Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

WEDNESDAY, 29 AUGUST 1973

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Address in Reply [29 AUGUST 1973] Questions Upon Notice 379

WEDNESDAY, 29 AUGUST 1973

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. W. H. Lonergan, Flinders) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

PAPERS The following papers were laid on the table:- Proclamation under the Justices Act 1886- 1973. Orders in Council under- The Agricultural Bank (Loans) Act of 1959. Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Con­ trol Act 1966-1970. The City of Brisbane Market Acts, 1960 to 1967. The Farm Water Supplies Assistance Acts, 1958 to 1965. The Fisheries Acts, 1957 to 1962. The Soil Conservation Act of 1965. Whe:1t Pool Act 1920-1972. Jury Act 1929-1972. Companies Act 1961-1972. The Magistrates Courts Acts, 1921 to 1964. Regulations under- Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Con- trol Act 1966-1970. Stock Act 1915-1973. Election Act 1915-1973. Queensland Marine Act 1958-1972. By-laws under the Harbours Act 1955- 1972.

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

SALE OF LAND, FORMER GOLD CoAST RAILWAY LINE Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Lands,- ( 1) What associated land has been sold since the closure of the Gold Coast railway line? (2) Who made each purchase and at what price?

Answer:- (1 and 2) "In respect of that part of the former Gold Coast railway line between Ernest Junction and Coolangatta, the railway land in close proximity to Coolangatta was sold by the Com­ missioner for Railways as freehold land at public auction. I do not know the names of the purchasers of those lands or the prices realised. As for the former railway line lands from Ernest Junction to Southport, the freehold land in the former Southport Railway Yards has been set apart as a Reserve for Park and 380 Questions Upon Notice [29 AUGUST 1973) Questions Upon Notice

Recreation Purposes under the control of of major improvements to the: access to the Gold Coast City Council. I under­ Ipswich from both Brisbane as well as stand certain other freehold lands have from the west, with the multi-lane access been disposed of by the Commiss~oner for from Brisbane including such major pro­ Railways. Only two small parcels of the jects as the Rock!ea Overpass, Redbank closed railway line land were disposed of Deviation and grade separation at River­ by my Department, being portion 259, view to quo:e jmt a few. \Vithin the parish of Nerang which was sold to David City of Ipswich itself, a total of $1·5 Harris Blowes and O'Malley Family million has been spent on rcadworks h Investments Pty. Ltd. for $424.18 and the last 5 years." portion 262, parish of Nerang sold to Corporati•m of the Methodist Church of Austraia:-h for $221. The manner of dealing wiLh and disposal of the balance \VINTON-TOWNSVILLE RAIL SERVICE AND FACILITIES of the lands is yet to be determined." Mr. R. .Jmws, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- SOL'TH-EAST£RN BYPASS, IPSWICH AREA (1) Further to his Answer to my Dr. Erlwards, pursuant to not'ce, asked Question on March 23, 1971, is he aware The Minister for Mines,- that, following Ministerial action at that time, the position has deteriorated and the ( 1) What is the present situation in mixed train departing Winton each Sunday regard to planning and design of the and Wednesday night is not being serviced South-eastern Bypass in the Ipswich area? by refreshment rooms en route and that (2) When will construction commence? frequently toilet accommodation is not pro­ (3) What is the estimated time for the vided on the train? construction of the Loamside-Station Road (2) Will he again investigate the situa­ section of the bypass? tion with a view to having these matters Answers:- remedied, to upgrade the standards and service from Winton generally and to ( 1) "The location of the Moreton Shire implement a bi-weekly rail-car service to end uf the bypass has been fixed and Townsville? design of a scheme for same is now in the preliminary stages. However the section from Raceview thr·ough Blackstone to the Answers:- Cunningham Highway east of Ipswich, (1) "Prior to March 23, 1971, the which as the Honourable Member will be train service referred to was worked by a\\ are has many problems associated with a compo-lavatory brake van accommo­ determination of t'nc most economical and dating 16 first-class and 22 economy-class feasible line, is still under study. Several sitting passengers. Subsequent to March, routes have been investigated but at this l 971, the service has been worked by a stage the final one has not been estab­ JCS sleeping car accommodating 10 first­ lished. In all discussions and investigations cl ass and 9 economy-class passengers. in connection with these proposals the This carriage is equipped with toilet Main Roads Department has had full accommodation for each first class and consultation with and co-operation from econcmy class passengers. Despite the the Ipswich City Council." improved accommodation, the patronage has fallen to an average of two passengers (2) "While present planning is for the oniy. The matter of the refreshment Moreton Shire section to be constructed rooms at Homestead and Charters Towers first, lack of knowledge of what funds will catering for these trains will be taken up he available to the Main Roads Depart­ wirh the lessees. The Hughenden Refresh­ ment under the new Commonwealth Aid ment Reams already cater for this train Roads Act due to come into being in service." July J 974, makes the setting of a com­ mencement date ft>r this section imnractic­ (2) "The implementation of a bi-weekly able at this stage, but the Honourable rail-car service to Townsvi!le is not Member can be sure that work will be justified in view of the poor patronage programmed as soon as funds are deter­ being afforded ", ·1.e present service." mined." (3) "Without knowing what financial resources will be available, it is difficult LlflRARY BUILDING, TRINITY BAY to set a construction period but under HIGH ScHooL, CAIRNS normal circumstances it could be antici­ Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked pated that such a scheme might take two years to complete. ·while I regret that to The Minister for Education,- date, it has not been possible to get on (1) Has further consideration been with work on this bypass before now both given to the provision of a library building for reason of problems of location and for the Trinity Bay High School at Cairns financing, the Government has over recent and, if so, have design plans been approved years undertaken a progressive programme and costs estimated? Questions Upon Notice [29 AUGUST 1973] Questions Upon Notice 381

(2) If not, will provision for the new In addition expenditure wholly from State building be included in the triennium Government sources on the original ending 1975? appraisal was of the order of $400,000." (3) If so, when will tenders be called and the work commenced? CASH PRIZES, BOWKETT-TYPE BUILDING Answers:- SoCIETIES ( 1) "The enrolment of the Trinity Bay (a) Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked High School does not give it a high The Minister for Justice,- enough priority for the provision of a (1) Do Art Union Regulations prevent Commonwealth Library in the current the giving of cash prizes for drawings in all triennium which ends in December, 1974." cases other than the Golden Casket and (2) "Consideration is being given to Melbourne Cup sweeps? providing a special new type building (2) Is he aware that Bowkett-type whi~h could be used as a library until building societies conduct public drawings the school qualifies for a Commonwealth which offer cash prizes for members and building." that in most cases the drawings are con­ (3) "It is expected that a decisior1 on ducted in the same manner as raffles and this matter can be made in October." lotteries? (3) Is there any Government super­ vision over such drawings or are they COMMONWEALTH PLANS FOR DEVELOP­ contrary to the Art Unio!1 Regulations? MENT, NORTH QUEENSLAND Mr. Bird, pursuant to notice, asked The Answers:- Premier,- ( 1) "The Art Union Regulation Act ( 1) What positive plans for northern places a general prohibition on money as a development, other than the $5 million for prize in any art union permitted under the the Eton water conservation scheme and Act. However, subject to the necessary the $200,000 for the appraisal of the approval money may be given as a prize Burdekin River, have been advised by the in a sporting double. Subject to the Commonwealth Government to his Collections Act money may be given as a Government following the introduction of prize in certain Melbourne Cup sweeps. phase one of the 1973-74 Commonwealth The conduct of the Golden Casket Art Budget? Union is authorized by the Vagrants, Gaming and Other Offences Act." (2) What contributions will be made by his Government to these schemes? (2 and 3) "The activities of building societies are controlled under legislation Answers:- administered by the Honourable the Minister for Works and Housing." (1) "A repayable amount of $4 · 4 miilion has been made available to Queensland in 1973-74 as a first contribu­ tion towards a programme to promote development of selected urban and (b) Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked regional centres, including the Townsville The Minister for Works,- area. An amount of $50,000 has also (1) Are Bowkett-type building societies been approved for expenditure in 1973-74 controlled under the various building on investigations for a co-ordinated society Acts? development planning study of the Bowen Basin." (2) Are cash prizes offered by these societies permitted under the various Acts (2) "The norJ-repayable grant of up to controlling building societies or by the $5 million towards the cost of construct­ rules of the societies? ing Kin:::hant Dam (Eton project) is subject to a commitment by the Queens­ (3) Does his Department have any land Government to undertake the supervision over these drawings or are remainder of the works included in the the societies permitted to conduct the project-the total estimated cost of this drawings in any way they desire? project (as at December 1972) was ( 4) Does a member who was advised by $10,150,000. A condition of the allocation a society of his success in a drawing and of $200,000 in 1973-74, for investigations who was further advised four days later commissioned by the Commonwealth­ that his previous advice was a mistake, State Burdekin Project Committee, is that have any redress against the company the Queensland Government matches this through the Registrar of Building Societies? e;penditure on a dollar for dollar basis. It would, of course, be appropriate to Answers:- mention here that my Government has (1) "Yes. Building Societies Act 1886- already spent from its own resources more 1972." thnn $148,000 in the last two financial (2) "Cash prizes are not offered by this years on a re-appraisal of this scheme. type of society." 382 Questions Upon Notice [29 AUGUST 1973] Questions Upon Notice

