This The committee also visited the Goondi­ was another of the disappointments of our windi area, where we saw hospitals at tour. Cairns, an excellently represented city, Goondiwindi, Texas and Inglewood. The has a hospital that consists of patched-up honourable member for Carnarvon has buildings and it is in urgent need of a referred in this House to the ambulance new hospital. The kitchen, rather than being station at Texas. We visited it, and found of the highest standard, is substandard; it that it consisted of two old stables behind is in need of repair and contains outdated a residence in one of the back streets. In equipment. those two old stables were two ambulance vehicles. That was the ambulance station Mr. Miller: vVhat would it cost to over­ at Texas. I heartily agree with everything come the problems you have seen in the that the honourable member for Carnarvon Queensland hospital system? has said about it. It is a shocking disgrace, Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 359

and I think that in such situations the Gov­ Mr. MELLOY: If the Minister thought he ernment should be prepared to give a sub­ was admonishing me, he was wasting his time. stantial measure of aid. He said that he was going to write to me, During our visits to the various hospitals which in fact he did on 14 May. we were received very cordially by the staffs, Mr. Sherrington: Did it start, "Dear Jack"? from whom we received great co-operation. They were most helpful in providing us with Mr. MELLOY: No, "Sir". In his letter he information, but only up to a certain time. said it was with regret that he had learned On our western trip, after an instruction of a number of occasions on which I had had been issued by the Minister concerning failed to observe the correct procedure in visits by dignitaries, as he described them, visiting hospitals, and he set out also a copy and V.I.P's, we noticed a difference in this of the letter that he had sent to various attitude. The first indication we received hospitals boards. He also said- of this change was when I asked the matron "! take this opportunity, also, to refer of one hospital a question that she could to the television programme 'Close Up' on very easily have answered. Her reply was, Wednesday, 12th instant, of which I have a "I don't know." I looked at her in surprise transcript and in which you accused me of and said, "You don't know?" She said, 'bending' and 'breaking the truth' when I "No." I said, "I think you do." She said, complained of your lack of courtesy in "That's what I have been told to say." failing to approach the chairmen of hos­ I challenge the Minister on this matter of pital boards before entering their instructing hospital staffs to withhold inform­ ation from the committee. hospitals." I point out to the House that the Minister Mr. R. E. Moore: That would not be refused to attend that television programme true. with me, and that, as he had a transcript, Mr. MELLOY: The honourable member he was apparently well aware of what went for Windsor just would not know. on. His letter continued- I want to deal with this subject at length, "Apart from the results of enquiries I because the Minister has committed himself have made regarding your visits to South­ on it in various ways. He issued a statement port in January last, I have been advised to the Press and, incidentally, furnished bv the chairmen of Cunnamulla and copies of it to quite a few members. I do Mitchell that in neither case did you not know whether he wanted to let them approach them regarding your desire to see how he was putting me in my place. make a formal inspection of their His Press statement of 11 May reads- hospitals." "There is not a scintilla of truth in That is entirely incorrect. Mr. Melloy's latest reference to me, and in the claim that I have tried to block I then wrote to the Minister for Health the investigations of an A.L.P. Health in these terms- Committee touring hospitals in the Far ''Sir, West. This is sheer invention, and it is "I wish to acknowledge receipt of your the limit of irresponsibility on Mr. letter of the 14th instant in which you refer Melloy's part to make such a statement to visits by the Parliamentary Labor before checking his facts. Party Health Committee, and particularly "I am, however, becoming increasingly by me, to Public Hospitals in the State. concerned at the habits of Mr. Melloy "It would appear from the contents of and some of his colleagues in ignoring your letter and Press statements made by the basic rules of courtesy and good taste you, that you would be the most ill­ in entering hospitals." informed or non-informed Minister in the should like the House to remember that Government. statement. The Press statement continues- "I propose to refer you, in particular, to "There is frequently a failure to approach a statement in your letter and to a Press the chairman of the board with a formal statement made by you. request for permtsston to make an "The other matters mentioned by you inspection, and they have often been on I shall deal with in detail when Parliament the premises for some time before any­ one in a senior position has been aware resumes. of their presence." "In your letter, you state that you have That is absolutely false, as I shall show been advised by the Chairman of the in a minute. It goes on- Roma Hospitals Board, which controls Mitchell Hospital, that he was not "This is intolerable behaviour and I pro­ approached regarding our desire to inspect pose to write to Mr. Melloy reminding Mitchell Hospital. him of the correct mode of procedure in these situations." "This is entirely incorrect. The Chair­ man was advised and as he is a personal I do not think the Minister had a feather acquaintance of Mr. Marginson, Mem?~r to fly with. for Ipswich East, he discussed our V!Slt Mr. R. E. Moore: You were duly with Mr. Marginson and correspondence admonished. passed between them regarding the date 360 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

of our visit in view of the fact that Mr. she had to return to her home where she Loane would be absent on Circuit during lived alone. It is to cater for that type of the proposed date of our visit. case that we need an intermediate hospital. "However, when we visited Mitchell, Mr. That lady was in no condition to remain Loane, the Chairman, was present and in her home and care for herself, and she accompanied us through the Hospital had no relatives to look after her. during our inspection. An intermediate hospital could cater for "We were also accompanied by the that type of case and provide accommoda­ Board Secretary and the Hospital Super­ tion for persons who are recovering from intendent. operations or serious illnesses. The present "During our discussions, Mr. Loane also public hospitals are geared at too high an expressed his regret that he would not economic rate to make it economic to accom­ be present during our visit to Roma modate such patients. As they are not Hospital on the following day. well enough to return to their homes, suit­ "I now refer to your Press statement of able accommodation must be made available Wednesday, 12th May, in which you state for them elsewhere so that they can complete 'They have often been on the premises their recuperation. That is one of the facets (Hospital) for some time before anyone of the policy of the Australian Labor Party. in a senior position has been aware of We will provide that type of hospital. their presence'. I refer now to the accommodating of "This is an absolute falsehood. terminal cases in public hospitals. Today "At no time have I nor has any member my attention was drawn to one such case. of the Parliamentary Labor Party Health A terminal cancer patient was advised that Committee visited a Hospital without the he would have to leave the hospital. Where prior knowledge of the Board Chairman, can such patients go? They cannot go home or the Board Secretary or the Hospital where they have nobody to look after them. Superintendent or all three; nor have I They still need hospital care because of their or they entered upon the premises of a condition, and, if the hospital demands that Hospital except when accompanied by one they give up their beds, some alternative or all of these senior officers. accommodation should be available to them. "In view of your intemperate remarks Mr. Jensen: Doesn't the Home Care and statements in the Press on this matter, Service come into this? I challenge you to name any time, date and place wherein I, or we, have entered Upon Mr. MELLOY: Does the honourable mem­ the premises of any Hospital in the manner ber have that in Bundaberg? The Home Care in which you have claimed." Service would relieve the problem, but the patient must have certain facilities in his Mr. Sherrington: Did he apologise? home. Even if a patient is being assisted by the Home Care Service, his home must be Mr. MELLOY: The Minister, of course, so