Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 24 AUGUST 1967

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

St. George Irrigation Project [24 AuGUST] Questions 163

THURSDAY, 24 AUGUST, 1967

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

HEPATITIS INCIDENCE AND TOILET FACILITIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Health,- ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to the statement attributed to Health Department officers in The Sunday Mail of August 20 that Queensland is heading for its worst-ever year of hepatitis and that sixty per centum of the 3 02 cases of infectious hepatitis reported to the State Health Department in the last three months have been of primary school age? (2) In view of this alarming latter aspect, will he take action to have an immediate full-scale investigation of toilet facilities in all primary schools, with particular attention to those schools not connected to sewerage or septic systems?

Answers:- ( 1) "In the last five years the notifica- tions of infectious hepatitis have been as follows:-

----~-~~-~~~-

Year Metro- Country Total I politan l962-63-l 347 641 988 1963-64 476 1,059 1,535 1964-65 312 483 795 1965-66 241 308 549 1966-67 451 785 1,236

--~---~---_:.__ The statement in The Sunday Mail of August 20 was not made by officers of my Department. It appears to have emanated from the Health Department of the Brisbane City Council. Approximately a third of notified patients are of school age. The view that Queensland is heading for its worst outbreak of hepatitis is purely speculative. 1535 patients were notified in 1963-64, whereas the next year notifica­ tions had decreased to 795. The truth is that the behaviour of the disease in any year i.s impossible to predict."

(2) "The matter of hygiene in schools is one for the Department of Education. The Deputy Director-General of Health and Medical Services informs me, however, that the risks of transmission of hepatitis would be greatly reduced if every child took to school and used every day a small cake of soap in a plastic container, and a clean hand towel or washer. Children 164 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

could then carry over into the school SALE OF RAILWAY HOUSES, NORTHGATE situation the good habits of hygiene and Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The personal cleanliness they have learned at Minister for Transport,- home and would use items with which they ( 1) How many railway residences are are familiar. This would be superior to there at Toombul Road, Northgate? the use of unfamiliar paper towels and liquid soap dispensers." (2) How many of them are to be sold for removal? (3) Has the sale of these houses been HEPATITIS INCIDENCE AND PROVISION OF actuated by the imminence of sewerage SOAP DISPENSERS AND TOWELS IN connections and the Department's desire SCHOOLS to avoid this expense? Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 4) Is any action being taken to provide Minister for Education,- alternative accommodation for railway ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to the employees evicted because of the sale of alarming statement by Health Department these houses? If not, will he undertake to officers that Queensland is headed for an give assistance in this regard to t!hose all-time high in infectious hepatitis cases affected? and that sixty per centum of the 302 cases reported have been of primary school age? Answers:­ (!) "Eight." (2) In view of this serious situation, will he reconsider his attitude to the pro­ (2) "One." vision of soap dispensers and paper towels (3) "No." in schools? ( 4) "The cottage involved is not (3) Cannot the cost of soap and towels occupied." be considered an urgent and justifiable expense? BRIBIE ISLAND BRIDGE ToLL Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked The Answer:- Premier,- ( 1 to 3) "I am well aware of the In view of complaints from organisations dangers of a hepatitis epidemic and the and people concerned that the toll on the need for hygiene, particularly for clean­ Bribie Island Bridge continues to have an liness of the hands, as the most likely safe­ adverse effect on businesses on the Island guard against the disease. I refer again to as well as on the economy and tourist my Answer to a similar Question, asked in activities, when is it anticipated that this this House on March 16, 1965, in which I toll will be removed? stated: 'It has been found that, at the present time, the Education Departments Answer:- of New South Wales and Victoria do not provide soap in any form or towels for "The Bribie Bridge was built on the the use of pupils in schools under their clear understanding that its cost would be control. Advice has been received that amortised by toll collections and proceeds these Departments have given considera­ from the sale of Crown land. Toll col-· tion on several occasions to making these lections have reduced the balance owing items available, but the cost of supply has on the bridge to some extent, but the out­ been found to be prohibitive, especially in standing indebtedness is still of some pro­ the light of existing commitments.' The portion. At this juncture, therefore, I am need for cleanliness receives detailed and not prepared to forecast when the toll will constant attenti-on in schools, and whilst be removed." teachers exercise general supervision of children in their care, it is impracticable HoUSING COMMISSION DAY-LABOUR for them to give constant personal atten­ FORCE tion at all times to children using the toilet facilities. Most parents inculcate Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked desirable habits of hygiene in their The Minister for Works,- children and many of them supply their ( 1) What were the numbers of children with a ,piece of soap and a small employees of the Queensland Housing t-owel in a plastic bag for use at school. Commission engaged as a day-labour force In view of the large expenditure involved for the construction and maintenance of in providing soap dispensers and paper Commission homes in the years 1957, 1962 towels, together with other associated costs and 1967? in all the schools of the State, it is not practicable to meet the request as a full (2) What were the numbers in each State responsibility." trade classification? Questions [24 AuGusT] Questions 165

Answer:- EXPORTS OF CoAL, BAUXITE AND MINERAL ( 1 and 2) "The following table sets out SANDS CONCENTRATES the information requested by the Honour­ able Member at June 30 in the respective Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked years- The Minister for Mines,- ( 1) What were the yearly tonnages 1957 196211967 exported during the years 1963 to 1967 ------~--- Officers-in-charge for (a) coal, (b) bauxite and (c) mineral Projects 5 5 3 sands concentrates? Carpenters 67 118 98 Plumbers 8 19 22 (2) What amounts of royalties per ton Painters 13 40 26 are received by the Government for these Electricians 5 9 12 Drainers 3 4 6 minerals? Machinists 1 3 1 Plasterer 1 1 1 ( 3) What were the total amounts Labourers received in revenue from this source? Drivers I Project Clerks n 2~ 3~ Apprentices 3 Total ~1__32_1-204 267 257"~ Answers:- (1)-