(3) "Not applicable as cash prizes are ADDITIONAL TAXI LICENCES, BRISBANE not offered. (This office does not supervise Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked The the ballots)." Minister for Transport,- ( 4) "A member may complain to the ( 1) Due to the continuing difficulty in Registrar of Building Societies." obtaining a reliable taxi service in Brisbane and in view of his report that 171 appli­ cations were made for the 100 new licences recently issued, will he consider the issuing FAUNA SANCTUARIES of further licences? Mr. R. E. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked (2) Will he take the necessary steps to The Minister for Primary Industries,- improve the service, especially at the ( 1) What is the total area of (a) land, Brisbane Airport and during the night? (b) islands and (c) private land gazetted as fauna sanctuaries? Answer:- (2) Are all National Parks fauna (1 and 2) "The Honourable Member sanctuaries? has apparently assumed that the 171 appli­ cants for the advertised 100 additional (3) Are the Torres Strait islands fauna licences will all meet the conditions of sanctuaries? application and the requirements of the Transport Act and Regulations. This has Answers:- yet to be determined by the Commissioner ( I) "(a) 16,870,417 acres, plus the area for Transport after specific enquiry so that of all islands off the Queensland coast; any further issue of licences must be a (b) all islands are gazetted but total separate and distinct consideration by me. acreage not available. (c) 6,435,441 Taxi services generally will be kept under acres." review having regard to the issue of the (2) "Yes." additional licences and the effect of such issue on the specific problem areas men­ (3) "Yes." tioned."

PAYMENT OF TEACHERS' SALARIES, CoMPLAINTs TO CoNSUMER AFFAIRS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY BuREAU CONCERNING MOTOR KINDERGARTENS VEHICLES Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. R. E. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked Minister for Education,- The Minister for Justice,- As the extra money promised in the In view of the large number of com­ Commonwealth Budget for education plaints lodged with the Consumer Affairs should free State Government resources Bureau in the last year concerning motor and allow a considerable increase in grants vehicles, what was the principal cause of in certain areas, and as the report by the complaint and what action has been taken Commonwealth Pre-school Commission, by the bureau to bring about a reduction which is soon to be released, will in the number of complaints lodged? undoubtedly make additional money avail­ able, will his Department give urgent con­ Answer:- sideration to paying the full salary of "The principal cause of complaint con­ teachers at independent community kinder­ cerning motor vehicles received by the gartens and assume full responsibility for Consumer Affairs Bureau during the year them without interfering with the functions ended June 30, 1973, arose from faults in of the committees? second-hand vehicles. Complaints arising out of such transactions are often compli­ Answer:- cated by various factors including the age "The development of a comprehensive of the vehicle, its general condition, the system of State pre-school facilities amount of use or abuse it has received throughout Queensland will involve the and the terms and conditions under which Government in greatly increased expendi­ it was purchased. While there is no reason ture on the pre-school sector over the to suspect the honesty of many reputable coming years. It is not known at this stage dealers, there are fringe operators who, how much, or under what conditions, short of breaking the law, will attempt to Commonwealth funds will be available to ensnare potential purchasers of second­ assist the Government's own initiatives in hand vehicles by any means at their this area. With regard to independent disposal. The Commissioner for Consumer community kindergartens the Government Affairs advises an R.A.C.Q. inspection or has accepted responsibility for providing a a report by a competent and trustworthy measure of general financial assistance to motor mechanic as the most reliable safe­ local communities. This assistance has guard for a consumer contemplating the increased by some 300 per cent. over the purchase of a second-hand motor vehicle." past three years. Any further increases in Questions Upon Notice [29 AUGUST 1973] Questions Without Notice 383

