Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 1969

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1756 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

RESIGNATION OF PROFESSOR TARLO, DEAN OF FACULTY OF LAW, QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- (1) Why did Professor Hyman Tarlo resign as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Queensland University? (2) As there were two months of his term remaining, what compensation will he be paid? ( 3) What is the dissatisfaction in the Law School at the University? ( 4) Who is causing interference and who constitute the pressure groups and the non-effective leadership referred to by the Professor? (5) What outside pressures and influences have been brought to bear as a significant factor in the University? (6) As a considerable amount of tax­ payers' money is channelled to the Uni­ versity by the Government, will the Government have an investigation made of the University's affairs? (7) Will he arrange for Professor Tarlo to furnish him with a full report and table the report in Parliament? TUESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER, 1969 (8) Has the University Staff Association made representations to him for law reform? If so, what was the nature of the representations and what action did he Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, take? Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. Answers:- (1) "The University has advised that, at a meeting of the Board of the Faculty of QUESTIONS Law on September 25, Professor Tarlo was LIBRARY EXPENDITURE, INSTITUTES OF nominated as Dean of the Faculty for TECHNOLOGY AND TOWNSVILLE 1970. There was another nomination and UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Professor Tarlo was defeated by a large majority. A few minutes later he vacated Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked the Chair and left the meeting. On The Minister for Education,- October 22, 1969, he submitted his resigna­ For ( 1) the libraries of the Institutes of tion as Dean as from November 1, 1969, for the remainder of this year. The Technology at (a) Brisbane, (b) Rock­ reasons given by Professor Tarlo for his hampton and (c) Toowoomba and (2) resignation were contained in a letter of Townsville University College Library, two foolscap pages. At his request, copies what has been (i) for each year since of his letter were distributed to members their inception the expenditure on books, of the Board of the Faculty of Law. At a periodicals, etc. and (ii) since their incep­ special meeting of the Faculty Board, held tion the total capital expenditure, exclud­ on October 30, 1969, the Board resolved ing the book vote? that Professor Tarlo's letter be noted and that it be recorded that the noting of the Answer:- letter did not imply that the Faculty Board accepted the accuracy of the statements "! table the information requested by the contained therein." Honourable Member." (2) "Deans of Faculties of any academic Paper.-Whereupon Mr. Fletcher laid upon rank are not paid extra remuneration. the Table of the House the information Consequently, Professor Tarlo suffered no referred to. financial loss by resigning." Questions [25 NOVEMBER] Questions 1757

(3) "According to advice received from on November 21 for the Tennyson power­ the University, there is no evidence of house, what orders have been given to general dissatisfaction in the Law School this company for coal delivery to Tenny­ at the present time." son, when did the orders commence and ( 4) "The University has advised that for what reason was the change made, thus Professor Tarlo has made general state­ affecting Ipswich and West Moreton coal­ ments concerning outside interference in fields in maintaining or increasing their the affairs of the Faculty of Law and has orders? made allegations concerning pressure (2) How do the prices of coal from groups and non-effective leadership. He these respective coalfields compare? has not furnished any evidence in support (3) Will this affect the future price of of these statements and allegations." electricity? (5) "I have been further advised that there is no evidence of any such outside Answers:- pressures and influences affecting the ( 1) "The coal from Blackwater, to University." which, the Honourable Member refers, is (6 and 7) "In view of the Answers to typical of the coal, which will be used in the previous Questions, it is not felt that the Gladstone Power Station. Eight there is need for an investigation." thousand tons of this coal are being (8) "The University Staff Association specially mined, and forwarded for testing, has not made representations to me for in an existing power-station, and for law reform. In a letter received earlier in evaluation of results, to assist in the design the year, the Association made representa­ of the new boiler plant for Gladstone." tions (not connected with any of Professor (2) "The delivery of this quantity of Tarlo's allegations) concerning the election coal for the purpose stated will not affect to the Senate by Convocation of members orders on the Ipswich and West Moreton of the academic staff of the University, coalfields, and the comparative prices have but in the same letter the Association no relevance." stated that, at this stage, it did not wish (3) "No." to put before me detailed proposals for the amendment of the Act, as it was felt that the whole question of the composition of the Senate warranted close consideration (b) l\1rs. Jordan, pursuant to notice, asked within the University in the first instance. The Minister for Transport,- This letter was acknowledged." (1 ) What are the rail freight rates on coal consigned by Utah Development Co., NEW CLASSROOMS, WARWICK CENTRAL Blackwater, to the Tennyson power-house STATE SCHOOL such as arrived in Brisbane on "396 down" on November 20 and 21? Mr. Cory, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- (2) How do the rates compare with those for the Ipswich and West Moreton When will work commence on the fields? approved two new classrooms at Warwick Central State School and when will they (3) For what reason were special be ready for occupation? instructions on railing and despatching of such consignments given to staff in General Answer:- Managers' Papers T69/l/30 of November 11? "An estimate of cost for the provision of two classrooms to improve accommodation Answers:- at Warwick Central State School is in hand. It is anticipated that approval will be (1 and 2) "This information is granted to the expenditure for the work confidential." in question before the end of this year. (3) "The instructions were issued for Having regard to higher priority projects the efficient and economical working of required for commencement of the 1970 the traffic." school year, the accommodation will become available for the start of the second term." RAILWAY RoLLING-STOCK ORDERS FOR ScoTTS oF IPSWICH PTY. LTD. Mrs. Jordan, pursuant to notice, asked TEST COAL SUPPLIED TO TENNYSON The Minister for Transport,- POWER-HOUSE In view of the fact that the engineering (a) Mrs. Jordan, pursuant to notice, asked firm of Scotts of Ipswich Pty. Ltd. has The Minister for Local Government,- indicated that owing to lack of orders it (!) As the S.E.A.Q. received a con­ will have to lay-off 100 men before Christ­ signment of 732 tons of coal by rail from mas and that most of the work comprises the Utah Development Co., Blackwater, on railway rolling-stock and considering the November 20 and a further consignment Premier's recent statement that dieselisation 1758 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

is two years ahead of schedule but modern to the purchasing authority well before railway stock requirements are lagging, will the Swanbank "B" Station is placed in he expedite orders for rolling-stock to commission." offset the proposed retrenchment? Answer:- HEALTH DANGER WARNING ON CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOL "Orders have been expedited. If the Honourable Member wishes some of the Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The work at the Ipswich Railway Workshops to Minister for Health,- be transferred to Scotts, I would examine With reference to the report in The any submission which she would care to Courier-Mail of November 21 that the make." Queensland Government was ready to go ahead immediately with certain smoking restrictions, will he consider having a CROWN LEASE AND RENTAL EXTENSIONS IN DECLARED DROUGIIT AREAS similar warning printed on all containers of alcohol? If not, what are the reasons Mr. Davies for Mr. Casey, pursuant to in view of the widespread comment that notice, asked The Premier,- to give a warning against the dangers of In view of the further drought-relief tar and nicotine levels and not against measures recently announced, will he again possible alcoholic poisoning is both farci­ consider my request, by way of Question cal and ludicrous? on September 24, to extend the lease and rental period for those occupying Crown Answer:- leasehold lands in declared drought areas? "The decision to amend regulations to require cigarette packages to be labelled Answer:- with a warning notice that smoking is a "In my Answer to the Honourable health hazard was made as a result of a Member on September 24, I said that decision by the Australian Health the Government was continually examining Ministers' Conference following recom­ methods by which drought relief might be mendation from the National Health and extended. It was in this light and in view Medical Research Council. No similar of the necessity for some immediate recommendation has been received in practical assistance that Cabinet yesterday regard to alcohol." decided to accept the Commonwealth's offer to make monies available for carry-on loans to drought-affected primary producers DROUGHT RELIEF ADVANCES TO so that they could make payments of LAND HOLDERS Crown rentals and Local Authority rates." Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The Premier,- As the Commonwealth has provided SUPPLY OF CoAL TO SWANBANK "B" funds in excess of $17 million for drought POWER STATION relief since 1965, what was the total Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked amount paid in individual cases for "carry The Minister for Mines,- on" purposes in 1966, 1967, 1968 and As it is expected that Swanbank "B" 1969 to date? power station will be placed in commission in April next, can he indicate which Answer:- colleries will supply coal to the power "For the period up to June 30, 1969, I station and at what prices? If not, when refer the Honourable Member to the will the information be available? Annual Reports of the General Manager, Agricultural Bank. For the period from Answer:- July 1, 1969 to November 19, 1969, the "Some three months ago I informed the total advanced for carry-on purposes Honourable Member that the allocation of (including sustenance) was $3,149,254." coal to consumers is a duty of the Queensland Coal Board. The Board COVERED RECREATION AREAS IN STATE anticipates that all collieries presently SCHOOLS operating in the Swanbank, Bundamba and North Ipswich areas will eventually be Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The suppliers to the Swanbank "B" Station. Minister for Works,- I stated also that the prices shall be such At schools where areas under class­ as are fixed by the Coal Board. Since rooms are being enclosed and converted to that time the Board has been conducting temporary-cum-permanent classrooms, what discussions with West Moreton colliery action is being taken to provide recreation proprietors, has submitted certain sug­ period shelter areas, particularly in times gestions to them and has asked for their of extreme heat and wet weather, in lieu examination. Comments from a number of areas taken by the temporary class­ of the proprietors interviewed so far have rooms and, in particular, what action is not yet been received. The matter is still being taken at the Boondall and Zillmere under consideration, but decisions will be North State schools, which have been ~:onveyed to the colliery proprietors and drastically affected in this regard? Questions (25 NOVEMBER] Questions 1759

Answer:- which supports his charges, he should now "Dependent on the availability of funds name in this House the person or persons for the purpose, covered areas are provided concerned and specify the alleged wrong­ where necessary because of limited under­ doing by such person or persons. Surely school recreation space. The existing he must realise that his general smears under-school recreation area at Boondall reflect on many honest and decent staff State School is adequate at present. members at the Townsville General Investigations are in hand as to the Hospital engaged in a noble calling and this necessity for the provision of a covered position should not be allowed to continue." area at Zillmere North State School." MOTOR VEHICLES FOR APPRENTICESHIP OFFICERS IN CoUNTRY AREAS PENSIONER PATIENTS' TRUST MONEYS, TOWNSV!LLE GENERAL HOSPITAL Mr. Davies for Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Labour and Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Tourism,- Treasurer,- With reference to my Question on Decem­ (1) Have the patients' trust accounts at ber 7, 1965, concerning motor vehicles the Townsville General Hospital been for apprenticeship welfare officers in coun­ audited each year by an officer of the try areas and his recent statement in the Auditor-General's Department? If not, House, is he now in a position to define the what was the reason? areas and officers to which the four vehicles (2) If so, were the reports always will be allocated? If so, where will they favourable? If not, what are the par­ be located? ticulars? Answer:- (3) Is it usual practice for a Govern­ ment auditor to accept the fact that moneys "Cairns, Rockhampton, T ownsville and were spent by a Crown employee without Toowoomba." receipts or other documentation being produced? If not, what is meant by the part of his statement, "so far as can be AUTONOMY FOR INSTITUTE OF ascertained"? TECHNOLOGY, CAPRICORNIA Mr. Davies for Mr. Wright, pursuant to Answers:­ notice, asked The Minister for Education,- (1) "Yes." ( 1) When is it anticipated that the (2) "Yes." Queensland Institute of Technology, Capri­ cornia, will be granted autonomy? (3) "Before money is paid from the patient's trust account the patient's signa­ (2) What are the details of his Depart­ ture is obtained for the receipt of that ment's proposals as to who will constitute money. The money is, of course, the the "College Council" or governing body? property of the patient concerned and it is ( 3) How many members of the institute for the patient to decide how the money staff, besides the principal, will be repre­ is to be expended. It would not be possible sented on the body? for the Audit Inspector to examine every individual transaction by a patient ( 4) Will the members be elected or expending his own money-indeed, it appointed? could be an unjustified interference with (5) What will be the representation for the liberty of the individual if he attempted the student community? to do so. In a number of cases, members of the hospital staff have obviously gone Answer:- out of their way to assist patients by (! to 5) "Legislation is being prepared making purchases. Much of this duty is to provide for the administration of performed by staff in its own time as an advanced education in Queensland and, in act of grace and compassion. The practice due course, a Bill will be introduced to occurs in many wards other than the the House. As consideration is still being geriatric wards. I want to repeat to the given to a number of the points raised, I Honourable Member what I said to him in am unable, at this stage, to announce Answer to his previous Question-that I details as required in the Honourable am not going to associate myself with this Member's Question." general reflection of dishonesty which he has endeavoured to cast upon all members of the administration and nursing staff of TRAFFIC STUDY, FITZROY RIVER BRIDGE, the Townsville General Hospital. The RoCKHAMPTON specific allegations which the Honourable Member made in the Supply debate on Mr. Davies for Mr. Wright, pursuant to this subject were the subject of examination notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- and could not be established. Indeed, some ( 1) Has the Main Roads Department were shown to be without foundation. If undertaken a detailed study of the traffic the Honourable Member has any evidence situation which has developed in the 1760 Papers [ASSEMBLY} Supply

vicinity of Fitzroy River bridge, Rock­ PERSONAL EXPLANATION hampton? If so, do the findings of the Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (11.30 study reveal the need for another bridge? a.m.), by leave: On Friday, 21 November, (2) If no such study has been under­ 1969, when replying to a question by me in taken, will he consider the suggestion? regard to patients' trust funds at the Towns­ ville General Hospital, the Treasurer stated that my allegations had warran:ted, and Answers:- brought about, a police investigation. ( 1) "No Transportation Study of the To keep the record straight, I wish to Rockhampton area has been undertaken to point out that on 14 October, 1969, the date but Rockhampton City Council has Minister for Health, in reply to a question set up a Sub-committee which meets by me, said- regularly with representatives of the Main "Following on certain allegations made Roads Department and Police Department by a staff member, the Townsville to deal with traffic matters which might Hospitals Board in December, 1968, arise in the City area. In this function, the requested the Townsville Police to investi­ Committee has concerned itself with an gate these allegations. The report of examination of the traffic pattern at the investiga•ting officers is at present under Fitzroy River Bridge, and taken measures consideration." to maintain traffic flow as situations At that date and hour of 14 October, 1969, required." I had made no statement or allegations whatsoever. (2) "Discussions have taken place with the Rockhampton City Council regarding UNIVERSITY OF NORTH QUEENSLAND the carrying out of a Transportation Study BILL for the City area and it is proposed to undertake such a Study when the one INITIATION currently in progress at Mackay is Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham­ completed." Minister for Education and Cultural Activities): I move- 'That the House will, at its present LOCOMOTIVE DEPOTS AND MAINTENANCE sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of SECTIONS FOR BLACKWATER AND the Whole to consider introducing a Bill MARLBOROUGH to provide for the establishment ·and Mr. Davies for Mr. Wright, pursuant to incorporation of a university at Townsville, notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- and for purposes connected therewith." Is it intended to establish a locomotive Motion agreed to. depot and maintenance section within the next three years at (a) Blackwater and (b) SUPPLY Marlborough? RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATES­ FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH ALLOTTED DAYS Answer:- (Mr. Ramsden, Merthyr, in the chair) "The establishment of a locomotive EsTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1969-70 depot and maintenance section at Black­ water or Marlborough is not included in DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT the Department's present plan." CHIEF OFFICE Debate resumed from 21 November (see p. 1756) on Mr. Campbell's motion- PAPERS "That $600,456 be granted for 'Depart­ The following paper was laid on the table, ment of Industrial Development-Chief and ordered to be printed:- Office'." Report of the Co-ordinator-General of Hon. F. A. CAMPBELL (Aspley­ Public Works for the year 1968-69, and Minister for Industrial Development) (11.33 Estimates for the year 1969-70. a.m.): The activities of the Department of Industrial Development will, most assuredly, The following papers were laid on the have a profound effect on the development table:- of this State in the next deoade. So far, Orders in Council under- time has permitted only two Opposition mem­ The State Development and Public Works bers and two Government members to Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1964. participate in this debate. The Opposition members were the Deputy Leader of the The State Electricity Commission Acts, Opposition, who spoke, I imagine, in place 1937 to 1965. of the Leader of the Opposition, and the The Southem Electric Authority of hon. member for Norman, who, I under­ Queensland Acts, 1952 to 1964. stand, is the shadow Minis·ter for Industrial The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1968. Development. Supply (25 NOVEMBER) Naming of Member 1761

One would expect those two prominent he is the Opposition's shadow Minister members of the Opposition to have for Industrial Development, and one deliberated at length on the ramifications and would therefore expect to hear from him potent~al of the current development in the Opposition's view of the accelerating Queensland. However, the Deputy Leader development that is taking place in the State of the Opposition ranted and raved and tried and comments on the steps being taken by to make out a case that the department enjoys the Government to promote development. a rather lowly status and that it is poorly But what did he do? He spent half his time staffed. He used as a yardstick the Vnte on a ridiculous criticism of the promotional allocated to the department for the forth­ material that the department uses. He went coming year tn prove his case that the depart­ to great pains to denigrate the efforts of the ment was rather insignificant in the affairs department, and then complained that the of this St:tte and that it should be given a time for his speech was running out. much higher priority. Mr. BROMLEY: I rise to a point of order. I draw the attention of the Committee to So far as I am concerned, it does not worry the amount required by the department for me much what the Minister says, but a check 1969-70, namely $809,878. If the Deputy of "Hansard" will show that I gave due Leader of the Opposition wants to use that credit to the department and to Sir David as the yardstick of the department's status, Muir. I had to deal with migration problems, one would imagine that the Premier's Depart­ and unfortunately could not get on to other ment, which is the premier department of matters. I do not want the Minister to this State, would be alloca·ted the largest misinterpret my remarks. He knows that amount. Compared with the massive spending I gave credit to the department. on health and education, the total Vote for the Premier and Department of State The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Development is small at only $2,864,861. Ramsden): Order! Actually, the Vote for "Chief Office" is less than that of the Department of Industrial Mr. BROMLEY: Let him tell the truth in Development. In addition to Chief Office, this Chamber. the Premier and Department of State The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Development also controls the Agent­ General's Office, London; Co-ordinator­ I shall deal with the hon. member if he General of Public Works; Parliamentary remains standing whilst I am on my feet. Counsel and Draftsman; State Public Mr. BROMLEY: And I shall deal with the Relations Bureau; Public Service Board; Minister, too, if he is going to tell lies in Public Service Superannuation Board; State the Chamber. Reporting Bureau; State Stores; and Miscellaneous Services. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I think that the Deputy Leader of the Mr. BROMLEY: A check of the proofs Opposition used a very weak argument in of my speech will prove the truth of what his attempt to denigrate the status of the I have said. Department of Industrial Development. I want to tell him that I do not feel any inhibitions in my allegedly lowly status in NAMING OF MEMBER discussions and negotiations with industrialists The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! from within the State, and from interstate I name the hon. member for Norman. and overseas, nor do I think that they feel restricted in discussing matters with me or Mr. BROMLEY: Why? the officers of my department. Only last week we had discussions with at least seven The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: For groups of industrialists from interstate and disregarding the authority of the Chair. I overseas. have repeatedly called the hon. member to order. Mr. Tucker: I would have been amazed if you admitted it in this Chamber. Mr. BROMLEY: You cannot name me just like that. Mr. CAMPBELL: The Deputy Leader of Mr. Davies interjected. the Opposition used all his time in attempting to make a case, but he was not very The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! successful. I shall deal with the hon. member for Maryborough next. Mr. Tucker: I think that secretly, behind the scenes, you are patting me on the back. Mr. BROMLEY: Why can't the Minister be "fair dinkum" and do the right thing for Mr. CAMPBELL: Although I do not deny once in his life? that the department could be blessed with a larger staff, nobody can deny the effectiveness The House resumed. of the department. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Mr. I also wish to refer briefly to the comments Speaker, I have to report that I have named of the hon. member for Norman. the hon. member for Norman for continually As I have said, I understand that disregarding the authority of the Chair. 1762 Naming of Member [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Speaker, while the Mr. BROMLEY: I apologise to the Chair. House obviously-- Mr. SPEAKER: Order! As the hon. member Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The Temporary for Norman has apologised, I ask the Chairman reports that in Committee he has Temporary Chairman to resume the chair. had occasion to name the hon. member for Norman for disregarding the authority of the SUPPLY Chair. CoMMITTEE-EsTIMATEs-RESUMPTION Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah OF DEBATE -Premier) (11.42 a.m.): I understand that the (Mr. Ramsden, Merthyr, in the chair) hon. member for Norman has disobeyed a ruling of the Chair. I am sure that the hon. Hon. F. A. CAMPBELL {Aspley­ member appreciates the seriousness of his Minister for Industrial Development) (11.44 action, and I appeal to him to indicate his a.m.): In continuing, I merely make the respect for the ruling of the Chair. observ,ation that the hon. member for Norman damned the department with faint praise. Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Speaker, I respect He can dispute as much as he likes what he the Premier at all times, but I point out intended to say-- that I did not show any disrespect for the Chair; nor did I ignore the Chair, nor was I Mr. Bromley: You are not going to start warned by the Chair. I merely raised a it again, surely? point of order. Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member Mr. SPEAKER: Order! challenged me to quote what he said, and I shall quote his remarks as ,shown in the Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah­ "Hansard" proof. Premier): If the hon. member is not prepared to apologise, withdraw his state­ Mr. TUCKER: I rise to a point of order. ments, and obey the Chair, I have no Has the Minister the right to quote from a alternative but to move- "Hansard" proof in this Chamber? 'That the ,hon. member for Norman Mr. Bromley: No, of course he hasn't. be suspended from the service of the You just beat me to it. I was just waiting House for the remainder of the day." till he hung himself. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The question is- Tbe TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Ramsden): Order! I remind Vhe Minister that "That the hon. member for Norman be he is not permitted to quote from a "Hansard" suspended from the service of the House proof. for the remainder of the day." Mr. CAMPBELL: I merely wished to be Mr. Bromley: Fair go, Mr. Speaker! precise, so that the hon. member for Norman Mr. DAVIES: I rise to a point of order. would not misunderstand me in the same The Premier gave the hon. member for way as he misunderstood the Premier. The Norman an opportunity to withdraw. hon. member did say that the department, in issuing promotional material, tried to blind Mr. SPEAKER: Order! He gave the hon. people with science. member an opportunity to withdraw before Mr. Bromley: Correct. moving his suspension. Mr. CAMPBELL: If that is not a denigra­ Mr. Bromley: I misunderstood him. tion of the efforts of the officers of the Department of Industrial Development, I do Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member not know what is. for Norman was given the opportunity to withdraw his statement, but gave no indica­ The hon. member also made a puerile tion that he intended doing so. comment about the number of photographs of me appearing in the departmental reports, Mr. BROMLEY: I rise to a point of order. but he could not produce even one that I did not understand correctly what the contained such a photograph. Premier said. I do withdraw the statement. Mr. Bromley: As a matter of fact, I was As the Premier well knows, I have co-operated with him on other matters ashamed to. recently and I will withdraw the statement in Mr. CAMPBELL: I shall let that inane accordance with his request. comment pass and get on to something con­ structive. The hon. member made reference Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member to the need for further counselling of cannot withdraw anything. He should migrants after they arrive in this country. apologise to the Chair. Mr. Bromley: Don't you think that is Mr. BROMLEY: You did not give me a important? chance, Mr. Speaker. Mr. CAMPBELL: I should like to read Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Is the hon. member to the Committee the opening section of a apologising to the Chair? letter that is sent to every migrant who comes Supply [25 NovEMBER] Supply 1763

to Queensland under the auspices of the The Government talks about housing the Queensland Government. It is sent out by workers. In Wynnum alone, over the past the State Migration Office, and reads- two or three years only a dozen rental houses "As some weeks have passed since your have been provided for workers. What a arrival in Queensland, I am writing to shocking state of affairs that is! Of course, ascertain how you are progressing. I I am not casting any aspersions on tJhe hope you are making friends in the com­ Minister, because, as was pointed out in this munity, as this is one of the surest ways Chamber recently, he and his department to settle quickly and happily." are not provided with sufficient funds, so their hands are tied. Although I complain The State Migration Office goes to great bitterly about the shortage of houses for pains to keep in contact with migrants who workers, I realise that the Minister and his come here on the nomination of the Queens­ department have done all they possibly can land Government. The hon. member would to provide houses. But that is not good be well aware of the efforts of the Good enough; the department should be able to Neighbour Council and other organisations provide benefits for all workers. operating in the community, so I think I can make the point that the State Migration A number of Government members claim Office goes to great pains, as do other bodies that there is full employment. I know of in the community, to endeavour to assist one family who, in the past eight hours, migrants in their assimilation by making have left for a northern town where the them feel at home. I hope the hon. mem­ husband will be employed by a certain com­ ber will be satisfied with the efforts made pany. He was told by the company that in this regard. no accommodation would be provided for family. They will be living in a caravan, Mr. Bromley: I gave Bill Rutherford full for which they will be required to pay $30 credit for that. It is very unbecoming a week rent. If the department and the of you to speak like that. Housing Commission are earnest in their desire to populate the State, to create full The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! employment and to raise the standard of I do not want the hon. member to persist living for the workers, why have they not in pursuing that argument. done more than they have so far? The Mr. HARRIS (Wynnum) (11.47 a.m.): It answer is simple: the department has not appears that when I have the opportunity been provided with sufficient funds. to speak it is usually after some disturbance A very important function of this depart­ in the Chamber. On this occasion I am ment is the promotion of the State. In many not quite famil

in clothing factories. They could do a assistance was not readily and speedily forth­ marvellous job in: that capacity, but they coming. The Minister went out of his way will be denied an opportunity to become to do this. He also contacted the insurance first-class machinists because they will not company concerned and insisted that it give be fully and gainfully employed during their urgent consideration to the case so that single days. We should not be fooled by reconstruction of the factory could be com­ the claim that there is plenty of work in menced immediately in an endeavour to the clothing trade in Queensland. It is forestall unemployment for these 30 people. shocking that these girls should be denied On behalf of Mr. Nichols and his staff, I the right to work. The Department of commend the Minister and Sir David in Industrial Development should be promoting this regard. industries to provide full employment for In my area, Austral-Pacific Fertilizers Ltd. them. employs a large number of people, and it I will now read part of a letter that I would be interesting to know why it has ,received relative to industrial leather equip­ such a large turnover of staff. I pose the ment supplied to the Railway Department by following questions, not to this Committee, a Brisbane firm, which had a number of but simply as questions that should be employees manufacturing indusrrial gloves. answered by someone. They are: on what It says- day and date did the last fire and/or explosion occur at Austral-Pacific? Are "For the past five years a manufacturer the safety and working conditions adequate at Norman Park, previously T. B. Luke at the company's works? How many and Son has been a successful employees have left the company, of their tenderer. This has meant some 30 own accord, during the past three months? employees being in constant employment Are the dangerous conditions at the plant the at this particular factmy." reason for such a large turnover of staff? I pose these questions purposely. I could Now that contracts have been given to a have asked them of the Minister, knowing southem manufacturer, some of the employees that he would take drastic action to have in this factory have been denied employment. the matter completely investigated. That situation is not peculiar to the In an explosion a fortnight ago a man had leather industry. It applies also to many both legs broken. I asked at the works other industries that the Government lS what the problem was, but I have not been allowing to be affected by the importation able to obtain a satisfactory answer. There into Queensland of goods from countries is no way in the world that I could be with substandard living conditions a·nd very convinced that the people in my electorate, low wage rates. who are as desirous of being employed I make no apology for referring to the as is the average Australian in Queensland, hon. member for Ithaca, who is definitely would throw in their jobs simply because a Red-baiter and devotes 50 per cent. of they do not like the place. Men are throw­ his speeches to blatantly accusing Australian ing in their jobs at Austral-Pacific because Labour 'Party members of running with the they are afraid of being hurt. They cannot Red flag. Those are his general tactics, yet afford to be injured and have to exist on the Government of which he is a member workers' compensation. The conditions under is buying goods •that are made in China. which they are working place a terrible strain They are supplied to employees of the on them. Railway Department. Why does not the hon. The Wynnum electorate fronts one of the member take note of what the Government best waterways in Queensland. I know that is doing before criticising the Australian the Minister is going to do what he can to Labour Party? bring about industrial development in my area, but it is taking far too long. No I have claimed on many occasions that activity at all is taking place on the south the Wynnum industrial area has been sadly bank of the Brisbane River. There is a rail­ neglected. However, before I deal with that, head on the spot, as well as adequate I shall refer to an incident which concerned facilities for road transport. There is also the Minister and Sir David Muir. plenty of land available. In spite of those A couple of months ago, one of the advantages, no promotion satisfactory to biggest fibre-glass-boat factories in Queens­ industrialists has been carried out. land was partly destroyed by fire. The I venture to say that many ,industries company concerned employs about 30 would become established in Wynnum if people. The morning after the fire, on the land available through private developers behalf of the proprietor of the company, I was more reasonably priced. On many arranged an interview with the Minister, who occasions attempts have been made to buy immediately granted Mr. Nichols of the land in the Hemmant area, but, because company and me an audience. In addition, the land has been purchased and developed he contacted Sir David Muir. On two other by private enterprise, its price makes the occasions there were meetings on behalf of cost of establishment pmhibitive. That is Mr. Nichols. It was realised that these 30 one reason why small industries are not employees would become unemployed if coming to my area. Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1765

