COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

SENATE Official Hansard

MONDAY, 17 JUNE 1996

THIRTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT FIRST SESSION—FIRST PERIOD

BY AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE CANBERRA CONTENTS

MONDAY, 17 JUNE

Representation of Victoria ...... 1581 Ministerial Arrangements ...... 1581 Questions Without Notice— Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles ...... 1581 Premiers Conference ...... 1582 Taxation ...... 1583 Child Poverty ...... 1584 Premiers Conference ...... 1585 Taxation ...... 1586 Taxation ...... 1586 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...... 1587 Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles ...... 1588 Women’s Organisations ...... 1589 Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles ...... 1590 Nuclear Waste ...... 1591 Taxation ...... 1591 Cuba: Privatisation of Telecommunications ...... 1592 Assistant Treasurer ...... 1593 Premiers Conference ...... 1593 Black Hawk Helicopter Accident ...... 1600 Condolences— Former Senator Thomas Joseph Tehan ...... 1606 Petitions— Registered Chemicals ...... 1613 Logging and Woodchipping ...... 1613 Sale of Telstra ...... 1614 Uranium ...... 1614 Rifle Clubs ...... 1614 Wool ...... 1614 Higher Education ...... 1614 Higher Education ...... 1615 Notices of Motion— Indonesia: Proposed Nuclear Power Plants ...... 1615 Burma ...... 1615 Desertification ...... 1616 Music Funding ...... 1616 Brazil ...... 1616 Leave of Absence ...... 1616 Order of Business— Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee .... 1617 Aussie’s Coffee Shop ...... 1617 BHP Petroleum ...... 1617 Sri Lanka ...... 1617 Native Title Committee ...... 1617 Consideration of Legislation ...... 1617 Matters of Public Importance— Sales Tax ...... 1617 Committees— Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee: Joint—Report: Government Response ...... 1629 Documents— Tuna Long-line Fishing Treaty ...... 1637 Auditor-General’s Reports—Report No. 26 of 1995-96 ...... 1638 Auditor-General’s Reports—Report No. 27 of 1995-96 ...... 1639 Committees— Economics References Committee—Report ...... 1639 Parliamentary Delegation to The 41st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference ...... 1639 CONTENTS—continued

Parliamentary Delegation to Sri Lanka ...... 1641 Parliamentary Delegation to The 95th Inter-parliamentary Conference . . 1643 Committees— Membership ...... 1644 Assent to Laws ...... 1644 Export Market Development Grants Amendment Bill (No. 1) 1996— Report of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee 1644 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 1) 1996— Report of Economics Legislation Committee ...... 1645 Consideration of Legislation ...... 1645 Consideration of Legislation ...... 1646 Housing Assistance Bill 1996— In Committee ...... 1646 Adjournment— Parliament: Length of Term of Office ...... 1653 Documents— Tabling ...... 1655 Questions On Notice— Family Farm—(Question No. 8) ...... 1656 Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Staff—(Question No. 23) ...... 1656 Army: Vehicle Projects—(Question No. 24) ...... 1656 Prospective Migrants: Applications to Immigrate—(Question No. 28) . 1658 Monash University: Alleged Breaches of Law—(Question No. 29) . . . 1659 Human Pituitary Hormones—(Question No. 34) ...... 1660 Defence Personnel: Legal Aid—(Question No. 40) ...... 1661 Export of Live Native Animals—(Question No. 41) ...... 1662 Marine Communications—(Question No. 45) ...... 1662 Government Petrol Contracts—(Question No. 47) ...... 1664 National Museum of Australia: Gallery of Aboriginal Australia— (Question No. 52) ...... 1665 Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation: Market Intelligence Report—(Question No. 55) ...... 1665 Postal Services—(Question No. 58) ...... 1666 Postal Services—(Question No. 59) ...... 1668 Postal Services—(Question No. 60) ...... 1670 Postal Services—(Question No. 61) ...... 1671 Postal Services—(Question No. 62) ...... 1672 Postal Services—(Question No. 63) ...... 1674 Defence Purchases—(Question No. 64) ...... 1674 Humpback Whales—(Question No. 81) ...... 1675 SENATE 1581

Monday, 17 June 1996 starting point wrong. The fact is that on 11 June, in advance of the Premiers Conference, the Treasurer announced the Commonwealth’s The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. proposals in relation to the conference, includ- Michael Beahan) took the chair at 2.00 p.m., ing the question of sales tax. He said in that and read prayers. statement on 11 June that the Commonwealth would be proposing to remove the exemption REPRESENTATION OF VICTORIA from sales tax currently enjoyed by Common- The PRESIDENT—Order! I inform the wealth, state, territory and local governments. Senate that I have received, through the He also said, in terms of the specifics, that it Governor-General, from the Governor of would apply to vehicles purchased from that Victoria the certificate of the choice of the day by Commonwealth, state and territory houses of the Victorian parliament of Senator governments. He also said that, so far as the Stephen Michael Conroy to fill the vacancy remainder of the sales tax arrangements for caused by the resignation of Senator the Hon. non-vehicles was concerned, that would Gareth John Evans QC. I table the certificate. involve negotiations with the states on transi- tional arrangements and the like. MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS That is the position that the Commonwealth Senator HILL (South Australia—Leader government went into the Premiers Confer- of the Government in the Senate)—by ence on. The reason why it went in on that leave—I inform the Senate that Senator Parer, basis was, of course, because it was aware— the Minister for Resources and Energy, will as were all the states, Senator Wheelwright, be absent from question time today. Senator contrary, I think, to your party opposite, Parer will be delivering the keynote address which vandalised the finances of this country to the annual conference of the Australian for 13 years—that it was necessary for all Petroleum Exploration Association in Darwin. members of the Australian community and all During his absence, I will take questions levels of government to make a contribution relating to the portfolios of primary industries towards meeting the deficit reduction of $8 and energy, and industry, science and tourism. billion that the government inherited two days after the election. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Fortunately, the whole basis for the Premi- Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles ers Conference was that—unlike Labor oppos- Senator WHEELWRIGHT—My question ite—the state and territory premiers and is addressed to Senator Short, the Assistant leaders acknowledged that there was a need Treasurer. Senator, the Treasurer announced and a responsibility on all our parts to make in writing that sales tax will be payable on all a contribution to that deficit reduction which vehicles bought by state and local govern- was the direct cause of the irresponsibility of ments after 3.15 p.m. on 11 June. The Prime the previous Labor government. As happens Minister and the Treasurer then announced with all premiers conferences—and they have orally on 14 June that the earlier announce- been the same from time immemorial—the ment was wrong, and that only certain cars whole basis of the conference is that you go would be taxed. Could you please advise the and discuss the different ways of meeting the Senate of any precedent of withdrawing a objectives. written taxation announcement with an oral The important outcome of the Premiers one. Do you believe that this is a good way Conference was that the result—the bottom to make tax policy? Has any tax been charged line result—was a very satisfactory outcome to state or local governments under the indeed for the Commonwealth. previously announced regime, and will this Senator Bob Collins—Not for the taxpayer, tax be refunded? Jim. Senator SHORT—In response to Senator Senator SHORT—Yes, because, with the Wheelwright’s question, I think he has got his contribution that has been made by the state 1582 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 and territory leaders, we have a very signifi- Senator SHORT—I thank Senator Watson cant and very important contribution towards for that question because it follows on very the deficit reduction that we inherited from naturally and well from Senator Wheel- the previous Labor government. It is the wright’s question to me. Let me start with the bottom line that is important. part about who should shoulder the blame. It is correct to say that we would have Senator Robert Ray—Every time the preferred to have had a more equitable result pressure’s on you fold. Why did you fold, on the sales tax arrangements as a whole, but Jim? You gave in to the premiers. the outcome, so far as private vehicles are Senator SHORT—The blame for the need concerned, is that, where they form part of the for the deficit reduction strategy that this remuneration package of an employee, they government has put in train with great cou- will be covered, and that is a very desirable rage and great integrity lies wholly and solely advance. You had 13 years to do something with the previous Labor government and, very about this—13 years. You were not game to importantly, with the previous Minister for tackle any of the hard questions. We had a go Finance who is now the Leader of the Oppo- at it. We negotiated well with the Common- sition in this country, Mr Beazley. wealth, the states and the territories, and we achieved a very satisfactory result. (Time Senator Bob Collins—What happened to expired) the courage last week, Jim? Senator WHEELWRIGHT—Mr President, Senator Faulkner—Jim, have a look I ask a supplementary question. Minister, I behind you. still think there is a great deal of room for Senator SHORT—It was during Mr clarification here. Could you please advise the Beazley’s reign as finance minister of this Senate to what vehicles the new sales tax will country that the finances of the federal apply, what will be the rate of tax and from government slipped to such an extent that— when the changes will apply. The PRESIDENT—Order! I cannot hear Senator SHORT—The sales tax will apply what is being said in answer. There are too to privately plated vehicles of employees of many interjections on my left and they will Commonwealth, state and local govern- have to cease if we are going to go on with ments— question time. Senator Bob Collins—When? Senator SHORT—The finances slipped to Senator SHORT—As from 11 June 1996, such an extent that this government inherited where those vehicles are wholly or partly an $8 billion deficit which, contrary to what included in the remuneration package of the you opposite may believe, actually does have employee. That is quite clear. It has been the effect of increasing interest rates, actually clearly stated in the outcome of the confer- does have the effect of increasing unemploy- ence. I am surprised that Senator Wheelwright ment, actually does have the effect of reduc- has not read the official release because that ing job creation and actually does have the is precisely what it says. effect of reducing economic growth and reducing the living standards of all Austral- Premiers Conference ians. This government was elected to repair Senator WATSON—On a similar theme, that damage that 13 years of Labor misman- I direct my question to the Assistant Treasur- agement and fiscal vandalism had caused. er. Minister, I refer to the outcomes following Unlike you Labor Party members opposite, the recent Premiers Conference Loan Council the welcome fact is that the state and territory meetings. Could you please explain whether leaders accepted that need. They were pre- you considered the outcomes were satisfac- pared to accept and shoulder their responsi- tory. Could you also explain who should bilities in the interests of all Australians. shoulder the blame for the reduction in the What is absolutely disgraceful is that the states’ and territories’ general assistance Labor Party opposition in this chamber, which grants? caused the problem through the erosion of Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1583 integrity in government financing, is not matters that need to be looked at. That is prepared to accept and share in the need for precisely what was done last week. That does the restoration of fiscal responsibility and the not constitute any increase in taxes. integrity of the finances of this country. Senator Sherry—So $1.2 billion is not a The outcome of the conference was very new tax? satisfactory indeed, because the result is that Senator SHORT—If you want to look at the states are going to contribute approximate- people who break their promises, what about ly $1.5 billion to fix up the budget bottom looking at a government which in the months line over the next two to three years. They before the 1993 election said that it had have accepted that in a spirit of compromise legislated into l-a-w law the biggest tax cuts and cooperation which does them great credit, in Australia’s history. Two days after the and discredits those opposite. They acted with election they sat down and worked out how a high degree of responsibility, and the they were going to deliberately break those Commonwealth accepts and welcomes that. promises, which they knew they never had Let me say again that Labor created the any intention of meeting. problem. The government that was elected on They were a government which, two 2 March was elected to fix the problem. It is months after the election in 1993, increased fixing it. I am delighted that it is doing it with sales tax across the board and introduced new the full cooperation of the states and territor- taxes over a whole range of areas. They were ies. broken promises. Everyone knows that that Taxation was the case. The fact is, Senator Sherry, that nothing that was said by the government last Senator SHERRY—My question is direct- week in any way contravened the total com- ed to the Minister representing the Treasurer. mitment that we have given to the Australian I remind him of a statement made by the now people that we will not be introducing new Treasurer, Mr Costello, to the National Press taxes or increasing existing taxes. Club on 17 May 1995, when he said: It is not our agenda to introduce new taxes. It is Senator SHERRY—Mr President, I ask a not our agenda to bulk up the currently existing supplementary question. Minister, how does taxes. your defence of the Treasurer and the govern- Do you agree that an expansion of the whole- ment sit with what you told this chamber on sale sales tax to cover items that are currently 28 June last year when you said: exempt from that tax constitutes the breaking . . . the government has now added to the disaster of this promise? If not, why not? of the wholesale sales tax system by expanding it to cover a number of items, which I have already Senator SHORT—I am not too sure what mentioned, that are currently exempt from such tax. the now Treasurer said on 17 May 1995, but That does constitute the breaking of a seemingly I can well believe that that is what he did say very firm promise by the government before the because everything that he and this govern- election that there would be no new taxes. ment have done since the election has been in What do you think about what you said on accordance with that statement. For you to this issue last year? say that the proposals put to the premiers last Senator SHORT—Senator Sherry obvious- week constitute any change to that is a total ly cannot understand the fundamental differ- misunderstanding by you of the nature of the ence between a range of tax increases which taxation system. the previous government, his government, did The fact is that on numerous occasions in government and the very responsible before the election and on equally numerous approach of the present government to the occasions since the election the Treasurer, the whole question of anomalies and exemptions Prime Minister, myself and others have made in the taxation system, of which the approach it clear that in terms of getting the finances of of the Treasurer and the Prime Minister last this country right, on the revenue side, the week was a very important example. I just question of exemptions and anomalies are come back to the fundamental point that I 1584 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 made at the outset: this government is totally fered and the children of the battlers suffered committed to no new taxes and no increases even more. This was one of the reasons why in existing taxes. That was the situation; that it was thrown out of office. is the situation; that will remain the situation. It is pleasing that Labor spokesmen are just Child Poverty starting to accept the reality. You would have noticed Gary Gray, the party secretary, when Senator TROETH—My question is ad- he was asked a few days ago why they lost dressed to Senator Hill, the Minister repre- government, saying it was because they failed senting the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I to understand the needs of families. That is draw the minister’s attention to the report re- what it is. Families suffered under your leased by UNICEF last week showing that policy. Under your policy the gap grew Australia is one of only five industrialised between rich and poor; the poor became nations to have more than 10 per cent of its poorer and the families suffered. More chil- children living in poverty. Justice Marcus dren ended up in poverty. This is what you Einfeld says the report revealed that Australia would call the social wage. has much to be ashamed of. How will the government’s policy program alleviate this Senator Crowley interjecting— situation? Senator HILL—This is what you, Senator Senator HILL—I have had my attention Crowley, came in here and boasted about drawn to the UNICEF report, The progress of every day—the achievements of Labor in the nations, which ranked industrialised countries social wage. The achievement of Labor was according to the proportion of children living that the number of Australian children in in poverty. This report is an appalling indict- poverty grew. ment of the former Labor government’s When Gary Gray was pressed even further record. as to what was the problem, he said, ‘It was We all remember Bob Hawke, the former arrogance.’ How correct he was! The govern- Prime Minister, in 1987 saying, ‘No Austral- ment was too arrogant and forgot the needs of ian child will live in poverty by 1990.’ Yet its supporters; too interested in Mr Keating’s with six further years of Labor, what hap- so-called big picture to worry about the pened? The position substantially deteriorat- masses out there who were suffering. It is not ed—so much so that this report, this inde- surprising that they were suffering. There was pendent, objective report, found that 14 per mass unemployment. There is still three- cent of children in this country are living in quarters of a million Australians out of work. families with inadequate incomes. They gave us youth unemployment of 30 to Senator Carr—What’s your answer. 40 per cent out in the region. These are the young people of Australia who could not get Senator HILL—I will tell you. How does jobs under Labor. this compare with other countries? It is worse than Ireland, worse than Israel, worse than the Senator Carr—Increase poverty—that’s United Kingdom, worse than Italy, worse than your answer. West Germany, worse than France— Senator HILL—As I said, they showed us Senator Schacht—So the first thing you do a growing gap between rich and poor, so is remove migrants from the list. much so that we started to have social com- mentators talking for the first time about the Senator HILL—worse than the Nether- growth of an underclass in this country. This lands— is the legacy of Labor; this is the legacy we Senator Schacht—So you remove migrants inherited. from the list. We have a better approach. It does require Senator HILL—much worse than the hard decisions. It does require us to cut back Scandinavian countries, Senator Schacht. This on public expenditure, which they were not is your record. The record of this former prepared to do, in order that we can take Labor government was that the battlers suf- pressure off interest rates, help small business Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1585 to grow, provide jobs for Australians who are Senator SHORT—You are behind the not in work and give some hope to those who times yet again, Senator Faulkner. You are are in work. Under Labor, not only did we talking about a situation that did not eventuate have mass unemployment but the living in the outcome of the Premiers Conference. standards of those in work fell. So far as the particular comments by Mr We have a different approach. Our approach Stockdale and the South Australian Premier is to increase wealth so that all can benefit, are concerned, I do not agree that there were increase productivity and put in place a broken promises involved, for precisely the regime whereby workers’ wages can increase. sorts of reasons that I have given in answer What you did under the accord was to keep to the earlier question. That is an academic the interests of Australian people down. (Time issue now because, after some very sensible— expired) sure, it was pretty spirited and I am sure it was pretty heavy—negotiations between all Premiers Conference parties, they arrived at a result which was a Senator FAULKNER—My question is very satisfactory bottom line for the Common- directed to Senator Short, the Assistant Treas- wealth and an arrangement that was well urer. Minister, when the Treasurer offered the accepted by all the premiers. states $619 million new money if they would That is why the press communique at the accept removal of the exemption on sales tax, end of the conference says that the Common- wasn’t he really offering the $619 million wealth, states and territories have agreed that agreed at the previous Premiers Conference, the real per capita indexation arrangements for and included in the forward estimates? I ask financial assistance grants will be extended to you: was the Victorian Treasurer, Mr Stock- 1998-99. That is a very positive advance for dale, right when he stated categorically that the states. It is a very positive and satisfactory this was a broken Howard promise? Further, outcome for them. The statement also makes would you agree with the South Australian the point, the very welcome point that I have Premier when he said that this whole episode kept saying today, that the states and the was ‘dishonest’? territories will be making payments to the Senator SHORT—The fact is that the Commonwealth over each of the next three outcome, which is the important thing— years. It also makes the very important state- ment, which has not been widely reported, Senator Cook—Try telling the truth, Jim. that ‘the need for these payments to be made Senator Bolkus—What about the question, by the states and territories will be reviewed Jim? Don’t you know the answer? annually at future Premiers Conferences in the light of the Commonwealth’s fiscal position’. Senator SHORT—Do you want to hear the answer or not? The outcome of the Premiers This is unlike what your party did in its 13 Conference last week has been seen by the years of government. It came in and tried to Commonwealth, the premiers and the territory hit the states on the head with a sledge- leaders as highly satisfactory for all con- hammer. It was not prepared to negotiate with cerned. Unlike Labor opposite and unlike you, the states. We were, and we achieved a very Senator Faulkner, whose ranks within the left satisfactory outcome for all concerned. That are apparently now so divided that you have ought to be a matter for welcoming and not a clue which way you are going on these acknowledgment on your part, not the dismal matters even as a faction, let alone as a party response that you have given to an outcome for which you are supposed to be the Leader that is very good for the future of this coun- of the Opposition in the Senate, the fact of try. the matter is that there was a very satisfactory Senator FAULKNER—Mr President, I ask outcome, a cooperative outcome, on the part a supplementary question. Minister, you of all the Commonwealth and state leaders. indicated that you did not agree with Mr Senator Faulkner—Do you agree with Mr Stockdale’s comments. I ask you: do you Stockdale? Do you agree with Mr Brown? believe the Victorian Liberal Treasurer was 1586 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 lying when he described Mr Costello’s offer So far as the second issue that you have as a broken Howard promise? raised is concerned, which relates to superan- nuation and the like, you were asking whether Senator SHORT—Mr President, on behalf they are being actively pursued in the context of the Treasurer of Victoria, I take great of the preparation of the budget. You know exception to that allegation that Senator full well, Senator Kernot, that I am not going Faulkner has made. I would ask you to ask to speculate one way or another on any issue him to withdraw such a slur against one of that might be involved in the preparation of the greatest treasurers of any state that this the forthcoming budget. nation has ever seen. Senator KERNOT—Minister, you are The PRESIDENT—There is no reason to claiming credit for something like $100 withdraw. He was asking whether you thought million when in these other rorts we are he was a liar. He was not saying that he is a talking about $15 billion to $20 billion. In a liar. general policy sense, can you tell us that the Senator SHORT—Mr President, I defer to Treasurer is at least giving the same priority you, but I repeat the point that Alan Stock- to pursuing the rorts as he is to severely dale, the Treasurer of Victoria, is one of the cutting expenditure which hurts Mr and Mrs greatest treasurers of any state in the history Joe Average, the ones he is now passionately of this nation. He has done what we in protesting on behalf of? government are doing, that is, trying to get Senator SHORT—When the Treasurer the finances of a bankrupt Labor government announced on 12 March the deficit reduction back into balance. (Time expired) strategy once it had become known to us the size of the deficit problem we face, he said Taxation that ‘the coalition was, remains and always Senator KERNOT—My question is direct- will remain opposed to blatant rorts of the tax ed to the Assistant Treasurer. Minister, the system and where those rorts are found to Treasurer said gleefully last week that he was exist we will take action to stop those rorts’. pursuing the elimination of tax rorts on behalf I cannot add any more in the context of the of Mr and Mrs Joe Average. There is a very budget preparation to what I have said in my interesting article in the Weekend Australian earlier answer, and I am sure you would not by Mike Steketee, titled ‘Where the real rorts expect me to do so. are’. It details a wide range of expensive rorts, which we are all aware of. Two of Taxation them, the infrastructure borrowings tax con- Senator MURPHY—My question is cessions and the superannuation tax conces- directed to the Minister representing the sions, result in Mr and Mrs Joe Average Treasurer. In announcing his proposal to underwriting, to the tune of billions of dollars, inflict $1.2 billion in new taxes on the states the incomes of the well above average. I ask and local government the Treasurer accepted you Minister: using the Joe Average argu- that these authorities might retaliate by impos- ment, are these two tax concessions under ing taxes and charges on the Commonwealth. active review as part of the budget process or It is, of course, inconceivable that the govern- are some rorts more equal than others? ment would not have made prior to this Senator SHORT—So far as the preamble, extraordinary breach of faith with the states I guess, to Senator Kernot’s question is some estimates of the potential impact of such concerned, yes it is a fact that one of the retaliatory taxes and charges on the Common- reasons for the proposals last week was to wealth’s budget bottom line. Can the Treas- remove inequities and potential rorts in the urer’s assistant confirm that such estimates system. The outcome so far as the sales tax were made? Can he inform us what those arrangements for vehicles is concerned, when estimates were? they are part of a remuneration package, has Senator SHORT—Like Senator Faulkner been met very successfully. and others from the opposite side, Senator Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1587

Murphy, you are several days out of date. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions fact is that you are talking about a hypotheti- Senator MARGETTS—My question is cal situation that is now totally academic directed to the Minister for the Environment. because the outcome of the Premiers Confer- In the context of the government’s greenhouse ence was that the Commonwealth, states and response strategy and the government’s recent territories have agreed that the real per capita press release of 4 June on the international indexation arrangements for the financial climate change negotiations, I ask: do you assistance grants are going to be extended for recognise that Australia is one of the highest an additional year, a significant advance on per capita users of energy in the world and the present situation. The states and territories that our vulnerability to measures to reduce have agreed to make payments to the greenhouse emissions is due in part to our Commonwealth of $619 million in 1996-97, choices in encouraging energy intensive $640 million in 1997-98 and $300 million in industries based on fossil fuels and through 1998-99. our support of coal as a domestic energy source and major export? Do you recognise The Commonwealth has agreed on the other that the cost of meeting any obligations under side that the need for these payments to be the convention will become more difficult and made will be reviewed annually at future expensive if we continue to fail at promoting premiers conferences in the light of the efficiency and conservation and that any Commonwealth’s fiscal position. So you are effective policy must include emission tar- putting to me a totally hypothetical situation gets? which does not exist and which has no rel- Senator HILL—Yes, I think it is accepted evance in the Australia of 17 June 1996. that we are comparatively high among indus- trialised nations. It does relate to our indus- Senator MURPHY—Mr President, I ask a trial base to some extent and our reliance supplementary question. We can at least upon coal and other carbon fuels. conclude, Minister, that your government took Senator Kernot—What about the choices? this decision in clear breach of your election commitments without having a clue as to Senator HILL—Actually, some of the what the net benefit or loss to the Common- choices are really quite relevant. One of the wealth might be. So on that basis, Minister, criticisms you would put to me, Senator can you at least try to inform us at some later Margetts, is in fact that the LPG plants date what the estimates might have been? producing from the north-west coast are contributing to this whilst in fact they are producing fuel that substitutes for poor quality Senator SHORT—I can only repeat for coal in Asia and thus in a global sense are Senator Murphy what I said before. He is out contributing to a better outcome. of date. It is an academic question. The Treasurer said last week that he would expect That is why this whole picture is a complex and would be prepared to negotiate with the one. You do not get the best picture simply states and the territories if they so chose, if by looking at the circumstances of each the sales tax arrangements had gone ahead, in individual state. If you want to be fair, you terms of a quid pro quo. There was a clearly should look at the contribution of each indi- stated intent there on the part of the govern- vidual state to the total international picture. ment. It was equally clear, I would have We, as a nation, must look at our contribution thought, from what the Treasurer said, that so to that, and if there are ways in which we can far as the premiers were concerned he would improve our performance in relation to emis- have been prepared to look at that situation sions of greenhouse gases we should do so. had the situation arisen and developed. The In that sense, I take the opportunity to fact is you are out of date. The situation did acknowledge the very positive programs that not develop and we now have a totally differ- a number of Australia’s largest companies ent ball game. have now entered into to improve their 1588 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 record. In particular, companies such as BHP, Senator HILL—I ask the honourable Shell and ICI joined with us in Melbourne a senator to give some credit where it is due. If couple of weeks ago to announce voluntary you look at the record of BHP, you will see programs to improve their performance— that, in spite of a substantial increase in programs that provide technology that, in output, the proportion of greenhouse gas per many ways, will lead the world. So we tonne of output is falling. That is the way we continue to make positive contributions in that want Australian industry to proceed. We do regard. not want it to cut back output and we do not We would also make a positive contribution want it to cut back coal exports. if you, Senator, supported the one-third sale You may not appreciate it, Senator, but we of Telstra and we were able to put in place are in big trouble with our current account in the largest revegetation program in the history this country. We are the largest coal exporter of this country. But the positive contributions in the world and you are asking us to cease that Australians can make, when it does not that coal export. The effect of that, in part, suit your political purposes, you disregard. would be the substitution of good quality coal It is a complex picture. We are not prepared exported from Australia by poor quality coal to go to Geneva and sell Australian industry produced in Asia. How will that improve the down the tube but we are prepared to say that overall international picture in relation to the all Australians—big or small, corporate or greenhouse effect? It will not improve it at individuals—should play their part in contri- all. buting to improving the situation overall with We accept that we all have to play our part regard to the emission of greenhouse gases. and that we can do better. We commend those Senator MARGETTS—I thank the Australian companies and individuals who are minister for his response. The minister men- making an extra effort and we are looking to tioned the press release of 6 June in which extend that process.(Time expired) some of Australia’s companies said that they Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles were taking up the greenhouse challenge. That was applauded as one of the government’s Senator LUNDY—My question is ad- major responses to the greenhouse effect. In dressed to the Assistant Treasurer, Senator fact, would the minister agree that those Short. Given that sales tax will apply to companies did not say they were going to privately plated vehicles controlled by the reduce their greenhouse emissions; they were federal government, can the minister inform just saying they were not going to increase the Senate: how many such vehicles will be them as much as they might have? So this affected; what revenue will be raised; will does not even include any reductions in departments be supplemented as they were for greenhouse gas emissions. fringe benefits tax; and what will be the administrative cost of removing this exemp- Would the minister also comment on an tion? answer to a question on notice received on 24 August that said, amongst other things, that Senator SHORT—Senator Lundy, you Australia uses 215 gigajoules per capita per have asked several questions. I am not aware annum, compared with China’s 24 and India’s of the actual number of vehicles, nor am I nine gigajoules per capita per annum. We are aware of the answers to some of the more promoting coal sales and coal-fired power use detailed aspects of the question. So far as the to these nations, including through our foreign revenue is concerned, my understanding is aid programs. We are the largest coal exporter that the estimate of the revenue will be of the in the world. If we do not take these targets order of $80 million to $100 million. I will seriously, why should they? If they do not take the rest of the detailed components of the take the targets seriously, with 45 per cent of question on notice and come back to you. the global population, how will we ever put Senator LUNDY—Further on the issue of our hand up to say we are reducing green- the exemptions: Minister, can you guarantee house gas emissions? (Time expired) that the exemptions administered by your Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1589 department will continue to apply to TPI Senator West—What about health issues pensioners? and industrial relations. Care of the aged. People with disabilities. Indigenous women’s Senator SHORT—Again, subject to confir- problems. mation, my understanding is that the answer would be no. We are talking about vehicles Senator NEWMAN—I can hear some of that are owned by the Commonwealth and the sisterhood babbling in the background which are involved as part of a remuneration here. They do not like to hear that our side of package and wholly or partly privately used. politics has virtue in the eyes of Australian If they are not wholly or partly privately used women. And why is that? Because, unlike the and if they are not part of a remuneration previous government, we are not getting by package, the new provisions do not apply. on rhetoric; we are getting by on action. The other thing that Senator Ellison would Women’s Organisations be interested in, I am sure, is that I discov- Senator ELLISON—My question is to ered, when I was chairing that meeting, that Senator Newman, the Minister for Social it is the first time that people there could Security and the Minister Assisting the Prime remember that a minister responsible for the Minister on the Status of Women. Did the status of women was prepared to spend the minister hold discussions with 49 non-govern- entire day with the women who are members ment women’s organisations last week and, if of the round table set up by the previous so, can she inform the Senate of the results of government—the people opposite. The round her round table discussions with that diverse table was set up for consultation, for listening range of women’s groups on the issues of to the women of Australia, and yet my prede- domestic violence, the portrayal of violence cessors in this role— in the media, and the stand by the government Senator Jacinta Collins—Did you listen to on gun control? them on industrial relations? Senator NEWMAN—Yes, I did meet with The PRESIDENT—Order! 49 national women’s organisations last week. One of the things that I found fascinating was Senator NEWMAN—My predecessors in that the women at that meeting—who, I this role were not prepared to stay and listen suppose it would be fair to say, would repre- to those women. I chaired that meeting for the sent the broad range of the political spec- entire day. They found that quite remarkable. trum—volunteered without my suggestion that This government, in all its actions, is trying they wanted to put out a communique endors- to demonstrate by action, not word, that it is ing the government’s position on three sepa- committed to the concerns of Australian rate matters, all relating to violence. They women. were: firstly, the government’s position on Senator Mackay—What about indigenous gun control; secondly, Senator Alston’s women’s problems? measure for setting up a ministerial committee Senator West—Or health? Or disabilities? on the portrayal of violence in the media, the internet and things like that; and, thirdly, the The PRESIDENT—Order! government’s commitment to putting in place Senator NEWMAN—I can hear more and a national summit on domestic violence. more of this noise going on, and you, Mr Senator Jacinta Collins—Not industrial President, choose not to tell them to be quiet. relations. I will just have to keep on going above the noise. These women were concerned that, in Senator NEWMAN—Those 49 women’s the past, they had not been able to get their organisations from all over Australia endorsed agenda items up for discussion, that people the work that the government was doing in did not have a chance to be heard and that the those areas, not mouthing rhetoric but really single day—from 10 till four—went past with acting on the concerns of the majority of very little consultation that was meaningful women in Australia today. and very little opportunity for networking 1590 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 between women’s organisations. I proposed to by a state government in order to avoid the these 49 organisations— extended sales tax? Senator West—How can they consult if Senator SHORT—No. The government they can’t get here? will not be amending the Customs Act to The PRESIDENT—Order! There are too prevent the importation of vehicles. So far as many interjections on my left. the first question is concerned, I have seen reports on that. It would obviously be up to Senator NEWMAN—They do not like to all levels of government to take the respon- hear the truth. That is the problem, Mr Presi- sible steps that I am sure they will take to dent. ensure that the system is not circumvented Opposition senators interjecting— and rorted. I have no doubt that all state and The PRESIDENT—Order! I can under- territory leaders will do that. I think there is stand the need for strategic interjections, a unity between the Commonwealth and the which are part of the club rules here, but if states and territories on this, Senator Conroy. interjections are going to be continuous and It is not absolutely evident in your own ranks babbling, it is impossible for question time to at the moment. I realise that you are a mem- go on. ber of the Right. Senator NEWMAN—I proposed to these Senator Carr interjecting— women’s organisations that we should in- Senator SHORT—That got Senator Carr crease the amount of consultation between the going, he of course being the former leader of government and women. I proposed that they the Left. He could not even make it to the should come to Canberra— shadow ministry a few weeks ago. A man for Opposition senators interjecting— whom I have a lot of respect, the Premier of Senator NEWMAN—Oh, Mr President. Victoria, said, ‘As far as I am concerned, the person on this earth I would spend less time The PRESIDENT—Order! worrying about than anybody else would be Opposition senators interjecting— Kim Carr.’ I would like Senator Carr to tell Senator NEWMAN—Don’t you want to me how he is getting on with Senator Wheel- hear? wright in relation to the meeting tonight to sort out the ownership and future of the Evatt The PRESIDENT—Order! Senator West! Foundation. Senator NEWMAN—I proposed that they Senator Cook—You’ve got the wrong should come to Canberra for two days, that Wheelwright. they should have a great opportunity for networking. Senator SHORT—Which way are you guys going? The PRESIDENT—The minister’s time has expired. The PRESIDENT—Order! Senator Short, Senator NEWMAN—Thank you very just take your seat for a second, will you. much. Those opposite did not want to hear it, Opposition senators interjecting— did they? The PRESIDENT—We will just wait for Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles a bit of quiet. Senator CONROY—My question without Senator Bob Collins—You’ve got the notice is to Senator Short. Is the minister wrong bloke. aware of plans by some state governments Senator SHORT—I am pleased to hear and local authorities to substitute red-plated Senator Collins telling me that there is no vehicles for privately plated vehicles, thus difference between the views of Senator avoiding the extended sales tax? Will the Wheelwright and Senator Carr on issues government legislate to close this loophole? relating to the Evatt Foundation. I would not Further, will the government alter the Cus- mind knowing, and I am sure all Australians toms Act to prevent importation of vehicles would not mind knowing—indeed they have Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1591 the right to know—what the leader of the Left that basically reprocessing spent fuel rods is in this parliament, Senator Faulkner, and a sensible policy—it reduces the amount of another leading member of the Left, Senator ultimate waste and it ensures the greatest Bolkus, think of this. amount of energy output for the fuel that was The PRESIDENT—Order! Senator Short, obtained in the first instance. Provided, baiting the opposition does not help things. obviously, that it is done safely and that it is done in accordance with the various interna- Senator SHORT—I think it is a very tional conventions and obligations, we have important point. no objection to that process taking place. The PRESIDENT—Answering the ques- Senator LEES—Minister, I ask whether tion might help. you are prepared to meet with Lorraine Mann, Senator SHORT—I think it is an important who was flown out from Scotland to speak point, Mr President. The difference is that we with you and others to express the concerns on this side, and also the Commonwealth and of the local people. They certainly do not the state and territory leaders, are united in want that processing going on in their back- the cause of getting balance and fiscal integri- yard. They are aware of both the environ- ty back into the finances of this country. We mental risks and also the health risks. Are you are united on that, unlike the division and also aware that we will be getting back low- disorganisation that pervades the other side of grade nuclear waste? What is Australia going politics. to do with that? Finally, how much is all this going to cost? What was the cost of that first Nuclear Waste shipment that was sent over on 19 April? We Senator LEES—My question is to the already have the world’s worst greenhouse Minister for the Environment. I ask: Minister, policy; we are running very close to the are you aware that one of the legacies of the world’s worst nuclear waste policy as well. previous Labor government is that spent fuel Senator HILL—The implication in that nuclear reactor rods from the Lucas Heights supplementary question was that the Demo- nuclear facility in Sydney are shipped to crats would prefer high-grade waste to low- Dounreay in Scotland for reprocessing and grade waste, and I cannot understand that. But that the first shipment has already gone? Are I would be more than happy to meet with the you aware of an opinion poll showing that 85 visitor from Scotland if she would like to per cent of the population of that area do not educate me further in some of these matters. want our nuclear waste? Are you also aware that Dounreay has a documented history of Taxation accidents and mismanagement of nuclear Senator CHRIS EVANS—My question is waste and that the area around Dounreay has directed to the Minister representing the the second highest rate of childhood leukae- Minister for Finance. Minister, you would be mia in Britain—the only worse area being aware that Mr Wilson Tuckey recently wrote around Sellafield, the other reprocessing to his parliamentary colleagues. In that letter plant? Will the new coalition government he said, ‘I would have derided any rhetoric commit to investigating domestic alternatives that described local and state government for dealing with these reactor rods or, even authorities as wealthy and powerful, knowing better, use other types of technologies, such full well that they spend only the money that as cyclotrons, so that we do not produce this they raise in taxes and any transfer of funds material in the first place? from one government to another just means Senator HILL—I can imagine the sort of higher taxes and/or lower services for the hiding we would get from the Democrats if particular government involved.’ Minister, do we said we would apply a domestic alterna- you agree with Mr Tuckey? Further, do you tive. I have been to Sellafield; I have not been agree with his views that the coalition lead- to Dounreay. I must say that the local com- ership has isolated backbench views, that munity of Sellafield strongly supported the these backbenchers have been callously industry. Furthermore, I would have thought disregarded and that this attitude is endemic 1592 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 in the coalition leadership? Will the Treasurer Senator SHORT—The answer is no, I do attempt to dissuade Mr Tuckey from voting not agree with that. If you want a good against any legislation? example of why I do not agree with it, just Senator SHORT—I have not actually seen look at your 13 years of mismanagement, Mr Tuckey’s letter nor, as I understand it, where you saw spending go up and taxes go have many of my colleagues. Therefore, I up, and what happened at the end of the day? have not got it in detail to look at it. I have You wrecked an economy. You left almost a no intention of commenting on something that million people unemployed. You left us well I have not seen. But in terms of some of the below achieving the growth potential of this generalities of what you are raising, the fact nation. All the facts of the history of the last is that Mr Tuckey along with all members of few years, not only in Australia but around the coalition are absolutely united in their the world, completely deny the proposition objective to get rid of the fiscal vandalism that Senator Evans is putting. that has pervaded this nation as a result of the Cuba: Privatisation of policies of Labor governments over the past Telecommunications 13 years. In that, as I say, we are all at one. Senator TIERNEY—My question is So far as the coalition is concerned, in that directed to the Minister for Communications and in other issues, we are absolutely united and the Arts, Senator Alston. Did the minister to get Australia back on the path of growth so see the article in the Age newspaper recently that we can again have job creation in this indicating that Cuba has made significant country, so that we can get unemployment progress towards the privatisation of a state down, so that we can take the pressure off owned telephone company? What does this interest rates and so that we can have lower development signify in terms of the attitude taxes in this country. We do not have to of the rest of the world to privatisation of spend so much money on meeting the interest telecommunications carriers? What does it say payment and the repayments on the debts of about the positions espoused by the opposi- Labor governments, which have squandered tion parties in the Senate? the heritage of this country and have sold assets of this nation and then just blown them Senator ALSTON—Yes, I did see that away in recurrent expenditure. That is the article in the Age newspaper and it warmed fundamental difference between this side of my heart to realise that even Fidel— politics and Labor opposite. Senator Carr—Your old mate! That is why Ralph Willis, the former Senator ALSTON—You’re right. He is a Treasurer, said so accurately and with such mate of mine, almost. I was there about 20 feeling and with such honesty just two or years ago—I breathed but I didn’t inhale any three weeks ago that Labor lost the trust of of the socialist air. Certainly, one thing that the Australian people. We are about restoring was crystal clear to me was that Fidel Castro the trust of the Australian people in politics was the last action hero. This bloke wore the and in the process and the integrity of govern- biggest red T-shirt in the world. He was ment. espousing the doctrine of total government Senator CHRIS EVANS—I am afraid the ownership of the means of production, distri- minister is as equally ill-informed about his bution and exchange—he knew what it was own party matters as he is about Labor Party all about. He believed in total command matters. The central thrust of the question economy. So to discover that in June 1994 the was: Minister, do you agree with Mr Cuban telecommunications system was part- Tuckey’s contention that any transfer of funds privatised by selling 49 per cent to a Mexican from one government to another just means company called Domos did catch my atten- higher taxes and/or lower services for the tion. particular government involved? Isn’t that a I also noticed that there are significant result of your decision in relation to the states benefits that have flowed from that. A couple at the meeting the other day? of years ago only about 400 long distance Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1593 calls were able to be made a day on that The Democrats would at least claim to have system; now they make 60,000 a day. It is some virtue to think that somehow they have quite clear that even Fidel has woken up to support around the rest of the world. All I can what is going on in the real world. It took think is that they really want to turn Australia him a few years—he is coming up to his 40th into another Jurassic Park where people will anniversary. Of course, you say to me, ‘But come out here and say, ‘Telecom used to be there’s always Albania’. I know that Senator a 600 pound gorilla; now it is a lumbering Ray would think very warmly of Albania brontosaurus. It has the most outdated tele- because he is always attributing to the social- communications equipment in the world. We ist Left in Victoria the neanderthal views of must come and have a look at it. This is a Albania. technology museum.’ They will go home and say, ‘Thank God! We can go back to Cuba I was absolutely astounded when I was and Albania and see what a really competitive surfing the net the other night to find an telecommunications system looks like.’ (Time article stating that, on 30 November 1995, expired) ‘Albania: law ends state monopoly of telecommunications’ and that the Albanian Assistant Treasurer parliament has approved a law setting out Senator FAULKNER—My question is criteria for the liberalisation of telecommuni- directed to the Assistant Treasurer. I ask: will cations services in Albania, the introduction he approach the Prime Minister and insist that of new companies and the creation of condi- he, Senator Short, attend all future Premiers tions for privatisation. Conferences and make his economic skills Going around the rest of the world, you available to the whole gathering? might also be interested to know that the Senator SHORT—It is not a bad sugges- African National Congress, the ruling party in tion, Mr President. We will have to leave that South Africa, is about to privatise 25 per cent one to the Prime Minister. I think the Prime of that country’s telecommunications system Minister and the Treasurer did pretty well last to a foreigner in a trade sale. So there we are. week because they started off with the task of It is happening all around the world, with one having to get a significant contribution from glorious exception. There is only one party the states and the territories to patch up a room in the western world where members deep, $8 billion black hole that was left now sing the Internationale before commen- through the fiscal mismanagement and van- cing proceedings. dalism of Labor over 13 years. They achieved a pretty good result because the states and Senator Kernot—They were wrong about territories made a very valuable and worth- downsizing, too. while contribution and, at the end of the day, The PRESIDENT—Order! Senator Kernot! it was done in the full spirit of cooperation and unity between Commonwealth and states Senator ALSTON—The fact is that the in a way that was never achieved by Labor in Democrats are to the left of Fidel Castro. That its term in office. is a pretty big statement. I can understand Senator Hill—Mr President, I ask that why the Internationale is still the big song for further questions be placed on the Notice you, but it is not for the rest of the world. I Paper. thought David Walker was slandering the Labor Party in that newspaper article. He said, Premiers Conference ‘The combined Australian Left haven’t quite Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— caught up with Dr Castro.’ We know your Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (3.06 opposition is simply mindlessly negative p.m.)—I move: because you privatised everything that moved That the Senate take note of the answer given by in the 13 years you had the opportunity to do the Assistant Treasurer (Senator Short), to a it. Now, of course, you are not interested in question without notice asked by Senator Faulkner anything other than opposing. today, relating to taxation. 1594 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