such general financial assistance, however, QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE is a matter which must be considered in URANGAN BOAT HARBOUR relation to general budgetary planning." Mr. BLAKE: I ask the Minister for Conservation, Marine and Aboriginal Affairs: OUTPATIENT CLINIC, MAGNETIC Is he aware that boats are being damaged IsLAND and persons injured on the eastern rock wall of Urangan boat harbour because of its Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The submergence in part at high tide, and will he Minister for Health,- act with a view to having markers erected ( 1) As a considerable number of my immediately to prevent further casualties? constituents travel to and holiday on Mag­ netic Island, what progress has been made Mr. N. T. E. HEWITT: Yesterday my towards the provision of a new hospital attention was drawn to the fact that prob­ outpatients' clinic on the island? lems are being experienced at Urangan, and l have arranged for the department's senior (2) How many times have tenders been engineer, Mr. Britton, ,to make inquiries and called for the erection of a clinic and what submit a report in due course. were the results? SUGGESTED ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE Answer:- BROTHELS ( 1 and 2) "Approval has been given for Mr. HINZE: I ask the Minister for the acceptance of a tender for the con­ struction of a new outpatients' centre on Health:- Magnetic Island. Details of the accepted 1. Has his attention been drawn to an tender will be furnished to the Honourable article in "The Courier-Mail" of 25 Member." August, wherein it was reported that the Young Lab or Association Brisbane Branch, with the support of the Young Labor CONFISCATION OF VEHICLE OF DRIVER northern regional conference, wants the WITH EXPIRED LICENCE former Bellevue Hotel converted into a Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Government-controlled brothel? Minister for Mines,- 2. If so, and as this group also carried ( 1) Is he aware that on August 11 a resolutions in support of homosexuality, well-known and reputable businessman marijuana-smoking, legalised prostitution seeking to have his driver's licence renewed with price control, lesbianism and other at a north-side police station had his car examples of modern A.L.P. "enlightened taken from him and locked up at the thinking," will he inform the House if station and the keys held, due to the fact representations have been subsequently that through an oversight the licence had made to him by a prominent A.L.P. expired on July 27 and that his property parliamentarian to have all these repug­ was held until he was able to produce a nant practices carried out at the former doctor's certificate regarding his ability to Bellevue Hotel building, which these drive? people consider should be named "Govern­ ment House of 'Infamy and Moral (2) To save embarrassment to people Corruption," specialising in the odious sale who do not consciously break the law of human functions and bodies? will he again give consideration t; instituting a reminder service to those 3. Will he inform the House whether whose driver's licence is about to expire? he favours the establishment of State brothels, as requested? Answer:- Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I am not at all (1 and 2) "This matter is outside my happy about the tenor of the question. How­ Ministerial responsibilities." ever, I will leave it to the Minister. Mr. TOOTH: First of all, I thank the MoTOR VEHICLE DEALERS' LICENCES honourable member for his courtesy in Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice asked informing me beforehand that he proposed to The Minister for Justice,- ' ask a question on this subject. In reply, I ( 1) How many motor vehicle dealers' have seen the article referred to. My first licences have been issued under the reaction was that it was a facetious attempt Auctioneers and Agents Act by the com­ to reflect upon the present use to which the mittee since it commenced in 1972? Bellevue Hotel building is being put. But when a further proposal urging the lower­ (2) How many were new licences and ing of the age of consent to 15 years was how many were renewals? adopted, I was forced to the conclusion that Answers:- both proposals were intended to be con­ sidered seriously. (1) "2,779 to August 16, 1973." I have received no representations from (2) "New licences, 1,435; renewals, any prominent member of the A.L.P. on 1,344." these matters, nor do I expect to receive 384 Questions Without Notice [29 AUGUST 1973] Questions Without Notice any, notwithstanding the fact that we have If any honourable member feels that I it on the authority of the Honourable the am overstating the case, I assure him that Prime Minister himself that the Australian there is extensive literature on the subject Labor Party is a male-dominated party. and I would be glad to make a relevant I personally would not support such a bibliography available to him. I take the proposal, and I do not favour the establish­ opportunity of laying a bibliography on this ment of State brothels as suggested or subject on the table of the House. requested. But I do feel that this matter Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid should be treated seriously. This sort of the bibliography referred to on the table. suggestion is being made from time to time and I think that the legal position as well CASH PRIZES, BOWKETT-TYPE BUILDING as the over-all situation should be clarified SOCIETIES once again, just as was done in this House earlier in the year while certain legislative JV1r. CASEY: l ask the Minister for Works amendments were under debate. and Housing: In view of his answer to my que,tion this morning concerning Bowkett­ I would remind honourable membcrs-I type building societies, in which he said that am sure all of them are interested-that the cash prizes are not offered by this type of former Commonwealth Government commit­ society, and as I have documentary proof ted Australia to the International Convention that they are, and further proof that as their for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons dra·.vings are not supervised in any way they and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of can, and have, welshed on notified ballot­ Others. winners, will he have an immediate investi­ I direct the attention of honourable mem­ gation made into the activities of Bowkett bers particularly to Articles 1 and 2 of the societies in an effort to tighten up on these Convention, to which we have subscribed. mal practices? Article l reads- HODGES: If the honourable member "The Parties to the present Convention has d,:finite information concerning any agree to punish any person who, to gratify specific person or organisation, 1 would be the pa~<;;ions of another: pleased to receive it and pass it on to the 1. Procures, entices or leads away, for Registrar of Building Societies. the purposes of prostitution, another per­ son, even with the consent of that URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT; RAIL LINK person; TO REDCLIFFE PENINSULA 2. Exploits the prostitution of another person, even with the consent of that Mr. R. JONES: I ask the Minister for person." Transport: With reference to the Australian Article 2 rcad-;- Government's plan to provide two-thirds "The Parties to the present Convention of the cost of improving urban public further agree to punish any person who: transport, did he, on behalf of the Queens­ land Government, submit that the programme 1. Keeps or manages, or knowingly for the next five years should include finances or takes part in the financing of electrification of the Brisbane suburban rail a brothel; system? If so, did the Queensland sub­ 2, Knowingly lets or rents a building mission also include a proposal for a con­ or other place or any part thereof for necting rail link to the Redcliffe Peninsula the purpose of the prostitution of others." area? would be surprised, and indeed appalled, if the present Commonwealth Government Mr. K. W. HOOPER: I sincerely hope that were to reverse or even consider a reversal two-thirds is the actual proportion that the of our committal to this Convention. I do Federal Government intends to give Queens­ not think it is likely to do so. land. This is what it promised, but so far that commitment has not been indicated. I take this opportunity to place on record my continuing amazement that proposals such As to the second part of the honourable as this, when made from time to time, do member's question, Redcliffe was certainly not produce an outraged reaction from included in the survey. various women's organisations. I cannot imagine any more blatant and insulting form REGULATIONS, SURVEY OF FISHING VESSELS of sex discrimination than the suggestion that prostitution should be legalised. Fur­ Mr. R. JONES: I ask the iVIinister for ther, it should be noted that brothels, Conservation, Marine and Aboriginal Affairs: whether legalised or merely tolerated, are Following the deputation from the Cairns part of the mechanics of the world-wide Professional Game Fishing Association which traffic in women and girls, which is an object met him at Innisfail on 9 July last, was an of great concern to certain United Nations assurance given that members of the Marine agencies and is of very considerable propor­ Board of Queensland would meet the associa­ tion. Any overt or implied approval of such tion in Cairns before the end of August to places could well be interpreted in other discuss desired changes to the existing parts of the world as a condonation of the survey regulations? If so, what arrangements whole revolting traffic. have been made? Ministerial Statement [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest 385