The Minister himself admitted that every­ would be reached that if a business went thing necessary for industrial development bad for any reason, people would say, is available in the Wynnum district. I do "Where did the Government go wrong?"; not deny that there is the Amoco oil they would never say, "Where was this firm refinery on the north side of the river, incompetent relative to financ·ial advice? Did the Austral-Pacific fertiliser plant on Gibson it have the services of cost accountants at Island, and the Ampol oil refinery on the its disposal? Did it run the business as southern bank. The latter enterprise is, efficiently and effectively as it should have?" however, highly mechanised, and does not provide the number of jobs that one would The speech of the Deputy Leader of the expect in such a large industry. The Minister Opposition did bring out, possibly for the knows that I have been advocating the first time during this session, the clear con­ establishment of many smaller industries in trast between the political philosophies in this area. It is immaterial whether they are new industries or ones that mush11oom this Chamber. His philosophy is one of from industries already established; the cradle-to-the-grave solicitude, an attitude that important thing is to get them established the Government must intrude on every aspect as quickly as possvble. We in the Wynnum of endeavour to impose upon society the area claim that we have everything neces­ "big brother" concept and tell people, "Don't sary to provide full employment if, through worry about a thing. Leave it all to the the Department of Industrial Development, State." As I said, that highlights the attitude the co-operation of the Queensland Gov­ of the party of which the hon. gentleman ernment is obtained. is deputy leader. Mr. W. D. HEWITI (Chatsworth) (12.8 That contrasts with my concept and that p.m.): I compliment the hon. member for of my colleagues. We believe strongly in Wynnum on the speech that he has just a free, competitive economy-a situation in made. It is the best that I have heard which industry takes risks and will win due him deliver in this Chamber since he and rewards for those risks or, if its judgment I entered Parliament in 1966. He was is wrong, will suffer the consequences. I constructive and gracious, and he made the strongly believe in the free, competitive situa­ type of speech that we would like to be tion in which industry will establish itself able to look forward to hearing more fre­ quently from the Opposition. and will function on that clear understanding. The same compliment cannot be paid to Because of the obvious misconception by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition or the the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, it is hon. member for Norman, who opened the important that the aims and objects of the Opposi,tion's case on these Estimates on Department of Industrial Development should Friday last. Indeed, so far off the mark be spelt out in precise terms. To do that, were they that the Minister felt constrained, it is best to refer to the Act that came into at the first opportunity this morning, to force in 1963. rebut some of the points of view that they Section 6 of the Industrial Development put forward. Whilst the Minister handled Act empowers the Minister, in clear and that task in a singularly effective fashion, simple terms, to make advances, to give I want to make further reference to their remarks. guarantees, and to acquire and provide land for industrial purposes. The position can be summarised by say­ ing that if the Director were working for Section 7 outlines the functions of the a Labour Government, he could please his director, and these, again, are simply spelt new bosses quite simply by doubling his out: to discuss with the Co-ordinator-General staff and halving his printing costs. If he of Public Works the effect, or probable effect, put into effect those two incongruous sug­ of the public works programme upon industry gestions, obviously he would satisfy a Labour generally or upon any particular industry administration. I make the observation th:JJt or industries; to make recommendations to if Sir David Muir were so competent that the Minister on certain matters; to acquire and he could do that, I would support a sug­ disseminate statistical and other information; gestion that his salary be doubled forthwith. and to report to the Minister on a host of things that are outlined in detail in the Notwithstanding the fact that a lot of Act. nonsense was spoken by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the hon. member for Section 12 outlines the powers and duties Norman, I do not believe that the case put of the Industries Assistance Board, which forward by the Deputy Leader should go are in broad pursuance of the functions of unchallenged. He put up what I consider the Minister and the Director. to be certain basic propositions. In effeot, he said that there should be sufficient analysts, Nowhere, Mr. Ramsden, is there a sugges­ physicists, scientists, metallurgists and other tion that the department must provide a associated competent persons to do all the crutch to industry. All the way through the research for aspiring industdes in this State Act there is emphasis on assistance, advice, and ipso facto, therefore, to take the blame and the creation of a proper climate, and if they came unstuck. The crazy situation that is as far as I want to go. 1766 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Might I say, also, that Commonwealth can thrive and prosper. It is then up to policies are in pursuance of that broad objec­ private enterprise to take full advantage tive. I remind the Deputy Leader of the of the opportunities so offered. Opposition that, indeed, the Commonwealth "In short, it is a joint venture between taxation laws give emphasis to expenditure Government and private enterprise that on research and make appropriate concessions will produce the best results. for that expenditure, again placing the onus on industry itself, rewarding it for making "The Government of Queensland, by certain studies, but making sure that the pursuing an expansionary policy in which responsibility rests with industry, where it private enterprise can freely operate, has should rest. made a positive contribution to the State's economic well-being. I regret very much the degree to which "It has created an investment climate Government participation these days is invited which, in the long term, must have bene­ into almost every aspect of human endeavour. ficial effects for the State as a whole." I sometimes wonder whether people realise the degree to which they hamper their own No case could be put in more concise terms. right to decide many things by constantly It is the expression of a sentiment with looking to the Government to provide a crutch. which I totally agree. Having said that, may Rather than spread its tentacles, it should opt I develop a synopsis of the paper for the out of a few fields. The things that are its benefit of the Committee. Sir David's paper, clear duty should be done well; but it which is enlightening and totally construc­ should keep its fingers out of other fields tive, makes reference to the industrialisation in which free enterprise can be expected to that has taken place in this State and also manage. If the basic proposition of the to the greater contribution it will make to Deputy Leader of the Opposition is that all the national economy in the years ahead. risks should be taken away from industry I am pleased to see a reference to the fact that tries to establish here, I repudiate his that we must argue against tendencies contention entirely. towards centralism. Because his words are Two hon. members opposite made some so succinct, again I think they are worthy reference to Sir David Muir. I endorse the of repetition. He says- sentiments they expressed. They sang his praises and reflected upon his great capacity "To avoid misunderstanding, let me in this department, but we should remind hasten to add this does not mean I sup­ ourselves that Sir David Muir has had port the views of the centralists who would recent mention in despatches because he has like to see all power at Government level been awarded the James N. Kirby medal. It vested in Canberra. On the contrary, I is interesting to look at the background of see a continuing need for strong Govern­ this award. It is awarded to some person ment both on a state and regional basis. who, in the opinion of the Australian One danger which is ever present with a Council, has achieved eminence, distinction truly centralised form of Government is and public recognition in his particular that it so often fails to think nationally sphere of activity and, as a prerequisite to and thus produces unbalanced develop­ being granted this medal, the recipient ment by an over concentration of activity should prepare and deliver a paper on his in particular areas." particular subject to a special meeting of the Institution of Production Engineers, as Moving from there, he makes reference to arranged by the Australian Council. regional development, a subject to which I will return a little later, when he says- As spokesmen for the Australian Labour " . . . it is imperative to retain a high Party are so lavish in their praise of Sir David Muir, it is reasonable to suggest that degree of flexibility in our over-a1l policy in they a~cept many of the propositions that preference to embracing a rigid planning he advances in the paper that he presented mechanism." to the institution. I want to make some This sentiment is one that should be spelt reference to this paper today. out. These days it is important to plan a I refer, first of all, to Sir David's closing long way into the future so long as thos.e comments because they strengthen, sub­ plans are tempered with a degree of flexi­ stantiate and bolster the case I have already bility so that changing circumstances can put forward and establish once again the see a change in the plans that are promul­ clear distinction between the Opposition and gated. the Government. I read this sentiment from He makes reference to the fact that this Sir David's paper- State's economy is still wedded to a great "As we face the future, clearly close degree to the winning of its natural collaboration between Government at all resources. His comments there are very levels and private enterprise is essential. valuable. As will be readily appreciated, the process of industrialisation is not the sole respon­ The final quotation I wish to make from sibility of Governments. The task of his paper makes reference to overseas invest­ Government is to create a favourable ment. Possibly for the first time this morn­ environment in which private enterprise ing I might find myself on common ground Supply (25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1767 with some members of the Opposition. Sir departments, then at least there will be some David's comment on this matter reads in co-ordination and a common plan moving these terms- towards a common end. "Nevertheless, a continuing high level I applaud the fact that earlier vhis year of overseas capital can cause anxiety that ultimately too large a proportion of the Minister went overseas with the Queens­ domestic industry will be directly con­ land Metal Trades Export Group. As one trolled by overseas interests. Such a situa­ who has watched rhe participation of over­ tion can be avoided if Australian interests seas delegations, I am sure that nothing take the initiative and acquire a greater but good comes from them. The Minister share in what might be termed the was accompanied on his visit by a highly pioneering projects. competent team of men who are well versed "Whilst I do not feel it should be in their respective fields and well qualified mandatory for overseas investors to admit to establis:h and exploit overseas markets. Australians to equity ownership of I refer particularly to my very good friend, Australian subsidiaries, more particularly Mr. Alan Edwards of Fabricated Products in the early stages of development, never­ Pty. Ltd., who has built up a very extensive theless I am satisfied scope does exist for export market from Queensland by being more joint enterprise in major projects. energetic enough to travel overseas constantly In all its negotiations, the Department of in search of new markets and by being Industrial Development, which I am privileged to administer, strongly under­ competitive enough ,to service them. I hope lines this important principle." that the Minister will see his way clear in future to lead similar delegations overseas, I would hope that the department continues and that he will be privileged to be accom­ to underline that principle, which, I agree, panied by men who are similarly competent is a very important one. in other fields. Moving from Sir David's wry enlightening Having touched upon the metal trade, I address, I refer to the department's annual refer to the gigantic development that is report to Parliament and witness the evidence of increasing activity in this important field taking place on Bougainville Island. May of Government endeavour. I establish the scope of the development there by pointing out that a capital outlay The report refers quite properly to the of $300,000,000 is necessary before the mine creation of new industries, the expansion of comes into production? When peak produc­ old ones, and the interest in potential ones. tion is reached the copper smelter will have In particular I applaud the reference on a capacity of 80,000 tons of ore daily, in page 13 to regional studies. However, I express concern about what appears to me contrast with Mt. Isa's capacity of 8,000 to be a somewhat disjointed approach to tons daily. regional planning. What is being done to obtain Queensland I remind the Minister that in the Premier's participation in the heavy-equipment market policy speech he said- created by this great and lucrative develop­ "The· Government has decided to set ment? In addition, there will be concentra,ted up under the Co-ordinator of Public capital expenditure, because the sum of money Works a section which will deal with that I have mentioned will be spent over regional planning." a few years, compared with the Snowy That gives me the impression that the Mountains development, in which an equal Co-ordinator-General of Public Works will amount of money was spent over 20 years. be responsible in the main for regional The Commonwealth Government :has acted planning. The annual report indicates that promptly on the Bougainville development a number of regional studies :have already by widening the export payments' insurance been made, and also, as was announced provisions so that tenderers for the big publicly in "'Jlhe Courier-Mail" of 5 November, contracts will be able to allow credit and that a comprehensive resources survey of will therefore be able to tender and participate the Moreton area will be undertaken by the on terms equal to those of overseas tenderers. Queensland University. I am advised that, so far, Queensland I ask the Minister: will these services tenderers have received a fair share of the dovetail into the regional planning concept contracts that have been let. But, with under the Co-ordinator-General of Public a project of this magnitude, I raise the Works? Are they complementary to it, question whether the local producers could additional to it, or removed from it? Are not do better by entering into some sort they under the auspices of the Co-ordinator­ of joint tendering arrangements, even to the General, or are these actions done unilaterally? point of creating a type of consortium? I ask the Minister these questions not in I also ask if the Queensland Government a critical tone, but in the belief that regional could play a co-ordinating role so that these planning has to get moving in a hurry and lucrative contracts could be attracted to on a plotted course. I :hope that if studies Queensland to take up the lag that industry in regional planning are made in different seems to be suffering? 1768 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

It is significant that contractors from I have been very outspoken about the Bougainville have inserted adver!Jisements for loss of those industries to Bundaberg. How­ labour in the local Press. On 15 November, ever, no good will come of continuing to "The Courier-Mail" carried an advertisement cry in vain because they have gone; we of Bougainville Copper Pty. Ltd. seeking know that we cannot get them. However, the service of power-house engine drivers. we still live in the hope that as soon Men in this field have been invited to go as the industrial estates are ready the there to swell the work-force becaus·e interest Minister's department will give full assistance has been shown by the Queensland heavy in helping with the establishment of alterna­ industry division. I hope that Queensland tive industries, which are an essential link manufacturers look beyond the borders of in Bundaberg's future progress. this State at the great development taking place in Bougainville and so ensure, pos­ During the debate on the Estimates of sibly with the co-ordinating hand of the the Department of Labour and Tourism Government, that they enjoy some of the I gave the female unemployment figures for contracts that must flow from that great Bundaberg. I compared those figures with enterprise. the State average, and mentioned the need for serious Cabinet consideration for the future In conclusion, I associate myself with prosperity of Bundaberg. those who have congratulated the depart­ mental officers on what has been once again I also referred to the Government's alloca­ a most significant year in the industrial tion of $8,300,000 for the commencement of the Kolan-Burnett irrigation scheme. That development of Queensland. I w~sh them all S•trength in their endea¥ours in the years scheme is essential to the development of to come. Bundaberg and district. An early start on the construction of the barrage across the Burnett Mr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) (12.27 p.m.): River at Tomato Island will ensure adequate Firstly, I extend my thanks to the Minister water for the city and future industries that and the staff of his department, particularly will require large quantities of water. I Sir David Muir, for the welcome assistance again appeal to the Government to go they have given me during my short term ahead with the construction of this barrage in this Assembly. I thank the Department and not to procrastinate because of changes of Industrial Development for acquiring two in the weather or for other reasons. areas of land in Bundaberg for industrial estates, one of them containing about 40 Allow me, at this stage, to furnish some acres and the other 110 acres. As the details of a relatively new industry in Bunda­ Minister said, they are both within a few berg, namely, the shipbuilding industry. The miles of the city centre; I think 2 miles slipway at Bundeng Shipyards Pty. Ltd. would cover their distance from the centre was extended in 1967 in order to build of the town. I also thank the Minister small ships of up to 2,000 tons dead weight. for allocating $25,000 for road works and Since then two vessels have been launched, other facilities in the industrial estate at and another will be launched in December. Mays Road. The company has not yet received any financial assistance from the Commonwealth I know that the Bundaberg City Council Government for this shipbuilding, although will expedite work on roads and other the Commonwealth Government does sub­ facilities to make this estate available to manufacturers as early as possible. How­ sidise the building of ships, even of 200 ever, I must support the statement of my tons. These vessels are oil-rig supply vessels. Deputy Leader that the Minister's depart­ The first one, launched in August, 1968, was ment has been given little incentive. Its the "Victoria Tide", which is 165 feet long Budget allocation is paltry compared with and about 740 tons gross weight. The lhat of some departments controlled by second, launched in 1969, was the "Sedco the Minister for Primary Industries. The Anne", which is about 200 feet long and Industrial Development portfolio should be about 840 tons gross weight. higher in Cabinet ranking than it is. I also I was pleased to see a photograph of point out that in past years the alloca­ the latter vessel in the Report of the Director tions for Bundaberg have been too small, of Industrial Development. It is a very and too late. nice, well-constructed vessel. When the boat I do not wish to harp again on industries was taken over by German engineers, the that should have gone to Bundaberg in the German captain said that it represented some past year, but t:he people of Bundaberg of the best work to be seen anywhere in were greatly concerned when that city missed Queensland. It is a pity that its launching out on a food-processing industry and was late, but, in shipbuilding yards, there is a match factory that it was hoped would always a little trouble with various sections be established there. That hope did not of the labour force due to the management, eventuate probably because the department in some cases, not sorting things out correctly. was not fully developed to give consideration However, it was one of the best constructed to the decentralisation of these secondary vessels that they had seen, and although its indust11ies. They were established in Bris­ launching was a little late, it was better bane but, in Bundaberg, they could have for it to be late and be a well-constructed abso11bed much of the high level of female vessel than to be launched on time and be unemployment. a vessel that would fall apart in the ocean. Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1769

Next month the "Sydney Tide", a sister frozen-pack beans consumed in Australia. ship of the "Victoria Tide", will be launched. Although the beans are grown in the But what then? If the company cannot Bundaberg district, they are processed in obtain another order quickly, some of the Brisbane and in New South Wales. Large men will have to seek other employment. quantities of best-quality tomatoes are The company is trying to employ these men in the foundry rather than create further exported each year, together with cucumbers, unemployment and lose them. There were melons, beetroot, pineapples, oranges, papaws 17 apprentices, 11 boilermakers, three fitte~s, and bananas. two shipwrights and a plumber employed m A factory for the processing of such· vege­ the shipyard. The company will try to tables and fruits could do well in the absorb the 17 apprentices and some of the Bundaberg area, if assisted with freight con­ men in the foundry until another ship order cessions. I know that food-processing plants is received. However, their placement in in country areas cannot compete with those the foundry will possibly mean that it cannot more favourably situated unless they have the take the usual 10 apprentices that it takes assistance of freight concessions. It does each year. Many lads are seeking apprentice­ not pay to transport water. Prepacking of ships, particularly with Bundaberg Foundry vegetables and fruit is a different proposition, Ltd., which has turned out well-trained as no rubbish and skins, on which freight engineers for the past 50 years. At one otherwise has to be paid, are included in time every chief engineer in the sugar the product. Because of availability of indu~try in Queensland had either served his labour, including a high percentage of unem­ time or worked at Bundaberg Foundry Ltd. ployed female labour, and a good water Many of the tradesmen who at some time supply, such a factory would do well in the have worked at Bundaberg Foundry wish to city of Bundaberg. see their sons take up an apprenticeship there. The city will be looking forward with keen There are lads waiting to take up trades, interest to the arrival of new industries that but this year, because of a shortage of work the Minister said were awaiting establishment and a lack of orders for the shipyard, that on the industrial estate. I approached the company will not be able to take on one council engineer yesterday in an attempt to apprentice. Usually it take~ on about JO have roads and other facilities provided on apprentices a year. That JS a great p1ty the estate as quickly as possible. The sooner for the young lads who want to enter those the estate is ready for occupation by industry, trades. The company is doing all that it the better it will be for Bundaberg. can to obtain orders to allow it to retain a full work-force, and I know that the I know that Sir David Muir will be looking Minister's department, under Sir David Muir, critically at the foundry and the shipyard, will assist wherever possible to obtain orders. because the Government has lent the com­ pany many thousands of dollars to keep it The hon. member for Chatsworth men­ in production. In the coming year, it is tioned the company that is beginning mining extremely important for the city of operations on Bougainville Island. That Bundaberg that the foundry does not have company will need all types of machinery to dispense with good tradesmen. l conclude that Bundaberg Foundry Ltd. makes for the on that note, hoping that the Department of mining industry in Queensland, and I hope th_e Industrial Development will look into these Department of Industrial Development IS matters. going to see if orders can be obtained for that type of equipment. It may be of interest Mr. ARMSTRONG (Mulgrave) (12.40 to hon. members to know that at present p.m.): I am very glad to have the oppor­ the foundry is manufacturing a range of tunity of saying a few words on these deck machinery and ·supplying it to other Estimates because the Department of Indus­ shipyards throughout Australia. It is the trial Development plays a very important only company in Australia making this part in government in Queensland. Althoug!J. equipment, which no longer has to be it is a comparatively new department, It imported. It has had the initiative to move has grown very rapidly, and I am sure it into this field, and it is doing such a good will not be long before the value of much job that other shipyards throughout of the work it is doing becomes apparent. Australia are ordering this type of equip­ ment from it. At the outset, I congratulate the Minister, as well as Sir David Muir and all the other The people of Bundaberg will be looking officers of the department. The Opposition to the Department of Industrial Develop­ has been very critical of the fact that the ment for assistance in bringing secondary officers are few in number. If they are, they industry to their city. It is hoped that a certainlv do not lack quality, and that is food processing company, such as R. M. very important. Officers of the Department Gow & Co. Ltd., can be enticed to Bunda­ of Industrial Development are well versed berg to process the vegetables and fruit pro­ in the industries and the potential of this duced in the area. I had an interview with State. On one or two occasions I have Mr. Gow in the hope of interesting him in thought that Sir David Muir, as head of the setting up in Bundaberg. As I have said department, should have a look at a section before, the district produces nearly half the of the State with a view to advocating the 1770 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

establishment of an industry. His know­ Mr. ARMSTRONG: I know he does. Some­ ledge of the State has amazed me. He has times he is helpful; sometimes he is not. said, "It would be only a waste of time and In due course, he will have an opportunity money for me to go up there. I have known to make a speech. all about it for a number of years. Indeed, when I was Agent-General for Queensland Since the Country-Liberal Government in London, I tried to get people interested came to office in 1957, more than $1,000 in the industry to which you are referring." million has flowed from private investment Queensland is very fortunate in having in into the development of secondary industries its service men of the calibre of Sir David in Queensland. This has been brought about and the other officers of the department. only because the right climate for invest­ The Deputy Leader of the Opposition was ment has been encouraged since the present very critical of the fact that the department Government came to office. Unfortunately, did not have sufficient money made available prior to that, not much encouragement was to it and was not rated sufficiently highly. given to secondary industries in this State, otherwise the State would have been much Mr. Davies: What do you think? further advanced industrially than it was. Mr. ARMSTRONG: I think that is true Industrial development in Queensland is of all departments. I do not think that one based on new and expanding projects that can play one department against another have been documented by the Department in a developing State such as Queensland. of Industrial Development. The aotual amount invested would be substantially The hon. member for Townsville North higher than is genemlly shown because the tried to compare the Department of greater part of it, calculated in millions Industrial Development with the Department of dollars, is accounted for by major pro­ of Primary Industries. In my opm10n, it is jects. These days, not much attention is utterly ridiculous to do that; it is just paid to projects valued at under $200,000, plain nonsense. or perhaps under $100,000. In fact, projects estimated to cost less than some millions Mr. Davies: Why? of dollars are becoming quite unimportant. We do not bother talking a:bout them and Mr. ARMSTRONG: The operations of the Press does not bother writing about the Department of Primary Industries cover them. many fields of activity, and the department has research stations, experiment stations, Mr. Davies: Do you regard such projects and so on. The operations of the Depart­ as unimportant? ment of Industrial Development are entirely different. Its principal function is to Mr. ARMSTRONG: I did not say that. gather material and have all the necessary Every industry is very important, as I tried information available for anyone who may to tell the hon. member a few moments be interested in investing money in a ago. So are all Government departments. certain industry in this State. Therefore, I I am sure the hon. member has not heard do not see any sense in endeavouring to make anyone on either side of this Chamber suggest a comparison between the two departments. that any industries or departments are not I do not think that any department will important. We fully realise how important ever have enough money, nor do I think this department is. I hope members of the that any department will ever do enough Opposition understand its activities and follow to satisfy everyone. That is only natural its work as dosely as I do. If the Vote for the Department of Industrial Development were doubled, it would not be The development that has taken p1ace in long before that was not enough, and the this State is not confined to Brisbane. The same is true of other departments. All department functions throughout Queensland, Government departments are important, and wherever it can encourage anybody to set I am sure that the hon. member for Mary­ up in any business undertaking at all. It borough would not suggest that the possesses volumes of information; it has Government should take X million dollars calculated the potential of various industries from the Department of Education or from and areas and has the information necessary the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission to encourage the establishment of industries and give it to the Department of Industrial in this State. Development is taking place Development. The Estimates for all from Cape York right down to the New departments are examined very closely. South Wales border. Mr. Dav!es: Who said that any department During the time that I have been in this was not important? Parliament, Opposition members have quite often spoken as our friend did the other Mr. ARMSTRONG: The hon. member day. They decry the work of the department. may make his own speech later, if he It is the old story. They cannot see any wishes to. good in development anywhere. Mr. W. D. Hewitt: He makes his speeches Mr. Davies: We have never decried by interjection. development. Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1771

Mr. ARMSTRONG: I suggest that the Mr. ARMSTRONG: I do not think he hon. member peruse "Hansard". At times should, either. The construction of roads the statements of Opposition members have is forging steadily ahead, but if the hon. made me feel so sick that I have had to member wants to know how long their con­ leave the Chamber. They do not want struction will take he should ask the Minister overseas capital; they always say that we for Mines and Main Roads how much money should do these things ourselves. We have this Government has spent on developmental heard these statements time and time again. roads in the Peninsula. I think he would be amazed at the great amount that has been Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Tell them to read spent. the Goonyella debate again. Mr. B. Wood: Commonwealth money-or much of it is Commonwealth money. Mr. ARMSTRONG: It is not only applic­ able to Goonyella; it is applicable also Mr. ARMSTRONG: That is so; but the to Weipa and Gladstone. I except the Opposition is always telling the Government hon. member for Port Curtis. I know to approach the Federal Government for he is very grateful and very helpful in more money. Naturally the State's taxes encouraging industry to the Gladstone area. come back from the Commonwealth Govern­ He has had his full share of it. He should ment. And do not forget that this State thank God that a Government of the political makes a worth-while contribution to the persuasion of this coalition Government was welfare of the people of Australia. elected to office because he knows what Gladstone was like prior to that. Mr. O'Donnell: You are doing the rounds of the electorates. Mr. Hanson: Development took place on the representations of the member for the Mr. ARMSTRONG: No; I am simply area. trying to enlighten members of the Opposi­ tion. If the hon. member for Barcoo looked Mr. ARMSTRONG: No; it was already round his electorate he would see the develop­ on the way. I would not say that the ment that is occurring there. hon. member would not help, because I Mr. O'Donneil: You should go to the know he would. He has interests there teachers' college for a while before you and I simply cannot understand his political start trying to enlighten us. thinking at times. Be that as it may, until a few years ago Gladstone was referred Mr. ARMSTRONG: I do not know whether to as "Sleepy Hollow", or some such name. much of the material that has entered this I can remember when the meatworks closed Chamber has come from that source, but down. Great screams came from the if it has it leaves a lot to be desired. Opposition. Gladstone today is very different Many ports have been developed in this from the town it was a few years ago. State, and that development has, in turn, attracted industries. It is of interest to Rapid development, as the hon. member note the policy of the Department of Indus­ from that area would know, brings with it trial Development to acquire land wherever terrible headaches, particularly in a State such and whenever it can, even to the extent of as Queensland where development is taking purchasing it. The Minister has referred place virtually over the whole State. Untold to the area of reclaimed land in Cairns and millions of dollars are required to provide areas that it is proposed to reclaim in the services necessary for developing future. It is surprising how quickly reclaimed industries. A good deal of interest is being land is taken up for development. Industrial shown in developing the Cape York Penin­ development has made speedy progress in sula. However, as hon. members know, Cairns. In fact, very shortly after the war very few roads exist in that portion of the years a certain engineering company was State to provide a satisfactory means of established there, and today it has tendered communication between remote communities. against all corners and has succeeded in People who live on the Peninsula are crying obtaining a number of contracts. On out for good roads. I am sure that once the a recent visit to Cairns I saw that company vast area from Cairns to Cape York is constructing boats and barges that will be opened up, rapid development will follow. used at Gave. In addition, it has manu­ Recently the Minister for Lands referred to factured a good deal of machinery for the development that is taking place under Gave and Weipa. Of course, during the his guidance and with his help. As he expansion of the sugar industry it con­ pointed out, substantial tin deposits exist structed a very large amount of equipment in the northernmost part of the Peninsula, for use in that industry. and industries must be established in that area before long. One of the tragic periods of this State's history occurred from the year immediately Mr. B. Wood: How long will it be before after the war until the 1950's, when no roads are expected to be built there? worth-while development occurred in Queens­ land. That was so particularly until this A Government Member: You should not Government came into power, and one ask that. wonders why it was so. I can only come 1772 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

to the conclusion that the previous Govern­ years ago such a thing was quite foreign ment was not doing much to encourage to our make-up. This activity is taking industry. place throughout the State. The hon. member for Aubigny is not in the Chamber, A Government Member interjected. but the firm with which he is associated Mr. ARMSTRONG: As the hon. member in Dalby, which nearly went to the wall, asks, what happened in South Australia? is doing a remarkable job in this field. South Australia's potential is minute com­ An Opposition Member interjected. pared with Queensland's, but very rapid development took place in that State after Mr. ARMSTRONG: He receives the war. I am certain that if Queensland encouragement. He could not have done had then had a Government of the political what he is doing now during the time when persuasion of the present Government, he sat on the Government front bench. His similar development would have occurred firm is manufacturing in competition with here and we would have been so far ahead people all over the world. We who use their of the other States that they would not have implements know their value. been in the race. We should be very proud of the fact that Much of the work that has to be done Queensland leads the world in the production today could have been carried out much of mechanical cane-harvesters. We have more cheaply in those days, because we are sent experts all over the world looking at now suffering from inflation to some degree. these things and we are now exporting some It is a pity that the people of Queensland of our harvesters to other countries. did not realise sooner what was happening, Mr• .Jensen: All manufactured in Bundaberg, although I am sure that they are now wide too. awake. I sincerely hope that they remain so. Mr. ARMSTRONG: No, they are not all manufactured in Bundaberg. It is pleasing The Government's object has been to to see this type of activity, and I am not encourage industrial development, but not at concerned whether it is in Bundaberg, Cairns, the expense of rural industries. We are Mackay, or anywhere else, as long as it is aiming at balanced development. I think in Queensland. it was the hon. member for Bundaberg who referred to unemployment. That would be [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] a very interesting subject to expand on if time permitted. Until this Government came Mr. ARMSTRONG: In the past 12 years, to office most employees in Queensland were nearly $678,000,000 has been poured into engaged in seasonal industries. The sugar the production of industrial metals and industry employs many thousands of men machinery. Of that amount, $198,000,000 for part of the year, and employment relative was invested during the first six years of to other seasonal crops and in the meatworks this Government's reign. It is quite clear, follows a similar pattern. The Government therefore, that massive investment in this has been trying to overcome that problem field has been effected during the past six and our meatworks now provide employment years. for a longer period than formerly. Apart from huge undertakings at Mt. Isa The pattern of employment in and Gladstone, capital has flowed: into the Queensland is not quite as bumpy as it used processing of metals, shipbuilding and many to be. The Government is doing its best other engineering enterprises. In the same to encoura~e industry to this State to provide category, consumer durables, such as domestic people With sound work opportunities, appliances and motor vehicles, have attracted mstead of seasonal work such as we have large-scale investment. The strong upsurge experienced for as long as I can remember. in building activities in recent years is In those days workers came from Victoria reflected to a marked degree in the t<;~ cut cane for the season and then they $29,000,000 invested in the treatment of erther returned to Victoria to dig potatoes non~metalliferous mine and quarry products. or went to Dimbulah to pick tobacco. The One enterprise in this field, namely, Central patte:n is gradually changing and I am sure Queensland Cement Ltd., has invested that m the next few years rapid development $2,600,000 at Rockhampton in the manu­ will be evident in many parts of the State. facture of cement. At present there is a shortage of skilled Mr. O'Donnell: Pick it up and read it. men in Queensland. When the demand for It would be more easily read that way. skilled men is high, employers who can pay Mr. ARMSTRONG: Does the hon. member the highest wages naturally attract the employees. That may be good from the think it would be? I am not like him. narrow viewpoint, but in the long term it I do not get somebody to write my speeches is not in the best interests of the State. for me. In a similar line, Jaywoth Masonry (Qld) Many agricultural implements are Pty. Ltd. spent $400,000 on a plant at Darra manufactured here, not only for use in to manufacture concrete blocks. Nol'thern Queensland but also for export. A few Concrete & Masonry, in Cairns and Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1773