For the first time a minister in this govern- Senator Short did not have a clue. He was not ment has used a new defence in question up to the job of answering those questions. time. Senator Short now says that he refuses His performance was as bad as Mr Costello’s to answer any substantive question from the performance last week. opposition on the basis that those questions Mr Costello’s approach was characterised are hypothetical. He now refuses to answer by smugness and arrogance the whole time. any question from the opposition on the basis At least by the end of this hour of question that those questions are academic. Then, if time there was no smugness and arrogance that fails, he uses the new ploy that the about Senator Short. The smile had been questions are ‘out of date’. wiped off Senator Short’s face. What Mr Senator Short’s performance in this cham- Costello did single-handedly was turn the ber today, in an attempt to defend Mr Premiers Conference into high farce and Costello and the government’s efforts last plummet Commonwealth-state relations in this week at the Premiers Conference, was abso- country to historically the lowest level they lutely pathetic. I put to the Senate that the have ever been. It ended in an ignominious government’s original proposal to introduce backdown by Mr Costello and the Common- a wide ranging sales tax, the Costello sales wealth. It was a comprehensive and humiliat- tax, which was later revoked to apply to all ing failure for Mr Costello and the coalition vehicles, was an ill-judged, incompetent and government, which had backed him to the hilt an absolutely inept and unwarranted breach of on these measures. trust from this government. It was a breach of trust with the state and territory governments We have never before seen such a chorus and also with the electorate. of criticism of the Commonwealth govern- ment as we saw on this occasion. This whole The government’s performance, particularly episode has been a debacle of enormous Mr Costello’s performance, was both dishon- proportions. We saw an undisciplined and est and humiliating. Mr Costello did this arrogant government. We saw ineptitude, without any consultation with the premiers. It incompetence and dishonesty from this Lib- was a crude and blatant breach of at least two eral government. (Time expired). coalition election promises. Mr Costello and the coalition had promised, ‘There’ll be no Senator CAMPBELL (Western Australia— new taxes and no increases in existing taxes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the under a coalition government.’ Mr Costello Environment and Parliamentary Secretary to also promised on 19 February: the Minister for Sport, Territories and Local The coalition’s position on Commonwealth-state Government) (3.12 p.m.)—It is the height of relations is quite clear. The premiers have requested arrogance for Australian Labor Party senators, a fixed percentage of revenue to facilitate better particularly Senator Faulkner, to come in here planning and give certainty. We’ll negotiate this and talk about what happened at the Premiers through COAG. The formula would have to be an Conference and what is happening to average one. The formula to be adopted is one that Australia’s fiscal consolidation. These people will guarantee current services and be revenue neutral. opposite, many of whom have sat around the cabinet table, reigned over Australia at a time Both those promises were broken in Mr when we saw taxes go through the roof after Costello’s offer to the states. Then when promising no new taxes in 1993. Our tax has Senator Short is asked a specific question gone up by an enormous amount. about sales tax applying to privately plated vehicles—will departments be supplemented Senator Sherry—But that’s history! as they were for fringe benefits tax—Senator Senator CAMPBELL—Senator Sherry Short cannot answer. says, ‘But that’s history.’ Senator Sherry is Question after question, clear questions, right; it is history. It is part of Australia’s were directed to the Assistant Treasurer, the economic history and it is from the lessons of minister in this chamber who represents the history, particularly over the last 13 years, Treasurer and the Minister for Finance, and that we should all learn. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1595

Senator Sherry—Jim Short repudiates back to the good old centralism where the history. federal government says what goes and that Senator CAMPBELL—Senator Short is what happens. knows history a lot better than you know or What occurred last week? The federal shall ever know, Senator Sherry. The lessons government and the state governments, of history tell us that you cannot have a through Mr Howard, Mr Costello and the five government, as we had under Mr Hawke and state Liberal premiers and the one Labor state then Mr Keating, that continues to spends premier, sat around in this building and came more money than it earns, continues to run up to an agreement which did a couple of things. debt to the cost of future generations. It is not The most important thing it did was ensure going to particularly matter to Paul Keating that the states share the burden. That occurred but it will matter to his children and all against their wills of course, because no state children in Australia. We have had under 13 wants to give up hundreds of millions of years of Labor continuation of fiscal misman- dollars of taxation. None of them are going to agement which is mortgaging the future of come to Canberra and say, ‘Mr Howard, Mr future generations of Australia. Costello: here is a blank cheque. We are There has been $68 billion worth of in- going to hand over this money to help you fill creased debt in the four years of the Keating in Beazley’s black hole.’ They did it against government, which has ensured that all their wills entirely. Australians pay a premium in interest rates. All of the states are having to recover from They pay much higher interest rates than our some sort of pain. The state of Victoria was trading partners around the world. Accumulat- having to recover from the Cain and Kirner ed deficits, pushing that debt up, mean that disasters. The state of South Australia was not only do we pay higher interest rates for having to recover from the disastrous Bannon our homes but also small business people pay years and the State Bank fiasco. The state of a premium if they want to borrow a bit of Western Australia was having to recover from extra money to expand operations or set up a the Burke, Dowding and Lawrence years. new business or employ more people. They have all had to cut their budgets and go Let us look at what Senator Faulkner was through the pain of fiscal consolidation after talking about in his speech in favour of his Labor mismanagement. Of course, federally motion to take note of an answer given by we have to find around $8 billion just to give Senator Short. He referred to the Premiers us a chance at bringing our budget back to Conference. Who was a backbencher when even again, back in the black, so that we are sensible moves were being made towards not mortgaging the futures of young Austral- getting federal-state relations and financial ians. relations back on track? Mr Keating. Mr Last week’s Premiers Conference was a Hawke when he was Prime Minister and Mr great success, and not only for the federal and Greiner when he was Premier of New South state governments, who agreed to share this Wales tried to make some progress in the burden of trying to restore economic sanity to very important area of federal-state financial Australia. More importantly, the big winners relations. They tried to get cooperation be- out of last week’s compact between the state tween the states and federal government in and federal governments are future genera- relation to fiscal management back on a tions—the young people around Australia sensible path. who will be able to look forward to a sound Mr Keating, then a backbencher, decided economic future because state Liberal govern- that for his own personal political future he ments and the federal Liberal coalition sat would go and undermine that process of down and reached a sensible agreement in federal-state relations—the very good start relation to Australia’s future fiscal manage- that was made by former Prime Minister Bob ment. (Time expired) Hawke and premiers such as Mr Greiner. Mr Senator COOK (Western Australia) (3.17 Keating did that. Mr Keating got Australia p.m.)—Senator Campbell gave us a rosy 1596 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 version of what happened last week from the That was the comment of a Victorian Liberal federal Liberal Party’s perspective. You Treasurer about a federal Liberal Treasurer. would not have got the same perspective from We had the representative of that federal the Liberal Party at state level. You would not Liberal Treasurer saying that the Victorian have got the same perspective from independ- Liberal Treasurer was one of the best treasur- ent media commentators. You would not have ers we had seen in Australia. The circle was got the same perspective even from those who completed. Someone in this is telling a lie. were barracking for Mr Costello—the dries Yet in this effort to try to back one another and rationalists in Australian economics. You they reach into hypocrisy. would not have got them to give last week a What is well known about this proposal is tick at all. They in fact now blame Mr that it would never have worked. Had anyone Costello for sabotaging their idea of tax sat down for five seconds and worked out reform in Australia and are holding him what would have occurred once the proposal accountable for that as well. had been introduced, they would have known Last week the federal government was that. Indeed Mike Cable in a small article in defeated. The federal government introduced the Australian on the weekend, points to the an ill-advised, unthought out, badly executed retaliatory action and spells it out. We all and universally resisted proposal which was know what it would have been. He said that then undone and ultimately came to be a the states would have held on to their cars for failure. That is what happened last week. longer periods, thus thwarting it. Or they Every Australian knows it. There might be would have switched to smaller, less expen- people in this chamber who pretend that it did sive cars and gone overseas, out of Australia, not occur, but it did. Everyone saw it on and bought foreign cars from the Koreans or television and most Australians calculated the others, thus thwarting it. Or the states would effect of this ill-advised move on taxation on have reduced their fleets, thus thwarting the their own hip pocket as well. proposal. Or any one of the above three options would have been introduced in some The honeymoon that this government has way, thus thwarting the proposal. Mr Costello been enjoying for the last three months—the could not work it out. Everyone else could, first 100 days—is over. The electorate now and the premiers were the first and quickest sees this government in the real light: putting ones to do the arithmetic as to how they up a proposal which, according to answers would have overcome this proposal. given in question time today, has not even been calculated in terms of the retaliatory The point that needs to be made here is that measures that would have been taken against this was an exercise in holding to ransom the it by the states. So the federal government did core industry for the Australian manufacturing not even know what would happen when they sector. This was Russian roulette with the ventured forward with this proposal. It was, Australian car industry. At a time when tariffs as I have said, ill-advised, unthought out, are falling, when the Australian dollar is badly executed and, in the end, universally appreciating, when government programs are resisted. being cut and when the industry is facing its greatest challenge, the Costello plan would It also brought out the arrogance of the have destroyed the car industry in Australia. Treasurer, Mr Costello, and his personality, There is no doubt. Ask Ford, Holden, which was put on public display as the bully Mitsubishi or Toyota. Four thousand jobs boy. We had it described by, weirdly and would have been directly lost. With a multi- unbelievably, Senator Short. He turned in one plier of 2½ to three, up to 12,000 jobs in the of the most inept performances by a spokes- whole industry would have been lost. man for the Treasurer I have ever seen in this chamber in all of my time here. We had a Senator Abetz—Round it up to 20. direct commentary on the Victorian Treas- Senator COOK—That’s the multiplier. urer’s comment that what we had seen from Don’t you know that? The core of the Aus- Mr Costello was a broken Howard promise. tralian manufacturing sector would have been Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1597 destroyed when we have a current account did not want to give up any money, but deficit which the manufacturing sector is Victoria, South Australia and Western Aus- turning back by growing its exports. This is tralia all realised that after a Labor govern- a key export sector for Australia. Adelaide ment has been in you have got to have pain, would have been turned into a rust heap. because they spend as if there is no tomor- (Time expired) row. It is not their money. They say, ‘We’ll Senator PATTERSON (Victoria) (3.22 live for today because there’ll be no tomor- p.m.)—I find it amazing today that the Labor row.’ The dawn comes, and we have to front Party would choose to debate this answer to up with the money. Look at what we owe. It a question when they constantly have the is 300 per cent more than we owed four years effect of reminding the Australian public ago. exactly what they did to the Australian econ- omy over the 13 years that they were in How much do we pay on interest pay- government. The issue that was being debated ments? In the last few days there has been a last week was the debt that has been left by lot of discussion in the newspapers about the former Labor government. As Senator interest payments on home loans. We all Campbell said, none of the premiers wanted know that if our home loan interest rate goes to give up one single dollar. We would have up by one per cent it puts a bit of a dent in preferred that they not have to give up a our weekly budgets. If it goes down half a per dollar, but that was necessitated by the fact cent, we know that we are going to have a bit that Labor have left this country in a parlous more to spend. Look at the sorts of interest state. Before the last election Mr Beazley had rates that we are paying as a nation. As an the gall to mislead the Australian public over Australian family, we are paying off the and over and over. Just before the election, mortgage that we have been left with by the when talking about the Treasury estimates, he former Labor government. Public debt interest said that we were still in surplus: payments are now $10 billion per annum. We We are operating in surplus and our projections are are paying an interest rate on public debt of for surpluses in the future. $10 billion per annum. That is the mortgage On the same day he said: that the former Labor government has left for us to pay. Those opposite have the gall to As far as we are concerned the Treasury estimates come in here and raise the issue of what that we had in connection with the last budget— and they were Treasury estimates—they stand good happened last week at the premiers confer- and we stand by them. ence. It would not have had to have happened if we had not been left with this outrageous Senator Panizza—But he wouldn’t open up debt and this outrageous interest bill. the books. Senator PATTERSON—Senator Panizza We have example after example of the way is right: he would not open up the books. He in which Australia has been misled. At the would not give the information to the Austral- budget last year in May 1995, Labor an- ian public. A day or two after the election, the nounced a headline surplus of $720 million Treasury was able to give Mr Costello a for 1995-96 and a headline surplus of $3.4 briefing on the exact situation we were in. We billion for 1996-97. In the mid-year review found, to our dismay, that it was a lot worse: they said that we were still in surplus. Before there was an $8 billion hole. Mr Beazley can the election Mr Beazley was saying that we protest over and again that that does not exist, were in surplus, but in fact we were not. So but the Australian public are aware of it. we have to search for ways in which to In their discussion, the premiers came to an redress that debt. That is the essence of what alternative arrangement, and that was put happened last week. Those opposite can sit forward by Mr Costello. Last Tuesday he over there and cry all they like about the fact said, ‘If they come up with an alternative, that last week may not have ended up exactly then we’ll look at it.’ They came up with an the way Mr Costello set out for it to end up. alternative, as Senator Campbell said. They But he said up-front on Tuesday, ‘If there is 1598 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 an alternative which the premiers can put, we Friday, they were openly abusing not just Mr will look at it.’ And they did. Costello— Senator Cook said that Australians will Senator Watson interjecting— calculate what happened last week by looking Senator SHERRY—They were, Senator at the effect on their hip pockets. We heard Watson, you only have to read the press today on the news that New South Wales is clippings about the things that they said about thinking of addressing the issue by putting a Mr Costello. What last week represented was tax on withdrawals from banks and a $100 the new Liberal government—so-called levy on houses— Honest John Howard and Mr Costello— Senator Watson—Mr Carr. collectively proposing to introduce a new tax. Senator Panizza—Come on! Senator PATTERSON—Yes, Mr Carr. (Time expired) Senator SHERRY—It was a sales tax—an existing tax. It was only going to collect $1.2 Senator SHERRY (Tasmania—Deputy billion, yet the Assistant Treasurer (Senator Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (3.27 Short) today dared to make out that it was not p.m.)—I wish to speak in respect of Senator a new tax or the extension of an existing tax Short’s answer to the question asked by the but just the correction of an anomaly in a tax Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, rort. The Treasurer was proposing a new tax Senator Faulkner. It seems to me that the of $1.2 billion on a whole range of state and three speakers who have spoken on behalf of local government services, such as libraries, the government in defending the debacle of schools, art galleries, Meals on Wheels, last week— marine boards, councils and public transport. Senator Watson—And I will be the fourth. Senator Panizza—That’s not right and you Senator SHERRY—You should have been know it. there, Senator Watson. It might have been a Senator SHERRY—You hate it. There better outcome for the government. Their would be a new tax on all those government essential defence is: ‘We will do anything to bodies. What would they have collected the cover the alleged hole in the budget. If it tax through? Stationery, videos, computers, means breaking election promises, introducing photocopiers, medical equipment, meals and new taxes, or extending current taxes, we will beds; the list goes on and on. Senator break all the commitments we made at the McGauran should look at Treasurer Costello’s election.’ list, where he proposed a $1.2 billion new tax. The last speaker said that Mr Costello said, Senator Panizza—What list? ‘If there is an alternative, we will look at it.’ Senator SHERRY—He put out a list. At Where does the Treasurer, Mr Costello, say the back of his press release there is a cate- that in his press release of last Wednesday? gorical list of the exemptions that are to end. He delivered it as a fait accompli. He said, ‘We are going to impose sales tax on states What did Mr Costello say before the last and local governments. We may discuss local election? I hope that those opposite have all governments and states imposing a tax back read one of the Liberal Party’s election on us. That is what we are going to do.’ documents called Meeting our commitments. There was no consultation, no advance talk. It says: Where was the so-called new federalism? Today’s statement shows how the Coalition’s Where was the discussion with the states program can be achieved without new taxes and about the new tax structure? We had the increased taxes. incredible situation whereby, at the beginning I will emphasise that point again. It states of last week, Liberal and National Party ‘without new taxes and increased taxes’. The premiers were looking forward to a premiers current government is only 3½ months into its conference with a new federal Liberal govern- term. Senator Kemp knows the truth of this ment but, by Wednesday, Thursday and matter. Time and again, you reiterated before Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1599 the last election that there would be no new responsibility of this responsible new coalition taxes and no extension of existing taxes. government is to restore the underlying Today we reminded Senator Short of Mr budget. I believe that we are moving in that Costello’s promise, which was this: direction very satisfactorily. It is not our agenda to introduce new taxes. It is Today’s question time showed the utter not our agenda to bulk up the currently existing hypocrisy of the ALP in relation to so-called taxes. broken tax promises. Other questions were That was said time and again by the Liberal preoccupied with attempting to debate or Party. I will be interested to see whether highlight a whole lot of immediate situations Senator Watson believes a sales tax extension rather than concentrating on the final out- of $1.2 billion is considered a new tax or an come. Perhaps those opposite were somewhat extension of an existing tax. We confronted embarrassed as a result of what was a very Senator Short with his own words in this satisfactory final Premiers Conference out- chamber on 28 June last year, which were come, despite some hard bargaining in the these: process. I therefore take my hat off to all . . . the government has now added to the disaster those state premiers who showed cooperation of the wholesale sales tax system by expanding it and leadership in aiming to overcome Labor’s to cover a number of items, which I have already legacy of debt. I thank the Senate. mentioned, that are currently exempt from such tax. That does constitute the breaking of a seemingly Senator COONEY (Victoria) (3.35 p.m.)— very firm promise by the government before the I want to reply to Senator Watson who, in his election that there would be no new taxes. usual way, has given a very lucid explanation (Time expired) of what the government is about. Senator Senator WATSON (Tasmania) (3.33 Watson talked about outcomes as distinct p.m.)—I rise in support of my colleague the from the means and mechanisms by which we Assistant Treasurer (Senator Short), who get to the outcomes. The significance of the successfully deflected a number of spurious questions today and of looking at the means opposition questions during question time this and machinery we use to get to the point that afternoon. My comments will have a very we want to is that it indicates the genuineness familiar ring to many colleagues sitting on the of what the outcomes ought to be as distinct opposition benches who have come from the from what they will be. union movement. As many a good union What happens with the $8 billion black organiser well knows, some of the most hole, as it is called, is this: in spite of differ- robust of negotiations result in the best ent economic messages coming through, the outcomes. It was the outcomes on which my argument from the government is always that colleague Senator Short concentrated most that $8 billion is fixed. How can it be fixed successfully this afternoon. if the machinery by which it is ascertained A successful outcome followed the Premiers shifts? The fact is that the machinery has Conference. As Senator Short said, the out- shifted. The various elements that we look at come was satisfactory in that the states did to see whether there is an $8 billion deficit recognise that they do have a role in over- shift. Even though the shifts occur, become coming a most embarrassing deficit that must quite dramatic and are underlined by the be sheeted home to the previous ALP federal premiers, it is never conceded by the govern- government. It makes for very easy govern- ment that the $8 billion is in question. The ment to run up debt. Some of this debt is fixation on the $8 billion, in light of the fact deliberate while other debt results from bad that the means by which that is reached shift policies. In this latter category, we categorise the whole time, brings us to the point that international debt, which rose from about $34 was brought out here today, which is that this billion when those opposite came into power side has a justifiable concern about the fact under the Hawke administration to about $180 that the government will not concede that its billion when Mr Keating left office. The first $8 billion is not a fixed figure, even though 1600 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 the machinery by which that is ascertained have been women—at the height of their shifts. training and their professional career losing Question resolved in the affirmative. their lives in such tragic circumstances. BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER I have moved this motion in order to allow ACCIDENT honourable senators to add a word or two to the sentiments that I have expressed and to Senator HILL (South Australia—Leader of join with me and others in expressing sympa- the Government in the Senate) (3.38 p.m.)— thy upon these deaths and in remembering by leave—I move: particularly the families and friends who are That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the grieving at this time. tragic loss of life of 18 soldiers who died on 12 June 1996 in service to their nation and conveys its Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (3.41 communities in Townsville and Perth who mourn p.m.)—I rise to support the motion and their passing together with all Australians. associate the opposition with the motion that This is a sad occasion. It seems to me that the has been moved by the Leader of the Govern- least that we, the representatives of the people ment in the Senate (Senator Hill). This train- in this place, can do is to acknowledge the ing accident occurred just before 7.00 p.m. on loss of these men in preparing for potential Wednesday of last week at the high range service in the interests of their country and to training ground north-west of Townsville express our heartfelt sympathy to their fami- when two Black Hawk helicopters collided. lies in particular who mourn their loss. One Black Hawk lost its rotor blades and crashed, killing 12 of the 13 on board. The After long periods of peace the community second Black Hawk lost its tail, but the crew sometimes takes for granted the role and the was able to ensure that it landed belly first commitment of our service men and women and nine of the 15 aboard survived. and the fact that they are prepared to put their lives on the line in protection of us and our Fifteen members of the Special Air Service interests and that, in order that they can do so based in Perth lost their lives and three professionally and to the highest standards, members of the 5th Aviation Regiment based they are prepared to take very major risks in in Townsville lost their lives. The 10 who reaching that level of training. Just occasion- survived all sustained injuries. I think we ally—it happened in this tragic circumstance, should record the fact that the personnel at but it has happened before and we could have the scene of this horrific accident risked their equally passed motions such as this on previ- own lives rescuing survivors as ammunition ous occasions—they do pay for it with their exploded at the crash site. lives and on other occasions they are very severely injured. It is important that we As is characteristic in a dangerous night recognise that the work that they do for us is training operation with soldiers who are at the dangerous and recognise the sacrifice that peak of their training and in peak physical they are prepared to make. condition, the men were very young. They were between 24 and 35 years of age. The Specifically on this occasion we also need soldiers came from across Australia. The to recognise the sacrifice that families are majority—eight—were from Western Austral- prepared to make in allowing their men and ia but there were four Queenslanders, three women to enter the services and provide that from New South Wales, two Victorians and safeguard for all of us. I know that they know a New Zealander. the risks; there is no doubt about that. They know that what they do is dangerous. Their For all of us it brings home the dangers that families know that it is dangerous. But that are inherent in this sort of training. It is one does not in any way excuse the horror of an of the most serious and tragic peacetime event such as this when we have, in this defence accidents and the greatest loss of life instance, young men—it could just as easily since the Voyager disaster. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1601