" Year Coal Bauxite Rutile Zircon Monazite Ilrnenite I 1962-63 .. 239,788 39,509 15,132 11,399 40 Nil 1963-64 .. 805,969 238,422 20,082 15,495 79 Nil 1964--65 .. 1,167,213 451,489 33,136 10,883 25 Nil 1965-66 .. 1,713,933 732,488 32,303 19,321 50 Nil 1966-67 .. 1,713,965 1,056,450 39,257 29,179 17 95 "

(2) "Royalty payable per ton exported­ Answers:­ Coal, 5 cents per ton; Bauxite, 5 cents per (1) "Yes." ton to 30-6-1965 and 10 cents per ton (2) "Yes." thereafter. Mineral Sands-Rutile, $1.50 per ton; Zircon, 25 cents per ton; Ilmenite, (3) "Yes." 10 cents per ton; Monazite, $2.00 per ton." ( 4) "I am advised that this type of (3) "Revenue received- advertising is not in breach of the law. Coal, $282,043.40; Bauxite, $93,673.20; The question of power and speed in adver­ tising, generally, by a certain sponsor and Mineral Sands, $146,966.96. It will be appreciated that due to variations in pay­ TV station came under discussion at the ment periods the above figures do not last meeting of the Australian Road Safety reconcile exactly." Council in April this year when it was resolved that the industry sponsoring it would be approached with a view to obtain­ TELEVISION ADVERTISING FOR MOTOR ing their co-operation in this regard. The FUELS subject is listed for further discussion at Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked the forthcoming meeting of the Council The Minister for Transport,- to be held in September. Road Safety ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to Councils throughout Australia are of certain television advertising concerning the opinion that this type of advertising is acceleration power of certain motor fuels? not in the best interests of road safety." (2) Has he witnessed the advertise­ ments which show two persons jumping SITING OF PoLICE RADAR UNITS IN from one vehicle to another while in BRISBANE motion merely to prove the added load Mr. Hanlon, pursuant to notice, asked The causes no loss of power? Minister for Education,- (3) Has he also viewed the dropping of With reference to his assurance as a speed boat on to a travelling vehicle for reported in The Courier-Mail of August 23, the same purpose? 1967, on the basis of police enforcement (4) In view of the constant clamour for of traffic laws, will he demonstrate the greater care on our roads, what action can Department's integrity in this regard by he institute to prevent this and other tabling sites for the week ended August dangerous and infantile forms of 19, 1967, at which radar units were sited advertising? in the metropolitan area? 166 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Answer:- I am not questioning their integrity. The ''I have no hesitation in outlining the department's integrity is a matter for the o.ites at which radar units manned by administration of the department, and that is police personnel from the Traffic Branch, handled by the Minister. Brisbane, operated during the period August 13, 1967, to August 19, 1967. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! If the remark There are no radar units operated in the is otrensive to the hon. member, possibly the metropolitan area elsewhere than from the question is offensive to the department. I Traffic Branch, Brisbane. In doing so, I ask the Minister to proceed with the answer. propose to nominate the number of acci­ ''Should the Honourable Member wish to dents recorded as having oc::urred at or investigate the integrity of the police in this in the vicinity of those sites, and where in regard, I would be happy to arrange for relation to any of those areas complaints him to accompany any radar unit of his of 'speeding' by motorists have been choosing at any time to the unit's assigned received from I_Tiembers of the public, I location and there decide for himself propose to nommate these too. The acci­ whether the police are hounding innocent dent figures ar~ from September 1, 1966, motorists. unless otherwise nominated. This list H SITES OF OPERATION OF RADAR UNITS, should satisfy the Honourable Member and AUGUST 13, 1967 TO AUGUST 19, 1967 give him an overall pattern as to the use Accidents Speeding of radar units by the Police Department Complaints based on accidents and complaints. If the SUNDAY, 13-8-1967- Honourable Member has any specific com­ Pacific High·cay, Slacks Creek .. 41 (Since Yes Jan., 1967) plaint in relation to the operation of any Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge 44 radar unit at any particular site in Queens­ Tpswich Road. Moorooka 95 Gympie Road, Kedron 148 Lmd and he lodges that complaint with me Ellison Road, Aspley . . 11 Yes l will inquire into the matter. The Honour~ Hamilton Ro~1d, Cherms:.ide 56 Yes able Member has indicated in his Question Abbotsford Road, Mayne 108 that he has doubts about the intearity of MONDAY, 14-R-1967- the members of the police responsible for Countess Street, Brisbane 105 traffic matters. Vulture Street, South Brisbane . . 253 Logan Road, Holland Park 227 Mr. HANLON: I rise to a point of order. Marshall Road, Holland Park . . 42 Oxley Road, Corinda 117 I. do not wish to interrupt the Minister in Kelvin Grove Road, . Kelv·i~ hts reply-he has given us considerable Grove . , . . 156 Yes which I I take excep­ Ipswich Road, Darra 56 ~etail, appr~ciate-but Gregory Terrace, Brisbane . . 86 tiOn to the suggestwn that I am reflecting Logan Road, Upper Mount on the integrity of the officers who operate Gravatt . . . . . , 102 the radar units. Wynnum Road, Norman Park.. 101 Yes Mr. SPEAKER: Order! TUESDAY, 15-8-1967- Lytton Road, Hemmant 43 Day's Road, Grange 16 Yes , Mr. HANLON: I think you will agree, Mr. Logan Road, Upper Mount Speaker, that my question contains no such Gravatt ...... 102 Stafford Road, Stafford . , 125 re~e~tion; it purely seeks information. The Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin !Yimtster .. I think, is. giving the required Grove ...... , !56 Yes Richmond Road, ivforningside . 13 mformatwn, but I obJect to his interpreting Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill 124 the question in that way. Gregory Terrace, Brisbane 86

Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I draw the hon. WEDNESDAY, !6--8-1967- member'' attention to the fact that his Water Street, Spring Hill SS Moggifl Road. Toowong 73 question includes the words, ". . . will he Milton Road .. Milton . . 127 demonstrate the department's integrity in this Boundary Street, Brisbane 84 regard". North Quay, Brisbane 80 Coronation Drive . . . . 225 Yes Pacific Highway, Slacks Creek .. 41 (Since Yes Mr. HA~LON: In asking the Minister to Jan., 1967) do that, 'urcly I have given him the oppor­ Waterworks Road, The Gap 16 tumty to do so. It cannot be construed as Ipswich Road, Darra 56 Albion Road, Albion . , .. 53 reflecting on the integrity of the officers of Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill 124 the department who control the units. Beenleigh Road, Runcorn 12 Yes Pacific High\vay, Beenleigh 15 (Since Jan., 1967) Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Questions may Gregory Terrace, Bd:)bane 86 no~ be debated. Further, if the hon. member Logan Road, Upper :Vlount obJects to answers such as the present one. Gravatt. 102 he should not include these inferences in his questions. THURSDAY, I 7-8-1967- Moggill Road, f ndooroopilly 45 Yes Centenary Highway, Jindalee 30 Mr. HANLON: I take exception to this. Herston Road, Kelvin Grove . . 45 Water Street, Spring Hill 55 The Mini'iter has been personally offensive Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvi~ to me in suggesting that I am questioning Grove . . . . 156 Yes Ashgrove Road, Newmarket 36 the integrity of the officers who handle Grcgory Terrace, Brisbane 86 the radar units. That is offensive to me. Oxley Road, Chelmer 117 Questions [24 AuGUST] Questions 167

SITES OF OPERATION OF RADAR UNITS, June deluge by forming virtual dams AUGUST 13, 1967 TO AUGUST 19, 1967- continued- backing water up in their vicinity, has his Accidents Speeding Department yet reached any conclusions on Complaints this problem? FRIDAY, 18-8-1967- Logan Road, Upper Mount (2) Is there a liaison with Brisbane City Gravatt . I 02 Council to sort out relevant responsibilities Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove ...... !56 Yes and will he assure the House that his Wynnum Road, Cannon Hill 74 Department will accept its obligation in Lytton Road, Hemmant 43 al.leviation of the problem? \Vynnum Road, Tingalpa 43 Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne . . 40 Wynnum Road, Norman Park.. 101 Yes Robinson Road, Geebung 24 Answers:- Marshall Road, Holland Park 42 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane 86 ( 1) "Allegations and complaints follow­ Gympie Road, Asp!ey . . 44 ing the June deluge were received in Moggill Road, Taringa . . 73 respect of three areas of the city and in SATURDAY, 19-8-!967- each instance investigations revealed that Gympie Road, Strathpine . 35 waterways provided by the Department Newman Road, Wavell Heights 30 under railway embankments were adequate. Hamilton Road, Nundah 56 Ye> Gregory Terrace, Brisbane . . 86 (2) "There is effective liaison between Bradfield Highway, Kangaroo Point . . . . . 61 the Railway Department and the Brisbane Frodsham Street, Albion 53 City Council on such matters and the Abbotsford Road, Mayne 108 Railway Department is at all times VVynnum Road, Cannon Bill 74 prepared to accept its obligations."

INCENTIVES TO TEACHERS TO SECURE DEGREES INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS Mr. H:mlon, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. McKechnie, pursuant to notice, asked Minister for Education,- The Minister for Health,- ( 1) Are the incentives to teachers to ( I) What is the present position in advance their qualifications by working Queensland regarding the incidence of towards and securing degrees, etc., niggardly tuberculosis? and almost insignificant in relation to incen­ (2) Have earlier indications of a much tives and assistance provided in the com­ higher incidence of this disease in North mercial field by private enterprise to its Queensland been confirmed and, if so, what employees, or even by the Government in special steps have been taken to combat it~ other segments of public employ? (2) What are the current incentives and assistance to teachers in this regard and Answers:- will he consider bringing them up to at ( 1) "The number of notified cases of least the level enjoyed by employees of tuberculosis over the last three years in progre,sive employers? Queensland is as follows-1964-65, 891; 1965-66 607· 1966-67, 563. These figures Ans1rers:- show cl~arly 'that new cases of tuberculosis (1) "No." are now declining to a significant extent. This can only be due to the detection of (2) "Apart from the goal of attainment undiagnosed cases in the community by of higher qualifications, the incentives for mass X-ray survey units." teachers to undertake University studies lie in the recognition given in terms of classifi­ ( 2) "As to the incidence of tuberculosis cation and salaries. The successful com­ in North Queensland, the first mass X-ray pletion of the equivalent of two years of a survey revealed 5 cases per thousand films degree course qualifies the teacher academ­ for the area north of lngham. This was in ically to proceed to the highest qualifi­ 1959-60. In the second survey (in cation level, namely Class 1. The financial 1963-64) the number of cases detected fell incentive for the teacher to complete his to 2.5 per thousand films. In the third degree is that this qualific::ttion entitles him survey in 1966 the incidence was 0.6 cases to an annual degree allowance (of $160). per thousand films. This might be com­ Furthermore the possession of a degree pared to the figure in southern parts of widens the range of his promotional Queensland which was approximately 0.8 opportunities." cases per thousand films during the first survey and 0.3 cases per thousand films EFFECT OF RAILWAY EMBANKMENTS ON during the present survey. It is fair to FLOODING IN BRISBANE AREA state that the incidence in North Queens­ land although rather high is not as high Mr. Hanlon, pursuant to notice, asked The as the skin test re-actor rate would indicate. Minister for Transport,- In 1958 87.5 per cent. of school children ( 1 ) With reference to allegations and re-acted positively to the skin test in the complaints from various parts of Brisbane Cairns district. This figure caused con­ that rail embankments in some places con­ siderable alarm at the time amongst tributed to severe local flooding during the medical officers working in this field. The 168 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