Mr. N. T. E. HEWITT: It is correct that It is a matter of concern to me and to the Premier and I met a deputation from my administration that advertisements pur­ the game-fishing association while in Innisfail. porting to be inserted by the management of Assurances were given that a full investigation Blue and White Cabs Ltd. from time to time, would take place before any definite standards and in particular in "The Courier-Mail" of were set. On my return to Brisbane I dis­ 28 August, should seek to misrepresent that cussed the matter with the Director of a ballot had been held, and that the com­ Harbours and Marine, the Chairman of the pany had been successful in obtaining 60 Marine Board {Captain Hildebrand) and the ballot licences, 40 of which were now avail­ Senior Marine Surveyor (Mr. Bob Pearce). able for lease at $40 per week. Since then, these officers have been studying I would inform honourable members that every aspect of standards in both Australia neither the company concerned nor any other and New Zealand. Before arriving at a company has been issued with any of these conclusion on the standards to be set, we licences, nor has any undertaking been made thought this should be done as we realise or presumed to be made that they would how important big-game fishing is to Queens­ be entitled to hold such licences. In fact, land. It is my intention to recommend to no ballot of the 171 applications received Cabinet that the Senior Marine Surveyor for the 100 licences has been held, and at (Mr. Bob Pearce) be sent overseas to have a this point of time, until all applications have look particularly at the position in the United been checked as required by the law, no-one States of America. is in a position to say whether a ballot will In relation to Mr. Pearce's proposed visit be necessary. No ballot has been held at to Cairns, it was intended that he should be this time. there early in September, 1but unfortunately I would refer also to the question of leasing, it now looks as if he will not be there before and inform honourable members that any mid-September. leasing arrangement must have the approval of the Commissioner for Transport under MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Section 17 of the Transport Act and any ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL TAXI-CAB attempt by any prospective licence-holder LICENCES, BRISBANE or present licence-holder to circumvent the law or the conditions of his application by Hon. K. W. HOOPER '(Greenslopes­ any illegal arrangement will call for appro­ Minister for Transport) (12 noon): Honour­ priate action to be taken. able members will be aware of the action taken by the Government to increase the All necessary steps have been taken and number of taxi-meter cab licences in the will be taken as provided by the law to Brisbane district following an examination safeguard the interests of reputable applic­ of the need to improve the city's taxi ser­ ants and present licence-holders from the vices and the many complaints that had been activities of persons whose credibility within received from the public. the taxi industry, as well as to the public generally, must be seriously questioned. Applications for 100 additional licences closed at 11 a.m. last Monday, 27 August. Some 171 applications were received. Under MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST the State Transport Act, if the Commissioner for Transport is satisfied that two or more YouTH AND CoNTEMPORARY SociAL IssuEs applications to purchase a licence are equally Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Chatsworth) (12.4 advantageous in the public interest and that p.m.): Last week-end a conference of Young the applicants are respectively competent Labor expressed itself forcefully and freely and qualified to hold the proposed licence, upon a number of social issues. It would the Commissioner shall decide the applica­ be a temptation to members on this side tion to be granted by ballot. of the House to seek to gain some political Apart from the observance by the applic­ capital from such expressions and to try ants of the conditions of application, which to embarrass our political opponents. But are being determined, the Transport Act and it would be sheer folly to attempt to do so, Regulations also require the Commissioner because such issues are discussed these days for Transport to be satisfied, amongst other not by Young Labor alone but by most matters, that an applicant is a fit and proper young political groups. person to be issued with a licence. Only a few weeks prior to the Young I would specifically mention that the con­ Labor Conference, a Young Liberal Winter ditions of application provide, inter alia:­ School applied itself to the same issues and, "6. The applicant must not at the time by and large, adopted the same attitudes. of application be the licensee of a taxi The Young Liberals did, however, stand cab licence. apart on the lowering of the age of consent, "17. Except as approved by the Com­ and I am pleased about that. missioner for Transport in extraordinary As young people are talking about these circumstances, the applicant will be pro­ issues, I suppose the Legislature, also, has to hibited from selling or otherwise disposing listen to what they are saying. They are of the licence for a period of five (5) perfectly entitled to speak about these very years from the date it is issued." sensitive social issues. These are times when 13 386 Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest the spotlight is thrown upon everything, and harmful and therefore its use should be nothing is spared from the arena of public allowed. Why run the risks? If people dialogue. This in itself is probably right had recognised 100 years ago the social and proper. It is good that young people impact of tobacco and alcohol, would they should discuss these matters and develop have been so liberal in their attitude? I attitudes towards them. But when they think not! So why take the risk? introduce these subjects to their agendas time I pose a further question to the young and time again, they run the risk of being people of today: As life is so exhilarating accused of pre-occupation with these and thrilling, and so full of opportunity, why matters, which in the broad spectrum are do they want to bend their minds anyway? not terribly important in any case. They I would have thought that there was never run the greater risk of oversimplification, another time when a person would be in and I shall touch upon that in a moment. such need of clear thought so that he could The worst pitfall is to advance slick solutions enjoy these wonderful things. Those of us to these very sensitive problems. People are who can recall the depression of the 1930's fundamentally wrong in trying to lay down and a childhood of some deprivation would strict doctrinaire attitudes to these issues. have had greater reason then to try to opt I believe that on subjects such as this out of society than young people have today. the conscience of individual members must I presume to advise these young political prevail, and that parties must be reluctant groups. Rather than take the risk of intro­ to impose discipline upon their parliamentary ducing new problems, they should tackle members. I dare say I speak for many of some of the old problems. If they did my colleagues when I say that I would refuse that, they would make a wonderful con­ to accept discipline on many of these things tribution to their respective parties. I isolate if it ran contrary to my strong personal two matters to which young people should views on them. apply themselves: the road toll and the grow­ To dwell for a moment on my accusation ing incidence of alcoholism-and believe that of slick oversimplification, I shall deal first the first is heavily attributable to the second. with the suggestion that prostitution should If young people put weight on their parties be legalised, and that it would be a good and said, "This is a great problem", they thing if brothels were reintroduced. The would be making a very useful contribution. Minister for Health did Parliament a service this morning when he referred to conventions "Rydges Journal" of April 1972 pointed that had expressed themselves forcefully out- upon this issue-the strong contention that " Alcoholism is a vicious and insidious prostitution and brothels lead to the white­ disease that thrives on community and slave trade and all the inherent evils within industrial indifference. Rated as the fourth it. Not only have international conventions most serious health problem in the world, expressed themselves on this matter; the it is outranked only by mental illness, Wolfenden Report also spoke strongly about heart disease and cancer." it and blew to pieces the many points of view put forward in support of legalised The "Health Economics Service Bulletin" prostitution. On this matter, firstly, there is advised- slick oversimplification. "The cost of each alcoholic to the These days there is increasing pressure to community is more than $800 a year. That remove the force of law from consenting adds up to $57 million a year in Victoria adults who commit homosexual acts in alone." private. In that narrow context alone, I suppose an argument can be sustained. But If there is not a clear challenge here for experience overseas has already shown that young people, I do not know where challenges this is always the wedge in the door. We exist. These are social problems here and run the risk of these practices gaining now, existing with all their deprivation and respectability and society accepting them. misery. Political parties of all colours are Worst of all is the assertion that homo­ indifferent to the problem of alcoholism, I sexuals living together in this State have often think, because most of us are moderate a claim against the State for housing. Over­ drinkers and do not think it happens or seas they have sought the right to adopt that it can happen. There is obviously an children, and are even demanding of the area where these young groups can influence church that such unions be sanctified. I their parties to great advantage. I say find it hard to imagine anything more again that while they have this entitlement repugnant. to apply themselves to these problems, they run the risk of being accused of preoccupa­ Likewise arguments relative to abortion tion with them, and certainly they run the can easily be advanced in a slick over­ risk of oversimplifying them. simplified way. Abortion on demand degrades society and cheapens life, which we Recently I came across a hymn written by hold very dear. Rudyard Kipling, two lines of which jumped Lastly, the sensitive area I touch upon out of the page at me. They read­ concerns drugs. There is now an attitude in "Teach us delight in simple things vogue that it is not proven that marijuana is And mirth that has no Litter springs." Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest 387

