Legislative Assembly 1 20 February 1996

TUESDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 1996 Excellency the Governor for the election of a member to serve in this House for the electoral district of Mundingburra as follows— Issue of writ—5 January; Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. Fouras, Ashgrove) Cut-off date for electoral rolls—9 January; read prayers and took the chair at 10 a.m. Nomination date—12 January; TELEVISING OF PROCEEDINGS Polling day—3 February; Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Return of writ—4 March. members, today is an historic occasion in the I lay upon the table of the House the said writ. Chamber as we begin to televise the Honourable members, I have to report proceedings of the House. If there are no that the writ issued on 5 January 1996 for the objections, I propose that cameras be allowed election of a member to serve in the on the floor of the Chamber to enable today's Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of proceedings to be filmed. When the House resumes after the recess, cameras will be Mundingburra has been returned to me with a mounted below the galleries and will not be so certificate endorsed thereon by the returning intrusive. I am sure that members would join officer of the election, on 3 February 1996, of with me in welcoming this initiative as a first Francis John Tanti, Esquire to serve as such step in improving public awareness of the member. parliamentary processes. Member Sworn ELECTORAL DISTRICTS OF Mr Tanti was introduced, took the oath of GREENSLOPES AND MUNDINGBURRA allegiance, and subscribed the roll. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have to report that I have received from His Honour the Judge of the Court of Disputed Returns an ASSENT TO BILLS order of the court for the electorate of Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I Greenslopes ordering that the petition be have to inform the House that I have received dismissed. I lay upon the table of the House a from Her Excellency the Governor letters in copy of the order. respect of assent to certain Bills the contents I have to report that I have also received of which will be incorporated in the records of from His Honour the Judge of the Court of Parliament. Disputed Returns an order of the court for the 22 November 1995 electorate of Mundingburra ordering that Ken Revenue Laws Amendment Bill (No. 2); Davies be taken not to have been elected and that a new election be held for the electoral Lotteries Amendment Bill; district of Mundingburra. I lay upon the table of South Bank Corporation Amendment Bill; the House a copy of that order. Horticulture Legislation Amendment Bill; Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Transport Planning and Coordination Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic Amendment Bill; and Trade Development) (10.03 a.m.): I Local Government (Planning and move— Environment) Amendment Bill; "That the orders of His Honour the Statute Law (Minor Amendments) Bill; Judge of the Court of Disputed Returns Statute Law (Minor Amendments) Bill be entered in the Journals of the House (No. 2); and with respect to the electorate of Environmental Legislation Amendment Bill Mundingburra, the order that Ken Davies (No. 2); be taken not to have been elected in the Superannuation Legislation Amendment election in held on 15 July Bill (No. 2); 1995, the return be amended Criminal Offence Victims Bill; accordingly." Emergency Services Legislation Motion agreed to. Amendment Bill. 28 November 1995 MUNDINGBURRA BY-ELECTION Workers' Compensation Amendment Bill Issue and Return of Writ (No. 2); Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I Statute Law Revision Bill; have to report that a writ was issued by Her Statute Law Revision Bill (No. 2). 20 February 1996 2 Legislative Assembly

PAPERS TABLED DURING RECESS Legal Aid Commission of Queensland The Clerk announced that the following Perpetual Trustees Limited papers were tabled during the recess— Queensland Dairyfarmers' Organisation 21 November 1995— Queensland Electricity Supply Industry Superannuation Board Annual Reports for 1994-95— Queensland Performing Arts Trust Aboriginal Co-Ordinating Council Trustees of the Albion Park Paceway Department of Family Services & Aboriginal & Islander Affairs Gladstone Port Authority—Statement of Corporate Intent 1994-95 Intellectually Disabled Citizens Council of Queensland 5 December 1995— Public Trustee of Queensland Annual Reports for 1994-95— 24 November 1995— Medical Board of Queensland Ports Corporation Queensland—Annual Report Princess Alexandra Hospital Research and 1994-95 Development Foundation 27 November 1995— Royal Children's Hospital Foundation Annual Reports for 1994-95— Erratum to the Far North Queensland Electricity Corporation Annual Report for the period 1 Physiotherapists Board of Queensland January to 30 June 1995 Podiatrists Board of Queensland 7 December 1995— Psychologists Board of Queensland First Report of the Auditor-General on Audits Royal Hospital Research Performed for 1994-95 Foundation 13 December 1995— South Coast Region Health Foundation Annual Reports for 1994-95— Speech Pathologists Board of Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations Queensland Island Co-ordinating Council 28 November 1995— Ministerial Report on the Implementation Annual Reports for the period 1 January to 30 of the Queensland Ethnic Affairs Policy June 1995— Queensland Abattoir Corporation Capricornia Electricity Corporation 14 December 1995— (trading as CAPELEC) Mackay Port Authority—Annual Report 1994/95 Far North Queensland Electricity Corporation (trading as FNQEB) Port of Brisbane Authority—Statement of Corporate Intent 1994/95 Mackay Electricity Corporation (trading as 15 December 1995— MEB) Health Rights Commission—Annual Report North Queensland Electricity Corporation 1994/95 (trading as NORQEB) 19 December 1995— Queensland Electricity Transmission Corporation (trading as Powerlink Annual Reports for 1994-95 Queensland) Parliamentary Commissioner for Queensland Transmission and Supply Administrative Investigations (Queensland Corporation Ombudsman) South East Queensland Electricity Darling Downs Health Services Corporation (trading as SEQEB) Foundation Prince Charles Hospital Foundation South West Queensland Electricity Corporation (trading as South West General Hospital Foundation Power) Ports Corporation of Queensland—Statement Wide Bay-Burnett Electricity Corporation of Corporate Intent 1994-95 Queensland Transmission and Supply 21 December 1995— Corporation—Statement of Corporate Intent Annual Reports for 1994-95— for the period 1 January to 30 June 1995 Darling Downs—Moreton Rabbit Board 30 November 1995— Queensland Commercial Fishermen's Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation— State Council Annual Report 1994-95 Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers 1 December 1995— (The Committee of Direction of Fruit Marketing) Annual Reports for 1994-95— Department of Justice and Attorney- Queensland Principal Club General Surveyors Board of Queensland Legislative Assembly 3 20 February 1996

Grainco Queensland Co-operative Association PAPERS TABLED AND PRINTED Limited—Annual Report for the year ended DURING RECESS 31 August 1995 The Clerk announced that the following Criminal Justice Commission—Report of an papers were tabled and ordered to be printed Inquiry conducted by Mr R V Hanson QC into the Alleged Unauthorised Dissemination of during the recess— Information Concerning Operation Wallah 31 January 1996— 22 December 1995— Addendum to the Roads Implementation Annual Reports for 1994-95— Program 1995/96-1996/97 & indicative 1997/98- 1999/2000 Trustees of the Funeral Benefit Trust Fund 15 February 1996— South East Queensland Water Board Office of the Local Government Dumaresq-Barwon Border Rivers Commissioner—Local Government Boundaries Commission Review of Mornington Shire (Sweers Island and Bountiful Islands)—November 1995. 2 January 1996— Erratum to the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations Annual Report 1994-95 RESPONSES TO PETITIONS Erratum to the Department of Housing, Local The Clerk laid upon the table of the Government & Planning Annual Report 1994-95 House the following responses to petitions 5 January 1996— received by the Clerk since the last sitting day Queensland Fish Management Authority— of the Legislative Assembly, 17 November Annual Report for the period 1 July 1994 to 1995— 9 March 1995 Queensland Fisheries Management Authority— Annual Report for the period 10 March 1995 to Native Fauna Breeders 30 June 1995 Responses from the Minister for Queensland Livestock and Meat Authority— Environment and Heritage (Mr Barton)— Annual Report for the period 3 July 1994 to 1 July 1995 I refer to your letter dated 19 September 1995 with regard to a petition presented by Mr D Annual Reports for 1994-95— Slack, MLA, protesting at the increase in Townsville/Thuringowa Water Supply recreational, commercial and specialist licence Board fees for the keeping of native birds and reptiles. Trustees of the Bowen Racecourse The fees set down in Schedule 6 of the Nature 8 January 1996— Conservation Regulation 1994 are the fees Mount Isa Water Board—Annual Report 1994-95 approved to operate with respect to the licensing of persons to keep and use wildlife. 12 January 1996— The following table indicates the level of fees Annual Reports for 1994-95— charged under the (now repealed) Fauna Childrens Court of Queensland Conservation Act 1974 and the fees now Dispute Resolution Centres Council charged under the Nature Conservation Act Queensland Law Society 1992 with respect to these activities: LICENSED CURRENT FEE FORMER FEE Board of Trustees ACTIVITY ($pa) ($pa) Queensland Museum Board of Trustees (Nature Conservation (Fauna Conservation Act) Act) Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commercial dealing Commission (Incorporating the Annual (pet shop) 350 309 Recreational keeping 30 22 Report of the Queensland Anti- Specialist keeping of Discrimination Commission) restricted species 150 not applicable 31 January 1996— As fees under the former Fauna Conservation Bore Water Boards, Drainage Boards and Act had not been increased for a number of Water Boards—Summary of Annual Reports years, fees under the Nature Conservation Act and Financial Statements 1994-95 were in most cases set at the level of the former fee, plus a 9.2% increase to account for Queensland River Improvement movement in the Consumer Price Index over Trusts—Summarised Annual Report 1994-95 that period. 2 February 1996 Erratum to the Department of Education Annual The new category of Recreational Wildlife Report 1994-95 (Specialist) Licence allows the keeping of a significantly expanded list of restricted species 16 February 1996— of birds and reptiles. Very few of these species Director of Public Prosecutions—Half-Year were permitted to be kept for recreational Report 1 January to 30 June 1995. purposes under the former legislation. The few 20 February 1996 4 Legislative Assembly

species which were permitted to be kept Economic and Trade Development (Mr required a $22 licence. Elder)— It should also be noted that the new legislation I refer to your letter of 16 November 1995 now exempts persons who keep species of concerning the petition regarding the provision specified common birds and reptiles from the of green right-turn arrows on three legs of the necessity to obtain a licence. Samford Road/Blackwood/Irvine Streets In summary, the majority of persons who kept intersection, Mitchelton. birds and reptiles for recreational or commercial Decisions on the installation of right-turn arrows purposes under the former legislation have only are made after consideration of many factors, in been subject to a moderate CPI-related fee accordance with National guidelines, which increase under the new legislation. indicate provision of these arrows when an intersection's safety record and performance are likely to be improved. I refer to your letter dated 19 September 1995 with regard to a petition presented by Mr G J An analysis has shown that if arrows were Healy, MLA, protesting at the increase in provided on each leg of this intersection there recreational, commercial and specialist licence would be significant increases in congestion fees for the keeping of native birds. during peak periods, with a consequential The fees set down in Schedule 6 of the Nature decrease in existing levels of safety. The Conservation Regulation 1994 are the fees location also was checked to determine the approved to operate with respect to the effect of providing an arrow on the Blackwood licensing of persons to keep and use wildlife. Street leg only; however, this would result in a performance loss with significant congestion in The following table indicates the level of fees the evening peak period. charged under the (now repealed) Fauna Conservation Act 1974 and the fees now Queensland Transport's records of reported charged under the Nature Conservation Act accidents indicate that, over the past five years, 1992 with respect to these activities: only one, involving a right-turning vehicle from any of the three legs of the intersection without LICENSED CURRENT FEE FORMER FEE arrows has occurred. These arrows could be ACTIVITY ($pa) ($pa) provided if additional lanes were constructed at (Nature Conservation (Fauna Conservation the intersection; however, this work would be Act) Act) expensive due to property resumptions and Commercial dealing construction costs, and would cause (pet shop) 350 309 Recreational keeping 30 22 considerable disruption to traffic. As funds are Specialist keeping of limited, all projects are prioritised in order to restricted species 150 not applicable address the most pressing safety issues and As fees under the former Fauna Conservation the priority for works at this location is not Act had not been increased for a number of considered to be high relative to other needs years, fees under the Nature Conservation Act within the Metropolitan North District. were in most cases set at the level of the former fee, plus a 9.2% increase to account for Consequently, after consideration of the movement in the Consumer Price Index over existing accident record and the likely effect on that period. the performance of the intersection, Queensland Transport does not intend to install The new category of Recreational Wildlife further arrows at this location. (Specialist) Licence allows the keeping of a significantly expanded list of restricted species of birds and reptiles. Very few of these species Heritage Listed Churches were permitted to be kept for recreational purposes under the former legislation. The few Responses from the Minister for species which were permitted to be kept Environment and Heritage (Mr Barton)— required a $22 licence. I refer to your letter dated 21 September 1995 It should also be noted that the new legislation with regard to a petition presented to now exempts persons who keep species of Parliament by Ms F Simpson, MLA, with regard specified common birds and reptiles from the to the heritage listing of church buildings. necessity to obtain a licence. Church buildings, including churches, church In summary, the majority of persons who kept halls, houses of religious orders, hospitals and birds and reptiles for recreational or commercial schools, are some of the most culturally purposes under the former legislation have only significant places in the community. Many of been subject to a moderate CPI-related fee these places were constructed on sites increase under the new legislation. provided by members of the community and with funds raised in the community. Traffic Lights, Mitchelton The cultural heritage significance of church buildings to the whole community is recognised Response from the Minister for Transport world wide by their inclusion in various heritage and Minister Assisting the Premier on registers. Legislative Assembly 5 20 February 1996

The importance of these places to the of the community of Queensland to retain and community is also recognised by the churches conserve those church buildings which it themselves who have for many years repaired, considers are of cultural heritage significance, maintained and conserved their considerable and the desire of many churches to dispose of stock of buildings. such buildings to enable them to extend their The importance of the work of the church in the work to meet the social challenges of the late Queensland community, and its twentieth century. financial—commitments in carrying out its work, It is anticipated that the operation of the has long been recognised by the community Queensland Heritage Act 1992 will be reviewed through the special position the church holds in in due course and that this review process will relation to the payment of land tax and rates on involve wide public consultation. The points its buildings which are in religious use. raised by the churches in the two petitions The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 does not recently presented to the Queensland impose any legal requirements on the owner to Legislative Assembly will no doubt form part of repair or maintain a place entered in the their submission to Government on this matter. Heritage Register. Accordingly, it is not considered that the Heritage listing of a church I refer to your letter dated 20 October 1995 building which is in religious use imposes a with regard to a petition presented to financial burden or results in its devaluation. Parliament by Mr M Stoneman, MLA, with While churches in the Heritage Register are regard to the heritage listing of church subject to the provisions of the Queensland buildings. Heritage Act 1992, approval of development in Church buildings, including churches, church relation to a church or the precinct of a church halls, houses of religious orders, hospitals and is not required if the development is genuinely schools, are some of the most culturally required for liturgical purposes. significant places in the community. Many of It is acknowledged that the inclusion of a these places were constructed on sites building in the Heritage Register may not allow provided by members of the community and the building to be redeveloped to its full with funds raised in the community. potential. The cultural heritage significance of church Where possible the Heritage Council defines buildings to the whole community is recognised the boundaries of a Heritage Registered place world wide by their inclusion in various heritage so as to not unduly restrict the development registers. potential of the place. There are many places, The importance of these places to the including a number of church properties, where community is also recognised by the churches this approach has been adopted and themselves who have for many years repaired, development has taken place. maintained and conserved their considerable The Heritage Council is fully aware of the stock of buildings. changes currently taking place in some The importance of the work of the church in the churches, and the desire of some churches to Queensland community, and its financial relocate and refocus their work in the wider commitments in carrying out its work, has long community. been recognised by the community through the The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 includes special position the church holds in relation to provisions for development in relation to places the payment of land tax and rates on its in the Heritage Register and, in considering buildings which are in religious use. development proposals in relation to redundant The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 does not church buildings, the Heritage Council seeks to impose any legal requirements on the owner to work with the church to find solutions which repair or maintain a place entered in the retain the building and provide a financial return Heritage Register. Accordingly, it is not to the church. There is a number of redundant considered that the Heritage listing of a church church buildings which have received approval building which is in religious use imposes a for conversion to alternative uses, including financial burden or results in its devaluation. commercial uses. While churches in the Heritage Register are The annual Queensland Heritage Grants subject to the provisions of the Queensland Program and National Estate Grants Program Heritage Act 1992, approval of development in provide direct funds to assist the conservation relation to a church or the precinct of a church of church buildings entered in the Heritage is not required if the development is genuinely Register. However, it is clear that the current required for liturgical purposes. level of funds available to assist conservation work falls short of the demand. It is acknowledged that the inclusion of a It is not considered that the Queensland building in the Heritage Register may not allow Heritage Act 1992 has unduly constrained the building to be redeveloped to its full churches in the use of their Heritage Registered potential. buildings for religious or non-religious Where possible the Heritage Council defines purposes. However, it is recognised that there the boundaries of a Heritage Registered place is a need to find a balance between the desire so as to not unduly restrict the development 20 February 1996 6 Legislative Assembly

potential of the place. There are many places, areas of former State forest to create a including a number of church properties, where significantly enlarged park. this approach has been adopted and Upon the introduction of the Protected Areas development has taken place. Regulation under the Nature Conservation Act The Heritage Council is fully aware of the 1992, the opportunity was taken to rename this changes currently taking place in some area as 'Wooroonooran National Park'. churches, and the desire of some churches to Naming of protected areas is undertaken using relocate and refocus their work in the wider the guidelines contained in the Place Names community. Act, including avoidance of confusion of place The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 includes names. provisions for development in relation to places To revert to names previously applied to in the Heritage Register and, in considering national parks which have since been development proposals in relation to redundant amalgamated would lead to confusion. church buildings, the Heritage Council seeks to work with the church to find solutions which The use of the former national park names may retain the building and provide a financial return continue as sections within the existing park to the church. There is a number of redundant (i.e. Palmerston section of Wooroonooran church buildings which have received approval National Park). for conversion to alternative uses, including The petitioners' interest in this matter is commercial uses. appreciated. The annual Queensland Heritage Grants Program and National Estate Grants Program provide direct funds to assist the conservation Centenary Highway, Noise Barriers of church buildings entered in the Heritage Response from the Acting Minister for Register. However, it is clear that the current Environment and Heritage (Mr Elder)— level of funds available to assist conservation work falls short of the demand. I refer to your letter dated 19 September 1995 with which you enclosed the wording of a It is not considered that the Queensland petition presented to Parliament by Dr D J H Heritage Act 1992 has unduly constrained Watson, MLA, Member for Moggill, on 13 churches in the use of their Heritage Registered September 1995 relating to excessive noise buildings for religious or non-religious pollution along the Centenary Highway from the purposes. However, it is recognised that there Fig Tree Pocket off ramp to the Brisbane River. is a need to find a balance between the desire of the community of Queensland to retain and The matter is one for the attention of the conserve those church buildings which it Department of Transport. considers are of cultural heritage significance, However, officers of the Department of and the desire of many churches to dispose of Environment and Heritage have advised me such buildings to enable them to extend their they would support the erection of noise work to meet the social challenges of the late barriers on existing transport facilities where the twentieth century. cost of installation is commensurate with the It is anticipated that the operation of the level of reduction of significant environmental Queensland Heritage Act 1992 will be reviewed nuisance, and where the barriers themselves do in due course and that this review process will not cause environmental or other amenity involve wide public consultation. The points problems. raised by the churches in the two petitions recently presented to the Queensland Legislative Assembly will no doubt form part of Mooloolah Electorate, Effluent their submission to Government on this matter. Disposal Response from the Acting Minister for Environment and Heritage (Mr Elder)— Renaming of Palmerston National Park and Bellenden Ker National Park I refer to your letter dated 19 October 1995 addressed to the Honourable Terry Response from the Minister for Mackenroth, MLA, Minister for Housing, Local Environment and Heritage (Mr Barton)— Government and Planning, Minister for Rural I refer to your letter dated 20 October 1995 Communities and Minister for Provision of with which you enclosed copy of the wording Infrastructure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait of the petition presented to Parliament by Mr M Islander Communities, enclosing the text of a Rowell, MLA, with regard to the change of petition presented to Parliament by Mr B name to Wooroonooran National Park of the Laming, MLA, in relation to the release of former Palmerston and Bellenden Ker National treated effluent into the Mooloolah River or Parks. Pumicestone Passage. The Bartle Frere National Park was named in The Caloundra City Council has taken the 1991 when the Bellenden Ker and Palmerston decision to sewer the town of Landsborough National Parks were amalgamated together with due to a chronic drainage problem with the Legislative Assembly 7 20 February 1996

usual associated secondary pollution and health Keith Ernest De Lacy effects if septic tank systems continue to be installed. Robert James Gibbs An environmental impact statement has now Terence Michael Mackenroth been completed for the scheme and released David John Hamill for review by the Department of Environment and Heritage and other referral agencies. James Peter Elder It has been established that disposal of treated Paul Joseph Braddy sewage effluent by irrigation is not possible in the Landsborough area due to climatic Peter Douglas Beattie conditions. It has been estimated that run off Matthew Joseph Foley would occur at times. Glen Richard Milliner The scheme proposed in the environmental impact statement is for nutrient removal from Kenneth William Hayward the sewage, followed by disposal by irrigation to land. Subsurface drainage of the irrigation Anthony McGrady area is to be collected and further treated within Thomas Alfred Barton an artificial wetland. The highly treated waters from the wetland will then flow to the Wendy Marjorie Edmond Mooloolah River in times of high rainfall. Direct Kenneth Victor McElligott discharge to water courses is therefore avoided. Margaret Rosemary Woodgate The Department of Environment and Heritage as Ministers of the Crown and members has not detected any potential problems in the of the Executive Council of Queensland; proposed scheme. (b) Appointed— Robert Edward Borbidge, to be Mooloolah Electorate, Effluent Premier and Minister for Economic Disposal and Trade Development; Minister for Response from the Minister for Primary Primary Industries and Minister for Industries and Minister for Racing (Mr Gibbs)— Racing; Minister for Transport and Treated effluent released into receiving water is Minister Assisting the Premier on required to meet water quality standards pre- Economic and Trade Development; determined by the Department of Environment Minister for Police and Minister for and Heritage. Provided compliance with these Corrective Services; Minister for standards occurs and dilution is adequate, Health; Minister for Minerals and impacts on receiving waters are not considered Energy; Minister for Environment and to be detrimental. Heritage; Minister for Lands; Minister A number of local authorities, e.g., Caboolture for Emergency Services and Minister City Council, Hervey Bay Town Council, in for Consumer Affairs; conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries, have however commenced using Joan Mary Sheldon, to be Deputy treated effluents for alternate purposes such as Premier and Minister for Tourism, irrigation of sport fields, sugar cane and timber Sport and Youth; Treasurer; Minister lot production. The Government has for Housing, Local Government and recognised the benefits of recycling of Planning; Minister for Rural nutrients and recently provided additional funding to Councils to upgrade existing Communities and Minister for sewerage treatment plants and explore alternate Provision of Infrastructure for uses for treated effluents. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities; Minister for Education; Minister for Justice and Attorney- MINISTERIAL STATEMENT General; Minister for Industrial Changes in Ministry Relations and Minister for the Arts; Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Minister for Administrative Services; Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic Minister for Business, Industry and and Trade Development) (10.06 a.m.), by Regional Development; Minister for leave: I desire to inform the House that on 19 Employment and Training and February 1996, Her Excellency the Governor— Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Service Matters; Minister for (a) Accepted the resignations of— Family and Community Services and Wayne Keith Goss Minister Assisting the Premier on the Thomas James Burns Status of Women; and 20 February 1996 8 Legislative Assembly

(c) Appointed— At the outset, I would congratulate and Robert Edward Borbidge personally thank the member for Logan for the manner in which he has conducted the Joan Mary Sheldon ongoing processes of the transition of to be members of the Executive Council Government. Over recent days, he has fulfilled of Queensland. what are clearly unhappy duties with Mrs Sheldon and I shall administer all considerable dignity and considerable Government departments until such time as a courtesy. I fully appreciate there are some full Cabinet is appointed and details of other within the member's own party who regret that administrative arrangements are finalised. I he has not been politically more aggressive. I give all honourable members an assurance say to them that I share the member for that I will attend to these matters as Logan's view that both the office he has expeditiously as possible. vacated, and the Parliament which underpinned his authority, has been better I lay upon the table of the House a copy served by his statesmanlike approach. For that of the Gazette I thank him and wish him well in the future. Extraordinary of 19 February 1996 containing the relevant notifications. On 15 July last year, the people of Queensland voted for a change of Government. On 15 July last year, the OPPOSITION APPOINTMENTS National and Liberal Parties achieved 53.4 per Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader cent of the two-party preferred vote—almost 7 of the Opposition) (10.08 a.m.), by leave: per cent more than that achieved by our Yesterday, the parliamentary Labor Party political opponents. A total of 110,000 more elected me as leader and, of course, that Queenslanders, the equivalent of five State means Leader of the Opposition. It also electorates, directed their first preference votes elected as Deputy Leader of the to the National and Liberal Parties. This Opposition, and I inform the House Government is the preferred Government of a accordingly. majority of Queenslanders. A little over two weeks ago, the final outcome of the 15 July State election became SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS known. The Mundingburra by-election Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers confirmed our Government's right to govern. Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic Unlike our political opponents, we have and Trade Development) (10.08 a.m.), by accepted the results of 15 July 1995 and 3 leave: I move— February 1996. Unlike our political opponents, "That for this day's sitting a we accept the verdict of the electorate with discussion on Matters of Public Interest humility—not with arrogance. Unlike our and an Adjournment debate shall not political opponents, we have heard and we take place." have understood the messages. We have heard and we have understood that what the Motion agreed to. people want from their Government—this Government—is a return to basics: a return to MOTION OF CONFIDENCE IN a proper connection between money spent NATIONAL/LIBERAL and services delivered; a return to the time GOVERNMENT when the people of this State actually get value for money from their Government; when Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Government seeks to reach out to those in Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic need—those in our community who are sick, and Trade Development) (10.09 a.m.), by frail or aged; a time when teachers could leave: I move— teach, when nurses were free to care for the "That this House expresses its sick, when police could enforce the law, when confidence in the National/Liberal coalition business, particularly small business, could get Government." on with the job—free of unnecessary I am privileged to be the chosen leader of Government interference. I have often heard the National/Liberal coalition and, therefore, our political opponents say that the election of can command the confidence of this the National and Liberal Parties will turn back Parliament and guarantee stable progressive the clock in Queensland. If seeking to get Government and continuity of Supply to Her Government back to basics, back to its core Majesty. Her Excellency has recognised this by responsibilities, is turning back the clock, then I her actions in commissioning me as Premier. will wear that tag proudly. Legislative Assembly 9 20 February 1996

In seeking to paint the National/Liberal Criminal Code. All of these areas are set for coalition as a re-run of Governments of the major and rapid reform under my Government. seventies and eighties, our political opponents Corrective Services has been shockingly prove again their inability to acknowledge that mismanaged, both from the point of view of the political landscape has changed. The provision of adequate numbers of cells and politics of 1996 are vastly different from even a prisoner management. Our political opponents decade ago. So, too, our Government will be shut down prisons when they wanted to save different. That is why I will soon detail a money, and have more recently, at least on parliamentary reform package designed to paper, engaged in a belated catch-up exercise enshrine the principle of public service and to in terms of capital works. We will ensure that address the political sins of excessive and that Capital Works Program proceeds much secret Government—a parliamentary reform faster than the current rate and that the package that was promised by Labor in 1989 number of cells in our prison system is such but which will, in the end, be delivered not by that authorities do not feel obliged to put Labor but by a coalition Government. criminals back on the street well before time, We have also outlined a clear and simply because there is nowhere else for them determined agenda of environmental reform. to go. Associated with the ongoing We will re-establish the processes that have mismanagement that has produced an undermined the environment debate over the outcome which threatens the safety of prison past six years. However, the overwhelming staff and the public is the longwinded disgrace priority of our Government will be to address of overcrowded watch-houses. There will be a two key areas: health and law and order. In rapid start to a refurbishment of the Brisbane both those areas, the priorities of my watch-house and others around the State Government are clear and relate consistently which have been neglected for too long. back to what is a recurring theme of converting Watch-houses are not prisons and, as soon as significant increases in funding into much is humanly possible, we will not allow them to more efficient service delivery. be used as prisons any longer. In relation to the legislative elements of In law and order, this process is going to law and order, the member for Indooroopilly is have many important elements and impacts. already well advanced with a detailed The first, second, and third priorities in this legislative program for the Parliament. Labor's area will be towards increasing the number of appropriately controversial draft Criminal Code operational police on our streets. Over a very will be scrapped. The idea behind the rewriting long period, we consistently heard massive of the code was good. The process, and the fiction from our political opponents about the outcome, were a mess: a farce. We will fix it, extent to which the Police Service had and we will fix it rapidly. In fixing it, we will allegedly expanded. Nobody was fooled: the ensure that those convicted of criminal Criminal Justice Commission was not fooled; behaviour serve the majority of the time for the Public Sector Management Commission which they were sentenced. In relation to the was not fooled; and the people certainly were Penalties and Sentences Act, we will remove not fooled. the constraint on judges whereby the judiciary I do not underestimate the fact that was actively encouraged to keep criminals in instant progress is now going to be tough. The the community and to treat prison as a penalty neglect of the civilianisation process and the of last resort. confusion that has marked the training regime My Government's plan in relation to law dictate that remedial action will take some and order is simple. People are sick of rising time. I can assure the people of Queensland crime rates. People are sick of seeing criminals that, in the member for Crows Nest, they will walk free after serving only a fraction of their have a no-nonsense Police Minister who will sentences. People are sick of the fact that, work to provide more men and women on the despite claims that we have had a massive beat as rapidly as is humanly possible. As well increase in police numbers, police visibility, as immediate attention to the civilianisation police availability and police presence is down. process, his work will include a rapid start to We will do the right thing by the men and the Townsville police academy, which will women of the Queensland Police Service. We virtually double our capacity to produce police will do the right thing by Queenslanders. That officers. A start on that academy will be one of will be one of the highest priorities of our the highest priorities of my Government. Government. The law and order arena also covers In relation to health, the need for major Corrective Services, and a range of penalties remedial action is just as urgent as it is in and sentences legislation, as well as the relation to law and order issues. Unlike the 20 February 1996 10 Legislative Assembly

Leader of the Opposition, we will not be been to hell and back over the past six years raiding the capital works budget to fix the under Labor's stewardship. The emergence of problems. Since 1989, the budget for a long and severe drought began to bite into Queensland Health has grown by the quite rural and regional Queensland at the same extraordinary level of $1.1 billion—70 per time as the imposition of a drought in cent—while waiting lists across the State have Government services started biting into the run literally out of control. All Queenslanders social fabric of rural Queensland. In some are well aware of the problems. They have locations, it is hard to know which drought was been treated to regular reports of ward and most savage in its impact. theatre closures throughout the life of the I can assure rural and regional former Government. We had this historic Queenslanders that just as the traditional announcement from my friend opposite, as he drought has broken in many areas so, too, the is walking past the exit sign on the way out, about how he is going to fix it all and that he man-made, the Government-made drought, has left a blueprint for the incoming will lift and lift rapidly. We will return to rural and Government. The former Government has regional Queensland those services that have sought excuses all over the shop, Minister been removed. We will return to equity and after Minister after Minister, just as it has in service availability in this State. We will be a regard to law and order. Government for all Queenslanders. We will also return Government to equity and We have heard about the increasing commonsense in decision making across-the- complexity and expense of procedures. We board. Those simple commitments will be an have heard about the massive growth in the umbrella covering the core attitudes of my use of health services put down to the rate of Government. expansion of our population. These are all valid points as far as they go. Inflation in the They will particularly cover the public medical area has outpaced inflation across the service, which for the past six years has rest of the economy. The demand for services suffered, on a par with rural and regional has increased and, in some areas, quite Queensland, from an overbearing and dramatically. But so has the budget. A $1.1 arrogant Government. Under my billion increase in health spending in the life of administration, public servants will be treated the former Government is, in plain language, with the dignity that they deserve. absolutely massive. My Government will Mrs Edmond: Just like they are under ensure that many more of those dollars reach Kennett's; just like they are in —44,970 the sharp end of service delivery. sacked. If there is a single department of Mr BORBIDGE: It is the public service Government that has epitomised the that goes on. Governments come and go, propensity of our political opponents to build Ministers come and go, but the men and bureaucracy upon bureaucracy at the cost of women whose role it is to deliver the services service delivery, it is the Health Department. stick it out administration after administration. That is where far too much of the extra dollars For the benefit of the honourable member committed to health since 1989 have gone who is interjecting, I say to her that there will and it is my firm undertaking that those dollars be no Gulags under my Government. My will go back to the doctors, the nurses and the Government respects—— patients—back to where they belong. Mrs Edmond interjected. The first challenge in this area is in relation to waiting lists. One of the first Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for announcements of our Government—and it Mount Coot-tha will cease interjecting. will come within days—will be an Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Speaker, I am sorry. announcement to ensure that a sufficient I was provoked. My Government respects and number of operating theatres and surgical understands the problems and the importance wards around this State reopen to ensure the of the public service. We will actively seek to fight against waiting lists will be under way just restore the confidence of the public sector as soon as possible. both in itself and in its availability to deliver Without doubt, the two areas of health after years of confusing and often unforgivably and law and order will dominate the opening inhuman review after review after review. weeks and months of our Government's Today, my message to the public service is efforts. But they are a long way away from simple and straightforward: "As of today, you being the only areas in need of quick are relevant again; as of today, you will again attention. Rural and regional Queensland has be part of building a better Queensland." Legislative Assembly 11 20 February 1996

Mr Speaker, I can assure you that this, To everyone else in Queensland, the the Forty-eighth , will Goss Government mandate was dead before serve out its contract with the people of the Government sought its third term on 15 Queensland. I note the comments of the July. It was gone; lost through sheer neglect Leader of the Opposition of his nervousness and a preoccupation with image rather than about the possibility of an election. Mr substance. Today, I want to make it clear that Speaker, do you know how many seats Labor there is a new mandate at work in would lose if we had a general election in 26 Queensland: members know the numbers and days' time? Based on the result in they know that coalition policies and our style Mundingburra, Labor would lose an additional of leadership have attracted support from 15 seats over and above what it has lost. Our close to 54 per cent of voters in this State. situation is simple: the people of Queensland This motion, and the subsequent debate, expect this Parliament to honour its term and it is all about confidence—confidence in a new is my intention that it should. I want to assure coalition Government and, conversely, a lack this Parliament that our Government will be of confidence in the outgoing State Labor pro-active; it will be pro getting this State Government. It is proper that a motion of moving again. But above all, our Government confidence should signal the birth of a new will stand for and deliver the basic services coalition Government because it was the people expect to be delivered by their State confidence of the people of Queensland that Government—services that they have failed to we could get the job done that has led to this receive for too long from our political change. Last week, the Government was opponents; political opponents who complaining that there had been no so-called concentrated too much on themselves, too trigger for its collapse—no corruption scandal, much on their mates and not enough on the no financial collapse. But there was a people who matter, the people of collapse—a collapse in confidence. That is the Queensland. I commend the motion to the trigger, and that is the reason why Labor has House. moved to the Opposition benches. Mr SPEAKER: Is there a seconder? Queenslanders became tired of rhetoric and wanted action. The constant complaint about Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— Labor was that it did not change with the Deputy Premier and Treasurer) (10.27 a.m.): I needs of the Queensland community. When have pleasure in seconding the motion moved Queenslanders wanted action, they got little by the Premier. On Friday, the member for from Labor by way of response. Logan announced the end of his reign as and in the same That is not the case with the coalition. breath withdrew from the leadership of the Today, Queenslanders have confidence in the Parliamentary Labor Party. The occasion was coalition because they have seen that the sombre. It was a sad moment for many National and Liberal Parties will listen to what Queenslanders who expected great things the people say. In 1992 the people of from Mr Goss when he claimed victory for Queensland told the National and Liberal Labor just six and a half years ago. As Deputy Parties loud and clear that they would not Leader of the Coalition, I want to make it plain tolerate three-cornered contests in State that in some ways I admire the member for elections. They told us that they wanted a Logan. and I have assumed the viable and united opposition. We listened, and important mantle of State leadership that he we worked hard to forge a coalition team has vacated and the Borbidge/Sheldon which is now a byword for unity in Australian Coalition Government will be confirmed by the politics. motion now before the House. It is appropriate Where Labor misread the mood of the that at the beginning of my speech I thank the Queensland people, and where Labor still gets honourable member for Logan and offer my it wrong, is in the belief that the vote on 15 best wishes to him and to his family. July was a protest against Labor. The fact is that the vote on 15 July, and again in Six and a half years ago, the direction Mundingburra, was not a negative protest sought by Queenslanders was plain. against Labor, but a positive vote for the Expectations were high. Six and half years coalition. The people of Queensland voted for ago, the ALP had a strong mandate and a the coalition because they wanted the clear set of instructions from the people of this coalition to form a government. They wanted a State. But on Friday, 16 February 1996, the change, and now they have that change. The words spoken by the member for Logan were people of Queensland have confidence in the final proof to those at the very heart of the coalition's ability to deliver the services they ALP that it really was all over. demand. The people of Queensland have 20 February 1996 12 Legislative Assembly confidence that the coalition can and will open where public servants will have clear lines of hospital wards and cut waiting lists. The authority. The impact of the change will be felt people of Queensland have confidence that in many positive ways. Gone will be the many the coalition can and will boost police numbers anomalies we have seen in recent years. and champion legislation which truly punishes Under the coalition, Queensland public offenders, rather than just slapping them on servants will no longer operate with one hand the wrist. The people of Queensland have tied up with PSMC paperwork and one eye on confidence that the coalition will cut the the political agenda of the Office of Cabinet. burden of taxes, fees and charges on Across Queensland, the only people who business to get our economy working again. are as bogged down in irrelevant paperwork The coalition mandate is strong. We are and persecuted by political thought police to in power today because Queenslanders are the same extent as public servants are those demanding service. In a State hailed for the in small business. Small business is the strength of its Budget, they will not tolerate engine room of growth in Queensland. departments that do not deliver. They will not However, with unemployment locked at 9.5 settle for second best in hospitals and health per cent or more and youth unemployment care, or in resources for their police force. They riding dangerously close to 30 per cent, we will not tolerate a Government that places must do more than simply repeat supportive political imperatives above the needs of slogans if we are to deliver on another average people. This is not a mandate about important part of our mandate—that is, the a financial collapse, a scandal or gross need for real growth in employment. When I incompetence. It is a mandate that reminds say "real growth", I am talking about a politicians why we are elected in the first place. significant, long-term reduction in the State's We are here to serve, not to be served. That is rate of unemployment. That is a high priority our job description. Queenslanders rightly for the coalition, and to achieve results we will perceive that the administration of proceed along the path we laid down on 15 Government services in Queensland is in July. tatters. They want us to refocus our efforts on Unlike Labor, the coalition will target these basic problems that are now pressing unemployment by clearing a path for small needs. business in this State. Instead of creating I want to say a few words of reassurance peripheral demands that consume the to members of the Queensland public service, resources of small business, we will free their who will help pave the way forward. There are hands to create real jobs. The transparent two watchwords in my vocabulary when I view process of removing young people from job the public service and the way I hope it will statistics by shunting them from one training change under a National/Liberal coalition program to another will end. Instead, coalition Government: freedom and responsibility. policies such as raising the payroll tax "Freedom", because the emergence of the threshold and phasing out land tax will create coalition signals an end to centralised control real incentives for small business to expand and the domination of public servants by and invest in new jobs for the future of our internal watchdogs such as the PSMC and the State. These positive policies, joined with cuts Office of Cabinet. At last, freedom will allow to red tape and regulations which have public servants at all levels to exercise the exploded in the last six years, will provide a skills they have gained through years of great boost to small business in Queensland. training and experience. The second word is We have often heard the credo from "responsibility", because public servants in former Treasurer Keith De Lacy that he has Queensland will reassume their rightful role in left the State's finances in good shape. I hope the development of policy. With the coalition, he has. As Treasurer, I will instigate an the public service will properly share the independent commission of audit to tell the responsibility of discharging the mandate Government and the people of Queensland issued on 15 July by a significant majority of the exact position. Queenslanders. That is the nuts and bolts of our relationship with the public service. Opposition members interjected. We are moving back to accepted practice Mr Borbidge: They don't want an audit. under the Westminster system of Government Mrs SHELDON: I do not think they do and the central requirement for an apolitical want an audit. It is not yet one day since I was public service that administers the sworn in by Her Excellency the Governor as implementation of Government policy. Under part of the new Borbidge/Sheldon this system, Queensland will be served by a Government. While I have not had a chance more pragmatic, consultative public sector, to meet all the departmental heads or to avail Legislative Assembly 13 20 February 1996 myself of their briefings, the flow of information related), with associated high risk through has begun and I want to share some of those lack of diversification and dependence on points with Queenslanders today. overseas demand for commodities; The facts are that while the former inadequate pace of diversification into Government was renowned for its high income, growing service industries, mismanagement of services, there is a including finance, telecommunications, widespread assumption that, because of the education, community services; excessive traditional strength of the Queensland reliance on migration for consumption and economy, the coalition will inherit a rosy housing investment growth; relatively low economic outlook. I want to take a few wages, caused largely by Queensland's moments to quote some lines from the first industrial structure; and the slow and briefing papers supplied to me last night by inadequate pace of productivity the Queensland Treasury. Firstly, I must say improvement in key areas such as the that Treasury shares many of my concerns labour market, public trading and financial about the shape of the State economy and enterprises." some negative aspects that have worsened in In its briefing, Treasury expresses alarm recent times. I quote the Treasury briefing— about current cost overruns in Health, forecast "While Queensland has had a record to total $34m or more this financial year. I of strong economic growth, it is not clear quote from that briefing— with the current economic structure of the "In effect, therefore, Queensland State and with current economic policy Health faces an adjustment problem of that this is being translated into increases the order of $70m next year in order to in the standard of living for realign current expenditure and service Queenslanders. levels with the forward commitments. Economic growth has been achieved This adjustment problem is before largely from population growth, rather consideration of any further service than by increased productivity. enhancements/expansions that may be Real gross state product per capita proposed." (which is a crude measure of productivity) The Treasury reports that Labor election in the rest of Australia is now about commitments, such as the $29m Back to $2,200, (or 10.4%) higher than in School Uniform Allowance, have caused Queensland. The differential is widening." expenditure to outweigh receipts in 1995-96 It goes on— by $10m, which will only be offset by the Government's higher than expected opening "The differential between the level of cash position. Economic growth, which the average weekly ordinary time earnings former Treasurer told us during the last Budget (referred to by the abbreviation AWOTE) Speech would reach 4.3 per cent this financial in Queensland and the level in the rest of year, is currently forecast at 3.5 per cent, but Australia has worsened steadily over the only if the State can implement fully its past decade. planned capital works program. At this late In 1984-'85, AWOTE in the rest of stage in the year, with the former Australia was 3% above that in Government's record of failing to deliver Queensland, whereas in '94-'95, the level promised works being repeated, that now of the rest of the nation has grown to be seems extremely unlikely. around 8% higher than in Queensland. I have gleaned these points in a few short Over the past five years"—— and very busy hours. They reflect many of my personal concerns about the State economy Opposition members interjected. and issues I have pursued as shadow Mrs SHELDON: These are the words of Treasurer. The task of coming to grips with the the Treasury. State's budgetary and economic outlook has "Over the past five years, the only begun. The coalition Government will average differential has been 8% conduct a full independent audit of our State compared with 5% for the previous five finances, and this will play a very important years." part in defining any further problems, outlining options that might be considered and the Treasury's areas of concern about the future direction necessary to deliver the economy are— benefits to Queenslanders. ". . . excessive reliance on traditional Finally, in reference to the State industries (agriculture, mining, tourism- economy, I refer to a Treasury graph that 20 February 1996 14 Legislative Assembly demonstrates the problems besetting private hard to return the support we have been given enterprise in this State. Since July 1994, we and to ensure that voters are not taken for have seen the biggest drop in housing granted, no matter where they live and no approvals in Queensland's history. In essence, matter how they may have voted in the past. it demonstrates the depth of the challenge As Treasurer, I believe the coalition can that our Government must face. It is a provide great incentives for the Queensland challenge to rebuild business in Queensland, economy that will provide economic and social to create higher levels of sustained prosperity and to deliver the benefits to all benefits for all Queenslanders. Rather than Queenslanders. Instead of using the just tax, tax and tax again, Treasury should advantages of a strong Treasury to help look to areas where the removal or lowering of support and enhance Queensland's economy, a tax, charge or fee could actually help the Labor looked on it as little more than a tax community. Through the offices of Treasury, a collection agency. Is it any wonder that in coalition Government can directly attack these circumstances we have seen the Queensland's unemployment problem through emergence of support for the coalition among genuine job creation by giving business, blue-collar workers, whose traditional particularly small business, incentives to grow, allegiance might have been to the Labor expand and employ. Treasury must be pro- Party? active. As in health, law and order, education and the other areas in need of decent When the price of drinks and smokes management, the Treasury must also look to continues to rise in leaps and bounds, providing a service rather than just being a tax average workers are clearly not impressed by collection bureau. claims about whether or not we are net debt free, or whether ours is a low-tax regime. They While Victoria, Western Australia and want services—basic services—which South Australia have forged ahead in the Governments are elected to deliver. That is nineties, Queensland has remained stagnant, why the people of Queensland voted out and that is not good enough. Once again Labor. The big 9.4 per cent swing to the Queensland must take centre stage in coalition in Mundingburra on 15 July was Australia as the economic powerhouse of the extended on 3 February by a further 2.8 per country, and that brings me to another aspect cent. Elsewhere, the so-called Labor of the coalition mandate that we will pursue stronghold of Gladstone returned a non-Labor with vigour. I am referring to the need for the Independent. The onus is now on the coalition effective development of infrastructure to carry to show electorates such as these that we the State into the twenty-first century. Clearly, deserve the trust and support of working the need for new roads, rail, water, power and people. other facilities marches on and waits for no man or woman. However, in Queensland the The distinguishing feature of the Labor provision of some of these facilities has been Party is its permanent climate of excuse. on hold for six years while our population has When it was last in Opposition that was never continued to grow. The coalition will expedite its fault; it was the gerrymander, the media, infrastructure planning in all areas of the State. the capitalists—anybody but itself. In We will be taking stock of the power needs of Government, Labor blamed the previous development, particularly in the north. We will Government for its inaction. Now we see it be targeting social infrastructure, such as doing the same thing again, but this time it is hospitals and schools. Queensland must be blaming the honourable member for returned to an era in which things get done Gladstone, . We even heard and are not just talked about. one Labor member say, "We will wait till the voters get it right." The voters did get it right. We will continue the direction first adopted That is why one of the most incompetent by the previous coalition Government in Governments in Queensland's history is now in Queensland when it began developing an Opposition. Mundingburra was a lesson to all effective trading and cultural relationship with politicians that communities do not like to be Asia. Although other States and the patronised and taken for granted. This Commonwealth have now adopted a similar Parliament is not a home for academics, attitude, it is fair to say that Queensland elitists or people who are uncomfortable should be at the forefront of contact with Asia. without an Italian suit. We must continue to With the return of a coalition Government, the strive to represent the broad range of time has come for us to advance the Queenslanders and to provide a relationship once again, and this course will be sounding-board that accurately presents their followed by the Borbidge/Sheldon concerns. Coalition Ministers will be working Government. Legislative Assembly 15 20 February 1996

I am very proud of this State. People are four reasons given by the honourable member flocking to Queensland from all over Australia for Gladstone for throwing out a Government. for a good reason: it is the best place in the The first reason was a leaky roof in the world in which to live. The Borbidge/Sheldon Gladstone Hospital. When I was the Minister coalition Government has shown what can be for Health, the honourable member never achieved through teamwork. Now we want to wrote to me about it—not once. The hospital broaden that teamwork to encompass every thought that the roof was of such concern that Queenslander. Rather than ruling from on high it never raised it even with the regional health or governing autocratically, the coalition authority, yet that was the reason for throwing Government will work with the people of out a Government—a tiny leak in a hospital Queensland. roof. That was one of the four reasons given As Deputy Premier and Leader of the for throwing out a Government. The National parliamentary Liberal Party, the man I have to Party used to be a party of graziers. Under the thank for helping in the formation of this reasons outlined by Mrs Cunningham, to stay effective, unified coalition Government is my in office it will have to become a party of colleague the member for Surfers Paradise, plumbers! Honourable members must ask Rob Borbidge. Alongside Rob as Premier and whether that is sufficient reason to put out a Leader of the National Party, Liberals are once good, competent Government that did not again proud to undertake a leading role as an have the smell of a scandal anywhere near it. integral part of Government in Queensland. I They must think of the trauma it will mean for commend the motion to the House. those public servants who will be sacked under the incoming Government and think of the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader trauma that it will mean for those ordinary of the Opposition) (10.48 a.m.): I rise to Queenslanders who will be subjected to its oppose the motion before the House and, in policies. doing so, flag to the House that later I will be moving an appropriate amendment. How can Let me make it very clear that there will be we support a motion of confidence in a no vindictiveness from the Opposition towards Government that has done nothing? That is Mrs Cunningham, the honourable member for the irony of this debate. This is a solemn Gladstone. We will be seeking her support for occasion. It is a solemn occasion when there more sittings of this Parliament. We believe is a change of Government without a general that because the Labor Party Opposition has election, and that is what has happened. 44 seats, the coalition has 44 seats and one seat is held by an Independent, decisions Contrary to what has been suggested by should more than ever before be made on the the incoming Government, we are not bitter, floor of this House. We will be seeking the but we are disappointed. We are disappointed support of the honourable member for because we are entitled to be disappointed. Gladstone in ensuring that this Parliament We are entitled to be disappointed because plays a greater role than ever before. In a the Goss Government was a Government of short time, we will be seeking her support for vision, integrity, honesty and diligence—a an amendment which I believe is in the Government that had the interests of interests of the people of this State. We will be Queenslanders at heart. I pay tribute to seeking to have ongoing discussions with the and his former Government for honourable member for Gladstone, and I look the contribution that it has made to the people forward to that on a future occasion. of this State. Let us not forget that there were no Fitzgerald inquiries, scandals, or gaolings of Let us return to the absurd motion that police commissioners. No Ministers went to has been moved. The coalition is asking us to prison and there were no financial scandals. express confidence in a minority Government We had good, competent Government. which said it was ready for Government back Nevertheless, there has been a change of on 15 July, yet after eight months only two of Government. its members are ready to be Ministers. How can we have confidence in a Government The member for Gladstone outlined which comprises only two people? I do not approximately four reasons for throwing out know why the other coalition members are the competent Goss Government. My former sitting on the front bench. The coalition cannot ministerial colleagues do not agree with those be serious. It reminds me of that old Jackie reasons, and they will deal with them during Trent song It's Just the Two of Us, because this debate. Unlike the incoming Government, that is all there are—just two of them! we will not truncate this debate. This is the people's House and this is where this debate Mr Hamill: What about the Odd should take place. Let us deal with one of the Couple? 20 February 1996 16 Legislative Assembly

Mr BEATTIE: How could I do better quoting—will be built within three years. The than that? But I do not get into personality incoming Premier is the very person who in politics; that is not my style. 1986 said that the Gold Coast rail line would The Premier asked for the recalling of be built before Expo in 1988. He was wrong Parliament, and for what—to pass a vote of then and he will be wrong again. Another confidence in two people. That is the farce of $200m has to be found to eliminate the debt this motion. on the Sunshine Coast Motorway—the tollway. That was a commitment by the coalition. The Mr Mackenroth interjected. member for Toowoomba South promised new Mr BEATTIE: Exactly. Mr Borbidge and hospitals at Robina and Noosa which will cost Mrs Sheldon will not even have their Cabinet an estimated $340m over the next five ready to be sworn in until Monday. They years—unless, of course, the coalition should go back and look at the history books Government does what it did to the QE II to see how long it took for the first Goss Hospital when it left office, that is, it did not Ministry to be sworn in. The coalition said that staff it and did not build it properly. The it was ready, but its Cabinet still has not been member for Beaudesert promised a new sworn in. hospital for Beaudesert which the coalition has already had to disown. Mr De Lacy interjected. It is not just the Opposition which is asking Mr BEATTIE: They will. How can the these serious questions. I was pleased to see coalition ask us for our confidence when it newspaper raise the issue does not even know who will be sitting on its yesterday of the Government's promised front bench? The coalition said that it would hit capital works program, which was referred to the ground running. All it has done is hit the today. That newspaper stated— ground. "Sheldon"— Why should we have any confidence in an illegitimate minority Government which has and I believe that is a discourtesy; I would not won a general election and which never refer to the honourable member like therefore does not have the necessary that— mandate to govern? This is a minority "could not explain before the election and National/Liberal Party Government. We have has not explained since where the $1 coalition members who have stumbled into billion or so to do this will come from." Government, unready to lead the State, and a That is what the financial assessment of the new Premier who has gained power through coalition's promise is saying. All this is not a the back door. That is how coalition members recipe for successful government; it is a recipe got onto the Government benches. for financial disaster, and the coalition has How can we have any confidence in a been in Government only one day. No wonder Government which has bought its votes with the Treasurer wants an audit commission to promises which will cost $7,005m—or $7 examine the Treasury, as she said in the billion—to implement but which has not House earlier. She is desperately searching for revealed how those promises will be paid for? a scandal so that she can walk away from not If the Treasurer wants to have an economic just the hospital at Beaudesert but a host of debate, let us have an economic debate and other promises that have been made. an analysis of her promises. The Government I know that there is no scandal. Our says that it will eliminate land tax and that figures have been tested by respected there will be reductions in stamp duty on share international institutions such as Standard and transactions, yet it claims that it will still provide Poors, Moody's and Natwest, which have a surplus. How can we be confident of a examined our handling of the Budget and the surplus when we examine the promises of the economy and given us the "thumbs up". That coalition? is what they said, and the coalition knows it. It Mr Purcell: Get out the bankcard. cannot argue with those bodies because they are independent and beyond political Mr BEATTIE: I am about to come to reproach. Coalition members have also had that! It is the Myercard, not the bankcard. every chance of examining the books through The incoming Premier has said that a this Parliament's Estimates committees. For multilane Pacific Highway, which Treasury the Treasurer to argue that she wants to now estimates will cost $813m—and Mrs Sheldon conduct some sort of inquiry reveals that she referred to Treasury, and we would love her to has no confidence in her own parliamentary table the documents; we know about selective colleagues. Legislative Assembly 17 20 February 1996

Let us be very clear about this. This audit Crucially, the trend data is showing an commission is nothing more than an attempt acceleration through those three quarters, to rough up Treasury. That is what the representing growth of 0.2 per cent, 0.8 per Treasurer wants to do—rough up Treasury. cent and 1.1 per cent. Those results should be Does anyone actually believe that the confidence building—showing an economy Treasury would indulge in trickery? Of course which, under Labor, was growing and growing not! The Treasury is a proud institution in this rapidly. I am confident of one thing: members State. Let me assure everyone that they can of the coalition will try to put up their hands have confidence in the fact that our Budget for very, very soon. And what will they try to do? this financial year is as well balanced as it They will try to take credit for what the Labor always was. I can guarantee that we would Party did in the sound economic management have gone on to balance the 1996-97 Budget of this State, and we will make sure that at as well. I know that I can be confident of that every opportunity they are reminded of the because we have constantly improved this sound legacy that they inherited. State's financial position every year since I also remind the House that there was 1989, when we inherited—and this was the every reason to have confidence in the legacy of those opposite—a net debt of election commitments given by the Labor $4,500m, or $4.5 billion. That is what we were Party. Every one of them was costed by left with in 1989. We have turned that into a Treasury. The Treasurer referred to Treasury, surplus of $1,600m. The surplus that the new so let us look at some Treasury figures. Our Government inherits is $1.6 billion. If the promises were costed by Treasury with its Treasurer does come back in the future to say usual professionalism and meticulous that she has found a problem and will have attention to detail. The total cost of our difficulty in balancing the books, that will simply promises over five years was $1,265m. For the be yet another reason why we should have no benefit of members and the people of confidence in this minority Government, Queensland, I table details of Treasury's because it will be a trick to get out of the costings and funding sources. election commitments that it has given. As I asked earlier: how can we be Now that the Liberals and Nationals are confident that the $7,005m, or $7 billion, back in bed together, after all those years in needed to fund the coalition's promises will be which the Liberals told the truth about the found, or that promises will be kept, or that Nationals—and those episodes make great services will not will slashed to pay for the reading, and I will have a lot of fun referring to promises? I table the extravagant list of the them over the next little while—they expect us coalition's promises, costed by Treasury, which to believe that they can fulfil one of the most amounts to a total of $7,005m, or $7 billion. important tasks of Government: ensuring the That is what the coalition's promises amount maintenance of a strong Budget and a sound to. Yet while the coalition is making those economic policy. This is vitally important, promises on the one hand, on the other hand because after the months of uncertainty the Treasurer says, "We are going to cut land caused by the Liberal challenge to the tax. We are going to cut sales tax on share Mundingburra result, business must be transfers." She cannot do that; the figures confident about the economic climate and the simply will not add up. As I said, I table that taxes and charges that it faces. document for the information of the House. Let me remind everyone that there was Why should we be confident that there will every reason to have confidence in the Goss not be open slather on borrowing by this Government's handling of the economy. incoming Government? I say to the Treasurer: Whilst there was a brief slowing in growth in the problem with borrowing at this level is that the March and June quarters of 1995, the there cannot be just a little bit; each year that trend figures indicate a quickening in borrowing accumulates, with no basis for economic growth. That is what the coalition repayment, and the debt builds. As Treasurer, Government inherits. The latest ABS data Mrs Sheldon seems quite happy to do that. indicates that the Queensland economy, as This is not a case of economic rationalism. My measured by the constant price trend gross criticism is simply commonsense. It is not State product, grew by 1.1 per cent in the possible to run the State on a Myercard or a September quarter of 1995. This is an bankcard. It simply cannot be done. Why annualised figure of 4.4 per cent. The should anyone have any confidence in a seasonally adjusted figure indicates an Government whose Treasurer is on record as annualised figure of 6 per cent. Treasury saying that a balanced Budget is not knows that, and that is the strength that we necessary? On another occasion, the are leaving the coalition Government. Treasurer said that she was fairly determined 20 February 1996 18 Legislative Assembly to balance the Budget. Why should we have the waiting lists. That will be the test. Let us any confidence in a Treasurer who once see what they are like. asserted that the Sunshine Coast tolls should Does anyone seriously believe that these be lifted because people should not have to two deserve the confidence of this House? No! pay for them; that the Government should I hereby move the following amendment— pay—not the people, the Government should pay! "After 'Government' add— Should we have any confidence in a 'and further the Parliament advises Treasurer who does not seem to have a the Governor that no writ should be comprehensive economic philosophy? All we issued for a general election to be have are a few vague notions, such as a cut in held before 2 May 1998 without land tax and increased borrowing and express resolution of the increased debt. The coalition has promised to Parliament'." abolish land tax, which currently contributes I do that for this reason: this State needs $180m to fund essential services such as stability. We have had enough instability. The schools, police and medical services. But there only way that there will be certainty in the is no explanation of how those funds will be business community and in the community replaced and no explanation of any benefits generally is if there is a clear indication of a from that removal of income. It will not help date before which there will not be an election. the home-building industry, because home We do not want an early election. The Premier owners are exempt. And it will not help the says that he does not want an early election. I people of Gladstone, because they pay very say to the Premier: put your money where little land tax. Where do people pay a lot of your mouth is. Here is your chance to give the land tax? The truth is that the general public people of Queensland certainty. The Premier will suffer so that the National Party backers on offered the people of Queensland a contract. the Gold Coast can benefit. Surfers Paradise He offered the people of Queensland an land and property owners—many of them opportunity to form a contract with him. Here is absentee—pay 20 per cent of what the State his chance to form that contract. I urge the collects in land tax. I draw the attention of the honourable member for Gladstone, who also honourable member for Gladstone to this is on record as not supporting an early point. This plan simply transfers a tax burden election, to support the Opposition on this from the wealthy—the millionaires on the Gold amendment. Let us give the people of Coast—to working families in places such as Queensland certainty. Let us give the Gladstone. That is what it does. That is what business community certainty. I urge the these policies mean. Why has such a major House to support this amendment. The priority been given to those areas? The Opposition opposes the Premier's motion. answer is fairly clear. Mr ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy Leader These are the questions that need to be of the Opposition) (11.08 a.m.): I second the asked, and these are the questions that the amendment. I oppose the Premier's motion. people of Queensland need to consider when Today, the House is debating whether or not they watch this debate and listen to the this coalition has not only the capacity to goings-on in this House today. Does anyone govern in this State but also whether it has the seriously believe, after what the Treasurer said right to do so. The main point that was made today and on other occasions, that Treasurer by the Opposition Leader is simply this, and it Sheldon should be the custodian of the should not be forgotten: the Labor Party holds 44 seats in this Parliament, and the finances of this State? Do people seriously Liberal/National Parties hold 44 seats in this believe that? The answer is: no. Does anyone Parliament. This coalition has not won a seriously believe that these two—"just the two general election. Despite its claims to the of us"—will look after the interests of working contrary, and despite the rhetoric, we went to families in this State? No! Does anyone the election on fair electoral boundaries—no seriously believe that these two will stand up gerrymander; no 33 per cent of the vote for the environment when the developers walk required to win Government. We have 44 through the door with brown paper bags? Are seats, and the National/Liberal Parties have they going to stand up for the environment? 44 seats. Despite claims to the contrary, the No! Does anyone seriously believe that these coalition has not been supported by enough two have a plan to reduce hospital waiting lists people in enough seats to form a majority and rebuild the hospital system? No! Their Government. From this day forward this chance will come, because I have challenged position will create a significant dilemma for them to table every six months the status of those sitting opposite, because now they will Legislative Assembly 19 20 February 1996 have to develop full and formal policies—none Ministers in a minority Government but here of those convenient documents that they roll on the floor of this House. It is a hung around at election time—to put before the Parliament; it is not a majority Government. people of Queensland. They will not have the I turn to a matter that comes within my opportunity to say what they will not do; now former portfolio, Transport. On Wednesday of they will have to put on record what they will last week, my former shadow, who is to be do. No longer will the member for Surfers sworn in at some time as the new Minister, Paradise have the luxury of nodding his head made a commitment, which was published in and looking sympathetic and reassuring as a the newspapers, that he would substitute for hard work and detailed policy downgrade—that is code for "abolish"—the development. No longer will members of the South East Queensland Transit Authority. I coalition be able to get away with trotting out remind members, and in particular the wish lists at election time. No longer will member for Gladstone, that the formation of coalition members have the luxury of just that body took place on the floor of this simply opposing for opposing's sake. They will Chamber. It was significant legislation that had have to propose something instead. Above all majority support of this House. The new else, the members of the coalition will have to Minister has no right to downgrade it; he has refer all issues back to this Chamber, because no right to abolish it. He has no right to touch this is a hung Parliament. This is the people's that organisation and set back the introduction House. This is where all issues should be and acceptance of public transport initiatives decided. throughout south-east Queensland. He has no Let us consider what the Parliament is right to do that because those decisions being asked to support today. This Parliament should be made here, on the floor of this is being asked to support a coalition that House. The coalition does not have a would flood a World Heritage area and build a mandate to change; coalition members have hydroelectric scheme while abandoning the no mandate at all: they are a minority Eastlink proposal that would have provided Government. low-cost electricity to Queensland. This I have outlined only a fraction of what the Parliament is being asked to support a coalition in office stands for. All honourable coalition that would weaken domestic violence members would know that during the past six laws and deprive women of the protection that months Mrs Sheldon, the member for they need. This Parliament is being asked to Caloundra, has been trooping around Victoria support a coalition that would scrap the Cape getting the drum from Jeff Kennett. York wilderness zone. This Parliament is being Honourable members have seen the member asked to support a coalition that would reduce for Surfers Paradise strutting the national the rights of workers to compensation. This stage, telling those in the conservative parties, Parliament is being asked to support a particularly those at the Federal level, "You'd coalition that would cut back the teaching of be a mug to tell them beforehand. Don't tell foreign languages in our schools. This them a thing. Keep it quiet. Don't say a thing. Parliament is being asked to support a Tell them nothing. That's the way to go." coalition that would scrap the maintenance of Where is the integrity in that? Where is the many fragile ecosystems in rural Queensland commitment to open government? That is through the already-negotiated guidelines for their record. tree clearing. This Parliament is being asked to support a coalition that would introduce a In Victoria, they have a new verb to referendum for an expensive Upper House to describe being dudded by the Kennett simply employ more politicians. This Government: being "Jeffed". I predict Parliament is being asked to support a confidently that, in this State in the very near coalition that would return to the bad, old future, people will be talking about being practices of the bad, old days of planning "Robbed" and "Robbed" blind. Why should when there was no systematic planning and they not think that? The only group that has the result was terrible urban sprawl. And this been willing to endorse the coalition's Parliament is being asked to support a economic strategy has been the Institute of coalition that has a track record of ransacking Public Affairs, that Right Wing think-tank, all the environment. That is the coalition in which the former heads of which sit on John this Parliament is being asked to express Howard's front bench. They are the only confidence; yet all of those matters are crucial economic commentators in this country who and important to Queensland and they should supported the coalition's economic policies. be decided here, in the people's House—not To endorse and reinforce points made by by some Executive Government team, not by the Leader of the Opposition I point out that, 20 February 1996 20 Legislative Assembly despite the member opposite trying to What is being offered by the minority distance himself from it and change the facts, Government that is coming into office—$7 Labor is handing over an economy that is billion worth of promises. Its members have growing strongly. As the Leader of the stopped short of promising a block of flats and Opposition said, in the September quarter the a set of steak knives to everyone who would gross State product, that is, the total of vote for them. everything that is made in this State, grew by Mr Hamill: I'm not sure about that. 1.1 per cent. As he said, that is an annual growth of 4.4 per cent. Seasonally adjusted, Mr ELDER: The honourable member that is a growth of 6 per cent; that is, 6 per might find the steak knives in Mundingburra cent more goods and services are being somewhere. As the Leader of the Opposition produced in this State than in the previous outlined, the only way the coalition will pay for quarter. That is growth; that is jobs for those promises is by cutting land tax. The Queenslanders. That is what Labor is handing coalition plans to cut $180m from the Budget to the coalition. It is handing over an economy by cutting land tax. As he outlined, this in which, as the Leader of the Opposition minority Government's early priority is to give a stated, we have paid off the bankcard. A total tax break to the millionaire property developers of $4.5 billion of debt was on the books when on the Gold Coast. The coalition intends to cut Labor came to Government in 1989. Now, payroll tax. Labor has done more to develop despite the members opposite trying to small business and enhance it through payroll distance themselves from it, those books are tax deductions than any conservative $1.6 billion in the black. Government in this country. The Treasurer must understand that the coalition is planning Why would members of the public not be to cut the two main sources of revenue for worried? We should all be concerned State Governments: land tax and payroll tax. because, as the Leader of the Opposition The member for Caloundra and the member outlined, the member for Caloundra is for Surfers Paradise believe that they can cut ambivalent about debt. Apparently her taxes and increase spending. The last time financial philosophy is that of Alan Bond, that that that was seriously argued was by Ronald is, of course, just keep on borrowing and let Reagan in the United States. Ronald Reagan tomorrow take care of itself. That will be a tried it and when he left office he left a deficit shameful legacy for her as Treasurer to leave of $3 trillion. That was his legacy! Someone behind. else had to pay. Yet this coalition is Mrs Edmond: They might follow some determined to take that approach. It seems to other National Party Ministers. me that it thinks Budgets are like Norman Lindsay's magic pudding. Members know the Mr ELDER: It is following straight after story—one takes a bite out of the pudding, but National Party Ministers and others in other instead of it getting smaller, it gets bigger. It is States. Importantly, when Labor was in just amazing! That is the way the coalition Government it diversified this economy. That sees the Budget; that is the way it sees fiscal was never achieved by the previous National responsibility. Party Government. The economy is no longer So let me make a prediction—the just farming, mining and tourism. We have Borbidge minority Government will be no seen growth in a viable manufacturing sector different from any other conservative and, as a result, we have seen growth in the Government in this country, which has filled its provision of long-term jobs. Instead of Treasury coffers by cutting back on nurses, by exporting raw materials, Queensland now cutting back on teachers and by selling exports finished products. When we came to Government assets and services. This Government in 1989, just under $4 billion Government will be no different. We know that worth of manufactured products was exported. when the squeeze is on the conservative As we leave Government, those exports now parties, those will be the areas that will suffer total over $6 billion. That is a 50 per cent the most—nurses, teachers and Government increase in that period. That is not a bad assets and services. The Premier talks about record, despite the picture of gloom the the good old days: the "good old days" were members opposite try to paint. That is a good the days during which those professions were record of diversifying the economy and the lowest paid in Australia; the "good old creating growth. We are handing over an days" were when those professions had no economy that is in a strong and sound state. It services and no infrastructure whatsoever to is a diversified economy that provides support them. That is what the Premier is long-term, sustainable jobs for this State. talking about—going back to those good old Legislative Assembly 21 20 February 1996 days. When the squeeze is on, that is where give the commitment now. He should not wait; the cuts will be made because, deep down, he should accept the challenge. the coalition believes that it does not have to People have always set the bar higher for manage to rule; it believes it was born to rule. Labor Governments than they have for Deep down, it still believes that. conservative Governments. They have But how long will it be before we see demanded of Labor its very best and have some ginger in the Liberal Party? How long will never accepted anything less. When a party it be before the Liberals cannot sit comfortably comes into Government after 32 years in with the racist and redneck remarks of their Opposition, there is a desire and an National colleagues? How long will be it before expectation that it will change the world. The the Nationals dream of those happy days difficulty lies always in finding the right pace for when they ruled in their own right without change. For some, the pace was too fast; for having to share power with a handful of others, it was not fast enough. However, we Liberals? How long will it be before the landed have listened to the people and we have gentry of the National Party start to question accepted their criticism. Again, let us not forget the credentials of the Surfers Paradise motel one fundamental point: the Labor Party holds owner who leads them? In all, I think the exactly the same number of seats as do the Beatles probably best summed up with their two coalition parties. The difference between famous song of some 25 years ago what the the minority Government and the Opposition is coalition parties have done to get to where the support of the member for Gladstone for they are today—they came in through the the coalition. That is not a situation that leads bathroom window protected by a silver spoon. to good or stable Government. I could not have summed it up any better. I speak for every member on this side of I say that, notwithstanding whether the the House when I say that inside each and minority Government has come through the every one of us burns a determination to bring back door or the bathroom window, it is not back stable Government to Queensland, and legitimate—it is a minority Government. to do that through the re-election of the Labor Therefore, it needs to test all issues on the Party. We represent a party that has over 100 floor of the House. I ask the people of years of history. Throughout the party's 100 Queensland: does the coalition have a years of existence, it has overcome and mandate to scrap the Cape York wilderness triumphed over adversities and the setbacks zone? No, it does not. Does the coalition have placed before it. The Labor Party has done a mandate to reduce the rights of workers to that on a continual basis. Opposition members get compensation? No, it does not. Does this represent a party that has given Queensland coalition have a mandate to flood a World great reformers—Ryan, Theodore and Goss. Heritage area to build a hydro-electric We represent a party that has always sought scheme? No, it does not. Does this coalition to work for the benefit of all Queenslanders have a mandate to weaken the domestic and not just for the sectional interest of a violence laws and deprive women of the privileged few. But most importantly, we protection that they need? No, it does not. represent a party that has fought for the rights Does it have a mandate to recentralise the of ordinary Queenslanders to share in the health system in Brisbane? No, it does not. wealth and benefits of this great State. I know Does the coalition have a mandate to that many thousands of Queenslanders will be dismantle the coast protection plans? following today's proceedings with a heavy No, it does not. Does it have a mandate to heart and a sense of anger and total dismantle the South East Queensland Transit frustration. I appreciate and share their Authority? No, it does not. All of those matters feelings. However, I urge them all to take heart and many others must be decided by this and face the future with optimism because Parliament. those of us who represent them in this This Parliament must run its full term. That Parliament will fight on. We will not let them means a commitment from the member for down, and we will be back. Surfers Paradise that he will not call a general Mr W. K. GOSS (Logan) (11.28 a.m.): election until at least the middle of 1998. The Unaccustomed as I am to speaking fifth in a Leader of the Opposition has challenged the major parliamentary debate, I do so to place member for Surfers Paradise to state publicly certain matters on the record. The first thing that he will not call an election before May that I want to do is to congratulate the Leader 1998, yet there has been no response at all to and Deputy Leader of the parliamentary Labor that call. The member for Surfers Paradise Party on their election to their positions, to boasts about how he will bring stable indicate to them my support and to wish them Government to Queensland, so he should and our fellow colleagues in the parliamentary 20 February 1996 22 Legislative Assembly

Labor Party every success for the future. I am Last Thursday in the annexe I made a sure and I am confident that that success will speech to launch a couple of books, the not be too far away. Both Peter and Jim are Queensland Policy Handbook 1996 and A steeped in the tradition and the commitment Government of Routines. At the beginning of of the Labor Party and that, I think, augurs my speech I pointed out that one of the well for the future. As well, they have a team in unhappy consequences of all the distractions the parliamentary Labor Party that numbers of January was that I missed the last 44—closer to Government than Labor has Toadshow production of Glamalot. That was ever been before when in Opposition. only one of the disappointments of January. However, it not only has good numbers but Referring to the show, I said in my speech— also it has good talent—people who not only "At the end of Toadshow's Glamalot have experience of Government, people who a dispirited King Arthur (from Inala) have experience of committees and people handed his kingdom to his adversaries, who have experience of the Parliament but and slipped away to some place called also people who have a commitment to all of Avalon, there to forever sing bad pop the things that the Labor Party has stood for in songs from the 1970s, reminisce at the its long history in this place. BBQ, and drive his purple Valiant I would like to thank Mr Borbidge and Mrs charger." Sheldon for their kind remarks directed Leaving aside the fact that I did not think towards my family and me. Can I say that my there were any other sorts of pop songs from two decisions last Friday were made not only the 1970s, let me say that, despite that in what I believe were in the best interests of ending in the musical Glamalot, I am very my family and me but equally importantly in optimistic about the future of this State and the best interests of the Parliament of the future of Labor in this State. I know that Queensland and in the best interests of the whatever happens in the days ahead, that Labor Party, because I did not want to see the during our time in Government, and my time Labor Party today as part of a funeral service. as Premier, that Queensland moved on from I am pleased with what I have seen already, being what I think in the 1980s was a closed because what I have seen from the leader and insular society culturally, socially and and deputy leader signals that they have politically to a society today which is a commenced the march back. The march back community of Queensland which is much to Government will not be anywhere near as more open, much more confident, much more long as the long march that ended in 1989. outward looking and much more sophisticated. Peter and Jim have dealt with the issue of We can be proud of that. the vote of confidence moved by the new I refer to high-profile reforms, and I Premier. As someone who has been in this instance honest electoral boundaries for the place a little longer than some, I would note first time in 40 or 50 years, major with some irony and humour that the last environmental reforms such as occurred with National Party Premier to move a vote of Fraser Island, and the rebuilding of the public confidence in himself on his first day in office education system. Beyond the high-profile was Mr Cooper, and that signalled the reforms that are perhaps most remembered, beginning of the end of that Government. there are reforms and changes right The men and women of the parliamentary across-the-board. Before I mention some of Labor Party are entitled to have every these—I would like to place them on the confidence in their ability to govern and their record—I remind Opposition members that in ability to come back. That belief is not only the first week after the election in 1989—not a based on the numbers and the talent that sit week or a month later, but in the days immediately after 2 December 1989—we did on this side of the House, it is also based on a not dillydally or procrastinate. We knew what record of change and the fact that today we have a new Queensland which, in the 1990s, we wanted to do. Before we were sworn in, we is fundamentally better and fundamentally abolished imperial honours; on the day we different than the Queensland of the 1980s. were sworn in, Mr Mackenroth abolished the The major changes will not and cannot be special branch; and within days of that, Labor hired hundreds of extra teachers as the turned back. If anybody on the other side tries commencement of rebuilding the public to wind back the major reforms and major education system. The reason we started with changes we have implemented, I believe that education is that Labor believes that the people of Queensland will rebel and rebel education is at the heart of any social justice quickly. agenda. We had a commitment from the Legislative Assembly 23 20 February 1996 beginning, which we have discharged. We the disappointments that I have following the believe that the public education system is premature end to our Government is in one that should be boosted, and so it was, relation to the Cape York wilderness park. I because, irrespective of the sex, race, sincerely hope, and appeal to Mr Borbidge, geography, religion or social circumstances of that decisions will not be taken in the days and any child in this State, we believe that they months ahead that will prevent the should receive a quality education. That is at establishment of what could be a world-class the heart of social justice; that is at the heart wilderness park, something that has the of equality of opportunity. potential to not only rival Kakadu but which will In referring to our high-profile reforms, and do more for the economy of far-north before I go on to place some other reforms on Queensland than the grazing industry could the record, I pose two questions to members do in the 11 or 12 properties that are involved. and to the public: can anyone recite a list of I have spoken about education and I the great reforms of the National/Liberal Party instance the huge boost to the education Governments of 1957 to 1989? budget, the program of computers in schools, Asian languages and studies, the big boost to A Government Member: Death grants to P & Cs, and wage justice for duties. teachers. One last issue that I raise is our Mr W. K. GOSS: Death duties, I have successful campaign to gain a fair share of over here. Well and good. Death duties! tertiary places in Australia for young Government members may look to death and Queenslanders; that is something that I am the past; we look to the future and the young proud of. It was the State Labor Government people of this State. when in power that provided unprecedented Turning to the future, however, can opportunities for young people in regional anybody recite a list of the great reforms Queensland to have a campus in their areas. proposed by this incoming National/Liberal One only needs to look at Cairns, Townsville, Party Government? This morning there has Mackay, Gladstone and the Sunshine Coast been reference to improving services and as examples. getting back to basics; every Government One thing that I would give special believes in that. This morning, the only thing I mention to is the decision that was taken last did not hear a promise in respect of was year, in consultation with all the stakeholders motherhood and curly hair for kids. and, in particular, in consultation with , to at last establish a campus of I said before that Queensland is a Griffith University in Logan City. Logan City is different place, and indeed it is a better place, the third biggest city in Queensland. I say to for the Government of the last six years. Let Mr Borbidge: Logan City is an area which is me instance some of the reasons why I say not only the third biggest city in Queensland that, and I ask whether anybody believes that but also has a very high proportion of young the incoming Government will match this people, and a high proportion of young people scope of reform. In the political and the who, in the past, have not been encouraged administration area, we introduced electoral to go on to higher education. It was one of my laws, anti-discrimination laws, equal dreams and goals that young people would be employment opportunity policies, freedom to encouraged and given an opportunity to march laws, and homosexual law reform. I attend that facility, as do young people on the point to the work of the CJC and EARC— Gold Coast in the electorate of the honourable despite some of the arguments we had with member for Surfers Paradise. Young people in the CJC—the reform of the Police Service, the implementation of the Fitzgerald reforms, Brisbane have the choice of attending three universities, as would young people right up freedom of information legislation, the coast in regional Queensland. I have read appointment to the public service on merit in the newspaper the comments of the instead of the old approach and, of course, honourable member for Surfers Paradise that the introduction of sound and strict ministerial that decision will be reviewed. I do not take guidelines for the first time and the abolition of that as a firm and final decision to transfer the those ministerial credit cards and cash Logan City campus to Mr Lingard's electorate advances that were so famous in Queensland of Beaudesert. I appeal to the honourable and so infamous around the country. In the member for Surfers Paradise to consider the area of the environment, I would cite Fraser high numbers—— Island, doubling the national park estate, the Noosa north shore, the tree-clearing guidelines Mr Borbidge: It is a legal problem, my and the coastal protection legislation. One of friend advises me. 20 February 1996 24 Legislative Assembly

Mr W. K. GOSS: It is a legal problem. That is important and that is where this State's That is well and good, but I hope that it will be future lies. resolved and addressed in good faith. There is As to housing—I refer to the reforms a great need for that facility, and the introduced by the member for Lytton, Tom honourable member will do a great thing if he Burns, in relation to boarding houses, senior is able to confirm that decision for those tens citizens and tenants' rights, which are very of thousands of young people in Logan City basic to a Labor agenda. I place on record in who are too far from Brisbane and the Gold this speech my appreciation of the work in Coast to have the opportunities that young Government of the former Deputy Premier, people in those other places have. Tom Burns, as a Minister and also his support In relation to the economy, it is with great for me. pride that I leave the State with a balanced The former Queensland Government had Budget, the lowest State taxes and charges of a big investment in rail. I refer to the Gold any Australian State, full funding of our future Coast railway, which was to be opened next liabilities and the best debt position of any Sunday but, I hope, will be opened soon. Australian State. This was achieved by a Labor Government during the worst recession In relation to women, I appeal to the in Australia's history and during the worst member for Caloundra, Mrs Sheldon, not to drought in Queensland's history. We could be turn back the clock on reforms. I say: retain proud of that record in any circumstances but the Women's Policy Unit, the women's policy doubly proud in the circumstances in which we adviser and the Women's Consultative found ourselves in Government. In addition to Council, which gives women right across the that, I refer to the diversification of the State from all backgrounds and all social economy. There has been more value adding circumstances the opportunity to feed opinion and more will follow. For example, I refer to into the Government. It is a proud Korea Zinc, Comalco's expansion plans, and achievement of our Government and one that the gas pipelines that are either under way or we will certainly continue to be proud of that, about to be commenced in the north west of until there was a Labor Government, no our State. All of that is a great achievement woman ever held senior public positions in this and I hope the incoming Government will build State—for example, the head of a on it. I am sure it will, but I certainly hope that department, Supreme Court judge, District it does. Court judge, magistrate, police superintendent, Industrial Commissioner, and Our reputation as a farm and a quarry is the highest office in the land, that is, the not something to sneer at; it is something that position of Governor. Importantly, this gave we can be proud of, but we cannot leave it at women their rightful place in our society and that. We have to build on those foundations. also encouraged young women and girls to We have to add to our natural resources, the aspire to the very senior positions that this intellectual resources of Australians and the State and community has to offer. intellectual resources of a first-class education system to produce more value adding and As to industrial relations—we are proud of more skilled and better paid jobs for future the fact that in our first six months we swept generations. away that repressive Bjelke-Petersen industrial relations regime. I hope that the Government Before I conclude, I acknowledge and will not be silly and reactionary enough to try to place on record the work of Edmund Casey, go back down that path. We are also proud of who was a great Minister for Primary the fact that we restored the superannuation Industries. I refer especially to the sugar rights of SEQEB workers that were unjustly industry, which is in the best position ever taken away by the Bjelke-Petersen largely due to the reforms pioneered by Ed Government. I could go on and on, but I have Casey. only two minutes left. In relation to trade, this Government has In the time of this Government, we put focused Queensland and the Queensland Queensland on the national stage. business community on the Asia Pacific, and Queensland gained respect and became a the advances that we have made in places national player instead of being sidelined. such as Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, southern Whether it was in relation to the national China, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are electricity reforms, the national rail reforms, ones that also must be built on. I am confident Hilmer, or reform of Australian financial that in those areas we will see the new institutions, it was this Government and Mr De Government continuing to pursue the changes Lacy who led that reform and who produced in direction that we have made over the years. the template legislation, as a result of which Legislative Assembly 25 20 February 1996 we have the headquarters of the national Australian Governments. We have put so office in Queensland. As to training and the much space between Queensland and the Australian National Training Authority—it was other States of Australia that even an this Government that played a leading role in incompetent, ill-prepared, policy-free coalition the national debate to establish that body Government would have to work very hard to and, once again, the national headquarters in destroy it. In the context of this formidable Queensland. record, one would have to wonder at the I said before that Labor is entitled to motives of the member for Gladstone in confidence in our ability to return. We are seeking to bring down the Goss Government. entitled to confidence because we have the Firstly, I would like to place on record my numbers to come back. We have the ability to admiration for the performance of my former come back but, most importantly, what Labor department over the past six years. has and what members opposite do not have Queensland Treasury is widely regarded as is passion and belief. We believe in the role of the best Treasury in Australia by far and, I say Government to create a better society. We without disrespect to anyone else, the most believe in the power of policy to shape the way professional public service department in in which a Government does that. We believe Queensland. The achievements which I shall in the right of people to a better society, an shortly outline are due primarily to the honest, hard-working and decent Government, dedication, hard work and independence of all and we have delivered it. members of this department. I have nothing An incident having occurred in the public but the highest regard for their professionalism gallery— from the top to the bottom, and they would be an asset to any Government. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the members of the public gallery to stop clapping. All members of Treasury, from the Under I do not allow the public gallery to express any Treasurer down, subscribe very strongly to the view by actions such as that. I know it is a very Westminster tradition that public servants sorry day and there are a lot of emotions, but I serve without fear or favour. That is why I am would ask the public gallery to desist in the disturbed—in fact, I am appalled—at rumours future from doing that. which are circulating that suggest that the incoming Government is going to bring in a Mr De LACY (Cairns) (11.48 a.m.): Mr Liberal Party lackey to head the department. Speaker, I think that members of the public The person most commonly mentioned, an gallery were right. I take the opportunity academic from Bond University, has been provided by this debate to place on record the shouting from the rooftops that he will be the progress made in Queensland over the six new Under Treasurer—which, incidentally, years of the Goss Government in areas of does not say very much about his sense of direct relevance to the Treasury portfolio and, propriety and discretion, both vital qualities in a it goes without saying, areas of fundamental successful Under Treasurer. importance. I refer to areas such as financial management, public administration, The current Under Treasurer is one of the most widely respected public servants in micro-economic reform, economic and employment growth. Queensland, a career public servant selected on merit by an independent panel on the By anybody's standards, it is an basis of a national advertisement. He is extraordinary performance, one which thoroughly professional, extremely competent everyone, especially the media, would do well and very popular. As a professional and to heed in the coming months as the incoming independent public servant subscribing to Borbidge/Sheldon Government attempts to Westminster principles, he would serve any perpetrate the big lie, which it commenced Government with distinction. If the rumours are today with Mrs Sheldon reading selectively true, it will be the first great disaster of the and deceptively from a Treasury document. Borbidge Government. It will be a disaster That document was probably 50 or 100 pages from which it will never recover. It will signal to long, yet in her usual fashion she could only the world at large that the bad old days are find one or two quotes putting down back again, that merit selection is a thing of Queensland. the past and that Fitzgerald was for nothing. Mrs Edmond: A dishonest start. The leaders of the coalition would be doing not only themselves and their Government a Mr De LACY: It was a dishonest start to great disservice; they would also be doing a what looks like being a dishonest Government. great disservice to the people of Queensland. The performance of the Goss I can only hope that the rumours are Government is without parallel in the annals of unfounded, and I believe that the leaders of 20 February 1996 26 Legislative Assembly the coalition have an obligation to put them to increase over the period was Western rest today. But on the basis of those rumours, Australia, with 5,000. All other States recorded one wonders why anybody would be voting for a net loss of residents. Even in this financial a confidence motion in this Government. year, net interstate migration is expected to be Now to the achievements—a performance very close to 40,000—a figure exceeded only against which the Borbidge/Sheldon minority once in the 32-year history of the previous Government will be judged. Since 1990-91, Government. the first full financial year of the Goss Since 1991, Queensland has generated Government, Queensland real gross State 171,200 new jobs, or 55 per cent of the new product—that is, the Queensland economy— jobs created throughout Australia. Over the has grown by an average rate of 4.4 per cent same period, Queensland's manufacturing per annum in real terms. Over this same employment grew by 22 per cent compared period, economic growth for the rest of with the 4.9 per cent decline recorded in the Australia has averaged 1.9 per cent. rest of Australia. Latest data shows that in the Queensland has maintained an average year to January 1996, employment in growth differential of 2.5 per cent per annum Queensland grew by 3.9 per cent, compared over the other States of Australia during the with 3.3 per cent in the rest of Australia—this period of the Goss Government. During the notwithstanding the downturn which occurred last 20 quarters for which figures are available, during that period. While Queensland's Queensland outperformed the rest of Australia unemployment rate is currently above the in 17 of them, including the last quarter for national average, in the last 60 months which figures are available. This was despite Queensland's unemployment rate has been an extended period of depressed world below the national average on 42 occasions. commodity prices, the worst recession since Compare this with the last 60 months of the the Great Depression and the most severe previous National Party Government, when and sustained drought in Queensland history. Queensland's unemployment rate was above Total private investment has experienced the national average every single month. Mrs a sustained recovery. Over the past three Cunningham, with her professed concern for years, growth has been 10 per cent or above unemployment, should ponder these figures. in each year. Business investment has been It is true that the Queensland economy particularly strong, growing by 33.2 per cent in entered a cyclical downturn in the middle of the last financial year—twice that recorded in last year. Nevertheless, recent ABS data the rest of Australia. People make much of the confirms that the economy is growing strongly slowdown in housing, yet in absolute terms it is once again. The recent widespread rains still strong. Over the five years in question, a indicating a recovery in the rural sector, high total of 216,500 dwelling units were levels of business investment, the commenced in Queensland—28 per cent of extraordinary surge in investment in new the Australian total. During the last month for mining and processing projects and the State which figures are available, despite being at Government's recently announced $745m the bottom of the housing cycle, there were as accelerated capital works program point to a many new dwelling approvals in Queensland very strong economic future for Queensland. It as in New South Wales, with twice our would take very poor management indeed to population, many more than in Victoria, with destroy something so robust. one and a half times our population, and more Let me point to other achievements for than in all of the other States and Territories which Treasury is primarily responsible. combined. Queensland not only retains its status as the Since 1990-91, Queensland exports have low tax State of Australia, but also we have grown at an average annual rate of 6.3 per increased the differential between Queensland cent compared with the average annual and the other States. Other States now pay growth rate of 4.2 per cent for the rest of 39 per cent on average in State taxes more Australia. Queensland now accounts for 18.2 than Queensland, compared with 32 per cent per cent of Australia's population, up from 17 six years ago. We have consistently achieved per cent five years ago. Queensland's structural surpluses in our Budget position and population has grown at an average annual reduced net debt by $6.2 billion, that is, from rate of 2.5 per cent compared with 0.8 per $4.3 billion six years ago to negative $1.9 cent in the rest of Australia. Queensland has billion as of now—in other words, we have a accounted for 41 per cent of Australia's surplus of $1.9 billion—this while still population growth over that five-year period. enhancing Queensland's position as the low Net interstate migration to Queensland was tax State and substantially increasing 215,000. The only other State to record a net spending in all of the important social areas. Legislative Assembly 27 20 February 1996