problem was referred to the Queensland Answer:- Institute of Medical Research and it was "Water charges in all irrigation areas found that organisms bearing a close including the Mareeba-Dimbulah area are resemblance to those causing tuberculosis now being reviewed prior to determination could be recovered from the lungs, tonsils, by the Governor in Council for the 1967-68 from swimming pools and house dust. It year. The comments by the Honourable then became apparent that the majority of Member will be considered in this review. positive skin re-actions in the Cairns area However, it should be appreciated that were due to previous exposure to these water charges must be sufficient to cover atypical mycobacteria. Investigation of operation and maintenance costs and pro­ patients including those found by mass vide a small surplus. If charges are reduced radiography has shown these organisms for one particular purpose such as seed can be recovered from persons with production then this would require a damaged lungs. They can also cause a corresponding increase for other uses such disease indistinguishable from the tuber­ as tobacco. Charges since inception have culosis except by bacteriological methods. provided for reduction with increased use. As has been mentioned they are also For 1966-67 use from 40 acre feet to responsible for the high tuberculin re-actor 80 acre feet reduced from $10 to $6.50 rate and this causes considerable difficulty per acre foot and over 80 acre feet to in controlling tuberculosis by any method $3.50 per acre foot. Where tobacco is not except mass radiography. The number of grown at all the charge is only $3.50 per cases occurring in this group is not acre foot. For even small areas of tobacco diminishing as is the number of cases of the total cost of 40 acre feet represents a true tuberculosis and the possibility of a small percentage of the total value of hard core of patients with tuberculosis-like production. That the current level of water disease which is difficult to treat persisting charges in the Mareeba-Dimbulah area for a long period, is a very real one. are not excessive would appear to be con­ The increased interest in mining in Queens­ firmed by prices recently paid at auction land and the known association of disease for both tobacco and non-tobacco farms due to these organisms with miners who recently opened in the area." have been 'dusted' also prompted the need for further investigation. It is for these reasons an approach has been made to the Commonwealth Health Department for a TIMBER ROYALTIES AND IMPORTS sum of approximately $200,000 spread over Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked a period of five years to carry out research The Minister for Local Government,- into the problems associated with these atypical organisms. These moneys are ( 1 ) What were the amounts of timber being made available and applications have royalties received for the years 1965-66 been called for a team leader and a senior and 1966-67 in the various districts? bacteriologist to carry out the research. The positions have been widely advertised. (2) What was the value of timber Althou11:h th~ number of people suffering imported into Queensland for those years? from. mfe~twns due to these atypical orgamsms Is very small compared to the (3) From what countries was this number infected with tubercle bacilli, their timber received and are the timbers pre~ence complicates seriously the diag­ similar to those grown in Queensland? nosiS, treatment and control of tuber­ culosis. The main object of the proposed research will be to develop a special skin Answers:- test which will differentiate between ( 1) "The total royalties received from atypical mycobacteria and infection with forest products include receipts from mill the tubercle bacillus itself." logs; ply logs, pulp logs, round timbers (piles, poles, girders, house blocks, &c.); sleeper blocks, sleepers, transoms and other WATER CHARGES, MAREEBA-DIMBULAH products that are both hewn and sawn; lRRIGA TION AREA split timbers; mining timbers; and minor forest products, such as sand, gravel, soil, Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked freestone, fuel, poling timber, bee hives, The Minister for Local Government,- &c. For the years 1965-66-1966-67 the In view of the numerous requests from gross royalties received for these products farmers for a reduction in water charges in various parts of the State were:- in the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation area 1965-66 1966-67 and the fact that seed production has Group 1- $ $ become an established industry while South Queensland (Beer- burrum, Beerwah, Benar- tobacco production is limited by farm kin, Bundaberg, Fraser quotas, will he have a complete investiga­ Island Gallangowan, tion of water charges and draw up a new Gympie, Imbil, Jimna, Kalpowar, Maryborough, scale of charges covering the different Monto, Murgon, Yarra- types of farming? man) ...... 1,612,283.21 1,736,458.81 Questions [24 AUGUST] Questions 169