Kipling wrote that at the turn of the century as they apply only in North Queensland. but, pondering upon those words, they have Other parts of the State will not be similarly current relevance, significance and value. They affected. could have been written yesterday, and they It has been said that the increases are can be commended with great virtue to discriminatory against the North. I could not young people in today's contemporary society. agree more. They are even more discrim­ inatory against pensioner home-owners. I INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN NORTH feel that it is well overdue for the Govern­ QUEENSLAND ment to consider equalising storm and tempest insurance premiums throughout the State. Mr. R. JONES (Cairns) (12.13 p.m.): Today I cannot be convinced that weather con­ I speak as a North Queenslander. In North ditions in the North are any worse than they Queensland, cyclones are well known for the are in the South. Although it may be said devastation they cause and are therefore that South Quensland does not experience treated with great respect. The fierce and cyclones, it is certainly subject to winds of indiscriminate rise in premiums for storm cyclonic force. In addition, it has the hazard and tempest and fire insurance in the coastal of frequent hailstorms. areas of North Queensland and Far North Queensland has wrought financial havoc on Nor can I be convinced that there are the people and left an aftermath of dis­ more fires in homes and properties in north­ content. This is another instance of inequit­ ern areas than there are in the more able treatment for the North. Once again, populous areas of So?th Queens!an~. The its people have been treated less favourably zoning system is unJUSt, and It IS very than their counterparts in the southern por­ strongly resented by the people of North tion of the State. This is a travesty of Queensland. It is said that ~nsurance prem­ justice. iums reflect the degree of nsk of exposure to cyclonic weather. North Queensland is Insurance companies in a whirlwind deci­ in zone 1, which extends from St. Lawrence sion inflicted this increase and left the North to the Great Dividing Range, and north-west virtually in a vortex. It was a wrong to the Gulf of Carpentaria near Mitchell decision and the result has been a windfall River. Why should the owner of a timber for the insurance companies. I relate my dwelling in that area have to pay more than comments particularly to the coastal zone three times the premium for storm and of North Queensland where increases of up tempest insurance cover that is paid by a to 300 per cent have been applied to pre­ fellow Queenslander who resides in a miums for storm and tempest and fire similar house in Brisbane or any other insurance since 1 April 1973. That date southern centre? It is not fair that, com­ probably has some significance as it is also pared with those in other zones, people in celebrated as April Fools' Day. zone 1 should be required to pay such rates. Apparently the insurance companies, under Owners of residential timber buildings in the auspices of the Fire and Accident Under­ zone 1 are to be required to pay a premium writers Association, as I think it is called, of $4.70 for each $1,000 of the sum conducted a survey on the impact of claims insured. The comparable premium in zone 2 paid, and their financial wizards decided that is $1.50, and in zone 3 $1.88. I do not they must recoup their total so-called losses believe that cyclones can be used as a basis in the next financial year. No thought was for such monstrous and burdensome increases given to the premiums that had been which make premiums up to 313 per cent received back to the early part of the cen­ higher than those applicable in Brisbane. tury for cyclone, storm and tempest, and Why should there not be an e~ualising. of fire insurance. premiums? One precedent for this suggest!on I give a typical example of the effect of that comes to mind is the petrol rationalisa­ increased premiums on a householder in the tion scheme under which great differences in electorate of Cairns. In 1972, the premium petrol prices have been removed. North for storm and tempest insurance cover was Queensla_nders. are. I!! orally entitled to sim­ $50.88. In 1973, it was $71.95. The ilar consideratiOn m msurance charges. After premium for fire insurance was $5.09, and all, we are supposed to be living in a decen­ that was increased to $11.69. There was a tralised State. difference of $21.07 in one year in the In earlier days, North Queenslanders were premium for storm and tempest insurance, encouraged to go to ,the North as pioneers, and $6.60 in the case of fire insurance. Those and I do not think that those who live in the figures show a total increase of $27.67 in cyclone belt should suffer an imposition in insurance premiums. From $55.97 they went the form of higher insurance premiums. They up to $83.64 in one year. are already subject to inconvenience, damage, Householders were not the only ones injury, heartbreak, and even death from affected. I have received similar complaints cyclones and now ,they are being required from the Babinda Mill Suppliers' Committee, to pay dearly for the privilege of living in the Cairns District Cane Growers' Executive, the area. local councils and other bodies, and myriads Another point I wish to emphasise is that of Far North Queenslanders. All have pro­ for years banks, building societies, the War tested against the staggering rises, particularly Service Homes Branch and the Queensland 388 Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest

Housing Commission have insisted that is one of the worst Budgets brought down additional protection in the form of heavier by any Government and is designed to cause building frames, cyclone bolts, stronger glass, a drift from the country to the cities­ and so on, be provided for homes in North further evidence of Labor's opposition to Queensland. Why should people living in decentralisation. the North have to pay ·twice? Under Gov­ However, the worst feature of the Budget ernment regulations, they are already paying is the vicious increase in excise duty on more to have homes built that are cyclone­ petrol, causing an increase of 5c a gallon in proof. Simple members in walls, roofs, and both wholesale and retail prices. This increase, so on, cost twice as much as •they do in designed to bring in about $157,000,000 a other areas, not even taking into account year, will mainly hit people who live outside additional freight and other costs. the metropolitan area. One certainly wonders The application of these fire and storm how members of the A.L.P. representing and tempest premiums is inequitable and country electorates in this House will explain does not conform in any way with the con­ this to their constituents. They should hang cept of sharing the burden. The rates have their heads in shame for being associated been loaded in favour of the other two zones. with a party that is so obviously centralist I believe that insurance was intended orig­ in its attitudes. inally to ease ·the risk for the individual by Even Mr. Dunstan, the Labor Premier of spreading the cost over the whole field, but South Australia, disapproved of the increase cyclones are now used to justify this savage of 5c a gallon in excise on petrol. He increase. If houses and buildings are made described the move as inflationary-he was cyclone-proof, they should attract a rebate, quite correct there-and undesirable, and said not a loading. However, the people of that it would have been better to pick up North Queensland are now encumbered with additional revenue in direct taxation increases. heavier premiums. And only recently, Mr. Enderby, one of It has been said that, because of the calls Labor's Federal Ministers, said he wished to made on insurance companies recently in keep the price of petrol down. the aftermath of cyclone Althea, North The Premier of New South Wales, Sir Queenslanders should be responsible for Robert Askin, came up with the best idea for meeting in one year ·the cost of the pay-out keeping the price of petrol down-the reduc­ in the preceding year. I reject that sug­ tion of excise duty. The New South Wales gestion completely. No such re-assessment Opposition Leader, Mr. Hills, promised to was made when disasters occurred at KiJ.l­ reduce the price of petrol in New South arney and the Gold Coast as a result of wind Wales by 5c or 6c a gallon if Labor gained velocity. Cyclones do not necessarily strike office in that State, but his Federal bosses the Queensland coast north of an imagin­ ha:ve now decided to increase the price of ary line at St. Lawrence with a greater velocity petrol by raising the excise duty by 5c a or more frequency than they do south of gallon. that line. If it could be proved that that did happen, I would then require it to be The people hardest hit by this increase in proved that the possible damage would be the price of petrol are those pensioners in 300 per cent higher than it would be in the country areas who are fortunate enough to zone based on Brisbane. The Liberal­ own a motor vehicle, which is a necessity Country Party Government speaks of decen­ for pensioners who live in a country area, and tralisation, yet areas outside Brisbane are particularly for those in my electorate. zoned to their detriment by the Insurance Mr. Houston: You won't give them a home Commissioner. That is a deviation from the if they own a motor-car. principle of decentralisation. Mr. FRAWLEY: If the honourable mem­ This matter is important to the people of ber will wait, I have something for him North Quensland, and it has been suggested later. that it was considered recently by Cabinet. It is about time that the people in the North The attitude of the Federal Government heard something from the Treasurer and the is quite clear. Its view is that pensioners Premier of their intentions in this regard, and others in similar circumstances should because I do not believe that these people not own a motor vehicle. The pensioner, should be treated less favourably than people who is in the twilight of his life, should in other areas of the State. be given every consideration. If I had my (Time expired). way, he would get his petrol free of excise. The pensioner who buys his meagre $2 INCREASE IN EXCISE DUTY ON PETROL worth of petrol a week now will have to pay $2.20 for it, an increase of 10 per cent, Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (12.23 p.m.): plus all the other costs associated with The matter I wish to raise today is of great running a motor vehicle, many of which will public interest. The Budget brought down also increase. In country areas, because of recently by the Left-Wing-controlled Federal the increase in price differential, the price Government, which is governing under the of petrol will increase by a further 2c or name of the A.L.P., was surely aimed at 3c a gallon, thus imposing a further burden sections of the Australian community that on the people in those areas, particularly can least afford to meet increased costs. It pensioners. Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest 389