Townsville, taken over by Besser (Qld) Ltd., qualification of that statement, I refer to will meet the requirements in that area. Bulletin No. 45 of the Commonwealth Other companies, which have invested Bureau of Census and Statistics, 1969, in considerable sums in the manufacture of which a comparison is made of Queensland's building materials, are also operating external trade figures for the six months successfully. ended June 1968 and those for the previous In the chemical field, something to the six months ended December 1967. There order of $192,000,000 has been invested we have clear, concise evidence that some­ during the past 12 years. This investment thing is very lacking, and that industrial field in Queensland is in its infancy. Hon. progress in Queensland is not proceeding as members are no doubt aware of what the fast as one would like it to proceed. gas fields at Roma mean to Brisbane, and I think they can imagine the promise that If one examines the figures closely in an the future holds in that regard, particularly attempt to ascertain which industries are when the giant power-house is built in apparently being retarded, one sees that in Central Queensland. Then we will see much the manufacturing field Queensland is falling more of this type of industry in that area. very far behind. A comparison of imports Investment in the chemical field has done and exports in this State presents a very a good deal to assist our decentralisation sorry picture indeed. The figures for the policy. Firms like A.C.F. and Shirleys six months to the end of June 1968 Fertilizers Ltd.-and Austral-Pacific Fertilizers admittedly show a considerable improvement Ltd. will no doubt do the same thing­ over the figures for the previous six months, has plants not only in Brisbane but also but, as the work of an administration that all the way up the coast, including one at loudly claims to all and sundry that only Cairns. A.C.F. and Shirleys Fertilizers Ltd. since the Government came to office and the has spent something like $6,000,000 in this establishment of the Department of Industrial field during the past few years. Development has the State put up any industrial performance at all, it would hardly It is obvious that Queensland is on the be hailed in the halls of industrial progress. march. I have absolute faith that what has happened in the past will be greatly What in fact do we find? A very sorry accelerated in the future. I look forward picture indeed. Let us look at some of the to seeing this, and I trust that the Minister main commodity groups. The previous will be spared many years to preside over speaker mentioned chemicals. In chemicals, the affairs of the Department of Industrial the State had an adverse trade balance­ Development and to see this rapid expansion an excess of imports over exports-of take place. $23,500,000. That is a very significant figure indeed. Mr. HANSON (Port Curtis) (2.20 p.m.): The Estimates under discussion are very I believe that the administration should important indeed. They relate to a depart­ take note of these figures, because only by ment that, in the years to come, will have a study of the information contained in the a profound influence on the future of this records of the Bureau of Census and great State of ours. At the outset, I Statistics, and other organisations that com­ congratulate the Director of Industrial pile such data, can the situation be corrected, Development, Sir David Muir, on: his fine and can the State proceed to a state of performance, diligence, wonderful Public industrial progress. We of the Opposition Service attitude, and assiduous work. For would not then mind if the Government many years he has given sterling service ,to loudly claimed, as it has done on many the people of Queensland, and in many facets occasions, that it is the great father of of government he has certainly made his industrial progress in Queensland. name a household word. I also wish to In the field of goods classi·fied chiefly recognise in this spe·ech the considerable by material there is a deficiency of worth of Mr. Rutherford's successor in: the $28,500,000 in exports over imports; in the Immigration Office, together with the many field of machinery and transport equipment other fine officers under the Minister's there is a deficiency of $16,8,100,000; and jurisdiction. and the importance of the in the field of miscellaneous manufactured functions that they fulfil. articles there is a deficiency of $58,000,000. In those four groups one finds the reason I believe that the Government's policies for the adverse trade balance in this State. on industrial development must be looked at in the light of performance. Although If corrective measures were taken and the the Department of Industrial Development Government displayed the same boundless was established in 1964 and is therefore energy that the officers of the Department not a very old one, numerous opportunities of Industrial Development display, a great have been presented to launch the State improvement would be shown by the figures industrially. Despite the momentous efforts taken out at the end of the next and of members of the Minister's department, succeeding financial years. I urge the adminis­ I firmly believe that Queensland is not tration not to attempt to gull the people advancing in the field of industrial develop­ and give them a false sense of security ment as rapidly as we would wish. In .by inserting advertisements in glossy 1774 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

magazines and by going out onto the hust­ within the ambit of its operations. This ings and making speeches over radio and was loudly proclaimed through the Press and television. Instead, it should tell the people I think it is very desirable. I understand of Queensland the truth and take some that that policy has been functioning for corrective measures in an endeavour to lend only a short period; nevertheless, I think credence to the statements that emanate the idea is a very good one. It has quite at times from the Government benches. a lot of merit and could lead to many sensible suggestions. I ask the Minister to I wish also to impress upon the Committee interpret this not as a wail from a country the need to lay down more concrete condi­ cousin but as something that we believe tions in contracts that the Government enters should occur. into with firms desirous of setting up indus­ tries in this State. Such contracts should From time immemorial many Govern­ contain conditions that will provide job ments and administrations in this country opportunities for the young people of Queens­ have been talking about the great advances land and give them a brighter future than that could be made through decentralisation, they have at present. but they were words and not deeds. Very little has come out of them. This Govern­ When the Austral-Pacific Fertilizers ment at present maintains that it strictly Limited Agreement Bill was brought down adheres to decentralisation, but apart from in this Chamber in 1967, hon. members certain areas around major provincial towns found that one of the conditions laid down and cities, "glamour" areas within the State in it was that, not later than 31 December, where industrial estates and the housing to 1969, the company was to give consideration go with them have been established, the to the establishment of additional plant for major proportion of the industry coming to the manufacture of nitric acid, sulphuric Queensland is attracted to the metropolis acid, and other chemicals. That requirement or metropolitan area. is all very well, but it is only "to £ive I suppose it is natural that there should consideration". I suggest that hard and be a tendency within the department to base fast conditions should be imposed in similar industry mainly in Brisbane. I do not say contracts in the future, and that the that disparagingly. After all, it is only Government should follow the guide-lines I within the confines of the more populated have suggested. areas that azcess to markets is readily When Mr. Charles Court was negotiating available. Those are the areas in which a contract with the iron-ore companies and the tendency would be to create, encourage other large producers in Western Australia, and assd particular undertakings to obtain did he not impose a condition that a quick response to industrial or business steel complex must begin operating in activity. However, I believe that, if Western Australia in the 19SO's? The emphasis is to be placed on decentralisation, Minister may laugh, but there will be a urgent encouragement should be given to steel complex in that State in the 1980's. the formation of regionalised bureaus If a Labour Government comes to office within the department. That is the system in this State, Queensland will have a steel in the Main Roads Department. industry, too. It is about time that In Rockhampton there is a main roads members of the present administration got engineer in charge of a large office. We off their fundamental orifices and did have regional offices in the Railway Depart­ something to encourage large consortiums ment with general managers stationed at to at least discuss the planning of a steel Townsville, Rockhampton, and in the complex for this State. The establishment South-west. A certain form of regional of such a complex is not ,beyond the bounds autonomy exists within the Department of of possibility. It is feasible and it should Primary Industries. In the Department of be considered. The Government should Lands we have land commissioners not sit and wait for people to come to it; stationed in various parts of the State. The it should go out and try to win business. State Government Insurance Office also has In negotiating contracts in Western offices throughout the State. Australia, Mr. Charles Court has laid down concrete conditions for the establishment of I think the Department of Industrial a steel complex. The Government of Development would do much for this State Queensland should not enter into an if greater emphasis were placed on the agreement under which a company merely establishment of regional offices. Admittedly, has to give consideration to doing something. with the great concentration of industry That is only a way of letting the company that is bound to be centred in the Brisbane off the hook. Often it has received some area, the department's headquarters should advantage or concession from the Govern­ remain in the capital. That is fair enough, ment. I throw that suggestion into the ring, but regional offices with some autonomy and I shall refer later in my speech to the should be established in areas awav from establishment of a steel industry in this the metropolitan area. · State. In the Public Service the road to the top I noted many months ago that the ranks is clearly in Brisbane. I touched on Department of Industrial Development was this matter when speaking recently on the to place greater emphasis on decentralisation Estimates of the Department of Lands. I Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1775 do not think that is a healthy state. The aircraft I was sitting next to a gentleman Government should investigate overseas who represented a large overseas consortium. practice by which, in some countries, whole I have known him for a very considerable departments are taken away from the time. He told me that in a few weeks densely populated areas. I do not say that time he would face the task of going to that should happen here; I firmly believe that the United Kingdom and European countries our State is too young for that. Nevertheless, to seek tradesmen for the planning and in overseas countries where this policy has eventual erection of the enterprise that he been applied, it has brought great benefits would establish in this State. It is a matter to areas that one would regard as being of regret that, at the same time as he was depressed from the point of view of talking to me about making an overseas industrial development. trip primarily to obtain tradesmen, in our I impress upon the Minister the desirability own State a number of tradesmen had of entertaining the idea of placing greater become redundant and were being laid off. emphasis upon regional offices within his And those tradesmen possess the skills department. Arm in arm with that, I required by that gentleman. encourage him to look at a scheme similar Without fluid planning of this State's to the Country Industries Assistance Fund industrial future, much of its development established by a Labour Government in New could become haphazard. A State of Queens­ South Wales in 1958, which has played a land's size must possess a planning authority very prominent part in gaining industry for that will act sensibly in consultation with a country areas within that State. bureau of decentralisation within the Depart­ Some of the concessions that have been ment of Industrial Development. As I granted under this scheme are certainly have said previously, Queensland's technical analogous to benefits under the Crown's and industrial future is a very bright one, industrial-estate and housing schemes, but so unless its development is planned it goes further, and makes finance and adequately to exploit the resources of this subsidies available for the construction of State for the benefit of its young people, warehouses on estates. they will be let down. Many people who desire to engage in a Initially I mentioned the desirability of small way in a particular industry find that establishing a steel industry in Queensland. the capital requirements are beyond them, I concur heartily with the sentiments so it is desirable to provide them with greater expressed by the director when he said in assistance than that provided in the past. I his annual report- know that under the Industries Assistance "As the world economy will continue Act a good deal of financial assistance has to expand, the demand for minerals must been given. In fact, I touched on this matter strengthen. This growth will present during the debate on other Estimates, and increasing opportunities to develop pro­ proved to the Commitee that the Labour cessing and manufacturing industries to Party was in the forefront in the provision upgrade these resources." of financial assistance to enterprises whose directors were foreign in political thought He said later- to the Labour Party. I can think of Sir 'The State's future economic progress Thomas Hiley, who was director of one will depend, therefore, on the speed and enterprise, and Mr. Bruce Pie, a former extent to which its rich resources can be leader of the Queensland People's Party. They utilised through the establishment of were assisted by advances under that Act. major industrial operations." Mr. Porter: You gave him no money. I Enormous possibilities exist for the establish­ know the background of this. ment of a steel industry in Queensland. The present world-wide boom in the steel market Mr. HANSON: The hon. member would could overcome many of the difficulties to know it quite well; however, what I am be faced in establishing a steel industry here. saying is fa:;tual. Let there be no mistake that international repercussions would be very pronounced. An Mr. Porter: No, it's not. You gave him industry oriented to the export of steel no money at all. (which would be the only way to ensure its Mr. HANSON: The hon. member may success), would naturally face difficulties have a different story, but I happen to know from United States import restrictions, what the true story is. American emotionalism, and neo-isolationism that permeate that country at times. How­ Approximately 9 or 10 months ago the ever, I do not believe that protectionism, Premier referred to the desirability of setting to its fullest extent, is part and parcel of up a planning bureau in this State. Arm in the policy of the United States of America; arm with decentralisation some form of it is not as profound as many people think. planning should be embarked upon because The way is open to this Government to get it is vital to the future of this State. In busy immediately and call the Hamersley­ this State many instances of inadequate C.R.A.-Kaiser group into consultation, and planning have arisen to its detriment. Only see if something can be done about estab­ recently while I was a passenger in an lishing a steel industry in Queensland. That 1776 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

would ensure a great future for the working Anybody who likes to refer back to the people, which is what I am interested in Year Book figures will find that, prior to primarily. I want employment for our young uniform taxation, Queensland had the highest people adequately safeguarded. income-tax rates in Australia-! am speaking of income tax; not just company tax-and The Government has let the State down that a man with a wife and three children seriously by not encouraging this enterprise who was receiving £1,000 a year was paying sooner, and by not taking the necessary £114 in income tax, whereas a taxpayer in steps to ensure that this industry is estab­ Victoria on a comparable income paid only lished here. £49. In company taxation, Queensland had We have great potential with our a basic rate of 21d. in the £1, with an enormous supplies of coking coal. In Western extra 3d. in the £1 for every 1 per cent. of Australia the Hamersley group and other profit above 6 per cent. This resulted in enterprises are exporting iron pellets to company tax running between 39d. and 89.4d. Japa?. The possibility of an interchange in the £1. Perhaps hon. members opposite of Iron-ore from Western Australia and will remember that a company could be coking coal from Queensland, and a steel declared a public utility or a monopoly complex on both sides of the continent was company, and its rate then went up to 116.2d., mooted in the Press for quite some time. compared with 22.5d. in Victoria, 27d. in I hope that for once the Government will New South Wales and 17.25d. in Western exert energy to launch this enterprise and Australia. So please, then, do not let us have that it will eventuate. ' these crocodile tears about what is not being done by this Government. A tremendous There are many fine officers within the amount has been done, despite the enormous Government service who are only lacking in obstacles that were left in our path by the guidance, thanks to the very poor policy previous Government. enunciated by the present administration. This enterprise could be of sufficient size It would be quite impossible for anybody to ensure a huge increase in population in to suggest that Australia has other than Australia and a huge increase in industry. a flourishing economy; and Queensland The Government's policy on the establish­ shares in this. We have had an enormous ment of a steel industry should be totally increase in terms of mineral output. Most different from its policy on the establishment of our mineral output has doubled, and of the second phase of the alumina industry. It should work effectively towards estab­ in some of the major items it has trebled; lishing a steel industry in Queensland. It is our electricity supply has quadrupled in the to the Government's discredit that, after the past 20 years; we have trebled the number establishment of the alumina industry in of telephones; and we have trebled the ratio 1963, it did not give some encouragement to of motor-cars to people, and so on. the consortium to produce aluminium in Everything shows a tremendous rise in the this State. standard of living and this, of course, bears (Time expired.) testimony to a very strong process of industrial development. Mr. PORTER (Toowong) (2.44 p.m.): I am very happy to be able to pay some There is a certain amount of amusing irony tribute to the role that the Department of in sitting in this Chamber and hearing mem­ Industrial Development plays in the State's ber after member on the Opposition benches over-all growth. I regard it as one of the lashing himself into a kind of wild frenzy most vital portfolios in the Cabinet. about the lack of industrial development in Certainly, it is not necessary for me to list this State, rather like so many professional again all those enterprises which are either go-go dancers, when we recall the situation new to Queensland or have been vastly that existed when this Government took office. expanded in the past 10 years and bear I am not one who likes to look back and testimony to our accelerating economic compare the past with the present because growth. there is a certain amount of unfairness in that, but this is a case when that must be Of course, like Oliver Twist continually done because the lack of development of asking for more, we can always do with a industry in this State for so many years left good deal more industrial development. a great Jag to be overcome by this Govern­ Nobody would deny the Opposition its pleas ment. Anyone who takes the trouble to for more development. What one does deny study what political theorists and analysts it, however, is the right to suggest that have written about that period will find that virtually nothing has been done. I hope said over and over again. It was believed that we would all be delighted-indeed, that the influence of the Australian Workers' more than delighted; we would be excited­ Union in Labour political circles in those by the continuing rise in the inflow of days was -such that there was a great capital and labour to our State, the reluctance to encourage the development of establishment here of vital growth industries industries which would have meant the and the appearance of great productive development of craft unions, and so, for a complexes. The news on the front page long period, we had a deliberate retardation of this morning's "Courier-Mail" must have of industrial development in this State. been a source of great satisfaction to all, Supply [25 NovEMBER] Supply 1777

including those members of the Opposition go along with what the majority of the who really have Queensland's advancement people want done. In other words, we at heart. cannot entirely ignore wha:t people want, or people may find some other set of All this is welded into vital industrial politicians who are a little more compliant. expansion, and, in its turn, this industrial expansion provides the economic balance But the economist does not attempt to which alone-I repeat, "alone"-makes escape his own responsibility. In this field, possible job opportunities, high levels of I always believe that political common sense employment and rising living standards on should be applied to any kind of economic a scale which, even a decade ago, were not decision. Lord Robbins, who is a very known and hardly even anticipated. great economist, wrote some few years ago, "It is quite possible for a man to be a I think that all of us agree-and the most brilliant analytical economist and yet Minister himself generously acknowledges show the most childish ignorance of both this-that his relatively new department is administrative and political responsibility." able to do excellent work because it is I think that is very true. I hope that fortunate in having such able senior officers. as the department's work becomes more As I say, it is very easy to criticise in this complicated and more general, and it has field and point to what is not being done. to rely more and more on economic surveys But, in all fairness, one should point to what and advice, it will always remember that is being done. I think that one should also economic advice has to be considered in bear in mind that, to a large extent, the terms of political realities. results that we achieve in Queensland are I ceptainly hope that this Committee brought about in the face of some quite would never underestimate the dangers of unavoidable handicaps and obstacles. By inflationary pressures on our economy, that, I f!1ean that many of the factors that because in 'the life-time of quite a number directly affect economic growth are not ours of us we have seen the economies and to control or direct. These are largely growth patterns of many countries tragically national matters which flow from decisions impaired by loss of confidence and the by the Department of Trade and the flight of investment capital that is the direct Commonwealth Treasury on such things as result of uncontro11ed inflation. We in subsidies, tariffs, tax inducements and so on. Australia have a reasonably good record. Certainly one major determinant that affects The last set of figures published by the the maintenance of a buoyant capacity for International Monetary Fund on the consumer spending-which in its turn limits movements of consumer prices in 16 major or stimulates industrial expansion-is countries of the world showed that Australia inflation. What a State can do to affect ran equal third in terms of controlling inflation-or, for that matter, deflation-is consumer prices. We were equal with relatively little. Switzerland, and only America and Belgium were ahead of us. Our rise was 2.5 per I suppose that brings us directly into cent. over the last 15 years, compared with the realm of economics-the rarified the world average of 3.3 pe·r cent. Ours atmosphere in which the Department of was therefore quite a good result, and, Industrial Development must necessarily I might mention, it was accomplished without work. Some unkind things are said about all the dreadful apparatus of price control. economists. The old saying is that an economist is someone who draws a straight Our record ,is good in terms of managing line from an unjustifiable assumption to to achieve relative stabiEty, despite the fact an unwarranted conclusion. I think that that we have one of the highest rates is a little harsh, but it is reasomrble to of growth in terms of national productivity say that the science of economics has in the entire Western world. Nevertheless, managed to subdue and defeat nearly all I think we should always be on our guard; o~ the great economic probiems of our we cannot afford to be complacent. The time except one, and that is the problem inflationary danger in an expanding economy of coping with inflation. That is serious -and ours is very much an expanding enough. I think it is a very serious gap economy-is always acute. We are running in the practice of economics, but most at the moment at somewhere about 3 per certainly economics has reached the stage cent. per annum, and it is good to remember where we no longer fear the enormous that 3 per cent. per annum over a life dips and peaks, the booms and recessions, span of 75 years means that prices would that used to affect the economy in days advance eightfold from the time a person gone by. was born till he died. That is a tremendous increase. One has to accept the f,act that, In any case, I do not think we can whatever is done in this State, Queensland fairly say that economists are totally to being part of the Commonwealth of blame for errors that they make, because Australia, every effort must be made to we politicians must accept a great deal of restrain the growth of inflation. the blame. Fundamentally, economic decisions are political decisions, and although Although one can accept, recognise and at times we may wish to do what we give due credit for the unprecedented know in our hearts is the right thing, industrial growth in this State over the last nevertheless we have to some degree to decade, and especially over the last few 1778 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply years, I do not think that anyone, least of Chatsworth also referred to it in his speech all the Minister and his skilled officers, would in this Chamber earlier today. I think hold that there is not still a tremendous it is generally recognised in Australia, as it amount to be done. I have listed a few of is in other industrialised countries, that what I think are the limiting factors outside effective and rapid national development the Government's control. Another one not depends greatly on local and regional con­ entirely, but partly, outside its control is siderations. So I come back in the sphere population growth. of industrial development, as I do in so many other spheres, to the urgent need for It is an obvious axiom that markets mean statutory town and regional planning struc­ people-people who are consumers with tures. In other words, I suggest that Queens­ incomes to spend. Obviously, therefore, the land should have machinery similar to that larger the local market-in other words, the existing in other States, because I believe more people to whom one can sell one's that only then will the Government be products on the home market-the better able to make the wise and long-range are one's prospects for growth in terms of decisions that not only make for better living industrialisation. I believe that the Govern­ as more and more areas become "urbanised", ment must do everything possible to stimulate if I may use that word, but also give population growtb, especially in the field of encouragement to industrial growth and use­ net migration intake. I know that this is ful decentralisation. easy to say and difficult to achieve when most overseas ships currently touch first at Western Anyone who has given even passing Australia and then at southern ports, but thought to that aspect of industrial develop­ I believe that the Government must do ment must know that it is absolutely essential something special in that regard. Hon. to ensure that local areas and authorities members must face the fact that, taking provide the infra-structure of public the figures in last year's Commonwealth Year utilities that are the essential ingredients of Book, New South Wales and Victoria, a rapid and stable local growth. I refer to between them, received 62.5 per cent. of such basic requirements as land, finance, the net migrant intake in Australia. Queens­ water, power, transport, sewerage, communi­ land received only 5.8 per cent., which is cations, and provisions for health, education not much more than one-third of the and police services, and so on. I am quite Western Australian figure. It is obvious, convinced that real town and regional therefore, that Queensland must do something planning-by that I mean effective, statutory special, something particular, to overcome town and regional planning-would vastly its geographical disadvantage. Perhaps the assist the Depavtment of Industrial Government should attampt to organise ships Development in its vital and valuable endeavours. I can go so far as to touching on the east coast first. I think say that I believe that the prospects that the hon. member for Chatsworth referred of the department's ultimate success will to that matter in a speech in this Chamber be much reduced without a statutory scheme last year. I would hope that, as jumbo of town and regional planning. jets become part and parcel of international air transport, this State may be able to make I say again that the Opposition has tried special arrangements to bring large numbers to condemn with somewhat faint praise the of migrants to this country on jets coming work that this department has done. Some first to Brisbane. criticism was tied in with the size of the department's Budget as compared with those I am quite sure that without these factors of other departments. I think that was a the State cannot expect to continue the foolish and superficial judgment and ratber accelerating growth that it has known over immature to say the least. Certainly I the last few years. If it wants dynamic should like to see the department with a industrial expansion it must have expanding bigger budget, but to judge it solely by local markets, which means many more what it spends is, of course, no criterion people who are both workers and consumers whatever. I certainly hope that the depart­ with local purchasing power. In order to ment is always in a position to compete with develop export industries that are needed for the aggresive industrial development the State and the Commonwealth as a whole, departments in other States; in other words, it is necessary that industries should first that we will always have adequate funds be tied safely to an expanding home market. to do quite sophisticated promotion. Many They can then look for export markets of us receive material from other States, with the home market as a base of operations. particularly from Western Australia, and it is very effective. At all times we should I have gone to some lengths, Mr. Hooper, be able to match and surpass the promotion to emphasise the factors that are outside the material that is being used elsewhere, and Government's control-that is, the pressures there must always be adequate funds to for and the brakes on inflation-and to a permit unremitting personal endeavours by lesser degree the necessity for a very rapid the Minister and his senior officers who population growth in this State. But I do should be, and I am sure are, prepared to suggest that there is something well inside go anywhere at any time when the prospect the Government's sphere of authority. The exists of inducing a worth-while enterprise hon. member for Port Curtis referred to it; to establish in Queensland rather than I understand that the hon. member for elsewhere in Australia. Supply [25 NovEMBER] Supply 1779

I think we all enjoy discussing this buildings at Rocklea, Coopers Plains and department's Estimates and also considering Eagle Farm, as well as in many other suburbs, Sir David Muir's well-produced report. were the first in which commodity goods Those of us who were interested in the were manufactured. That great change from pronouncements of Mr. Colin Clark when war production to peace-time production was he came back to these shores recently after effected in the 10-year period from 1946 and a long absence abroad will know only too set this State on the road to industrial expan­ well the essential role that industrial sion. development must play. He sees little future for many of our primary industries under Mr. Newton: Those buildings are still being present circumstances and believes that used today. balanced industrial development is essential if the State is to assist its rural industries Mr. CASEY: That is very true. In fact, in the future. employees still work in them under the conditions that existed 20 years ago. Of I am quite confident that as the years go course, over that period a growth in popula­ by and Queensland's industrial might tion has occurred throughout the Common­ matches, and even surpasses, that of other wealth, so that no useful purpose can be States, we will be considering the Estimates served in using Queensland as an example, for this department and its reports with even because the growth has not been peculiar to greater enjoyment and pride than we are this State but has been general throughout doing at the present time. the Commonwealth. However, one factor stands out in the pattern of this State's Mr. CASEY (Mackay) (3.3 p.m.): We development under this Government, and that have just heard the previous speaker is centralised growth. speaking about comparisons. I suppose On 25 September I asked the Minister one would hear more comparisons drawn for Industrial Development- in this Chamber than anywhere else in Queensland. The hon. member made the "Has his department investigated the statement that he did not like going back methods and Acts used by the Department into the past; but, like so many other hon. of Decentralisation in New South Wales members on the Government side, he in to encourage secondary industries in rural fact made a comparison of figures from areas of that State? If so, what action different times and different ages. I should has been taken in Queensland to implement like to join him and make comparisons of similar Acts in order to help in the trade in this State now and in previous years. decentralisation of industry?" Since Government members like to take The Minister replied that Queensland's Acts particular years, let me take those from compared more than favourably with those I 962 to I 967. This is a fair period of New South Wales and other States and for the Government, because it does that it was not inappropriate to mention that, not include the last two years of in terms of population distribution, Queens­ tragic drought. In that period our inter­ land is already the most decentralised State state exports totalled $I ,627 million, whilst in Australia. That is true, but no thanks our interstate imports totalled $3,352 million. are due to the present Government for that In other words, that was a deficit in inter­ state of affairs. state trading of $I,725 miLlion. In fact, In support of that statement I shall quote in that five-year period Queensland had four figures from the report of the Department over-all trade deficits, the worst in the State's of Industrial Development. It reveals that, history. If overseas earnings are taken into in 1962, males employed in factory produc­ account, the State's trading loss amounted tion in country areas represented 42.2 per to $215,000,000. Members of the Govern­ thousand, and in the city areas they rep­ ment like to compare that period with the resented 42.4 per thousand. Even in that last five years of Labour administration in year the figures were comparable and this State. I point out that, despite inflation factory employees in Queensland were and the nation's natural growth, in the years distributed evenly between city and country from 1952 to I957, the last five years of areas. What is the position now? In 1968, Labour's administration in Queensland, the the last year mentioned in the report, country State showed an over-all trading profit of employment fell to 40.8 per thousand, $262,000,000. That comparison shows that whereas city employment rose to 57.2 per Queensland has fallen behind in production, thousand. That is an increase of over and that is one of the biggest problems that 33t per cent. in the metropolitan area confront the Department of Industrial in six years, with a fall in country areas over Development. the same period. The growth of secondary industries in Factories and other decentralised industries Queensland commenced after World War II. provide employment for females, which is Everybody knows of the efforts made by a pressing need in provincial city areas. This the Government at that time to turn surplus has already been pointed out by me, the war stores and buildings used to manufac­ hon. member for Bundaberg and other hon. ture and house munitions into sites for peace­ members on this side of the Chamber. In time enterprises. In the city of Brisbane, 1962, 5.1 per thousand of population were 1780 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply employed in factories in country areas I was pleased to see in the report that a compared with 12.5 per thousand in Brisbane. decision has been made to erect factory In 1968 the country figure remained virtually buildings for rental or leasing, and that this static at 5.5 per thousand, whereas the city work will be commenced during the current rate increased to 17.3 per thousand, an year. As yet, we have heard no announce­ increase of nearly 50 per cent. ment from the Minister on where these factories will be erected. I should think that Another factor that can be gleaned from they would be built, as an assistance aspect a thorough examination of the department's of the department's work, in the more remote report is that over the same period the areas of this State where the normal services number of factories in country areas-this are not readily obtainable. I hope that is is while the present Government has been the department's intention, despite the opposi­ in office, and it had five years before 1962-68 tion to it raised by the hon. member for to correct anything that may have been Chatsworth, and that this project will be wrong under Labour's administration, as is so started in the provincial areas of the Sta~e often alleged-decreased by about 200, while where assistance is needed more than m the number in the metropolitan area increased the metropolitan area. Another point that by 500. Yet, in the light of those statistics, I should like to raise was mentioned briefly the hon. member for Mulgrave claimed great by the hon. member for Port Curtis. . I credit for the Government's decentralisation believe that the Department of lndustnal efforts. If he read the reports and did his Development should concentrate on selling this homework, he would soon see from the State's products. The Director's report looks figures published what has really happened. very nice. It contains many figures, calculations and graphs which indicate that a great The provisiOn of industrial estates is amount of time and research were put into excellent. For a long time that has been its production. However, what the depart­ part of Labour's policy, and this Government ment needs is fewer mathematicians and has merely followed the pattern. Industrial more salesmen. We should be getting out estates are being established in provincial and selling Queensland to industrialists in cities and country areas as well as in the other parts of the Commonwealth and point­ metropolitan area. It was claimed in answer ing out to them the opportunities in Queens­ to my question that the Government was land to manufacture commodities, such as doing everything possible to foster foodstuffs from our primary production. A decentralisation in Queensland, but we have good dea'! of our primary produce is sent only to look at the figures presented by the to other States for processing, and the pro­ Government relative to what has been spent cessed commodities are brought back to on the construction and development of Queensland for distribution. That is one industrial estates to realise the true position. of the biggest problems we have to over­ In the Brisbane area $3,819,000 has been come, and there are many ways to do it. spent on industrial estates, whereas in country areas and provincial cities only Another matter mentioned briefly by the $964,000 has been spent. That is a mere hon. member for Port Curtis was the fact 25 per cent. of the metropolitan allocation. that opportunities have frequently been I fail to see how the Minister or the missed during negotiations with mining com­ Government can claim, as was claimed in panies to have industries established to answer to my question, that the Government's process the minera_l products of ~h~s State. policy assists decentralisation. I would like to believe that the Mm1ster for Industrial Development fought strongly in An examination of the statistics in the Cabinet to have those industries established, report of the Department of Industrial because I believe it was his duty to do so. Development relative to loan guarantee However, Cabinet finally decided against this. approvals for industry discloses that over $10,000,000 has been guaranteed by the "The Courier-Mail" reports today that an Government, but almost 90 per cent. of it aluminium manufacturer will establish a plant has been for developments in South-east in Queensland. The true story is that the Queensland-virtually in the metropolitan bauxite is mined at Weipa, which is in area-and only I 0 per cent. has been used Queensland; it is transported to Gladstone, for the rest of the State. A closer examination again in Queensland, where it is manufacture~ of the figures reveals that one guarantee, of into alumina; it is then transported to Kurn $5,700,000, was given to Associated Pipelines Kurri in New South Wales to be manu­ Ltd. for the construction of the natural-gas factured into aluminium; and then it will pipeline, and another, of $2,300,000, was be transported back to Queensland, as given to the South Brisbane Gas & Light Co. refined aluminium, to be made into finished Ltd., making in all a total of $8,000,000, goods. It is certainly nice to have a factory or 80 per cent. of the current loan approvals. worth $2 000,000 or $3,000,000 in Queens­ The figures I have quoted are from this land producing anodised aluminium goods, year's report of the Department of Industrial but would it not be far better to have the Development. They are proof of what the complete process carried out in Queensland? Australian Labour Party has been saying for some considerable time, namely, that this That is one example of lost opportunities Government's current policies on industrial for industrial development in Queensland. development are centralised in nature. As I have said before, I believe that, to Supply (25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1781