arranged that he is able to maintain did not reply to my letter, and my challenge himself between visits of the Home Care to him still stands-that he cannot name any Service people. This is where it would be occasion on which I or any member of the of assistance if a domestic home-help service A.L.P. health committee entered a hospital could be incorporated in the State welfare without the prior knowledge of the hospital services. We should be able to provide board, the hospital board secretary, or the housekeepers for those who are ill, particu­ chairman of the board. larly women who have to look after young There are other matters relative to hos­ children and whose husbands are unable to pitals that should exercise the mind of the take time off from their employment. Jn Government. Under the present system the period of recuperation after she came big hospitals such as the Royal Brisban~ home from hospital, a mother might not be Hospital, which will be a very ornate and able to look after her children. We must magnificent building, are being built. The have a home-help service for people in those Royal Brisbane Hospital is geared to accom­ circumstances. modate patients who require specialist ser­ I now want to deal with the Royal Flying vices, but not to meet the needs of the patient Doctor Service, which I think is one of the who requires only two or three days' hos­ most important services we have in this pitalisation. We need an intermediate type State. It is not conducted by the Govern­ of hospital to accommodate persons who do ment; it is a purely voluntary body, and, not need lengthy hospitalisation and are incidentally, it depends on donations and not in hospital for operations or specialist Government grants for its existence. Not treatment. I know the case of a female one penny has ever been charged to a patient pensioner who presented herself at the treated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service casualty or out-patients' department following and not on one occasion has an account a mild heart attack. After being examined been sent to anybody who has had the by a doctor she was told that there was advantage of treatment by this service. This no reason why she should be admitted. is an important adjunct of the hospital sys­ Perhaps that was quite right and that her tem in this State because, if we cannot pro­ condition did not warrant hospitalisation, but vide doctors in our country hospitals-and Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 361

we will be forced to admit this-then we time and time again to 8 ft. x 10 ft. boxes. must enlarge and expand the flying medical I think he must have been in the toilet every­ services that are available. where he went. Apart from his one know­ Recently, the Federal Government pur­ ledgeable statement, namely, that a new ported to increase its capital grant to the hospital is needed at Miami, I could not Royal Flying Doctor Service, but the grant agree with any of his remarks. is not as good as it looks. I think it has Mr. Wallis-Smith: Now teU us about been raised to $510,000, but that sum is to Karumba. be split between all the States of Australia on the basis of capital expenditure. An Mr. HINZE: That is in the honourable operational grant is also made, but the member's own electorate. I do not worry trouble with it is that its conditions contain about other members' electorates. When I a proviso to the effect that all sections of visited Karumba I was trying to increase the service in the various States must put my knowledge. I do not speak about the aside in cash reserves depreciation on all town because I know the honourable member capital assets at the mandatory rate estab­ is capable of doing so. lished by the Federal Government. Whereas Mr. Tucker: They tell me you got a previously this may have been a book entry, different view of Karumba. with so much written off each year in depre­ ciation, under the present terms of the opera­ Mr. HINZE: I got a very g,ood view of tional grant these services must now bank Karumba. reserve funds to cover depreciation on assets, On a more serious note, on behalf of the and this money must come out of opera­ electors of South Coast I convey their tional funds. loyalty to Her Majesty and to His Excellency In Queensland, this means that the service and Lady Mansfield. As well, I congratulate must find and put aside cash reserves the mover and seconder of the Address in amounting to about $50,000 a year. For the Reply-the honourable member for Fassifern Royal Flying Doctor Services throughout and the honourable member for Windsor, Australia the amount would be close to respectively-on the very capable manner in $200,000. This means that, of the $315,000 which they made their speeches. which the Commonwealth Government is giving in operational grants, in effect only Mr. Wright: You are saying that with your one-third will be money actually usable in tongue in your cheek. the service. This will adversely affect the Mr. HINZE: I do not say anything wi:h finances of the Royal Flying Doctor Service my tongue in my cheek. because, as honourable members realise, it operates in the West and conditions in the It is striking to see how the honourable West at the present time-in the wool areas member for Fassifern-a good Country in particular-are such as to cause a falling­ Party member-has developed in the short off in the donations upon which the service time he has been a member of 'Parliament. depends. This has brought about a serious His contribution to the debate, like that of state of affairs because at present the Royal the honourable member for Windsor, was Flying Doctor Service is endeavouring to excellent. transfer its Charters Towers base to Cairns I also take this opportunity to congratulate and it anticipates that this will cost over our new members, the honourable member $200,000. Although I admit that the for Merthyr, Mr. Don Lane, and the hon­ Government gives this service a subsidy of ourable member for Maryborough, Mr. Bill $I 15,000, a hospital grant of $20,000 and an Alison. Possibly some members of this education grant of $15,000 for operating the Assembly did not think that the Govern­ School of the Air, it is time it increased its ment would be as successful as it was in assistance. winning the Maryborough seat. I think There is another significant aspect of the we all expected that we had reasonable service provided by the Royal Flying Doctor prospects of winning Merthyr. The con­ Service and its relationship to the Govern­ tributions that have been made by the newly elected member for Merthyr indicate that ment. Of the 24,290 patients who were in him we have a good member, and I have treated last year by it, 12,360, or more than 50 per cent, were Aborigines. no doubt that the maiden speech to be made later by the honourable member for Mary­ (Time expired.) borough will give us the same impression. Mr. HINZE (South Coast) (2.55 p.m.): For I was given the opportunity of going to the last 40 minutes we have been taken on Maryborough to assist the Country Party a Cook's tour of Queensland by the honour­ candidate, Mr. Jurss. I think his motto able member for Nudgee. The A.L.P. has was "Jurss for jobs". On the way to lobbed on him the title of shadow Minister Maryborough I thought to myself. "This for Health; therefore, he thinks he becomes is a waste of time. Fancy trying to win an authority on all health matters. The last Maryborough from the A.L.P., which has five or 10 minutes of his speech could be held it for 40 years." However, after I regarded as constructive, but the first 30 was there for only one day-having made minutes were taken up in criticism of this some small contribution to the cause put State's wonderful health system. He referred forward by Mr. Jurss-it became quite 362 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply obvious that the Government had an excel­ own house in order before we start to lent chance of winning it. Then after criticise South Africa. As I said in Mary­ having driven up one street and do~n the borough when talking about apartheid, It other and SJ?Oken outside Walkers shipyards, would be different if the demonstrators were I was convmced that the Government had genuine. I should like to know whether any the seat in the bag. of the demonstrators have ever invited an Mr. Thackeray: Did you speak in Chifley Aboriginal to enter their homes. Honour­ Square? able members opposite should ask themselves what they would say if one of their daughters Mr. HINZE: No; I spoke in the important came home and said she was marrying an places. Aboriginal boy. They should cease their I do not want to repeat what other hon­ stupid talk about apartheid. ourable members have said about law and Obviously the Lord Mayor of Brisbane order, as that is history. However, the has to ride two horses, although this week A.L.P. in this State must have learnt that he jumped off one by indicating that he it cannot fool all the people all the time. cannot continue as Lord Mayor for the next Cock-and-bull stories about apartheid and three months. I have the greatest respect law and order just do not carry any weight for him as a local government administrator, with the voters. I do not want to refer to and I also know that he loves cricket. George Georges and to the fact that he Mr. Sherrington: I am a cricketer. had to sit down in the middle of the street after he walked about 40 yards. Instead, .Mr. HINZE: I will see the honourable I want to express my pleasure at the response member at the match, too. of the electors who indicated at the polling booths that they would not stand for the Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Hooper): type of thing that the A.L.P. was trying to Order! I should be pleased if the honourable put over the people of Queensland. I believe members for Salisbury and South Coast ceased their conversation. that ~he best thing that could have happened to th1s State was the Springboks' visit and Mr. Sherrington: I am just trying to help as a cricketer, I hope that the South Africa~ him. cricketers also come here. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! ~rom, today's "Telegraph", see that Bnsbane s wrd Mayor is in a quandary. Mr. HINZE: In his Opening Speech, the 1 do not know whether he is concerned Governor said that he was most impressed about the Q.C.E. or the Q.C.A., but I do by the fortitude shown by country men and know that he is a delegate from the Q.C.A. women under trying conditions, and that to the Australian Cricket Board of Control. he hoped some means would be found to Apparently, on behalf of Queensland he keep them on the land, which has been must invite the South African cricketers to their life-long interest and occupation. Queensland, but obviously he will be advised How are we to keep people in the far­ by another source to oppose their visit. western areas? If we had not built roads, Possibly that is the reason for his having aerodromes and railway lines and provided three months' leave from the city council. many other amenities to develop the State, we could say, "To hell with the rest of Mr. Sherrington: Do you want to Queensland. Let's all live on the Gold embarrass the South African cricketers now? Coast." But the State has been developed, Mr. HINZE: I am not embarrassing any­ and people have been in the West. Now, body. I love cricket; I have been a cricket fan because of circumstances beyond their ever since I was a kid. The South Africans control we have to devise some means of are the best cricketers in the world, but getting them to want to Temain there with there is a possibility that we may not see their families. We should not fool ourselves them because of threats of more demon­ longer. There is only one way to ge1 strations. I believe that if anyone starts people into such areas and keep them there, a demonstration at the cricket ground there and that is by offering them an incentive will be 20,000 cricket patTons who will based on some sort of zonal taxation. If shout "Sit down!" There will be no need people want .to live in the city they should for police protection at the cricket ground be taxed accordingly. Conversely if they if the South Africans accept the invitation. are prepared to live in the western areas It will be the greatest cricket we have ever and accept drought conditions and all the seen, and there will be no need to worry other conditions in the area-the honourable about the demonstrators. I will "do them member for Nudgee referred to hospitals, over" myself. but I could refer to schools and many o.ther things-and raise children there, they must Mr. Sherrlngton: Will you comment on be given some taxation concession. If I the South Africans who want a multi-racial had my way I would say, "People who live team? in those areas will not pay any taxes for Mr. HINZE: The honourable member the next 10 years," and I would not give a knows as well as I do that South Africa damn how much money they made. as a nation, has its problems. I have heard Mr. Aikens: And give them a subsidy as him say frequently that we should put our well. Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 363

Mr. IDNZE: The very intelligent member it will be reduced to about 6,000 before there for Townsvillc South says we should give will be stability in this wonderful industry them a subsidy as well. which helped to decentralise our population. Mr. Casey interjected. The dairying industry is trying to find ways Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! and means of overcoming its present pro­ The honourable member for Mackay blems. The Governor referred to this has been in this House long enough to know point. As a member of the State council of that he is not permitted to interject from Queensland Dairymen's Organisation, I know a place in the Chamber other than his own. that the industry is investigating a two-tier I ask him either to discontinue interjecting scheme-a sort of quota scheme-in which or to take his own place in the Chamber. there will be quotas for States, farms and factories. I believe that the Q.D.O., through Mr. HINZE: Like the Governor, I feel the wonderful representations of its president, very strongly for these people. I commend Mr. Pag. Beatty, will get a quota of 26,000 His Excellency on making the point. The tons of commercial butter for Queensland. 36c a lb. for wool is only a palliative. We have not produced that tonnage in the It will not do all that has to be done to past four or five years, but such a quota keep people in the western areas of the would be good for the future. It would State and to settle others there. allow our dairy farmers some upward move­ Opposition Members interjected. ment in the tonnage of butter they can produce for the Australian export market. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKEU.: Order! If this barrage of interjections continues, I shall The Government must be commended on deal with the next honourable member who the introduction of the dairy pasture subsidy interjects. scheme. Over $2,380,000 has been paid to dairy farmers in the State to develop their Mr. HINZE: Local authorities must be pastures. The extent to which production assisted. The Minister for Local Government can be increased has been indicated by figures and Electricity made a very good point presented recently by the Minister for Primary last week. He said that not all local auth­ Industries. He said that pangola grass, orities in the State are in trouble. This is fertilised to the extent of 600 lb. of nitrogen true. Some are jumping on the band wagon, per acre, the equivalent of 1,500 lb. of urea some have never had it better, while some annua!ly, in 12 equal monthly applications, are in a hell of a mess and cannot collect increased the stocking rate to 3.2 cows per their rates. The Government will have to acre and, given supplements, the cows pro­ establish a subsidy system over a long period, duced 2.520 gallons of milk and 853 lb. of and not only during the drought period. butter fat in an average lactation of 309 I make those two points to see if we can days. Non-supplemented cows at the same evolve a constructive way of getting people stocking rate gave 1,995 gallons in a lactation back into those areas where they are pre­ of 271 days. pared to live with their families, and where a good deal of capital development has already The point that I am making, very quickly been carried out. and very simply, is that, as a result of the dairy pasture subsidy scheme, it is now Britain's entry into the European Economic possible to grow a grass in Queensland Community will definitely have a detrimental which, with sufficient fertilising, will pro­ effect on our primary industries. We should duce staggering production figures. One take the initiative in setting up a Pacific can look at production figures in New Economic Community comprising Australia, Zealand and Holland, and other countries New Zealand, the United States of America, with a temperate climate, and not find Canada, Japan, and the two Chinas. I figures as good as those now found in the have no cock-eyed ideas about tmding with subtropical State of Queensland. This has Red China. We have been trading with been demonstrated by the figures presented that country for years. I like the idea of by the Department of Primary Industries. selling them our wheat. I do not think we should knock the skin off Whitlam or I now want to refer very quickly to the anybody else who goes there to try to bring tourist industry. I was very pleased that about a closer relationship between these Professor Ron Gates, of the University of two great trading nations. John McEwen Queensland, conducted research on behalf got into a good deal of strife just after the of the Government and has now proved that war when he advocated trading with Japan. the tourist industry is worth $135,000,000 a If we had not done so, we would be in a year to Queensland. I therefore hope that, hell of a mess today. when the Budget is brought down, much more than has been made available in the Under the control of the Minister for last few years will be provided for this Lands, the rural reconstruction scheme is wonderful industry. It is now the fourth getting under way. Approximately 200 largest in the State, and it will not be long marginal dairy farms have been absorbed. before it is the largest. It is therefore The number of dairy farmers in Queensland necessary to ensure that the Vote provided is down to about 7,000, and I believe that for tourism is increased accordingly. 364 Address ill Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971) Address ill Reply