By way of comparison, the combined net debt In a whole range of other sectors of the other States and Territories of Australia Queensland has outperformed the rest of is $72.5 billion. This has enhanced Australia: in terms of the supervision and Queensland's AAA credit rating and sets introduction of casinos; the introduction of Queensland apart not just from the other gaming machines; our superannuation, which States of Australia but from most jurisdictions is the only fully-funded public sector around the world. However, as I said, none of superannuation scheme in Australia, and the this has been done at the expense of service most generous and the most efficient; the delivery. Our good financial management has Government Statistician's office; a whole enabled us to increase spending in service range of micro-economic reforms; and our delivery by 39 per cent in real terms since drought relief programs, which are widely 1989-90. Health spending has increased in acknowledged as the most comprehensive in comparable terms by 64 per cent or a massive Australia. Over the past six years $1.1 billion. Education spending has increased Queenslanders have done virtually everything by 56 per cent, also by a massive $1.1 billion. better than everyone else. Queensland is Spending on law and order has increased by respectable again, and in terms of financial 58.2 per cent from $342m to $541m. and economic performance it is the envy of every other State. Queensland has by far the best performing financial institutions in Australia—a Mrs Sheldon claims that she is going to far cry from the situation six years ago, when have an independent audit of Queensland's the QIDC was seen as another arm of the financial position. I challenge her to do this National Party and Queensland's investment and to make the findings public, so long as it strategy involved investments in Kern is an independent audit by a respected Corporation and Qintex which led to write-offs organisation—not one of her Liberal Party of more than $150m. The Queensland lackeys. Let me assure everyone that Treasury Corporation is recognised as the everything in Queensland is on the public premier central borrowing authority in Australia record. We have standards of accountability and raises funds at a substantially cheaper which require this. I can only imagine that Mrs rate than any other body. The Queensland Sheldon's jaundiced view must stem from Investment Corporation not only ranks as one memories of the bad old days of the National of the 10 largest fund managers in Australia; it Party. The fact is that we have numerous is also consistently one of the top performers. independent audits each year, most notably For instance, in the last financial year QIC by the international credit-rating agencies achieved a 10 per cent return on investment— Standard & Poor's and Moody's. Their audits 2.6 per cent above the average of its private- are on the public record and pay a glowing sector competitors. The QIDC is now fully tribute to the strength of Queensland's corporatised, making healthy profits and financial position and the integrity of our returning dividends to the taxpayers of Budget. My fear—and it is a fear which ought Queensland. It has diversified its operations, to be shared by every Queenslander—is that and while still a major lender to the primary the financial management principles which sector, has increased its exposure to both have been responsible for the performance I secondary and tertiary sectors. have just outlined will be jettisoned by a Government with no concept of what good Suncorp has now joined that select group management is all about. My fears lie in two of Australian companies with after-tax profits in aspects: firstly, that the minority excess of $100m—this in an increasingly Borbidge/Sheldon Government will sell off competitive environment. The corporatisation assets and use the proceeds to fund recurrent of GOEs in Queensland has been carried out programs. They have already alluded to this in a systematic, consultative and efficient way, by saying that they will use QIFF funds to unlike the chaotic attempts of the other balance their Budget and to meet their States. Corporatisation has generated election commitments. I remind all honourable productivity improvements, lower prices, a members that the funds currently in QIFF commercial return on public assets and came from the sale of capital assets such as greater responsiveness to client needs. Queensland Nickel and the State gas pipeline. Specific benefits include a 40 per cent Those funds have been earmarked for capital improvement in labour and asset productivity infrastructure programs, such as the water for , a 14 per cent reduction in pipelines from the Eungella and Lake Julius real electricity prices to consumers and a 17 Dams, upgrading of the Mount Isa to per cent reduction in real charges by the Port Townsville railway line and the large water of Brisbane Corporation. infrastructure projects on the Comet and 20 February 1996 28 Legislative Assembly

Dawson Rivers. If these funds are used to plug whole world knowing. I will make it my holes in the recurrent Budget then it will be a business to ensure that the whole world does great travesty; it will be the start of know. Queensland on that slippery road downhill. I cannot support a motion of confidence My second concern is that the in the incoming Borbidge/Sheldon Borbidge/Sheldon Government will start Government. From listening to them today, I borrowing when it cannot balance its books. realise that they are still full of empty rhetoric And after looking at the commitments that it and unfunded promises. Mrs Sheldon in made during the last election campaign—$7 particular has not realised that she has shifted billion worth of commitments over five years—it sides, and she is still in her knocking mode. I is clear that it cannot balance the books. For assure her that one has to be pretty good to the past six years the previous Labor find something in Queensland that is worth Government had a policy of borrowing only knocking; one has to be capable of saying when there was an income stream capable of that black is white. As I said, I cannot support servicing the debt. To do anything else would this motion. I accept that Mr Borbidge and Mrs be a disaster; it would be an admission that Sheldon are forming a Government. We in the Government cannot pay its way and that it Opposition will ensure that the principles that will make the children pay. Nothing could be have made Queensland great are maintained more un-Australian than that. into the future and that future generations will There is a general feeling amongst inherit the kind of society and the kind of members opposite that if they borrow they can economy that the Goss Government has spend more. In fact, the reverse is the case. If established. the borrowings do not generate an income Mr GIBBS (Bundamba) (12.07 p.m.): I stream, they have to be repaid and repaid rise today obviously not to support the motion from the Budget. And not only does the moved by the Premier and seconded by the amount borrowed have to be repaid, but real Deputy Premier. Mr Speaker, each morning interest also has to be repaid. It would be one that this Parliament sits, one of the important of the great ironies of Australian politics if, as traditions of this place is when you—and the other States do their level best to emulate obviously your successor will, too—come into Queensland, Queensland started going down this House and read prayers. There are a the track that caused so much financial chaos couple of things which, over the years, always and heartburn in the other States of Australia stick in people's minds. Two of the words that and left them with a legacy which will take always ring in my ears at the commencement generations to extinguish. of each sitting day are two important words, I heard Mrs Cunningham say this morning namely, "truth" and "justice". I put it to that she could not envisage any members that today there has been no truth circumstances which would cause her to and there has been no justice in the events withdraw her support from the coalition that have taken place in the last couple of Government. I put it to members that financial weeks. mismanagement along the lines that I have I want to say to every member and just outlined would constitute such branch member of the Labor movement— circumstances. The consequences to future because I believe that we owe it to those generations are too horrendous to people—our industrial supporters and our contemplate. Queenslanders can be very voters out there in the electorate that there is proud of themselves. As I said, we do most going to be a little bit of truth and justice for things better than everyone else. The former some of those people here today, because I Government can be proud of its achievements am not going to be one of those who come over the last six years. I believe that it is into this Chamber and bite their tongues on incumbent upon everyone—certainly us as an what I believe to be one of the most shocking Opposition, but also the media as a indictments on a person, that is, the member watchdog—to ensure that we do not allow this for Gladstone, that I have seen in this new Government to sacrifice the principles that Parliament in my entire 19 years in this have made Queensland great. I assure this Chamber. The fact is that here is the person new Government that I know the Budget who has brought down an elected papers back to front. With the new standards Government, and yet during this entire debate of accountability which were implemented today she does not even have the courage to under our Government, there is no way that take the microphone and really put on record the books can be fiddled, and there is no way in this House why she made that decision. We that this Government can introduce practices saw the press conference that was held on alien to the Queensland tradition without the that vacant lot next to the house in Gladstone Legislative Assembly 29 20 February 1996 which is her electorate office, but this is the must be a constructive anger that will drive place to put it on record. I offer this challenge people to put in the great effort that will ensure to the member for Gladstone: do not sit there that, at the next election, Labor returns to its taking the wishes of your political masters— rightful position on the Treasury benches of and that is obviously what they are—have the this State. spine to stand up in this Parliament today and The born-to-rule syndrome of those put on record the good and concise reasons members on the other side of the Chamber why you believe this Government should have has already been mentioned. It is with great been brought down. The reality is that, to disappointment today that I heard the Premier more than anybody, we owe that to our mention rural Queensland. He said that the supporters in the seat of Gladstone. I know former Government had a lot to answer for that our branch members there feel very and that we did not look after rural disillusioned with proceedings, particularly Queensland. I will tell honourable members a since July last year, and with a member whose very quick story. The story that always got a ability so far has been one performance—one run during the first days after the election was maiden speech in this Parliament—and the story of the day we sat down in our very nothing else until this conspiracy in which she first Cabinet meeting. Of course, the media indulged with members on the other side of took the good line and said that we were told the Parliament. to go and have a shower. That is a true story. The member for Gladstone will go down in However, another true story that has never the political records of this State as having the been reported, and I doubt that it is talked same stained reputation as the late Albert about much, is that, on that day, Goss stood Patrick Field, the late Vincent Clair Gair and, of at the head of the table and made it very clear course, that Labor rat, whom I hope is to every one of his Ministers that, because as listening, that diabolical creature in Townsville, a party we had never had the support of rural the former member for Mundingburra, Ken Queensland and Labor did not win one rural Davies. For the benefit of the member for seat in the election, we were going to be a Gladstone, I say that singly she has achieved party—at that time a Government—for the more for the Labor movement, particularly in whole of this State and not just a Government the past six months when some discipline had for the south-east corner or the regional areas. disappeared and some comradeship had The former Government has a proud started to fragment, than Wayne Goss, Peter record of achievement in rural Queensland. Beattie or others in the party would have been For example, over the past six and a half able to achieve. She has galvanised the Labor years, in some of the most horrendous movement. There is no more professional, circumstances of the worst drought on record, angry, political animal than the Labor Party Labor provided $107m to rural Queensland to when it is fighting and prepared to do the job. address problems that were emerging, such A Government member: You should as suicide among rural young people, and to know. assist people who did not have expertise in Mr GIBBS: I do know, and that is why I proper property management and had worries am saying that members opposite should be and concerns about financial management. I concerned. We should not forget the proud see the member for Warrego sitting on the traditions that have been mentioned here other side of the Chamber. He knows full well today. We can be very proud of the leadership the outstanding success of the former of this Government by Tom Burns and Wayne Government. If he talks to the graziers and Goss over the past six and a half years. In my other coalition supporters in Charleville, he will opinion, they form an important part of the find that they applaud the initiative taken by Labor movement. They are the sorts of people the former Government in implementing the one reads about in books such as those south-west strategy. That has become a role written by Chifley. They symbolise the light on model which has now been adopted by the hill. They, along with the new leadership of conservative Governments in other States. the Labor Party in the Parliament today, Labor took the initiative through the symbolise the reason for the anger and extension of the Beardmore Dam to help the disappointment in the community. To those cotton farmers of St George ensure that that supporters who are in the gallery today I say: vital industry would play a major economic role do not let it be a destructive anger; make it an in this State. Now it is flourishing. Certainly, the anger that is constructive, an anger that recent rain that has broken the drought has makes one want to get to work and unite as a contributed greatly to that success. Members team, an anger like that which existed in the opposite should talk with people who live in years leading up to the 1989 State election. It that area and ask them whether they consider 20 February 1996 30 Legislative Assembly that the Goss Government was an anti-rural for Caloundra needs to understand that one Government. cannot pay compensation to people who will Members of the former Government not open their taxation records to show what visited the small outback towns throughout they have been earning for the past five years. Queensland—places the then shadow Minister Therein is a little clue for the Treasurer if she is had not visited in the past six and a half smart enough to pick it up. The reality is that years—and ensured, through the Water the average earnings of those fishermen from Quality Program that, for the first time in their Pumicestone Passage has been $14,000 per lives, people in those areas have access to year. As part of the compensation process, we proper sewerage facilities and the most were prepared to refit the boats of most of important, fundamental right in their them to ensure that they could continue community, that is, the right to have a drink of commercial fishing in other areas of Moreton clean water. It was the Goss Government that Bay. provided that amenity for thousands of small The Government came into office on a outback towns. no-policy campaign. When the members The former Premier referred to the opposite talk about how anti-rural we were, it is restructuring of Queensland's great sugar significant to note that when one reads the National/Liberal coalition document on primary industry. That industry is proud of the industries, one finds that it is a blueprint of restructuring that took place under the former what Labor has done. It is a blueprint of Government and, as members of that former initiatives that have already been Government, we are proud to hold our heads implemented. It is a blueprint of so many up in that industry community. People in that programs that are already in train in the sector do not vote for us, but they know that Department of Primary Industries. we achieved more for that particular sector of the rural community than members opposite Mr Perrett: By taking away all the achieved in the 32 years that their parties were service delivery people. in office. The further extension of the Burdekin Mr GIBBS: The member who interjected scheme—the land allocation scheme and the knows full well that he will inherit a department huge expansion of the sugar industry in the that is very well geared up. That department is Burdekin area—is another proud achievement implementing many of the programs for which of the Labor Government. I find it disturbing he supposedly stands. that already the vultures on the other side of the Chamber are talking about breaking down Mr Perrett: What about the fruit fly? the reforms that have been achieved. In Mr GIBBS: I will tell the honourable particular, that is shown by the ill-informed member about the fruit fly. The fruit fly is not comments made by members of the politically biased. The honourable member Government in the past couple of days in seems to forget that. It did not come into relation to Pumicestone Passage, which Queensland because there was a Labor contains one of the most finite resources in Government. If that is the argument, let us Queensland, yet the area has been killed give the fruit fly some credit for intelligence, environmentally by only 10 commercial because it would seem to me that, since the fishermen. I have read statements by the swearing in took place yesterday, it has now Deputy Premier about the possibilities of moved further: it has arrived in Bowen. So in reopening Pumicestone. I have read that in 24 hours under a Liberal/National Party the media and, of course, I believe everything Government it has spread its wings into other that the media say. It would be an areas of the State. Perhaps it is politically environmental disaster to allow commercial biased—I do not know. I choose to think that, fishing in that passage to resume. It would be in fact, it is not. an even greater travesty of justice to pay full The coalition talks about the ideas that will compensation to the nine affected commercial come from Mr Perrett when he becomes the fishermen, as has been suggested by the Minister for Primary Industries. One of his member. great, crazy ideas is the $100m Clarence River Mrs Sheldon: Do you think they should diversion scheme. How many times does the get nothing? member have to be convinced that this scheme has been costed? The best Mr GIBBS: We were prepared to sit engineering brains in this nation have down with them. I instructed Crown law on the investigated the scheme and they have found matter and Crown law has been involved in that it is simply not viable. The member will that process. We spent 12 months trying to find that out, because he will receive the same negotiate an ex gratia payment. The member advice from the DPI that it has been giving for Legislative Assembly 31 20 February 1996 years, and the reality is that the structure and great idea for Queensland racing. That idea the pumping costs make this scheme a cost- was accepted, and it has now been copied. prohibitive program. In terms of the cost per The racing industry in Queensland is the envy megalitre of water that the Government will of every other State racing Minister and the have to charge farmers to recover costs, the racing industry in other parts of Australia and scheme is just not a viable proposition. in New Zealand. The member should look at The member for Barambah is also talking some of the stock that is coming to about taking Water Resources out of the Queensland. That should answer any Department of Primary Industries. That news questions or doubt that he has about the has already sent the people in the bush into industry. panic mode. I have received a lot of phone I say to the member, who has made a calls from people in the rural community and statement about decentralising the industry— they have told me that, whilst they found the chopping it down—that because of the way first five years of the welding together of the Labor Government structured QRIS, various aspects of the department difficult— people in rural areas are now the recipients of because change can often be difficult for something like $255,000 for races throughout people to accept—the reality is that this western Queensland. Until the Labor program ensured proper natural resource Government implemented that scheme, those management throughout Queensland. I can people never had those races. People in tell the member that already people are calling western Queensland are now the recipients of him the "Minister for Mud", because the three $100,000 carnivals. Every year, the combining of lands and water resources will do Labor Government promoted those races in nothing to assist in the proper, good, those areas. I say that at least the member for professional decisions to be made in the Gregory, Vaughan Johnson, always had the management of either land or water decency to acknowledge the good job that throughout this State. was done by a Labor Government in that regard. I want to make some comments in relation to the member for Crows Nest. He is a The member for Crows Nest—and this shining example of somebody who loves the should send great shock waves and alarm bush and the rural electorate that he throughout the racing industry—will have to represents. Here is a man who represents the interfere in the racing industry to achieve what seat of Crows Nest but for the last three years he referred to in that newspaper article. He has lived in a house at Ascot. Surely, such a talks about Sky Channel coverage and TAB person has to have some hypocrisy. At the coverage of the dog racing industry in weekend, he made the following statement in Townsville. Does he know what that means? It relation to the racing industry— means that, each year, the club has to find $385,000 to pay for Sky Channel. That "In particular, the role of QRIS equates to an extra 700 patrons a week promoter John Needham will be coming through that club's turnstiles. That is investigated . . . 'I think there needs to be an impossibility. The only alternative is to raid a better spread of the QRIS money the Racing Development Fund, which is the around the major country areas. It needs only place from which that money can come. to be decentralised', the National Party So the member is going to put his greedy Minister said." paws on $385,000 to keep a club going. It The important point to make is that Mr deserves to be kept going, but it is a battling Needham, upon the instigation of coalition club and it needs help. Because there is no members, has already been subject to a profitability in the proposal, the member for thorough examination by the Criminal Justice Crows Nest would have to direct the TAB Commission. The member for Crows Nest board to make a non-commercial decision to should forget about those people in the fund that club on a TAB distribution basis. industry to whom he speaks. They have hate With the greatest respect for the club, I say in their hearts. When the member took control that punters in Queensland and Australiawide of the shadow portfolio, I rang him and offered will simply not go to the TAB and punt on him a full briefing of what was going on in the second-rate animals running around the track department. He could have received the best in Townsville. information in the world—the same information The other promise that the member has that I received. But no, he jumped into bed made in relation to the racing industry in with the haters—those who want to destroy Townsville is to reopen harness racing in that the reform that has taken place in the industry. city. A group of people in that city were given a The reality is that Mr Needham came up with a $6m gift to build a beautiful stadium. By the 20 February 1996 32 Legislative Assembly time that amount was paid off, the stadium Upon what basis are we asked to vote had cost the taxpayers of this State $21m. confidence? From what we have heard today, Now the member wants to give them a new the people of Queensland could have no facility at the showgrounds. He should look at confidence in this new administration. Quite the track. It is worse than the track upon which clearly, it is an administration that lacks vision. Ben Hur raced. It is a dangerous track and Certainly, after hearing the words of the one should not spend money on it. Deputy Premier, I say that it is an Finally, I want to go on record and say administration that lacks credibility. What is that I have been very proud to be a Minister in more—and let us be very clear about this—it is the Goss Government. It has been one of the also an administration that lacks not only greatest privileges and proudest moments of vision and credibility but also the majority in my life. In common with every other Labor this place. Let us not forget that this new Government Minister, I am proud to have administration has exactly the same number worked with Mr Goss and Tom Burns—people of members in this House as does this Labor who, as I have said, are the lights of the Labor Opposition. Were it not for the allegiance of movement and people whom many on this the member for Gladstone, they would still be side should be making sure that they model languishing over here. themselves on in the future. I am waiting with bated breath to hear some of the policy announcements of this new Mr HAMILL (Ipswich) (12.27 p.m.): Government. Government members were not Today, I came here with the expectation that noted for their policy cohesion whilst they were we would see a new coalition Government—a in Opposition. It may be a small point, but I Liberal and National Party coalition want to give an example of that from the area Government—with its tail up. I believed that of education. We used to have a parade of we would hear in this place an alternative National Party rednecks, such as the vision for the State. honourable member for Keppel, running Mrs Sheldon: You did. around prescribing a birch rod and whipping Mr HAMILL: I take that interjection, but I stool for every classroom. That was a great am still waiting to hear it. The more things embarrassment to their education change, the more they stay the same. The spokesperson, the member for Merrimac, seating arrangements in this place may have because he would say, "No, no, no; the changed, but unfortunately what we heard Liberal Party does not support that." That from the Premier and his deputy was more of demonstrates the modus operandi of the the same. Their speeches were the same old Liberal and National Parties. They were all speeches that we heard time and time and things to all people. During the State election time again when they were delivered from this campaign last July, the Liberal and National side of the House. That is a great Parties engaged in the cynical exercise of disappointment. I thought that just maybe on promising anything and everything to any this historic occasion there may have been group or individual, which is exactly the same some vision from the Liberal Party or the attitude that we saw from members of the last National Party—some outline of the policy conservative Government in this State. prescriptions for the State. However, today all During her speech, the member for we are asked to do is to vote confidence. That Caloundra took us on a little trip. Fortunately is like writing out a blank cheque, because we for her, she had a Treasury briefing note to have not been told anything at all about the bolster the content of what she had to say, nature of the policy prescriptions of this which was the best part of the speech, I incoming Government. What is more, after thought. As the incoming Minister for hearing from the Premier and the Deputy Transport, I well remember getting briefings Premier, the rest of the coalition dried up. from officers of the old Main Roads Where are the rest of them? Do they not have Department. One day in December 1989, I confidence in their own side? Do they not went up to Spring Hill and was told about the have one iota of an idea about where this massive blow-out in funding for the State ought to be going? construction of the Sunshine Motorway. Do Mrs Edmond: They are hiding. honourable members remember that toll road, bequeathed to the people of Queensland by Mr HAMILL: I say to the member that if the very Government of which Mr Cooper and I had to come into this place and support the Mr Borbidge were such prominent members? policy claptrap that were the articles of faith of Let us go down memory lane for a moment. the Liberal and National Parties whilst they Who remembers a certain man of principle, a were in Opposition, I would be hiding, too. Liberal turncoat who came into this place to Legislative Assembly 33 20 February 1996 help deliver a parliamentary majority to the Let us look at their promise in relation to National Party back in 1983? The person I had guidance officers. Did they cost the promise? in mind was Brian Austin. Do members Do they know what it really meant? What they remember him? I certainly remember Brian are promising—and I am happy to hold them Austin. He was reborn, of course, as the to account on this—is 400 additional guidance National Party's man on the Sunshine Coast officers, which is going to cost about $22m. I when he became the member for Nicklin. He hope Mr Quinn is listening. That is an extra had an idea that he would make a name for $22m which is not currently in the Education himself by overseeing the construction of a toll budget. Let us not finish with that; there has road on the Sunshine Coast. Brian Austin was been a range of other promises, too. The Minister for Finance in those heady days of member for Toowoomba North gave a solemn the National Party administration, and he had undertaking that there was going to be a new a very simple attitude to the construction of high school at Wilsonton in Toowoomba. Only that road: he did not care that the money was a couple of days ago I saw in the Toowoomba not there; he did not care that the loan could Chronicle that he was again running away not be serviced. "Build it," said Brian Austin, from that promise. I see there is going to be a "Build it, and we will worry about paying for it new high school at Jimboomba, and there are later." going to be new primary schools in Townsville I ask the House: what has changed? The and Cairns. There is going to be a police Liberal Party is still propping up the National station in every school, not to mention the Party; the Liberal and National Parties are still airconditioning in schools promise, which was in the business of making wild promises which a new promise trotted out during the they do not have the means to honour. Mundingburra by-election. Let us turn to education. The policy Incidentally, it is a shame that the statement issued by the Liberal and National Treasurer is not here, because I want to share Parties at the last election is long on rhetoric a bit of information with her. I do not know who and very short on specifics. It is actually quite did the costings for the airconditioning a light read. If we pare away the platitudes promise, but they got it wrong by only about that are contained in this document, truly we $60m. What is $60m among friends? Actually, are left with very little of real substance. they were trying to get the money from Nevertheless, there are some interesting somewhere else. They have their hands in the points, a couple of which I would like to share pockets of the P & C as well, trying to siphon with the House. The document states— off some of their hard-earned dollars to "The coalition will provide enhanced subsidise the electoral bribe. Even after that funding and support to ensure that siphoning off, they are still about $60m short. standards in state schools are raised and During the Mundingburra by-election maintained." campaign, Mr Borbidge actually stated that he Mr Bredhauer: What does that mean? would implement all of these promises if he formed a Government. Mr Borbidge has also Mr HAMILL: It sounds great; the only talked about having a contract with the thing that is missing is the dollars. Queensland public. I say: watch out for the Mr De Lacy: And the curly hair. small print! While Mr Borbidge likes to portray Mr HAMILL: And the curly hair, and himself as Santa Claus with his little Liberal maybe the commitment. The document also helper, he has not said that he has not got the states, and this is a good one— money to pay for all the toys in the toy bag. Despite promising new programs worth "The coalition will overcome the hundreds of millions of dollars for education severe shortage of guidance alone, the coalition at the last State election officers/student counsellors needed to actually promised a $27m cut in education assist with student behaviour and learning spending. They promised a 1 per cent problems by doubling the number of productivity dividend skimmed off all of those these specialists in the first three years of service departments, including education. That government." is another way of saying that they are That also sounds great, but again I ask: what prepared to siphon money which would about the dollars? I wonder whether they really otherwise go towards employing additional knew what they were saying or, indeed, teachers, or to providing additional therapists whether, when they made those statements, for kids with disabilities, or to building those they had any real expectation of being called new schools or upgrading the old schools, or to account to deliver on the things that they just helping those kids who need a little more said they would do? assistance with their reading, writing and 20 February 1996 34 Legislative Assembly arithmetic. Yet Mr Borbidge has the cheek to Basics and our uniform and textbook ask this House to vote confidence in his allowances. Since May 1993, more than Government. $341,000 has gone to Gladstone schools as From the very beginning, as the member their share of the $41m School Computer Plan for Logan has said, education was the number to provide access to a computer for every child one priority of the Labor Government. We in upper primary and secondary schools. doubled education spending from $1.8 billion Mrs McCauley: What about the under the National Party to $2.7 billion under Boyne/Tannum high school? Labor; we have built dozens of new schools Mr HAMILL: I will come to that point across the State; we have provided millions of with great pleasure. Since 1993, under the dollars direct to P & Cs to help meet the costs School Improvement Subsidy Scheme, nearly of the basics. I remember what it was like $222,000 has been provided to schools in the under the National Party: P & Cs were raising Gladstone electorate to help with the purchase money to buy soap and toilet paper for of water coolers and ride-on mowers and to schools. Let us not go back to those dark complete projects such as shade cover in days. playgrounds. Since 1991, $3.4m has been We have brought our schools into the spent on capital works in schools, including information technology age with the non-State schools, in Gladstone, including the Computers in Schools Program. Since coming provision of a home economics block at the to office in 1989, we have employed an extra Gladstone State High School. Since 1992, 3,000 teachers in the classrooms of $1m has been allocated to schools in the Queensland and, if we had been able to serve Gladstone electorate for school refurbishment out the rest of this term in Government, there projects, and the increase in recurrent funding would be another 1,700 teachers on top of of $1.7m from 1994 to 1995 was a jump of that who would be teaching kids in our 7.5 per cent. That is not bad for a Government classrooms in Queensland. We committed which the member for Gladstone claims has $300m to curriculum reforms and to the neglected education in Gladstone. Rather, I Wiltshire report recommendations to lift the suggest that in her press conference the standards of literacy and numeracy among our member for Gladstone neglected a few of the young people. facts and by so doing has done a great Honourable members should cast their disservice to the people whom she claims to minds back to what it was like under the represent. Her ability to play it fast and loose previous National Party Government. Our with the truth can be seen in her public schools were a national shame. The Labor comments regarding the proposed Tannum Government's response was to launch a major Sands high school. refurbishment program to update Here are the facts, and I say this for the long-neglected classrooms and buildings. We benefit of the member for Callide as well. The were well on track with our Building Better Goss Government did not—I repeat "did Schools Program, which was all about not"—procrastinate on developing a new upgrading older primary school classrooms, Tannum Sands high school. It has said providing enhanced training opportunities in consistently that it was committed to having vocational education in our secondary schools the school open on Crown land at Canoe and improving shade provision and school Point for the first day of school in 1997. security across Queensland schools. Against Mrs McCauley interjected. that proud record of achievement, is it not ironic that the member for Gladstone Mr HAMILL: Again, I take the attempted to clothe her political assassination interjection from the member for Callide. The of the Goss Government in a concern that the land was acquired by a former coalition Goss Government was not delivering in Government back in 1979, and by 1989 it still education? I suggest that the member for had not delivered the school. The funds to Gladstone needs a better alibi. Allow me to set build the high school were allocated by the the record straight. former Labor Government in the Budget for this year. It was only after the July election, Since 1989, over $11m in grants have which saw Mrs Cunningham become the gone to schools in Gladstone. The number of member for Gladstone, and her stated teachers in Gladstone schools has increased opposition to the school going ahead on the from 391 to 414, more than keeping pace with Canoe Point site, that the Government the growth in student numbers. Gladstone decided to consider further site options, parents and families have benefited from including land owned by Boyne Smelters Ltd. programs such as Helping P & Cs with the That was in spite of an environmental impact Legislative Assembly 35 20 February 1996 assessment which had revealed no "Boyne Smelter Ltd requires that the impediment at all to building a school at exchange transaction be completed so Canoe Point. That report stated that the that freehold title status is maintained and Canoe Point site offered unique opportunities is not prepared to enter into a for environmental studies for the students who Conservation Agreement." would attend that school. The fact that it refused flies in the face of the On 10 November last year, in order to wishes of the local community. I suggest that consult directly with members of the local is an issue that is now in the hands of the community on this issue, the then Minister for Calliope Shire Council and the new Administrative Services, Glen Milliner, and I National/Liberal Party Government. Let us see arranged a public meeting, which was whether there are some future developments attended by the member for Gladstone, at the in relation to that issue. While we were Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club. The delivering the school, unfortunately, Mrs public meeting was informed that, if the school Cunningham was delivering Government to proceeded at Canoe Point, planning was the Liberal and National Parties. sufficiently advanced for it to open in 1997. I ask aloud: given the sorts of cuts in The meeting was also told that if the Boyne education spending under Mr Borbidge and Smelters site, which was being supported by Mrs Sheldon that were outlined, how will the member for Gladstone, was chosen the schools in Gladstone be affected? I cannot school could be built only at additional cost as have any confidence in a Government with a the site was less suitable for building and program such as that. I cannot have certainly more costly to develop. Additional confidence in a Government that is planning and development of the Boyne anti-education, and I will not support the Smelters site would push the school opening motion. back to the beginning of the 1998 school year. Mr BRADDY (Kedron) (12.47 p.m.): In I told that public meeting that I would pursue supporting the Opposition amendment, I negotiations with Boyne Smelters regarding oppose the motion moved by the incoming the availability of its site. However, I rejected Premier and his deputy. At the outset, I refer the suggestion that the Crown land site could to the circumstances which brought about our simply be swapped for the Boyne Smelters being in Opposition with an interim site, given that the Crown land site at Canoe Government on the Treasury benches. In her Point was $100,000 more valuable than the speech delivered not in the Parliament but Boyne Smelters site. outside it in which the member for Gladstone In subsequent negotiations with Boyne revealed that her preference—and that is what Smelters, of which Mrs Cunningham was fully it is—was for a conservative Government, she aware, an agreement was reached that, if the stated, among other things in relation to school was built on the Boyne site, Boyne Gladstone, that "police numbers continue to Smelters would pay the difference in land dwindle in spite of a growing population and values. Although the adjoining land had been demonstrated need". scraped clean for residential development, I have the results of some research and, with the approval of the then Calliope Mayor as Mrs Cunningham has never asked me Cunningham the now newly elected member about the figures, I am sure that she would be for Gladstone and her council, and the interested to know what they are. In 1989, anti-school for Canoe Point lobby wanted the when we came to Government, the total of all school land protected from development. the positions within the Gladstone police Accordingly, I sought to protect the perceived district within her electorate was 52 police environmental values of the Canoe Point site officers. Today, under the model established which, under the agreement, would pass last year, after a review not by the through to Boyne Smelters. Government but by the Police Service, 63 officers are authorised in positions within her I believe the conservation agreement electorate. In the six years and two or so offered appropriate protection. After all, the months since we came to Government, the member for Gladstone had argued that the Gladstone population and that of the site be made an environmental reserve. Sadly, surrounding area has grown by about 10.6 per Boyne Smelters has consistently refused to cent. However, police numbers have grown by enter into a conservation agreement to protect 20 per cent. That 20 per cent increase the Canoe Point site. As recently as 2 outweighs the population increase. I was February, I was advised by the Lands stunned when I heard Mrs Cunningham make Department— that claim, calmly as she did, on 20 February 1996 36 Legislative Assembly

Queenslandwide and national television. I will have raised matters of concern about police tell honourable members why I was stunned. numbers with me and have obtained the real Since becoming the member for figures. That was their job. But on no occasion Gladstone, Mrs Cunningham has never since she was elected to Parliament did the written, telephoned, seen me or sought to member for Gladstone raise that matter with lead a delegation to see me about police me. Her record is clear, and she will have to numbers in her electorate. The member for account for that to her people. Gladstone has to account to her electors for I turn to the overall situation with which we using that as one of the bases for her decision are presented. As Labor members have said to vote against the Labor Government despite in this place today, we have lost the the fact that in the eight months she has confidence of the Parliament based on the served as a member of Parliament she has casting vote of the member for Gladstone never in any forum or in any way directly against a background of no financial or other approached me about police numbers. I scandals. That was certainly not the position reiterate that an analysis of the position within that prevailed when the Labor Party came to the Gladstone electorate reveals that police Government. The history of the new coalition numbers have increased by 20 per cent, which Government includes the Fitzgerald report and is higher than the level of population growth. the Kennedy report. After three decades in Mrs Cunningham now has in her office, at the last death knell, when the bells electorate people fulfilling positions such as were ringing for the end, the National Party district community liaison officer—a position Government commissioned those reports that did not exist in 1989. There is now a which detailed the disgraceful condition of the scenes of crime officer—another position that Queensland Police Service and the even more did not exist in 1989. That is an extremely disgraceful condition of the corrective important position, because the work of that institutions of this State. Let us compare that officer assists in solving serious crimes more record with the performance of the Labor quickly. There is now also a district intelligence Government over the last six years. officer in the Gladstone electorate. Those are Honourable members interjected. the sorts of positions that were created and Mr BRADDY: I note that, after all the filled under the Labor Government. It is time it has had to prepare, the Government important that the record of this Parliament can rake up only two speakers to contribute to reflects that the member who gave police the debate on this motion. numbers as one of her reasons for voting against the Labor Government did not raise Since 1989, the Labor Government has that issue with me as the responsible Minister, increased police numbers—raw police did not obtain the figures from me, did not ask numbers—by more than 1,100. For years, this me to talk to her and did not ask me to visit tawdry coalition Government has lied around her electorate and go around the police this State—— stations with her. A Government member interjected. Mrs Cunningham has to learn—as most Mr BRADDY: They are not my figures; other members of Parliament have—that they are the official figures of the Police lobby groups, including police officers, do not Service. always tell the truth. If Mrs Cunningham wanted the facts, I could have taken her to the The Labor Government also increased senior police officers and they could have the number of civilians attached to the Police talked to her. Certainly, in recent months the Service by 770. At the end of the day, that police have looked at changing the model. As represents an operational police increase of part of that process, they examined the overall almost 1,700. The Labor Government ensured numbers of police based in the central police that many of those police recruits filled new region. But that is not permanent. Had Mrs positions. Some existing police officers did not Cunningham been able to convince me that welcome that move. That was also the attitude she had a good case, I would have raised the of some Government members, who sought matter—as I have done on other to play politics. I refer particularly to the occasions—with the commissioner and steps member for Crows Nest and the member for could have been taken to remedy the position. Noosa. The police ultimately make the decision on The former Labor Government makes no staffing levels in various locations. However, apology for instituting police shopfronts. We Mrs Cunningham never raised the issue with discovered that in our community the police me. I find that unusual, because quite a few were too far removed from contact with the members from both sides of the Chamber people whom they served and protected. The Legislative Assembly 37 20 February 1996 tradition of the village copper and the small- Queensland Police Union went the other way. town copper has largely disappeared— Those people want to take the Police Service certainly in the large cities. By locating police in back to the bad old days. When those people shopfronts, it means that they come into direct criticised the promotions system and claimed contact with the people whom they serve and that there were too many jobs for the boys, I protect. Thousands of people pass through said that I would do what I did when I was those shopfronts every day. That move was Education Minister, when I included opposed and criticised by coalition members representatives of the Teachers Union on the who were seeking to play politics on the issue. promotions panels. I offered that very thing to That is an illustration of their lack of vision. the Police Union executive, but they could not As to other improvements in the Police get out of the room fast enough because that Service under Labor—we saw for the first time meant responsibility with power. Such people the meaningful inclusion of Aboriginal and have never accepted the positive changes Islander people and women in the service. instituted by the Labor Government. The Labor Government established the When challenged recently on the Anna Aboriginal police liaison officer scheme, which Reynolds radio program over the concern that now employs nearly 100 people. That was a the union was conspiring with the incoming very positive innovation. I still recall that the Minister for Police, the president of the union, former bodyguard of Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Gary Wilkinson, said, "I do not know what Lawrie Witham, said at his retirement function occurred under Bjelke-Petersen, and I do not in Rockhampton that one of the two best care." What a disgraceful comment from the reforms he had seen in the Police Service in Police Union President, who campaigned his time had been the introduction of the openly for the Liberal Party in Mundingburra Aboriginal police liaison officer scheme. In accompanied by three other officers, all of addition to that, we deliberately recruited those whom are seeking the full-time post of people as sworn officers. We established two secretary of the union and who were TAFE courses through which we offered those competing with each other to see who could officers educational upgrading, and then we kick the Labor Government hardest and who recruited them into the service. Currently, of could be loudest in their praise of the Liberal each batch of recruits to the Police Service, Party. about 6 per cent are Aboriginal and Islander people. I have issued a directive to the Police Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.30 p.m. Service to lift that level to 10 per cent if it is Mr BRADDY: Over the period that we humanly possible without lowering standards. I were in Government, we saw a Government did that not to favour Aboriginal and Islander which applied itself properly to the process of people but because it is good for the cleaning up the Police Service and making it Queensland community and it leads to a as efficient as possible. As was said to me the better Police Service. The police are much other day by someone who has studied these better off working with Aboriginal and Islander matters, it takes at least 10 years to people instead of merely viewing them—as substantially reform a service such as the they did too often in the past—as either villains Police Service, which we inherited from this or victims of crime. incoming Government in a corrupt and The recruitment of higher numbers of inefficient state. It was probably equal to the women has also been beneficial for the Police Police Service in New South Wales in terms of Service. Under the Labor Government, instead being the most corrupt Police Service in the of only a handful of women being recruited country, as well as the smallest, the worst paid into the Police Service—as was the case and the worst resourced. In six years we made under the National Party Government—30 to substantial improvements in the Police 35 per cent of every recruiting intake are Service, and the great tragedy is that this females. At the last swearing-in ceremony that Government, in conjunction with the member I attended, female recruits represented 36 per for Gladstone, has seen fit to cut short—by cent of the total number. That has been a this voting process—that period within which to positive reform to the Police Service. Female complete that reform. police officers are doing wonderful work, and One of the things that was said today by their recruitment means that the Police Service Mr Borbidge in order to bolster his false claims is rapidly becoming more representative of the to be given responsibility to attack the justice community. problem—and which was clearly wrong— At the same time as these reforms were related to rising crime rates. The facts are that taking place, some narrow-minded and the last available set of statistics from the ambitious people on the executive of the Police Service and the Australian Bureau of 20 February 1996 38 Legislative Assembly

Statistics shows that, in most sectors of crime, addicted; that is why they commit crimes, and Queensland is doing better than most other that is how they get there. States in Australia and that, significantly, in the The record of the former Labor past 12 months of published figures, the Government over the past six years, given the position has been improving substantially. abysmal mess that it inherited, was excellent I turn now to Corrective Services. Mr in terms of reforming the Police Service and Cooper has been going around the State, as the prison system. I can only hope that, in the he has done for several years, beating up this viciousness that some members opposite issue. Mr Cooper's only claim to fame is that, have displayed, they will not proceed to either as the last despairing National Party Premier dismiss the Commissioner of Police or, when and, before that, Minister for Corrective his contract expires, fail to reappoint him. They Services, he had to start to do something are making noises about that. Commissioner about the 30 years of shame that were O'Sullivan is the best Police Commissioner in revealed in the Kennedy report. Having Australia. He was the chief investigator of the inherited a most inefficient and corrupt and was forced to arrest corrective services system, we now have a many of his fellow police officers who had Corrective Services Commission which has a hidden behind the veil of corruption and record that is equal to that of any other State secrecy that the former National Party in Australia in terms of escapes from secure Government gave them for 32 years. Similarly, custody. Last year there were four escapes Keith Hamburger and his staff have the from secure custody in Queensland, equalling confidence of the current board, which was the best record of any State in Australia. A appointed originally by Mr Kennedy with the couple of years before that, with the system support of Mr Cooper. Mr Hamburger and his that we inherited from the previous staff deserve the respect for cleaning up the Government, there were no secure perimeters, mess that this Government and its prisoners were rioting at Boggo Road, burning predecessors created by their failure to the place down and dancing on the roofs. address either corruption or a secure prison That was the system that operated under the system. previous Government, which was in power for There are far too many members on the 32 years in a row. We changed all that. Now, other side of the Chamber who worshipped at in a desperate attempt to continue to attract the altar of Joh Bjelke-Petersen. They publicity to himself, Mr Cooper is putting up worshipped at the altar of the most corrupt another straw man, and that straw man is that Government that this State has ever seen. this outgoing Government does not recognise They are still there, and I and others on this that there is a problem with drugs in prisons. side of the House will keep an eye on Mr Cooper and the people of Queensland them—the Mr Coopers, the Mr Lingards, the should be aware that in the 1995-96 Mr Littleprouds and the rest who served in Budget—the current Budget—the sum of those corrupt regimes. $1.5m was voted for a significant drug A Government member interjected. strategy. Three centres have been selected for trials, and this includes four key elements, Mr BRADDY: I never served under Keith namely, the detection of drugs, the deterrence Wright; I replaced him. of drugs, the treatment of drugs and the Time expired. evaluation of the drug strategy. There will be improved procedures for the operation of Mr MACKENROTH (Chatsworth) contact visiting areas, for example. We also (2.38 p.m.): Firstly, I would like to place on set up an additional drug desk within the record my appreciation in having been able to Corrective Services Investigation Unit. There serve in a Labor Government under Wayne are other things that I cannot talk about, Goss, who I believe has been the best because they are not appropriate to be Premier that this State has ever had, Tom disclosed or divulged. In order to progress the Burns, his deputy, and my colleagues for the period from 2 December 1989 until yesterday. implementation of this strategy, a project team I believe that as a Government we achieved a was established. The former Labor lot. I believe also that as time goes on a lot of Government, having remedied the dreadful the work that has been done will be mess that it inherited in relation to recognised. prisons—the worst in Australia, along with the Police Service—was well on track to attacking I accept the decision of this Parliament the problem of drugs as far as it can be today, undoubtedly because of the decision attacked. Everybody knows that significant by the member for Gladstone, to support a numbers of people who go to prison are drug minority Government. I accept that because I Legislative Assembly 39 20 February 1996 do believe that the Parliament does have the I support the amendment that has been right to make these decisions, and I will accept moved. Mr Borbidge said that he wanted a that decision. However, whilst I have this contract with Queenslanders that he will see opportunity, I would like to thank the people this Parliament go its full term. The member who have been close to me, particularly over for Gladstone stood in the car park and said, "I the last six years. My family have had to put want the Parliament to go its full term." If that up with a lot, particularly the personal is what they want, they should support the vilification that I had to endure when I resigned amendment. It does not stop us having an from Cabinet and before I came back. election earlier if circumstances change. What Members would know the people behind the it does—— types of slurs that were made then. Members Mr Stephan: Oh! of my own family have had to put up with personal slurs, particularly over the past three Mr MACKENROTH: The honourable years. I know who spread the stories and who member should listen. It allows—— started them. I would like to put on record that Mrs Sheldon: Would you like to clarify I appreciate that support from family members that? and the backing that they have given me to continue with the job that I have been able to Mr MACKENROTH: Yes. If Mr do. Borbidge wishes to have an early election he needs to come back to have this Parliament I listened to Mr Borbidge last week on the decide it. If he wants to see the Parliament go radio when it became apparent that he was its full term, he can support this amendment. going to become the Premier. He said that he The members opposite form a minority wanted to see Queensland get back to the Government and this Parliament should make past. I listened to the things that he said. He that decision, so I urge the members opposite spoke about what it was like in education, to support the amendment. I certainly do not health and the Police Service. I thought to support the motion of confidence in the myself, "This man must be dreaming if he Government, which cannot even decide whom really believes that all of those services are not to drop from the front bench. It has 19 better today than they were six years ago." members on the front bench and it has to get They are far better. rid of one. The coalition has had over two I can remember listening to speeches in weeks, but it still cannot decide whether it will this Parliament in which it was asserted that be Mick Veivers or Marc Rowell. So what did we had the lowest spending on those services the coalition do? It came up with the motion of any State in Australia. The Goss that we are going to debate later tonight to Government increased the spending on all of endorse the creation of the position of those services. When I walked around parliamentary secretaries: second prizes. Parliament House today, I saw the old, former Those secretaries will not be paid for that role, National Party Ministers living it up. They were but when they travel around Queensland they really happy to see the coalition back in will be able to say, "I am the parliamentary Government. I thought, "Oh, yes. That's what secretary." Big deal! they want. They want to go back to the past, Mr Gibbs: That's why the farmer is back to the days when they could do whatever wearing dark glasses. they liked." Although we have listened to Mr Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon—— Mr MACKENROTH: Yes, that is why he is wearing dark glasses. The problem that Rob Mr Lingard: You just whinged about Borbidge has is this: does he drop Mick people casting insinuations. Veivers, who would be a most vicious person Mr MACKENROTH: I am talking about to put on the back bench, or does he drop personal slurs on members' families. The Marc Rowell and have no-one from north honourable member knows as well as I do Queensland, apart from Tom Gilmore, on the who spread them. I am referring to personal front bench? That is the big problem that he slurs on members' families, who do not must solve, and I am pleased that it is he who deserve that. has that problem. Mr Lingard: Howard who? As a former Minister for Police and Mr MACKENROTH: The honourable Emergency Services and a former Minister for member can give me as much as he can, but Housing, I am proud to have been the person I can give back more. I do not want to see, who has brought what I believe are some and I do not think the people of Queensland major legislative reforms into this Parliament. want to see, Queensland return to those old The Police Services Act, the Queensland Fire days. Services Act, the Ambulance Services Act, the 20 February 1996 40 Legislative Assembly

Contaminated Land Act, the Local Mr MACKENROTH: The waiting Government Act and the Residential lists—— Tenancies Act were all major legislative Mr Connor: Six years. reforms. Mr MACKENROTH: I will tell the I was the Minister for Police for two years honourable member why. He has not been and in that period I saw the majority of the here very long, and he would not remember Fitzgerald reforms implemented. I saw the that under the National Party Government, actions of the Police Union in the and before that the National/Liberal Party Mundingburra by-election when its members Government, people were actively removed campaigned actively against the Government from the waiting list. Those Governments in that area. That took me back not just to the stigmatised public housing. days when I was Police Minister but beyond to the days when I was in Opposition. I saw Gary Mr Connor interjected. Wilkinson campaigning in that area. For the Mr MACKENROTH: The honourable benefit of Mr Cooper, who will become the member asked the question and he should Police Minister, I say that Gary Wilkinson used listen to the answer. They stigmatised public to knock on my door when I was the housing to the degree that over and over Opposition spokesperson and give me all the again they used the words "welfare housing". information I needed to use against Mr Then, when people applied for public housing, Cooper. So when Mr Cooper sits down to if they did not present personally on the right negotiate with Gary Wilkinson, he should day at the end of one year, their names were remember that. removed from the waiting list. I turn to the Queensland Fire Service. On A Government member: But you do Thursday of last week, I met with officers from the same. the Fire Service. They had made an appointment to see me and they said, "Do Mr MACKENROTH: No, I do not. The you still want to meet with us?" I said, "If you former coalition Government worked actively to want to come to see me, I'll be there." So they remove names from the waiting list. came to see me. They asked about a letter I Members opposite want to talk about the had sent to them, and I said, "Let's get it record. Under the Goss Government, the straight. We have a new Government coming volume of public housing stock increased by in and I think it will be time for you to go and 57 per cent, from 29,000 to 46,500. Over the talk to them. But remember this: I gave you past five years, we have spent on average the best fire service, I believe, in Australia." $57m every year on maintenance and A Government member: In your upgrades. The coalition can compare that with opinion. its record of $15.6m. That was its average. Mr MACKENROTH: No, in their Mr Connor interjected. opinion. When we abolished 81 fire brigade Mr MACKENROTH: I am waiting to see boards and set up the one Queensland Fire the honourable member's first actions if he Service, we gave them the opportunity to get becomes the Housing Minister. The first action together and to demonstrate against our that has been promised by his Government is Government. I said to those officers, "The to turn half the land that is owned by the coalition has been promising you the world. Housing Commission into parks. In relation to Today I tell you that they will not be able to Stafford, the coalition will say, "People don't deliver and I will expect to see you people want to see public housing. We'll make it into outside the gates of the Parliament in the next a park." In the Pine Rivers Shire, a housing year or two in exactly the same way that you estate of over 1,000 blocks is planned. The demonstrated against our Government. When coalition will say, "Oh, no, we don't want public you don't get the things that they have housing there." Where will it build public promised you, I expect to see you outside the housing? What will the coalition do in gates of the Parliament demonstrating in the Freshwater, which is now in a National/Liberal way that you did against our Government." Party seat? It will say, "We will not build any In the housing sector, we have a proud more houses there because the people don't record. We took over a department that was want them." The honourable member and his deliberately run down. It was run down by a predecessor have travelled around the State Government which did not care about its promising to make parks out of Housing clients. Commission land. Let us see what happens. Mr Connor: What is the waiting list? Tell When the Labor Party came to me how long the waiting lists are. Government, the average number of houses Legislative Assembly 41 20 February 1996 built for people with disabilities in any given that scheme to provide an additional 500 year was three. In the time that Labor was in transitional housing places for women and Government, it increased that number to over their children who are escaping domestic 100 each year and carried out specific violence. They are the sorts of things that we modifications to over 3,500 homes for people need to be doing. with disabilities. That is what Government is: to In the time that I have left to me, I would care and to look after people—things that, like to talk about other aspects of my previous previously, had never happened. Under the portfolio, particularly the area of planning. I Labor Government, each year 10 per cent of know that we are still waiting to see how that the number of dwellings that were to be built portfolio will be broken up, but I hope that, were given to group training schemes so that irrespective of which Minister or which those group training schemes could employ department gains control of it, the area of apprentices. That was never done before. The planning remains with local government Labor Government put a considerable amount because that is the logical place for it to be of money into upgrading housing programs at allocated. Most of the planning in this State is Leichhardt, Riverview and in the Housing done by local government. One really should Commission areas in Bundaberg, in Townsville have those two departments locked together. and in Inala—all Labor electorates. When I listened to Mrs Cunningham talk about a A Government member interjected. leaking roof, it took me back six years to the Mr MACKENROTH: That has been disgraceful state in which the National Party fixed. It will be local government and planning. Government had left all of those Housing I do not normally give the Opposition parties Commission houses—an absolutely advice, but I have done a lot of work in the disgraceful state! They had not had any planning area and I would really like to see proper maintenance. some of those reforms continued. Mr Connor: Six years ago you could get Mrs McCauley: Have you spent all the into public housing in six months, 12 months money? or two years. Now it is five or six years. Mr MACKENROTH: No. SEQ 2001 was Mr MACKENROTH: What does the an exercise in which all but one of the local member think happened? The Labor governments in south-east Queensland Government increased the volume of stock by signed a memorandum of understanding on 57 per cent, and the stock was far superior to the implementation of their growth what it ever was before. The Labor management framework. That is very Government took away the stigma that the important—not for the Labor Party, the Liberal National Party Government had placed on Party or the National Party, but for the public housing. In fact, today people are quite community of south-east Queensland. It is proud to live in public housing. They never also very important to see that framework were under the National Party Government implemented through the policies of local because it did not care about them. government and a State Government. Mr Connor interjected. During the 1970s, a plan called the Mr MACKENROTH: I will wait and see Moreton study was carried out and as soon as how long the waiting list is in 12 months' time. it was completed it was put into a bottom I say to the member that I will make a drawer and no-one ever did anything about it. comparison based on how many people the I think that it is important for our community coalition Government has housed over the that we have proper plans and that the good year. things that we have in south-east Queensland Mr Connor: Hopefully, under our are not destroyed because the State Government not as many people will need it Government is not strong enough or is not because the economy will start again. prepared to make the necessary decisions to ensure that the SEQ 2001 framework is Mr MACKENROTH: I guess the implemented. The Labor Government carried member really believes that stuff. That is really out the same process in far-north Queensland the stuff of the Liberals—"People will not need with the production of FNQ 2010. It also any assistance; everything will be fine." That is started the process in Hervey Bay, and the first utter rubbish! full meeting for that process is to be held on The Labor Government implemented a Thursday of this week. I would like to see that community rent scheme, which funds 1,200 process go ahead because the Labor householders for interim accommodation Government worked very hard to get councils throughout the State. Recently, it put $2m into to agree to work in cooperation with the State 20 February 1996 42 Legislative Assembly

Government. I believe that that is the way of 20 minutes like a man. Queenslanders have the future. had a taste of good Government, of In conclusion, I would like to say that over responsible Government, of a Government the next two years it is going to be very that has brought this State into the twenty-first important for this Parliament to meet and to century. They will not want a return to the days make decisions. Irrespective of all of the when Queensland was the butt of southern arguments that have been put up today in jokes, which always had a sad ring of truth relation to electorates, or whatever, there is about them. They do not want a return to the one very important point to be made, and that days when democracy in this State was as is that the Borbidge/Sheldon Government is a hard to find as snow in Queen Street. They do minority Government. It is a minority not want a return to the days when the Government that is able to govern with the National Party Government ignored every vote in this Parliament of one Independent. It crying social need in the community. is important that this Parliament meets and I am proud to have been part of the Goss makes decisions. I will be very interested to Labor Government, which finally introduced see the parliamentary program for the rest of social justice into the Queensland vocabulary. this year to find out when, in fact, we are going On the roller-coaster ride of life, that is one to meet—and I heard Mr Borbidge talk about journey that I would not have missed for quids. his reforms—to see what the coalition During my time as the Minister for Family and Government does with the parliamentary Community Services, I saw the great need reforms that were implemented in this that exists in the community and that will Parliament by the Labor Government and always be there. So many people in our whether it tries to slide back to the past when it community need, and rightly demand, a was almost impossible for the Opposition to compassionate Government—people with have any say whatsoever. I think that the disabilities, women and children escaping Labor Government opened up the domestic violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait parliamentary process. When the Labor Party Islander communities and families needing came into Government, it had had the benefit child care. Despite my concern at the ever- of looking at the parliamentary process from growing need, I have been heartened at all the Opposition's viewpoint and it was able to times by the progress the Labor Government make appropriate changes. made in providing a better life for the people Mrs WOODGATE (Kurwongbah) of Queensland. (2.58 p.m.): In rising to speak against this When the Labor Government came to motion of confidence in the illegitimate, office in 1989, the department I administered minority coalition Government, let me say that had a paltry budget allocation of $150m—a any thinking person would need to look no woefully inadequate response in anyone's further for a reason to oppose such a motion language. In the last State Budget, the total than at what a Borbidge/Sheldon minority funding was $500m. This year alone, the Government is intending to do with the Labor Government allocated $137m to Department of Family and Community community groups to provide services for Services, a department which I have been people in need. These are remarkable honoured and privileged to administer since achievements in such a short time frame and July 1995. with the limited dollars Government has at its Over the past weeks, statements disposal. Make no mistake, this is no more attributed to the member for Beaudesert and than a caring and committed Government reported in the media have already sent out should have done for those citizens who are warning signals to the community that a return disadvantaged or in crisis. Let me offer all to the bad old days is imminent. Members Queenslanders a warning: the coalition has a opposite fail to realise that Queenslanders do bad record on social justice. Not only does it not want a return to the bad old days. If the have a bad past record, but it has signalled coalition members have learned nothing from that its future record will be just as appalling. six and a half years in Opposition, they should The minority Government opposite is learn this—Queenslanders now expect more committed in its policy documents to from their Governments than they did six and dismantling the vital programs which the Goss a half years ago. They have had a taste of Government put in place after 32 years of good Government. conservative neglect. It is no exaggeration to consider the destructive media statements A Government member interjected. made by the member for Beaudesert, Kev Mrs WOODGATE: If the member wants Lingard, on issues as critical as institutional to belly-ache, he should get up and take his reform, adoption and domestic violence. The Legislative Assembly 43 20 February 1996 process of destruction has begun and it will they want to live in the community like the rest continue at a speed which will shock and of us. In an act of pure political opportunism, horrify any responsible person. the member for Beaudesert has exploited the Let us talk about institutional reform, a community's fear of the unknown to the policy that has been very close to my heart. I detriment of people with intellectual disabilities. will be totally honest: when I came into this I really despair with people with intellectual portfolio, I was very uncertain about disabilities living in our institutions. He has told institutional reform. I expressed my concerns the media that he will stop institutional reform to the Premier the day after I was sworn in. and that he will force those people who have Institutional reform involved the closure of two already gone out under this program to return major institutions for people with intellectual to institutional life. disabilities, Basil Stafford and Challinor, and Mr Woolmer: What are you going to do provided support for these people to live in the with those who want to stay there? community. I took a long and hard look at our Mrs WOODGATE: The member is policy. I talked to many people and I visited allowed 20 minutes, too; he should get up and the institutions many times. I came away from speak! What do members opposite want to those deliberations with my decision: those do—drag them kicking and screaming back institutions should have closed years ago. This into a life they do not want? That is retrograde is not a reflection on the staff, who I believe step number one under the coalition! are hard working and dedicated, but on and nature of the institutions. Let us talk about retrograde step number two. The member for Beaudesert, once again, An institutional life is confining, it does not has foreshadowed that he will place women allow flexibility, it is not humane and it certainly and children in danger by making it harder for does not allow individuals to realise their full potential. However, I made sure that victims of domestic violence to get protection institutional reform would proceed at a slow orders. In another act of political opportunism and steady pace, and that all the community he has been courting a number of men's supports which were needed would be in place rights groups who, it seems to me, are more before residents left Basil Stafford or Challinor, interested in creating a gender war than trying notwithstanding comments made in the media to overcome domestic violence in our by the member for Beaudesert about the fast- community. He has told one such group in tracking which we had undertaken. That is not Townsville that he would review the Domestic true. Five people came out of those Violence Act to make it harder for women to get protection orders and that he would review institutions in the seven and a half months the existence of the Domestic Violence that I was the Minister. We have also had a Council, which provides advice to Government significant financial commitment of more than on domestic violence issues. These moves are $80m for institutional reform. I note the dangerous, to say the least, and will leave comments of the Premier, Mr Borbidge, over women and children in situations where their the weekend when he said that institutional lives will be in danger. reform was ill conceived and that the Goss Government had set about kicking people with Queensland has every right to feel proud institutional disabilities out into the street or of its current domestic violence laws, which are forcing them onto their aged parents. That is regarded as the best in Australia, and of its not true. I have said time and time again in record of dealing with such a difficult and this place that supports would be in the complex issue. It was the Goss Labor community before people left and that there is Government which introduced automatic bans no way that families would be forced to take on firearms for perpetrators of domestic their loved ones back, although they may violence and extended protection orders to have wanted them to live closer to home. protect the families and friends of victims. In all People with disabilities deserve a better life. seriousness, I do hope that the member for They should not be kept behind closed doors Beaudesert will reconsider his stance on this because some people in the community feel issue, because he seriously places women uncomfortable in their presence. and children in danger with this Neanderthal During the process of the reform, I believe stance. that some individuals have been opposed to Let us talk about retrograde step number the process for personal reasons. The three in Family Services. The coalition has member for Beaudesert has milked this adopted a policy which will take our adoption minority's opposition for all it was worth. Not laws back into the 1960s. One of the first once has he considered that people who live changes that the Goss Government made in the institutions actually want to leave; that was to open up adoption laws which, for the 20 February 1996 44 Legislative Assembly first time, allowed either birth parents or achievements over the past six and a half adoptees to locate one another. There were years which have positively impacted on the safeguards placed on this legislation in cases lives of Aboriginal people. However, I believe where contact was not wanted by either party. there is still much more to be done. It is only A birth parent or adoptee could do one of two since 1989 that we have seen the first things: either lodge a veto on contact but allow community health centres on Aboriginal the applicant information about the adoption, communities, the first domestic violence or veto both contact and information being refuges and the first child-care centres. It is a released. These changes were greeted disgrace that that all started only in 1989. positively by the community and there have Where were we before then? been many success stories and reunions. Now Land rights is recognised under the coalition plans to take us back and make it legislation, and the Goss Government impossible to get information about adoptions, provided a comprehensive response to the a move which I am sure will outrage individuals Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in and the community at large. Once again I Custody, which includes the establishment of hope that the coalition sees reason on this diversionary centres and cell visitor programs. topic, listens to the community and does not pander to minority groups. I am concerned that the coalition Government will ignore the problems which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seriously need addressing in Aboriginal and Affairs is another area which will face Torres Strait Islander communities. However, I decimation at the hands of the coalition. Their do have some hope because I believe that stated policy is to reduce the Office of the Aboriginal and Islander communities now Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs to have strong leadership which will not allow any a handful of people, sack the 100 remaining Government to return to the days of staff in that office and transfer its operation to oppression. They will fight to ensure that their the Premier's Office. communities get a fair deal and that what they Mr Bredhauer: They are going to sack have achieved since 1989 will not be taken public servants in the Department of Aboriginal away. Those of us on this side of the House and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. will be with them all the way, supporting them. Mrs WOODGATE: That is right. The Mr Bredhauer: They started out the Goss Government was committed to self- front at one o'clock today. determination and self-management for Mrs WOODGATE: That is right. The Aboriginal and Islander people after decades treatment of juvenile offenders under the of neglect and control. Slowly, Aboriginal and coalition is another area about which we Islander people have been regaining control should be concerned. The coalition has over their own lives and destinies, something flagged that it will transfer the operation of which was taken from them from the time of youth detention centres to the adult Corrective white settlement. White people have much to Services Commission and will take a much gain from this, too. The maintenance of the tougher stance with juvenile offenders. For a oldest living culture in the world is a heritage long, long time I have been very concerned which all Queenslanders can be proud of, and about the way in which young people are indeed we can benefit from it. It contributes to portrayed by our friends opposite. They have the diversity of the cultural composition of created a perception that all young people are Queensland and is a valuable asset. We have hooligans, vandals and criminals whom we to look only at the burgeoning tourist trade should lock up and throw away the key. The associated with the Aboriginal culture to facts do not support this perception, and understand this. neither do the statistics. The legacy of the white settlement of I am most concerned that, as a society of Australia and the ruthless treatment of adults, we have all too often blamed young Aboriginal people contains many, many people for the ills which beset us. Youth crime tragedies. These tragedies have ensured that is a significant social problem—there is no Aboriginal people have never enjoyed the doubt about that—but there is no indication same standard of living and equality of that it is running out of control. Just as it is not opportunity that other Australians have. The fair to stereotype young people, it is not fair to Goss Government came a long way in push the community's concern about crime acknowledging that Aboriginal people have to under the carpet. Crime does occur. We are be supported in their self-directed efforts to not stupid; we know that. Juvenile crime does overcome ill health and other negative effects occur. Crimes are committed by young people, of past attitudes. There were many and it is the responsibility of the Government Legislative Assembly 45 20 February 1996 generally to do something about it. Community Services under the former Goss Governments, of whatever persuasion, must Labor Government. provide the programs which will work towards I was proud to be a Minister in the former preventing crime and breaking the cycle of Goss Labor Government. I am disappointed repeat offenders. I hope that the coalition that some of the reforms that I wanted to put Government will make this commitment and in place will now fall by the wayside. I place on not create an hysterical view of all young record my sincere thanks to the hardworking people as marauding thieves and vandals. and dedicated officers in the Department of I would like to talk briefly about the Public Family and Community Services. The issues Trust Office. In October last year, a number of that this department faces every day are often matters came to my attention which I referred complex and difficult and there is no easy to the Attorney-General. The Auditor-General solution for a lot of them. It is not the portfolio decided to conduct an audit of the Public Trust of good-news stories, but it is a department Office and, to date, the Auditor-General's which impacts heavily on the lives of report has not been completed. I do not wish Queenslanders and their wellbeing. to pre-empt any of the Auditor-General's Unfortunately, I do not have confidence that findings, but I remind all members of the the incoming Government will have the same House of the commitment that I gave to the commitment to social justice as the Goss House last year that this report would be made Labor Government. public. I am quite saddened to see the member The Public Trust Office is a unique for Surfers Paradise occupying the Premier's organisation within Government which has chair so recently vacated by the member for responsibility for its clients' welfare, and in Logan, Mr Wayne Goss. Although the particular their financial welfare. It is vital that member for Surfers Paradise may be filling the the integrity of the Public Trust Office be a Premier's chair, he will never fill his shoes. paramount consideration in its relationship with Wayne Goss will be remembered for being the clients and that clients have full confidence in great Premier that he was. Let history tell the the management of their affairs. I call on this tale of Cunningham, Borbidge, Sheldon and coalition Government to publish the Davies. They shall be seen in the same light Auditor-General's report in full in order to as the Kerrs, the Frasers and the Johs. restore confidence in the Public Trust Office February 1996 in Queensland will live the and to implement any recommendations same as November 1975, an inspirational time which will improve service to clients. for all the true believers. There is no way that I There are many policies which when in could ever support a motion of confidence in a Opposition the coalition made public and minority, illegitimate coalition Government. I many more that I am sure they have not believe the Queensland people will quickly which, I am convinced, will have a negative learn that any confidence they may have in it impact on Queenslanders. In six short years, has been very sadly misplaced. there have been many achievements by the Mr FOLEY (Yeronga) (3.14 p.m.): At the Goss Labor Government in mending the outset, let me say that one group of people neglect of the previous conservative regime. who will have no confidence in a Let me remind the House of just a few. For National/Liberal Government is the group of example, funding for child care has increased SEQEB workers sacked in 1985 and denied from $800,000 under the Nationals to more their superannuation by a ruthless, brutal than $9m under Labor, which has created Government hell-bent on denying workers' more than 8,900 new child-care places. In rights. Today, at the big end of town, the December 1990, the Goss Government privileged may be clinking their champagne established the Seniors Card, which provides a glasses, but working people and their families range of Government concessions and private throughout Queensland have little cause for business discounts to more than 300,000 confidence in a National/Liberal Government. cardholders. In 1994-95, the Government Out in the factories at Acacia Ridge, in the allocated $24m over three years for a three- mines of central Queensland, in thousands of point child protection strategy, including new shops, offices, cafes and kitchens around the child protection legislation, five new parenting State, working people have cause to fear a centres and a parent help line. In 1994-95, for loss of protection of their rights to decent people with disabilities total funds of $52.3m wages and conditions. were allocated to provide 343 services across No issue is more critical than industrial Queensland. Those are just a few of the many relations, and yet the speeches of Premier achievements in the portfolio of Family and Borbidge and Treasurer Sheldon were 20 February 1996 46 Legislative Assembly remarkably silent on their plans for industrial In the coming months, we will see the relations. In recent times, we have heard plans that Premier Borbidge and Deputy honeyed phrases and attempts to adopt a Premier Sheldon have been so careful to more urbane style on the part of the National avoid in their discussion in the House today. and Liberal Parties. However, we know that What a contrast between the Government of what they are on about is a fundamental Borbidge and Sheldon and the Government of power struggle to change the balance of Wayne Goss and the Labor Party! What a power in industrial relations. What they are on spectacular contrast between the current about, and what they do not wish to speak Borbidge/Sheldon Government, a about today, are their plans for attacks on the Government in the classic Liberal and National trade union movement. They do not want to Party tradition, a Government of privilege and speak about their plans to water down the role reaction, and the former Government which of the independent umpire, the Industrial was committed to social justice. Relations Commission. Today, they do not want to talk about their proposal to attack the The history books will well record Wayne job security of workers by diluting unfair Goss as the greatest Premier that this State dismissal laws. Today, they do not want to talk has ever seen. He goes down in history as a about their plans to join with to Premier akin to Labor greats such as bring in the Kennett recipe from Victoria and T. J. Ryan and Theodore. At a time in history, they brought to this State a framework of the Kierath recipe from Western Australia, industrial conciliation and arbitration to provide because they want desperately to avoid basic protections for workers. They brought a industrial relations as an issue in the Federal framework for State-owned enterprises to election. They know that they are not trusted ensure that workers and their families got a fair on that issue. go. But the Goss Government came to power Much has been said today about the role during one of the most challenging periods of of the member for Gladstone. I for one do not history in this State—at a time when the believe that the member for Gladstone had a information revolution was sweeping through mandate to bring down the Government. our society, at a time when technology was However, I say this about the role of the transforming our workplaces and our social member for Gladstone: there will be no more relations. critical role for that member than the role that she adopts with respect to industrial relations The Goss Government, through a laws that may be brought before this commitment to social justice, has helped take Parliament by the Government of the day. It this State into an open economy, into an will require the support of the member for economy that is open to our region in the Gladstone for the Government to put into world, to the most dynamic region, the effect its proposals to attack the foundations Asia-Pacific region, to a society that was upon which our industrial relations system has culturally open and culturally willing to been built. acknowledge, firstly, its history in its dealings with indigenous people and, secondly, the The record speaks for itself. It was a need to open the windows of the mind from record of industrial relations reform ushered in the dark prejudices of the past. by the Honourable with a mandate to sweep away the era of repression History will record that the fundamental and confrontation, taken up very honourably basis of the democracy, that of electoral laws, by , and to bring industrial was well and truly reformed as a result of the relations out of that dark era of confrontation actions of the Goss Government to put an end in which the Nationals had left it and to to the electoral corruption and gerrymander introduce a new era of cooperation. Under the that the Nationals and the Liberals tolerated Goss Government, we saw industrial relations for so many years. History will record that embracing labour market flexibility with those who had been bashed and arrested for enterprise bargaining being productivity based. marching in the streets at long last could see a However, when the Nationals and Liberals talk peaceful assembly law which guaranteed the of enterprise bargaining, they do not wish to right of peaceful assembly, which guaranteed talk about award safety nets, the no- the fundamental right in a democracy to have disadvantage test and having an independent one's say. History will record that that process umpire in the form of the Industrial Relations of electoral reform did not simply stop at the Commission to run the ruler over proposed level of this Legislative Assembly but was also agreements; rather they would speak of the carried out in local government, throughout employment advocate, a toothless tiger put up the length and breadth of this State. That by Mr Howard. reform was a major reform in terms of bringing Legislative Assembly 47 20 February 1996 about electoral justice in an area in which it State who had to have the affairs of a loved had been grossly neglected. one who became aged or infirm and unable to We saw profound changes as a result of manage their affairs dealt with through the the electoral and administrative review Public Trustee. That reform, to introduce process, the introduction of judicial review that enduring power of attorney legislation, required the giving of reasons for decisions enabled those people to be able to care for rather than the unreasoned and arbitrary that person within their own family. Similarly, if exercise of power. We saw the introduction of one casts one's mind back to the time when freedom of information laws, so bitterly the Nationals were in power, one still saw the resisted for so many years by the National and full force of the criminal law being used against Liberal Parties when they were in power, to people engaging in homosexual conduct. make decisions able to be challenged before What an inappropriate use of the criminal law, an independent Information Commissioner. In and what a proud achievement for this so many ways, we have seen the changes Government that we put in place homosexual take place. The ordinary citizen gets to law reform to ensure that that anachronistic participate in the affairs of the democracy and discriminatory use of the criminal law through exercising his or her vote and also would be put into the dustbin of history. through participating in jury service. But what The Goss Government stands in the sort of jury service did we see in this State? proud tradition of having introduced We saw ordinary people being the subject of anti-discrimination laws so that freedom and polling and vetting. That is why there was a equality could operate in this State. One need to reform the laws relating to juries, and should not be discriminated against on the that is exactly what the Goss Government did. basis of sex or race or age. These things need We had a legacy of National Party and to be spelled out by our law, and they were. Liberal Party rule where midnight raids upon Similarly, for many years those Queenslanders our liberties had become commonplace. who lived in de facto relationships had been Instead of that, we saw a fundamental reform the subject of neglect and prejudice. When I to put in place fundamental legislative practised at the bar before coming in to principles in the statute books and to back that Parliament, there were two different up by a Scrutiny of Legislation Committee in jurisdictions dealing with children depending this Parliament. Those fundamental legislative on whether they were born inside or outside principles operate, as it were, as a mini Bill of wedlock. One had to go to the Family Court in Rights to enshrine in the law and in the some cases or the Supreme Court in other operations of this Parliament some safeguards cases, depending upon the accident of birth. to prevent the excessive abuse of power. What an inappropriate situation, and what a denial of the rights of those children and their But one should not think for a moment families. That was reformed so that custody that the reforms introduced by the Goss and access decisions in respect of ex-nuptial Government were matters simply of children could be dealt with all in the one constitutional, electoral and administrative place—in the Family Court. Before this dimensions. They went to the grassroots of Parliament we have a Bill to refer to the ordinary working people and ordinary Commonwealth the power to make laws with disadvantaged people. Take, for example, the respect to property disputes involving de facto public housing tenants in my own electorate. couples, and one hopes that that sensible law They now, thanks to the Goss Government, reform will be supported by the incoming have a right to challenge Government Government. Similarly, the rights of de factos decisions; a right to participate in policy to sue for wrongful death under the Common decisions. If one goes to the pensioner units in Law Practice Act have been introduced. School Road, Yeronga and talks to some of Despite all the rhetoric about law and the pensioners and contrasts their opportunity order that we have heard from the former to participate in decision making with what it Opposition, it was the Goss Government that was like six or seven years ago, one finds a completely different quality of life—a quality of moved to introduce victims of crime legislation life where the rights and the opportunities of and to provide some basic support for the those people are respected and where they families of homicide victims. All we have heard do participate to the great betterment of their from the coalition Government today in own community. respect of its law and order policy is a proposal to increase imprisonment, as if it were Again in the most absurd way, for years borrowing from the eighteenth century thinking this State languished without enduring power that produced the rotting hulks in the river of attorney laws. We had families all over this Thames. The only solution offered by coalition 20 February 1996 48 Legislative Assembly members to the problems of crime is more Nowhere have the reforms been of imprisonment. They have not spoken of greater importance than in the arts. Through attacking the causes of crime; they have not the efforts of Wayne Goss and Dean Wells, spoken of attacking poverty; they have not we have turned the corner. We have a vibrant spoken of attacking inequality; they have not film industry. The Brisbane Biennial is of spoken of getting genuine about generating international status. Warana has been employment so as to divert people from a life changed to the Brisbane Festival. Members of crime. Instead, they go back to the have witnessed a great surge in the number of knee-jerk reaction of simply advocating further jobs in the arts industry. One hopes that the periods of imprisonment. framework of that policy will be supported: I join with the honourable member for building local and going global; supporting Kurwongbah in pointing to one of the proudest cultural tourism and the indigenous arts. That element of arts policy involving peer achievements of the Goss Government, and I assessment by other artists has helped speak here of its efforts to recognise produce a confidence and an enthusiasm. Aboriginal land rights. The two great legal The improved climate for the arts has resulted traditions in this country, that of western in a lot more jobs, and that should be Europe and of Aboriginal and Islander welcomed by all members of the House. Australia, have at many times in their history been estranged from each other. They have At the end of the day the question is been brought together through the great whether or not this House has confidence in decision of the High Court in Mabo and the Borbidge and Sheldon Government. To through the efforts of legislators trying to chart have that confidence it would be necessary to a course through complex difficulties to have confidence in the parties of privilege and establish a just basis for the recognition of reaction—the parties of radical opportunism. Aboriginal land rights. It is by no means an They have no mandate other than their easy issue, but it is of fundamental importance campaign slogan to put Labor under pressure. if we are to be a society here in Queensland The ALP stands proudly for social justice. The which is open and honest towards its past and only defining thread in the histories of the can therefore look to the future with National and Liberal Parties has been their confidence, with integrity and with a vision of consistent opposition to organised labour. what it wishes to become. No society which They are bereft of ideas and policies. They are denies its history and denies the legal history defined by only one political truth, namely, that of land rights can be a truly mature and a truly they are opposed to the interests of ordinary free society. working people expressed through organised labour. The reforms that have swept through this State over the past six and a half years have Mr MILLINER (Ferny Grove) been very necessary. In other parts of the (3.34 p.m.): It is with a great deal of sadness world—for example, in Britain—we have seen that members are here today debating this the consequences of Thatcher's policies, motion seeking support for the minority whereby tens of thousands of people are Borbidge/Sheldon coalition Government. At sleeping in the streets. Sure, that Government the outset, there are a couple of people to achieved micro-economic reform, but at what whom I would like to pay tribute and thank. social cost? Sure, it achieved greater labour First of all, I would like to thank my family for market flexibility, but at what profound social the support that they have given me over the cost? How many families have to be torn apart past six and a half years when I was a Minister and how many people have to sleep in the in the former Government. It is probably fair to streets? The difference between that say that nobody could undertake the role of a approach and the Labor Government's Minister without the loyalty and dedication of approach federally and at the State level in one's family. I sincerely thank my wife Kay and Australia, and particularly in Queensland, is my kids for the support that they have given that change occurs through cooperation and me over that period. with compassion, and hence the importance Another group of people whom I would of the reforms in the employment and training also like to thank are my personal staff. Again, sector—bringing TAFE out of its past, where it one would not be able to do the job of a was the poor country cousin, and giving proper Minister without a very loyal and dedicated recognition to its status in our system of personal staff. I would like to thank my senior training, about which my learned friend and policy adviser, Mr Terry Kempnich, and all colleague the member for Mount Coot-tha will other staff who have been around me. They speak a little later. are a truly great group of people who work Legislative Assembly 49 20 February 1996 very, very hard and were very, very dedicated other countries to ensure that the standard of to what they did. My sincere thanks go to living of the citizens of this State continues to them for the work that they did for me during improve. that period. I have been very proud to be a member The previous speaker, my very good of the Goss Labor Government, which friend and colleague the honourable member achieved so much. I can remember the bad for Yeronga, outlined many of the reforms that old days—having spent some 12 years in have taken place in the justice system. I had Opposition under the Bjelke-Petersen National the very great privilege of being appointed as Party Government. The sorts of things that it Justice Minister when I first became a Minister. did are legendary. One need only look at this It is true to say that some wonderful reforms institution, the institution of Parliament, to took place in the justice system. Although I recognise the reforms that were introduced was charged with the administrative side of the under the Goss Government. Those members reforms, many very good things occurred who were here during the Bjelke-Petersen which I believe laid the groundwork for a very days would well remember things such as the good justice system. The Government has Estimates debates, which were an absolute indicated that it is interested in going back to joke. the past. I hope that that is not the case. I Mr Schwarten: Disgraceful. believe that what was able to be achieved in relation to cooperation with other States in Mr MILLINER: They were disgraceful; terms of corporate law will go down as one of they really were. the greatest achievements of any Government Only nine of the 18 portfolios were in this nation. selected for debate. Ministers would come in In the past, Queensland had a and give 20-minute speeches, which would be fragmented system of administering company followed by other speeches. There was law. Through the cooperation of all States, the absolutely no scrutiny whatsoever of Labor Government was able to establish the departments. I believe that the Estimates Australian Securities Commission, which is system has been overhauled for the better. now highly regarded among the business Never before in the history of the Parliament community as a very efficient organisation and has a backbench member of Parliament been a very effective way in which to administer given the opportunity to probe Ministers and company law. It is interesting to note that the departments and get to the bottom of their previous National Party Government was financial dealings. If that system has not vehemently opposed to any sort of a regime worked it has been because previous that would operate on a national basis. That Opposition members did very little work in Government had a thing about not preparing themselves for those Estimates relinquishing any power and that, no matter hearings. I believe that those Estimates whether it was a good suggestion or a bad hearings, along with the other reforms that suggestion, it was agin it simply because it have taken place in this House, have truly wanted to be against anything that might take made this a modern Parliament. I certainly some power away from it. I certainly hope that hope that the incoming Government does not this Government does not go back to that sort go back to those bad old days when members of mentality. Whether we like it or not, we live of Parliament might have come in here to in a nation and, more and more, we are living make speeches but had very little opportunity in a world. We cannot isolate and insulate to probe the workings of Government. I know ourselves and say, "We live in a little State that the Premier has indicated that he is going called Queensland and we are going to shut to further reform Parliament. I hope that those out the rest of the world." We cannot do that, reforms are for the betterment of the because we just would not survive. Any Parliament and not a retrograde step. Government that believes that it can do so is Tragically, I believe that the National Party will in for a very rude shock indeed. want to go back to the past. We are living in a global community, The administration of Government during particularly when one considers global the period that we were in Government has financing and the fact that information improved dramatically. My good friend and technology and the telecommunications colleague the member for Kedron outlined industry have brought the world together some of the achievements in Corrective virtually as one nation. So this Government Services. I also had the privilege of being the had better be prepared to come to grips with Corrective Services Minister. There is no doubt the fact that there will need to be some that that is one of the most difficult portfolios greater cooperation with other States and that anybody could administer. The former 20 February 1996 50 Legislative Assembly

Labor Government set out to implement Mr that the ASD has been one of the real Kennedy's blueprint for reform in Corrective success stories of this Government. It may not Services, and I believe that we really did be one of the spectacular successes, but it achieve a lot. One only needs to read Mr has been a success story. When I consider Kennedy's report to see what a deplorable what has been achieved in ASD, I am very state the Queensland prison system was in. I proud to have been the Minister of that give due credit to Mr Cooper. He initiated the department. Kennedy inquiry. It is unfortunate that, out of Of course, technology has been at the political expediency, the National Party has forefront of ASD, which has been encouraging decided to abandon the principles of the actively the IT and T industry in a number of Kennedy reforms. That is unfortunate, ways. I believe that, generally, industry because the reforms being introduced into the appreciates the role that ASD has played in Queensland prison system were working. helping to promote the industry throughout There is no doubt about that. Queensland and, in particular, regional One of the fundamental questions Queensland. One of the great successes in IT honourable members must ask themselves is: and T was the recent Info Express that what is the role of a correctional system in a travelled up the coast displaying to regional modern society? Is it just to imprison people, Queensland the latest in information to lock them up, or does it exist to genuinely technology and telecommunications, because rehabilitate people so they can come out of all too often people in regional areas miss out the system better than they go into it, so that on seeing the latest technology that is instead of being a drain on society, they can available. return to society and make a positive I turn to the State Purchasing Council. contribution? I believe that the Corrective Purchasing has been reformed to encourage Services Commission, through the work of the local business community to do business people such as Mr Hamburger, Mr Macionis with the Government, and that has been an and other dedicated people in the Corrective outstanding success. Each year, the Services Commission has much to be proud of Queensland Government spends because the results are there for all to see. approximately $3.6 billion on goods and The reforms that they put in place are, in services, and it is incumbent upon fact, working. One of the best indicators of that departments of State to do everything they is the rate of return to prison. If one reads the possibly can to encourage the local business Kennedy report, one learns that the return-to- community to come on board and do business imprisonment rate was 60 per cent. Under the with it. That cannot be the role of the reforms introduced by the Queensland Government only; it must also be the role of Corrective Services Commission, at one stage the private sector. The State purchasing sector that rate had fallen below 50 per cent, which was established with both public and private was the lowest in the country. That was a very members, with a view to overseeing State clear indication that, because of the processes purchasing. that they had in place, people were leaving I am very proud of the job creation that correctional intuitions better than they entered has taken place in ASD. them. I think that should be a fundamental objective of any correctional system. If it is Mr Foley: Hear, hear! doing that, it is working. I would hate to see Mr MILLINER: Thank you. It has been Queensland return to the situation—and, outstanding. Today, ASD employs 400-odd tragically, I think that it will be the case—in apprentices. It is the largest employer of which the only approach of the Government is apprentices in the construction industry in to lock up offenders and inflict upon them very Queensland. The Goss Government had a harsh treatment indeed. If that is the case, at very strong commitment to job training and we the end of the day society will be the loser. were very proud to ensure that each year 80 Over the past two and a half years, I have young people were given the opportunity to been very privileged indeed to be the Minister undertake training as apprentices in ASD. It for Administrative Services. That has been a has been one of the great successes of that great experience and one that I will always department. treasure, because it is a tremendous We are all aware of the need to ensure department full of very dedicated people. It is that we protect ourselves from the sun. a great achievement of the Goss Government Medical science is telling us daily of the that it took a very run-down department, dangers of too much sun. As a result, ASD refined it, redefined it, and produced a very took an active role in promoting sun safety modern arm of public administration. I believe throughout the State and also engaged in a Legislative Assembly 51 20 February 1996 number of Make Shade projects at some of No-one could say what it was. Some 7,000 the schools throughout the State to ensure telephone accounts were sent to the that they had an adequate amount of shade. Government. No-one had ever attempted to ASD is very proud of the way in which it aggregate those telephone bills and no-one has been able to deliver to education the knew what the phone bill was. We were able schools that were required for the growth in to identify that some 4,000 telephone lines did population in this State. Over the past six not have telephones attached. The years, ASD has built 45 new schools Government was paying $1.2m rent on throughout the State. When hearing of the telephone lines that did not even have a back-to-school stories that were told recently, I telephone attached. In some cases, buildings was very pleased to hear that only a couple of had been knocked down and the Government minor accommodation problems occurred at was still paying rent on telephone lines. We schools. The Queensland Government is were able to address that and make significant acknowledged nationally as being the most savings. The sum of $100m over five years will efficient builder of public buildings both in time be saved by using the telecommunications and cost. The ASD can be justifiably proud of facilities manager, Pacific Star. In addition to that. those savings, the former Government created 230 jobs with the facilities manager, Pacific Mr Quinn: The standard is good. Star. That is one of the great success stories Mr MILLINER: The standard is very of the Labor Government. high. I recently visited the new Robina State Mr W. K. Goss interjected. High School. Mr MILLINER: Another success story Mr Quinn: A very fine school. relates to cars, and I am pleased that the Mr MILLINER: It is a very fine school. former Premier interjected. In 1989, no-one The principal commented that the school was knew how many vehicles the Government equipped absolutely magnificently-—— had. When a reconciliation was undertaken Mr Quinn: First-class. with the Main Roads Department, a discrepancy of some thousands of motor Mr MILLINER:—and that it was vehicles was discovered. Fortunately, those first-class. That is great, because the students vehicles were tracked down, but that illustrates are the beneficiaries. People should not be that absolutely no fleet management existed playing politics with the future of kids' lives. in the public sector. On coming to office, the Labor Mr De Lacy: They weren't driving Government found that the previous around in cars that weren't there, were they? Government had severely neglected public buildings and, in particular, school buildings. Mr MILLINER: I think some members As a result, $60m was allocated to the School of the National Party probably were. Labor put Refurbishment Program, the aims of which in place an efficient organisation, Q-Fleet, were twofold. One aim was to address the whose core responsibility was to manage the effects of the neglect of public buildings over fleet. Q-Fleet now manages 10,000 vehicles many years. The other aim was to encourage on a commercial footing. As I said, Q-Fleet is a long-term unemployed people to become very successful organisation that has business involved in working on worthwhile projects that fleet management as its core responsibility. would benefit the entire community. Although Again, that was one of the successes of the we spent some $60m on the backlog previous Goss Labor Government. maintenance program, tragically there is still Another success of the Goss Labor work to be done. We were starting to address Government was the way in which CITEC has approximately $20m worth of work, which been able to foster the IT and T industry. resulted from the neglect of the previous CITEC is a very good organisation. It is a coalition Government. commercialised arm of the department and it As I indicated, ASD has been set up as a has been involved very successfully in industry very fine Government department development. administering quite a number of activities of The other commercialised units of the Government. I am very pleased with the department, Goprint and Queensland Property progress that has been made in ASD. One of Management, have been very successful the great successes of the Government was areas of Government administration. The introducing the facilities management contract previous Goss Labor Government embarked for telecommunications. In 1989, when the on a number of major projects, which I hope Goss Government took office, the threshold the incoming Government continues. Of question was asked: what was the phone bill? course, one of those projects is the Roma 20 February 1996 52 Legislative Assembly