obtain industrial expansion, the best persons trying to give them incentives, as a matter to assist are the existing operators who of Government policy, that will encourage employ staff and have the necessary know­ them to come to Queensland, set up how to enlarge their activities. They are manufacturing industries, and process the the people who can be assisted to move into primary products in the State in which they the manufacturing of other types of articles. are produced. Before the time for my speech expires, The Department of Industrial Development there is another matter with which I should already advertises in "The Australian" and like to deal. It illustrates a serious anomaly many other southern newspapers and invites in Queensland today in an industry that has industries to come to Queensland. However, attempted to decentralise its operations but it should be more active in making direct which has actually been penalised by the approaches to the companies concerned. policies of the Government. I refer to the Perhaps it could also grant assistance to activities of Carlton and United Breweries. people in Queensland who may be prepared As a result of rail-freight concessions to extend their operations into that field. specially granted to the metropolitan-based brewery, it costs as much to freight beer from I think it was in the debate on the Financial Cairns to Mackay as it does to freight it Statement that I mentioned the manufacture from Brisbane to Mackay. There is a of sweets in Queensland as being of difference of about 150 or 160 miles in importance to the sugar industry. Recently the distances to be travelled, and the metro­ I went down the main street of this city politan manufacturer is being offered a far and found on the shelves of some of the lower freight rate per ton-mile. In other big shops raspberry sweets from words, the metropolitan manufacturer is Czechoslovakia and others from France. I virtually being subsidised by the Government do not believe for one moment that the to assist him to compete against the manu­ manufacturers used Queensland sugar in the facturer in Far North Queensland. In actual manufacture of those sweets. Articles such fact, merchants in Mackay purchase bottled as that are being imported and are competing beer from the Bulimba Brewery in Brisbane, against sweets manufactured in other which is owned by the same group, because Australian States, despite the fact that they can land it much cheaper in Mackay Queensland produces virtually the whole of than they can land bottled beer from Cairns. Australia's sugar. This State is capable There is a perfect example of the Govern­ of introducing secondary industries of that ment's subsidising centralisation instead of type to support and assist local industries. aiding decentralisation of industry. (Time expired.) The matter of rail freights has been fairly Mr. AHERN (Landsborough) (3.28 p.m.): well aired at various times in this Chamber In the debate on these Estimates on Friday since I have been here, and I know that last, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition members on the Opposition side aired it began his speech by accusing the Australian considerably throughout the State during the Country Party, the party to which I belong, election campaign. The Government has of deliberately retarding industrial now decided to have rail freight anomalies development in Queensland. In fact, he used investigated by a group of consultants, and most of the time available to him to decry the I am concerned that the terms of reference attitude of the Country Party to industrial given to the consultants do not agree with development and said that it was completely an answer given to me by the Premier in preoccupied with rural matters. He accused reply to a question that I asked on this it, as other people have, of being a "cow­ subject. I asked if the investigators had cocky" party and implied that it had no been advised that the development and policy of industrial development and was servicing of outlying areas of the State are not interested in promoting secondary impo,rtant and necessary aspects ·of the industry in Queensland, had played no part Queensland railway system. The terms of in industrial development either in Queensland reference given to the consultants do not or in Australia, and had actually retarded it in any way indicate the need to overcome in this State. It is not the first time that rail freight anomalies which are helping to such an allegation has been made in Australia cripple industrial development, and industries by opponents of the Country Party, but the already established, in country areas. hon. member for Townsville North was the I spoke earlier of the need to assist first person to make it during this debate. Queensland industries to process the State's Therefore, I shall take a couple of minutes primary products in competition with of my time to say categorically that the interstate and overseas manufacturers. In allegation is untrue. my opinion, this is a field in which the The Australian Country Party does have Department of Industrial Development could a policy on industrial development and has, be more active. If the department adopted in coalition governments throughout Aus­ the "salesman" idea to which I referred, its tralia, stood behind that policy and been officers could be given the responsibility of an active participant in promoting irt in going interstate, moving quickly amongst Queensland and elsewhere. Successive the manufacturers of goods in southern areas Premiers of Queensland have been parties who use Queensland primary products and to a wealth of industrialisation ,and have 1782 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply given leadership in sponsoring the indus­ "7. The study of the effect of automation trialisation that has occurred here. Sir of productivity and the equitable distribu­ Francis Nicklin, a previous Premier of tion of these benefits to all sections of the Queensland, often spoke on this matter in community. many pa11ts of 'the State. To him this "8. The exercise of ConstJitutional and was the first matter that had to be attended legislative power to prevent nationalisation to. For its own s,afety, Queensland, as of industry." a State, was far too dependent on primary So our party has a sound policy of industries and a greater degree of indus­ encouraging ·industry. trialisation was requi,red if Queensland's economy was to be sound. How :right Mr. Newton: That is your Federal policy. Sir Fmncis 'Was. For successive years in What is your State policy? Queensland we have experienced a disastrous drought, but .the State ·is not on its knees, Mr. AHERN: The State policy is much as it might well have been had extensive along the same lines. industrialisation not taken place. Mr. Newton: Read that out. So I say that that allegation is categorically untrue. My party has a policy of progressive Mr. AHERN: We have a State platform industrialisation. and policy much along 'the same Lines ,and this has been borne out in .actual fact in This criticism by the Labour Party during Queensland. Our Country Party Ministers the debate comes on top of criticism I have been party .to the magnificent amount have often heard in rural areas of Queens­ of industrial development that has occurred land, where we are criticised as a party here. In fact, the policy of the party is for having this policy and for carrying it a ·balanced one. It believes that primary out. This surely must give the lie to the industries are important in this country to statement by the Deputy Leader of the create export earnings, but has also been Opposition that the Country Party has not quick :to recognise the importance of been a party to increasing industrialisation secondary industry and 'the jobs it provides in QueensLand. As .a matter of fact, if for a growing population. The sound .growth hon. members take the trouble to read the of both is absolutely necessary if Australia platform and policy of my party, which is is to 'be a strong country. in the library, they will see that many Mr. Bromley: Do you believe in pages are devoted .to the party's attitude competition? towards secondary industry. The policy states that the party supports- Mr. AHERN: Yes, we do. The purpose " I. The encouragement of economic and of industrial development is to provide jobs efficient manufacturing industry through 'a for a growing population. My party is sick system of bounties and tariffs." and tired of criticism levelled at it that is not borne out by fact. Throughout That is one about which we have continually Australia, Country Party Ministers have been criticised in the Federal sphere. been associated with a great amount of Mr. Newton: It sounds all right on paper. industrial development, and those in Queens­ land are no exception. Mr. AHERN: This is a policy which the Mr. Jensen: Who would get the most in leader of the Country Par,ty and Minister subsidies-primary industries or secondary for Trade in the Federal sphere has definitely industries? oarried out ·in spite of criticism for doing so. It is no use denying that; he has Mr. AHERN: As the hon. member been carrying it out in his office as ,M.inister should know, secondary industries definitely for Trade. The policy continues- get more in protection. "2. Encouragement for the eSJtablish­ One party in this State and in Australia ment of decentralised secondary induSitry that is sectional and has impaired industrial in country areas and in isolated parts development is the Labour Party, in its of Australia. association with militant unions and its policy of nationalisation of secondary "3. The establishment of secondary industries. There is no doubt that those industry to process Austmlia's raw policies have been passed by triennial materials. conferences of the Labour Party. I have "4. The provision of taxation incentives seen minutes of those conferences recording to encourage secondary induSJtry to those policies that react very strongly against expand production, improve efficiency and the development of secondary industries in expont to overseas markets. Australia. I know that members of the "5. The provrswn of Commonwealth Opposition are not happy to hear that; incentives to research 'and development in nevertheless, that is a fact of life in this industry. country. "6. Liaison with industrial leaders to The hon. member for Townsville North ensure close understanding of the problems made a very odious comparison between the of industry :and the objectives of Department of Industrial Development and Governmerut. the Department of Primary Industries and Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1783

the allocations that are made to those study of these estates, he would realise the departments. He claimed that 48 people enormous amount of planning that has gone were employed in the Department of into their siting and the locating of various Industrial Development as against 1,273 in industries within them. the Department of Primary Industries. In doing so, he totally ignored the charter of It will certainly be necessary in future to the Department of Industrial Development undertake regional planning in Queensland, and showed his ignorance of that of the and I firmly believe that we will have to Department of Primary Industries. consider establishing a statutory regional planning authority in South-east Queensland. Mr. Tucker: I also compared the Mines Excellent planning has been undertaken in Department. establishing industrial estates in the metro­ politan area, and I am very quick to Mr. AHERN: The hon. member did not. commend the department on the planning that He went to great lengths to ignore the role has taken place. Industrial parks have been of the Department of Mines in Queensland established. Unlike what has occurred in as well as those of other departments that the industrialisation of many areas elsewhere undertake ancillary activities in promoting in Australia and in other countries of the secondary industries in this State. world, industrialisation in Queensland is well The hon. member suggested that the planned. Landscaping is insisted upon so Department of Industrial Development that people have favourable surroundings to should be a vast organisation providing work in. They are attractive places rather research for industry, a materials testing than industrial slums, thus making for better agency and employment for a vast team of employer-employee relations. physicists, biologists, metallurgists, chemical Mr. Baldwin: You let them live in slums. engineers and food technicians to serve industry in Queensland. Surely that is Mr. AHERN: That is not so, and the hon. beyond the charter and the present purpose member knows it. of the department. In order to play the role suggested by the Deputy Leader of the It is commendable that close liaison has Opposition, the department would certainly been established with local authorities where need to be a vast organisation, and the State these estates have been established, with could not possibly finance such an organ­ the result that they fit in with over-all isation from its resources. The setting up planning schemes. Sound incentives have of a department to play that role would been offered by the industrial estates. be contrary to the spirit of private enter­ Primarily, they are designed to encourage prise. Surely it is desirable that industries industries to come to these areas. should conduct the greater proportion of their own research so that they can use Mr. Baldwin: Why are so many of them the results of that research to compete still unoccupied? better within the private-enterprise system that prevails in Queensland. Of course, the Mr. AHERN: That shows that some fore­ role played by the Department of Primary thought has been devoted to this matter. Industries is very much different. I hope The estates have been planned well ahead that the hon. member is not suggesting that so that when industries need land, plenty of that department employs too many officers, it will be available. but nobody could be blamed for drawing Mr. Baldwiu: I'll say it will be. I agree that inference from his remarks. In fact, with you. it has insufficient staff to fulfil its charter. Mr. AHERN: It is excellent that it will be. I am happy with the several activities of If it was not, the hon. member would be the Department of Industrial Development, the first to complain. We are well ahead and I commend the Minister on his of industrial needs in Queensland, which administration and compliment his officers, is very commendable. particularly the Director, Sir David Muir. The industrialisation of this State is one of The incentives offered to industry are the proudest achievements of this Govern­ excellent in that when industries are fully ment since it took office in 1957. operational they are viable within the Industrialisation is financing Queensland. economy. The incentives are not artificial. The old belief that Australia was a primary­ Great concessions are not being granted by industry country that existed on primary the Government. The industries are required industries alone is no longer held. Thanks to compete with other industries on a purely to the activities of the Department of competitive basis. That is the best way Industrial Development, Queensland is now to establish them. The making available of much more stable than it was previously. large areas of Crown land in these industrial The policy of establishing industrial estates estates has prevented a boom in the price is most commendable, and the planning of of industrial land. While there is a boom these estates in the metropolitan area is in industry in Queensland, there is no boom excellent. The hon. member for Port Curtis in the prices of industrial land. suggested that no planning at all was involved Mr. Baldwin: There is for the intending in siting industrial estates. If he made a landholder for housing purposes. 1784 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. AHElli'\T: There is not a boom in Mining expansion in this State has been industrial land prices, thanks to these particularly significant in the past few years. industnal estates. I do not accept that there For example, the development at Mt. Isa has been a tremendous increase in the price has been extensive. New minerals have of land for home building as there has emerged in new areas. I instance copper, been in LI-te other States of Australia. We ·silver lead, zinc, uranium, phosphate, coal have contained this problem in Queensland. and nickel, of which there will be increased production in the future. There is a good reason The policy of establishing industrial estates why there is not as much mineral development in provincial areas has been well received. in Queensland as there is in a State like Western Australia, which, in terms of The decision to establish Crown estates in geological age, is much older than Queens­ Cairns, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Rock­ land. Most of the outback country of hampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Mary­ Queensland, which might in normal geo­ borough, Kingaroy, Toowoomba, Dalby, logical terms be expected to contain many Warwick, Gatton, Caboolture, Narangba and minerals, is covered by thousands of feet Southport was well founded. The establish­ of sandstone forming the Great Artesian ment of those estates has been of great Basin. Underneath that basin there could assistance in providing all the services neces­ be the makings of another Poseidon or sary to industry which has somewhere to go Kia Ora. That is the reason why there and can be established in an orderly fashion. are not more minerals readily available in Western Queensland, as there are in Western In addition, industries are assisted by the Australia. The rocks in Western Australia provision of certain grants for the transport are about 1,500 million years old. Withol!t of machinery, and rail concessions have doubt, it is mineral development that IS recently been granted. All this has helped financing Queensland today. A study of the to decentralise industry, and I look forward Treasurer's Financial Statement shows the to an extension of the policy in the future. main source of the State's finances, and why The amount estimated to be spent this year the State is not now on its knees in the in granting rail concessions to encourage present drought. The State is being financed exports by provincial industries is about by its earnings from mineral development and $25,000. I admit that that is not a princely the transport of minerals. sum. However, as these concessions are granted, new industries will realise that they I should like to thank the Minister for are available and will avail themselves of his department's recognition of the need to them. 1 should like to see, as the Treasury assist the tourist industry. Those who were can afford it, an extension of this concession present when the Minister introduced his to the users of road transport. It could Estimates would have heard him list the quite be implemented by granting concessions in considerable amount of assistance given to permit fees. such enterprises as Barrier Reef Cruises, Industrial estates should be established Carnarvon Development Co. Pty Ltd., Green in even more areas. A commendable amount Island Marineland, etc. It was quite an of work has been done and industrial estates impressive list, and no doubt it will increase have been established where it might be in the future. expected that they would not be an economic proposition. However, as these estates I should like to take the opportunity of become successful, consideration should be thanking the Department of Industrial given to the establishment of industrial estates Development for the assistance given to the in areas like the Sunshine Coast which now Buderim Ginger Growers Co-operative. No depend on the tourist industry. Ample land doubt the department had a look at that is available there for industrial estates. Some enterprise and decided that it was a worthy local authorities have already given thought to the inclusion of industrial estates in their and viable one. It was quick to recommend town plans. to the Treasury that it should be given assistance. That assistance has been given, Mr. Newton: There is no labour there. and in the last month or so the industry has increased its capital investment by some Mr. AHERN: As the hon. member should $250,000. know, good reliable labour is always avail­ able in country areas and industries are being I also wish to thank the Minister for the established there now. Industries such as the resources survey that will be undertaken building industry are being established in in the Moreton division, which covers both Caloundra in association with the boom in shires that I represent, namely Landsborough the tourist industry. The local authority is and Maroochy. I commend the Minister on planning to establish these industries in a the promotion work that he has carried out, particular area. In other provincial cities, and that will no doubt be carried out to the Department of Industrial Development is a greater extent in the future. The work assisting local authorities, and I suggest that, that has been done has been excellent and in the future, this principle could be extended worth while. to smaller areas. I know that the Minister will consider this suggestion. (Time expired.) Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1785

Mrs. JORDAN (Ipswich West) (3.54 p.m.): State have greater opportumt1es when such The Department of Industrial Development development is decentralised. The question has a major role to play in nhe development of State development is so important to all of this State, and, when we look at this hon. members that it must be above party year's annual report and compare it with politics, with all parties looking to the best that of last year, we find that some results possible future for Queensland. I know that have been achieved. The department is now all members of the Opposition are keenly finding its feet, and is making some move­ interested in development and expansion and ment in obtaining the establishment of new that they think as I do. industries in Queensland and in giving I become rather impatient when I hear encouragement and assistance to industries Government members talking about what was already established. done 12 years ago by former Labour The many facets covered by this depart­ Governments. Much has changed since ment are increasing every day. We have Vhose years. Our whole way of thinking and been going through fast-changing times in our attitudes to many things have changed recent years, with changing methods of over the years, and I do not think it does production, dhanges in outlook, changes in any good to waste time dwelling on the past. defence policies, changes in trade policies, All our energies should be used in dealing as well as changes in our sphere of interest. with the future. We should all plan for These have directly affected the economy the future and put our shoulders to the of this country. We have seen changes wheel to ensure a better place for Queensland in world power blocs which, too, have and a better standard of living for its people, affected our sphere of interest. All these be they leaders in business or industry or things have made some contribution to the workers who have to earn a living by their fact that the economy of Queensland is now skills. much more strongly based on industrial I believe that the Minister, the Director of output and not so dependent on primary Industrial Development, Sir David Muir, and production alone as it has been over the the staff of the department are doing an years since Queensland became a separate excellent job and are creating a very favour­ State. able climate for development in Queensland. I am pleased to see that the Department If one peruses the annual report, one sees of Industrial Development is showing by its that progress has been faster in the last 12 planning and much of the ·action it is taking months than previously. Apart from the that it realises the mammoth task it has intensive development that has taken pJ.ace in in adapting 1o these changes and in fostering certain areas, particularly Gladstone, because much faster development of industry tihrough­ of our vast mineral resources, other develop­ out the State. As hon. members discuss ments have taken place as a result of the the Estimates that are submitted to 1hem, policy of providing Government-serviced one finds speaker after speaker stressing the industrial estates in a number of centres. importance of the particular department Quite a few were added to the already­ under discussion. Some departments, of existing estates during the year under review, course, are of more interest to certain hon. and the existing ones were further developed members t'han they are to others, but I during that period. In fact, I believe that think that the Department of Industrial it is because of the provision of such Development is of very great interest to serviced-estates that industry is gradually all of us because it has such a fast-expanding being attracted to the areas where they are role to play. situated. What the department achieves governs the In years gone by we saw what happened economic expansion of Queensland and the to such estates when they were not given rate of growth in many other fields, including assistance by the Government or were not even primary industries, and also affects serviced estates such as it is the Government's many of the departments under the control present policy to provide. It is often difficult of the various Ministers of the Government. for business to find suitable areas for itself­ That is of tremendous importance, and the so difficult, sometimes, that people "give the Government must plan to use all its forces game away" and an industry is lost to the effectively. The days when such matters State. However, I think that situation has been could be left to chance and time to sort out greatly relieved by the provision of industri·al are gone. Queensland can no longer afford estates, and the department's staff has, I to lag behind, as it has in the past. It know, endeavoured to assist businessmen to must catch up and keep abreast of new avoid some of the frustrating delays caused methods and techniques. by the red tape which frequently confronts The Government parties have no total those endeavouring to set up new industries mortgage on the desire to see Queensland or new branches of existing industries or progress and develop. The A.L.P. is equally businesses. keen to see Queensland surge ahead as I have frequently said, both in this quickly as possible, because it believes that Chamber and outside, that I believe that the a high standard of living is achieved winh W·acol industrial estate would be of as much the development of secondary industries and advantage to my area of Ipswich as it is to vhat more and more people throughout the Brisbane. I continue to believe this. At the St 1786 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply same time, I have pushed a claim for an Already vast development has been under­ industrial estate for Ipswich as well. It was taken by subdividers who have, in addition therefore most pleasing to me, to 1he people to putting in the necessary services, provided of Ipswich, and, I know, to the hon. member sewerage to the estate. Up till the present for Ipswich East, when the Minister time the Ipswich City Council has not announced on the occasion of his visit to required developers to install sewerage, but Ipswich on 4 November last that his depart­ the subdividers of this estate are setting a ment had decided to set up an industrial pattern for others to follow. est

tobacco factory, at least five large engineering development and that there should be closer works and a number of smaller ones, several liaison between some of the departments brickworks and a pottery works, large timber than presently exists. mills, three abattoirs, several small clothing I believe that control of electricity matters factories, a malt works and many smaller should have remained with the Minister for undertakings. Ipswich is also the centre Mines. It would have been better there of the rich West Moreton rural area, all than with .the Minister for Local Govern­ of which makes it a good, solid consumer ment. The Department of Transport is centre as well as a manufacturing centre. closely associated with the Department of All these undertakings make Ipswich a Industrial Development, as is the Department very solid city. Thanks to them it has been of Works .and the Queensland Housing Com­ able to weather the setbacks associated with mission, particularly the loatter, beaause once the dieselisation of the railways and, to a there is .industrial development there ·is the degree, the mechanisation of the mines. problem of housing. The provision of Ipswich has fought back but a period of 12 housing should be considered along with to 18 months will elapse before the difficulties the industrial development that takes place associated with redundancy in the railways in an area. Sometimes housing is provided have been solved. By that time retirements by private enterprise, and it appears ~hat will take care of those who have become that will be done in Ipswich. However, redundant. Some employees left the railway as •a previous speaker said, some people service and others accepted demotion because have to live in make-shift accommodation, they did not wish to leave their homes and such as a caravan, because no provision other assets that they had accumulated over is made to house them. the years. Liaison is necessary, particularly •with this expanding Department of Industri

Going back a little further to the days of congratulate the Minister and his officers C1arrie Fallon, of course, industry was not on a job well done. I feel that Queensland encouraged to come to Queensland because of is on the threshold of great development the open warfare that was likely to occur and that if we can obtain the facilities of between the craft unions and the A.W.U. information collected and disseminated to Hon. members opposite would not like to Government departments through a town debate that issue because they know what and regional planning authority, Queensland I say is true. Queensland was the most will be in the forefront of an accelerated unpopular State in Australia in which to drive for industrial development which can establish a business or industry because, prior only lead to success. to the ~ntroduction of uniform taxation, it had the reputation of being the most highly Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough) (4.33 p.m.): taxed State in the Commonwealth in that T intend to confront the Minister with a field. problem that will give him the opportunity to show just how interested the Government In talking of the encouragement of is in assisting to decentralise industry. industrial development, I think that one can give due credit to the Government, its Mr. CarnpbeU interjected. Ministers, and particularly to Sir David Muir, who has guided the department very well Mr. DAVIES: I speak not from the point indeed, for creating a climate that is con­ of view of party politics but in the interests ducive to the attraction of overseas capital, of the people of this State, particularly and also internal Australian capital, to the those outside the favoured capital centre, State for developmental purposes. especially the industrial estate areas at Wacol and near the mouth of the Brisbane I wish to return now to my opening River. I intend to speak particularly on remarks, in which I referred to the establish­ behalf of people outside those areas, who ment of industry and where it is likely to be have not received the treatment from this established. The Minister and the department Government that they should have, are providing industrial lands. That is a particularly in view of the Government's distinct advantage where an industry wishes claim that it is interested in the welfare of to establish itself in the shortest possible these people and the decentralisation of time. However, such an industry usually industry. will be limited in size unless there are In the Maryborough area we have the other incentives for it to go to a certain broiler industry. Hon. members will part of the State for resource development. remember that some time ago the firm of Imtead of being critical of this depart­ Swift Pty. Ltd. was actively engaged in ment, hon. members should realise that developing the broiler industry in M ary­ establishment of industry is contingent upon borough and was very successful. Then the general political climate of the State came the time when Swifts decided to sell at any particular time, the economics of out. There was rivalry between Inghams the nation, the ability of the Federal Enterprises Pty. Ltd. and Provincial Traders Government to act as a magnet, as it were, Pty. Ltd., each of which desired to take and attract overseas capital, and the ability over from Swifts. The ulterior motive can of our own State Government, when this now be seen. The intention was to continue attraction has been provided, to induce the centre for a time and then close it down industries to come to Queensland. But and make all those growers who wanted to the attraction of industry is not a simple continue in the industry send their birds to matter. Industries invest in the State where Brisbane to be treated either by Provincial they believe they have the best economic Traders or by Inghams. prospects, where the markets for their At the time I gave credit to Provincial products exist, or are about to exist, or can Traders for carrying on for some time, be projected to exist within a reasonable killing the fowls in Maryborough and sending period of time. them to other States and even exporting them from the Country, and I paid tribute The department got away to what one to them for their offer to the workers in the might class as rather an unfavourable start industry. in the Australian scheme of things. Because of the type of people attracted to Australia, The CHAIRMAN: Order! industry tended to move to the southern States. The department was faced with the Mr. DAVIES: It is all right, Mr. Hooper. task of attracting these people to northern can carry on above the conversation of climes which, in the main, was not the Government members. environment they were used to, and it is That firm offered its employees in Mary­ to be congratulated on getting them to this borough the opportunity of working in its State, away from the existing and potential factory in Brisbane, and gave them several markets in the South. months to consider its proposal. It promised We tend to be critical of the department, also that if the poultry producers decided but after taking all these matters into to send their fowls to Brisbane it would consideration, I believe we must show process them. For some time the firm has appreciation of the wonderful job that has claimed that it has subsidised the industry been done in a relatively short time. I to enable it to continue, but it has stated 1790 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply that in the New Year it will not be able to in the Brisbane area. I thought the number continue to grant concessions in freights on was much larger, but they produce in large poultry feed and chickens sent from Brisbane quant1t1es. There are 25 producers in Mary­ to Maryborough. The withdrawal of these borough, and I appeal to the Minister to do concessions will mean that the industry in something to help them. If a mixing plant Maryborough will fold up. A number of was established, the producers could effect the broiler producers in the Maryborough big savings. I am advised that it would cost district have 30,000 to 40,000 chickens. about $120,000 to $150,000, although I can­ Recently one producer told me that his assets not vouch for that. A big sum is involved, were worth $40,000 to $45,000, and he but if it can save the industry the Govern­ claimed that if the industry closed down he ment should either contribute towards the would lose. Only recently the company cost of the mixing plant or make available reduced the price paid per lb. live weight a loan on very easy terms. I appeal to the by half a cent, which was a blow to the Minister to give this matter serious considera­ producers. In addition, the producers have tion, as every week about 180 tons of feed is faced three recent increases in costs. taken to Maryborough by rail for the broiler It seems strange that no Country Party industry. That is a large tonnage and would member has referred to these matters. I have ensure considerable use of the machine, as with me a list-time will not permit me to well as expansion of the local industry. go right through it-that shows the enormous The Minister may ask why these people increases over the last decade in the cost of do not pack up and leave the area. I know products required by the man on the land. that some of them have done so, at great No attempt has been made by this Govern­ risk and cost. They may have prospered ment to deal with that very serious problem. Of course, spare-parts dealers engage in once they became established elsewhere, but bare-faced robbery by insisting that a person I have not had an opportunity to contact any who requires one small part has to buy a of them. It is a sad state of affairs if these whole case of spare parts. However, the firm producers are to be pushed into the Brisbane to which I have referred has made an effort area to add to the population surge here that can be contrasted with that of Inghams, simply because of the Government's failure to who, I believe, simply closed down and help those in the industry. walked out on the farmers. The farmers The Minister has all the figures at his feU for the promises made by that organisa­ fingertips from deputations that have tion when it took over the operations of approached him. He might say that the the industry in Maryborough from Swifts. industry suffers through the transport of fowls To enable these poultry producers to carry because they lose 5 per cent. of their live on, I ask the Government to do something weight on the 180-mile trip from Mary­ about the increased freight charges. Specially borough to Brisbane. I admit that there are prepared feed for broilers has to be sent problems, but it is a great pity that the from Brisbane to Maryborough. That is a Government did not do something when the ridiculous state of affairs when suitable grain Maryborough works were closed down. Even can be produced in regions closer to Mary­ if it costs something, the Government should borough. If the Government was interested realise that it cannot save money all the time in doing something for the producers it through mass production. If there is to be could do so and, in addition, help the decentralisation, the Government must be Maryborough flour mill. If the freight struc­ prepared to meet some of the cost. Despite ture was such as to enable producers to the claim of the hon. member for Lands­ procure their grain from districts close to borough that the Government was doing Maryborough they could develop their everything possible, in this regard, I point out that the Premier made statements last year markets to a greater extent than at present. that were not helpful to provincial industry. I know that the Minister will tell me that The hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha stated 12 months ago these people were granted that industries would not come to Queens­ concessions in road taxes. It is interesting land under the Labour Government. I have to note that these concessions were granted here particulars concerning A. V. Wehl Indus­ just prior to the Isis by-election; they were tries Ltd., which intended to use raw material a bait held out to the electors of Isis. The available in the Maryborough district soft­ Government felt that that seat was slipping wood forests to establish a large industry. from its grasp, and it sent all its Ministers Eventually it went to Ballarat to establish a up to float round the electorate for some particle-board mill, although more raw time. It decided that it had better do material was available in the Maryborough something to retain the electors' vote and area. made various promises. It kept its promise to grant road tax concessions, and the growers I also have a report which was prepared benefited to the extent of thousands of some years ago, during the days of the dollars. However, that is not enough. Labour Government. Wilson Hart and Co. Ltd. and Hyne and Son Pty. Ltd. made inves­ If the Government is sincere it can do tigations, which were presented in a very something to save the poultry industry, which thorough detailed report, to convince a Vic­ contains not a very large number of growers. torian firm that the most suitable place to I believe that there are only 34 producers establish operations, from the point of view Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1791