Mr. Casey: Do you think the Treasurer would be any chance of that. Frankly, I might impose a 10 per cent tax on motels would like the Prime Minister or the Federal and hotels, as Mr. Bolte has done in Victoria? Treasurer to consider the question further, because you know as well as I do, Mr. ~1r. IDNZE: The point that I am making Deputy Speaker, the depreciation that takes is just the reverse of what the honourable place on flats and other buildings for rental. member for Mackay suggests. In my opinion, people who engage in the My area depends upon visitors from the tourist industry are entitled to greater con­ other States, and honourable members know sideration. that school-holiday periods in the various States clash. I ask the relevant Ministers Mr. Sherrington: Do you blame Bob to try to arrange that school holidays do Hawke for that? not clash. The difference that this would Mr. HINZE: I will blame Bob Hawke for make in an area such as mine would surely one or two things later. be appreciated. Mr. Jensen: Do you think it will be Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Lickiss): necessary to ask for licences for massage Order! parlours on the South Coast? Mr. HINZE: Money is available to a Mr. HINZE: Would the honourable mem­ number of industries through the Common­ ber like me to put a "quid" into them for wealth Development Bank, and I believe him? Does he want to get in on the ground that it should make money available also floor? to the tourist industry. The point I am making is that I hope There is on the Gold Coast a wonderful the Minister for Education acknowledges the organisation called Air-Sea Rescue. In the importance of the tourist industry. I know Tweed Heads-Coolangatta area, the rescue it will be said that the interests of schools boat "Jaycee I", provided by the Jaycees in and education come first, but I think that, that area, operates; at Surfers Paradise, with a little agreement between the States, "I aycee II" operates; and at Currumbin, we it should be possible to avoid the over­ lapping of school holidays so that all those have an air-sea rescue boat provided by the who wish to come from the South can do Lions Club. A service is also provided by so during those periods. Mr. Cliff Lanham, of Lanham Airways, who flies his own planes out of Coolangatta. He Mr. Sherrington: Aren't you going to is a wonderful man. He gives a great deal defend co-operatives from the attack made of time, money and effort in providing this on them by the honourable member for service, and people coming into the area are Yeronga? glad of the protection that is afforded to them. You will appreciate, Mr. Deputy Mr. HINZE: I shall have ample time to Speaker, that this is a wonderful service for defend co-operatives in this House at the a tourist area. appropriate time. I have no time to do so today. Let there be no doubt about my Mr. Aikens: Have you ever seen Mr. defending co-operatives; I shall do that in Creedy on the Gold Coast? due course. Daylight saving is to be introduced in Mr. HINZE: The honourable member is Queensland within the next few weeks. Pos­ speaking about the Director of Cultural sibly primary producers are not too happy Activities. Frankly, I do not see very much about that. However, I can see great of him, but I know the honourable member's benefits coming to my area from daylight opinion of him. However, I do know that saving. In the long twilight evenings many cultural activities are developing on the Gold thousands of people, after finishing their Coast. working day, will travel to the Gold Coast. The next matter that I wish to deal with I hope they do so on Wednesdays so that is the introduction to Queensland of poker they are able to attend the night trotting machines. I heard the honourable member and support another wonderful industry on for Townsville South referring earlier to all the Gold Coast. As honourable members the "lurks and perks" connected with two-up, know, racing interests on the Gold Coast haccarat, and so on. However, I have been have spent large sums of money for the approached by the Gold Coast District purpose of attracting visitors to their won­ Bowls Association to make representations derful sport, both racing on the grass on to the Government for the legalising of Saturday and night trotting. These industries poker machines in Queensland. I think there constitute a great asset to the Gold Coast, should be a casino on the Gold Coast. I and possibly daylight saving will be of have said that in this Chamber previously; I assistance to them. repeat it now. I cannot see why we cannot I was a little concerned when Mr. have a casino on the Gold Coast. I under­ McMahon, now the Prime Minister, when stand that Wrest Point, in Tasmania, which questioned on the Gold Coast about having is a very small State, is already booked out; depreciation on units and flats used in the yet Queensland, which prides itself on being tourist industry declared an allowable tax­ the leading tourist State in Australia. has no ation deduction, said he did not think there casino. Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 365

Getting back to my representations for the Mr. HINZE: They are only glorified introduction of poker machines, I remind brothels. I suppose that is what the South honourable members that bowling clubs do a Australian Government, led by a good A.L.P. wonderful job for the tourist industry. Some Premier, intends to do. If that is what 4,000 bowlers from all over Australia were honourable members opposite want, fair on the Gold Coast during the last winter enough. period. I refer now to the proposal put forward by the Minister for Labour and Tourism Mr. Aikens: Poor old blokes! that we should keep Australia beautiful by planting trees. I commend the Gold Coast Mr. HINZE: A lot of old blokes, and a City Council for its participation in this lot of old girls, too-some of them not too proposal. When they heard of it from bad, either! You should come down there. the Minister they immediately got busy. Alderman Lawes said that the council would Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The even provide bus transport to convey school­ honourable member will address the Chair. children from the schools to the nearest Mr. HINZE: In saying that I would like park or gardens. The intention is to plant the Government to consider introducing some 5,000 coconut trees. On the invitation poker machines, I suggest that a referendum of the Minister, the service organisations be held in the local authority area concerned. in the area will participate in the pro­ Perhaps I am wrong in thinking that it would gramme, and, in all, some 20,000 trees be carried. Perhaps the people in the area will be planted. I am sure the Minister if they w_ere given the right to decide, would will appreciate that effort. V?te agamst it. However, they should be Mr. Sherrington: Why plant coconut trees? g1ven the democratic right to decide whether They have never grown naturally in that or not the proposal should be implemented. area. As honourable members know, revenue Mr. HINZE: I know that the honourable from poker machines is worth $29,000,000 member for Salisbury is a conservationist. or $30,000,000 to the State of New South I realise that he studies ecological matters. Wales annually. We know, too, that the Frankly, I would not know what would Premier of Queensland and the Premier of grow there. Apparently the botanist on Victoria have indicated that while they are the Gold Coast believes he can make them in office poker machines and casinos will grow successfully. I would not know what not be permitted in their respective States. particular species of tree to plant. We have But there is a democratic way of deciding accepted the invitation of the Minister, and these things, and I am only making repre­ we are planting some 20,000 trees. I hope sentations on behalf of the area that I they grow-and flourish. represent. There are many good people on Mr. Jensen interjected. the Gold Coast who do a wonderful job for the tourist industry. There are about 14 Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Lickiss): bowling clubs in my electorate. I am patron Order! of all of them, although I have never bowled Mr. Jensen: I am giving him some ideas. a bowl. I never have time to; I am too busy. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I will give Mr. Sherrington: You are a cricketer. the honourable member some ideas in a minute. Mr. HINZE: I am an active cricketer. The honourable member can see that. Mr. Sherrington interjected. Mr. Sherrington: We saw you hobble Mr. HINZE: The honourable member is talking about local flora. We have the finest through the Chamber for a fortnight after national parks in Australia within 20 minutes the last game. drive of the City of Gold Coast. When it Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! comes to natural flora and fauna, we have the lot. All honourable members know . Mr. HINZE: I have made my point rela­ of David Fleay. He is a wonderful person tJve to the bowls association. Yesterday I who has a nature reserve on Tallebudgera personally handed the Premier a letter stat­ Creek, in my electorate. What we are trying ing a case for the introduction of poker to do now in the areas that have developed machines, and he has undertaken to discuss so quickly and in which the trees and under­ the matter with his Government colleagues. growth, and possibly a few mangroves, have We may see "pokies" introduced in the near been levelled-- future; at this stage, of course, I do not Mr. Aikens: I'll bet you wouldn't have know whether we will. a Chinee apple tree or a rubber vine on From reading the newspaper at lunch­ the lot. time, I learnt that the South Australian Mr. HINZE: I will tell the people down Premier proposes to legalise massage parlours. there what the honourable member for Mr. Jensen: That should be done on the Townsville South said. He might be able South Coast. The Government would get to send some down. plenty of money out of it. Mr. Sherrington interjected. 13 366 Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply

Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I hope come back. Obviously, the poor old rate­ the honourable member for Salisbury will payers in the area cannot provide the capital allow the honourable member for South required for a tourist area such as this. Coast to continue his speech. It is now history that we have been Mr. Aikens: Why don't you give him a waiting five or six years for the presentation walk? of the Delft Report. Since I have been in this Parliament I have spoken about it on Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I will give the every occasion I have had an opportunity, honourable member for Townsville South a and have waited patiently for its presenta­ walk in a moment. tion. It has now been before Parliament for some months, but not one bucket of sand Mr. Sherrington interjected. has been put back on the eroded beaches of Greenmount, Kirra, and Coolangatta, and Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! the people in the area are becoming somewhat I warn the honourable member for Salisbury impatient. They are asking what is going to under the provisions of Standing Order 123A. happen. Mr. IUNZE: I refer now to that part of Unlike Mark Antony, who said, "I did not the Governor's Opening Speech wherein he come here to talk", we do nothing else but referred to water-conservation schemes and talk. I want to see something come out of mentioned the increase in storage capacities this Delft Report, and fairly quickly. We from 930,000 acre-feet to 2,229,000 acre­ have been talking long enough. We have all feet. At the back of the Gold Coast, at the various committees and departments one a place known as Advancetown a dam is can possibly think of, and we have the same to be built that will service the area for personnel on every one of them. We are going a very long time. The point that worries to set up an Environmental Control Council me is the financing of the scheme. It will shortly and I hope that we are not going to cost about $15,000,000 to build the dam. overburden the same departmental officers by Surely if it is good enough for the Com­ putting them all on this body. Heaven only monwealth Government to provide funds to knows, they have sufficient to do in their grow cotton in the Emerald area-I have own departments. Frankly, I think they are no argument against that area or the people being tied down with red tape. We know that concerned with it, because if the Governments Peel, Heffernan and Charles Barton are very of the day believe that it is economically busy in their own departments, but they are sound-- placed on evyry committee we can think of. Frankly, I think it is time we gave considera­ Mr. O'DonneH: They can't grow cotton. tion to the overloading of these departmental Mr. HINZ:E: I do not care what they officers and possibly took some notice of the grow. I hke to see water-conserva:ion people who have been democratically elected schemes anywhere. Whoever made the to represent the areas. Nobody ever comes representations for Commonwealth funds for to me and asks me what do I think about this or that. I am only the member for the area. the E~erald area must have done a very good JOb, as I understand that the money is Mr. Jensen: The Premier does not think being provided by way of a grant. The you are any good. farmers will repay it eventually, of course. However, the actual funds made available are Mr. IDNZE: The honourable member had not State but Commonwealth funds. I am better watch himself or Jack Egerton will arguing that, if the Gold Coast is the area banish him like he did poor old Hanlon. The we all hope it is-and all Brisbane people, honourable member is one of the five on the anyhow, go down there; its beaches are list. I have seen his name and he is No. 4. their beaches as well as mine-then it is entitled to some assistance. Every week-end Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Lickiss): the roads to the Gold Coast are chocked Order! The honourable member will address with city people and, as we have to provide the Chair. ~ water sc~eme in the area, surely we are JUSt as entJtled as people in the Emerald Mr. HINZE: That is what I am trying to area to some Commonwealth assistance by do, but I am being rudely interrupted. way of grant. I have no argument aoainst Mr. Sherrington: Why do you want sand on the provisions of funds for the E~erald your beaches when the mining companies area, but how can 30,000 ratepayers on want it for poor little Jenny's bad heart? the. Gold Coast be expected to provide the capital. required for sewerage, water, beach Mr. HINZE: Frankly, I want to take this protectiOn and all the other necessary things? interjection because I am sick and tired of seeing Jenny's bad heart and all the other Mr. O'Donnell interjected. things. I believe that the mining companies could do much better with their money than Mr. IDNZE: I do not want to talk about carry on the type of advertising we see on Yeppoon. We have 3,000,000 visitors a year television every night. It possibly had some to the Gold Coast. We must provide the news value for us the first time we saw it, or water. People who come down there require even the second time, but it is getting a little water and, if they do not get it, they do not bit boring. I know Joe Pepper and other Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 367 people associated with the mining industry Mr. Jensen: You'll get your head chopped quite well, and if they take a tip from me off, and he won't listen to you any more. they will drop the stupid advertising they are sponsoring at present and get on with some­ Mr. HINZE: Opposition members should thing more constructive. I do not know not talk about lopping heads, because the whether the honourable member expected me way I see it there are not many heads left to accept that interjection, but that is my on their side of the Chamber. Even Mr. attitude to it, as I will tell the mining Speaker was concerned this morning because companies. he did not know where to look to find some To get back to the Delft Report, I say Opposition members. that the Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, I congratulate the Main Roads Depart­ Bruce Small, has come forward with a con­ ment on the work that it has done on the structive proposal. He says it is not neces­ highway between Brisbane and the Gold sary to provide the $28,000,000 that the Coast. All people who have the privilege of Delft Laboratory says is needed for the work driving to the Gold Coast are able to travel that it recommends be done, because an along a wonderful four-lane highway; but organisation has written to him and indicated when they reach their destination they meet that it will move 10,000,000 cubic yards of with some problems. I am aware that the sand at a cost of only 25c a cubic yard. department has prepared plans for the con­ That quantity of sand would correct all of struction of alternative roads, and I under­ the problems on the beaches of the