SAS training has to be very realistic. When have the influence of their fathers around I was the Minister for Defence Science and them for the rest of their lives. Personnel I had the opportunity to visit both We heard this morning at the very moving Swanbourne and the 5th Aviation Regiment state memorial service at St Christopher’s at Townsville. I had an opportunity to see at Cathedral that Australia had lost 18 dedicated first hand the enormous dedication that is citizens—18 men who were prepared to make required by those who serve in these capaci- a supreme sacrifice for the good of our ties in the Australian Army. nation. These men paid the ultimate price in This was a very tragic accident. On behalf serving their country. Australia owes them of the opposition, our deepest sympathy goes and every member of the Defence Force a to the family and friends of those who lost great debt of gratitude for their role in secur- their lives and, of course, to the Australian ing and defending this country. On behalf of Army and the whole of the Australian De- the National Party in the Senate, I extend my fence Force on what was truly an enormous deepest condolences and prayers to the be- loss. reaved and to the 10 soldiers injured and their Senator BOSWELL (Queensland—Leader families and friends in this time of mourning. of the National Party of Australia in the Senator WOODLEY (Queensland) (3.48 Senate) (3.45 p.m.)—I rise today to associate p.m.)—The Australian Democrats would also members of the National Party in the Senate like to be associated with the condolence with the condolence motion moved by Sena- motion before the Senate today. On behalf of tor Hill. Today many of us offered our the Democrats, I extend my deepest sympathy prayers at a cathedral service for the families to the families and friends of the 18 members of the 15 Special Air Service soldiers and the of the Special Air Service Regiment and the three soldiers from the Townsville based 5th 5th Aviation Regiment who lost their lives in Aviation Regiment who were killed in the the collision of two army Black Hawk heli- Black Hawk helicopter collision last week. copters near Townsville last Wednesday night. The tragic accident last Wednesday night This has been a great loss, clearly, for the was the worst peacetime military accident wives, families and relatives of these men. since the sinking of the Voyager 32 years ago. But it is a loss not only for them; it is a loss It has shocked and saddened the nation. Those also for the Australian nation and for the 18 young men were all in their 20s or early Australian Defence Force. 30s—at the absolute peak of their lives. They I wish all those who were injured in this were an elite force, highly skilled and trained tragic accident a full and speedy recovery. In at peak battle readiness, and constituted the some ways, the memories that they retain and absolute sharp end of the Australian Defence the fact that they survived will be something Force. Their loss to the 500 strong SAS that they themselves will deal with in the regiment, the 5th Aviation Regiment, the coming years. Of course, incidents such as Defence Force as a whole and the Australian this underline the risks members of our nation is immeasurable. Many leave behind Defence Force face even in peacetime. The young families as well as parents, and my training that they do is not mickey mouse but heart goes out to all relatives in this time of highly realistic and, as this accident showed, their mourning. one which involves a high degree of risk. Yet This tragedy is a harrowing reminder of the the men and women who serve in the defence risk taken by members of the Australian forces know the risks associated with their Defence Force when engaging in military work. To their great credit, they willingly exercises in the course of their day-to-day accept these risks in order to protect and working lives. I have a son-in-law in the defend their country. infantry and am the grandfather of a young I believe we all owe a debt of gratitude to three-year-old, the son of an army family. It all the brave men and women who choose to especially concerned me when my thoughts serve their country in this way. We also owe went to those young children who will not a debt of gratitude to these fine young men 1602 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 who gave their lives or who were injured in Lance Corporal Darren Robert Oldham, service to their country last week. Trooper Timothy John McDonald, Trooper On behalf of the Democrats, I offer my Michael John Bird and Signaller Hendrick condolences and support to all those who Peeters. That is not to diminish the import- have been touched by this tragic event and ance of those others who gave their lives, but add my prayers to those that have been to those from Western Australia I would like offered. I also commend all of those who to pay significant tribute. assisted in rescuing and treating the injured I would also like to acknowledge and thank for the courage and skill they exhibited under all of those service personnel and civilians what were the most extreme circumstances. who helped with the rescue and who will no Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) doubt continue to help the survivors and the (3.51 p.m.)—On behalf of the Greens (WA), relatives of both the deceased and the surviv- I wish to be associated with the condolence ors. I extend my very good wishes to those motion that the government has put today for men who did survive the tragedy, particularly the 18 service personnel who lost their lives those who, once again, came from my state of in a training operation to the north-west of Western Australia: Corporal Dominic Boyle, Townsville. As has been mentioned, three of Corporal Gary John Proctor, Trooper Gerard the personnel were from the 5th Aviation Crossley Bampton and Trooper Glenn Robert Regiment in Townsville and 15 were from the Sutton. Those people will no doubt come Special Air Service Regiment based in West- home to our fine state and continue the work ern Australia. The role of the Special Air that they are yet to finish. I certainly acknow- Service division is in such things as counter- ledge all of those who have been so tragically terrorism and insurgence training here and affected. I trust that all those fine men will elsewhere. The Greens (WA) wish to join rest in peace. with others in expressing our sadness to the Senator JONES (Queensland) (3.54 relatives and friends of the personnel, and we p.m.)—I would like to endorse the remarks of wish a speedy recovery to those people who previous speakers and to support the motion have been injured. of condolence by the Leader of the Govern- Senator KNOWLES (Western Australia) ment in the Senate (Senator Hill), which is (3.52 p.m.)—I too wish to be associated with supported by the Leader of the Opposition in Senator Hill’s condolence motion. Wednes- the Senate (Senator Faulkner). It was certainly day, 12 June this year was a very sad day for a sad day for Queensland, for Australia and all Australians when the worst peacetime for all Australians when this tragedy took military aviation disaster occurred, snatching place involving two Black Hawk helicopters. the lives of 18 young Australians who were It is with great sadness that one speaks today prepared to sacrifice their lives for the rest of about the tragedy. The accident caused the us. It seems so insignificant to express one’s untimely death of 18 of Australia’s great sympathy to the wives, the girlfriends, the servicemen: 15 were from the SAS and three children, the parents, the brothers, the sisters were air service people and crew. Ten people and the wider family and friends at a time were injured. when such wonderful lives have gone from To those families who have suffered the people who were prepared to put everything loss—to the wives, mothers, fathers, sons, on the line for the rest of us. daughters, friends and relatives—I extend my It must be said that our pride in what men sympathy. I believe that no words can make such as the ones who lost their lives do is up for the loss that they have suffered. enduring. As a Western Australian senator, it Out of the accident came some incredible grieves me to say that eight of those 18 acts of courage—mates saving mates. I personnel came from Western Australia. They believe that needs to be mentioned today. The were Captain Timothy James Stevens, Ser- description by Captain David Burke, a surviv- geant Hugh William Ellis, Corporal Andrew ing helicopter pilot, of those acts of courage Constantindis, Corporal Brett Stephen Tombs, shows clearly the mateship, the training and Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1603 the way in which soldier helped soldier. The Special Air Service Regiment gained Captain Burke said that staff stationed on the much praise for its work in Vietnam in the ground raced into action as the helicopters hit late 1960s and early 1970s, with patrols the deck. He said: alerting the Australian task force in Vietnam . . . they had medics there . . . they were pulling to heavy enemy build-up east of Nui Dat in people out, there were people going into the flames August 1966. This was immediately before of the aircraft to pull them out. the battle of Long Tan, which was to be Captain Burke went on to say: Australia’s biggest battle in the course of that We are very lucky to be here. We did not think conflict. that we were going to be, but the training we The Special Air Service’s mission is to received here in the army aviation is the best in the conduct special operations to promote the world. security of Australia and protect its people Captain Burke said that he would be happy to and its interests. To that end, we all owe a fly again and rejected suggestions that the great deal to those 18 men and their defence helicopters were below par. That is something force counterparts around the country. that the inquiry will have to look into, but it Newspaper reports since last week’s tragedy is not something that I wish to comment on have told of extreme acts of bravery, includ- today. He went on to say: ing a crewman dying while running through It is built to survive those sorts of impacts and I flames and exploding ammunition to drag an just got out and walked away. That is only because injured soldier from the burning aircraft. it was such a magnificent aircraft. Witnesses reported rounds going off, ammuni- Obviously, we are all very upset. It is a risk you tion flying in the air and explosives going off take in this sort of operation. When it happens, it in the rear of aircraft at the same time as SAS really affects us all. personnel and aircrew were going into the I think that that sums up how everyone feels, flames, cutting people free and taking them not only the army but also all senators in this out of the exploding helicopters. chamber and people throughout Australia. The West Australian on the morning after Senator ELLISON (Western Australia) the tragedy reported that the Special Air (3.57 p.m.)—On 12 June this year, 18 men Service is the Australian Army’s elite, a close tragically lost their lives in the course of group which regards itself as family. The serving their country. As we have heard bravery shown last Wednesday has highlight- today, 15 of those 18 men were from the ed that closeness. Special Air Service and three from the 5th For my own part, I understand that the use Aviation Regiment. On that night of the of live ammunition is necessary during train- tragedy, the exercise involved an anti-terrorist ing, which must be dangerous if it is to be exercise. It has been described as high risk, effective. The Special Air Services motto but for these men it was routine. I rise to pay ‘Who dares wins’ is an apt reflection of the tribute to these men, to the sacrifice that they regiment’s understanding of the dangers and their families have made for their country associated with its duties. I ask the Senate this and to the important role those serving in the evening to remember the families of those armed forces play in peace time. who have died and to remember those who The Special Air Service, famous for its were injured and are recovering in hospital. operations in Borneo in the mid-1960s and in I wish them all a speedy recovery. south Vietnam from 1966 to 1971, was firstly Senator SANDY MACDONALD (New set up as the SAS company in Swanbourne, South Wales) (4.00 p.m.)—I join with other Western Australia, on 25 July 1957. At that senators in expressing my condolences to the stage, it consisted of four platoons, compris- families and friends of those victims of the ing 200 soldiers. Black Hawk helicopter crash on the high On 4 September 1964, the company was range country near Townsville last week. expanded to regimental strength and was Australia has an extraordinary and proud renamed the Special Air Service Regiment. military history that recognises the sacrifices 1604 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 that both soldiers and civilians make during will hold a memorial service, and I am very wartime. sorry that I am not able to be there to help The great majority of Australians have not them commemorate this loss. experienced wartime, which we can only be Northern New South Wales will particularly very thankful for, but last week the whole mourn the loss of Brett Tombs, who was nation witnessed a tragedy that was a stark among the casualties. Brett Tombs’ parents reminder of the dangers that face our defence live in Armidale and he had plans to resign forces all the time. It was a tragedy that ran from the SAS to continue his university a shiver down everybody’s spine. Our defence studies at the Armidale university. forces face danger on a day-to-day basis. It We must not forget that, as well as being may not be danger in the expected form of fine soldiers, these men were also sons, war or armed conflict but it is still present husbands and fathers who had a role outside when Australia’s armed forces are part of their service involvement. Those victims as peacekeeping or training for all eventualities well will feel this loss for the rest of their and, in particular, anti-terrorist activities. lives. The grief of the relatives and friends of Fifteen fit, young men who served in these soldiers can only be understood by other Australia’s most elite force, the Special Air people who have lost loved ones in the Services regiment, lost their lives last Wed- defence forces. nesday afternoon. As a part of that service, These servicemen will be added to the list they were practising anti-terrorist manoeuvres of servicemen and women who have given when their Black Hawk helicopters collided their lives for the defence of Australia. There and crashed. In addition, three pilots and air is no doubt that this loss will also be felt crew from the 5th Aviation Regiment died. throughout Australia. I am sure that I speak As a result, these men paid the ultimate price on behalf of all senators when I say that we in their desire to defend their country. The are also extremely saddened by the loss of SAS acknowledge they are in a high risk these fine young Australians. business and they suffer at least one fatality Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Austral- in training per year, which is probably some- ia) (4.05 p.m.)—I seek to associate myself thing that not a lot of Australians realise. I with the motion moved by Senator Hill speak today to honour these men and their expressing deep regret at the tragic loss of life families for the sacrifice they have made and of 18 soldiers in the defence helicopter the terrible sorrow and sense of loss families tragedy. I wish to extend my personal sympa- and friends are feeling at this moment. Noth- thy and condolences to the families and ing we can say can make them feel any joy friends of those who died; those who were at this time. injured; and in fact to the whole of the Recently I had the opportunity to officially service’s family, who are all deeply shocked dedicate a peace tree in Coonamble in western by the tragedy which will continue to impact New South Wales to those locals who had on them for many years to come. made sacrifices both at home and abroad It is a tragedy that has been felt throughout during World War II. Many locals turned up Western Australia because the SAS enjoys a for the ceremony to make sure that those special place within Western Australian sacrifices made during the world war were not society. I think every Western Australian forgotten. So too the sacrifices of these young either knows someone in, or has had some men will not be forgotten. association with, the regiment. They have a There will also be many, especially within fine reputation not only as soldiers but also as the defence forces, who will be affected citizens in Western Australia. I have had a personally by this tragedy. In Singleton, New great deal of contact mainly with former South Wales, where my electorate office is personnel who have often gone on to serve in located, there is the Singleton army camp other services of the community, such as the where at least eight of these men went fire and ambulance services, when they leave through the infantry school. Tomorrow they the SAS. As I have said, the SAS and its per- Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1605 sonnel have a very high reputation throughout in this tragedy. I was in outback Western the Western Australian community. Australia at the end of last week and I know On a lighter note, my main contact with there were people out there wondering who serving members has been on the rugby field had been involved and what had occurred. It where I have learnt of their strength, hardness is important to acknowledge the quick re- and endurance while generally being knocked sponse of the department to their request for about by them. It has always been a great details. pleasure to play against a local rugby club I also offer my prayers and sympathy to the called Associates, which over many years has families involved. I acknowledge the courage had a close association with the SAS and of those who took part in the rescue mission. many SAS soldiers have played for and Their actions highlighted what people can do represented the club. I express my sympathies in the depths of adversity when called upon to the club and its members because I know to act. they feel the loss very deeply. Senator NEWMAN (Tasmania—Minister I wish to add my sympathies to those for Social Security and Minister Assisting the expressed by other senators. We have had a Prime Minister for the Status of Women) particularly tragic couple of months, this (4.09 p.m.)—I am the wife and mother of following on the Port Arthur tragedy. It is to former soldiers and I can therefore identify be hoped that no such similar event occurs very much with how the families of those again. involved in the Black Hawk tragedy are Senator CRANE (Western Australia) (4.07 coping today. Having also been a shadow p.m.)—I too would like to join with other minister for defence, I visited both the SAS senators in supporting the motion moved by and the aviation regiments on a number of Senator Hill today. I will just make one or occasions over the last eight or nine years. two observations. Virtually everything that The SAS Regiment and the 5th Aviation needs to be said has been said with regard to Regiment in Townsville have a very special this motion. I associate myself with it in feeling about them. There is great esprit de acknowledging the passing of the 18 men, corp, a great sense of being a regimental eight of whom were Western Australians, in family in which everybody is bound up in the the preparation and training for service to one endeavour, not just the Defence Force their country. personnel but also those who love and support Arguably, the SAS is the most elite of all them. I can imagine just a little of what it the various services that engage in this type must be like in Perth and in Townsville for of training and activity, and that has been those units, the survivors, their loved ones acknowledged in many areas. My association and the loved ones of the victims in trying to directly with the SAS, unlike Senator Evans’s, come to terms with this terrible tragedy. has been on the cricket field, not on the The members of these two regiments have football field. Once again, I can say that on great pride in their achievements. They have the cricket field they are very well trained, great skills, and great commitment to the role extremely fit and worthy opponents. they have been given to play in the defence In addition to what has already been said, of Australia. Just last year I was in Perth I particularly want to acknowledge the speed when some of those who are now dead with which details of those involved in this demonstrated to me their skills and training, unfortunate tragedy were released to friends so I feel this loss very personally. and loved ones. I want to acknowledge the We should all be very proud of these men. speed with which the Department of Defence They have a training regime which is constant responded to my contact and to commend the and unremitting. The level of skill they manner in which it handled the situation. As achieve, as we have read and heard about in well as the next of kin and close loved ones— the last few days in connection with the wives, girlfriends and children—there is a rescue of the survivors, is what tells when ring of friends associated with those involved times are tough. Training will out; you get to 1606 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 the stage where training takes over and, in a what is involved. The Australian Defence sense, thought processes are suspended. Force is not a collection of civil servants in I do not want to go on and on but these uniform. It does not exist to provide cere- men are not usually very newsworthy. It monial parades or United Nations peacekeep- saddens me that, while in the last few days ing duties. The task of its members is to the newspapers and other media have focused defend the nation with their lives when all on the role of our army, we usually ignore the else fails. Because of that, the training must role it plays altogether. I do not want to strike be as realistic as possible, and it must always, a sour note now but I ask Australians: do therefore, be dangerous. Despite the best of Defence Force personnel have to die before planning, some accidents will always occur, the nation publicly expresses its pride in their though we and the services themselves must commitment and skills. They serve us every do everything to prevent and forestall lives day in peacetime and they train hard to ensure being lost. that we stay at peace. I hope that one thing Wednesday night’s accident does illustrate Australians will learn from this tragedy is that the risks involved in this training, the selfless- we all must let our defence force know how ness of the Australian Defence Force and the much we value them. readiness of its members to train themselves Senator MacGIBBON (Queensland) (4.13 for the roles they will need in war. We affirm p.m.)—The nation has suffered a very griev- our gratitude for their selflessness and our ous loss: the loss to the army of 18 soldiers; pride in their achievements, and we mourn the loss, the greatest in its history, to the their passing. Australian Special Air Service Regiment of 15 Senator COONEY (Victoria) (4.16 p.m.)— of its members, all from one squadron— Listening to the quite moving speeches that roughly 15 per cent of a squadron, which is have been given so far, and which I endorse, a huge casualty rate for any unit to bear. But it seems to me that what I ought to say is above all, there is the irreparable loss to these this: that the quality of the sacrifice made by men’s families. These men were not 18-year- our fighting men on this occasion is the same olds; they were mostly 10 years older than as that which would have attached to the that. So the loss was not only to their parents: sacrifice they would have made had they it was to their wives and children. I am told fallen fighting in a war defending Australia. that at least two of those who were killed had The quality of the sacrifice is the same wheth- three very young children. Our deepest sym- er they gave their lives in battle for their pathy goes out to those families at this mo- country or in the preparation for such a battle. ment. Nothing we can do can restore their The same thing can be said about the quality fathers and their husbands. of the sacrifice made by their family and I found the size of the loss very hard to friends. comprehend. You can understand two or three people being killed but the enormity of 18 Question resolved in the affirmative, hon- being killed in one accident is almost beyond ourable senators standing in their places. comprehension. It was only on Friday morn- CONDOLENCES ing when I was standing in the rain at the memorial service held outside the brigade Former Senator Thomas Joseph Tehan headquarters in Townsville and saw the 18 rifles with bayonets attached stuck into the The PRESIDENT—It is with deep regret ground with the sand berets of the SAS and that I inform the Senate of the death on 1 the blue berets of the 5th Aviation Regiment June 1996 of former senator Thomas Joseph on the butts that the size of the loss came Tehan, a senator for the state of Victoria from through to me. It graphically illustrated the 1975 to 1978. nature of military service. Senator HILL (South Australia—Leader of Those who have never worn the uniform of the Government in the Senate)—by leave—I the armed services often do not appreciate move: Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1607

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the Standing Committee on Social Welfare and death, on Saturday, 1 June 1996, of Thomas Joseph the Standing Committee on Constitutional and Tehan, a senator for the state of Victoria from 1975 Legal Affairs, as well as estimates committees to 1978, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious parliamentary service and tenders its and the Joint Committee on the Parliamentary profound sympathy to his family in their bereave- Committee System. He also served as chair- ment. man of the Joint Government Parties Law and Thomas Tehan was born in Kyabram, Vic- Government Committee, helping argue the toria, on 18 January 1916. He started his case for constitutional amendments, including education at the Timmering East State School the vital question of filling casual Senate and St Mary’s Convent, Tatura, completing vacancies with people of the same party, put his secondary education at Xavier College, to the 1977 referendum. Kew. He began working in the state taxation When Tom completed his term in the office, and in 1942 he was awarded a univer- Senate in 1978, the then Liberal leader Reg sity free place which enabled him to success- Withers praised the ‘fundamental common- fully go on and complete a law degree at sense’ that Tom brought to this chamber and Melbourne University. commended him on his service to his town. He joined the Victorian Crown Solicitor’s It is interesting that he returned and continued Office in 1943. In 1947 he was admitted to to work for the local community. He served practice as a barrister and solicitor of the the Chamber of Commerce, the District Supreme Court of Victoria, and it was also at Memorial Hospital Board and Rotary, and he this time that he began his long association was made a life member of the Knights of the with Morrison and Sawers Solicitors in Southern Cross. Kyabram, where he worked as a former Tom’s years of dedication and service to his partner and consultant until his death. local community were recognised in 1993 Tom joined the then Country Party in 1949 when he was named as the Kyabram Citizen and held positions of member of the Central of the Year. He led an active and rewarding Council from 1965 to 1973, senior vice- life that was committed to helping others. He president from 1973 to 1975 and Victorian will be fondly remembered and sadly missed state president in 1975. Last year he was by those who knew him. On behalf of the awarded life membership of the National government, I extend to his wife, Nance, son, Party. Terry, and daughters, Maree, Ann and Mau- Tom was elected to the Senate in 1975. In reen, our most sincere sympathy in their his maiden speech on 26 February the follow- bereavement. ing year he spoke of his support and commit- Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— ment to primary industry issues and discussed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate)—On the problems that faced Australian primary behalf of the opposition, I support the motion producers, in particular the fruit industry. He of condolence that has been moved by the highlighted the importance of the family as a Leader of the Government in the Senate basic unit of society, and acknowledged the (Senator Hill) on the death of Tom Tehan, a benefits of social welfare programs such as former National Party senator for Victoria. the child endowment scheme. He also ex- We Labor opposition senators certainly pressed concern about the high level of road express our regret at his death, and we offer related deaths among young Australians, our condolences to his family. telling of his close association with a pilot Tom Tehan was elected to the Senate in scheme designed to educate young drivers at 1975 and served until July 1978. As Senator the newly established Goulburn Valley driver Hill said, he obviously did take pride in his training complex in Shepparton. contribution to the Senate committee system. Tom made many contributions during his He was an active member of a number of term in the Senate. Of particular note was his Senate committees—not the least, of course, committee work. He worked as a member of being senate estimates committees—such as the Senate Publications Committee, the the Joint Committee on the Parliamentary 1608 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Committee System, the social welfare com- In 1945, he obtained a Bachelor of Laws from mittee, and the constitutional and legal affairs Melbourne University. Upon graduation, he committee. obtained employment in the state taxation I understand that he was well known for his office and then proceeded to the Victorian interest in primary industry matters and, Crown Solicitor’s Office. In 1947, he was during his comparatively short time in the admitted as a barrister and a solicitor in the Senate, he certainly made a contribution to Supreme Court of Victoria and, two years parliamentary debate in this important area of later, joined the firm of Morrison and Sawers. public policy. He was clearly a supporter of It was at this time he joined the Country small government and individual initiative and Party—later the National Country Party and enterprise, and he was also a very strong now the National Party—and his lifelong advocate for the Goulburn Valley in Victoria. association with the party began. He made a very significant contribution to Tom Tehan was a man of unflagging the National Party. He was an office holder of commitment and drive. Despite the demands the party from 1965 until 1975 and, of course, of a challenging legal career, assisting his became state president of the then Country wife Nance with his family responsibilities for Party. On behalf of the opposition in the his four children, and his active involvement Senate, I offer our most sincere condolences in parish life, he still found time and commit- to his family. ment to contribute to the community of Kyabram. He was a board member of Kyab- Senator BOSWELL (Queensland—Leader ram hospital from 1948, served as president of the National Party of Australia in the for 10 years from 1963, and was made a life Senate)—On behalf of the National Party in governor in 1985. the Senate, I rise to support the condolence He gave three decades of service to Rotary, motion moved by Senator Hill on behalf of during which time he was president of the the government for Tom Tehan, a former Kyabram club in 1963-64 and district gover- National Party senator for Victoria. I under- nor from 1980-81. He also served as a trustee stand that some of Mr Tehan’s family are of the Elderly Citizens Committee, the Kyab- present here today. I welcome them and wish ram Youth Club and the Kyabram Chamber to extend my greatest sympathy for the of Commerce, among many others. For this passing away of Mr Tehan. long and meritorious service to the communi- Tom Tehan made an enormous contribution ty, Tom was named Kyabram Citizen of the to the community of Kyabram and also to the Year in 1993. He was made a member of the Victorian National Party through his decades Sovereign Military Order of Malta in recogni- of public and community service. At his tion of his community and charitable works. funeral last week, the whole town of Kyabram The Country Party greatly welcomed the came to a halt. Shops and businesses closed drive of Tom Tehan and called on his natural as thousands of people packed the St leadership qualities. He became state vice- Augustine’s church and lined the streets in president in 1973 and state president in 1975. demonstration of their respect, gratitude and He was a confidant of Jack McEwen and was sorrow at the passing of this great community a person everyone in the Victorian National leader. Party turned to for guidance and advice. Tom Tehan epitomised the National Party. In 1975, Tom Tehan entered federal parlia- He made a huge contribution to the communi- ment as part of the Fraser-Anthony landslide ty with his years of community service at the victory. In his first speech in the Senate, he grassroots level. He took the concerns of the foreshadowed the areas he would endeavour organisations and of the people with him to represent: primary industry in particular, when he entered the Senate in 1975. the dairy and horticultural industries, and Tom Tehan was born in Kyabram, Victoria family and youth issues. He threw himself on 18 June 1916. He was educated at St wholeheartedly into committee work. His Mary’s Convent, Tatura, and Xavier College. legal expertise was called on to chair the Joint Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1609

Government Parties Law and Government ed by his colleagues and by all who knew Committee, and he was a hardworking mem- him. He won office by being elected to the ber of the legal and constitutional affairs Senate in 1975—a very exciting time in the committee, the social welfare committee, the history of the coalition—and he served for publications committee, and the Select Com- three years. Prior to Senator Tehan’s election, mittee on Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse. the National Party had historically found it A man of immense promise, talent and very difficult to continuously hold a Senate drive, it was a great loss to the parliament and seat in Victoria. However, I understand in his his Victorian constituents that his contribution hands it looked like it would go on forever. was limited to only one term. Everyone spoke He served as Victorian state president of the well of Tom Tehan, and he was genuinely National Party, was eight years on the Vic- liked by all. As he himself said during the torian central council and three years a mem- valedictory debate: ber of federal council. He summed up his view of the National Party in his own Senate It has been said that one of the hallmarks of a successful politician is that he makes some en- valedictory when he said: emies. If that is the litmus test, I have failed as I I think we are a party which places great import- believe I have made many friends in this place and ance on loyalty to leadership and loyalty to the I leave with no enemies. government or to the opposition, as the case may After leaving parliament, Tom resumed his be, in the parliament of which we are a part. law career and was a senior partner at Morri- Tom’s involvement in his community was son and Sawers until 1987. He continued his extensive, including his involvement in unstinting service to community organisations. Rotary, of which he was a charter member The things that were important to Tom Tehan and past president of the Kyabram Rotary were his family, his church, the law, the Club, as well as being awarded the Rotary National Party and his community. Paul Harris fellowship. He was president of Tom Tehan will be remembered as a great the Kyabram Chamber of Commerce and community leader who unselfishly dedicated served on the Kyabram Historical Society and most of his life to the betterment of the numerous other community and church community of Kyabram. On behalf of the organisations. He was also Kyabram Citizen National Party in the Senate I extend most of the Year in 1993. sincere condolences to Nance, his family and In his maiden speech the late Senator Tehan many friends. pointed out that certain sections of primary Senator SANDY MACDONALD (New industry were facing troubled times. He South Wales)—I rise to pay my respects to mentioned the beef industry, the diary indus- the late Senator Tom Tehan who died on 1 try and the fruit industry—all particularly June at St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne. relevant to his region. Primary industry is As Senator Boswell has told the Senate, still, unfortunately, facing troubled times, Senator Tehan was born in 1916 and came none more so than the beef industry. How- from the Goulburn Valley in Victoria. He was ever, I am sure he would have been gratified educated in Tatura and then at Xavier College to know that the diary industry at least is now in Melbourne. Tom married Nance Huggins one of our more successful and viable indus- in 1943 and they raised one son, Terry, and tries and the fruit industry, after suffering for three daughters, Maree, Ann and Maureen. I many years, is now seeing some encourage- convey to them and their partners and to his ment. He also mentioned his concern at the nine grandchildren, Madeleine and Georgia abuse of drugs by young people, a problem Thomas, Anna and Peter Robertson and that I know still concerns me, members of our Genevieve, Elizabeth, Sam, Nicholas and party and, in fact, all members of the Senate. Thomas Lally, my deepest sympathy. Tom Tehan was an institution in the Goul- The late Tom Tehan was an extremely burn Valley, having spent 40 years in the warm and friendly man. He commenced his legal profession. The Senate might be interest- career as a solicitor in 1947 and was respect- ed to know of the notice that his former legal 1610 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 firm, Morrison and Sawers, placed in the Age Goulburn Valley in which he lived. That is on Tuesday, 4 June 1996, in which he was what parliamentarians should be: contributors described as: to the debate, contributors to the parliament An innovator, a leader, a lawyer, but most of all a and contributors to the future of our nation. person of integrity and warmth. A friend and Isn’t it interesting that in the 1970s when mentor to us all. Your memory will live long in the some people were arguing that the dairy firm. industry in Victoria should be shut down, Even though I never had the pleasure of Tom Tehan had the courage to stand up and knowing Tom Tehan, his reputation and past say, ‘No, the dairy industry in Victoria should deeds have gone before him. Some of his not be shut down. The dairy industry in family are in the gallery today. I take this Victoria has a viable future.’ The facts have opportunity to offer them our sincere sympa- vindicated that confidence and courage that thy. The Senate salutes the memory of Tom Senator Tehan showed some 20 years ago. Tehan and pays him our deepest and profound It is also interesting to note that the scheme respects. I finish with a very interesting part put forward by Tom Tehan for equalisation of of his own valedictory. He said: prices was ultimately the solution that saved It has been said that one of the hallmarks of a the dairy industry not just in Victoria but successful politician is that he makes some en- emies. If that is the litmus test, I suppose I must around Australia. It is the basis on which the believe I have failed because while I like to think Australian dairy industry now approaches that I have made many friends in this place, so far Asia with courage and with conviction that as I am aware, I leave it with no enemies. we can produce the best product at the best Vale, Tom Tehan. price. If the dairy industry had not had Tom Tehan fighting for it, perhaps the future of the Senator O’CHEE (Queensland)—The dairy industry would not be so rosy today. passing of former Senator Tehan is a great That was a mark of the character of the man. tragedy for the National Party and also for his That was a mark of his courage. That is why family but, most importantly, for the com- his passing is such a great tragedy to all who munity to which he contributed so much. It is knew him. one of the hallmarks of people in the country that they tend to contribute more to their To Tom’s family, his children and his communities than people in the city. No finer grandchildren, go our deepest sympathies. It example could be seen of this than the life of is very hard to lose a loved one. It is hard Tom Tehan. Before coming into this place he even more so to lose a loved one who has was a lawyer, he was a committed member of devoted so much of their own life to the life his church, he was a member of Rotary, he of others because you feel that sometimes you was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, may have wished you had more time with youth organisations, elderly citizens organisa- them. I can understand that. tions, anything which could further the lot of To Tom’s family, all I can say is that his the community in which he lived. That is the contribution to this place, to his community mark of a great contributor: to give more than and to primary industry has meant a better you take, to offer more than you receive. By future for many, many people. He will always any measure, Tom Tehan was a great contri- be held in the greatest respect and the greatest butor. esteem. I hope they will cherish that as much He was also a great contributor to the as their memories of their father and grand- institution of parliament. I say that because I father, to know that their lives were touched was minded to look at Senator Tehan’s by a great man and that his contribution contribution to the Senate in the three years touched many others. that he was here. Honourable senators might Senator BROWNHILL (New South be interested to know that this robust debater Wales—Parliamentary Secretary to the spoke on everything from water hyacinth to Minister for Trade and Parliamentary Secre- skim milk powder, from unemployment tary to the Minister for Primary Industries and through to the fruit canning industry in the Energy)—I did not have the pleasure of Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1611 knowing Tom Tehan but, as is evident from served his town of Kyabram as a leading the remarks already made, he was certainly barrister and solicitor for some 50 years, well known and well regarded by many taking up every cause possible on behalf of members of the National Party. However, his rural consistency, particularly at a time Tom was clearly a man of my own heart in when the rural community was bereft of true so far as he did not abandon his local com- professionals. munity when he became a senator for Vic- As the people of Kyabram know only too toria. He remained a local and was always well, there was no hospital board, no youth available to his local constituents. I know he club, no elderly citizens committee, no cham- took an active part in local issues affecting ber of commerce or any other community the Tatura and Kyabram region. He worked initiative that Tom Tehan was not a founding closely with Bruce Lloyd, who at the time member of. The district’s appreciation has was the member for Murray and in whose been borne out by the stream of sympathy electorate those two areas fell. letters to the family since Tom’s passing. A member of my staff Sue White, who He served his party as a Victorian senator worked for Bruce Lloyd during the period and prior to this as party president. Moreover, Tom was a National Party senator, remembers it is little known that he was the personal him well as a kind and thoughtful man of solicitor and chief adviser to a former Nation- good humour, someone always willing to al Party leader John McEwen. Throughout assist the people who came to him for help. Black Jack McEwen’s very long reign, includ- To his family, I extend my sympathies. ing his time as Prime Minister, he would Senator McGAURAN (Victoria)—I join often phone Tom for advice. Tom was very my Senate colleagues in this condolence much one of the men who influenced the style motion for former Senator Tom Tehan who and decisions of the National Party’s icon— served in this parliament between 1975 and Jack McEwen. 1978. We in the National Party appreciate the It is interesting to note that Tom’s member- time set aside to be able to pause and reflect ship of the Country Party would probably on the passing of one of our own. Under- have been considered against the tide of the standably, as a now Victorian National Party times because, firstly, his professional status senator, I knew Tom better than most. I can as a solicitor in a country town usually meant say that whatever political persuasion you membership of the Liberal Party and, second- may be you would have known the type of ly, to be blunt, this was an era when Irish- man he was because every party has such a Catholics did not naturally gravitate to the person, needs such a person and certainly Country Party. But Tom could have done misses such a person in their passing—that is, nothing else as he was a man of tradition. As a person who is loyal, principled and blessed said before, his father was a founding member with wisdom and wit and leads by sheer of the Country Party some 76 years ago. example. The deep fear with the passing of Equally, his respect for John McEwen con- men like Tom Tehan is that they may never vinced him of the Country Party’s good be replaced but the truth is they are. Tom purpose. replaced someone he learnt the trade from and I venture to say it was most likely his father, With this background, Tom Tehan entered who was a founding member of the Country politics anchored in Country Party philosophy. Party. This was borne out in his first speech to the parliament, in which he laid down a few basic The funeral service in Kyabram was a very principles. I read directly from his maiden fine tribute to the man and his life. It brought speech, which is self-explanatory. Firstly: together the best of church, a country town and a country party—all of which Tom Tehan But I do want to say this: Our long term objective served to the best of his talents. He served his is to prevent the growth of centralised bureaucratic church at the highest level as a Knight of domination in Australia. Malta and with unflinching devotion. He Secondly: 1612 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

I remind the Senate that this nation was built and From your lessons to heed and grow, developed by the exercising of individual initiative You wanted to tell us what you knew, and ability and will only continue to prosper and So that we could share it too, develop under a private enterprise system. We listened and advice we sought, Thirdly: And many a lesson has been taught. But what lies deep, out of reach, From the time of Federation and before, the Is a love that you could never teach. primary industries of Australia have been the Its a love of self, of family too, backbone of the export trade of this country and A love of loving what you do, have thus done a great deal in the economic field A love of giving from the start, to develop the nation to its present stature. A love of giving from your heart. If you thought the aforementioned were lofty We know that love drove your life, and airy principles, not to be denied Tom For your family and your wife. understood some grassroots politics and a bit We know that charities weren’t enough, That you were made of better stuff. of parish pump. In his maiden speech he But to me, you were a gift so pure, highlighted the very critical importance of and Not one of material, tangible allure, need for more funding for the Goulburn To me you were a gift so great, Valley driver training complex at Shepparton, To me you were a true, great mate. which was then only a pilot scheme. His From cards and opera and the finest meal, appeals to the Minister for Transport, Peter With you and Gran, a pretty good deal, So for now, its adieu, farewell and goodbye, Nixon, also a National Party member, must Can’t say for how long, or even ask why, have helped because today that complex is the But I can say I’ll miss you and all that you are, largest in the southern hemisphere. Today it My friend, inspiration, above all, my Pa. undertakes training of truck drivers, limousine Senator SHORT (Victoria—Assistant drivers, security drivers and police, as well as Treasurer)—I would like to express my enabling the complete instruction of teenagers condolences and deep regret at the passing of between the ages of 14 and 18. former Senator Tom Tehan earlier this month Like so many who served their time in Old at the age of 80. Former Senator Tehan and Parliament House, Tom would have had great I actually came into the parliament at the difficulty switching up to the new Parliament same time. We had two things in common. House. The few of us who did serve in Old One was that we came into the parliament at Parliament House know the great difference the same time, in 1975. He, of course, came the shift made to the style and how that has into the Senate for the National Party, but he affected today’s politics. While today it may did come in with me and now Senator Baume be a more professional and information driven and Senator Chapman. They both came into style of politics, it is certainly less reflective the parliament for the first time then as well, and, maybe in Tom’s eyes, less principled though in the House of Representatives. We with far too much pragmatism. did have a common bond there in terms of the In conclusion, I offer my condolences to commencement of our parliamentary service. Tom’s widow, Nance, and to his children: I had a second common bond with him in Terry, Maree, Ann and Maureen. As a final that he was a product and child of the Goul- tribute, I seek the leave of the Senate to burn Valley. I am a child of the Goulburn incorporate a poem written and read at the Valley. I moved from it at an earlier age. The service by his granddaughter Genevieve. Goulburn Valley is a beautiful, wonderful and Leave granted. very important part of Victoria. One of the The poem read as follows— great things Tom Tehan did, not just in this parliament in the all-too-brief time he was You were Pa, always there, here but I think throughout his life, was make You were friend, there to care, You came along to be my guide, people aware of the importance of the valley Shared my triumphs with such pride. in the whole range of things for which it is You told me stories of the past, important, particularly the various rural Don’t be afraid, they’re here to last, industries for which it has been so famous. It You wanted others to learn and know, has undergone difficulties and adjustment Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1613 problems over many years, but it has tackled my personal condolences and my deep sympa- them very successfully. thy. Tom Tehan’s life was one of service to his Question resolved in the affirmative, hon- community in the Goulburn Valley in a whole ourable senators standing in their places. range of ways, as has already been said: through the law, through his work with PETITIONS industry and through the very wide range of The Clerk—Petitions have been lodged for community services with which his name is presentation as follows: and will always be associated. Registered Chemicals His contribution in the three all-too-brief To the Honourable the President and members of years that he was here was an important one. the Senate in Parliament assembled. He did a lot of work in the area of parlia- We the undersigned respectfully call upon the mentary committees—not just Senate commit- Federal Government to introduce legislation that tees but also committees of the joint parties— will require the National Registration Authority to during the first three years of the Fraser provide all available information on registered government. One only has to have a look at chemicals. the Hansard index of those years under by Senator Bell (from 201 citizens). ‘Tehan’ to see the very wide range of contri- butions he made. He was a very rounded man Logging and Woodchipping and his interests were wide ranging. To the Honourable the President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. He was, as my National Party colleagues We are dismayed at the continuing destruction of have said, a great pillar of the National Party old growth and wilderness forests around Australia, over many years—originally the Country despite the National Forest Policy Statement jointly Party and subsequently the National Party. I signed by the Commonwealth and all States except express my sympathy to all members of the Tasmania. National Party on the loss of Tom Tehan, but Intensive logging, most often to feed a voracious he is lost to us all. woodchip industry is underway or planned for many high conservation value forests. These forests As well as being a great National Party should be protected by the commitments of the figure, I think he was also a great coalitionist. Commonwealth and State Governments under the His relationship with us in the Liberal Party NFPS. in many ways was as strong or almost as These forests include: strong as the relationship he had with his own Coolangubra Wilderness and other areas of the National Party colleagues. During those years S.E. Forests of NSW along with rainforest and that he was in parliament, and I know in other N.E. areas of NSW including Wingham, some of the succeeding years, from time to Mistake, Richmond Range, Chaelundi, North time when we had some tensions arise be- Washpool, Barrington and Dorrigo. tween coalition partners Tom was always a The Southern Highlands, Great Western Tiers very healing influence and had an influence and Tarkine Wilderness of Tasmania. in bringing together. I think certainly we in The Karri and Jarrah forests of S.W. Western the coalition will miss him. From the com- Australia. ments I have heard from members of the The Errinundra Plateau and other areas of the other side on many occasions, I am sure that East Gippsland forests of Victoria. they too felt very much towards him. The rainforests of the Proserpine region of It was said earlier that he was a man of Queensland. integrity and great warmth. I think they are We request that the Government act urgently to words that very much do sum up Tom Tehan protect our precious forests by utilising the and his life. Those of us who were fortunate Commonwealth’s legal and constitutional powers, enough to have had the privilege of knowing including: him are very saddened by his passing. To his Refusal of export woodchip licences family and those that succeed him, I extend Powers to control corporations 1614 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Protection of areas listed on the register of the (2) the appointment by the Minister for Defence National Estate of a Director of Australian Rifle Clubs and the Protection and effective funding of areas identi- delegation of such powers and authority that will fied for their World Heritage values. allow the direction, control and administration of the National Rifle Association of Australia to be Genuine and effective action by the Government brought in line with its original intent, to allow to protect these and other old growth and wilder- shooting, under strict NRAA control, to be con- ness forests is critical. A comprehensive plantation ducted as an aid to defence, with service and strategy rather than exploiting native forests is the civilian interaction. way forward for a truly environmentally responsible timber industry. We further request that the by Senator Michael Baume (from 136 Government take effective action without further citizens). delay. Wool by Senator Kernot (from 66 citizens). To the Honourable the President and Members of Sale of Telstra the Senate in the Parliament assembled. To the Honourable the President and Members of The petition of the undersigned citizens and the Senate in the Parliament assembled. residents of Australia respectfully showeth that: The Petition of the undersigned strongly opposes We, the undersigned, petition the federal Minister attempts by any Australian government to privatise for Primary Industries and Energy to intervene to Telstra as well as any other Australian public require Wool International to fulfil its quarterly assets. allocation of wool to be sold of 187,000 bales, Your Petitioners ask that the Senate opposes any by— intentions by an Australian government to sell off offering the wool for forward sale only until national assets through privatisation. the end of the quarter prior to which it must be by Senator Kernot (from 547 citizens). delivered the unsold residue of the quarterly allocation Uranium to then be spread evenly over the current To the Honourable the President and Members of quarter’s rostered auction sales, and selling the Senate in the Parliament assembled. centres, and auctioned The petition of the undersigned strongly opposes all wool so offered at auction to be sold any attempts by the Australian government to mine without reserves uranium at the Jabiluka and Koongara sites in the And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever World Heritage Listed Area of the Kakadu National pray. Park or any other proposed or current operating site. by Senator Brownhill (from 670 citizens). Your petitioners ask that the Senate oppose any Higher Education intentions by the Australian government to support the nuclear industry via any mining, enrichment Senator STOTT DESPOJA (South Aus- and sale of uranium. tralia)—by leave—I present to the Senate the by Senator Kernot (from 472 citizens). following petition, from 73 citizens, which is not in conformity with the standing orders as Rifle Clubs it is not in the correct form: To the Honourable the President and Members of To the honourable the President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled: the Senate in parliament assembled. The humble The petition of the undersigned competitors at petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting 1996, respectfully showeth: at Belmont Queensland requests that the govern- That we are opposed to any moves to cut funding ment not repeal the Australian Rifle Club regula- to universities. We believe that the funding cuts to tions of the Defence Act 1903. our universities can only have a negative impact on Your petitioners who are of the opinion that the the development of our Nation. continued conduct of the National Rifle Association These proposed cuts will impact especially upon of Australia activities in line with their original equity sectors—women will suffer particularly as intent, is in the national interest, request the Senate these cuts will further restrict women’s access to to support: education, force universities to cut back on (1) the retention of the Australian Rifle Club students’ child care options, and minimise security Regulations of the Defence Act 1903. on campus. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1615