of available timber, electricity and water, was The article continues- Maryborough. However, the factory was "They said the company would receive eventually established near Ipswich. a $30,000 housing loan for three homes Mr. Hanlon: That was Burnie Board. for key personnel. "Mr. Fuller said Goulburn Council Mr. DAVIES: That is so. would finance 30 per cent. of the new factory cost." As a matter of fact, the Labour Gov­ ernment gave the firm concessions to get The only companies that this Government its products to the southern markets that will build houses for are the big, wealthy surprised industry leaders in Maryborough overseas companies, with all the money com­ by their generosity. However, despite that, ing from overseas and no local investment. because of an extra fraction of a penny Here is a small industry, wanting only a profit, this firm considered its own advantage little over $100,000 to partly solve some of and went into the metropolitan area. This its problems, and it is definitely beyond the shows that we cannot leave it to private means of the Government to assist it. The enterprise to do the right thing by the State brush factory about which I am speaking and its people. The Government must step would increase its staff from 52 to 65. in and do something. The article continues- When the Premier was faced with this "The Government's policy is to problem he was reported as saying­ encourage balanced development through- "Decentralisation policy 'hard to put into out the State." effect'." That is not this Government's policy. It We know that it is particularly hard for is all talk and no action. this Government. All that has happened in this State is He continued- what would have happened under any Gov­ "It was beyond the present financial ernment. This Government did not find resources of the State Government to give the oil or the gas. As a matter of fact, some artificial protection to provincial the Commonwealth Government made a sub­ industries to allow them to compete against sidy available for this work. The Labour metropolitan industries." Government had the Weipa agreement all tied up, and then the present Government He was severely criticised by "The Mary­ let the aluminium smelter slip through its borough Chronicle", which is by no means fingers; it was not established in this State. a Labour paper. Japan would have wanted the coal regardless of which Government was in power, so It said- that that deal is no credit to this Government. "The Premier of Queensland may need Because of the amount of capital that is to be convinced of this on the evidence coming into Queensland, and without any of policy statements he made last night. consideration of the local investor, coal will Mr. Bjelke-Petersen, notwithstanding that go out of Queensland at 5c a ton up to the he had previously aroused considerable year 2000. What value will 5c be in the enthusiasm in the North ..." year 2000? If the value of money continues to decrease the way it is at present, 5c will In regard to these matters was not prepared be worth very little. The Government did to investigate this problem. Then he made the not have the common sense to include a statement that I read out previously. This clause in the agreement providing that the was a miserable failure on the part of the 5c would be increased as the value of money Government to keep this industry in Queens­ decreased. land. If there had been a Labour Govern­ ment, it would have been blamed. I quoted from that article to show what the New South Wales Government has done, Let us see what happened in New South and I am giving this Government an opportu­ Wales earlier this year. This is one of nity to do something about it. On top of numerous examples of what happened under that, the Government failed to keep this a Labour Government, before it was defeated. particle-board manufacturing firm in Queens­ It had a very successful decentralisation policy land. It has gone to Bal!arat in Victoria, which, to some degree, has been continued although we have in Queensland the timber by the present Government in that State. and everything else necessary to enable that This report reads- company to establish itself economically here. "A big manufacturing company will I leave those matters with the Minister in transfer its headquarters to Goulburn after the hope that he will do something about 40 years in Sydney. them. "The company, National Brush Co. What in fact has the Government done? (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., will be aided by decen­ I am not blaming the Minister, because he tralisation loans and subsidies. is only one member of Cabinet. I am "New South Wales Government and blaming the Government. What is being local government aid total $150,000." done about granting concessions, as is done in New South Wales? If the Labour Party ~he machine for Maryborough that I men­ had been returned to office, one of the steps tioned cost far less than that. taken by it to encourage development would 1792 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply have been similar to our a,tti tude to the architectural work that is now offered •to provision of electricity to reduce the cost of Brisbane architects outside the Works living and foster and encourage industrial Department. He told me- development. A Labour Government would "1 have been informed by other take positive steps to subsidise electric architects that some Brisbane offices are authorities within the State so 1hat they working to 90 per cent. of their time on could progressively reduce electricity tariffs Government jobs, both State and Commonwealth." and charges until they were no greater than those charged by the Brisbane City Council. I supported his approach to the Minister, and I think I have said before that certain Could not something also be done in cases jobs were given to him. That is one indica­ where land tax would affect production costs? tion of something that can be done to assist In conference with their colleagues in the in a small way those who are outside the Federal Government, could not members of capital city. That gentleman was very the Government. do something about reducing pertinent in his remarks concerning the telephone and mcome-tax charges? If they Government's giving jobs to its friends in would only study what is being done in New Brisbane. I hope that that assertion was not South Wales, they would find that there are quite correct, and that his representations hundreds of ways of making it cheaper to will meet with some resul·ts. establish industries in decentralised areas. I should like to say, too, that it is rather But no, it is all left to the firms concerned, strange that in the factory statistics published just as it was left to the particle-board firm regularly in bulletins, the Government has in Maryborough. The Government did ceased to give details of the number of industries and workers in each of the cities in nothing about that. No new suggestions the State. That information used to be were made; all that was followed was the included, but, because of criticism of the Government's policy over the last 12 years. Government and the Opposition's exposure In South Africa there is the Industrial of its failure to develop industries in so Development Corporation of South Africa many centres, i·t has now been deleted. Ltd. Something of this sort was I believe Mr. HaDSOD: Another cover-up. suggested by the Federal Labour Party. Th~ Mr. DAVIES: Yes, another cover-up. I Industrial Development Corporation of South am quite definite that that was the purpose, Africa Ltd. was constituted under Act No. 22 and I say that the information should be of 1940 for the specific purpose of providin a restored. Hon. members should be given medium and long-term finance for industries~ those details. The share capital was provided by the In the last minute or two available to me, Government, but the corporation is manacred I should like to say that the Australian on the lines of a private business conc:m. Labour Party has nothing to be ashamed of The capital may be provided by way of in its administration during the years it was loans or by taking up shares, but in contrast in power. It may have some regrets about to similar institutions overseas the Industrial not having done certain things, but it is Development Corporation usually disposes of all very well to be wise after the event. its shareholdings as soon as the company Industrial development throughout the State concerned has been placed on a sound depends largely upon the development of footing. rural industries, and the Labour Party has a magnificent record in rural legislation in Do we find anything like that coming from this State. I could quote the comments of the Commonwealth Government or the State members of the Country Party in this Government here? If the Government wants Chamber, men in high positions in rural to decentralise industry, it can do it. industries who probably knew more about Mr. Hall90ll: Give those over there a 20 those industries than all the Country Party per cent. dividend and they would all be members in the Chamber at present-men interested. such as Mr. Walker and Mr. Plunkett. What have hon. members opposite to say about the following statements that were made Mr. DAVIES: That is so. There are many while Labour was in power? other ways in which industrial development could be assisted. The Minister has not Mr. Plunkett said- reported to the CommHtee on approaches that "Queensland has always led the way have been made to the Commonwealth in organising for the benefit of the primary Government in an attempt to get for Queens· producer, and there is no reason why this land a greater share of the works that are Bill (it affected primary producers) should let by contmct in the southern States. not be passed unanimously by the Although I have not the figures with me, Parliament." the percentage of the work coming to Mr. Walker said- Queensland was announced, and it was very "No other country can look with such small. I mentioned previously that one of pride at the progress of its dairy industry my constituents, who is the only architect in as that with which we can contemplate the South Burnett, approached the Minister its progress during the last 25 years in in an attempt to obtain a greater share of the Queensland." Supply (25 NOVEMBER) Supply 1793

I suggest to hon. members opposite t~at These Estimates have highlighted the they should examine all the worth-while Government's faith in the tourist attractions Commonwealth and State rural legislation. If of the Barrier Reef. On the one hand we they do, they will find that it is ~Jased upon have injected into this area finance that legislation introduced by Australian Labour will help t'he industry attract visitors from Party Governments in Queensland. Memb~rs all over Australia and overseas, and on the of the parties to which hon. mem?e:s oppostte other we have allowed oil-drilling which will belong spoke of extre.me socmllsm when certainly have an adverse effect on the legislation to protect pnmary producers was tourist industry. The Barrier Reef calamity first introduced in this Chamber, but I could has brought to the fore the real necessity refer them to other quotations similar to for more say to be delegated to this minor those that I have just given. portfolio. In introducing his Estimates the Minister Eaid- I was disappointed to hear certain state­ ments by the hon. member for Landsborough "Without any doubt, the tourist industry and the hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha, who plays a large part in the continuing at times indulges in very extravagant rantings, prosperity of many Queensland commu­ in their speeches earlier in the debate. nities. The expansion of existing resorts Remarks of that type are ridiculous. It and the development of new ones can would be much better if the Committee gain j~st as much for a locality in heard something constructive from. those economic terms as. the erection of a new hon. members-for example, suggestions as factory." to how the Government might retain the I am rather disappointed t:hat the Minister smaller industries that are running away from did not include in that last sentence the Queensland. As one ~on. n:ember sa!d words "or an oil rig". I should like to earlier, the Government IS not mterested m smaller industries because they call for the see the D~pa:tment of Industrial Development use of some initiative and the intr?duction ~et as .adJUdicator on all matters relating to of courageous legislation. I adv1se hon. mdust:1a1 development in this State. members opposite to travel through southern Experiences of the past few years show the States and see what is being done there, urgent necessity for this. Surely the decision particularly in New South Wales. When Mr. as to whether the Barrier Reef should be Renshaw a Labour Premier, was in office, a tourist attraction or a group of oil wells leoislatio~ was introduced in an attempt to should not be for t:he Minister for Mines d:centralise industry in New South Wales, or the Minister for Tourism as they both and further legislation has since been intro­ have a vested interest in the ultimate duced. If hon. members opposite study decision. I personally fail to see how the the platforn1 of the Australian Labour Party finding of oil on the Barrier Reef can be at the last election, they will be amply of economi.c importance to either Queensland rewarded. or Australia, but I can see in tourism a lasting investment for Queensland. (Time expired.) I should . like to know if, for instance, Mr. MILLER (Ithaca) (4.58 p.m.): The the economic department has carried out a Estimates for the Department of Industrial survey of the potential of the Barrier Reef. I am speaking today not as a conservationist Development should be among the most but as a member of Parliament who is important to come before hon. members. interested in the industrial development of Unfortunately, as was pointed out by the Queemland. Why we S'hould lend $100 000 Deputy Leader of the Opposition earlier to Barrier Reef Cruises Pty. Ltd. 'and in the debate, they are not given that guarantee a loan of $160,000 to Great Barrier recognition. I should like the department Reef Hotels Pty. Ltd., and at the same time to be given far more responsibility than allo":' drilling for oil is beyond my compre­ it has at present. :hensJOn. In Santa Barbara, it has been In introducing the Estimates, the Minister proved that oil-drilling off the coast has spoke of many aspects of industrial develop­ affected the tourist trade and I fear that ment. He referred to the support given by it will have the same ~ffect here. Santa the department to the tourist industry and Barbara was a rich tou6st centre before the off-shore oil blow-out in February J 969. The especially to the aid for the dev~lopment of attractions on the Great Earner Reef Santa Barbara County and City Chamber of islands and the establishment of tourist Commerce estimated that in Julv of this accommodation. I should like to dwell for year alone the city lost $420,000 because a moment on that aspect of development, t'he tourists stayed away. This loss is felt because I am concerned about the lack of directly by shopkeepers, service organisations, hotels, motels-in fact, everyone who earns co-ordination between Government depart­ a living in Santa Barbara. ments on matters relating to industrial development. Surely there could be cl.oser Mr. Cochrane, a well-known economist, liaison between the Department of Mmes, has stated that the discovery of oil in the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau Australia could mean a rise in the price and the Department of Industrial Develop­ of petrol. This means something to ment than there is at present. motorists but a great deal more to industry. 1794 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Even a successful oil field cannot attract In "The Courier-Mail" of 11 October, other industry in these circumstances. The 1969, Mr. T. C. Good complains of dis­ only hope that oil-drilling can bring industry crimination by the Hamersley company to Queensland would be the discovery of against Australian engineering companies. an enormous field of natural gas that could He said- be sold cheaper than the natural gas in " 'The last two major railway rolling Victoria. I trust that we, as a Government, stock contracts let by Hamersley had con­ will learn from the tragedy of Santa Barbara, tained contract clauses which no Australian and in the near future instill into this company could abide by,' Mr. Good said. department the power to act as a decision­ 'This attitude by Hamersley had led to making body relative to the type of industry an overal! depression in the rolling stock most suitable to a particular area. manufacturing industry in Australia at a time when local companies needed a boost.' Another department that I believe should 'Commonwealth Engineering now faces come under the control of the Department of the prospect of laying off up to 200 men Industrial Development is the Department of by April next year.' " Labour. In recent months industry has been held to ransom by many of the Can Hamersley, or for that matter, any left-wing unions, and the current campaign company, be expected to place an order of the metal trades unions for substantial without a firm delivery date? In the light over-award payments is a typical example of of the great number of strikes that are occur­ that. If this State's industries are to be ing throughout Australia, an industry would expanded and if full employment is to want some security of delivery and certainly continue-- would not wish to have delivery delayed for 12 months as occurred in the delivery of The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ the new roll-on, roll-off ship "Brisbane ber for Ithaca, right through his speech, has Trader". Big companies today depend on been moving away from the Estimates under regular supplies of material. It is natural debate. The Estimates of the Department that Hamersley should look to Japan for its of Labour and Tourism are not under debate. requirements if they can be supplied on time. I should like the hon. member to tie his Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Some of their deadlines remarks to industrial development. are not realistic ·even if you disregard the strike element. Mr. MILLER: I can assure you, Mr. Hooper, that I will tie up what I am saying Mr. MILLER: That is what I am getting to industrial development. Surely industrial down to. development hinges on the industrial sound­ The trade union movement is deliberately ness of this State. I will tie up my remarks to the industrial development of this State. For instance, Mr. Hooper, I bring to your Opposition Members interjected. notice a newspaper headline, which says, "Local firms miss rail contract". That Mr. MILLER: Members of the Opposition headline is similar to many that have say that that is rot. appeared in the Press recently. Why have Opposition Members interjected. they missed out on that contract if it is not because of the industrial strife that has The CHAIRMAN: Order! occurred in Queensland? I hope that you will permit me to show how industrial Mr. MILLER: I hope that you will bear strife has affected the industrial develop­ with me a moment, Mr. Hooper, if I ment of this State. revert to what I was about to say, because I wish to tie •this up, in the light of what If this State's industries are to be expanded has happened at Evans Deakin's shipyards and if full employment is to be maintained, and the number of strikes that -affected the then common sense must prevail in industrial delivery of this ship on time, with what relations. Like the proverbial donkey, this company can expect in the way of Queensland's industrial law just "won't go" future orders. This could well be the when it comes to strike prevention and cure. death-knell of the Evans Deakin shipyards. Opposition Members interjected. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. member for Ithaca is still talking about the An Opposition Member: That is rot. Department of Labour and Tourism, par­ Mr. MILLER: An Opposition member ticularly the Department of Labour. Again said that that is rot. I hone that you will I ask him to discuss the department whose be patient with me, Mr.· Hooper. Estimates are under debate. Opposition Members interjected. Mr. MILLER: Mr. Hooper, I believe that The CHAIRMAN: Order! the Department of Labour is tied very closely to the Department of Industrial Develop­ Mr. MILLER: The executive Council of ment. If it is not, it should be. the A.C.T.U.-- Supply [25 NovEMBER] Supply 1795

The CHAIRMAN: Order! I do not want and can give to the new company a franchise to be on my feet all the time try,ing to that is not available to the established dis­ bring the hon. member for Ithaca back tributor. This gives an unfair advantage to to ,the debate before the Committee. If he the new company. The old companies are continues in this way I shall have no alterna­ public companies with many shareholders tive but to ask him to .resume his seat. who could lose a large amount of money I ask him sincerely to get back to the if those companies are forced out of business Estimates before the Committee. through unfair competition. I refer to the An Opposition Member: He has a recent sale of the previous model Ford monomania. motor-cars by McCluskey Ford Pty. Ltd. at Mt. Gravatt. The number of cars that that The CHAIRMAN: Order! company had for sale created a severe blow Mr. MILLER: As I ,was saying, I should to the industry in Brisbane. like ·to present some of the reasons why this Mr. Casey: Did they sell any of them at ship was not delivered on time. a loss? Mr. Thackeray: He is deliberately defying Mr. MILLER: I do not know if they sold you, Mr. Hoope,y, any at a loss. I could not imagine them Mr. MILLER: This relates to industrial selling any at a loss. However, I know that development. the old established companies lost con­ siderably because of this unfair competition. I believe that the delay of 12 months in I hope that the Minister will give due delivery has a vital bearing on this matter. consideration to this problem. I believe that Since 1 April, 1969, Evans Deakin suffered, with independent franchises, people are given in the ship-building ·industry alone, 63 disputes involving 59,002 hours, at an a choice on which company they will go estimated loss of $1,500,000. I should to. I know that General Motors-Holden's now like to refer to a couple of 'the reasons will do exactly the same thing in Brisbane given by the unions concerned for the as Ford has done. This could be a real strikes at Evans Deakin. On 14, 15, 16 problem for the motor industry in and 17 April, with a loss of 9,672 hours, Queensland. 172 boilermakers, 82 fitters, 146 iron-workers, Mr. MARGINSON (Ipswich East) (5.19 10 electricians and 17 crane-dr[vers went on strike because the company refused to p.m.): My view is that the Department of allow a crane-driver to work Saturday over­ Industrial Development is of particular time unless requested ,(o do so by ,the importance to the State of Queensland. I company. On 10 April, 154 boilermakers, feel that in its director it has one of 73 fitters, 130 iron-workers-- Queensland's most knowledgeable and able public servants. This department, with its The CHAIRMAN: Order! I do not know Minister and director, can do something for whether the hon. member for Ithaca is this State if it is given the opportunity by just defying the ruling of the Chair, but this Government. Unfortunately it is still I cannot permit him to speak about labour a small department, as can be seen if its in these Estimates. The hon. member had allocation of finance and its number of an oppor,tunity to speak when the Estimates staff are compared with those of other for the Department of Labour and Tourism departments. When we see that the Chief were before the Committee. If the hon. Office has only 48 employees and the Immi­ member desires to speak on industrial gration Office has 58, a total of I 06, and development matters he has my permission that the total allocation for those two offices to con.tinue. is only $809,878, we realise that, in com­ parison with other departments, the Depart­ Mr. MILLER: Well, Mr. Hooper, I should ment of Industrial Development is quite now like to refer to a problem that I small. One must therefore ask oneself, as I believe is of vital concern to many car do, "Is the Government really serious about distributors in Queensland, namely, the taking this very important question of industrial over of distributorships throughout the State development in the State of Queensland?" by car manufacturers. In the past, many of the companies concerned invested large sums Mr. Rae: It certainly is. of money in distribution depots to handle a franchise to sell certain cars. Today, manu­ Mr. MARGINSON: It is not showing it. facturers are coming in and are either grant­ The establishment of the Department of ing new franchises or backing financially Industrial Development about five or six other companies to establish outlets close years ago was nothing but an election to the existing ones. This has been a real gimmick. At that time the people were problem in America where legislation was told that there was going to be decentralisa­ introduced to overcome the problem. tion in the State. I think that all, including I believe that a monopoly could result the Minister, would admit that that aspect when a company like the Ford Motor Co. of the department's establishment has been of Aust. Ltd. can come into Brisbane and a complete and utter failure. Continually we establish a company at Mt. Gravatt in direct hear and read of people leaving rural areas opposition to well-established distributors to live in Brisbane and some of the provincial 1796 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

cities. The last census figures clearly indicated what it has done relative to, say the coal­ that instead of decentralisation the very mining industry. The withdrawal of most reverse was in fact taking place. of the Railway Department's orders, and, I realise that decentralisation is not the might I add, the withdrawal of a large only function of the department. If one portion of the orders from the gas companies, has had a very marked effect examines the amounts approved as assistance on the industry. That, in turn, has caused for industries in Queensland, which appear retrenchments. on page 12 of the Annual Report of the Department of Industrial Development which Forward planning by the Government was recently presented to Parliament, one will could have played a very important role in find that the total approved was $10,428,629. assisting the retrenched workers. Again, I The hon. member for Mackay mentioned this believe that that should be a function of point, and I feel that I, too, must touch the Department of Industrial Development on it. Of that amount, it will be found that in conjunction with the department that approximately $8,657,000 was approved for controls coal-mining. No-one was concerned assistance to industries established within the about the retrenched miners at Ipswich when boundaries of the City of Brisbane. Yet the Government took action to reduce the the catchcry of the department is that it coal-mining industry orders. is aiding decentralisation! Mr. Ahem interjected. In addition, a further $500,000 has been, Mr. MARGINSON: They were warned by according to the report, provided for an the Miners' Union. The Government was industry established about 3 miles beyond well aware of it. It knew that that would the boundary of the City of Brisbane. I happen eventually and that some retrench­ join with the hon. member for Mackay in ments mmt occur in the coal-mining industry pointing out that 90 per cent. of the total in the Ipswich area because of the factors amount approved for assistance to industries that I have mentioned-work within the has been made available to industries in industry, mechanisation, the introduction of Brisbane, and 10 per cent. has been made natural gas, and the reduction of orders available for industries in the balance of from the Railway Department when the the State beyond the City of Brisbane. steam locomotives were withdrawn from Where is the Government's decentralisation service. However, no attempt was made by policy? Is the Government really honest in the Government to take care of the factors claiming that decentralisation is its aim? Or that were hitting the City of Ipswich. Again is decentralisation still the gimmick that it it was left to the local authority, as it has was five or six years ago when the Govern­ been over the years, to do something about ment went to the electors? The industries it. I repeat: the Department of Industrial Development cannot take any credit for that have been established in Ipswich were, what has occurred in Ipswich. Any credit in the main, established through the work must be taken by the city council and the of the local authority and the citizens of people of Ipswich. the city. That clearly is so in the City of Ipswich. The Government of Queensland When these men were retrenched from cannot take any credit for the establishment the industry, quite a number of them gained of industries in Ipswich in recent years. employment with the Ipswich City Council, and the point that I wish to make particularly Action was taken recently by the Depart­ is that the Government, through another of ment of Industrial Development to acquire its departments, has told the city council that land in Ipswich for use as an industrial it can have only a certain number of estate. I thank the Minister and the director employees if it desires to continue to use very sincerly for that, and I thank them also day labour. for their recent visit to Ipswich. However, I make it clear to the Committee that up This Government has been responsible for to this stage nothing other than that has the reduction of work in our railway work­ been done by the Department of Industrial shops. For some years, when the Department Development in the city that I represent. of Labour and Industry administered some of the functions now performed by this depart­ Hon. members are told that assistance to ment, Ipswich had a committee whose object local industries will lead to the expansion was the persuading and inducing of industry of cities. On the other hand, some of the to Ipswich. The committee was known as most important industries in Ipswich, the Ipswich Secondary Industries Committee industries that were already well established, and comprised representatives of the Ipswich have suffered considerably and been affected City Council and the citizens of Ipswich. J adversely in many ways as a result of the was a member of it, as was the hon. member Government's policy. for Ipswich West. It cannot be denied that there has been a The council of the day-and here I must decline in the coal-mining industry in the give credit to the Australian Labour Party Ipswich area, and that is one reason why council-met the cost of the administration I find it difficult to realise that the Depart­ of this committee. It operated for some ment of Industrial Development is not expected years without any worth-while assistance from to play a part in matters of that nature. I, the Government. In fact, I qualify that and for one, have not been able to find out say, "Without any assistance from the Supply [25 NovEMBER] Supply 1797

Government." Because of the Government's One Ipswich transport oper_ator proposes attitude the committee was eventually dis­ to take certain action about the Gailes banded. The Government's attitude at that weighbridge. I read from "The Queensland time was, "Ipswich is too close to Brisbane; Times" of 4 November, 1969, in which, under industry may as well be established in Bris· the headline "Ipswich carrier might use bane as in Ipswich." bullock teams!", it says-- "Bullock teams pulling loaded semi­ Earlier this year, the Ipswich City Council trailers without prime movers might soon and the business people of Ipswich, on their appear on Brisbane Road if negotiations own behalf, again made an effort to obtain to alleviate the disadvantages of Ipswich industry for Ipswich. They established an carriers are unsuccessful." industrial development board, and an office was opened in Ipswich. The board consists Mr. Hanlon: They would go well in line of three aldermen of the Ipswich City Council with the Government's thinking. and three people representing the citizens of Ipswich. Through the Ipswich City Council, Mr. MARGINSON: Wouldn't they! the ratepayers of Ipswich are paying to this The article continues-- board a sum of $5,000 per annum to enable "On Saturday, Mr. Jack Hoepner, of it to function for the benefit of Ipswich. Hoepners Transport Pty. Ltd., advertised As I said earlier. I am glad that the for bullock teams with experienced drivers Minister recently accepted an invitation to with a knowledge of ·the route between come to Ipswich. I am looking forward to Ipswich and Gailes. seeing some greater activity in Ipswich by "Mr. Hoepner said yesterday his inten­ the Department of Industrial Development. tion to use bullock teams for hauling loads We have been very fortunate. Even without across the Gailes weighbridge was a last this assistance from the. State Government, resort in his fight against loading regula­ we in Ipswich have been able to attract many tions of the Main Roads Department's new industries, some of them very large ones. checkpoint." Of course, when the wherewithal and facili­ Mr. Ahern: Is it a Main Roads matter? ties for industrial establishments are avail­ able in a city, that city will get industrial Mr. MARGINSON: Never mind about ·the development. I believe that one of the Main Roads. We know that the Minister main reasons for our success in getting some for Industrial Development has some interest of these big industries to Ipswich over the in this matter. And so he should if it can last 10 years-and I could name at least one be proved that 'the weighbridge hinders the or two--has been that the council of the establishment and development of industries day provided an excellent water supply and in Ipswich. has been able to guarantee ample water for The article goes on- industrial use. "Ever since the weighbridge has come in, A Government Member interjected. Ipswich has been at a disadvantage ..." Mr. MARGINSON: I will name the malt The CHAIRMAN: Order! I think I have factory as one and the Burnie-board estab­ allowed the hon. member to make his point. lishment as another. The latter is receiving a concession from the Ipswich City Council Mr. MARGINSON: Very well, Mr. in respect of its water consumption. That Hooper. I have spoken to the Minister about was an inducement held out by the council the weighbridge, and I ask him again to to attract the industry there. The City of give the matter very serious consideration. Ipswich has had to work in this way to get To turn to another matter, I still wonder industry there. whether the Government's pipe dream of the proposed Central Queensland power-house I said in my maiden spe.ech, and I want will ever be a reality. We have heard a good to repeat it today, that one of the stranglers deal about the establishment of a power­ of industry in Ipswich is the weighbridge at house at Gladstone. Make no mistake; I Gailes. It is right on the boundary of should like to see it established, but not to Ipswich and Brisbane and it is holding up the detriment of people in my electorate. I transport from Ipswich to Brisbane. Industry hope that if the power-house is established is held up in getting products to Brisbane the Government will ensure that it will not and in obtaining commodities from Brisbane. affect the coal-miners who work in my Recently a transport firm in Ipswich made a check of the weighbridge and told me that electorate and Ipswich West. the waiting period for vehicles averages 15 Of course, I realise that until the Govern­ minutes. I know that at the weighbridge ment can persuade overseas investors to checks are made on transport vehicles from come to Queensland it is proposed that the western and southern towns, but transport power-house will reticulate power to southern operators in Ipswich are affected to a greater Queensland. At present southern Queensland extent than others because the journey to gets its power from coal that is won in my Brisbane for their vehicles is very short, and electorate and in Ipswich West. I hope that at times over 50 per cent. of the time taken in the Ipswich coal-miners will not be the journey is incurred in waiting at the retrenched as a result of the Government's Gailes weighbridge. whim to provide facilities for overseas 1798 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply investors, as they have been in the past few Mr. LOW: Decentralisation is a wonderful years. I want the Government to ensure that thing both for industry and for population. the interests of all Queenslanders are pro­ That is what we want throughout this State, tected if the proposed Central Queensland which is sparsely populated. I do not share power-house is established. Unfortunately the views of anyone who "knocks" this I have not been able to ascertain from any Minister what is to happen, yet Ministers can department. It is doing its best to encourage tell us what they think the cost of the power industrial development, whether in the city will be. I ,asked two questions: first, who is or in the country. to supply the coal, and, second, at what price Anyone who studies the Director's report is it to be supplied? In those circumstances carefully will find a great deal of meat in how can a Minister give an accurate estimate it. The first report of this department's of the cost of a unit of power generated by this electrical unde!'taking? Hon. members activities was a flimsy one which contained have heard my questions in the last few very little information. The latest report, days. The Swanbank "B" Power Station is however, can be read with a great deal of to be commissioned in April. satisfaction. Mr. Lee: Good. There are certain sections of the report that I should like to have recorded in Mr. MARGINSON: I agree with the hon. "Hansard". It commences- member for once. "Hon. Fred. A. Campbell, M.L.A., The point is that the Ipswich collieries do not yet know who is to supply the coal for Minister for Industrial Development, the Swanbank Power Station. They have Brisbane. not been told, and I cannot find out. They "My dear Minister, do not know the cost involved or the price "I have the honour to submit a report that is to be paid for coal supplied to the on the administration and operation of power-house. Is that good development? I The Industrial Development Acts, 1963 say it is not; it is bad industrial development to 1964,' for the year ending 30th June, in this part of the State. I hope that we 1969. will see something better in undertakings "The year under review has been most established in Queensland in future. successful in that it has seen a continuation An important function of the Department of the rapid industrialization of the State of Industrial Development should be to with the establishment of several new ensure that new industrial estates do not industries and the expansion of a number further pollute our streams and rivers. I of existing operations. am not getting back to an old catchcry of "Queensland is receiving more and more mine, but industries are polluting our rivers attention from overseas industrialists. and streams. I do not suggest that the "Much of the success achieved by the department should be responsible for con­ Department during the year can be trolling the present pollution of our streams, attributed to the industry, enterprise and rivers and creeks by established industries, enthusiasm of the staff to whose loyal but it could prevent further pollution by new support and assistance I would like to pay industries. particular tribute. Mr. LOW (Cooroora) (5.42 p.m.): lt gives "I would also like to take this opportunity me much pleasure to say a few words in of expressing my appreciation of the support of the Minister and his department. helpful co-operation received from the I commend him on the excellent work carried various Government Departments and out in the last four or five years. He has an other public bodies with whom the Depart­ excellent director in Sir David Muir, C.M.G., ment has had occasion to do business whom I congratulate on the part that he has during the year. played in assisting the Minister to organise Yours sincerely, this new sphere of Government activity. David Muir When this department was first mooted it was Director." felt that it would not have a very high priority, but the energy and enthusiasm All hon. members will agree that Sir David devoted to the task has been indeed com­ is a very respected public servant. He has mendable ,and has earned the Government had wide experience not only in Queensland great respect. but also overseas. He acted with distinction Mr. Houghton: It is very rewarding. as Queensland's Agent-General. To present such a report for our consideration is to Mr. LOW: As the hon. member for his credit. It cannot be claimed to be Redcliffe says, it has been very rewarding. eyewash and political propaganda. I do not share the view of hon. members The report continues- opposite that this is a "Queen Street show". "The year 1968-69 saw further evidence It is developing industry throughout of the pattern of accelerated industrial Queensland. growth which has become a feature of Mr. Lee: That is the Government's policy Queensland's economic progress in recent on decentralisation. times." Supply [25 NOVEMBER) Supply 1799