The Federal Government thinks that by with its encouragement of a permissive g1vmg pensioners an increase of $1.50 a society, is not interested in doing this. Civil week in their pensions, they will not realise disorder is one of the weapons it uses to how they are being fleeced in other directions. destroy our society. An increase of $1.50 represents a rise of 7 In the oil industry, over the past few per cent, but the cost of living will go up years every major strike or disruption can by 12 or even 15 per cent. Of course, the be laid at the door of the A.L.P. or their vicious rise in this excise duty is designed fellow-travellers, the Communists. The blame to restrict the use of the motor vehicle for much of the increase in the price of and, at the same time, to gain revenue. petrol can therefore be laid at the door of A delegate from the Western Australian those people. Laurie Carmichael, Assistant A.L.P. moved a motion at the 1973 Federal Secretary of the Amalgamated Metal Work­ A.L.P. conference at Surfers Paradise that ers' Union, is a member of the National the Federal Minister for Transport (Mr. Committee of the Communist Party. He Jones) be asked to consider restricting each controls the Victorian oil maintenance family unit to one vehicle as a means of workers through Mr. Halfpenny, who is also reducing congestion on the roads. The motion a well-known Communist and member of the was carried, and the Leader of the Opposi­ A.L.P. It might be appropriate to mention tion and the honourable member for Lytton now that the Socialist Workers' League, an voted for it. If that is not irrefutable extreme Left political party that believes in evidence that the Left-wing Communists the theories of Trotsky, has as its main control the A.L.P., I do not know what is. object the infiltration of the A.L.P., and It is a typical Communist activity to inter­ Carmichael and Halfpenny are both ardent fere with the civil rights of the people. If supporters of this group. ever the Australian people allow this to Other supporters of the Socialist Workers' occur, it will not be long before they are League are the "sit-down" Senator Georges told what type of vehicle they drive. Those and his stooge, the honourable member for in the Opposition who have been wined and Everton, who also is an associate of Com­ dined in Moscow probably will want us to munists. The Socialist Workers' Youth drive Russian Zivs. Group also has infiltrated into the Young A family does not always travel as a Labor Movement, at last week-end's con­ unit. This applies particularly to country ference of which an attempt was made to areas, where often the mother has to trans­ convey the impression that they are opposed port children to school or to meet a school to Communism. One of the delegates moved bus. Years ago it was possible for children an emergency motion, as another delegate to walk to school, but today it is very was suspected of being a Communist. Natur­ dangerous for a young child to walk along ally, steps were taken to clear him of all a road alone. Therefore, with families living suspicion. outside the metropolitan area a second car As a result of the increase in petrol is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Know­ prices, bus fares will also increase very ing how great the public outcry would be if soon-probably within the next month. The such a suggestion was adopted, Mr. Jones Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman Jones, shelved the motion for further investigation. praised the Budget. He was speaking with It is not only pensioners, but the general tongue in cheek when he said that the Federal public also, who will be seriously affected Budget would benefit Brisbane people. It by the increase of excise duty on petrol. would be far better if he and his fellow administrators gave the people in the North An Opposition Member: You don't know Pine River Dam area a fair deal. They what you are talking about. have had their land resumed and have Mr. FRAWLEY: I am talking about the received paltry compensation from the Bris­ increase in the price of petrol and unlike bane City Council. Some of them have not some members of the Opposition, I do know even been paid yet. what I am talking about. The Leader of the Opposition said there Local allthorities may have to either was nothing basically wrong with the Budget. increase rates or restrict work to cope with Of course, he had to say that or lose his the increase in excise duty. Dairy farmers chance of getting one of the "jobs for the will have to pay more for feed, so they boys"-probably the High Commissionership will be clamouring for an increase in the in New Zealand. Since entering this Parlia­ price of milk. Such an increase will be ment, I have been consistently amazed at justified, and it will vitally affect city the attitude of the Leader of the Opposition, people. And what about the many parents especially his give-away attitude towards who take not only their own children but State rights. I was in Mt. Isa a fortnight their neighbours' children, too, every week­ ago, and in that town-in fact, throughout end to some sports gathering? Thousands of the length and breadth of Queensland-he is children play sport at the week-end, and any known as "Give-away Jack." interference with this custom would greatly Any Government needs a strong Oppos­ increase juvenile delinquency. Week-end ition, and a strong Opposition needs a strong sport for children must help to combat juv­ leader. It therefore goes without saying that enile delinquency. Of course, the A.L.P., the present Opposition in this Parliament 390 Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest

must be recorded in history as one of the Houghton, Mr. Wharton, and Mr. Newbery. weakest ever. This is due to the weakness Mr. Frawley we cannot see because he of its leader. During the Address-in-Reply ducked out as soon as the photographer debate we have constantly heard members appeared. of the Opposition attempting to justify their existence in this Chamber by attacking Now I want to deal with the taxi industry the Premier. Their weak, ineffectual attempts in this State and particularly in the metro­ .at mud-slinging will certainly have little politan area. Over the last few months Impact. on the Queensland public, who realise we have heard much criticism of this tha~ this Government, led by the Premier, is industry. We have also had officials of the their bulwark against Whitlam's hordes. Taxi Owner-Drivers Association constantly blaming the shortage of drivers for the In conclusion, the 5c increase in excise on petrol was a victory for the anti-car shortage of taxis. I want to voice some group in Federal Cabinet, and it should con­ criticism from the opposite angle because I vince the people of Australia of the very believe that there is a great shortage of grave danger that faces this country if the owners. Over the years-not only during present Federal Government is allowed to the term of office of the present Minister continue its un-Australian activities. but also while both Mr. Knox and Sir Gordon Chalk were Ministers for Transport-nothing has been done to stop the absentee taxi­ TAXI-CAB INDUSTRY, BRISBANE owner in this State . .Mr. DAVIS (Brisbane) (12.32 p.m.): In this Matter of Public Interest debate we are Mr. K. W. Hooper interjected. only allowed 10 minutes. I would not mind spending my 10 minutes in giving the javelin­ Mr. DAVIS: If the Minister is patient, I thrower from Murrumba a nice sort of a will give him a few facts. This industry has "bucket". I know for a fact that he was been plagued with absentee owners who pur­ speaking today from self-interest because chase these licences. We all know that immediately the Budget was presented h~ many of these licences have been held by "jacked up" his meters by 12c. ' speculators, investors and absentee owners for a number of years. They invest in a Mr. FRAWLEY: I rise to a point of order. unit and immediately put it under the control The statement by the honourable member for of one of the oil companies. Br_isbane is untrue. I did not put up the pnce of my petrol. In fact, mine was one It is well known that the oil companies of the last stations in Brisbane to put it control most of the taxi companies through­ up. out Queensland and certainly all those in the metropolitan area. Esso controls Blue Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I ask the honour­ & White; Ampol finances Yellow Cabs; able member for Brisbane to accept the Mobil controls Black & White; and B.P. honourable member's denial. stands behind Ascot. As I say, the investor buys the licence and immediately puts it Mr. DAVIS: I withdraw. under the control of one of the oil companies Mr. SPEAKER: Do you accept the hon­ and, like most investors, sits back and cops ourable member's denial? the cream. All he pays is 2t per cent to the oil company. Mr. DAVIS: I accept it, Mr. Speaker, because the price of his petrol was already up. The Transport Department allows one per­ In addition, the honourable member for son to hold three licences. In answer to a Murrumba is sour because in the tow-truck question that I asked the Minister yesterday, racket he runs in Murrumba he had to pay he said that in the metropolitan area 116 a few extra cents per gallon for petrol. But persons hold two licences, 66 persons hold I have never heard him get stuck into the three licences, and 23 persons hold lease oil companies about the price of petrol. licences. That gives a total of 205 licensees, and they represent 15 per cent of the 1,245 Mr. FRAWLEY: I rise to a point of order. persons who hold licences in the metropolitan I do not own a tow-truck. area. Mr. DAVIS: I intend to divide my speech The taxi industry is there for one purpose, into two sections. I will deal briefly with namely, the convenience of the public. When the first. Whenever a protest was held Queensland was under a Labor Government, during the war in Vietnam, we heard the there was a ballot system under which honourable members for Murrumba and those persons who entered a ballot Redcliffe and other Government members were required to pay only for the licence. constantly attacking trade unions and other They certainly did not have to pay an upset people who had enough "insides" to protest price. As this Government is to conduct a against the war. They were all dead set ballot at a standing price of $12,000, it against any form of protest. However, I will receive $1,200,000 into its coffers, and draw honourable members' attention to "The that is not a wild statement Australian" of the 17th of this month, which carries a picture of these anti-protesters with Mr. Frawley: There are more wild state­ their cohorts in the D.L.P. There we see Mr. ments in that than there are wild horses. ~Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973) Matters of Public Interest 391