Gold stand that a route to be called the Inland Coast for some considerable time, and Freeway will be built inland from the Gold 10,000,000 multiplied by 25c is $2,500,000. Coast. However, I am very concerned about The Delft Report says that a further sum the proposal to construct it close to David of $2,500,000 would be required to construct Fleay's fauna reserve. groynes at The Spit and Narrowneck and at I hope that the Main Roads Department the Currumbin estuary. That gives a total will take notice of my representations to of $5,000,000. move the proposed highway well away from I asked the mayor, "Where is the money that reserve. If anything will cause a stir in coming from? The ratepayers cannot pay it, this State, it is the building of a main road and the Government has not sufficient funds. close to it. The Government can take it The Minister for Marine Affairs gets only for granted that I will be making all the $500,000 for the whole State, so we cannot necessary representations to shift the pro­ reasonably expect to get $5,000,000 in one posed route further west from the old year for the Gold Coast alone." If the Mudgeeraba-Currumbin railway line. I can­ Government desires the mayor can make a not see why that could not be done. If the deal on its behalf to pay for the scheme over department goes ahead with its proposal to five years. The scheme provides for the place the road close to the fauna reserve, it building up of 130 acres of land, including will meet with very strong opposition, not 50 acres at The Spit and another 30 acres only from David Fleay but also from the at Narrowneck. All honourable members can thousands of people who visit the area to appreciate the high value that that land will see the flora and fauna for which his reserve have if the proposal becomes a reality. I is famous. I commend the work done by understand that the value of the land for the Department of Main Roads throughout subdivisional or other purposes would be as Queensland, but I issue a warning about high as $2,500,000; therefore, the Govern­ keeping this road away from this reserve. ment would have to find only the remaining Mr. Sherrington: They are pegging it out $2,500,000 to do all the work that we already. believe is necessary in the foreseeable future. I hope that the Government, through the Mr. HINZE: They have to peg out the Beach Protection Authority, will entertain the lines, or run them, to see what has to be proposal that is put forward. By nature I done. am an impatient man; I want to see things (Time expired.) done. If they are not done I might get booted out of Parliament-and I like being Mr. HARRIS (Wynnum) (3.36 p._m.): I here too much to be booted out. I want to associate myself with the expressiOns of be returned to Parliament at the next elec­ loyalty to Her Majesty by honourable mem­ tion, and if I do not get something done bers on both sides of the House. However, very quickly the voters might think twice I have noted on many occasions that the about returning me. I hope that the Govern­ number of such expressions appears to be ment takes seriously the proposals put for­ diminishing. While we live under our ward by Bruce Small, who, as everybody present system, we should pay due respect knows, is an outstanding personality. to the Crown on such occasions. I know that my constituents, who are loyal to Her Mr. Davis: Tell us what you said last Majesty, appreciate my doing so. night about the "mighty little Premier". It grieves me that a shadow of doubt Mr. HINZE: I will repeat it now. Have a can cross my mind about the loyalty of look at him; he is a mighty little Premier. some Cabinet Ministers when honourable I do not bother him with every little detail, members ask certain question about prob­ but he listens to me. lems in their areas. My attention focused on 368 Address in Reply (2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply an article in yesterday's "Courier-Mail" ordinances on drainage, etc. Thus the com­ relative to the allocation by the Common­ munity is deprived of this asset. I make wealth Government of so many million no apology for saying this. The Minister dollars to assist the State Government to has once again given me false information. provide housing accommodation. My mind adverted to the time, two or three years ago, Mr. HODGES: I rise to a point of order. when I repeatedly asked questions in this I ask for the withdrawal of that remark. House about vacant land held by the I have not misled the House and I have Housing Commission for the erection of not given the honourable member false rental homes and flats. Yesterday, I again asked the Minister for Works and Housing information. a question about this land, in these terms- Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable "(1) Is he aware that the Housing Com­ member for Wynnum must withdraw the mission owns a large area of land in Sibley remark. It is offensive to the Minister. Road, Lindum? "(2) Is he also aware that this land is Mr. HARRIS: I withdraw it. I qualify and has been for some considerable time it by saying that I have documentary evidence in an overgrown state and is a harbour to prove what I have said, but I do withdraw for snakes, rodents and other vermin? the remark if it is offensive to the Minister. "(3) Will he take action to put this land to a more useful purpose by the construc­ I shall now deal with another section tion of houses and/ or flats by the Housing of the Minister's department. Last Thursday, Commission for rental purposes in an I presented to the House a petition from endeavour to overcome the housing short­ 2,500 electors of the Wynnum-Manly area age in the area?" praying that the Parliament of Queensland will urgently consider the appointment of In reply, the Minister said­ additional police officers in the area. The "(1) Yes. petition was read and received. One could "(2) The land has been cleared on ask why it is necessary for an honourable occasion and a firebreak cleared recently. member to submit to this House a petition "(3) It is intended to use this area for with 2,500 names on it. The answer is house construction as soon as agreement very simple. The people of my electorate, is reached with the Brisbane City Council like people throughout the length and breadth in regard to subdivisional proposals. of Queensland, are thoroughly disgusted with Discussions are currently in hand in this the numerical inadequacy of the Police Force regard." throughout Queensland. Honourable mem­ This is a complete misrepresentation, and bers, including the Minister, realise that I charge the Minister with giving me false there is a shortage of police officers. As information. First of all, the land has not this has been made known to the Govern­ been cleared recently; in fact, it has not ment for some years, is it not logical to been cleared for years. It is in a filthy assume that something would have been condition, with grass approximately 5 ft. done about it? Would it not be logical to high. Shubbery, vines and small trees are assume that the administration of the Police still growing on it. The firebreak mentioned Department would have taken some steps by the Minister has not been cleared recently. to attract more cadets to the Police Force? In fact, it has not been cleared for at least But what has been done? The Minister 12 months. The people living in this will say that various training courses have vicinity are still being pestered by the rodents, been conducted, but did they all have a full vermin and snakes I mentioned. I realise complement of trainees? I have been led fully that this may be under the jurisdiction to believe that some classes comprised only of the Brisbane City Council, but it is the half the number that could have been responsibility of the property owner to have accommodated. the matter attended to. We might ask ourselves, "How can we The Minister, in the third part of his rectify this situation?" Many of the Com­ answer, said- missioner's advisers are, it can be said with­ out fear of contradiction, among the best "It is intended to use this area for house police investigators in the Commonwealth. construction as soon as agreement is They are men who have spent 30 to 40 reached with the Brisbane City Council ..." years of their lives in this field. But when This has been going on for 10 years. It the time came for one of their number to is not the Brisbane City Council that is be selected to head the Police Force, did holding this up, as the Minister is fully the Government appoint one of these fully aware. The Commissioner of Housing and qualified men? Did the Government choose the Department of Works, with the know­ a man who had been brought up, as it ledge of the Minister, will not go ahead were, in the atmosphere of crime in Queens­ with this building project because the Bris­ land? Certainly not. The Government went bane City Council is not in agreement with outside the Queensland Police Force to what they want to do, and the council will obtain a person to fill a position for which not give approval to the scheme because there were qualified men within the force, the commission will not adhere to the council thus causing great resentment within it. Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 369