Further on, the report reads- supplies, and, in addition, two smaller "As an added incentive to decentraliza­ sales of hoop-pine plantation timbers were tion, rail freight subsidies are to be granted made on a sustained basis. This draws to industries located away from ports attention to the increasing importance of to assist them in obtaining export orders. plantations in the supply of softwoods and "The cost will be met by this Depart­ the manner in which they are making up ment. Furthermore, the terms upon which for the depletion of the native hoop pine financial assistance can be obtained for stands. In this regard it is interesting projects located outside the metropolis are to compare figures for last year with those to be liberalised. The freight concession for 10 years ago. In 1958-59 the cut offered by the Department on the carriage of hoop and bunya-pine from the native of plant needed for the establishment or forests was 41,000,000 super feet and that expansion of decentralized projects has of softwoods from plantations was been well received." 20,000,000 super feet, whilst last year the hoop and bunya-pine cut from native That is all tied up with the investigation forests dropped to 20,000,000 super feet that will take place shortly of rail freights and that from plantations rose to and other concessions, which will be a very 49,000,000 super feet. A further indication prominent feature of Government action next of the increasing importance of plantation­ year. Without doubt, what is intended will growing timber is found in the fact that be very helpful indeed. the Mary Valley is now cutting each year The Director further stated in his annual from its hoop-pine plantations a greater report- quantity than was removed in the heyday "The drive to attract skilled migrants of operations on the virgin stands. It to meet the growing demand for labour will be recalled that the Mary Valley was has continued. It is pleasing to record one of the well-known hoop and bunya-pine that there is evidence of renewed interest providing areas." in migration to Australia not only in the That shows that the Government has not United , Kingdom but in Continental lost an opportunity to use the funds available Europe. to it to assist in the establishment of new The Director has had quite a lot of experience industries in this State. in dealing with migrants, and that and his Only recently I asked the Minister for interest in the development of secondary Industrial Development .if he would appoint industry in the State, together with the interest a committee to visit the Mary Valley and of the Minister, will pay dividends in the consider establishing a new 1ndustry there. future. I am very pleased to say that 'the response I should also like to mention that at the to that request was very ·encomaging. The time of the last election campaign a booklet investigation will be carried out shortly, and was issued entitled "Queensland Unlimited". it is quite likely that some further use No truer words could be spoken. From will be made of the huge stands of 'timber the North to the South and from the East that are available. to the West, Queensland has an unlimited I wish to bring to the attention of the potential. Minister for Industrial Development a matter In presenting his Estimates, the Minister that I think needs comection when rail for Lands referred to the softwood-timber freights are under consideration. There is areas in the Mary Valley in which I am a brickworks at Cooroy. When 'the railway particularly interested. He said- line between Woodford and Kilcoy was "During the past year progress was made closed, the freight on bricks from Brisbane was waived and the brickworks at Cooroy in the establishment of two new wood­ now has to pay freight from Cooroy right using industries for Queensland." through to Wamuran and then by road I mention this because I represent the Mary to Kilcoy, or through road tax from Cooroy Valley area. It is a vast softwood-growing to Woodford and Kilcoy which places Cooroy area, which is expanding rapidly. Reforesta­ bricks at a great disadvantage. Although I tion is being undertaken, and thousands of have made representations, so far they have acres of land, from which a very good return not brought about the desired alterations. is being obtained, are being put under However, I am hopeful that clear thinking cultivation. will remove one of the anomalies that was The Minister for Lands went on to say- created when some railway lines were closed. "A match factory using hoop pine from The 'time for the dinner recess ~is very the Gin Gin district has recently com­ close, and I inform hon. members that the menced production and plans initially to Minister has graciously and kindly extended use 2,500,000 super feet a year. to each and every member of this Assembly "In the other case, agreement was an invitation to join him at a preview of entered into for the sale of hoop pine a 25/16 mm colour film "Pattern of pulpwood from the Mary Valley planta­ Growth", which has been produced by the tions. This material is to be devoted to Department of Industrial Development for the manufacture of particle-board, for world-wide distdbution. which hoop pine is ideally suited. Both Mr. Davies: It won't be political, will of these operations are based on continuing i.t? 1800 Supply [ASSEMBLY) Supply

Mr. LOW: H will not be political, but disgust at the attiotude of the Federal Govern­ I believe it will be worth seeing. ment. No doubt that was a lesson well leamed, because a lesson was certainly Mr. Casey: What time is it on? needed. Mr. LOW: At 6.30 p.m. I am sure that, Many people who had been building up industries and businesses had their futures after seeing the film, hon. members will be c?mpletely jeopardised during that period. even more convinced that the Government Smce then, when we think of industrial is doing a good job in the field of industrial development in this State we think of those development. who had established successful industrial Let me conclude by saying that I believe enterprises only to become the objects of that we have the right men in the right take-overs which took away from them place and that the staff is doing an excellent their individuality and, in many ways the fruits of their contribution to Queensiand's job. We are not only trying to develop development. the large cities of Queensland, but we are When we are thanking people for their interested in the country areas as well. In contributions to industrial development we doing so, we are making a wooderful con­ should give a hearty vote of thanks to those tribution towards decentralisation of industry who made it possible-the people who and population in Queensland, which is long actually took part in the development of overdue. these indu~tries. I refer to the engineers, [Sitting suspended from 6.1 to 7.15 p.m.] the professiOnal consultants and advisers and the workers, in every project throughou't the Mr. O'DONNELL (Barcoo) {7.15 p.m.): State. They have made a very worth-while I have listened very attentively to the contribution to industrial development and contributions .to the debate on these Estimates. should be remembered. Without them the Members on the Government side have Department of Industrial Development would endeavoured to bolster up what the Minister not be worth a button, and the Minister presented to the Committee. I do not mind would not be able to present such an annual their doing this, but in the midst of their report as he has. Those dedicated people remarks they always seem to find it necessary who are certainly ambitious, benefit the Stat~ to go back in time and refer to the period in many ways. when Labour was in office. It must not be forgotten that the people in I appreciate the work that has been done the field are the most important. However, by the Department of Industrial Develop­ I feel that they have been forgotten. Their ment; so do my colleagues in the Opposition. ingenuity, industry and dedication are to be From Sir David Muir down to the most marvelled at. There is not one hon. member junior office boy, all have contributed to who has not paid a visit to at least one the work that has been done. This is industrial concern, whether it be Evans appreciated. It is essential to the State, Deakin & Co.. Ltd., ~he local butter factory: and it is the sincere wish of all my colleagues or any other mdustnal enterprise. Anyone and myself that the department will prosper. who visits industrial concerns must be filled with. admiration for the participants, so let However, it is important to realise that us gtve them the praise they deserve, and when one speaks of industrial development let the Government give them the assistance in this State one does so within certain that is their due. narrow limits. One hon. member was frequently pulled into line by .the Chairman It is important to realise that industrial because he wandered from the straight and development is essential not only to Queens­ narrow path. I feel that the limitations land but to the whole of Australia as well. of >the Department of Industrial Develop­ If I may refer for a moment to primary ment not only narrow down what one can industries, I shall tie my reference to them say in debating i.ts Estimates but .they also to industrial development. People who are tend to restrict discussion, in the main, to cognisant of development in Queensland the metropolitan area and isolated points know that for a number of years both along the eastern seaboard of the State. Queensland and Australia relied on primary When we are debarred from referring to production, and it cannot be denied that even rural production we are certainly narrowina today two-thirds of Australia's export income the opportunities that should be availabl~ is derived from primary industries. Those to us to correlate rural production with who know Australia realise also that over industrial production. the past five or six years the rate of national growth in its primary industries has receded I feel that industrial development should and has become virtually stagnant at approxi­ cause the Government real concern because mately 4 per cent. That is not healthy the action now being taken by both the national growth; a healthy national growth State and Federal Governments is rather is in the region of 7 or 8 per cent. late. We all know how many people who were endeavouring to establish industries in Hon. members can understand my concern this State were crushed in .the credit squeeze about the reference made by Govemment of 1961. I am sure we also remember members to Labour's term of office. In the response of the people in the election those days the rate of national growth was of 1961 when they clearly showed their 7 or 8 per cent., which maintained the steady Supply [25 NOVEMBER) Supply 1801 growth that is so de~irable. During that secondly, it is nationally worth while. How­ period, which included a depression and a ever, we must realise that the day could come war, comparatively little interest was shown when we may be sat back, and set back, in in the industrial development of Queensland. expanding our enterprises. When the powers that be realised that the primary industries were not able to sustain Tremendous opportunities present them· the national growth that had prevailed over selves for expansion of our beef-cattle indus­ decades, they decided that something further try but, at this stage, would it be economic­ should be done. Statistics reveal that, if the ally wise to do so? mineral resources that presently are being Recently I looked closely at the wool tapped are classified under headings, our industry, particularly the wool textile indus­ credit on the world market--our overseas try, with which Australia is closely related. credit, if I might use that term-when com­ Primary producers in Australia are greatly pared with the decline in the national output concerned, as are the millers, about United of primary industries, is not overtaken by States moves to impose import quotas on productivity from the export of minerals. woollen textiles. Here we have. had another We need something more than minerals warning. Do not forget that behind all of to rely on. The State and Federal Govern­ this is our farming community, which is ments have a bounden duty to ensure that beginning to fear that its standard of living they encourage industrial development, but will fall. A close look should be. taken at we must not forget the important fact that what is happening at the base of all industrial industrial development depends on those who enterprise, namely, the primary industries of are prepared to venture. The province of this State. government is to assist and encourage. Let I give some credit to the Commonwealth us never forget that. Government. I spoke a moment ago about In pointing that out, I have tied it to assistance and encouragement, and a point the rural sector of the community because ·that Government members did not bring out it is essential that we realise the facts. It is that the Commonwealth Government has would not really matter if a Country-Liberal fostered an Industrial Research and Develop­ Government had been in power 20 years ago ment Branch. No doubt it resulted from and a Labour Government was in power the lesson learned by that Government in today; probably the same situation would 196!. Anyone who has studied that scheme exist. kruows that annually up to 100 business enterprises receive assistance from this branch Government Members interjected. and that approximately $10,000,000 is spent on it. I notice from the report that there Mr. O'DONNELL: That claim may not be are indications of State help to en·terprises. acceptable to certain hon. members opposite who loll back in their seats and interject, These matters are important, and I like but it is the truth-and the truth hurts! Certain to air them. Some people seem to think speakers have been full of praise, but that that the only persons in Australia who obtain is all. They stand before the Committee assistance are those in the primary industry and praise this and that without seeming to field. That is totally wrong, because realise the background to the situation. protection is also afforded secondary industry, I could include beef production amongst directly and indirectly, and, in some instances, our secondary industries because it involves outright assistance is given as I have just processing. It is probably the last of our outlined. Let us realise that protection in primary industries with which we are happy, this country does not fall all one way; it but it is running pretty close to the disturb­ is spread, and whether it is desirable in ance of balance that other industries have every way is, at times, very muoh open experienced. We must therefore be certain to criticism and political argument. that we know where we are going. Mr. Abem: The greatest protection is in We in Australia do not seem to realise the tariff field. the need for expansion of industry, or to be cognisant of the fact that there is a point Mr. O'DONNELL: J understand that. beyond which we cannot go. We have heard That is why I spoke about direct and indirect glowing reports-many of them deserve to protection and assistance. be glowing-but seldom do we hear concern Mr. Chinchen: Tnere is internal competi­ for the future. We cannot overlook the fact tion in secondary industry, which does not that virtually every country in the world is exist in primary industry. striving for self-sufficiency in food production. We in Australia, who are hopeful of export­ Mr. O'DONNELL: Of course, that has to ing large quantities of processed food to be brought in by the Liberal Party. It other parts of the world and who are looking never forgets to tell us that. I remind t'he so hopefully to the Asian markets, must hon. member for Mt. Gravatt that I referred realise this. earlier to people in t>he industrial fields who In our concept of pushing industrial enter­ had gone to the wall in 1961 because of prises, two basic reasons become apparent. the action of the Government. Do not Firstly, it is for the satisfaction of the people imagine that we on this side of the Chamber concerned in the various industries, and do not realise that. We know there are 1802 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

many people who do not receive assistance That is the section of Queensland to which under certain circumstances, and we are very I hope a great deal of thought will be given, critical of that. I know that it is a difficult situation, and that people tend to laugih when attention is Mr. Chinchen: Subsidise everybody? drawn to it. I have spoken on decentral­ Mr. O'DONNELL: It is not a case of isation in this Chamber before, and a former that. The A.L.P. is here for the betterment Premier, Sir Francis Nicklin, used to say to of everybody. me, "Bunkum!" But when Bob Katter spoke about decentralisation, it was a very I shall now refer to the Central Queensland good speech! That is the kind of attitude power-house. I am glad to see the Minister that is not wanted. What is needed is an for Local Government and Electricity in the intelligent approach to the question and, if Chamber. This power-house must come it is at all possible, something should be under the Minister for Industrial Develop­ done about it to hold people in western ment, surely. The possibility of this areas. power-house in Central Queensland is Mr. Murray: You want a bi-partisan welcomed, and we sincerely hope that it will attitude to decentralisation? reduce tariffs throughout Central Queensland, not only for the industrial concerns that Mr. O'DONNELL: I do not want a may be based around G1adstone, Rockhamp­ bi-partisan attitude to decentralisation. At ton or Mt. Morgan, but also for the people present there is a partisan attitude, and what throughout the West, so that rural electricity decentralisation there is, is all on the coast. extension charges will be comparable with I want decentralisation to apply to the those payable on the coast. whole of Queensland. I do not mind it We have a big problem in the West, and proceeding in Cape York Peninsula, down it cannot be denied that, while industrial at Boulia, or anywhere else, provided some centres on the coast welcome migrant's from attempt is made to bring about general overseas, they also welcome "migrants" from decentralisation. I feel that the West will the West who are put out of their areas of be left in a very bad state if industrial activity by a lack of decentralisation of development in some form is not taken to industry. That, coupled with the disastrous it. drought, has forced hundreds of people to There is at present a migration from leave not only my electorate, but also the western areas, and that will produce a great electorate of Gregory. One has only to call for employment in the industrial centres look at the electoral rolls from year to year that it is hoped to develop along the coast. to see that t'here has been a steady population Such a movement of people to the coast is decrease. Industrial development will not be not to the benefit of industrial development a genuine issue in this State till it encom­ throughout the State. passes the entire State, and ceases to be Finally, I should like to refer to migration. limited to certain selected areas along the It was heartening to note in the Annual coast. Report of the Director of the Department of Queensland is facing a crisis. Unfortun­ Industrial Development that migrants are ately, we have our own migration, but it coming to Queensland in greater numbers is an emigration rather than a migration. than was formally the case. At one time It is a matter of great concern that people there seemed to be some means by which from the West are going to the coast to they were prevented from crossing the obtain employment. To a certain extent, Queensland border. Migrants bring to the thanks are due to those on the coast who State many desirable things. For a start, have been so enterprising as to establish they increase the population. They also industries and at least provide employment bring their skills and customs, which in opportunities to fellow Australians from the themselves are an education to the West. Apart from that aspect, however, the Australian community. Through their present trend is disastrous for the State. energy and diligence, they perhaps set an \Vestern areas depend for industrial example to many Australians. activities on the Government departments As you know, Mr. Houghton, in the past that are established there, and what local the Australian has had a name for being one authorities can provide. I have 10 towns in who slouches down the centuries, and my electorate, and only on two occasions migrants have impressed many people with in the last 8! years have I made approaches their industry. to the Department of Industrial Develop­ (Time expired.) ment for assistance for constituents. That indicates a very poor situation indeed. Mr. CHINCHEN (Mt. Gravatt) (7.41 In saying that I am not speaking detri­ p.m.): I have listened carefully to the speeches mentally of the department, but merely from the Opposition benches, but I have not illustrating how little industrial activity heard anything of great interest other than there is in the 43,000 square miles of the a particular accent on decentralisation, and electorate of Barcoo. Apart from the work I intend to speak about that shortly. of primary producers, Government depart­ In effect, the Committee is considering ments and local authorities, there are secondary industry when it discusses the virtually no industrial activities in the West. Estimates now being debated, and I think Supply (25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1803 that, in order to orientate themselves, hon. been done not by the department but by members should look at the figures that are Government policy. A department of the available. In 1963 rural production repre­ type that has been established is necessary sented 48.3 per cent. of the total; forestry, so that the story of the State can be known, fishing and trapping 1.8 per cent.; and mining and the department has made it known in 8 per cent. Including mining as primary various ways in its various publications. production, rural production represented 58.1 per cent. of the total, and secondary industry It amazed me to hear the hon. member 41.9 per cent. Those figures are important. for Norman say that he received a number Only five years later, in 1968, rural produc­ of these publications but he. did not know tion represented 38.5 per cent., forestry, fish­ why, that he could not read them and gave ing and trapping 1.6 per cent.; mining 8.6 them to schools in his electorate. Whether per cent.; and the total of primary produc­ or not that is typical of the Opposition, I tion was then 48.7 per cent., whereas do not know. secondary industry had increased to 51.3 per cent. That is quite a significant increase, Mr. BROMLEY: I rise to a point of order. and I think I am correct in saying that if it It is becoming rather monotonous for me to were not for the industrial backbone that has have to take points of order to reply to the been developed in this State during the pre­ lies of hon. members opposite. I did not say sent Government's occupancy of the Treasury I could not read them. benches, Queensland would be in very serious financial straits at the moment. This State Mr. CHINCHEN: The hon. member could has suffered a very serious drought that has not understand them-I am sorry. affected primary industries, and one must Mr. BROMLEY: I ask rhe hon. member always keep in mind that fluctuations in to withdraw that statement. prices overseas have the effect of making an economy based on primary industries very The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. unstable. The large amount of secondary Houghton): Order! The hon. member for industry in this State has been its salvation. Norman has asked for a withdrawal of the Of course, Queensland is not the only State statement. looking for secondary industries. The field Mr. CHINCHEN: I accept the hon. is very competitive, and that is why the member's denial. I withdraw the word Department of Industrial Development was "read". The correct word was "understand". set up. I think I was perhaps the only member of this Assembly who spoke about The important point that I feel we all the need for the establishment of such a have to understand is that we have a department before it was set up. I do not department to sell our State and it sells know how many years ago it was, but I made the State as a State, not in any parochial the suggestion some time before the Govern­ manner. I do not think Opposition members ment established the department. In my know much about industry or business and opinion, it has been worthwhile. they do not realise that industry does not One has to consider how effective such a choose where it goes; it must go where it department can be under the free-enterprise does go. This is essential, particularly when system in operation in this State. Some hon. the industries are of the resources type, members opposite seem to think of the because then they are naturally established department as a big brother. They say, at the source of whatever raw material is "Send secondary industry out to my area. required. Otherwise they would naturally We want this here. Come and see what we go to the point of consumption. An industry have got, and put somebody there." As far cannot decide just where it will go. It goes as I am aware, it was never intended that to the most economical point for it, realising the department should operate in that way. that it is in competition with the same Queensland is operating under a free-enter­ industries within the State or in other States. prise, competitive system, and it is the job There is a logical place for the establishment of the department to attract industry to the of every industry and this place is discovered State-not to this section or that section, but by research on the part of the industry before to the State. it is established. It was interesting to hear the hon. member It would be wonderful to see all types of for Barcoo say that he agreed that secondary industries in all main locations in the State. industry is necessary but that it was very It is an ideal and magnificent Vhoory, but it late in arriving. I agree with him that it is somewhat similar to Socialism and Com­ was late in arriving. The hon. member munism. It is magnificent in theory but it referred to 1961. It should have arrived does not seem to work. I should like to in this State immediately after World War II, know where one would find a system as but unfortunately it went to South Australia. efficient as the free-enterprise system There was a reason for that, and what has operating in the Western countries, yet hon. been happening in the past few years is, I members opposite push the socialistic theory think, of great significance. It has happened for all they are worth. Although we believe because of the atmosphere created by the it is important to have as many industries Queensland Government, an atmosphere that as possible out of the capital city, quite will attract capital and industry. That has often it is impossible. Industry creates more 1804 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

industry; there is no question about that. into the nations of South America. Australia One industry will attract another. The hon. is a young and dynamic country that needs member for Port Curtis will realise this. capital. Mr. Murray: He is intelligent. Mr. Bennett interjected. Mr. CHINCHEN: Small industries will Mr. CHINCHEN: The hon. member for develop on the big industries in Gladstone. South Brisbane does not understand that Speaking about the hon. member for Port every cent in Australia is working and is Curtis, I, together with the hon. member being used. Many people do not understand for Clayfield, thought that he was one of that when they deposit money in a savings the most intelligent members on the bank it is lent by that bank to borrowers. Opposition benches, but I was amazed the Australia is very short of capital and other day when he said that it is totally know-how. Our major industries, like the unfair that workers have to go to the courts motor-car industry, the oil refineries, and to have their wages fixed while the employer simply caJl.s up capital. That was an amazing the textile and chemical plants, were statement, because the capital being ca.Jled established only because the Government up by the employer is a liability on which created an atmosphere in this State that dividends or interest must be paid. One is attracted overseas capital and know-how. income and the other is a liability. That is Members of the Opposition say, "If we the sort of irresponsible statement that were in Government we would establish the members of the A.L.P. make to confuse the industries." They would not have the capital ordinary worker. I can imagine the ordirutry worker saying to himself, "By golly, I have or the know-how, so no job opportunities been taken down. I have to go to the court." would be created. When hon. members There is no similarity whatever between the opposite talk about secondary industries they two things, and the hon. member for Port talk with tongue in cheek. Curtis went down in my estimation in The Labour-in-Politics Convention held in uttering such a statement. February, 1968, approved-- Let us see what can be done to attract "State-owned sawmills, cattle stations, industry to this State. This is the sort of meatworks, iron and steel works, wool thing that is highlighted by the Department and cotton mills, tanneries, sugar mills, of Industrial Development. For a start, we fruit canneries, and the manufacture, need a stable economy and, of course, distribution, and sale of liquor, nationalisa­ Queensland has a very stable economy. Our tion of mines, air and road services." gross national product is growing at a steady That is what hon. members opposite subscribe rate every year and so is employment, to. They are socialists and talk with tongue despite what hon. members opposite say. As in cheek. a matter of fact, it is surprising that we can hold the employment figures we do People who invest money in Queensland when he have so many strikes being called want to be assured of securing reasonable day after day, week after week. These are land tenure. Under this Government's free­ a cost to industry and become an abnormal holding policy they enjoy that. Very recently cost to the consumer. Hon. members Mr. Egerton-I call him "The King"-told opposite do not worry about this, but that is the Premier, "When we get into power there another consideration that is taken into will be no more freeholding." The Premier account by the industrialist when he thinks, told hon. members that Mr. Egerton had "Where will I establish myself?" If there made that statement. That is what members is continual industrial trouble he says, "No, of the Opposition think. If they do not not Queensland; somewhere else." think it that they have to dance to the tune, anyway. Do members of the Opposition take an If Labour was in power secondary active stand on that sort of thing when industries would be almost non-existent. With it happens for no reason at all? Not for Labour on the Government benches not only one moment. Yet in this Chamber they say, would there be no inflow of capital; there "We are for secondary industry; we are would instead be a complete outflow of right behind it," as the hon. member for capital. This Government provides safe Ip-swich West said this afternoon. She said, tenure so that people can establish plant "\'le, too, want secondary industries." on their land. However, when mention is made of foreign capital coming into the country they say The Minister and his department are to that they are against it. They forget that be congratulated upon their establishment of industrial estates and the encouragement all the big industries were established with offered to people who are short of capital foreign capital. This is what ensured the to establish themselves on the estates knowing success of the United States of America. that they can conserve their small capital Every penny that was spent in developing until the day when they can freehold the the United States originally was foreign land that they occupy. Members of the capital. Today that nation finances almost Opposition say, "That is very good, and the entire Western world and is extending we want it in our areas." But do they really Supply (25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1805 want it? If they get into power will they equipment, producing in such a way that we allow people to freehold? I very much can stand on our own feet overseas and doubt whether they will. sell our products. For that reason only, I refer now to trade executives and skilled we will find industry building on industry; tradesmen. This Government has done an but we can do nothing about that. It is excellent job in providing educational wrong to say to the Minister for Industrial facilities at technical colleges and institutes Development, or to his department, "Please for tradesmen. Highly skilled tradesmen come and look at our town because we want are now available on the labour market, an industry." Surely a certain amount of self­ whereas when Labour was in power that was help is necessary. If a place such as Ipswich not so. It is important to a person who wants -about which we heard so much today­ to establish an industry in this State to know believes that it is a suitable centre for a that skilled tradesmen will be available. One certain industry, the city leaders should get of the major things that we can do is off their seats and try to attract the industry. provide services. We certainly cannot, and should not, direct industry where it should If they do, I am sure that they will get go. I was employed in a major industry maximum help from the department. in Victoria which was situated about 40 miles Mr. Marginson: They have done that. The from the capital city. only industry that they have attracted recently Mr. Bennett: Why did they sack you? was attracted as a result of their own efforts. Mr. CHIJ'\CHEN: I have not been sacked Mr. CHINCHEN: That is excellent. That in my life. 1 can say that while looking is what should happen. the hon. member straight in the eye. It We cannot rely on one department to was a very large industry with an enormous decide what should happen in all the areas. area of land at Geelong, only 40 miles from The regional boards, which are designed to Melbourne. When a major expansion pro­ facilitate secondary industry, will have to gramme was necessary, after considerable get busy and decide what is best in each area. research the company found that for a They will get help and guidance from the number of reasons it was essential to go to department, because I know it is helping all Melbourne. Although it was only 40 miles from Melbourne, it was too far from the the regional industrial boards. It is wrong major city in the light of the vital competition for any hon. member to say to the Minister, it was facing. Many things that had to be "Find us an industry." That is a hopeless purchased in Melbourne went to Geelong situation. and then back to Melbourne in the finished The matter of the number of people vehicle. That was an extra expense that had employed in this department was raised. I to be met. We cannot dictate to an industry do not know if it has sufficient staff or not, as to where it establishes itself. It must find but, as far as I can see, the present staff its own location. It will locate itself for are doing a very effective job. But the various economic reasons, and for nothing department's job is not industry direction. else. There are no sentimental attitudes It should create interest, advise, carry out in business. The fact that company directors research and try to attract industries to may like Maryborough, or Boulia, does not Queensland; it should disseminate all infor­ mean a thing, nor is the giving of cash mation available on existing gaps in industry; incentives for one year, five years or 10 it should acquaint industry with the materials years at all advantageous because at some available for processing; and undoubtedly stage the business will be faced with close its policy should be to try to process our and severe competition. If it cannot stand raw materials to the best advantage~ Whatever on its own feet it would be better if it had is brought to this State should be brought not been there because it will be faced here in the unprocessed form. In that way with more problems than it can manage. I we would gain the maximum benefit for the repeat, every industry must find its own State. location. If favourable locations are avail­ Today, people have to move about to get able outside a capital city, that is magnificent. the positions they want. It is essential that No-one likes to see the drift to the city, they move. I have moved three but we must adopt a realistic attitude to or four times in my life. Most hon. decentralisation. members have done this. There seems to be Throughout the world more rural pro­ a thought now that if something happens in duction is under way. More foodstuffs are one area, the Government must immediately being produced by fewer people. Country find something to give to the people in that people are now enjoying a higher standard area without their having to move. I do not of education, and it is only natural for believe that this is correct thinking. We them to drift to the more populous areas. require individual initiative, local govern­ It is silly for a girl to stay in the country ment initiative, regional board or secondary if she wants to be a chemist, or for a boy board initiative, and certainly Department to stay there if he wants to be an engineer. of Industrial Development initiative. We There is little possibility of their getting such need all these things. All I have heard here jobs in country areas. I want Australia to is, "What has the department done for my have vigorous, active farmers using the best area?" 1806 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