1965-66 1966-67 will he take steps to assist the Mareeba Group 2- $ $ North Queensland (Ather­ Shire Council to have this road improved ton, Cairns, Cooktown, by permanent work? Charters Towers, Herber­ ton, Hughenden, lngham, Innisfail, Port Douglas, Answer:- Ravenswood, Townsville) 790,645.57 700,484.48 "The Assistant Commissioner, North Group 3- Dalby, Roma, Taroom, Queensland, and the District Engineer, Charleville, Mitchell, Main Roads Department, Cairns, had dis­ Qui!pie 231,565.70 262,199.37 cussi-ons with Mareeba Shire Council Group 4- officers last week regarding the Dimbulah­ Warwick, Goondiwindi, Inglewood, St. George, Wolfram Road. The Main Roads Depart­ Stanthorpe, Cunnamulla 168,362.89 163,554.98 ment will match from funds available to it Group 5- the amount of money the shire is prepared Mackay, Rockhampton, Clermont, Bowen, Proser­ to expend on this road from Common­ pine, Emerald, Springsure, wealth Aid Funds. It is underst-ood Theodore .. 129,467.16 125,449.88 Mareeba Shire Council is preparing a Group 6- scheme on this basis." Barcaldine, Blackall, Jundah, Longreach, Muttaburra, Stonehenge, Winton, Aramac, Isisford, JOB CHANGING BY EMPLOYEES IN Jericho 804.97 453.88 PRINTING INDUSTRY Group 7- Cloncurry, Boulia, Mr. Chinchen, pursuant to notice, asked Kynuna, Mackinlay, Richmond 259.48 398.75 The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- Group 8- Is he aware of a statement made by Burketown, Coen, Mr. P. J. J. Callinan, Queensland Printing Croydon, Georgetown, Normanton, Thursday and Allied Trades Employees Association's Island Nil Nil secretary, published recently in The Courier-Mail, indicating that employees of (2) "Imports of timber into Queensland the printing trade must seek union permis­ from Overseas were- sion before changing jobs? If so, will he 1965-66 1966-67 take appropriate action to make sure that Volume 6,738,828 sup. ft. 11,496,407 sup. ft. employees are not hampered or restricted in Logs { Value $405,737 $728,184 changing employment as this is a funda­ Sawn {Volume 13,373,329 sup. ft. 11, 392,604 sup. ft. mental right of all Australians? Timber Value $1,687,733 $1,483,504 Plywood, } Answer:- Laminated Board, Volume 1,966,123 sq. ft. Not available " I have read the statement of Mr. Fibre Value $153,000 Board, Callinan. Provision is made in Section 73 &c. of "The Industrial Conciliation and Arbi­ tration Acts, 1961 to 1964," for any Import from New South Wales in 1965-66 industrial union (whether a union of was 40,444,000 super. feet of sawn timber. employers or of employees), or person Values are not available, nor are the interested, to apply to the full Industrial volume figures for 1966-67. In addition Court should it be considered that the various wood products, and large quantities rules of an industrial union or their of wood pulp were imported into Queens­ administration do not provide reason­ land." able facilities for the admission of ( 3) " (a) Overseas countries from which new members, impose unreasonable timber was imported into Queensland in conditions upon continuance of their 1965-66 and 1966-67 were:-Brazil, membership, or are in any way tyrannical Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Formosa, Hong or oppressive. I am informed that neither Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mr. Callinan, the Queensland Printing and New Zealand, Papua-New Guinea, Philip­ Allied Trades Employers Association of pines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Queensland, nor any other Union or per­ Thailand, United Kingdom and the United son interested has made any application to States of America. (b) The great bulk of the Full Industrial Court concerning this the imports into Queensland was made up rule." of timber with similar uses to timber that is being grown in Queensland." INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY TOOWOOMBA AND ROCKHAMPTON DIMBULAH-WOLFRAM CAMP ROAD Mr. Davies, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked Minister for Education,- The Minister for Mines,- In regard to the technological institutes In view of the importance of mining at Toowoomba and Rockhampton,- activities at Wolfram Camp and the large number of men employed who reside at ( 1) How many students are enrolled? Dimbulah and as all equipment, material (2) What are the respective courses and and fuel have to be transported by road, how many are enrolled in each course? 170 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

( 3) What area of land is reserved for SALE OF CROWN LAND, BRIBIE ISLAND each institute? Mr. Lloyd, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 4) What is the total amount so far Minister for Lands,- spent in the establ1shment of each institute? ( 1) How many residential allotments of Crown land on Bribie Island were sold Answers:- under freehold and/ or leasehold tenure ( 1) "Toowoomba, 58 full time students; during each of the financial years 1962-63, 86 part time students. Rockhampton, 48 1963-64, 1964-65 and 1965-66? full time students; 127 part time students." ( 2) What was the average price received per allotment during each of these years? (2)------Too- Rock- Answer:- woomba h~~~- ( 1 and 2) "No sales were made under ------1------leasehold tenure during the period men­ tioned. In respect of freehold tenure the Associate Diploma Course in Accountancy .. 18 17 information is as follows:- Associate Diploma Course in Industrial Chemistry .. 13 9 Associate Diploma Course in Average Medical Laboratory Technology 2 I No. of Sales Price Associate Diploma Course in Engineering ...... 2 ----- Fellowship Diploma Course in ------~---- Engineering ...... 16 12 1960 Diploma Course in Engineering 26 27 $ Certificate Course in Biological 1962~63 Nil Laboratory Techniques . . . . 11 11 Certificate Course in Engineering .. 52 59 1963-64 15 1,373 Associate Diploma Course in 1964-65 188 1,332 Science ...... 24 1965-66 34 1,441, Certificate Course in Commercial • Administration ...... 9 Certificate Course in Chemistry .. 3"