Street development. If that development goes confidence that the people of Queensland can through to its final stage, it will be a have in the coalition Government will be magnificent asset for the people of determined by the new administration's Queensland. We have a very large tract of willingness to adopt and continue the broad land at Roma Street, and something has to be range of strategies that were introduced by the done with it. I certainly hope that the incoming Labor Government to assist industry and Government will honour the commitments business in this State. The principal areas given by the Labor Government for the Roma about which I speak are the strategies to Street redevelopment. The people of Brisbane assist small business, to stimulate industry deserve such facilities that will improve their research and development, to provide industry lifestyle in a rapidly developing city. assistance to the manufacturing sector and, The Labor Government was also most importantly, to create an overall successful in getting rid of surplus Government favourable economic climate for the State of property. It achieved maximum returns Queensland. through the sale of some Government assets. It goes without saying that the Goss When one considers the way in which the Government's record in this area has been Cairns railway site was disposed of, one sees impressive indeed. This morning, I took the that it was a very professional operation. The opportunity to listen very closely to the points members of the Labor Government would be contained in the confidence motion that was very proud of the people who were engaged in moved by the Premier and seconded by the that activity. They handled themselves in a Deputy Premier. I expected that, in their very professional manner and achieved a very speeches, they would talk about the future good result in the sale of the Cairns railway and what they saw as the direction for site. Queensland. But what did we get from Mrs Mr De Lacy: Very professional and very Sheldon? Two points. One of them was a good for Cairns. standard point which, over the past few years, has always been made by an incoming Mr MILLINER: It was very good for Government. The first point she made was Cairns. The crowning glory of the previous that she was going to have a commission of Government was the Brisbane Convention audit. So what do members reckon that and Exhibition Centre. Last Friday, I attended means? Basically, it is a way of coming into the Motor Show, which was held at the centre. this place and, by using the commission of It really is a truly magnificent facility, and it is audit process, saying, "We cannot undertake receiving accolades from around the world. At this program; we cannot undertake that that show, one of the motor dealers program." All of us in this place should introduced me to an international guest, who understand very clearly that when the indicated to me that he believed that the incoming Government says that it is going to Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre have a commission of audit process, that is was one of the best centres that he had simply a code for escaping from any visited around the world. That is a credit to commitments it has made over the past year . everybody concerned. It really is a truly The incoming Government will just simply say, magnificent facility that is going to attract "We had the commission of audit and on that many, many thousands of people to Brisbane basis, we cannot do it." and Queensland. As well, it will inject an enormous amount of money into the economy But that will not be good enough and the of this State. people of Queensland and the people on this side of the Parliament will clearly understand The previous Goss Labor Government and be able to demonstrate that that will not can be justifiably proud of the six years it spent be good enough. One legacy among many in Government. It really did a great job and legacies left by the Goss Labor there is no doubt that Queensland is the Government—and it is now part of the modern better for it. political agenda in the State of Queensland— Mr HAYWARD (Kallangur) (3.54 p.m.): It is that all programs that were undertaken by is a pleasure to have been part of a Labor the Labor Government were fully funded. Government. It was not just a Labor When we look at the future and think about Government; the Government of which I was what the Premier and the Deputy Premier very proud to be a part was a great Labor were proposing today, there can be no Government. This afternoon, I will be speaking argument that the programs that were put in in support of the amendment to the motion place by this Opposition when it was in which was moved this morning by the Leader Government were, in fact, rock solid. But what of the Opposition. I think that the degree of do the Premier and the Deputy Premier signal Legislative Assembly 53 20 February 1996 when they talk about the programs that they about whether or not—and we know the are going to introduce? They mean simply that history—certain members of Parliament if they introduce new programs, they are going previously had gone to gaol. The interjection to fund them by imposing new taxes, worried me. Someone interjected—and they increasing taxes and by using borrowings. We know who they are—with something like, have heard Mrs Sheldon equivocate on that. "Well, we can soon solve that." I think that is a No doubt, we will see an attempt by the very, very dangerous assumption or proposal, Government to borrow for the funding of social and I can see Mr Lester nodding. He knows infrastructure. That is something that was who made the interjection. It is an outrage for never, ever undertaken by the Labor someone, by interjection, to say, "We can Government, but I am sure that activity will be soon solve that", making reference to whether undertaken by this Government. It will do that or not members of Parliament should go to by simply postponing the debt that it will create gaol. in the next couple of years and imposing it on I have talked about the lack of the families and the children of the future, or contribution of all members opposite, apart of the Government could go the other way and course from the Premier and the Deputy fund any programs simply through asset sales. Premier. However, what really surprised me So I think over the next two years we can look today was the lack of contribution from the forward to the possibility of three things— member for Gladstone, the person who has either, or, or the whole lot of them—that is, given us reason for being here today. I new taxes, increased taxes, borrowings or expected that the member for Gladstone asset sales. would have some vision for the future, that The other point that Mrs Sheldon made she would tell us what she sees as the that concerned me is that she talked about important role of a new Government in the narrow base of the Queensland economy. Queensland, and that she would speak I think one could argue legitimately that the strenuously to this confidence motion. Queensland economy does have a narrow Mr De Lacy: Do you think it is strange base. However, make no mistake, over the that she reports to the media but not to past six years the Labor Government has Parliament? moved determinedly to change that narrow base of the Queensland economy. In fact, Mr HAYWARD: I will go on to talk a little later I will take the opportunity to talk about the about that, because Mrs Cunningham, the rapidly expanding manufacturing industry that member for Gladstone, has an opportunity this exists in this State. However, the Deputy afternoon to put on record her reasons for Leader of the Coalition should not use this supporting this confidence motion, and her opportunity today to undersell the strength of reasons for bringing about the downfall of the primary industries sector, the mining sector what I think was a great Labor Government. and the tourism sector in this State. It is a We have heard her say in the schoolyard or dangerous and risky proposal of the Treasurer the park—or wherever it was—that she had to talk about the narrow base of the some complaint about a leaky roof; that she Queensland economy and immediately take had some complaint about a new site for a an opportunity to rubbish those three great high school; and that she had some complaint sectors of the Queensland economy. One about police numbers. However, she will not cannot underestimate the great strength of get up here and talk about what her real those sectors and the part they play in the agenda is and what her real reasons for it are. great success of the Queensland economy. I think that the member for Gladstone We heard the contributions from the represents what I call the culture of complaint Premier and the Deputy Premier. We have in this State, which is simply a person who has had no contributions from any other member been elected because that person is good at of the Government. None of them have had complaining. Many members of the present anything to say to defend the confidence Government remained in Opposition on the motion that they put forward today. Of course, same principle. They had no idea about the we have heard a couple of interjections from future, they had no programs and they had no Government members—usually about service plans. They functioned on the culture of delivery. Every Government is interested in complaint—the 10-second complaint on service delivery. It is a motherhood statement television or the whining complaint on talk- to say that a Government is interested in back radio, or whatever it was. They now come service delivery. However, an interjection that into Government by representing and being occurred earlier today has really stuck in my able to harness that culture of complaint. Very mind. It was to do with some discussion clearly, Mrs Cunningham, the member for 20 February 1996 54 Legislative Assembly

Gladstone, is the manifestation, the ultimate years to nearly $6m. New business corporation acknowledgment or the representation of that offices were opened in Mackay, the Sunshine culture of complaint. What worries me about Coast, Aspley, Springwood, Cairns, Government members simply representing a Toowoomba and, of course, the Gold Coast. culture of complaint is that they do not want to The small business sector is extremely solve any problems and they simply do not important to the functioning of the State of have any plans for or ideas about finding Queensland. There are almost 143,000 small solutions. businesses in Queensland, and the sector In the area of small business advice and accounts for nearly 98 per cent of all assistance, for example, our Government businesses in our State. It provides introduced a range of new programs to approximately 56 per cent of private sector provide the sort of practical assistance to small employment. In addition, and very importantly, business which for years was lacking under it generates approximately 35 per cent of the previous administrations in this State. We gross State product of Queensland. The introduced programs such as Marketing Plus, numbers of small businesses in Queensland Business Plus, Your Silent Partner and, of increased by almost 7 per cent between the course, Your First Step, just to name a few. financial years of 1991-92 and 1993-94. Last year I indicated that early this year I Importantly, of course, they increased while would be releasing a small business the national trend was in decline. That in itself statement. Of course, I have not had the is a very clear example of the assistance and opportunity of releasing that statement, which the incentives provided by the Goss was to be the Goss Government's blueprint for Government to Queensland small business the future development of assistance and operators to create an economic climate which advice programs to continue the consistent is conducive to growth and success, and which growth of small business in Queensland which has resulted in growth and success well above has occurred during the past few years. I only and beyond the rest of Australia. The coalition hope that the new Government will have the Government has a heavy responsibility to commonsense to set politics aside and pick up continue to foster that growth and to match the thrust of what I was trying to do for the the successes of the Goss Government during good of small business in this State. I hope the past six years. that it will pick up the elements of that small The small business statement that I have business statement and bring them through. referred to foreshadowed some of the new Even in draft form, I believe that the statement measures to aid the development of the small will be a lasting legacy to the efforts of the business sector in Queensland. It focused on Labor Government in assisting small business the establishment of a small business and, very simply, it will be a benchmark ombudsman to deal with small business against which the coalition will be judged by complaints about problems and delays with everybody in Queensland. Government agencies. It also focused on the That statement should become a focus, I introduction of a system of better business think, of future small business policy licensing to simplify the licensing requirements development. I, for one, would certainly be for small businesses, including the pleased if the coalition Government took up development of the three most commonly the opportunities that that small business applied for State Government licences and statement offers. It sets out how we intended permits in this State. The statement also to build on the significant achievements of the talked about the formulation and the past six years and set the agenda for another development of a small business five years of record small business growth in management skill strategy, which was to be the State of Queensland. The Goss launched in July 1996. I hope that will go Government, as everybody knows, had an ahead. That skills strategy was to provide a undisputed commitment to ensuring that small framework for the development and delivery of business operators received a fair go and had management skills training to small the greatest possible opportunity for success businesses by both the public sector, through in this State. the Queensland Small Business Corporation, Of course, the principal way in which and the private sector, through organisations many of the State Government programs such as the Queensland Confederation of delivered small business assistance was Industry and the chambers of commerce. through the Queensland Small Business Part of the small business statement was Corporation. State Government funding for the an expansion of the Mainstreet program. I Queensland Small Business Corporation was recently asked for applications for the increased by 40 per cent during the past three Mainstreet expansion in Queensland. My Legislative Assembly 55 20 February 1996 office was swamped with letters, particularly I am proud to have been a Minister in and from people in rural communities and some a member of the Goss Labor Government. inner city communities wishing to take Over the past six and a half years, I have had advantage of the Mainstreet program in order the pleasure to serve with a great team of to enhance their business performance. people. I am not just talking about other Most importantly, the statement would members of Parliament but also the staff, who have focused on the provision of Queensland were of great assistance to me. research and innovation grants to boost the Mr McGRADY (Mount Isa) (4.14 p.m.): funding available for final stage research and It gives me a great deal of pleasure to oppose development in Queensland. This morning, the motion moved by the Premier and to the Deputy Premier, Mrs Sheldon, spoke support the amendment so ably moved by the about the narrow base of the Queensland Leader of the Opposition. To serve one's economy. The idea behind the Queensland community, whether it be as a local councillor research and innovation grants initiative was to or the mayor of one's local city, town or shire is ensure that we were able to expand the certainly a great honour to any person, but to manufacturing base of the Queensland serve in the Parliament is a greater honour economy. The key to producing a product lies still. To have the opportunity to serve as a not just in research and development; once Minister under the leadership of the greatest the research and development of a product is Premier this State has seen is something of undertaken, we have to ensure that we have which to be very proud and something which I the development and marketing processes in will carry with me to my grave. place to sell it. Rapid changes in technology Under the stewardship of Wayne Goss mean that there is about 18 months or two and Tom Burns, this State went from strength years in which to launch a particular product to strength. Today, my former ministerial into the market before someone else colleagues have given an account of their produces another one. Research and stewardship over the past six years. Those of innovation grants are about ensuring that we us who have been listening to the debate are able to improve and assist in the today would have to wonder why the member development of a particular product and also for Gladstone made the decision she did. This its marketing. Innovation means doing things motion is also a criticism of and an attack on in a smarter way, be it in relation to every Minister of the former Goss manufacturing or the management of a Government, because it is criticising and manufacturing plant. attacking the stewardship of their portfolios for Again, I take the opportunity to reflect on the past six years. I wish to give a brief outline the comments made by the Treasurer with of some of the achievements in my former regard to the narrow base of the Queensland portfolio , including one about which over the economy. I place on record that I am very past four years I received approximately four optimistic about the future of Queensland. It is questions without notice, which should important that we are all optimistic about the suggest that things were pretty good in the future of the State of Queensland. A great Minerals and Energy portfolio. opportunity has been afforded by the former Government members interjected. Goss Labor Government to change the culture Mr McGRADY: If any Government of the State, an opportunity that is now there members wish to speak, there is a list on for the current Government to take up. We which they can put their names. There is need to ensure that we focus on the plenty of time. They should not be shy or development and enhancement of an quiet. enterprise culture in Queensland. We need to encourage Queensland and move it forward One of the first recommendations that I as the State of ideas in Australia. took to the Cabinet after I became a Minister was that which released vast tracts of land in Over the past six years, the Goss Labor the Bowen Basin for future coalmining. This is Government has been able to work at known as the RA55. Prior to the Goss developing Queensland as the State of ideas. Government's decision, that area of land could That work can easily disappear, dissipate or be be released only by the 18 Ministers sitting sacrificed. The challenge for the new around the Cabinet table. We took the view Government is to work determinedly to ensure that, if there was a market for our coal, people that it is able to foster the enterprise culture in should be allowed to mine it and sell it on Queensland and to provide leadership so that world markets. As a result of that decision, in the future Queensland will continue to be every single area of land, with one exception, the State of ideas in Australia. has been taken up and coalmining has either 20 February 1996 56 Legislative Assembly started or is in the process of starting. That Townsville-Mount Isa rail line to ensure that means jobs for Queenslanders and billions of the product will be able to be moved more dollars of investment in our State. It means speedily and efficiently across to the great port that Queensland is seen as the coalmining city of Townsville. capital of the world. That is something on One step that I hoped to undertake which Mr Gilmore, as he travels around this before I left office was to sign the document State, around Australia, and in particular which would bring gas into north-west around Asia, can reflect on with a great deal of Queensland and in particular into Mount Isa. I pride. Queensland is regarded as a great coal am convinced that that will happen very soon. State in a great coalmining nation. That is one I would ask at least for an invitation to that of the great successes of our Government. signing ceremony, because I believe that I I refer to another great success which at deserve some recognition for the hours that the time people ignored. As members know, were spent and the midnight oil that was burnt the former National/Liberal Party Government in ensuring that this project came to fruition. bled the mining industry through de facto As to other aspects of the portfolio— royalties. It was not just a matter of charging Korea Zinc represents a billion-dollar the industry a high rate for freight—it did investment in the port city of Townsville. Over that—but it also bled the industry with de facto the last couple of weeks, I have heard certain royalties. One of the first things that I initiated members of this Chamber take credit for when I became a Minister was to at least have attracting that project to Townsville. It was the transparent rail freight rates so that the Goss Labor Government which ensured that producers knew exactly what they were going Korea Zinc went to Townsville. It was the to be charged and knew that there were no incentives that we offered as a Government hidden taxes. Again, that decision was warmly which finally swung that company around to welcomed by the industry and we received seeing that Townsville was the place in which it rave notices from everybody about it. should locate its operations. That project will One of the greatest opportunities that this mean thousands of jobs for the people of State has today is the development that is Townsville and a billion-dollar investment into occurring in the Carpentaria/Mount Isa mineral that city. Mark my words: we will see more and province. That did not just happen. The more industry coming to the city of Townsville, Premier of the day, Wayne Goss, convened a all because of the steps that the Labor meeting of the Queensland Government, the Government took to secure Korea Zinc for that Federal Government, the Northern Territory port city. Government and all of the mining companies I will now move away from the mining which had some sort of an interest in the north component to the Energy side of my former west of Queensland. They worked as a team portfolio. I had to sit back and listen to the to determine what infrastructure was required. nonsense from members of the coalition as As a result of that work, we now have mines in they paraded up and down this State and the north west. Over $2 billion will be invested zigzagged across this State telling untruths in that part of the State. There will be between about the position of the electricity industry. $20 billion and $30 billion worth of exports Since 1990, electricity prices have not been from that part of the State and about 6,000 increased by more than half the level of the jobs will be created, and that is all because the CPI. In the current financial year, there has Goss Labor Government convened a meeting been a freeze on domestic electricity prices and got the Carpentaria/Mount Isa mineral and some of the industrial and commercial province up and running. As I said before, it charges decreased by between 8 per cent and did not just happen. A tremendous amount of 10 per cent. Every single time that coalition work went into ensuring that it became the members rose in this Parliament to criticise the success it is today. energy industry, they forecast that the following year there would be massive Some of the mines in that region include increases in power prices. That simply did not the Osborne mine, the Cannington mine, the happen under our stewardship. At the same Ernest Henry mine and, very soon, the large time, we restructured the Queensland Century mine. The Goss Government took electricity industry, and today it is still many steps to ensure that the necessary recognised as one of the most efficient infrastructure was in place. One of the last electricity industries not only in the decisions we took as a Cabinet was in relation Commonwealth but also around the world. to the money which we hoped to raise from That is a reputation of which I am proud, and I the sale of the State-owned gas pipeline. We will be watching very closely to see that have allocated $100m to upgrading the nobody destroys it. Legislative Assembly 57 20 February 1996

Day after day after day, we had to sit back ones who opened it up again. I believe that in and listen to the former Opposition talk about the not-too-distant future we will see that the lights going out. Opposition members power station generating power for north claimed that there was insufficient power- Queensland. generating capacity to meet the future needs My colleague Ken Hayward referred to the of the people of this State. That was an culture of complaint. In my four years as a absolute nonsense, and they knew it. But Minister, I heard every complaint known to through their actions, members of the coalition man. One of the greatest nonsenses that I scared away billions of dollars worth of encountered in those four years came from a investment in this State. Some companies small group of people in Cairns who objected became afraid to invest here because of the to the route of the proposed power line nonsense which came from members of the corridor. I have heard about the intentions of former Opposition. the incoming Government in relation to that Mr Gilmore: Just tell us about one of issue. I say this: if the incoming Government is those. prepared to spend an additional $15m to Mr McGRADY: As I said to the change that route, I will go the length and member's colleague, there is a speakers' list breadth of this State and encourage people to for this debate. If Mr Gilmore wants to make a do the same thing. This is merely a political contribution today, I invite him to do so. exercise. The National Party organised a meeting which attracted an attendance of 500 We had a plan for the future generation people. I warn the Government now that if it of power in this State. When Mr Gilmore gets changes that route, I will organise a meeting his briefings from the industry, he will discover and I will guarantee the attendance of at least that there are no problems whatsoever with 1,000 people. I do not want to see the the electricity supply industry and that it was in incoming Government waste $15m to satisfy safe hands under the Labor Government. In National Party supporters, and that is all that talking about future plans for the electricity would be achieved. I give notice now that I will industry in this State, the Labor Government be monitoring that situation very closely. was talking also about alternative energy. We did not put all our eggs in the one basket, Another issue about which I am extremely namely, building coal-fired power stations concerned is the promise by Mr Gilmore to around this State. We felt that there were bring reticulated power to the Daintree. alternatives. Mr Gilmore: Consider that done, too. I established the Alternative Energy Mr McGRADY: Mr Gilmore said, Advisory Group, which, under the "Consider that done, too." Mr Gilmore should chairmanship of my parliamentary colleague consider this: he will have one hell of a battle Rod Welford, did a tremendous amount of on his hands. The Daintree is unique; the work in this area. Through the work of that Daintree is something special. The proposal by group, we have started to change the way in the coalition Government will open the area to which Queenslanders use electricity. In the developers, resulting in the destruction of that dying days of our Government, we were beautiful region. At Christmas time, I received receiving inquiries from all around the world as half a dozen Christmas cards from people I to what we were doing and how we were fast have never met saying, "Mr McGrady, thank becoming one of the world leaders in you for saving the Daintree." I have had those employing alternative energy methods. That is cards framed. I believe that if the National something of which I am terribly proud. In Party destroys the Daintree, it will take it with it years to come, people will look back and to its grave. realise that it was the Goss Labor Government which introduced and worked on alternative Mr Bredhauer: They'll have to put that energy methods in this State. I would hope one underground, too. that the incoming Government does not do Mr McGRADY: Maybe. anything to destroy or meddle with that But if that is done, this Government will be process. known as one of the greatest destroyers that I gave a commitment on behalf of the Queensland has ever seen. It is an absolute Labor Government that the Collinsville Power disgrace. Station would be reopened. The then Mr De Lacy: They started the Opposition said that it could not be done and destruction in 1988 and they're going to finish that it would not be done, but we did it. it off in 1996. Government members were the ones who closed that power station down; we were the Mr McGRADY: Shame! 20 February 1996 58 Legislative Assembly

I want to say a few words about Eastlink. Queenslanders did have great confidence in In the time that is allowed to me tonight, I ask the way the Goss Government delivered on the Government to explain something to me. the environment in all three of its terms and on Members opposite talk about a transmission ALP policies and commitments on the line which goes from the New South Wales environment—all 254 of them—which were border into Queensland. The only reason that given before the July 1995 election and were they are opposed to Eastlink is that it runs systematically being put into place. Public through some of their friends' properties. That confidence has been demonstrated, is the only reason because, based on particularly by the many recent environmental economics, they would have to go along with achievements which involved agreement Eastlink. Based on their national policy, they between very disparate community groups— would have to go along with Eastlink. Based groups as disparate as the cattlemen, one of on the policy of their own Federal colleagues, the National Party's traditional bases, they would have to go along with Eastlink. I Aboriginal and Torres Strait traditional owners, ask the Premier to explain the difference. He the conservation movement and developers does not mind building a coal-fired power on issues as wide-ranging as tree-clearing station in Brigalow or Wandoan or some other guidelines—and the Cape York agreement, place, and he does not mind running coastal protection and management transmission lines across the Darling Downs, legislation. That public confidence was built so what is the difference between the people upon the record of achievement of the Goss who own properties on the Darling Downs and Government between 1989 and 1996 in all of some of his mates along the route from the its three terms. New South Wales border into Queensland? Queenslanders cannot have confidence The Premier is committing financial suicide in this minority Government that is sitting in because, if he destroys the plans that the this Chamber today. That is not just because previous Government made for Eastlink, he of its disastrous track record when it was last in will owe the people of this State millions and Government; it is also because its millions of dollars, and he will live to regret that environment policies for the July 1995 election decision. were weak and—as members saw as recently I place on record the pleasure I had in as five minutes ago in this Chamber from the working under the leadership of both Wayne member for Tablelands—because of recent Goss and Tom Burns and, in particular, with statements by its Ministers-to-be, its current Mrs Roisin Goss, who was the first lady in this spokesperson on the Environment and the State—a lady who went around Queensland frontbencher who is tipped by the media to be and the rest of Australia with dignity. She is the next Minister for the Environment. somebody of whom every single Members opposite lack a very clear Queenslander could be proud. She is a lady commitment to the environment itself. At a whom I believe we should all hold in high time when they have taken the reigns of esteem, because to me she represents the Government, they cannot even tell the perfect woman. I was delighted, proud and Parliament who the Minister for the honoured to serve under the former Environment and Heritage will be. Will it be the Government. I have been a member of the shadow spokesman of recent years, the for over 30 years. The member for Burnett, or somebody else? last six years made me proud of the fact that I Mr Bredhauer: He has gone out and belong to that great party. Although we are in sold his soul to the Greens, but he knows he Opposition today, there is a determination can't deliver. amongst members on this side of the Parliament to be here only for a short space of Mr BARTON: That is the very point that time, and the whole of the Labor movement needs to be made. will get together to prove that the actions I believe that this Parliament needs to be taken by the member for Gladstone were told the answer to that question. If the wrong and that very, very soon we will be member for Burnett is not going to be the restored to the Government benches in this Minister for the Environment, after having State. been the Opposition's shadow Minister for a Mr BARTON (Waterford) (4.34 p.m.): I minimum of three or four years, is it that this rise to put to this Parliament that the public of Government wants to walk away from the very Queensland certainly cannot have confidence many commitments that it gave, particularly in in the Borbidge/Sheldon minority Government, the run-up to the July 1995 election, which particularly when it comes to protecting were given by that spokesperson for the Queensland's environment. Alternatively, Environment to certain sections of the Legislative Assembly 59 20 February 1996 conservation movement? Those commitments The article continued— certainly do not sit very well with the traditional " 'I have informed the incoming support base of the National Party in this Queensland Premier, Rob Borbidge, that State. I believe that it is a cynical move by this a federal coalition government will provide incoming minority Government to dud the up to $40 million to assist in protecting conservation movement and to dud high conservation value areas in Cape Queenslanders of the reforms that they need. York,' Mr Howard said. The environment of this State is far too Mr Howard said the coalition important to be left in uncertainty. welcomed the recently signed Cape York Queenslanders need certainty on what the heads of agreement and would support Queensland Government will do with many the facilitation of the relevant processes areas, particularly the World Heritage areas 'on the proviso that they involve all and the national parks that they love. They affected parties including local need certainty about the environmental issues communities and are supported by the that they feel very strongly about—whether it is Queensland Government.' " the Wet Tropics, the threat of the Tully/Millstream hydro-electric power station, Again, a quote from Mr John Howard— threats to the coast, Cape York, , " 'Cape York is one of the last great Fraser Island, the Daintree, as was confirmed wilderness areas in the world, and of a few minutes ago, protection of the course, the coalition will work with all mahogany glider habitat in north Queensland, interest groups to ensure it is the cassowary in north Queensland or the appropriately managed and the high- koala, particularly in the Koala Coast region. conservation areas are fully protected,' he Queenslanders want to know that the said." environment that they love will be protected. John Howard's words, as quoted in the They want to know that the environment, in Courier-Mail, are very similar to the very words terms of the places where they live and work, that Wayne Goss used in July 1995 when will be clean and safe. They want to know that launching the campaign promise about the they will have clean air, clean water and low Cape York wilderness zone. We are entitled to noise levels. They want effective controls on ask, the public of Queensland is entitled to waste management and waste treatment and ask: where does this new minority Government disposal. Queenslanders want to know that stand on this issue? Their former industry and businesses in their towns and environmental spokesperson has said that it suburbs are cleaning up their act. That is will be put on hold. Traditional owners want the something that is in line with emerging and Cape York wilderness zone. The conservation growing community expectations. Things that movement wants it. The Cattlemen's Union on people have accepted in the past, they no Cape York wants it. I am very proud of one of longer will. It has certainly been demonstrated my major achievements during the short six that this minority Government cannot give and a half months that I was the relevant them that certainty today. They did have that Minister, that is, that we were very close to certainty with the Goss Government until finalising the purchase of all 11 properties on yesterday, but they certainly do not have a Cape York in that wilderness zone. The clear perspective on it now. Government had purchased 54 per cent of the While members ponder who will be the land area and negotiations were proceeding at next Minister for the Environment, such a satisfactory rate that, within another Queenslanders will demand to know what this two or three short weeks, we would have minority Government's views are on those purchased them all—not by compulsory crucial environment and conservation issues. I acquisition but by a proper process of shall mention a few of them briefly. People negotiation. want to know about Cape York. In the past I congratulate the people involved in the week the member for Burnett said that that will historic agreement on the rest of Cape York: be put on hold. That is very contrary to the the Cattlemen's Union, the Cape York Land position that has been put even by someone Council, the ACF and the Wilderness Society. as infamous as little Johnny Howard in the My colleague Ken McElligott and I were very past 48 hours. I refer to an article in proud to have played a small role in the yesterday's Courier-Mail, which stated— negotiations that achieved that agreement "Mr Howard used the Liberal Party that was signed recently. campaign launch to commit a coalition Another issue on which the public will government to protecting the Cape." want some very firm answers is what the 20 February 1996 60 Legislative Assembly

Government intends to do with the Daintree. interests as opposed to the interests of a very Will it maintain the Daintree Rescue Program? rare animal. Already we have heard them talk about power. All Queenslanders are entitled to know I challenge the Premier and his team: will they what the coalition Government will do with the honour the agreement reached by me and my Tully/Millstream. The incoming Minister for department last Thursday to purchase all of Mr Minerals and Energy has promised that it will George Quaid's holdings in the Daintree as be built and Eastlink abandoned. I do not part of the Daintree Rescue Program? That want to go too deeply into the arguments contract would have gone to Cabinet and about Eastlink, because I think that was Executive Council this week had the Labor addressed by my colleague who spoke before Government not been thrown out by that me. What will be the cost of not having champion of the environment, the member for Eastlink? It will be at the cost of building the Gladstone. The public are entitled to know the Tully/Millstream hydro-electric power station. answer to that question. That will flood sections of one of the world's Mr Bredhauer interjected. greatest World Heritage areas, the Wet Mr BARTON: Yes, the member for Tropics. That project will be the Franklin Dam Tablelands promised—"Consider it done"—to all over again. I hope that the Government put power back into the Daintree. Of course, does not build that Tully/Millstream, because I that is totally inconsistent with the conservation am more concerned about the environment in values of the Daintree Rescue Program. One that area than politics. It is an awful trade- of my proudest achievements, although I did off—to run some power lines over some open not quite get there because the member for grazing and farming country compared with Gladstone intervened, was to purchase all flooding a major area of the Wet Tropics World property in the Daintree held by George Quaid Heritage area. and returning it to the national estate so that Other statements that have been made that great rainforest area can be forever by various Ministers-to-be that there are protected. unreasonable restrictions on land-holders in Will the coalition Government honour the the Wet Tropics World Heritage area lead me mahogany rescue plan, a plan announced to believe that that area is at risk. It would be several months ago by the Federal Minister absolutely blatant vandalism if this incoming John Faulkner and me, under which the State minority Government were to do that degree and Federal Governments each supply $8m? of damage to the World Heritage area. That The plan was finalised last week and would would be a return to the values which Geoff have been taken to Cabinet and Executive Muntz espoused when he toured the world in Council this week, except for intervention of the late 1980s opposing the listing of the Wet that great champion of the environment, the Tropics World Heritage area. Have members member for Gladstone. I was disturbed opposite changed? I suggest not. I also because I did not know whether to believe the suggest that it will be very uncomfortable for documentation that came to me. I signed a the members for Barron River and Mulgrave renewal of an interim conservation order on when they try to attend future CAFNEC one recalcitrant land owner in the Tully area meetings in Cairns if the Government of which last week, which I understand had shrunk from they are members goes ahead with that 90 days to 30 days. Today, the newspaper vandalism in that World Heritage area. says it was not renewed at all. We should also explore some of the Mr Borbidge: It is 30 days. We will look comments that have been made by the at it at the end of that. people who seem to be the frontrunners to become Minister for the Environment. Firstly, I Mr BARTON: I am pleased to hear that will quote the member for Western Downs. As answer, at least. I am disturbed that the recently as four weeks ago, in the Northern members for Burnett and Hinchinbrook have Downs News, in a column titled "Local been quoted in the Ingham press as saying Member's Views" by MLA in that they want to make radical changes to the regard to the environmental protection levy, he mahogany glider conservation plan. That stated— glider is one of the world's rarest animals, with only approximately 600 of them remaining in "The Environmental Protection levy is an area that is under great pressure from cane high on my list of priorities if the Coalition farming expansion and increased aquaculture. can seize government after the by- We have to be very careful to ensure that that election in Mundingburra. plan is put into place, but not put into place to My own personal opinion is that pander to people who have cane farming polluters should be made to comply and Legislative Assembly 61 20 February 1996

be fined if they do not. All others should and the Koala Coast. There is no doubt not be asked to pay yet another tax to the about the views of the community in that State Government." region, as they were demonstrated at the He has not changed his views since an article election in July last year. But what does the on 9 November 1994, in the Toowoomba possible Environment Minister think of this Chronicle when he was quoted as saying— matter? I refer again to the "Local Member's Views" column in the Northern Downs News of ". . . hefty levies are proposed to fund this 7 July 1994, in which the member stated— green police force. Many people I have spoken to insist it is simply a new tax. "I spoke out recently at a meeting They are also asking what service they questioning the morality of such an can expect for the hefty new tax they will expenditure when $100 million would pay." build 100 km of sealed road for people in rural Queensland. I had the Acacia Valley Not to be outdone, in the last week's Sunday road in mind when I made that comment. Mail—and I believe everything that Pat Gillespie writes in the Sunday Mail, so it must Why is this colony of koalas so be correct—the member for Burnett, the important. There hasn't been an outcry Opposition spokesman in recent years on this about fauna in Queensland being killed very important issue, expressed essentially the by cars every night . . . I do believe the same view as the member for Western Downs. needs of people who don't have a sealed In an article headed "Reprieve from green road should be placed before a desire to levy", he stated— preserve a small pocket of the environment in the crowded south-east "Small businesses may be given an corner of this State." 11th-hour reprieve from paying new 'green levies' under the Coalition's plan to I contrast that comment with the steps review the controversial Environmental that were taken with regard to the Koala Coast Protection Act. by the Goss Government over the time that I was the Minister for the Environment. I will not Coalition environment spokesman detail all of what took place because it is on Doug Slack said the approval and licence the record. Yet here we have a member who fees, levied against polluting industries, has been strongly tipped to be the Minister for would be a priority for an Environment the Environment in this illegitimate, minority Protection Council, to be set up to assess Government, who does not believe in the two-year-old Act." preserving the best-known, most significant Queenslanders do not just want polluters koala habitat in Australia. But there is more. stopped, prosecuted and fined; they want their He has also said that he would close down Government to be pro-active to stop pollution Gurulmundi straightaway. That will have a before it happens. They want their disastrous effect on waste management in the Government to identify industries and south-east corner. companies that are potential polluters under In rounding off, I want to place on the environmentally relevant activities and to work record how proud and privileged I have been with them to achieve lower emissions and to be a member of the Goss Government in its lower pollution and to ensure that those who second term and a Minister in its third term. It have the potential to pollute improve, achieve has been a very great privilege to have been good standards and are rewarded compared the Environment and Heritage Minister for a to those who do not. The Labor Government's very short six and a half months. We had a EPA achieves that. The licence fees that were great deal to do and we achieved a great set were established by a committee that had deal. Of course, there is much more to be very strong representation from the business done and I am just sad that it looks like it may community. I will not go into the full detail of not be done in the manner that it should. This that process, but the incoming minority Parliament cannot have confidence in the Government is not proposing to not proceed Borbidge/Sheldon minority Government—a to ensure that we have cleaner industries and Government that cannot tell us who will be its cleaner businesses in our suburbs. The fees Environment Minister, a Government that, in are modest, the cost to business is small and public statements, would flood a key part of the gain for the community in having a better the Wet Tropics, oppose the Cape York place in which to live and work is high. wilderness zone and weaken the mahogany One other little purler that I would like to glider rescue plan. Anybody who supports the speak about was put down by the member for environment certainly could not support this Western Downs. I refer to the protection of the incoming Government. 20 February 1996 62 Legislative Assembly

Mrs EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha) Asian competitors at the cheap end of the (4.54 p.m.): I rise to speak against this motion market, low skills, low wages, low productivity and indicate my support for the amendment. and a society in which the economically and The Labor movement's reason for existence is socially disadvantaged are set adrift. That is to improve the lot of working men and women. not the future I want for my children or for I am proud to have been a member of the other young Queenslanders, and that is not Goss Labor Government, as it did just that. I the legacy the Labor Government left those have been proud to follow my predecessors in opposite. Unlike the exiting National Party in pursuing that goal while being a Minister in a 1989, the Labor Government has not left the portfolio that deals with workplaces and the coalition with a State riddled with corruption, people within them. What distinguishes the cronyism, inequity and a lack of opportunity for Labor Party from those opposite is that we all but the privileged few in the know, with run- have an overarching vision of a State, a nation down health and education facilities and and a world in which we wish to live and services, but lots of snouts in the trough. work—a place that we can bequeath with The Labor Government has not left the satisfaction to those who follow us, not just to coalition with an antiquated, underresourced have for short-term personal and political gain. public training system struggling and failing to Unlike members opposite, I am proud to meet the burgeoning demands of expanding stand here to support the reforms the Labor business and industry sectors and the swelling Government made and to enunciate its labour market. When the national and policies and beliefs. However, I can international economic downturn squeezed understand the reluctance of members the job markets around the nation, the Labor opposite to detail their intentions in this House Government did not blame Canberra and of Parliament and to detail their history. I well leave the labour market to sort itself out understand their embarrassment. Again, what because it had someone else to blame. No, distinguishes members opposite is that Labor the Labor Government had a vision, and it has had policies, plans and reform programs backed its vision with money, with action, and to lead us to that vision and proudly propose with the hard work of administrative and policy them rather than hiding our intentions and reform—reforms that may have cost it as a policies from the electorate. Perhaps the Government in Queensland while benefiting pursuit of that very vision has cost us in the the State overall. short term while benefiting Queensland in the For the record, in vocational education long term. and training, Queensland has been an active It is indeed a great concern and worry to player in the national training reform agenda. me that vocational education, for example, did As my friend and colleague the member for not rate a mention in State coalition Yeronga said earlier, our major public training policies—few as they were, hidden as they provider, TAFE Queensland, has gone from were—and in the Federal coalition, the only being the poor cousin of the National Training comment is, "TAFE will be retained." What a Scheme to the recognised premier public substantive policy! provider of vocational education and training in Mr Santoro interjected. this country—and that at a time when vocational training generally is lifting its game Mrs EDMOND: If members opposite across Australia. Queensland has gone from wish to speak in this House, they have every the back of the pack to the front row. right to speak for 20 minutes. What is the Labor Party's vision? It is of a State with a Under Labor in Queensland, TAFE high-skill, high-productivity economy enrolments have almost doubled, and this competing at the quality end of the market year funding has reached almost half a billion with its Pacific Rim neighbours. Integral to dollars—up by 70 per cent over five years. All those workplaces is every worker's right to safe 16 TAFE institutes and the TAFE State office and healthy conditions and fair compensation have now received quality assurance should he or she become ill or injured through certification in what I believe is a first worldwide work. The Labor Party seeks equity of access for any nationally based vocational education and an opportunity for every Queenslander to and training network. fulfil his or her potential, to contribute to his or Curriculum consortia at institute level her community, whatever his or her throughout the State ensure that TAFE geographic, economic, social or physical education and training remain in constant circumstances. touch and focus with industry demands. Since What is the alternative—a future as a 1989, costs have decreased 15 per cent and second-rate survivor, battling away with strong currently Queensland is second only to New Legislative Assembly 63 20 February 1996

South Wales in having the lowest cost per workplaces with specific requirements for completion of a TAFE award. training; for example, shift workers outside I hasten to point out that those are regular hours. It is our Government's social recognised achievements published by the justice agenda which has seen TAFE Australian Industries Commission and are on increasingly reaching out to rural and remote the public record. However, it is not just the areas and becoming more flexible and dollars that count. More importantly, since accessible to people with work and family 1989 TAFE Queensland has become an responsibilities, people with disabilities and organisation driven by its clients, striving for other disadvantaged groups. Earlier today, the absolute quality in its interaction with Government criticised Labor's commitment to communities in every corner of the State. I the rural sector. Nothing could be further from know from the college within my own the truth, and TAFE is just one example of electorate of Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane that that. there are a lot of talented, well qualified and TAFE is also responding to the workplace. dedicated people in the TAFE system. They The majority of people in the work force will deserve every opportunity to prove that they now be there in ten years' time, and that is have what it takes to compete in the open where TAFE is directing its drive. These market. They are doing it very successfully, workers need to be able to reskill on the job to even though they are constantly denigrated by keep up with change and allow their the member for Clayfield. They attempt to workplaces to remain competitive. The TAFE ignore that. curriculum needs to be more flexible and employment-oriented to meet their needs. As a Government, the Labor Party had This means reformatting diplomas and taken a number of steps to support TAFE advanced diplomas to be delivered in Queensland in its strive for competitiveness. conjunction with on-the-job experience. In this First was the formation of institutes—our 30- way, the products of the vocational education plus colleges are now 16 institutes with greater and training system will have the necessary local autonomy and decision-making power, job skills, properly supported by underpinning giving them more flexibility to respond to local knowledge, to be attractive to employers and, needs. of course, satisfying and satisfactory to Our society, lifestyles and industry employees. Employers complain that even demands are changing, and the public graduates require additional training in the vocational education and training system must workplace in order to be productive. Many of move with those changes. That means that those graduates are now seeking that training we are training students to meet today's at TAFE colleges. Employers are paying top business and industry needs. That is, real dollar from day one and they do not want to training for real jobs; not merely what people employ someone they have to train for four felt comfortable with delivering and not merely weeks. shuffling young people off the unemployment In my view, Governments have a key role statistics, as the ill-considered comment by the in maintaining minimum standards and would-be Treasurer shows just how little she ensuring the portability of workers' skills, not knows of what is happening in the training just cutting wages, cutting conditions and arena. cheapening our work force the Reith/Howard Modern communications technology also way. However, regulation must not get in the opens up myriad opportunities for flexible way of the goal. Labor cleaned up a lot of the training. In the Goss Government's economic bureaucratic barriers in the administration of blueprint, From Strength to Strength, we apprenticeships and traineeships. We gave committed over $10m in a five-year program staff modern resources and information to broadband TAFE services. Existing learning technology to allow them to provide faster resources will be converted so that they can quality services to their clients, to apprentices, be delivered on communication networks such trainees and employers, particularly in the as the so-called information superhighway. regional areas—the areas those opposite had This will allow students to take self-directed always claimed to look after. Under Labor, and self-paced learning programs in the training had been getting out of the institutions workplace or in the home, wherever that may and into the workplace, where innovation, be. Students will be able to dial into the TAFE flexibility and efficiency are encouraged. Queensland modem and take programs such I believe that an integral element in as word processing as and when it suits them. Queensland industry's ability to compete both This will be invaluable to people in isolated, internationally and domestically in the next few rural areas or in remote workplaces or years will depend on how well we manage the 20 February 1996 64 Legislative Assembly expansion of our employment-based training Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The system. None of these major achievements Jobs Plan helped more than 97,000 could have been notched up without the hard unemployed Queenslanders to get skills, jobs work and dedication of TAFE Queensland and improve their employment prospects—not employees around the State. On behalf of only in the city but also, importantly, in the those Ministers who served before me, and drought-stricken rural areas—and maintain myself, I should like publicly to record my wages and skills during this period of hardship. appreciation of their efforts. However, it is with I know the member for Clayfield has sadness and trepidation that I have been shown his complete ignorance of the Jobs forced to leave our training system, its people Plan and his complete ignorance and and its achievements in the hands of those disrespect for the drought-stricken rural areas. who did so little for so long. However, I come from the bush and I care I remember the way the member for about the bush, even though he does not. Clayfield has stood in this Chamber repeatedly Many of these people were already stuck on reading out hit lists of anyone in public office the long-term unemployment treadmill or were who was considered friendly with the Labor facing that prospect. Queensland families Government, and his vows to get rid of them. feeling the pain of unemployment were this That is all on public record. I also remember Government's number one priority. Under our his underhand attacks on women appointed to $100m community renewal program, 7,500 senior positions, and I am concerned for those unemployed people would have been working who have worked so hard and for so long in within their local communities rebuilding and the public service, and particularly in DEVETIR, renewing local facilities. if he is to be the Minister. I would hope that Jobs are the fundamental example of the incoming Premier has more sense. social justice. I look forward to seeing where I can only challenge those opposite—and the member for Caloundra will find the funds I put more faith in the Premier than I do in the she says she will use to create jobs, while she member for Clayfield—not to turn back the cuts land tax, payroll tax and considers cutting clock. I look for some signs that they have stamp duty on share transactions. The Liberal learnt to acknowledge the vital importance of leader says we must follow Kennett's lead in TAFE and vocational education, but I can only Victoria. I remind her, and all who sit with her, look at Western Australia and its TAFE that while this State has created more than privatisation under Liberal Premier Court and, 244,000 jobs since 1991, Victoria still has not of course, the wholesale sacking and pillaging reached the level of employment it had in of TAFE under Kennett in Victoria, which has 1991. Those unemployed include 44,970 earned the ire of the Australian National sacked teachers, nurses and other public Training Authority. servants. The public servants who were I want to place on record the results of a sacked from the Victorian Treasury were faced daring and electorally dangerous step which with being escorted—can members imagine Labor took in 1992, which was to present to the indignity—by security guards, on 15 the electorate a proposal to increase the minutes notice to clear their desks. They were tobacco licensing fee to fund the three-year, not even allowed to speak to their colleagues $150m Jobs Plan. The political unpopularity of and bid them farewell. What a way to treat this move was countered by its significant public servants! One can only presume that benefits in providing funds for jobs, funds for this is the direction the new Treasurer intends rebuilding the health system—billions of dollars taking, following her frequent begging of needed to make up for years of neglect—and advice from Mr Kennett. also for refurbishing schools while providing One of the many difficult issues this jobs. This was a first for Queensland and it Government faced, and dealt with, was the showed the difference between a conservative reform of the workers' compensation system. Government and a Labor Government, a The reforms were intended to improve benefits Government which cares about the for workers, maintain competitive premiums at unemployed. Across the nation the economy the second lowest level in Australia and was in a downturn and, although the policy restore the long-term viability of the fund. settings were right for Queensland's economy Mr Elliott: What about the surcharge? in the longer term, something had to be done in the short term, especially for those facing Mrs EDMOND: That is including the extra disadvantages in cracking the labour surcharge. Including the surcharge, they are market—the long-term unemployed, young still at the second lowest level in Australia. people, mature aged people, people from The reform measures were developed non-English speaking backgrounds and over nine weeks of intensive stakeholder Legislative Assembly 65 20 February 1996 negotiations. I would like to record again, as I the P & Cs went into hock to buy one did in my second-reading speech, my computer per school to try to equip our appreciation to all stakeholders, as well as to children for this century let alone the next. I department officers, for the time and remember when they sweltered in tin sheds professional effort they put into the finalisation without fans let alone the airconditioning so of the package. The sad thing about this cynically promised by those opposite, which process was the lack of input from the was never to be achieved except by the Opposition of that time—now, of course, the exceptionally rich schools. Government. They said that, on one hand, I remember when "disability" in State common law rights had to be maintained, but schools was such a dirty word that, when our they also said that they would not increase P & C begged for handrails to help a young premiums. However, at no stage did they say lad with muscular dystrophy, they arrived four what they would do. The most worrying thing years later when, tragically, he could no longer about this is, and I beg the question: what will benefit as he had progressed to a wheelchair they do? and left the school. I remember the contempt Will workers with only a 30 per cent whole- with which even safe Liberal electorates were person impairment injury have access to treated, a contempt that encouraged the total common law as in Victoria, under a lack of accountability that in turn led to conservative Jeff Kennett? Will employers ingrained corruption and a blurring of the lines actually be able to get workers' compensation between administration, justice and policing so insurance? In Western Australia, as a result of that different standards applied depending on the introduction of privatisation there, some who or what one was and how much one paid. employers cannot insure their employees. The I faithfully promise this Parliament, the people only hint of what this illegitimate Government of Queensland and the constituents of my will do to workers' compensation is that it flags electorate of Mount Coot-tha that, although privatisation—and, presumably, to cut injured others may forget, I will not and I will not allow workers' benefits. Our reforms were designed the gains of the Goss Labor Government that to deliver Queensland workers, their families enabled Queensland to hold its head with and employers sound, affordable insurance pride and dignity to slip so far behind again. and compensation for workplace disease and Mr McELLIGOTT (Thuringowa) injury and maintain the right of injured workers (5.13 p.m.): As this House considers its to pursue their common law rights while confidence or otherwise in the incoming encouraging those with less serious injuries to coalition Government, it is natural and logical choose improved statutory benefits. to think about the performance of past In addition, a comprehensive review National Party Governments, the last of which program was scheduled for this year. I was only some six and a half years ago. challenge this backdoor Government to I recall that when I entered the office of maintain that review program, including the the Minister for Health on the election of the implementation of the Tregillis reforms to the Goss Labor Government in 1989, I found a Division of Workplace Health and Safety and bar stocked with every possible type of liquid the Workers Compensation Board. Let us see refreshment that one could possibly want. I the Government's public inquiry under way found a room within the Ministry of Health and see what solutions it has. Most of all, let specifically set up for television interviews, us see how the Government will meet its featuring lighting and all of those specialist phoney promise to maintain common law at items that go with a media performer. I found the same time as removing the premium the infamous hair-drying machine and I found increases that we introduced. evidence of all of the trappings that National The achievements of Labor in the Party Ministers of the day enjoyed. Today, I portfolio of Employment and Training are place on record that, when the incoming achievements of which we are proud and Minister for Lands enters what was my achievements that in Opposition we shall ministerial office, he will find 17 stubbies in the ensure are not allowed to slide back to the fridge, and I paid for those stubbies, not the neglect of the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike those taxpayers of Queensland. The Minister is opposite, I do not suffer from amnesia. I welcome to them, but I paid for them. clearly remember the days under the National Mr De Lacy interjected. Party Government when Queensland teachers, nurses and police were the worst Mr McELLIGOTT: Exactly. paid by far in this country of ours, when the I wish to go through some of the initiatives roofs of the schools in my electorate dropped of the Lands Department under the former peeling paint on the children below, and when Labor Government. I would have thought my 20 February 1996 66 Legislative Assembly former portfolio area was one that the previous attacks on plant and animal pests in 1995-96. National Party would have serviced efficiently Programs include the eradication of chinee and effectively for the people that it claims to apple, mesquite, prickly acacia and rubber represent, given the glorious days of the old vine, realignment and reconstruction work on Country Party. However, it came as a great the dingo fence and an extension of the rabbit disappointment to me to find that that former barrier in southern Queensland. National Party Government had neglected the Another item which we would have bush to such an extent. I will go through some assumed would have been a priority for the examples and, in doing so, as my colleagues former National Party Government was the have already done, I challenge the incoming system of stock routes throughout this State. coalition Government to continue the initiatives Nothing had been done—and I mean taken by the Goss Labor Government to nothing—for at least 20 years prior to the support the people who live in the rural election of the Goss Government. Some communities of this State. $2.5m has been allocated over three years for The Goss Government successfully the replacement and enhancement of integrated the former Departments of Freehold watering facilities, fodder management Titles, Geographic Information, Lands and programs, fencing and signage, which is so Valuer-General into the new Department of important in directing people using the system. Lands. Officers now offer a wide range of Again, as I said, that is an initiative to benefit advice and services on land-related matters to the rural community of this State. all Queenslanders. Thirty-four regional offices The Goss Government was working with have been established, from Cairns to Mount land-holders, local authorities and Landcare Isa and to Warwick. The percentage of groups to combat the economic and equivalent Department of Lands staff working environmental effects of weeds. The focus of outside Brisbane is now twice that under the Queensland land management has been previous Government. More effective redirected towards sustainable land use for communication with client groups has been present and future generations. For example, created through the establishment of tree clearing on leasehold land is required to consultative committees in the fields of land take account of the effect on the general use, land services and land information. environment, soil degradation and water Industry groups are regularly involved in the courses. development of legislation. The old 1962 Land Act has been The Aboriginal Land Tribunal has been established to adjudicate on land claims made reviewed and replaced with a new Act which under the Queensland Aboriginal Land Act, provides a simpler, streamlined framework for with a companion Act to provide for claims by the administration and management of State Torres Strait Islanders. So far, 95,000 hectares land. Queensland's more than 20 previous have been transferred and 156 parcels of land different types of tenure have been simplified totalling some 700,000 hectares have come into three broad groups. A new fairer under investigation for transfer to Aboriginal leasehold land rental system based on interests. unimproved capital value has been introduced. That was the result of a I have spoken in the House before about succession of inquiries over a long period and the automated titling system and the success it removed the inequities and distortions in of the initiatives taken by the Goss previous systems. Rents on pastoral leases Government in that regard. The conversion of have been set at a low percentage level, that all freehold and State leasehold titles onto is, 1.1 per cent of unimproved capital value, computer was completed in October 1995 and have been frozen at that point as part of after 18 months of work. The automated titling the Goss Government's drought response system has cut average handling time by half strategy, at least until 30 June 1996. and has the capacity for handling well over New initiatives for weed eradication have 2,500 transactions per day. The system offers been undertaken, something upon which the the security of an extensive backup system former National Party Government about and will reduce lodgment and registration of which I have spoken placed no importance at documents from a nine-step to a two-step all. An annual allocation of $2.1m in addition process. Similar radical advances have been to normal budgets is supporting a strategic made with digital imaging and the transfer of initiative against extensive weed infestations. maps and other documents. This has been further boosted by the Goss Draft State tree-clearing guidelines were Government's November 1995 economic released in March as a basis for the package, with a further $2.2m advance for development of local guidelines. A ministerial Legislative Assembly 67 20 February 1996 committee aided by a working party has since ultimately led to the downfall of the Goss been undertaking the process of the Government. I am disappointed about that, establishment of those guidelines. Members because I believe that Townsville has done are aware that agreement has been reached very well under Labor. I was elected to the by the various parties involved in those Townsville City Council as far back as March consultations. 1976, so I have been around a long time. I As I have previously reported to this have seen the initiatives of and representation House, in the light of growing concerns within by Labor at the local, State and Federal the community about the proposed building Government levels bring considerable benefits units and group titles Act, it was decided that to the Townsville community. there would be a complete overhaul of this Members would be well aware of my very legislation and a new package developed. It is strong support for the amalgamation of proposed that management of multiple Townsville and Thuringowa Cities. I believe dwellings be dealt with in three ways: titling that the decision taken not to amalgamate issues will be dealt with through amendments those two cities was incorrect. I am interested to the existing Land Titles Act, and those to note that the coalition is talking about giving amendments are well advanced in the drafting those communities which have been stages; all planning aspects will go under the amalgamated the opportunity to conduct a proposed new planning, environment and referendum on whether they now wish to development Act; and all management and return to their previous position. I assume that dispute resolution issues will be covered by a as part of that process the people of new community land management Act, which Townsville and Thuringowa will be given the is also fairly well advanced in the drafting opportunity to vote by referendum as to stages. whether in fact they want to—— Members would be aware of the response Mr FitzGerald: Will you be supporting by the Lands Department to a number of the amalgamation when you get a chance to plagues of pests throughout the State in vote? recent times, including the mice plague last Mr McELLIGOTT: I strongly support year and the more recent locust outbreak in the amalgamation, as the honourable central and south-west Queensland. The member well knows. Government, as one of its last acts in power, allocated $2m for the 1995-96 financial year to The proud record of Labor in Townsville is assist farmers to meet the cost of pesticides probably best demonstrated by the for treating that plague and a further $1m for contribution that Labor has made to the Lands Department officers to engage in development of various sporting facilities which strategic spraying as part of the response to now have resulted in Townsville being that plague. represented in national league competitions. I guess it is fair to say that the highest profile of As the former Minister for Primary those sports are basketball and Rugby Industries mentioned in his speech this League. The Queensland State Government afternoon, the commitment by this under a Labor administration provided $7m for Government to the rural community has the the construction of the entertainment centre in support and the applause of those Townsville, which forms the home court for the communities. I have outlined some of the Suns basketball team. In addition, we have initiatives taken by the department as a recently announced a further $1m support of challenge to the incoming Minister to continue basketball to enable the construction of three and further develop. I assure the incoming indoor courts for use by the Townsville Government that within the Queensland Basketball Association. The Goss Labor Department of Lands there is an efficient and Government has also recently announced dedicated group of people working under the $320,000 to allow the Townsville Hockey director-general, Barry Smith. I am sure that if Association to convert a dry sand-based the incoming Government continues with the hockey field to a wet synthetic surface to meet initiatives already in place, the rewards will be international standards and supply a first-class reaped. facility for use by the North Queensland I want to talk now about my area of Barras. Of course, the Cowboys Rugby Townsville, and in particular to express my League Club is operating out of what was sadness that an electorate within the previously an unused harness racing complex, Townsville region was lost to the Liberal Party again with very generous support by the Labor in the recent by-election. Together with the Government at State level and the Townsville actions of the member for Gladstone, that and Thuringowa City Councils. 20 February 1996 68 Legislative Assembly

Education is another area in which the recognise the fact that Townsville has been Labor Government provided enormous good to Dave Harrison. I hope that, now that support to the Townsville community. Every he has achieved his ambition of having a school within the region received substantial change of Government occur in this State, in upgrading as a result of the initiatives of the future he will adopt a much more positive Labor Government. I am very proud indeed approach to the promotion of Townsville and that on each occasion I visit the schools in my the initiatives that are taking place in the electorate I can point to improvements that region. have occurred as a direct result of the Labor I wanted to deal at some length with the Government's activities. State health system. Unfortunately, I will not I think it is very sad, therefore, that the have time to do that. I appeal to the incoming recent Mundingburra by-election was fought Health Minister to think very carefully before he by the coalition parties on negative themes. It brings down what, in my view, is the very is a fact of record that the Liberal candidate responsible structure of Queensland Health. who was finally successful in winning the seat It is a fact of life that many people in this campaigned on the basis of no policy House would not be aware of the calamity and initiatives whatsoever. the catastrophe that was the Ward 10B affair Mr FitzGerald: They didn't like yours. at Townsville General Hospital. I believe that any responsible commentator who was aware Mr McELLIGOTT: I think the only of the situation that surrounded that drama commitment Mr Tanti made was to provide a would acknowledge that the old hospital board car park at Heatley State High School, which system contributed in a great way to the while important is hardly the type of initiative to ineffectiveness of the Townsville Hospital which I have referred that various Labor Board and the Department of Health at that Governments have provided over the years. I time in dealing with that situation. The hope that that negative position during the structure, as it was established in the early campaign will change now that, as an days of the Goss Labor Government, had two honourable member has said, the campaign things in mind: local decision making and was successful and we are to see a change of single-point accountability. Had those two Government. I hope that the coalition will factors been in place, the Ward 10B affair adopt a positive attitude to the Townsville would never have occurred. The fact is that region. I hope that it will continue to deliver on nobody at the Townsville General Hospital the vision to which so many hard-working took responsibility for Ward 10B and nobody people have contributed in the past. within the centralised Department of Health Again on a negative note, I want to say took responsibility for Ward 10B. In the how disappointed I have been—both prior to restructure under my early administration, we the July election and during the recent created a situation whereby at every point Mundingburra by-election campaign—in the within the structure there was somebody who blatantly biased reporting and journalism had responsibility and could be identified in demonstrated by local 4TO talkback host Dave the event that incidents like Ward 10B Harrison. All of us accept that, in politics, the occurred again. In addition, one particular media plays an important role. All of us expect situation was eliminated, namely, that of three that at the very least we will be given a fair go. separate professional streams: nursing, In the case of Harrison's performance during medical and administration. both of those campaigns, his bias in favour of Under the previous system, from the very the coalition parties went beyond what top of the structure down to the local hospital reasonably could have been expected. As I level, nobody was in charge. Nurses at a local said, I have been around a long time, and I hospital reported up the system to a chief can remember when Dave Harrison first came nursing officer in Brisbane. Similarly, medical to Townsville. He is a man of very limited ability officers reported up the system to a chief who has taken advantage of the actions by health officer, and the administrators reported and the strength of commitment of the up the system to the under secretary. So it Townsville community in the fields that I have was government by committee, again with no mentioned—basketball, Rugby League, single person in charge. In addition, hockey and so on. Dave Harrison has jumped community-based health services had no on the bandwagon of those initiatives and, responsibility at a local level; they had without giving recognition to the people who responsibility to people in Brisbane, as did made those things possible, has done very psychiatric hospitals throughout the State. The well for himself. I am very disappointed that he current structure eliminated all of those has not been adult enough or man enough to deficiencies so that there are now clearly Legislative Assembly 69 20 February 1996 defined paths of responsibility and, as I said, Statewide and, in my case, an electorate-wide localised decision making. I defy anybody in basis. this House to tell me that his or her hospital One of our crowning achievements, in my and health facilities have not improved under view, was our absolute and resolute this Government compared to what they were commitment to improve infrastructure and like in 1988. services in rural and remote parts of the Cook I know that the incoming Health Minister electorate. It makes my blood boil to come in will be anxious to stamp his own authority on here and listen to members opposite talk the health system, but I urge him to think about the way the Labor Government had about what led to the establishment of the been cutting services to rural and remote parts current structure before he moves to return us of Queensland. I could tell those members of to those dim, dark ages that gave us Ward their legacy, and I could provide them with a 10B. litany of stories of 32 years of neglect of the Time expired. most remote electorate in the State of Queensland, namely, the Cook electorate. Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (5.33 p.m.): Obviously, I rise this evening to oppose the You see, Mr Speaker, one of the ironies motion of confidence in the minority Borbidge of 32 years of National Party Government was coalition Government. Over the past few the abject neglect of the Cook electorate, in weeks, in common with most members in the spite of its strong representation by well- House, I have had reason to pause and reflect respected and hardworking members for much on the current political events in Queensland of that period. It is no coincidence, in my view, and on their historical—indeed, that this significantly Aboriginal and Torres unprecedented—significance. I have also Strait Islander constituency was largely ignored looked back over the last six and a half years by decade after decade of conservative of the Wayne Goss Labor Government and of Governments in Queensland. Six and a half our many achievements during that time. In years of Labor Government went a long way common with most members on this side of towards remedying that neglect, and whilst the House, I come to today's debate with there is still much more that needs to be done, mixed emotions. I have some bitterness, our achievements over that time are well some anger and some disappointment at the recognised in the Cook electorate. Nowhere is shabby way in which our Government of six this better exemplified than by our efforts in and a half years has been treated. respect of Health. I also want to put on record tonight that I I want to pay a particular tribute to the have been a member of the Australian Labor four Health Ministers over the six and a half Party for 17 years. The position that I am in years of our Government—to the current today and everything I am today I owe to the leader, ; his predecessor, Jim Labor movement and the Australian Labor Elder; his predecessor, Ken Hayward; and his Party. I believe that it would behove some predecessor, Ken McElligott. In Health in the other people, particularly one former member Cook electorate we have the runs on the board. Virtually every health facility in Cape of this House, to remember that it is he who owes the Labor Party for what position in York Peninsula and the Torres Strait has been society he achieved, for the honour of or is in the process of being rebuilt. representing an electorate in this House, and A Government member interjected. not the Labor Party which should be paying Mr BREDHAUER: The member need him out for some perceived injustice done to not interject. He should have seen the hovels him. that people in the Torres Strait had to put up I also come here, though, with a mixture with for their health services. There were of great pride and satisfaction over what our places with holes in the ceilings. Government was able to do both for I heard a story about a leak in a hospital Queensland and, in my case, for the in Gladstone. The water used to pour through constituents of the Cook electorate. Whilst I the ceilings of the Saibai and Boigu Island recognise and appreciate that our decisions clinics like a sieve. The National Party and actions in the Cook electorate, as Government left them as hollow shells. The elsewhere, have not received universal walls were unsealed, the floors were bare, applause or support at all times, I believe that there were potholes all over the place and any fair assessment of the outcome of six and holes in the walls. Aboriginal and Torres Strait a half years of the Wayne Goss Labor Islander health workers used to report for work Government in Queensland would bring down in those appalling conditions day after day a resoundingly positive verdict both on a after day for 32 years, and the former 20 February 1996 70 Legislative Assembly

Government did nothing about it. When the Labor Government fostered and encouraged Labor Party got into Government, we got on community ownership and community control with the job of fixing up the health facilities of health programs through the establishment throughout the Cook electorate, not just in the of health action councils, the Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council, the State Tripartite Forum and, communities but throughout the Cook more recently, the Apunipima Cape York electorate. We dramatically increased staffing Health Council. for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health I might say that I was in negotiations with workers, especially focusing on sectors such the outgoing Health Minister, now Labor as nutrition, diabetes, hypertension, leader, Peter Beattie, in relation to the future cardiovascular disease and, more recently, of the Bamaga Hospital which urgently needs working to help alleviate the potential for attention. The Minister travelled with me to further outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis. Bamaga just prior to Christmas to investigate Most of the health problems of the the needs of that facility. Today I indicate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander I will continue to vigorously pursue this communities particularly are preventable much-needed facility for the five communities diseases. There is no point in pouring all the of the northern peninsula area. funding into doctors and other curative services; we actually have to get out there and As to law and order—we have seen new try to prevent the diseases. The reason that police stations constructed at Mossman, people in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Cooktown, Aurukun, Normanton and Weipa. Islander communities are dying at such early Major improvements have been made to ages is that they suffer unacceptably high facilities in other centres, including Port levels of preventable diseases. The Labor Douglas, and new watch-houses at Lockhart Government got on with the job of trying to lay River and Kowanyama. A project to build a the foundations to help to improve those new police station at Horn Island is currently health statistics. under way, moving the community at Horn Island one step closer to being independent in There are now visiting specialist services all of its Government services. We employed in most remote communities in a wide range police liaison officers at Mossman, Normanton of specialties which have been built up from and Thursday Island, and increased police the old system of thoracic and eye team numbers throughout the Cook electorate. We visiting specialists which we inherited. Now, improved information technology and specialists in many different specialties travel civilianisation of the Police Service throughout around remote communities. They never did the electorate. We provided better facilities for that in the National Party Government's day; waterborne policing, especially in the Torres people requiring treatment always had to go to Strait, and we improved dramatically the Cairns, Townsville or Brisbane. Now they are cross-cultural training for police who deal with obtaining those services in their home Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. communities. Only when the basic procedures and other examinations cannot be provided in We also provided for the relocation of the their own communities do those people have historic old Port Douglas Courthouse building to travel further afield to obtain those services. to its original site on the current police reserve I am proud of the fact that those people are in Port Douglas. I give a commitment to the able to obtain many of those services in their people of Port Douglas to continue my own communities. campaign to see the eventual relocation of police facilities in Port Douglas to what the The Labor Government also improved community will regard as a more appropriate conditions for nurses, particularly by rebuilding site. their accommodation—starting from scratch— which is something that the National Party We undertook a major program of never did in 32 years in Government. We also improving roads throughout the Cook provided them with a remote area nurses electorate, including and especially in rural and incentive package, which provided them with remote areas. Soon the Peninsula additional remuneration, better leave and Development Road will be sealed all the way better training. That is also something that the to Lakeland with the exception of the National Party never did in 32 years of Byerstown Range, which is on the anticipated Government—just like it never provided five-year plan. There is a program under way teachers with a remote area incentive scheme to seal almost 40 kilometres of the Gulf until, in the election campaign before it got Development Road. The unsealed sections of thrown out in 1989, it promised $25m for a that road have been substantially reduced scheme that it never intended to fund. The over the term of the Labor Government. Legislative Assembly 71 20 February 1996

We began providing road infrastructure afford them, including people in the Ethridge and other transport-related infrastructure in Shire who are major beneficiaries of this remote communities, including the sealing of program. the road from Bamaga to the wharf at Seisia A considerable effort has been placed on and a commitment to future funding for the improving water supply and sewerage Bamaga to Injinoo Road, and ultimately throughout the Cook electorate. One lasting Bamaga to the airport road. We committed indictment of the former coalition Government significant funds to upgrade the road from the will be its failure to deal with this most basic airstrip to the wharf on Horn Island and for issue in many remote towns. Horn Island and internal roadworks on Thursday Island. Thursday Island water supplies are now We also provided resources for internal complete. The Cooktown water supply has roadworks at a number of Aboriginal and been completed. Funding for a major Torres Strait Island communities and recently upgrading of the water supply at Laura and announced the sealing of additional airstrips in Coen, and of course the major project at-—— the Torres Strait, including York Island. We Mr Johnson: What did you do about made a commitment to fund the dredging of the Croydon water supply? the Endeavour River Harbour at Cooktown, pending the outcome of the impact Mr BREDHAUER: We put $2.6m into it; assessment statement, and I will be vigilant to that is what we did. ensure that this project continues. Mr Johnson: What did you do about it? Recently, we secured an agreement with Mr BREDHAUER: The members the Commonwealth in respect of a opposite did not do anything about it. They multi-purpose service to provide aged care in had people in that community drinking out of Cooktown, and I am calling on the current an old pit. The Labor Government allocated State Government and the future Federal the money and built the new facility. We were Government, whatever its political persuasion, also working on improving and upgrading the to honour that commitment. Senior water supply throughout the Aboriginal and Ambulance Service officers in Cairns have also Torres Strait Island communities. We were in recently announced funding for the the midst of a program to provide sewerage to construction of an ambulance centre in Thursday Island at a cost of over $5.5m. Cooktown, which I will continue to vigorously pursue as I have done in the past. Child-care centres have been built and/or funded in places such as Normanton, The Mossman Indoor Sports Complex Karumba, Horn Island, recently at Thursday has been completed and I look forward to Island, Badu Island, and many other participating in the opening of that complex. In communities have benefited through the fact, my only sadness is that the outgoing Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Sports Minister, Tom Burns, and his Islander Child Care Program. I could go on at predecessor, Bob Gibbs, may now not be length listing the many achievements that present at that opening, but I can assure them have allowed constituents in the Cook both that they have the appreciation of the electorate to catch up to the basic services community for bringing that centre to fruition. and facilities that most of the rest of us take Other significant improvements in the area of for granted, but time does not permit me to housing have occurred, particularly a program outline them all. Suffice it to say that the under which public housing has been built in confidence of the people of Cook in the Labor towns where it previously was not provided. Party over many years has been justified by The members opposite used to tell people in our efforts over the last six and a half years. towns such as Normanton, Georgetown, Horn Island and Thursday Island that they could not Opposite me here today is another obtain any public housing because none was National Party-led coalition Government. I available. The Labor Government addressed suspect that a Rob Borbidge coalition that. While on the subject of housing, I should Government will probably—and the jury is still mention the great appreciation and respect out—be better than previous coalition that has been conveyed to me by the older Governments in Queensland for two simple residents of Port Douglas and Mossman for reasons. Firstly, they could not be any worse; our efforts in funding and helping to construct and secondly, because Queensland is now facilities through the Douglas Shire Aged fundamentally a better place for six years of People's Home Committee. The Rural Living Labor Government. Infrastructure Program provided facilities to I ask people to remember the 1982 small communities throughout my electorate dismissed railway workers dispute. Cabinet which would otherwise have been unable to approved a shorter working week deal for 20 February 1996 72 Legislative Assembly

Queensland Railway workers in Bjelke- every woman, man and child in Queensland: Petersen's absence. On his return, the deal our environment and our heritage. The was rescinded and in the ensuing dispute Australian Labor Party gave it back. approximately 280 railway workers were Indelibly etched in the memory of every sacked. The coalition took away the jobs of member on this side of the House is the 280 railway workers and in a very real, if not debacle the coalition presided over during the practical sense, when we repealed SEQEB dispute. For no better reason than Queensland's anti-worker, anti-union electoral favour and political expediency, the legislation, the Australian Labor Party gave coalition provoked a bitter confrontation with them their jobs back. the trade union movement. They deprived Who could forget the anti-street march householders of domestic power supplies. demonstrations and myriad other protests They caused havoc with business and when Brisbane streets became seas of blue industry. They had protesters, priests, uniforms brutally enforcing undemocratic laws? pensioners and politicians either bashed up or The coalition took away the right of decent, locked up. They sacked 1,000 workers and law-abiding citizens to lawful assembly and then, in a fit of spite, they stole their peaceful protest. The Australian Labor Party superannuation. They took money out of the gave those rights back. For four decades in pockets of 1,000 working men and women. Queensland, teachers, nurses and police were They took the bread off their tables and the the most poorly paid in their profession in any food out of the mouths of their families. The State in Australia. The coalition in Government Australian Labor Party gave it back. took away the wage justice of teachers, nurses and police. When in our first term we delivered Worst of all, with corruption endemic in wage justice for the first time in three decades, the Queensland Police Service, with four the Australian Labor Party gave those wages Ministers serving gaol terms for misconduct back. and with a Bjelke-Petersen handpicked Police Commissioner goaled for 14 years for official Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait corruption, the coalition took away the integrity Islander community lived for 30 years under and the very fabric of Queensland society. one of the most repressive legislative regimes Wayne Goss and the Australian Labor Party ever experienced by Australia's indigenous gave it back. We gave Queensland back people. The coalition perpetuated a denial of decency and respectability. their basic rights to their land and their culture. They took away the symbols of their Now we come to this—a Rob Aboriginality. When this House debated the Borbidge/ coalition Government Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait assuming the Treasury benches. But do they Islander Land Act and then became come to this place fresh from victory at a Australia's first State to mirror Commonwealth general election that swept aside one legislation with our own Native Title Act, the Government and installed another? Do they Australian Labor Party began to give come to this place with a clear mandate from Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders their the people of Queensland? Did they put up land back, and with it we gave an opportunity their policies for public scrutiny at the last to regain their dignity and their pride in their general election to be judged by the people indigenous cultures. and to win the majority of the seats? No! They are not here today on the basis of receiving a What of Queensland's gay and lesbian mandate from the people; they are here community? The coalition took away the rights because of a decision handed down in a of gay and lesbian people to live their own courtroom and because of a press conference lifestyles in the privacy of their own homes. held on a vacant block somewhere in When we reformed Queensland's gay laws, Gladstone. the Australian Labor Party gave those rights back. Honourable members can picture in their I am reminded of a scene from a Monty minds the scene in 1988 when Queensland's Python movie. I visualise Rob Borbidge Environment Minister, probably dressed, no sweeping across the plains and past two field doubt, in terylene shorts and knee-high socks workers. A woman looks up and says, "Who or possibly a safari suit, scoured the world are you?" He says, "I am Rob Borbidge, and I looking for fellow travellers to oppose the am your Premier." She says, "How did you get World Heritage listing of Queensland's tropical to be Premier? I did not vote for you." He rainforest. Honourable members can cast their says, "There was a decision handed down in a minds back to the saga of Lindeman Island or courtroom for a by-election and then the saga of the Bellevue Hotel. The coalition in subsequently there was a press conference Government took away the very birthright of held on a vacant lot in Gladstone." Then Legislative Assembly 73 20 February 1996

Dennis says, "That is no basis for a system of As the photo proves, I was present for the Government—someone handing out didactics beginning of the Wayne Goss era and the end down in the courtroom. A real system of of the Bjelke-Petersen era of corruption in Government derives from a mandate from the Queensland. I am very proud to have been a masses. If I was to go around saying that I part of the Wayne Goss Government. As I had to come to power in Queensland, that I said, a temporary hiccup has occurred not was the Premier of Queensland because the because the public has voted in a new Independent member for Gladstone stood in a Government but because a so-called parking lot handing out press releases, they Independent member has decided to change would lock me up. They would say I was a her allegiance from being an Independent to loony." the handmaiden of the conservative parties, Today will go down in history as the day which have taken Government today. the coalition stole into Government through As a member of a political party, I make the back door of the Queensland Parliament, no bones about the fact that I am committed aided and abetted by their accomplice from to the policies of the Labor Party. The other Gladstone. They have robbed Government members of the Opposition are committed to from the people of Queensland. The the Labor Party. There is no way that anyone Australian Labor Party will give it back. can claim to be an Independent and also Mr ARDILL (Archerfield) (5.52 p.m.): commit themselves to support a About a week ago I was going through a Government—right or wrong, clever or foolish, family album looking for some particular honest or corrupt—for a period of two years to information, and I came across a photo. That the end of the term of that Government and photo is of three fairly young looking political still claim to be an Independent. That the hopefuls at the beginning of the Wayne Goss member for Gladstone cannot claim. Once era. Along with the Mayor of Ipswich, the three she made the statement this morning that she other people in the photo were Wayne Goss, was committed totally to supporting this then a contender for the seat of Salisbury held Government for the next two years, she could by the Liberal Party; David Hamill, who was to no longer claim to be an Independent. She become the member for Ipswich, the had the option of supporting the Government Transport Minister and up until now, the very in the first vote on the floor of the House and efficient Education Minister of Queensland, also supporting the Government in money who has done so much for education; and the Bills, provided the Government continues to third person was me. It brought my mind to serve the people of Gladstone and the people the fact that I have seen a fair bit of history in of Queensland in a manner which she finds my time in political life. I have seen the acceptable. But in committing herself to beginnings and ends of some eras. However, supporting the Government—right or wrong, today we are not seeing the end of an era; we honest or corrupt, intelligent or foolish—she is are seeing the beginning of a new no longer an Independent. She has made a Government that is a mere hiccup in the blunder that will be considered fully by the scheme of things similar to that which occurred people of Gladstone now and over the next between 1929 and 1932. I say to all members two years. opposite that they are only part of a hiccup. This morning, we saw something They are on notice that they are a minority unprecedented happen in the gallery. When Government, that they have equal numbers the former Premier finished his speech, the with the members of the Labor Opposition, people in the gallery broke into spontaneous and that the Labor Party will be back. applause. That is not surprising. What is the Members opposite are only a hiccup in the reputation of the previous Premier of history of the Queensland Parliament. Queensland? A man who brought about the I was a member of the Brisbane City end of corruption; a man of integrity, honesty Council during the end of the Clem Jones era. and basic decency. Nobody can take that Clem Jones made Brisbane a city—a city of away from him, certainly not the ragtag which people could be proud. I was a member Government on your right, Mr Speaker. The of the council at the beginning of a new era former Premier brought about the end of when the usual things that other cities took for discrimination against homosexuals and granted could only be looked forward to by the Aboriginals and many other minority groups in City of Brisbane. The Australian Labor Party, Queensland. He also brought about the end after the basis was formed by the Clem Jones of discrimination against the majority of era, developed Brisbane into what we have Queenslanders, which we saw occur under the today. It brought the Commonwealth Games previous Government. He oversaw electoral to Brisbane and it allowed the city to grow up. reform; he made possible the situation that 20 February 1996 74 Legislative Assembly has occurred today. It is now possible for permanent postal voters. It is quite wrong for another party to be elected as the the whole Government of this State to be put Government of this State other than the one in jeopardy for a period of eight months that is in power. because of that provision. I urge the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I have Government to take steps to ensure that that been instructed by Mr Speaker to inform all faulty judgment is appealed and that the honourable members that the House will situation is brought back to normal. resume at 7 p.m. and not 7.30 p.m. The Budget brought down in May and Sitting suspended from 6 to 7 p.m. June of last year, and which was discussed by the Estimates committees, was the sort of Mr ARDILL: Prior to the dinner break, I Budget that the Labor Party had been looking was speaking about the takeover by the new towards for the six years that we were in Government, in terms of it not having a Government. At that stage, the then Treasurer mandate from the electorate to do so. The announced that all of the net debt of this Deputy Premier said that the previous State had been paid off, which put the Government had no mandate as from 15 July, previous Government and this Government in and that support was lacking for the the position of having no net debt to pay off. Government at that time. That is absolute That enables a lot of work to be carried out in nonsense. In point of fact, there is no doubt, this State now and in the future. I was after a proper consideration of the figures, that probably one of the harshest critics of the the Opposition at that time ran a very philosophy behind paying off the debt, for the successful campaign to convince people that simple reason that, as we have seen happen, they could issue a reprimand to the the public was not prepared to wait for that Government, but not vote it out of office. That debt to be paid off before the Labor was the whole strategy upon which they Government started to deliver all of the campaigned. Unfortunately, the opportunity to infrastructure that people expected. However, do that was taken at that time. A very vocal it cannot be gainsaid that it was very campaign was conducted in the south-eastern effectively done by the Treasurer, Keith De region, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Lacy. In 1989, the National Party bequeathed which was reflected in a high swing against the a debt of $4,500m to us, yet Queensland is then Government, which was also a blimp on now net debt free. The Budget and election the situation. Certainly there was then, and is projections we put forward would have cost now, no mandate for the National Party/Liberal $1.2 billion, all capable of being funded in last Party/Independent coalition to take over the year's Budget through the growth that has Government of this State. been going on in this State. A great deal has In point of fact, if it had not been for an been done to reduce the imposition of taxes in error of judgment—which at some stage must Queensland, so that we are now the lowest be corrected through the legal system—we tax State in Australia and, at the same time, would not have had a Mundingburra by- we have managed to deliver infinitely better election. No Government can ignore the Government than the National Party was able mistake made in the Mundingburra by- to. election. It is absolutely ridiculous to allow a Education funding was up by 28 per cent situation in which somebody, who is required in that time, an increase of up to $2.6 billion. under the law to apply for a postal vote, is Health funding was increased to $2.7 billion. deemed to be entitled to a special postal vote The Police Service received a massively allocated to people who live out in the country increased budget. The Budget allocation for a long way from a polling booth. If that is the environment was increased by up to allowed to continue without appeal to a higher $160m, which puts every National Party court, no Government can ever look forward to Budget allocation for the environment behind having a clear mandate in this State. That the eight ball. For transport, we budgeted situation has to be appealed at some time, $526m to upgrade the main rail lines. In every and I doubt that this will be the time when it is way we were working assiduously to bring done in view of the advantage achieved by Queensland out of the era when it had the the National/Liberal coalition following the lowest service standards in Australia to being results of that faulty judgement. At some time the equal of any of the other States. If we had in the near future this has to be looked at, remained in Government, we would have seen because it cannot be allowed to pass this State's infrastructure infinitely better than unchallenged. The law very clearly says that that of any other State in Australia. We there are special categories of people who are rescued the environment from the vandals, entitled to a vote as long as they register as the ghouls, the Quaids and all the other Legislative Assembly 75 20 February 1996 despoilers who ran rampant during the years and more teachers assisting in the specialist of the National Party Government. We treatment of some students. We have music constructed public housing in Brisbane for the teachers and even support for principals in first time in decades, and under Tom Burns we teaching positions. The education system is began a process of maintenance. It was the infinitely better today than it was under the first time in decades that the people in my Nationals. area had seen any maintenance done on Corruption was rampant throughout the public housing. Under Minister Mackenroth, we Police Service, which was an absolute have integrated public housing into the disgrace, and that was well known around general community. Great steps have been Australia. I remember the political activities of taken by this Government. the police only too well. For example, if we did We have certainly delivered on transport, something at a polling booth that did not meet although not everything that I hoped to see with the wishes of the local police sergeant and not everything that people in the transport who was in the pocket of the National Party, industry had hoped to see has come about. we were threatened with arrest, while the The Taror report, brought down in the time of National Party supporters could do anything Russ Hinze, established how badly off roads in they wanted to. This State is infinitely better Queensland were, as were the roads in other after six years of a Labor Government. States in Australia. That is no detriment to the Mr SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton) memory of Russ Hinze; the problem was (7.13 p.m.): Tonight, I rise with a degree of getting funds from the Premier and the disappointment but also with a degree of pride Treasury of the day, just as our Transport in having served in the first Labor Government Ministers had to get funding. The National in this State in 32 years. I believe the Party Government closed railway lines and commentators are now stating publicly the true railway depots all over the State. The people facts. If honourable members read the that they put out of work did not receive any Courier-Mail on Saturday, they would see that VER payments, unlike those that railway the Tony Koch column summed it up: the workers have received under the Labor Labor Government was honest and decent. I Government. They were out on their own, with suggest that Government members read no alternative employment, and some of them today's Australian—if they are able to; it has a have never been employed since. reading age higher than eight years. Its Under the previous National Party editorial also endorses what Labor members in Government, nurses were the lowest paid in this debate have said today, namely, that we Australia and waiting lists were monstrous. It have had a very solid Government in this always galls me to hear such hypocritical State over the past six years. Let us contrast nonsense coming from the National Party that position with the shambles that the former about the situation while their Government National Party Government left us with. was in power. The situation now is infinitely Over the past couple of years, the word better, with thousands more people being "arrogance" has been ever upon the lips of treated in our hospitals every week than was members opposite. There is no greater the case under the former National Party arrogance than the coalition's claiming the Government. Outpatients and casualty wards right to occupy the Treasury benches with were scenes of great queues of people who exactly the same numbers as had the not only did not get treated on their first visit Government of the day. There is no greater but also had to come back and wait a second arrogance displayed to the people of and sometimes a third day. Hospitals were in a Queensland than that. The born-to-rule run-down condition, with peeling paint and attitude is alive and well. Again, nowhere is out-of-date equipment. The whole hospital that more evident than in the Government's system was an utter disgrace under members expectation that this side of the House will opposite. I know; I suffered under it. endorse a motion of confidence, given that we As to education—parents had to provide have a Hansel and Gretel Government for just all of the basic materials, down to toilet paper a week—and then goodness knows what. We and soap. All the equipment had to be have a policy-free zone. The best we could get replaced on a half-subsidy basis. Copiers, today was 40 minutes worth of contributions typewriters and so on were provided by the from the Government side of the House. How parents. Teachers' salaries were the lowest in arrogant can the Government get! What do Australia, something that teachers tend to honourable members opposite expect forget today. Their salaries have been brought Queenslanders to say about them after their up to the same levels as are paid elsewhere in disgraceful performance today? Not one of Australia. We have more teachers in schools them had the intestinal fortitude to stand up to 20 February 1996 76 Legislative Assembly their arrogant Premier, who stood over the top member of this House, to place these of them and said, "You can't speak today." questions that were given to me on the record They are all lilly-livered jellyfish floating in a sea to enable the member for Gladstone to correct of ignorance. the record, if that can be done. The questions Mr Mackenroth: Just waiting till they are: did the member for Gladstone accept a get all the information. $1,000 donation to her campaign from a local developer? Was that developer J & P Barr? Is Mr SCHWARTEN: Yes, they are just this the same J & P Barr which developed waiting till they get all of the information. tracts of land in the Calliope Shire while the Whilst on the subject of arrogance, how member for Gladstone was the Mayor of arrogant was it for the member for Gladstone Calliope? Is it true that these developments to assume that she could cast a vote on were carried out with no requirement to behalf of all of Queensland? How arrogant preserve vegetation or to provide land for was it for her to turn her back on her electors, community purposes? Is this the same J & P to refuse a referendum, to not listen to her Barr which owns land adjacent to the member constituents and to cast a vote on behalf of for Gladstone's preferred site for the new high the people who are in my electorate? Talk school? Honourable members should about arrogance! That is the epitome of remember that that is the reason that the arrogance. What was the reason for that Government had to come down. Is it the case decision? So far we have come up with a that, should the site proceed, J & P Barr leaky roof and a school that was in a place stands to make a considerable capital gain on that she did not like. What was the other one? its asset? I offer no suggestion on that. I leave it in the hands of the honourable member for An honourable member: Police. Gladstone to answer it. Mr SCHWARTEN: Police—that is right. This morning, I heard a lecture, albeit Obviously, the honourable member forgot to short, from the Premier. I have a couple of see the Police Minister about that problem, questions to ask him. We have read recently, but so serious was the problem that she and he said again this morning, that there wanted to bring down an elected Government! would be no Gulags under his Government, Government members should not try to lecture that it would treat public servants fairly and us about arrogance. They invented the word. reasonably and that nobody's heads would be The word "arrogance" was put in the dictionary chopped off; he said that the Government was to help members opposite. not like that. I want the Premier to confirm or From the central Queensland perspective, deny to the House that he has the names of my phone has run very hot from electors in eight directors-general who are on a hit list of Gladstone who feel very betrayed by the people whom he intends to sack and that actions of their local member. They believe, there are some 130 other people whom he and rightly so, that all the Government has identified for special treatment. I ask the members could muster was about 12 per cent Premier: is that true? Are those people on a or 13 per cent of the vote and that there was hit list? Are there eight DGs out there whom no support for a coalition Government by the he intends to get rid of? I would be quite people of Gladstone, yet somehow the interested to hear his response to that honourable member for Gladstone believed question. that was the case. I do not believe in the Turning to my own electorate once conspiracy theories that are being put forward. again—— It was sheer coincidence that, for example, Mr Perrett put out statements saying that he was An honourable member: Pick another a Minister elect! Doug Slack was cleaning out number. his office, all with the expectation that the Mr SCHWARTEN: I note that the honourable member for Gladstone would Premier is not saying anything, so let us just support the coalition! That was very wait and see. coincidental! Mr Borbidge: Do you want me to tell As I said, the phone in my office has you about some of the contracts that you mob been running very hot from people who are signed since Mundingburra was declared asking me questions that I cannot answer. I vacant? have a series of questions that one Mr SCHWARTEN: Is the Premier constituent has given to me. I do not confirming the fact that he intends to lop subscribe to the view of just knocking people, heads from directors-general and various other and I think it only fair and reasonable, as a members of the public service? Is the Premier decent human being and a responsible confirming that? He will not answer me. No Legislative Assembly 77 20 February 1996 answer! Let the record reflect that the Premier were never provided under the National Party refused to answer the question. Government. I have to hand it to the lot An Opposition member: Obviously opposite; they are not too bad. One of their true. local operatives in that area has been active. When he turned the first sod on that facility, Mr SCHWARTEN: It is obviously true. my colleague Jim Pearce, the member for On behalf of the people of Rockhampton, Fitzroy, had his press conference interrupted I make it clear that I intend to fight tooth and by my National Party opponent in the last nail to make sure that we do not return to the State election, who indicated that it was just days of the National Party treating us with another fraud and that it would never happen. contempt. I have outlined in this House time That psychiatric unit will be completed in the and time again—and it is a matter of next couple of weeks. My National Party record—the way in which the people of opponent agreed to apologise to Jim if the Rockhampton were treated by the National facility was ever built. It will be built, and it will Party. The fact is that when the Labor Party be interesting to see whether that fellow came to Government, Rockhampton was one apologises! Now the main psychiatrist in of the most underserviced provincial cities in Rockhampton is claiming that he managed to this State. Upon its election, the Goss secure that facility for the city, which is an Government spent millions and millions of amazing turn of events, when it was a Labor dollars in trying to bring Rockhampton up to Government which provided the facility. That scratch. For example, Rockhampton now has particular psychiatrist's politics are well to the six times the amount of public housing that right of Labor—and they are probably well to existed in 1989. There is now 250 per cent the right of some of the coalition members, if more accommodation for disabled people in that is believable! Rockhampton than was made available under We also have under way now—and the the National Party Government. Rockhampton incoming Government will not be able to do now has modern railway workshops. anything about this one, either—a $5m Previously, those workshops were of Third community health building. Previously, the World standard, and the conditions under community health facilities in Rockhampton which those people worked were absolutely were located in a 110-year-old building which disgraceful. was totally unsuited to its purpose, but, Rockhampton has a new Government according to the former National Party building which cost $15m and which houses Government, that was good enough for the most of the Government services in the city so people of Rockhampton. Let me assure that people no longer have to traverse the coalition members that that was not good whole town to do business with the enough for the people of Rockhampton. Any Government. Of course, we all remember the coalition Minister who seeks to take away any nice old rort that the former Government of the projects which are on line and for which pulled by renting out National Party House in funds have been allocated over the next Quay Street in Rockhampton for $900,000 a couple of years will be hearing from me. Those year of taxpayers' money. There is now also a projects include the $25m redevelopment of Transport Department building. In the past, in the base hospital. There is also $8.5m to be order to register their trailers and so forth, spent on upgrading Eventide. The Labor people had to park in laneways and goodness Government should not have had to do that knows where. That is no longer necessary. but that was a grand rort that the National The Labor Government provided a million- Party pulled in taking the money out of dollar access to Glenmore State High School. Eventide to prop up Mr Katter in Charters That school was built by the National Party Towers in 1986. What a disgraceful crew the Government but, typical of its planning in National Party is! There is an $18m those days, it was located next to a major courthouse with a watch-house included, thoroughfare with no access for the kids who which will go to tender in June. I will be attend it—most of whom come from the watching the papers to see that that occurs, electorate of the member for Keppel. We built and if it does not the Government will be a million-dollar access to make life easier for hearing from me. those students. One very important project is a half- Rockhampton now has a million-dollar million-dollar post-school options program that cycleway across the Fitzroy River bridge. It has the previous Minister for Community Services, a $5m psychiatric unit in which some of the Margaret Woodgate, promised to some of our coalition members might wind up one of these people. I am pleased to see that Government days! Those were the sorts of services that members are showing their true colours in 20 February 1996 78 Legislative Assembly laughing about people who are disabled. That number of years, will be built. We want an 11- is really lovely! That is the way they treat bed intensive care unit at the base hospital. people who are disabled. Disability care We expect the Government to spend another received no funding and no support under $850,000 in providing training for the National Party Government—none anaesthetists at the base hospital. I expect whatsoever. We now offer some post-school the train to run out to options to those people. The former National Winton. According to Vaughan Johnson, there Party Government either put such people into is a great demand from the people of institutions or left them at home for people to Rockhampton to travel to Winton on that train. look after them with no support whatsoever. I One promise which I expect the Premier remind the House that the Federal coalition's himself to live up to is to keep good his policy is to abandon the carer's pension. promise to the railway workers that under his Government members should not start Government they will not be working 11-hour bleating on about their support for people with shifts. I state here and now that if that does disabilities. I assure the Government that if not turn out to be true, I will be badgering the that half a million dollars is not available later Premier day after day after day to honour his this year, they will be in big strife, because promise. He sat in the Commonwealth Hotel there is a very strong and active group of big-noting himself, shouting beers and telling carers in Rockhampton. I will be right with those rail workers that that is what he would them in making the incoming Government live do. A number of those people recall that up to that promise. There is $25,000 extra for promise, and I will ensure sure that the the Kalka Shades hockey ground, a national Premier does not forget it, either. park for Mount Archer and a $500,000 It must be acknowledged that this diversionary centre to be built in Bolsover Parliament provides the ultimate judgement Street. Those are the projects that have been on what constitutes Government and what funded by the Labor Government. I will be does not. I accept that and respect that. ensuring that the coalition Government gets However, I do not believe that members them off the ground. opposite have much to be proud of. They do Let us not forget the promises made by not have the confidence of the people of the coalition during the election campaign. I Queensland. will make sure that the coalition lives up to Mr Littleproud: Only 54 per cent. those as well. I note that Mr Cooper is not in the Chamber. Last year, he visited Mr SCHWARTEN: The member says, Rockhampton and big-noted himself and "Only 54 per cent." That is a bit like the promised that we would get a new $50m situation in 1983, when the National Party got prison. I will make sure that that happens. The 39 per cent of the vote and won 44 seats; the coalition also promised $1.5m for an Labor Party got 44 per cent of the vote but it emergency helicopter. I handed over could win only 32 seats. What a lot of frauds! $400,000, which represented our What a joke! With 44 per cent of the vote, the Government's commitment to that project. I Labor Party got 32 seats, whereas the will be ensuring that the coalition lives up to National Party got 39 per cent of the vote and what it promised. won 44 seats. But its good coalition mates—its newfound Liberals—were the ones who really A Government member: What about dipped out, because they got 14.8 per cent of Mackay? the vote but they could win only eight seats. Mr SCHWARTEN: I am not the So members opposite should not try their member for Mackay. The point is that $1.5m fraudulent tactics in here. Their own revered was promised by the coalition for an and disgraced Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen emergency helicopter in Rockhampton and, by said, "It doesn't matter about the number of Jove, it had better live up to that promise. votes you get, it's the number of seats you There are some pretty hard-nosed National win." But you do not want to be associated Party people who support that promise, with him any more. That was the situation in including the member for Keppel. We have the days when he corrupted the system, and it kept the politics out of that particular project, was corrupt right to the very end. So you and I am prepared to keep doing that, should not lecture the people of my electorate provided that the coalition Government lives about those sorts of rorts. I would be less than up to its promise of $1.5m. truthful if I wished the Government well. We now expect that the new police Honourable members interjected. station on the north side, for which the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The House will member for Keppel has been calling for a come to order. The member for Rockhampton Legislative Assembly 79 20 February 1996 should address his comments through the electorate and in the nearby electorate of Chair. Maryborough. Mr SCHWARTEN: Members on the Who could forget that the people of Government benches have a long road to Hervey Bay had to rely on the hospital in hoe. They made a lot of promises to the Maryborough to look after them? They had— people of Queensland that they did not expect and still have—a 40-bed hospital to look after to have to keep. Now the time has come to a population of 40,000. Parts of the hospital in pay the piper. They are supposedly going to Maryborough were so old that they were built fix crime; they are going to provide more police when Maryborough was still a part of New in places such Rockhampton; they are going South Wales. In 35 years the National Party to make sure that people do not get out of Government could not do a thing about it gaol; they are going to make sure that except close off verandas, cut rooms in half, everybody serves the maximum sentence; turn it into a rabbit warren and exclude public and they are going to fix it all up with the patients from that public hospital. When the revision of a Criminal Code which they have Labor Party gained power in 1989, it was claimed is inadequate. I wish them well in that impossible to get a public patient into that regard. I know that they cannot deliver it; they hospital; it was full of private patients, and the secretly do, too. Their stomachs must be public patients could go to hell. So bad were turning over. I would bet none is turning over the conditions in that hospital and in more than the Premier's, who is desperately Wahroonga, the old people's home, that there trying to find a way to dump a couple of had to be an inquiry into it. Do members people off his front bench. This is a dithering remember the results of that inquiry? It was Government right from the start. Its first demonstrated that elderly people from promise has been broken; it said that the Maryborough, Hervey Bay and surrounding House would not be sitting past half past districts were stripped naked, marched to the seven. showers and hosed down, sometimes with hoses that carried such a force that they Mr NUNN (Hervey Bay) (7.33 p.m.): I almost acted as an enema. Can those really am appalled to think that a Government members opposite tell me that they are proud can be brought down in the circumstances of their Health record? That report was an such as members are witnessing tonight. This indictment on their whole philosophy of Health. is a form of self-praise in which the Opposition And they ask us to support a vote confidence is indulging—rather, the coalition; I still regard in them! Under regionalisation, we achieved a them as being in Opposition, because they distribution of health care in that area which are not going to stay long; they should enjoy it has never been seen before. We treated more while they are over there. It is a form of self- patients and looked after them properly. praise to move a vote of confidence in oneself. It borders perhaps on arrogance— Mr Stephan: Bigger waiting lists. something which members opposite have Mr NUNN: Let me talk about waiting spoken long and boringly about for six and a lists. half years. They seem to think that arrogance I refer particularly to the waiting list in the was somebody else's preserve, but they are dental clinic in Maryborough. Do members pretty good at it themselves. I see this opposite realise that there was no waiting list Government in its formative hours, and it is like during their Government? Do they know why? witnessing some sort of a tragic joke—to see Because there was no dental clinic in Hervey members opposite, who were such an Bay; there was not even a community health abysmal Opposition, now pretending that they centre. There was nothing there except that will survive, let alone deliver anything of value 40-bed hospital, and stuck in one corner of the to the Queensland people. operating theatre was the anaesthetist's Let us have a look at Health. I remember equipment, which had never been opened; it on three separate occasions asking members was obsolete before the guarantee on it ran on the other side of the House to deny that, out. So members opposite cannot talk to me over a period of 20-odd years before the about Health and what they did. Labor Party gained power in 1989, they had When I became a member of this House I purposely run down the public health system inherited the Childers Hospital, which was to favour their mates in the private health falling down. The patients of Childers, which is system. Three times I asked them to deny it, a rural community—supposedly the people and three times they declined. So let us have whom members opposite look after—had to a look at Health. I believe that the best place eat outside the pan room, and the pan room for me to look at Health is in my own had no door on it. Three successive Health 20 February 1996 80 Legislative Assembly