These proposed cuts will also impact upon non- Petitions received. profit generating courses—such as performing arts. Universities will be forced to prioritise courses in NOTICES OF MOTION relation to economic viability, allowing university administration to make financial cuts and cuts to Indonesia: Proposed Nuclear Power entry positions in these areas. Plants Furthermore, we are opposed to any increases to Senator MARGETTS (Western Austral- the annual amount payable by students via the ia)—I give notice that, on the next day of Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). sitting, I shall move: We believe that increases to HECS will discourage individuals from enrolling in universities, especially That the Senate— women, and will further discourage individuals (a) notes: from enrolling in courses deemed as non-profit (i) the release of a study by Dr John Taylor generating courses. of the Australian National University We believe that university entry should be based on confirming that Australia would be at relative merit, not relative wealth, and we believe substantial risk of receiving radioactive that the proposed university cuts and increased fallout, particularly in summer, from an HECS fees will only promote education as a user- accident at one of Indonesia’s proposed pays commodity and not as a right accorded to all nuclear power plants on the Muria penin- individuals in society. sula, Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that you (ii) that Australian residents would be under will not cut funding to universities or increase direct threat, but according to the study HECS fees. the greatest immediate damage would be to the livestock and horticulture industries And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever of the north, pray. (iii) the result of a recent survey by Indo- Higher Education nesian environmental group, Wahli, which shows that 77 per cent of Java residents Senator STOTT DESPOJA (South Aus- oppose the construction of nuclear pow- tralia)—by leave—I present to the Senate the ered plants, and following petition, from 444 citizens, which (iv) statements made by Indonesia’s Agency is not in conformity with the standing orders for Environmental Control which stated as it is not in the correct form: doubts about nuclear power and emphas- To the Honourable the President and Members of ised the need to look at options with the Senate in Parliament assembled: The humble alternative sources of power; and petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia (b) calls on the Government: respectfully showeth: (i) to oppose Indonesia’s proposed reactor That we are opposed to any moves to cut funding program and convey this message to the to universities. We believe that funding cuts to Indonesian Government in the strongest universities can only have a negative impact on possible terms, and society and will impede the development of our (ii) to prevent any export of Australian urani- Nation. um to Indonesia for the purposes of Furthermore, that we are opposed to any increases nuclear power generation. to the annual amount payable by students via the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). Burma We believe that increases to HECS will discourage Senator CHAMARETTE (Western Aus- individuals from enrolling in universities. We tralia)—I give notice that, on the next day of believe that university entry should be based upon sitting, I shall move: relative merit, not relative wealth. We believe that education has a direct social and economic benefit That the Senate— and appropriate levels of funding should be made (a) notes: available from public revenue. (i) with deep concern, the recent moves by Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that you the military regime in Burma against the will not cut funding to universities or increase democracy movement in that country, HECS fees. (ii) reports that the State Law and Order And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever Restoration Council (SLORC) is using pray. ‘scorched earth’ tactics, in the form of 1616 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

looting and burning villages in Kayah (iii) the 1994 findings of the Coopers and State, and Lybrand study of Ausmusic, which rec- (iii) with approval, the strong statement by the ommended that Ausmusic be federally- Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Downer) funded for a period of 5 years in order in response to renewed repression in that it become commercially viable, and Burma; that Ausmusic was pursuing this business plan; and (b) welcomes moves by the State Legislature of Massachusetts in the United States of (b) calls on the Federal Government to provide America to ban state contracts with com- the money owing to Ausmusic and imple- panies doing business in Burma; and ment the Coopers and Lybrand findings. (c) calls on the Government to actively discour- Brazil age Australian companies from doing busi- ness in Burma. Senator SPINDLER (Victoria)—by leave—I give notice that, on the next day of Desertification sitting, I shall move: Senator LEES (South Australia—Deputy Leader of the Australian Democrats)—I give That the Senate— notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall (a) notes that: move: (i) in 1988, under a new constitution, the That the Senate— Brazilian Government acted to protect the (a) notes that: land of its indigenous people, which now makes up 11 per cent of Brazil’s terri- (i) 17 June 1996 is World Combat Desertifi- tory, cation and Drought Day, (ii) the same government, in 1996, under (ii) in Australia the area of desert has in- pressure from loggers, ranchers and creased by one-third since European miners, passed a new law enabling com- settlement, and mercial interest to appeal against the laws (iii) the results of desertification includes loss which aimed to protect the indigenous of soil stability, erosion and loss of peoples’ lands, biodiversity and agricultural productivity; (iii) to date over 1 700 such appeals have and been lodged with the Brazilian Govern- (b) calls on the Government to support only ment’s Indian affairs agency (FUNAI), sustainable agricultural and forestry prac- and tices in Australia. (iv) Brazil’s indigenous people and land are Music Funding in jeopardy from those who seek to profit from the destruction of the rainforest; and Senator STOTT DESPOJA (South Aus- tralia)—I give notice that, on the next day of (b) calls on the Australian Government to urge President Cardoso of Brazil to honour his sitting, I shall move: country’s constitutional commitment to That the Senate— protect the land rights of its indigenous (a) notes: people and to save Brazil’s environment from those wanting to profit from its de- (i) with concern, that the Federal Govern- struction. ment is withholding $600 000 of federal funding previously committed to LEAVE OF ABSENCE Ausmusic, Senator CALVERT (Tasmania)—by (ii) that this places in jeopardy the future of leave—I move: Ausmusic programs, including the Annual That leave of absence be granted to Senator Ian Australian Music Day, Australian Music Macdonald for the period 17 to 28 June 1996, on Education Week and industry skills cours- account of illness. es, and disadvantages thousands of stu- dents studying Ausmusic courses in more We all wish Senator Ian Macdonald a speedy than 1 200 schools, youth training centres, recovery. technical and futher education colleges and universities, and Question resolved in the affirmative. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1617

ORDER OF BUSINESS consideration of legislation, be taken as formal. Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee Senator CHAMARETTE (Western Aus- tralia)—by leave—I rise to indicate that we Motion (by Senator Lees, at the request of agreed at the whips’ meeting for this motion Senator Woodley) agreed to: to proceed as formal because it relates to That business of the Senate notice of motion No. another bill that has already been debated and 1 standing in the name of Senator Woodley for passed in this place. I want to explain to my today, relating to the reference of matters to the colleagues that the impact of the procedural Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Refer- ences Committee, be postponed till 25 June 1996. motion requires that we vote on the exemp- tion from the cut-off motion. That is why I Aussie’s Coffee Shop have refused formality for the previous mo- Motion (by Senator Chamarette) agreed tion, and will refuse formality for the next to: one. That general business notice of motion No. 97 Leave granted. standing in the name of Senator Chamarette for Motion (by Senator Kemp) agreed to: today, relating to Osvaldo and Marilyn Meneghello, That the order of the Senate of 29 November be postponed till the next day of sitting. 1994, relating to the consideration of legislation, BHP Petroleum not apply to the Parliamentary Contributory Super- annuation Amendment Bill 1996. Motion (by Senator Margetts) agreed to: MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE That general business notice of motion No. 11 standing in the name of Senator Margetts for today, Sales Tax relating to a review of BHP Petroleum’s offshore safety arrangements, be postponed till 19 June The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT 1996. (Senator Patterson)—The President has received a letter from Senator Sherry propos- Sri Lanka ing that a definite matter of public importance Motion (by Senator Lees, at the request of be submitted to the Senate for discussion, Senator Woodley) agreed to: namely: That general business notice of motion No. 4 The government’s wilful breaking of its promise standing in the name of Senator Woodley for today, to the Australian people not to increase existing relating to Sri Lanka, be postponed till 25 June taxes or introduce new taxes by proposing a new 1996. $1.2 billion ‘Costello sales tax’ on the states, territories and local government. Native Title Committee I call upon those senators who approve of the Motion (by Senator Chamarette) agreed proposed discussion to rise in their places. to: More than the number of senators required That general business notice of motion No. 112 by the standing orders having risen in their standing in the name of Senator Chamarette for places— today, relating to the reference of a matter to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title and Senator SHERRY (Tasmania—Deputy the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (5.05 Fund, be postponed till 19 June 1996. p.m.)—I suppose the appropriate subtitle for my contribution in leading this debate today CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION is ‘Six steps of dishonesty and deceit.’ Last Senator KEMP (Victoria—Manager of week, via a surprise press release from the Government Business in the Senate)—I ask Treasurer, Mr Costello, we had the announce- that government business notice of motion ment of a proposed new tax—a $1.2 billion No. 2 standing in my name for this day, tax—by removing the sales tax exemption on proposing the exemption of the Parliamentary states, territories and local government. It was Contributory Superannuation Amendment Bill conveyed via that press release as a fait 1996 from the order of the Senate concerning accompli to the states. This was a decision 1618 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 obviously not taken by the Treasurer, Mr What was the excuse given? Interestingly, Costello, alone. It was a decision taken by the in the press release by Treasurer Costello the new government—barely three months old. It main emphasis was on alleged rorts in respect was taken by cabinet as a whole. The back- of car purchases by state governments and bench of the government is very concerned other authorities. This alleged rort was merely about it. It was taken by cabinet, and by a an excuse to remove sales tax exemption on Prime Minister who likes to refer to himself libraries, schools, art galleries, Meals on as Honest John Howard. Wheels, marine boards, councils, public The decision announced by the Costello transport and child-care centres operated by press release was in fact a repudiation of a local government, to name just a few. The number of commitments given by the govern- types of articles that would have had their ment prior to the election. It is not just I who sales tax removed include stationery, videos, asserts that it was a repudiation of promises computers, photocopiers, books and medical and commitments given prior to the election. equipment. The list goes on and on. That was The Treasurer of Victoria, Mr Stockdale, in the first stage of the deceit and deception. a wide-ranging interview, said, amongst other The second part of the dishonesty of this things, that this was a very black day for the deception by an arrogant and out of touch new federal government. He said the new Treasurer was in respect of the alleged rorts government had said they would keep their in the area of motor vehicles. Treasurer election promises, and that John Howard had Costello put great emphasis on this issue in said that he would honour his commitments. his ABC radio interview with AM. He said: Mr Stockdale said: . . . we won’t allow rorting in the tax system ...... and here he’s broken no less than five commit- A government that finds rorting shouldn’t stand ments, two election promises—no tax increases; around and say, ‘Oh, we’ll let that go unchecked.’ this is a tax increase— ...... He went on in stronger terms when he re- ferred to the proposed agreement in respect of . . .. to stop rorting and to have transparency in the the slightly more than $600 million in general tax system, governments shouldn’t make them- selves immune from each other’s taxes. purpose grants by saying: So the States will be $600 million worse off if this He went on and on about alleged rorts in the agreement were to be implemented, and that is a tax system. In addition to this proposed $1.2 flagrant repudiation of not only his election com- billion tax being a direct contradiction of mitments, but the agreement... promises made prior to the election, it is He went on to say: interesting that, if it was such a big rort, why didn’t the now government include it in their I think what we’re seeing here is a very bad start list of funding commitments in respect of the by the new Howard government, that they’re repudiating fundamental election commitments, last election? The coalition went into some they’re doing more damage to State taxpayers than detail about how they were going to fund even Keating did... their election promises. In the document Meeting our commitments there is no mention During question time today I referred to the of sales tax rorts on cars. This $1.2 billion commitment given by the now Treasurer, Mr proposal was simply a wilful breaking of Costello, last year at the National Press Club. election commitments in order to meet the I referred to a statement made by the now extravagant election promises that the coali- Assistant Treasurer, Senator Jim Short, mak- tion now finds itself having great trouble ing it very clear that there would be no funding. increase in existing taxes and no expansion of existing taxation. Yet last week we had a Just to compound the errors of the Treasur- proposal to increase taxes—$1.2 billion worth er, he made a significant error when he of taxes—on just about everything that state, claimed in that AM interview of 12 June that territory and local governments are currently Telstra can buy its cars sales tax free. That exempt from. was a totally untrue claim. So we have an Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1619 example of the incompetence of the new At the beginning of last week the Liberal Treasurer as well as the dishonesty. leaders were looking forward to the Premiers Conference. They thought it was going to be The third step in this dishonesty and deceit a great show. The only great show they got was to hold, some have said, a sledge- turned out to be a great dog show. We had hammer—I would have said, more appropri- the peeved premiers letting loose against Peter ately, a steamroller—over the states by trying Costello, who had been let off the leash. They to argue that the three-year agreement with were like dogs devouring each other in the the states to maintain general purpose pay- media, trying to abuse each other. Senator ments was somehow negotiable in the context Short smiles, but I am sure Treasurer Costello of this proposed $1.2 billion, when agreement was not smiling last week. had already been reached with the states and Treasurer Costello was trying to use it as a The final area of dishonesty and deceit was lever in order to get the states to agree. that the Liberals want to introduce a goods Again, Treasurer Stockdale from Victoria and services tax. This is the beginning of the referred to this in the AM interview when he first step towards that. (Time expired) said: The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT So the States will be $600 million worse off if this (Senator Patterson)—I understand that agreement were to be implemented... informal arrangements have been made to allocate specific times to each of the speakers ...... in today’s debate. With the concurrence of the . . .. the $619 million of grants—they are the Senate, I shall ask the clerks to set the clock second instalment of a three-year agreement which accordingly. was finalised at last years’ Premiers Conference. Senator SHORT (Victoria—Assistant So Mr Costello was essentially repudiating Treasurer) (5.16 p.m.)—I guess I ought not to the agreement made only 12 months ago. be amazed, but I never do cease to be amazed, at Senator Sherry. I suppose I have The fourth level of dishonesty in the new to give him full marks for the strength of the government’s approach was the breaching of nerve and hypocrisy that he brings with him their commitment on cooperative federalism. to this chamber in accusing the coalition Prior to the last election the Liberal Party government of breaking its election commit- promised that there would be consultation and ment of no new taxes. This is an example of discussion with their state colleagues. There the pot calling the kettle black par excellence. was no advance warning or discussion about I will come back to that later in my remarks. this new proposal. They were universally con- demned by state leaders. In fact, the Treasur- Senator Sherry is wrong in the whole basis er, and now Premier, of my own state, Mr of his MPI today. It is a fact that nothing this Rundle, said, ‘Peter Costello’s only been there government has done and nothing the Treas- a dog-watch but in that short time he’s mak- urer (Mr Costello) or anyone else has done ing Labor treasurers Willis and Dawkins look has in any way broken the election commit- good.’ That was the fourth area of dishonesty ment of no new taxes. It has become a bit of and deceit. a regular event that each sitting week Senator Sherry comes into this place—a bit like The fifth area of dishonesty and deceit was Chicken Little—calls an MPI and claims that the outcome of the Premiers Conference, the sky is falling in. His last MPI was con- which the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Short, cerning our so-called ideological fetish with tried to outline in question time today. There cutting expenditure. The only thing ideologi- will be various flow-on effects to the states. cal about what is going on is the absolute The states have already announced that there ideological refusal of the Labor Party to face will be increases in taxes and charges and/or up to the need for this nation to balance its a combination of cuts. I see Senator Gibson books—books which were absolutely deva- in the chamber. I remind him of the possible stated through 13 years of fiscal vandalism by outcomes in Tasmania. previous Labor governments. The last MPI 1620 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 was about our so-called ideological fetish we resile from the fact that the outcome of with budget restraint. This time it is about our the Premiers Conference last week, in that alleged broken promise, broken commitment, sense, produced only a partial tackling of that that there will be no new taxes. area of concern. The basic reason for the Once again Senator Sherry is wrong. He is Premiers Conference proposals of last week, wrong to characterise the sales tax measures so far as the coalition was concerned, was to contained in the Commonwealth’s offer last come up with a major contribution made by week to the states as a government breaking the states and territories in a responsible, its tax promises. We do not resile one iota cooperative manner to assist the funding and from the Treasurer’s statement on 1 June that reduction of the $8,000 million deficit that the the removal of sales tax exemptions for all Howard government inherited from the levels of government would remove a range Keating government when it went out of of anomalies, inequities and distortions. office on 2 March. I see Senator Wheelwright is following Of course, one of the leading architects in Senator Sherry in this debate. I hope that if he that destruction of the integrity of the does not believe that the sales tax arrange- Commonwealth’s finances was none other ments, so far as they apply to government, in than the then Minister for Finance, now the fact give government an unfair advantage Leader of the Opposition in this parliament, compared with their private sector competitors Mr Beazley. If anyone in this present parlia- in the area of business, if he does not believe ment carries the main burden of the blame for that they do give rise to various rorts of the what happened to the Commonwealth’s system, which are publicly identified—I finances in the last two or three years, it is would not want to overstate them, but they surely the Leader of the Opposition. are definitely there—if he does not believe The opposition, when in government, knew that they are anomalous and inequitable in the about the anomalies but sought to do nothing overall sense of a proper public policy tax- at all about them—just as was the case with ation system, he will get up here and say so most of their period of office. They knew, I today. hope, on occasions, the right thing to do, yet Senator Sherry certainly did not. Perhaps they refused time and time again to grasp the Senator Wheelwright might, although even nettle and take some of those decisions—not then I am not sure what one would read into always palatable or easy decisions—that that, given the massive division, disruption would make our tax system a fairer system and infighting going on at the moment within and make Australia, as a result of it, a better the ranks of the Labor Party in terms of place in which to live. ideology. On one hand there is Senator An outcome of the Premiers Conference Wheelwright and on the other is Senator Carr. was to limit the removal of the sales tax I do not know where Senator Ray is, but I exemption where governments provide cars as think he is pulling all the strings. Then there part of remuneration packages to public is poor old Senator Faulkner sitting here as servants. It is good that that has happened. I the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, hope that the opposition and the Democrats— leader of the Left; he does not have a clue I see Senator Spindler here; I have always which way he is supposed to go. He will wait thought of him as an honourable man in terms like a puppet on a string until all the strings of his wishes for a fair and equitable tax are pulled by the heavyweights around the system—would agree that that was a correct place, and he will be told what is or is not a public policy point to aim for. good thing to do in terms of taxation reform As the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) has or budget management. said, part of the outcome of the Premiers It is certainly a fact that the removal of Conference saw the good tax policy measures sales tax exemptions for government would that were proposed by the coalition last year remove a range of anomalies, inequities and partly wound back. We do not deny that. The distortions. We do not resile from that, nor do Prime Minister did not resile from the original Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1621 proposal being good policy, nor did the That is bad policy. It is bad economics. It Treasurer. I am certainly not going to do so is very bad economic management. It is—I now, because we all know that it was good can say this without hesitation—nothing more policy. Nevertheless, as I said in question than economic vandalism. The states recog- time many times today, the overall outcome nise that, just as the new Commonwealth of the Premiers Conference was an exceeding- government did. ly good result for the government. We are very pleased indeed and have The key outcome of the Premiers Confer- welcomed the fact that the states recognise the ence from the Commonwealth’s perspective need for them to make a contribution to is that the states have agreed to make a fixing that budget black hole that we inherited substantial contribution towards the task of from Labor. Payments to the states are a restoring the Commonwealth budget to bal- sizeable component of total outlays. It would ance. It is a balance that has been thrown have been quite unrealistic to quarantine the completely out of kilter by the mismanage- states—and they appreciate this—from the ment and irresponsibility of the previous deficit reduction process. Labor government. We are very happy with the final outcome, which we achieved through negotiation. I The states recognise that the government stress the word ‘negotiation’, because if we faces a big fiscal task, which is not the result are really serious about having a meaningful of the actions of the coalition but rather a relationship between Commonwealth and state reflection of the total fiscal mismanagement and territory governments, it can be done only of the former Labor government. The states in the sense of people being prepared to get recognise that, in order to fix the problems around a table and negotiate. that we inherited from Labor, the government has to make a lot of tough decisions that we The fact that your starting position is not would prefer not to have to make. We are not always the position that you finish with is masochists. We are not political masochists or absolutely irrelevant. If it were always the economic masochists or anything of that case, then the word ‘negotiation’ and the nature. What we want to do, though, and we whole concept of conference would have have a responsibility on behalf of the Austral- really no meaning. ian people to do so, is to restore the finances So we finished up with an agreement by the of this nation to proper balance so that we can states to, in full cooperation, make a substan- grow, prosper, create more jobs, reduce tial contribution to the Commonwealth’s unemployment and lower the amount of funding problem over the next three years. public debt, and, therefore, the amount of That is extremely useful, as is the agreement taxes that have to be spent simply on meeting to remove the exemption from sales tax the interest payments on government debt. applying to general purpose road vehicles provided wholly or partly for private use as In the last four years alone, five years part of a remuneration package by govern- perhaps, the debt of the Commonwealth ments. government has gone up fourfold. That is monstrous, particularly when throughout most We did not roll over at the Premiers Con- of that period we have had economic growth. ference. We did not break any promises at the We should have been running surpluses rather Premiers Conference. We listened to the than deficits. But what did we find? We premiers, because we think that they have a found a Labor government which in that time total right to be heard, something that the allowed the debt to escalate fourfold. The former Labor government never, ever believed impact of that on the interest burden of the in. budget is enormous, and the interest paid on It is amusing to me in the extreme that the debt of the Commonwealth, in the books Senator Sherry would get it so wrong, yet of the annual budget, is now one of the again; broken promises and tax increases are highest of all items of expenditure. something about which Labor has intricate 1622 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 knowledge. Let me remind the chamber of Let me advert to the requests made by Labor’s top 10 chart busting broken promises Senator Short: namely, the Democrats should when they were in government. No. 10, to wholeheartedly support the plugging of the maintain the Public Service. What happened? rorts that are no doubt inherent in this system Between 1993 and 1995, the last two to three of sales tax on cars that are provided to public years of Labor, there was a 2½ per cent servants and executives. This measure goes reduction in Public Service numbers. Jobs well beyond the mere plugging of rorts: it were set to disappear again between 1996 and devolves a responsibility of the Common- 1997 under Labor’s plan. wealth onto the states. It is merely a shuffling No. 9, to maintain majority Australian of responsibilities, responsibilities which the ownership of Qantas. No. 8, to maintain 51 Commonwealth government does not want to per cent equity in the Commonwealth Bank. be seen as having cut in terms of the services No. 7, to reduce unemployment. Yet the provided by the states. It dearly wants to number of people on unemployment benefits collect the money without taking the blame. is higher now than during the depths of the Senator Sherry, who proposed this matter of so-called recession that we had to have. It is public importance, knows full well that Labor higher by a figure of 61,000. in government were the past masters of shifting their budgetary problems onto the No. 6, to increase spending on Aboriginal states. Between 1985 and 1992, the Hawke health, did not happen. No. 5, to remove all and Keating governments cut grants to the age pensions from the tax system by 1995, states in real terms by 19 per cent with a did not happen. No. 4, to match the Christmas further cut last year. These cuts were partly appeal funds raised by charitable institutions, responsible for the states having to cut over did not happen. No. 3 was that there were to 150,000 jobs in the state public sector and to be no tax increases. What happened? A whole increase taxes in a wide range of areas. raft of wholesale sales taxes and others spiralled up under Labor. No. 2, to produce The Democrats have been a little astounded, self-repairing budgets with a deficit reduction I must say, by Mr Costello’s definitional program, was a sad and sick joke. We fin- gymnastics in recent months about what is or ished up with Mr Beazley’s $8 billion black is not a rise in tax. A tariff, we have been hole. The daddy of them all, No. 1 of the told, is a tariff, not a tax. A rise in HECS is chart busters, was to provide the l-a-w law a rise in HECS, not a rise in tax on graduates cuts. They knew when they made that prom- as Senator Vanstone asserted only last year. ise just prior to the 1993 election that they Now we are told that adding a $1.2 billion tax would never keep it. Senator Sherry’s pro- impost on the states is an attack on rorts and posed matter of public importance is a mass not a rise of $1.2 billion in tax. of hypocrisy. (Time expired) Mr Costello’s arguments were rejected in Senator SPINDLER (Victoria) (5.31 very strong terms last week by his state p.m.)—I will be very happy to pick up some colleagues, who correctly pointed out that his of the points that Senator Short made. This tax grab on the states was an attack on ser- debate on the matter of public importance vices. But then, this government does not seeks to highlight one of the election commit- seem to be particularly interested in the ments breached by Mr Costello and Mr impact on the Australian people of its pursuit Howard during last year’s Premiers Confer- of the $8 billion budget cuts. Mr Howard and ence: namely, the promise not to increase Mr Costello conveniently ignore the fact that existing taxes or introduce new taxes by the $8 billion cuts are not necessary in eco- proposing a new $1.2 billion Costello sales nomic terms. We all know now that they are tax on the states, territories and local govern- in fact based on very rubbery economic ments. According to Mr Alan Stockdale, the growth forecasts, which have already been Liberal Treasurer of Victoria, Mr Costello had stretched. breached no fewer than five separate commit- They ignore the fact that $8 billion worth ments. of cuts will hurt an awful lot of Australians Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1623 through higher charges and lower services. report, and the suggestion by former EPAC They ignore the impact on the unemployed chief Fred Argy that the opportunity for and the advice of some of Australia’s most deficit reduction should be used to repair the senior economists such as Fred Argy, John holes in the revenue base. (Time expired) Neville, Fred Gruen and John Quiggin. All Senator WHEELWRIGHT (New South that matters is the glowing praise of the Wales) (5.38 p.m.)—Madam Acting Deputy financial markets for delivering $8 billion President, I am quite happy to rise in support worth of cuts, whether they can be justified in of Senator Sherry’s proposed matter of public economic terms or not. So Mr Costello and importance, particularly as it refers to the Mr Howard got their $1.5 billion worth of coalition government’s wilful breaking of expenditure cuts over the years from the promises in relation to taxation in the an- states. The CPSU has estimated that it will nouncements at the Premiers Conference last mean another 90,000 jobs gone over the next week. The first extraordinary thing to occur three years or it will mean the states and local last week was the great clarion call for authorities will have to increase taxes and microeconomic reform. Last Tuesday, the charges. Treasurer, Mr Costello, came out all hairy- The other interesting thing about Mr chested, saying what he was going to do. He Costello’s astonishing performance last week was going to demonstrate his competence and was his newfound interest in tax rorts. He courage over microeconomic reform, and his said that it was the main reason why he statement on Tuesday was to be the basis for would wish to introduce this particular meas- the proposal he was putting to the states. I say ure. The Democrats believe that there are ‘proposal’ but I should really say ‘announce- many areas in tax rorts where Mr Costello ment’, which is a distinction that Senator could have made a start and many areas Short was unable to make in question time where the Democrats would wholeheartedly today. I will read from the announcement support him. An article in last weekend’s issued by the Treasurer: Australian, written by Mike Steketee, states: The removal of sales tax exemptions for govern- . . . the Keating government announced that it was ment represents a very important microeconomic going to collect $800 million in tax from 100 of the and taxation system reform. It will remove inequi- wealthiest Australians who put money through ties and distortions, including the growing abuse of trusts, the advice from the tax office was that 80 of the sales tax exemption by some public sector them had assets valued at more than $30 million bodies. Further, it will remove an unfair advantage each but had reported taxable incomes of $20,000 that many public sector businesses have over or less. private sector competitors who are subject to It is perhaps also important to quote a state- wholesale sales tax. ment made by Michael Carmody, the tax That announcement was made last Tuesday commissioner. He said: and it came out in the style characteristic of Put simply, it is difficult to expect the general Mr Costello. Unfortunately, I cannot quite do community to meet their tax responsibilities if they his swagger. I do not really need to because see some high-wealth individuals paying little or no a large number of Australians saw his postur- tax. ing on their television screens. The Democrats welcome Mr Costello’s The announcement, which was drafted by newfound interest in tax rorts but we would the Treasury, was in relatively sedate lan- like him to attack some other areas which are guage, but the Treasurer was pleased to go well and truly on the record, such as the ones further than that in his press conference. He I have quoted. referred to the ‘unfair advantage’ over the We accept that some budget deficit repair private sector and the encouragement for will be needed in this year’s budget. Labor’s ‘rorting of the system’. He said that the unfunded tax cuts and unfunded Working removal of the sales tax was a ‘bold move’ Nation program make this necessary. But we along the path to microeconomic reform. That encourage the government to take the advice was the sort of atmosphere in which these of Dr Vince FitzGerald in his national savings proposals were announced. 1624 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

I have been heartened by some of the wealth counter-offer, which had been placed on the reporting of this matter. People started to table for discussion after lunch on Thursday. become concerned about what might happen There they all were, trying to work out what at the Premiers Conference and whether the on earth the government was doing. They had Treasurer might experience some sort of put forward a proposal, received a counter backlash. In response, the Treasurer is report- offer from the government, then all of a ed as saying: sudden, having said it was accepted, it was . . . ‘I’ve never seen a Premiers’ Conference yet promptly withdrawn. The article continues by where they haven’t said the world will fall in. And reporting that the premiers: you know what happens, after the Premiers’ Conference is over: the sun comes up, as it always . . . then adjourned for one of the many cups of tea did’. the Prime Minister was keen to offer whenever the conference reached what appeared to be a bitter That was the picture of the Treasurer last impasse. Tuesday and Wednesday. But we are all very much indebted to Mr John Short who, by It therefore came as a complete surprise to the premiers when they were subsequently called back probably trying to qualify for this year’s by Mr Howard to then be told that the Thursday Walkley Award, gave us the real details of night counter-offer was not only still alive but was how these negotiations took place. He gave us on the table ready to be signed. the behind the scenes story of exactly how The premiers were also surprised to find that Mr this bold microeconomic reform was transact- Costello was again absent from this meeting— ed. I read from his article in the Australian of although Mr Howard said publicly later that too last Saturday: much should not be read into the Treasurer’s The high drama of the opening day of the premiers’ absence. . . conference on Thursday over the attempt by the That is what happened to that bold proposal federal Treasurer, Mr Costello, to hit the States with a $1.2 billion sales tax bill was replaced for microeconomic reform. It disappeared into yesterday by high farce. a shambles of negotiations and cross-negotia- The premiers left the Prime Minister, Mr How- tions involving state party colleagues in an ard, and his Treasurer on Thursday night with an attempt to get a monetary outcome with offer that would have seen substantial cuts in which everyone could live. Microeconomic federal grants to fund general services in return for reform lasted about 36 hours in the breast of Mr Costello’s sales tax bill being sliced back to the Treasurer; then he had his nose put out. $100 million. The States’ offer was to apply for two years to Senator Spindler mentioned some of the help the Commonwealth deliver a balanced Budget reactions of the state premiers to the confer- in 1997-98. ence. I would love to go through all of them Mr Howard then made a counter-offer which but my favourite is reported as follows: would have seen the States’ generous offer being In the privately expressed understatement of effectively extended for another six months. Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, it was the most A number of the premiers were of the view that amateurish shambles he had ever attended. the Prime Minister had said that if they accepted this new version, then they would have a deal. I do not often agree with the Premier of So, when they arrived at Parliament House— Victoria but, from everything I have seen and read about that meeting, his statement really on Friday— sums it up. I could go through the statements for a scheduled 9.30am meeting, they were expect- made by Western Australian Premier Richard ing that a deal would be quickly done. Court and South Australian Premier Dean After about a 30-minute delay, the premiers were Brown, the very strong statements made by called to a meeting at which Mr Howard made the Victorian Treasurer Mr Alan Stockdale, clear that his Thursday night counter-offer had been withdrawn. All treasurers—federal and State—had and statements made by Tasmanian Premier been excluded from this meeting. Tony Rundle, but best of all was the state- The premiers were then in a state of confusion, ment made by Mr Rob Borbidge, the Premier with conflicting recollections as to whether the of Queensland. It bears repeating because, Prime Minister had reverted to the first Common- apart from saying that he found Mr Costello’s Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1625 actions ‘appalling, arrogant and disgraceful’, coalition went to the election earlier this year he is reported as further saying: with a commitment to the Australian people "I mean if they want to cut payments to the States, not to introduce new taxes and not to raise why don’t they just say so instead of this two card existing taxes. We felt able to make this trick that we’ve seen which is right out of amateur commitment because the former Labor hour... government, and in particular the former "Did he set out to cause massive financial Labor Minister for Finance, Mr Beazley, problems for organisations like Guide Dogs for the deliberately and with cold calculation told the Blind? Australian people that the Commonwealth Did he set out to make drought-declared local- budget was in surplus—that it was in the authority areas in Queensland bankrupt? Because black—and that there was no reason to be- that’s the bottom line of what he’s proposing." lieve otherwise. In making this statement, he The report of Mr Borbidge’s remarks con- said that he relied on estimates by Treasury tinues: and the Department of Finance. "I wouldn’t expect a lawyer from the leafy suburbs of Melbourne to know the meaning of However, just one day after the election, drought," he said. Treasury and the Department of Finance provided a detailed briefing to the new I could hardly equal the words of Mr government which showed that there was an Borbidge in these matters. It is all the more $8 billion deficit in the offing over the next telling that these words do not come from two financial years if no rectifying action members of the Labor Party or from anyone were taken. This briefing showed that the else except their party colleagues. current 1995-96 financial year budget was not What it means for New South Wales is a in surplus. We published the Treasury esti- $902 million hole in the budget. It is a budget mates, which showed that this financial year that was put out with a modest surplus recent- the government was running an underlying ly and was very well received by the financial deficit of $9 billion. More importantly, look- markets. Where does the government think ing forward for the next two years, instead of the money for this is going to come from? Of a genuine underlying surplus, we were look- course it is going to have to come from ing at a deficit which had to be met by a increased taxes. Services have been absolutely further $8 billion. In other words, it was the ground to the bone. What is Mr Costello’s Beazley $8 billion black hole. response to the Australian public going to be? He will say, ‘Don’t blame me. Blame the The previous government, including Mr states. I didn’t do it, Dad. It was the boogie- Beazley, should have told the truth to the man. I didn’t eat all the biscuits, even though Australian people before the election. The I’ve got chocolate all around my lips. It was Australian people deserved to know that this mysterious boogieman.’ How simple- information. That is why we have made a minded do they really think the Australian commitment that that will not happen again. people are? Do they really think that they will We are committed to a charter for budget not see through this sham? honesty. What have we got out of all this exercise? This MPI is about tax increases by govern- No microeconomic reform and increasing ments. It raises this fundamental question: pressure on inflation. Remember inflation, why would any government want to raise about which the government has no policy. additional money from its citizens? To put it There is increasing pressure on inflation another way, why would any government through an increase in car prices. At the same want to impose greater burdens on its people, time, we have no fundamental reform. (Time particularly if it is obvious that those imposts expired) will hurt electorally? Surely the government Senator GIBSON (Tasmania—Parlia- is not masochistic. The fundamental reason is mentary Secretary to the Treasurer) (5.46 that we found the finances of the Common- p.m.)—I rise on this matter because the wealth government to be in a mess as a result 1626 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 of profligate spending by the Labor govern- 5.5 per cent of the budget to over 8 per cent ment, particularly over the last five years. of the budget this year. So the Labor Party This point has basically been recognised. has incurred debt. With interest payments now Even Premier Carr of the New South Wales being a significant proportion of the government, the last Labor leader in the Commonwealth budget, that money cannot be country, has acknowledged the dimension of spent elsewhere. the problem which now confronts Australia. I will now deal with the debt servicing By his action, in preferring a reduction in ratio. From 30 June 1991 to June 1995, state grants over the re-organisation of tax government securities on issue as a proportion structures, Premier Carr has tacitly said to the of GDP have risen from 12.9 per cent to 23.3 people of his state and the people of Australia per cent. Interest on those securities has risen that the Commonwealth finances are in a from 1.5 to 2.1 per cent. While all this debt mess. was being increased, Labor also went ahead How big a mess are those finances in? Let and sold assets. During that same period, the us step back a bit and see what has happened total value of assets sold by the Common- in the past. For the four years from 1987-88 wealth amounted to $8.7 billion. That has also to 1990-91, the Commonwealth government been spent. ran a budget surplus which peaked at 2.2 per In summary, over the past five years the cent of GDP. If a similar surplus were being former Labor government spent, spent and run today, that number would be the equiva- spent. It also taxed, taxed and taxed some lent of about $12 billion next year. Unfortu- more. It sold assets. It ran down the infra- nately, from 1991-92 onwards, the Common- structure. It stopped investing. It dropped wealth began spending a lot more than it infrastructure investment from $3.4 billion in raised. Over the next five years, including the 1991-92 to an estimated negative $3.5 billion estimate for this current financial year, the this current financial year. So it increased Commonwealth spent $49 billion more than taxes; it borrowed very heavily; it sold off it raised. assets; and it stopped investing. It could not Over the past five years, Commonwealth go on; hence, the $8 billion black hole. outlays have risen from $102 billion at the Senator Murphy—Oh! Rubbish, Brian. start of the period to an estimate for this year You know that is not right. Your own figures of $122.9 billion, which is an increase of show that is not right. nearly 20 per cent. Over the same time, Commonwealth revenue—that is, taxes and Senator GIBSON—It is not rubbish. They charges from citizens—increased from $93.3 are the actual facts. Sorry, Senator, you billion five years ago to the current estimate should listen to the numbers I have just been this year of $122.7 billion, which is an in- giving you. They are the actual facts of the crease of 31.5 per cent. matter. This is the poisoned chalice which has been passed on by Labor to the coalition, and Labor went out and borrowed and spent that it has to be remedied. much as well. At 30 June 1991, the Common- wealth securities on issue were $34 billion. On the basis of statements from Labor That is a Commonwealth debt of $34 billion. spokesmen, it is clear that their prescription The forecast for the end of this financial year to this dire situation is more of the same— is $100 billion. That is an enormous increase turn a blind eye and wait for growth and in borrowings. They spent all that as well. hope. If the Labor Party were doctors, they Interest on that debt has skyrocketed. Gross would be sued by the Australian people for interest on public interest debt for the malpractice, and they would never be allowed Commonwealth has risen from $3.9 billion in to practice in this country again. 1991-92 to an estimated $9.4 billion for this The time has come to change the direction current financial year, which is a huge in- of our national economy. The winds of crease. The proportion of Commonwealth change are about, and the coalition will take outlays paid in interest on debt has gone from the necessary decisions to put our national Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1627 finances on a footing that will provide the states to administer, but that will be without opportunity for long-term and sustainable the necessary funds to carry out the functions. growth. We have to have savings as a top The generosity of the federal government in priority in this country. Who has been the relation to passing on funds for taking over worst culprit with regard to savings? The these new functions becomes clear when we Commonwealth government has been by look at the proposition the federal government running deficits. The Commonwealth govern- has made to the states on state funding. First ment has to get into genuine surpluses, as we have the proposition to impose federal used to happen many years ago. They did sales taxes on goods bought by state and local even just five years ago. If the Common- governments. After the premiers’ revolt, we wealth were running genuine surpluses, that have an agreement in which apparently the would take pressure off the current account. full proposed taxes will not be imposed, in It would also take pressure off interest rates return for the states paying the Common- and, hence, encourage investment and job wealth a large cash repayment ahead of the opportunities for our children. due date for repayment. By the coalition facing up to taking hard Either way, the states will be out of pocket decisions, it will mean we will not always be by over a billion dollars, at a time when they popular with all of the Australian people. We will be taking on the new burden of adminis- know that and accept it, but there is no tering new areas of responsibility. In other alternative; there is no option if we are to be words, responsibility and costs will be trans- responsible. For the past five years, the ferred to the states while their grants are opposition on the other side put their collec- effectively reduced. It is a double blow, and tive heads in the sand and, ultimately, the the areas most likely to suffer are the areas Australian people gave them the kick that being transferred. Of particular concern will they richly deserved. be the proposed transfer of the administration This MPI merely draws attention again to of the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, which the failings of the previous government. They is much more naturally handled through the let the Australian people down and, further- federal system, which coordinates Medicare more, even since the election they have held and the monitoring and classification of drugs. up the mandate which we have been given by In terms of state funding, the proposal is the Australian people to put through the key not a good one. It is another indication that pieces of legislation: the industrial relations the agenda for the Commonwealth is not legislation and also the environmental legisla- efficiency; it is simply the elimination of tion and the Telstra package. They deserve to large areas of government services to ensure be condemned for their actions. that the existing revenue base will cover Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) expenses. It is likely that this will lead to (5.56 p.m.)—The government is confirming draconian service cuts by the states, which the worst fears of many who watched their will then blame the federal government. It is rise to power. When I heard that the govern- also likely to lead to increased state-federal ment planned to devolve responsibility for a conflict and a reduction of accountability of number of areas to the states, I suspected that government generally. the agenda was to give them these powers and It may also lead to revenge taxation of cut funding for Commonwealth coordination Commonwealth agencies, applying payroll functions, while not really giving the states tax, land and other taxes, and stamp duties. any money to perform those functions them- This will effectively reduce the real value of selves. The devolution will apparently occur any budget measures, since a portion of them in areas like regional development, local will be caught up in stupid and cyclic trans- government, public housing, and aspects of fers between governments, rendering them health and education, including the pharma- unavailable. This government should have ceutical benefits scheme. All of these areas, thought through the implications of its policy it appears, will be generously given to the changes before it announced them. 1628 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Senator MURPHY (Tasmania) (5.58 That is why, when we come to government after p.m.)—This matter of public importance is the next election, we will introduce a charter of really probably underwritten by the word budget honesty which will not allow this to happen again. ‘honesty’—a word so commonly used by the now Prime Minister (Mr Howard) and one He failed at the first hurdle—didn’t even get that I think he tried to turn into an art form. to the first hurdle. If you do not think that The coalition, which is now in government, you have not introduced new forms of taxes made various promises. I would like to read as a result of the removal of the sales tax from a statement the Prime Minister made to exemption on motor vehicles to local govern- a dinner the Business Council held in Sydney ment and state government, I do not know on 26 March. He says, in part: what you think you have done because, clearly, the loss will be borne by the com- One of the reasons why the respect for our institu- munity. tions has declined is the way in which promises are too freely made and even more freely repudiated Before I go to some statements by local after governments are elected to power. government mayors, I want to turn to a I think part of the process of restoring trust and speech by the minister for local government confidence in the process—the political process—is to the Institute of Municipal Management in for governments to try to the best of their ability, Canberra on 21 May 1996. The minister is Mr and even beyond that if that’s possible, to meet the Warwick Smith, the reborn member for Bass, commitments that they have made. And I have and it is going to be quite interesting to see indicated to my colleagues and I have indicated what the people of Bass, after their rates have publicly, and I will go on indicating it publicly that been increased by the government’s new tax, nobody should imagine that I will lightly accept any repudiation of the commitments that we made think about Mr Smith in the long term. Mr to people. And even more important than other Smith said: benchmarks against which you are entitled to judge The Commonwealth’s Relations with Local us, in three years time you will be entitled to judge Government us according to the benchmark of whether or not The relationship between the Commonwealth and we have honoured commitments made to people local government comprises three key components: and to the Australian nation before the 2nd of March because unless that stream of trust, that . the financial link element of confidence, can be restored, then the . the formal link, and whole respect of the community for the political . the consultative link. process and for the process of government is going to further disintegrate. The financial link is the strongest and most obvious of these links and in turn is comprised of two That is very true. It is a very good statement funding programs: and I wish the Prime Minister would adhere . the financial funding provided under the Finan- to it. I would like to turn to the federal cial Assistance Grants legislation, which in funding statements in coalition policy prior to 1995/96 amounted to approximately $1.2 billion; the election, which read: and . the funding under the Local Government Devel- A Liberal and National Party government will opment Program for specific projects. maintain financial assistance grants for local government at a level at least as high as currently The minister talked about the local govern- programmed. ment development program and then said: That clearly is not the case. Mr Howard, The LGDP will be retained, although on a much reduced scale, with only those projects which are again, made a statement last year following considered to enhance efficiency, productivity or the budget introduced by the then Labor service delivery being supported. government. In respect of sales tax, he said: We take our election commitment seriously and the All of those taxes violate the pre-election promises Prime Minister has already made that clear. Pro- that were made by the Prime Minister and the posed funding under the Local Government (Finan- government. All of them constitute straight elector- cial Assistance) Act will, consistent with our al fraud and straight electoral dishonesty. election commitments and subject to final Budget deliberations, in my expectation be maintained at He went on to say: 1995/96 levels. The Budget is to be delivered on Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1629