We know that the State has a backbone Mr. BENNEIT (South Bristane) (8.4 of secondary industries of which we should p.m.): I never cease to be amazed at the be very proud. They are industries which gyrations of hon. members like the hon. are exporting and industries on which other member for Mt. Gravatt, who has just industries will grow. One of the major ; poken. He has been a rolling stone, of points, of course, is the cost of power, which course. Apparently he suggests that every­ has inhibited Central Queensland, but this is body should move around as he does, now off the ground and there is no knowing forgetting the expression, particularly what will happen. relative to intellectual acquisitions and experience, that a rolling stone gathers no It was interesting to hear one Opposition moss. I suppose Victorians think they are member say, "Why did you miss on the well rid of the hon. member and, although aluminium plant? That was a terrible we would like to resist, we have to take him thing." I remember the day when the hon. over from them. member for Port Curtis cried his eyes out Mr. Murray: Be nice and charitable. because the meatworkers were leaving Gladstone. When he was told what would Mr. BENNETT: I intend to deal •,vith this happen he said, "That won't replace my on a non-political basis. meatworkers," and he literally cried. Now The Government, because of its failures, he is in a very fortunate position and, in its lacklustre attitude, its dilatoriness and its spite of himself, this enormous development lethargy, tries to blame the trade unions. has taken place. And there will be much On land matters, it can blame nothing but more of it, and he is sitting back in all his the drought; we hear about ·the drought glory. He spoke with his tongue in his day in and day out, even when it is cheek today, because his area is a very pouring rain. On matters of industrial favoured one. Its ultimate is beyond what development, the Government likes to blame he thinks at this moment and perhaps what the Trades Hall, the unions and .the A.W.U. I think, although I believe that I have more That shows how bereft of argument hon. vision than he has. members opposite are. If they were able to produce figures to support their conten­ When we speak of secondary industries tions, I would be prepared to listen .to we are speaking about something over them and concede that ,they were at least which we have no direct control but which bona fide in their arguments and were not can be influenced. It is therefore up to us merely playing politics. all to influence this environment, which can be made conducive to industry or it can Mr. Murray: You could blame John be the opposite. One field in which the Gorton. What about that? Opposition can play a very big part is in overcoming the industrial problems that are Mr. BENNETT: Seeing that thai inter­ making things so difficult for indu

Never have we been guilty of claiming The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. that the nation had a dishonest Prime Houghton): Order! That is a reflection on Minister, whether he was a member of the the Chair. I ask the hon. member to with­ Labour Party, the Liberal Party, or the draw that remark. Country Party. Nowhere in the annals of Parliamentary government will there be Mr. BENNETT: I do withdraw, Mr. fOLm'd any record of a member of the Houghton. I guess that I am allowed to A.L.P. claiming tha.t he was disgusted because answer the hon. member's allegation, and I shall. the Prime Minister was dishonest in his dealings. Yet the Liberal Party Executive Feasibility studies are made by the of this State, supported by Liberal members directors of the companies and, as a result, of Parliament, has unanimously carried a industries are set up in the locations in which resolution to the effect that the present Prime they will give the best return to the investors Minister is dishonest and is to be distrusted. and shareholders. The Government has not What harm will that do Australia inter­ had anything to do with bringing industries to the Port Curtis area. but the energetic local nationalll:'? Overseas investors will say, "We member, who has fostered an interest in the are dealmg with a dishonest Government area, surely can claim a great deal of credit because they are tolerating a man who and responsibility. cannot •J:e trus~ed. They have put on record that the1r leadmg figure is to be distrusted." The industrial development portfolio was established by a Country-Liberal Government The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN .(Mr. in 1963, when it enacted what is known as Houghton): Order! I ask the hon. member the Industrial Development Act of 1963. to return to .the matter before the Committee That Act was designed to establish the which is the Estimates of the Department Minister for Industrial Development as a o£ Industrial Development. corporation sole and empower him to acquire, lease or sell land for industrial purposes. Sub­ Mr. BENNETT: I read that article in ject to certain conditions, the corporation the ne':Vspape.r with a great deal of sadness of the Minister for Industrial Development and disappomtment, because I could see of Queensland has power to advance moneys that. the future welfare of the nation and and to give guarantees as a means of assisting !he mte:ests ?f Queensland would be seriously industries, and an Industries Assistance Board Jeopardised m . the eyes of overseas people was appointed under the Act to advise the who take an Jnterest in Australia and who Minister on such matters. no doubt \'ill in t~e future shun this country The respective Ministers for Industrial because of the calibre of the Prime Minister Development have done little over the years as defined by the Liberal Party i~ to carry out the terms and spirit of that Queensland. legislation, and certainly hon. members do The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! not receive any reports from them to justify their expenses. I said at the time the port­ I ask the hon. member .to return to the folio was established that, although industrial matter before the Committee. development in this State was of paramount A Government Member interjected. importance and any move or procedure to genuinely foster, encourage and nurture the Mr. BENNETT: I do not know what the development of industry was to be encour­ Trades Hall has to do with the speech made aged, I thought that the Act was designed by the hon. member for Mt. Gravatt. to set up the equivalent in this Parliament of the House of Lords, so that Ministers who The TE:VIPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. become redundant or supernumerary can be Houghton): Order! I ask the hon. member kicked upstairs, as it were. Hon. members saw the spectacle of a Minister who was on to return to the Estimates. If he continues the eve of retirement going into the portfolio in that strain, I shall have no hesitation in in the early stages, and just before Mr. Alex dealing with him under Standing Order No. Dewar was unloaded from Cabinet he was 123A. given the portfolio of Industrial Development, and so it goes on. As I said, it does seem Mr. BE:'•iNETT: There is one other point to be regarded by the Government as a means relative to the industrial attraction of the of kicking a Minister upstairs when it does Port Curtis and Gladstone area. I point out not want to give him a functioning portfolio. to the Committee that all the industry that ~a~ migrated to that area-and obviously it There has been a vain endeavour as late as IS mdustry controlled by men of intelligence today to build up the reputation of the depart­ and understanding who have experience in ment and the portfolio through the public company management-- relations media, and an article appeared in "The Courier-Mail" this morning to which Mr. Murray: We know you like Marty. I should like to refer. This evening hon. members have seen in the former Legis­ Mr. BE~:SETT: If I answer the hon. lative Council Chamber a film intituled "Pat­ member, I will be thrown out. I ask him tern of Growth", and on page 2 of the Bris­ to behave himself. I am not allowed to bane "Telegraph" this afternoon there is an answer his allegation. article giving publicity to the portfolio. 1808 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Obviously, Mr. Houghton, there has been Gehrmann, the retiring president of the 9ueens­ a desperate bid to make the people of Queens­ land Chamber of Manufactures, sa1d that land believe that this portfolio is performing Queensland was fast becoming a branch-office a worth-while task when in fact it is not. State. This is an example of it. The head­ quarters for the manufacture of aluminium The article in "The Courier-Mail", in fact, products will be at Kurri Kurri in New deals with an industry that was driven South Wales and the Minister for Industrial from Queensland by this Government. The Development in Queensland will be a Government and its Minister, to my way of branch-office Minister for the mayor of thinking, did nothing to preserve for Kurri Kurri when dealing with the export Queensland the industry that was set up at of this product. Kurri Kurri in New South Wales. Had we had an alert, active and intelligent Govern­ Mr. Gehrmann should know; he is a ment that was genuinely desirous of university graduate; he plays an important attracting indm.try to the State, we would part in university activities and is retiring have had in Queensland a company that is president of the Queensland Chamber of now operating as an aluminium smelter at Manufactures. In presenting his annual Kurri Kurri in New South Wales. report in Brisbane on 29 October, he said- "This resulted from a trend away from Great play was made of this today by Federation towards centralism." the Minister, in an attempt to conceal the I had better not spend too much time in fact that the Government, by its own dealing with the Prime Minister's attitude on misdoings, let this industry escape from the centralism. I think I might be supported State. In the final sentence of the article, of by the hon. members for Clayfield and course, we read the true story. The aluminium Toowong. Anyway, it might be. embar­ we use in Queensland is now to come from rassing to deal with !hat because 11 had . a Kurri Kurri in New South Wales, and that disastrous effect on Liberal Party results In aluminium is being produced or manu- the last Federal election. factured from alumina produced at Gladstone. Through the defalcations, Mr. Murray: We would not support you lethargy and dilatoriness of this Government on centralism. consumers of the product will have to pay Mr. BENNETI: Well, would members of for the transportation of alumina from the Government support the Prime Minister? Gladstone to Kurri Kurri and of aluminium He is the one who is advocating it. from Kurri Kurri to the place in Queensland where the Alcan complex will be set up. Mr. Murray: No, we would not. This is a sorry admission for the Mr. BENNETI: I am just quoting what Government to have to make; that because experts say. A former president of the of its own misdoings we will now have to Queensland Chamber of Manufactures, Mr. pay extra for products that will be manu­ B. T. Tunley, said that there was a l<;Jt of factured in this industry when we could wishful thinking in the Government circles have had an extra industry in the State in this State but that that wishful thinking and could have had them manufactured on was not er:ough to attract industries to the spot. Queensland cities and towns. H~ said that The Americans wanted to start that industries need push and not Wish. industry here before it went to Kurri Lest it might be suggested that I am biased Kurri in New South Wales, but because of and not expressing an objective opinion ~bout the procrastination, t1he red tape, and the this matter, I shall quote what was smd by fobbing-off they received from this Govern­ the secretary of the Beaudesert Chamber of ment, the industry was finally driven to Commerce, Mr. P. R. Westerman, who also New South Wales. By the procrastination is knowledgeable in the affairs of the over the power station and other matters community. He said that the State Govern­ that this Government does not seem to be ment was not realising the industry develop­ able to handle, probably because we have a ment potential of small country towns and Prime Minister the Government does not that the Government concentrated too much trust, they were given clearly to understand on the development of the "big six". Of they were not wanted in Queensland. course, we hear nothing about that from the They were finally driven to New South Minister. Wales, and I have pointed out the sorry In the Federal sphere a well-known and result of it. respected authority is the Opposition's I do not like to be harsh and nasty in shadow Treasurer, Mr. F. Crean, who said, my comments when I get carried away with "The Australian economy was still so based my natural enthusiasm for the development that if the motor-car industry sneezes the of this State and the preservation of our entire economy gets pneumonia." That industries. But let us look to see what aspect has not been dealt with by the Minister. other independent-minded people who have Today I was disgusted to hear the hon. no political affiliations might be thinking. member for Toowong, who normally is As late as Wednesday, 29 October, 1969, restrained in these matters, but since the no less a celebrity in the manufacturing and recent Federal election appears to be getting industrial world of this State than Mr. A. S. carried away with his fears about what might Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1809

happen in the future, attack the Australian Plastic Tile Pty. Ltd. also received help. I Labour Party for the lack of industrial could point out many more industries that development in this State. In addition he were assisted during Labour's regime. attacked one of Australia's greatest and staunchest unions, the Australian Workers' Ins~ead of wailing about the drought, Union. He claimed that the Labour Govern­ accusmg the union and denigrating the ment and the A.W.U. had done a lot to stifle activities of the Trades Hall, let us determine the development of industry in Queensland. what can be done. Surely the Queensland Government should be willing to take in local Let me name only a few of the industries investors. I read in "The Australian Miner", that were encouraged, nurtured and developed an article l!ha!t said- by the Australian Labour Party and its "Unfortunately, the State, lacking both affiliated unions. financial sources and the driving force of _Firstly, in January, 1935, Morris Woollen a Charles Court, . . ." Mills at Ipswich was assisted by a guarantee He is a Minister in Western Australia. of $24,000 from the Government. In those " . . . does not present a very inviting days that ~as a large sum of money. At picture to would-be investors." subsequent mtervals the company was assisted by cash advances and various amounts the This Government lacks the driving force of latter being principally for the purcha;e of a person like Charles Court, but fortunately, new machinery and plant. Over the 10 in Gladstone, we have someone who equals years up to 1948 the company's trading had his efforts in driving force, and in repre­ been so successful that it was able to dis­ senting that area. pense with the Government guarantee which We should set up under the control of was cancelled in October, 1946. ' the Department of Industrial Development The second company to which I wish to a country industries fund similar to the one refer is one much vaunted and claimed by set up in New South Wales by Labour in the Government as being of its godchildren 1959, whereby industry in country centres when in fact it was nurtured by the Labou; can be encouraged to establish and expand. G.ov~rnment. I refer to Mount Isa Mines The fund should involve itself in matters of Lnmted. In 1934 £Stg.500,000 was rail-freight concessions, loans for erection of guaranteed to that company with renewals industrial buildings, subsidising of water from time to time. ' supply, power and other services and principally, housing for key personnel. The Between March, 1940, and January 1946 fund should be an extension of the fund the A.L.P. Government assisted the Tableland operated at present by the Industries Tin Dredging Company with various amounts Assistance Board. that totalled, $3~0,000. Incidentally, one of the company s directors in those days was a The development of Crown industrial -:ery vociferous element in the then Opposi­ estates should be further encouraged so that t!~n, who possessed more intellectual capacity, we can establish industries in what are d~Ive and understanding than any present regarded as depressed areas. We should L1.beral member, Mr. Hiley, now Sir Thomas promote the setting-up, in conjunction with Htley. The A.L.P. was so big in its attitude the States and the Commonwealth, of a to the development of this State that it did national fuel policy to plan the use of all not play petty, parochial politics like the fuels, thermal power, natural gas, and so on, hon. members for Toowong and Mt. Gravatt so that in this automotive age, with ever­ but advanced his company $320,000. changing techniques, towns, cities and principally, the livelihood of people will not .('-. loan o~ $8,000 was given to Wondai suffer or be impaired. Bn.ck. and Tile Pty. Ltd. Denaro Air Flow Bmldmg Blocks Pty. Ltd. received a (Time expired.) gu.arar:tee of $!2,000. We were prepared to prmt m our time exactly what we did for Mr. BOUSEN (Toowoomba West) (8.29 these companies to develop their grip in the p.m.): I join with other hon. members in State. !3ut what can the Minister say about extending congratulations to Sir David Muir ~ompanies the Government has tried to help on the very efficient manner in which he m. the last two years? Southport Brick and has administered the Department of Industrial Tiles Pty. Ltd. also received $10,000. Blair Development. I also join with members on Auhol Opencut Collieries Ltd. received $66 000 this side of the Chamber in saying that the as an initial advance, with further adva~ces amount of $600,456 allocated to this depart­ later. It will be noted that these industries ment is infinitesimal and inadequate, to say encouraged by the A.L.P. were not all the least. If this department and its officers located in Brisbane. They were dispersed and are to administer the Department of Indus­ deployed .throug~out the State. We adopted trial Development and carry out the work a State-wide attitude and a national outlook which is necessary in this State, much more to industrial development. The W. J. finance is needed. Newton clinker brickworks at Mt. Gravatt­ The State of Queensland is crying out for and the hon. member for Mt. Gravatt has not people and development and we must attract even heard of it because he was in Victoria and establish industries which are so neces­ at the time--received assistance. Queensland sary in this State to relieve unemployment. 1810 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

It is also necessary to have industry as a It has for a long time been the considered training ground for our youth, because the opinion of the trade union movement, from young people of today are our future leaders whose ranks I emerged, that this work should and tradesmen. Therefore, I claim that the be the sole preserve of railway workers in amount allocated to this department is the railway workshops. As the railway work­ inadequate for it to attract industries to this shops are a Government instrumentality, one State. would think that it would be sound economics I shall now refer to the barley-growing to manufacture those items there. The unions industry on the Darling Downs which I also believe that if diesel-electric locomotives dealt with in my Address-in-Reply speech. cannot be built completely in the railway It contributes a substantial amount of money workshops, their component parts at least to the economy of the City of Toowoomba should be manufactured there. In the case and smaller towns on the Darling Downs. of small items such as bogies, buffers, points, An unfortunate situation has been created crossings, dog-spikes and wagons, the railway by the indiscriminate rail freights that apply to other barley companies and breweries, workshops have been manufacturing them which enable them to land the raw material, ever since their establishment. which is barley and malt, and the finished If the Government had all this work carried product, which is bottled beer, in Cairns much out in the railway workshops, there would cheaper than the Darling Downs barley not be so much redundancy in the workshops industry or malt industry can send barley or malt to the Cairns brewery. A rival and stations. For instance, in the last 12 to 18 firm at Redbank can freight malt to Cairns months no fewer than 104 railway men were for $20.50 a ton whereas the Toowoomba transferred from Warwick almost overnight. firm has to pay $22 a ton. Other workshops were similarly affected. In order to remain in Warwick, and at other It seems to me that no consideration is depots where the men were stationed, a being given to regional freight concessions, considerable number have accepted lower and the bigger industries in the metropolitan positions and reduced classifications. When a area can obtain contracts at greatly reduced man has raised his family, and they are freight rates which, in turn, give them an comfortably settled in a provincial city, his advantage over provincial industries, which reluctance to pull up his roots in his later have to compete for the sale of the same years and move somewhere else to make a product on the same market. If this con­ living can readily be understood. That cession is not extended to provincial indus­ situation has been brought about because tries, and if the bigger metropolitan industries of the Government's short-sighted policy of are allowed to continue in this way, the letting contracts to people in outside malt-house in Toowoomba, and most likely industry. the Queensland brewery, will have to close down. It is not possible for them to compete I now wish to refer to a person who is economically, owing to cheaper freight rates conducting a business below the range about afforded to the big monopolies. five or six miles from Toowoomba, halfway between Helidon and Toowoomba on the Mr. McKechnie: The Toowoomba factory main highway. His is a tile-manufacturing does get its barley at a cheaper rate, though. business known as Scott's Tiles. He finds that he now has to discontinue his business Mr. BOUSEN: That depends on where it in Toowoomba where his home and family gets it. If the Bulimba brewery in Too­ are and where his employees live, and transfer woomba wanted to, it could obtain barley to Brisbane, because he cannot obtain a from New South Wales for approximately freight rate which would enable him to $1 a ton less than it pays for Darling Downs market his products from Toowoomba. All barley. However, because it is loyal to the that he can rely on is the sale in and around industry in and around Toowoomba, it pays Toowoomba of the roof tiles that he or the higher rate. his employees can deliver to the building As the larger breweries are able to send sites. their products to Cairns at a cheap freight I suggested to that man that he might rate, it is obvious that their counterparts in consider using the co-ordinated service to the provincial cities must be given similar enable him to compete on the Brisbane consideration. market. Of course, that could not be done I should now like to make some refer­ economically because of double handling. ence to the letting of railway work on They would have to be loaded at the work­ contract to outside industries. In presenting shops, then loaded onto the rail, then his Estimates, the Minister said that contracts unloaded again at the other end and delivered to the value of $10,500,000 for the manu­ to jobs in and around Brisbane. In addition, facture of locomotives, diesel rail cars, of course, there is a higher percentage of wagons, bogies, buffers, points, crossmgs, breakages in rail transport, not through any springs and dog-spikes had been let on fault of the railway employees, because they private contract to outside firms. In addition, do not handle the product, but because of the since July of this year further contracts oscillation and the movement of the wagons to the value of $6,000,000 have been let to on the journey between Toowoomba and people in outside industry. Brisbane. supply (25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1811

The m::mager of the company informs me to ask the department to look at the that he is unable to get a road transport possibilities, amenities, facilities and services permit w send his trucks direct to Brisbane that are available to people who wish to so that he can market his tiles on the Bris­ establish industries around the City of bane ma:-lc.et. At the same time. tile manu­ Toowoomba. facturers ,n Brisbane and in close proximity to the city are able to cart their products I thank you, Mr. f!oughton, for the to Toowoomba and market them in competi­ opportunity to make those few remarks by tion with Scott's tiles, which are made just way of contribution to this debate. below the Toowoomba Range. Therefore, in talking about development, one must con­ Mr. BALDWIN (Logan) (8.47 p.m.): I am sider industries such as that, which either very pleased to have been given the oppor­ will go to the wall or will have to shift tunity to speak in this very important debate elsewhere to compete with the bigger com­ on the Estimates for the Department of panies in the City of Brisbane. Industrial Development. At the outset I should like to say, lest I am misinterpreted I am p1eased to hear that the Minister for again by hon. members opposite, that I am Industria: Development, Mr. Campbell, has not here to represent the owners or share­ entered into negotiations with the Toowoomba holders of B.H.P., Evans Deakin, Rheem City Co:..mcil for the purchase of 96 acres (Australia), Ampol, Mobil, Alcan, Comalco of land in Toowoomba for industrial develop­ or anyone else of that class. ment. I know the locality and the land is in quite :t good position. Adequate supplies Mr. Davies: T•here are not many on the of water :and electricity are available, and I other side to misinterpret you. There are urge the Minister to make an effort to recruit only four members and the Minister. industries that will use the site. In going through the provisions made for Mr. BALDWIN: They are certainly not the industrial development of the State, I note interested in industrial development as it that over the years $20,981,039 has been affects the mass of the people or the wage advanced or guaranteed to firms under the and salary earners, whom I am proud to Industries Assistance Acts, 1929 to 1933, and represent in this "Parliament. Therefore, my under the Labour and Industry Acts, 1946 remarks and criticism will be directed with to 1963. I hope also that new industries the intention of showing where the mass which may be established in Toowoomba to of wage and salary earners are missing out assist in developing that city are met, as in all this munificent outpouring of Govern­ I mentioned earlier, with the preferential ment largesse and hand-outs to encourage the freight rates that are given to big industries development of our industries for overseas and monopolies instead of to smaller indus­ and southern monopolies to rake off. tries struggling for existence. It must be I was privileged tonight to see the picture understood clearly that an attempt is being to which I was invited by the Minister. It made to develop industry in a provincial city is beyond doubt a very good picture. It and that success is being achieved only must have cost thousands of dollars to make through the good graces of the city council and it will make excellent propaganda. It and public-spirited citizens who are Prepared to assist that development and bring will give the unthinking the illusion that additional people to the city. they share in all the outpouring of . our wealth in all those marvellous machmes, Hon. members have heard so much in and id all the products coming from them recent times about people leaving country for the export market, but nowhere does it areas and provincial cities and migrating to indicate and nowhere would it dare to the capital city because of lack of oppor­ indicate' that they have no stake in that tunities for young people to obtain work except by their right arm and their brains. and carve a place for themselves in the future of provincial cities and country I do not mean this to be a criticism of towns. the Government's Department of Industrial I believe that we have to give every Development or its officers or executives. assistance under the Act to people who want They do as they are told and they have to pioneer industry in decentralised areas. obviously done the bidding of the Government Much has been said today about decentral­ very well. isation, but only lip-service has been paid The Estimates and appropriation for the to this subject by the Government over the Ohief Office and State Migration Office years. During several election campaigns we combined show an unexpended balance of heard much about decentralisation and about $5,200. It was good to see, however, that how the Government was going to help the Government was prepared to overspend industries in the large provincial cities and by $2,500 to bring more migrants and country towns. That is only mouthed at workers to develop industries in this State­ election time and that is all we hear of it perhaps in those where we have over-full until the next election comes around. employment, as they like to describe it­ When inquiries are made of the Minister but it was not good to see the department and his department for the establishment of underspend by over $7,000 in the Chief industry on the Darling Downs, I appeal to Office. This does not give us any hope him to give every consideration to it and that the Government is able to extend its 1812 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

activity in industrial development as has been If the Government is unable to expend the wish expressed by every speaker on tihis its appropriation in assistance to industry side of the Committee. and the development of industrial estates and buildings, let it be honest and say so However, the 1969-70 appropriation for instead of appropriating and failing to spend. the Chief Office is more than $46,000 greater If the State cannot expand certain of its than that for 1968-69, and more than manufacturing industries or start new ones, $27,000 greater than that for the State let the Minister be brave enough to say so Migration Office. My colleagues and I have in the Chamber and tell us exactly why we made it very clear that we would like to cannot expand further. see a much greater increase; however, we hope that the demand for industrial expan­ The unexpended balances, and the money sion will be so strong that the department being spent on developing more land when will be forced to overspend instead of under­ hundreds of acres of developed industrial spend. Nevertheless, in the light of what has land are unoccupied, could be better spent happened recently and is now happening in on pre-school education, which has a sum other Government departments and in the less than one-sixth of the unexpended balances of the Department of Industrial external economy of this State, I am afraid Development set aside in the appropriations -and I am sure that many of my colleagues for 1968-69. Better yet, why could not some and many trade-union leaders are afraid­ of the unexpended $1,500,000 have been that the Government will be forced again invested in modernising the dairying industry, to underspend. That fear is greatly reinforced when the unexpended balances of more than the fishing industry, or in establishing a State $297,000 in the Assistance to Industries Fund automobile-manufacturing industry? and nearly $1,300,000 in the Industrial I have referred to the departmental Estates Construction Fund are taken into report, to the Estimates and to the Auditor­ consideration. I ask the Government why General's report. I now wish to speak about that is so. Why make such an appropriation some of the matters in the Industrial that it knows will not be expended, especially Development Act. First, let me say that at when $2,000,000 comes from Consolidated least the Minister's director has given a Revenue? Yet for 1969-70 an increase of comprehensive report. 16 per cent. in toto on the 1968-69 figure is lVIr. Davies: They should set up an all­ projected. Owing to those unexpended party committee to assist them with this balances and increased appropriation, I am development. forced to agree with the hon. member for Townsville North that a large part of the Mr. BALDWIN: They would be afraid business of the Department of Industrial that we might stick up for the wage and Development seems to be the promotion of salary earners who are not getting enough. propaganda. If that is so, the Government The report is so comprehensive that I should be honest about it and transfer portion cannot fail to read between the lines and of the unexpended balance of over $1,500,000 align its general trend with what is stated in to industrial promotion. the Act. The director did not name the On page 68 of the Report of the Auditor­ members of his board although I see on page 670 of the Statutes that he has a board General upon the Public Accounts, figures of six members. I shall call them the "six are given for expenditure on "Industry Pro­ faceless men." The Industrial Development motion, Publicity, etc." I feel justified in Act appears to contain ample authority and claiming that "etc." includes propaganda. freedom for the Government to assist in the After all, the Government could use portion establishment and advancement of a wide of the $1,500,000 to erect "Buy Queensland variety of manufacturing industries, large Made" hoardings as milestones along the and small, joint-overseas owned, interstate roads of Queensland. But because such a owned or Queensland owned. In short, the small percentage of what the mass of Act can be said to be a very good Act, and Queenslanders buy is made in this State, the that is summed up in the first paragraph of signs would be empty propaganda, as the section 7, which hon. members can read for Deputy Leader of the Australian Labour themselves. Party said. I allege, clearly and unequivocally, that the Act is being applied, as is usual for this I claim that the unexpended balances of Government, to advance the interests of the appropriation given in the Estimates last year big monopoly companies from overseas and and this year, the reports and the information interstate, and only in those areas where gleaned from the Auditor-General's report, there are quick, large, rake-off profits. I as well as the report of the Minister's was very pleased to hear the hon. member department, point to the failure of this for Mt. Coot-tha mention that aspect at 4.30 Government to grapple with the real and this afternoon. I state unequivocally that basic problems that are confining Queens­ this Act is not being used for the betterment land's economic progress. In addition, I of the small manufacturer in this State, and have grounds for claiming that this Govern­ therefore it is not being used for the better­ ment must bear the accusation that either it ment of the mass of working people in has failed to recognise the problems or, Queensland. I claim that that is revealed in recognising them, it refuses to tackle them, the report of the Department of Industrial which is worse. Development if we examine the type of Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1813 industry being assisted, the nature of the job, but that 80 per cent. of it is for their assistance being given, the direction of effort big monopoly friends from overseas and applied, the ownership of the industries interstate. assisted and, in some cases, even the location The Government is either powerless or of the industry being assisted. motiveless to break the grip of outside manu­ At this point I remind hon. members of facturers on Queensland. As a result of statements I have made previously in the this, we process and manufacture under Chamber concerning ~he ownership of the licence, patent, or royalty, or are straight-out economy of the State and its effect on the employees of non-Queensland or small joint­ wage and salary earners. I go further now Queensland companies. Some of these to say that far too much of the wealth of companies own, or part own, their own the State is being diverted to assist the over­ transport and shipping lines so that their seas mineral collectors and refiners and marketing costs are kept to a minimum. processors of many of our primary-industry Look at the bulk-handling facilities at Glad­ products. That point was well emphasised stone, where there is little factory production by the hon. member for Barcoo. for export, and compare them with those at the port of Brisbane, where the economy The contrast between help being diverted to of the south-east corner of Queensland is the processing of minerals and that to the being sunk in the slough of the Pinkenba assistance of Queensland manufacturers is mud flats. glaring indeed. There is no shortage of takers of industrial estates in the mineral Previous speakers mentioned the suicidal field but, around Brisbane, there are hundreds trends in our own State's manufacture. Most of landscaped areas, reticulated with power of our food-processing factories are overseas and water, and thousands of square feet of owned or southern owned. A good deal of modern factory space, going begging. When our meat and most of our sugar are these are finally leased, licensed or provided processed in the South. The manufacturing for industry use-this is stated in section 6 of machinery and machine parts is almost of the Industrial Development Act, which non-existent in Queensland. We play the could be interpreted to mean that these part of assemblers and of operators of assets could be given away to any industrialist machines of various kinds. If there is any who wanted them-they will be for the use real prosperity in this State, it belongs to the of consortium companies, or companies monopolists. But it was earned by the operating under overseas licence, royalty, or workers. patent, at the least. So the people of Most workers extend their working hours Queensland will derive little benefit other on overtime and by double-jobbing, and than the right to work longer hours and to their wives are made to go to work. If they pay higher prices and taxes. I suggest that do not do this, they do not get a house or a it is impossible for the Government gainfully car and cannot educate their children pro­ to employ more staff of all kinds in its perly. In extending their hours of work and Department of Industrial Development or to double-jobbing, and working their wives, they invest more in assisting Queensland pay more tax, which means more money to manufacturing industries. be diverted per medium of the Department of Industrial Development to its overseas The Government bounty of cheap land and southern friends. I am sure that hon. and buildings to attract overseas capital is members opposite do not in the least accept not nearly as attractive as the depression that line of argument. I do not expect them of wages and conditions of the work-force to, and I am not really saying this for in Queensland. This does, I claim, share them. I know that it will do no good, equal importance with the presence of the because their bias is most obvious; one has natural resources for the attraction of capital only to listen to them to realise that. I admit for development, and it is certainly closer my bias; I am honest about it. In the matter to the motives of operation. This Govern­ of industrial development, I am biased on ment's main claim to fame in the field of the side of the 80 per cent. of the popu­ attracting capital for industrialisation is that lation who are working people. I am there­ it has depressed the average wage and salary fore demo~ratically biased on the side of the incomes of the Queensland work-force to majority, and I think I am quite entitled to 11 per cent. below the national average and ask: what is holding back the sharing of has, at the same time, increased the effective profit from industrial development? What is work hours to almost 4 per cent. above the preventing the directing into the pockets of national average. Even so, Queensland the wage and salary earners of their rightful manufacturing ownership has decreased. With share of it? this, the outflow of profits from the State's Mr. Porter: Are you suggesting that the food and mineral processing industries has standard of living has not risen in Queens­ increased threefold in the past few years. land over the last 10 years? I am not one of those who deny that there Mr. BALDWIN: I have not suggested that has been fantastic development in the indus­ at all but, as the hon. member has a tries of Queensland. I admit that there guilty conscience, I might take the time to has been. I say that it is abundantly answer his interjection. clear that the Government, the Minister, and his department, have done a marvellous Mr. Porter: Plea:;c do so. 1814 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. BALDWIN: The answer is quite a survey is to be carried out in the Logan clear in the Commonwealth Government's electorate, or parts of it in the Moreton figures of money owed to hire-purchase statistical division. That, of course, is a companies, which is ever increasing at the faint ray of hope, but it is a ray that startling rate of $3,000,000-odd per annum. I hope will broaden. I promise the Minister The hon. member has his answer there. here on .the floor of the Chamber, that Whatever standard of living the workers if i can be of any assistance in that have, they are more than earning it, and survey with a view to promoting industrial they are mortgaging themselves for it. The development in the Logan electorate, he may trouble with this "Santa Claus" Government is, that like the fairy-tale Santa Claus, they call on me at any time. think they did it all. Mr. Campbell: You would be joking! I mentioned before the wharf facilities, or Mr. BAI;DWIN: I am not joking. The the lack of them, in Brisbane, and the cost of marketing some manufactured products. small manufacturers who have dared to set These costs will, I think, retard for many up in the Logan electorate have been years to come the industrial development struggling for years. Some have gone broke; that Queensland should have. I do not know some are up to their noses in debt. I why the Department of Industrial Develop­ hope that the survey results in some of the ment cannot divert some of its unexpended unexpected surplus from the Minister's moneys to the provision of deep-water department being made available for their wharf facilities, if the Government will not assistance. have that work done by the appropriate department. It might be a surplus or a book Mr. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon) (9.11 p.m.): figure, or it might be a lot of ballyhoo. In appreciation of being able .to speak at this late stage and in fairness to an hon. We hear hon. members on the other side member opposite who wishes to take part of the Chamber fulminating strongly and long on the slow turn-round of ships, but in the debate, I shall deal very briefly they do not talk about the crowding of with two subjects. The fi,rst is the supply wharves and slow pilotage through 70 miles of Queensland malting barley to Queensland of mud channel that add to costs in the breweries. economy. They do not talk about the ·Before dealing with that, I wish to say topping-off of some cargoes in ships that that I support the decentralisation of industry have to be diverted to deep-water ports in and the development of secondary industry Sydney and even Melbourne, for which we wherever possible, particularly in Toowoomba pay from the moment the ships are diverted. and other country centres throughout All of those things add to costs in the Queensland. economy, and slow down true industrial development. Mr. P. Wood: How is the canning factory coming along? A deep-water cargo-transfer complex, with plenty of area and accessibility to Mr. McKECHNIE: That was the second roads and railway lines of both gauges, is subject with which I intended dealing. If badly needed in the south-east corner of the hon. member will allow me tlo deal the State. It is useless talking of what with it very 'briefly, I shall endeavour not Weipa, Gladstone and Bundaberg have. to take up too much of his time. They can do all right for themselves, and I wish them well. Mr. Bennett interjected. What I am greatly concerned about is The CHAIRMAN: Order! happening in the south-east corner of Queensland, and in the electorate of Logan, Mr. McKECHNIE: In reply to the inter­ from which 10,000 workers a day travel to jection lby the hon. member fo.r South parts of Brisbane to work. There is no Brisbane, I point out that, although hon. development there; it is known as the "dead, members have asserted that all the electorates dormitory band" of Brisbane, as the people west of the Great Dividing Range are spend so much time travelling on the decreasing in numbers, my electorate is choked-up roads and the archaic rail­ increasing. Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi transport system that, by the time they get are beautiful towns in which to live and home at 7 o'clock in the evening, they must are developing, prospering, and growing. go straight to bed to get enough energy to get Goondiwindi, in particular, has been up again in the morning. The only break­ developing light fabricating industries and outs that do occur are well published in the that, together with the expansion in the Press; the diversions are caused by a lack wheat industry, has enabled the town to of proper amenities in the Logan electorate. progress. I am proud to be associated The result is the direction of youthful with it, and I deny that all electorates energy to nefarious activities. Let hon. west of the Divide are dwindling in members opposite read their newspapers. population. I was pleased to receive in the mail the Mr. Bennett: You are talking about towns other day a memorandum from the Minister on a line with Toowoomba. They are not for Induskial ·Development telling me that west of it. Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1S15