Ministers under the National Party what was the coalition's intention with regard Government promised the people of Childers to funding of the staffing of that hospital. He and Isis a new hospital, and three successive was asked, "Are you committed to staffing that Health Ministers failed to deliver. We promised to base hospital standard?" A minder, who is a it, and we delivered. It is there as a monument local and should be ashamed of himself, to Labor's philosophy on the delivery of health smothered the question and it never got care. It is about time that members opposite answered. I am here to warn the coalition not began to think about the bush again. I do not be so courageous as to deny the people of know how many of them have been near the Hervey Bay the use of a first-class hospital bush in recent times. I certainly have. One of after all the trouble to which Labor has gone to the things that people in those areas dread, give it to them. If the members opposite think particularly in the south west, where I was that people do not want that hospital, they recently, is the passing of regionalisation, should ask the coalition's commerce graduate because only just now are they starting to get to add up the votes at the last election and tell a decent standard of health care. me how the people of Hervey Bay voted. We Mr Springborg: Your Minister wanted to have a mandate to staff that hospital and staff abolish it. it we will. Mr NUNN: I am talking about what I Under the kingdom of Bethany, that was found out the other day. the blue-ribbon seat, and the members opposite are not pleased about how the People in the south west are very critical people there voted. They voted that way of this Government and its Health policy. They because they have faith in a Labor also remember its failure to deliver over a long Government—and they deserve to have that period anything that looked like a reasonable faith looked after. standard of health care. I turn now to the state of the education I have talked about the lack of a hospital system as it was left to me in Hervey Bay. It in Hervey Bay—40 beds for 40,000 people. was full of over-sized classes. There was not a Nice going, boys! When the Labor Party school in Hervey Bay which did not have more gained office it developed a plan to build a than 50 per cent of its classes over size. hospital, and it is being built—$42m worth, Those classes were not over size by one or and the first stage involves 130 beds. That is two, they were over size by from six to 10. Not only the first stage. But guess what? When it only were the classes over size but also the was proposed, the coalition's shadow Health classrooms were inadequate. As to the old Minister—and it is sticking with him—turned up tinnies, the demountables—the members there to tell us that Hervey Bay did not need opposite promised to remove them but never that hospital; that there was a perfectly good did. It was left to us to remove them. The one, about a century and a half old, just up schools were crowded. There was a waiting list the road at Maryborough which would do us, of 240 to get into the pre-schools. I have simply because it was not a coalition or obliterated that by having built three schools in National Party seat any more. When the five years, two with pre-schools attached. House rose last June, I remember quite a few Labor has reduced those waiting lists and members opposite saying, "Goodbye. You made the class sizes acceptable. Every so won't be back." I am here; I am back; and I often when I ring around, the teachers say am proud to be back. I will tell them something that, the head teachers say it and the officers else: the people of Hervey Bay are proud to at the regional office say it. Now there is no have me back here, too. more agitating to reduce the class sizes in I return to the issue of the hospital. That Hervey Bay, because I have looked after my building of that good hospital is on track. Next, schools. I have lived with them since day one, it has to be staffed. Labor was planning to and I have fixed the problem. The members provide recurrent funding of $17.2m or opposite should have done that during the thereabouts to staff that hospital to base long years that they held office. Yet still they hospital standard. That was our promise to the ask me to give a vote of confidence in them. people of Hervey Bay and it was a Like hell I will! Those fellows opposite are as commitment we intended to meet. full of bulldust as a cat is of fleas. I knock up I refer to the day when National Party listening to the rubbish that they talk. policy was promulgated under a tree in I turn now to roads. I was first elected the Calliope. That very night at a venue that had member for Hervey Bay just after the former been booked for a month, up turned a couple National Party Government had built a piece of members opposite to tell us how good they road near Burrum Heads, and very proud of were. A member of the press asked Cooper that road it was. It put on an opening shebang Legislative Assembly 81 20 February 1996 that cost nearly as much as it did to build the have consistently maintained a growth pattern road. Everybody and his brother was invited, of approximately 8.9 per cent. I hope that so long as they had a green and gold ticket. It members opposite do not return to their old was a great thing that I was able to attend, ways and provide public housing which is because I was on the Hervey Bay City Council falling down and in which people would not at the time; otherwise, I would not have got want to live. Under the former National Party my backside onto one of those chairs. Since Government, empty houses were scattered all then, we have had a lot of fun building roads over Hervey Bay—they were empty because in Hervey Bay. This term, we promised a $15m they were not up to standard. Labor provided program which will go a very long way to fixing a plethora of housing that people are proud to up the roads in that electorate. I do not wish to call their own. Those people enter into the see that road program abandoned because gardening competitions with great enthusiasm. the coalition Government has done away with We have done our level best to say to them, the tollway on the north coast. I do not want to "You might not have much money, but we are see the members opposite robbing Peter to going to give you a reason to be proud of pay Paul. They should get themselves busy, where you live. It will be a place where your get a decent roads policy and build some kids will be pleased to bring home their mates decent roads in places that were neglected for and girlfriends to visit. It will not be some 32 years under their Government. They dingy, outmoded old joint with moss growing thought they had a safe seat and they on the ceilings, doors falling off cupboards and neglected it. Well, that will not wash. stoves and hot water systems that do not As to law and order—I hear Mr Cooper work." saying that he is going to give us more police. In all honesty, I must say that I cannot I hope he does not increase them like he did support the vote of confidence in the between 1986 and 1989. In 1986, 16 police Government. They will have to get some of were stationed at Hervey Bay. In 1989, guess their own ilk to vote for them, because I how many—15. That was a remarkable cannot prostitute my vote and vote for them. increase. If he continues with that record, I will have none by the time I leave Parliament. In Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate) (7.48 p.m.): I early 1990, we had 18; we now have 36. I rise this evening to support the amendment have doubled the numbers of police in my put forward by the Opposition and, of course, electorate. That only goes to show what can oppose the motion put forward by the new be done if you work hard, get your finger out minority coalition Government in Queensland. and have a sympathetic Minister who will look I believe that it is incumbent upon the member after people. for Gladstone to explain to the people of Queensland and to her community, as she so Labor began building a new police station often calls her electorate, the reasons for her in my electorate. Successive police sergeants wanting to support this confidence motion. have told me that it was no use obtaining She has stated the reasons she wanted to more police because they could not be fitted bring down a Labor Government in into the dingy accommodation that had been Queensland. Those arguments have been provided by the previous National Party debunked throughout the debate today and it Government. I made the commitment, along is incumbent upon her to explain to the people with the Minister for Police, that extensions to of Queensland in this Parliament so the the police station would be provided. Labor reasons she wants to support a minority allocated $1.8m for that project and we made National/Liberal Party Government are a commitment to supply more police officers recorded in Hansard . She has an obligation. when we had the accommodation for them. Her comment on television this afternoon that Some time later this year, we will have the she will not be making a speech until she accommodation and I will expect the extra obtains more information is just not good police to be provided at that time. I am sure enough. Not rising in this Chamber this that the Premier will live up to the evening to explain her position is simply a commitments that he is making because he dereliction of her duty as the member for tells me he is an honest man. Considering that Gladstone and an abrogation of her the coalition has asked me for a vote of responsibility to her constituents. One might confidence, I would expect him to be an say that maybe she is simply waiting for a honest man. speech to be written for her, but I do not say I have been told that public housing will that. However, this evening, I put to the also be an issue in Hervey Bay, which in honourable member for Gladstone that she percentage terms is the fastest growing area has an obligation to rise in this Chamber and in Queensland and has been since 1986. We explain her position. The honourable member 20 February 1996 82 Legislative Assembly for Gladstone has been very good at using the leader, then stand up and have their two bob's media. Now, it is her responsibility this evening worth and say what they want to say for 20 to stand in this place to give her reasons for minutes. Let us hear why they believe they voting for a Liberal/National Party should be in Government. Government. We know that in 1983, in terms of first Much has been said about the voting preference votes, the National Party received patterns of July 1995. The honourable 38.9 per cent of the vote. But how did it form a member for Rockhampton touched on that in Government? Two rats, Brian Austin and Don his speech and referred to the percentage of Lane, ran over to the National Party. So as the vote. We live under a Westminster system, has been said already, the members opposite which simply requires the majority of votes in are quite used to coming into Government via the majority of seats, and the seats are 44 all. the back door. Mr Littleproud: Forty-five, 44 and you Mrs Woodgate: Today is the Year of are down. the Rat. Mr NUTTALL: Is the member saying Mr NUTTALL: That is right, it is. Again, that the member for Gladstone—— in 1986, the National Party received 39 per Mr Littleproud: She can vote how she cent of the vote and 49 seats. So members likes, just like you. opposite should not say that, because as a coalition they received 54 per cent of the vote, Mr NUTTALL: No. The member is they have legitimacy as a Government. That claiming that his side has 45 seats. Is he does not stand up. saying that the member for Gladstone is one of his party? Earlier today, I interjected regarding a comment that was made in this Parliament. I Mr Littleproud: No, you are. asked the incoming Police Minister if he would Mr NUTTALL: Is the member saying give an undertaking that the Police that the member for Gladstone is one of his Commissioner would retain his position. party? No. It is acknowledged that the Bearing in mind what happened to a former honourable member for Gladstone obtained National Party-appointed Police Commissioner, 40 per cent of the first preference vote in her I think that that is a fair question. I would like electorate. On my understanding, the National to hear in this debate, either from the Premier, Party received 11.9 or around 12 per cent of the Deputy Premier, or the future Police the first preference vote. The honourable Minister, a commitment that the Police member for Gladstone received approximately Commissioner will be retained. If the 90 per cent of those preferences. Government has nothing to fear, if it has no Mrs Sheldon: Very grubby politics. problems, if it is not on a witch-hunt—and that is what the Premier has said; that his will be a Mr NUTTALL: I am simply pointing out fair and honourable Government—I ask for a some facts. The honourable member received commitment in this Chamber tonight that the 90 per cent of the preferences. Only 12 per Police Commissioner will be retained. cent of the electorate she represents supported a coalition Government. Therefore, I want to cover a couple of other matters. I concur with the honourable member for When the member for Gladstone indicated Rockhampton, who said that if the honourable that she was going to support the member for Gladstone believes that she is Liberal/National Party in a confidence motion, carrying out the wishes of her electorate, it my first concern was that, prior to 1989, would have been simple to hold some form of pork-barrelling was an art form in National referendum of those people to obtain their Party-held electorates. Those members who views. hold traditional Labor seats would understand quite clearly the meaning of the word Government members interjected. "pork-barrelling". Under the National Party Mr NUTTALL: That lot keep interjecting. Government, facilities within my electorate They should get up and use their 20 minutes were completely ignored and starved of funds. in which to speak. The members opposite This morning, the Leader of the Opposition have sat quiet all day. They have been tabled in the Parliament the coalition's election gagged by the Premier and the Deputy promises. Bearing in mind what I have Premier. They will not allow the members mentioned about pork-barrelling, I will outline opposite to speak for fear of them contracting some of those promises and give the people foot-and-mouth disease. If the members of Queensland an example of what is going to opposite really want to say something, they happen to facilities under this Government. should talk to their leader and their deputy The Goss Labor Government's distribution of Legislative Assembly 83 20 February 1996 funds was fair and equitable. The people on Tully—National Party country. Secondary the Sunshine Coast, and the people in most teaching facilities are going to operate from other electorates, received fair and equitable Charters Towers—a National Party seat as funding. well. I do not mind that money is being spent I refer to the coalition's promises. It has in those areas. If that is where the money and promised a new, major art gallery. Guess facilities are needed, that is where the money where that is going? Caloundra. New high should be spent. However, in the schools have been promised for Toowoomba Government's policy document, why is it that and Jimboomba. None of those electorates 90 per cent of areas where money is to be are Labor electorates. spent are conservative seats? Where is the equity for the people of Queensland? It simply Ms Spence: What about Mount is not there. Gravatt? Mr Ardill: The Liberals are certainly Mr NUTTALL: Nothing has been doing a lot better out of that program than promised for Mount Gravatt. A new hospital they got out of the last National Party has been promised for Noosa. Who holds Government. Noosa? The Liberal Party. A new hospital has been promised for Robina. So we have one Mr NUTTALL: Time will tell. hospital at Noosa and one at Robina. The Mr Ardill: There was nothing in their honourable member for Nicklin has a hospital electorates. in his electorate at Nambour. I do not know how the Government is going to keep funding Mr NUTTALL: The Liberals now have the hospital in that electorate and also build the Treasury portfolio. So that the Premier can new hospitals in Noosa and Robina. Guess have a holiday in winter, an office of the where the Government is going to upgrade a Premier's Department is going to be hospital? Caloundra! A further 20 beds will be established in north Queensland. He can duck made available to the Caloundra Hospital. So up there and have holidays in the winter. the Caloundra electorate is going to have an What should be of concern to the people art gallery and an upgraded hospital. The of Queensland, if the Premier is to be taken at Government is going to build another new his word that he will lead a fair and honest hospital at Beaudesert. Guess which Government and that he will care for all the electorates are going to get a new police people of Queensland, is that why then, in station? Palm Beach and an electorate on the that policy document, is money not being Sunshine Coast. Neither of those electorates allocated to Labor-held seats? Are we to take is held by Labor. it from that that they will go back to the days of I refer again to Caloundra. The Caloundra old and pork-barrel National Party and Liberal City Council is going to receive some money Party seats? I hope that is not the case, but for the treatment of effluent. No other city time will tell. When we were elected to council will receive such funding, just the Government last July—— Caloundra City Council. The Government is Mr Littleproud: No you weren't. It was going to reintroduce an Upper House. It is in dispute. planning to have 21 additional members of Parliament. Mr NUTTALL: I thought we had 45 seats in July, and the Governor thought we The Deputy Premier did not touch on the had 45 seats, too. In that election we were matter of the Sunshine Motorway toll in her given a mandate to govern, and we gave speech, but she has made much of it. I would some undertakings to the people of like to hear from her when the toll will be Queensland. Indeed, some of those programs abolished. Is she prepared to allow one of the had commenced. I ask the Premier and the honourable members opposite from the Deputy Premier, as I go through some of Sunshine Coast to stand up in this debate and these commitments, whether they will give advise this House when that toll will be undertakings to the people of Queensland abolished? No. We are going to get a new rail that these programs will be completed. One of link from Robina to Coolangatta. All that area those commitments, of course, was that between Robina and Coolangatta is safe community recreation centres were to be National Party and Liberal Party territory. established in 50 areas. Another commitment North Queensland is going to get a new was that suburban public parks in south-east police academy. It is just like drunken sailors, Queensland would be developed for is it not? The TAFE college at Ingham is going community recreation, and that the Roma to be extended—a National Party seat. A Street site would be developed into a major TAFE annexe is going to be established at inner city park. As I said, I am asking for a 20 February 1996 84 Legislative Assembly commitment from both the Premier and the public housing, people say that they do not Deputy Premier that those promises will be want it in their back yards. However, the upheld. standard of the public housing that we have in Even though the National and Liberal Queensland today is second to none. Parties and the future Education Minister have We have a new, fully-staffed, 24-hour been critical of the administration of the school police station in Sandgate, which has proper uniform allowance, will that school allowance resources and increased personnel. The police continue for the benefit of families in station has computers, and not the manual Queensland? Will the Building Better Schools typewriters that the former police station had. Program continue? When we were in At Eventide, we are to have a new community Government we gave a commitment, through health centre. That has already been that program, to improving old schools. We announced and I am asking the incoming had done a lot of work, in terms of the outside Government to ensure that it goes ahead. We of school buildings, under the School also have a dialysis unit at Sandgate which Refurbishment Program, and the Building needs to be moved to Eventide to allow more Better Schools Program was aimed at fixing room for dental care in Sandgate. I have up the inside of classrooms, making them touched on our School Refurbishment bigger and better. Will the incoming Program. Some of the schools in my Government give a commitment that the electorate have had pools repaired, and the Building Better Schools Program will continue? largest high school has had a new pool Will the incoming Government give a installed. Large amounts of landscaping have commitment to provide an extra 490 teachers been done, covered areas have been over the next three years? Will it give a provided and, of course, computers have commitment to employing an additional 800 been installed. nurses, and providing better training for nurses? Will it give a commitment to the All of those things are important to the creation of the Cape York wilderness zone? people of my electorate. I am asking incoming Will it give a commitment to a long-term plan Government members to ensure that they to reclaim the coast, including the upgrading form are a fair Government for the people of of all coastal sewage treatment plans, and not Queensland, and, simply, that the just that at Caloundra? Those are the pork-barrelling which occurred prior to 1989 questions that the people of Queensland have does not re-emerge. I ask that the people of a right to ask of the incoming Government, Queensland, and particularly the people of my and the incoming Government has a electorate, receive a fair and equitable share responsibility to the people of Queensland to of Government spending. answer those questions. Mr T. B. SULLIVAN (Chermside) As I said earlier, my electorate was grossly (8.08 p.m.): I do not have confidence in the ignored before we were elected in 1992, new National/Liberal Party minority simply because it was an Opposition Government. I do not support the incoming electorate. Premier's motion that this House show confidence in him, in Mrs Sheldon and in his Mr Rowell interjected. yet to be appointed Ministry. The Premier's Mr NUTTALL: I take umbrage at that. motion does not give any basis as to why we The former member for Sandgate, Nev should support his Government, and no Warburton, was a man of honour and a man indication of the intended outcome of this who worked extremely hard for his electorate. motion. He was starved of Government funds by a It is reasonable to say that, because this National Party Government. minority Government was formed only Mr Purcell: All his political career. yesterday, it is not fair to judge the Mr NUTTALL: All his political career. I Borbidge/Sheldon Government on its turn now to the legacy of the Labor achievements. However, we are asked to have Government in my electorate. I have to say confidence in this untested, untried minority that I cannot take all the credit. A large Government. That is like trying to mark a blank proportion of my electorate is made up of exam paper, hoping that the person under senior and elderly people, and the Goss Labor scrutiny will reach the required standard. The Government introduced the Seniors Card to only way we can address this motion before help those people. We increased the amount the House is to judge the members of the of public housing for seniors, but there is still a incoming Government by their past words and three-year waiting list for public housing. As we actions, and their current policies. The recent have heard before, every time we try to erect words and actions of Premier Borbidge give no Legislative Assembly 85 20 February 1996 cause for confidence. After telling the people Queensland can have no confidence in a of Queensland for seven months that he was minority Government whose leader speaks in ready for Government, the Premier comes into a tone that reeks of subterfuge and revenge this House without his Ministry in place. The while his deputy mouths platitudes about member for Surfers Paradise has had seven freedom and responsibility. It does not add up. months to make a relatively simple decision to It does not make sense. This House and the drop one person from the 19 people on his people of Queensland can have no front bench. The people of Queensland can confidence in the new Government. have no confidence in this indecisive Premier The National Party leader says, "We are who has shown weakness by not making this different from the Nationals of the Joh era", relatively simple decision. yet that is not the message that his party Today, we saw the incoming Premier and members are getting, and they know what is Deputy Premier give poor first performances in ahead. Some other members already know of Parliament. Their speeches lacked direction, one incident that occurred recently. The day they lacked detail, and they lacked inspiration. after Mrs Cunningham made her Mrs Sheldon in particular was her old negative announcement in the vacant lot to bring down self. I must say that, on a personal level, I find an elected State Government, one senior Mrs Sheldon quite a pleasant person, but member of the public service wore his National something happens to her when she speaks Party tie to the head office of a State in this Chamber and stands before television Government department. This senior member cameras. In those circumstances, the Deputy of the senior executive service was so Premier reverts to her old negative, whining confident of the patronage and protection of mode. the incoming National Party and of Mr Borbidge that he had no qualms in Mrs Sheldon has been saying that the perpetrating this insensitive and blatantly new Government will have its hand on the political stunt. No party political tie had rudder. This is new terminology, and I fear that appeared in that office over the previous six she may be the victim of a communication years. That is an indication of the overtly mix-up. I fear that she may have heard some political control exercised by the of the old National Party troglodytes speaking. National/Liberal Party Governments in She thought they said, "Our Government will Queensland's public service. It is another have its hand on the tiller." They actually said, reason why this House and the people of "Our Government will have its hands in the till." Queensland can have no confidence in the That is the way it used to be under Joh. That minority coalition Government. is the way it was under some people who hope to be on the front bench! However, that If for one moment we thought that the is not the way it can be now, because in the new minority Government could change its past six years Queensland has changed ways, and if the new Government gave some irreversibly for the better under the Goss Labor indication that it would change its ways, this Government. House may consider giving the Government the benefit of the doubt. However, that Today, Mrs Sheldon spoke about the appears to be most unlikely. As a result of the recent elections and the numbers that resulted reforms of the Goss Government, Queensland from them. The numbers are clear: 44 seats in the 1990s is confident, forward looking and for the coalition, 44 seats for Labor, and one a vital part of Australia, ready to face the Independent. Mr Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon twenty-first century as a mature society. The now lead a minority coalition Government minority coalition Government presents none through the grace and favour of the member of those qualities and possesses none of for Gladstone. Because of these delicately those traits that will take us forward to the balanced numbers in the Chamber, the new twenty-first century. Therefore, it can Premier will have to bring his policies more command no confidence from this House nor frequently into the House to receive the from the people of Queensland. support of the necessary 45 members of Parliament. In my electorate of Chermside, and in my previous electorate of Nundah, I have seen Mrs Sheldon also spoke about the public services delivered to constituents by the Goss service and said that her two key words were Government in ways that former coalition or "freedom" and "responsibility" in dealing with National Party Governments never did. There Queensland's public service, yet her leader, Mr is a lot of public housing within my electorate, Borbidge, was reported in the paper recently and the maintenance of public housing as seeking out the ALP operatives within the residences was an absolute disgrace. I have public service. This House and the people of visited many homes where the kitchens were 20 February 1996 86 Legislative Assembly poorly outfitted, with sinks that had no drawers The trebling of the budget and the provision of or storage underneath them. There was little services to people with a disability and with a or no storage space in the kitchen and whole range of needs was a major priority. It is inadequate plumbing and shower facilities absolutely hypocritical for incoming made life very difficult for the Department of Government members to say, "Have Housing tenants. One thankful tenant in Mylne confidence in us", when under previous Street recently had his home repainted for the coalition Governments Queensland had the first time in 30 years. It went 30 years without lowest per capita spending on Family and a coat of paint under previous coalition Community Services—$18 per head Governments! He lives in an area which has compared with a national average of $65. It consistently voted very strongly for Labor and was a disgrace, and nothing has been said in which was ignored. Many Department of the coalition's policies to indicate that it has Housing tenants were too scared to complain changed. That is the record of members because of the bad experiences they had had opposite. previously under Joh Bjelke-Petersen's Currently, the member for Beaudesert, Mr iron-fisted rule over the Department of Lingard, a senior member of the incoming Housing. Government, has said that domestic violence The electorate of Chermside has the orders should be harder for women to obtain. highest percentage of elderly residents of any He made that statement at the very time that electorate in Queensland. For people aged seven people in a family lay dead at the over 70 years, the State average is 9 per cent. hands of a male member of that family, and The electorate of Chermside has 23 per cent yet he says that domestic violence orders of people in that category. Throughout should be harder to obtain. That shows how Queensland, about 25 per cent of people are out of touch the Government and its leader aged over 50 years. In the electorate of are. Mr Lingard should have been brought into Chermside, 45 per cent of people are aged line and told that that was a totally over 50 years. Therefore, there are particular unacceptable statement. That is why we can needs for the elderly. The Home Help and have no confidence in the incoming Home Assist Programs introduced by the Goss Government. Government and its support for the senior With respect to the coalition's proposed citizens at the Burnie Brae Day Respite Centre changes to adoption laws, the key question and the renovations to Meals on Wheels that a person asks himself or herself is, "Who centres throughout the area are testimony to am I?" If one does not know one's origin, if the practical and worthwhile programs one does not know one's basic parentage, introduced by the Labor Government. These one is always left asking the question, "Who are things which, in the past, the coalition am I?" Yet the incoming Government is going never did. The coalition's policies that it has back to the Joh days and is saying, "We don't released do not give any indication that it will care about the changes in society that say do those things for people in public housing. people have the right to know who they are." I That is another reason why we can have no do not know who Government members are confidence in the incoming Government. trying to protect, but they are saying, "We are All of the things that I have mentioned going to do something to take away the right with respect to housing, and in particular the of people to know their basic identity." That is construction of seniors' units and disability why we can have no confidence in the housing, have come as a result of Goss Labor incoming Government. Government initiatives, which looked after all The old National Party dinosaurs and citizens, but in particular those in greatest some of the yuppie Liberals who have spoken need. On its past record on public housing in the House in the past seven months have and on its current promises, this House can not said a positive, constructive word about have no confidence in the minority supporting minority groups, such as Government. Aboriginals and Islanders and other groups With respect to Family and Community within our society. As well, with respect to Services, we note that in 1989 the national youth, many of them have the Lawrie average of Government expenditure Kavanagh view of youth, that is, all kids with throughout Australia was about $65 per head. their baseball caps on backwards are just In Queensland, we were spending criminals waiting to get into some sort of approximately $18 per head on Family and trouble. Government members should come Community Services. As a previous into the twentieth century. They should Government, we know that there was much to pretend we are approaching the twenty-first be done in Family and Community Services. century and give kids the same leniency that Legislative Assembly 87 20 February 1996 we were given by our parents many years ago. coat of paint, have had old toilet blocks That is another reason why this House and the replaced or have had classrooms refurbished people of Queensland can have no for the first time in decades. They were seen confidence in the incoming Government. On as basic working-class schools and therefore past performance and on current policy, they did not receive the same treatment that command no confidence at all. schools in favoured Liberal and National Party The Prince Charles Hospital is one of the electorates received. key facilities within the electorate of I would hope that the incoming Minister Chermside. For decades, Queensland for Transport will maintain the program to National/Liberal Party Governments upgrade the Gympie Road/Rode Road consistently provided cardiac services at about intersection, which is a very dangerous half the national rate. As the Premier said this intersection in the northern suburbs of morning, the Goss Labor Government Brisbane. Mr John Goss, the member for increased the funding for the sharp end of Aspley, and Mr Santoro, the member for services. Open-heart surgery and bypass Clayfield, will know that many of their surgery represents the very sharp end of constituents use that major intersection. I services. The Goss Government allocated the hope that the incoming Minister will keep that money for those extra procedures. We are not construction going. For a number of years, we yet at the national average for providing have been working on a solution to the cardiac services, but in previous decades the Nundah bottleneck problem. We have finally mob opposite provided less than half the approved the cut-and-cover option, which, national average in that service area. We while being the most expensive option, will started to bring it up somewhere near the provide the best long-term benefit for the average national level of service provision. It is people of the north side of Brisbane. I hope hypocritical for coalition members to criticise that the incoming Government will maintain our Government when former National Party the Labor Government's commitment to fix and coalition Governments did nothing. On that problem. that basis alone, we can have no confidence As to personal safety—there are in the incoming Government. Neighbourhood Watch programs throughout On a number of occasions I have been to the Wavell Heights, Chermside and West Jacaranda Village at Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside areas. It was under Labor Police which houses the aged who are dying. It is a Ministers that communities were encouraged very poor facility. It could have been rebuilt in to have Neighbourhood Watch programs, to the sixties or the seventies or the eighties. But have the people work in cooperation with under the Goss rebuilding plan—under the police. Labor plan—it will be totally rebuilt. Our elderly Our police no longer act as the blue-and- citizens who have the least support will be white taxis. Our police no longer do what given a decent facility in which to spend their occurred under National Party Ministers, when last days. The Winston Noble Unit, which in its the police would be taken off duty to drive time was an excellent facility to treat people senior officers home. That no longer occurs. who had mental health problems, has been We have been criticised because some of the allowed to run down to a degree that is senior sergeants now have to be out in patrol disgraceful. Yet Opposition spokespeople had cars, whereas before they could spend the the temerity to criticise the outgoing majority of their time seated in an office. I am Government, which spent a tremendous glad that those officers are out on patrol. The amount of money on trying to bring mental most experienced sergeants should be out health facilities up to speed. there with the younger troops, helping them It was not under the Labor Party that catch the criminals. That is what we have Ward 10B occurred; it was not under us that intended to do. the abuses in various other institutions I am disappointed and I am angry about occurred. We know that service provision is still the changeover of the Government and our lacking in some areas, but we have sought to changing positions in this House. I am do something about it. On the past disappointed because there are many positive performance of the coalition and on its plans unfulfilled by the Goss Labor proposed policies, this House and the people Government—plans which were bringing of Queensland can have no confidence in the significant benefits to the people of incoming Government. Queensland. I am angry because the Schools within the Chermside electorate campaign run by the coalition, especially by and other Labor electorates have received a the Liberals, was a very negative one. Many 20 February 1996 88 Legislative Assembly people say that we are following elements of forces, we will get the support of our own American society that are bad for our society. people and of the people of Queensland, and One of the worst of those is the element of we will come back into Government. I have negative campaigning. The campaign in July confidence in my colleagues and I have and the campaign in Mundingburra were confidence in the people of Queensland. I do extremely negative. Mr Borbidge knows it; Mrs not have confidence in the National/Liberal Sheldon knows it; the coalition's bunting had Borbidge/Sheldon minority Government. I it; its literature had it. The coalition offered no oppose the motion. positive policy, no positive plan, but just said, Mr D'ARCY (Woodridge) (8.28 p.m.): I "Labor is not good enough. Do not trust them. rise to support the amendment moved by the Do not do this. Do not do that." Its campaign Leader of the Opposition. As previous was so negative. It is a shame that our society speakers have said, this is a minority is turning to the methodology of complaint, Government, and that should be which is encouraged by that sort of remembered. Each side holds 44 seats, and terminology. I see the smile on the Premier's the coalition is holding on to Government by face and I know that he is thinking, "But it the thinnest of threads. The strength of this worked." Yes, it probably did, but did it work for Government will be tested after the normal the benefit of society? period of 100 days. We all wonder how the I know that Mr Tanti is happy to be a various promises that have been made by the member of this House, but I wonder what sort coalition—the Christmas-box full of treasures of society is being generated when the that have been promised to Queenslanders— methodology of complaint is encouraged—you will be paid for. We wonder whether the can never be satisfied. Unfortunately that is Treasury will be plundered in the short term by becoming the norm in our society. I am also this Government to fulfil its promises. I refer in very angry at the hypocrisy of certain particular to the economic measures such as journalists. As has already been pointed out, reducing land tax and raising the threshold for those people who wrote so glowingly about payroll tax, which apart from Commonwealth the achievements of the Goss Government funding are the major sources of revenue for the day after the Premier resigned had for the State. seven months done nothing but publish One wonders how long it will be before we criticisms. see an increase in the tobacco tax or the I have been very surprised by the number introduction of a fuel tax in this State. Such a of people whom I have come across move would be a disadvantage to the State previously in my electorate but who have as a whole and to business within the State. never raised politics directly with me before. The imposition of a fuel tax was resisted by Those people have raised criticisms about the the Labor Government during its term, and the way in which we lost Government. They see a absence of such a tax represents a basic unfairness in the way that we went from tremendous advantage to business and to the Treasury benches to Opposition. They do Queensland as a whole over the other States not see it as a fair fight as it would have been and Territories. It is an advantage to business had there been a general election and we got generally and to country areas in particular. knocked out—tough luck, we lost. There is a One imagines that that will be one of the lot of anger in that regard. options that will be canvassed by this In conclusion—I am proud to have served Government within a very short time in order to under Wayne Goss and the other Labor fund its promises. Ministers. I am proud also to continue to serve Many criticisms have been levelled at the under the leadership of Peter Beattie and Jim economic management of the Labor Elder. I have learned a lot from the previous Government, but those words do not ring true Labor Ministers, especially from the senior when one examines the record of the former leadership of Wayne Goss and Tommy Burns. National Party Government. It has never been I will learn more from Peter Beattie and Jim a party which sought to provide long-term, Elder and my Labor colleagues, who have a sustainable jobs in Queensland. In the past, it commitment to social justice and to providing was much easier for National Party the best for the majority of people in Governments—and I have spoken about this Queensland. One great thing about the ALP is many times in the House—to give away jobs that it has survived and thrived for more than than to look at creating long-term, sustainable 100 years because it is able to regenerate. economic development. This goes particularly We are most dangerous when we are down, for our major sources of wealth, namely, especially when we are down in a way that we mining and primary industries. There has should not be. That is why we will regather our never been any real attempt by National Party Legislative Assembly 89 20 February 1996

Governments at value adding in any sense for. When the expansion in the coal industry that would create jobs and long-term took place during the seventies and eighties, economic sustainability within this State. That three or four ships were waiting outside ports is something that must be considered. when Gladstone was the one port in central One particular area that I intend to Queensland that could have housed the discuss on an economic basis is Gladstone. I American fleet. Funding had gone into the notice that the member for Gladstone is not in infrastructure in Gladstone and the port the House at the moment. The previous Labor authority but it was not used, because Government made an attempt to get back to members of the National Party Government long-term economic development, particularly were frightened that Gladstone would become in the Gladstone area. Members started to what they had predicted. They saw it witness the expansion of Comalco's Boyne becoming a very strong and large Labor Island smelter, and business was drifting back stronghold. They also rejected the possibility of into Gladstone, which had been emasculated it becoming central Queensland's technical by years of National Party neglect in terms of and industrial MFP. because Gladstone had planning. On many occasions in the House I the facilities, it would have naturally graduated have said that Gladstone was one area that that way. It had the right climate; it had the was absolutely devastated by the previous right transport access; it was in the right National Party Government. I intend to quote position; it was located in the best part of the some figures of which the member for Queensland coast; it had good local Gladstone would be well aware. Those figures, government and business support at that which have been quoted not just by the time; and it had the best harbour and various Mayors of Gladstone but also various transport facilities on the east coast of Calliope Shire Chairmen, highlighted the Queensland. But what did the National Party tremendous expansion that was going to take Government do? It built facilities that we are place in Gladstone under the National Party still paying off and which did not work. The fact Government. Those figures, which were is that, although Treasury estimated that by published by the National Party Government 1990 Gladstone's population would be through the Treasury, related to the proposed 100,000, in 1996 its population is only 24,000. development of Gladstone in the sixties. One I ask members to consider the jobs that were of the documents shows that, in the lost to central Queensland because of the mid-sixties, the prediction was that by 1990 policies of the previous National Party Gladstone's population would be 100,000. Government. With that prediction and with the development The Labor Government started to keep that was supposed to take place in mind, the promises to Gladstone by rebuilding the many businesses and people moved to jobs and rebuilding what could be Gladstone. But what happened? A lot of those Queensland's natural MFP in the technical businesses went broke. When the member for and industrial sectors. As well, the Gladstone was in the House earlier, I asked value-adding capacity of areas such as her what is the current population of Gladstone is being rebuilt. That opportunity Gladstone, and she informed me that it is should not be thrown away. I am amazed that 24,000, which is far from the prediction based the member for Gladstone, who is going to on the proposed economic expansion of that play such an important part in not only electing area. this Government but also keeping it in office, is Let us consider some of the projects that not aware of some of the past promises made were proposed for Gladstone at that time. by the National Party to the Gladstone area. It They were myriad, but under the National was one of the focal areas of the sixties, but it Party regime, none of them eventuated. What was dumped by the National Party happened? In many cases, when the Government. multinationals went to the National Party I turn now to Logan, which has been Government they were told that that given a tremendous boost by the Labor Government did not want those facilities built Government. One aspect has already been in Gladstone. Those people could see mentioned, that is, the attention given to Gladstone becoming the hub of the technical, improving low socioeconomic areas of high- business, commercial and industrial centres of density Housing Commission homes, altering central Queensland. So what did the National the mix to allow people in Housing Party do when new coalmines came along? It Commission ghettos to get out of the ghetto fell for the multinational garbage and built area, and the refurbishment of Housing railway lines to nowhere—to port facilities that Commission homes. That was a tremendous had to be expanded and are still being paid bonus—something that had never been seen 20 February 1996 90 Legislative Assembly during the years that I represented those That was concerning all of us in that area from areas when a National Party Government was the mayor down. We do not have to start any in power. sort of witch-hunt; we are most impressed with Another aspect that surprises me is that the Premier's promise to continue with that we continually hear about low police numbers. campus. I am pleased to be able to join this The Fitzgerald report was scathing in its attack debate and support the amendment moved on the previous Government's record of police by the Leader of the Opposition and numbers in areas such as Beenleigh and commend it to the House. Logan, to such an extent that the facilities Hon. G. N. SMITH (Townsville) were also blamed. I am talking about facilities (8.40 p.m.): This incoming administration will that could have been supplied, but Labor have great difficulty being seen as an electorates of low socioeconomic status were administration of any legitimacy. That occurs starved of those facilities. The police were for two reasons: firstly, the nature of its operating out of demountables. Both the CIB temporary elevation to the Government and the major police station in Woodridge benches; and secondly, it will be seen as a were operating out of demountables. There backdoor Government. That is a tag that it has were practically no police cars in the area. The rightly earned and it is a tag that will stick. It is Labor Government remedied that problem by appropriate and the members opposite will putting a police district there and building up a have to live with it. decent police presence. Police numbers in the area were doubled, but there are still some I do not intend to focus tonight on the problems. However, the fact of life is that that actions of the member for Gladstone, because particular area got nothing under the National history will judge her by her actions and she Party. will have to come to terms with her own conscience. I believe that the member for I turn now to education, which was Gladstone is an intelligent woman. As she mentioned by the former Premier this morning, matures politically, she will come to realise the particularly in relation to the new university enormity of what she has committed. As I campus that has been mooted for Logan City, said, history will be her judge. I think that she which is now the third-biggest city in will probably suffer self-recriminations as the Queensland. It has been terribly neglected. years roll on. In seeking the return of the The TAFE college is within the existing Labor administration in 1998, members boundaries of Logan City and in the electorate opposite should remember that we are in a of my colleague the member for Waterford. It very favourable position: we are one seat is one of the largest and one of the fastest- away from Government. The member for expanding TAFE colleges in Queensland. It Gladstone is not a significant factor. has made a tremendous difference to the people of Logan, because until now they did What is important is the hollowness of the not have those types of facilities. It makes rhetoric that has been put out by this new them proud that those types of facilities are off administration and its total lack of any the ground and running in that area. The fundamental will to address the problems of campus has been well received not just by the today and certainly the problems that will occur council but by all residents of Logan City. As in the new millennium, which will be evidenced was pointed out this morning, I believe that a over the next couple of years. It lacks workable promise was made by the incoming Education policy initiatives to ensure the continued Minister from the Gold Coast that that project growth of this State. Regardless of what was possibly going to be scrapped. anyone wants to say, this State has been growing, and growing well. Mr Quinn: I didn't make that statement. From what I have heard from the coalition Mr D'ARCY: I am pleased to hear that. leadership, it has pledged to put Queensland It was reported to me that the member did into hock. In fact, it seems to me that it is all make that statement. That promise to the the way with bankcard. It will probably be people of Logan is sacrosanct, and I think I known as the plastic-backed Government. I have explained why. find that quite frightening. However, on the Mr Borbidge: That was held over other side of the coin, one must ask whether because there was a legal problem that the deed is there to match the words. As required clarification. someone remarked today, the National Party Mr D'ARCY: I understand that from was to have the Gold Coast railway in place by what the member said earlier. But I also Expo. We all know what happened to that. It understood that Mr Quinn had made that did not even start the project. Then, of course, statement. I am glad to hear him refute that. there is the old faithful. I can remember right Legislative Assembly 91 20 February 1996 back to by-elections in Redcliffe when the all other administrations throughout Australia National Party would dust off the promise of a but was treated with alarm in this State. It had Redcliffe line. I am absolutely amazed that the to come, but, of course, some who were in line members opposite did not run that one out for had to pay the price. It is the same old story: 15 July. That is about the only promise that when one does good things, one gets very they did not run out. In regard to all these little credit for them. I am sure that every promises, it is a case of Back to the Future. member can relate to that. The good things I will focus on some issues that are of that one does are soon forgotten and any particular interest to me, one of which is the seen shortcomings are long remembered and promise to establish an Office of the Premier certainly exaggerated. I think that that is what in Townsville. We have heard that before. In happened. The massive, worthwhile changes fact, during the eighties an office was set up that brought this State in line with the rest of and staffed by a man called Mr Len Johnson, the country were very quickly forgotten and we who is quite a reasonable fellow. However, he were left with a carping cry from those people had nothing to do except to hand out glossy who felt that they had been disadvantaged. brochures in competition with the then Minister We are left with those on the other for Northern Development, Bob Katter. side—not all, of course—who have a born-to- rule attitude. When I hear their leader talk The only worthwhile initiative in regional about back to basics, I ask myself what it Queensland of the previous administration means. Does it mean returning to those was the establishment of Offices of the horrible little National Party functionaries, with Coordinator General in various areas. Of little boards all over the State, such as fire course, that had a fundamental flaw: an boards and hospital boards, stacked with expectation was created in the community and members of the National Party and worth pressure was exerted on the Government to absolutely nothing? Are we going to see the deliver. So that was axed. That was the only reintroduction of the Special Branch? I hope worthwhile initiative ever undertaken in not, but nobody has stood up and said that regional Queensland by the members that will not happen. I would like to know about opposite, and because of the problems of it. delivery, they knocked it on the head. I have mentioned it before, but I am I heard other speakers say today, and I going to give it another run tonight because I think there is some truth in it, that to some do not want the members opposite to ever extent this Government is a reincarnation of forget what they did in the land sector. The the Bjelke-Petersen regime because so many greatest land rort in Australia was perpetrated of its members are tainted by that association. in this State when the cotton industry was It has been only a relatively short time since coming online. I think that it was in 1984 that that regime was in power. I have not heard the National Party decided that it would allow members of the coalition rise in this place and the freeholding of Government land denounce some of the activities that occurred throughout the State. Not only did it allow the during that time. I know that many of them will freeholding, but it also allowed it at 1980 do that privately, but I am waiting to see valuations, which were a fraction of the land's members opposite rise and denounce publicly true value. In addition, they applied a 40 per what occurred during those years. cent discount for those who were prepared to When Labor took office, it faced a pay up front. That was the greatest gift to the massive task of modernising the rural community that one could ever imagine. administration of this State, because this State It was an absolute savaging of the State's had slipped far behind administrations in other assets, and the members opposite have to States, including conservative administrations live with that. I have raised that issue quite a and the Federal Government. Obviously, few times and people such as Robert Sparkes Labor had to take very significant actions that have kept their head down, and with very were not well received by everyone. When good reason. They were beneficiaries of such massive changes are made, inevitably they will rorts. It might even be an embarrassment to be unpopular to some extent with some some of the new members opposite who do people. Equal opportunities were fine for those not know about it. I see it as my obligation to people who profited by equal opportunities, remind honourable members of some of the but those who felt that they were still in the activities that occurred in the past and why queue and as long as they did not do such a horror exists of some of the actions of anything of note to draw attention to the National Party regime. themselves they would elevate to the top were Of course, in the same sector, we have not very happy. Merit selection was in place in the business of land rents. Controversy existed 20 February 1996 92 Legislative Assembly around valuations and how land rents were to say that. In recent times, there has been be applied, but honourable members should massive expenditure on Queensland Rail. The remember that the Land Court member who northern rail line has just about been rebuilt. essentially established the new process was All of those wooden bridges have gone. There appointed by the former National Party has been huge investment in infrastructure, Government. I remind members of how unfair with the support of the Federal Government. the old system was. Certainly, some people For the first time in many, many years the paid the right rent. However, some people railways are starting to become a viable were paying $1,000 a year for million-dollar alternative to road transport. Let us hope they properties. That is $20 a week, which is less stay that way. What about the Mount Isa line? than one would pay for a block at the back of The Labor Government had pledged to spend beyond. Those are the sorts of activities that $70m to rebuild that line. Mount Isa is a very went on. I have that affair very carefully important asset base for the Government. I documented and any time anyone wants to have not heard any ringing endorsement of run that out, I will table that in the House and that decision. give a few examples of some of the luminaries Mr McGrady: About $100m two weeks who were beneficiaries of that scheme. ago. I want to take the "back to basics" a little Mr SMITH: As I say, I have not heard further. Does that mean the end to any endorsement of that decision. professional staffing of the Fire Service and the Ambulance Service? Does it mean that I refer also to the power interconnection ambulance officers have to go back to running with New South Wales, which was also raffles? Do we have to go back to relying on contained in the portfolio of the member for volunteer fire brigades? I do not know. Mount Isa. That proposal has been treated by However, I would like to hear a bit more about the coalition as if it is somehow tainted. Does the "back to basics" because I have not heard the new Government realise that every other any guarantee that those professional people State has interconnections? Victoria who have been put in place will remain. interconnects with South Australia and it also interconnects with New South Wales. Every Recently, this State moved from the engineer who has had anything to do with position of having the lowest number of electricity supply—and I am one of those people completing Year 12. We were down at people—understands that huge economies seventh place—the lowest in the country. I can be gained by having interconnections. Of think we are up to about third now. Certainly, course, a fundamental cost of electricity is the Queensland's retention rate is as high as that cost of the capitalisation of the generating of any other State. equipment. By simply having interconnections, The new Minister for Transport is not one is able to shift peaks, reduce the amount present in the Chamber, but I will refer to of capital expenditure and keep the tariffs ports. The Labor Government corporatised the down. Quite frankly, the proposed action by ports, and did so very effectively. Those ports this Government to not proceed with are now operating very efficiently under something that has been agreed to by the professional boards comprised of people with Federal Government and for which incentives the appropriate expertise. They are returning have been granted is sabotage of the dividends to the Government. What did we economy of this State for purely parochial hear from the Opposition? They were going to reasons and to serve the interests of a very sell the ports. I have not heard much about small section of the community. I have to say that lately, but when the legislation that that I condemn it, and I condemn it enabled the corporatisation of the ports was wholeheartedly. introduced, the coalition's policy was that it Not so long ago, I remember QIDC as would sell the ports. If that is not the case, I being a Government instrumentality for say to them to come out and say so, because providing finance for people, particularly in the corporatisation has been very successful and I rural sector, who could not obtain finance from would be very interested to know if this other areas. That was what the QIDC was Government is going to knock over that supposed to do. Its performance was process. absolutely terrible. When I went into the I do not know whether the coalition said business-industry Ministry, I found out that the that it would sell the railways—it talked about QIDC was structured in such a way that a selling just about everything else. In all genuine client, who had an industrial honesty, I have to say that, in recent times, I development proposal, had a better chance of have not heard the new Minister for Transport ringing up the manager of the Commonwealth Legislative Assembly 93 20 February 1996

Bank or Westpac and getting money for that action against the Queensland Government in project from the private sector than he or she respect of a proposed development at could from the QIDC. Of course, all of that has Kangaroo Point. Of course, the Minister of the changed, but that is the legacy that the Labor day is guided by the advice of his department. Government inherited. The coalition cannot Very few Ministers are going to make walk away from that. decisions, or technical judgments, in their own Today, I heard a member opposite talk right; they act on advice. Now we find that for about doing away with the training of young some technical reason, Mr Eaton could be people and putting the money into more seen to be liable for some financial loss. I meaningful, more flexible programs. I do not understand—and if I am wrong, I hope that know what the hell that means, because the the Premier can correct this—that the new training programs that have been taken on by Premier has said that he will do nothing to the Goss Labor Government and the Federal rectify the position in which the former Minister, Government have meant that people who Mr Eaton, might find himself. would otherwise have been unemployed have If the Labor Government had taken that found meaningful work. So many young attitude, how many former National Party people make mistakes during their school Ministers could have found themselves in days. Therefore, they do not receive exactly the same situation? It is atrocious! The employment opportunities when they are tradition is that incoming Governments pick up adolescents, or even when they are in their the obligations of outgoing Governments. For early twenties. If they do not receive those the Premier to make that statement, if it has employment opportunities, they are been reported correctly, is atrocious. If that condemned to potential unemployment for statement is not incorrect, as the new leader in life. I think that is a very heartless approach. It Queensland, the Premier would do well to is a very unreal assessment of what needs to retract it. I am not going to repeat it; members be done. can read it in Hansard. Mr Grice in not present in the Chamber. Because it received a bit of a blasting However, I will give members opposite some today, I refer to the discussion on the diversity idea of how the new Opposition has such of the Queensland economy. The fact is that, grave doubts about the attitude of this during the six years of the Goss Government, incoming Government. For example, the the Queensland economy has diversified automatic titling system was condemned immensely. In that all-important area of roundly—not so much by the Opposition elaborately transformed manufactures, while spokesman at the time, I will grant him the growth across Australia is something like 4 that—by Mr Grice and other coalition members per cent, it is something like 22 per cent in who really condemned it hell, west and centre. Queensland. Admittedly, there was a very The fact is that the old paper-based system small base upon which to build but, if that had could never have coped with the volume of not happened, this State would have been titles that exists presently in Queensland. The much more reliant upon the rural sector during Labor Government had to take the criticism the drought. We experienced drought for and see the process through. The system is almost the whole period that the Labor working well now. I do not think that anyone Government was in office. It is a credit to the opposite says that it is not. In fact, the technologically based industries in this State coalition will benefit from that process because that they have done so well. the system has worked so well that other In terms of information technology, any conservative Governments want to purchase Government in any country that does not have the rights to use it. Plenty of coalition that activity in place today is condemning its members really gave that system a bagging. people to poverty. Fortunately, Queenslanders That really shows just how little they know. stand in good stead in the area of information I want to mention something that I think is technology, particularly in Brisbane. We have damned important, and that is the mean started to develop the critical mass that we spiritedness of this incoming Government. need. That has not happened accidentally; it From 1990 to 1992, Mr Bill Eaton was the has happened because those people have Minister for Lands. I believe that, as a Minister, been given encouragement and support. One Mr Eaton was well liked by all people in this can see it, particularly if one drives along the Parliament. Not only that, I do not think that riverside drive. We are holding our own with anyone would ever say that he was a other States and we are doing particularly well. dishonest person. However, now we have the The coalition should never think that we can situation in which one Godfrey Mantle is taking go back to what we had before. 20 February 1996 94 Legislative Assembly

Mr CAMPBELL (Bundaberg) (9 p.m.): Queenslanders, but I believe they, as voters, On Friday, 1 December 1899, the first Labor would expect more of their representatives. I Government in the world was formed in this believe they would expect them to be here Parliament. It was a very historic day when the properly representing them in this Chamber. Honourable Anderson Dawson, Premier and Not participating today is an abrogation by Chief Secretary, formed the first Labor Government members of their Government. However, it was also a very sad responsibilities—responsibilities that we expect and disappointing day for many to be accepted all Queenslanders. Queenslanders, because on that same day, The Labor Party has realised some great that first Labor Government in the world lost a achievements. Workers' compensation was motion of confidence on the floor. It had legislated for in this Chamber—the first time lasted seven days. What happened was that anywhere in the world. Sickness benefits were Independents and Ministerialists reneged on introduced by Queenslanders like ourselves. undertakings they gave to enable the Labor The sugar industry legislation basically Government to be formed. dismantled an industry that depended on Today is also a very disappointing and black labour and forced a successful transition sad day for many Queenslanders with the loss to the use of high-cost white labour. That was of the Labor Government, but the really grave done through legislation passed in this disappointment here tonight is the shame that Parliament. The social justice initiatives of our many members are bringing to this Chamber. Government include sexual harassment laws, The refusal or inability of one side of this anti-discrimination laws, the Seniors Card, and House to debate a motion of confidence is a the dignity we bought to women, workers and shame. It is a disgrace for democracy and a their families. These are great achievements disgrace for the Westminster system to have of which I am proud. representatives of the people of Queensland in this Chamber who will not debate, who will Speaking as an agricultural scientist, not speak on their behalf in this Chamber. This Landcare and integrated catchment is especially so for the member for Gladstone. management were two of the most significant She precipitated this debate on a motion of initiatives that we have made for rural confidence, and that she will not participate in industries in decades. Those are initiatives that this debate is really shameful. we can all be proud of, regardless of which party and which Government was responsible The Premier and Deputy Premier said that for those initiatives and policies. However, it is the new Government, the one that the motion a shame that tonight Government members of confidence is directed towards supporting, abrogate that responsibility to the people that would provide accountability to this Parliament. they represent here. Government members are abrogating their responsibility by their tactics and strategies Many achievements have been made in here tonight. At least in 1899 the members of Bundaberg, including the Tallon bridge, a new this Parliament were prepared to debate a police station under construction, the DPI motion of confidence, but that is not the case building, the protection of Mon Repos, today. They had dignity; at least they were Kinkuna National Park, the university campus, prepared to stand up and say why there the regional mental health unit and breast should have been a new Government, but screening unit, and the renal dialysis unit. All that is not the case today. Government these are great achievements. More members dishonour this Chamber, they importantly than that, is the achievement that dishonour the Westminster system and, more we, and the members of this Parliament importantly, they dishonour themselves. This before us, have made in the social justice criticism applies especially to the member for initiatives of which we are proud. Gladstone, who has forced this debate but I want to say one thing: Government takes no responsibility to be here to speak on members will regret that they did not rise and behalf of the people she represents. support the motion of confidence in their I have pride in this Chamber, I have pride Government. I believe the member for in Queensland, and I have pride in the Gladstone will also find that it is thought achievements of this State—achievements disgraceful that she did not participate in this made through members like us who, for over a debate which she precipitated. It is a sad day century, have made decisions as when the Labor Government is not still in representatives of the people of Queensland. I power, but it is one that we will live with. We have pride in our pioneers, our sportsmen and will fight on to make sure that the women, the Sheffield Shield winners, and the achievements of Labor Governments over the State of Origin team members. They are all decades are safeguarded and we will strive Legislative Assembly 95 20 February 1996 towards even better and greater achievements housing; and plenty of talk about water in the future. resources projects but no action. In fact, it was Mr MULHERIN (Mackay) (9.08 p.m.): I a myth that the National/Liberal Parties looked wish to speak in support of the amendment. after the bush. They only looked after people On 15 July 1995, Mrs Cunningham was who lived within a three-hour drive from elected as the Independent member for Brisbane. Gladstone. The figures for that seat show that In contrast, the Goss Government went on first preference vote, Labor received 43.62 about restoring people's faith in the political per cent, Mrs Cunningham received 40.06 per process, depoliticising and reforming the cent, the Greens received 3.93 per cent and Police Service, and increasing expenditure on the National Party received 12.39 per cent. education, health and social welfare so as to Mr FitzGerald: Tedious repetition. bring these services up to or near the national average. The Labor Government has a proud Mr MULHERIN: Why does the member record when it comes to rebuilding this State's not speak in the debate? infrastructure, which was allowed to decay Mr FitzGerald: It's repetition. That's all under successive coalition Governments. you are. Nearly $1 billion has been spent upgrading the main railway line between Cairns and Mr MULHERIN: They are not allowed to Brisbane. Old wooden bridges were replaced, speak; Joan will not let them! On 12 February large sections of the track were straightened 1996, the honourable member for Gladstone and upgraded, and new rolling stock has been decided to side with the National/Liberal brought into service. In addition, major export coalition and oust the Labor Government. In ports have been upgraded and expanded, doing so, she thumbed her nose at her and record spending has seen dramatic constituents who so clearly showed, by their improvement in our roads and highways. July vote, that they wanted no part of a coalition Government by voting 12 per cent for In health, the Goss Government delivered the National Party candidate. a record $2.7 billion budget for the 1995-96 financial year, representing a funding increase Mr Stephan interjected. of $1.045 billion, or 63.2 per cent, since the Mr MULHERIN: The member should Goss Government came into office. This is in speak in the debate. In the course of time, the direct contrast to the coalition Government's people of Gladstone will pass judgment on her management efficiency dividend, which will actions which brought down the reformist Goss result in ripping off $27m from the public Labor Government. health system. I remind the honourable Prior to 1989, Queensland was the member for Gladstone that this is equivalent laughing stock of all the other States. to closing down the Gladstone Hospital or Queensland spent the lowest per capita on sacking 148 nurses. In addition to the record education, health, social welfare, police and Health budget, $1.725 billion will be spent on on infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, rebuilding hospitals throughout the State. schools, hospitals and public housing. New schools have been opened and Outdated legislation restricted the older schools upgraded under the Building development of our primary industries. Better Schools Program. The Goss Labor Corruption was institutionalised and the people Government has increased public housing of Queensland had lost faith in the political stock by 57 per cent, improved the design and process. This state of malaise was presided upgraded older dwellings. In doing so, we over by a National Party Government which have removed the stigma that has often been used the police force as a tool of repression to associated with public housing. silence its critics and in return allowed it to I have mentioned a few of the major have free rein without checks and balances. achievements of the Goss Labor Government, In the Mackay region, despite the fact but I have not mentioned what impact those that we had National Party ministerial achievements have had on Mackay and its representation continuously in the adjoining region. Mackay and its people have prospered seats of Mirani and Whitsunday, the people under Labor Governments. The Labor were left with a legacy of the worst roads in Governments of T. J. Ryan and Forgan Smith Queensland; overcrowded schools, underpaid firmly established the sugar industry, and my teachers and school buildings in a state of predecessor, the Honourable Edmund Casey, disrepair; underresourced police, and poorly as Primary Industries Minister in the Goss designed and ill-equipped police stations; Labor Government, was responsible for the poorly designed and maintained public expansion and restructuring of Queensland's 20 February 1996 96 Legislative Assembly sugar industry, which has reaped major In the term of the Forty-eighth Parliament, economic benefits to Mackay and this State. the Goss Government commenced Possibly the most undervalued yet most construction of a new district police significant resource is water. In 1993, the Goss headquarters in Mackay and refurbished the Government provided $31.7m towards the present historic police station at a cost of construction of the $56.7m Teemburra Dam $8.4m. This includes a new watch-house project in the Mirani electorate. This funding, facility and will mean that the people of together with $10m through the Sugar Mackay will be served by the most up-to-date Industry Infrastructure Package and $10m police facility in Australia. from the Mackay Sugar Cooperative and an In health, the Goss Government was undertaking for future irrigators to provide committed to spending $20m on redeveloping $5m, has meant a considerable boost to water the Mackay Hospital. Initially, $4.2m will be resource management in the Pioneer Valley. spent on upgrading the airconditioning system Teemburra Dam is a significant contribution to and the accident and emergency departments the future water needs of the Mackay district, and refurbishing the obstetric and paediatric but it is by no means sufficient. Water wards. In addition, well under way is the resource development in the Mackay district construction of the $6m community health will remain a high priority. In addition to centre, which will also provide facilities for Teemburra Dam, the Sugar Industry breast screening. Another initiative of the Goss Infrastructure Package has enabled growers in Labor Government was the establishment of the Plane Creek Mill growing area in the North Queensland Medical School, which conjunction with the mill to construct the south will ensure that we retain medical specialists in coast tram line, which has enabled expansion to continue. north Queensland. The development of the $8.2m cardiac unit in Townsville and the As I mentioned earlier, the Goss $20.3m radiation oncology unit will provide Government has upgraded and expanded north Queensland residents with access to export port facilities. This is no more evidenced first-class facilities without having to travel to than by the commitment for the $13m Brisbane. I urge the incoming Government to redevelopment of the Mackay port, which will continue those excellent health initiatives. ensure its commercial viability well into the twenty-first century, and the recent There has been a substantial redevelopment and capital upgrade of the improvement in our roads. I remember that Harbour Corporation's Dalrymple Bay Coal not so long ago a trip from Mackay to Bowen, Export Terminal at a cost of $168m. This a distance of 200 kilometres, would take three initiative has boosted the capacity of the port hours. Now, because of the significant by 45 per cent. In addition, the $50m upgrade upgrading of the highway between these of the Hay Point coal terminal by BHP and the centres, the trip takes only two hours. $6.4m Eungella water pipeline to the Bowen Likewise, we have seen major improvements Basin coalfields will ensure the development of in our local schools and public housing stocks. additional coalmines, such as the Burton Finally, I place on record how proud I am Downs project, which was announced recently that I was a member of a Goss Labor by the former Premier, the Honourable Wayne Government, and I conclude by quoting an Goss. extract from the editorial in the Mackay Daily Another significant achievement of the Mercury dated Saturday, 17 February 1996, Goss Labor Government has been the which stated— rerouting of the railway line out of Mackay city streets and the building of a new railway "Mr Goss is correct when he said station and goods yard. Mackay is the centre yesterday he was resigning the of a rich and vibrant region. It is an Queensland premiership with clean educational, medical and administrative hands. He is leaving his state and ALP centre. The Goss Labor Government has party leadership positions with the expanded the Mackay TAFE College at a cost satisfying knowledge that the economy of of $13m and established the Mackay campus Queensland is soundly based and of the University of Central Queensland, which administered; that he took office during a will be invaluable to the development of turbulent political period following the research and higher education for the region. Fitzgerald inquiry into corruption and the This type of growth will negate the need for defeat of the National Party at the polls Mackay students to travel to other institutions and ensured that the business of to attain their professional or trade government was able to continue and qualifications, in turn keeping qualified develop according to the policies he had professionals in Mackay. presented to the electors." Legislative Assembly 97 20 February 1996

Mrs BIRD (Whitsunday) (9.18 p.m.): In at a level equal to that in other rural regions. rising to oppose this motion of confidence in The region with 3.9 per cent of the the illegitimate minority Government, I express Queensland population received only 2.47 per my gratitude to Wayne Goss for the cent of health services funding. This was a opportunity to serve with him for the past six mistake? Mackay region residents were and a half years as a member of the best funded at $160 per head less than other rural Government that Queensland has ever had. residents. The deficiencies compared with When I came to this place in 1989, I did so as other rural regions was in the order of $18.6m someone from a long line of Labor supporters, per annum. This was a mistake? a fact of which I am proud. That pride comes The main cause of poor funding was due from the knowledge that in the years of the to the political fact that the Honourable Goss Labor Government we changed Edmund Casey, a Labor member of Queensland into a much better and honest Parliament, was also the State Opposition place for my children and my grandchildren. Leader. Mackay was last in the queue for I take this opportunity also to thank the health services for political reasons and for no previous Deputy Premier, Tom Burns, for his other reason. The extent of this underfunding years of dedication to the Labor Party and the would have worsened but for the intervention working people of this State. Some days ago, of the Goss Labor Government in 1989. For the Premier-in-waiting admitted to mistakes in the record—public hospitals expenditure per the past. Mistakes? Are Government head of population was $236.41. For rural members saying that their jackboot Queensland it was $382.65, and for the rest of approach—especially to supporting clergy—to Queensland it was $381.91—a further street marches was just a mistake? Are they deficiency of $17m. That was the magnitude saying their treatment of Aborigines in terms of of underfunding—and this was a mistake? social and health justice was a mistake? Are How can people have confidence in this type they saying that the closing of the Collinsville of thinking from a previous National Party Power Station was a mistake? Fuelled by blind mistake-ridden Government? hatred of unions and his obsession to reduce wages and working conditions, a former The seat of Whitsunday was previously National Party Premier sacked 1,000 linesmen represented by a National Party Minister, in SEQEB, putting families out of their homes Geoff Muntz. He was a former Welfare and onto starvation street. That was a Minister, a former Tourism Minister and a mistake? former Heritage Minister. Yet Whitsunday was resplendent in its lack of services. The former The Government expects us, the people National Party Government had become so of Queensland, to have confidence that these arrogant in its approach to its so-called safe mistakes will not happen again, even though seat that, even though it had a Cabinet the Premier was part of those mistakes, as Minister and a tirade of hangers-on in the were other members—the members for electorate, it did not deliver. Callide, Crows Nest, Cunningham, Southport and Keppel. In fact, most of the new Cabinet In 1988, I expressed my concern at the will probably be Bjelke-Petersen clones—all lack of welfare services in the fast-growing part of mistakes of the past. How can they tourist centre of Cannonvale/Airlie Beach. The expect a vote of confidence when we know National Party's response was that the that they are just the ghosts of the past who Government funded St Vincent de Paul and admit mistakes but did nothing to condemn, the Salvation Army and its responsibilities denounce or prevent them? And what about ceased at that point. Family and community those "nearly" mistakes, the ones that almost services in 1989 were totally absent. That happened? I refer to the selling off of shows how out of touch the former National Lindeman Island; Horvath and the incredible Party Government was. Many of its members steam car; Milan Brych, the shady convicted are still in this place, and some are set to medical fraud; and Dr Oskar, oilseed become members of the new Cabinet. How millionaire. Mistakes? can we have confidence in this Government? Was it also a mistake that in 1989 in per In six and a half years, the Labor Party capita terms the Mackay region was by far the established a neighbourhood and community most poorly funded health region in centre in Bowen and one in Cannonvale. I Queensland? This condition applied in relation recently had serious discussions with the to both total public hospital and total Minister for Family Services for assistance for community services expenditure. In only one Proserpine. The Goss Government of eight community services—that is, alcohol established crisis accommodation and crisis and drug dependence services—was funding counselling and support services for the 20 February 1996 98 Legislative Assembly disabled for Cannonvale and Proserpine. It of the coalition Government, she has brought also established domestic violence counselling down a good Labor Government and failed for women and a major health centre— the people of Queensland. If this situation had $750,000 worth—for Cannonvale to assist in arisen 12 months down the track, I am sure family health-related matters. The Goss Labor that the member for Gladstone would have Government committed itself to a viewed things differently. I cannot support this rebuild/refurbishment of the Proserpine ridiculous motion of confidence. Hospital, and consultant reports are now Mr ROBERTSON (Sunnybank) completed. At the July election, a commitment (9.27 p.m.): I rise in opposition to the motion was given by the National Party to an of confidence in the Liberal and National immediate start on that hospital upon its Parties' tawdry grab for power in Queensland. election. This must not become another Should this motion succeed, it will be a sad National Party "mistake". day for this great State of ours—— Funding has been committed to two new Mr Santoro interjected. police stations, one in Proserpine and one in Cannonvale. In 1989 when I inherited the Mr ROBERTSON: If Mr Santoro had electorate, female police officers were forced the guts, he would put his name on the to use the male toilets because of the National speakers' list. This will be a day when Party's refusal to build a female toilet. To use Queensland reached a turning point along the those toilets, female police officers had to path of respectability, when once again the pass by urinals when entering the toilets and risk of becoming the butt of jokes for the rest coughed very loudly when exiting. Can people of Australia hangs over all of our heads. understand why we cannot support a motion Mr Santoro interjected. of confidence in this Government when my Mr ROBERTSON: In the time that I officers were also forced to work without have been a member of this House, there has airconditioning and facilities and to do their been only one occasion on which Mr Santoro interviews beside the drug evidence cupboard has had nothing to say, and that is to this in the back room? motion of confidence in the Borbidge and How can we have confidence in the Sheldon-led Government. Let that be on the members of the coalition, who when in record! Government built a much-needed secondary Mr Borbidge, in moving the motion of school for the people of Collinsville and an confidence earlier today, noted that the abundance of housing commission homes political landscape in Queensland had prior to an election but then subsequently took changed. Yes, it has changed, and it was the away the jobs of the people of Collinsville by Goss Labor Government that changed it. So closing the power station after the election much has changed in Queensland over the simply because they voted Labor? When past six years. I remember well the night of 2 those people continued to vote Labor, the December 1989 when the National Party National Party gerrymandered the Labor- Government in Queensland was finally swept voting areas of Collinsville and Bowen to save from power. I remember well the collective sigh the hide of that failure of a National Party of relief that was heard throughout Minister, Geoff Muntz. The power station will Queensland. It was a relief based on the open again. Despite the odds, our Ministers, feeling that the yoke of oppression had finally especially Tony McGrady—to whom I will be been lifted from around the necks of so many ever grateful—have the power station to a Queenslanders who had suffered in so many stage at which we believe it will proceed ways from the narrow-minded tunnel vision despite this illegitimate minority Government, and outright thuggery of the previous National and despite the fact that the people of Party Government. Collinsville continue to vote Labor. Now, six years on, we find that a Although the happenings of the last few National/Liberal/Independent coalition has days cannot be ignored and will be looked on snatched power from a legitimately elected by future generations as a moral abuse of the Labor Government—a Labor Government parliamentary system, I take this opportunity to which, for the people of my electorate of welcome the new member for Mundingburra Sunnybank, has delivered so much. to this place—for however long he is here. I also congratulate the Premier and Deputy Mr Grice: Ken Davies sends his regards! Premier on their election—for however long Mr ROBERTSON: If the honourable they are here. As to the member for member wants to interject, I invite him to put Gladstone—I respect her right to make a his name on the speakers' list. I get extremely decision. In her obvious naivety of the virtues angry—not because of pathetic interjections Legislative Assembly 99 20 February 1996 from members who do not have the guts to National Parties' answer to the population and put their name on the speakers' list but when development pressures currently being members such as Mrs Sheldon, the member experienced in south-east Queensland, in for Caloundra, rise in this place and accuse suburbs in my electorate, such as Sunnybank, the Goss Labor Government of not delivering Sunnybank Hills, Runcorn, Kuraby, services, because that is simply not true. It Underwood, Stretton and Calamvale. There is was the Goss Labor Government which the coalition's answer to air quality problems, ensured that schools in my electorate water quality problems, housing, bushland benefited from capital works programs which protection, the provision of sport and built new assembly halls, classrooms and recreation facilities and the myriad other issues amenities blocks and refurbished existing that need to be addressed in order that the facilities suffering from the gross neglect of the quality of life which we all enjoy is protected. former National Party Government. It was the The coalition's solution is purely to build a Goss Labor Government which committed fence around the region and sit back and itself to building community sports complexes hope that people already living in the region such as the one under way at Runcorn State move elsewhere. Quite simply, it is a pathetic High School and which committed itself to response which alone justifies the defeat of protecting valuable areas of remnant bushland this motion of confidence. Because—and I am from future development. pleased to see most of them in the Chamber I could spend all the time allocated to me tonight—if the members for Mansfield, outlining how my electorate has benefited Springwood, Redlands and Albert, to name from six years of Goss Labor Government. but four, were for once honest with However, because today is Labor's first day on themselves, they would recognise here tonight the road back to Government, I want to deal that the interests of their constituents are not with some real concerns about the future going to be well served by a under a coalition-led Government. One of my Borbidge/Sheldon-led Government. Perhaps it great concerns about the future of is this point alone which explains their noted Queensland is the apparent lack of an absence from the list of speakers in this expressed vision for this State by the Liberal debate. Clearly, they must be having second and National Parties. Of particular concern is thoughts about whether to support this motion the absence of policies to cope with the of confidence in a leadership team devoid of continuing high population growth in ideas, devoid of vision and devoid of policies. south-east Queensland and in other centres I suspect that secretly those four around this State. members, among others, who represent A perusal of the coalition's policy electorates such as mine which are documents released prior to the July 1995 experiencing high rates of population growth State election—and I notice that Government and development are at the very least hoping members have gone quiet because they are that Labor retains power in Canberra, because about to learn something—gives virtually no under Howard and his Liberal/National Party recognition to the very real problems faced by mates, programs such as Labor's Better Cities fast-growing communities throughout Program will disappear and their last lifeline for Queensland. The only reference that I could policies and funding to protect the quality of find to issues of growth and planning in life of their constituents will disappear along south-east Queensland is to be found in the with them. Combine that with the coalition's environment policy. That policy, disappearance of programs such as Better which was released before the election, Cities and the announcement by states— Queensland's next Minister for Transport, Mr Johnson, that the South-east Queensland "The Coalition recognises the need Transport Authority will be downgraded and, for a decentralised population to enhance along with it, the focus on public transport the economic development capability of options, and one can almost see members the state and to ensure a stable environment. The coalition's State opposite squirm in their seats as they consider Economic Development Strategy will future career options. provide incentives to encourage people to Mr Johnson: You've got it wrong. relocate away from the populous south Mr ROBERTSON: If the member wants east corner." to say something, he should put his name on There it is in all its detailed, insightful and the list of speakers. analytical glory—the coalition's planning policy How could those four members—the for Queensland. There is the Liberal and members for Springwood, Mansfield, 20 February 1996 100 Legislative Assembly

Redlands and Albert—be so derelict in their the member for Springwood and their mate in responsibilities to their electorates by failing to Mansfield, because the four of them will have stand up in the House today, voice their to plead guilty for the environmental and social concerns and vote against this motion of disaster that they are about to perpetrate on confidence in the policy-free zone opposite? I the people of those electorates. suspect that this conundrum has not even Mr Barton interjected. occurred to those National and Liberal Party members—the very four members who stood Mr ROBERTSON: I thank the member back and allowed their party leaders to for that support. promote a policy to widen the South East Those four members do that in the full Freeway and the Pacific Highway to eight knowledge that their respective leaders are lanes. I am extremely proud that I am one of devoid of transport alternatives to encourage the members in this place to have publicly greater use of public transport—something opposed that disgraceful transport planning that did not even rate a mention in the disaster and exposed it as the environmentally contribution from "the odd couple" who spoke and socially destructive proposal that it is. this morning. They are devoid of transport The people who live along the South East alternatives to encourage greater use of public Freeway have not heard one word from the transport. They are devoid of alternatives for members for Mansfield, Springwood, transport options, such as Labor's busways Redlands and Albert. Clearly, those members and bikeways programs. do not care and, clearly, they are more Mr Baumann interjected. interested in securing seats on the Mr ROBERTSON: The member should Government side of the House than in have the guts to put his name on the list of properly and effectively representing the interests of their electorates. The proof of their speakers. dereliction will be apparent when they vote in Those four electorates have become favour of this motion of confidence. When known as the south coast motorway seats. I they do that, they will be voting for a widening predict that, within two years, after the next of the South East Freeway from six to eight State election, they will have to be renamed, lanes. They will also be voting in favour of the because there will be a few more coffins along accompanying social and environmental the South East Freeway and Pacific Highway distress that the proposal will cause—not to as a result of this Government's policies to mention the resumption of land and homes as widen it from six to eight lanes. the freeway moves ever closer to the kitchens I return to the coalition's major planning and bedroom windows of residents in policy for south-east Queensland, a policy Underwood, Springwood, Slacks Creek, which makes absolutely no reference to a Shailer Park and other communities along the continuing commitment to the SEQ 2001 freeway. project but simply wants to encourage people As the roadwork commences along the to move out of south-east Queensland and South East Freeway and Pacific Highway, and back to less populated centres, attracted by as the bitumen is laid closer and closer to the the prospect of newly created jobs arising from backyards of families who live along the unspecified initiatives. corridor through the electorates of Mansfield, Dr Watson interjected. Springwood, Albert, Redlands and my electorate of Sunnybank, Mr Johnson can be Mr ROBERTSON: If the member for assured of one thing: that on every Moggill wants to comment, he should put his occasion—— name on the list of speakers. Mr Johnson: You were there for six This hardly rates as a new policy. In fact, it years, and what did you do about it? Nothing! hardly rates as a policy at all in comparison You wouldn't make a decision. I'll give you the with the initiatives taken by the Goss Labor mail. We'll make a decision. Government over the past six years. Regional development is a commonsense aim that was Mr ROBERTSON: The member should pursued by the Goss Government and the have the guts to put his name on the list of National Party Government before it. So in speakers. terms of assessing whether the coalition really The member can be assured that I will has the answers to a major problem which is remind the people that it was the occurring right throughout the world, that is, a National/Liberal Party Government that did this population drift from rural areas to cities, or with the support and knowledge of the whether the coalition is yet again just member for Albert, the member for Redlands, mouthing empty platitudes and motherhood Legislative Assembly 101 20 February 1996 statements, let us consider its record prior to At the very same time that Mr Borbidge 1989, because it has a stated commitment to was uttering those platitudes about openness, allegedly looking after rural areas. consultation and inclusiveness, his Federal According to the Bureau of Statistics, in leader, John Howard, was announcing the 1966, 76.4 per cent of Queensland's coalition's youth policy at Macgregor on population lived in Brisbane and other urban Brisbane's south side. In a display of how areas throughout Queensland. In 1986, after paper thin is the Liberal's commitment to a further 20 years of coalition Government, young people, the president of the National that percentage had increased to 79 per cent. Union of Students, the organisation which Why? Because the former National Party represents hundreds of thousands of tertiary Government could not deliver the services and students through Australia, was not only not initiatives to keep people—particularly young invited to the launch of the policy and denied people—in rural areas. The National/Liberal entry to it but also he was denied access to a coalition does not have a solution to the copy of the coalition's youth policy. Is this the problem. Its record indicates that it was a style of leadership that Mr Borbidge wants to contributor to the problem. emulate: a style where inclusion means exclusion; a style where consultation and I will be watching very closely how the information sharing is by invitation only? His coalition intends to address the problems Federal leader did him no favours today arising from south-east Queensland's because, although they both speak in similar increasing population, and I will be very tongues—albeit forked—Mr Howard interested to see whether it remains demonstrated how thin is the veneer when it committed to supporting Labor's initiative comes to a real commitment to inclusion and arising from the SEQ 2001 project. I will also consultation. How short a time that be very interested to see if it will commit itself commitment lasted. to embracing important local initiatives, such In the time that is left to me, I must also as the purchase of remnant bushland in areas place on record my profound disappointment such as Karawatha in my electorate. These will that Queensland has not heard a contribution be important tests for the new Government in today from the member for Gladstone. I would demonstrating whether it shares a real go so far as to say that not justifying her commitment to our environment or whether a decision to bring down the Goss Government massive confidence trick has been played on today in Parliament during this debate the people of Queensland. represents a contempt of this Parliament, This morning, the Leader of the National perhaps not in the technical sense but Party, Mr Borbidge, rose in this place and certainly in the moral sense. declared that his Government would be an Government members interjected. inclusive Government, a Government that would consult. At the very same time that Mr Mr ROBERTSON: They bleat, but they Borbidge was standing in this place-—— do not have the guts to put their names on the list of speakers to support the odd couple. Honourable members interjected. This is the place where the member for Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Gladstone should stand and, after hearing Palaszczuk): Order! Honourable members on contributions—— both sides of the House will come to order. A Government member interjected. The honourable member for Sunnybank can Mr ROBERTSON: If he wishes to now continue. speak, the honourable member should put his Mr ROBERTSON: At the very same name on the list of speakers; otherwise, he time that Mr Borbidge—— should be quiet. Mr Borbidge interjected. This is the place where the member for Gladstone should stand and, after hearing Mr ROBERTSON: Is the Premier contributions by members from both sides of displaying a touch of arrogance? the House, justify to the people of Queensland Mr Mackenroth: No, it's not. I am why this motion of confidence should succeed. asking a question. I am trying to get better I do not believe for one moment that it is good conditions for the Opposition. enough that the fate of any Government be Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! announced in a vacant lot in Gladstone, or in any other place in Queensland, and for the Mr ROBERTSON: Mr Deputy Speaker, member responsible to then remain silent in I just thought I saw a hint of arrogance coming this Chamber. The people and the Parliament through there, but I was mistaken. of Queensland deserve a lot better than that. 20 February 1996 102 Legislative Assembly