Mr. DAVIS: The honourable member for Mr. DAVIS: I know that the industrial Murrumba would not know; he is only matters do not concern the Minister, but involved in tow-trucks. the principle of giving some incentive to those in the industry should concern him. I suggest to the Minister that he carry Why should the Government require out an immediate investigation into all $12,000 for a licence? Those payments licences issued in the metropolitan area to only go into the Government's coffers. I ascertain the names of persons or companies do nol know the current position in New who hold one or more licences. As a South \Vales, but I do know that prior to measure of assistance in such an investiga­ the present Government taking office drivers tion, a photograph should be issued each in the industry were given the incentive of year with the taxi licence so that the owners knowing they were the only ones who could and/ or drivers can be easily identified. apply for any new licences being issued. It is also essential that all ovmers of That system ensured that only persons con­ licences be actively engaged in the industry. versant with the industry could obtain It is futile for the Minister or for anyone licences. Those who knew nothing about else to try to claim that all owners of it were not eligible. Drivers then had an licences are actively engaged. They simply incentive to do their job properly. are not. (Time expired.)

Mr. K. W. Hooper: I agree. INCREASE IN HOUSING COSTS, TOWNSVILLE Mr. DAVIS: I have been in the taxi Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG (Townsville) (12.42 industry for a number of years, and prior p.m.): Recently there have been many dis­ to entering Parliament I carried out a cussions in both Federal and State spheres thorough investigation of the industry. Any­ about the cost of housing and land. Today one who desires to know anything about it I wish to confine my remarks on this subject should ask me. to what is happening in the Townsville area, which comprises the municipality of Towns­ I believe that no person should be allowed ville and the Thuringowa Shire. In the past 12 to hold more than one licence and that the months the costs of both land and houses State Government should recall all licences in Townsville have been spiralling. Land in excess of one held by any person and values have increased by 50 per cent, and pay out the owners at the current rate. This housing costs by 30 per cent. According would result in a system under which no to a recent report issued by the Australian person owns more than one licence. Department of Housing, land prices in Sydney over the past 12 months have In granting the extra licences the Minister increased by 45 per cent. A block of land could make them available to drivers who only 10 miles from the Sydney G.P.O. have been engaged for, say, five years or brought a purchase price of $18,500. more in the industry. They should be allowed to enter the ballots for licences, not at the It is rather interesting to compare that upset price of $12,000 that the Government price with costs in Adelaide and Melbourne, is putting on the licences, but at a rate com­ where land containing a house, and the same mensurate with the years they have spent in distance from the G.P.O., cost only $15,800 the industry. Such a scheme would offer an and $12,100 respectively. There are wide incentive to drivers to enter the industry. variations in costs in the various cities. The They certainly are not keen to enter it with position in Townsville seems to be unique its present shocking conditions. in that costs seem to be spiralling at a greater rate than in other cities. I am pleased that the Minister in his At the moment there is still plenty of statement today, and in his answer to my land-and also money-available in Towns­ question yesterday, said that a curtailment ville. Statistics compiled by the Queensland would be placed on these licences to be Permanent Building Society indicate that, in issued to prevent their being sold within the last 12 months, the society processed 72 five years. Drivers would be given an applications, each with an average value of incentive if a further worth-while provision $18,000. Another interesting point is that was implemented, indicating there was a the average age of applicants was 30 years. future in the industry for them. Taxi­ It appears that those who are seeking money drivers are unavailable today because con­ in the city of Townsville are young married ditions are very poor. No-one wants to men, who usually are in need of help. work a six or seven-day week of 60, 70 or more hours for a paltry sum. Drivers Recently, the number of applications for want sick pay, holiday pay and better con­ building permits in Townsville has soared. ditions. A number of them are performing In 1972 there were 1,326 applications, this work because of some physical con­ whereas in 1973 the number was 1,640, and dition. the total value of housing construction increased from $14,500,000 to $25,000,000 Mr. K. W. Hooper: I do not disagree with over the same period. In 1930 a very good what you are saying, but this is an industrial house could be bought in Townsville for matter and does not come under my control. between $400 and $500. That would be 392 Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973] Matters of Public Interest

a workers' dwelling, built of seasoned timber, thus flood the market, resulting in greater and well constructed. Today, although supply than demand so that prices would inferior types of houses are being built­ drop. Cyclone "Althea" proved that, as many of them were blown to pieces--the average cost The third proposal, advanced by the mayor has increased to between $20,000 and of Townsville (Alderman Max Hooper), is $22,000. that the council has available 1,400 acres of land which was purchased by the previous Mr. Gunn: You could get them cheaper council, controlled by the Townsville Citizens' in Cairns. Association, in adopting a far-sighted attitude some 14 years ago at a price of $35,800. Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: That may be so, but Once that land is subdivided, it will provide I am talking about Townsville. 4,000 building allotments which the mayor Mr. R. Jones: War Service homes and considers he can sell for $3,500 a block, Housing Commission homes stood up to the or two-thirds of the current price of land. cyclone quite well. It is interesting to study some of the Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I agree. I do not costs in Townsville. A 40-perch allotment dispute that at all. In fact, Housing Com­ in North Ward costs $25,000, which is mission homes are supervised much more absolutely fantastic. Well out in the suburbs, closely than homes built with money bor­ at Riverside Drive, an allotment costs $5,500. rowed from building societies, which provide At Louisa Heights the price is $6,000, which very poor supervision of building techniques. is out of the reach of the ordinary young Many people who have obtained money from person. housing and building societies have found Briefly, the mayor's plan is as follows- that construction work is not properly super­ vised. The Housing Commission, of course "(1) Only genuine home-builders who do does supervise properly. ' not own their own home, or other premises in which in the Council's opinion they Mr. R. Jones: That is the very point I could reside, will be allowed to participate made this morning. Houses in those areas in the scheme. are cyclone-proofed by law. "(2) The Council will place a maximum Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: That is so. ceiling price on each allotment, and if two or more bidders are willing to bid What are the causes of these cost increases? to the ceiling price, then the eventual There are various causes. Inflation is one. buyer must be decided by ballot. This problem is world-wide at the moment. Another cause is local increase in population. "(3) The ceiling price will be set by the Townsville's population is soaring, particu­ Council, taking into consideration the larly in the 30-year-old married group. following factors, viz. I do not consider that speculators create any (a) The value of the total developed great problem. I think they have become a area at the time, before develop­ whipping post for most people who cannot ment. find the real reason and immediately claim (b) Actual costs of development. that speculators are the cause of increasing land prices. (c) Interest on borrowed monies required for development. The only reason for soaring costs is the (d) Administrative and professional increase in the cost of developing land. Most costs involved in the develop­ local authorities require the provision of ment. many amenities. Plenty of land is available in Townsvil!e. The big problem is that it (e) A reasonable 'mark-up' on total is a city that does not have sufficient water outlays, which would be applied and sewerage reticulation. Sewerage depends towards cost of Civic Develop­ upon water, and, in Townsville, water supply ments in the subject area and depends on two things. One is the early elsewhere in the City. completion of the Ross River flood mitigation "(4) It would be a condition of purchase scheme and the other is the Burdekin that the buyer must sign a covenant to River supply. · erect a home for his/her/their occupation The schemes to improve this state of within 3 years. If he/she/they have not affairs are threefold. Firstly, the Common­ built after 3 years, an extension of the wealth Government says it wishes to freeze time would be given upon a reasonable land in bulk and auction it on leasehold explanation of delay being given. tenure to the highest bidder, with the pro­ "(5) The covenant would strictly provide vision that anyone who bids above the set that the land could not be re-sold before price has to pay cash and, in addition, 5 per development. If the original buyer did cent interest on the lease price. This will not proceed with the development he/she/ not solve anything; in fact, it will make they would have to sell it back to the matters worse. Secondly, the State Minister Townsville City Council at the original for Lands (Mr. Rae) said he would like to price paid. This would eliminate any see Crown land released in large areas and speculators. Matters of Public Interest [29 AUGUST 1973} Matters of Public Interest 393