(3) "Toowoomba, 150 acres (excluding INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY COURSE IN area for teachers' college). Rock- REAL ESTATE VALUATION hampton, 380 acres." Mr. Lickiss, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- ( 4) "Toowoomba, $466,687.74 (includ­ ing purchase of the land). Rockhampton, In relati.on to the special condensed $406,679.87." course in real estate valuation at the Queensland Institute of Technology,- (1) How many of the students enrolled PUBLIC SERVANTS AND NATIONAL SERVICE for this course are under the age of twenty­ TRAINING one and how many are between the ages Mr. Lloyd, pursuant to notice, asked The of twenty-one and twenty-five? Premier,- (2) What emergency exists which ( 1) How many State Public Servants prompted this special course being approved have been absorbed into National Service and which exists in terms of Lands Depart­ Training up to the present time? ment officers but does not exist for officers in similar age groups in, e.g., the Valuer­ (2) How many National Service General's Department or other Depart­ Trainees have (a) returned to the State ments? Public Service on discharge and (b) refused re-employment? (3) Wi!i the students be required to complete che first-year examinations of the (3) What would be the cost to the course before proceeding to undertake the Government of maintaining superannuation second-year examinations? payments on behalf of National Service Trainees who have been conscripted into active overseas service? Answers:- ( 1) "There are 12 students enrolled who Answers:- are under the age of 21 years, 6 between the ages of 21 and 25, and 1 over 25 (1) "The number of Crown employees years of age." (excluding employees of the Railway Department) called up for National Ser- (2) ""The Valuers Registration Act of vice is 212." 1965" defines a public valuer as-'A (2) "(a) The number who have person who as principal (either alone or with another) or as an employee or returned to duty is 24; (b) Nil." agent of another holds himself out as (3) "Informati·on is not available as ready to make valuations of land or of to the National Service Trainees from any estate ·or interest in land for or upon Crown employment who are serving the instructions of members of the public: overseas." The term includes any a:>erson who is Questions [24 AUGUST] Questions 171

called upon (whether as an employee of Cadet Land Rangers and only one of the the Crown or otherwise) to value land or Assistant Land Rangers, to any appreciable any estate or interest in land for the degree, have been directly concerned at purpo,,es of any Act, regulation, ordinance, this stage of their careers in conversion by-law or other enactment.' The Chief valuatio'ns and the duties performed by the Commissioner of Lands claimed that the officers are being handled as far as possible new Act would have a detrimental effect by other field officers who are making a on the work of his Department and that special effort in that regard. Furthermore, unless urgent action was taken to assist the three year extension of rental periods assistant land rangers and cadets to qualify as provided for in "The Land Act Amend­ for registration, the Department could not ment Act of 1967," has provided the field function satisfactorily. Field staff of the staff with some relief in their duties. It is Department of Lands recruited over a considered that the provision of the concen­ number of years had not been required to trated course is necessary in order to ensure undertake any course of study. Because that in future years the Department will of this the Chief Commissioner felt that have sufficient registered valuers to cope some consideration should be given to with the valuation work undertaken by it." them with a view to facilitating their obtaining registration. On the other hand (2) "Brisbane 3, Cairns 3, Cloncurry I. officers recruited to the Valuer-General's Dalby 1, Goondiwindi 1, Mackay J, Rock­ Department have been aware that they hampton 2, Roma 1, Toowoomba 1, would normally be required l'o undertake Townsville l, Land Settlement Branch, studies leading to admission to the Zamia Creek and Emerald 4." Institute o.f Valuers before they could obtain further promotion." (3) "See Answer to (2)." (3) "No. The first- and second-year examinations will be taken at the com­ pletion of the course. This course is a R!XOGNITION OF OUTSIDE SERVICE IN concentrated course and not a condensed PROMOTION OF TEACHERS course. The same subject material is Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked covered in the full-time concentrated The Minister for Education,- course as in the part-time evening course. The hours o.f tuition devoted to the sub­ To offer some encouragement to teachers jects are approximately the same in both who have left Queensland to teach else­ courses. Furthermore, the students will where to return, will he consider recognis­ be sitting for the same examination ing for Queensland promotiQn purposes papers." some of the teaching service given by teachers when outside Queensland?

OFFICERS OF LANDS DEPARTMENT Answer:- UNDERTAKING COURSE IN REAL "I urn surprised that the Honourable ESTATE VALUATION Member does not know that it is current Mr. Lickiss, pursuant to notice asked The policy to credit teachers on re-admission Minister for Lands,- to the Department for their total period ( 1) In view of the apparent back-log in of certified satisfactory teaching service dealing with outstanding freeholding appli­ under another authority recognised by the cations, what action is being taken to deal Department, less one year. This provision with the work normally performed by the applies to teachers re-admitted to the nineteen members of his Department pre­ service on and after January 1, 1967, and sently undertaking the special condensed to the period of teaching following the course in real estate valuation arranged for last resignation. Teachers were advised the Lands Department officers at the of this provision by an appropriate Queensland Institute of Technology? announcement in the May, 1967, issue of the Education Office Gazette." (2) Where were these officers normally stationed in this State prior to being trans­ ferred to Brisbane? LAND FOR TEACHERS' COLLEGE, ( 3) How many of these officers were ToowooMBA normally stationed in Brisbane? Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- Answers:- What portion of the land reserved for (!) "There is now no extensive back-log the Institute of Technology, Darling in freeholding applications as of the 14,184 Downs, is now being set aside for a future applications received up to July 11, 1967, teachers' college? 12,1 89 were finalised in so far as valuation by this Department is concerned. Of the nineteen officers engaged on the course, Answer:- fourteen are Cadet Land Rangers and five " An area of about thirty acres with a are Assistant Land Rangers. None of the frontage to West Street." 172 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