Early last week, Queensland listened to Government has to offer Queenslanders. the member for Gladstone's statement of Previous speakers have rightly said that we support for a Borbidge/Sheldon-led State instituted reforms that have improved the very Government from a vacant lot in Gladstone. fabric of society in this State, reforms which Queenslanders now have the opportunity to this new Government will find very difficult to listen to former Ministers of the Goss Labor overturn because they have been embraced Government answer a range of concerns by the Queensland community. raised by the member for Gladstone. Queensland has a right to know the member Last Sunday night, one of the television for Gladstone's response to the issues raised stations ran a program called The Brisbane by members of the former Labor Government, Story. The first 10 minutes of that program the Government that she has played such a showed the street marches of the 1970s and pivotal role in bringing down. Surely 1980s. The horrific scenes that were shown of Queensland has a right to know. This ordinary people exercising their democratic Parliament certainly has a right to know, and rights to protest against injustices, such as the the people of Gladstone have a right to Vietnam War and apartheid, being confronted know—particularly the 60 per cent of people in by hundreds of police being used as Gladstone who did not want a coalition stormtroopers to stop the marches brought Government in this State. back memories of the style of past National Party Governments. I suspect that many Government members interjected. people have short memories and the Mr ROBERTSON: Government generation of voters today do not remember members can challenge me. The Electoral the reign of oppression and victimisation Commission carried out a notional distribution meted out by the previous National Party of preferences on the votes for the member Government. But the people on this side of for Gladstone and Labor Party support the House remember. Labor voters, equalled 60 per cent. The Parliament has a particularly in Labor electorates, remember the right to know what the member for Gladstone neglect of their schools, housing and thinks and the people of Gladstone also have communities. a right to know, as I said, particularly the 60 per cent of people in Gladstone who did not Mr Borbidge is asking us and them to want a coalition Government in this State. take a huge leap of faith if he wants us to believe that his Government will be different. It will be a moral contempt of this Whatever else it has been, the Goss Labor Parliament and the people of Queensland if Government has encouraged a degree of the member for Gladstone remains silent in fairness and propriety previously unknown in this place and then answers these challenges this State. I will use capital works as an in the media after the motion, amended or illustration. Having served as Chair of the not, is passed. I noted Mrs Cunningham's Public Works Committee and as a member of comments on the news tonight that she will that committee for two terms, I am in a good respond when she obtains further information. position to comment on the progress of capital What further information? Does she deny works under the Goss Labor Government. attending a public meeting with former Devoting almost one-third of every annual Ministers Hamill and Milliner to discuss the new Budget to capital works expenditure, it built high school? and rebuilt schools, hospitals, court houses, Time expired. police stations, public housing, roads and Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Before community centres in every region of this the honourable member for Mount Gravatt State. There was no distinction about who commences her contribution to this debate, I would receive the new resources based on would ask all honourable members to extend political grounds; the decisions were made on some courtesies to members on their feet. the basis of need. I do not believe that The Chair has been very tolerant up until now. anyone in the Government can dispute that. This could be the Chair's last day in this If coalition members have ever been position, so watch it. frustrated that a project required in their Ms SPENCE (Mount Gravatt) electorates took longer than expected to (9.47 p.m.): I rise to speak in opposition to this become part of the Budget, I can assure them motion of confidence in this minority that many members on this side of the House Government. On an occasion such as this, it is felt the same way. I can only hope that the appropriate to stand back and reflect on some incoming Government will keep this method of of the achievements of the six years of Labor decision making because people can accept Government and speculate on what this new waiting for something on the basis that the Legislative Assembly 103 20 February 1996 need is greater elsewhere if they are confident Today, Mr Connor interjected—and I that decisions are being made fairly. believe that he is going to be the new Minister The only capital works projects the for Housing—and said, "People will not need Premier mentioned this morning were prisons. public housing under a coalition Government He criticised the Labor Government—and I because the economy will improve." To my use his words—for using prisons as a last mind, that shows his complete lack of resort. If they are not a last resort, I ask Mr understanding of public Housing Commission Borbidge: what are they? That type of thinking tenants in this State and the needs of those sends frightening messages from this new people. It also demonstrates the arrogance of Government. members opposite who believe that they will not need to provide more public housing. Whilst I am on the issue of capital works, I want to spend a few minutes talking about To my mind, one of the most important public housing. After 32 years of neglect, one achievements of the Labor Government was of the first priorities of the Labor Government the passing of the Weapons Bill in 1990, was to improve the state of Queensland's which, for the first time, brought decent gun public housing stock. Under Ministers Tom control legislation to this State. Statements made by individual coalition members over the Burns and then , a years reflect their desire to introduce again systematic program of upgrading ensued. widespread gun ownership to the people of Throughout the State, pensioners in units Queensland. That should act as a chilling were given security screen doors and windows reminder to all Queenslanders that the so that they could feel safe in their homes. sensible social reforms introduced by the Houses and units were given carports, floor Labor Government over the last five years coverings, new kitchens and bathrooms. may indeed be fragile now that that simple- Today, I travelled around the State housing minded group of individuals opposite are areas in my electorate and I saw what six being given the opportunity to govern this years of a Labor Government has done to State again. In adopting a strategy of fear improve the living conditions of State housing promotion, the coalition, when in Opposition, tenants. The units that have been built during caused a reduction in the quality of life of that time have landscaping with private groups in our communities, such as the elderly courtyards and clothes lines. The bathrooms and women generally. The clear loser has are suitable for the disabled. The kitchens are been the general public, whose attitudes are modern and there are built-in cupboards and shaped inappropriately by the images of crime wardrobes and fans. that were fed to it by the coalition. That The Labor Government not only improved strategy will come back to haunt the coalition, the standards of the accommodation but also because it knows that it cannot turn back the changed the whole philosophy of the clock and make people feel safer just because Department of Housing. When I was first they have a coalition Government in this State elected in 1989, I took over from a National or because it has put a couple more police out Party member of Parliament. Apparently, the in the community. That is not going to change practice in those days led people to believe things. That is not going to change the culture that they had only to get the ear of their of fear that, over the last six years, the member of Parliament and they were moved coalition has promoted in this State. up the waiting list for receiving a house or a Mr Santoro: You are blaming them. transfer, thereby jumping the queue in front of Ms SPENCE: I am not blaming them, I people who had waited patiently for years. It am blaming the coalition. I guess we always has taken me years to talk to people about knew that the coalition was mad about guns fairness. Tom Burns stopped the practice of but the most ridiculous, destructive and queue jumping and changed the philosophy appalling of its policies was released during its of the department to one that meant that July election campaign when it told the people tenants were to be regarded as valued clients, that it was going to put policemen in high decision making was to be based on fairness schools. A cop in every school. What for? To and need, and the State's housing stock frisk kids when they come through the school would be regarded as a valuable asset. It will gate? To find the chewing gum stuck behind be a challenge for this incoming Government the chairs or the cigarettes hidden in the to maintain and improve on this philosophy school bag? Central to that idea is the and keep up the expenditure on the provision coalition's idea that schools are a hotbed of of new housing stock because the waiting crime and, as such, require a police presence. times are still long and the need for more That is absolute rubbish! Are criminals to be public housing is a pressing one. found in school grounds? They are not. They 20 February 1996 104 Legislative Assembly are out in the wider community breaking into could be outlawed by a Federal coalition houses, perpetuating domestic violence and Government. Under John Howard's policies, drink-driving on the roads. If the coalition is nurses, police and waterfront workers could be going to waste its police resources by having restricted from striking. Memories of the bad them behind school gates, then the police are old days of the National Party Government's not going to be catching real criminals. confrontation with sacked SEQEB workers What sort of message does that send to come flooding back. One of the first steps of our children—to have police officers guarding the Goss Labor Government was to pay the them at school as though school is a sacked SEQEB workers their superannuation threatening place and they need prosecution? entitlements. I want to know whether the coalition is going to This morning in his speech, Premier station police officers in private schools as well, Borbidge pleaded with us—and I use his or do only State schools need guarding? I say words—to not paint them in the same light as to members opposite that I have not met a the National Party Government of the 1970s teacher who thinks that this proposal is a good and 1980s because the political landscape idea. has changed. Obviously, he is desperate to What else is the coalition going to do for disassociate himself from the Bjelke-Petersen style of Government. Unfortunately, he has education? We have had five years of Bob plenty of the old Bjelke-Petersen style Quinn criticising the Labor Government for its rednecks in his ranks, and they will be in his education policies, but we have heard little in Cabinet pursuing their racist, intolerant, the way of policies from him. I am very proud narrow-minded policies, whether they are in of the achievements that this Labor the areas of Aboriginal affairs, crime, domestic Government has made in education. The violence, education or industrial relations laws. introduction of the Languages Other Than The member for Beaudesert, who is set to English program is the most comprehensive become the new Family Services Minister, foreign language program in any State of Australia. That program is more than just claims that one of his first aims is to make it about teaching a language; it is about harder for women to take out protection changing the insular nature of our society to orders. He shows no understanding of the one that is outward looking and understanding problem of domestic violence. The women of of other countries and cultures and our place Queensland should place no faith in this in the world. The Labor Government brought coalition Government. The future Minister down class sizes to acceptable levels. The responsible for domestic violence trivialises this Labor Government paid teachers a decent most serious problem by hinting that women wage to bring their wages up to a par with exploit the use of protection orders. other teachers in Australia. The Labor We now have a Government whose Government has given primary school members opposed our introduction of teachers preparation and correction time, that anti-discrimination legislation. They opposed a is, time away from the classrooms—something Bill which enshrined in law the rights of every that the National Party Government would not person to have equal rights and opportunities even consider. Teachers would do well to and which made discrimination on the basis of remember the gains they have made under a race, sex, religion, sexuality, disability or Labor Government. marital status illegal. As a result of this most sensible law of the Goss Labor Government, I am proud about the way in which the landlords have been required to treat their Labor Government spent money on the long tenants in a fair manner, employers have not neglected schools in Labor electorates that been allowed to sack women who fall the National Party Government had ignored pregnant, restaurant owners have had to for 32 years. I mention one of the schools in accept that it is a woman's right to breastfeed my electorate, Seville Road Primary School, her child and Aborigines have had their right to which has always been located in a Labor equality enshrined in law. electorate, having moved from Chatsworth to the Mount Gravatt electorate. Under the Labor This is the type of legislation the people Government, it finally received some now on the Government benches opposed in improvements. this House. Let us not forget that Mrs Sheldon, the new spokesperson on women's The recent release of the Federal issues, opposed this anti-discrimination Bill. In coalition's industrial relations policy promises, fact, she declared in this House that she did among other draconian measures, to look at not believe women in this State were introducing essential services legislation. discriminated against. Her arrogance and her Under essential services legislation, strikes sense of self-satisfaction have long been the Legislative Assembly 105 20 February 1996 hallmark of her style of politics. I have always member who did not make an independent been worried that Mrs Sheldon suffers from decision. I am not frightened to criticise her the Queen Bee syndrome: "I have made it to because she is a woman, and I can accept the top, so all you other women can do so, criticism, too. too." I think that her privileged and fortunate We stand here, secure in the knowledge life has excluded her from the problems and that we are a strong Opposition, having left discrimination experienced by ordinary women the people of Queensland in a better place for in their everyday lives. I have no confidence in having been in Government for six years. We her or this National/Liberal coalition to deliver a will continue to occupy a position of strength better deal for women in this State. on the Queensland political scene. I cannot support a vote of confidence in a Borbidge/Sheldon Government. This coalition, Mr PURCELL (Bulimba) (10.04 p.m.): I which the member for Gladstone has made rise to oppose the motion of confidence in the the Government of Queensland, does not minority, back-door Government led by the possess the legitimacy of a duly elected member for Surfers Paradise. I have grave Government. They are usurpers of the concerns for my constituents, and for the Government benches, courtesy of the people of Queensland, that we will go back to member for Gladstone—not through the will of the bad old days when, for 30-odd years, the Queensland people, but by virtue of the Labor electorates were wastelands under a acute political skills of the member for National Party Government, when the needy Gladstone who successfully led the people of and the less well-off were ignored, when Gladstone into believing that she was an schools had no priority, and when public Independent. It is becoming apparent to those housing tenants were not cared for or cared people, and indeed to all Queenslanders, that about. The Goss/Burns -ed Government of the the only way this coalition Government will past six and a half years has set high succeed is by having the member for standards for future Queensland Governments Gladstone vote with them on every piece of to emulate. I hope that the member for legislation, every vote of confidence and every Surfers Paradise—— matter of importance in this House. The whole Mr Johnson: The Premier, thank you. question of her independence will be critically questioned on every vote in this place. Mr PURCELL: Did he cease to be the member for Surfers Paradise? I hope that the Mr Hamill: Did you see the cartoon in member for Surfers Paradise will honour the the Courier-Mail this morning? high standards and promises he has made in Ms SPENCE: I thought that the cartoon the press in the last week or so. Indeed, in in the Courier-Mail was excellent. today's Courier-Mail he made these further Mr Hamill: I thought she looked like she promises— was in Mr Borbidge's pocket. "Premier Rob Borbidge will impose Ms SPENCE: Perhaps it is a bit cruel on strict standards on his National-Liberal the cartoonist to suggest that, but I know that Cabinet which will work under what he many people out there have suggested that to describes as Australia's toughest me. I would not do so, though. ministerial code of conduct. Mr Borbidge Mr Hamill: You are very charitable. will continue the ban on ministerial credit cards, limit overseas travel and closely Ms SPENCE: I am charitable. Today, monitor staff appointments in ministers' Labor voters are hurting and Labor supporters offices. are hurting. The State Labor Government they had waited so long for, that they had worked 'There will be a few more so hard for, has been taken from them conditions—standards I will be pointing because one person decided that a leaky roof out to those who will be asked to sit in in a hospital and the delayed construction of a Cabinet,' Mr Borbidge said yesterday." school should bring down the Government of We do not know who is going to be sitting in this State. Cabinet yet. I think to have a confidence Mrs McCauley: You want to stand up motion in a Government of two people is for women, but you only want to stand up for ridiculous. The Courier-Mail article continues— Labor women. "He was determined there would be Ms SPENCE: I will stand up for all no repeat of the abuses which contributed women in this State. I am not criticising the to the downfall in 1989 of the National member for Gladstone because she is a Party government and the jailing of four woman, but because she is an Independent ministers for misuse of public funds. 20 February 1996 106 Legislative Assembly

'I will make sure everyone behaves as an incoming Minister would realise, we themselves', Mr Borbidge said." have an extra track through my electorate, I hope the Premier will keep that promise. I and commitments have been made for sound would like to see the direction of commitment barriers, landscaping and upgrading of railway started by the Labor Government continue in stations. I issue an invitation to the Minister to the electorate of Bulimba, and the Premier look at that project. acting in a fair and even-handed manner, as, A Government member interjected. in the last week or so, he has been promising Mr PURCELL: No, I will not be in the press. supporting any confidence motion. In my electorate, the Goss Labor Another project is going ahead in Government has been looking at the Bulimba, for which an EB is being prepared at development of 100 acres at the old sale the moment. It is before the council awaiting yards at Cannon Hill. This is probably the its approval. I refer to the plant to built by BHP largest tract of land in any capital city of at Murarrie. BHP has held meetings with Australia within 10 minutes of the city centre. community groups in the Murarrie and Cannon Mrs McCauley: Good views? Hill areas, which back onto the proposed plant Mr PURCELL: Good views, great site. I think the people of Murarrie can put up electorate, great place to live. We were looking with the plant that is going ahead at the to develop that land with private enterprise, moment. However, BHP is seeking to with about 80 per cent to be sold and 20 per construct a further two stages, the third of cent allocated for public housing. We have which is a smelter, on that ground at Murarrie. already had consultations with the Murarrie As I said before, Murarrie is about 10 Progress Association and the people of kilometres from town. The middle of a Cannon Hill, and that project is very close to residential area is not the appropriate place for starting. As a part of this project, the a smelter, and we will be seeking protection if Goss/Burns Government was looking at that stage goes ahead. building a community complex, including a Let us look at certain of the previous swimming pool, and developing other projects Government's commitments in my electorate. that are sorely needed in the electorate of There was a commitment to swap seven Bulimba. hectares of land at the end of Colmslie Road An Opposition member: It was at Colmslie, next to the meatworks, which runs certainly neglected for 30 years by that crew along the river. We were going to give that over there. land to the Brisbane City Council, with the intention that it be turned into a park which the Mr PURCELL: Yes. council would look after for the residents of not Government members interjected. only my electorate but also other electorates in Mr PURCELL: If Government members Brisbane. want to speak, we will let them speak. I turn to Mr Santoro: There is a lot happening in address the remarks of the incoming Transport your electorate, isn't there? Minister, the member for Gregory. Mr PURCELL: There is a lot happening A Government member: Is that right? in my electorate. Mr PURCELL: Yes, that is right. Mr Santoro: It almost sounds like the Ms Spence: They have dumped him. economic centre of Queensland. Mr PURCELL: No, I do not think they Mr PURCELL: It will be shortly. have dumped him. They will not dump him. A The incoming Police Minister, Mr Cooper, four-lane highway has been planned to go needs to do some tidying up with respect to through the heart of Hemmant, and an EIS is the police station in my electorate. The being prepared. There are alternative routes National Party put up a shed on a water pipe for that road. Hemmant is probably one of the about 22-odd years ago. It is still there. At the oldest areas of Brisbane, and is located down moment, 22 officers operate cheek by jowl out near the port. If that four-lane highway goes of that station. It is an unsafe workplace and it ahead, it will lock the people of Hemmant is certainly not conducive to good policing. We between two major roads. They will have an will be looking to upgrade that police station. Is 100 kilometres an hour freeway on one side the Minister listening? I knew that he was not and an 80 kilometres an hour road on the listening. other side. There are alternative routes, and I issue an invitation to the incoming Transport Mr Cooper: What have you ever done Minister to take a look at the proposal. Also, for me? Legislative Assembly 107 20 February 1996

Mr PURCELL: I might not have done confidence in the new Government and to anything for the Minister, but, as he well express my concern that a good Government knows, at one stage I used to do a bit of which has served Queensland well for six and contract ploughing for his father, who was a a half years, as the Goss Labor Government gentleman for whom I enjoyed working. I has, can be dismissed not by the people of shared the odd bottle of rum with him, and he Queensland but by one person who was was one of the best payers I knew. When I elected by the people of Gladstone as an pulled out of the paddock, he paid dead on Independent, not as a member of the the knocker. coalition. Also, it has come to my attention that The Goss Labor Government has been a Telstra has sold off attractive land in Bulimba clean, honest Government—no corruption, no to a developer. It refused to sell it to the brown paper bags and none of the corruption Queensland Government. Telstra wanted too that the Fitzgerald inquiry uncovered under the much money for it, and I do not think that it previous National Party Government. Also, got the money that it wanted for it. It has been there were no gerrymanders. I am proud to be in contact with the Lands Department. There able to say that the incoming Government will are five or six metres of land along Bulimba take over from a Government that has swept Point that belongs to the Lands Department. I away all of those forms of corruption—the will be encouraging the incoming Minister for paper bags, the graft and the gerrymanders Lands not to allow Telstra to lease that land that were commonplace in the previous and, therefore, lease it back to the developer. National Party Government. That land belongs to the people of Bulimba. The Goss Labor Government inherited a The council is negotiating for the developer to $4.5 billion net debt in 1989. Today, we hand give up 10 per cent of his land so that that over a State which is net debt free with a AAA- land can be made available to my constituents plus world credit rating. With this sort of solid and anybody who comes down to Bulimba performance, one has to wonder why it was Point. If honourable members have not been brought down by the vote of one supposedly down to Bulimba Point, they should have a bit Independent member. I take this opportunity of a bo peep. It is a nice place to go. Most of to point out where and how the electorate of the river along Bulimba is not accessible to the Maryborough has gained under the public; it is privately owned. That is one of the stewardship of the Goss Labor Government few areas from which the public will be able to over the past six and a half years. gain access to the point. In 1989, Walkers Limited was at the I wish to remind the incoming Premier of crossroads and it looked more than likely that his commitment to the people of Queensland Maryborough would lose an engineering to be even-handed in dealing with workers and industry that had played a very major role in unions, and I urge him to ensure that the the early development and ongoing economy privatisation of business units is not the means of the Maryborough district, as it still does by which he funds any of the $7m that he has today. In 1989, Walkers Limited was promised since the last election. Rumours are employing 350 workers. Today, Walkers rife at the moment in Q-Fleet, Q-Build and Go- Limited is employing 650 workers, and has in Fleet that those Government enterprises will hand in excess of $250m in forward orders. be sold off to fund the promises made by the These orders include the prestigious $65.5m Government. The Premier needs to make it tilt train for Queensland Rail, a project which I plain to those workers that they will not be sincerely hope the incoming Government thrown on the scrapheap to fund election completes; $100m for light rail cars for Kuala promises. Lumpur; $80m for trains for the Brisbane- I noted earlier the Premier's comments Sunshine Coast rail link; sugar equipment for that he will not go back to the bad old days of South East Asia and Mexico; as well as other disbursing money to only those electorates rolling stock orders for Queensland Rail that are of the same political persuasion but amounting to many millions of dollars. Again, I will lead a compassionate Government hope a continuation of this sort of support representing all Queenslanders. I offer the continues to Walkers Limited from the Premier the opportunity to support that incoming Government. statement by showing support for the I cite the financial report of EDI, the aforementioned projects in the electorate of parent company of Maryborough Walkers Bulimba. Limited. It stated— Mr DOLLIN (Maryborough) (10.17 p.m.): "Engineering group Evans Deakin I rise to speak against the motion of Industries Ltd said it was poised for 20 February 1996 108 Legislative Assembly

another record year after announcing a turnover and investments, due to a large record interim result yesterday. EDI extent to the World Heritage listing of Fraser Chairman Ron Paul said the group was Island. going into the second half of the year with On what was a hole in the ground in 1989 $276.6 million orders on hand and the at Nagel Street now stands a $14m TAFE company was out beating the bushes for college. We also completed, at a cost of over more contracts. The group yesterday $2m, a new state-of-the-art police station at posted an 11.1 per cent rise in net profit Maryborough. In 1989, Maryborough's transit to $6.05m on a 46.6 per cent hike in centre was a couple of seats under a fig tree sales to $133.77m. An unchanged fully where people got pretty wet if it rained. The franked interim dividend of 7.0 cents was little-used railway station at that time was declared. Mr Paul said the strong revenue transformed into what has been described as growth had been generated by the one of the best transit facilities outside electrical and instrumentation construction Brisbane. A $3m new Government office on group Ralph M. Lee and railway rolling the corner of Alice and Lennox Streets, stock manufacturer Walkers Limited, with Maryborough houses regional offices of the the balance coming from the new Departments of Education and Environment business acquired in 1995. Late last year, and Heritage and is the first Government office EDI launched an offer to takeover space to be built in Maryborough in 50 years. Bundaberg-based agricultural machinery Every school in the Maryborough electorate manufacturer Austoft Holdings Limited." has been upgraded and has had additional If that is not a vote of confidence in the Goss classrooms established at a cost of $40m-odd Labor Government, then I have never heard in capital works alone over the last six years. one. This does not include the installation of computers and sporting, play and gardening The timber industry is a very important equipment. one in our region and one which has been well supported by the Goss Labor Government. I could go on and on, but I will now turn to The industry has invested $60m over the last a number of new projects planned or under few years in milling, processing and construction by the Goss Government— manufacturing equipment and a similar projects and plans that the community of the amount in harvesting equipment. No doubt Maryborough electorate has fought hard to most members of this House would be aware win for the area. I refer to projects such as the of the chip mill operating at Owanyilla which completion of the almost-finished regional utilises the culls from the pine plantations in hospital laundry. I refer to the $9m upgrading the region. This chip mill is earning the State and refurbishment of the Maryborough $12m per annum in exports and has created Hospital now under way, which includes full about 80 jobs. Queensland Rail hauls the airconditioning of the hospital before next chips to Gladstone in two specially built trains summer. I hope that Mr Horan heard that and which work around the clock, earning sticks to that commitment. Another project is approximately $50m over the term of the 10- the widening of the Granville bridge, planned year contract. This is just another important to commence next month to make a industry initiated by the Goss Labor dangerous crossing safe for Granville citizens. Government, and it is yet another industry There is also the installation of traffic lights at which has registered a vote of confidence in Granville. Those projects are funded at over the Goss Government by its huge investment. $1m, and I ask that they go ahead as planned. There has been $800,000 provided The sugar industry in the Maryborough by the Goss Government for a long-awaited, region has probably never been in a better much-needed ambulance station. position, having produced two record harvests. Maryborough ambulance station officers have The Maryborough sugar mill has invested been operating out of an old hospital ward for heavily in upgrading its equipment and the last 30 years or longer. Three extra expanding its area of cane production. The ambulance officers have also been promised whole industry has been investing and to Maryborough to provide a fully operational responding with confidence. It could not be 24-hour service. anything but satisfied with the Goss Labor Government. A high priority for the citizens of Tinana is a bus service for their area. This service should The economy of the Wide Bay region has have been operating last September, but due gone from stagnation six and a half years ago to difficulties in the bus contractor and to being one of the fastest growing in the Queensland Transport departmental officers State. Tourism has trebled in business reaching an agreement, the much-needed Legislative Assembly 109 20 February 1996 service to Tinana citizens has been put back that it finish the two extra passing lanes under to April. I ask the incoming Minister for construction between Curra and Maryborough Transport to ensure that this deadline is met, and that the improvements on the Bruce as Tinana is the fastest-growing suburb in Highway at the turn-in to Curra Country, which Maryborough and is at present without any have been approved and funded by the means of public transport whatsoever. Most outgoing Government, be carried out as soon importantly, I ask that a $1m proposal for the as possible. There is machinery presently planned extension of the Maryborough working on a passing lane within a few community regional recreation centre, being hundred metres that could be utilised to do financed from the Goss Labor Government's this job before moving on. youth services development grant, be The incoming Government will go down in approved. history as one of the very few Governments I ask the incoming Minister for Transport that was elected on the will of one person. to continue with the freeing up of There have in the past been two Governors- Maryborough's vacant Queensland Rail land General who dismissed two Labor for the development of a major shopping Governments without an election, but to my complex—something Maryborough citizens knowledge this is the first time that an have desired for many years. There are two Independent member of Parliament has major developers plus others who are changed a Government with one vote. This is interested in developing this very centrally a back-door Government. It has come to situated 40-acre site, which is something of an power through the tradesmen's entrance. Mr eyesore at the present time. I advise the Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon knocked on the incoming Minister for Transport that a back door of the House and the member for response from Queensland Rail property Gladstone let them in through that door management has either been returned to the without asking the owners of the House, the office of Mr Elder, the former Minister for citizens of Gladstone, for permission. The two Transport, or will be this week. I ask that the Governors-General who sacked Labor leaders incoming Minister for Transport give this matter in the past have not been very highly his earliest attention. Are you listening, respected in hindsight or in history. I hope that Vaughan? the member for Gladstone will not be judged Mr Johnson: I am. by history as harshly as they were. Mr DOLLIN: The Maryborough I take this opportunity to thank the former community needs these projects and new Premier, Wayne Goss, for leading the Labor facilities, and it would be a great Party out of the political wilderness six and a disappointment to them if the new half years ago and for all of the great things Government does not follow through on them. that he achieved for our State in his term as I turn now to contracts given by the Premier. There is no doubt that he will go coalition at the last election campaign which I down as one of the great Labor Premiers of am sure the people of the Maryborough this State. I deem it a great honour to have electorate will expect them to honour, as I do. been able to have served with him. I thank One was a $3m up-front grant promised by Mr also that old Maryborough boy, Tom Burns, for Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon towards a regional his great contribution to the Australian Labor cultural centre to serve the Wide Bay region to Party and for his input over the term of the be established in Walker Street, Maryborough. Goss Government. I thank also Keith De Another was a promise by Mr Cooper as Lacy—no doubt the greatest Treasurer this shadow Minister for Police that under a State has had in a long time. Keith brought coalition Government Maryborough would be this State into the black and kept it there when granted six extra police officers and better all other Australian States were in debt for watch-house management and facilities. In billions of dollars. I thank all of the Ministers fact, the National Party candidate at the last who assisted me in getting Maryborough up election promised 60 more police, but I will and going again and for the honest, even- settle for six! I would dearly like to see handed way in which my electorate received Maryborough schools be the first off the rank its fair share of the State Budgets. I assure my for airconditioning, as promised by Mr constituents that I will be asking the new Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon for all Queensland Government to do the same: to handle its schools. Budgets fairly and even-handedly, irrespective I ask that the incoming Government of who holds various seats. I regret that I maintain the planned Gunalda Range cannot support the motion of confidence in roadworks that are planned to begin in 1997, this Government. 20 February 1996 110 Legislative Assembly

Mrs ROSE (Currumbin) (10.31 p.m.): I have worked. We now have a minority rise to oppose the confidence motion in a Government with no idea of how to go about coalition Government. I stand here before what it wants to achieve. In fact, I am informed members with a sadness in the knowledge that the only detailed policy draft that the that a coalition of the National and Liberal coalition Government has is a 15-page Parties will once again form Government in the document relating to industrial relations. We all State of Queensland—a coalition which, eagerly await the outcome of that policy. during the 1995 State election, never believed I return to the issue of health. I and my that it could form a Government. It was this Labor colleagues have worked extremely hard belief that led to its promising a whole range of on the establishment of a community health policy stances aimed squarely at attracting the centre at Palm Beach. That centre will provide vote of an increasingly weary electorate. services to the beach-side communities, which As the member for Currumbin, it is my include sizeable populations of aged and duty and my honour to represent the interests socially disadvantaged persons. In addition, of my constituency. It is because of this that I access to services would also be improved for implore the incoming Government to have the the growing inland population. This is interests of my electorate at heart. It is also my something that the South Coast Regional duty to help ensure that those people who Health Authority identified as a crucial need in placed their faith and trust in the Borbidge-led its regional services plan. coalition were not simply taken for a ride. I fully The community health centre, as planned expect that the coalition now endeavours to by the previous Labor administration, is to deliver on its promises—the very promises it include a whole range of services. In addition now says provided it with a mandate to to a dental clinic, those services will include: govern. podiatry, psychology, home care, speech Perhaps the most pressing problem that pathology, occupational therapy, exists in the perception of many minds is the physiotherapy, social work, aged care, family state of Queensland's public health system. and child health, community health, health During the last election, the coalition promised promotion, youth health and women's health. a wide range of goals in relation to this policy On the basis of its need, I certainly hope that sector. These included: more hospital beds, that is one Labor commitment that a Borbidge maintenance of the free hospital system, Government will honour. Unfortunately, I have community input into hospital requirements, my doubts. During the State election, the access to hospital care when needed, coalition claimed that any such dental clinic prioritising patient care, increased emphasis would not cut dental waiting lists in the area. on service delivery, increased hospital staffing Furthermore, while speaking of the proposed levels and a reduction in hospital waiting lists. I health centre, the then Liberal candidate am sure that all members would welcome stated clearly, "We don't want any more these objectives. However, my concern and, I services in the area." Does this mean that believe, the concern of many in the now, while in a minority Government, it will community, is that the coalition has not cancel the project? I know that a large number explained in any detailed manner how it of people in my electorate would be proposes to achieve these admirable disappointed if that were the case—not least outcomes. Quite simply, it never thought that it the more than 7,000 senior citizens in the would have to. It is a bit like Howard's promise area. to spend over $1 billion on the environment. It For years, the former National Party is no policy; it is just a tactic to try to achieve Government ignored the need for a the privatisation of Telstra. He has made that community health centre at Palm Beach. The promise knowing full well that the odds are Labor Government, on the other hand, had against his having to deliver it. Of course, if he committed itself to providing those health does have to, then it would be merely a small services so long ignored by the conservatives. price to pay for the greater objective of selling In response to the provision of that centre by off our national phone company. Labor, coalition members, knowing that it was Likewise, members opposite, now finding an outrageous lie, said that the Government themselves forming a minority Government, would be putting a needle exchange unit in made their promises in the belief that they that centre. It seems interesting to me that would never be in a position to have to deliver those rumours were rife not only during the on them. In other words, it was only a tactic to State election but also the recent by-election convince many to put Labor under pressure in in Mundingburra. The number of people a cynical attempt to sneak into office. suddenly contacting my office clearly indicates Unfortunately for Queenslanders, it appears to that an organised scare campaign had been Legislative Assembly 111 20 February 1996 mounted to try to mislead not only southern that objective, the coalition promised that Gold Coasters but Queenslanders Statewide independent retirees would be entitled to the about the Palm Beach health clinic. This was same benefits that the Labor Government despite frequent denials from the then Minister gave to those receiving a pension. Not only do for Health, the acting director of the regional I hope and argue that the coalition health authority and, of course, myself. On Government sticks to that promise but that it that point, I take this opportunity to now also embraces the previous Government's request from the new Premier that this recent announcement concerning discounts campaign of lies will come to an end and that for people aged 60 years and over. Under that the community health centre project at Palm scheme, people in that category are able to Beach will be continued. obtain a whole range of discounts from various Another issue of concern to many participating businesses. That was a logical southern Gold Coast residents is crime and extension of the current Seniors Card scheme the adequate provision of police resources in and is worthy of continued support. the area. I have worked long and hard to Honourable members may have noticed improve the number of police in the area and that throughout my speech I have mentioned have recently been involved in discussions a variety of policy issues, all of which are of concerning the establishment of a Police Beat great importance to members of my shopfront at the Pines Shopping Centre. The electorate. Generally speaking, residents on Police Beat program is something of which the the southern Gold Coast have the right to feel Goss Government can be very proud. The secure in their own homes and have access to Police Beat shopfront program was a joint quality health care and public transport. The police/Government initiative designed to Labor Government approved the increase the police presence in shopping establishment of a community health centre at centres and central business districts. It put Palm Beach, but that was only part of the plan police back on the street where most people to better serve the southern Gold Coast are: in the shopping centres. I hope that a community. New and more frequent bus coalition Government will continue the Police services have been put in place to ensure that Beat programs. The Police Beat shopfront at people who rely on public transport are not the Pines Shopping Centre was to be a disadvantaged by infrequent services. temporary measure until a site had been finalised for the establishment of a second The $375m Gold Coast railway opens police station on the southern Gold Coast. next week. Next Monday, 26 February, trains will operate between Brisbane and the Gold On that score, if coalition promises are Coast. That is an example of a Labor anything to go by, we should have no Government providing public transport for problem. The coalition promised that Queenslanders. Nearly 400 Gold Coast train adequate police and resources would be services will begin when that line opens on provided to ensure the safety of residents in Monday. Details of the services were released the area. In fact, during the last election, the today in a Gold Coast timetable. That coalition claimed that they were committed to comprehensive timetable involves 261 direct building a 24-hour police station on the Gold Gold Coast train services each week. On Coast Highway at Palm Beach, just south of weekends, a total of 127 Gold Coast services Fifth Avenue. They also promised 20 extra will operate. The timetable has been designed police right in the heart of the action. In fact, in to ensure fast, efficient services to regular May of last year, Mr Cooper stated that—and I commuters throughout the week and holiday- have a copy of his statement with me—the makers on the weekend. Services will run station would not only be fully staffed but also mostly half hourly, with weekday direct services equipped with every modern crime-fighting aid. starting at 5.42 a.m. from Central Station and On that basis, I implore Mr Cooper to ensure at 5.39 a.m. from Helensvale. Services will that those commitments are kept and that conclude at 11.21 p.m. and 11.36 p.m. work begins at the earliest possible time. respectively. My constituency is composed of a very Mr Veivers interjected. high aged population: approximately one-third of the electorate are 60 years of age and over. Mrs ROSE: The member for Southport This was another group targeted by the should be as happy about this as I am. coalition in the recent State election. In fact, Perhaps he shares the concern of some Gold constituents in my electorate were written to by Coasters. What do we say to Gold Coasters the Liberal candidate claiming his belief that it who say, "Well, if we are going to have a was time for senior members of our coalition Government in Queensland, what community to be given a fair go. As part of about our railway?" This is not the first time 20 February 1996 112 Legislative Assembly that a rail link has been built between Brisbane Mrs ROSE: As the member for and the Gold Coast. What happened to the Archerfield pointed out, unfortunately some other one? We built it. What did the members fatalities have occurred there over the past of the National Party do? They pulled it up. couple of years. Investigations show that that Labor has just spent $375m putting it back. section of the highway cannot be satisfactorily What is the coalition going to do? What will upgraded to cater for the expected increases members of the coalition say to Gold Coasters in traffic volumes. With that in mind, I call on who ask, "What are they going to do with the members of the coalition and the incoming railway line? Are they going to rip it up again? Minister for Transport to keep the commitment Why did they do that to it last time?" of the 1995 State election campaign to make Mr Veivers: I was not there, Merri. the bypass a funding priority if it won Government. That commitment was made Mrs ROSE: It was a National Party after the coalition candidate for Currumbin and Government. Labor built it; the Nationals the Federal Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald ripped it up. We have built another; the flew over a proposed route. members opposite had better not rip it up. I think the new coalition Premier, a Gold Coast I wish to remind the Deputy Premier of her resident, should reassure Gold Coasters that commitment to seek a joint funding arrangement from the Federal Government. he will not rip it up. That is what previous Although the road is a State responsibility, it is National Party Governments did to railway a major project that will benefit not only locals lines that Labor Governments built: they but also through traffic. It is of national ripped them up. significance, and when the Federal I turn to another transport issue which is Government recently made its commitment to of major concern to southern Gold Coasters, upgrading the Pacific Highway, it also included that is, the Tugun bypass west of the a bypass west of the airport, up to the New Coolangatta airport. Much has been said South Wales/Queensland border, connecting about that bypass. I was really pleased that with the Pacific Highway on the Queensland during the last State election campaign the side. I also understand that the Federal Liberal candidate for Currumbin also coalition shadow Regional Development expressed a grave concern about it. So Minister, Senator Ian Macdonald, has also concerned were he and the Federal shadow given an undertaking that, should the coalition Minister for Regional Development, Senator form the next Federal Government, it will Ian Macdonald, that they flew over that area. consider any proposal from the Queensland The former Labor Government in Queensland, coalition Government. I now call on the the Goss Labor Government, had been keen coalition, should that be the case, to ensure to get that project moving and sought the that its commitment to this project is cooperation of the New South Wales maintained. Government in conducting environmental and Some of the other projects of which I was community impact studies into a bypass west very proud to have been a part with the Goss of the Coolangatta airport. We need the Government were an increase in the number bypass because of safety, noise and air of teachers on the southern Gold Coast by 33 pollution issues associated with the heavy per cent, the tripling of school grants to $4.2m volume of traffic on the Gold Coast Highway. for schools in the area, $16.5m for beach Queensland Transport has identified a corridor restoration from Tugun to Kirra, $620,000 for the Tugun bypass and has been very towards buying computers, improving schools pro-active in negotiations with the Road Traffic and helping P & Cs and the addition of 320 Authority in New South Wales to ensure that hectares to Springbrook National Park. the extension of the corridor south of the border is identified and preserved. It is Time expired. particularly important that the project proceed Ms BLIGH (South Brisbane) because it will relieve pressure on the Gold (10.51 p.m.): I rise tonight to oppose the Coast Highway from Tugun to Coolangatta motion before the House because, quite and provide an alternative route for trucks and frankly, I lack confidence in those opposite to tankers carrying dangerous goods. form a Government. I lack confidence in their As the coalition should be aware, the commitment; I lack confidence in their effort; I present section of the Gold Coast Highway lack confidence in their ability and I lack near the airport is becoming heavily confidence in their policy strength. Why do I congested. lack confidence in those areas? First and foremost, it is because of their absolute refusal Mr Ardill interjected. to spell out any comprehensive platform for Legislative Assembly 113 20 February 1996 their vision of the future for this State. They Ms BLIGH: Exactly. As my friend the refused to do that at the 1995 election, and member for Cleveland reminds me, they would today in this House they have refused to do be an absolute embarrassment. If Mr that in support of their own confidence motion. Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon could not use In the absence of any clear statement from those people to support the motion of them about how they will form Government confidence, from where would their support and what they will do in Government, my come? From those people who have become colleagues and I have no choice but to rely on new members of that team? From those their record. What is their record? It is a people to my left, whom I have come to shameful record of neglect of this State—one regard as the Chauncey Gardiner wing of this that I think has been documented amply new Government? I doubt it. today in speech after speech. This morning, we heard many members In terms of their ability, I look across from talk about policy and what it means to the me and I see a number of members of the Labor Party. Why is it so important to the previous National Party Government, a Labor Party? As the member for Logan said number of members who brought us that this morning, the Labor Party believes in the shameful record of neglect. This morning, I power of policy to shape our lives and the lives heard Mr Borbidge say that the politics of of people in this State. The Labor Party 1996 are vastly different from those of a believes that policy is the basis of action. One decade ago. But I ask myself: what has could see that in the many achievements that changed? We face the prospect of a front have been identified by successive speakers bench, a Cabinet, comprised of approximately today. one-third of the former Ministers and members of the previous National Party Government. This coalition Government was elected without any comprehensive vision for the Quite frankly, I would categorise the future of this State. Today, it has tried to make things that we hear from those people the transition to Government without spelling opposite as what I call marching back to the out any program and without committing to future. What is one of their main platforms? A anything more than platitudes. Even on those referendum on an Upper House in this State! issues that have been identified as If that is the way for us to enter the twenty-first priorities—health and law and order—what century, then I dread to think what else details do we have? What details do the members opposite have in store for us. I have people of Queensland have? How many to say that when I walked into this place this prison cells will there be? Where will they be? morning and saw the dead sheep back in this How much funding will be allocated to them? Parliament, I thought to myself, "If that is not a When will a new watch-house be delivered symbol of what we have in store for us, what and where will it be constructed? How will is?" I can only take it from that that we can all waiting lists be cut? Will they be cut in the look forward in breathless anticipation to the same way as housing waiting lists were cut in member for Nicklin appearing in similar garb in the past by those members opposite? What is the very near future. the future of the regional health authorities Indeed, why should I have confidence in and the staff that are employed there? All of the ability of the Borbidge and Sheldon team this from a party that has jumped up and when the coalition team itself has given me no down for weeks calling for the Parliament to reason today to have such confidence? We sit—a party that now presents itself to this have not heard one speaker from the front or House with two Ministers responsible for the back bench to support their leadership. I everything. I guess that is an advance on the ask myself: why do they not have any previous National Party Government, which speakers? Then I remember that, of course, had really one Minister for everything. today we were on television; today we were In the absence of any Cabinet being broadcast live across the State. Indeed, why announced today, how can I be certain? How would the Borbidge and Sheldon team want to can I tell my constituents that the member for have on Statewide television people such as Keppel will not be the Minister for Industrial Mr Cooper, Mr Lingard, Mr Littleproud, Mr Relations? How can the coalition tell us that Lester and Mr FitzGerald? Why would they we will not see the member for Keppel ruling want those people standing up and supporting over industrial relations in this State once a motion of confidence? again? How can I tell the people that I Mr Briskey: They would be an represent that we could have any confidence embarrassment. in that prospect? 20 February 1996 114 Legislative Assembly

Policy detail and policy strength is intrinsic when the anti-discrimination legislation was to Labor in Government at any level because, introduced by the Labor Government? They in Government, Labor does things. What is opposed that legislation. Who spoke against clear to me is that at any level of government, it? The Deputy Premier and three prospective what conservatives do is undo things. The members, I believe, of the front bench. hallmark of conservatism—and we have seen In that same speech, Mr Borbidge it today—is that constant harking back to a promised that the Government would not be mythical golden age, a golden age that exists conducting wholesale privatisations. As the only in the coalition's nostalgic imagination. member for Bulimba has alluded to—and I am This morning, we heard the Premier say that sure the Premier is aware—currently a he hopes to return to a time when the public document is circulating throughout the public received value for the money spent. I ask the service. I do not know about its accuracy. Premier: which sections of the Queensland community received value for money in the A Government member interjected. mythical golden age of his imagination? Was it Ms BLIGH: It purports to be a transition the underpaid teachers in overcrowded to Government document. It indicates that this classrooms? Was it the people of rural and Government will be doing wholesale regional Queensland who had to travel to privatisations of all of the business units. If, in Brisbane for anything more than basic health fact, it is fraudulent, then I call on the Premier care? Was it the Queensland families who saw tonight to give an ironclad guarantee to the no State spending on child care, after-school 10,000 public sector employees in those care or vacation care? Was it the victims of business units of the Administrative Services crime who received no court support Department, and place it on the record of the programs, little or no counselling service and House. no compensation? Where was the value for Mr Borbidge: It is done. money for those people? Ms BLIGH: Not in Hansard, I do not Any analysis of what little coalition policy believe. exists reveals that it rests principally on undoing and dismantling the progressive Mr FitzGerald: It is done once you reforms of the Labor Government. In the accept the interjection. absence of an ability to form a Government Ms BLIGH: I thank the honourable and the policy that it takes to underpin it, it member. was inevitable that, this morning, the coalition On a different note, I am sorry that the leaders had little more to rely on than image Deputy Premier is not here, because I would and empty rhetoric. What is the image that like to take this opportunity to congratulate her they are portraying to us? We see Mr on the position that she has achieved. I have Borbidge, not unlike his Federal colleagues, a long history of promoting women in politics; I masquerading with very much similar rhetoric have a long history of promoting women within that one would expect from a Labor leader. I the Labor Party into Parliament. I congratulate refer to some of the comments that I read in Mrs Sheldon on the high position that she, as the Sunday Mail last Sunday that Mr Borbidge a woman in politics in Queensland, has made to a National Party conference in achieved. I expect her to perform in that Townsville last Saturday. He stated— position and to be a credit to other women "The coalition that I lead will redefine who aspire to similar positions, both in their the political process"— workplaces and in the political realm of this State. and haven't we seen that redefinition this morning! He stated further that it will— However, I call on Mrs Sheldon to recognise that the place of women in politics ". . . create the mechanisms, end the at this point in history is to play a watchdog bias, restore the balance that a fair and role on the very many expectations that equitable society needs to grow and women in our community have of them. I call prosper." on her to give commitments that, in He stated further— Government, she will protect the following achievements: that she will give a guarantee ". . . that everyone should receive equal to maintain the current level of funding from treatment wherever they live and the State Budget into child-care, after-school whatever they do." and vacation programs; that she will maintain We read words such as "equal", "equitable" the existing commitments and forward and "fair", yet what did this group of people do programs for women's services, such as the in this House not two and a half years ago Working Women's Service, the Women's Legislative Assembly 115 20 February 1996

Legal Service and the Women's Health colleagues who, in the lead-up to the 1989 Service; that she will maintain the level of election, worked tirelessly to overturn a corrupt funding for breast screening throughout this regime. In the six years before I entered this State, and all the forward projections for the House, they committed themselves to bringing expansion of that program; that she will retain all of their energy, all of their skills, all of their the commitment made with public sector political will and all of their integrity to the task unions to implement paid maternity leave for of government in this State. I thank all of public sector workers from 1 July this year; that these people for having the courage and the she will work to protect the legislative foresight to make things happen, for using protections that have been put in place their time in Government to actually do through domestic violence legislation, something. I pledge myself to the vigorous anti-discrimination legislation and EEO protection of all that they have achieved legislation; and that she will maintain the very against the inevitable ravages of the moribund successful Women's Register and other similar minority who sit opposite. To those who do sit services for women throughout this State. opposite, I say: they do not have my I would like to return very briefly to the confidence, they do not have the confidence question of anti-discrimination legislation. In of the majority of the people whom I represent my electorate, which has many different and I cannot believe that they expect the cultures working and living harmoniously side confidence of these people when they are not by side, the need to foster tolerance is a prepared to defend themselves. constant one. This harmony is maintained Mr PEARCE (Fitzroy) (11.08 p.m.): because people are ever vigilant against Members opposite should not go away, racism and intolerance. In my view, the because I have a bit for them. anti-discrimination legislation provides redress. I rise to support the members of the The Human Rights Commission that Labor Party who spoke against the motion of administers that legislation conducts education confidence in the Government led by Mr programs, and programs such as the Borbidge, and to support the amendment Community Justice Program assist in the before the House that there be no general implementation of those programs. The State election before 2 May 1998 without the and Commonwealth funding agreement for express resolution of the Parliament. There the Human Rights Commission is due for has been strong debate as to why there renegotiation by the end of this year. I call on should not be a vote of confidence in the the new Government to enter into those Government, and I am certainly not going to negotiations, regardless of who is in power at rehash much of what has already been said. the Federal level, in a way that will maintain In considering the argument, I agree with the the current level of service, and hopefully work words of Fitzgerald who, in 1988, said—and towards expanding it into regional centres members should listen to this—that a throughout the State. Government in our political system which I would like to take this opportunity, as a achieves office by means other than fair number of my colleagues have, to express my elections lacks legitimate political authority disappointment that the member for over that system. The National Party did not Gladstone has remained silent throughout this have a legitimate Government then and it debate. I acknowledge her right to make the does not have a legitimate Government now. decision that she made, although I dispute her rationale. Regardless of whether she is judged In presenting my contribution to the to be right or wrong, this is a momentous and House—and I am going to be honest about historic day in Queensland politics and, in my this from the start—on a number of occasions view, she has an obligation to articulate, I will refer to Mrs Cunningham and her defend and record her decision in this, the electorate. I want to make it very clear that I House of the people, for future generations, will not be attacking her integrity. I intend to for political historians and for the benefit of link her—— future Parliaments. In fact, if she had made a A Government member: She is right different decision and had decided to support behind you. the Labor Party Government, I would have Mr PEARCE: I know, and it is had the same expectation of her. Either unfortunate that she is behind me because I decision is one that I think requires some would like to be able to look her in the eye. recognition in this House. However, that is the way the Parliament is set I would like to conclude by recording my up and I cannot do anything about it. I will be personal debt of gratitude to Wayne Goss, linking her to issues that affect my electorate, Tom Burns, the Labor Ministry and my caucus because we are neighbours—her electorate 20 February 1996 116 Legislative Assembly adjoins my electorate. She needs to In flicking through the unannounced understand how her support for the coalition policy document of the coalition, under the may impact on the people of Gladstone, just Minerals and Energy portfolio the first thing as it may impact on the people of my that I noticed was that there was no reference electorate and people right across to the health and safety of mine workers. Queensland. There were plenty of flowery words about In speaking briefly to the amendment, national interest, taxation, royalties and much has been said today about the relations with land-holders, but nothing about relationship between the member for workplace health and safety for the State's Gladstone and the coalition. We have heard mine workers. This is a real concern to me, as the Premier say that he is committed to it shows that the attitude of the National Party running the full term of Parliament, which has not changed since it was kicked out by the would mean an election around mid-1998. Mrs people of Queensland in 1989. Cunningham has publicly stated that she Mr Gilmore interjected. wants to see Parliament proceed and that Mr PEARCE: I want the honourable there should be no early election. If she is member to listen. I take the interjection. I hope sincere about that, then she deserves the that, by the end of tonight, the honourable respect of the members of this place. member will ease a few of my concerns. However, having given this matter some Mr Gilmore: I have already given you thought, I would like to put forward the those privately. following scenario. Given that there is some concern in the community about Mrs Mr PEARCE: I will come to that point, Cunningham's true independence, over time I too. believe that there will be a need for her to A Government member interjected. make a strong stand for and on behalf of the Mr PEARCE: Mr Speaker, I plead for a people of Gladstone on an issue of significant bit of silence from the member; every time his importance to them, otherwise her credibility mouth moves, he makes a noise that is quite will be further undermined. disturbing. I put this to the House: why could not the Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will endeavour Premier and Mrs Cunningham come to an to protect the honourable member. agreement to develop an issue at the local level, or in some form of legislation, that would Mr PEARCE: It is known that the cause her to vigorously defend her electorate coalitions at the State and Federal levels in Parliament, in the media, and in her simply hate mine workers, because they know electorate. That may in fact then be the trigger that mine workers are powerful and united for an early election. No doubt there would be against the conservative policies of the Liberal focus on her independence and, if handled and National Parties. It is the same National properly, she would get recognition for Party as that which refused to provide funds to maintaining her independence. The deal could deliver on the recommendations of the report into the 1986 Moura disaster. People went to be that she would, during an election the Government and sought funding for those campaign, have the full backing of the recommendations. I refer to research into resources of the coalition and be guaranteed friction ignition in coalmines and research into the preferences of the National Party, which assisted her in winning the seat of Gladstone ignition by other underground apparatuses. The former National Party Government threw last July, because it was with 91 per cent of those recommendations away. I am going to National Party preferences that Mrs make sure that that does not happen in Cunningham became the member for relation to the most recent disaster. Gladstone. Therefore, if no deals have been made and the member for Gladstone is Unlike the National Party, the Labor genuine in her commitment about an election Government had a determination to deliver as date, she should support the amendment soon as possible on the recommendations of before the House. the latest terrible, heart-wrenching disaster in the Queensland coal industry, the Moura No. I am pleased to see Mr Gilmore in the 2 explosion on 7 August 1994, which cost the Chamber, because I understand that he is the lives of 11 men. To the credit of Tony incoming Minister for Minerals and Energy. McGrady, he moved within hours of the report There are a few points that I would like to raise into the last disaster being handed down. He about the coal industry. Most people know announced three committees in response to that I am an old coalminer by trade, and I am the report. One was to review the mining quite proud of that fact. inspectorate, one to oversee the Legislative Assembly 117 20 February 1996 recommendations of the report, and the third mine workers and implementing things that one was to review the legislation. Those are not acceptable. The former National Party committees have already started work, and I Government could not deliver on the seek a public assurance from the incoming recommendations of the last inquiry, and I am Minerals and Energy Minister that these doubtful now whether this Government can committees will be allowed to continue their deliver on these recommendations. work. Do I get that assurance? Mr Stoneman: You will get a reply. Mr Gilmore interjected. Mr PEARCE: The Government will hear Mr PEARCE: So the member is not from me every bloody day of the week, giving us a commitment that those because I am not going to have mine workers' committees will be allowed to continue their lives threatened again. work? That is what I am asking. It is pretty Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the straightforward. Will those committees that honourable member to withdraw. have been set up and which have already started their work be allowed to finish their Mr PEARCE: I withdraw. I know that I work? The Minister cannot give a commitment. get a bit excited. I am an old coalminer; I I wonder why. I had faith in the honourable cannot help it. member, because I thought that he would An honourable member: You are not allow those committees to continue their work. that old. Obviously, if the honourable member cannot Mr PEARCE: I am not that old, but I am give that commitment he cannot give an getting there. assurance about those committees being properly funded. I am surprised that the I also noticed that it was the coalition's honourable member is giving me the response policy to abolish the Queensland Coal Board that he is. and transfer its activities to the Department of Minerals and Energy. I know that I will not get Mr Gilmore: Let me assure you that it a commitment from the honourable member will be done. Don't worry about it. on that point, because he cannot give me a Mr PEARCE: Will those committees be commitment on anything else. This is a allowed to continue their work? The member concern, as I believe the Coal Board, if cannot give that assurance. I am very allowed to operate as it should, could be the disappointed in the honourable member, watchdog for maintaining and improving because I had a bit more confidence in him. health standards in the coal industry. The Mr McGrady also appointed me to the Queensland Coal Association, which is a very committee reviewing the mining inspectorate, good mate of the coalition, has never an appointment that I accepted with great supported the Coal Board, just as it is a vocal pride, as I have a genuine commitment as a proponent of deregulation and has in the past former coalminer and representative of a called for the abolition of union-appointed coalmining based electorate to make sure that check inspectors in coalmines and the transfer the recommendations of the Mining Warden, of the function of the inspection of coalmines Frank Windridge, are put in place to the last to individual mines. detail. I am asking for a commitment from the I argue strongly that that would be a most honourable member that I will remain on that unacceptable situation. Most mine site committee. The honourable member is the management are not committed to health and incoming Minister. I ask the Premier: will I be safety. There are some good mines and able to remain on that committee and see it managers, but there are some cowboys who through till the end? really need to be watched. We have to look Mr Borbidge: Write me a letter and I will only at what happened at Moura in 1994 to consider it. understand what can happen when Mr PEARCE: I am very disappointed, management is left with the responsibility of because a spokesman who supposedly looking after the welfare of mine workers. This represented the Premier said that I could stay is where I ask Mrs Cunningham to link in. She on that committee. The Premier should be well should look closely at what the coalition has aware that I have the total support of every planned for the mining industry. Mine workers coalminer in Queensland to remain on that have purchased homes in Gladstone, they committee. I will fight to the last breath and I have relatives and friends who live in will use any method I can to make sure that I Gladstone, and they expect Mrs Cunningham stay on that committee. I have the experience to work in their interests. and I know what the problems are. I will not Another issue that causes me some real have any half-smart bureaucrat standing over concerns is the coalition's industrial relations 20 February 1996 118 Legislative Assembly policy. The people of the industrial city of structures to promote direct Gladstone must be shaking in their boots at employer/employee dealing at enterprise level. the thought of Mrs Cunningham supporting In my opinion, the impact of this proposal on the introduction of legislation that will attack young people looking for work would be the wages and conditions of decent, catastrophic, because young workers entering hardworking men and women who have the work force for the first time do not have an mortgages and young families and will attack understanding of what the conditions are and the quality of life that was protected under a what they are entitled to. I can see some Labor Government. I say to members such as smart employer sitting there and screwing the the member for Gregory, Vaughan Johnson, hell out of young people so that they finish up who is a decent, hardworking member, and working for $3 an hour, as has been mooted other National Party members who have come in the past by coalition leaders in this country. off the land and who have employed people: I Another proposal is to allow changes in cannot understand that the coalition has in its wages and conditions to vary between firms policy that all awards relating to primary and industries. Does this mean the end of industry should be replaced by voluntary award wages and conditions and the safety employment agreements. net which protects maternity leave and long Some decent graziers and farmers will do service leave? These are serious matters the right thing, but there are some who will which impact on the quality of life of workers take their workers for their last cent. Are we and their families. I cannot understand how going back to the old days when farm workers Mrs Cunningham has agreed to devote her got paid a billy of milk, half a sheep, a loaf of support to a coalition which intends to bring in bread and got their electricity paid? Are we that type of legislation. going back to those days? I certainly hope I turn to another interesting point. The not, and I hope that Mrs Cunningham gives document states— that a lot of thought before she supports that type of legislation in this place. "Members of the community are entitled to be assured of continued supply I also point out that under the coalition's of essential services. This is particularly industrial relations policy there is a provision to important in areas such as hospitals and provide legally enforceable voluntary nursing homes, where it is unacceptable agreements available to all enterprises for lives to be put at risk by irresponsible regardless of size, big or small. Voluntary strike action or bans or limitations which agreements will see workers sign away can and have affected reliable power conditions. If they do not, they will learn about supplies. The Liberals and Nationals in those in the community who will undercut Government will enact comprehensive wages and conditions for their jobs. The sad essential services legislation to protect the thing about high unemployment is that it suits community from interference with the coalition's type of politics. If there is high essential services." unemployment and the employer wants to screw workers, if the workers do not give in to This statement means that all those workers the employer's demands, they are sacked and out there who currently have a right to stand somebody else is put on. up for what they believe in—their conditions and their wages—and who were not frightened As to the coalition's policy of abolishing to take on the Labor Government by going on the power to grant preference to union strike will not have an opportunity to do so members—a lot of unions will be happy to under the mob opposite. All of those rights hear about that. They knew it was there, but have gone out the door. Given that Gladstone they will be happy to hear that Mrs is a large industrial city which relies on the coal Cunningham is going to be supporting the industry and people who work on the land, I coalition to bring in that type of legislation. believe that Mrs Cunningham has a lot of Another coalition proposal is strengthened thinking to do. union deregistration procedures. Mrs I want to pursue now the matter of a high Cunningham lives in the fastest growing school in Gracemere. A lot of work has been industrial city in Queensland and, for that put into preparing what is now recognised as matter, Australia. I am sure that many of the one of the best ever submissions to go to the workers in that city want to retain their union Education Department. David Hamill gave me membership and would certainly not support a commitment that everything would be done that type of legislation. to deliver a high school based on the contents Another coalition proposal is to review and of the submission. There is still a lot of work to reform the provisions relating to union do and a long way to go. The National Party Legislative Assembly 119 20 February 1996 candidate at the last election suggested that objective and impartial—has had to go. I am she could deliver a high school to Gracemere told also that the locks on his office have been if she was able to defeat me on 15 July. The changed. commitment was there. The people of The irony of it is that for six years the Gracemere and district have done the hard members sitting opposite have accused us of yards and proved their case. If the coalition cronyism. I well remember, as we would all believed that it could deliver a high school remember, the litany of appointments read out upon the election of a local National Party in this Chamber every day by the member for person, then it obviously believed in the need Clayfield when he was the member for for that facility and it can deliver it—regardless Merthyr. One has to admire his diligence in of the party to which the elected member finding names of people to slur in this belongs. Parliament, but he did it, and he did it to I wish to bring a matter to the attention of accuse us of cronyism. While they were the incoming Minister for Health, Mr Horan. If accusing us of cronyism, we brought about he is appointed as Minister, I ask him to make merit selection in the public service in this a clear public statement on whether or not he State. Yet in its first hours, the coalition will honour Labor's commitment to provide an Government has made a gaffe. It has acute in-patient health facility at Woorabinda. I removed a senior public servant to make way know that the member for Callide, the member for a political mate. for Keppel and other members of the National Mr Bredhauer: They don't even have Party would like to turn their backs on the the confidence of the Parliament. people of Woorabinda. We cannot forget that Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Members it was the National Party which rounded up some Aboriginals and dumped them in an opposite do not even have the confidence of isolated patch on the bank of a creek which the Parliament, and the senior public servants was 17 kilometres away from a permanent are on the way out. water supply. In common with everybody else, There are rumours within the public we recognise that the people of Woorabinda service that a man named Doug McTaggart should have access to a modern health from Bond University—a man with little or no facility. Women want to have their babies at public sector experience—is to fill this sudden Woorabinda. Sick people want to be close to vacancy. There has been no advertising; there their families. The other important factor that has been no merit test; there has not even must be taken on board is that such a facility been a test of who else might be available. would ease the workload on the Rockhampton This is cronyism at its worst. Despite what Mr Hospital. We have already started the Borbidge said to us this morning about this consultation process through a development being a very different National/Liberal Party plan. An amount of $4.6m has been coalition Government, in its very first hours, committed by the Labor Government to that without the confidence of the House, it is facility. I would appreciate it if Mrs business as usual for this coalition Cunningham chose to support the people of Government. This is exactly what we saw in Woorabinda. this State for 32 very, very dark years. Time expired. In her first hours in this place, Mrs Sheldon has smeared the State's credit rating Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) and she has sacked a lifelong career public (11.25 p.m.): Lest there be any doubt, I make servant for no reason other than to install her it clear that I rise tonight to emphatically own lackey, and that has to be in order for her oppose the confidence motion before the to produce a shonky audit to further House. In moving the motion this morning, the undermine the State's financial reputation so Premier, Mr Borbidge, gave many reassuring that those people opposite—those messages to the public servants of this State unmentionable types opposite—can justify that they had nothing to fear from the breaking the election promises that they have incoming Government. Let me advise the made. This is a disgraceful politicisation of the House that this afternoon Mr Gerard Bradley, public service and a move which is destroying one of the most honourable, objective and morale in the public service even in the first impartial public servants this State has ever days of this Government. The question for the had, was summarily dismissed by the people of Queensland is: how many public incoming Government. I am advised that he servants need not bother getting out of bed to was called to Parliament House this afternoon come to work tomorrow because they will be and sacked by Mrs Sheldon. Mr receiving the same treatment? How many Bradley—who, as I have said, is honourable, more are on this hit list that we were 20 February 1996 120 Legislative Assembly guaranteed just some few short hours ago did of a leasehold portion of Bribie Island, the not exist? reason being that they had held that permit to Confident in this incoming Government? occupy. I ask members to bear in mind that No way! Let me outline a few of the reasons that was the lowest form of land tenure. In why people in my electorate will not be order to justify the permit to occupy, the former confident in this incoming Government. Let us Government invented out of nowhere talk about the Caboolture Hospital. The something called an heirloom lease. Nobody Caboolture Hospital was built by the Labor has been able to tell me what an heirloom Government as a result of its election lease is, but the former member for that area commitment in 1989. I freely admit that we did was all over the newspapers saying, "They not quite make our timetable for the first three deserve it. It is an heirloom lease." years, and the hospital was opened very The recovery of that piece of valuable shortly into our second term. That was not a land for inclusion in the national park on Bribie bad effort when one considers that the people Island cost the Goss Government a six-figure opposite, who now ask us to give them sum approaching the half-million-dollar mark. confidence, promised the people of the That land should never have been given to Caboolture area a hospital in the 1977 the Turnbull family. The device of an heirloom election, contested and won by Mr Frawley; in lease was a fraud, and they were not entitled the 1980 election, contested and won by Mr to any compensation for the loss of a permit to Frawley; in the 1983 election, contested and occupy; it was simply a case of another won by Mr Frawley; and in the 1986 election, National Party mate being given another contested and won by Mr Newton. But by the National Party favour by another disgraced time we came to power in 1989, 12 years after National Party Government. Why would the then Government first made the members have any confidence that that will commitment to the people of Caboolture, not not happen again? a sod had been turned. Sure, they had I turn now to the Ambulance Service. I do bought a block of land and, sure, they had not see Mr Gilmore in the House, but Mr built a Community Health Centre which, by FitzGerald is here. During my first term in this subterfuge, they called Stage 1 of the place, I served on the ambulance committee, Caboolture Hospital. I defy any member to find of which those two gentlemen were members. a Community Health Centre as Stage 1 of a I believe that that committee brought down a hospital anywhere else in the State. Of course, very good report. It was also a unanimous there is no confidence from the people of report. I recognise that certain individuals on Caboolture or myself in this Government in that committee—Mr FitzGerald and Mr Gilmore terms of delivering health services to the particularly—had to wrestle with some very people of Caboolture. Stage 2 of that hospital, difficult problems in coming to that conclusion. which is well in train, is urgently needed However, I believe that they did it honestly, because the people of my electorate have and I believe that it was the right decision. Mr proved that the policies of the former Goss Gilmore and Mr FitzGerald were then Government were correct: that we must build subjected to a great deal of criticism from hospitals where people live—not big, central within their own party to the extent that Mr hospitals. The hospitals at Caboolture and Gilmore said to me in the corridors of this Logan are excellent examples of that policy place that he would never again serve on working and working well. another committee, and I believe that he has As to land management—why would we not. Because of the treatment that he have confidence in this Government in terms received, I do not believe that Mr Gilmore has of land management? Let me tell the served on another committee of this Parliament the story of the Turnbull lease on Parliament since the ambulance inquiry. The Bribie Island. The Turnbull family had a permit consequence of that ambulance inquiry report to occupy an area of Bribie Island on which to and the implementation of it, such as it has graze cattle. Those members from the landed been by the Ambulance Service—— party would understand what a permit to Mr FitzGerald: Such as it has been. occupy is, but for the benefit of those members who may not, I point out that it is the Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I agree. Mr lowest form of land tenure in this State and FitzGerald will have my full support if he wants can be cancelled at a month's notice. When to do an audit of the implementation of it. that area was taken from the Turnbull family in The implementation of that report has order to form part of what is now Pumicestone raised the number of ambulance officers on National Park, it was suddenly decided that Bribie Island from three to 14. Under the the Turnbull family needed to be given a grant former system the ambulance officers on Legislative Assembly 121 20 February 1996

Bribie Island did as many trips and treated as the Premier had given them that assurance many patients as those officers operating from and they expect him to deliver on it. If he does the centre in Caboolture, yet the imbalance of not, so be it; I will be reminding him on every officers was three on Bribie Island and 11 in occasion possible. Caboolture. Since the Labor Government Mr Borbidge: No. I will attend to it later achieved Government, since that report and in my summing-up. since the former National Party committee system was smashed, there has been an Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Fine. The Premier improvement in ambulance services on Bribie has given an assurance to recreational Island. The coalition's policy documents at the fishermen and another one to commercial last election stated that a coalition fishermen. He certainly cannot deliver both. Government would fund and introduce Mr Borbidge: You are wrong. You are community police committees. Why should we confused. You have this problem—you get be confident that it will not reintroduce a board very confused. system for the Ambulance Service and again Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I am not take our Ambulance Service back to the dark confused at all. I sat in that office above a old days? Of course we are not confident in fishing tackle shop and queried them on it. I the incoming Government. said to them, "I hope you're right", and they Mr Bredhauer: And they don't even run said, "We're convinced." I said, "Why didn't chocolate wheels to pay for it. you get it publicly?" They did not believe that Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Absolutely, they had to, because they believe that Mr although I am sure that Mr FitzGerald would Borbidge is their mate. Aren't they in for a agree that in most cases it was found that the shock! chocolate wheels were not to pay for the Let me talk about Caboolture High Ambulance Service but to keep recalcitrant School. Why would we have confidence in the officers in line. They were not really turning out incoming Government? When the Labor Party much money. Before I slur everybody—I achieved Government, I won a seat from the believe that the fundraising efforts of the National Party—a seat which required about ambulance centre at Biloela were very good an 11 per cent swing in order to do so. It was and that they did make a lot of money from not a seat that one would expect to fall in their fundraising, but very few ambulance ordinary circumstances. Admittedly, the centres anywhere else did. circumstances in 1989 were extraordinary. Let me talk about Pumicestone Passage What did we find? I am pleased to see the fishing. For five years I fought the fishing member for Cleveland sitting beside me. We fraternity in this State, the Queensland Fish found that, as our Administrative Services Management Authority and various primary Minister was running around the schools, industries people who seemed to block that Caboolture High School was in the worst repair proposal at every step. Finally, the ban was of any school he had seen in this State. A little put in place after the election. I would have later, he rang me and was quite pleased to be loved to have had it in place before the able to report to me that the Cleveland High election, because I believe it would have School was worse, so I did not carry the reflected well in the number of votes that I banner of having the worst school in my received. And what do we have? We have the electorate. Why should we have confidence in spectre of Mr Perrett standing in this place to this Government? Even in the electorates that move a disallowance motion on the closed it holds by margins of 10 per cent or 11 per waters declaration for Pumicestone Passage. cent, it is not prepared to spend money. Yet, last month, when I talked to members of Let me talk about the Caboolture Court Sunfish in Townsville, I was told that prior to House, which has just been built. I must admit their mass meeting of recreational fishermen that it is a brilliant courthouse. I give credit to in Townsville on, I think, 27 February, they the department because that building was received a private assurance from Mr Borbidge built to take account of future needs—very that, in the event that the coalition achieved unlike the lack of planning that was apparent the Government benches, it would not reverse when members opposite were in Government the ban on fishing in Pumicestone Passage. previously. So there is a commitment to the commercial fishermen and another to the recreational Mr Foley: It even has a spot for the fishermen. I invite Mr Borbidge to stand up Victims of Crime Association. and deny that he gave them that assurance. I Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Yes. I thank the give him the opportunity to do so. The honourable member for reminding me that he executive of Sunfish in Townsville told me that personally found a place within that building 20 February 1996 122 Legislative Assembly for the Victims of Crime Association, led locally process by both parties now represented on by Mrs Joyce McKechnie, from where it can the benches opposite, recommends single- run its offices. The Caboolture Court House member constituencies. Despite the mantra was overcrowded years before we came to that members opposite want to chant, they Government, and the people who worked in it have not won a greater number of seats than worked in abysmal conditions. It took a Labor we have won, even after the Mundingburra Government to give them good conditions. result. Secondly, if members of the coalition Why would we be confident that the members want to claim that their Government has a opposite would provide good Government for legitimacy because it received 54 per cent of this State? the vote, they should apply their formula to the I am sure that the members opposite are make-up of the coalition. At the 1995 election, all enjoying the thrill of attaining—however, the Liberal Party achieved 22.74 of the they have attained them—the Government primary vote and won 14 seats. The National benches. I assure honourable members that Party, with less than 4 per cent more of the Premier Borbidge, whose political career vote, won more than double that number of began as a 19-year-old in country Victoria, the seats. So they cannot have it both ways. If takes no satisfaction in the achievement. More they want to have a single-member than any other person on the benches constituency, let us have it and let us opposite, perhaps with the possible exception acknowledge that that requires a majority of of the member for Indooroopilly, the Premier is the vote and a majority of the seats to form a complete political animal. Despite Government. If they want proportional assurances that he has given the member for representation, let us have it. I would bet the Gladstone, and despite the suggestion that Premier does not want proportional the members opposite will support the representation. The Liberals would just about Opposition Leader's amendment tonight, I outnumber the National Party members on the doubt that any one of us or any of the many benches on the other side of the Chamber political commentators in this State seriously now, let alone in the future when Liberal believe that this Parliament will run its full term. supporters would see that there might be More than anybody, the Premier will feel some benefit in voting for the Liberal Party. deeply that lack of legitimacy of his The members opposite are not going to do administration—what has been dubbed today that, so they should not carry on about it. as a backdoor Government. Plenty of comment has been made today The members opposite did not win about the member for Gladstone and I will Government; it was given to them by the make a very few additional comments. I have member for Gladstone. had to defend continually the member for Gladstone from comments made to me by Mr Woolmer interjected. people, particularly those within my party and Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: The member for also within the electorate who are not in the Springwood talks about the 54 per cent. I am party, that she lacks intelligence. The truth is pleased to hear that coming from a member that Mrs Cunningham does not lack of the Liberal Party. Just shut up, Luke, for a intelligence. From my observations of her moment and you will get some information. when serving on a committee with her, she Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr has a very sharp intellect. In my view, she Palaszczuk): Order! I suggest that the does lack some political savvy, but she is not honourable member withdraw the remark that stupid. The actions that she took in sacking he addressed to the honourable member. our Government were the deliberate actions of an intelligent person and can in no way be Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: The remark is excused by any suggestion that they were the obviously withdrawn. actions of an incompetent, no matter how Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member great the temptation is to do so. If we are may continue. honest, I do not think that any one of us would Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Members like to be placed in the position in which she opposite, including the member for found herself. It is a lose-lose position. If she Springwood, chant that mantra, which has supports Labor, she loses the support of the been popular with them for some months now, Christian fundamental conservatives who have that is, the mantra of 54 per cent. That was been her power base for a number of years. If their two-party preferred vote last July. That she supports the coalition, she loses the Labor figure is true, but what does it mean? Firstly, Party vote. Either way, it is goodbye to a the electoral system in this State, so political career for Mrs Cunningham. While I unctuously supported during the EARC am disappointed in her actions and bitter, Legislative Assembly 123 20 February 1996 what I really find repugnant is the fact that by his National/Liberal colleagues. However, people think that she should not be criticised they are tolerated. In other words, they accept for it. Of course she can be criticised. She joins the National Party Deputy Leader having such John Kerr, Sir Philip Game and Sitiveni paternalistic, racist and misogynistic views. Rabuka, who sacked the Labor Government Worse still, Bob Katter Junior, the Ren at the point of a gun. She has committed an and Stimpy of the Federal Opposition, a act of political savagery and deserves to be Minister in the previous National Party criticised for it. Government enjoyed favour in that discredited Time expired. Government and, of all things, was their Honourable members interjected. Minister for Ethnic Affairs from December 1987. Those people on the Government Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! benches want to come back into Government Honourable members, the House will come to after today and promote someone just like order. Bob Katter Junior to the Ministry. Mr BRISKEY (Cleveland) (11.46 p.m.): Ms Spence: The male racists in the The motion before the House today is a National Party get saved, but one female motion designed to advance Queensland Liberal woman gets dumped. It proves that backwards. As a result of the motion being they will not even protect the women in passed by the National/Liberal coalition with their—— the support of the member for Gladstone, Queensland will be taken back to the 1950s, Mr BRISKEY: That is right. It proves Women's Weekly style of thinking of the that nothing has changed. That made that previous National Party and coalition bloke the Minister for Ethnic Affairs from Governments. December 1987. He is a person who should be drummed out of Federal Parliament for his The Queensland public should not be racist comments. Imagine making someone fooled by the line-up on the Government who calls people "little slanty-eyed ideologues" benches—all two of them today. When the Minister for Ethnic Affairs in Queensland! corruption was "so ingrained" in Queensland This is what Queensland is in for after the that Commissioner Tony Fitzgerald, QC, motion before the House is passed. Australia's acknowledged that he could not hope to national anthem is "Advance Australia Fair". investigate all the matters before him, 16 of Queensland's anthem, after today, will the 44 members opposite were sitting in this become "Advance Queensland Backwards". place at the time. Once again, 16 of the former members of that The Premier was there as a Minister of discredited era find themselves on the the Government of the day; so, too, were the Government benches. Advance Queensland members for Crows Nest, Keppel and Western backwards! One wonders if the member for Downs. They were all Ministers of a Crows Nest will replace the four cartons of Government that allowed and even Johnny Walker Black Label. One wonders also encouraged through lack of prohibition if he will pay the money for all the roses that endemic corruption to grow and spread he sent out from his ministerial office on unheeded. The member for Beaudesert, the Valentine's Day in 1989. former Deputy Leader of the Opposition, was Advance Queensland backwards to an there also. What sort of a Minister will he era when law-abiding Queenslanders could make? On ABC radio last November he not gather in the streets and were not allowed referred to Aborigines and Torres Strait to take part in protest marches. Advance Islanders as if they were recalcitrant children. Queensland backwards to a time when the He said— police were there to do the Government's "What we must realise with bidding. Advance Queensland backwards to a Aborigines and Islanders is that they're time when corruption was endemic. Advance among the easiest people to control as Queensland back towards to a time when our long as there is good, strong discipline." police, nurses and teachers were the worst Nothing has changed in the National Party; paid in Australia. Advance Queensland they still talk about controlling Aborigines and backwards to a time when protesters were Torres Strait Islanders. They also talk about beaten senseless by heavy-handed police women and their not needing domestic officers who were encouraged and promoted violence protection. That should send a by the Government of the day. Advance shudder through the soul of every woman in Queensland backwards to a time when Queensland. Those are disgusting attitudes Queensland had a police force rather than a and should not be tolerated by the Premier or Police Service. Advance Queensland 20 February 1996 124 Legislative Assembly backwards to a time when the only way of were 7,000 electors in one electorate and doing business with the Government was by 28,000 electors in another. Advance way of a political donation to the National Queensland backwards to a time when the Party. doctrine of the separation of powers was Mr Bredhauer: Brown paper bags. ignored by the Queensland Government. Mr BRISKEY: The member is Ms Bligh: They didn't even know what it correct—preferably by brown paper bag. was. Advance Queensland backwards to a time Mr BRISKEY: Exactly. "Ignored" is a when complaints of wrongdoing by police or kind word. When the incoming Police Minister public servants were ignored. was Premier, he did not even know what this Advance Queensland backwards to a cornerstone of Westminster democracy was. time when it was not illegal to discriminate Advance Queensland backwards to a time against Aborigines, women, homosexuals and when Queensland was the laughing-stock of minority groups within Queensland. Indeed, Australia. through the absence of legislation to the I cannot see how anyone could agree to contrary, they effectively encouraged and a motion that this House expresses its allowed discrimination to continue. Advance confidence in the National/Liberal coalition Queensland backwards to a time when Government. Let us face it: even Cheryl promotions and appointments within the public Kernot could not keep those bastards honest. service were not in every instance made on How could anyone express confidence in the the basis of merit. Advance Queensland National Party and its coalition partners? They backwards to a time when tendering for had 32 years in Government in Queensland. Government work was decided before the Look at their abysmal record and compare tenders were received and, surprise surprise, that with the record of achievements of the those who were successful were also big Goss Labor Government over six years. As donors to the National Party. Advance Tony Koch said in Saturday's Courier-Mail, the Queensland backwards to a time when Goss Government— Government was not accountable to the "Brought decency and honesty to people—when there was no consultation; just Queensland's public administration." autocratic rule. Advance Queensland backwards to a time when Queenslanders had Why should anyone support the motion before no trust in their Government. the House today, which will bring back a Government that will turn back the clock in Advance Queensland backwards to a Queensland and decency and honesty will go time when World Heritage areas were ignored out the window? or, worse still, put under the bulldozer. Advance Queensland backwards to a time The Goss Labor Government was and will when historic buildings were demolished in the go down in history as a good Government. middle of the night. Advance Queensland Wayne Goss is an honest, hardworking and backwards to a time when people such as extremely intelligent person. His leadership of George Quaid could freehold environmentally Queensland and the parliamentary Labor sensitive areas of Queensland for a song. Party was outstanding. Tony Koch was right Advance Queensland backwards to a time when he said in Saturday's Courier-Mail— when only 2 per cent of Queensland was "Wayne Goss is a good bloke and a national park. great family man. Queensland is the Advance Queensland backwards to a richer for having had his hand at the helm time when the Police Special Branch had to sail it out of the storm." thousands of files on ordinary people. Wayne Goss and the Labor Government Advance Queensland backwards to a time made Queensland respectable again. Without when Queenslanders had no right to know doubt, Peter Beattie and Jim Elder will do it what information the Queensland Government again. held on them. Advance Queensland There can be no doubt that the Borbidge backwards to a time when Queenslanders Government will advance Queensland could not understand the laws that governed backwards. Around the Parliament today were them because legislation was not written in many of those from those dark days before 2 plain English. December 1989. They are back and, Advance Queensland backwards to a therefore, Queensland, under the time when electoral boundaries were drawn by National/Liberal coalition Government, will members of the National Party so that there return to those days. Legislative Assembly 125 20 February 1996

I reiterate: how could anyone who wants commitments from the Labor Government in Queensland to stay respectable vote in favour relation to key issues such as security of of the motion before the House today? tenure. Labor has said that in situations where Unfortunately, the member for Gladstone is a tenant's circumstances change—for not present in the Chamber. However, I example, their children have grown up and left particularly ask the member for Gladstone to home—they will not be forced to leave their look truly within her heart: the answer must be homes. The question is, have these public Labor. housing tenants got the same guarantee of security of tenure under the incoming coalition Mr ROBERTS (Nudgee) (11.58 p.m.): I Government? speak in support of the amendment proposed by the Opposition Leader and oppose the Comments by the Federal coalition motion of confidence in this minority coalition spokesman on housing, Senator Tambling, Government. Firstly, I wish to extend my place grave doubts on this security of tenure sincere thanks to Wayne Goss and Tom Burns issue. In relation to people's changing for their leadership of and contributions to the circumstances, Senator Tambling is quoted in Labor movement and the people of the August 1994 edition of Shelter magazine Queensland. I was particularly proud to have as saying— been elected to this Parliament in July 1995 "In the private sector it happens with both Wayne and Tom at the helm. They naturally, because of the flexibility within have served Queensland and the Labor the private sector. There is a problem in movement well. Through their vision and public housing tenancies that there is strength, Queensland Labor has delivered often a mindset of people locking many worthwhile reforms—reforms that have themselves into public housing tenancies done what Wayne Goss desired: made and that is why I say we need incentives, Queensland a better place. not social engineering. They are publicly The extent of the reforms has been dealt subsidised, on very low rent, therefore with adequately so far in this debate. I intend their expenditure patterns have accepted to canvass only a few areas and also to that low rent, and they don't want to move highlight some of the benefits that have out because it means an additional flowed to my constituents in the electorate of housing cost. However they are no longer Nudgee. Before doing so, I also wish to thank technically public housing tenants. Their circumstances have generally improved in other Goss Government Ministers and mid-age. They should move on, but won't backbenchers for their dedication and contributions over the past six years in because they enjoy going to bingo at the Government. Terry Mackenroth has outlined club, with more dough in their pocket some of the achievements of Labor in the (and) it is because of their cheap rent." area of public housing. I have significant levels What a disgrace! Forget about family networks of public housing spread across my electorate, and friendships, forget about the links and in particular in the Brisbane suburb of Zillmere. involvement with their local community, forget Some of the significant achievements in public about the pride and attachment these people, housing in the electorate of Nudgee include, many of them elderly, have to their family since 1991, over $13m being spent on the home. If their circumstances changed, under provision of more houses and units and over the coalition Government they could be forced $3.3m being spent on maintenance of the to move out. I call upon the coalition current housing stock. As at December 1995, spokesman, Mr Connor, to give a clear there were approximately 900 public dwellings commitment to public housing tenants in in the Nudgee electorate and 35 new Queensland that he rejects Senator dwellings are planned for future construction in Tambling's position and guarantees public the district. One of the hallmarks of the Labor housing tenants the security of tenure they administration was to actively consult with deserve in these circumstances. public housing tenants and their Mr Connor: Write me a letter. representatives. Local community Mr ROBERTS: The member should representatives had a meaningful opportunity give the commitment. to have a say on matters such as the design and the type of housing development. Labor has treated public housing as one of the most important planks in its social One of the most active representatives of reform agenda. Unlike the coalition, we believe the interests of public housing tenants in my that the State has a legitimate role to play in electorate is the Residents Action Group of providing safe and secure housing to those in Zillmere. This group sought and received need. 20 February 1996 126 Legislative Assembly