August 20. While there will be a normal revenue ty)—I present the government’s response to of funding as provided for under the legislation, the the report of the Joint Committee on Foreign Government does not intend to review at this stage Affairs, Defence and Trade on officer educa- the fundamentals underpinning the program. tion in the Australian Defence Force. I seek The minister went on to talk about economic leave to incorporate the document in Hansard reform and said: One area in which the Common- wealth is keen to both consult yet also cajole is the and to move a motion in relation to the docu- area of greater efficiency in local government. ment. He went on to say that they would develop a Leave granted. memorandum of understanding which, among The document read as follows— other things, will hopefully bring about Government Response to Officer Education: The greater efficiency. The following paragraph is Military After Next Report on The System of particularly important. He says: Professional Military Development of Officers in This is going to require the development and the ADF by The Joint Parliamentary Committee publication of a wide range of indicators of the on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade performance of individual Councils. I should say here that with the development of performance Executive Summary indicators, we are expecting no more of Local The Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Government than is being required of the Common- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, entitled Officer wealth and States. Education: The Military After Next, was tabled on I do not know what you did with regard to 23 October 1995. The Joint Standing Committee’s the sales tax exemption on cars but I do not inquiry arose as a consequence of the issue of the provision of academic studies and professional know that you are removing it from Common- military education to officer cadets and officers of wealth cars. It will be very interesting to see the Australian Defence Force (ADF) being referred whether or not you do that. by the Minister for Defence on 22 June 1993. This I would like to refer to some of the com- referral by the Minister closely followed the completion of the Program Evaluation of the ments by local mayors in Tasmania, my home Australian Defence Force Academy (henceforth state. They have all said, bar none, that the referred to as the ‘Academy’) by the Inspector- removal of these sales tax exemptions will General in December 1992. Terms of Reference for lead to rate increases. If that is not about the Committee inquiry are at Appendix A, and introducing new taxes, I do not know what is. membership of the Defence Sub-Committee is at Of course, the Liberal Premier in my state has Appendix B. said that he is going to introduce a Costello The Committee attempted to ascertain whether the levy. If that is not a tax on the ordinary existing system of officer development ‘remains people of this country—a tax that you said adequate for preparing officers who will encounter a fundamentally different set of global, regional and you would not introduce—I do not know national security arrangements’.1 These changed what is. It is about time that the government, environmental factors are embodied in the concept the preacher of honesty and integrity that was of the ‘military after next’.2 Defence has accepted going to have some little charter that we this concept as a most useful tool in the formula- would all have to be honest about and that tion of strategic policy and future architecture for took that to the last election, stood up and the ADF’s professional military development and academic education of its officer corps. It is noted honoured that commitment. (Time expired) that, whilst the Terms of Reference limited the The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT inquiry and the subsequent report to the provision (Senator West)—Order! The time for the of academic education and professional military debate has expired. studies at nine Defence colleges, the system of professional military development and academic COMMITTEES education of officers is not limited to these nine colleges. Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Four key themes are evident in the Report: the role Committee: Joint of the ADF in the next century; the cost of educat- Report: Government Response ing and training officers at various points in their careers; the ‘closed’ societal system represented by Senator KEMP (Victoria—Parliamentary officer education within the Academy, and the need Secretary to the Minister for Social Securi- for greater effort by Defence to create a ‘total 1630 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 force’ by enhancing ‘jointery’, integration of These processes together facilitate a smooth transi- regular and reserve forces, and closer collaboration tion from military to civilian life and vice versa. between military personnel and civilians. Defence requires officers to hold civilian qualifica- The Response has been prepared by an ADF tions (eg Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Law Working Party consisting of representatives from etc), in order to meet their military job require- Headquarters ADF, Department of Defence, the ments. single Services and both the University College and Defence therefore supports this recommendation, to Military Component of the Defence Academy. The take maximum advantage of civilian education tenor of the Response is, by intent, reflecting that content. However, it must be stated that civilian of Defence, with more specific delineation of views qualifications cannot totally replace ADF training only where appropriate. The Response addresses for key core roles, particularly those concerning the 23 Recommendations sequentially, with 3 military skills. The knowledge, skills and attitudes supported, 7 supported in principle, 2 supported in required of personnel in some fields of military part, 1 under examination and 10 not supported. employment are developed by specific ADF The Key Responses are as follows: courses. These courses are designed to attain vocational competencies that are not necessarily . Supported—1, 2, 3 intrinsic in civilian training and coursework. . Supported in Principle—4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 23 Recommendation 3 . Supported in Part—5, 8 The Committee recommends that officers in each . Under Examination—17 Service be regularly notified of all postings. . Not Supported—11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, RESPONSE 21, 22 Supported Defence will seek to progressively implement an electronic mailing system to expedite the distribu- RESPONSES TO RECOMMENDATIONS tion of personnel information to all officers. The system will include on-line access to existing Recommendation 1 officer posting data, updates on new positions, The Committee recommends that: opportunities to apply for ‘advertised’ posts, and . consistent with the Inspector General’s report of other information relating to officer postings. The 1992, the ADF introduce a comprehensive policy ready accessibility of career planning information on higher education for officers; and via the electronic mailing system will enable officers to consider their options, make recommen- . this policy be introduced by the end of 1996. dations for future postings based on comprehensive RESPONSE information, and enable identification of posts for Supported which they will need further appropriate training. The intention is for Headquarters Australian Recommendation 4 Defence Force to compile, in consultation with the The Committee recommends that at each stage of Services, the Department and the Australian pre-commissioning and post-commissioning officer Defence Force Academy (ADFA), an ADF Policy training, course content include education in on higher education for officers to the year 2010. citizenship, Australia’s democratic processes, the This draft policy will be ready for Chiefs of Staff rule of law, the individual’s equality before the law, Committee consideration in the latter half of 1996, the relationship between policing and military and introduction as soon as possible thereafter. responsibilities and the civil-military relationship. Recommendation 2 RESPONSE The Committee recommends that the ADF adopt Supported in Principle the policy of accrediting appropriate civilian Defence supports the concept that officers should training and coursework for military purposes. be educated in citizenship, Australia’s democratic RESPONSE processes, the rule of law, the individual’s equality before the law, the relationship between policing Supported and military responsibilities and the civil/military The recognition of appropriate civilian gained relationship. Some education of this type is already competencies towards the completion of Service provided, as noted by the Committee at paragraph courses is already practised by the ADF. Distinct 14.32. Most of the current education in these areas from this process is the civilian recognition of occurs as a component of the lengthier professional Australian Defence Force training according to the development courses (eg mid-senior level staff National Framework for the Recognition of Train- courses). There may be potential to supplement ing, a process otherwise known as ‘accreditation’. junior officer staff courses and pre-commissioning Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1631 training with this content. Because of the strict competencies that are only gained through full-time resource and time constraints on these shorter staff work and course work that involves the whole courses, however, it will be necessary to determine student body. the precise level of content of each subject that is Headquarters Australian Defence Force will most appropriate and the extent of possible increas- examine, in concert with the Services, the impact es in resources to accommodate inclusion of such of alternative delivery methods of professional material. studies material at psc and jssc level on the profes- Recommendation 5 sional military development continuum, as part of The Committee recommends that recognition be the formulation process of an ADF over-arching given to appropriate academic qualifications, such strategic policy on professional military develop- as Master of Defence Studies, Graduate Diploma ment. in Strategic Studies, in the awards of psc and jssc. Recommendation 7 RESPONSE The Committee recommends that the Australian Supported in Part Defence Force review the officer education system to identify where alternative delivery methods such Defence supports the concept of recognition of as distance education can be implemented. appropriate civilian gained academic qualifications towards the completion of professional development RESPONSE courses, especially where such recognition facili- Supported in Principle tates integration of Reserve Officers in the Total Defence supports the need for further investigation Force. It does not support the granting of complete of all the opportunities for alternative delivery exemption for such academic qualifications, in the methods of professional officer education programs. award of the psc and jssc. These professional Flexibility in delivery methods, particularly the use courses include specific military content that is not of distance education, can offer individuals in- a component of civilian courses. Where possible, creased choice in how and when they complete Defence believes that credit towards completion of courses, it can reduce training costs and it can modules of professional courses is desirable. The reduce posting turbulence. The Australian Defence respective staff courses will be examined as part of Force Training System provides for the review of a Defence strategic review of professional military delivery methods as part of the regular course development, to determine which modules are review process. However, it should be noted that appropriate for such recognition, and the capacity staff college course content is such that distance for further modularisation of those courses. Other learning cannot completely replace all the learning issues that need to be addressed include the rate of outcomes. progression of students who have exemption for certain modules, and how to preserve the esprit de Recommendation 8 corps of staff college student bodies. The cost The Committee recommends that attendance at the effectiveness of conducting individual streams of colleges continue to be determined by rank but, in study to accommodate all students will also need appropriate circumstances, recognition of function to be addressed. may be taken into account to permit senior captains to attend the Staff and Command Colleges. Recommendation 6 RESPONSE The Committee recommends that modules of the professional military studies, equivalent to single Supported in Part Service staff college and Joint Services Staff Navy allows officers of senior Captain (E) rank to College professional military studies components, attend the RAN Staff Course as the aim of this be developed. course is to prepare officers for staff appointments RESPONSE at both the Major(E) and Lieutenant Colonel(E) rank. However, Army specifically uses the Com- Supported in Principle mand and Staff Course (C&SC) to prepare Majors Defence supports the principle that officers who for command and staff appointments in the rank of miss the window of opportunity to attend single Lieutenant Colonel. Captains and Majors are at Service staff college or Joint Services Staff College different points on the professional development be able to be accredited with the academic compe- continuum; Captains are involved in high skill tencies of those respective courses. This may be orientated tasks whilst Majors are more heavily able to be done through the modularisation of involved with indirect command, leadership and course components, delivery of some modules by management. If Captains attended the C&SC there distance education, and the attendance of students would be a significant period between training and at short residential schools. What they may not be education and the application of knowledge and able to be accredited with is the award of psc or skills. To allow senior Captains to be posted to the jssc. This is because these awards encompass C&SC based on their future job function would be 1632 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 inappropriate, given the current context and specific more, additional college staff and facilities would aims of the Command and Staff Course within the be required to support larger course numbers. professional training continuum. Air Force, like . The recommendation would be achievable by Army, uses its Command and Staff Course to reducing the number of placements currently prepare MAJ(E) officers for performance at the offered to foreign forces, the Australian Public LTCOL(E) level in command and demanding staff Service and other agencies. However, to do so appointments. Within the Air Force Officer Educa- would be counter-productive to the aim of tion and Training Scheme suite of courses there is fostering closer professional links with regional another course specifically tailored to the needs of defence forces, facilitating regional engagement CAPT(E) officers to prepare them for promotion to and providing a diversity of professional back- MAJ(E). Consequently, Defence can only support grounds and experience. this recommendation as appropriate to Navy, but not appropriate to either Army or Air Force. A more viable means of improving staff course participation might rely on the introduction of Recommendation 9 distance based modular learning, as proposed at The Committee recommends that the ADF review Recommendations 6 and 7. The extent to which regulations governing removals and related entitle- this can be realised is to be examined, as detailed ments for officers posted on professional develop- in the responses to those recommendations. ment courses. Recommendation 11 RESPONSE The Committee recommends that the ADF conduct Supported in Principle a feasibility study into the establishment of a tri- Service pre-commissioning college with appropriate The removal entitlements for members of the ADF single Service elements to replace the existing are dependent on the length of a posting. Postings single-Service pre-commissioning colleges. vary from less than six months, through an inter- mediate term posting of six to less than twelve RESPONSE months, to a long term posting of twelve months or Not Supported more. Changes to current removal and reunion travel policies to accommodate all categories of Defence does not support the conduct of a feasibili- personnel would have widespread implications. In ty study into the establishment of a tri-Service pre- view of the significant conditions of service commissioning college, as the existing separate implications of this recommendation, Defence will colleges are well suited to the delivery of training review the issues to determine what, if any, amend- that encompasses leadership styles, operational ments and/or policy changes may be indicated. environments and routines that are peculiar to the respective Services. In particular, whilst Navy and Recommendation 10 Air Force use their pre-commissioning training for The Committee recommends that the number of initial training only, with more specialist applica- ADF places on each staff course offered by the tion training to follow, Army use pre- colleges be increased. commissioning training to prepare officers for command of a platoon-sized group in action or RESPONSE training without close supervision. Pre- Supported in Principle commissioning training cannot be considered in As each staff course is purposely designed to equip isolation from the subsequent training process in officers for specific Service requirements, current each of the three Services. course sizes are consistent with the numbers needed Recommendation 12 to meet those requirements. Notwithstanding this The Committee recommends that the ADF establish balance, Defence accepts that it is desirable to a review of junior officer development to assess, expand education opportunities in the officer corps, among other things, the balance between military for both regular and reserve officers, within the professional development and war fighting skills. limit of available resources. Nevertheless there are a number of factors which, taken in concert, reduce RESPONSE the practicality of this recommendation: Not Supported . An increase in the number of ADF placements This recommendation comprises three elements. on each staff course would significantly impact These are: professional military development, on the manning of senior officer posts within the specialist military skills, and exposure to the Services. Unless Funded Average Strength for principles of jointery and joint operations. Profes- the Australian Defence Force was increased or sional military development training is closely a reduction in Force capability accepted, the related to job requirements. The ADF systems Services would have no scope to release officers approach to training ensures that training is derived for additional staff course placements. Further- directly from job requirements using precision Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1633 occupational analysis methods, and is accurately term, reinvestment in the three Staff Colleges is targeted at specific task performance. Likewise, the necessary. The Air Force facility is recognised as training system ensures that, for junior officer requiring upgrading in the near term. Possible training, there is an effective balance between collocation of the respective staff colleges at one professional military development and specialist site therefore warrants further consideration by military (war-fighting) skills. The joint war-fighting Defence. Defence does not support the full integra- skills of various specialisations are met by the tion of the single Service Staff Colleges. provision of role-specific courses. The demands of The development of an optimum model for a learning single Service operational and war-fighting collocated facility requires the resolution of issues skills dominate training requirements for junior such as core curriculum, duration of course and officers in all three Services. Whilst the need for desired balance of single Service specific modules joint war-fighting skills varies between specialisa- with common modules. A strategic policy on ADF tions, nevertheless, the respective Services effec- Officer Professional Military Development will tively meet all joint training requirements. The provide this guidance. The intention is therefore to continued maintenance of an adequate level of joint develop the policy on Professional Military Devel- training can be assured through the application of opment by the end of 1996 and use the policy to normal training processes. In addition, the Chiefs guide the feasibility study of a collocated Staff of Staff Committee periodically review the overall College facility. Subject to the feasibility of such structure of the professional military development a facility being established, the intention is to then continuum in order to ensure that the blend of prepare a Major Capability Submission on the tactical and operational training requirements for all staged delivery of a collocated single Service Staff officers remains appropriate for the command and College facility. operational environment of the ADF. Defence will include in its strategic review of officer profession- Recommendation 14 al military development, an analysis of any further The Committee recommends that, on balance, the scope for broader general ‘jointery’ training for University College undergraduate program con- junior officers beyond individual specialisation, ducted at ADFA be terminated. category or corps requirements. As a consequence, the establishment of a separate dedicated review, RESPONSE as proposed in this recommendation, is not justified Not Supported nor would such a review be consistent with the holistic approach proposed by Defence. Defence does not support the adoption of the Committee’s proposal to terminate undergraduate Recommendation 13 education at the Academy. The Report lacks The Committee recommends that: substantive and sufficiently detailed reasoning to (a) the RAN Staff College, the Army Command justify such a proposal. To accept it would involve and Staff College and the RAAF Command and the abandoning of a system in which both the Staff College be integrated into a single tri-Service Australian Defence Force and University of New ADF Command and Staff College located in South Wales have made a significant investment, Canberra; and and which is known to provide a high quality product, in favour of an alternative with an untested (b) the integration of the RAN Staff College, the capacity to meet the quantitative and qualitative Army Command and Staff College and the RAAF needs of Defence. Termination of the undergraduate Command and Staff College into a single tri- program at the Academy would remove 1000 Service ADF Command and Staff College with places from the higher education system. To main- appropriate single-Service elements be phased in tain current levels of opportunity for university over the next two to three years. studies in Australia through provision of equivalent RESPONSE additional places in other institutions within the National Unified System would cost $10 million. Not Supported The Chiefs of Staff Committee review of profes- The Committee’s proposal is not based on any sional military education for ADF officers in May perceived military or academic deficiencies but on 1994 agreed on an amended charter for the three the perception that ‘an education at ADFA may not staff colleges, which emphasised single Service be an appropriate mechanism for integrating officer cadets with the community they are going to requirements and training at the tactical level of 3 war. The review also identified that, whilst there serve’. There are significant advantages for were no training imperatives for integration of the Defence in retaining undergraduate education at the staff colleges, nevertheless, there was potential for Academy: some economies of scale to be gained from colloca- . The preservation of an environment in which the tion in the medium term. From the facilities aspect, military ethos and culture of the profession of it is now recognised that in the medium to long arms can be instilled in young officer cadets. 1634 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

. The provision of a tri-Service environment for While a review of the scheme in isolation may officer cadets at an early stage in their profes- prove valuable, it should be viewed in the total sional training. context of officer education and development as . The provision of a guaranteed and manageable discussed at Recommendations 1, 14 and 16. Issues flow of entrants into the officer corps. that need to be addressed include cost effectiveness, quality of applicants, whether sufficient numbers of . The opportunity for young Australians to com- applicants are attracted, which specialisations are bine a serious commitment to a military career recruited, and any adjustment problems faced by with the attainment of a high quality university Undergraduate Scheme officers following training. degree. It is also relevant that the review should take into Nevertheless, Defence is conscious of the value in account the difficulty in attracting required further examining how best to educate officers both undergraduates and graduates, and examine the prior to commissioning and throughout their rates of comparable industry scholarships. careers. It is also mindful of the cost of such Recommendation 16 education and the importance of relative costings The Committee recommends that the undergraduate in the likely continued environment of highly program at ADFA be replaced by an Undergraduate constrained defence budgets. Relative costings can Sponsorship Scheme with the following features: drive not only recruiting patterns but also the relative importance of the various entry modes to (a) selection of 1,000 undergraduate students per the ADF Officer Corps. Defence intends to initiate year by a Selection Board, and prior to entry a review of its officer education and professional into university, the completion of an initial military studies system (as discussed in the respons- basic single Service training course; es to Recommendations 1 and 13). This review will (b) students each year will be assessed on both consider the likely impact of sociological, techno- academic and military performance; logical and strategic changes over the next 15-20 (c) sponsorship amounts: years on the relative effectiveness of the various recruitment and officer training schemes, including - First year $6,000 the Academy. The intention of the review will not - Second year $6,500 be to replace undergraduate education at the - Third year $7,000 Academy but rather to adapt existing entry and training schemes in order that Defence can best - Fourth year $8,000 recruit, educate and train its officer corps into the and in addition provide an appropriate allowance 21st century. for items including books, course-related equip- Recommendation 15 ment and, where necessary, accommodation; The Committee recommends that the amounts paid (d) single Service and common military training to students pursuant to the Undergraduate Scheme each year during extended academic breaks; be reviewed. (e) final selection of officer cadets by the ADF on a competitive basis upon the completion of RESPONSE undergraduate courses. Supported in Principle RESPONSE Defence considers it appropriate that the Under- Not Supported graduate Scheme should be reviewed to assess whether the current scheme satisfies required Defence examination of this recommendation has outcomes and to determine if more effective highlighted that adoption of the proposed Under- procedures and practices could be implemented. A graduate Sponsorship Scheme represents a signifi- review should examine all aspects of the service cant gamble, being combined as it is with the conditions of the Undergraduate Scheme, not just termination of undergraduate entry through the pay levels. Despite the apparently high level of Academy. There is no clear indication that the financial support for the Undergraduate Scheme, proposed scheme would be either as workable or the Services still have difficulty attracting sufficient successful as postulated by the Report. Indeed, it recruits to the scheme. The Undergraduate Scheme would appear that the proposed scheme sacrifices is the only viable method of specialist recruitment many of the synergistic advantages of a single of professionals such as doctors and dentists, and institution such as the Academy, without offering any review must include pertinent input from compensating tangible benefits. The principle qualified Service practitioners in these fields. The reasons for doubting the viability of the proposed recruitment and retention of medical officers is a scheme are: special area of concern which deserves separate . The level of graduate unemployment is difficult consideration in a review of the Undergraduate to predict over the next 5 years let alone into the Scheme. 21st century. The number of graduates and Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1635

potential graduates who might be interested in Defence is to review its undergraduate and post- committing themselves to the profession of arms graduate education requirements for its officer (as distinct from accepting a scholarship) may be corps into the 21st century, the roles and functions extremely variable. of the University College, and the related 1981 Agreement will be addressed as part of this review. . Experience with both the Undergraduate Scheme and with direct entry graduates indicates that in This examination process will also involve the order to get the best graduates the ADF will have University of New South Wales (UNSW). Some to compete with the very attractive salary pack- areas of the Agreement which may require further ages offered by the private sector. The financial examination are: constraints on the Defence budget do not permit . Clarification and formalising of funding review such competition. The quality of graduate who provisions at Clause 8.2. will take up ADF employment therefore becomes somewhat problematic. . The format of the Agreement be more consistent with public sector management arrangements, . The proposed scheme does not readily offer the clearly specifying Defence requirements.5 mechanism by which the ADF can regulate the number of graduates in the required disciplines, . The scope of postgraduate education and distance nor easily ensure that particular specialisations learning programs, and the inclusion of Defence are recruited in the desired proportions. requirements for such programs. . The sole reliance on a scheme that seeks to . Reference to membership of the Academy recruit undergraduates whilst at university leaves Council be updated to reflect forthcoming Defence recruitment at the mercy of not only changes to Chiefs of Staff titles. societal attitudes to military service but also the . The Agreement should reflect the introduction of complex interaction of political factors operating performance criteria against expenditure and in university campuses around the country. funding levels. The Sponsorship Scheme will also undermine the These and other issues will be examined in more existing Undergraduate Scheme, effectively reduc- detail in concert with the UNSW, in order to ing the management flexibility that Defence determine the extent of any formal review process presently has in regulating the various entry modes and to determine whether renegotiation of the to the officer corps. In summary, Defence doubts Agreement is needed. that the proposed Sponsorship Scheme would attract sufficient number of graduates, of the right Recommendation 18 quality, in the right proportions and at the right The Committee recommends that undergraduate time. Therefore Defence cannot support the propo- courses at ADFA cease at the end of 1999. sal as it stands. What Defence proposes is to RESPONSE examine the viability of implementing an extended university-based recruitment scheme in parallel Not Supported with refinements to the conduct of undergraduate This recommendation flows on from Recommenda- and postgraduate education at the Academy. This tion 14 that is Not Supported. If undergraduate is in order to achieve cost efficiencies and best education at ADFA is not terminated, then this position the ADF to fully exploit changing patterns recommendation is redundant. of undergraduate and graduate entry to the ADF over the next 20 years. Recommendation 19 Recommendation 17 The Committee recommends that the Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme be introduced at the start of The Committee recommends that the 1981 Agree- 1997. ment between the University of New South Wales and the Commonwealth of Australia be re- RESPONSE negotiated. Not Supported RESPONSE This recommendation is linked to Recommendation Under Examination 16 which is Not Supported. Therefore this recom- mendation is redundant. As noted by the Committee Report, the Program Evaluation of the Academy in 1992 concluded that Recommendation 20 the Agreement does not define clearly the rights The Committee recommends that the Australian and obligations of each party. In short, changes are Defence Force Academy be expanded to include needed to the Agreement and the resultant ‘im- the Australian College of Defence and Strategic provements in transparency and accountability will Studies, the Joint Services Staff College and the tri- be to the benefit of both UNSW and Defence’.4 Service ADF Command and Staff College. 1636 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

RESPONSE The functions that would be undertaken by a Not Supported Graduate School of Defence Studies are already catered for by the University College. Renaming The Committee, in its discussion of this recommen- the College as a Graduate School of Defence dation, presupposes that University College will not Studies would not be descriptive of the range of conduct undergraduate education and, therefore, studies currently undertaken by the existing post- there may be economies of scale to be achieved in graduate programs. Any measure to narrow the utilising the available facilities for other purposes. postgraduate function of the University College As Recommendations 13 and 14 are not supported would undoubtedly have a negative effect on the there will not be excess facilities at the Academy ability of the College to attract valuable research for locating the institutions referred to in this funding. For all these reasons, Defence does not Recommendation. In addition, Defence is not support this recommendation. satisfied that there are any additional functional Recommendation 22 efficiencies to be gained from relocating the Joint Services Staff College (JSSC) and Australian The Committee recommends that the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies (ACDSS) Defence Force Academy be established under an to a new facility, over and above the efficiencies Australian Defence Force Academy Act. already gained by having the JSSC and ACDSS RESPONSE collocated at the Weston Creek site. Recent experi- Not Supported ence with the ACDSS facilities program indicates that the cost for establishing a new facility for both The introduction of new legislation is a major and ACDSS and JSSC would be in the order of $15M. complex undertaking that should only be considered Because of the decision to retain undergraduate when there are no other options. The Committee’s education at the Academy, and given the functional justification for recommending the establishment of efficiencies already gained by collocating an Australian Defence Force Academy Act is JSSC/ACDSS at Weston Creek, Defence cannot unclear. Whether legislation is needed depends on support this recommendation. the composition and function of the Academy. Recommendation 21 If the Academy consists of nothing more than elements of the Australian Defence Force, there is The Committee recommends that a Graduate no obvious requirement for legislation. School of Defence Studies be expanded so as to incorporate the existing post graduate programs at . If the Academy remains associated with the the Australian Defence Force Academy. University of New South Wales, there appears to be adequate legislative cover under the latter’s RESPONSE 1968 State Act (and no evident scope for addi- Not Supported tional Commonwealth legislation). . If the Academy were to be a free-standing While the University College of the Australian educational institution, not part of the Australian Defence Force Academy may be the ‘university of Defence Force and detached from the University first choice’ for Defence, it is by no means the only of New South Wales, there would be a need for university being used by members of Defence for legislation—but this is essentially the concept post graduate study. Other universities provide that was rejected 15 years ago after the Public strategic and defence related studies. To structure Works Committee report on the Defence Acad- ADF postgraduate study programs on the Academy, emy. which would be the outcome of forming a ‘centre of excellence’, would undoubtedly attract adverse For the above reasons Defence does not support the attention from tertiary institutions Australia wide, recommendation. especially those with particular ties to the Services. Recommendation 23 Further, the University College provides an exten- The Committee recommends that the Australian sive postgraduate program for Defence members, Defence Force Academy foster awards for excel- and welcomes full fee paying civilian students. The lence of achievement in defence. scope of the programs offered extends beyond the RESPONSE description of ‘Defence Studies’. Although the University College’s pilot program into distance Supported in Principle education is in the Defence Studies field, this Defence supports the recognition of outstanding program is planned to encompass other fields of academic achievement, including research, in the study. Limiting the Academy to just Defence area of defence. The Australian Defence Force Studies would remove a cost effective avenue for Academy currently provides prizes and awards in Defence to provide needed postgraduate education recognition of academic excellence by students at for its members in disciplines such as computer, the University College. A Chief of the Defence engineering and management sciences. Force Scholarship has now been established to Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1637 encourage excellence in defence related research Mr R.G. Halverson OBE MP and provide the opportunity for further study at the Mr D.P.M. Hawker MP Academy. Mr N.J. Hicks MP This recommendation will require further examin- ation to define the extent and nature of the awards Mr R.H. Horne MP (from June 1995) proposed by the Committee in its report, and to Hon J. Kerin MP (to December 1993) identify the most appropriate means of conferring Hon L.S. Lieberman MP recognition for excellence of achievement. Hon M.J. R. MacKellar MP (ex officio) (to Februa- ry 1994) Hon J.C. Moore MP (to June 1994) APPENDIX A Mr L.J. Scott MP (from June 1995) TERMS OF REFERENCE Hon D.W. Simmons MP To inquire into the provision of academic studies and professional military education to officer cadets Mr W.L. Taylor MP and officers of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Secretary: Gillian Gould (to July 1995); Matthew at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Joint Mason-Cox (from July 1995) Services Staff College, RAN College (HMAS Inquiry Staff: Peter McLay CRESWELL), RAN Staff College (HMAS PEN- GUIN), Royal Military College (Duntroon), Army Adviser: Wing Commander Ken Given Command and Staff College (Queenscliff), RAAF 1 Joint Standing Committee Report on Officer College (Point Cook) and RAAF Staff College Education, para 1.4 p.1 (Fairbairn). 2 ibid para 13.1 p. 119 (Referred by the Minister for Defence on 22 June 3 Joint Standing Committee Report on Officer 1993) Education, para 15.9 p. 164 Addendum. The Committee also considered the 4 IG Program Evaluation of Australian Defence implications of the Australian College of Defence Force Academy, Dec 1992, para 335 p.3-14 and Strategic Studies for senior officer develop- 5 ment. This inclusion took the total number of IG Program Evaluation of Australian Defence colleges considered by the Committee to nine (9). Force Academy Dec 1992, para 339 p.3-15. Senator KEMP—I move: That the Senate take note of the document. APPENDIX B Debate (on motion by Senator Conroy) MEMBERSHIP OF THE DEFENCE SUB- adjourned. COMMITTEE OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DOCUMENTS DEFENCE AND TRADE Tuna Long-line Fishing Treaty 37th Parliament The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT Hon L.R.S. Price MP (Chairman to June 1995) (Senator West)—Pursuant to the resolution Mr E. L. Grace MP (Chairman from June 1995) of the Senate of 13 February 1991, I present the bilateral treaty and subsidiary agreement Rt Hon I.McC. Sinclair MP (Deputy Chairman) between the government of Australia and the Senator D.G.C. Brownhill government of Japan concerning tuna long- Senator G.N. Jones line fishing, together with national interest Senator S. Loosely (ex officio) (to May 1995) analysis and statement of explanation as to Senator D.J. MacGibbon (to August 1993) the need for the implementation of the treaty. Senator D. Margetts (from October 1993) These documents were presented to Senator Calvert as Temporary Chairman of Commit- Senator B. Teague (from August 1993) tees on 7 June 1996 and, in accordance with Senator S. West (from June 1995) the terms of the resolution, the publication of Mr R.A. Atkinson MP (from March 1994) the documents was authorised. Mr A.R. Bevis MP (to May 1994) Senator CALVERT (Tasmania) (6.07 Mr G. Campbell MP p.m.)—by leave—I would like to pay tribute Mr E.J. Fitzgibbon MP to my colleague Senator Parer for obtaining 1638 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 the position of Minister for Resources and in Tasmanian or Australian based industry doing so bringing to a head the long running exporting chilled tuna into the Tokyo fish dispute between the Australian and Japanese market thanks to the very good freight set up governments over southern bluefin tuna. It that has been established because of the was having a particular effect on my state of salmon industry in Tasmania. That will allow Tasmania and the port of Hobart because, as tuna that is caught one day to arrive at the part of the dispute between the Japanese and Tokyo fish market within 48 hours. So one Australian governments, there was a boycott- can understand this new enterprise, which is ing of ports which meant that provedores in its very early days in Hobart, will hopeful- involved in supplying provisions to the ly contribute to the port of Hobart and also to Japanese tuna boats that come into Hobart the income of people of Tasmania. lost a fair amount of money. The provision of I was very pleased to be part of this very services to the Japanese fishing boats is worth important process. The Convention for the quite a few million dollars to the port of Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna Hobart. establishes a commission for the conservation The dispute was over the setting of the of the tuna and to manage the species on a global catch quota. The Japanese wanted to global basis. The treaty is a bilateral agree- increase that by 6,000 tonnes on an experi- ment. There are very strict guidelines and mental basis to prove that the actual adult many government agencies are involved. stock was improving in size. The Australian In fact, the Australian government goes to government does not believe that there is great lengths to protect the fishing zones that enough evidence yet to show that depleted are used by the Japanese and it goes to great adult stocks of southern bluefin tuna are lengths to ensure that Japanese fishermen recovering to sufficient levels to increase comply with the conservation and regulatory fishing. So we had this stand off between requirements. That includes compulsory use Australia and Japan in signing this annual of satellite vessel monitoring systems, daily treaty. But I am pleased to say that because catch and position reporting, fisheries observ- of the work of members of the department er coverage and seabird bycatch mitigation and the leadership of my colleague Senator measures—tori poles, which keep our alba- Parer we are now able to bring this treaty to tross away from the lines when the bait is fruition and cut a lot of red tape. being laid. Australian fishermen have been I, as temporary chairman, had the pleasure using these devices but this year is the first of signing on behalf of the Senate the agree- time the Japanese have been forced to use ments that were tabled here today. Some 55 them. boats are eligible to be fishing in the very This is a good result and, once again, I rich area of the east coast of Tasmania. No would like to commend all those officers who more than 55 fishing licences are allowed to were involved in the very delicate negotia- be used at any one time in that area. I do not tions and, in particular, the minister for need to remind the Senate of the value of the bringing the matter to a head. catch of tuna when it is presented to the Tokyo fish market. Senator MARGETTS (Western Austral- ia)—I move: For many years now I have been amazed why there has not been any attempt to estab- That the Senate take note of the document. lish a similar type of industry to the Japanese I seek leave to continue my remarks later. longlining. It would seem to be a lucrative Leave granted; debate adjourned. industry that perhaps some Australian fisher- men could adapt to. I am pleased to say that Auditor-General’s Reports there are now five fishermen, which could grow to even more, in Hobart who are Report No. 26 of 1995-96 longline tuna fishing in a similar fashion to The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT the Japanese which means that we have a (Senator West)—In accordance with the Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1639 provisions of the Audit Act 1901, I present the report was tabled in the Senate and just as the following report of the Auditor-General: it did to the dissenting report. It answered on Report No. 26 of 1995-96—Performance behalf of Customs and it answered on behalf Audit—Defence Export Facilitation and of Foreign Affairs. In fact, that has been the Controls—Department of Defence. problem. Defence has been a kind of control- ling mechanism. Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) (6.15 p.m.)—by leave—I move: Other issues involved—such things as human rights abuses by anybody with whom That the Senate take note of the document. Australian companies might be negotiating an This is an important report. It is an important export grant—are considered important by part of the outcomes of the report of the Joint many people, but Defence was in fact mak- Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and ing many of the decisions. They would Trade on the implications of Australia’s choose whether or not an application was defence exports. It is important because there referred to the joint committee to decide such was a lot of uncertainty about the process, things. I would like to spend some time from everybody’s point of view. It seems that looking carefully at the report. Therefore, I part of the problem has been insufficient co- seek leave to continue my remarks later. ordination between the various bodies in- Leave granted; debate adjourned. volved. That seems to be brought out in the conclusions of the audit office. The leaflet Auditor-General’s Reports provided with the report states: Report No. 27 of 1995-96 There is scope to improve the focus of export The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT facilitation by better linking facilitation to the (Senator West)—In accordance with the establishment and maintenance of industry capabili- ties of priority to Australia’s defence self-reliance. provisions of the Audit Act 1901, I present the following report of the Auditor-General: One of the questions we were asking during the process is: what is the basis of this pol- Report No. 27 of 1995-96—Financial icy? Is it based on what is good for control and administration audit—Asset Australia’s defence? Is it based on what management. seems to be good for somebody to make COMMITTEES dollars out of Australia’s defence? What is it based on? Every time we ask the question, the Economics References Committee goal posts seem to move. We hear, ‘Oh no, Report Senator. We are not just talking about dol- Senator JACINTA COLLINS (Victoria)— lars,’ or, ‘Oh no, Senator. We are not just I present the report of the Economics Refer- talking about Australia’s defence.’ But exactly ences Committee on a matter referred to the what it was based on did not seem clear. If committee during the last parliament. The what it was based on was clear, then we report recommends that the reference of the would have some means of judging whether matter of proposed employee share acquisition or not it was achieving its goals. scheme legislation not be readopted. This bill I think there is a lot to be said about this was not reintroduced in the current sittings report. It is not just about dollars. I think what and the committee is advised that no similar it is about needs to be clarified. It has recom- bill is proposed. mended a review of defence export control Ordered that the report be adopted. legislation, including penalties amongst other things, and a liaison and coordination between PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO agencies involved in the administration of THE 41ST COMMONWEALTH export controls. I would say, ‘Hear, hear.’ PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE There certainly seems to be a need for the Senator JONES (Queensland)—I seek Department of Defence to not answer on leave to table the report of the Australian everybody else’s behalf, just as it did when parliamentary delegation to the 41st Common- 1640 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 wealth Parliamentary Conference and to make on ways in which the Commonwealth can a short statement in relation to that report. achieve practical results in fulfilling the Leave granted. principles in the Harare Commonwealth declaration, especially in upholding democrat- Senator JONES—I present the report of ic values within their own countries. the Commonwealth of Australia Branch delegation to the 41st Commonwealth The general assembly of the CPA met at Parliamentary Conference, held at Colombo, the beginning of the conference and agreed to Sri Lanka, in October 1995. The conference the formation of branches in seven South was preceded by a meeting of the executive African provinces. Representatives of those committee and a small countries conference. branches attended the conference and were The report is slightly out of date because the welcomed by the delegates. At a later stage, conference was held in October 1995. Things I was lucky enough to attend the executive move slowly in the Senate, and I am now meeting in Cape Town, which was very well giving the report. run and which showed that the country of South Africa was moving well and truly The Commonwealth of Australia delegation towards the democratic constitution that was comprised Senator Nick Minchin; Senator being discussed at that time. Christabel Chamarette; Jim Snow, a member before the recent election was held; and Kathy The conference does not have the power to Sullivan, member for Moncrieff, who was the pass resolutions or to agree to communiques deputy leader. As a regional representative of expressing a particular position. However, at the CPA for the Australian region, I led the this conference the Hon. Ngereteina Puna, of delegation and attended the meeting of the the Cook Islands, and I were instrumental in executive committee. the presentation of a petition expressing The conference was attended by some 250 concern about the testing of nuclear weapons delegates from 100 Commonwealth countries. by France and China. While the part of the Representatives from all Australian states and petition dealing with France is now out of territories attended the conference so that date, the part dealing with China is still very together we made a substantial Australian much in vogue. The petition endorsed a contribution. I took the initiative to hold declaration made earlier in the year by the several informal meetings of all the Austral- Australian-Pacific Regional Conference of the ians to provide feedback on executive com- CPA and called on France to sign and ratify mittee matters and to discuss a consistent the protocols of the South Pacific Nuclear approach to various aspects and issues. This Free Zone Treaty. Whilst the report says that proved to be very worth while. the petition was signed by more than 100 delegates at the conference, I believe the The theme of the conference was ‘Democra- number was closer to 200. The Common- cy and development: adversaries or allies?’ In wealth Secretary-General agreed to convey the line with the practice developed since 1992, petition to Auckland for the attention of the the emphasis was on the panel session, where Commonwealth heads of government. more informal discussions took place. Jim Snow was invited to be a panel member at The Commonwealth Women Parliamenta- one of the sessions and other delegates were rians Group conducted its seventh meeting in able to make contributions both at the panel conjunction with the conference. For the first session and at the conference plenary. time, no other conference events were sched- uled at the time of the meeting. This meant The Commonwealth Secretary General, that I and other members of the CPA exec- Chief Emeka Anyaoku, addressed the confer- utive could attend and lend support to the ence on the challenges and the opportunities group. facing the Commonwealth at the Common- wealth Heads of Government Meeting, which The conference proceeded without a hitch, was due to take place in Auckland shortly despite the uncertainties presented by the after the conference. He focused in particular continuing conflict in Sri Lanka. The Sri Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1641