TEACHER SCHOLARSHIPS AND on the States the total financial responsi­ FELLOWSHIPS bility of operating the services and meeting Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked the full capital cost of replacing the The Minister for Education,- incinerators approximately every 15 years. I emphasise that, in Queensland, nine ports ( 1) !fow many teacher scholarships are involved which is almost half of the (a) pnmary and (b) secondary, will be total number of ports involved in Aus­ made available for students entering the tralia as a whole. In the nine Queensland teachers' colleges in 1968? ports, the first cost of installation to be (2) How many teaching fellowships will met by the Commonwealth was estimated be made available for students entering the to be approximately $260,000 but the University in 1968? annual costs of operating, including pro­ vision for replacement, to be met by the ( 3) What are the details of other fellow­ State has been estimated at $105,000 per ships or scholarships which may be made annum. The Queensland Government has available in 1968 to students wishing to indicated that it is prepared to accept the enter the Education Department? Commonwealth's offer to meet the first capital cost. However, I have pointed out Answers:- to the Commonwealth that as Queensland's overseas shipping is spread over nine ports, (1) "(a) 1,050, (b) 500." the charges necessary to be levied on (2) "There will also be 310 fellowships shipping would be prohibitive if the charges and scholarships available for students had to make provision for replacement of entering the University in 1968. In addi­ the incinerators. I have indicated that I tion, 40 teacher scholarships will be consider that financial responsibility of available for graduates to undertake the replacing the incinerators should remain Diploma in Education course." with the Commonwealth Government, thus reducing operating costs by some $20,000 (3) "There will also be 75 teacher per annum. The State for its part volun­ scholarships available for students entering tarily offered to subsidise· the remaining the Institute of Technology in 1968." costs by an annual contribution of $30,000. This would have enabled ship's charges to be reduced to a more reasonable level, INCINERATORS FOR DISPOSAL OF SHIPS' even though such level may still be much GARBAGE AT PORTS higher than charges which would be necessary in other States. Consequently, Mr. Kaus, pursuant to notice, asked The the State made it clear to the Commo­ Treasurer,- wealth that the only condition upon which ( 1) Have Tasmania, South Australia and it would accept the scheme was that the New SoutJh Wales accepted the Common­ Commonwealth would remain entirely wealth scheme for the provision of inciner­ responsible for capital cost. I would ators at ports within their States for the emphasise that I consider the State's offer dispDsal of ships' garbage? If so, what are is a most generous one. Indeed, the total the provisions of the scheme and why has constitutional responsibility for quarantine the Queensland Government not accepted is on the Commonwealth Government and the Commonwealth proposals? the Queensland Government could well take the attitude that such is where full (2) What facilities exist at present in responsibility rests. Other States with Queensland for the disposal of such gar­ fewer ports do not face the problems of bage and is any precaution taken to see Queensland in financing such a service in that such garbage is adequately disposed nine ports and I do not consider that the of without the possibility of spreading foot State should be called upon to place an and mouth disease? unfair and improper burden on its own limited taxation resources nor an unfairly Answers:- high impost on overseas ships visiting ( 1) "I understand that Tasmania South Queensland ports. It is obvious that Australia and New South Wale~ have Queensland, with its multiplicity of over­ accepted the scheme but that Victoria has seas ports, has special problems. I might not. I also understand that four ports in mention that recent talks have been held Tasmania are in the process of having with Commonwealth officials and I am incinerators installed and that work on one now awaiting further advice from the or possibly two is in progress in South Commonwealth Government, which I hope Australia. Work has not yet commenced in will indicate a recognition of Queensland's New South Wales but I am told that only special circumstances." two ports are involved namely Sydney and Newcastle. The Commonwealth's scheme (2) "In most centres, ships' garbage is is that it will meet the full cost of disposed of by burial as part of the muni­ establishing the incinerators at selected cipal garbage service. In other areas ports. plus certain ancillary costs and half incineration or disposal at sea is the rule. the cost of providing access roads. How­ The service is subject to inspection by the ever, the Commonwealth proposes to place Commonwealth Department of Health." Questions [24 AUGUST] Questions 173