I turn now to industrial relations. The conditions are a minimum hourly rate of pay, coalition says that unions and employees four weeks paid annual leave, eight days sick have nothing to fear from the incoming leave, maternity leave, parental leave and Government. Its past record and its policies adoption leave, and 19 per cent loading for belie this assertion. Under Labor, industrial casual employees. That is all! Under Labor, relations have been conducted in a the list includes all of those particular matters, constructive and cooperative fashion. Dispute plus every other condition in the award which levels have dropped dramatically at both the covers the employee's employment. State and Federal levels. Employers and I raise one final matter on the coalition's employees have been actively working industrial relations policy: the Industrial towards a rewriting of the award system and Relations Commission is to be neutered and negotiating enterprise agreements in an the only place left for workers to pursue claims environment fostered by the Industrial will be through the civil courts. What does the Relations Act and the goodwill of the worker-friendly coalition propose to do to help participants. I pay tribute to the previous those workers who seek redress through the Ministers who have introduced and maintained court system? In its policy it does have a this important piece of legislation over the past section relating to legal aid, and it is worth six years, particularly Nev Warburton. reading that into the record because there is a This debate is about expressing catch. I quote from the coalition policy— confidence in a minority coalition Government. "All too often employees and How can one support such a motion when, employers have been unwilling to pursue according to its policy position on industrial their legal rights in the face of regulations, the new Government intends to unreasonable union actions. Upholding of launch a devastating attack on one of the the rule of law in industrial relations is of most important institutions in the industrial fundamental importance, and we will relations system. Under coalition policy, the support those who wish to exercise their Industrial Relations Commission will be legal rights. In appropriate cases, the stripped of any real power to act as an Government of the day should be able to independent umpire in disputes and matters make specific grants of aid available to requiring resolution between employers and parties—employees or employers—to employees. In its policy, released before the enable them to exercise their legal rights July 1995 election, the coalition outlined its effectively." intention to— What a sham! In practice, legal aid would be ". . . make access to the arbitration given only to those people who want to pursue function of the Commission subject to all the coalition's industrial relations agenda. If parties agreeing to submit to arbitration." the Government was genuine, it would have Therefore, there will be no power to require ensured that such decisions about granting parties to appear before the commission to legal aid were removed from the political have matters arbitrated. The rule will be: if the process and handled by an independent boss does not agree the independent umpire process. will have no role to play. What protection will Finally, I wish to highlight some of the workers have under the coalition proposal? benefits the electors of Nudgee have received They will have next to no protection, other from the Goss Labor Government after years than the costly and time-consuming processes of neglect by the coalition. In relation to of common law or the Magistrates Courts. education, since 1989 over $2.3m in grants Under a coalition Government, workers can has been provided to schools in the Nudgee look forward to a Government that, firstly, electorate. Since 1993, $63,000 has been wants to deny workers access to an provided direct to schools to help P & Cs with independent umpire; secondly, does not the basics, including the provision of nine support regular safety net wage increases to VCRs. Since May 1993, $96,500 has been awards; and, thirdly, wants to tear apart provided to schools in the Nudgee electorate Labor's unfair dismissal laws. The Government as their share in the $40m computer program, wants to make it easier for workers to get the which was designed to ensure that every 10 sack. To make matters worse, it proposes to upper primary and secondary school students introduce a no-disadvantage test which pales had access to a computer. Since 1993, into insignificance when compared with $83,000 has been provided through the Labor's. School Improvement Subsidy Scheme, which Under the Government's policy, the only has meant that several schools in my award matters included in its minimum list of electorate have been able to purchase items Legislative Assembly 127 20 February 1996 such as shade structures and playground Industrial Relations Commission and leave equipment and have been able to complete workers without adequate protection of their projects like irrigation systems. Since 1991, wages and conditions. The public housing $1.7m has been spent on capital works policy, on the assessments I have outlined programs in schools throughout my electorate, earlier, will threaten the security of tenure of including the building of a resource centre by public housing tenants. I support the conversion at the Banyo State High School. amendment moved by the new Opposition In respect of police and corrective Leader, Mr Beattie, and oppose the motion of services, there has been an increase in confidence in the minority coalition established police numbers in the police Government. district, taking in the Nudgee electorate, from Mr LIVINGSTONE (Ipswich West) 485 in 1989 under the National Party to 878 (12.12 a.m.): Tonight, I support the under Labor. That is an increase of over 80 amendment moved by the Leader of the per cent. Additionally, a police headquarters Opposition. I am very proud to have served in has been built at Boondall at a cost of $6.1m, a Government led by Wayne Goss and Tom and a Police Beat shopfront has been Burns and consisting of other Ministers and established at Toombul Shopping Town. colleagues. It has been a great Government, In respect to rail transport—Northgate, and the people of Ipswich are very sorry to see Nundah, Toombul, Zillmere, Boondall, it go. They are very sorry to see the mob Geebung and now Banyo Railway Stations opposite back in Government because they have been upgraded. Additionally, pedestrian remember only too well what Ipswich received level crossing protections have been provided after 32 years of the previous National Party at Geebung Railway Station and are in the vindictive Government—absolutely nothing! process of being completed at Banyo and Under the Goss Government, Ipswich has had Sunshine. its fair share of services, which have been distributed throughout the whole region of Another important initiative, a new boat Ipswich so as to provide services to everyone. ramp, was completed at Nudgee Beach. That came to fruition after many years, and with the Without a doubt, under the former help of the former member for Nudgee, Ken National Party Government, Ipswich would Vaughan, and the current member for Lilley, have been the most underfunded city in . Queensland. Early last year during the election campaign, I was surprised that the then Other projects in the Nudgee electorate Leader of the Opposition and now Premier have included an upgrade of facilities, the and his offsider had the hide to come to modification of a science block, the restoration Ipswich and speak about the lack of services. of fire damage, a new covered area, a new What a joke it was for them to speak about canteen and a resource centre at the Banyo the lack of services in Ipswich after 32 years of State High School, the erection of a teaching giving us nothing! A headline read "Slum block, covered games area, tuckshop and feared by Sheldon", and the accompanying resource centre at Boondall State School, and article stated— the construction of a child-care centre at Toombul. Other recent initiatives include the "South-east Queensland may end up provision of an access ramp to the Nudgee a slum area because of the State State Preschool, the repainting of the Government's lack of planning, according Geebung State School and a commitment to to Queensland Liberal Party Leader Joan provide a paved courtyard for the Nudgee Sheldon. 'There has been no forward State Preschool, and also awnings around the planning, there has been no forward administration block of the Nudgee State infrastructure', she told a 160 strong School. audience at the Ipswich Leagues Club, attacking the policies of the Goss The electors of Nudgee have been well Government and speaking in relation to served by the Goss Labor Government, and the lack of regional road networks, the people of Nudgee wanted the Goss Labor transport, education and health facilities." Government to remain in office. How can members therefore support a confidence What a joke! Let me address the health motion in a two-person minority Government facilities in Ipswich. The incoming Minister for that has done nothing? When the member for Health has been in Ipswich talking about Gladstone votes in this debate, she should health issues. At one stage, he was in Ipswich consider carefully the policies to which she is talking about the lack of car parking facilities at giving her endorsement. Amongst other the Ipswich Hospital. Again, members things, those policies will decimate the opposite were in Government for 32 years, but 20 February 1996 128 Legislative Assembly what did they do about it? We have put a plan before, what did it ever do for the Police in place. We have also seen the Liberal Service in Queensland? We had the worst candidate for the seat of Ipswich, Steve funded Police Service in Australia. It had the Wilson, claiming, as did Mr Horan in earlier fewest members and the worst conditions, yet statements, that the $30m that we promised now it wants to get back into bed again. One at the last election was just a ploy. Mr Wilson can assume only that it would like to trade off went on to say— conditions again, perhaps for political muscle. "The people of Ipswich must be In recent weeks, the police union seriously considering whether the hospital circulated an article in the Ipswich area. It was will ever get the money promised by good enough to put the names of three Labor." members of Parliament on it as well, mine They should be very concerned about whether being one of them. Interestingly, it starts off by they will ever get the money, and concerned saying, "It's time to tell the truth on policing." for good reason. We promised $30m during Isn't that lovely? Isn't it a shame that they did the election campaign. Just in recent weeks, not tell the truth? They go on to say that in there has been an announcement that that 1990 there were 6,363 police in Queensland. funding needs to be increased from $30m to Further, they go on to say that in 1995 there $74.1m. We heard members opposite were fewer police than there were in 1990. claiming that the reason for this sudden That is absolutely fabricated. In 1990, they increase was just to try to stick it to the new added 839 to the figure so that they could Government to try to get a few extra dollars fabricate it. out of it. Nothing could be further from the Mr Cooper interjected. truth. Mr LIVINGSTONE: It is good to see There was a lot of planning and all of the the incoming Minister agreeing with the police consultation work has been done. When we figures. Perhaps he was the one who gave said originally that the cost would be about them the rubbery figures, or did they fabricate $30m, that was said in good faith. We were them themselves? The residents of not to know at the time that the building that Queensland have an expectation that the had been built in days gone by, certainly not police union would be honest. How many of us under our Government, was not structurally would like to have police testifying against us sound, namely, a high-rise building in Ipswich. in court? The fact is that they fabricated the I hope to hell that the Government does not figures. try to pull out the money; if we do not do Let us look at the record of our friends something about it in the next couple of years, opposite, and certainly that of our new Premier the damned thing will fall down. I appeal to the when he was a Minister in the Bjelke-Petersen Government not to be vindictive towards Government, and also the incoming Police Ipswich and to make sure that it gets its fair Minister. Back in 1987-88, for that entire year, share. the former National Party Government Mr Horan spoke earlier in relation to a car employed 13 police for all of Queensland. park at Ipswich. A car park is also part of the What a disgraceful record! Out of those 13 plans. An car park for 800 cars will be built at a police, three of them went behind the desk cost of $2.46m. That is additional funding. I and 10 of them actually became operational refer to the health plaza in Ipswich, to which police. Yet the Government has the hide to the dental clinic will be moved at a cost of come in here and talk about police numbers $2.9m. Those facilities are certainly deserved and this Government's record! What a joke! by the people of Ipswich. We hope that under Under the Goss Government, we this new Government we will see some good employed 770 civilians from 1989 till just signs for the residents of Ipswich. recently, and that released 440 police from The new Government, if we can call it behind desks back into operational duties. We that, has had the hide to run around this State employed a further 1,100 police since 1989 on talking about law and order. On this side of the operational duties. If we combine that with the House, we remember only too well the many percentage of police assigned to operational millions of dollars that we have had to spend duties, from 78 per cent in 1989 to to try to make up for some of the neglect of approximately 90 per cent in 1995, this the past. Unfortunately, in recent times we represents an increase of 1,625 operational have seen the police union trying to get back police. We should not forget the word into bed with the National Party with dishonest "operational", because the incoming Minister claims. One must ask: why? When the always liked to fabricate the figures in relation National/Liberal Party was in Government to that category of police. Another 37 officers Legislative Assembly 129 20 February 1996 are ready to graduate from the academy now. coalition Government has the decency to let it The Goss Government's Police budget of continue. The program was established in $541m this financial year has made that approximately 1994. In common with many possible. If one considers the Police budget of other areas that were settled in the sixties, the the National Party in 1989 of $295m, it is easy facilities put in place in Ipswich were pathetic. to see why it did such a hopeless job in terms The maintenance that went into the region of providing adequate resources. was dreadful. In the year before it lost office, I will relate to the House the problems that the previous National Party Government spent I faced as a new member when I was elected $2.3m on maintenance in the region in 1989. The Juvenile Aid Bureau in my compared with figures in the high fifty millions electorate was a very small office about the spent under the Labor Government. We can same size as the Whip's office here. There only hope that the residents of that region do were nine officers working from that office and not once again receive the poor level of it contained phones, fax machines and other services provided by the National Party equipment. At the same time as people Government in the past. walked in and out of the room, children were Leichhardt is one of those locations which interviewed about sexual offences that had in the past has had poor public transport. Until allegedly been committed on them. What a recently no Neighbourhood Watch programs disgrace! We opened a new Juvenile Aid existed in that location. Welfare support Bureau at a cost of approximately $120,000. centres were non-existent. There was poor The North Ipswich Police Station in my access to banking, shopping, health and electorate did not have a fax machine or a pharmaceutical supplies. There were no photocopier. The police used to come to my sporting facilities for young people, apart from office if they needed to do any photocopying. a golf club. There was no swimming pool. That was the oldest station in Queensland. It Since the Labor Party came to Government, did not even have a hot water supply. What the electrification of the railway to an absolute joke! Rosewood—which was made possible by In the Queensland Times of 12 January David Hamill—at a cost of $11.8m has taken last year, the then Opposition Police electric trains into the suburb of Wulkuraka. spokesman—but, unfortunately, to my sorrow, Mr Santoro: He knocked off my railway I suppose he is about to become the Police line from Eagle Junction. Minister—made a certain statement. I want to Mr LIVINGSTONE: If the member remind coalition members of that statement, opposite had the guts, he would get up and and I will keep it for a rainy day. In fact, I will say a few words. But he is not game. He has frame it! The statement reads— been told by his boss that he is not allowed to "Opposition police spokesman speak. In those circumstances, he should just said Ipswich needed 90 sit there and be quiet. The Police Beat is more police to increase the ratio of police another service that we provided for the to population to the State average." Leichhardt area, and it has been a We will remember that. There are now over tremendous benefit to those residents. 200 officers stationed in the region, and I People are concerned about the future of suppose if we give the Government another another initiative of the Labor Government. six months or even till Christmas time we For the last six or seven months, we have should have 300 police officers based in been negotiating with the Leichhardt regional Ipswich. Mr Cooper has claimed that the community in relation to recreational centres. region needs another 90 officers and, now A couple of weeks ago, Tom Burns that he is set to become the Minister, we will announced that a $1.3m recreational centre is be only too happy to take those extra officers. to be established in that region. The local I hope that Mr Cooper comes good and police approached me about the tremendous delivers those additional police, because the need for such a facility. Representatives from people of Ipswich will not forget that the local council, the local community and the statement, and neither will I. We will keep at joint partners in the development in that area Mr Cooper on that issue. were also very keen to see the establishment Another cause for concern for the of such a facility, so it has community support. residents of Ipswich relates to the urban The people of that community got up off their renewal program administered by Terry backsides and had plans drawn up depicting Mackenroth. He has done a wonderful job in the sort of facility that they wanted. They came that regard. Such a program is needed up with a comprehensive business plan on desperately in Ipswich. I hope that the what they wanted. This is not something that 20 February 1996 130 Legislative Assembly was dreamed up overnight; it has been the proposed university is located in Ipswich. worked on for a long period. We hope that the All the work has been done. There is an incoming Government has the decency to go expectation on the part of residents that the through with that project. Government will do the right thing. I must say One of the other projects that we have that some of us have reservations, because I worked on—and I believe that it would be too do not think—— late for the coalition Government to cancel it Mr Santoro: Now don't get nasty. even if it wanted to—is the construction of a Mr LIVINGSTONE: I do not believe swimming pool at the Leichhardt school. It will that coalition members can change their be a community pool which will be open spots. The member for Clayfield certainly outside school hours to the rest of the cannot change his spots. community. That will certainly be of great benefit to the Ipswich region. Mr Borbidge interjected. Another issue of major concern to the Mr Santoro interjected. residents of Ipswich is the proposed university, Mr LIVINGSTONE: I am sorry, but I which has received wide publicity in recent cannot hear the Premier; his mate has too big times. That university will create somewhere in a mouth. the vicinity of 3,000 jobs for Ipswich. I can Mr Borbidge: Give us a chance to assure the House that those jobs are prove that you are wrong. desperately needed. I am concerned about this Government taking away that facility or Mr LIVINGSTONE: I take the convincing the higher education people to interjection from the Premier, who asked us to come back and say, "Look, we do not want to give the Government a chance to prove that go to Ipswich." It is a concern of mine that we are wrong. I hope that that is the case, but pressure will be put on those people to say, I can assure him that if it is not and if some of "We do not want to go there." these facilities are taken away from Ipswich, the Government will be in for a good fight. Mr FitzGerald: There has never been an indication that that would happen. Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba) (12.30 a.m.): Because of the lateness of the hour Mr LIVINGSTONE: I hope that the and because honourable members opposite member for Lockyer supports me in some of have been so patient and sat there so quietly, these matters. The university and the hospital I will be very brief. It is interesting, though, that to which I referred will service his electorate as honourable members opposite have sat there well. One can only hope that the member so quietly. Perhaps this is the first Government plays a part in supporting those projects. to have a no-speeches policy. Of course, Not only does the university present the making speeches—with or without potential for job creation but there is also the microphones—is what honourable members possibility of another development that has opposite are paid to do, but if they choose not been worked on for almost two years. In to then that is entirely up to them. However, I common with other regions, the business ask honourable members to ponder for a community of Ipswich has been struggling for moment how ridiculous is the motion that the a period of time. It desperately needs a boost. Premier wants us to support, because it is Developers have been negotiating with the unique to constitutional history. Myer group of companies and are looking at This is the first time that a Westminster the prospect of building a centre in Ipswich. Parliament has been asked to vote confidence That centre is by no means ready to roll. It is in a Government, presumably to be of 18 very much dependent on the university, people, when only two of them have been because without that university going ahead identified. The Premier told us in yesterday's there is no way in the world that a major newspaper that his Government would be department store will be constructed in the open and accountable, but this is the most region. The developers have made that quite secretive Government in history. It is not even clear. We are talking about a $100m revealing its identities. Members are being development. I am quite happy to show any asked to vote confidence in people not members opposite all the work that has capable of being identified. When the emperor already been done in relation to that proposal. Caligula insisted that the Senate of Rome We are talking about the creation of 1,500 appoint his horse as a consul, at least the permanent jobs and 1,000 casual jobs. I can Senate knew in whom it was supposed to assure the House that that is a boost that the have confidence. Why is it that we do not Ipswich community needs badly. It will be have a Cabinet fronting this House today? We possible only if this Government ensures that are told that the Government did not have Legislative Assembly 131 20 February 1996 time to get one together—but would we entirely to support an anonymous one. Unless please vote confidence in it, anyway. How someone changes his or her mind in a few much time has it had? It is a week since the minutes' time, a majority of the members of Cunningham doctrine was enunciated in this House will vote for this absurd motion. Gladstone. There are reasons, however, why the An Opposition member interjected. member for Gladstone should pause before Mr WELLS: As the honourable member she supports it. These reasons apply to the says, the Government has had time to sack a honourable member and do not detract from Treasury head. her undertaking to support a coalition Government, because her undertaking was It is three weeks since the Mundingburra not, she said, to come in here and just be by-election. It is six years since the coalition another number for honourable members started putting shadow Ministries together in opposite. Surely a condition of her undertaking preparation for this very moment. Members to support a coalition Government would have opposite spent six years as Her Majesty's loyal to be that it should first of all produce one. Opposition, six years preparing for today, and Secondly, she gave certain reasons relating to they could get only two Ministers into the first her own electorate for her decision to bring meeting of this House. I worked it out down a Labor Government. In this House mathematically. If it takes six years to get two yesterday and today, all those reasons relating Ministers into the Parliament, then they would to her own electorate have been dealt with by have needed 54 years in Opposition to get a former Ministers. If what those Ministers have full Ministry together in time. Let me look at it said is correct, then the reasons that the another way. If this Parliament, to its discredit, member for Gladstone gave for her votes confidence in this Government when it undertaking to support the coalition do not can furnish the Parliament with only two apply. So is what the Ministers said correct? Ministers, think of the extent to which we The member for Gladstone could perhaps tell would have to congratulate it if it did what us her opinion. One might think that not telling every other Government in history has us what her opinion was on that subject was managed to achieve, namely, turning up to treating the Parliament with contempt. It is like Parliament with a full Ministry. this: the member for Gladstone ought to stand One might wonder why the Government in this Chamber and tell us whether she had this difficulty in getting a team together. accepts that what the former Ministers said Unlike members on this side of the House, it about her reasons for bringing down the does not even have to have a party room Government is correct. If it is, she should election. All that has to happen is for the recommit her decision. If, however, she does member for Surfers Paradise and the member not know, as she appeared to be saying on for Caloundra between them to ring 16 tonight's news, again she should recommit her colleagues and tell them that they are decision. appointed. But in order to do that they have to Let me emphasise the uniqueness and make a decision. So members are asked to the folly of the motion moved by the Premier. express confidence in an anonymous Members are asked to give a blank cheque to Government led by two people who are so an anonymous Government whose members indecisive that they cannot work out between are not even prepared to speak in this debate themselves which of their colleagues they and whose leaders are too indecisive to put want to work with. The bad news for them is together a team in time for the big game. I do that Government is often about making not have confidence in this Government, and decisions, and this lot cannot even get to the time will tell that the people of Queensland do very first base. not have confidence in it, either. My colleagues have spoken very fully of Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers the achievements of the former Government Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic and I need add nothing to that score. Sadly, and Trade Development) (12.37 a.m.), in much more could have been achieved if the reply: I thank honourable members for their Labor Government had continued in office. contributions to the debate. I note the recent The sadness that one feels in these comments made by the former Premier, the circumstances should not obscure the fact that honourable member for Logan, that he did not what this new Government is doing here is want this particular debate to be a funeral for laughably absurd. I invite the honourable his Government. I believe that his colleagues member for Gladstone to consider this: it is have given us the longest political wake in one thing to say that she would support a history. I start off by observing that this debate coalition Government; it is another thing has proven one thing, that is, that the Labor 20 February 1996 132 Legislative Assembly

Party has made a very smooth transition to the 9.4 per cent swing that we received in July. Opposition. It might have been six years, but it That was a 3 per cent additional swing in a felt as if it was just yesterday that the Labor seat that has been held continuously by the Party was on that side of the House. Labor Party since the second decade of this I would, however, at this stage—and I century. neglected to do so earlier—congratulate the What does the coalition have to do to honourable member opposite on his election convince the Opposition that the people of as Leader of the Opposition. I hope that it is a Queensland no longer appreciated their style long tenure. I want to take a moment to of Government and their performance when respond to some of the claims raised earlier in they sat on this side of the House? Why does the debate by the Leader of the Opposition. I the Opposition not accept the message of 15 believe that there are three words that stick in July? Why does it not accept the verdict of the my mind: "We're not bitter." That set the people? Why does it not accept the election scene for the debate that followed. For the result with grace and with dignity? Again, the hours that have followed, all we have had from reason comes down to arrogance. the Opposition is a diatribe of whingeing, The Leader of the Opposition spent a bitterness, recrimination and downright sour great deal of his time alleging that the policy grapes topped off, of course, by the platform of the coalition somehow could not contribution of the member for Bundamba, the be funded. In common with the member for Labor Party President, who launched a Logan, he was pulling figures of some $7 personal attack on the member for Gladstone. billion out of the air. Coalition policy costings My advice to the outgoing President of the were for $1.6 billion of extra expenditure over Labor Party is that he did himself no favours. three years, not $7 billion. The planned-for He did his party no favours whatsoever. It is surpluses of $145m in 1995-96, $152m in not my job to defend the member for 1996-97, and $276m in 1997-98 will be Gladstone, but I would say that the member's adversely affected by our not taking over in contribution was a disgrace, and the effort of July 1995, a continuation of Labor's inefficient the honourable member for Caboolture was Government and unnecessary expenditure. no better. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition is an honourable Full costings, as well Labor estimates of gentleman he would dissociate himself from our costs, were examined by the Institute of the remarks of his party president. Public Affairs, which issued a certificate of audit confirming that our costings were fair and Throughout the debate members have reasonable. The IPA stated— heard the repeated line from Opposition members that this is not a legitimate "It is reasonable to forecast that the Government; that we had, in the words of the Coalition's revenue and expenditure Leader of the Opposition, walked in through commitments can be met whilst achieving the backdoor. Let me take a moment to a Budget surplus in each of the three repeat some of the facts. On 15 July, the years." National and Liberal Parties achieved 53.4 per If Opposition members do not want to believe cent of the two-party preferred vote, 7 per cent the IPA, I refer them to Michael Knox of higher than Labor's achievement. A total of Morgan Stockbroking, who issued a comment 110,000 additional Queenslanders directed on both parties' costings which stated— their first-preference votes to the Liberal and National Parties ahead of Labor. That is the ". . . the Coalition's costings are quite equivalent of five State electorates. However, reasonable." all we heard after 15 July was how the State Mr Knox described Labor's $7 billion figure for election was an aberration; it was a protest coalition costings as "high comedy". If vote. According to Labor, the people of Opposition members do not want to believe Queensland did not really want to change the the IPA or Michael Knox, they should have a Government, they just wanted to kick them in talk with Marc Robinson, Associate Professor the shins. in Economics and Public Policy at QUT, who Then we had the Mundingburra by- was given the opportunity to examine the election and Labor's half a million dollar complete coalition costings and confirmed that Singleton campaign. The people of they included costings of our promises, Mundingburra delivered another message to "projections for Budget outcomes for the next the Labor Party. Fully aware of the three years" and "the maintenance of a circumstances surrounding their vote, the Budget surplus." people of Mundingburra delivered the coalition The Courier-Mail's editorial of 14 July with the seat with a 3 per cent swing on top of 1995 stated— Legislative Assembly 133 20 February 1996

"Labor used the resources of the whingeing and bitterness, we might find State Treasury to produce the $7 billion Peter's grand plan. sum, which it then claimed was the cost to A Government member: The the first term budgets that would be retirement clause. prepared by a coalition government." Mr BORBIDGE: The retirement clause. Honourable members should remember that I am pleased to inform honourable members this is the newspaper that on election day that I think I know why the Labor Party and the backed the members opposite. The editorial Leader of the Opposition do not want another continued— election. You see, if the 3 per cent swing in "It did this on the basis of costing Mundingburra a fortnight ago was reproduced policies it simultaneously was telling the in a State election, we would see the end of a electorate the coalition had refused to number of Opposition members of Parliament. release. It was trying to have its cake and Let us apply the 3 per cent swing that we had eat it too." in Mundingburra. If that was repeated in a What else did the Courier-Mail say about the general election, we would see, in alphabetical same discredited line that the members order, the following honourable members opposite tried in this place today? The editorial opposite leaving the Chamber: Ashgrove, continued— Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Cleveland, Currumbin, Everton, Hervey Bay, "In fact it emerged yesterday, on the Maryborough, Mount Gravatt, Redcliffe, basis of an independent audit, that the Sunnybank, Thuringowa, Townsville and coalition's announced programme would Whitsunday. They would all be gone. No cost $1.6 billion over three years and wonder they do not want a general election. could be funded from within existing What a mess it would be then. That would be budgetary parameters. Labor has been a great old faction deal, would it not? If the caught out again, indulging in what are swing in Mundingburra that occurred just over generally termed terminological two weeks ago had been replicated at a inexactitudes when form, or the law, general election, Labor would have lost dictates caution with the use of the word another 15 seats in addition to those it lost in lie." July. No wonder it does not want another Those are not my words; they are the words of election; no wonder it is running scared; no the Courier-Mail editorial. wonder it wanted to move a motion calling on The new Leader of the Labor Party is this Government to stay in power at least until peddling the same dishonesty as we saw May 1998. It is not ready for an election. It during the 15 July election. I have quoted the does not want an election. IPA, Michael Knox, Marc Robinson and the This amendment has been moved not editor of the Courier-Mail. I can understand: it because the Opposition has suddenly seen takes a bit of getting used to over there, does the light, not because it has had a Damascus- it not? like conversion, but because it is scared stiff of I now turn to the curious amendment the prospect of going to the polls and losing moved by the Leader of the Opposition. seats. Let us not be fooled. If this amendment Opposition members have spent all day and was so worthwhile and the need for stability most of the night arguing that they have no was so essential, why did the Labor Party not confidence in this Government but they have propose a similar amendment during its six moved an amendment asking us to stay until years in power? It did not concern the former May 1998. What a technical masterpiece! Premier. It did not concern honourable What a strategic gem! They are saying, "We members opposite when the member for don't have confidence in you, but please stay Logan went to the polls six months early in in office until 1 May 1998." I welcome the 1992. Nor did it concern the Leader of the expression of support for the coalition Opposition when the former Premier went to Government by the Leader of the Opposition. the polls three months early in 1995. It is a curious strategy to say the least. Notwithstanding the clear political nature However, let us not write the Leader of the of this amendment, I am pleased to advise Opposition off quite so quickly. I am not going Opposition members in marginal seats that to underestimate the abilities of the Leader of the Government is pleased to accept the the Opposition, because I think that there is amendment put forward by the Leader of the another reason behind this motion. I think Opposition. As Premier and in my previous that, if we look deeply enough, if we plough position opposite, I have said consistently that through the rhetoric and sift through the there is no need for another election. Today, I 20 February 1996 134 Legislative Assembly sought legal advice in respect of this connect the dots, was a great reform of the amendment, and I have been advised that previous Government. But there were many the passing of this motion today will not others. Chief among them were reforms that impinge on the reserve powers of Her paved the way for the public prosperity of this Excellency the Governor. However, I must State to this very day. I refer to the point out that, obviously, by supporting and development by the National Party and the accepting this amendment the Government Liberal Party Government of trust funds for will, in fact, be enjoying the support of the those major public sector commitments such Opposition because the motion as amended as public sector superannuation, third-party is exactly what the Opposition has been premiums and workers' compensation. arguing for all day. I now anticipate the The moneys contributed to cover public Opposition's support for the amended motion sector superannuation, compensation and and its vote of confidence in the third party are held by that great reformist National/Liberal coalition Government; or are institution, the Queensland Treasury we about to witness the spectacle of the Corporation, established by the National Party Leader of the Opposition voting against his in 1988, which now holds in trust funds in own amendment? We will await the outcome excess of $12 billion. So when the former of this division with a great deal of interest. Treasurer or the former Premier boasts about The only other honourable member to the strong public economy of Queensland, whom I wish to respond in some detail relates they are saluting a chain of events in public to certain comments made by the former sector management and reforms and Premier, the honourable member for Logan. I achievements of previous Governments. was pleased to see the member for Logan I say that, for the most part, Labor in participate in the debate and to hear from him Queensland in the nineties knew that to some of what he regards as the key dismantle those great bulwarks of sound achievements of his administration without the public economy would have been tantamount rancour associated with the contributions of to a political death wish. They did not—I some of his colleagues. Under all the repeat, did not—do a particularly good job. In circumstances and out of respect for his hard a quite disgraceful display of managerial work throughout his tenure, I do not intend to incompetence, Labor allowed the workers' be churlish in relation to his contribution, but compensation scheme, one of the great some of what he said does deserve to be put cornerstones of the public economy of this in context. State, to deteriorate over a number of years, I recognise that his Government did put in and despite repeated warnings, to a shocking place a number of important accountability unfunded deficit that is now in the order of measures. I agree with his clear sentiment that $150m. The people threatened with suffering they will be the core of the best memories because of that were the workers. The associated with his Government. I take coalition will protect them. nothing away from those contributions, but I An Opposition member interjected. point out that all of the substantive accountability reforms that occurred in Mr BORBIDGE: The Labor Party broke Queensland were a direct result of the the scheme and the coalition is going to have Fitzgerald inquiry, which was set in train by the to fix it. This Labor Party has destroyed the previous National Party Government. Core legacy of T. J. Ryan and the coalition is going pieces of legislation concerning the Criminal to have to restore it. Similarly, the third-party Justice Commission and the Electoral and scheme has slumped to such a degree that, Administrative Review Commission were under Labor, Queensland motorists are facing introduced by the previous National Party very significant increases in third-party costs to Government under Russell Cooper. Effectively, keep that fund adequate to the task. Part of the very foundation of the entire Labor reform the problem for both of those funds was that program of the early nineties was established Labor raided them for recurrent expenditure well before 2 December 1989. across the Budget. If it had left them alone, The member for Logan asked if anyone they would be in great shape today. could remember any of the great reforms of So there most certainly were massive the National Party and Liberal Party reforms under the previous National Party Governments from 1957 to 1989, to the Government, which underpin the public considerable entertainment of colleagues on prosperity of this State, despite his side of the House. I suggest that the mismanagement by the Labor Party, and Fitzgerald inquiry, from which flowed Labor's which underpin the very program of reform, reform agenda in which all it had to do was which the member for Logan takes Legislative Assembly 135 20 February 1996 substantially out of context in claiming for his passed freedom of information legislation was own. to make it freedom from information. I am I must say that the member for Logan pleased to advise the House tonight that this also stretches the credibility of his regime Government will restore genuine freedom of when he talks about a number of matters as if information legislation, and it is going to be he has somehow rediscovered the wheel, or interesting when the legislation is before the brought to Queensland unqualified House. Will the people who gutted freedom of improvements in certain areas. Appointments information vote to keep it the way they solely on merit, which is one of the phrases wanted it, or will they support us in putting it that rings in everybody's ears about the former back the way Fitzgerald recommended? It is Government, and which is claimed as one of going to be a very interesting debate, and I its great achievements, is a very hollow claim. look forward to the contribution of the Leader Last night, I called for the contracts. They will of the Opposition on this. make very interesting reading. They provide a Is not Opposition an enlightening new definition of the word "cronyism". The day experience? I had the member for Chatsworth before the Mundingburra by-election, a card- before asking, "When are we going to get our carrying member of the Labor Party was resources? What is the time frame?" The man appointed on a five-year contract. When the who had my staff working in the most seat of Mundingburra was declared vacant, appalling conditions is now reformed as he very senior appointments were being made to occupies the Opposition benches. If I have the public service. There was even one offended the honourable member, I appointment of a Chief Executive Officer no apologise: I know him to be one of the kindest less, who had very clear connections to the and most benevolent members on the Labor Labor Party, as I indicated, on the thirteenth of side of the House! this month. Disgraceful! One contract given the day before the Mundingburra by-election— It has been a long debate and a long cronyism; contracts in the public service that day, but it has been an important day. We extend through to the year 2000. The Labor now wish to proceed with the job. We did not Party has been lining up its mates and putting apply the gag as the Leader of the Opposition them into senior positions in the public service. indicated that we might. It has been doing it when it knows that the Mrs Edmond interjected. political reality is that it is destined for the Opposition benches. Mr BORBIDGE: The honourable member whose stewardship of workers' An Opposition member interjected. compensation will go down in the annals of Mr BORBIDGE: I take that interjection, history is giving me some advice. I commend "Prove it." I look forward to proving it, and I am the motion to the House. going to rub the member's nose in it. There Amendment agreed to. has been rampant and disgraceful cronyism. Question—That the motion, as We on this side of the House and the amended, be agreed to—put; and the House public service, too, remember the Gulag—the divided— place where Rudd, Coaldrake and the member for Logan sent some of this State's AYES, 45—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, most senior and longest-serving public Cooper, Cunningham, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, servants to rot. The conditions of their Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, separation from the public sector were Hegarty, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, haggled over. Health broke, families fell apart Perrett, Quinn, Radke, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, and careers were utterly destroyed while some Simpson, Slack, Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Turner, members opposite and some people outside Veivers, Warwick, Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: this place took genuine enjoyment in the Springborg, Carroll process. Such events make any statements NOES, 43—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, from the Opposition about the sanctity of the Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Burns, Campbell, public service, about appointment solely on D'Arcy, De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, merit, mealy-mouthed and hypocritical in the Gibbs, Goss W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, extreme. McElligott, McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Another area where the same applies is in Nunn, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Smith, Spence, relation to freedom of information. That reform Sullivan J. H., Welford, Wells, Woodgate Tellers: very quickly became an anti-reform, a reform Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. in reverse. Just like John Cain in Victoria, the principal concern from Labor after it had Resolved in the affirmative. 20 February 1996 136 Legislative Assembly

GOVERNMENT WHIP AND Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— GOVERNMENT DEPUTY WHIP Deputy Premier and Treasurer) (1.12 a.m.): I Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers formally second the motion. Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader and Trade Development) (1.08 a.m.): I thank of the Opposition) (1.12 a.m.): Due to the the House and we will talk about it again some lateness of the hour, I will be brief. However, I time after 1 May 1998. I advise the House that wish to make a couple of points. As to the first the honourable member for Warwick, Mr part of the resolution, it is obviously very Lawrence James Springborg, has been generally worded and it is a matter that we appointed Government Whip, and the would need to take further consultation on. honourable member for Mansfield, Mr Francis We are obviously not going to oppose it on Edward Carroll, has been appointed Deputy this occasion, and I will not make any further Government Whip. comments other than that I can understand the Premier would be having some difficulty short-listing who will be in his Ministry, and I OPPOSITION APPOINTMENTS suspect that these may be accommodations Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader as a result. We do understand the Premier's of the Opposition) (1.09 a.m.): I advise the problems. House that the honourable member for As to part (b)—I make the point that we Ipswich West, Mr Donald Wallace Livingstone, would seek nothing more in terms of our has been appointed as the Opposition Whip facilities than the Premier sought when he and the honourable member for Chermside, stood as Opposition Leader. I am happy to Mr Terence Boland Sullivan, has been say that I have a full list of all the matters that appointed as the Deputy Opposition Whip. he sought when he stood in my place. I point On this occasion, can I briefly take the out that there were a number of parts, opportunity to congratulate the Premier and including an additional 23 staff, the fact that the Deputy Premier on their elevation to their the budget was to be managed by the new positions. Parliamentary Service Commission and that there were administrative and financial Mr BORBIDGE: I thank the Leader of accounting purposes officers put in place. the Opposition for his courtesy. There were details in relation to delegations, budgets, staff and so on. I repeat: I seek PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES nothing more than the former Leader of the Opposition sought when he stood in my place. Appointment I congratulate the Premier for putting this Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers issue on the Notice Paper so early. The only Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic matter of concern that I raise is his use of the and Trade Development) (1.11 a.m.), by word "phased". It is like one of those words leave, without notice: I move— that means "one day", "perhaps" or "on the "That this House endorses— never-never". It is a bit like saying, "The (a) the appointment of not more than cheque is in the mail." three members of the Legislative Mrs Sheldon interjected. Assembly as Parliamentary Mr BEATTIE: I know the honourable Secretaries to assist certain Ministers member's Myercard is in the mail. It is all right. on the basis that— She should relax. We will come to her in a (i) the appointments are not to minute. affect the right of the members I suggest that perhaps a phase-in period to sit or vote as members of the should start and be significantly completed by Legislative Assembly; and June. I think that is fair. I draw to the attention (ii) additional salary or allowance is of the Premier his use of the words "non- not payable to the members Government members". There are also non- unless the Parliament otherwise Executive Government members in this decides; and House. I draw that to the Premier's attention (b) the approval by the Government of a and seek on this occasion a little detail as to phased improvement of staffing and what "phased" means. resources for the Leader of the Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Opposition and other non- Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic Government members." and Trade Development) (1.14 a.m.), in reply: Legislative Assembly 137 20 February 1996

The Leader of the Opposition used the words Logan in respect of a car, office and secretary, "the cheque is in the mail". I am from the and those arrangements are being expedited, Government and I am here to help! I as I think that they are quite legitimate and understand that the Leader of the Opposition very fair entitlements for a former Premier of will be writing to me and, obviously, once I the State of Queensland. receive that correspondence it will be dealt Motion agreed to. with. I do remember on some previous occasions writing to the honourable member for Logan, and I cannot ever recall having SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT received a specific reply. Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers The former Opposition put forward a very Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic good submission to the honourable member's and Trade Development) (1.18 a.m.): I party when it was in Government. It would move— have been nice to have received a reply, "That the House at its rising do something that has not yet been forthcoming. adjourn to a date and at a time to be Mr Gibbs: We can arrange it. fixed by Mr Speaker in consultation with Mr BORBIDGE: I am enjoying this. It is the Government of the State." in the mail. Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer) (1.18 a.m.): In all seriousness, coming from I formally second the motion. Opposition into Government, we appreciate Mr MACKENROTH (Chatsworth) the problems that members opposite are now (1.19 a.m.): I move— experiencing. I do not think it is in the best "That all the words after the word interests of a proper, functioning Parliament to 'adjourn' be deleted and the words 'until disadvantage the Opposition. I think it should Tuesday, 12 March 1996' be inserted." be reasonably resourced and within a This week, we have had a one-day sitting reasonable time. Having said that, I will also of the Parliament for this year, and the indicate, something which I hope that Premier has stated that he wants to see the members opposite will take as a degree of my Parliament sitting and making the necessary sincerity, that in relation to the Margaret Street decisions. I appreciate that the Government offices, which were never really smart and are cannot have its Ministry sworn in and be back not much better than a hovel, I indicated to here by tomorrow and be able to operate in the Leader of the Opposition last night that rather than moving the Leader of the this Parliament. However, I think that three Opposition back there, we will provide weeks is a reasonable period in which to swear ministerial standard accommodation not too in the Ministry and bring back the Parliament. far from Parliament House in the Government Today, we saw a minority Government, and I precinct where he will be able to have a think that minority Government deserves—— satisfactory office, in addition to the renovated Mr FitzGerald: The confidence of this offices on level 6, which the Government House by two votes. graciously put in place and which was a Mr MACKENROTH: With one superb improvement. I indicate that—and this Independent. What we should see is a firm will be formalised—— commitment from the Government of this Mr Burns interjected. State as to when it is going to come back to the Parliament. That is why I say that asking Mr BORBIDGE: I am trying to—— the Parliament to resolve that it will resume on Mr Burns: I am interjecting. a certain date is not unreasonable, and I Mr BORBIDGE: What I want to say is would ask members, particularly the member that I know that in the past there was a lot of for Gladstone, to support the amendment that bitterness on the honourable member's side. is being moved, namely, that the Parliament Mr Burns: There still is and I will never will resume in three weeks' time. lose it. Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader of the Opposition) (1.20 a.m.): I second the Mr BORBIDGE: What I want to say is motion, and I do so because I believe that that, where possible, we will treat members with the numbers in this House being 44 to the opposite reasonably. For the benefit of the member for Lytton and of honourable coalition, 44 to the ALP and with one members opposite, I am pleased to confirm Independent this Parliament has a more those arrangements. Also, I have had important role to play than ever before. discussions with the honourable member for Decisions should be made in this House, and I am already concerned about the attitude of 20 February 1996 138 Legislative Assembly the Government. Let me explain this very No wonder we have heard the Treasurer clearly. Today, the Under Secretary of talk about shonky audits! No wonder we have Treasury, Gerard Bradley, has been sacked by this attempt to have an independent audit. It the Government. What a disgrace! The Under is simply an attempt to get out of the election Secretary of Treasury has been sacked. That promises that the Government has made. is the way this Government is going to treat Earlier, we heard the Premier confusing the senior career public servants in this State. This Treasury Corporation with the QIC. He does Government should not allow a period of time not even understand the various institutions in to pass without being accountable to this this State, so it is little wonder that the Parliament. Government wants to clean out the senior The Westminster system provides that public servants. public servants, particularly career public The members of this Government cannot servants such as Gerard Bradley—who has act like thugs in sheep's clothing and get away served as a career public servant under with it. They cannot perform like thugs in previous conservative Governments, who sheep's clothing and pretend that they are served under the Labor Party Government going to put a sugar-coated covering over all and who now would have served under this their decisions. If this Government is going to Government—should be allowed to carry out sack senior people such as Mr Bradley, it will their responsibilities without fear or favour. The lose the confidence of the whole community. It cronyism has started already. The first day that is a disgrace. this Government is in power, it has sacked the Let me make it clear: these decisions Under Secretary of Treasury. No wonder the need to be referred to this House. There is a Treasurer has the audacity to start throwing whole string of things that I could talk about, around confidential Treasury documents! This such as the promises in relation to extra Government obviously wants to destroy the numbers for the Upper House and scrapping public service and appoint party hacks. It is the Government's commitment to the Cape back to cronyism—it is back to the days of old, York wilderness zone. There is a whole range all right! The business community knows of things. In light of the numbers in this House, Gerard Bradley very well. This move will this Parliament should meet more regularly. It destroy the business community's confidence should be involved in the decision-making in Treasury. It will be devastating for the process. Those responsible for taking such confidence in this Government. decisions as cutting off the heads of decent We had the Treasurer earlier today setting Queenslanders who have served the out to smear the morale in Treasury and trying community well should be accountable for to destroy the credit rating of this State. It is all those decisions in this House. Three weeks is over the front page of today's Courier-Mail. If more than long enough for the Government to the Treasurer thinks that that helps business in get its act together. That is long enough for it this State, if she thinks that that helps the to come back and be accountable in this economy of this State, then she is dead House. wrong. Her responsibility is to lift business Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers confidence, not to destroy the community's Paradise—Premier and Minister for Economic confidence in the economy. But that is what and Trade Development) (1.25 a.m.), in reply: the Treasurer is seeking to do. This The amendment is not acceptable to the Government has set out on the long road of Government. This adjournment motion is a bringing back its cronies. mirror image of the adjournment motion that Let me make this very clear: the Premier the former Leader of the House under the said that he was not going to set up a Gulag. Goss Government moved in this place not He does not need to, because he intends to only prior to Christmas but prior to almost just sack career public servants. Mr Bradley is every other adjournment. There is a very not a Labor Party hack; he is not a Labor logical reason for that, and Mr Mackenroth Party member; he is a career public servant. I knows it. There can be circumstances in which call on the Premier to reverse that decision an earlier recall of the House may be required. and to stop the sackings of other senior public That is the reason why the former Leader of servants that he is planning. If the Premier the House consistently argued to me that this wants to destroy the public service, if he wants was the appropriate adjournment motion to to destroy the confidence that the people of put in place. this State have in the public sector, then he is What I can say is that the Parliament will going about it the right way. be back in the near future. But we have a lot Legislative Assembly 139 20 February 1996 of work to do. The Opposition wants to debate bad problem: they keep judging us by their decisions. What I want to say to the own standards. honourable the Leader of the Opposition is The situation is simple. This is the that, because of the need to have a standard adjournment motion always moved confidence motion passed by this House to by the Government in circumstances that are confirm the Government, we have not normal, let alone circumstances in which a proceeded further. We have been acting Government and a Ministry have to be put essentially in a caretaker—— together. For that reason, while assuring the Mr De Lacy interjected. House that we will be back within a reasonable Mr BORBIDGE: He has not been period, the amendment is unacceptable to the sacked. Government. Opposition members interjected. Question—That the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the motion—put; and Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Bradley has not the House divided— been sacked. The point I would make for the AYES, 45—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, benefit of honourable members opposite, who Cooper, Cunningham, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, seem to have a short memory, is that they Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, removed two Under Treasurers during the life Hegarty, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, of the Goss Government. They got rid of John Lingard, Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Hall and then they got rid of Henry Smerdon. Perrett, Quinn, Radke, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, So that is the record of the Labor Simpson, Slack, Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Turner, Government. The situation is that Mr Bradley Veivers, Warwick, Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: has not been sacked. I can only assume that, Springborg, Carroll once again, the wires have been crossed. I NOES, 43—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, want to say to the honourable members Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Burns, Campbell, opposite—— D’Arcy, De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Gibbs, Goss W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Mr De Lacy interjected. McElligott, McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Mr BORBIDGE: The former Treasurer Nunn, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, interjects—the man who knifed two Under Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Smith, Spence, Treasurers, the man who sent John Hall, one Sullivan J. H., Welford, Wells, Woodgate Tellers: Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. of the most distinguished public servants in this State, up to the Gulag. Then, a little bit Resolved in the affirmative. later, Mr De Lacy wanted to get rid of Henry Motion agreed to. Smerdon, so he flicked him sideways and got rid of him. I say to the honourable the former The House adjourned at 1.34 a.m. Treasurer that Opposition members have a (Wednesday). 20 February 1996 140 Questions on Notice

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE Guidelines cover not only the control and audit requirements for ministerial expenditure but also a reporting framework to ensure that Ministers are 142.Overseas Visit by Education Minister accountable to Parliament for the results of all Dr WATSON asked the Minister for Education— overseas travel. With reference to the overseas trip taken by the At the end of each year Ministers are required to Minister for Education on the following dates— table a statement for public disclosure which shows a range of categories of expenditure including (i) 22-24 September 1993 to New Zealand expenditure on overseas travel. That statement will is (ii) 8-13 February 1994 to Indonesia made available to Parliament in accordance with the (iii) 8-13 March 1994 to Papua New Guinea normal requirements. Will he provide, separately, the following In line with the Guidelines for the Financial information— Management of the Office of the Minister, Mr Hamill (1) Total cost of the trip including the Minister and tabled reports in relation to the four trips concerned. accompanying ministerial, departmental, The costs of these trips, as charged to his ministerial government and statutory authority staff? office, were: (2) Ministerial expenses for— ¥ 22-24 September 1993—NEW ZEALAND (a) Travel by— Minister $4,638.41 (i) land Staff $2,604.40 (ii) sea TOTAL $7,242.81 (iii) air? ¥ 8-13 February 1994—INDONESIA (b) Accommodation and meals (except Minister $10,675.28 meals as part of functions)? Staff $7,363.44 (c) Official functions—including those organised around meals (breakfasts, TOTAL $18,038.72 luncheons and dinners)? ¥ 8-13 March 1994 — PAPUA NEW GUINEA (d) Other expenses? Minister $8,909.83 (3) Departmental expenses for— Staff $8,800.79 (inc body guard (a) Travel by— expenses) (i) land TOTAL $17,710.62 (ii) sea The Guidelines for Ministerial expenditure are quite (iii) air? clear as to what expenditures can legitimately be (b) Accommodation and meals (except meals charged to the Department and those that are to be as part of functions)? charged to the Ministerial office. All expenditure, whether through the Ministerial Services Branch on (c) Official functions—including those behalf of Ministers or by the Department, is fully organised around meals (breakfasts, audited by the Auditor-General. luncheons and dinners)? This accountability regime provides the assurance to (d) Other expenses? Parliament and the people of Queensland that (4) Government expenses for— Ministers undertake overseas travel to achieve (a) Travel by— specific goals and then report on the benefits gained (i) land from the travel. (ii) sea (iii) air? 155.High School, Kuranda (b) Accommodation and meals (except meals Mrs WARWICK asked the Minister for Education— as part of functions)? With reference to the construction of a high school (c) Official functions—including those for Kuranda, promised for 1997— organised around meals (breakfasts, (1) What is the present position regarding the luncheons and dinners)? acquisition of the Little’s property at Myola (d) Other expenses? Road, Kuranda? Answer (Mr Hamill): (2) Will he consider purchase of an alternate site, This question refers to trips undertaken by the namely an area of 47 hectares adjacent to the Honourable Pat Comben as Minister for Education in Kennedy Highway and Fallon Road, near 1993 and 1994. Kuranda, as this site has widespread community support? As the Honourable Member would know, this Government has put in place a set of guidelines for Answer (Mr Hamill): the operations of ministerial offices which are far Ministerial Approval was granted by my predecessor more onerous than anything ever attempted by for the acquisition of the Little's property in Myola previous Queensland Governments. These Road on 22 August 1994. Notices of Intention to Questions on Notice 141 20 February 1996

Resume were sent to the property owners on 23 ¥ the consistency of teaching materials and August 1994. Efforts are being made to settle the program models, (the State has prepared and matter through negotiation between the parties provided free to schools a consistent set of rather than through the formal resumption process. teaching materials; students will therefore use The Department of Lands is continuing with the the same materials and follow approximately the negotiation process; a meeting was held on Tuesday same program sequence from school to 21 November 1995 between representatives of the school). Crown (Department of Lands Officers) and the ¥ the cluster system which assures continuity of property owners. Although no agreement was learning from primary to secondary schools in reached at the meeting, the general feeling was any particular area (the greatest dislocation positive. It is hoped that the matter will be settled by occurs as a result of the move from the primary agreement in the near future. to the secondary school. The cluster system, plus the priority languages, reduces the impact With respect to the second question, an alternative of this on continuity of learning). site situated at Fallon Road was suggested by Mareeba Shire Council. I have now rejected this site ¥ an emphasis on the provision of distance following an investigation into the comparative education materials in LOTE (the Department suitability of both sites for school purposes. Matters has prioritised the development of distance that were taken into account included topography, education materials in LOTE and is pursuing a suitability for building, cost of construction, removal program which will see the mainstream of existing vegetation, possible environmental provision well supported by distance mode impact, access to and into the sites, configuration of courses. Students who find that they cannot the allotments, and future development potential and conveniently continue to study the same servicing. The Myola Road site was considered language in a new school location are superior in the great majority of these counts. increasingly able to access distance education courses). 1.3 These policies and initiatives significantly reduce 163.LOTE Program the impact of changing schools on continuous LOTE Mr STEPHAN asked the Minister for Education— learning and seek to ensure the achievement of desired learning outcomes for the majority of the With reference to the LOTE Program and a State's students. As a result significantly fewer than substantial number of students moving between the 40% (of students) quoted would have their schools (suggested in the Wiltshire Report to be learning interrupted by a change of school. over 40%) who start a LOTE subject but do not complete the eight years’ study of the same 2. language— School Type No. of Schools % of School Type (1) What impact does the migration of students JAPANESE between schools have on learning another SDE 5 62.5% language? SHS 82 46.59% (2) What are the number and percentage of CCSE 1 10% schools teaching the same LOTE language? SS 365 34.21% GERMAN (3) Is consideration being given to a reduction of SDE 2 25% time allocated to teaching LOTE? SHS 71 40.34% (4) Will a syllabus be drawn up which will enable a SS 270 25.3% continuance for students who wish to FRENCH undertake, in-depth language studies? SDE 3 37.5% SHS 62 35.23% Answer (Mr Hamill): SS 196 18.36% (1) Continuity in second language learning is critical ITALIAN to the successful achievement of desired learning SDE 1 12.5% outcomes for students. For this reason the SHS 18 10.23% implementation of the LOTE program has been SS 101 9.47% planned and executed paying due regard to the INDONESIAN significant portion of the State's population which is SHS 25 14.2% mobile. SS 94 8.81% The following strategies reduce the potentially CHINESE disruptive effects of a change of school on the SHS 20 11.36% LOTE process: SS 66 6.19% KOREAN ¥ the limited number of priority languages taught SHS 1 0.57% in state primary schools and the policy of SPANISH ensuring a balance across the State between SHS 1 0.57% those languages (this means that students SS 6 0.56% moving from region to region will normally be VIETNAMESE able to find a local school which teaches the SHS 2 1.14% language they have been studying previously.) SS 1 0.09% 20 February 1996 142 Questions on Notice

Please Note: Some schools offer more than one situations requires considerable skill as the memories LOTE. Key to abbreviations of school types: may be true and of clinical significance in treatment CCSE—Centres for Continuing Secondary but they may also be false and lead to the wrongful Education (10 in total) accusations of family members and great damage to families. SDE—Schools of Distance Education (8 in total); all except Capricornia-Emerald Campus have both (2) & (3) I am aware of complaints against two primary and secondary departments. registered psychologists which allege malpractice in the context of so called 'repressed memory therapy'. SHS—State High Schools (176 in total) The complaints in one of the two cases were SS—State Schools (i.e. primary; 1067 in total) referred to the Health Rights Commission and then to 3. No consideration is currently being given to a the Psychologists Board of Queensland. In the other reduction in the time allocated to the teaching of case the events complained of, because of their LOTE. A major review will be undertaken in early timing, fell outside the scope of the Health Rights 1996 to look at the educational outcomes of the Commission and have been investigated directly by current core LOTE provision in Years 6, 7 and 8. On the Psychologists Board of Queensland. In both the basis of the outcome of this review, and in line cases the Board has sought legal advice and the with the agreed national learning outcomes for LOTE advice of an expert clinical psychologists concerned teaching, we will be in a position to determine the and interview the psychologists, their clients and the amount of time required to achieve those outcomes complainants. In one case the Board's investigations for students. have been completed and it has resolved that there is no reason to suspect that the psychologist in 4. One of the basic aims of the Queensland LOTE question has behaved in a way discreditable to his Initiative is to provide all young Queenslanders with profession. The investigation in the second case is access to LOTE learning according to individual yet to be finalised but I am advised that the Board need and aptitude. The Queensland School expects to reach a decision at its November meeting. Curriculum Office will be instructed to develop syllabuses to cater to the full range of student (4) I understand that, partly in response to a request aptitude in this curriculum area. While all students will from the Board, The Australian Psychological receive a basic grounding in a LOTE, those students Society has issued guidelines for psychologists who have either ample opportunity to do so by working with clients who recover memories of syllabuses designed to meet their needs. This will childhood sexual abuse. These guidelines have been clearly include the provision of indepth language sent to all registered psychologists in the State. studies for those students seeking such a program. Generally the efficacy or desirability of a particular treatment or therapy is one for experts within the relevant profession to determine rather than for me 190.Repressed Memory Therapy as Minister to give endorsement or otherwise. Mrs WILSON asked the Minister for Health— (1) Is he aware of the issue of repressed memory 205.Contaminated Land syndrome, and the practice of some Mr HEALY asked the Minister for Environment and psychologists conducting this therapy? Heritage— (2) Is he also aware that some psychologists have How many possible, probable or confirmed been the subject of several complaints contaminated land sites throughout Queensland have regarding their conduct of so-called repressed been identified under the Contaminated Land Act (or recovered) memory therapy, and this 1991 and how many of these are (a) current practice is the concern of many Queensland residential and (b) current commercial sites? citizens? Answer (Mr Barton): (3) Is he conversant with so-called "independent As at 23 October 1995 the following number of investigations" commissioned by the contaminated land sites have been identified Psychologists Board of Queensland to examine throughout Queensland as per the requirements of complaints about registered psychologists Section 23 of the Contaminated Land Act 1991, implicated in the implanting of "false memories"? within the classifications nominated: (4) Will he advise of any action regarding this issue, and does this therapy practice by some Possible—These sites are categorised according to psychologists have the support of the Minister the nature of the contaminant—either Chemical or as a health issue? Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). 2,397 Chemical contaminant sites Answer (Mr Beattie): (1) The terms 'repressed memory syndrome' and 7,502 UXO contaminant sites 'repressed memory therapy' have been used in the Probable—12,904 Chemical contaminant sites (this media in recent times in relation to cases where classification is not used for UXO contaminant sites) patients in psychotherapy have recovered memories Confirmed—6 Chemical contaminant sites (this of childhood sexual abuse, often involving family classification is not used for UXO contaminant sites) members. These memories are believed to be true by the patients and may be acted on to the extent that It is not possible to identify how many of these the patients may confront the supposed perpetrators contaminated land sites are (a) current residential and of the abuse. The management of patients in these (b) current commercial sites because: Questions on Notice 143 20 February 1996

A Contaminated Sites Register is maintained by the (2) As a result of a recent meeting of medical staff I Queensland Department of Environment and am advised that the doctors have established a Heritage as per the requirements of Section 24 (1) of Committee panel which supersedes their need for a the Contaminated Land Act 1991. representative on the Steering Committee. The The particulars which must be recorded for a Committee panel will raise clinical concerns directly site upon entry to the Contaminated Sites Register with the Project Director. Both the Government and as detailed in Section 23 of the Contaminated Land the doctors share one aim and that is to upgrade the Act 1991 and Section 5 of the Contaminated Land Cairns Base Hospital to make it a high level health Regulation 1991 are: care and teaching facility. (a) real property description of the property; (3) I have already taken action to address the and concerns of the doctors. A workshop is to be held in (b) classification of the property under the next few weeks which will provide a forum for section 23 (1) of the Act. medical staff to raise issues of concern and review the recommendations of Functional Plan which was While the Contaminated Sites Register submitted by the Regional Health Authority in July maintains a record of the specific "prescribed 1994, after an extensive consultation process. The purpose" for which the site has been notified to the Functional Plan provided an analysis of existing Queensland Department of Environment and services and levels of service along with projected Heritage, the current land use of a site is not service requirements of the hospital. The identified mandatory data required for entry to the Register. services requirements of the Functional Plan were When a site has been recorded on the Contaminated the basis on which the current Master Plan was Sites Register, data such as current land use is valid developed. at the time of entry only. Current land use for individual sites recorded on the Contaminated Sites This will provide Cairns people with a modern Register may change after the date of entry. It would facility—something never planned for under the be a major undertaking to continually update the Liberal and National Parties. In fact, under the current land use for the 24,424 (including 1,615 Coalition Health Policy $27 million would have been Restricted, Former and Released) sites recorded on cut from the Health Budget which would have the Register as at 23 October 1995, and require reduced services to Cairns Base Hospital. legislative power to require land owners and local The rebuilding process would be greatly assisted if governments to notify of each change in land use. the Honourable Member desisted from using the rebuilding of the Cairns Base Hospital as a cheap 211.Cairns Base Hospital political football. These stunts only serve to damage the reputation of the Hospital in North Queensland. Mrs WARWICK asked the Minister for Health— With reference to the proposed redeveloped Cairns Base Hospital— 212. Medical Superintendents; Hospital Staff (1) (a) How many beds will it contain, (b) how many Specialists operating theatres will it contain and (c) how Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Health— many birthing suites will it contain? (1) How many medical superintendents were (2) Will he make a commitment to the appointment employed at 30 June 1995? of at least one local clinical representative on the steering committee? (2) How many medical superintendent vacancies (3) Will he dispel the prevalent fears that attention existed at that date? will not focus just on buildings and equipment (3) How many hospital staff specialists were but on the development of more services and employed at 30 June 1995? the upgrading of present services? (4) How many staff specialist vacancies existed at Answer (Mr Beattie): that date? (1)(a)A study of bed numbers has occurred and has Answer (Mr Beattie): recommended a range of 310 to 340 beds. (b) The number of operating theatres has not been (1) 116 finalised as this study forms part of the Project (2) 7 Definition Plan/Design Brief which has only just (3) 454 commenced. However, the Master Plan indicates an allowance of 1500m2 for the (4) 123 Operating Theatres in the new Clinical Services The recruitment and retention of Queensland's Building. This is significantly more than the medical workforce in the public sector is a number 809m2 which exists in the operating suite at one priority for the Government. The shortage of present. specialist doctors in the public sector is a (c) Again, the number of birthing suites will be phenomenon common to all Australian States. The finalised as part of the Project Definition Plan Government will continue to work with the Colleges process. The Master Plan provides an to address these issues. Queensland is also indicative allocation of 530m2 for the Delivery committed to working closely with the Suite, a much larger space than the 340m2 for Commonwealth Government to improve the existing Delivery Suite. Queensland's medical workforce position. 20 February 1996 144 Questions on Notice

217.Gold Coast Hospital Will he honour promises made prior to the 15 July Mr GRICE asked the Minister for Health— State Election to acquire the following properties (a) 34 blocks of land at Leo Lindo Drive, Shailer Park With reference to his recent meeting on the Gold plus Rainforest Gully in Stage 20 of Kimberley Forest Coast with representatives of the Gold Coast branch Park Estate and (b) 200 hectares of land on the of the Australian Medical Association where it was eastern side of German Church Road, Mt Cotton, again pointed out that the South Coast Region part of Bayview Country Estate on a $2 for $1 receives only 5 per cent of the total health budget contribution by the Redlands Shire Council? despite having 11 per cent of the State’s population— Answer (Mr Barton): (1) When will further resources be provided for the Answer not supplied. intensive care unit at the Gold Coast Hospital, including a provision for “high dependency” beds? 226. Community Health Centre, Mulgrave (2) When will action be taken to increase paediatric Electorate services to overcome a 14-month waiting list? Mrs WILSON asked the Minister for Health— (3) When will a dementia ward be provided at the With reference to the proposed Mulgrave Gold Coast Hospital? Community Health Centre to include aged care, (4) When will there be an increase in the number of family and child health services, drug and alcohol detoxification beds? counselling, sexual health services, youth health, Answer (Mr Beattie): mental health and extended services in palliative care, rehabilitation and home medical aide— (1) Queensland Health has commenced a statewide review of and long-term planning for intensive care (1) Has the land at Lot 5, Loretta Drive, been services. Intensivists and nursing staff at the Gold purchased and paid for; if so, what is the Coast Hospital have been consulted as part of this proposed time line for the project and when will process. There is a need for Queensland to attract the project commence? and retain additional senior medical staff and (2) Will the centre commence operation in eighteen intensive care specialists in the public hospital months, as previously proposed? system and Queensland Health is engaged in a range of strategies to address this issue. (3) Will full and continual consultation occur with the doctors and staff who will support this (2) The South Coast Region is unaware of a 14 project so that the services will actually meet month waiting list for paediatric services. There are the needs of the community? currently 15 cases on the paediatric waiting list. An expansion of paediatric services in the South Coast Answer (Mr Beattie): will be considered when the redevelopment of the (1) The land at Lot 5, Loretta Drive, Woree, has been paediatric ward commences in the near future. purchased for the establishment of a Community (3) A review of aged care and rehabilitation services Health Centre at Woree. The planning process for has recently been completed. Funding for the the new Centre has already commenced, with development of a dementia unit at the Gold Coast specifications for Functional Planning and Master Hospital will be considered along with other Planning currently being finalised. recommended projects. (4) The South Coast Region is unaware of the need 241.Community Health Centre, Smithfield to increase beds in the detoxification unit at Fairhaven, as current figures reflect only a 76% Ms WARWICK asked the Minister for Health— occupancy rate for the unit. In addition, the Region is With reference to the proposed Community Health also providing increased drug and alcohol services Centre to be constructed at Smithfield— within the community. (1) Has land been purchased? The Government has a high regard for the work carried out by Health Professionals at the Gold (2) When will construction commence? Coast Hospital. This is in sharp contrast to the (3) When will the centre be operational? attitude of Gold Coast based National Party colleagues of the Honourable Member who Answer (Mr Beattie): continually slur and demean the efforts of Health (1) The purchase of land for the establishment of a Professionals. Community Health Centre at Smithfield is not yet The National Party Election Policy to slash Health finalised. However, a specific site has been identified spending by $27 million as part of an efficiency within the Smithfield Town Centre Development dividend would have resulted in decreased services Control Plan, and negotiations are nearing to the Gold Coast Hospital. completion with Cairns City Council. (2) This answer depends on the outcome of the 218.Land Acquisition, Redlands Electorate above question. Mr HEGARTY asked the Minister for Environment (3) This answer depends on the outcome of the and Heritage— above question. Questions on Notice 145 20 February 1996

257.Ipswich Motorway railway south of Robina station will be finalised by Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for Transport the end of 1995. and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and 4. As part of the government's pre-election Trade Development— commitments it was announced that planning for the With reference to the increase in the volume of traffic extension of the Gold Coast rail from Robina to travelling along the Ipswich Motorway— Coolangatta would be initiated. (1) Can a safety audit of the motorway be carried A major component of this proposal is the conduct out; if so, could this audit review the suitability of an impact assessment study which will consider of current speed limits and whether the feasible corridor alternatives and identify optimum provision of safety barriers along dangerous rail/road/air transport relationships and linkages sections of the motorway increase safety? particularly around the critical areas of the Coolangatta airport and the NSW/Queensland (2) Will the completion of the Camira by-pass link border. and the widening to four lanes of the Logan motorway reduce some of the heavy traffic 5. Negotiations have taken place with Surfside Bus along the Ipswich motorway? Company and Coachtrans. An agreement has been reached with Surfside to meet every train at Answer (Mr Elder): Helensvale. 1. Queensland Transport is presently carrying out a Coachtrans will meet all trains from Ormeau and road safety audit of the Motorway. The audit will Coomera stations. involve a detailed review of all safety matters on the Motorway including roadside hazards. Both these agreements will be regularly reviewed. At this stage it is expected that the audit will be completed by the end of December 1995. 264.Kroombit Tops 2. Traffic projections show significant increase in the Mrs McCAULEY asked the Minister for Environment traffic volumes using the Ipswich Motorway and and Heritage— Logan Motorway. Traffic projections with the "Camira With reference to a tender for some 12km of fencing Bypass" completed demonstrate the substantial relief on Kroombit Tops, which closed on 28 September, which construction of the proposed new link will with the work to be completed by March 1996, with provide to the Ipswich Motorway. the aim of keeping ‘brumbies and scrubbers’ from a certain frog habitat— 261.Gold Coast Rail Link (1) How much money is involved in this tender? Mr HARPER asked the Minister for Transport and (2) As it involves an environmental matter, why is Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and the funding coming from Department of Primary Trade Development— Industries’ sources and not his department? With reference to the Brisbane to Gold Coast Answer (Mr Barton): Railway— (1) The public tender for fencing was let by the (1) On what date will services to Helensvale start? Department of Primary Industries Resource (2) When will the timetable for such services be Management Business Group in their capacity as available to the public? managers of Kroombit State Forest. The Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) was not privy to (3) When will the purchase of the site for the the tender process nor were Departmental Robina Station be completed? representatives present at the public opening of the (4) Is a corridor from Robina to Coolangatta being tender. considered; if so, where will the stations along (2) The funding is not coming from the Department this line be located? of Primary Industries (DPI), but rather from a Drought (5) What is the status of discussions between his Research and Feral Pest grant under the Drought department and coach/bus operators about an Landcare Program which is administered by the integrated approach to the railway timetable? Commonwealth Department of Environment, Sport Answer (Mr Elder): and Territories. This grant was allocated to the DPI as managers of 1. It is anticipated that the first passenger train will the Kroombit State Forest, for the exclusion and operate on the Gold Coast line to Helensvale early subsequent mustering of stock; particularly 'brumbies next year. and scrubbers', from one of the two scientific areas 2. A draft timetable is currently being finalised and it on the State Forest. The creek system (including will be available for distribution in January 1995. vulnerable frog habitat) within this scientific area is 3. Queensland Rail (QR) and Robina Land suffering from increased grazing pressure due to the Corporation (RLC) have concluded a draft ongoing drought conditions. agreement on the terms and conditions for the Irrespective of the grant, the State Forest, including acquisition of all land necessary for current works. the scientific areas, are managed by the DPI. Sound It is expected that an agreement covering the environmental management is an ultimate acquisition of the site for Robina station and any responsibility for everyone, whether the DPI, other RLC land necessary for the extension of the Department of Minerals and Energy, major 20 February 1996 146 Questions on Notice corporations or private individuals. If environmental equivalent age appropriate programs). Alternatively, matters were left solely to the DEH, achievements if necessary, a review may be instigated at an earlier could only be limited. Rather, DEH seeks to assist stage at the request of parents/caregivers or the other agencies and individuals to take better account school. of environmental needs. I and my Department are Parents/caregivers may accept or reject support very pleased with the actions of the DPI on this and level recommendations and may appeal to the other matters. Executive Director of the region. 2. For students with high support needs the 265.Special Needs Students Individual Education Plan process is used to Mr FITZGERALD asked the Minister for Education— determine each student's educational needs. Class teachers, parents, specialist teachers, therapists and (1) Prior to the integration of special needs other relevant support personnel are involved in all children into the school community, what steps phases of the IEP process. are taken to determine (a) whether this course of action will benefit a particular child and (b) The process involves 5 phases: the effect on the other children in the class? information gathering and consultation about (2) On an individual child basis, how are the the educational needs of the student; individual child’s needs assessed? discussion at a meeting to decide on the (3) Is each individual child’s care needs fully met in educational priorities for the student; the classroom situation; if so, how? development of a statement of the prioritised (4) Is each individual case reviewed on a regular goals agreed to by both educational personnel basis? and parents; Answer (Mr Hamill): development of detailed educational programs and assessment of achieved goals; 1. An Ascertainment Process is used to determine the educational support needs arising from the ongoing review / evaluation of the Individual disability of the individual student and the level of Education Plan. The last phase occurs every 6 specialist teaching required. This process requires months and initiates the next cycle of the IEP consultation with parents and relevant educational process. personnel and the school community to gather 3. The Individual Education Plan process and the information about the educational needs of the Ascertainment process are designed to determine student and the capacity of the school to provide to the student's educational needs and the support those needs. requirements necessary to meet these needs. Support for educational programs for most students 4. The ascertained level of each student must be with disabilities can be, and are provided, within the reviewed every three years or earlier if required. The school, but for some students with disabilities, Individual Educational Plan of each student is additional and higher levels of support may be reviewed every 6 months. necessary. This additional support may come from sources outside the school or through transfer of students to another program. 267.Nursing Positions When this level of support is required an external Mr HORAN asked the Minister for Health— statewide Ascertainment representative is included in the committee to determine the extent of the With reference to the Goss Government’s election additional support and provide consistent statewide promise of 800 new nursing positions over three advice about a student's current and recommended years— levels of support. Consequently students in Brisbane (1) How many new positions will be provided in ascertained at the highest level of educational need 1995-96? (i.e. level 6) will have comparable needs as a student (2) What is the location of these positions? with the same disability in Cairns or Mt Isa. (3) What is the timetable of appointment of this The principal is then responsible for arranging the year’s positions? student's entry into a program at the relevant local school, special school, special education unit or (4) What is the amount of funding allocated to each another approved location. Program support may region for these positions? include school-based personnel at the local school, (5) What is the process of application by service advisory visiting teacher personnel, or specialist units for these positions? teachers at the local school, the special school, the special education unit, the special education Answer (Mr Beattie): developmental unit or another approved location. This commitment to nurses is in sharp contrast to the The principal is responsible for instigating the review attitude of the Nationals who made little or no of the ascertained support level. This must occur mention of nurses in their one four page document. every three years or at critical educational transitions This continues the tradition when the Nationals were (i.e. prior to the student entering early intervention in Government—of keeping Queensland nurses well programs, year one, mid primary or equivalent age below the national average as the lowest paid in the appropriate programs, entry to secondary school or country with no career path structure. Questions on Notice 147 20 February 1996

(1) A systemic approach to the provision of the 800 (2) All private dentists in the Sunshine Coast Region, additional positions is being used with Regional including Nambour, were invited to join an Directors currently in the process of: outsourcing scheme to provide Emergency Dental (i) formally confirming the baseline number of Services for public sector patients. Twenty-four nursing staff (upon which growth in nursing dentists across the Region have signed an numbers will be measured); and Agreement. However, no private dentists in the Nambour area have signed an Agreement, although (ii) estimating the increase in numbers of positions some may still be contemplating participating in the for 1995-96 for service provision areas. scheme. In the interim, available funds are being (2) This information is due to be received in Central used at Nambour to provide programmed overtime Office this year. Until that time, no definitive details for public sector staff and the employment on on the location of these positions can be provided. contract of a private practitioner to work within the (3) After the final determination of position locations facility. Perhaps the Honourable Member could within the Regions, recruitment and selection into the devote some energy to encouraging private dentists positions will occur. in Nambour onto the scene. (3) It is not necessary for patients to seek an (4) Until Regional numbers are determined, funding authority number from Regional Office to access allocations by Region are not available. outsourced Emergency Dental Care. Authorisation is (5) No process of application by service units for obtained from the local public dental clinics for those these numbers exists or is proposed. The proposed areas where outsourcing is occurring. This is to numbers relate directly to activity as a direct result of ensure audit requirements are met in relation to growth. Currently, Regional Directors, as part of the accountability for funds and to prevent abuse or systemic approach to the provision of the 800 fraud of the system. additional positions, are determining within their (4) Within the Queensland Public Hospital system respective Regions, the estimated increase in after hours emergency cases have access to numbers of positions for 1995-96 for the various emergency dental care upon presentation and service provision areas. assessment at Accident and Emergency Departments. 271.Public Dental Health Program With respect to the Sunshine Coast Region in Mr LAMING asked the Minister for Health— particular, Base Dental Clinics are situated in hospital grounds at all major sites (Redcliffe, Caboolture, With reference to problems being experienced by Caloundra, Nambour, Gympie). Ready accessibility the public dental health program on the Sunshine to dentists is available for accident cases involving Coast— oral trauma during normal hours. Most of these (1) How many dentist positions remain unfilled in clinics now also operate during evenings as well. (a) Queensland and (b) the Sunshine Coast Accidents involving significant dental trauma outside region? these times are referred to Brisbane from the (2) Is Nambour being included in the scheme to Southern Sector (Redcliffe and Caboolture) and a provide funding for both emergency dental and call-in service of public sector dentists operates at emergency denture work; if not, why not? Caloundra and Nambour for such emergencies. (3) Why do patients have to seek an authority Under Labor the Oral Health program in Queensland number from regional office to get emergency has gone forward. Funding for public dental services work done by a private dentist? has increased from $34.5 million in 1989 / 90 to $75 million in 1995 / 96. (4) What provision exists for dentists to be called in to provide assistance in the case of Oral Health services are now managed with a client accidents involving dental damage both in outcome focus—something the system lacked prior Queensland generally and on the Sunshine to 1989. Coast? Answer (Mr Beattie): 276.Greenvale-Townsville Rail Link (1)(a)Queensland Health is in the process of finalising Mr MITCHELL asked the Minister for Transport and a restructuring of oral health services along Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and integrated team lines. As such the true position Trade Development— as to vacancies for public dentist positions in With reference to the new development currently Queensland will not be known until this process taking place at Greenvale to operate as a viable is complete. tourist centre and two new mines to come on line in (b) There are 3 full time dentist vacancies and 1 1996 along with the cartage of many export cattle part time vacancy in the Sunshine Coast Region from the area— at Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa. Will he reconsider the decision to close and remove Unfilled positions are being the railway line from Greenvale to Townsville? advertised/readvertised in the next few weeks. Answer (Mr Elder): The Region is confident of filling any vacant Approximately 20kms of rail has been removed from positions, particularly as new graduates will the Greenvale end of the branch line to replace rail come onto the job market in the next month. on the main line between Mt Isa and Townsville. 20 February 1996 148 Questions on Notice

All rail on the Greenvale line is required for rerailing (3) There is no requirement for my Department to of sections of the Mt Isa line in order to meet the keep records of the private transactions that occur requirements of increased mineral traffic from the between private enterprise bus operators. Cloncurry/Mt Isa region. However, enquiries by my Department to Transit The rail must be removed shortly, as timber sleepers Australia have resulted in the following advice from on the Greenvale line have now deteriorated to the that company. point where the train used to collect the disused rail Transit Australia has either bought the relevant will soon not be able to traverse this line. licenses from, or paid out satisfactory compensation There are no known commercial rail traffics available to, the following operators in the respective areas: along the Greenvale line, in the foreseeable future. Townsville Any cattle required to be moved by rail can be taken to Charters Towers for loading via the development - Campbells Coaches road. - Hermit Park Bus Service However, while the track work is being removed, the Cairns rail corridor will be preserved for future development - Northern Beaches Bus Service (part of Marlin should any viable project eventuate. Coast Consortium—the contract holder) - West Cairns Bus Service (contract exists for 277.Transit Australia full settlement during November 1995) Mr JOHNSON asked the Minister for Transport and - Southern Cross Bus Service Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Ipswich Trade Development— With reference to the entry of Transit Australia into - Pioneer Bus Service the passenger bus service business in many of - Sundowner City Bus (an agreed payment Queensland’s larger cities— schedule is currently in place) (1) With respect to new bus services promised in Sunshine Coast Queensland Government advertisements, how - Tewantin Bus Service (part of Sunshine many such services are now being delivered by Transit—the contract holder) Transit Australia? Compensation is not an issue for the following (2) How many bus licences has Transit Australia operators who continue to operate their businesses contracted to take over? as sub-contractors to Transit Australia (see answer (3) How many of the licence contracts in (2) above 2): have actually been completed and paid for? - Nambour Bus Service (4) Has a senior Government officer threatened to - Didillibah Bus Service stop goodwill payments to existing licence holders who did not co-operate with Transit - North Coast Shuttle Australia takeover delays; if so, why? The government is aware that compensation (5) What is the reason for such delays? negotiations are progressing between Transit Australia and Amberley—Rosewood Bus Co Pty Ltd. Answer (Mr Elder): At this stage neither party has exercised the right to (1) As of today's date, Transit Australia are involved refer the matter to arbitration. in four (4) commercial service contract areas. The The government is also aware that arbitration, relevant information in relation to these service areas pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Act (1990), is was supplied to you previously in Question 208 proceeding between Transit Australia and the (9—18 October 1995). following operators: (2) Transit Australia has not contracted to take over - Cairns Trans any bus licenses. - Sunshine Coast Coaches When a service contract is entered into for the provision of scheduled passenger services in a - Coolum Coaches declared service contract area, those parts of any (4) No senior Government officer has threatened to existing licenses that relate to services inside the stop goodwill payments to existing license holders. declared contract area (including those licenses held In any event, the existing operators who have been by the contract holder) are terminated under the unsuccessful in being awarded a contract in all the provisions of the Transport Operations (Passenger areas serviced by Transit Australia under a Transport) Act 1994. commercial service contract have an entitlement to It is a condition of all the commercial service compensation under the provisions of the Transport contracts held by Transit Australia Pty Ltd that they Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994. If they pay compensation to any existing operators who are unsatisfied with the amount of compensation were unsuccessful in being awarded a contract. they have the opportunity to have the matter heard In many instances, the issue of compensation has independently by arbitration, pursuant to the not arisen because the existing operators have provisions of the Commercial Arbitration Act (1990). chosen to continue to operate their businesses as (5) Any delays in respect of compensation arise from sub-contractors to Transit Australia. the negotiations between the operators themselves. Questions on Notice 149 20 February 1996

As a general rule, either party involved in a (2) Bundaberg Hospital will be paid the standard compensation dispute can refer the matter to price of $258 per treatment similar to that applying to arbitration as soon as there is a breakdown in all other hospitals providing dialysis services. negotiations. Treating 8 patients per week, the annual payment is estimated to be $321,984. In addition to $475,000 capital works funding, the Government will provide 281.South Coast Motorway $425,000 recurrent funds to run the service and an Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Transport and initial $22,000 to help with the recruitment and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and training of staff. Trade Development— Of the $475,000 capital costs to establish a renal Is Queensland Transport or any other Government service at Bundaberg Hospital — $120,000 is for the authority, acquiring land in or near that part of the purchase of 4 dialysis machines. last preferred route (as at June 1995) of the (3) Depending on the type of dialysis machine proposed South Coast Motorway which lies within purchased, the private sector proposal was in the the Albert electorate, with a view to proceeding to range of $270 to $285 per treatment. On an construct a road or permit the construction thereon equivalent number of patients, the annual cost would of a road; if so, what is the planned route, be in the range of $336,960 to $355,680 per annum. specifications and construction timetable for such These costs are higher than the public hospital costs road? by between $14,976 and $33,696 per annum. The Answer (Mr Elder): savings gained at Bundaberg Hospital will fully offset the cost of the machines by the end of their useful At the owner's request Queensland Transport life span. reopened negotiations for the fee simple acquisition of properties that were under way prior to the (4) A five chair renal unit has been included in the suspension of negotiations in August while the new Hervey Bay Hospital, currently under Government reviewed the decision to construct the construction and due for opening by March 1997. South Coast Motorway. This unit will provide a service to patients from the local area, including Maryborough. The two renal Queensland Transport has also given permission to a units at Bundaberg and Hervey Bay Hospitals will be landowner to construct an overbridge over the able to share resources and expertise to the benefit Beenleigh-Robina Rail line and the land acquired for of all renal patients in the Wide Bay area. the South Coast Motorway. The landowner owns the properties either side of the proposed motorway and This initiative demonstrates the Government's railway line and needs the bridge for commitment to taking health services out to where interconnectivity between his developments. people live. Under the centralised system proposed by the Opposition during the Election, specialist services 287.Renal Dialysis Service would revert back to pre-1989 conditions whereby Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Health— people needing specialist services had to travel to Brisbane at enormous cost—both financial and With reference to the review currently being emotional. conducted for renal services in Bundaberg and the Wide Bay region— Based on their track record, I have no doubt that under a National Party Government, the people of (1) Will he confirm whether or not the renal dialysis Bundaberg will lose this service because the service is to be made available to public Nationals are the experts when it comes to pulling patients in Bundaberg? the money out of public health services and our (2) What is the estimated cost of providing a renal Hospitals to balance recurrent expenditure. dialysis service to Bundaberg? (3) Comparatively, what is the cost involved to 289.South Coast Motorway outsource this service through the private sector to public patients? Mr CARROLL asked the Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and (4) Has consideration been given to providing this Trade Development— facility to Hervey Bay or Maryborough instead of Bundaberg; if so, on what basis? With reference to the fact that Queensland Transport retains large tracts of land south of the Logan River Answer (Mr Beattie): in the route of the proposed South Coast motorway (1) I confirm that a renal dialysis service is to be and has bought 27 extra properties in the Rochedale opened at the Bundaberg Hospital early next year. I area in the path of that motorway in the last three have already announced on Friday 10 November, months and continues to quickly purchase properties 1995 that the Government will spend $475,000 on in Rochedale— providing the Bundaberg area with a renal unit. Is it Queensland Transport’s intention to follow the Planning and recruitment are already under way. The SEQ 2001 Report recommendations by proceeding service will initially enable 8 patients to be treated with motorway extensions north of the Logan River, locally. The expansion of such services was never both east of Daisy HIll into Rochedale and west of contemplated for the people of Bundaberg when the Daisy Hill through the Woodridge electorate and Nationals were in power. Logan and Waterford electorates (which Government 20 February 1996 150 Questions on Notice

Members loudly claimed on 19 October 1995 will be either offence with 1 demerit point for a minor defect favoured by creation of the new Meadowbrook and 3 demerit points for an unroadworthy vehicle. University to soften up Logan and Waterford voters) As a result of the Travelsafe recommendation an onto the Logan motorway? increase in the penalties was approved by Executive Answer (Mr Elder): Council on 10 December 1992. The penalties was On 13 September 1995, concerning the South Coast increased to $60.00 for driving a vehicle which is Motorway proposal, I announced that I was prepared unroadworthy—minor defect and $120.00 for driving to rule out completely a road through the koala a vehicle which is unroadworthy. The demerit points habitat. of 1 and 3 for the respective offences were not altered. At that time some properties had been acquired by agreement with owners, and negotiations on other These penalties have not been altered since 1992. properties were taking place at the request of Road Safety concerns about unroadworthy vehicles owners. Following the decision not to proceed with are an important issue for the community. The the Motorway these owners were able to continue system now in place for random roadside inspections with negotiations or to withdraw, as they wished. was introduced following the Travelsafe report and is Disposal of these acquired properties will occur over designed to encourage motorists to keep their time. vehicles in reasonable and safe condition all year On 13 September 1995, I also announced the round rather than once a year as might occur where establishment of a community consultative annual inspection systems are in place. committee to look at further planning for The program does not impose any financial burden infrastructure needs in South-East Queensland. The on motorists who keep their vehicles in safe committee will work in tandem with the development condition in the interests of their own families and of the Government's Integrated Regional Transport other road users. Plan.