Mr. McK·ECHNIE: The whole of my objective in the first year. Last season it pro­ electorate is west of the Divide, and cessed 677,499 bushels of apples and 39,538 Goondiwindi is one of the good western bushels of pears, 50 per cent. of which were towns. It is growing and developing and exported to give a return on export sales of the people who live there are very proud $1,000,000. I draw the Minister's attention of it. to how successful this cannery in Stoke in New Zealand has been under similar con­ Mr. Murray: You are not gloomy like ditions relative to climate and p'oduction to the hon. member for Logan. those of the Granite Belt. Mr. McKECHNIE: No, I am not gloomy. Mr. Bennett: Don't you believe in fresh fruit? When the hon. member for Toowoomba West was speaking, I interjected relative Mr. McKECHNIE: The whole exercise of to barley prices. The situation is that a cannery is to improve the quality of fresh Queensland barley sold to Queensland fruit. This plant employs 300 people and breweries is $1.04 at growers' sidings and at the moment expansion is being considered, Toowoomba has an S-cent advantage over to take in a new product, apple. wine. It is Redbank, which is its natural competitor thought that this will be quite successful. in brewing of beer £rom malting barley. Of course, besides those 300 employees, The actual prices are $1.42 delivered at $1,000,000 per annum from exports, and the Redbank and $1.'34 delivered at Toowoomba. production of processed fruits for the home As I said earlier, I shall do everything market, there are all the other ancillary indus­ in my power to assist development in tries that have sprung up around this plant Toowoomba, and I am pleased that it has to produce cans, cases, and cartons for the an S-cent advantage in this instance. industry. The hon. member for Toowoomba East I confidently draw the Minister's attention asked earlier about a cannery. At the to the set-up there and I should like to pre moment, a feasibility survey is being canried sent him later with this report from the Stoke. out for a cannery on the Granite Belt. cannery in New Zealand. The Departments of Primary Industries and Industrial Development are co-<>pemting in Hon. F. A. CAMPBELL (Aspley-Minister that survey and several local representatives for Industrial Development) (9.18 p.m.): The are members of .that inquiry board. The debate on the Estimates for the Department survey is proceeding satisfactorily at the of Industrial Development has produced some moment. very worth-while contributions. As usual, one or two of my Opposition friends seem . The point that I wish to make briefly determined to show just how out of touch 1s that I have spoken previously in this they are with current events. Pre-eminently, Chamber of the need for a processing plant discussion has shown a clear appreciation of that will take hail-marked, second-grade and how Queensland's faster progress is being damaged fruit and so give a more stwbilised shaped and cemented. We have heard some price and quality to the consumer. constructive thought on ways and means of Mr. Bennett: What has the Government furthering the State's industrial expansion. done to help you in that regard? Realistic viewpoints, of course, are always acceptable, but destructive criticism and Mr. McKECHNIE: I just told the hon. pseudo-wonder formula concocted by certain member. The two departments are co-oper­ members of the Opposition clearly contribute ating in carrying out a feasibility study. That nothing to reality or to the value of indus­ is the situation. I have mentioned in this trial development. Chamber on numerous occasions the Stoke Before winding up the debate in broad Apple Cannery at Nelson, in New Zealand, as detail, I want to make observations on points an example of what can be done. I have raised by hon. members. I should like to here an attractive report that it has put out. thank the Committee generally for the way in which members participated in the debate, The Stoke area around Nelson, in New and the almost entirely constructive, helpful Zealand, produces approximately the same and complimentary comments that were number of apples under similar conditions as made. There was one exception, the hon. the Granite Belt in Queensland. I now have member for Logan. Because of his insulting figures which I wish to quote to the Com­ and supercilious references to my depart­ mittee to add to what I have stated on the ment, I feel impelled to make one or two many previous occasions on which I have observations on what he said. advocated the establishment of a fruit-pro­ cessing cannery on the Granite Belt. Mr. BALDWIN: I rise to a point of order. The situation with the Nelson apple can­ That remark is not true. I did not make nery is briefly as follows: Legislation passed any insulting remarks. I praised the Minis­ through the New Zealand Parliament in 1960 ter's department. made provision for this cannery, which was The CHAIRMAN: Order! designed to process 250,000 bushels of apples per annum. It commenced operations in Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member for February, 1962, and in that year processed Logan formerly filled a very important posi­ 300,000 bushels. This was above the tion in the community, but I am sure that 1816 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

the electors of Logan must wonder now Dealing fairly briefly with the contributions what type of representative they have, made by other hon. members, I refer, first because, although I thought this attitude had of all, to the hon. member for Warwick, disappeared from the political scene, tonight who commented on the industrial estate that we saw a typical example of a Marxist out­ is being created there. He expressed the look. The hon. member left us in no doubt view that the department was not doing about his hostility to industry and business. enough to assist industry in decentralised He implied that largesse and hand-outs areas. were given by my department to big business, We do not deny that more can be done. and ridiculed the "Buy Queensland Made" The hon. member also said that it was campaign, and, in addition, insulted the virtually impossible for the small man to members of the Industries Assistance Board get off the ground. I point out to him that by referring to them as the "faceless men". the Department of Industrial Development They are six highly responsible and highly can assist only manufacturing industries. If respected citizens of this State. he presents any case of a small man who Mr. Baldwin: I did not know their names; is not able to get off the ground, we may that is all. be able to help him. Despite what the hon. member for Logan might think, we are Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member for just as interested in assisting the small Logan referred to them as the "six faceless businessman as we are in assisting the large men". one. Mr. Baldwin: Why weren't their names in The hon. member for Y eronga made a the report? stirring defence of the department's activities. He indicated the benefits derived from Mr. CAMPBELL: For the benefit of the secondary industries and the free-enterprise hon. member I refer him to page 10 of the policy of the Government. He deplored the Annual Report of the Department of Indus­ industrial unrest, about which I will have a trial Development for 1968-69, where the little to say later, and applauded the employ­ names of the members of the Industries ment opportunities that flow from a Assistance Board are set out as follows- developing economy. Sir David Muir, C.M.G., Director of The hon. member for Wynnum raised two Industrial Development (Chairman); matters to which I wish to reply. He Mr. W. Young, Director of Technical referred to housing which is not a matter Services, Department of Industrial for debate under these Estimates. It is Development (Deputy Chairman); appropriately a matter for the Minister for Housing. No matter how desirable it may Mr. R. H. Fields, Economist and Assistant be to provide housing, this matter should not Under Secretary (Finance and Research), be considered in debating the Estimates of the Treasury Department; Department of Industrial Development. Mr. A. T. Fullagar, former Commissioner The hon. member referred to the Govern­ of Prices; ment's "Buy Queensland Made" policy and Sir Arthur Petfield } Representing to business going interstate that he thought Mr. J. A. Barton commercial should be allocated in Queensland. Our policy in this matter is well known. The Mr. W. R. J. Riddel enterprise. Government supports Queensland industry Mr. Baldwin: They are not in my report. when price and quality are competitive. When those factors favour the Queensland Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member for article, the Department of Industrial Develop­ Logan has offered one of the greatest insults ment will continue to give full support and made in this Chamber in recent times to a encouragement to local manufacturers. responsible body of reputable citizens. There The other point raised by the hon. member, is no need for me to refer any further to the to which I feel obliged to refer, related to diatribe offered by the hon. member; how­ accidents at the Austral-Pacific fertilizer ever, I shall acquaint him with the facts on works. He was rather caustic in his criticism the matter that seems to concern him and, for that reason, I obtained a report namely, what he claimed were the unexpended from the company about the matters raised balances. by him. I was surprised to hear the hon. The reason for unexpended balances in the member's comments because I know that the Industrial Estates Construction Fund is that Dow people have a company policy that contracts were let and expenditure committed, expresses the greatest concern for the although work was not commenced before employees. They take the utmost steps to 30 June. That is normal practice in the con­ secure the safety of employees in their tracting industry. The main purpose of the industry. The accident referred to by the Industries Assistance Fund is to offset losses hon. member, I am informed, was caused that might occur on guarantees given by the by the discharge flange on an air compressor Government to assist industry. It is to the failing from over-pressure. That was caused credit of the Government and the industries by starting the compressor with the discharge concerned that the operations so supported valve closed, and the unloaders did not have been so successful. function. Two men were injured. Both Supply [25 NOYiMBER] Supply 1817

had broken legs, which is distressing. One member said, he illustrated the danger of has since been discharged from hospital and the department becoming involved in com­ the other is progressing satisfactorily but pany affairs and so providing an unnecessary requires some hospital attention. crutch to industry. The second question posed by the hon. He pointed out that a degree of flexibility member was whether the safety precautions in planning was necessary, and he stressed the were adequate. I am informed by Austral­ need for local participation in new ventures. Pacific that they have a full-time safety engineer with industrial experience; a first-aid Our surveys relate to decentralisation of clinic is staffed with a sister in attendance industry, and that is only one phase of during normal working hours and a doctor regional planning. The Department of with industrial medicine training is on call Industrial Development works in close liaison at all times. They have two employees with with the Co-ordinator-General of Public Q.A.T.B. first-aid training on the job at all Works. Indeed, Mr. Barton sees our surveys times and have a programme under way as a most useful exercise and as a real contribution to an over-all regional study to train enough employees to provide at least two more first-aid men at all times. which is the responsibility of his department. They have a safety committee comprised of The hon. member also referred to Bougain­ employees and supervisors that reviews all ville contracts. The department has been safety precautions and recommends cor­ in touch with Sir Maurice Mawby, the rective measures. The plant and equipment chairman of C.R.A., drawing his attention exceed the safety requirements of the to the ability of Queensland manufacturers Machinery and Scaffolding Department. to undertake work for his company in Safety and fire protection equipment is pro­ Queensland, Western Australia, and nearby vided through the medium of a fire-hydrant islands, and it is encouraging to know that system that covers all equipment that could certain Queensland manufacturers have become a fire hazard. There are 200 obtained contracts from that company. portable exchanges located throughout the plant to cont'fOl any anticipated hazards. The hon. member for Bundaberg expressed disappointment at the district missing out In addition, eye baths, safety showers, gas on the establishment of food and match­ masks and respirators are located in areas making industries. This is always a difficult where they might be needed. Individual matter. It is not the policy of this Govern­ protection equipment is provided as follows: ment to direct industry where it shall go. safety hats, safety spectacles, safety shoes, However, we go to great pains to indicate rain suits and rubber boots. They claim to prospective investors the potential of that their safety record to date has been different parts of the State, and we then comparable to that of any other industries leave it to them to make a decision, which was of the same type. However, this is not a point very well taken by the hon. member satisfactory to the management. Any accident for Mt. Gravatt. involving injury to an employee is of serious concern and is carefully reviewed to determine The hon. member for Bundaberg referred what corrective measures can be initiated. to Bundeng Shipyards Pty. Ltd. and urged that everything possible be done for that The third question posed by the hon. company. While I am glad to have his member for Wynnum related to employees support, the Government needs no urging in being concerned with working conditions and this direction. As the hon. member knows, leaving the plant. I have been informed we have a vested interest in that company. by the company that, at the end of October, I want to say, in passing, that a few there were 17 5 employees in the plant. Opposition members made rather sneering During the past six months there have been reference to the financial assistance given 16 terminations of employment by workers to industry and claimed it was all given in the plant. They comprise two casual to big businesses in Brisbane. The Govern­ labourers, four stenographers and recep­ ment came to the rescue of Bundeng with tionists, one who left because his doctor a guarantee of $560,000. recommended a change of environment for his wife, two who returned to former jobs Mr. Baldwin: It would be only ·the little at increased salaries, two who were on man, wouldn't it? shift work and could not become accustomed to sleeping at irregular hours, two whose Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member for services were terminated by mutual accord, Logan leaves me almost speechless with his one who left but returned. and two who left attitude to industrial development in Queens­ for unknown reasons. land. The Government has required that two Government representatives become members I think that that report is a clear indication of the board, and at the •time that the that they are concerned about the safety and guarantee was given the Under Treasurer, welfare of their employees and that they go to Mr. Sewell, and Sir David Muir, my director, great lengths to see that their policy is put were appointed to the board. Those two into effect. directors, and all the directors of the The hon. member for Chatsworth can company, are taking urgent and positive steps always be relied upon to make a thoughtful to obtain orders for new work for both the speech. In offsetting what an Opposition shipyard and the foundry. 60 1818 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Bromley: Why didn't you help quite well that Australia has become rather Murrumba Star a bit better than you did? expert as a money manager. He stressed also the need for great population growth, and Mr. CAMPBELL: If I had the time, I I say to him that the Government is very would tell that story, too. conscious of that need and, indeed, has The hon. member for Mulgrave rebutted taken steps to meet the problem. quite capably the rather puerile argument of The hon. member referred, as did the hon. the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and member for Mt. Coot-tha, to the need for pointed out the difference between the statutory town planning. I have come to operations of the Department of Industrial the conclusion that it is very desirable that Development and the Department of Primary the Government tread warily in statutory Industries. He gave a broad review of town and regional planning. We must beware developments in the industrial field, and of planning for planning's sake. quoted the figure of $1,000 million in the I took the opportunity last month of attend­ last decade. One is inclined today to take ing, at the invitation of the Queensland divi­ for granted matters that 10 years ago would sion of the Australian Planning Institute, a have been considered of major importance. seminar on the theme "Planning Authorities". I come now to the comments of the hon. The matter was discussed very thoroughly member for South Brisbane. He pooh-poohed over 1t days. The seminar was attended and the idea of $2,000,000 being invested in a addressed by Mr. Ferrier, a former director new industry in Queensland, and did not of the New South Wales Planning Authority seem to appreciate the significance of it. and previously its chief planner. As far as I The hon. member for Port Curtis really could deduce, the consensus of those present struggled to make a case denying that progress -they included architects, engineers, sur­ is being made. Again I am amazed that veyors, town planners, and a whole host of hon. members can be so blind to what is professional men-- apparent for all to see. He was not very Mr. Bennett: Lawyers? complimentary when he referred to the glossy magazines that my department has published. Mr. CAMPBELL: Yes, lawyers were there, I am sure that my staff would not appreciate too, and they made a helpful contribution. the tone of that comment. As I said. the consensus was that it is neces­ The hon. member also urged the Govern­ sary to tread warily in setting up mandatory ment to adopt stand-over tactics in its planning covering the whole of the State, negotiations with overseas industrialists. He because, of the problems that can arise. ,also stated that there is a Brisbane-based The hon. member for Mackay is a new outlook in the department. What utter rot member of this Assembly, and he tried to it is for the hon. member to claim that the refute the facts relative to decentralisation. Government has a Brisbane-based outlook! Everyone seems to have a different opinion He has a lot to learn about negotiating. about decentralisation, and I think that the Industry does not come to the State out of hon. member for Mackay knows the atti­ sentiment; it weighs the merits of particular tude that prevails amongst development areas based on broad economic facts ,and bureaus in North Queensland. I link his incentives offered. Our endeavour is to comments with those made by the hon. attract industry to Queensland, not to member for Ipswich East, who made an frighten it away. It would be pointless to urgent plea for greater assistance in Ipswich lay down conditions that would only result and said that my department had done very in business going elsewhere. little there, which, of course, I deny. The The hon. member also referred to the hon. member for Mackay would know that desirability of establishing regional offices. people in North Queensland regard Ipswich Our function is to attract capital ,and industry as part of Brisbane, and that opinion was to Queensland. If offices were to be estab­ expressed very forcibly at the conference of lished outside Brisbane, it would be better regional bureaus that I attended in February to have them interstate or even overseas than last year. in regional areas. It is only natural that everyone should wish to see industry develop in the area that Because so many members referred to this he represents. However. the world-wide particular aspect of industrial development, trend is towards centralisation and, despite I should like at this stage to pay a tribute to what hon. members have said in decrying the developmental bureaus and local advisory the Government's failure to maintain decen­ committees throughout the State. They are tralisation, I am quite sure that steps which doing a yeoman job in endeavouring to the Government has taken to provide a water attract, foster and develop industries in their facility at St. George and another water areas. I think that that is very desirable, facility at Emerald, for example, will create because the Government must of necessity what I like to refer to as centralised decen­ take a broad view and concern itself with tralisation. It is impossible to expect that Queensland, rather than pursue parochial a grocer shop in a small country town such interests. as Morven will continue to receive patronage The hon. member for Toowong demon­ when there are good bitumen roads through­ strated the dangers arising from inflation in out the area and people are able to go to a a developing economy and made the point larger centre in which there is a wider Supply [25 NOVEMBER] Supply 1819

variety of goods from which to choose. The At this point I want to stress our awareness trend in this State must be to centralised of the existence of some problems both in decentralisation, and that is being obtained the engineering and ship-building industries. already through the development of the We are not diving our heads into the sand State''s mineral resources. Look at the hoping that these problems will quietly tremendous development that has taken place disappear. I submit that we have adopted at Mt. Isa through development of these realistic and practical methods to sustain resources. activity in the metal trades industries. Mr. Casey: Are you calling Mackay a Last March, in a communication to Mr. small country town? E. G. Bright, secretary of the Queensland branch of the Metal Trades Federation, I Mr. CAMPBELL: No, I did not say that outlined the Government's role in stabilising Mackay is a small country town. I said that an expanding industry. This is what I told such towns are entitled to desire decentralised Mr. Bright then, and the same is true today- development and I think that with the "The Government through the Depart­ development of an estate in the hon. ment of Industrial Development is giving member's area this will occur. active support to industry in its endeavours to find new markets for its products. Time does not permit me to make "We promote the 'Buy Queensland observations on every hon. member's Made' campaign, the object of which, comments. I again thank them all. Their amongst other things, is to encourage comments have certainly been noted by the Queensland manufacturers to buy local department. components and equipment wherever I wish to enlarge briefly on the economic practicable. power-value of Government spending "We have assisted in the negotiation of within Queensland industry because this was joint ventures and licensing arrangements referred to by various hon. members. In with overseas manufacturers. This has my earlier address I referred to the Railway also meant additional business for Queens­ Department's contracts, which last year were land workshops. worth $10,500,000 to engineering workshops "Under the Industrial Development in this State. Economists, using the multi­ Acts the Government has also financially plier concept, point to the financial chain assisted various engineering concerns to reaction that stems from an initial invest­ enable them to extend their operations. ment of this magnitude. "The Government is already doing all Broadly, the multiplier, as explained by within its power to create employment the noted English economist John Maynard opportunities through the expansion of Keynes. works like this. When, say, existing industry and the attraction of new $10,000,000 is invested the workers so industry to Queensland." employed spend some of their wages on Mr. Bright was informed that members of consumer goods. This raises the incomes of his federation could rest assured that these other workers who are employed in efforts would not only be continued but producing these consumer goods, and they also extended wherever practicable. in turn spend some of their earnings on It should be abundantly apparent to all more consumer goods. In working out this that the income-generating effects of Gov­ chain process, the initial expenditure of ernment expenditure have had, and are $10,000.000 results in an over-all increase having, significant impressions on the State's in the income of the community. As well economy. as the aggregate increase in income resulting from the initial expenditure, the total Of course, in recent years ·the dynamic increase in employment is greater than the element of expansion in Queensland has number of workers engaged on the original been private capital expenditure. This has projects. had far-reaching results in the over-all picture of State development. A good example of this is based on the construction of the $6,000,000 diesel-electric However, as I mentioned in my earlier suction dredge now being built for the speech, there is a tendency for private Department of Harbours and Marine at investment to recede from time to time. Walkers Limited, Maryborough. This vessel, While this trend is only short-lived, it is the biggest dredge to be owned by the obvious that forward momentum must be Queensland Government, has been under affected temporarily. Recognising this, the construction since December last year and Government has endeavoured to fill some it is expected to be finished by next October. of the short-term vacuum by accelerating its own capital expenditure. But there is The injection of Government spending of a limit to the financial capacity of any this type must have had a pronounced effect State to do this ad infinitum without assist­ on Maryborough's economic situation. ance from other sources. This is particularly There is stabilised employment in Walkers so of Queensland because of the defla­ shipyard, and if the multiplier concept is tionary effects of a very serious loss in applied to the wages being paid on the rural income from the drought, which the dredge job, then obviously this will have a hon. member for South Brisbane seemed marked effect on Maryborough's community. to minimise. If the multiplier concept is 1820 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply applied to this figure in reverse, it is quite $6,000,000 annually. This takes in ice-cream. clear that we have taken a stiff financial frozen foods, skim-milk powder, frozen milk. blow. It must be fairly obvious that any long-life milk, prawns, lobsters and earthen­ further large-scale injection of public funds ware pipes. to overcome pockets of idle capacity in this Diversification of Queensland industry State must come necessarily from Common­ takes in production of paints, chemicals, wealth Government expenditure. industrial metals, furniture, electronic equip­ ment, textiles, leather goods, clothing, foot­ Injection of further financial stimulus is, wear and plastics. All are firmly implanted however, of no earthly good if trade unions on an expanding front. are going to play up and disrupt attempts Every hon. member should be aware of to recover what we have lost economically the vitality of exports in our future expan­ in our rural sector. sion. Exports achieve the same effect ,as the It is therefore quite disturbing to see injection of funds into our economic struc­ developing in Queensland a situation that ture; they provide income. Export income, points to an increase in industrial unrest. therefore, is an important stimulus to rapid With level-headedness and stability in our growth, and it will continue to play an labour force, we will be in a wonderful important part in Queensland's development. position to handle increased productivity and Despite substantial population increases eJCpansion and thus enable everybody to in recent years, the domestic market in this get a slice of the prosperity cake. State is still relatively small. Because of this. it is essential that manufacturers look not . Per~onally, I abhor the existence of any situatiOn where a management-versus-labour only interstate but also overseas for new wrangle penalises and retards Queensland's market outlets. This is the type of business progress. Surely, management and labour we need to provide for continued industrial are complementary to each other; each expansion at an acceptable rate. should strengthen the other in a combined There are dozens of firms and companies effort to advance Queensland as far as in Queensland that have shown a commend­ possible. This, in effect, means that every able get-up-and-go attitude to becoming sector of industry must be prepared to successful exporters. And they ue. not all develop this State with initiative and energy. big undertakings with substantial financial Constant attention must be paid .to cost backing. Take for example Mason Manu­ and quality st-ructures. And, let us not facturiil.g Coy. Pty. Ltd. of Ipswich, which lose sight of the need to continue to is producing neckties. This company has widen the alrefl!dy broadly diversified base successfully sold ties in Malqysia, Singapore. of industry within the State. Indeed, I Hong Kong, Thailand, Arabia, >kw Guinea believe it is the Government's policy of and Fiji. planned industrial diversification that has largely softened the effects of the drought. At 9.55 p.m., We would have had it much harder, with The CHAIRMAN: Order! Under the a $120,000,000 drop-out, had it not be·en provisions of the Sessional Order agreed to for solidly based industry backed by by the House on 22 October, I shall now enter;preneur skill and imagination. put the questions for the Vote under Before I turn to the importance of exports consideration and the balance .remammg in the future development of the State, let unvoted for the Department of Industrial me explain briefly some of the successful Development. industrial enterprises that have brought The questions for the foJlm, ircg Votes sophistication to the Queensland scene. There were put, and agreed to:- is no doubt that our reputation for the $ manufacture of farm implements and machinery is international. In the sugar Department of Industrial Develop­ industry, for instance, equipment designed ment- and built in Queensland has ,revolutionised Chief Office 600,456 harvesting methods not only in Australia Balance of Department, Con- but also in other major sugar-producing solidated Revenue, Trust and areas of the world. Firms like the Boogan Special Funds and Loan Fun<' Implement Company, near Innisfail, and Account 5,470,422 Toft Brothers at Bundaberg, to mention but two, have made substantial contributions An Opposition Member: Not enough. to both the sugar industry and Queensland's industrial image. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind hon. members that Standing Orders clearly In the food-processing field, products from indicate that when the Chairman or Mr. this State are well established both on inter­ Speaker is on his feet Vhere will be no state and overseas markets. Queensland interruptions. If members continue to United Foods, for example, is a company interrupt, I shall have no hesitation in dealing built on diversified production interests. with them. Consumers in 30 countries are familiar with one or more brand names in the group. Progress reported. Q.U.F.'s export sales now approach The House adjourned at 9.57 p.m.