Where, I ask, are these senior officers wishes to discuss promotion and conditions to go? Are they going to reach almost to now existing in the Police Force I will really the top of the ladder, only to be denied "rock" him. access to the final rung? Let it not be forgotten, either, that when the opportunity Let me tell him why men are leaving the arose to appoint additional Assistant Com­ Police Force. It would not be logical for a missioners, the same administration and the man who has worked in a particular field for same Minister were able to find appointees 20 years to throw up his job without a from their own fully qualified men. But reason and become just another member of they could not find one to appoint as the work-force. If he does, there must be a Commissioner. reason. In this instance, men are leaving the Police Force because they are frustrated in What has happened since then? On many their work, because they lack opportunities, occasions Government members have spoken and because of the system of promotion now about the drought, and how drastic it has operating. been for Queensland. When members, par­ ticularly those on this side of the House, Let me mention another matter that I have endeavoured to obtain benefits for the think is very interesting. The Minister will workers, the Government has invariably said deny what I say, but I assure honourable how short of money it is. I refer to efforts members that it is correct. A survey was to obtain for the people such things as taken in August of this year-the Minister houses, improved hospital services, and other knows that as well as I do-and I intend to amenities to which they are justly entitled. quote from the figures that it revealed. It is How many times, when such requests han futile for the Minister, the Commissioner of been made, have we been told, "There are Police, or anyone else, to deny that the insufficient funds."? In spite of that. the figures prove that at that time there was a Commissioner of Police has been able to shortage of 17 senior sergeants, 15 sergeants convince the Government of the need to first class, and 19 sergeants second class. spend $4,500,000 on a Police Academy that Although the survey did not reveal it, I will attract young Queensland men to the should say that there would also have been Police Force. Personally I do not care a shortage of at least 1,000 constables. There where they come from, as long as they is not even a shadow of a doubt that the are suitable candidates. figures are correct. Young fellows with Senior passes are to be What happens to the senior constables with recruited and, having Senior passes, they at least 20 years' service? How are they to will be sent to the Queensland University gain promotion? How much longer does the to obtain higher education. Whilst there, Government intend to jeopardise the pro­ they will be paid a salary. What a wonder­ motion of those members of the Police Force? ful opportunity that will be, and I do not It has been stated openly in the department begrudge those cadets any of the advantages on many occasions that they have not been that they will receive. But what is going promoted because they will not go to the to happen to these members of the Queens­ country, or because they will not do this, land Police Force after they finish their that, or something else. Why, after 20 years' courses? They will not be bonded, and, service, should police officers have to go to after they have obtained their degrees, does the country and break their family ties, the Government expect that, with their particularly if they have children attending qualifications, they will stay in the Police State primary or secondary schools or private Force? There is not a chance in the world schools? of that. These men will be justified in going into private enterprise, where they will not Mr. Chinchen: What about bank officers experience the conditions to which they arc and school teachers? subjected as members of the Police Force. Mr. HARRIS: I am talking about police I do not deny them the right to do that. officers. The honourable member can have Let me deal with the real reason why the his say later. I am talking about the welfare Government and the administration of the of the workers, people who are members of Queensland Police Force are having difficulty the Police Force. in getting cadets to join the force. Many trivial, annoying little things go on in Mr. Hodges: You are talking a lot of rot. the Police Force-pin-pricking, penny­ pinching things relative to uniforms, for Mr. HARRIS: I suppose all of us do at example. It has been suggested on several times. I speak it only occasionally; the occasions that they want fob pockets in their Minister appears to speak it all the time. uniform trousers. What did the Minister say Let me assist him. I am one of those who when it was suggested that police-uniform are prepared to help people, particularly if trousers should have fob pockets in which they are in trouble, and, believe me, the officers could carry change? Let me help Minister is in real trouble with the Police the Minister out again. Is he going to play Force. In my book, he is not doing one thing this from a financial angle? The cost of to assist members of the Police Force. He the material that would be used in making certainly is not doing anything to improve a fob pocket in a pair of trousers would be their conditions, and I believe that he is approximately Se. What would the labour hindering their promotion. If the Minister cost? Taking it at the very extreme, if the 370 Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply private enterprise manufacturer plundered t~e Mr. HARRIS: Mr. Deputy Speaker, will Police Force as he plunders the publlc you ask that chatterbox to be quiet? because there is no price control in this Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Houghton): State, he could charge for the labour of a female employee at the rate of 96c an hour, Order! so that it would work out at about 6c per fob Mr. HARRIS: I should like now to touch pocket. on another serious problem, again connected The Commissioner does not look at it that with the Government's attitude to people way, He says, "What do they want a fob generally. pocket for? They don't have watches on We have frequently applauded the Gove~n­ chains. Fob pockets are only for carrying ment for breaking up land and makmg watches." What a silly statement that is! building blocks available to the workers. I agree that the purpose of a fob pocket We thought it had done a reasonably good in the first instance was to carry a fob job, but I point out that, in the near future, watch. Just because it was provided for the Lands Department is to conduct two that purpose in the first place, it does not land-auction sales on Moreton Island. 1 he mean that it is not useful for another pur­ first is to be held on 16 September. This pose now. If a man bought a truck to being so, I ask if the departmen! in~ends carry milk, surely the Commissioner would to mislead prospe~tive buyers, a.s It did .at not say that he must not carry any other the previous auctwn, by showmg, on Its dairy product in it. Let us be factual and maps of the land to be sold, roads alongside practical about this. the blocks. If i.t does, I want to show If the Commissioner and the Minister were honourable members what was done on 9 sincere about providing better conditions for April 1970 and point out exactly what police officers, why would they not do some­ happened on that occasion. thing about one-man patrols? Why do they The honourable member for South Coast allow one man to go on duty between the has mentioned fraudulent advertising. Has hours of 12 midnight and 8 a.m.? Police anyone ever seen anything more fraudulent officers are expected to make one-man patrols than the map I have here, which definitely through areas where bashings, rapes and misleads the public and constitutes a fral!du­ murders are being committed. We heard lent practice? I venture to say that rf a the honourable member for South Coast land developer operating in Queensland talking about crime on the Gold Coast. If published a similar prospectus or map, he the Minister and the Commissioner were would be found guilty of fraud. The Lands sincere, do you not think, Mr. Deputy Department does this whenever it conducts Speaker, they would have these men working an auction. in pairs? I have here a map of the current sale. The honourable member for Merthyr, a I will hold it up for everybody .to see, former detective with Police Force experience, including the people in the gallery: It shows pointed out that more gunmen and thugs roads adjacent to the blocks bemg offered were coming to this State than the Govern­ for sale. I am familiar with this area and ment realised. Thefts and other crimes are there is not one road near it. No vehicle, being committed in increasing numbers including four-wheel-drive vehicles, could throughout the metropolitan area simply traverse the approaches to these blocks. because of the inadequacy of police protec­ tion, particularly from midnight onwards When blocks were sold in April of last when one-man patrols are carried out. The year, the people were misled becau~e the police division in my electorate is enormous auction was held in George Street, Bnsbane. in area and embraces about 65,000 people. When they went to the island to see the How could one man carry out a patrol in a land they had bought, they had to travel sincere and conscientious manner? For their up to 1+ miles t? the are~. Anyb?dy who own safety police officers should refuse to is conversant wrth the Island wrll know do this job. They should refuse to go the area commonly called Campbell's Point. to the backs of buildings and other places The Lands Department calls it Hamilton's where they could be hit on the head with a Point. On the map I referred to it can be rock or anything else. There is no reason seen at the bottom, whereas the land for sale why they should be subjected to such is at the top. The only way anyone could get unnecessary risks. to the blocks to be sold on 16 September would be by traversing private property. The I urge the Minister and the Commissioner owners of these properties have been in to give serious consideration to the problems touch with the department and the Redlands presently existing in the Queensland Police Shire. This is a Country Party-controlled Force. I particularly ask them to give shire which is in cahoots with the Govern­ urgent consideration to the fact that police ment and if its members were genuine in officers should not be required to do the their' attitude to the people in the area they 12 midnight to 8 a.m. shift on their own. would have built roads, or at least tracks They cannot be expected to do their job that a Land Rover or some other four­ conscientiously when they are asked to work wheel-drive vehicle could traverse. However, under those circumstances. I repeat that at the present time no vehicle Mr. Aikens interjected. could traverse the approaches to the blocks Address in Reply [2 SEPTEMBER 1971] Address in Reply 371 that are to be sold, and I again charge t~e of boat ramps, so I asked him whether the Government with fraudulent practices m public boat ramp at the Royal Queensland hoodwinking and misleading the public in Yacht Club could be extended by at least 36 the sale of this land. feet. I was told, in effect, that when the boat I hope that the Press will give some harbour was completed parking and boat­ publicity to this matter so that those unfor­ ramp facilities would be made available. tunate people who place their trust in this My constituents and I could under­ stand that answer if these were not Government will not be hoodwinked and led urgently required amenities. It should up the garden path by the Government in be remembered that the Government is the sale of these blocks of land. extracting money from hundreds of people Mr. Chinchen: How many are you going every week-end by way of the taxes on fuel, to buy? boat purchases and many other items that they use. Yet it is not prepared to help Mr. HARRIS: I have had no occasion to them by providing boating facilities. This buy any of them. boat ramp caters for at least 300 to 500 In reclaiming land, the Government's boat-trailers and boats each week-end, and policy is to consider only the needs of there is always a queue of from 40 to 50 private enterprise and to completely dis­ boats waiting to launch. If the tide is not regard the wishes of the ordinary people. suitable, many of them fail to get out. To illustrate my contention, I point out that I ask the Minister to seriously consider at the mouth of the Brisbane River, near extending the ramp, and, if that is not two islands that are commonly referred to possible, building a smaller ramp elsewhere as Fisherman Islands-just off the southern at which the boating fraternity may launch tip of Bishop Island-the dredge "Sir their boats properly. Thomas Hiley" is pumping silt at the new dolphins that have been constructed there, I fully support the remarks of the chair­ not for reclamation purposes but simply to man of the A.L.P.'s health committee, and get rid of the silt from the river channels l am proud to have been associated with that are being dredged. On each occasion him on his tour of the State. I support his that the dredge berths at the dolphins it dis­ charges about the inadequacies to be found charges 3,000 tons of silt. throughout the hospitals in Queensland. Over the past 20 years the residents of \Vynnum The Minister for Marine Affairs will be have repeatedly advocated the building of aware that in that locality there is what is a hospital in that area. We continued to commonly referred to as the training wall, do so after 1957 simply because, at every which divides the river-bank from the open election, the Government promised the people water. The dolphins to which I have referred of Wynnum that one would be forthcoming. have Qeen erected near the wall, and all the silt that the dredge discharges is pumped not When I visited Caloundra I saw a mag­ onto the land but into Moreton Bay. Up to nificent hospital, but it had no doctor to this stage the sea-bed between Fisherman give medical attention unless one happened Islands and Green Island has been covered to be sick on the day on which he came with silt to a depth of one foot. from Nambour. On those days, with a little luck, one could receive medical attention. I do not suppose there are any fishermen Wynnum, with 65,000 people, is still with­ among Government members-most of them out a hospital, yet Caloundra, with about would get sick in a bus going across Victoria 20,000 people, has a hospital, without a Bridge-but in my electorate there are many resident medical practitioner. Perhaps one fishermen who will suffer as a result of the or two patients a week would be treated discharge of silt into the bay. So far, it has at the Caloundra hospital throughout the completely covered the whiting patch, and year. in the very near future it will also cover the Why was a hospital built at Caloundra? mullet-breeding grounds. All honourable Simply because it is in a Government-con­ members can imagine the damage that will trolled area. No-one can tell me that the be done both to the fishing industry and to Government is not playing politics with the wildlife of the area. I do not intend to hospitals. If not, why should hospitals in elaborate on the benefits to be derived from Government areas get so much attention retaining areas of mangrove swamp, but I while those in Labor areas are denied help? point out that the area into which the silt What has happened in Belmont and Wynnum? is being pumped is being denuded of vege­ Why is a hospital to be built at Mt. Gravatt? tation. Why should the honourable member for I implore the Minister to investigate my South Coast appeal for additional hospital complaint and to inquire into whether the accommodation when there is alreadv a silt discharged by the "Sir Thomas Hiley" hospital in his area? Redcliffe has a hospital, can be pumped into some other area that for which money is made available for can eventually be reclaimed and used for improvements, while we at Wynnum, who industrial purposes. are entitled to a hospital, are denied one. I have always had the greatest admiration When I asked a question about the for the Minister for Marine Affairs. I know Wynnum clinic, the Minister for Health that he has done all he can in the provision proved beyond a doubt by his answer that 372 Ministerial Statement (7 SEPTEMBER 1971] Ministerial Statement at least 12,000 to 14,000 people are treated there by a doctor who visits Wynnum twice a week. That indicates how badly we need a hospital, particularly from the safety angle. Wynnum is one of the most highly indus­ trialised areas in the metropolitan area. This Government is giving no consideration what­ ever to the people of my district, and again I claim that it is playing politics with the hos­ pital system. It grieves me to face my people and tell them this so often after having been pro­ mised that we would receive a hospital. Before every election, the Liberal Party sends someone from the Works Department to clean up the adjacent land, and this puts heart into the people. But what happens? As soon as the election is over, the grass is allowed to grow as high as it is on the Lindum Road land, which I spoke about earlier. (Time expired.) Debate, on motion of Mr. Chinchen, adjourned. The House adjourned at 4.16 p.m.