302.Southport-Burleigh Road 292. Demerit Points for Drivers of Defective Vehicles Mrs GAMIN asked the Minister for Transport and Mr HEGARTY asked the Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development— Trade Development— With reference to the Southport-Burleigh Road (1) When and why was the introduction of drivers connection to the Pacific Highway and to the recent licence demerit points for drivers of vehicles “Roads Implementation Program” document, page with minor defects introduced? 65, item 10.4.1 (Pacific Highway Acceleration)— (2) Why are the fines imposed on drivers/owners of Will he now provide more specific information on motor vehicles with minor defects so high, thus commencement and completion dates for causing financial hardship and possible construction of the missing link to the prevention of the necessary repairs being Southport-Burleigh Road between Burleigh undertaken? Connection Road and the Pacific Highway? Answer (Mr Elder): Answer (Mr Elder): 1. Demerit points for this offence under the Traffic The Queensland Government expects to award a Regulation 1962 were introduced on 19 January major design and construct contract in November 1970 with other provisions relating to the issue of 1995 to duplicate the Pacific Highway between provisional driver's licences and management of Reedy Creek and Tugun, and extend the Southport- young driver performance. The demerit points Burleigh Road from the Burleigh Connection Road to scheme was subsequently extended to all road the Pacific Highway. users. The specific offence relates to the use of a Construction works on the project, including the defective vehicle on a road and is aimed at deterring extension of the Southport-Burleigh Road, will start the use of defective vehicles. in early 1996 and be completed by May 1997. 2. An "on the spot" fine for the use of a defective vehicle on a road was introduced as part of the overall scheme in 1965 to allow the Police Service to 310.North Coast Rail Line, Toilets on Trains issue "on the spot" infringement notices for Traffic Mr LAMING asked the Minister for Transport and offences. The penalty in 1965 was £3/-/- ($6.00). Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Members may recall that the Report of the Travelsafe Trade Development— Committee into the safety and mechanical condition (1) Has any study been undertaken to ascertain the of motor vehicles (Report No. 2, November 1990) need for toilets on trains on the North Coast recommended an increase in the level of the line to Nambour and beyond; if so, what were monetary penalty to reflect the need to deter the recommendations? offenders from driving unroadworthy or defective (2) If not, will he initiate a study? vehicles and cover the cost of administering the system. The penalties for driving defective motor Answer (Mr Elder): vehicles (unroadworthy—minor defect) and 1. No such study on the need for toilets on trains to unroadworthy vehicles at that time were $15.00 for Nambour has been undertaken. Questions on Notice 151 20 February 1996

2. The need for such a study is considered At the current time, if the police feel that use of a unnecessary. mobile phone contributed to a road accident, the The Intercity Express (ICE) rollingstock that is used driver can be charged with 'driving without due care for some of the north coast services has toilets. and attention'. While specific information on carphones is not collected on the Traffic Incident However, some existing services utilise suburban Report at the moment, the Queensland Government EMU or SMU rollingstock which do not have toilets. has been aware of the increase in the use of In such cases, a comfort stop is scheduled at carphones and portable telephones by motorists. Caboolture. Earlier this year, the Government initiated action to With the release of additional ICE carriages from ensure that information relating to communication QR's Traveltrain division following the introduction of devices will be collected in the future. A revised the TiltTrain in 1998, it is expected that all services version of the Traffic Incident Report form, including to Nambour or Gympie will have toilet facilities on provision for the information, has already been board. In addition, these toilet facilities will be successfully trialled by Queensland existing form accessible by all passengers including the disabled. early in 1996. It should be noted that, to date, there is no evidence 315.Tamborine-Oxenford Road that the use of telephones while driving represents a particular crash risk. While the research evidence Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Transport and shows that activities such as dialling a number and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and conducting a conversation do affect a person's Trade Development— driving, so also do things like tuning a radio or With reference to the upgrading of the changing a music cassette. Tamborine/Oxenford Road— The new Traffic Incident Report form will mean that (1) What will be the commencement date and the information relating to the involvement of devices anticipated completion date? such as carphones in road accidents in Queensland (2) What is the full extent of property resumptions will be available from 1996 on. Queensland Transport and valuations on each acquisition necessary to will monitor the data and, from 1996, will be in a effect this upgrade? position to provide information on the involvement of Answer (Mr Elder): vehicles with telephones in road crashes. 1. Between July and September 1995, Queensland Transport upgraded two sections of the Tamborine 321.Gold Coast Highway Upgrade Road of a 8.0 metre wide bitumen seal standard. The Mr VEIVERS asked the Minister for Transport and two sections total 2.0 kilometres in length and are Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and located between Kriedmans Road and Elevation Trade Development— Drive. With reference to the Government’s decision to 2. Queensland Transport did required additional land upgrade the Gold Coast Highway to six lanes, and for this project the urgent need for this project to be fast-tracked— When will work on this upgrade commence, and 319.Mobile Phones when will the project South of Beenleigh to Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for Transport Southport be completed? and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Answer (Mr Elder): Trade Development— I recently announced the Pacific Highway between With reference to the increase in the sale of car Brisbane and Smith Street will be upgraded to six phones and portable phones during the past two lanes within the next four years. Queensland years in Queensland— Transport is actively working on a plan to accelerate (1) Is there a method to establish whether this upgrading work as quickly as possible, mindful carphones or portable phones were in use at that the works are undertaken in a planned way the time vehicles were involved in serious which considers the needs of the travelling public accidents; if so, will he detail those results? and all the communities living close to the highway. (2) If not, will he give consideration to establishing Queensland Transport will be releasing details of the a process whereby these figures could be upgrading plan by December 1995. obtained? Answer (Mr Elder): 322.Fraser Island The Queensland Government collects a Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Environment and comprehensive set of information about each road Heritage— traffic accident that is reported to the police. A WIth reference to the recent visit by him to Fraser Traffic Incident Report is completed by the attending Island when various matters of concern were raised police officer and the information is entered on to the in relation to the airstrip at Orchid Beach— Police Traffic Incident Reporting System. This data is transferred to a Road Crash Data Base in (1) Will he further consider the reopening of the Queensland Transport where each crash is airstrip at Orchid Beach on Fraser Island? examined, the information verified and additional data (2) Will he confirm what actions or reviews, if any, about the crash added. are proposed to be taken by his department in 20 February 1996 152 Questions on Notice

relation to the closure of roads, etc. in the With reference to the Fisherman Islands/Cleveland northern section of Fraser Island? Railway line through the Greenslopes Electorate— Answer (Mr Barton): Will he provide information describing in detail any Answer not supplied. plans and initiatives to reduce the railway noise level due to goods trains using the line at night, blowing their whistles which disturbs the sleep of residents? 325.Teacher Numbers, Mirani Electorate Answer (Mr Elder): Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Education— The $95m Standard Gauge Rail link to Fisherman With reference to the continual problems of schools Islands is part of the Commonwealth and State within the Mirani Electorate on a daily basis in Government initiatives to maximise rail freight obtaining relief and replacement staff (for transport as part of the national strategy of example—one grade four class at Andergrove State ecologically sustainable development. School has had 22 relief teachers so far in 1995) and as this intolerable situation is not conducive to the The rail link is targeted at providing direct access to development and education of our students— the Port of Brisbane at Fisherman Island to the (1) Is he aware of the situation? national standard gauge rail network and maximising use of the rail network for freight traffic. (2) What measures are available to the Education Department to ensure continuity of teacher The rail link will be a major boost to the economic replacement? development of the South East Queensland region and will help Queensland exporters compete on the Answer (Mr Hamill): world markets. The new Brisbane Multimodal (1) With reference Mr Malone's claims and with Terminal at Fisherman Islands opened in November regard to the situation at Andergrove State School, it 1994 and has already been a major boost to the is regrettable that the Member for Mirani has become attraction of rail for container movements throughout a stranger to the truth and his wild exaggerations and Queensland. departure from fact reflect poorly upon him, however The Standard Gauge Link proposal was a catalyst for it is of concern to me that a number of schools have Queensland Rail to address rail noise issues and had problems getting relief over the last 12 months. studies were initiated to develop rail noise guidelines This is a result of the increased employment for rail corridors and terminals. prospect for teachers and the Goss Government's commitment to increasing the number of teachers The corridor rail noise guidelines were utilised to employed by the Department of Education. address existing and future rail noise issues along the standard gauge link between Yeerongpilly and (2) The Goss Government recognises that the Fisherman Islands, and these were incorporated in provision of relief teachers for schools is an the Impact Assessment Study and subsequent important and key element in providing a stable and detailed noise investigation along the corridor. consistent learning environment for students, that is why Goss Government has delivered on our election The detailed noise study, by specialist consultant commitment to provide 90 permanent relief teachers Richard Heggie and Associates, identified 7km of the across the State. route where rail noise is currently in excess of the The Department of Education at all times makes guidelines. Further design of noise amelioration every effort it can to ensure that relief teachers are measures in these areas, including construction of a provided to schools in such a way as to ensure trial noise barrier at Dutton Park, identified that solid continuity of teachers at classes within any one barriers ranging in height from 3.5 metres up to 8 school. Maintenance of continuity of classroom metres, would be needed to reduce current rail noise learning is accomplished by: in these locations to an acceptable level for residences along the route. ¥ having classroom programs available to relief teachers The initial capital cost of these barriers is estimated at $7.5 million, with on-going maintenance costs. ¥ having permanent relief teachers available where there is a limited number of trained The erection of noise barriers as recommended teachers for relief duties would have a major impact on local communities, ¥ having registers of relief teachers available to all particularly as regards visual amenity, loss of views, schools in an area shading, loss of breezes, likelihood of graffiti attacks and the like. ¥ having processes to advise relief teachers of school procedures The proposed barrier solution is being referred to Brisbane City Council for review of the impact from a ¥ using temporary employment of one relief town planning/community amenity perception before teacher when extended periods of absence are proceeding with construction of any barrier. known Alternative options to reduce the noise at the source ¥ principals attempting to use the same relief are also being examined by Queensland Rail. These teachers where possible. include electrification and the introduction of new generation quieter diesel locomotives, which have 326.Fisherman Islands- the potential to significantly reduce noise levels. Mr RADKE asked the Minister for Transport and Other measures to reduce noise at the source are Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and being implemented and this has included Trade Development— replacement of old timber bridges along the route, Questions on Notice 153 20 February 1996 elimination of rail joints and installation of special gauge rail link utilising largely existing swing nose crossings. infrastructure? National Rail Corporation is also in the process of (2) Have any approaches been made to acquiring new generation diesel locomotives which Queensland Rail to seek their support for this would operate the Standard Gauge trains to proposal? Fisherman Islands. (3) Does he agree that there needs to be an inland Queensland Rail has a community obligation to standard gauge rail link and that this proposal provide protection at level crossings which offers has merit? both vehicular and pedestrian traffic a safe method Answer (Mr Elder): of passage across railway tracks. Sounding of the (1) I am aware of a proposal being advocated by a locomotive whistle or klaxon on the approach to group in northern NSW to re-open the Armidale to level crossings is an integral part of the safety Wallangarra section of railway and to upgrade the process. line from Wallangarra to Brisbane to create an inland However, given the known concerns of the standard gauge link. community, instructions have been issued reminding (2) Queensland Rail has been approached by several drivers of the necessity to restrict the use of organisations seeking to discuss and obtain support locomotive klaxons in residential areas to a minimum for an inland standard gauge railway which could level consistent with safety to reduce noise intrusion. ultimately provide a direct link between Melbourne and Brisbane. Several options for such a link have 338. Glenala State High School; School been proposed however Queensland Rail advises Uniform Vouchers that it does not regard the route via Armidale and Wallangarra as viable, either now or in the Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for foreseeable future. Education— As previously advised to the House by my colleague, With reference to the merger of the Inala and the former Minister for Transport in response to Richlands State High School campuses with the Question No 110 which was placed on notice on 28 Glenala State High School campus and to ensure the March 1995, the inland standard gauge railway smooth transition to the new campus— proposal via Moree is now the subject of a Will he consider making the issue of the $50 uniform preliminary feasibility study being undertaken by the voucher for 1996 to parents of students attending Bureau of Transport and Communications the Glenala High School a one-off payment made out Economics (BTCE) in Canberra. I understand that to the Glenala State High School Parents and Queensland Rail has provided significant input into Citizens Association? this study and that its completion is not too far Answer (Mr Hamill): distant. (3) The Government's view is that the inland rail route On 22 November 1995 I wrote to parents and is a good example of potential Nation Building guardians advising that they would be paid the infrastructure which may well prove to have national Queensland government's Back to School Uniform as well as regional and local benefits. However, a Allowance of $50 per school child for students in project of such magnitude could only eventuate after Years 1 to 12 in Queensland State and non-State a fully detailed feasibility study and by way of an Schools in 1996. agreement between the Commonwealth and affected The first round of cheques will be mailed to parents States, including Queensland. It would also require and guardians of students currently in Years 1 to 9 at substantial funding from the Commonwealth or from the address shown on the school's records as at 30 other sources. November 1995. These cheques will be mailed in As such, the Government will await with interest January, before the beginning of the school year. release of a report covering the BTCE's current Students who will be in Years 1, 11 and 12 in 1996 study and will assess its implications at that time. will receive their cheques in the second round of payments during March 1996. 352.Roadworks, Gympie The payment of this assistance in respect of students enrolled at Glenala State High will be to Mr STEPHAN asked the Minister for Transport and parents and guardians as will be the case for all other Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Queensland families. Trade Development— With reference to increased traffic on the Bruce Highway and the construction of the Yandina 343.Standard Gauge Rail Link By-Pass section— Mr SPRINGBORG asked the Minister for Transport (1) When will construction begin on the junction of and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Tandur Road and the Bruce Highway, south of Trade Development— Gympie? (1) Is he aware of the proposal by a group in (2) When will construction begin on the Gunalda Northern NSW to re-open the Armidale to Range Section of Bruce Highway between Wallangarra section of railway track and Gympie and Maryborough? upgrade the line from Wallangarra to Brisbane (3) When will passing lanes be constructed on the to standard gauge to create an inland standard Bruce Highway just north of Gympie? 20 February 1996 154 Questions on Notice

Answer (Mr Elder): Is it the Government’s intention to hand over 1. The intersection of Tandur Road with the Bruce responsibility for harbours like Mooloolaba to local Highway will be upgraded as part of the $3.8M government; if so, has the Government had National Highway Project for the Matilda and Jackass discussions with the relevant shires and what has Creek Sections. Tenders will be invited in January been their response to the proposal? 1996, works are expected to be completed before Answer (Mr Elder): December 1996. The works will also involve the Queensland has fourteen (14) designated Crown widening and upgrading of approximately 4.0km of boat harbours which provide safe anchorage for road to improve over all traffic safety. $1.046M is recreational and commercial vessels. allocated for expenditure in 1995/96 financial year. Currently: 2. The upgrading of the Gunalda Range has not been ¥ five (5) are managed by Queensland Transport approved as a project for construction, by the in particular Mooloolaba, Snapper Creek, Federal Department of Transport (FDoT). A Urangan, Rosslyn Bay and Bowen; submission to include the project on the National Highway works program will be made following the ¥ seven (7) are managed by Port Authorities in completion of a concept planning study, including particular Manly, Cabbage Tree Creek and community consultation and an environmental impact Scarborough by Port of Brisbane Corporation, assessment, by the end of 1996. Burnett Heads by Bundaberg Port Authority, Auckland Inlet by Gladstone Port Authority, 3. Construction of passing lanes north of Gympie on Mackay by Mackay Port Authority, Ross Creek the Bruce Highway is not on the five year National by Townsville Port Authority; and Highway Program. While Queensland Transport is aware of the need and has undertaken some ¥ two (2) are managed by the relevant Local preliminary planning, it has not been able to Governments in particular Johnstone River by programme the construction of passing lanes within Johnstone Shire and Port Douglas by Douglas present Federal allocations. Shire. On 18 April 1995, Cabinet approved: ¥ in principle, the devolution of the Crown boat 353.Teachers' Travel Allowance harbours to local management (local authorities Mrs McCAULEY asked the Minister for Education— or port authorities); and With reference to the allowance paid to teachers ¥ the commencement of negotiations regarding who relieve in rural areas, ie 52.9 cents/km for travel boat harbours currently managed by in their own vehicles up to 8,000km and to the fact Queensland Transport. that once they have travelled more than 8,000 km in Negotiation packages have been presented to their duties, the rate is halved, although the relieving Hervey Bay City Council regarding Urangan and teacher is still expected to use their own car— Cooloola Shire Council regarding Snapper Creek. (1) Does he agree that this system is inequitable Both shires have responded with a series of issues and penalises teachers who are providing a which are currently being examined by Queensland service to his department? Transport. (2) What action can he take to address this In addition, the Port of Brisbane Corporation has senseless situation? made a submission under the corporatisation charters to continue to manage Manly, Scarborough Answer (Mr Hamill): and Cabbage Tree Creek boat harbours and take The system is not inequitable. Reduced allowances over the management of Mooloolaba Boat Harbour. are paid after the first 8 000 kms travelled, to all It is envisaged that, subject to the review of the Port officers of the State public service, not only to of Brisbane Corporation's submission, discussions teachers. Also, reduced allowances are paid in every regarding Mooloolaba Boat Harbour will occur prior geographical location—not only in rural areas. to Christmas 1995. It is not considered that this system for the payment Negotiations with local authorities regarding Rosslyn of kilometric allowance penalises teachers. However, Bay and Bowen boat harbours will be held in the as the rates currently used have not been reviewed New Year. since 1993, it would not be inappropriate to reconsider them when the Determinations are not reviewed. 375.Bargara Waste Water Treatment Plant Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Environment and However, teachers who believe that kilometric Heritage— allowances currently paid are inadequate should set out details of their reasons in writing to the With reference to the Environment and Heritage Department. All relevant costs incurred and receipts Department’s rejection of the Burnett Shire Council’s relating to these should be included. Strategy Report on sewerage treatment and effluent disposal requirements for Bargara Wastewater Treatment Plant (25 July 1994)— 360.Harbours (1) Why was it rejected by his department after Mr LAMING asked the Minister for Transport and almost 4 years of development involving the Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Departments of Environment and Heritage, Trade Development— Primary Industries and Lands? Questions on Notice 155 20 February 1996

(2) What are the department’s treatment level 376.Gold Coast Rail Link requirements for water from sewerage to be Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Transport and injected into the Woongarra aquifer? Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and (3) What are the department’s treatment level Trade Development— requirements to allow the water to (a) be With reference to the commencement of rail services released into the irrigation channels and/or (b) to Helensvale in the immediate future— into the Burnett River? Will he provide details of (a) timetabling and fare (4) If relative treatment requirements are met would scheduling for all rail services to operate, (b) the department approve of the disposal into integrated fare schedules and intermodal services any of the abovementioned possible outlets? offered and the operator providing same and (c) Answer (Mr Barton): consultation with all service operators for Ormeau, (1) The Bargara STP presently disposes of effluent Coomera, Helensvale intermodal services? to the Woongarra Marine Park and the undesirability Answer (Mr Elder): of continuing and increasing this discharge has (a) In response to the Honourable members catalysed investigation of alternative effluent questions regarding the commencement of rail disposal options. The long term potential for impacts services to Helensvale in the immediate future, draft on the breeding of loggerhead turtles in this area is a timetables have been formulated by Queensland Rail major concern. As yet no acceptable alternatives for with services operating half-hourly, commencing at effluent disposal have been established thereby approximately 5.30am and running to approximately restricting the potential for augmentation of the 11.30pm, seven days a week. A single adult fare from Bargara STP. Brisbane Central to Helensvale will be $7.00 with (2) Aquifer injection of treated effluent is discounts applying to off-peak return tickets, unacceptable to Department of Environment and pensioner tickets, weekly tickets, season tickets and Heritage (DEH) as there is not enough information on a 50% discount for weekend travel. the long term implications of this. (b) & (c) In relation to consultation with operators for (3a) Discharging to the Department of Primary intermodal services Queensland Rail has negotiated Industries Water Resources (DPI.WR) irrigation with Surfside Bus Company and Coachtrans. channel is an option for water reuse yet to receive An agreement was reached with Surfside to meet full consideration by DPI: that agency does not have every train at Helensvale. Coachtrans will meet all an existing policy on such discharge to open trains at Ormeau and Coomera. irrigation channels. Some concern raised in relation to the concept include potential for the irrigation Both these agreements will be regularly reviewed. channels to overflow in wet weather, and thereby Negotiations are still under way with Surfside and discharge to the Woongarra Marine Park, and Coachtrans regarding fares and ticketing. concern regarding health risks, to children and generally, of such effluent in open channels. Any such discharge from the STP would need to meet 378.Dredging, Southport Broadwater appropriate tertiary treatment standards for marine Mr GRICE asked the Minister for Transport and discharges as well as any standards determined Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and under a DPI.WR policy. Trade Development— (3b) The Bargara STP presently disposes of effluent (1) When will the long delayed dredging of the to the Burnett River and thereby to the Woongarra main seaway to Hope Island Channel, Marine Park. Continuing and increasing this Coombabah Creek and other major designated discharge at the present level of treatment is channels in the Broadwater commence? undesirable. In the short term the discharge will need (2) What are the expected completion dates and to meet appropriate tertiary treatment standards. the dimensions of dredging? Disposal to the marine park is not viable in the long term. Answer (Mr Elder): (4) The 'Three R's of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for The Government plans dredging for the main sound environmental management apply in this case. navigation channel in the Coomera River (between Reuse to the greatest possible extent is necessarily the junction with the Broadwater and upstream to the first priority for disposal of sewerage effluent, Sanctuary Cove), the main channel at Jacobs Well and is entirely logical in a major irrigated sugar cane near Woogoompah Island, and the secondary production region such as around Bundaberg. Such channel in Canaipa Passage near the Slipping Sands. schemes may require supplementary disposal At this stage there are no plans to dredge either the mechanisms during periods of sustained wet Broadwater, between the Gold Coast Seaway and weather. Whether a reuse option including addition the mouth of the Coomera River, or Coombabah to the DPI.WR irrigation channel is the optimum Creek. methodology has first to be considered by the DPI. Environmental and other approvals are presently Given that it is an open channel, it may require higher being sought for the Coomera River dredging with standards of treatment than some other means of the commencement of dredging expected when the irrigation distribution. necessary approvals are given and tenders obtained. 20 February 1996 156 Questions on Notice

Tenders have been obtained for the dredging of the infrastructure items required to maintain amenity and Jacobs Well and Canaipa Passage sites. Dredging of achieve safety standards. Canaipa Passage is scheduled to commence in late November 1995, with the most critical section of the works being completed prior to Christmas 1995 and 385.Contaminated Land, Toowoomba the balance by early February 1996. Concerns raised Mr HEALY asked the Minister for Environment and by environmental agencies regarding previous and Heritage— proposed disposal of spoil from the Jacobs Well With reference to approximately 20 residential blocks channel on Woogoompah Island have necessitated in the suburb of Wilsonton in Toowoomba which the revision of the originally proposed works have been listed on the Contaminated Land Register associated with this project to include rehabilitation under the Contaminated Land Act 1992— of the spoil disposal site. Negotiations with environmental agencies regarding the requirements (1) Did the user of the land at the time of the for the works and the necessary approvals are pollution (the Toowoomba City Council) not currently in progress. Commencement of dredging is keep accurate records defining the perimeter of expected when these negotiations are completed the filled land? and new tenders for the revised scope of works are (2) Did the Council also not record in which areas obtained. possible hazardous commercial waste was dumped and which areas contained only 381.Subdivisions, Johnstone Shire household rubbish? Mr ROWELL asked the Minister for Transport and Answer (Mr Barton): Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and In response to the question from Mr Healy, I can Trade Development— advise as follows: (1) Have some landowners in the Johnstone Shire In January 1995 the Department of Environment and been forced to make contributions to Heritage requested that the Toowoomba City Queensland Transport prior to council sealing Council investigate an area of land in Wilsonton subdivisional plans? which was reported to have been used for a (2) Are these charges in the vicinity of $16,000 for municipal landfill. This request was made as Council each new block created and in addition to the had indicated that accurate historical records about usual charges associated with a development; if the operation of the landfill were not available. so, what action does he propose to take to Should the member require more information, he prevent such windfall revenue gains and to should contact Toowoomba City Council directly. ensure that residential land prices remain affordable? Answer (Mr Elder): 386.Road Headworks Charges 1. Queensland Transport is keenly encouraging Mrs McCAULEY asked the Minister for Transport transport efficient development and responds to and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and subdivision and rezoning applications made to Local Trade Development— Government where it is assessed there will be an (1) What is the Government’s intention in respect impact on State-controlled Roads. of levying developers for road headworks During 1994, the rate of "family subdivision", which is charges, which is presently causing great very "transport inefficient", increased in Johnstone hardship to people wishing to subdivide their Shire. Consequently, Queensland Transport land, to the extent of an extra $16,000 for each undertook a study to assess the true impact of this new block created in some cases? type of subdivision on State-controlled Roads in (2) Is it simply a fund-raising exercise by his Johnstone Shire . This study resulted in Queensland department as in many cases the infrastructure Transport seeking, through Local Government required to be subsidised is not consequent to contributions per lot ranging from $2,600 for the development concerned? subdivision approximately 3 km from Innisfail to (3) Will he outline the basis under which such $15,900 for subdivision 30 km from Innisfail. charges are being levied? 2. It is intended that the future head of power enabling both State agencies and Local Government (4) If the Government does not intend the charges to impose infrastructure charges for eligible to simply be a windfall revenue gain, what steps infrastructure will be the proposed Planning, will the Government take to ensure that Environment and Development Assessment (PEDA) residential land prices are unencumbered by legislation. this extra charge so that they remain affordable to the average Queenslander? The Government has issued an Exposure Draft of the proposed PEDA Bill which specifies the principles Answer (Mr Elder): that will apply in the determination and imposition of (1) As part of its management of development future infrastructure charges for Queensland. impacts on State-controlled transport infrastructure Queensland Transport will be bound by that the Government intends to continue imposing legislation. infrastructure charges where necessary. The impact on housing affordability will be managed With respect to the catchment scheme which by limiting infrastructure charges to the basic resulted in charges up to $16,000 per lot, the scheme Questions on Notice 157 20 February 1996 was introduced to offset the adverse impacts of Infrastructure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Johnstone Shire Council's previous policy with Islander Communities, (d) the Minister for Primary respect to the creation of "family transfer" (residential Industries and Minister for Racing, (e) the Minister use) lots in rural areas. Council has since amended its for Health, (f) the Minister for Emergency Services policy and Queensland Transport is currently and Minister for Consumer Affairs, (g) the Minister reviewing the scheme to determine revised impacts. for Lands, (h) the Minister for Transport and Minister (2) The infrastructure charges imposed by Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Queensland Transport are not general fund-raising Development, (i) the Minister for Education, (j) taxes on developers. the Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Status of They are charges on liable development specifically Women, (k) the Minister for Employment and Training for provision of new, or rehabilitation of existing, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Service State-controlled infrastructure which is necessary to Matters, (l) the Minister for Justice and Attorney- meet accepted safety and amenity standards. General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister All revenue raised by imposition of infrastructure for the Arts, (m) the Minister for Police and Minister charges is spent to meet the local infrastructure for Corrective Services, (n) the Minister for requirements that are the basis of the charge. If Administrative Services, (o) the Minister for conditions change, and the particular infrastructure is Environment and Heritage, (p) the Minister for not required, then Queensland Transport will either Minerals and Energy and (q) the Minister for refund the charges or, for catchment schemes, Business, Industry and Regional Development? provide other beneficial transport infrastructure Answer (Mr De Lacy): within the catchment. Answer not supplied. (3) The infrastructure charges are currently being levied under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) 391.School Principal Vacancies Act 1994. Mr FITZGERALD asked the Minister for Education— The charges reflect a reasonable apportionment to With reference to complaints from parents of the development of the cost of infrastructure students dissatisfied with having acting principals at considered relevant for the basic functioning of the schools where vacancies exist for long periods of transport networks serving the development. time— Queensland Transport always undertakes technical What steps has he taken to ensure that “principal” studies, in consultation with Local Governments, to positions in primary and secondary schools are filled determine the level of infrastructure charges for both more quickly? catchment-based and individual development assessments. Answer (Mr Hamill): (4) It is intended that the future head of power Once the position of Principal in a school is enabling both State agencies and Local Government confirmed a vacancy, procedures regarding the to impose infrastructure charges for eligible process of filling the position are implemented infrastructure will be the proposed Planning, immediately. Either a Principal (who is eligible for Environment and Development Assessment (PEDA) relocation) is appointed to the position or the legislation. position is advertised in order to ensure that the best person for the position is appointed as a permanent The Government has issued an Exposure Draft of the principal to the particular school. proposed PEDA Bill which specifies the principles that will apply in the determination and imposition of Principals are appointed at the commencement of future infrastructure charges for Queensland. semesters to ensure minimum disruption within the Queensland Transport will be bound by that school. Every effort is made to ensure that schools legislation. are afforded continuity and stability in staffing. The impact on housing affordability will be managed by limiting infrastructure charges to the basic 393.Roadworks, Keppel Electorate infrastructure items required to maintain amenity and Mr LESTER asked the Minister for Transport and achieve safety standards. Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development— 388. Salaries of Ministerial Policy and Media Will he provide a three-year forward plan for work to Advisers be carried out on the Emu Park-Rockhampton road, Mr BORBIDGE asked the Treasurer— Emu Park-Yeppoon coastal road and the Yeppoon- Rockhampton road? With reference to the appointment of senior ministerial policy and media advisers— Answer (Mr Elder): What is the exact salary provided to the ministerial The Roads Implementation Program for 1995/96- policy and media advisers of (a) the Deputy Premier 1996/97 and indicative 1997/1998-1999/2000 has and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Youth, (b) the now been released publicly, following tabling in Treasurer, (c) the Minister for Housing, Local Parliament on 23 October 1995. Government and Planning, Minister for Rural The current program provides for the following Communities and Minister for Provision of works: 20 February 1996 158 Questions on Notice

Road1995/96 1996/97 1997/98-1999/00 (2) Significant marketing efforts have been Rockhampton-Emu Park undertaken by Queensland Rail's small freight wing, Q-Link in gaining major statewide distribution ¥ Blacks Ck-Thompson's Pt T/O—$80,000 account based business, which uses the Brisbane to ¥ Thompson's Pt T/O-Coolcorra—$2,750,000 Cairns rail line for its essential distribution. Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road The capture of this business is dependent on ¥ Mulara Flats—$1,900,000 improved rail transit times, hence delivery times throughout country Queensland. In the last two The Blacks Ck-Thompson's Pt T/O project will cost a years, the Q-Link business has increased its revenue total of $3,530,000 and was substantially completed by almost 35%. in 1994/95. This increased level of business has been obtained No projects are programmed for the Yeppoon-Emu because of Queensland Rail's improved Park Road, in the current Roads Implementation competitiveness. The present significant investment Program. in infrastructure will further improve transit times and rail reliability. 398.North Coast Rail Line Q-Link has increased the number of its country sales representatives and now has adopted a product Ms WILSON asked the Minister for Transport and focus with its business managers. As well, Q-Link Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and attends approximately 36 events and shows Trade Development— throughout country Queensland on a yearly basis. (1) What has been the cost of replacing the Door-knocking campaigns are undertaken by Q-Link wooden bridges and culverts on the North at each of the major towns in country Queensland on Coast railway line link with new reinforced a six monthly basis. concrete bridges and culverts? As well as Q-Link business gains, reductions in (2) What efforts have been made to increase transit times have allowed substantial increases in freight and passenger traffic on this line to pay Queensland Rail's livestock business which, over the for the above cost? last five years, has increased in volume by almost (3) What is the value of the increased traffic? 50%. Improved transit times have definitely assisted the movement of livestock to Brisbane for Answer (Mr Elder): slaughtering. (1) It is difficult to answer the Honourable Member's Significant marketing effort has also been put into first question specific to the amount spent on capturing additional molasses, sunflower and grain bridges and culverts, as many contracts involved a movements from Central and Northern to Southern variety of civil engineering works, including bridges Queensland. Over the last three years Queensland and culverts. However, the total amount invested in Rail's domestic molasses business has more than upgrading the North Coast line is $420 million. This doubled. As well, Queensland Rail was able to involves 118 kms of realigning the track (flatter compete for, and capture, woodchip traffic at the grades and curves), the replacement of 674 bridges, rate of over 300,000 tonnes per annum from the strengthening of 155 bridges and 1,000 kms of Owanyilla to Gladstone. track strengthened (steel sleepers and welding of rail joints). These works will permit an increase in wagon The North Coast line upgrade is also facilitating axle loads from 15.75 tonnes to 20 tonnes and an Queensland Rail's ability to meet the expansion in increase in permissible freight train speeds from 80 Queensland's raw sugar production with rail tonnage km/h to 100 km/h. expected to increase from one million t.p.a. to 1.5 million t.p.a. in the Burdekin, and in the Mackay area Other upgrades include the construction of new from 750,000 t.p.a. to one million t.p.a. over the next freight terminals at Cairns, Bundaberg and Mackay three years. Existing business levels have already and the upgrade of freight terminals at Townsville grown from approximately 800,000 t.p.a in the and Mt Isa. Burdekin and 500,000 t.p.a. in the Mackay area. There has also been capital invested in obtaining (3) In addition, Queensland Rail's small freight new rollingstock such as 40 new locomotives 250 business revenue has grown from approximately $18 new container wagons, with 100 more on order to million in 1989/90 to an estimated $34 million in suit increased traffic, and the upgrade of existing 1995/96. rollingstock to allow them to travel at higher speeds. Queensland Rail's Primary Industries business has Other initiatives include the introduction of also grown its revenue base over the same period, Superfreighter container trains, single destination notwithstanding the effects of poor seasonal freight trains and the vigorous marketing of freight conditions which have offset these gains by and passenger services. approximately $20 million. In particular, its livestock In relation to long distance passenger services that business revenue has grown from $11.6 million in have been upgraded, the Sunlander and the 1989/90 to $19.0 million in 1993/94, the last year of Queenslander have undergone major refurbishment. normal livestock industry activity in Queensland. Additionally, the TiltTrain will be commissioned in The driving force behind the North Coast line 1997 which will provide a significant enhancement in upgrade was not only an increase in freight revenue, passenger travel between Brisbane and which is forecast to increase at approximately 4% Rockhampton. per annum, but a 'stay in business' strategy to Questions on Notice 159 20 February 1996 counter competitive road transport as it achieves What is the program for development of the Port ongoing productivity and efficiency improvement. Road from Fisherman Islands to the Griffith Arterial Should the project not have been undertaken, it is Road and Gateway Arterial Road, and will he provide estimated that there would have been a cumulative copies of plans? annual revenue loss to Queensland Rail's Freight Answer (Mr Elder): Group of some $5 million, so in 10 years' time, the An impact Assessment Study on the proposed Port revenue would have been $50 million less than that Road between the Gateway Motorway and the Port of today, or some $275 million accumulated over the of Brisbane is being carried out. 10 year period. These figures exclude the undoubted social and community benefits of The draft report of the study has been released for transferring heavy truck traffic to rail. written comment by the community. Written The project therefore has not only arrested the comment is to be provided to the Consultants decline of rail's market share, but its benefits to date undertaking the Study by 1 March 1996. have results in rail being able to successfully The draft report is available for viewing at the compete with road transport for new business, electorate offices of the Member for Lytton, Hon T examples being the attainment of a $5 million per Burns MLA, and the Member for Bulimba, Mr P annum contract to carry Cement and Flyash, and a Purcell MLA, as well as at Wynnum Library, Hemmant recent $2 million per annum contract to carry Post Office and Queensland Transport Libraries. The Aluminium Ingots from Gladstone. draft report is also available for purchase at the Queensland Transport Metropolitan South District Office. 401.Carole Park Industrial Estate Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for The draft report includes plans showing the Environment and Heritage— proposed route. Following consideration of comments on the draft report, it will be finalised for With reference to complaints from residents in the consideration by the Government. Wacol/Richlands are concerning noxious odours believed to emanate from businesses located in the No decision will be made on implementation of the Carole Park Industrial Estate— proposal until the report has been considered by (1) Is the Department of Environment and Heritage Government. monitoring this area for this problem? (2) If so, will a report be made available to local 406.Primary School, Sippy Downs residents detailing the results of such Mr WOOLMER asked the Minister for Education— monitoring? What are the proposed construction and opening Answer (Mr Barton): dates of the proposed new primary school at Sippy The Department is aware of community concerns Downs in the Sunshine Coast region? about odour problems in the Wacol/ Richlands area and has been actively seeking to redress these Answer (Mr Hamill): concerns. The Department of Environment and Planning is in progress for construction of a new Heritage has been conducting an odour survey in the primary school at Sippy Downs for opening for the locality since late August 1995 and residents in the start of 1997. Wacol area are participating in this survey. Construction is planned to commence on 29 April The Scientific Services unit within the Queensland 1996 with a construction period of 39 weeks which Department of Health has undertaken extensive includes an allowance for delays caused by wet odour sampling in the Wacol area in order to identify weather. various odour types and likely associated industries. Some odours identified are those associated with the types of industrial businesses in the area. 408.Music Classes, State Schools However, it is difficult to attribute specific odours to Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Minister for a single or obvious source. Education— Odour and other air emissions from industries in the As a number of primary schools in Gladstone are Wacol/Richlands industrial estate will be controlled currently holding music classes in state school staff through the issuing of licences under the rooms (Clinton State School) or other appropriate Environmental Protection Act 1994. The results of locations, what provisions have been made to the current work being done by the Department and remedy the situation, given the high level of the Scientific Services unit will assist the Department acceptance of music as an addition to the school in setting appropriate control conditions. curriculum? As far as practicable local residents will continue to Answer (Mr Hamill): be informed as progress is made in controlling these odours. Capital works funds allocations are not sufficient to permit provision of music classrooms in every primary school. 402.Port Road, Fisherman Islands The Department of Education's regional office is Mr CARROLL asked the Minister for Transport and currently assessing the needs for new or additional Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and facilities including music facilities as part of the Trade Development— annual capital works needs assessment process. All 20 February 1996 160 Questions on Notice projects will be prioritised by the region based on Copies of this revised draft will be forwarded out to priorities set by each school and available funds. all interested parties and in particular persons who Departmental records indicate that Clinton State forwarded written submissions for comment by the School has 28 existing classrooms and 27 classes. end of November 1995. One surplus classroom is therefore available for 2. The Interdepartmental Working Group actively music. The school also has available several consulted with all commercial and recreational users withdrawal rooms which can be used for music of the Southport Broadwater when formulating the teaching. first draft plan. Further consultation took place with these users in 412.School Uniform Allowance developing the revised draft through written submissions and a public meeting on the Gold Coast Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Education— on 14 June 1995. With reference to the recently announced school A total of 26 written submissions were received from uniform allowance— commercial operators and organisations who have an Will it be available to all students, ie State primary interest in the Broadwater plus a further 41 and secondary, private, correspondence and School submissions from other interested parties. of the Air students? I can assure you that consultation with the relevant Answer (Mr Hamill): commercial users has taken place and will continue School aged students in Years 1 to 12 during until a final plan is completed. Semester 1, 1996 at any Queensland State or non-Government school are eligible for the 414.School Resources allowance. Only one allowance per student can be claimed in any one year. Mr HEGARTY asked the Minister for Education— The following students are ineligible: With reference to Parents and Citizens’ Associations in State Schools which contribute a significant * preschool students; amount of funding to assist in the provision of school * students aged 19 or over who have returned to infrastructure and equipment for the betterment of school after a break of 12 months or more; students and the acceptance by the Government of the facilities on a no-cost basis— * full fee paying overseas students; and * those who have confirmed that they will NOT (1) Why doesn’t the Government guarantee be attending a Queensland school in 1996. replacement of the facilities, if damaged or destroyed, in like manner to other Government funded capital works? 413.Southport Broadwater Plan (2) Why doesn’t the Government at least pay the Mr VEIVERS asked the Minister for Transport and cost of insurance premiums to provide Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and replacement from an independent insurer? Trade Development— Answer (Mr Hamill): (1) As the summer season is upon us, when will the (1) In line with the long standing policy of this Broadwater plan that was brought forward prior Government and previous Governments, the to the State Election be put back on the agenda Department of Education makes a budget allocation for Gold Coast residents to discuss? to provide for the replacement of equipment an (2) Will commercial users of the Broadwater (eg facilities, provided in conjunction with the school tourist boats, paraflyers, seaplane operators, P&C. bungy jumpers, windsurfer hirers, jet ski (2) As indicated in the previous answer the operators, amateur fishing clubs, professional Department of Education makes provision within its fishermen (trawlers) and Air Sea Rescue) be budget for the replacement of such facilities and represented on the discussion panel? equipment that have been the subject of vandalism Answer (Mr Elder): or arson attacks. This process of self insurance is in line with the guidelines set down by Cabinet and 1. A second revised draft of the Southport within the arrangements provided for in Public Broadwater Management Plan is now ready for final Finance Standards 330 and 331. These standards consultation. were established to maximise the effective use of The first draft management plan was released for public funds in the delivery of services to the public display and comment between the end of community. March and the middle of June 1995 and has been further reviewed as a result of that consultation process. 416.Kangaroo Quotas At a meeting on the Gold Coast on 14 June 1995, Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for Environment invited persons who had made written submissions and Heritage— regarding the first draft plan were advised that a With reference to widespread concern within the revised version of the draft plan would be available kangaroo meat processing and skinning industry that for public feedback before the document was this year's quota will be shot out before the end of finalised. the year— Questions on Notice 161 20 February 1996

(1) Who is responsible for setting the quotas? carcass weight on the taking of the remaining (2) What has caused this situation to occur? available quota for red and grey kangaroos. That action had the support of industry participants, (3) What steps has his department taken to including the Fauna Dealers' Association and the counteract this problem? Association of Professional Shooters. (4) What avenues are open to him to prevent the The strategy was implemented on 4 August 1995 reoccurrence of this? with the promulgation of the Nature Conservation Answer (Mr Barton): (Maropod Harvest Period) Amendment Notice (No. (1) Direct kangaroo population estimates are derived 3) 1995. However, as subsequent events indicate, in Queensland by use of helicopter-based aerial the industry strategy had no discernible effect on the surveys conducted by Department of Environment harvest rate. and Heritage staff. On the basis of maximum (4) Subsequent discussions with industry permissible harvest levels of 20% of the estimated stakeholders indicate that further adjustment of the population for the red kangaroo and 15% for the minimum carcass weight parameters may be eastern grey kangaroo set by the Australian Nature necessary. As a consequence, it is proposed that the Conservation Agency (ANCA) in Canberra, the 1996 Harvest Period Notice will require compliance Department of Environment and Heritage each year with the adjusted parameters. Further, the Office of forwards a quota application to ANCA with respect the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel has been to the forthcoming harvesting year. Quota proposals requested to draft amendments to the Nature from each harvesting state are then considered and Conservation (Macropod Harvesting) Conservation approved (or otherwise) by the Commonwealth Plan 1994 to ensure that the Department of Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories Environment and Heritage, in consultation with key under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection stakeholders, has a range of management options (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982. available in 1996 to address any recurrence of the In January 1995, the Commonwealth Minister for the situation which has prevailed in 1995. However, Environment, Sport and Territories approved the prime responsibility for addressing the Macropod Commercial Quotas which would apply in consequences of irresponsible industry behaviour Queensland in 1995. Those quotas are: must be borne by macropod industry participants Red kangaroo 600000 themselves. Eastern grey kangaroo 950000 Wallaroo 180000 418.Yandina Bypass Whiptail wallaby 25000 Miss SIMPSON asked the Minister for Transport and (2) The quotas with respect to the eastern grey Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and kangaroo and the wallaroo are less than those in Trade Development— 1994 (quotas of 1250000 and 200000 respectively) in As construction of the Yandina Bypass is well under recognition of reduced populations due to prevailing way and in light of continuing concerns about its drought conditions. Further, prices for macropod impact on the flood plain and upstream residents of skins this year have been relatively high, prompting a the north and south Maroochy River— number of dealers to purchase what would normally (1) Why has the Government refused to release the be regarded to be unattractively small skins, and to flood report thus far? thereby use the quota more rapidly. (2) When will the unedited existing flood report be Harvest periods are closed to ensure that approved released? Macropod Commercial Quotas are not exceeded. The quota is set by the Commonwealth as a basis for Answer (Mr Elder): its approval of export licences for kangaroo (1) A complete and accurate report that addressed products. Any action by Queensland to not enforce the relevant issues was not received from the the quota restrictions would jeopardise an important Specialist Consultants and accepted by Queensland export industry. Transport until 21 November. The report was (3) Following urgent representations from macropod delayed pending the implementation of work pet meat dealers regarding the possibility of early covering additional issues. harvest period closures on both the red and eastern (2) The flood report for the Yandina Bypass was grey kangaroos this year, arrangements were made released on 22 November 1995. for a teleconference to be conducted in July with the principal macropod skin and carcass dealers and with macropod shooter representatives to discuss 419.Education Resources, Coomera options available to attempt to slow the unusually Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Education— high harvest rates in 1995. The aim was to identify a rapid response mechanism which would "ration" the With reference to the planned growth for the remaining quota to avoid a total industry shut-down. Coomera region and the fact that the SEDU is A further aim of the teleconference was to seek housed temporarily in pre-school premises— industry co-operation with voluntary harvesting (1) Will he provide as a matter of urgency (a) restraint. purpose-built accommodation for these The meeting agreed that the high harvest rates might students and teachers at the Coomera location best be slowed by setting a minimum skin size and and (b) additional special communications 20 February 1996 162 Questions on Notice

devices necessary to monitor some of the more (1) Is there a stop work order limiting the profoundly affected students? completion of general maintenance and (2) As there is already full enrolment and a improvements? considerable waiting list, will he provide the (2) Is there an additional classroom/administration additional staffing required and make permanent building proposed for construction at the the position of Teacher in Charge? Coorparoo State School Senior Campus? Answer (Mr Hamill): (3) Has the Coorparoo State School Infants 1(a) The facilities currently occupied by the Special Section been sold; if not, is it in the process of Education Development Unit—one unit of a two-unit being sold or identified for sale in the not too preschool building—are suitable for the delivery of distant future? the program provided for the number of students Answer (Mr Hamill): enrolled. Current enrolment patterns do not warrant the In answering this question it is important to note the establishment of a stand-alone Special Education hard work of mr Gary Fenlon, the former member for Development Unit, although the school has Greenslopes, in representing te best interests of this nominated this as a priority for its capital works. school. 1(b) I have been advised that there has been no (1) I have never instructed my department not to request for "special communication" devices from the carry out maintenance or needed improvements at school. The Honourable Member may wish to the Coorparoo Junior Campus, nor is any such order correspond on this matter to clarify this proposal, in effect. which I will then investigate further. (2) A range of options for capital works 2. The current staffing allocations—1.6 Full Time improvements have been considered at the school in Equivalent teacher numbers—is consistent with the the context of the Government's Building Better enrolment-based allocations in similar facilities School Program—Primary Upgrade element. This, I statewide. Full enrolment capacity has not yet been presume is what Mr Radke is mistaking for attained and any changes to staffing will be made consideration of a new classroom block. when 1996 enrolment patterns are known. (3) Education Department asserts are only sold after they have been declared surplus to requirements. No 420.Landsborough-Maroochydore Spur Line school with students could ever be considered surplus. Mr LAMING asked the Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Given that there are still students at the school, I do Trade Development— not see how Mr Radke can think that it has been With reference to his answer to my Question, No. 89 sold. Maybe he hasn't actually visited the school to of 14 September 1995, in particular the advice of the know that it is still being used. Government’s “commitment to allocate $1m towards planning in 1995-96”— 422.Timber Industry (1) What expense has been incurred so far? Mr FITZGERALD asked the Minister for Primary (2) What feasibility studies have been done and Industries and Minister for Racing— what were the results? What consultative processes were and are being (3) Has a notional route been selected and what undertaken with key timber industry stakeholders, discussions have been held with landholders, including the Queensland Timber Board, the local councils, etc.? Australian Workers' Union and other groups likely to Answer (Mr Elder): be affected, eg graziers, beekeepers, miners and (1) The $1m committed to planning for the line has recreational users, prior to any Cabinet submission been allocated for expenditure in 1995/96. Only which would recommend any policy resulting in any minimal expenses have been incurred to date, in the adverse impact on all these stakeholders? preparation of a Terms of Reference for the rail Answer (Mr Gibbs): options study. It is expected that the feasibility I will ensure that a full consultation process occurs study will commence early in 1996. It will consider a with all stakeholders before I take any broad range of options. recommendations to Cabinet concerning (2) & (3) As previously advised, investigations for the implementation of forest policy. spur line to date have only been at a concept level. No feasibility study has been undertaken as yet, and I have already given such assurances to the as a result no notional route has been selected, and Chairman of the Queensland Timber Board. no discussions have been held with councils or landholders on this issue. 423.Overseas Visits by Departmental Officers Mr HARPER asked the Minister for Employment and 421.Coorparoo State School Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Mr RADKE asked the Minister for Education— Service Matters— With reference to the Coorparoo State School With reference to the appendix in the departmental Junior Campus Years 1-2— reports which details overseas travel— Questions on Notice 163 20 February 1996

Will she supply/detail (a) a copy of the report million in revenue. Revenue Generation from Hong provided by each officer after her/his overseas Kong for 1994/95 was $980,430.10. mission, as required by official policy, (b) the date of (vii) Not applicable their return and the date on which their report was provided, (c) a list of those officers to whom such (viii) The trip formed part of TAFE Queensland's official reports were provided, (d) the total cost of 1994/95 International Student Program which each overseas trip, including travel accommodation, recruited 932 students enrolled for formal courses allowances, meals, etc. and (e) what fee-for-service and 737 registrations for English language intensive or commercial activity did each trip accomplish in courses for overseas students and generated $7.1 relation to each of the following officers’ trips (i) million. Revenue Generation from Indonesia for Harry Hauenschild to New Zealand, (ii) Ian Andrew to 1994/95 was $483,644.00. the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden, (iii) Ray Best to New Zealand, (iv) Chris D’Arcy to the United States, (v) Gary Kieseker and Robyn Paulson to 424.Apprentices Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Mr LESTER asked the Minister for Employment and Indonesia, (vi) Camden McDonnell to Hong Kong, Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public (vii) Ruth Reilly to the United States and Canada and Service Matters— (viii) D Whitlock to Indonesia? Will she provide the statistics on an annual basis for Answer (Mrs Edmond): each year since the Goss Government was elected (a) to (d) I table the information requested. for the number of (a) female apprentices, (b) females (e) TAFE Queensland is a key exporter of vocational undertaking trade-based prevocational programs and education and training services. Total revenue (c) females undertaking other programs designed to generated by TAFE Queensland since 1989 has encourage them to enter non-traditional trade areas? exceeded $33 million, which establishes the Answer (Mrs Edmond): organisation as one of Australia's top 500 exporters. (a) The numbers of females who have commenced In addition to its activities in the international student apprenticeships since 1990 are: 1990—1277, areas, TAFE Queensland has been active in the 1991—1169, 1992—1440, 1993—1575, 1994—1764. delivery of vocational education and training services in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New (b) The number of female enrolments in trade based Guinea and Western Samoa. These International prevocational programs is as follows: 1990—493, Projects have earned over $9.5 million since 1989. 1991—462, 1992—931, 1993—1225, 1994—1984. (i) Not applicable. (c) Training and Employment Queensland deliver a national program known as Tradeswomen on the (ii) As a result of this visit, Volvo Sweden have Move. The program is aimed at female school granted copyright access, free of charge, to students in Grades 6 to 8 as they develop career video based materials produced by Volvo for aspirations and occupation perceptions at this age. incorporation into a series of interactive video The number of schools visited and estimated number materials. of students who have attended information sessions (iii) Not applicable. since 1990 are - (iv) The trip identified: YEAR—SCHOOLS VISITED ¥ Functional 'fit' of the College 1990—35 Administrative Program System (CAP) to 1991—44 the requirements of schools, Junior 1992—95 Colleges and Universities in the United 1993—54 States. 1994—100 ¥ Additional functionality required by CAP 1995—152 to meet US requirements YEAR—ESTIMATED NUMBER OF STUDENTS ¥ Market potential for CAP in the US WHO HAVE ATTENDED INFORMATION ¥ Potential business partners for the SESSIONS marketing and support of CAP in the US 1990—2000 ¥ Educational organisations providing 1991—3300 opportunities for the marketing of CAP 1992—7000 (v) This trip resulted in the awarding of a multi-million 1993—3700 dollar contract to TAFE Queensland in a strategic 1994—5500 alliance with TAFE Victoria. The revenue generated 1995—7500 to date from this contract for the TAFE partners is $750,000. The anticipated revenue under this 425.Designation of DEVETIR Staff contract over a five year period for the TAFE partners is $20 million. Mr SANTORO asked the Minister for Employment (vi) The trip formed part of TAFE Queensland's and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on 1994/95 International Student Program which Public Service Matters— recruited 932 students enrolled for formal courses With reference to her response to Question 192 and and 737 registrations for English language intensive in view of (a) the attached correspondence provided courses for overseas students and generated $7.1 with her answer, (b) TAFE Executive Forum 20 February 1996 164 Questions on Notice discussion of the problem (c) the attached official Answer (Mr Beattie): internal memorandum to the Executive Director about (1) The Project Definition Plan phase examines the the issue and (d) the SPSFQ newsbreak of April policy and operational issues associated with the 24— provision of Maternity Services at the redeveloped (1) Why did neither the Executive Director nor the Cairns Hospital. This phase is about to commence Director-General appear to know of this matter and the concept proposed by the AIMS group will when I raised it at the Estimates Committee be examined and considered during this planning hearings in June? phase. (2) Why have I been supplied with copies of letters (2) To date, the AIMS Cairns group has met with the which are unsigned and undated? Chief Executive Officer and other relevant senior hospital staff concerning their birthing centre (3) As these may, in fact, be preliminary and draft proposal. In addition, the Association has raised this copies, which vary from the original letters that matter with the Peninsula and Torres Strait Regional were actually sent, will she provide me with Health Authority. As part of the planning process, the copies of the originals? Project Definition Plan relies heavily on input from (4) Will she table the minutes of the meeting of 22 key stakeholders and user groups. The AIMS group May referred to by Mr McGaw? has been invited to participate in the user groups. 2. (5) What efforts has the department made to (3) Key stakeholders, hospital staff and client user advise former departmental staff that they may groups will be involved in the consultation process be owed back pay if they were incorrectly during the Project Definition Planning phase. It is designated? expected that further input will occur from AIMS as one of the many user groups involved in the Answer (Mrs Edmond): process. (1) During the Estimates Committee hearing of 1 June 1995, Mr Santoro created confusion in his question by his reference to cases "currently before 427.Vehicle Registration Charges the Industrial Relations Commission". This issue has Mrs McCAULEY asked the Minister for Transport never been before the Industrial Relations and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Commission. Trade Development— Once the issue was clarified during the process of With reference to the administration fee charged on the hearing, the Director-General indicated that he top of registration charges when a vehicle is was aware of claims concerning the inappropriate registered (for example, the registration fee for a classification of some employees, and that rigid two axle bus is stated as being $300 but with proceedings had been instigated to remedy the the administration fee, the actual cost is $335)— anomalies where they had been identified. (1) Why is this fee now being charged? (2&3) I hereby table copies of the original (2) Is it just a way of increasing registration costs correspondence that are signed and dated. under another name? (4) I am advised that neither the representatives of Answer (Mr Elder): the PSMC or my Department undertook the process The Queensland Government implemented the of minute taking during the course of this meeting. uniform national heavy vehicle charges for vehicle (5) My Department is unable to identify which of its registration commencing from 1 July 1995. The fees ex-employees may or may not fall into this category. apply to all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross mass. However, as stated by the previous Minister, the The national charges were determined by the Department will deal quickly with any cases that National Road Transport Commission and might be drawn to its attention, as it has done in the established in the Road Transport Charges past. (Australian Capital Territory) Act 1993 which provides for the fees to apply in the Australian Capital Territory. All other states and territories are to 426.Birth Centre, Cairns Base Hospital adopt the charges through their own legislation. Ms WARWICK asked the Minister for Health— The charges represent the appropriate contribution With reference to the proposal for a Birth Centre at by heavy vehicle operators to the maintenance and Cairns Base Hospital submitted by the Association provision of transport infrastructure. Costs for Improvement in Maternity Services (AIMS) Cairns associated with administration and the delivery of group— services are not included in the national charges and each jurisdiction may add an appropriate fee based (1) Will he make a commitment to the establishment on actual costs. of a family birth centre facility within the maternity section? The National Road Transport Commission will monitor the administration fees levied by states to (2) When will consumer consultation occur ensure that they are justifiable in terms of cost regarding maternity options and services within recovery and not just an additional tax. the redeveloped hospital? The introduction of the new charges results in a (3) What individuals and/or community groups will reduction of registration revenue of approximately be involved in the consultation process? $8M for Queensland vehicles. The new charging Questions on Notice 165 20 February 1996 method is based on actual road damage and to minimise costs and maintain competitively low distances applicable to the category of vehicle. prices and high service levels for all its customers. Some vehicles such as heavy haulage vehicles and Establishment of the National Electricity Market is heavy trailers now attract higher registration charges intended to provide opportunities for further cost while most other vehicles have significantly reduced reductions in the industry, including through the fees. economic sourcing of electricity supply and The example of a 2 axle bus up to 12 tonnes, competition through the national grid. referred to in the question, previously attracted fees (c) The recent gains achieved by the Queensland ranging from $356.50 up to $803.80 depending on electricity supply industry through productivity the gross mass of the bus. A Traffic Improvement fee improvements and corporatisation are delivering of $30.50 was also charged. lower electricity prices to Queensland consumers. A These fees have been replaced by the national price reduction ranging up to 13 per cent for charge of $300.00 and an administrative fee of commercial and industrial users was implemented on $35.00. Operators of such 2 axle buses have 1 April 1995, which will result in cost savings to received a reduction in fees of up to $499.30. business of $100 million per year. In addition, prices to domestic customers have been frozen until at least February 1996. The Government is currently 428.Electricity Charges negotiating with other jurisdictions to ensure the Mr GILMORE asked the Minister for Minerals and arrrangements for the National Electricity Market in Energy— Queensland best meet the needs of Queensland consumers. With reference to statements made by various members of the government about the benefits of Queensland's entry into the national grid, and taking 429.Papaya Fruit Fly part in a deregulated, competitive electricity market Mr ROWELL asked the Minister for Primary and to corporatisation which has also been said to Industries— provide many opportunities for gains in efficiency and cost saving—ultimately providing cheaper power What action is currently being taken by the for Queenslanders— Department of Primary Industries to expedite the deletion of fruit and vegetables that were initially As the Queensland electricity industry has been placed on the list of produce that has to be treated, operating at or near world's best practice for a but is not infected by the papaya fruit fly? number of years, and providing power at world competitive prices (compared to both State Answer (Mr Gibbs): owned and investor owned utilities), (a) where The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are these new efficiencies to be made, (b) recognises that some fruits and vegetables currently which costs can be cut and (c) how much can listed as hosts of papaya fruit fly may not be hosts at be cut from the price of power to Queensland certain maturity stages (for example, possibly hard consumers as a result of these gains? green banana) or may only be infested if fruit is Answer (Mr McGrady): damaged (for example, possibly lychee). (a) The Queensland electricity supply industry is at Until evidence of non-host or low-risk status is the forefront of Australian electricity supply systems, provided, other States have demanded chemical and its total factor productivity (ie a combined treatment as a condition of entry. measure of the productivity of capital, labour and DPI recognises that the requirement for chemical fuel) is higher than for any other State. However, treatment is causing cost imposts and/or workplace other States are currently making concerted efforts health and safety issues for farmers and workers to improve their electricity systems to enhance the handling these chemicals for the first time. competitiveness of their industries and provide low The banana industry has presented a consultant's cost electricity to households. The Queensland report arguing the case for removal of restrictions to electricity supply industry can therefore ill afford to DPI. This report has been forwarded to an interstate be satisfied with currently operating at or near quarantine committee together with other comments world's best practice and must pursue further and seeking urgent re-consideration of the host productivity and technology gains if it is to keep status of banana (hard green stage only), lychee, and pace with world's best practice. possible grapes, pumpkins and watermelon. The Queensland Government has moved to ensure Other States may require further local data to be that the industry is well placed to identify and secure developed before granting exemptions. DPI has a these gains. The Government corporatised the fruit sampling program in progress but there is a Queensland electricity supply industry from 1 delay of two to three weeks before fruit flies hatch January 1995 with the objective of placing the out from fruit and are identified. Government-owned participants in the electricity industry on a similar footing to private sector companies, with clear commercial objectives, and to 431.Ambulance Centre, Tully improve efficiency through a focus on commercial Mr LITTLEPROUD asked the Minister for Emergency outcomes. Services and Minister for Consumer Affairs— (b) The corporatisation process ensures there is With reference to the Tully local ambulance continuing pressure on the electricity supply industry committee’s complaints that they have not been 20 February 1996 166 Questions on Notice consulted in the design of the new ambulance centre (2) Will she table any correspondence between and his advice to the committee that the project herself, her department and the consultancy services plan must be implemented because planning firm (and vice versa) in relation to this is too far advanced— expenditure? (1) How can he defend such disregard for the (3) Why did she consider that her department wishes of this local ambulance committee when would not provide her with the necessary the Goss Government has reasserted its information in a manner that was both (a) timely position to listen and consult more with and (b) independent? Queenslanders? Answer (Mrs Edmond): (2) Will he now adopt plans acceptable to the Tully (1) It is a requirement when engaging outside local ambulance committee? consultants to request a quote for fee for service. Answer (Mr Davies): This was obtained prior to Trowbridge Consulting (1) The short answer is that it is nonsense to suggest being engaged. that the Local Ambulance Committee have not been (2) Yes. consulted. (3) Given that legal and other disbursement costs in This year's budget provided $220,000 for common law were an important part of the issues development of an Ambulance Station co-located being considered by the Board, Board members with the Fire Station at Mission Beach near Tully. believed that independent actuarial advice was A draft plan was prepared and presented to the Local required. In addition, some of the information Ambulance Committee at its meeting on 22 August. required was not available from the Board's Suggestions from the Local Ambulance Committee database, such as solicitor own client costs. It was were incorporated into the plan, but the estimated necessary that an assessment of such costs be made cost of $300,000 exceeded the available budget. A by the consultant making direct contact with a further suggestion was then made to construct a representative group of legal practitioners. Further, building similar to the new Ambulance Station at Board members considered it appropriate that an Russell Island and further designs were submitted to independent actuary conduct this analysis. the Local Ambulance Committee on 31 October 1995. The Local Ambulance Committee has drawn up its own plan which also required adjustment to 433.Woodford State School conform with relevant building codes. Mr TURNER asked the Minister for Education— Clearly, there has been extensive consultation with (1) Is he aware of the inadequate and cramped the Local Ambulance Committee, even though there conditions in a number of classrooms at the has not been agreement about the final plan. Woodford State School and the need for a The Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance massive upgrade to overcome these problems? Service and I would clearly prefer that the new (2) Is he aware of the unsafe and dangerous Station is built to a design acceptable to the Local conditions which apply in the manual arts Ambulance Committee and within the available section? budget. (3) Will action be taken to immediately provide a (2) The Goss Government is proud of its record of second telephone line into the Woodford State management of the Queensland Ambulance Service School? and will not allow the good reputation of the Queensland Ambulance Service to be Answer (Mr Hamill): misrepresented by the Member for Western Downs. 1. Woodford State School is a P10 school. Sixteen As has always been the intention and the proven classroom spaces currently accommodate 432 practice of this government, the new Ambulance primary students (as at July 1995). The principal Station will be built to a design acceptable to the anticipates that the school's opening enrolment for Tully Local Ambulance Committee and within the 1996 will remain around this figure. Sixteen teachers available budget. will be appointed to the school for the beginning of 1996. 432.Trowbridge Consultants Primary accommodation includes 10 permanent classrooms (four to current standard, six Mr ELLIOTT asked the Minister for Employment and non-standard) and six classrooms in modular form. Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public An uncounted, non-standard space is utilised by the Service Matters— school for music classes. With reference to her response to Question on The government's Building Better Schools initiatives Notice 179, part 1— announced recently, include provision of $84.6 (1) Does her method of financial planning and million across the next five years to upgrade existing accountability, illustrated by part of the answer, classrooms in our older primary schools. Using include (a) waiting for the account to come in criteria developed by the Department of Education, so she will know how much she has spent and Woodford State School has been identified as a high (b) hoping that it will not exceed $25,000 to priority to benefit from this initiative. The nature and meet the requirements of the Public Finance extent of work to be carried out, anticipated to occur Standards and the Auditor-General? within the first two years of the program, will be Questions on Notice 167 20 February 1996 determined in consultation with the school 434.Bundaberg Bypass community. Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Transport and Woodford State School has been identified by the Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and region as having a likely minimum requirement for Trade Development— additional classrooms in 1997. The region has With reference to the proposed ring road, requested that additional spaces be provided in announced by the former Minister for Transport (Mr permanent accommodation and to the latest Hayward) for the southern bypass of Bundaberg— standard. (1) Will he acknowledge that many residents along Secondary facilities at the school, to accommodate the declared route are experiencing problems in around 150 students, include five general learning relation to the sale of their properties and/or the areas, science laboratory, typing room, combined devaluation of same? wood and metal workshop, drawing room, (2) Will he acknowledge that these problems are multi-purpose home economics area, and art room. being experienced because of the timing of the Following recent visits to the school by senior actual construction of the ring road, as well as officers from the Sunshine Coast Regional Education the delay in any compensation to residents? Office, an agreed strategy aimed at addressing some (3) Will he take action to ensure that adequate of the school's needs in this area has been arrived at. compensation is available now to residents wishing to move-sell out from the area in Other facilities at the school include an administration question; if so, (a) what measures can be taken block, single unit preschool, special education unit by residents to access such compensation and and resource centre. Extension of the resource (b) on what basis will compensation be centre from 3-5 bays has been included on the draft assessed? 1995/96 Capital Works Program. (4) Is compensation proposed to be available to 2. During a recent visit to Woodford State School by properties that are adjacent to the proposed the region's Occupational Health and Safety Officer, ring road route? the principal identified two issues of concern in the Manual Arts area: the slipperiness of the floor and the (5) Will he assure residents of Bundaberg that the nature and positioning of the saw in the preparation timing of a proposed ring road of Bundaberg area. will be reconsidered, in view of the money to be expended by Queensland Transport on the The floor is a wooden one, no different from many upgrading of Walker Street? other laid in manual Arts facilities in the 1960s. It is Answer (Mr Elder): acknowledged that the floor does become slippery when covered in woodshavings. In an effort to (1) I am aware of some concerns and staff in my address this problem, the region previously arranged office are currently following up on this issue. to have the floor sanded so as to remove the (2) Planning must be carried out well before surfacing which was perceived as aggravating the construction so that a route may be reserved. Such problem. The principal has requested that a second planning also informs developers and home buyers sanding, using a coarser grain, be organised. It is where future roads will be constructed. anticipated that this will lessen the risk to students More problems would be experienced if planning and staff. was not carried out well in advance of construction. The saw in the Manual Arts preparation area is (3) Concept planning by an independent consultant approximately 30 years old. Officers are aware of the has commenced and it is anticipated that this will be safety concerns associated with saws of this age and completed by May 1996. This planning will determine are to develop a prioritised replacement program for the actual areas of land required for the Ring Road. the region. There will be community consultation during this 3. Woodford State School has four incoming phone concept planning. lines—one to its general office area, one to its Residents can obtain information regarding preschool, one to its special education unit, and a compensation by contacting staff of Queensland fax line. The school's existing telephone system is Transport in Bundaberg, 23 Quay Street, or unable to accommodate a second line to the general telephone on (071) 522 355. office area, which is what the school is seeking. Compensation will be limited to land acquisition for In support of the school's stated wish to upgrade its hardship in accordance with Queensland Transport's phone system as quickly as possible, the Acting Policy for Land Acquisition—Hardship Purchase and Manager, Facilities and Assets gave a commitment to other Considerations. The amount of compensation contribute $2,000 from the current Minor Works will be assessed according to the market value of the budget towards this project should the school elect land. to progress the project. The school consequently (4) Compensation will be limited to those residents investigated various options and indicated its from whom land is required for the Ring Road intention to install a Hybrex system. As agreed, a construction. contribution of $2,000 was forwarded to the school (5) The timing for the construction of the Ring Road on 9 November. The principal has advised that will be periodically reviewed. Currently the time for school funds are available to supplement the construction is approximately fifteen years hence. installation of the new system which will cost Programmed works on Walker Street will be required approximately $3,500. in any case. 20 February 1996 168 Questions on Notice

435.Borumba Dam in the Gold Coast City area. This funding is allocated Mr STEPHAN asked the Minister for Primary to the most deserving projects based on the cost Industries and Minister for Racing— and associated community benefit. Currently Queensland Transport is working on the following With reference to the low water level of the Borumba projects as part of this program. Dam and the increased use of water from this source for agriculture and domestic use— * Intersection of Gold Coast Springbrook Road at Farrant Drive to improve access to (1) Will he give urgent consideration for funding to Mudgeeraba School (Estimate: $500,000) enable extra water to be stored in Borumba Dam by utilising the sock process? * Modifications to traffic facilities (including provision of pedestrian signals at Lavelle Street (2) Will the Government give higher priority to the and traffic signals at Ferry Street/Nerang decision to raise the height of the wall of this Street) at Nerang (Estimate: $600,000) dam to enable construction to begin immediately? These works will be completed in the next few months and improve safety in these areas. These Answer (Mr Gibbs): projects will take most of the allocation for traffic The issue of providing additional water from improvement works though there is a possibility of Borumba Dam is primarily linked to the high level of bringing forward other traffic improvement works reliability for current and future urban needs. later in the financial year. Projects such as the provision of traffic signals at Tallebudgera Creek Growth in use for irrigation has not been dramatic Road/Tsipura Drive, Olsen Avenue/Smith Street though there has been steady increase over time. At northern ramp and extra pedestrian signals on Gold present, with Borumba Dam storage at lower than Coast Highway (including Palm Beach) are all normal levels, no further additional allocation is being candidate projects and will be considered with made available. However, once storage returns to available funding. normal levels additional allocations can be made available for both agricultural and urban use. The Government decided in December 1994 that 437.Cooroy-Noosa Link Road raising of the dam would be the next source of Mr DAVIDSON asked the Minister for Transport and additional water for the Mary Valley. Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Staff from the Department of Primary Industries are Trade Development— currently negotiating with landholders to acquire the (1) Have the consultants engaged by Queensland necessary lands for raising the dam and funds have Transport to undertake a study for a Cooroy- been allowed in the 1994-1995 budget for this Noosa link road completed their assignment? purpose. (2) When can the Cooroy community expect to be Departmental officers are also having discussions advised of a decision on this issue? with major water user groups regarding their future water needs and their willingness to contribute Answer (Mr Elder): towards the cost of the works. (1) In the last few months, a number of outside Technical issues associated with raising the dam are events such as the State election have slowed under investigation by DPI including impacts. progress of the Cooroy Planning Study. Consultant Planners, Gutteridge Haskins and Davey, have used The Government is committed to raising the dam this time to further evaluate the advantages and once the technical and financial issues are resolved disadvantages of the various network and route and the demand has been clearly demonstrated. options, particularly the options put forward at the first information night held with the community. Gutteridge Haskins and Davey intends to distribute 436.Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach another information newsletter in December 1995, Mrs GAMIN asked the Minister for Transport and and hold another information night with the Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and community following the Christmas holiday period. Trade Development— Depending of the outcome of this further public With reference to traffic signals on the Gold Coast consultation, it is anticipated that the study will be Highway, Palm Beach and to the recent Roads completed in March 1996. Implementation Program which indicates that traffic signals and lighting for Gold Coast Highway (various (2) Queensland Transport will be a position to make a locations) has been included (a) 1995-96 approved decision once the study has been completed and the locations $1.1m, (b) 1996-97 approved locations consultant's report is properly considered. A $0.8m and (c) 1997-98 to 1999-2000 $2.6m, a total decision is expected to be made in mid 1996. over 5 years of $4.5m— What sites on the Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach 438.Mercury Health Hazards in Hospitals have been allocated and at what stage of the five Mr HORAN asked the Minister for Health— year program will they be installed? (1) Will he detail what procedures are in place to Answer (Mr Elder): avoid mercury health hazards at all Queensland Queensland Transport has allocated $1.1m in the hospitals and what funding is being provided to 1995/96 financial year for traffic improvement works put those procedures in place? Questions on Notice 169 20 February 1996

(2) In particular, what amount of funding has been Amalgam dispensing capsules are collected and provided to the Royal Brisbane Hospital for this returned to the manufacturer for recycling, which purpose? means that no amalgam residue is disposed into Answer (Mr Beattie): normal waste. (1) In Queensland Health hospitals, mercury usage is Amalgam fillings are removed using high speed limited and confined mostly to thermometers, blood evacuation, minimising exposure to metallic dust and pressure machines (sphygmomanometers), and all vapours produced by heat in the cutting process. dental amalgam. Waste amalgam is covered with fixer and stored in There is little risk of a health hazard with mercury and closed containers. the incidence of spills in Queensland public hospitals Clinics are well ventilated. is believed to be very low. ¥ Sphygmomanometers are wall mounted or Public hospitals have addressed the hazard of fixed, where possible, to lessen the risk of mercury through a number of strategies including: breakage with mercury spill. elimination of mercury usage; substitution of mercury ¥ General with less hazardous substances; containment of mercury to minimise the likelihood of exposure; and Workplace Health and Safety Committees in the development and implementation of policies and hospitals are responsible for management of mercury practices which protect staff when handling mercury. health hazards. Specifics of these strategies are detailed in the Staff education and awareness training programs are Attachment. in place in a number of hospitals. No funding is specifically provided for the Placards and labelling of hazardous substances are management of mercury health hazards in public required in relevant work areas. Safe Storage and hospitals, as it is considered part of their routine Handling Information Cards for mercury have been operational management, which is covered by their produced in one Region. normal budgets. The cost of equipment to deal with Equipment is checked to ensure it is functional and mercury spillage is not high and does not impose a intact prior to use, in addition to the regular auditing significant financial burden on individual hospitals. of equipment. (2) The Royal Brisbane Hospital has not been Vacuum cleaners are cleaned regularly with specifically funded for mercury hazard management. precipitated sulphur. As part of its overall hazard management, the Royal ¥ When spillage occurs, there are protocols and Brisbane Hospital has set aside an amount of policies in place in hospitals for the safe $35,000 for the purchase of digital and tympanic handling of the spill thermometers to replace mercury thermometers. Many hospitals have incorporated guidelines in the The procedures used by Queensland public Workplace Health and Safety Policy Manual for the hospitals to avoid mercury health hazards include: management of a hazardous spill, and some have Substitution of mercury-based products with specific policies in place for management of mercury alternative products spills (the area is isolated, precipitated sulphur is Pathology laboratories no longer use mercury in sprinkled on the contaminated area, and the testing procedures. Government Laboratory will conduct readings if required). Mercurochrome is no longer used in hospitals. Mercury spill kits are available in a number of Mercury containing thermometers (cost—$0.65 each) hospitals (contain protective gloves, eyewear, apron are gradually being replaced with digital or tympanic and mask, absorbent powder, syringe to collect thermometers (cost—$6.50 to $17.50 each). mercury particles, etc). Mercury containing sphygmomanometers are Incident forms are required to be completed for all gradually being replaced with aneroid or digital mercury spills. equipment. Incidents are investigated and remedial action taken Containment of mercury if necessary. ¥ In dentistry: Mercury content of dental amalgam is strictly 440.Equine Morbillivirus controlled in manufacture—there is no need to express excess mercury. Mr COOPER asked the Minister for Health— Amalgam is provided in sealed capsules, overcoming With reference to a letter I sent him on 9 November the need for dental personnel to handle the raw relating to an outbreak of equine morbillivirus— material. (1) Will he ascertain the reasons for the death of Capsules are used only once. Letitia Johnston? The amalgam is directly dispensed into an instrument (2) What action was taken at the Royal Children's carrier, avoiding human contact. Hospital, at the time of this tragic death, to determine whether or not Letitia Johnston had Used capsules are immediately stored in an airtight been infected with the deadly virus equine container. morbillivirus? 20 February 1996 170 Questions on Notice

(3) Will he ascertain why, if a strict quarantine had With reference to Voluntary Early Retirements been ordered at the Vic Rail Hendra stables, (VERs) within the Minerals Division of Q-Rail, the Letitia Johnston had been allowed to pat a Minister would be aware that VERs are given only to possibly infected horse there, only days prior employees who are surplus to requirements and have to her sudden death? demonstrated that they have a strong desire to retire (4) Will he assure the House that medical from the Q-Rail workforce for whatever reason— authorities believe that this quarantine was (1) Has the department, in recent time, re- absolutely strict, given, for example, the fact employed VER acceptants? that the Racing Minister and his entourage (2) If so, how many people, in which region and visited the site on 24 September 1994? under what terms of employment, ie contract, (5) Did health authorities at any time suspect the casual, etc? cause of the outbreak was hanta virus, which is (3) Does he agree the re-employment of VER unknown in Australia but which has been known recipients has the potential to lessen the to cause a 70 per cent mortality and has no promotional opportunities of existing loyal known cure? employees? Answer (Mr Beattie): Answer (Mr Elder): (1) Letitia Johnston was notified to the (1&2) Queensland Rail's Redeployment and Communicable Diseases Branch of Queensland Voluntary Early Retirement Policy (Clause 5.4.2) Health on 25 October 1994 as suffering from states that "Employees who have accepted meningococcal septicaemia caused by Serogroup C Voluntary Early Retirement may be re-employed or Neisseria meningitidis. Blood samples had been contracted as consultants by Queensland Rail not taken from the child on 11 and 12 October 1994. earlier than two years after receiving early retirement I am advised that Meningococcal disease was the payment. Within the Coal & Minerals Group, there cause of the child's death. are presently five employees who have been granted Meningococci are organisms that are carried in the Voluntary Early Retirement and are currently human nasopharynx and occasionally invade the employed. blood stream or the brain causing a septicaemia or a (3) Under Queensland Rail's Recruitment & Selection meningitis which can be fatal. Policy, employees engaged as fixed term are defined There is no connection between Neisseria as external applicants. When positions at any level meningitidis and equine morbillivirus. are advertised internally, the merit of permanent Queensland Rail applicants must be assessed prior (2) Royal Children's Hospital would have had no to any consideration of external applicants. In cause to determine whether Letitia Johnston was essence, this means that Queensland Rail must infected by EMV. I understand that Letitia consider first and foremost its permanent employees Johnston's illness was typical of meningococcal before employees who have been granted Voluntary disease and confirmed as having been caused by Early Retirement and are now re-employed as fixed Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. term or temporary. (3) It is unknown how or why Letitia Johnston had been allowed to pat a horse at the Vic Rail Hendra stable some days before her death. The events are 442.QE II Hospital however not causally related. The horse with which Mr WOOLMER asked the Minister for Health— Letitia had contact four days before her death was What is the budget and development program for the tested and found negative for antibodies to the refurbishment and re-opening of QE II Hospital equine morbillivirus. pursuant to plans announced by him recently? (4) I am advised that a human quarantine was not Answer (Mr Beattie): imposed on the premises. However the premises were cordoned off by police and state emergency Architectural consultants have commenced the services providing a defacto quarantine. preparation of a Project Definition Plan, Schematic Design and Economic Evaluation. This will include (5) I understand that during the first several days the compilation of estimates of costs for the project. prior to EMV being isolated a range of other causal It is envisaged that the project will be completed by agents that might account for the horse deaths were 30 June 1996. This will make the Hospital a fully considered. One of those considered was a novel utilised community hospital, something which was hanta virus. Hanta viruses that can simultaneously never achieved under the National and Liberal Party cause disease in man and in horses have not yet rule in Queensland. been described. The consideration of a novel hanta virus resulted in stringent rodent control measures The Honourable member would do well to cast his being instituted. mind back to the pre-1989 status of that hospital when his now political colleagues were satisfied to neglect their duty in maximising health services for 441. Voluntary Early Retirements, Queensland the South side residents. Rail The sad fact is that a National/Liberal led Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Transport and Government failed the community in the provision of Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and sound health policy and if they'd bothered to Trade Development— establish a sound basis for the building of this Questions on Notice 171 20 February 1996 hospital rather than cheap short term political gain, representative of the rural community with whom the hospital would not have been neglected. consultation took place included the Queensland Farmers' Federation Ltd, the United Graziers Association and the Queensland Graingrowers' 443.Timber Industry Association. I met with employer representatives on Mr PERRETT asked the Minister for Primary numerous occasions. Industries and Minister for Racing— (3) I am advised, that for a range of producers, there What impact would the Federal Government’s policy is an ability to pass on increased costs by way of of preserving a minimum of 15 per cent of pre- adjustment to the prices of produce put to market European forest and woodland cover across all and therefore to influence market prices, at least at species have on Queensland’s timber industry both the margin. Clearly, there may be less capacity to in socio-economic job losses and in reduction of pass on such costs in situations where competitive existing resources? international market conditions exist. However, even Answer (Mr Gibbs): in these situations there can be a tendency for increased costs to flow through to prices over time A preliminary analysis of the possible as a result of normal market adjustments. socio-economic impacts of adopting the Commonwealth's reserve criteria, in particular the (4) The average net premium rate will increase by 15% of pre-1750 criterion has been completed. 14.7% from $1.70 to $1.95 of wages. In addition to Indications are that there could be considerable the premium rate increase, a surcharge of 10% of net ramifications for the timber industry in particular, but premium (equivalent to 6.4% of gross premium) will other forest based industries may also be affected. apply from 1 January 1996. The overall effect will be Before any decision is taken on this matter, I have an average net premium rate of 2.145% of wages. given assurances that full consultation will be The premium rates that will apply to motor and undertaken with stakeholders. machinery trade outlets in rural communities are set out below. The increases are based on the performance of this particular industry. It is possible 445.Workers' Compensation for employers within this industry to reduce their Mr STONEMAN asked the Minister for Employment premium rates through merit bonus and this means and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on through safer work practices. Public Service Matters— Industry/Business Description With reference to the proposed changes to the 109006—AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY & charges relating to workers compensation and the IMPLEMENTS MANUFACTURERS Current Rate— stated government policy of assessing the impact of $4.70; New Rate*—$6.02; % Increase—28% any changed or new legislation on rural communities— 348103—AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY & IMPLEMENTS SALESPERSONS & DEALERS (1) What assessments have been made in respect Current Rate—$0.77; New Rate*—$0.95; % of the impact of increased charges on rural Increase—24% communities as opposed to larger centres that have a broader based economy? 347004—MOTOR WORKSHOPS & AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND IMPLEMENTS (2) What consultations took place with traders and REPAIRERS Current Rate—$2.34; New employers generally in respect of the impact of Rate*—$2.90; % Increase—24% the higher costs of employment in rural and isolated communities? (3) On what basis of research and substance was 446.Road Funding her claim that primary producers ‘could pass on Mr HEALY asked the Minister for Transport and the costs’ (of increased workers’ compensation Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and charges) made? Trade Development— (4) What is the assessed impact of the new (1) What was the Government's expenditure on the schedules on the motor and machinery trade State-funded roads on a local authority basis outlets in rural communities? for the 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94 and Answer (Mrs Edmond): 1994-95 in the Southern Region? (1) The claims performance of each of the Board's (2) On what individual projects within the local 300 Industry/Business classifications determined the authorities was this money allocated to? percentage increase applicable to each premium rate, (3) What work description is applied to each of including those premium rates applicable to the rural these projects? sector. Answer (Mr Elder): In the interests of rating equity, claims performance The new Southern Region was formed on 1 July is the sole determinant of the percentage increase 1994 and contains all of the original South-West applicable to a premium rate. Region and the South Burnett/Wide Bay area of the (2) Consultation was undertaken in relation to the original South-East Region. reform package with employer groups, unions and The original South-West Region contained the the legal and medical professions. Employer groups following Local Governments: 20 February 1996 172 Questions on Notice

Cambooya, Chinchilla, Crows Nest, Dalby (2) Will he provide information whether waiting Town, Esk, Gatton, Jondaryan, Bendemere, times for residents seeking dental treatment at Booringa, Bulloo, Bungil, Murilla, Murweh, the centre have been reduced? Paroo, Quilpie, Roma Town, Taroom, Laidley, (3) With optical services for residents of the Inala Millmerran, Pittsworth, Rosalie, Toowoomba electorate being available at the Princess City, Wambo, Warroo, Balonne, Clifton, Alexandra Hospital, will he give consideration Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Stanthorpe, Tara, for the use of the Inala Community Health Waggamba, Warwick. Centre as a centre for the provision of these The new Southern Region contains the above list as services? well as the following: (4) Will he give consideration to using this centre Wondai, Kingaroy, Nanango, Murgon, as a model for visiting Indonesian health Cherbourg, , Hervey Bay, delegations with a view to establishing similar Biggenden, Eidsvold, Burnett, Isis, Kolan, centres in Indonesia? Monto, Perry, Gayndah, Woocoo, Bundaberg, Answer (Mr Beattie): Maryborough, Kilkivan, Tiaro. (1) General maintenance at the Community Health The information you seek for the financial years Centre, Inala, is undertaken on a day-to-day basis by 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93 and 1993/94 can be Q-Build as required. However, the following major obtained from the publication headed "Queensland maintenance was carried out at the Centre during the Declared Road Statistics" which is an attachment to 1993/94 financial year: the Department's Annual Report. - painting of the exterior of the facility and The statistics document for 1994/95 has not been ground floor interior; published to date but the data can be made available. - replacement of carpet on the ground floor; If more detailed information than this is required it - repair to drainage as well as landscaping of the can be made available through the Southern internal garden; and Regional office in Toowoomba. - repairs to the complex air conditioning system.2. 447.Land Acquisitions, Mansfield Electorate During my recent visit to the Community Health Mr CARROLL asked the Minister for Environment Centre I noted it was well maintained and I know that and Heritage— the Honourable Member will keep me fully informed WIth reference to resumptions and acquisitions of about developments at the Centre. land in the south-eastern corner of Mansfield (2) Times for residents seeking dental treatment at Electorate by Brisbane City Council, allegedly for the Dental Clinic located in the Inala Community nature reserves— Health Centre have reduced. This has been achieved What funding, legislative protection, staff or other by improved work practices, utilisation of locum support is either being provided, or is planned to be relief and the addition of an extra surgery. provided, by his department to preserve and The waiting time for general dental treatment has enhance such reserves? reduced from 70 weeks, in June 1994, to 11 weeks Answer (Mr Barton): currently. A reduction in prosthetic waiting times of seven weeks has been achieved since June this In reference to the proposed resumption and year. Priority prosthetic care continues to be acquisition of land by the Brisbane City Council for provided on medical or dental grounds. Patients nature conservation purposes, this is a matter for the requiring emergency treatment are accepted on a Council. same day or the next day basis. While the Department supports, in principle, such an Strategies are in place to continue improving access action, it is not directly involved in either the funding to these services and to reduce waiting times even or staffing of this proposal. further. Departmental Officers have, however, been in (3) As a result of the hard work by the Honourable contact with Brisbane City Council Officers Member, progress is being made to provide access regarding the possibility of establishing such areas to clients of the Queensland Optometrical Services as Nature Refuges under the Nature Conservation Scheme through the Inala Community Health Centre. Act 1992. This would provide Council with some It is anticipated that this service will be operational legislative powers under the Act to control by 1 February 1996. undesirable activities. (4) Under the direction of the Goss Government, greater use has been made of the building and 450.Inala Community Health Centre facilities at Inala Community Health Centre. I believe Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for Health— it is a unique health care facility providing a range of services, including primary health care, the University With reference to his recent visit to the Inala of Queensland General Practice, community support Community Health Centre, where he undertook a services, and preventive medicine. I agree with the comprehensive inspection of the centre and held Honourable Member's suggestion to take visiting discussions with staff members— Indonesian health delegations to this Centre. The (1) Will he consider providing funds for general Inala Community is well serviced by the diligence of maintenance and the repainting of the centre? the Honourable member. Questions on Notice 173 20 February 1996

451.Timber Industry With reference to the case of a constituent Mr Jaime Mr SPRINGBORG asked the Minister for Primary Hartland who claims to be owed $16,000 by a former Industries and Minister for Racing— employer and the failure of her departmental officers to investigate the matter or even take details and as With reference to the National Forest Policy— my constituent's first approach to her officers was on (1) What scientific data has been used by his 5 June 1995— department to assess the amount of pre- (1) When will my constituent's case be dealt with? European forest in Queensland? (2) How does she justify the constant delays? (2) How was the figure of 100 million hectares (3) What does she consider to be an appropriate arrived at? period for handling such complaints? (3) What consideration has been given to historical (4) If there is a shortage of industrial inspectors data (the notes of early European explorers) in and support staff, what action is being taken to the assessment of this area? redress this situation? (4) What are his department’s latest evaluations of Answer (Mrs Edmond): the area of each forest type typical throughout Queensland which would need to be preserved (1) Enquiries on behalf of Mr Hartland have resulted under the National Forest Policy? in a claim for wages against his former employer. This claim was subsequently refused and a statement of Answer (Mr Gibbs): facts was taken from Mr Hartland on 7 December 1.The pre-European distribution of forests in 1995. Action is now under way to have the matter Queensland is assessed through the application of resolved in the Industrial Magistrates Court. complex environmental modelling. This technique (2) I am informed that the time taken to finalise this uses well established relationships between species investigation is in excess of the time frame occurrence and key environmental variables of light, established by the Awards Management Branch of moisture, temperature and soil nutrients. By my Department for complaint investigation. As a observing these variables at many thousands of sites result, additional staff as set out in (4) below have together with the species present, the likely extent been allocated to the office. of pre-European distribution of species can be established. The modelled distributions are also (3) Depending on circumstances and complexity of subject to field verification. The modelling approach the issue being investigated, I consider three months is currently known to predict species distribution at to be an appropriate time period in which to finalise 75 to 80% accuracy, while improvements being made complaint investigations. The Awards Management to the underlying data will improve accuracy further. Branch has put in place a policy to this effect and makes every effort to meet set timelines. 2. The latest estimate of the present area of forest and woodland in Queensland is 54 million hectares. (4) In relation to staffing of the Southport Industrial This information was published in the Plantation, Inspector's office, the Government has ensured Forests and Future Directions Statement, released funds were made available in the 1995/96 budget for by the Premier on 16 May 1995. the employment of two additional Industrial Inspectors and appointments have recently been I can only surmise that the figure of 100 million made. Furthermore, an officer was appointed to a hectares, which as been mentioned in various vacant industrial inspector's position on 8 December quarters, is based on some estimate that the present 1995. The additional staff will assist the Southport extent of forest and woodland represents about half office to meet the three month policy. of its original extent. I note that he Commonwealth's position paper on Reserve Criteria states that today's forests represent only 60 percent of their pre 1750 453.Papaya Fruit Fly extent. Mrs WILSON asked the Minister for Primary 3. Where it exists, the modelled information about Industries and Minister for Racing— pre-European extent of forest has been compared With reference to integrated pest management and refined using Department of Environment and programs currently in place in horticultural Heritage/Queensland herbarium pre-European production areas which may be disrupted where the mapping. This is based on field observation and Papaya Fruit Fly exists and needs to be controlled reference to historical records. by chemical application— 4. The preliminary analysis of forest types and their Will the Government provide appropriate staff with present representation in the protected area estate technical knowledge and also adequate finance for has only been undertaken in South East Queensland. procedures that may be necessary if this should Based on this analysis it has been estimated in the happen? South East Region the protected area could at least double. Answer (Mr Gibbs): 1. The campaign to eradicate papaya fruit fly should have little if any disruptive effect on integrated pest 452.Mr J. Hartland management programs in Far North Queensland. Mr GRICE asked the Minister for Employment and 2. The methods to be used to eradicate papaya fruit Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public fly are very selective and involve using attractant Service Matters— chemicals which mimic natural insect systems mixed 20 February 1996 174 Questions on Notice with very low amounts of an insecticide. The 457.Oil Dumping, Yorkeys Knob chances of this impacting on natural or introduced Mrs WARWICK asked the Minister for Environment parasites and predators used in integrated pest and Heritage— management are minimal. With reference to the dumping of bilge/bunker oil on 3. The eradication procedure for papaya fruit fly is in to land at Yorkeys Knob and to the claim just prior to fact a very good example of integrated pest the 15 July election by Dr Lesley Clark that she had management strategies using insecticides only in a identified four separate sites which required low volume, highly targeted manner. attention— 4. Media reports suggesting the outbreak area will be (1) Will he provide the results of the tests carried drenched with toxic chemicals are highly misleading out in June/July 1995 by Dr Kathleen Burns and mischievous. from the Australian Institute of Marine Science? 5. Treatment of fruit for access to markets outside (2) Has the area in question been fully remediated? the quarantine zone will however involve chemical (3) What is the current status of this land? spraying or fumigation of harvested fruit. The Department of Primary Industries is well aware of the Answer (Mr Barton): workplace health and safety issues involved in the (1) Dr Kathryn Burns conducted testing at the urgent incorporation of these treatments into packing Yorkeys Knob site in May and July 1995. shed routines and has been working with industry and other agencies to minimise adverse effects. With respect to the July 1995 testing, the report compiled by Dr Burns on the results of the validation 6. The Government is committed to providing sampling was received in the Far Northern Office of appropriate resources to deal with the fruit fly the Department of Environment and Heritage on problem. Friday, 17 November 1995. This report is currently being assessed by the DEH Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Sites Section in Brisbane. 454. Voluntary Early Retirements, Queensland Rail I will arrange for a copy of the report to be forwarded directly to the Member for Barron River. Mr MITCHELL asked the Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and (2) The area in question has been substantially Trade Development— remediated with Dr Burns preliminary report following sampling in May 1995 indicating that "... this small oil With reference to workers who have previously spill no longer poses any threat to the contiguous taken the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) package estuary or any offshore areas..." from Queensland Rail and now wish to re-apply for Dr Burns' latest report indicates: employment with this department— - there is no obvious fluid oil left in the What is Queensland Rail's practice with regard to this sediments, matter? - there was no visible oil on the water in the Answer (Mr Elder): creeks, Section 5.4.2 of Queensland Rail's Redeployment - there was an abundance of crabs in the and Voluntary Early Retirement Policy states: mangrove areas indicating a return of even the "Employees who have accepted voluntary early very sensitive biota, retirement may be re-employed or contracted - whatever oil remains in the sand and wet land as consultants by Queensland Rail not earlier muds from this spill will continue to degrade than two years after receiving early retirement and dissipate at a fast rate, payments." - the Melaleuca Forest had refoliated. Any further cleanup activities on this site would 455.Roadworks, Daintree Region require heavy machinery which would damage the Mr BREDHAUER asked the Minister for Transport vegetation, compromising the integrity of the and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and ecosystem which Dr Burns report suggests is Trade Development— promoting the rapid degradation of any remaining oil. (1) What progress is being made on upgrading the Dr Burns' final validation report is currently being single lane section of road between the assessed by DEH Hazardous Waste and Daintree River turnoff and Daintree township? Contaminated Sites Section in Brisbane to ascertain whether the site has been fully remediated. (2) What is the anticipated completion date? (3) The site is currently listed on the Contaminated Answer (Mr Elder): Sites register as a 'Probable' site. (1) The contract for provision of 2.9km of two lane construction to Daintree was awarded to Seymour Whyte Pty Ltd on the 25 August. This project 458.Kholo Creek Resource Area completes the program of upgrading to two lanes Dr WATSON asked the Minister for Minerals and from Mossman to Daintree. Energy— (2) The project is planned to be completed by the With reference to the extractive industries unit in his end of February 1996. department and to the Kholo Creek Resource Area— Questions on Notice 175 20 February 1996

(1) What consultations or discussions have taken (3) Have any properties been resumed? place with respect to the development of the (4) What is the program time-frame to acquire the resource area by the unit? easements necessary for the powerline? (2) What consultations or discussions have taken Answer (Mr McGrady): place with other relevant State Government departments and agencies? (1) No easements have yet been acquired over properties in Queensland. (3) If no consultations or discussions have occurred, what process will be adopted for (2) No properties have been purchased outright. further evaluation of the Kholo Creek Resource (3) No properties have been resumed. Area? (4) It is anticipated that the notices of intention to Answer (Mr McGrady): resume easements will be issued around November Currently the statutory planning and development 1996 and that all easements will be acquired and the approval for extractive resources on private land is site available for construction by April 1997. the responsibility of Local Authorities, in this case the Ipswich City Council. The involvement of the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) has been 460.Timber Industry confined to providing geological resource advice to Mr STEPHAN asked the Minister for Primary planning and approval bodies such as the Ipswich Industries and Minister for Racing— City Council and its precursor, the Moreton Shire With reference to the reported suggestion that the Council. The Extractive Industry Unit of the Federal Government is considering a lock up of 15 Department of Minerals and Energy has been kept per cent of pre-1750 native forests— informed by Boral of their recent work to identify an acceptable haul route to allow exploitation of the (1) Is the 15 per cent a realistic figure to aim for, Kholo Creek hard rock resource. DME believes that should this policy be adopted? these deposits represent regionally significant (2) Bearing in mind our timber imports have resources, and the Department is committed to increased to $3 billion a year, what action could ensuring that the deposits are protected for the long be considered to offer alternative sources of term use of the community. supply if this lock out figure is implemented? The Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade (3) How many mills in Queensland would be Development (DPETD) has enquired on whether the affected and jobs lost if this decision is Unit has any desire to take carriage of the Kholo implemented? issue. DPETD have been informed that the Extractive Industry Unit is keen to facilitate decision making for Answer (Mr Gibbs): extractive applications as soon as possible. 1. The Queensland Government is committed to However, since the Planning, Environment establishing a Comprehensive, Adequate and Development Assessment (PEDA) Bill will not be Representative Forest conservation reserve system. passed for some time, the Extractive Industry Unit The difficult question of how much forest should be does not presently have any legislation under which included is the subject of wide debate in the decisions can be made. DPETD have been informed community. that it would be inappropriate for DME to assume 2. The Commonwealth Government has developed responsibility for the project, but that the Department reserve criteria which require 15% of pre 1750 forest intends that the Kholo resource gains planning distribution to be included in the system. This protection as a Key Resource Area in the long term. criterion has the potential to significantly impact on The new Extractive Industry Unit's mission is "To social and economic considerations in rural ensure long term access to strategically located Queensland. extractive resources for the benefit of the 3. I am not prepared to agree to any reservation Queensland community". The Unit is currently criteria until there has been wide consultation with establishing procedures for assessing extractive stakeholders. To this end the Government has resources for planning protection. The Unit is approved the establishment of a Forest Working committed to 'best practice' in developing Group (FWG) comprised of Government, industry consultation processes for input by the community, and conservation movement representatives. The Local Government, and other State agencies on any principal task of the FWG is to develop, as soon as proposals for protection. possible, an agreed approach to establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve 459.Eastlink system in South-East Queensland based on factual Mr FITZGERALD asked the Minister for Minerals and data. Energy 4. I will not speculate on the impacts of the 15% With reference to the Government's decision to criterion. I believe the action set in train is the most proceed with the Eastlink Project to link Queensland appropriate course to follow. At the same time high and New South Wales electricity grids— level negotiations with the Commonwealth will continue on this and other issues of forest policy (1) How many easements have been acquired over properties in Queensland? 5. The Queensland Government has committed more than $24 million over the next five years to expand (2) Have any properties been purchased outright? Queensland's plantation estate of native timber 20 February 1996 176 Questions on Notice species. This includes funding for a research and Answer (Mr Beattie): development program and for a joint venture The number of vacant dental positions at 1 July 1995 plantation scheme with private landholders. These was 36 and these were located across all Regions initiatives are aimed at developing a future source of except Brisbane North, South Coast and West timber for Queensland industry and will reduce our Moreton. need to import timber. At 30 October 1995 the vacant dental positions numbered 36 with vacancies in all Regions except 462.Retreaded Tyres Brisbane North, Brisbane South and West Moreton. Mr SPRINGBORG asked the Minister for Transport Oral Health Services in the Regions are finalising and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and recruitment and selection processes to implement Trade Development— Integrated Team Dentistry. Regional Coordinators With reference to passenger transport vehicles, have indicated they anticipate appointments against particularly buses— some of the current vacant dental positions in the near future. (1) Is a certificate of roadworthiness issued for such a vehicle, if that vehicle is fitted with retreaded front tyres; if so, under what 464.Palm Beach Community Health Centre circumstances would this be the case? Mrs GAMIN asked the Minister for Health— (2) What guidelines are laid down for the use or fitting of retreaded tyres to passenger transport With reference to the proposed Palm Beach vehicles? Community Health Centre and also to the article which appeared in the Queensland Health publication Answer (Mr Elder): “State of Health” (November 1995)— Passenger transport vehicles, including buses (1) When will work commence on refurbishment of undergo inspections conducted by Queensland the building? Transport every six months. A Certificate of Inspection (as opposed to a Certificate of (2) When will this work be completed and the Roadworthiness) is issued at these inspections to building opened? permit continued registration. (3) When will dental services be available to the Retreaded front tyres are not classified as a defect general public? and if in good condition would not result in failure to (4) Will a methadone program be included in the issue a Certificate of Inspection. facilities? Passenger transport vehicles are not required to (5) Will a needle exchange program be included? follow any special guidelines for the fitting of Answer (Mr Beattie): retreaded tyres—only those that apply to other similar vehicles. (1) & (2) Some unexpected delays regarding the To determine the cause of failure of tyres, and purchase of land have been encountered. whether retreaded tyres are a problem, the tyre Negotiations are continuing and once the purchase is industry commissioned a survey by the Queensland finalised work will commence. If negotiations are .... University of Technology. The results showed that my Department will be asked to look for alternative there was no appreciable difference in the failure rate sites. of retreaded tyres compared to new tyres when (3) Dental services are already available and in .... , taking into account the distance travelled. emergency cases are being contracted with private The survey found that the major cause of tyre failure dentists. is under inflation, inadequate tyre maintenance and (4) There is no plan to include a methadone program vehicle overloading. at this time. In addition to six month safety inspections, (5) In spite of a (word deleted by order of Mr Queensland Transport operates a number of random Speaker) campaign conducted by the Honourable roadside vehicle inspections as part of its on road member and the Liberal and National Parties at the enforcement activities. The objective of these State Election, a needle exchange program is not checks is to ensure that vehicles, including their planned for this facility. tyres, are not defective or overloaded. There is no evidence that suggests that retreaded 466.Papaya Fruit Fly tyres, that meet the appropriate standard, are more prone to failure than new tyres. The major cause of Mr ROWELL asked the Minister for Primary tyre failure are operator related including under Industries and Minister for Racing— inflation, inadequate tyre maintenance and vehicle (1) Is he aware of the enormous pressure on staff overloading. who are making every effort to provide the necessary documentation and training for 463.Dental Position Vacancies temporary inspectors to administer the requirements of other States as a result of the Mr HORAN asked the Minister for Health— papaya fruit fly outbreak in North Queensland? What was the number of vacant dental positions and (2) Now that the quarantine area is being extended, their locations at 1 July 1995 and 30 October 1995? will additional full time staff be provided? Questions on Notice 177 20 February 1996