Lanka branch and its secretariat are to be meet with a wide range of people and talk congratulated on their achievements. about prospects for an end to the war and I thank the Australian high commissioner in about trade and investment matters in Sri Sri Lanka for his assistance during the confer- Lanka. ence. He and his staff provided briefings and We met with a considerable number of news from Australia and helped arrange a ministers of the government, including the reception hosted by Australia and New Zea- famous Prime Minister, Mrs Bandaranaike, land. The Sri Lankan high commission here who became the first woman Prime Minister in Australia also provided invaluable assist- in the world in 1960. It was an honour to ance and hospitality to the delegation prior to meet her. In all the meetings we had with and after the visit of the delegation. I com- ministers and opposition party leaders, there mend the report to the Senate. was clearly a genuine commitment within the PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO Sri Lankan parliament to achieving peace. SRI LANKA However, it must be noted that the refusal of the LTTE to participate in negotiation on the Senator MINCHIN (South Australia— reform proposals put forward by the Sri Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister) Lankan government put the prospects for (6.26 p.m.)—I seek leave to table the report peace in doubt. The LTTE’s persistence in of the Australian parliamentary delegation to terrorist activity, rather than coming to the Sri Lanka and to make a short statement in negotiation table, has led to a loss of credi- relation to the report. bility for that organisation in the international Leave granted. community and obviously has placed great Senator MINCHIN—I present the report hardship on the people of Sri Lanka. of the Australian parliamentary delegation to Australia and Sri Lanka have enjoyed a Sri Lanka between 3 and 6 October 1995. very long and warm bilateral relationship This delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka was quite based on strong Commonwealth links, war- a short one—only four days—before attending time links and a flow of Sri Lankan migrants the Commonwealth parliamentary conference to Australia. We believe our visit consolidated held in Colombo, which Senator Jones just that relationship. Trade and investment have referred to. It was a successful visit. been an important part of the relationship. We The delegation members for this visit were saw a number of opportunities for Australian Mr Jim Snow, the former member for Eden investment in Sri Lanka and were able to Monaro, as leader; Mrs Kathy Sullivan, as discuss several existing projects. Despite the deputy leader; Senator Chamarette; and me. brief duration of the visit, we were able to see Despite what you read in the papers, Australia and talk to a number of people and see for is a more dangerous place for politicians than ourselves the need for infrastructure develop- is Sri Lanka, as is evident from the fact that ment to support the growth in trade. I note in we survived whatever risks there were in Sri passing an advertisement in today’s Austral- Lanka but half the delegation subsequently ian for its Sri Lanka country survey that will lost their places in the Australian parliament appear in November 1996. Its reflections on at the federal election. I pass on my regrets to Sri Lanka were pertinent to this report. The Senator Chamarette and Mr Snow. Australian said: The visit to Sri Lanka took place from 3 to . . . the country should be seen as one which has 6 October last year and was the first visit managed to establish fiscal discipline in the nation- there since 1986. At the time of the visit there al economy. With GDP growth expected to top 6.0 had been considerable change in Sri Lanka per cent in 1996, Sri Lanka has created an environ- and there was hope for a resolution to the ment for foreign investment that is among the most attractive in South Asia. It also has one of the long-running conflict between the government highest literacy and English-language competency of Sri Lanka and militant Tamil groups, most rates in the region, and has instituted a birth control prominently the LTTE. Even though we had program aimed to help the nation break out of its only four days in Sri Lanka, we were able to poverty trap. 1642 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

President Chandrika Kumaratunga has continued mentioned, were exemplary in the service and the privatisation program which marked her first care provided not only to us as visitors but year in office. This provides Sri Lanka with also, as was demonstrated, to the many prospects for 1996 much better than even recent years. The government has also promised no new different sectors within the Sri Lankan com- taxes. munity. The High Commissioner, Mr Bill Tweddell, Dominic Trindade, Mr Titon Mitra I think that reflects the confidence which and Mr Dunstan Fernando were extremely people increasingly have in Sri Lanka’s helpful in coordinating our visits into the future. exceedingly beautiful countryside, which In closing I would like record the dele- which were very informative. gation’s thanks to everyone that we met with in Sri Lanka. At all meetings and inspections It is very difficult to select highlights, but the delegation heard the frank views of the I just want to briefly mention some highlights people we met and received very generous of the visit for me. One was the meeting with and warm hospitality. I would also like to three Australian women who were doing take this opportunity to thank, in particular, volunteer work with NGOs. Mary Norwood, the then Australian High Commissioner, Mr Sheila Francis and Sue Allen are engaged in Bill Tweddell, and his wife for their hospitali- very productive and helpful work in a very ty, support and cooperation. I should con- strife torn area of Sri Lanka. The visit to the gratulate Australia’s foreign minister, Mr prison, which I was privileged to make, was Alexander Downer, on appointing Mr a very enlightening experience, and I am very Tweddell as his chief of staff. They will make grateful to Mr C.T. Jansz, the chairman of the a great team for this country. human rights committee, and also to the commissioner, Mr Dharmadasa, for graciously On behalf of the delegation, I would also allowing that visit to occur. It did show the like to thank the staff of the High Commis- strife torn nature of the country. The propor- sion, particularly Mr Dominic Trindade, who tion of people who are in prison without organised the itinerary and accompanied the sentence was vastly greater than those who delegation throughout Sri Lanka. The assist- are under sentence. It was very interesting for ance and support provided by the High me to meet with two Tamil Tigers—two Commissioner and his staff were of the first young girls of 15 and 17—who were under order. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in detention there without sentence. Canberra also provided tremendous assistance to the delegation and to the delegation to the An aspect of my visit which was very parliamentary meeting. Their generous hospi- important was a visit to a place called tality was very much appreciated. I commend CENWOR—Centre for Women’s Research— the report to the Senate. where some very skilled work is going on in Senator CHAMARETTE (Western Aus- community development for women and tralia) (6.31 p.m.)—by leave—I also wish to publications. Another aspect was a visit with address the report to which Senator Minchin Mr Ponnampalan, the government agent in and Senator Jones referred. It was a very Jaffna, who shed some light on the conditions memorable visit to Sri Lanka for me, and I in the Jaffna Peninsula. support the comments that have been made. We must not forget the plight of this beauti- The hospitality and entertainment were truly ful country. The civil war still ravages it and wonderful. I would like to convey a special there is much human tragedy. There is polar- thanks to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, isation within the citizenry, militarisation of His Excellency Mr Elmo De J. Seneviratne, the government and terrorism by the LTTE. for his preparatory and follow-up evenings This stems from deep historical conflicts which assisted both the planning and experi- which, to our eyes, seem far from resolution. ences of the delegation. The delegation was able to express concern Thanks too to the Australian High Commis- regarding human rights violations, and urged sion which, as Senator Minchin already the continuation of peaceful dialogue. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1643

There is a very excellent recommendation spare you all from going over the same in a publication of the SEDEC—Social and ground again. I managed to thank most of Economic Development Centre—which is the those involved during that speech. justice, peace and social action arm of the I did, however, neglect to thank the hosts Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka. in Turkey. The Turkish government were They note that: extraordinarily generous in their treatment of Both parties involved in the Sri Lankan conflict the delegates to the conference. I came back have expressed an interest in negotiating for peace with the same sort of feeling that many but do not seem to be willing to move from their positions. senators would have had: you hope that we could do at least as well in our country. The There is a need for the world community to hospitality that was extended to us overseas respond. They go on to say: really did us proud. It was certainly a great With the clear lack of political will for those peace revelation to me just how well the Turkish negotiations within Sri Lanka, there is a clear need people run their country and how extraordi- for pressure from outside the country to be applied narily hospitable they are. to both the Government and the LTTE. Unfortu- nately, there appears to be little international The one thing I wanted to mention today, interest or willingness to become involved. The war though, is the question of Cyprus. The IPU in Bosnia has gained considerable attention but few has a unique role in regard to Cyprus. I people seem to realise that the toll in the Sri became involved mainly because of the work Lankan conflict has been significantly higher. of a member in the other place, the member There is a need for Australia to keep a con- for Watson, the Hon. Leo McLeay. Mr tinued involvement to promote the calls for a McLeay has worked very hard and very long just and lasting settlement which is guaran- on the Cyprus committee of the IPU, and his teed by the constitutional provisions that were contribution was such that the Australian proposed by the Prime Minister and yet seem delegation was asked if we could provide far from being achieved at the moment. someone to carry on his work on that commit- Finally, it would be wrong indeed to finish tee. We received a high degree of support and without expressing appreciation and thanks to respect for the work which he had been able Ms Robyn Webber, the secretary to the to do. delegation, for her hard work, patience and I was very happy to leap into the breach efficiency. because we have a very strong Greek Cypriot PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO community in Sydney, one which I have been THE 95TH INTER-PARLIAMENTARY associated with for more years than I care to CONFERENCE remember. I was more than happy to try to deal with the very difficult issues which are Senator WHEELWRIGHT (New South based in Cyprus. Wales) (6.36 p.m.)—I seek leave to table the report of the Australian parliamentary deleg- Cyprus is a very unhappy and a very ation to the 95th Inter-Parliamentary Confer- unlucky country. Unfortunately, the IPU is the ence and to make a short statement in relation only international organisation which deals to the report. with both sides of the fence in Cyprus. The problem is very difficult for the United Leave granted. Nations, quite apart from the fact that it is Senator WHEELWRIGHT—I present the embarrassing to have in the middle of Europe report of the Australian parliamentary deleg- and the middle of the Mediterranean a coun- ation to the 95th Inter-Parliamentary Confer- try which is effectively partitioned. It is ence which was held in Istanbul between 15 difficult also in that they can only recognise and 20 April 1996. I might also point out to what they believe is the rightful government the Senate that, in order to pass on my recol- of Cyprus. But from the Turkish point of lections while they were fresh in my mind, I view, their argument is that, pursuant to the spoke on this matter in the adjournment original agreement which made them co- debate on 1 May. As a consequence, I will protectors of Cyprus, they certainly had 1644 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 nothing to do with Cyprus or its partitioning a full account. Having already spoken on the and they acted only in defence of the Turkish matter, I will let my remarks finish there. community there, which was one of their rights under the original agreement. COMMITTEES So what you have in Cyprus is a very Membership unfortunate stalemate. For the people there The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT living conditions really are intolerable. The (Senator West)—The President has received whole thing has dragged on because no-one letters from party leaders seeking variations has been able to find a way out of this par- to the membership of committees. ticular wood. As a consequence, their lives Motion (by Senator Kemp)—by leave— are made miserable because they cannot do agreed to: things like attend a funeral on the other side That senators be discharged from and appointed of the border. There are all sorts of problems to committees as follows: in terms of power, telephones and so on. All Economics References Committee of this has been running on for some 30 years or more. It is a very sad and unhappy place. Appointed: Participating member: Senator Minchin. Environment, Recreation, Communications and the The IPU does a great job in being able to Arts References Committee talk to representatives from both sides in an Appointed: Participating member: Senator Minchin. informal way and try to work to some sort of Finance and Public Administration Legislation lessening of the tensions, if not some ultimate Committee resolution of the problems, they find on the Appointed: Senator Kernot to replace Senator Bell island. One of the things that the IPU has for the consideration of the Aboriginal and Torres been able to do is try to encourage cross- Strait Islander Commission Amendment Bill 1996. border links—sporting links and other cultural Scrutiny of Bills Committee links—between the two sides as a means of Discharged: Senator Coonan from 1 July 1996 bringing down the tensions which so blight Appointed: Senator Sandy Macdonald to continue the life of the people on that particular island. beyond 30 June 1996. The IPU is also in an important position ASSENT TO LAWS because, given the fact that it can talk to representatives from both sides, there was an Messages from His Excellency the Gover- extensive debate on the whole Cyprus ques- nor-General were reported informing the tion in the IPU on the final day. Again, that Senate that His Excellency had, in the name is not something that is easily done in other of Her Majesty, assented to the following international forums such as the UN. I feel laws: that the IPU is doing a good job there. I know Dairy Produce Amendment Bill 1996. it is difficult to maintain interest and it is very Dairy Produce Levy (No. 1) Amendment Bill difficult to find willing members from other 1996. countries who want to go to a problem which Excise Tariff Amendment Bill 1996. has been around for so long and which does Therapeutic Goods Amendment Bill 1996 (No. not necessarily hold out any great hope of 2) resolution. Nevertheless, I trust that anybody Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and from Australia will leap into the breach in Imports) Amendment Bill 1996 future delegations and try to do their bit to find some way out of the problem. EXPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANTS AMENDMENT BILL (NO. 1) There are many other things that I could 1996 talk about in terms of the report but we have several other members of the delegation in the Report of Foreign Affairs, Defence and other place, including the leader and deputy Trade Legislation Committee leader, and I am sure that they will all avail Senator TROETH (Victoria)—I present the the parliament of their experiences and give report of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1645

Trade Legislation Committee on the Export bill. The matters under consideration do lead Market Development Grants Amendment Bill to a date of 21 September being used for the (No. 1) 1996, together with the transcript of ending of the migration review procedures. proceedings, submissions and additional However, it is quite appropriate that we information received by the committee. should introduce the bill now and, as it is not Ordered that the report be printed. a complicated bill, there is no reason why it should not be able to be debated in the TAXATION LAWS AMENDMENT following session. The proposals in it are BILL (No. 1) 1996 simply to extend the time period for another Report of Economics Legislation 12 months in order to undertake a review. Be- Committee cause of that, we do not support it going through as urgent. We understand that there Senator CALVERT (Tasmania)—On is majority support for it to proceed, so we behalf of Senator Ferguson, I present the are not proposing to call a division. But we report of the Economics Legislation Commit- want to point out that the whole underlying tee on the provisions of the Taxation Laws principle of the procedural motion, which was Amendment Bill (No. 1) 1996, together with put into the standing orders by Senator Hill in submissions received by the committee. his role as Leader of the Opposition last year, Ordered that the report be printed. is to have an orderly process of legislation which allows for community consultation and CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION to guard against the sausage machine ap- Senator KEMP (Victoria—Manager of proach to legislation which allows even a Government Business in the Senate) (6.44 simple piece of legislation to come in and go p.m.)—I move: out of this place in the space of a week. That the order of the Senate of 29 November 1994, relating to the consideration of legislation, I might also point out that while it is the not apply to the Migration Legislation Amendment first session of this new parliament and there Bill (No. 1) 1996. are some exigencies that occur in relation to The reasons why we are seeking exemption that, the amendment to the procedural motion have already been incorporated in Hansard. to cover that was that any bills that were to Therefore, they are available and have been be discussed in this last third of the session read by senators who are interested in this should have been introduced in the first four important bill. I hope that the Senate will weeks of this session. So even by the phras- appreciate what we regard as the urgency of ing of the government’s own amendment, this bill that is to be considered during these they really should have introduced this bill sittings and support this motion which I have earlier in order to be proceeding to exempt it moved. and debate it now. Senator CHAMARETTE (Western Aus- While we do not have any concerns about tralia) (6.45 p.m.)—The Greens did not the content of the bill, it is on the principle support, for formality, the motion exempting that it is not urgent and it could be considered the Migration Legislation Amendment Bill when the parliament resumes in the next (No. 1) 1996 from the order of the Senate session that we are opposing the motion. That concerning consideration of legislation be- would allow people in the community to cause we believe that the government should know exactly what this Senate chamber is place not only within the Hansard but in this holding under debate and consideration. It is chamber the reasons why it considers the a matter of principle. We do not want to see legislation under debate to be urgent and to Senator Hill’s procedural order undermined. warrant exemption from the so-called cut-off As the chamber well knows, I have a particu- motion. lar investment in that. That is why we are We also indicate that we do not support it indicating that we do not support the motion now because the government has failed to at this time. demonstrate any urgency in relation to this Question resolved in the affirmative. 1646 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION her colleague in relation to the previous bill Senator KEMP (Victoria—Manager of for which we were seeking exemption. Government Business in the Senate) (6.47 In relation to the Customs Tariff Amend- p.m.)—I move: ment Bill (No. 1), I would have to say to That the order of the Senate of 29 November Senator Margetts that if this bill is not dealt 1994, relating to the consideration of legislation, with in these sittings, there will be a delay in not apply to the following bills: the implementation of measures, which will Customs Amendment Bill 1996 cause a shortfall in the budget revenue col- lected. This will have a significant impact on Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 1) 1996. the government’s budget deficit reduction As with the previous bill, we have already program, which I think all of us recognise is incorporated in Hansard the reasons why we an important imperative. Backdating the are seeking exemption. We believe these bills implementation to 1 July 1996 in a later bill are urgent. They need to be considered in the is not considered feasible. context of these sittings. I urge the Senate to Delay of the Customs Amendment Bill support the motion that I have moved. 1996 will also create uncertainty in the Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) business community where the expectations (6.48 p.m.)—As was so ably pointed out by are that the changes will be in place on 1 July my colleague Senator Chamarette, there are this year as announced. The need for earlier reasons of principle upon which the Greens amendments to the tariff concession system require the government to provide us with was anticipated, but the intervention of the information as to why the bill should be election and the announcements of further exempted from the cut-off motion, which was changes to the tariff concession system during in place to make sure the community at least the election period, to a large extent addressed had a chance to look at what the Senate was in the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. being asked to vote on and so that we would 1) 1996, prevented earlier action being taken. be able to look at what we were being asked Question resolved in the affirmative. to vote on as well. The only reason that has been given to us, HOUSING ASSISTANCE BILL 1996 which was tabled in relation to the exemption In Committee of the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 1) 1996, is that there is a start-up date. But Consideration resumed from 31 May. the start-up date was put there by the govern- The bill. ment. Saying ‘1 July is the start-up date; Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) therefore, we must have it’ is not actually a (6.52 p.m.)—I move: reason. They have put their own urgency in 1. Preamble, page 1 (line 8), omit "Most", substi- there and said, ‘This is urgent because it is.’ tute "Many". Nobody has paid anything, so there is no Our amendment No. 1 is meant to reduce the necessity to suddenly justify something that complacency of one of the first sentences in has been paid or needs to be collected or not the preamble. I am not sure what is the point collected. Nobody has a deadline except the of saying something like this in a bill—apart government. In this particular case, we do not from making some sort of political state- believe urgency has been justified. Once ment—if it does not actually relate to reality. again, we can count; therefore, we will not be The bill says: calling a division on this issue. Most Australian residents are able to obtain housing Senator KEMP (Victoria—Manager of of an appropriate standard within their means. Government Business in the Senate) (6.49 What do you mean by ‘appropriate’? I think p.m.)—in reply—I thank Senator Margetts for the evidence suggests that many people pay her remarks. I think it is recognised that in really substantial portions of their income for the first sittings of a new government there housing. This is especially the case for those are certain needs, which were alluded to by on low incomes and for single income fami- Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1647 lies, although it increasingly includes the tion, and there are no guidelines in terms of working poor and single income families— ventilation in tropical dwellings. We do have families in which one parent stays home safety and engineering standards, but we have looking after children. virtually no environmental standards. The burden of housing cost to total income Many of the houses in southern areas are is increasing. I think there still may be a very cold in winter. We have a lot of empty- majority of people who are able to afford walled asbestos or single brick houses. We housing without it being a major burden, but have houses with louvred windows where the I believe that ‘many’ is a far more accurate weather may get to below freezing. word than ‘most’ in terms of housing A few years ago, I heard a lecture by an affordability. I do expect that most people in expert in energy efficient design from near the population would consider that, if they are Manchester in England. He spoke of how going to appear in bills, preambles ought to design requirements for houses in England have some basis on reality. were nearly 100 years behind those in Sweden Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— and other Scandinavian countries. He was Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (6.53 outlining the difference that made on energy p.m.)—The opposition will not be supporting bills. Considering what the government has amendment No. 1 moved by Senator Margetts been saying about greenhouse gas, this is relating to the Housing Assistance Bill. I really quite interesting: as an aside, he said make the point that a majority of Australians that, though the houses in England were less are home owners. In fact, most are home well designed to retain heat than in Denmark owners. I think that the current wording of the or Sweden, the coldest, most miserable winter bill is adequate and appropriate. As such, the he has ever had was in Brisbane, in Queens- opposition will not be supporting the amend- land. He put it down to the total failure to ment. incorporate any idea of heat retention in Senator STOTT DESPOJA (South Aus- house designs. This is typical of Australian tralia) (6.54 p.m.)—I would like to add for housing. the record that the Australian Democrats will In the south we see houses that make it not be supporting the Greens (WA) amend- almost impossible to retain heat. In the north ment No. 1 to the Housing Assistance Bill. we see poorly insulated, poorly ventilated We consider it slightly pedantic. houses put up in tracts. They may be framed Senator NEWMAN (Tasmania—Minister houses with some thin sheathing on the for Social Security and Minister Assisting the outside, hardiplank, weatherboard, or what- Prime Minister for the Status of Women) ever. So-called better houses may be made of (6.54 p.m.)—I simply add that that is the bricks that have been hauled from the south view of the government as well in relation to and made to standard southern-suburban amendment No. 2 of the Housing Assistance design. There is often little incorporation of Bill. traditional design, even in areas like Broome, where traditional designs incorporating better Amendment negatived. ventilation appropriate to the tropics have Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) been developed in the past. (6.55 p.m.)—I move: It is not as if these factors have not been 2. Preamble, page 1 (lines 8 to 9), omit "of an recognised. Almost all literature about what appropriate standard". can be done about the greenhouse effect Our amendment No. 2 to the preamble to the includes information urging people to insulate Housing Assistance Bill says, ‘of an appropri- their houses. This mostly is suggested as ate standard’. The phrase ‘housing of an something to be done by householders after appropriate standard’ might lead people to they buy. But any survey of progressive believe that we have appropriate standards. In policies notes that many nations or states many places there are virtually no insulation elsewhere in the world include in building standards, there are no guidelines to orienta- codes requirements for minimum insulation 1648 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 standards. Most have varying standards for and cooling, it can become a health problem. roofs, for walls, even for windows. In the It is an environmental issue and an issue of United States and northern Europe, many family costs. It is also an issue of social costs, areas have minimum standards for the insulat- since failure of demand management on ing quality of window glass. They require energy means that the state must build new high insulation double glazing because, after power plants, put in newer and bigger power- insulating ceilings and walls, the windows are lines and substations, increase gas purchase, the areas where most heat enters or escapes. build new gas lines and install new pumping If anyone does even a minimum perusal of stations. But I guess that the government environmentally sound design, they will find would consider that as growth. a plethora of other measures, often simple It is believed that the introduction of energy measures, for creating long-term benefits in efficiency in buildings here, including com- terms of energy efficiency and the comfort of mercial and industrial buildings, could reduce residents: making certain that eaves overhang electricity and gas demand by over 15 per for windows is appropriate to block the sun cent. It is something we could do about the in summer and to let it in during the winter greenhouse effect that would not cost business is a simple thing for during the design stage; a thing. It would provide jobs and reduce and considering orientation of major windows state outlays and household and business to make certain that most of them do not face overheads. We are not talking about freezing a problem with direction, like having it south in the dark, which is what the present policy in cold areas where such windows will never leads to. We are talking about being comfort- get sunlight. There is also the measure of able at low cost by designing buildings so we using skylights, and so on. These are easy to do not have to throw away energy, heat, do in the beginning; hard to fix or change coolness or money. afterwards. These sorts of considerations I repeat: effectively, there are almost no have been part of many government strategies environmental or energy efficiency standards and policies for greenhouse responses, for in Australian housing. There should be but it policies relating to ecologically sustainable becomes ludicrous and negligent when development and elsewhere. The idea is not government is actually in the position of new to government. There have been pro- building housing itself and does not even take grams to promote such building codes. There action in its own projects. This has been the is the Amcord program within the department case with Commonwealth-state housing, and of housing. The better cities program recog- it is not good enough to say that it is the nises the need for such measures, but only state’s fault. slightly. In part, there is a recognition of the fact that it is much easier and much cheaper The Commonwealth has a responsibility for to build houses in an environmentally sound the greenhouse response effort. The Common- way than it is to try to retrofit. It is recog- wealth spends millions on promoting sound nised that most people do not get to design design. The Commonwealth provides the their own houses. Even when buying new money for state housing and has a basic duty houses, it is usually a developer that deter- to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent well. It mines the choices and options a buyer has. has a duty to ensure that human rights and social welfare are considered. It has a duty to It is important then to ensure that the new consider that the money it is spending on houses are built well from an environmental housing is not spent so badly that the viewpoint. It is even more important where Commonwealth must then pick up a large housing is not built with house purchase in burden of costs through energy subsidies to mind, where the intention is for rental. Rent- poor people trying to get warm. It has a duty ers generally have less legal option to retrofit, to ensure that its housing expenditure is not even if they have the money. increasing its health expenditure. This may It becomes an equity issue. Where poor not be what economists who see a fragmented people rent and have trouble affording heat department by department bottom line mean Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1649 by efficiency but it is what the Greens mean have outlined in your contribution, which I by both economic and social efficiency. accept are important. It is not efficient to have no standards when Amendment negatived. that increases economic and quality of life Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) costs in other areas. This was finally recog- (7.04 p.m.)—I move: nised last year, at least in respect of govern- ment funded housing, when the government 3. Preamble, page 2 (after line 5), insert: talked about new criteria for the CSHA, Many people have difficulty obtaining housing that is environmentally appropriate. Adequate which would include environmental standards. insulation and design to minimise water and We welcomed that move. We do not believe energy consumption without compromising it is appropriate for the new government to amenity is not generally required or provided. cut that out. We know the new government is Urban planning often does not take the need not necessarily friendly to any environmental to reduce mechanised transport or to optimise measure but cutting out the environmental passive solar exposure into consideration. aspect of the Commonwealth-state housing People who are economically or socially agreement really goes too far. disadvantaged may be less likely to obtain environmentally appropriate housing. This can Many people can still afford housing; an have adverse economic effects. They may also increasing number cannot do so easily. have difficulty obtaining housing in areas that Environmentally appropriate housing is almost maximise their income through proximity to non-existent. It is simply not correct to say required services, adequate public transport, that most people can obtain appropriate, employment, shopping and areas for social interaction and support. affordable housing. It, therefore, should not be said. This is the background to these two The first paragraph of our third amendment— amendments. and once again we are still on page 2 of the preamble—makes explicit the concerns the Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— Commonwealth ought to have in regard to Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (7.02 environmental design. I have gone into a p.m.)—The opposition will not be supporting number of issues in speaking to my previous this second amendment that has been moved amendments so I will not repeat myself fully, by Senator Margetts. I really do not believe which you will be pleased to hear. omitting four words in the preamble of the Housing Assistance Bill 1996 is the way There is a huge range of design options that forward in terms of our addressing any inad- go well beyond insulation. There are things equacies that Senator Margetts sees in the like underfloor heat sinks, integrated glass- national greenhouse response strategy. Like house areas, traum walls and a broad range of her, I have always accepted the absolute passive solar design measures that could be importance for us to have an adequate and integrated into design, especially where it is appropriate response on the greenhouse issue. designed for medium density state rental For its part, the opposition has always ac- housing. The designs have been around for knowledged that it sees climate change as the decades and are of proven worth. Many states most significant international environment actually have advisory services to promote issue that we face. such options. They just do not take their own advice. I do believe there are better ways of pro- gressing this issue. I will certainly be listening There is also a range of active solar ele- carefully to the arguments that Senator ments that could be included, the biggest Margetts puts forward in relation to her fourth being solar water heating. This should be amendment to insert the words ‘and ecologi- standard in publicly owned housing wherever cally appropriate’ after the words ‘adequate’ practical, which is almost everywhere in on page 2, line 6 of the preamble. Depending Australia. on the strength of your argument, Senator, I Our amendment also includes water conser- do see that as perhaps a more sensible way of vation. There are a number of design features your progressing some of the concerns you that promote water conservation. There are 1650 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 low consumption shower heads and so on at dard Oil, General Motors, and Firestone tyres, one end and the more radical things such as at a time when Los Angeles had one of the designing grey water systems so they are best public transport systems in the world easier to use for garden watering at the other. bought all the trams and ripped up the lines. Water conservation is increasingly an issue in Since then a lot of petrol cars and tyres have most urban areas. It is another area where been sold and Los Angeles has become the there are Commonwealth and state policies to global symbol of urban sprawl and smoggy ensure water is conserved. We do live on a mess. Recently, Los Angeles has embarked on dry continent and there is no reason water a program to bring back the trams in the form waste should be built into public housing. of electric light rail. It is expected to cost The last sentence of our first paragraph billions but the city sees it as one of the only expands the issue of environmental design in ways of starting to deal with its huge environ- housing to more explicitly include urban mental problems. design, and I will speak briefly to this. The Recently there has been a lot of attention on better cities program was specifically devised the environmental impact of car use in Syd- to address some of these concerns, and the ney. In Perth, a few years ago, we had the concerns about urban design have appeared in first photochemical smog events, events which things like greenhouse strategies and the have now become regular. We may not have ecologically sustainable development policy. the tendency to inversion that plagues Los The basic idea is that when we design our Angeles but we do have environmental cities, even more than designing our houses, problems in our cities as a consequence of car we make decisions that will determine the use. day-to-day options we have available. These Car dependency creates environmental policies determine our range of choice. A problems. Cars consume a large amount of technologist once said about choice that social resources in their creation. New so-called choice is often made once, and made effec- efficient cars usually gain efficiency by tively for everyone. For example, once people reduced use of materials, making them lighter choose cars as the major form of transport, and thinner and needing less energy to move the choice to use a horse for daily transport them. This also makes them more fragile and effectively disappears. It becomes impractical less long-lasting. This in turn increases for most people. throughput. In the structure of our cities, we persistently Today’s cars are clapped-out bombs after choose to live in a way highly dependent on 10 or 15 years, while older cars are still in the private motor vehicle. In part, this is everyday use. New cars may need less materi- based on past choice. We have suburbs and al to make but we have to replace them more sprawling cities often with lower density than often. Over time, the material and energy used almost anywhere but Los Angeles. It is hard in fabrication is not less because the time to do without cars so we tend to build for between creation and disposal decreases. cars, but building for cars just makes us that Car use entails a lot of emissions. Greenhouse more dependent. gases are an obvious factor, as is lead in older The initial choices were not accidents. cars. But there are many other emissions and Many of you, particularly those with children, pollutants. Fibres from brake linings, may have seen a movie a few years ago particulates, benzene and aromatic hydrocar- called Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. It was a bons, polycyclic hydrocarbons, nitrous and cartoon set in Los Angeles in the 1940s. It sulfur oxides and ozone are all produced from was about a plot to buy up all the trams in engine combustion. When this mixture rises that city, rip up the lines and build freeways. into the light of a busy traffic day, it forms a Not many people realised that this was a true chemical soup which is triggered by light into story. creating new compounds photochemically. In the 1930s, in Los Angeles and 44 other Senator Newman—On a point of order: I US cities, a consortium, composed of Stan- question whether Senator Margetts is still on Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1651 the matter we are discussing in the committee existing housing than by retaining it. Putting stage. I would ask her, in the interest of aside the question of whether the money from brevity, to confine herself to the amendment. such asset sales goes back into public housing The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Sena- at all, the effect is to make housing in inner tor Patterson)—I do not think there is a city areas unavailable to poorer people. It point of order, Senator Newman. However, I moves the poor out into spatial fringes or to ask Senator Margetts to make sure that she is ghetto areas where land is cheap. addressing the amendment before us. In Western Australia, much of the public Senator MARGETTS—I find the point of housing in the Fremantle area has been sold order very disturbing because it indicates that and knocked down for development, with the there is absolutely no understanding of the poor being directed to Armadale or areas connection between the design and placement behind Kwinana. When things like that of public housing and the way our cities happen it means that people cannot walk work. If that be the case, things are far worse easily to facilities, and that impacts adversely than I had suspected. I will continue with the on senior citizens and mothers with children. line I was taking so that senators can work We must also remember that public housing out what I am getting at. clients are often poor and may not be able to afford cars. In the case of older or disabled Petrol is expensive and we are running out people, they may not be able to use them. of it. We will soon be dependent on imports. Australia is not the only nation which will Around Fremantle, buses are plentiful and face problems with oil field depletion. Pro- frequent. It is a transport hub. But in some of duction in major oil fields around the globe the back areas of Armadale, away from the has peaked. Oil prices are still very low but rail line, buses are extremely infrequent. For they cannot remain that way. someone to get from Armadale to Murdoch University, a 15- to 20-minute car ride, a We live in a fool’s paradise if we plan our person would have to get a bus to the rail cities as though we had abundant oil. What line, go into Perth— does this have to do with the CSHA? The new bill removes the old measure in para- Senator Panizza—On a point of order: I graph (h) regarding the better cities program have been on duty in the chamber for 15 and some obligation to consider urban design minutes— when spending $1 billion a year on public Senator Faulkner—Bad luck, eh? housing. As I said earlier, if this new govern- Senator Panizza—Yes. But I have not ment does not understand the connection heard Senator Margetts really address the between that proposal and what I am saying, amendment at hand. On another point of things are much worse than I thought. order: we seem to have entered a new dimen- The second paragraph of our amendment sion in committee debate where we have indicates why what I am saying is important. second reading type speeches not just deliv- For poorer people, the people who live in or ered but read as well. I have never been one by state housing, it will be crucially important to call a point of order in relation to anyone to their domestic economy to have environ- reading a speech on the second reading but I mental standards in their housing that will am asking for a ruling against reading a allow them to reduce heating and power bills. speech in the committee stage. It is also important to have housing where car The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN—There dependency is not built in. is no point of order. I have been listening The tendency with public housing has been very carefully and Senator Margetts has been to sell off older housing in inner city areas discussing public transport, which is men- that have become more up-market and to tioned in the amendment. She is discussing a build new housing on the urban fringes. The long amendment and is using copious notes. principle has been that the land is valuable I again ask her to ensure that she addresses and more could be done for people by selling the amendment. 1652 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Senator Panizza—I rise on a further point they do not want to hear the reasons, why it of order. Are you ruling that we may not take is necessary to change. I will be pleased to a point of order on reading second reading hear the comments from other people in speeches, or reading speeches at all, in this relation to this amendment. It is extremely place? Are you ruling that way or not? distressing to see that the government has The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN—I am such a poor understanding of what on earth ruling that Senator Margetts is explaining an the connections are, because that does not amendment. She is using copious notes. I rule bode well for the future. that there is no point of order. Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— Senator MARGETTS—I realise the time Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (7.17 factor will be fairly difficult for this. There p.m.)—The opposition again will not be are a number of amendments which we have supporting the amendment that Senator to this bill. I find it extremely frustrating. It Margetts has moved. I do believe the com- takes a while for me to explain what the ments I made in relation to the previous current government are obviously clearly not amendment are also appropriate here—that I able to cope with in terms of the way they await the case to be presented in support of frame their bill, to explain what the connec- Senator Margetts’s next amendment to insert tions are and to explain why our amendments a reference to ecologically appropriate hous- have been put. When we talk about statistics ing in the preamble, which I do believe goes from particular places, and when we talk to the substance of these issues. It is one, about chemical compounds, yes, it is neces- without hearing the arguments that Senator sary to refer to notes. The reality is that I am Margetts is to propound in support of them, explaining what you clearly are having troub- that I am minded, I must say, to support. I do le coping with in terms of relevance. believe that that amendment is likely to be The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN— adequate of itself. It is for that reason that the Senator Margetts, I ask you to address your opposition will not be supporting this particu- comments through the chair, given the fact lar amendment. that we have had a little bit of concern about the issues at hand. If you address the com- Senator STOTT DESPOJA (South Aus- ments through the chair, that will assist the tralia) (7.18 p.m.)—The Australian Democrats Senate. will be supporting this amendment. We are glad to see that Senator Margetts is not Senator MARGETTS—I apologise. simply seeking to amend the preamble, which Through you, Madam Chair, it is difficult to she was originally doing, and that you are explain this to people who, perhaps, have also making amendments to the body of the never thought of these things before. I must act along the lines of ecologically sustainable say, when I spoke to the department time and development. Amendment three, like many time again, that that was in fact many times other amendments, as Senator Margetts has the response to our questions about these pointed out, relates to ecologically sustainable issues, about the kinds of issues that have housing. This is in line with longstanding been incorporated in our amendments. We Democrat policy that environmental standards have never thought of that before. We do not should be better incorporated into public know if we can do it. We do not know what housing and public housing design. the relevance is. They had not thought about it. There are beginning to be some changes. One of the problems that we identify with That is what we are trying to bring about the push away from the provision of public here, and that is what I am trying to explain housing by capital grant and towards rent here—what changes are necessary in the assistance, other than the long-term cost of legislation and why they are necessary. the move, is the fact that it will make it much It is extremely distressing that the govern- harder to provide environmentally sound ment are suggesting that basically they do not outcomes when it comes to public housing want to hear the reasons. I am wondering why tenants. And that of course includes some of Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1653 the things that Senator Margetts has men- Gareth Evans was reported in the Canberra tioned, including retrofitting and insulation. Times to have said, ‘The way to abolish the Progress reported. Senate, or at least muzzle it, is to white ant it from within.’ Australians were rightly suspi- ADJOURNMENT cious of the intent of the referendum propo- The DEPUTY PRESIDENT—Order! It sals and, therefore, rejected them. being 7.20 p.m., I propose the question: While history does not favour the success That the Senate do now adjourn. of referendums—in that out of 38 amend- ments to the constitution put to referendum Parliament: Length of Term of Office only eight have succeeded—when they have Senator WATSON (Tasmania) (7.20 actually represented a genuine and honest p.m.)—Over the years, there have been many attempt to improve the constitution for the speeches in this chamber on the subject of the benefit of all Australians, our people have length of term of parliaments. In the lead-up actually been quite happy to support referen- to the referendums put to the Australian dum change. Recognition of Aborigines as people on 3 September 1988 the momentum Australian citizens, for example, has never actually increased. However, electors rejected been an issue since that referendum was a change in the constitution at that time. passed. There were significant disadvantages in Now, eight years after the last referendums putting an option of a four-year term to the were put to the electorate, there is an increas- people in that year. After all, it was our ing urgency to create a more stable economic bicentennial year, when people were wanting environment. As our economic situation to celebrate the advantages of our constitution becomes increasingly complex, both national- and the great benefits that have come to our ly and also internationally, the certainty of a country because of the foresight of those four-year term, particularly a fixed four-year people who drew it up. The mood was just term, would reduce the number of variables not right for focussing on change at that time. from which business would have to work. It A more significant reason for its failure was would not only be our business leaders who the suspicion with which Australians looked would welcome a four-year fixed term; upon this proposed change. And rightly so. foreign companies, too, looking for invest- The establishment of the Constitutional Com- ment opportunities would be keen to add the mission was always suspect. Proposals for benefit of a four-year term of parliament to changing our constitution, the fundamental the other advantages that Australia has to framework for governing, should be discussed offer. by the people’s representatives, not a commis- Overseas investors find Australia attractive sion whose members are selected by the for many reasons, not least is the relative government, whose terms of reference are political stability. We are only one of a few imposed by the government and whose countries which have never been devastated findings are pre-empted by the government. by a civil war or an invasion by a foreign Australians are indeed intelligent people. They power in the last 200 years. The benefits suspected that there was political advantage which our peaceful history has brought to for the then Labor Party, and they were not overseas investments are well known. How- wrong. So all the referendums at that time ever, once these potential investors become were lost. aware that a new government has only three The referendum on four-year terms was years to implement its policies, they find that linked to changes in the Senate. It removed they may need to reconsider their options. If the fixed term of senators and established a that happens to come on a business scene system of permanent double dissolutions. As halfway through a government term or later, the Hon. Peter Reith pointed out at the time they are confronted with the possibility of an in the other House, it removed the one fixed election and change in policy at any time. element in the system. At the time, the Hon. Very few major decisions can be made by 1654 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 governments or businesses after the first 18 to elections. You have the example of this last 24 months following a federal election. election, where the Tasmanian election was What is one of the few factors encouraging held the week before the federal poll, making the Japanese, for example, to invest in Aus- it extremely difficult for federal candidates to tralian developments? Confidence—con- get across their message in just one week. Of fidence that the rules on which investments course, there are a lot more state parliamenta- are based will remain constant. This confi- rians than there are federal parliamentarians. dence can be further engendered by extending While it is known that a state election the term of parliament to four years. It will cannot be held on the same day as a federal also mean that, once new measures are taken, election, since a federal election does take business can be confident that the ground precedence, the Tasmanian government had rules will stay the same for at least four years. to call its election not knowing what the There have been more federal elections federal government was going to do. In those since 1949 in Australia than there have been circumstances, the inevitable scenario eventu- in the US, which has fixed biennial terms. ated where the Tasmanian poll was just one Four-year terms would bring the federal week ahead of the federal poll. You can just government into line with all state govern- imagine the competition for space for adver- ments apart from Queensland. The vast tising in the three regional newspapers in majority of democratic countries have terms Tasmania. Fewer elections would at least of at least four years. In fact, Britain and reduce the possibility of this sort of event Canada and a number of others actually have occurring again. terms of five years. In a slightly different scenario, the Victorian The cost of these elections is of grave state election was called just one week after concern to many people, who believe that the federal election. The pressure this put on there have been far too many over the years. the electoral officers is something that would The estimated cost of the federal election in more likely be avoided if the federal House March 1996 was $54 million. This figure does of Representatives had a four-year fixed term. not include the estimated $33.4 million States would have clear guidelines to go by element of public funding. That is a total of in their choice of election date, and this $87.4 million of taxpayers’ money. Yes, you would again provide greater certainty for have heard correctly. It was $87.4 million. Of business. course, that does not include all the other I refer to a paper in the Business Council money that is privately spent on election Bulletin No. 30 of January 1987, which campaigns. reports: This figure of $87.4 million compares with . . . the frequency of elections is not simply a $39.8 million spent on the 1984 federal poll. nuisance or irritation; it clearly has major implica- The 1996 cost was more than double that of tions for government decision-making, for budget- the 1984 federal poll, and that doubling ary policies and therefore for the economic climate between 1984 and 1996 can be largely ex- in which businesses have to make major investment plained by the introduction of public funding decisions. of election campaigns. But the message is It goes on to say that one of the consequences clear. More elections mean more money— of shorter terms is a curtailed budgetary cycle, money that can be much more effectively and this in turn disrupts a government’s used, I believe, elsewhere. The costs of polls economic strategy. The paper refers to the have skyrocketed. Obvious savings would be adverse effect elections have on retail sales. gained with fewer elections; thus, it is quite I am sure that my colleagues here are aware an attractive proposition. of the pressures from the retail sector on a Many considerations have to be taken into government not to hold an election in the account by a government when calling an lead-up to Christmas because of the very election. Fewer elections would reduce the likely impact on revenue, lost revenue, during problem of trying to steer clear of state the most profitable time of the year. These Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1655 sorts of arguments, I believe, strongly support Health Insurance Act—Regulations—Statutory the case for four-year fixed terms for the Rules 1996 No. 54. federal government. I urge all senators to give Income Tax Assessment Act— the issue serious consideration. Determinations—RHQ Company—Nos 2-5 of Senate adjourned at 7.30 p.m. 1996. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 56. DOCUMENTS Industrial Relations Act—Regulations—Statutory Tabling Rules 1996 No. 80. Lands Acquisition Act—Statement describing The following documents were tabled by property acquired by agreement under section 40 the Clerk: of the Act for specified public purposes. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Life Insurance Act—Regulations—Statutory Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 83. Rules 1996 No. 89. Aircraft Noise Levy Act and Aircraft Noise Levy Migration Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules Collection Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 Nos 75, 76 and 79. 1996 No. 86. Migration Act and Migration Reform Act— Australian Citizenship Act—Regulations— Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 77. Statutory Rules 1996 No. 78. National Health Act—Regulations—Statutory Australian Postal Corporation Act—Regula- Rules 1996 No. 70. tions—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 72. National Residue Survey Administration Act— Civil Aviation Act—Civil Aviation Regula- Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 66. tions— Offshore Minerals Act—Regulations—Statutory Civil Aviation Orders— Rules 1996 No. 85. Amendment of section 20, dated 12 June Petroleum Excise (Prices) Act—Regulations— 1996. Statutory Rules 1996 No. 84. Directives—Part 105, dated 3, 6, 7, 22[3], Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act and National Residue Survey Administration 27, 29[2] and 31[4] May 1996. Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 Nos 62- Exemptions—141/FRS/153/1996 and 65. 142/FRS/154/1996. Remuneration Tribunal Act— Statutory Rules 1996 No. 88. Determination No. 4 of 1996. Coarse Grains Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Report No. 1 of 1996. Rules 1996 No. 61. Ships (Capital Grants) Act—Regulations— Corporation Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules Statutory Rules 1996 No. 87. 1996 Nos 55 and 90. Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act— Customs Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 57. 1996 Nos 58, 59, 68, 69 and 91. Taxation Determination— Export Inspection (Establishment Registration TD 93/114. (addendum) Charges) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules TD 96/25-TD 96/29. 1996 Nos 81 and 82. Taxation Ruling— Family Law Act— SST 6. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1996 Nos 71 and TR 95/10, TR 95/13, TR 95/15-TR 95/17 and 74. TR 95/19. (addenda) Rules of Court—Statutory Rules 1996 No. 60. TR 96/20. Fisheries Management Act—Regulations— Telecommunications Act—Regulations— Statutory Rules 1996 No. 67. Statutory Rules 1996 No. 73. 1656 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions were circulated:

Family Farm With reference to the claim by the Senior Vice- President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Asso- (Question No. 8) ciation of Australia, Mr Boyd Munro, in the Senator Woodley asked the Minister for association’s April magazine that the wife and son Social Security, upon notice, on 28 March of an airworthiness inspector employed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) were in business 1996: supplying seat belts: (1) What is the approximate cost of exempting the value of the family farm from the assets test Has Mr Boyd, or any other member of the which applies to the: (a) family payment; (b) age association, brought the allegation to the attention pension; (c) Job Search Allowance; and (d) of the CASA or the Minister; if so, what action has Newstart Allowance. been taken to investigate the allegation and what has ensued from these investigations. (2) What is the approximate cost of exempting from the age pension ‘gifting provisions’ the value Senator Alston—The Minister for Trans- of a family farm for a farmer wishing to retire on port and Regional Development has provided his or her farm and pass ownership of the farm to the following answer to the honourable a family member who is already working the farm. senator’s question: Senator Newman—The answer to the Members of the Association have written to me honourable senator’s question is as follows: and to CASA about the allegation. (1)(a) My Department does not have figures on CASA has advised that its staff acted in accord- the number of farm families who are precluded ance with current internal guidelines in respect of from family payment by their assets. The cost of conflicts of interest. However, given the concerns exempting farm families currently in receipt of raised by some members of the industry, CASA is family payment from the assets test has been reviewing its guidelines. estimated as approximately $440,000 per year. I have taken the view that CASA must be seen (1)(b) The total estimated cost of exempting to act with integrity where there are potential family farms from the assets test on age pension conflicts of interest and have strongly endorsed would be of the order of one billion dollars a year. CASA’s action to review its guidelines. The cost of exempting current age pensioners who I have stressed that it is the job of CASA as the are assets tested and own a farm from the assets safety regulator to take a rigorous approach to test has been estimated at approximately $17 safety standards and breaches, including its enforce- million a year. ment of this particular Airworthiness Directive. (1)(c) and (d) The cost of exempting the value of family farms from the assets test which applies Army: Vehicle Projects to Job Search Allowance and Newstart Allowance (Question No. 24) cannot be ascertained as the Department does not have access to data on which such an estimate Senator Jones asked the Minister represent- would need to be based. ing the Minister for Defence Industry, Science (2) The Department has no way of accurately and Personnel, upon notice, on 23 April 1996: estimating the number of farmers who would wish With reference to the Australian Army’s three to take advantage of such an exemption. major vehicle projects: Project Mulgara (Land 123); Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Staff Bushranger Project—Phase 2(b); and M113A1 Upgrade: (Question No. 23) (1) What stage has been reached in the registra- Senator Jones asked the Minister represent- tion/tender process in each of these projects. ing the Minister for Transport and Regional (2) What companies have registered interest Development, upon notice, on 23 April 1996: and/or submitted tenders for these projects. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1657

(3) Have any companies which registered an half of 1999. The production time-frame is depend- interest in the projects since withdrawn their ent on the final production quantity. application. (7) The level of the local content element of (4) Have the specifications for any of the three Australian Industry Involvement is dependent on projects changed materially since invitations to the origins of the vehicle design and varies between register interests were first called. 30 and 80 percent. Companies offering Australian (5) Have companies, which did not initially designs offer local content between 70 and 80 register interest in the projects, since been included percent. in the tender process. LAND 116—Project Bushranger Phase 2B (6) What is the scheduled test trial/production (1) Phase 2B of Project Bushranger released a program for each of the three projects. request for tender to five companies in September (7) What percentage of Australian industry 1995. Responses were received in November 1995 involvement does the Government expect to from four companies. achieve in each of the three projects. (2) The following companies submitted tenders Senator Newman—The Minister for De- that are being evaluated by the Commonwealth: fence Industry, Science and Personnel has Australian Specialised Vehicle Systems of provided the following answer to the honour- Ipswich Queensland; British Aerospace Australia able senator’s question: of Adelaide; and Perry Engineering of Adelaide. As the question involves three distinct projects, (3) Transfield Defence Systems, although chosen the answer provides details on a project basis. to receive tender documentation, notified the Land 123—Project Mulgara Commonwealth that it would not submit a tender prior to the tender closure date. WesTrac Systems (1) Phase 1 of Project Mulgara released an Engineering submitted a tender by the due date but Invitation to Register Interest (ITR) in August 1995 subsequently withdrew its offer. which closed in November 1995. 16 responses were received from industry. The initial evaluation (4) The specifications for Bushranger have not process has screened out seven companies. The changed materially since invitations to register remaining companies are undergoing detailed interest were first called. evaluation. (5) The tender process has not included any (2) The companies who responded to the Project company which did not initially register interest in Mulgara ITR are: Bushranger. Australia Defence Industries; ADP of New (6) Bushranger will conduct trial activities during Zealand; Air Car of Canberra; AM General of the 1997. Assuming budget approval in 1998, produc- USA; Australian Submarine Corporation Engineer- tion will commence in that year. Production ing of Adelaide; Australian Specialised Defence quantities, yet to be confirmed, will dictate end of Equipment of Sydney; Australian Specialised production times. Vehicle Systems of Brisbane; British Aerospace (7) All three companies have indicated high Australia of Adelaide; Bliss-Fox Manufacturing of levels of Australian Industry Involvement with local Sydney; Chauvel Motors of Sydney; International content in excess of 60 percent. Science & Technology of Adelaide (now controlled by Australian Submarine Corporation Engineering); LAND 106—M113 Minimum Upgrade JAKAB Industries of Tamworth; Martin Marietta (1) The request for tender from Phase 1 of the Australia of Canberra; Transfield Defence Systems M113 Minimum Upgrade was released to nine of Melbourne; Tactical Studies Group of Adelaide, companies in March 1995. Responses were re- and WesTrac Systems Engineering of Perth. ceived in June 1995 from eight companies. (3) WesTrac Systems Engineering withdrew its (2) The Commonwealth has evaluated tender ITR in December 1995. responses from: (4) The specifications for Project Mulgara have A Goninan & Co of Newcastle; Australian not changed materially since the ITR was released Defence Industries of Canberra; Australian Subma- to industry. rine Corporation—Engineering of Adelaide; British (5) No companies have sought to enter the ITR Aerospace Australia of Adelaide; Martin Marietta process since Registration was closed in November of Canberra; Perry Engineering of Adelaide; 1995. Transfield Defence Systems of Melbourne, and (6) Project Mulgara will conduct trial activities WesTrac Systems Engineering of Perth. during 1998. Assuming budget approval for Phase (3) Evans Deakin Industries located at Brisbane, 2 in 1998, production will commence in the first although chosen to receive tender documentation, 1658 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996 notified the Commonwealth it would not submit a Egypt tender prior to the tender closure date. Fiji (4) The specifications for the M113 Minimum France Upgrade have not changed materially since invita- tions to submit a tender were invited. Former Yugoslavia (5) The tender process has not included any Germany companies who were not short-listed from the Greece process of evaluation of invitations to register interest conducted in 1993. Holland (6) Trial activities for the upgrade will be Hong Kong conducted during 1997. Production will commence Hungary late 1997 with delivery of vehicles commencing in 1998. India (7) The preferred tenderer (not yet announced) Indonesia has indicated a high level of Australian Industry Iran Involvement with local content of over 80 percent. Ireland Prospective Migrants: Applications to Israel Immigrate Italy (Question No. 28) Japan Senator Jones asked the Minister represent- Kenya ing the Minister for Immigration and Multi- Korea cultural Affairs, upon notice, on 23 April 1996: Lebanon Malaysia (8) How many prospective migrants have with- drawn or not proceeded with applications to Malta immigrate to Australia since the new time limit was Mexico introduced on 1 April 1996. Netherlands (9) From which countries did these prospective migrants make their applications. New Zealand (10) What cost was incurred, financially and in Pakistan working hours, by these applications. Papua New Guinea Senator Short—The Minister for Immigra- Phillipines tion and Multicultural Affairs has provided Poland the following answer to the honourable senator’s question: Romania (8) From 1 April 1996 to 22 May 1996, posts Russia have recorded 390 formal withdrawals from Singapore prospective migrants. This compares with 324 for South Africa the same period last year and 558 in 1994. Applica- tions are withdrawn for a variety of reasons and Spain applicants are not required to provide reasons for Sri Lanka this action. Sweden (9) These applications were made in the follow- ing countries: Switzerland Argentina Tehran Austria Thailand Cambodia Turkey Canada United Kingdom Chile United States China Vietnam Cyprus (10) The cost of all applications is covered by a Denmark non-refundable application fee. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1659

Monash University: Alleged Breaches of (2) Notwithstanding the Minister’s assurance to Law one of the complainants that ‘the matter is being dealt with in accordance with the procedure in (Question No. 29) place’, do you consider as appropriate procedure Senator Tierney asked the Minister repre- that a letter written by the solicitor of the com- senting the Attorney-General, upon notice, on plainant dated 26 July 1995 has not to date been responded to. 30 April 1996: (3) Does the Minister find acceptable the failure With reference to allegations of breaches of by the Commission to act in the event of a breach criminal, civil and administrative laws against the by Monash University of an agreement between the management of the Syme Department of Account- Commission and Monash University. ing, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, and complaints lodged with the Human (4) Is the Minister still satisfied that the above Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (‘the unresolved matter after nearly 2 years of active Commission’): handling is ‘in accordance with the procedure in (1) Is the Minister satisfied, over the period of place’. approximately 2 years in relation to the investiga- (5) Does the Minister now believe in view of this tion into detrimental and prohibited discriminatory and other public interest whistleblowing cases acts including the investigation into detrimental before the Senate recently that there is a need for breaches of all relevant criminal, civil and adminis- a new specialist investigatory organisation, that the trative laws, that: proposed whistleblower protection legislation (a) the Commission has identified and obtained should be extended to higher education institutions, or inspected all relevant information; and that there should be interim measures to protect victims before the passage of the appropriate (b) the Commission has analysed all relevant legislation during the long gestation period. information; (6) In view of the seriousness, complexity and (c) the Commission has conducted interviews of urgency of this case, would the Minister initiate an all relevant witnesses; independent inquiry, particularly in respect of the (d) the Commission has identified individual allegations of criminal offences, and advise all witnesses who have provided or will provide other additional avenues of redress. evidence; (7) Please advise, in relation to the years 1994 (e) the Commission has taken steps to ensure that and 1995, the number of staff working in the race each witness shall not give evidence which the discrimination area of the Commission (including witness knows to be false or misleading in a fluctuations during each of the 2 years), and the material particular, or which the witness does not qualifications and experience of each staff member. believe on reasonable grounds to be true or sub- stantially true in every material particular (such Senator Vanstone—The Attorney-General evidence includes all correspondence between has provided the following answer to the Monash University and the complainants or any honourable senator’s question: other party relating to this case); The complaints referred to in the honourable (f) the Commission has ensured that a person senator’s question were transferred by the Commis- shall not, by fraud, intimidation, force or threat of sion to the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commis- any kind, by the offer or promise of any induce- sion (‘VEOC’) under the co-operative arrangements ment of benefit of any kind, or by other improper in place with that body for the handling of com- means, influence another person in respect of any plaints under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. evidence given or to be given before the Commis- My answers are based on information sought from sion, or induce another person to refrain from the VEOC by the Commission. giving such evidence; (1)(a) I am advised that all relevant information (g) the Commission has ensured that evidence regarding the complaints has not yet been obtained. provided was not otherwise impaired in any way; (b) I am advised that the VEOC has analysed the (h) the Commission has identified all evidence applicability of the legislation to the complaints and with probative and corroborative values; and the information that has been obtained to date. (i) the Commission has taken steps in an appro- priate and timely manner to ensure that evidence (c) I am advised that the VEOC has not yet obtained by it when taken as a whole was not interviewed all relevant witnesses. lacking in internal consistency, completeness, (d) I am advised that the VEOC has identified creditability, unbiasedness, substantiation in terms some individual witnesses who may provide of evidentiary documentation and source reliability. evidence. 1660 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

(e) I am advised that the VEOC will follow its should extend beyond the public service, the most usual procedure in obtaining evidence. Witnesses appropriate body to investigate whistleblowing give evidence to the best of their knowledge and cases and what interim measures may need to be ability and if there is any evidence or material taken if whistleblowing laws are to be introduced. which suggests that evidence is false or misleading, it is put to witnesses for a response to test their (6) As noted above, there have been considerable evidence. Such evidence together with the response inquiries into these complaints and the results of is assessed to determine the quality of the evidence those inquiries are set out as far as possible in given by witnesses. paragraph (4) above. The complainants have not framed their complaints to the VEOC in terms of (f) I am advised that the VEOC has taken all criminal misconduct and, as far as the VEOC is reasonable steps to ensure that evidence is given aware, none of the complainants has approached freely and voluntarily. There has been a suggestion the police. In light of that, and of the status of the that some evidence may have been tainted and Commission and the VEOC as statutory bodies analysis by the VEOC of this issue has resulted in established for the purpose, amongst others, of one complaint being withdrawn. independently and impartially investigating com- (g) This question has been answered in sub- plaints of this nature, I am not prepared to initiate paragraph (e) above. an inquiry. (h) As noted in sub-paragraph (a) above, the (7) I am advised that the VEOC’s complaints VEOC has not yet obtained all relevant informa- staff handle a mix of complaints under the various tion. However, the VEOC confines its consideration pieces of anti-discrimination legislation. It has a of a complaint to information which is probative complaints staff of 11 permanent officers and, and relevant. Where necessary and possible, during the period in question, there have been 6 in corroborative evidence has been sought in relation temporary positions. The VEOC also employs 2 to particular matters. indigenous officers who assist with complaints from (i) I am advised that the VEOC has taken all indigenous people, primarily complaints of race reasonable steps to ensure that evidence obtained discrimination. is reliable. Where evidence obtained during an inquiry into a complaint is flawed in any of the Human Pituitary Hormones ways mentioned in the honourable senator’s (Question No. 34) question, the Chief Conciliator of VEOC would give consideration to declining the complaint as Senator Harradine asked the Minister lacking in substance. representing the Minister for Health and (2) I am advised that a written response was not Family Services, upon notice, on 6 May 1996: provided to the letter of 26 July 1995. There have, (1) Is the Minister aware of the tragic death, in however, been discussions with the complainant August 1995, of an Adelaide woman who had regarding the content of that letter. The VEOC received human pituitary hormones and was believes that the matters raised in the letter have concerned that her name and address had been been adequately addressed with the complainant presented to a Senate Estimates Committee, without and do not require a written response. the woman’s knowledge or authority. (3) I am advised that the VEOC is not aware of any agreement between Monash University and (2) Did the woman ask for an appointment to see itself, or of any breach of such agreement. the then Minister (Senator Crowley) in her Adel- aide office on two occasions to discuss her con- (4) I am advised that these complaints have been cerns about the tabling of her name and address; extremely complex and vexed with an extraordinary and (b) did the Minister refuse to see the woman; amount of evidence, claim and counter-claim. The if so, why. first file was opened on 30 June 1994 and it, together with numerous related complaints, was (3)(a) Did the departmental officer responsible referred to the VEOC in December 1994. Of the for tabling the woman’s name and address attend complaints lodged, four have been withdrawn the National Pituitary Hormones Advisory Council during the inquiry process and one has been meeting in Melbourne, August 1995; if so, did the declined. Two complainants have appointments to officer absent herself just before the woman was to discuss further their complaints with withdrawals address the council about her concerns; and (b) is by those complainants possible. Investigation is it a fact that the minutes of the meeting currently proceeding into the one remaining complaint. fail to record the attendance of the woman. (5) I am examining various options for whistle- (4) Will details be provided concerning the blowing laws. In relation to the particular issues woman’s death which could be of relevance or raised in the honourable senator’s question, I will could be required by the Coroner in deciding be considering whether any whistleblowing laws whether an inquest should take place. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1661

Senator Newman—The Minister for Health Australian Defence Force (ADF) in civil legal and Family Services has provided the follow- proceedings. ing answer to the honourable senator’s ques- Where civil legal proceedings are brought against tion: a member of the ADF in circumstances arising (1) I have recently been informed of the death from his or her employment, the member (like any referred to by the honourable senator. other Commonwealth employee) may apply to have (2) I have no knowledge of the actions of the defence of the action undertaken at Commonwealth previous Minister for Family Services. expense. The procedures are set out in Section 21 of the Finance Directions, in force under the (3)(a) Five Departmental officers were present at Finance Regulations. the meeting of the National Pituitary Hormones Advisory Council on 14 August 1995. One of these In addition, a limited range of legal assistance officers was not present during the woman’s with respect to civil legal proceedings is available address to the Council. to members in accordance with Defence Instruction (b) The Minutes of the National Pituitary Hor- (General) Personnel 12-1 (General Scope of Legal mones Advisory Council meeting of 14 August Assistance Provided to Service Personnel and Legal 1995 were endorsed as a true and accurate record Aid to ADF Members Overseas). (For members of of the meeting by all members of the Council the Army, this instruction is amplified by Defence present at that meeting. Instruction (Army) Personnel 111-2 (Legal Aid)). Copies of these instructions and Section 21 of the The attendance of the woman was not included Finance Directions have been provided to Senator in the Minutes as the concerns raised by the Woodley. individual in question related to issues of privacy and confidentiality. The letter which the individual had distributed to select members of the National Under the Defence Instruction (General), an ADF Pituitary Hormones Advisory Council was clearly legal officer may advise a member on the merits of marked "Strictly Confidential". Given these circum- any civil case and assist with preliminary documen- stances and that the minutes of Council meetings tation, such as the preparation of affidavits. The are public documents, it was considered by Council legal officer may not act for or formally represent members inappropriate to include reference to it in the member in any civil action in the legal officer’s the minutes. military capacity but may, if a member of the Reserve Forces, be retained by the member as a (4) I understand that this matter is currently private legal practitioner. Any legal fees charged by before the Victorian State Coroner. In these circum- a Reserve legal officer consulted or retained by a stances it would be inappropriate for me to com- member in a private capacity are payable by the ment further. member.

Defence Personnel: Legal Aid Where a member serving overseas faces litigation (Question No. 40) for civil damages in respect of an off-duty incident, the member may make application for legal aid to Senator Woodley asked the Minister the Office of Legal Aid and Family Services in the representing the Minister for Defence Indus- Attorney-General’s Department. The member will try, Science and Personnel, upon notice, on 6 be required to contribute to the cost of legal aid May 1996: provided, the contribution being calculated on the basis of the member’s readily available cash Does the department have guidelines or protocols reserves. concerning the provision of legal aid to serving military personnel in civil legal proceedings; if so, The financial obligations of the Commonwealth what are the financial obligations of the department with regard to the payment of the legal costs of a with regard to the payment of the legal costs of member of the ADF in civil legal proceedings members of the defence forces in civil legal resulting from the member’s activities while off- proceedings resulting from the member’s activities duty are: while off duty. Senator Newman—The Minister for De- (a) within Australia the Commonwealth has no fence Industry, Science and Personnel has obligation to pay the member’s private legal costs provided the following answer to the honour- in such a case; able senator’s question: (b) overseas the Commonwealth will pay the Defence does have published guidance concern- member’s legal costs, subject to a contribution from ing the provision of legal aid to members of the the member. 1662 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Export of Live Native Animals (3) Can advice be provided as to whether the proposal has been submitted to the Department of (Question No. 41) the Environment, Sport and Territories (DEST) for Senator Woodley asked the Minister for approval and details of any dealings or discussions the Environment, upon notice, on 7 May which have occurred between Telstra and DEST 1996: regarding the proposal. (1) Is the government planning to maintain a ban (4) Can a list and a map be provided of Austral- on the export of live native animals. ian coastal areas where sea phones can be used, and the positions of Telstra and other sea phone (2) How many applications or proposals have transmitter stations, including the dates and reasons been made to the department in 1996 for new for the establishment of these facilities. export trades in native wildlife. (5) Can details be provided of the marine com- (3) What species were involved in each of those munications currently available to vessels travelling applications, and which of these proposals involve in the coastal areas between Lucinda and Dunk exporting live animals. Island in far north Queensland. Senator Hill—The answer to the honour- (6) What are the Federal Government’s plans to able senator’s question is as follows: improve marine communications, including access (1) There are no proposals to alter present export to sea phone in the coastal area between Lucinda controls on live native animals currently before the to Dunk Island. government. (7) Are the marine communications currently (2) Four applications or proposals for new export available to vessels travelling in the area between trades in native wildlife have been received in Lucinda and Dunk Island adequate to ensure marine 1996. and off-shore safety. (3) The species involved in these proposals are Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- as follows: able senator’s question, based on advice (i) Lampona cylindrata (white tailed spider) provided by Telstra, is as follows: venom (1) Telstra considered a proposal to expand the (ii) Beachwashed sponges and corals VHF Seaphone network to include establishment of a site on Mt Bowen, Hinchinbrook Island. How- (iii) Marphysa sanguinea (bloodworms) ever, following an assessment of demand for (iv) Foliage from Blechnum nudum (Fish-bone seaphone services in the Hinchinbrook area, Telstra fern), Lomatia tinctoria (Guitar plant), Nothofagus decided not to proceed with the installation. cunninghamii (Myrtle), Polystichum proliferum (2)-(3) See response to question (1). (Mother shield fern), Xanthorrhoea australis (Grass tree) and flowering stems (after seed drop) from (4) Telstra has advised that coastal areas around Gahnia radula (Cutting grass) all harvested in the following locations have Seaphone access: Tasmania. (a) The eastern seaboard from Melbourne to The proposal for the export of Marphysa Torres Strait but excluding areas around Shelburne sanguinea may involve exporting live animals. Bay, Princess Charlotte Bay and Hinchinbrook. (b) Northern Tasmania, Hobart, Bruny Island, St Marine Communications Marys. (Question No. 45) (c) Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln. Senator Ian Macdonald asked the Minister (d) Perth, Julian Bay, Geralton, Carnarvon. for Communications and the Arts, upon (e) Darwin, Dampier, Port Hedland, Broome and notice, on 7 May 1996: Grove. (1) Can details be provided of Telstra’s proposal Attached is a map indicating the above coverage to establish a sea phone transmitter station on Mt sites. These sites have been installed over a period Bowen, Hinchinbrook Island, including an explan- of time in response to demand for commercial VHF ation as to why, when and whether the proposal radiotelephone services. will go ahead. Telstra has advised of the following list of (2) Can a list be provided of the initiatives which Seaphone transmitter sites: have been undertaken with regard to this proposal, including such initiatives as site inspections, Queensland: environmental impact studies and feasibility reports Townsville, Weipa, Torres Strait (Moa, Darnley and reasons behind the delay in finalising the and Thursday Islands), Lockhart River, Cooktown, proposal. Cairns, Ayr/Home Hill, Whitsunday Island, Shute Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1663