(6) "The sales would be for cash. As by the Justice Department to investigate the selling prices would be approximately cattle duffing, 20 per cent of 356 stock two-thirds of the present day selling prices, offences reported in Queensland in 1971-72 the sites would be a first-class security. had been cleared up. What a shocking One major trading bank has already performance! intimated that it would finance the allot­ ment on a deposit of 10 per cent of the Today cattle duffing is big business. In sale price." my area, two duffers were caught once with a If the council can gain approval for this truck-load of cattle. They had a way-bill. proposal, it would be recommended that the According to the Government, way-bills aid scheme should apply only to the area at the police. These duffers had a doctored Douglas, and be specifically defined in the way-bill, and 18 to 20 head of stock in the Act. This will require legislation by this truck. They were caught for the first time. Government, and I request the Government But how many other times had they stolen to think deeply on this matter so that we cattle? When they were caught, they were can give land at the correct price to young each fined $300, and were not sent to gaol. married couples in Townsville. The Crown appealed, and the fine was increased to $500, but still no imprisonment was imposed. CA TILE DUFFING Mr. F. P. MOORE (Mourilyan) (12.51 I believe that the present situation will p.m.): Today I wish to discuss an important force graziers, particularly the small men, .matter that concerns all of Queensland, into vigilante squads to protect themselves namely, cattle duffing. There has been cattle against duffers. The number of stock squads duffing since the days when Captain Phillip's must be increased, The present Commissioner herd wandered off into what are now known of Police-this man from New Guinea­ as cow pastures. After many years of seems to be continually head-hunting. He complaints by people living in country areas, seems to be more intent on lopping off heads it was said in "The Courier-Mail" of 4 August than in keeping policemen in the Queensland that a "tough line on duffing" was to be Police Force. taken. The same Press article revealed that Mr. Frawley: You should watch your head. new legislation that will substantially increase penalties for cattle duffing is expected to be introduced in this Parliament soon. On Mr. F. P. MOORE: It will take a better 10 August, we were informed that laws man than a renowned duffer such as the dealing with the theft of stock were drafted. honourable member to lop it. I know that, in his early days, the honourable member for After many years of requests by various Murrumba was well known around the Cal­ graziers, the Premier, in an article in the oundra area for "knocking off" calves. Press on 10 August, 1973, said that he would have talks with the Minister in charge of An Opposition Member: A paddy-dodger! the Police Force on an increase in the number of stock-squad police. At the Mr. F. P. MOORE: That is correct; a present time, a stock squad consists of only paddy-dodger from way back. This is the two officers and there are only eight such time of the deep-freezer in North Queensland. squads in the State. It is well known that People are now killing beasts and taking the Police Force over all is below strength. only the quarters-in some cases only one As has been shown by questions that I have quarter-and leaving the rest to rot. I do asked in this House, police strength in North not think there is anything worse than that. Queensland has been reduced, whilst the strength in metropolitan areas, in both com­ In my opinion, soaring meat prices have missioned and non-commissioned officers, has made cattle-duffing the big business that it been increased. now is. In an article headed "Duffers cash in on rising prices", which appeared in "The I must say that in some outback areas Courier-Mail" of 28 July 1973, the United graziers are themselves to blame for losing Graziers' Association was reported as having cattle. Only recently cattle on a northern said, "The duffing upsurge has been caused grazing property were rounded up by the by soaring meat prices." use of a helicopter, and when they were mustered by this method it was found that We hear a whinge from the Premier and there were 500 head more than there should his Country Party colleagues, who sit with have been. "The Australian" of 27 April tongue in cheek and claim that the Federal 1973 mentioned a computerised scheme in Government does not do anything for decen­ America under which brands were recorded tralisation. What have they done in their 17 and herd records were kept. I do not think years of government in this State? that such a system would be good enough to enable immediate action to arrest cattle Mr. Frawley: What have you done? duffing. In the last 13 years cattle duffing has increased by 250 per cent. The Press Mr. F. P. MOORE: They give only lip­ article of 4 August to which I have already service. I have not been able to do any­ referred contained the statement that, accord­ thing; I have not been a member of the ing to the Queensland committee set up Government. Honourable members opposite 394 Matters of Public Interest [30 AuausT 1973] Questions Upon Notice

are members of the Government, and they have a right to act. How long does it take them to jump to it? How long does it take Johannes Bjelke-Petersen, who claims to be a Country Party representative, to take action against cattle duffers? The proposed new legislation is very important and you, Mr. Speaker, coming from the Outback, know very well how serious the situation is becom­ ing. With the change in electoral boundaries, cattle duffing in my electorate is confined mainly to coastal areas. However, duffers are coming up the creeks, shining torches on the calves, killing them, and then taking them back down the creeks and putting them in deep freezers. Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: I am also very con­ cerned about the duffing that the Common­ wealth Government has done to country people. Mr. F. P. MOORE: I do not know about that duffing, but I do know that people do not have much chance of obtaining land in the Kingaroy and Nanango areas because the Premier owns all of it. In my opinion the honourable gentleman, having been Premier for five years and supposedly representing a country area, should have taken action against cattle duffers sooner. As I said earlier, the committee set up by the Depart­ ment of Justice came up with the fact that only 20 per cent of the cases reported in 1971-73 have been solved. In my area, the police had to send out a detective-! am not casting any aspersions on him-who came back with more blisters than enough on his bottom. He would not be able to find cattle duffers. He does not know where to look for them, and he does not even know how to ride a horse. The Country Party's coat of arms is a branding iron, the background being a moonless night. It apparently supports cattle duffing. Although I agree with the assessment of the situation by the United Grazier's Association, I think its members have a responsiblity to know their herd numbers. The committee of inquiry set up by the Justice Department put forward many suggestions, one being that computerisation similar to that recently completed by the Department of Agriculture in New South Waies could with advantage be adopted in Queensland. However, I expect that it will take quite a long time to computerise the full herd strengths in this State. Mr. R. Jones: You are at least meeting your responsibilty. Mr. F. P. MOORE: I told the graziers in my electorate that I intended to mention their plight in the House. The House adjourned at 1 p.m.