Answer (Mr Gibbs): 3. Under the Queensland Fisheries Act 1994 the 1. Since the initial detection of the papaya fruit fly in QFMA is responsible for management of North Queensland, every available resource has Queensland's collection fisheries include been used to meet the problem head on. Staff in my Beche-de-mer. I am advised that under its legislation Department have demonstrated their capacity to deal and in keeping with its responsibilities the QFMA has effectively with the increase in workload in the North instituted an emergency closed waters declaration Region. particularly in relation to supervision of which has made it illegal to take Beche-de-mer for a disinfestation treatments and issuing documentation two month period. The declaration came into force to allow fruit to leave the area for southern markets. on 1 December 1995. During the closure the QFMA will be undertaking consultation with Islanders to The Government will ensure that resources are develop a set of permit conditions which can be available to deal with quarantine requirements applied to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. associated with the Papaya fruit fly. 2. Sufficient permanent and temporary staff are being 468.Charters Towers-Townsville Bus Service employed and trained to ensure that the requirements of the extended quarantine are Mr MITCHELL asked the Minister for Transport and complied with. Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development— With reference to the daily bus service commuting 467.Beche-de-mer Fishery between Charters Towers and Townsville and as a Mr PERRETT asked the Minister for Primary large percentage of patronage of this service are Industries and Minister for Racing— pensioners seeking services (mainly medical) in the With reference to the concern of Torres Strait city of Townsville— leaders that there may be over-fishing of Beche-De- Is any subsidy available through his department to Mer in the Torres Straits and as Papua New Guinea assist in keeping this essential bus service waters have been over-fished to the extent that the operational? industry had to be closed, and in view of the fact Answer (Mr Elder): that the Torres Strait Beche-De-Mer fishery is A long distance bus service is currently provided by controlled by the Queensland Fisheries Management Douglas Coaches between Charter Towers and Authority— Townsville, a distance of approximately 150 (1) What action is the Government taking to kilometres. ascertain whether over-fishing is occurring? Under the Transport Operations (Passenger (2) What scientific research is being done to Transport) Act 1994 a bus service with an average ascertain if there is over-fishing? journey length of over 40 kilometres is regarded as a (3) Does he intend to limit the catch in any way? deregulated long distance passenger service. Answer (Mr Gibbs): Consequently there are no fare concessions or subsidies available on this service between Charters 1. Following the Proclamation of Queensland Towers and Townsville. Fisheries Act 1994 responsibility for management of I acknowledge that the extension of current Beche-de-mer in Queensland became the pensioner concessions and operator subsidies responsibility of the Queensland Fisheries would be welcomed by pensioners and other Management Authority (QFMA). A review of catch groups. However, as you would appreciate there are data revealed that much of the catch has been a significant number of long distance services in unrecorded. Queensland. It would not be equitable to provide The Authority has assembled catch only data from special financial assistance to one service which other sources (Australian Quarantine Inspection would be unavailable to operators generally. Service and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol). This information has revealed that catch for the calendar year 1995 would exceed 750 tonnes, 470.TAFE Colleges, Enrolments and Resources whereas catches for the previous years were in the Mr SANTORO asked the Minister for Employment vicinity of fifty tonnes. Such extremely high harvest and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on levels of the past calendar year are not considered to Public Service Matters— be sustainable and if continued would result in With reference to the Annual Reports for 1994-95 of severe overfishing. the Department of Employment, Vocational 2. The QFMA is preparing to have a survey Education, Training and Industrial Relations (pages undertaken of Beche-de-mer stocks in the Torres 37, 41), the Vocational Education, Training and Strait. A survey design is being put together by the Employment Commission (pages 15, 32) and TAFE Torres Strait Scientific Advisory Committee. In Queensland (pages 16, 27, 87)— addition preliminary enquiries as to necessary (1) Why are there major statistical discrepancies research have been undertaken with the Australian between these reports when they are Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University supposedly reporting the same enrolment and and CSIRO. It is estimated a comprehensive survey participation data for the same period? required to provide the stock information will cost in (2) Why were there no male enrolments at Mt Isa the vicinity of $130,000 and take fifteen months to TAFE in 1994? complete. 20 February 1996 178 Questions on Notice

(3) Why is there a deplorable under-participation (4) The Release to Industry Scheme referred to is a by females in the programs conducted in (a) specific scheme sponsored by the National Staff Bundaberg, (b) Rockhampton, (c) Townsville Development Committee (NSDC), a committee of the and (d) Brisbane? Australian National Training Authority (ANTA). This (4) With the total TAFE staff given as 7,388 (of Scheme provides national funding for approved whom 3,751 are educational staff) why is the proposals from TAFE systems, other vocational participation of only eight staff in the release to education and training providers, and State and industry scheme, to improve their skills, listed Territory Training Authorities. In 1994-95, as an ‘achievement’? Queensland's share was $72,982. (5) (a) Why are names not provided for the ‘various This funding is intended to be a catalyst in the representatives—TAFE Queensland’ who development of innovative activity in high priority participated in the 1995 international student areas of staff training and development. This scheme recruitment activities in Korea, China, Hong does not replace the routine Return to Industry Kong, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Fiji, Japan and activity that already takes place in Institutes. Papua New Guinea, (b) who were these officers (5)(a)The names of the various TAFE Queensland and (c) how many students did they recruit from representatives were not included due to the each of the countries listed? routine nature of their participation and the Answer (Mrs Edmond): number of officers involved. (1) I provide the following explanation of statistical (b) The names of these officers are: Cam discrepancies in enrolment and participation data McConnell, Riborg Andersen, Alex Gamblin, provided in Annual Reports of my Department. Coral McKillop, Craig Sherrin, Robyn Paulson, Dianne Smith, Muriel Alorizo's, Sally Garozzo, (a) The Vocational Education, Training and Peter Clyburn Employment Commission's Annual Report based its enrolment figures upon those (c) The number of international students recruited students who nominated their sex on the from each of the countries in 1994-95 were: enrolment form as either male or female. Six Male Female Total enrolments which did not nominate sex were China 2 4 6 not included. The TAFE Queensland Annual South Korea 120 131 251 Report included all enrolments whether or not Hong Kong 89 121 210 sex was nominated on the enrolment form. The India 25 1 26 difference is 6 enrolments. Indonesia 61 46 107 (b) The participation data on page 37 of the Taiwan 120 236 356 DEVETIR Annual Report identified High School Fiji 10 3 13 student enrolments in TAFE Queensland Japan 123 198 321 modules. The statement on page 16 of the Papua New Guinea 58 28 86 TAFE Queensland Annual Report uses a similar format to that contained in the DEVETIR Annual Report but is based upon data provided by the 471.Cooroy Bypass Board of Senior Secondary School Studies. Mr DAVIDSON asked the Minister for Transport and This data identifies the number of Grade 12 Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and students who have successfully completed a Trade Development— TAFE Queensland module. With reference to the vehicle noise level monitoring (c) A clerical error occurred in compilation of the carried out by Queensland Transport on the Cooroy 1994-95 DEVETIR Annual Report detailing the Bypass during the week ending 11 November number of first preference applicants to TAFE 1995— Queensland through the Queensland Tertiary (1) What days of the week are designated by Admissions Centre. As reported in the TAFE Queensland Transport for monitoring? Queensland Annual Report, there were a total of 10,280 first preference applicants for TAFE (2) Which hours of the day are specified for Queensland courses in 1995. monitoring vehicle noise levels? (2) The graph on page 19 of the TAFE Queensland (3) Is the final decibel level reading advice the Annual Report depicts the participation rate of maximum recorded or an average over the day’s DEVETIR employees by gender and region. As a monitoring? result of a technical error during printing, this graph (4) Do designated days and times apply to all roads did not fully re-produce the figures relating to the Mt for vehicle noise level monitoring in Isa region. The graph should have indicated a Queensland? participation rate of 51.9% male employees. Answer (Mr Elder): (3) As stated previously the graph on page 19 of the (1) Any working day (the 5 days of the week). TAFE Queensland Annual Report depicts the participation rate of DEVETIR employees by gender (2) Measurements are taken between the hours of and region. In 1994 female enrolments in TAFE 0600 and 2400 pursuant to Australian Standards, Queensland represented 48.9% of total enrolments. AS2702, 1984 and CORTN (Calculation of Road Gender participation rates in TAFE Queensland Traffic Noise 1988) to achieve road traffic noise level courses reflect local community demographics. of L 10(18 hour). Questions on Notice 179 20 February 1996

(3) All noise levels are expressed in terms of the L10 OFFENCES COMMITTED ON BAIL OR PAROLE hourly or L10(18 hour) dB(A). The value of the L10 The Bail Act 1980 and the Corrective Services Act hourly dB(A) is the noise level exceeded for 10 per 1988 adequately provide for the consequences of cent of the time over a period of one hour. The the commission of an offence while on bail or parole L10(18 hour) dB(A) is the arithmetic mean of the respectively. values of L10 hourly dB(A) for each of the eighteen one-hour periods between 0600 and 2400 hours. For example, where it is alleged that a defendant Therefore, the measurement is the arithmetic of mean commits an indictable offence while on bail, waiting ten minute readings in each hour over an eighteen to be tried for another indictable offence, the court period. or police officer considering a further request for bail must refuse bail unless the defendant shows cause Within certain circumstances, the shortened why their detention is not justified: see s.16(3) of the measurement procedure may be used. Bail Act 1980. The possibility that a defendant if Measurements over ten minute periods (L10) are granted bail would commit an offence is a factor that made over any three consecutive hours between the court or police officer considers in deciding not 1000 and 1700 hours. This shortened three hour to grant bail under s.16(1)(a)(ii)(A) of the Bail Act measurement is used to confirm the predicted 18 1980. hourly levels. Where an offender, who has been released on The criteria for prioritising works are: parole, is sentenced to imprisonment for another offence committed during the parole period, their - A new road—63dB(A), L10 (18 hour) or an parole is cancelled under s.187 of the Corrective increase of ≥ 10dB(A), L10 (18 hour) above previous background resulting in a level of Services Act 1988. greater than 60dB(A). - An existing road to be upgraded—68dB(A) and 473.Assaults on Students ≥ has increased by 3dB(A). Mr QUINN asked the Minister for Education— - The Bruce Highway at Cooroy (the bypass) is ≥ With reference to an alleged attack on the now being evaluated at the 63dB(A) or increased former Inala State High School student, David Lloyd 10dB(A) above previous background levels. on 9 November 1995 in the school grounds, (4) The above criteria is applied across the State to reportedly involving a samurai sword— achieve a standard methodology for the prioritisation (1) What is the outcome of the investigation of ameliorative works, pursuant to Australian undertaken by the school principal and what Standards. further action will be taken against the perpetrator or perpetrators of this incident? 472.Penalties and Sentences (2) How many incidents involving assaults on students have occurred in or adjacent to the Mr LINGARD asked the Minister for Justice and grounds of Inala State High School in 1995? Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for the Arts— (3) What has been the outcome of past investigations of such incidents? With reference to concerns raised by the Chambers Flat and Logan Reserve Neighbourhood (Rural) (4) Has financial compensation been paid by the Watch Group to him that adequate penalties are not State Government to any victims of such being awarded to criminal offenders and that the assaults in 1995; if so, how much? question of minimum sentences and action to deal (5) How many incidents involving assaults on with criminals reoffending whilst on bail or parole has students necessitating police action have not been addressed by him— occurred in or near state high schools in 1995? Will he provide advice on how the aforementioned Answer (Mr Hamill): concerns may be adequately addressed? Following the incident, the school principal Answer (Mr Foley): contacted the regional Executive Director and interviewed a number of the students involved. The The question raises two issues, first, adequacy of student against whom the allegation was made was penalties, and, second, dealing with persons who then suspended with a view to exclusion and an offend while on bail or parole. investigation is being conducted by a Senior Review ADEQUACY OF PENALTIES Officer of the Department. With regard to the adequacy of penalties, it should There have been no incidents which could be be noted that the Government completely reviewed described as assaults on students reported to staff the Criminal Code for the first time in nearly a century at Inala State High School during 1995. However, and a new Criminal Code was passed by the here have been some two dozen episodes which Parliament in June 1995. The new Criminal Code have involved some measure of physical contact increases the maximum penalties for a number of between students. The principal has a detailed offences. It should also be noted that over the past record of these incidents and the penalties imposed. two years, the prison population in Queensland has If the allegation in this type of incident (i.e. one increased by 42%, an indication that heavier involving an implement or weapon) is found to be penalties are being imposed by the courts. substantiated, the usual outcome is exclusion from 20 February 1996 180 Questions on Notice the school. There have been no incidents of this ¥ Staff/Amenities block nature at Inala State High School reported to ¥ Performing Arts block. Regional Office for investigation during 1995. All projects are currently under construction and it is To the best of the Department of Education's anticipated work will be completed for the knowledge, there has been no financial commencement of the new school year. compensation paid to victims of assaults in state schools during 1995. Appropriate addition to teacher numbers will occur, matched to the enrolment growth and curriculum For Semester One 1995 there were 29 state high offerings at the school. school students in Queensland excluded from school because of assaults on other students. 479.Power Station Emissions 474.Overtime Payments, Ambulance Service Mr GILMORE asked the Minister for Minerals and Energy— Mr LITTLEPROUD asked the Minister for Emergency With reference to three occasions during 1995 when Services and Minister for Consumer Affairs— blackouts/brownouts occurred as a result of With reference to a recent personal deal he made loadshedding, and two other occasions at least when with the union leaders representing Queensland loadshedding was narrowly averted— Ambulance Services (QAS) officers to fund overtime As a result of serious threats to the integrity of to overcome staffing shortages and prevent supply, were environmental standards for emissions industrial action by them— from power stations ever exceeded; if so, (a) by (1) Will he give an assurance that the capital how much, (b) for how long and (c) from which expenditure budget of the QAS will not be cut power stations? to fund the overtime? Answer (Mr McGrady): (2) Where in the budget papers are the cost reserves that fund this overtime? Particulate emissions from all AUSTA Electric coal-fired power stations are regulated under the Answer (Mr Davies): Environmental Protection Act 1994 by licences which 1. I can gladly give the Member for Western Downs a translated from the repealed Clean Air Act. The categorical assurance that none of the projects listed operating policy for these power stations requires on page 20 of the Portfolio Program Statements will that emission limits be maintained within regulatory be curtailed due to staff overtime payments. requirements and that load be reduced to achieve 2. Overtime is not paid from "cost reserves" as such a this when necessary. In any event where a budget item does not exist. Overtime is paid from particulate emission exceedance has occurred, the the Salaries and Wages component in the budget. cause is investigated, remedial action taken, and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage advised accordingly. Particulate emission 475.Windaroo Valley State High School standards were not exceeded during the periods in Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Education— question. With reference to the lack of facilities provided by the Education Department at Windaroo Valley State 480. Queensland Transmission and Supply High School at present, and the expected Corporation enrolments of 1,100 for 1996— Mr HARPER asked the Minister for Minerals and Will he (a) bring forward the construction stages for Energy— future buildings and facilities to reflect the increased With reference to the Queensland Transmission and student population, (b) increase teaching staff Supply Corporation— numbers as classes are already overcrowded and (c) provide facilities to enable the school to offer Shop (1) What was the opening share capital and debt at A, Home Economics and computer courses to 1 January 1995? students? (2) How was this figure distributed in turn in the Answer (Mr Hamill): balance sheet categories, particularly (a) current assets (i) assets, (ii) receivables, (ii) inventory, The planning of additional facilities as subsequent (iv) other and (v) total current assets and (b) stages to new secondary schools involves an non-current assets (i) receivables, (ii) property, analysis of projected demand for various teaching plant and equipment, (iii) other and (iv) total spaces based on enrolments and current teaching non-current assets? data. This process has been undertaken and the following Answer (Mr McGrady): additional facilities are being provided for the 1996 (1) The opening share capital and debt of the school year: Corporation on 1 January 1995, representing the net ¥ 3rd laboratory by conversion assets of the Corporation, ie total assets minus total liabilities, was $4,229,373,000. This comprised share ¥ 3rd art classroom by conversion capital of $2 with the balance being debt owed to ¥ 2nd shop A (Wood Working) by conversion the shareholding Ministers. ¥ 2nd kitchen by conversion (2) This figure was distributed in the balance sheet ¥ General Studies block (8 classrooms) categories as follows: Questions on Notice 181 20 February 1996

(a) Current Assets 482.School principal vacancies (i) Cash assets—$162,698,000 Mr JOHNSON asked the Minister for Education— (ii) Receivables—$254,531,000 With reference to the many occasions where acting (iii) Inventory—$53,659,000 principals have filled principal positions for long periods in schools, promoting a destabilising (iv) Other—$7,694,000 influence in many of these school communities (v) Total current assets—$478,582,000 because of the uncertainty of just how long these (b) Non-current assets people will stay in these acting roles and whether (i) Receivables—$1,612,000 they will be fortunate to win these positions— (ii) Property plant and equipment— Will he give an assurance that these positions of $4,836,372,000 acting principals will be filled by permanent appointments for the commencement of the 1996 (iii) Other—$66,913,000 school year? (iv) Total non-current assets— Answer (Mr Hamill): $4,904,897,000 In circumstances where a position becomes vacant Total assets as described above were due to promotion, retirement or resignation of the $5,383,479,000; total liabilities were $1,154,106,000, incumbent every effort is made by the Department to providing net assets of $4,229,373,000. Included in fill the vacancy as soon as possible with a permanent the total liabilities of $1,154,106,000 of the officer. However, in order to allow such positions to Corporation at that date was debt owed to the be filled by the best person for the position, many Queensland Treasury Corporation totalling vacancies are advertised and filled through the $688,955,000. process of merit selection. On occasions it is necessary to appoint an acting Principal while the 481.Solar Hot Water System Rebates merit selection process is being managed. The appointment of an acting Principal to vacancy Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Minerals and enables a position to be filled in a temporary capacity Energy— while giving officers the opportunity to develop skills With reference to the Queensland Energy Saver in leadership and school administration. Plan, under which home owners who install solar hot water systems receive a rebate of between $300 and All registered teachers are eligible to apply for any $500, depending on whether the system has a single advertised vacant promotional position. Those acting or twin solar collector— Principals who apply for an advertised position will be appointed to the position if they are the most How is it that people who install solar panels to meritorious applicant. existing electric systems are being denied a rebate, when such a modified system would seem to meet In some circumstances officers perform duties in the Government's overall intention of energy saving Principals' positions because the incumbent of the by utilising solar energy? position is on paid leave. As the position is not a permanent vacancy such officers will not have the Answer (Mr McGrady): opportunity to be appointed permanently, but will be The Solar Hot Water Scheme, to which Mr Malone in a position to develop skills which will enable them refers, is a successful program to promote the to apply for advertised vacancies. benefits of solar water heating. As at 16 November The duration of most acting and performing duties' 1995 there had been 1812 rebates paid out under the service varies with the particular circumstances scheme, at a total value of $761 100. Guidelines for relating to each vacancy. For periods of greater than the program were developed in association with all 3 months, acting officers are appointed through the the major solar water heater manufacturers from expressions of interest process as governed by the around Australia. These guidelines contain PSMC Standard on Recruitment and Selection. requirements for solar water heaters to meet Australian Standards for design and construction, WaterMark or Quality Assurance to ensure that 483.Cape York Wilderness Zone proven performance in solar hot water systems is promoted by the Government. Fitting panels to an Mrs WILSON asked the Minister for Primary existing electric hot water system does not ensure Industries and Minister for Racing— that a family will receive an adequate supply of solar With reference to the fact that recreational fishing is hot water. However, such systems, in concept, are carried out now in the proposed Cape York not excluded from the program, rather no Wilderness Zone— manufacturer has yet developed a system and (1) Will recreational fishing still be allowed to proven it capable of meeting a householder's needs continue by anyone (a) in the whole region and and the basic guidelines of the program. While no (b) within Princess Charlotte Bay? Government could be expected to fund all conceivable energy options in the general (2) What is the current situation on fishing off the community, this Government keeps elements of its North Queensland coast for live export? Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Policy Answer (Mr Gibbs): under review and is willing to take into consideration 1. The proposed Cape York Wilderness technological and market changes as appropriate. Conservation Zone, as it is now termed, is being 20 February 1996 182 Questions on Notice implemented by the Department of Environment and the following services (a) dental (non- Heritage. emergency), (b) physiotherapy, (c) ear, nose I am advised that, in accord with the Premier's and throat and (d) paediatric development unit? Statement on the proposal, public access to the (2) How does this compare with Royal Brisbane Zone for recreational purposes, including for Hospital? recreational fishing, will be maintained and, where Answer (Mr Beattie): possible, be enhanced, subject to satisfying Ecological Sustainable Development Principles. (1) Nambour Hospital—Between 6 to 10 months Fishing within Princess Charlotte Bay will be subject (a) Dental (non-emergency)—To meet increasing to the same considerations. demand for public dental services on the 2. In reply to Mrs Wilson's question regarding the Sunshine Coast, the Government is working to current situation on fishing off the North Queensland establish private contract arrangements to coast for live reef fish exports - alleviate waiting times. ¥ Only commercial fishing vessels licensed to (b) Physiotherapy—Less than 2 weeks for urgent operate in the line fishery may take reef fish. patients referred by Nambour Hospital ¥ The level of catch for exports of live fish (c) Ear, nose and throat—There is no specialist primarily Coral Trout for 1995 up to ENT clinic at Nambour Hospital September 1995 was approximately (d) Paediatric development unit—For new seventy-five tonnes. assessments the average waiting time is 10 ¥ This compares to fifty-four tonnes which was months2. exported during 1994. (2) Royal Brisbane Hospital ¥ The level of fishing for this live reef fish market (a) Dental (non-emergency)—There is no dental represents less than two per cent of total reef clinic at the RBH. fish catches by commercial fishers. (b) Physiotherapy ¥ The Queensland Fisheries Management 2 days for acute patients Authority is maintaining monthly logbook returns from commercial fishing operators and 2 weeks for sub-acute patients also obtaining statistical information from live 6 weeks for chronic patients fish exporters. (c) Ear, nose and throat (Non-emergency)—36 weeks 484.Emergency Services, Redland Shire (d) Paediatric development unit Mr HEGARTY asked the Minister for Emergency Specialist appointment 12 months Services and Minister for Consumer Affairs— Therapist appointment 6-8 months With reference to areas in the southern portion of the Reducing waiting times is a key priority for the Redland Shire which are beyond the accepted Queensland Government. To reduce waiting times in response times for both fire and ambulance priority areas of non-urgent medical treatments, the services— Government has:- Does the Government’s announced $17m budget for - invested $64 million over 3 years to reduce emergency services provide for the provision of backlogs in elective surgery; both a fire station and an ambulance station to be built and staffed in the southern Redland Shire; if so, - committed $42.1 million over 3 years to attract when can it be expected to be completed? and retain more specialists; Answer (Mr Davies): - accelerated the rebuilding of the fabric of our public hospital system with an extra $40 million Response times for both Ambulance and Fire over 2 years; and attendance to the southern portion of the Redland Shire are within acceptable time frames so I would - introduced a specialist equipment program to suggest that from now on, the Honourable Member ensure our specialist areas maintain world class do his research before asking questions—it will save standards. him further embarrassment. With the expanding population in the area, both the 486.Promotional Material, Queensland Health Ambulance and Fire Services will consider providing staffed facilities at the appropriate time. In Mr CARROLL asked the Minister for Health— anticipation of this time occurring, both services are What are the full particulars of expenditure on currently engaged in preparatory planning for the (reports and newsletter style) pamphlets and eventual selection of appropriate sites. promotional material provided by or for Queensland Health during the quarter ended 30 June 1995 and the quarter ended 30 September 1995? 485.Nambour Hospital Answer (Mr Beattie): Miss SIMPSON asked the Minister for Health— Expenditure in Central Office and the Regions on (1) How long must Sunshine Coast residents wait reports and newsletter style promotional material for check-ups with staff at Nambour Hospital for during the quarters ending 30 June and 30 Questions on Notice 183 20 February 1996

September 1995 respectively was $179,907 and 490. Emergency Helicopter Service, Gold $126,170. Coast The Newsletters include Regional newsletters Mr LITTLEPROUD asked the Minister for Emergency enclosing Enterprise Bargaining, Breast Cancer Services and Minister for Consumer Affairs— Screening and Cervical Cancer public awareness With reference to the community emergency information, Mental Health Plan and Papers. helicopter rescue service Flight Care based on the Queensland Health provides a very important service Gold Coast— to the community in the provision of public health (1) How can he justify retaining the annual grant to education, information and health promotion material. Flight Care at $300,000 over a number of years The dissemination of this information both within and which is a decrease in funding in real terms? outside the public health service has proven benefits in the delivery of health services. (2) Does he support a suggestion that Flight Care should revert to a single engine helicopter when only twin engine aircraft are permitted to 487.Papaya Fruit Fly fly rescue work at night? Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Environment and Answer (Mr Davies): Heritage— (1) The Member for Western Downs should check With reference to measures taken by the Queensland his facts before asking Questions for he continually Primary Industries Department to control the papaya shows his lack of basic publicly available knowledge fruit fly in Far North Queensland— when he attempts to undermine the good record of (1) What detection measures are being undertaken this Government. by his department in national parks for papaya The community based helicopter rescue service on fruit fly? the Gold Coast is called "Care Flight" not "Flight (2) How long has his department had the program Care" as it is named by Mr Littleproud. in place; if there is no program in place, is it his This Government's commitment to improving the intention to monitor national parks; if so, what emergency and rescue response available to all will the program involve? Queenslanders is unparalleled in this State and is the (3) What methods of disposal of dimethoate fruit envy of all other Governments. fly dip are being undertaken? Since 1989 this Government has increased funding (4) Has there been a full investigation of possible for such activities to record levels with expenditure environmental consequence of the disposal this year alone anticipated to exceed $4.2M. methods; if so, by whom and when did this The Queensland Emergency Service Bell 412 can, take place? and regularly in fact services the Gold Coast and the (5) Have these methods got the full support of hinterland area. himself and his department? (2) Care Flight voluntarily introduced a larger more (6) Is it his intention to ensure monitoring of expensive Bell helicopter into service knowing that ground water in the disposal area; if so, when certain repayments were required to be met and that and what form will the program take. there would be difficulties fulfilling their financial obligations. The Company also knew that this type Answer (Mr Barton): of helicopter was more expensive to operate and Answer not supplied that maintenance costs were also more expensive. Prior to the purchase, Care Flight were well aware 488.Workers' Compensation that all the other operating or proposed community based helicopter services were single engined units Mr HEALY asked the Minister for Employment and and that they were moving against the established Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public trend. Service Matters— It is entirely up to Care Flight to decide whether or What were the State Government’s total workers’ not to revert to a single engined unit and their compensation premium receipts for Toowoomba and business plan and operational charter will reflect their the Darling Downs for each year from 1990-91 to decision. 1994-95? Answer (Mrs Edmond): 491.Golden Staph The total workers' compensation premium receipts collected in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Mr HORAN asked the Minister for Health— district including the Roma area are as follows. Will he provide statistical detail of all Golden Staph PREMIUM YEAR PREMIUM COLLECTED infections in Queensland for the periods 1/7/94 to 30/6/95 and 1/7/95 to 31/10/95 on a per hospital 1990/91 $18,414,852 basis? 1991/92 $18,434,359 Answer (Mr Beattie): 1992/93 $23,784,792 Statistical information concerning the incidence of 1993/94 $26,319,687 Golden Staph infections varies from region to region. 1994/95 $28,210,089 Some regions retain data regarding both incidents of (assessments not yet fully completed) isolates and new cases, some retain combined 20 February 1996 184 Questions on Notice figures whilst others cite only new cases. Hospitals (3) Considering works contracts of value greater serviced by one pathology department like the Royal than $200,000 over the financial years 93/94, 94/95, Brisbane, Royal Children's and Royal Women's Queensland Transport has won 34 contracts. During Hospitals retain data on all incidents recorded. the same period 37 contracts were awarded to the Thus the data is unreliable because the same patients private sector. who experience repeated isolation occurrences are (4) Departmental bidding has been carried out on a counted a number of times and as are patients District basis in South East Queensland and on a presenting from other health care facilities (such as Regional basis in the remainder of the State. nursing homes), already infected with Golden Staph (5) During the transition period in opening up of the (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). Queensland Transport market to compensation, The Staphylococcus bacteria which is commonly Commercial Business Units have sought to break carried by normal healthy people is a fact of life in even. both clinical and non-clinical settings. 494.Papaya Fruit Fly 493.Queensland Transport Tendering Process Mr ROWELL asked the Minister for Primary Mr STONEMAN asked the Minister for Transport and Industries— Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and (1) What level of surveillance is being carried out Trade Development— on trains and ships that travel across quarantine With reference to Queensland Transport tendering boundaries, in an endeavour to curtail the for contracts in competition with private progress of the papaya fruit fly? contractors— (2) To assist with the eradication program, will (1) What weightage is given to the use of taxpayer internal surveillance be carried out to minimise funded facilities such as drafting facilities, the spread of the fly from the heavily infested computerised financial analysis, vehicle sales areas? tax exemption and the like in the tendering Answer (Mr Gibbs): process, or is no consideration given to this advantage? 1(a) Railway stationmasters at Cairns have been approached with a request that all passengers be (2) How is confidentiality maintained in the opening advised that fruit should not be removed from the of documents when the department is a quarantine zone unless given appropriate treatments. tenderer for a contract and in turn awards the Signs and bins have also been provided at the contract to itself in numerous instances? Cairns railway station. Announcements request (3) How many contracts have been let to the passengers to deposit fruit in bins which have been Transport Department in competition with provided. private companies in the past two years? Random inspections have been conducted on the (4) Is departmental tendering carried out on a Sunlander travelling south. An inspector meets the region by region basis or from the central office train at Ingham, walks through the train conducting of the department? inspections, and leaves the train at Rollingstone. (5) What component of profit is determined by the Signs and bins have also been located in bus department when tendering for these terminals. Signs, bins and brochures have been contracts? placed in domestic and international airline terminals Answer (Mr Elder): and announcements also made. (1) Under the transition arrangements that apply in (b) Contacts have been made with yacht owners and opening the Queensland Transport market to members of the prawn fleet operating out of Cairns competition until the first of January 1996, in relation to movements of fruit. Queensland Transport Commercial Business Units Incoming boats and ships are met by Australian include all direct cost together with on and off site Quarantine and Inspection Service inspectors, overheads, in their bid prices. However after first of inspections conducted and personnel advised of January 1996, Commercial Business Units will, in quarantine restrictions. addition to direct costs and overheads, include costs All boat and ship owners are advised to obtain of imputed taxes and charges that will ensure that provisions from wholesalers approved for this there is no competitive advantage or disadvantage to purpose. Produce supplied from outside the Queensland Transport Business Units relative to the quarantine zone is being transported into the area in private sector. sealed containers and used for this purpose. (2) When Queensland Transport Commercial 2. Surveillance measures particularly trapping and Business Units bid for Queensland Transport work, monitoring of travel out of the area, including the tender assessment panel must include a roadblocks and air, road and sea transport are being representative from outside of Queensland Transport maintained. Public support has also been requested to verify that the process of assessment was carried and media information has advised that fruit should out without favour to any party. In this way, the not be moved out of infested areas. selection process can assure an outcome based on best value and not be affected by the origin of the Extensive trapping throughout the area will continue Tenderer. throughout the eradication program. This will detect Questions on Notice 185 20 February 1996 fly movements and the eradication program itself will I am not prepared to agree to any reservation criteria minimise the spread of the fly by reducing fly until there has been wide consultation with populations. stakeholders. To this end the Government has approved the establishment of a Forest Working Group (FWG) comprised of Government, industry 499.TAFE College Equipment and conservation movement representatives. The Mr STEPHAN asked the Minister for Employment principal task of the FWG is to develop, as soon as and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on possible, an agreed approach to establishing a Public Service Matters— comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve With reference to equipment which is no longer system in South-East Queensland based on factual required by TAFE centres in Queensland— data. (1) Is it usual practice for equipment such as I will not speculate on the impacts the establishment working lathes and shapers not required at of the reserve system will have on individual TAFE centres to be rendered useless and sold sawmills. I believe the full process should be allowed as scrap material? to run its course so that socio-economic values are considered as well as conservation and heritage (2) Will she consider offering for sale to private values. citizens such equipment deemed to be redundant, rather than used for waste? If the establishment of the reserve system impacts on jobs or communities then a structural adjustment Answer (Mrs Edmond): package will be put in place to ensure that assistance 1. No. Before a TAFE Queensland Institute of TAFE is provided to counter these impacts. disposes of any equipment items, an investigation is generally conducted into whether the item can be economically refurbished, traded-in on new 501.Child Care equipment, transferred to another Institute, or Mr LINGARD asked the Minister for Family and transferred to the Education Department or similar Community Services and Minister Assisting the Government Agency. Premier on the Status of Women— 2. Equipment such as lathes and shapers are offered With reference to the recent Federal Government for sale by public auction when all other avenues for plan to restrict families to 12 hours (1 day) per week use in Government have been exhausted. The only of child care in situations where both parents are not exception to the final disposal by public auction working and as in most cases child care facilities are would be if a machine was considered unsafe. utilised between 2-4 days per week to ensure continuity— 500.Timber Industry (1) Is it correct that the occupancy rate of the majority of child care centres in Queensland is Mr PERRETT asked the Minister for Primary approximately 65 per cent of capacity? Industries and Minister for Racing— (2) Is it expected that the decision by the Federal With reference to confirmation by a spokesman for Government will further reduce occupancy the Department of Primary Industries that rates? implementation of the Federal Government’s preferred National Forest Policy which would lock (3) Will he investigate this situation and the away 15 per cent of all pre-1750 forest types and implications of the Federal Government’s plan species would lead to the forced closure of some 40 and provide advice of any initiatives the State timber mills and the loss of at least 2,000 jobs in Government may implement to ensure sufficient Queensland— child care places are available and occupied within Queensland? Will he give an assurance that timber mills owned by Answer (Mrs Woodgate): Aboriginal communities at Cherbourg, Yarrabah and Bamaga, mills which provide vitally needed jobs and (1) As child care is substantially market driven, data local community income, will not suffer in any way on occupancy rates are not required to be provided from a loss of access to their current available to the Queensland Government nor, I understand, to resource? the Commonwealth. However, I understand that the Answer (Mr Gibbs): Quality Independent Child Care Centres Association has conducted a survey of 18 centres that revealed The Queensland Government is committed to occupancy rates varying from 98% to 64%, with an establishing a comprehensive, adequate and average occupancy of 84%. representative Forest conservation reserve system. The difficult question of how much forest should be (2) The supply of centre based child care is included is the subject of wide debate in the substantially market driven. I understand that the community. intent of the Commonwealth's proposed legislation would be to influence investment decisions of The Commonwealth Government has developed people deciding to open new centres in a manner reserve criteria which require 15% of pre 1750 forest which would ensure that new centres are only distribution to be included in the system. This opened in areas where there is a demonstrated need criterion has the potential to significantly impact on for work related child care. Another effect social and economic considerations in rural anticipated by the Commonwealth is that centres Queensland. would have increased incentives to respond to the 20 February 1996 186 Questions on Notice currently substantial unmet need for child care for (1) Will he confirm that his department has 0-2 year olds, and to better cater to the needs of increased the price of radiata pine seedlings parents who are shift-workers or casual employees. available from Darling Downs distribution points (3) I monitor the provision of child care in from 14.8 cents to $2 per tree; if so, does he Queensland with advice provided by my Ministerial agree that this is inconsistent with modern Advisory Committee on Child Care, which is community expectations that Government representative of all sectors of child care in should be encouraging reafforestation for Queensland. I will ensure that the significant record environmental considerations as well as meeting of the Queensland Government in relation to child our future timber requirements? care is maintained. For example, new commitments of (2) Has his department withdrawn Passchendaele the Queensland Government to strengthen as a place for the production and sale of radiata preschool and child care in Queensland are currently pine seedlings; if so, why? being implemented. Answer (Mr Gibbs): 1. Radiata pine seedlings for sale to the public are 502.Crime, Toowoomba raised in conjunction with planting stock Mr HEALY asked the Minister for Police and Minister requirements for the Department's own plantation for Corrective Services— programs. They are provided for sale to the public at By what percentage have break and enter offences, the prevailing DPI-Forestry nursery price for the type stealing offences and motor vehicle thefts increased of stock. in the Toowoomba Police District since 1992-93? I am unable to ascertain when, if ever, radiata pine Answer (Mr Braddy): seedlings were sold for 14.8 cents/tree. However, prior to 1990, open root radiata seedlings (that is The total number of reported incidents of Motor seedlings sold not in pots but with exposed roots) Vehicle Theft in the Toowoomba Police District in were sold at 27 cents each. The nature of open root 1992/93 was 383. In 1994/95 it was 429. This stock is such that it has a limited planting season and represents a 12% increase. cannot readily be held past its optimum age at the The total number of reported incidents of Break and nursery and thus, occasional sales of surplus open Enter offences in the Toowoomba Police District in root material have been cleared for as little as 10 1992/93 was 1764. In 1994/95 it was 2153. This cents/tree. The subsequent change in 1990 to represents an increase of 22%. significantly higher quality radiata pine seedlings The total number of reported incidents of Stealing grown in small pots resulted in the price increasing to offences in the Toowoomba Police District in $2/tree with discounts for bulk purchases. The price 1992/93 was 2961. In 1994/95 it was 2898. This in 1995/96 is $2.20/tree with a discounted price of represents a decrease of 2.1%. $1.32 for purchases in excess of 10,000 trees. Under Members of the Opposition have been falsely its draft commercialisation charter, DPI Forestry must claiming this Government has done nothing in the seek to maximise its market value and operate on a fight against crime in the Toowoomba police district. commercial basis. As such, the pricing of seedlings The facts speak for themselves. Since 1989 there for sale to the public reflects all production costs has been a 16.9% increase in police numbers. Sworn together with an appropriate commercial return. police numbers have increased from 136 at that time The Department remains committed to promoting to a current model strength of 159.The actual reafforestation for both environmental and future strength of the Toowoomba police district as at the timber needs through the DPI Resource 30 November 1995 was 173. The budget for the Management's Tree Assistance Scheme, which Toowoomba Police District has increased from $5.91 provides technical advice and low cost planting million in 1989 to $8.57 in 1995/96. Additionally, a stock to approved applicants. Under this scheme the government commitment of $8.25 million within the public may purchase potted radiata pine seedlings next five years has been made with regard to a for $1/tree. replacement district police headquarters for the 2. The Department's Passchendaele nursery was Toowoomba district. closed in 1990 due to high production costs related The Government has also supported the to its small scale, fungus related hygiene problems establishment of a number of community based together with general quality difficulties and Crime Prevention Programs since 1989. associated low survival for the open root stock 1989 1995 produced from this nursery. Since this time, all radiata stock has been produced at the Beerburrum Adopt A Cop 27 33 nursery as container seedlings. This stock is of a Neighbourhood Watch 0 18 much higher quality than open root material. The Crime Stoppers 0 1 transfer of radiata production to the Beerburrum City Safe Cameras 0 1 nursery has not resulted in any reduction in stock Safety Audit 0 1 availability for sale to the public as Passchendaele Community Police Beats 0 2 staff can and do take orders for planting stock. Alternatively, members of the public may place 503.Radiata Pine Seedlings orders with the DPI Forestry Nursery at Dalby. In either case the order is referred to Beerburrum where Mr SPRINGBORG asked the Minister for Primary the stock is raised and then forwarded to the Industries and Minister for Racing— appropriate centre. Questions on Notice 187 20 February 1996

505.Oxley Creek With reference to my previous question in March Mr HARPER asked the Minister for Environment and 1995 and his answer in respect of SEQEB illegally Heritage— charging the battlers of this State for the threat to cut off power supplies— (1) What plans are in place to restore Oxley Creek (South West Brisbane) to a condition for (1) Has the office of the Regulator reported? recreation, especially so that the Brisbane City (2) What were his findings? Council canoe trail can be re-opened? (3) How much money has been repaid to date? (2) What time frame is envisaged for this project? (4) How many individuals have been reimbursed? Answer (Mr Barton): (5) Is SEQEC now actively seeking customers from (1) In 1994, Brisbane City Council developed a whom this fee was taken? canoe trail along the lower reaches of Oxley Creek (6) Does he agree that SEQEC may avoid extending approximately 11 km upstream. Prior to repayment on the grounds that it may be too this, the Department of Environment and Heritage expensive to seek out those from whom the had conducted water quality sampling of Oxley money was taken? Creek from September 1988 to June 1990, in December 1994, and recommenced a monthly (7) Does he agree that it is a denial of justice to the sampling program from November 1995. All sampling battlers of Queensland, the people who can programs include assessment of faecal coliform least afford to pay, that SEQEC, the perpetrator levels. Levels of faecal coliforms did not exceed of the crime, can be allowed to determine who National Health and Medical Research Council will be repaid, the level of reimbursement, and (NMHMRC) guidelines for recreational use who will be ignored? (secondary contact) of waters when the trail was Answer (Mr McGrady): opened in 1994. (1) Yes. With funding from the National Landcare Program, (2) The Regulator reported on progress in the the Brisbane River Management Group will establish repayment by SEQEB of incorrectly charged visit an Oxley Creek Catchment Co-ordinating Committee fees. in 1996. The position description for the Catchment Co-ordinator (Oxley Creek) has been approved and (3) $658 863.80 to 28 October 1995. it is anticipated that a temporary officer will be (4) 31 333 fees to 28 October 1995. appointed in the first week of December 1995. It is (5) SEQEB is currently finalising its search of expected this position will establish, facilitate and computer records to identify as many customers as service the Co-ordinating Committee. possible from whom visit fees were collected. The Committee will bring together Brisbane City (6) The absence of computer records for visit fees Council, Logan City Council and Beaudesert Shire collected before 1993 precludes the automatic Council with industry and community representatives identification of customers affected but SEQEB has in the catchment to address the issues of: water advertised its willingness to refund the fees to all quality; protection of riparian vegetation; recreation; affected customers who apply. and the impacts of sand and gravel extraction. Brisbane City Council will separately fund the development of a management plan for the 512.Facilities for Disabled Citizens catchment. It is expected that the Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Education— whole-of-catchment Management Plan and the proposed Environmental Protection Policy for the With reference to the lack of provision of learning Brisbane River will significantly contribute to facilities for physically and mentally impaired young managing the long term health of the Brisbane River people 18 years of age and older in this State— and its major tributaries including Oxley Creek. Will he move immediately to (a) construct and fit out Evidence from water quality analysis indicates that facilities to cope with the demand for those following significant rainfall events bacteria levels are physically and intellectually impaired young people elevated for a few days compared to dry weather who cannot be placed in sheltered workshops etc levels and the NMHMRC guideline values may not be and (b) help fund respite groups who volunteer not met for short periods. Australian studies suggest that only premises but carers to staff these premises and animal faeces and in some cases, leakages or provide relief for parents and/or guardians of these overflows from sewage systems may be possible young people? causes. To reduce overflow problems from the Answer (Mr Hamill): Oxley Creek Sewage Treatment Plant an hydraulic The Department of Education provides a broad upgrade is currently being undertaken at the plant. range of services to support the needs of students (2) A time frame for the restoration of Oxley Creek with disabilities. has not been determined. However, action to restore Recently, I announced a $72 million dollars plan to the creek will be the purpose and main priority of the improve the physical resources available to special Oxley Creek Catchment Co-ordinating Committee. needs students, as well as to employ a range of additional specialist teachers and staff, including 510.SEQEB Electricity disconnection fees therapists, in order to boost the quality and quantity of resources and facilities available to people with Mr GILMORE asked the Minister for Minerals and special needs. Energy— 20 February 1996 188 Questions on Notice

The Education General Provisions Act contains Unfortunately, because services are being sections which refer specifically to the provision of implemented progressively, expectations have been Education for disabled students, and clearly sets out raised for women who do not currently have ready the Education Department's responsibilities, in this access to a service. The scope and complexity of enacted by the former National Party Government in this major population screening Program and the 1989. need for high quality services have meant that the This legislation has produced the basis for the bi- Program could not be implemented in a shorter partisan approach to this very important issue in the timeframe, but has been a great success and already development of post school options. The Goss servicing a large number of Queensland women. Government has recognised the need for enhanced (2) BreastScreen Queensland has, since 1991, services for those aged 18 years and over and to established nine fixed and four mobile services that end through the collaboration of a number of around the state, with a further two new services to departments has developed a range of post school be established in Mackay and Ipswich in early 1996. options for disabled people. The BreastScreen Queensland service in Mackay is currently under construction and is due to open in 513.State Government Grants to Unions March 1996. It is located in Wellington Street. Miss SIMPSON asked the Premier and Minister for Advertisements for staff will be placed in the near Economic and Trade Development— future. How much money (individually itemised) has the State Government provided to Queensland unions in 523.School Dental Service, Bundaberg/Burnett arts grants, training subsidies and other grants on an Region annual basis since 1990? Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Health— Answer (Mr Goss): With reference to the situation which currently exists I refer the Member to the answer provided by the in my electorate whereby significant delays are being Treasurer to Question on Notice No. 514 by Mr experienced with visits by the School Dental Clinic Grice. to state schools in the Burnett/Bundaberg area— (1) Will he confirm the current number of dental 520.Breast Screening Program, Mackay therapists employed in the School Dental Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Health— Service for Bundaberg and the Burnett area? With reference to the high profile free breast (2) How many new dental therapists have been screening clinic program currently being advertised employed in Bundaberg for the School Dental through Mackay District television stations, many Service since the suspension of the old training constituents have called claiming that breast course provided by Queensland Health at screening is only available to women in the Mackay School Dental Therapists Training Centres in District through private practice at a cost of up to 1993? $100 and which is not subject to a rebate from (3) What were the number of dental therapists Medicare— employed in Bundaberg in the School Dental (1) Does he agree that it is totally inappropriate and Service area prior to this time? misleading to advertise programs which are (4) Of the $231,000 per annum that has been unavailable? allocated to the Wide Bay Region to extend (2) When is it likely that a breast screening program oral health services to school students, how will come on line which will be accessible for much will be received by Bundaberg? women in the Mackay District? (5) How does he envisage that these funds will Answer (Mr Beattie): directly improve the current time delays being (1) The National Program for the Early Detection of experienced? Breast Cancer was established in 1991 in order to Answer (Mr Beattie): implement free breast cancer screening and (1) The number of Dental Therapists currently assessment services across Australia over a five year employed by the Bundaberg Health Service is five period. BreastScreen Queensland is part of the full-time and three part-time. This equates to 6.4 National Program. full-time dental therapists. In order for the Program to be successful in reducing (2) Number of dental therapists employed since the morbidity and mortality from breast cancer, a high suspension of the training course is two - one percentage of eligible women need to be screened. full-time and one part-time dental therapist. The current media campaign is a National initiative Bundaberg Oral Health also employed two dental and is being extremely successful in raising therapists from the last graduating class of 1993. awareness of, and participation in the Program. The national number, 132 050, connects callers to their (3) The maximum number of dental therapists to work closest service. Callers from Mackay are connected in the Bundaberg City and Rural School Dental to the State Coordination Unit and are provided with Service was six full-time dental therapists in 1990 in information about the opening date for the service in conjunction with two dentists. Mackay and the next closest BreastScreen (4) The $231,000 quoted is the budget for 1995/96 Queensland service. only, not for previous years. The budget for this and Questions on Notice 189 20 February 1996 previous years and the allocation to Bundaberg until the maximum period of three months from the Health Service were: date of the application has expired. This period is Region Bundaberg Health Service provided for by Regulation 5.1 of the Police Service (Administration) Regulations. 1992/93 125,000 62,500 1993/94 125,000 62,500 525.Apprentices 1994/95 146,000 62,500 Mr SANTORO asked the Minister for Employment 1995/96 231,000 126,000 and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on (5) These funds will be utilised to employ additional Public Service Matters— staff i.e. dentists/dental therapists/ dental assistants (1) How many apprentices were employed in to increase productivity. It is anticipated that even Queensland as at the end of June 1990, 1991, maintaining current staffing levels average recall 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995? periods will reduce from 18 months to about 14 months within the next six months. (2) How many apprentices were employed by the private sector as at end of June 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995? 524. Police Resignations; Criminal Justice (3) How many apprentices were employed by Commission Queensland Government departments and Mr QUINN asked the Minister for Police and Minister instrumentalities as at the end of June 1990, for Corrective Services— 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995? With reference to evidence given to the Senate (4) How many female apprentices were employed inquiry into unresolved whistleblower cases by the within categories (1), (2) and (3) as at the end of Director of the Official Misconduct Division of the June 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995? Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), Mr Mark Le (5) How many apprentices were employed in Grand, who said that Queensland police suspected Queensland within the major industry and of corruption and/or misconduct resign, in his words, occupational classifications as at the end of “all the time” to avoid investigation, a situation Mr Le June 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995? Grand described as “very galling”— (6) How many trainees were within categories (1), (1) Does he agree with Mr Le Grand’s opinion ; if (2), (3), (4) and (5)? so, will he give an indication of how many resignations by police officers from the service, Answer (Mrs Edmond): since the establishment of the CJC, have been (1) As at the end of June: 1990—23470, prompted by a desire to avoid such 1991—21233, 1992—20706, 1993—20052, investigations? 1994—23351, 1995-23787. (2) Has the CJC recommended to him any changes (2)As at the end of June: 1990—18748, to current procedures governing the submittal 1991—17783, 1992—16775, 1993—16375, and acceptance of police officer resignations to 1994—17376, 1995—18892 ensure this allegedly frequent practice is (3)As at the end of June: 1990—1069, 1991—1229, stopped? 1992—1268, 1993—1220, 1994—1130, 1995—1176 Answer (Mr Braddy): (4) In category 1, as at the end of June: 1990—3118, (1) No statistics are maintained as to the number of 1991—2796, 1992—2903, 1993—2777, 1994—3070, resignations by police officers following the 1995—2893 institution of disciplinary proceedings against them. In category 2 as at the end of June: 1990—2758, It is pointed out that where corruption and 1991—2651, 1992—2534, 1993—2564, 1994—2639, misconduct matters have implications of criminal 1995—2628 conduct, the resignation of a police officer does not impede the continuation of a criminal investigation In category 3 as at the end of June: 1990—26, and the laying of criminal charges should sufficient 1991—24, 1992—27, 1993—28, 1994—20, 1995—19. evidence be adduced. (5) I table the answer in a tabular form. (2) On 22 March 1993 the CJC reviewed its position (6) In category 1, as at the end of June: 1990—1843, on the retirement of serving police members by 1991—1323, 1992—1585, 1993 -2456, 1994—2438, reason of age or medical grounds, or resignation of 1995—3151 police members who are the subject of a complaint In category 2, as at the end of June: 1990—1084, to the CJC alleging misconduct. The CJC's view 1991—787, 1992—997, 1993—1307, 1994—1671, was that these matters were for the determination of 1995—2096 the Police Service; however, the CJC desired the In category 3, as at the end of June: 1990—284, opportunity to make representations to the 1991—173, 1992—246, 1993—453, 1994—366, Commissioner if it was considered warranted in any 1995—446 particular case. To that end, prompt advice of members intentions to retire or resign is provided to In category 4(1), as at the end of June: 1990—1166, the CJC, in order that the CJC may be in a position 1991—763, 1992—985, 1993—1644, 1994—1685. to decide whether or not representations are to be 1995—1817 made to the Commissioner. These representations In category 4 (2), as at the end of June: 1990—628, may include the recommendation that the resignation 1991—449, 1992—628, 1993—884, 1994—1146, or retirement not be approved by the Commissioner 1995—1155 20 February 1996 190 Questions on Notice

In category 4 (3), as at the end of June: 1990—235, Peter Beattie, Minister for Health for their 1991—90, 1992—154, 1993—327, 1994—260, consideration 1995—298 In category 6 (5) I table the answer in tabular form. 528.Land Subdivision, Wishart I wish to advise the Honourable Member that there Mr CARROLL asked the Minister for Transport and may be some variations between these figures and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and those supplied to him in December 1993 by my Trade Development— predecessor. The reasons for this are: the introduction of a new computer system, during which In view of conflict, between the front page story in manual records were brought into order and the the Southern Star of 15 November reporting my more timely nature of data entry ensures that the constituent, Mr Slobodian’s, inability to proceed with records of those persons who cease an land subdivision at Wishart because Queensland apprenticeship or traineeship being removed from Transport continues to claim an interest in that land the data base. for an extra road link between the South East Freeway and the Gateway Arterial Road and the Answer to (5 )The number of apprentices employed Minister’s assurance given on 2 November that the in Qld within the major industry and occupational South Coast Motorway will not proceed in any categories is as follows: shape or form north of the Logan River— Category 30/6/9030/6/9130/6/9230/6/9330/6/94 30/6/95 Will he confirm that Queensland Transport will not Metal Fitting/ construct any associated extra road link between the Machining 2800 2577 2491 2285 2108 2086 South East Freeway and the Gateway Arterial Road Other Metal 2091 1784 1590 1449 1683 1745 Electrical 3543 3212 3123 2929 2941 3240 across Mr Slobodian’s land? Building 4442 4178 4195 4630 5843 Answer (Mr Elder): 6195 Printing 364 317 313 258 353 253 There is a requirement from Mr Slobodian's land for a Vehicle 3699 3290 2975 2669 3051 3342 possible future ramp connecting the South East Food 2042 1884 2057 2099 3261 2774 Freeway with the Gateway Motorway. This Horticulture 127 127 149 162 168 174 requirement remains even though the South Coast Hairdressing 2635 2320 2323 2176 2276 2161 Motorway north of the Logan River will not proceed. Miscellaneous 1727 1544 1490 1395 1667 1817 Mr Slobodian's solicitors have been advised by Answer to 6 (5) The number of trainees employed in Queensland Transport that the extent of the Queensland within the major industry and requirement will be determined following finalisation occupational classifications. of the concept planning for the proposed busway Category 30/6/90 30/6/9130/6/9230/6/93 30/6/9430/6/95 along the South East Freeway corridor. Agricultural 121 93 127 105 123 148 Construction/ Mining 56 47 43 46 45 50 530.Queensland Transport Tendering Process Engineering/ Mr JOHNSON asked the Minister for Transport and Tech 24 28 25 45 49 136 Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Machine Trade Development— Operators 100 64 77 69 93 97 Clerical 957 615 776 1497 1339 1934 With reference to the change in the tendering Sales 475 355 404 493 561 551 process for Queensland Transport projects— Personal Service 0 0 0 69 114 91 Road & Rail (1) How many tenders have been let since the Drivers 0 0 0 0 2 50 changed process was implemented? Labourers & (2) How many of these tenders have been won by Related Workers 66 63 69 100 76 73 Queensland Transport? Miscellaneous 44 58 64 32 36 21 Answer (Mr Elder): (1) Over the financial year 94/95 and to the 20 527.Glenala State High School November 95 in the year 95/96, 76 major tenders for Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for works have been called. Education— (2) Of these tenders, 34 have been won by With reference to the commencement of operations Queensland Transport. of the newly merged Glenala High School in the calendar year 1996— 531.Papaya Fruit Fly With the expected increase in enrolment at the high school, will he give consideration to the provision of Mr ROWELL asked the Minister for Primary a police officer and medical nurse at the Industries— commencement of the 1996 school year to ensure a With reference to the fact that the horticulture smooth transition for the school community? industry and the Department of Primary Industries Answer (Mr Hamill): were ill prepared for the intrusion of the papaya fruit fly— I shall refer this issue to my colleagues the Honourable Paul Braddy, Minister for Police and (1) What measures are being adopted to Minister for Corrective Services and the Honourable circumvent the difficulties that occurred with Questions on Notice 191 20 February 1996

the Papaya fruit fly introduction into Answer (Mr Hamill): Queensland? The former Minister for Education, Pat Comben, (2) Does the department intend to upgrade the approved a departmental recommendation for the early warning procedures to avert this problem acquisition of a property in Myola Road on 22 for other primary industries in the advent of a August. Acquisition action was initiated on 23 August similar situation? 1994. Discussions are continuing between the Answer (Mr Gibbs): representatives of the Crown (Department of Lands) and representatives of the registered property 1.(a) The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) owners, in an attempt to settle the matter through maintains a high degree of preparedness and negotiation rather than through the formal resumption technical capability to deal with possible process. Recent meetings between the two parties incursions of quarantine pests. have been positive although no final agreement has DPI was well aware of the difficulties which yet been reached. would be caused to the horticultural industry by In the last few months, consideration has been given an incursion of the Papaya fruit fly (PFF). to an alternate site in Fallon Road that was (b) Since 1991 when PFF was identified in Papua suggested by Mareeba Shire Council. Following New Guinea and Irian Jaya, DPI has constantly these investigations, it was concluded that the Myola monitored the situation and been aware of its Road Site was superior for school purposes. I have presence and movement and capacity to reaffirmed approval for the acquisition of the Myola spread. Road Site. (c) First hand experience was also gained in South Construction of the school has not commenced yet, East Asia and Papua New Guinea where this although work has begun on the concept design for pest is endemic and also in the Torres Strait the school buildings. The design, detailing and where the pest was first detected in March construction phases have been hindered to a degree 1993 as a result of extensive monitoring. An due to the time taken to consider the alternative site eradication program was successfully suggested by Mareeba Shire Council and the conducted on two of the five islands where the ongoing nature of negotiations between Crown fly was detected and a suppression program is representatives and the registered owners of the under way on the other three islands. Myola Road property. (d) During this period, DPI has kept up to date with quarantine strategies and conducted work on 534.South-East Queensland Transit Authority eradication and chemical disinfestation Ms SPENCE asked the Minister for Transport and treatments. In this latter area, Queensland is a Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and world leader based on work with Queensland Trade Development— fruit fly. Close contact has also been kept with the horticultural industry. Will the Government’s South-East Queensland Transit Authority require any extra Government (e) Based on this experience, measures are being resources? adopted to eradicate the pest from North Queensland using the technical capability Answer (Mr Elder): developed to deal with such situations, and I refer Honourable Members to comments I made to contacts with scientists interstate and overseas the House concerning this very issue and which experienced with eradication. appear at page 1210 of Hansard dated 16 November (f) The Department also has procedures in place to 1995. For the record I again reiterate the following: enable incursions of quarantine pests to be - SEQTA's staff establishment will come from managed and these were implemented existing staff establishment levels of immediately the fly was detected. Thus, Queensland Transport. decisive action was taken immediately the fly - SEQTA's funding will come from the existing was identified. transport budget. 2. Discussions are being held with the Australian - There will be no duplication of responsibilities Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to ensure between SEQTA and Queensland Transport in that early warning procedures for quarantine pests south-east Queensland. are adequate. A Senate Inquiry will also be addressing the provision of quarantine services by - SEQTA is not a new department or a new AQIS. Implementation of quarantine procedures bureaucracy in the making. It has a purely needs to occur in full recognition of the difficulty of strategic focus aimed at establishing and provision of a quarantine barrier in the extensive operating an integrated transport system for the remote areas of northern Australia. region. Others such as Queensland Transport will deliver on SEQTA's objectives. - To ensure SEQTA remains focused on its 532.High School, Kuranda strategic role, Queensland Transport will Mr BREDHAUER asked the Minister for Education— provide corporate resources to SEQTA just like it currently does for functional line areas within Will he advise what progress is being made on the its own organisation. construction of a new high school at Kuranda. 20 February 1996 192 Questions on Notice

In all the documentation presented to Opposition What progress has been made to establish a formal members and in the briefing given by SEQTA training course for dental prosthetists by the Dental officers, it has been made abundantly clear that Technicians and Dental Prosthetists Board of SEQTA would have a staff level of no more than 40 Queensland at either a TAFE college or a university officers and that its budget and staff establishment in Queensland? levels would be transferred from Queensland Answer (Mr Beattie): Transport. Queensland Health convened a meeting of key No additional staff resources or budget allocations stakeholders in August to consider options for the beyond this commitment will be made. delivery of an accredited dental prosthetist course. Subsequent to this a smaller group consisting of 535.State Emergency Service representatives of the Dental Prosthetists Mr T. B. SULLIVAN asked the Minister for Association, the Dental Technicians Association, Emergency Services and Minister for Consumer TAFE and Griffith University met. This meeting Affairs— unanimously agreed to prepare a 'proposal of With reference to last week’s severe storms in cooperation' to establish a consortium with the South-East Queensland which caused widespread responsibility to develop the educational and damage to homes and property— infrastructure requirements of a training program for dental prosthetists and dental technicians. What type of response did the State Emergency Services provide? An initial feasibility assessment of this project is currently being examined by the consortium. Answer (Mr Davies): 1. The State Emergency Service, initially, through the Brisbane Unit responded by conducting: 539.Workers Compensation Board ¥ Reconnaissance of the areas affected by the Mr HEALY asked the Minister for Employment and storm; Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public ¥ Teams were assembled and co-ordinated from Service Matters— Western Group headquarters; With reference to her response to Question 282 ¥ Tarpaulins and other resources assigned with relating to the results of the Workers' Compensation resident's tasks attended; Board's "Client satisfaction survey"— ¥ It became apparent that additional manpower Will she table the plan and intervention strategies was required to sustain the ongoing support; which she and her officers have developed to ¥ Units from Gold Coast, Ipswich, Esk, address the major areas where client satisfaction is at Caboolture, Pine Shire, Beaudesert, Redland, unacceptably low levels? and Redcliffe came into support the Brisbane Answer (Mrs Edmond): Unit during the week of November 6, 1995 and The Board has implemented advertising campaigns, ¥ SUMMARY OF BRISBANE UNITS including the use of television, distributed a STATISTICS Newsletter, is writing to all policyholders this month Number of member hours—4,442 and has produced a number of brochures this year. As well, I and Departmental officers consulted widely Number of member shifts—463 with employers throughout Queensland concerning Number of houses visited—550 the Government's Reform Package. Number of tarpaulins used (small)—1,000 The Board will monitor responses to these initiatives. Number of tarpaulins used (large)—300 Number of telephone calls for assistance 540.Weipa Industrial Dispute received—1,750 Mrs SHELDON asked the Treasurer— 2. Other areas involved with storm response in the South East were Ipswich, Redland and Caboolture. (1) What has been the total cost to date to the State Government, its departments, agencies In addition to the abovementioned points, the State and statutory authorities, in terms of foregone Emergency Service was involved in supporting the revenues and increased expenditures, of the requirements for Personal Hardship payments, to the continuing Weipa industrial dispute? residents of Dunwich. 3. The final actions have been to provide further (2) What is the State Government’s estimate of the support with the recent rains, and newly appearing anticipated future ongoing costs to the State requests for assistance. Government, its departments, agencies and statutory authorities, in terms of foregone 4. A programme for the collection of tarpaulins has revenues and increased expenditures, of the begun with the Local Controllers using the Electronic continuing Weipa industrial dispute? Media to encourage residents to return the tarpaulins in a timely manner. (3) What is the State Government’s estimate of the total cost to date to the Queensland economy of the continuing Weipa industrial dispute? 537.Dental Prosthetists (4) What is the State Government’s estimate of the Mr ROBERTSON asked the Minister for Health— anticipated future ongoing costs to the Questions on Notice 193 20 February 1996

Queensland economy of the continuing Weipa (2) Will the increased fees mean a substantial industrial dispute? increase in the Government's funding allocation Answer (Mr De Lacy): for the island? Answer not supplied. (3) What steps is he taking to remedy inadequacies in his Government's resourcing for the management and provision of facilities for the 541.Patient Transit Scheme island? Ms WARWICK asked the Minister for Health— (4) What steps is he taking to ensure that a With reference to the Patient Transit Scheme— community consultation process is in place and (1) Has the review of the scheme been completed? operating? (2) What public information is available on this Answer (Mr Barton): scheme? The Chair of the House of Representatives Standing (3) Will his office supply me with the relevant Committee on the Environment, Sport and the Arts is updated information? not responsible for allocating resources across the (4) Who decides if a patient is a private or public Protected Area estate within Queensland. It remains patient? to be seen whether or not the Commonwealth Government responds to the Committees findings (5) What are the grounds for such a decision? and the Queensland Governments requests for Answer (Mr Beattie): funding for the management of World Heritage (1) A review of the Patient Transit Scheme occurred properties. in 1993/94 with revised draft guidelines issued in The Queensland Government is committed to March 1994 to all Regional Health Authorities and implementation of the Great Sandy Region health services. This new scheme incorporates Management Plan. previously separate arrangements for public patient Some of the comments made by witnesses to the transfers and for patients attending private Committee were either ill informed or deliberately practitioners into one policy and changed the name misleading. For example the same witness who to Patient Transfer Assistance Scheme (PTAS). referred to Fraser Island as a "Third World Heritage The PTAS is currently under revision with a number Area" also stated that the only recreation facilities on of options for its future operation being developed. the Island had been constructed by the Queensland (2) There is no public information available, besides Forest Service prior to that organisation handing the current draft guidelines. Brochures for the public over responsibility to the and medical practitioners will be produced as an Department of Environment and Heritage. This explanation of the revised Scheme as soon as it is witness owns a property within sight of the Waddy finalised. Point camping area, probably the most popular site (3) Yes for camping on Fraser Island, which was constructed (4) Patients themselves determine their status. There by the Department of Environment and Heritage. The may be cases whereby the referring medical Committee was advised that wildfire's burnt 57,000 practitioner may consider that a public patient may ha in 1994. The correct figure is 25,000 ha. benefit by attending a specific private specialist and I am not concerned by the comments of witnesses in this case the patient would be given the option to who used the hearing to air their opinions based on change his/her status for this purpose. self interest. (5) It is the patient's decision as to whether he/she The fee increases will result in more available will be treated by public or private means and this resources for management of Fraser Island. decision often depends on whether medical The Queensland Government has allocated $4.7m for insurance is held or not. management of the Great Sandy Region, of which Fraser Island is the major component, in the 1995/96 543.Fraser Island financial year. Mr SLACK asked the Minister for Environment and The current arrangements for public consultation are Heritage— working. I am reviewing the proposed management With reference to the damning comments by the arrangements for the Fraser Island World Heritage Commonwealth Inquiry into World Heritage Areas property. Any new management arrangements will Chairman, John Langmore, in respect to the gross ensure that community views are obtained and taken inadequacy of the funds committed by both the into consideration. State and Commonwealth Governments for the management of World Heritage listed Fraser Island 544.Advertising of Vacancies, DEVETIR and to a statement of one of the witnesses who said "Fraser was being referred to as `The Third World Mr SANTORO asked the Minister for Employment Heritage area'" and to his announcement that visitor and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on fees to the island will double— Public Service Matters— (1) Is he concerned by the comments made by the With reference to her answer to Question No. 259— Chairman of the inquiry and the statements (1) Precisely which sections of DEVETIR report to made by the witnesses? Minister Foley? 20 February 1996 194 Questions on Notice

(2) Does this unusual arrangement breach one of Education Centre, which plays an integral role in the the most basic principles of management (i.e. statewide network of similar centres. North Keppel that it is inadvisable to have individuals or work Island is a National Park, totally surrounded by the units reporting to more than one supervisor)? Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Answer (Mrs Edmond): The Department of Education centre operates on a (1) The following units of the Division of Labour leased site which focuses on outdoor and Market Reform address Minister Foley's Principal environmental education through supporting; Ministerial Responsibilities as Minister for Industrial ¥ school based programs Relations— ¥ professional development and training - Workplace Reform Unit ¥ research activities - Policy Research and Development Branch ¥ other educational programs including the - Public Sector Consultancy (in relation to development of environmental knowledge and matters dealing with Federal/State Award regulation). understanding. The Director-General reports to Minister Foley and (2) The centre has only been operational since May Minister Edmond. 1995. (2) No. The arrangement keeps together the Division The 1994-95 running costs were $10 962.00. of Labour Market Reform with substantial benefits. A school grant allocation of $20 000.00 has been There have been no problems with this arrangement made for the 1995 calendar year. and none are expected. Lease payments are expected to be in the vicinity of $2 000.00 per year. 545.Bunya Mountains Mr PERRETT asked the Minister for Environment and 547.Sunshine Motorway Company Ltd Heritage— Mr LAMING asked the Minister for Transport and With reference to evidence given by one of his Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and officers, Mr Jon Womersley to a House of Trade Development— Representative Standing Committee that the Bunyas would be nominated for World Heritage listing in line With reference to the Annual Report of the Sunshine with Labor election policy, and given that his Motorway Company Ltd— predecessor and other senior Labor figures (1) When is it expected that the company’s debt expended considerable effort before the election on will stabilise? giving the impression there would be no listing— (2) When is it expected that the company’s debt (1) What changed circumstances since the election will be fully paid out? have precipitated the listing proposal? (3) Is it anticipated that the interest free loans paid (2) What consultation has been undertaken among to the company by the Government are Bunyas’ landholders? included in (1) and (2) above? (3) Which landholders have supported the (4) Is it intended to draw payments, such as proposal for listing? franchise payments, back to the Government (4) What compensation arrangements have been after the debt has been repaid or earlier? made for the confiscation of private land and (5) Will the road become a free road for public use restrictions to be placed on the use of private when the debt has been paid back or at the end land in line with world heritage management of the 30 year franchise period? principles? (6) What were the direct costs and takings at each Answer (Mr Barton): of the three toll plazas in 1994-95? Answer not supplied. Answer (Mr Elder): (1) Current financial modelling underpinning debt 546. Education Department Facility, Keppel containment arrangements in place for the Sunshine Island Motorway Company P/L (SMCL) indicates that debt has in fact peaked in the financial year 1994/95 and Mr BEANLAND asked the Minister for Education— will reduce from 1995/96 onwards. (1) Does the Education Department have a type of (2) Current debt containment arrangements provide resort facility on Keppel Island; if so, for what for all debt to be paid out by 2013. purpose is the facility used? (3) No. The amounts in question have been shown as (2) What was the cost of running the facility in inertest free loans pending a restructure of 1994-95 and will he give a breakdown of these Motorway Company arrangements under costs? Queensland Motorway Limited (QML) as the holding Answer (Mr Hamill): company. Amounts shown as interest free loans (1) The Department of Education does not operate a effectively will be converted to equity during resort facility on Keppel Island, however it does 1995/96 as disclosed in Note 15 to the financial operate the North Keppel Island Environmental statements of the Sunshine Motorway Company Limited. Questions on Notice 195 20 February 1996

(4) There is no intention to seek franchise fees from Services allocations as these were expended at a SMCL prior to repayment of the debt in (1) and (2). It Program level for these years. is possible that under a restructuring of financial I also table "Annual Expenditure by Agricultural arrangements relating to QML and its subsidiaries, a Colleges 1989/90—1994/95 on Salary and Operating franchise fee may apply to QML; however, this Expenses, Special Capital Works and Special would not jeopardise the repayment of SMCL debt Employment Support Initiatives, including by 2013. Commonwealth Funding". Agricultural Colleges do (5) SMCL has a franchise for a 30 year period which not receive any direct Commonwealth based grants. provides for the levying of tolls. Accordingly, tolls All Commonwealth monies are received indirectly on will continue to be levied for at least the franchise a Fee-for-Service basis. Expenditure includes the period. It is likely that duplication of the Motorway budget allocation and is supplemented by will be required prior to conclusion of the franchise commercial income, income gained from the sale of period. This is likely to require renegotiation of the non-current assets and interest. term of the franchise and the debt containment (2)I table "Target Funding Provided by the arrangements and will impact on the debt repayment Commonwealth" in relation to TAFE Institutes. This schedule. question does not apply to Agricultural Colleges as (6) SMCL has previously responded to Ms Fiona all funding is from a state based grant from Simpson MLA that the information sought is Consolidated Revenue. "commercial in confidence". This is particularly so (3)I table "Income Generated from Commercial given the continuing approaches made to SMCL Activities and the Provision of Services" in relation to proposing the conversion of the Mooloolah Plaza to TAFE Institutes, and "Income Generated from a service centre. Commercial Activities and the Provision of Services, A copy of the relevant letter to Ms Simpson is 1989/90—1994/95"in relation to Agricultural Colleges. tabled. Farm production and student fees are detailed separately. The remainder includes traineeships, seminars, functions, short courses, hire of equipment 548.TAFE College Funding and facilities, sale of licensed semen, livestock, Mr LESTER asked the Minister for Employment and materials etc. Interest and disposal of non-current Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public assets are not included. Service Matters— (4)I table "Commonwealth and State Funding for (1) What was the annual expenditure during (a) TAFE Colleges and Institute 1989/90 to 1994/95", 1989-90, (b) 1990-91, (c) 1991-92, (d) 1992-93, and "State Funding for Agricultural Colleges, (e) 1993-94 and (f) 1994-95 in relation to each 1989/90—1994/95". The budget allocations for TAFE TAFE college (including rural training colleges) Colleges/Institutes include capital works and items in Queensland on (i) salary and other operating such as superannuation, cash equivalent of long expenses, (ii) special capital works, (iii) special service leave and Corporate Services allocations. It projects and (iv) special employment support should be noted that these items were expended at a initiatives, including Commonwealth funding for Program level for these years. Agricultural Colleges such initiatives? are funded through a state based grant from (2) What other target funding was provided by the Consolidated revenue and do not receive any direct Commonwealth? Commonwealth funding. (3) What was the amount of income generated from commercial activities and the provision of 549.TAFE College Funding services by the colleges during (a) 1989-90, (b) Mr STEPHAN asked the Minister for Employment 1990-91, (c) 1991-92, (d) 1992-93, (e) 1993-94 and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on and (f) 1994-95? Public Service Matters— (4) What is the precise break-up for each college (1) What are the specific and individual 1994-95 of Commonwealth and State funding provided budget allocations to each TAFE college and during (a) 1989-90, (b) 1990-91, (c) 1991-92, institute (including agricultural colleges) in (d) 1992-93, (e) 1993-94 and (f) 1994-95? Queensland? Answer (Mrs Edmond): (2) With respect to each college, what were the Rural Training Schools are known as Agricultural budget allocations for (a) salary and other Training Colleges and are established under separate operating expenses, (b) special capital works, charter known as the Agricultural Colleges Act 1994. (c) special projects and (d) special employment They are not part of TAFE Queensland. support initiatives, including Commonwealth (1) I table "Annual Expenditure by TAFE funding for such initiatives? Colleges/Institutes 1989/90—1994/95—State and (3) What other target funding was provided by the Commonwealth Funding (Salaries and Operating Commonwealth? Expenses, Special Projects and Special (4) What is the expected income generation from Commonwealth Support Initiatives Inclusive). The commercial activities by the colleges? figures do not include expenditure on special capital works or on items such as superannuation, cash (5) Will he provide details of the break-up for each equivalent of long service leave and Corporate college of Commonwealth and State funding allocations? 20 February 1996 196 Questions on Notice

Answer (Mrs Edmond): commercialised on 1 July 1995 and under its draft (1) I table "1994/95 Budget Allocations by TAFE commercialisation charter, is charged with maximising Colleges/Institutes". See answer to question 4, QON its market value whilst observing all regulatory (including environmental) requirements to which it is 548 in relation to Agricultural Colleges. subject. As such, DPI Forestry will be assessing any (2) I table "1994/95 Budget Allocations by TAFE plantation expansion possibilities on their respective Colleges/Institute for Specific Categories", and commercial merits. "1994-95 Budget Allocation" in relation to Agricultural 3. The Department does plan to purchase some land Colleges. for both pine and hardwood plantation establishment (3) See answer to question 2, QON 548. before the year 2000. For instance we expect to (4) I table "1994/95 Expected Income Generation by purchase 500 hectares under the Native Species TAFE College/Institute", and "Expected Income Plantations initiative, possibly in the Pomona or Mary Generation from Commercial Activities—1994/95" in Valley area. Other commercial land purchase relation to Agricultural Colleges. opportunities close to existing pine plantations will also be pursued. For example, the Department is (5) See answer to question 4, QON 548. continuing negotiations over the possible purchase of ex-APM plantation lands in the Sunshine Coast area. In addition the Government has announced a series of initiatives in its Future Directions Statement 550.Pine Plantations to encourage private sector investment in plantations, particularly based on hardwoods. Mr SPRINGBORG asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Racing— 4. Yes, under the Government's commitment to the National Forest Policy Statement, it will not clear (1) How many hectares of additional plantation pine native forest for plantation establishment. However, (not replantings) have been established in where suitable cleared private land becomes Queensland over each of the last ten years, and available and funding permits, the Department would where has that been? investigate acquisition to expand the Crown (2) Has the department any plans for the additional plantation estate. The Government also has planting of pine in the vicinity of Killarney, announced a commitment in its Future Directions either in or around the Gambubil State Forest? Statement to encourage the private sector to expand its interest in timber plantations. (3) Has the department any plans for the acquisition of additional land for the planting of pine between now and the year 2,000; if so, what are those plans? 551.Air Conditioner Gas (4) Are there any restrictions, environmental or Mrs GAMIN asked the Minister for Minerals and otherwise, which preclude the Department of Energy— Primary Industries from purchasing freehold land, then clearing that land and establishing With reference to newspaper and trade journal plantation timber? reports in which the motor trades and associated industries are concerned at the safety of Answer (Mr Gibbs): hydrocarbon gases used in car air-conditioning 1. Over the last ten years some 28,800 hectares of systems which can explode if ignited by a spark— new Crown plantations have been established Will the Queensland Government take similar action throughout Queensland. The annual area of new to that taken by the New South Wales Government plantations established has decreased progressively and ban the use of the gas in motor vehicles in from approximately 5,300 hectares in 1986 to some Queensland? 375 hectares in 1995. This reflects the gradual decline in availability of cleared State Forest suitable Answer (Mr McGrady): for plantation establishment together with the The regulation of these gases, not only in automotive Governments decision (in line with its responsibilities air-conditioning, but in all refrigeration and air under the National Forest Policy Statement) to no conditioning systems is now finalised. longer clear native forest for plantation establishment. The majority of the area of new Crown plantations established, some 22,000 hectares, has been in South-east Queensland with a 552.Queensland Principal Club further 5,700 hectares established in North Queensland and 1,100 hectares in Central Mr COOPER asked the Minister for Primary Queensland. Only some 4 hectares of new Industries and Minister for Racing— plantations have been established in the Darling Will he provide details, for 1994-95, of all payments Downs area. including expenses, on an individual by individual 2. The Department has no immediate plans to expand basis, made to members of the Queensland Principal its operations in the vicinity of the Gambubal Club and, in doing so, clearly identify the reasons for plantations. However, DPI Forestry was each category of payment to each such member? Questions on Notice 197 20 February 1996

Answer (Mr Gibbs): Details Of 1994-95 Payments Made To Members Of The Queensland Principal Club Are Tabled Below:- NAME MEALS/ACCOM AIRFARE MILEAGE/CAR HIRE TELEPHONE TAXI TOTAL BENTLEY 4487.50 4025.00 7846.33 4978.65 120.40 21457.88 STEWART 4681.80 338.00 3387.88 166.80 20.00 8594.48 GUILFOYLE 364.30 5064.00 2540.20 2042.85 178.00 10189.35 BLACK 543.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 543.60 MARTIN 585.00 0.00 1415.00 0.00 0.00 2000.00 GREEVES 0.00 0.00 914.40 0.00 0.00 914.40 FORSTER 252.40 0.00 2678.79 5.50 252.51 3189.20 HILLMAN 0.00 274.00 0.00 0.00 42.40 316.40 TOTAL 10914.60 9701.00 18782.60 7193.80 613.31 47205.31 SUMMARY BENTLEY 21457.88 Chairman GUILFOYLE 10189.35 Chairman Country Racing Assoc STEWART 8594.48 Member Executive Committee FORSTER 3189.20 Member MARTIN 2000.00 Member Executive Committee GREEVES 914.40 Member Executive Committee BLACK 543.60 Member HILLMAN 316.40 Member TOTAL 47205.31

553.Disposal of Chemicals Answer (Mr Hamill): Miss SIMPSON asked the Minister for Primary (1) Work is expected to begin in early February. Industries and Minister for Racing— (2) The provision of childcare services that falls Will the Government fund a public awareness within the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for campaign and provide financial support to local Family and Community Services and I would refer governments and appropriate Government the Member to that Minister advice on this matter. departments for the safe disposal of old garden (3) My department has conducted some indicative chemicals, agricultural chemicals and their planning for the provision of a relief school in the containers? future in the Edmonton area. Current enrolment Answer (Mr Gibbs): trends would indicate that a relief school may need to be considered in the next 2Ð5 years. The Department of Environment and Heritage is the lead agency for matters associated with waste disposal. 555.Equine Morbillivirus My Department is working closely with the Mr LITTLEPROUD asked the Minister for Emergency Department of Environment and Heritage on the Services and Minister For Consumer Affairs— disposal of waste materials to ensure that these WIth reference to the Vic Rail stable emergency in materials are disposed of safely and with minimal 1994, when SES officers worked with DPI officers at effect on the environment. the stables and, I understand, in July 1995, a DPI debriefing was given to those SES officers— In light of the recent death of Mr Preston at Mackay from the 554.Hambledon State School same virus, has he taken any further action to test the Mrs WILSON asked the Minister for Education— SES officers involved at the Hendra stables to With reference to Hambledon State School and the ensure their safety? continuing growth in population due to development Answer (Mr Davies): expansion— Queensland Emergency Services cares for the health (1) What is the commencement date for and well-being of all its staff—both permanent and construction of the proposed administration volunteer. This means looking after their block? psychological health as well as their physical safety as the Member for Western Downs knows. Members (2) Given the out of school hours care of the SES involved in the Hendra equine program/vacation care program will have to morbillivirus operation were engaged in tasks, using move (possibly into temporary appropriate protective safety equipment, which accommodation), will the Government find allowed a very limited exposure to the horse serums some financial assistance to cover the move? or body fluids. (3) What is the projected timetable for the All personnel involved in the operation who were commencement of the planned new school assessed to have been in a possibly contaminated facilities in the Edmonton area and will this area underwent a thorough decontamination facility have a two-unit preschool attached? process. 20 February 1996 198 Questions on Notice

Close liaison between the SES and Queensland Action' program have been committed to piloting the Health was established at the commencement of the program in four Regional Health Authorities and operation. On advice from Queensland Health Senior undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the Medical Officers, SES members were not subjected program prior to ongoing allocation of funding to screening or testing for the virus. This would have beyond June 1997. In the event of cost savings only placed undue anxiety or concern on these being achieved, the provision of one-off, dedicated volunteers. If, however, any individual non-recurrent grants for projects within the SES Member chooses to be tested then we will fully philosophy and scope of the `Young People at Risk' support that decision. program will be considered. (2) The effectiveness of suicide prevention programs 557.Public Hospitals in schools and TAFE colleges has yet to be established with a number of studies providing Mr HORAN asked the Minister for Health— conflicting outcomes. Without definitive evidence of (1) What income was received by the public the effectiveness of such programs, rather than hospitals of Queensland in 1994-95 for paid implement suicide prevention programs in schools services such as private patients, transplants, and TAFE colleges it is expected that Queensland etc, and how much of these collected funds Health will work closely with the Department of was transferred to Consolidated Revenue; and Education in developing a school health curriculum (2) Will he provide the detail of private patient which addresses self harming, suicidal and related accounts written off as bad debts during 1994- behaviours in a holistic manner. This approach will 95 on a per hospital basis? provide for a sensitive and practical consideration of issues associated with these behaviours and a Answer (Mr Beattie): framework for the discussion and identification of (1) Revenue received by Queensland Public management and support mechanisms available to Hospitals for services provided in 1994/95 was as young people in dealing with their issues. follows: Inpatient Fees—$77,285,149 559.Environmental Protection Act Other Charges—$3,308,952 Mr MALONE asked the Minister for Environment and Board and Lodgings—$2,442,827 Heritage— Daily Maintenance Charge—(includes nursing home With reference to the implications of the recently patients)—$24,961,849 introduced Environmental Protection Act, and the fact that a small business in my electorate, which was Outpatient Fees—$4,584,817 paying $30 per month to have a grease trap cleaned, Prosthetic Charges—$522,910 is currently still paying $30 per month but how has Services Rendered—$289,207 the added cost of $140 per month for disposal of the sludge— Total—$113,395,711 (1) Does he agree that such costs make business All of these funds are returned to Consolidated less robust, more unlikely to be able to increase Revenue. Queensland Health receives $2.7 billion staff numbers and less likely to be able to ride from consolidated revenue to provide services which out the economic ups and downs? include these services. (2) Were these add-on costs considered as part of In addition to the above, $2.755 million was collected the implementation of the Environmental for overseas patients' liver transplants. These funds Protection Act? are used to cover the cost of the transplants and related research. (3) Will he consider changes to the Act to make add-on charges more business-friendly in the (2) The total on private patient accounts written off interests of employment and growth of the as bad debts in 1994/95 totalled $859,137.55. economy? Answer (Mr Barton): 558.Youth Suicide Prevention Programs (1) No. Mr BAUMANN asked the Minister for Health— The Environmental Protection Act is designed to With reference to the unacceptably high youth produce good environmental outcomes for all suicide statistics in Queensland— Queenslanders, by protecting the air and water (1) Will he make available funding for further quality, minimising noise nuisance, and reducing the development and administration of youth generation of wastes. Queensland's economic suicide prevention programs in our established growth rate demanded a change from the 'end of community help centres and support groups? pipe' archaic environmental legislation that previously existed under former state governments. The (2) Will he take steps to implement youth suicide Environmental Protection Act, forged after extensive prevention programs into our TAFE colleges community consultation, is a comprehensive and high schools? response to complex environmental challenges. It Answer (Mr Beattie): seeks to cut red tape by replacing several pieces of (1) At this point in time, all funds available to the outmoded legislation with a single comprehensive `Young People at Risk: Access, Prevention and Act. Through the consultative processes, which are Questions on Notice 199 20 February 1996 enshrined in the Act, the community indicated would be honoured, does this mean the Government widespread support for the principle of polluter will provide the $1m; if so, when? pays. Prevention and cleanup costs should be borne Answer (Mr Barton): by the polluter and not the community. Answer not supplied. The Government's decision to waive any fees in the first year's operation of the Environmental Protection Act is a considerable concession for those small 565.Power Supply, Daintree Region businesses which hold licences issued by local Mr GILMORE asked the Minister for Minerals and governments under the Environmental Protection Energy— Act. Therefore, most small businesses will have almost two years from commencement of the Act With reference to a recent trip to the area north of before any fee is payable. the Daintree where he promised that the decision in The licensing of regulated waste disposal respect of the installation of mains grid power to the commenced on 1 May 1995. The monthly fee quoted area had not been made and that a decision would by the Member for Mirani suggests that the waste be made by Cabinet in the near future— disposal firm is passing on other costs besides the When can it be expected that this decision will be environmental licence fee. made and announced? Experience overseas shows that environmental Answer (Mr McGrady): regulation can result in cost reductions, yield The Government announced its decision on Daintree improvements, market share increases, and/or export power supply on 14 December 1995. expansion. Improved efficiencies through the introduction of best practice processes are well illustrated by examples in the Australian Best 566.TAFE College Resource Agreements Practice Demonstration Program and the Mr WOOLMER asked the Minister for Employment Commonwealth Environment Protection Agency's and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Cleaner Production database. The development of Public Service Matters— cleaner production technologies by Queensland firms is beginning to emerge in response to business' Will she table a copy of each TAFE Institute’s most increasing awareness of the need to deliver better recent Resource Agreement? environmental outcomes. Answer (Mrs Edmond): (2) Yes Yes. I table copies of the most recent Resource (3) Yes Agreements between the Executive Director, TAFE The Environmental Protection Act has been Queensland and the respective Directors and continually under review to identify any anomalous Administrators of the 16 TAFE Queensland Institutes. fee impositions. The Government recognises that small to medium 567.Adult and Community Education Programs, sized enterprises already employing good TAFE Colleges environmental practices in their businesses should Mr J. N. GOSS asked the Minister for Employment be rewarded for their effort. The Department of and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Environment and Heritage continues to refine a Public Service Matters— graded licensing scheme to reward businesses which are good environmental performers. Under such a With reference to the ACE Program statistics scheme, the recurrent cost of licence fees could be provided in her answers to questions 178 and 157 minimised by businesses who are managing their and to Attachment A (provided in response to waste streams effectively. Question 178) it is possible to calculate the average The Act has sufficient flexibility and scope to hours for ACE programs in Term 1, 1995 and Term 1, provide businesses a number of ways to achieve 1994 at the following institutes (a) Bremer, (b) Logan, compliance without affecting their viability. The (c) Northpoint, (d) Southbank and (e) Yeronga— Government may from time to time consider the (1) Why is there such a disparity between the introduction of changes through amendments to the average hours calculated from this material and Regulations to provide even more effective the average hours provided from the CAP environmental management. Program (as supplied in response to Question 157)? 564.Koala Coast Communities Facilities Fund (2) Does her department have any reliable, accurate enrolment figures; if so, will she Mr HEGARTY asked the Minister for Environment provide them? and Heritage— Answer (Mrs Edmond): With reference to funding to be provided under the Koala Coast Secretariat Community Facilities Fund (1) There is no disparity between the data provided for a $1m contribution matched by the Local City in reference to Question 157 and Question 178. Council for the provision of sporting and other Questions on Notice 157 and 178 sought different facilities at Cornubia— data. As he indicated in the House on 17 November 1995 (2) Yes : Accurate enrolment figures have been that all first round offers made under the scheme provided. 20 February 1996 200 Questions on Notice

568. Taxi Expenditure, Southbank Institute of TAFE Mr HARPER asked the Minister for Employment and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Service Matters— With reference to her response to Question No. 193 in which she indicated that the Auditor-General is still considering issues resulting from the massive taxi expenditure by Southbank Institute of TAFE— Will she undertake to table the Auditor-General's Report when she receives it? Answer (Mrs Edmond): The Auditor-General's Report for 1994/95 was tabled in the Parliament on Thursday, 7 December 1995.

J. R. SWAN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, QUEENSLAND—1996