Harbour, Prudhoe Island, Port Clinton, Yeppoon, In addition to satellite services designed for Gladstone, Fraser Island, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane. commercial vessels, two services are also suitable New South Wales: for smaller vessels such as fishing trawlers and cruising yachts: Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Camden Haven, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hawkesbury, Sydney, Satcom M—offering voice, facsimile and data Nowra, Eden. facilities, and; Victoria: Satcom C—offering text and data facilities. Melbourne, Lakes Entrance, Port Welshpool. SOLAS service, provided by Telstra under Tasmania: contract from the Australian Maritime Safety Devonport, St Mary’s, Bruny Island, Hobart. Authority (AMSA), supplies mariners with an South Australia: emergency service which continually monitors the international distress and safety radio- Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln. telephony frequencies of 2182, 4125, 6215, Western Australia: 8291 kHz and during 0700 to 1900 hours, Perth, Jurian Bay, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Dampier, 12290 and 16420 kHz. In addition to monitor- Port Hedland, Broome. ing the international distress and safety radio- telephony frequencies, these facilities also Northern Territory: provide regular broadcasts of weather bulle- Darwin, Gove. tins, weather and navigation warnings. (5) Telstra advises that the following marine communications are currently available to vessels (6) The Department of Transport advises that the travelling in the coastal areas between Lucinda and Australian Maritime Safety Authority monitors the Dunk Island: adequacy of its maritime communications services nationally to ensure that they meet the standards Telstra Radphone—provides medium to long required by international obligations. Telstra distance high frequency radiophone communica- advises that it is continually reviewing its existing tions through an operator located at the Townsville communication network for commercial services to Maritime Communications station (MCS). It ensure consistency with the level of customer enables a vessel to speak with virtually any tele- demand. phone subscriber in Australia or globally. Telstra Seagram—provides the means to ex- (7) The Department of Transport advises that the change radiotelegrams printed messages between maritime distress and safety communications vessels at sea and virtually any destination in provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Auth- Australia and globally. These messages are ex- ority meet international obligations for vessels changed by radiotelephony between the vessel and falling within the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. Townsville MCS. The adequacy of maritime communications for other vessels, travelling in the coastal area between Telstra Mobile Satellite and Radio Services also Lucinda and Dunk Island, is a matter for the offers a range of services through the Inmarsat (the Queensland Government. International Maritime Satellite Organisation) satellite network for distress and safety communi- Telstra advises that marine safety services are cations and for high quality direct dial telephone, currently provided by Telstra under contract from telex, facsimile and data links. AMSA. 1664 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Government Petrol Contracts (d) what is the duration of these contracts. (Question No. 47) (5) If the Government were to break these contracts, would the Government have to pay Shell Senator Margetts asked the Minister compensation; if so, how much. representing the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 8 May 1996: Senator Short—The Minister for Adminis- trative Services has provided the following (1)(a) What is the monetary value of government answer to the honourable senator’s question: contracts with the Shell Company of Australia Ltd (Shell) for petrol; and (1)(a) The total estimated value of the common use arrangement for the supply of motor spirits, oils (b) what is the monetary value of the and greases over the three year period 1.1.96 to department’s contracts with Shell for petrol. 31.12.98 is $165 m. Shell is one of four petrol (2)(a) Are there any other government contracts suppliers under this arrangement and it is difficult with Shell for petrol not coordinated by the depart- to estimate their market share. ment; if so, which Commonwealth departments (b) My Department does not have a separate have contracts with Shell. contract with Shell. It accesses the government (3) Who has responsibility for determining petrol contract mentioned in 1(a). contracts for vehicle services such as car fleets, hire (2)(a) My Department is not aware of any other cars, Dasfleet and Comcar. Commonwealth departments having contracts for petrol with Shell. However, some Government (4)(a) What was the process and criteria for Business Enterprises may well have separate choosing Shellcards over other companies; contracts with Shell. (b) was Australian ownership a factor in this (3) Purchasing Australia, a division of my decision; Department, puts in place the common use arrange- (c) when do these contracts come up for renewal; ment for petrol mentioned in 1(a). Dasfleet and and Comcar utilise this government contract. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1665

(4)(a) Public tenders were invited for the provi- Aboriginal Australia is to be a significant part of sion of motor spirit, oils and greases. Appointment the Museum located on the same site. The policy to the panel of suppliers was made following also states that there will be consultation with the evaluation of tenders against a range of criteria stakeholders to ensure the most appropriate lo- which included price, capacity and infrastructure to cation. provide the products, distributor network, fuel card facilities, and delivery times for bulk supplies. Australian Meat and Livestock Shellcards are not the only fuel cards available. Corporation: Market Intelligence Report There are three other petrol suppliers under the contract and each customer chooses the supplier (Question No. 55) which offers the best value for money with regard to its particular requirements. Senator Woodley asked the Minister representing the Minister for Primary Indus- (b) Australian ownership was not a factor in the establishment of this arrangement. tries and Energy, upon notice, on 8 May 1996: (c) The current common use arrangement is due for renewal on 1 January 1999. (1) Is it the case that the market intelligence report produced by the Australian Meat and Live- (d) Common use arrangements for fuel have stock Corporation (AMLC) is now being charged traditionally covered a three year period. for at a cost of $54 per annum. (5) A standing offer may be terminated by the Government, but this is normally only done if the (2) Does the charge also apply to cattle farmers supplier fails to fulfil the agreed terms and condi- who pay the AMLC levy. tions of the arrangement. A claim for damages may (3) Is it reasonable that cattle farmers who pay be filed and would be determined in the courts. a compulsory levy to fund the AMLC should have to pay such a price for the information the AMLC National Museum of Australia: Gallery produces. of Aboriginal Australia Senator Parer—The Minister for Primary (Question No. 52) Industries and Energy has provided the Senator Bourne asked the Minister for following answer to the honourable senator’s Communications and the Arts, upon notice, question: on 8 May 1996: (1 and 2) The AMLC commenced subscription Has the Government established an Acton charging for its market intelligence services from Advisory Committee which will be responsible for 6 May 1996. Registered producers, exporters and all decisions relating to the Gallery of Aboriginal processors (levy payers) that subscribed to these Australia; if so: (a) who are the members of this services were offered discounted subscription rates committee; (b) what was the nature of the ($54 per annum). Other Australian and foreign Government’s decision-making process in selecting subscribers will pay higher subscriptions. The individuals to serve on this committee; (c) have any services are now provided on a paid subscription Aboriginal Australians representing south-east basis only. Australia been appointed to this committee; (d) was the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commis- (3) AMLC is operating on a budget that has been sion (ATSIC) consulted about the proposed significantly reduced in the last three years. The membership of this committee and invited to subscription rates set by the AMLC are geared nominate people who could serve as members; if toward recovery of the cost of maintaining the so, were any of the nominations put forward by AMLC Market Intelligence Unit. Not all registered ATSIC accepted by the Government; (e) is there a levy payers would have regular use for these conflict between the establishment of this commit- services, and continued provision of market intelli- tee as it relates to subsection 5(4), of the National gence information paid for by levy payers to non Museum of Australia Act; (f) why was the Acton levy payers for a low fee, or no fee, would be Advisory Committee established in such a way that considered unreasonable. it is not responsible to the National Museum of The approach adopted by the AMLC, on the Australia Council; and (g) how will the Acton strong recommendation of the Meat Industry Advisory Committee be funded. Council, the current peak industry representative Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- authority, will reduce the burden on levy payers, test the value of this market intelligence informa- able senator’s question is as follows: tion in the market, and is consistent with a less No. The Government’s policy is to develop the regulated environment. This will be of benefit to National Museum of Australia. The Gallery of levy payers. 1666 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Postal Services Narellan Delivery Centre 19 Oct 1993 (Question No. 58) Nelson Bay Delivery Centre 1 Nov 1994 Oak Flats Delivery Centre 20 Oct 1994 Senator Colston asked the Minister for Orange Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 Communications and the Arts, upon notice, Parramatta Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 on 10 May 1996: Parramatta Business Centre 22 Aug 1994 (1) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Penrith South Business Centre 5 Sep 1994 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Penrith South Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in New Phillip Delivery Centre 23 Sep 1993 South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Rockdale Delivery Centre 1 Dec 1993 have opened since 1 July 1993 and on what date did each office, agency or centre commence Sawtell Delivery Centre 1 Dec 1993 operations. Silverwater Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 (2) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Springwood Delivery Centre 29 Nov 1994 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Tamworth Delivery Centre 28 Jun 1994 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in New Tuggeranong Business Centre 8 Mar 1995 South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Tuggeranong Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 have permanently closed since 1 July 1993 and Unanderra Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 when did each closure occur. Wallsend Delivery Centre 18 Jul 1994 (3)(a) Which post offices, post office agencies, Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— mail centres, business centres and mail delivery Braddon 6 Jun 1994 centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post Canberra University 7 Dec 1994 in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have been renamed since 1 July 1993; (b) Charles Sturt University Wagga 30 Jun 1995 what were their original names; (c) when was each Cherrybrook 25 Jul 1994 office or centre renamed; and (d) what are the new Deakin West 24 Oct 1994 names. Erina Fair 27 Mar 1995 Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- Glenquarie 18 Apr 1994 able senator’s question, based on information Green Hills 1 Jun 1995 provided by Australia Post, is as follows: Illawong 1 Jun 1994 Menai Central 19 Dec 1994 (1) The following Offices in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory opened be- Mount Pleasant 14 Sep 1994 tween 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: Mount Hutton 16 Feb 1995 Ocean Shores 2 May 1994 Corporate offices— Plumpton 22 Apr 1994 Alstonville Delivery Centre 1 Dec 1993 Queanbeyan East 4 Apr 1995 Baulkham Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 Ramsgate Beach 22 Aug 1994 Belconnen Business Centre 11 Apr 1994 Suffolk Park 13 Dec 1993 Belconnen Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 Tintenbar 1 Nov 1993 Blacktown Delivery Centre 13 Jan 1995 West Albury 12 Dec 1994 Bondi Junction Delivery Centre 16 Jul 1993 Brookvale Business Centre 19 Sep 1994 Byron Bay Delivery Centre 5 Sep 1994 (2) The following Offices in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory closed between Crows Nest Delivery Centre 8 Sep 1994 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: Forster Delivery Centre 1 Nov 1993 Kirrawee Delivery Centre 19 Oct 1993 Corporate Offices— Long Jetty Delivery Centre 23 Nov 1993 St James 14 Jan 1994 Milperra Delivery Centre 4 May 1994 Sydney Clarence Street 12 Sep 1994 Milperra Business Centre 29 Aug 1994 Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Minto Delivery Centre 19 Oct 1993 (includes those replaced by a Community Mail Mitchell Business Centre 4 Oct 1994 Agency) Mitchell Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 Argenton 30 Sep 1993 Murwillumbah Delivery Centre 1 Mar 1995 Auburn North 29 Apr 1994 Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1667

Auburn West 31 Mar 1994 Lowesdale 24 Jun 1994 Balgowlah North 31 Aug 1994 Lugarno North 29 Dec 1993 Beckom 2 Jul 1993 Lurline Bay 30 Jun 1994 Bega North 9 Sep 1994 Maianbar 2 Jul 1993 Belmore South 28 Apr 1994 Manly Vale 4 Jul 1994 Bigga 17 Mar 1994 Marrickville West 31 Dec 1994 Blackville 13 Jul 1994 Menangle 1 Jun 1994 Blackwall 4 Nov 1993 Merah North 14 Jul 1993 Bookham 30 Jul 1993 Minmi 29 Oct 1993 Bowna 20 Oct 1994 Mitchell 4 Jan 1995 Bradfordville 10 Jan 1994 Mount Kembla 1 Jul 1994 Breadalbane 1 Aug 1993 Murrumburrah 31 Jan 1994 Bronte 30 Jun 1994 Naremburn 19 Jul 1994 Bulga 2 Jul 1993 Nevertire 29 Oct 1993 Buxton 29 Oct 1993 Nulkaba 30 Jul 1993 Carabagal 1 May 1994 Old Junee 29 Nov 1993 Cardiff South 30 Jul 1993 Orange South 1 Apr 1994 Catherine Hill Bay 15 Oct 1993 Page 29 Nov 1993 Cattai 25 Feb 1994 Palm Beach 9 Dec 1994 Cobbitty 31 Oct 1993 Parramatta East 26 Aug 1994 Coledale 6 Oct 1993 Pitt Town 1 Jul 1994 Concord Repat Hospital 6 Jan 1994 Raleigh 31 Jul 1993 Cooks Hill 1 Mar 1995 Ranate Quakers Hill 28 Jan 1994 Cowan 13 Jul 1993 Rockley 20 Aug 1993 Cringilla 24 Dec 1993 Roseville Chase 18 Nov 1994 Daysdale 12 Nov 1993 Rugby 10 Dec 1993 Dudley 16 Jul 1993 Rydal 30 Jun 1994 Dunmore 1 Dec 1993 Sandgate 30 Jul 1993 Euabalong 1 Nov 1993 Saratoga 6 Oct 1994 Eureka 22 Jul 1994 Savernake 30 Jul 1994 Fairlight 21 Jul 1993 Scarborough 29 Oct 1993 Gateshead West 31 Jul 1993 Shelley Beach 30 Sep 1993 Gillieston Heights 31 Aug 1993 Soldiers Point 29 Oct 1993 Goodnight 31 Mar 1994 Stroud Road 1 Jan 1994 Goolmangar 31 Dec 1993 Sydenham 31 Dec 1994 Gundy 30 Jun 1994 Tarago 31 Jul 1993 Heathcote 27 Nov 1993 Tarro 30 Jul 1993 Hermidale 1 Jul 1994 Taylors Arm 1 Dec 1993 Hill End 1 Jul 1994 Tempe 1 Jul 1994 Hinton 30 Jun 1994 Tomingley 2 Aug 1993 Holmesville 30 Oct 1993 Tooma 30 Sep 1994 Hurlstone Terminus 9 Jul 1993 Tuena 16 Jul 1993 Ilford 29 Oct 1993 Ulan 1 Jul 1994 Johns River 1 Mar 1995 Upper Horton 1 Oct 1993 Kearsley 30 Nov 1993 Waitara East 5 Aug 1994 Kentucky 6 Jul 1994 Warriewood 31 Mar 1994 Kinchela Creek 1 Dec 1993 Waterfall 31 Jul 1993 Kurrajong Heights 21 Jun 1995 Waverton 12 Mar 1994 Lane Cove North 9 Sep 1993 Wee Jasper 10 Mar 1994 Lilyfield 31 May 1994 Wentworthville South 7 Jan 1994 Limeburners Creek 31 Aug 1994 Whitebridge 31 Aug 1994 1668 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Williamtown 31 Oct 1993 The following Offices in New South Wales and Wombarra 29 Oct 1993 the Australian Capital Territory were renamed (3)(a)-(d) between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995:

Former Name Date of Change New Name Corporate Offices— Menai 2 Jan 1995 Bangor Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Addison Road 14 Jan 1993 Marrickville Metro Adwill Place 21 Feb 1994 Blenheim Road Barker Centre 5 Jan 1994 Griffith Berkeley Vale 30 Jun 1995 Chittaway Borragul 7 Apr 1994 Woodrising Canberra Monaro Cres 31 Jan 1994 Red Hill Killarney Vale 31 Aug 1994 Bay Village

Postal Services Brunswick Business Centre 24 Mar 1995 (Question No. 59) Bundoora Business Centre 13 Mar 1994 Senator Colston asked the Minister for Bundoora Delivery Centre 14 Feb 1994 Communications and the Arts, upon notice, Carrum Downs Business Centre 1 Jul 1994 on 10 May 1996: Carrum Downs Delivery Centre 9 Nov 1993 Cranbourne Business Centre 30 Jun 1994 (1) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Doncaster Business Centre 23 May 1994 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Epping Delivery Centre 24 May 1995 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Victoria have opened since 1 July 1993 and on Fitzroy Business Centre 30 Nov 1993 what date did each office, agency or centre com- Frankston Business Centre 29 May 1995 mence operations. Geelong Delivery Centre 26 Jul 1993 Geelong Business Centre 27 Jul 1993 (2) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Highett Delivery Centre 16 Jan 1995 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Kew Business Centre 30 Jul 1993 Victoria have permanently closed since 1 July 1993 Melbourne GPO Post Shop 28 Nov 1994 and when did each closure occur. Mount Evelyn Delivery Centre 14 Jun 1994 (3)(a) Which post offices, post office agencies, Mount Martha Delivery Centre 16 Jan 1995 mail centres, business centres and mail delivery Mulgrave Delivery Centre 17 Jan 1994 centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post Mulgrave Business Centre in Victoria have been renamed since 1 July 1993; (Glenways) 7 Mar 1994 (b) what were their original names; (c) when was Narre Warren Business Centre 12 Aug 1993 each office or centre renamed; and (d) what are the new names. Narre Warren Delivery Centre 14 Sep 1993 Newport Delivery Centre 26 Apr 1994 Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- Newport Business Centre 30 Jun 1994 able senator’s question, based on information Niddrie Delivery Centre 8 May 1995 provided by Australia Post, is as follows: North Geelong/Corio Business (1) The following Offices in Victoria opened Centre 22 Sep 1994 between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: Oakleigh Delivery Centre 27 Sep 1993 Corporate Offices— Oakleigh Business Centre 24 Jan 1994 Bentleigh East Business Centre 19 Jun 1995 Ringwood Post Shop 8 May 1994 Bentleigh East Delivery Centre 19 Jun 1995 Rosebank Delivery Centre 23 Dec 1993 Braeside Delivery Centre 13 Jun 1995 Rosebank Business Centre 31 Dec 1993 Braeside Business Centre 13 Jun 1995 Shepparton Business Centre 22 May 1995 Brighton Delivery Centre 14 Feb 1994 Shepparton Delivery Centre 15 May 1995 Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1669

Somerton Delivery Centre 1 May 1994 Glen Forbes 27 May 1994 Somerton Business Centre 30 Jun 1994 Glenormiston 3 Aug 1994 South Melbourne Delivery Centre 14 Feb 1994 Grassmere 29 Oct 1993 South Melbourne Business Centre 1 Sep 1994 Greta South 31 Aug 1994 Toorak Delivery Centre 5 Jul 1994 Greta West 31 Mar 1994 Tullamarine Business Centre 30 Jun 1994 Hamilton North 28 Oct 1994 Werribee Plaza Post Shop 19 Sep 1993 Hedley 1 Jul 1994 Licensed Post Offices (Agencies )— Hexham 31 Mar 1994 Blind Bight 19 Sep 1994 Hoppers Crossing 4 Sep 1993 Cranbourne North 22 Mar 1994 Jarklin 4 Sep 1994 Croydon Hills 1 Aug 1994 Jindivick 15 Mar 1994 Hallam 1 Aug 1994 Jolimont 29 Jul 1994 Hoppers Crossing 2 May 1994 Jung 30 Jun 1994 Meadow Heights 3 Mar 1994 Lancaster 20 Sep 1994 Melton West 1 May 1994 Launching Place 28 Jul 1994 Strathdale 18 Apr 1994 Licola 10 Sep 1993 Taylors Lakes 11 Aug 1994 Llane lly 9 Sep 1994 Wonga Park 3 Oct 1994 Malvern East 20 Oct 1993 (2) The following Offices in Victoria closed Middle Footscray 14 Jul 1993 between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: Millgrove 7 Oct 1994 Molesworth 1 Jul 1994 Corporate Offices— Mont Albert North 17 Aug 1993 Cranbourne Business Centre 20 Jan 1995 Mount Egerton 30 Jul 1993 Frankston 26 May 1995 Murdoch 2 Jul 1993 Market Square Geelong 26 Jul 1993 Natte Yallock 31 Aug 1993 Western Suburbs Parcel Centre 29 Jun 1995 Nerrin Nerrin 2 Sep 1994 Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)—(includes those Port Welshpool 29 Oct 1993 replaced by a Community Mail Agency) Port Franklin 31 Jul 1993 Bamawn 1 Jul 1994 Sandy Point 28 Feb 1994 Bareena 27 Jun 1995 Sedgwick 23 Sep 1994 Beech Forest 30 Jun 1994 Selby 21 Jul 1994 Benarch 30 Jun 1995 Sherbrooke 30 Aug 1993 Berringama 31 May 1994 Smeaton 29 Oct 1993 Borung 31 Aug 1993 St Kilda Junction 30 Nov 1993 Broadwater 28 Oct 1993 Stewart 22 Jul 1994 Buangor 30 Jun 1994 Strathkellar 22 Oct 1993 Bylands 24 Apr 1994 Swan Hill North 30 Sep 1993 Campbelltown 31 Aug 1993 Swanpool 1 Nov 1994 Charman 31 Aug 1993 Tankerton 28 Jul 1994 Comet Hill 30 Oct 1993 Tatong 30 Sep 1993 Coomboona 30 Jul 1993 Tidal River 16 Sep 1993 Corindhap 31 Aug 1993 Towong 31 May 1994 Costerfield 29 Oct 1993 Tysons Reef 12 Aug 1994 Cowangie 4 Jul 1994 Vermont East 10 Sep 1993 Croxton West 1 Jan 1994 Wallington 29 Sep 1994 Curlwaa 23 Jul 1993 Wandiligong 19 Jan 1994 Darlington 13 Jan 1994 Warneet 12 Oct 1993 Durham Ox 1 Aug 1993 Wesburn 28 Jul 1993 Eureka 2 Jul 1993 Woorinen 24 Sep 1993 Eurobin 29 Oct 1993 (3)(a)—(d) The following Offices in Victoria Fawkner West 30 Oct 1993 were renamed between 1 July 1993 and 30 June Glen Iris Upper 8 Feb 1994 1995: 1670 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Former Name Date of Change New Name Corporate Offices— Broadmeadows 6 Jan 1995 Dallas Glenways BC 22 Feb 1995 Mulgrave Business Centre Melb Bourke Street 8 Dec 1994 Melbourne Little Bourke Street Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Broadmeadows Square 6 Jan 1995 Broadmeadows Carrum Downs 30 Sep 1994 Belvedere Park Chadstone 27 Apr 1994 Holmesglen

Postal Services Eagle Farm Business Centre 13 Jun 1995 (Question No. 60) Earlville Business Centre 29 Sep 1994 Senator Colston asked the Minister for Ferny Hills Delivery Centre 4 Feb 1994 Communications and the Arts, upon notice, Goodna Delivery Centre 13 May 1994 on 10 May 1996: Kelvin Grove Business Centre 26 Oct 1994 Kelvin Grove Delivery Centre 4 Feb 1994 (1) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Kingaroy Business Centre 6 May 1994 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Runaway Bay Delivery Centre 17 May 1995 Queensland have opened since 1 July 1993 and on Southport Business Centre 17 Mar 1995 what date did each office, agency or centre com- Stafford Delivery Centre 31 Mar 1994 mence operations. Sumner Park Business Centre 14 Nov 1994 (2) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Surfers Paradise Business Centre 1 Jul 1994 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Tingalpa Business Centre 3 Nov 1994 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Tingalpa Delivery Centre 1 Jul 1994 Queensland have permanently closed since 1 July Toowong Delivery Centre 5 May 1994 1993 and when did each closure occur. Toowong Business Centre 1 Apr 1994 (3)(a) Which post offices, post office agencies, Townsville Delivery Centre 27 Apr 1994 mail centres, business centres and mail delivery centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— in Queensland have been renamed since 1 July Gatton College—Lawes 17 Jan 1994 1993; (b) what were their original names; (c) when Sanctuary Cove 10 May 1995 was each office or centre renamed; and (d) what Southport Park 14 Feb 1994 are the new names. (2) The following Offices in Queensland closed Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: able senator’s question, based on information Corporate Offices— provided by Australia Post, is as follows: Albion 21 Mar 1995 (1) The following Offices in Queensland opened Archerfield Business Centre 19 Sep 1993 between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: Brisbane North Quay Business Centre31 Oct 1994 Corporate offices— Milton Centre 1 Jul 1993 Albion Business Centre 10 Oct 1994 Southport 17 Mar 1995 Albion Delivery Centre 1 Jul 1993 Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Brisbane North Quay Business Centre9 Aug 1993 (including those replaced by a Community Mail Browns Plains Business Centre 4 Oct 1994 Agency) Bundall Delivery Centre 27 Apr 1994 Acland 30 Sep 1994 Burpengary Delivery Centre 12 Apr 1995 Amiens 18 Oct 1993 Caboolture Delivery Centre 12 Apr 1995 Bardon West 26 Oct 1993 Cairns Delivery Centre 1 Jul 1993 Bedourie 17 Jun 1994 Capalaba Business Centre 31 Oct 1994 Benarkin 7 Apr 1994 Capalaba Delivery Centre 1 Jul 1994 Birdsville 20 Oct 1993 Cleveland Delivery Centre 1 Jul 1994 Bowenville 13 Jun 1994 Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1671

Brigalow 1 Nov 1993 Linville 27 Apr 1994 Brighton North Road 27 Jul 1993 Lockhart River 1 Nov 1994 Brighton Gladstone Street 8 Jul 1993 Ma Ma Creek 3 Jun 1994 Builyan 13 Aug 1993 Macknade 29 Oct 1993 Bundamba 30 Dec 1993 Maryborough West 20 Aug 1993 Bungunya 1 Nov 1993 Mater Hospital 21 Jan 1994 Cabarlah 18 Apr 1994 McKinlay 1 July 1994 Carina North 30 Dec 1993 Meringandan 11 Apr 1995 Cooyar 1 Dec 1994 Mingela 30 Oct 1993 Cracow 17 Sep 1993 Mondure 1 Jul 1994 Currumbin Beach 30 Sep 1994 Mount Ossa 1 Jul 1994 Dajarra 6 Jan 1994 Mount Perry 1 Jul 1994 Dalrymple Heights 28 Mar 1994 Mount Tyson 28 Apr 1994 Eagle Farm 31 May 1995 Mungallala 1 Jul 1994 Einasleigh 2 Aug 1993 Ogmore 6 Oct 1993 Eromanga 1 Sep 1993 Omanama 1 Jun 1994 Eulo 14 Dec 1993 Peak Crossing 1 Jul 1994 Garradunga 26 Apr 1994 Peranga 17 Oct 1994 Glen Aplin 1 Nov 1993 Pleystowe 19 Jul 1994 Glenmorgan 1 Jul 1994 Pozieres 1 Jun 1994 Graceville 29 Oct 1993 Severnlea 1 Jul 1994 Grantham 29 Oct 1993 Somerset Dam 18 May 1994 Great Barrier Reef Wonderland 4 Jan 1994 Thornside 24 May 1994 Greenmount 14 Jul 1993 Toobeah 16 Aug 1994 Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital 1 Jul 1994 Torrens Creek 1 Oct 1993 Guluguba 30 Sep 1993 Ubobo 4 Aug 1993 Haden 16 Feb 1994 Wacol 30 Sep 1993 Hawthorne 1 Dec 1993 Westbrook 29 Apr 1994 Hayman Island 27 Jan 1994 Westwood 9 Sep 1993 Heron Island 20 May 1994 Willows Gemfields 2 Jan 1994 Homestead 1 Jul 1993 Woodstock 1 Jul 1994 Inala West 30 Mar 1994 Wyandra 1 Jun 1994 Innot Hot Springs 1 Sep 1993 Yaraka 25 Sep 1993 Jimbour 1 Oct 1993 Yeppoon Savemore Centre 28 Oct 1994 Koongal 30 Sep 1993 (3)(a)-(d) The following Offices in Queensland Kumbia 31 Oct 1994 were renamed between 1 July 1993 and 30 June Lindum 30 Jul 1993 1995:

Former Name Date of Change New Name Corporate Offices— Pialba 2 Sep 1994 Hervey Bay Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Arcadia Bay 1 Nov 1994 Nelly Bay

Postal Services (1) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail (Question No. 61) centres, business centres and mail delivery centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Senator Colston asked the Minister for Western Australia have opened since 1 July 1993 Communications and the Arts, upon notice, and on what date did each office, agency or centre on 10 May 1996: commence operations. 1672 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

(2) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— centres, business centres and mail delivery centres (includes those replaced by a Community Mail operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Agency) Western Australia have permanently closed since 1 July 1993 and when did each closure occur. Bodallin 23 Apr 1994 Gibson 1 Nov 1993 (3) (a) Which post offices, post office agencies, Innaloo South 27 Sep 1993 mail centres, business centres and mail delivery centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post Kirup 1 Sep 1993 in Western Australia have been renamed since 1 Muntadgin 1 Oct 1993 July 1993; (b) what were their original names; (c) Narrikup 1 Oct 1993 when was each office or centre renamed; and (d) Nungarin 1 Feb 1994 what are the new names. Perth Airport 22 Apr 1994 Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- Shay Gap 22 Dec 1993 able senator’s question, based on information University Crawley 20 Jun 1994 provided by Australia Post, is as follows: Perth Parliament House 1 Jul 1994 (1) The following Offices in Western Australia Wittenoom 31 May 1995 opened between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: (3) (a)-(d) No Offices in Western Australia were Corporate Offices— renamed between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995. Albany Business Centre 28 Nov 1994 Postal Services Albany Delivery Centre 7 Sep 1994 (Question No. 62) Bibra Lake Business Centre 2 May 1994 Bibra Lake Delivery Centre 28 Mar 1994 Senator Colston asked the Minister for Inglewood Delivery Centre 1 Feb 1995 Communications and the Arts, upon notice, Innaloo City Post Shop 27 Sep 1993 on 10 May 1996: Joondalup Post Shop 1 Sep 1994 (1) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Joondalup Business Centre 18 Oct 1993 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Joondalup Delivery Centre 27 Jul 1993 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in South Australia and the Northern Territory have Kalgoorlie Delivery Centre 7 Sep 1994 opened since 1 July 1993; and on what date did Kalgoorlie Business Centre 6 Feb 1995 each office, agency or centre commence operations. Kelmscott Business Centre 15 Aug 1994 (2) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Kelmscott Delivery Centre 23 May 1994 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Palmyra Delivery Centre 1 Sep 1994 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Perth East St Georges Terrace 4 Jul 1994 South Australia and the Northern Territory have Perth Business Centre 13 Sep 1993 permanently closed since 1 July 1993; and when Rockingham Business Centre 28 Feb 1994 did each closure occur. Rockingham Delivery Centre 1 Dec 1993 (3)(a) Which post offices, post office agencies, Wangara Delivery Centre 14 Jul 1994 mail centres, business centres and mail delivery Welshpool Delivery Centre 1 Oct 1994 centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in South Australia and the Northern Territory have Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— been renamed since 1 July 1993; (b) what were Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1 Jan 1994 their original names; (c) when was each office or Ocean Reef 28 Oct 1993 centre renamed; and (d) what are the new names. South Lake 6 Jun 1995 Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- Westminster 1 Jun 1995 able senator’s question, based on information (2) The following Offices in Western Australia provided by Australia Post, is as follows: closed between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: (1) The following Offices in South Australia and the Northern Territory opened between 1 July 1993 Corporate Offices— and 30 June 1995: Perth Brisbane Street 10 Sep 1993 Perth Stirling Street 10 Sep 1993 Corporate Offices— Perth Victoria Square 1 Oct 1993 Lonsdale Business Centre 26 Jul 1993 Doubleview 1 Dec 1994 Marleston Delivery Centre 17 Jan 1994 Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1673

Marleston Business Centre 30 Dec 1994 Hynam 30 Jun 1994 Modbury North Delivery Centre 19 Jan 1994 Jabuk 23 Jun 1994 Port Adelaide Business Centre 11 Oct 1993 Jervois 31 Jul 1994 Regency Park Business Centre 19 Jun 1995 Kanmantoo 28 Oct 1993 Regency Park Delivery Centre 19 Jun 1995 Kent Town 31 Oct 1994 Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Ki Ki 22 Oct 1993 Brahma Lodge 19 Sep 1994 Kingston-on-Murray 17 Nov 1994 Cumberland Park 1 Nov 1993 Koolunga 27 Sep 1993 Woodcroft 8 Jul 1993 Kybybolite 28 Oct 1993 (2) The following Offices in South Australia and Longwood 13 Sep 1993 the Northern Territory closed between 1 July 1993 Loveday 31 Mar 1994 and 30 June 1995: Mantung 29 Oct 1993 Corporate Offices— Marama 1 Jun 1994 Adelaide Grenfell Street 30 Sep 1994 Mindarie 5 Nov 1993 Cowandilla 30 Dec 1994 Monarto South 26 Oct 1993 Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Montacute 29 Oct 1993 (includes those replaced by a Community Mail Moorlands 25 Feb 1994 Agency) Mount Bryan 1 Dec 1993 Alford 2 Aug 1993 O B Flat 30 Jun 1994 Allendale East 29 Oct 1993 Oakbank 4 Jul 1994 Appila 18 Oct 1993 Olary 22 Nov 1993 Arthurton 1 Oct 1993 Paracombe 1 Aug 1994 Basket Range 29 Jul 1993 Parilla 30 Sep 1993 Bowhill 29 Oct 1993 Parrakie 27 Oct 1993 Brahma Lodge 12 Oct 1993 Paruna 26 Sep 1994 Brukunga 28 Oct 1993 Paskeville 2 Aug 1993 Butler Tanks 23 Aug 1993 Peake 30 Jul 1993 Cadell 29 Oct 1993 Piccadilly 31 Jan 1994 Carey Gully 2 Aug 1993 Pine Point 1 Nov 1993 Carpenter Rocks 1 Oct 1993 Ramco 1 Oct 1993 Clarence Park 1 Nov 1993 Redhill 20 Sep 1993 Copeville 1 Sep 1994 Sandy Creek 1 Jul 1993 Coromondel Valley 21 Jul 1993 Solomontown 29 Oct 1993 Cudlee Creek 29 Oct 1993 Stirling North Railway 1 Nov 1993 Curramulka 1 Nov 1993 Underdale 30 Jul 1993 Edillilie 6 Jul 1993 Ungarra 1 Nov 1993 Finniss 15 Sep 1993 Whyte Yarcowie 6 Dec 1993 Forest Range 30 Jul 1993 Wynarka 16 Mar 1994 Georgetown 6 Sep 1993 Yaninee 13 Jul 1993 Glencoe West 22 Oct 1993 Yeelanna 6 Jul 1993 Glenelg North Aroona Place 1 Jul 1994 Greenways 26 Jul 1994 (3) (a)-(d) The following Offices in South Halidon 19 Nov 1993 Australia and Northern Territory were renamed HMAS Coonawarra 17 Sep 1993 between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995:

Former Name Date of Change New Name Corporate Offices— Kingswood 10 Oct 1994 Mitcham Shopping Centre Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— Camden Park 29 Sep 1993 Novar Gardens 1674 SENATE Monday, 17 June 1996

Former Name Date of Change New Name Darwin North 15 Jun 1994 Parap Elizabeth Field 2 Jan 1994 Davoren Park North Elizabeth West 2 Jan 1994 Davoren Park South Hillcrest 5 Sep 1994 Gilles Plains

Postal Services Edith Creek 12 Jan 1994 (Question No. 63) Elderslie 30 Apr 1994 Senator Colston asked the Minister for Elliott 30 Oct 1994 Communications and the Arts, upon notice, Legerwood 31 Jul 1993 on 10 May 1996: Lileah 19 Jan 1994 Mawbanna 31 Dec 1993 (1) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Parattah 13 Aug 1993 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Pioneer 19 Nov 1993 Tasmania have opened since 1 July 1993 and on Poatina 31 Jul 1993 what date did each office, agency or centre com- Seven Mile Beach 28 Oct 1993 mence operations. Springfield 25 Feb 1994 (2) Which post offices, post office agencies, mail Strathgordon 28 Feb 1994 centres, business centres and mail delivery centres Sulphur Creek 20 Oct 1993 operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post in Thirlstane 8 Jun 1994 Tasmania have permanently closed since 1 July Trowutta 29 Oct 1993 1993 and when did each closure occur. Tunbridge 9 Jun 1994 (3)(a) Which post offices, post office agencies, Wayatinah 19 Nov 1993 mail centres, business centres and mail delivery centres operated by, or on behalf of, Australia Post (3) (a)-(d) No Offices in Tasmania were renamed in Tasmania have been renamed since 1 July 1993; between 1 July 1993 and (b) what were their original names; (c) when was 30 June 1995: each office or centre renamed; and (d) what are the new names. Defence Purchases Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- (Question No. 64) able senator’s question, based on information Senator Margetts asked the Minister provided by Australia Post, is as follows: representing the Minister for Defence, upon (1) The following Offices in Tasmania opened notice, on 13 May 1996: between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: (1)(a) Can the department confirm the report in Corporate Offices— the Mercury, dated 15 April 1996, ‘State of the art weapons on defence shopping list’, in which it was Hobart Business Centre 1 Jul 1993 stated that: (a) attack helicopters and spy satellites Launceston Business Centre 4 Feb 1994 will be part of a multi-million dollar buying spree Kingston Delivery Centre 1 Jun 1994 plan by the Australian Army; (b) the ‘Army 21’ Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— blueprint for the next 15 years recommends the Nil purchase of a spy satellite such as a Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellite; and (c) the LEO satellite (2) The following Offices in Tasmania closed would operate in conjunction with the proposed between airborne early warning aircraft. 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1995: (2) Is the department examining the possibility Corporate Offices— of purchasing Attack helicopters with missile Nil capability such as the Apache used in the United States during the Gulf War; if so, why. Licensed Post Offices (Agencies)— (includes those replaced by a Community Mail (3)(a) What would be the approximate cost of purchasing up to 50 Attack helicopters; (b) would Agency) any modification be needed for Australian condi- Bushy Park 12 Nov 1993 tions; and (c) what would be the additional costs Dysart 12 Nov 1993 for this. Monday, 17 June 1996 SENATE 1675

(4)(a) What is the approximate cost of imple- (5) The Government will be implementing its menting the ‘Army 21’ proposals; and (b) what proposal as set out in our policy ‘Defending increase in the Defence Budget is being asked for. Australia’ to redistribute resources within Defence from efficiencies within administration. These (5) Will the Government stick to its proposed transfers will be redirected to higher priority cuts of $125 million from Defence given the Defence activities including the enhancement of foreshadowed increase in spending from the ‘Army combat capabilities of the ADF. 21’ blueprint; if not, why not. Humpback Whales Senator Newman—The Minister for De- fence has provided the following answer to (Question No. 81) the honourable senator’s question: Senator Margetts asked the Minister (1) (a)(b) & (c) The Army 21 report has not been representing the Minister for Defence, upon considered by the Government. Recommendations notice, on 27 May 1996: on Army 21, including capability and resource What precautions, if any, are taken by the Royal options, have yet to be addressed through the Australian Navy to avoid or minimise the disturb- Defence planning process. ance of the winter migration of humpback whales on the west and east coasts of Australia. (2)&(3) The need for and cost of purchasing helicopters suitable for Australian operations cannot Senator Newman—The Minister for De- be determined until all options for meeting the fence has provided the following answer to ADF needs for reconnaissance, battlefield fire the honourable senator’s question: support, mobility and utility tasks have been considered. The Royal Australian Navy undertakes appropri- ate seamanship precautions and actions to avoid (4) See (1) above. whales whilst at sea.