SALE OF NoRTH QuEENSLAND PoTATOES Mount Isa during the periods July 1, 1962, IN BRISBANE to June 30, 1963, and July 1, 1963, to Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The June 30, 1967? Minister for Primary Industries,- (2) Of these numbers, how many were ( 1) Is it a fact that potatoes grown in allocated, (a) for home-ownership, (b) on North Queensland are being sold to the a guaranteed rental basis; and (c) for public at a cheaper price in Brisbane than rental? in North Queensland? Answers:- (2) If so, is this amazing variation in selling price connected in any way with the (1) "1962-63, 77 house-units; 1963-67, qualit,· of the potatoes? If not, what is 235 house-units completed and contracts the reason? let for a further 51 houses." (2) "(a) 136, (b) 162, (c) 14." Answers:- (1) "Prices at which potatoes are sold at any centre in Queensland are not subject INTERNAL PAINTING, VICTORIA PARK to control and vary substantially from SCHOOL, MACKA Y place to place and from time to time Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked The throughout the year. The last sales of Minister for Works,- North Queensland potatoes at the Brisbane As the interior of certain classrooms at market were between August 15 and 17 Victoria Park School, Mackay, is badly when they brought $127.50 to $135.00 per in need of painting, will he consider having ton in competition with fair supplies of this important work undertaken at the first South Queensland and interstate potatoes opportunity? at $90.00 to $112.50 per ton. Wholesale prices in Townsville and Cairns respec­ Answer:- tively were $145.60 and $145.60 to $156.80 "The internal painting of classrooms at per ton." the Victoria Park State School will receive (2) "A recent survey by the Marketing consideration in relation to the need for Division of my Department indicates that internal painting of other schools when the quality of Atherton Tableland potatoes funds for internal painting are available. is normally very good and the potatoes are No indication can be given as to when the well graded and presented. The main internal repainting of the Victoria Park reason for the wide price variations which State School will be carried out." occur is the available supply on a particular market at a particular time in relation to FINANCIAL OPERATIONS, RAILWAY the demand on that market at that time. DEPARTMENT Prices also vary according to quality. On this occasion, quality of the North Queens­ Mr. Duggan, pursuant to notice, asked The land potatoes on all markets was excellent, Minister for Transport,- so that the price variations mainly reflected With reference to the financial operations differences in the demand-supply situations of the Queensland Government Railways in the three markets." for the year ended June 30, 1967, what was the amount of (a) working loss or profit and (b) interest charges debited? TENDERS FOR DISUSED RAILWAY BUILDINGS, CLONCURRY Answer:- Mr. Inch, pursuant to notice, asked The "This information is being prepared in Minister for Transport,- the usual form and will be published in Relc.ti.ve to the calling of tenders for the annual report of the Commissioner for the purchase for removal of the old Cion­ Railways which will be tabled at an early curry Railway Station and ancillary date." buildings- ( 1) Were any tenders received for the COST OF DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES purchase of these buildings? If so, how many? Mr. Duggan, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- (2) Who were the tenderers and what To the closest date prior to June 30, were the prices submitted in each tender? 1957, and 1967, respectively, for which (3) Who was the successful tenderer? figures are available, what was the cost per locomotive of the 90-ton diesel-electric Answer:- locomotives purchased from (a) Clyde (! to 3) "No tenders were received." Engineering Pty. Ltd. and (b) English Electric Coy. Pty. Ltd.? HOUSING COMMISSION HOUSES, MOUNT Answer:- I sA "(a) Clyde Engineering Company: Mr. Inch, pursuant to notice, asked The February, 1957, $194,601.41; October, Minister for Works,- 1966, $219,942.00. (b) English Electric (1) How many Queensland Housing Company: July, 1957, $187,041.90; Commission homes were constructed in November, 1966, $216,838.50." 174 Notices of Questions [ASSEMBLY] Address in Repiy

HEMMANT BOAT SLIP ADDRESS IN REPLY

Mr. Gr'<~ham for Mr. Harris, pursuant to RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-THIRD notice, asked The Treasurer,- ALLOTTED DAY When will the repair or replacement of Debate resumed from 22 August {see the Hemmant boat slip be undertaken? p. 127) on Mr. Armstrong's motion for the adopt1on of the Address in Reply. Answer:- Mr. PILBEAM (Rockhampton South} "The slip referred to is not a public ( 12.1 p.m.): I welcome the opportunity launching ramp provided by the Depart­ afforded by the Address-in-Reply debate to ment of Harbours and Marine. Further, present, on my own behalf and on behalf my enquiries reveal that it is not likely of the people whom I represent, a message that the Department would accept the of loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty site for construction of a public facility Queen Elizabeth II. because of the limited area available for parking of motor vehicles and trailers, I congratulate the mover of the motion. which is essential for a modern boating the hon. member for Mulgrave (Mr. Roy facility." Armstrong), and the seconder, the hon. member for Chatsworth (Mr. Bill Hewitt), on the manner in which the motion was PAPERS put forward, and, in particular, I wish Mr. Armstrong a complete recovery from hi' The following papers were laid on the present illness. table, and ordered to be printed:- I express my city's gratification to Her Reports- Majesty's representatives in this State, His Agent-General for Queensland, for ~he Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Sir year 1966-67. Alan Mansfield, and Lady Mansfield, for the Anzac Day Trust, for the year 1966-67. interest they have already shown in Rock­ hampton and Central Queensland. Indeed, The following papers were laid on the that city and the central part of the State table:- are attracting much interest from people Orders in Council under- over the length and breadth of the land. The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1966. and even from people outside Australia. The Rural Training Schools Act of 1965. The industrial upsurge in Gladstone and Statute under the University of Queensland Rockhampton and the mineral development at Act of 1965. places such as Moura, Blackwater, and Marlborough, are writing exciting pages in Queensland's history books. No-one viewing FORM OF QUESTION the mighty Queensland Alumina Ltd. projec\ at Gladstone, the coal-exporting facilities Mr. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha) having given there, the plans for the projected fertiliser notice of a question- works, and the new rail line from Moura to Mr. SPEAKER: Order! One part of the the port, could fail to be profound]) hon. member's question seems to ask for an impressed by the giant industrial develop­ expression of opinion. I shall have a look ment that is rapidly getting into its stride. at it. The development taking place in the coal­ fields at Moura and Blackwater are very significant, and I am sure that all true Central NOTICES OF QUESTIONS Queenslanders wish that the enterprise of B.H.P. and E.N .S.I.L. in their nickel explora­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have noticed tions at Marlborough will be rewarded. lately that the practice has become prevalent because eventually it should lead to the of hon. members giving notice of questions establishment of a smelter on that field. several days in advance. Although I believe I think, too, that everyone is pleased to that is desirable in cases in which a great see the great salt complex being built at deal of research is required to enable an Port Alma, which will lead to the export of answer to be given, I question any other from 150,000 tons to 400,000 tons of salt reason for doing so. Whether or not it is each year through that port. to take advantage of other hon. members, I do not know; but the practice, as I said, In the city of Rockhampton development has become quite prevalent and I think it is has been steady but significant, and I am sure something that should be examined, par­ it would surprise many people to know that ticularlv in view of the extra cost and work new industries in Rockhampton will provide involved in continually printing the questions ju::t as many extra employment opportunities for some days ahead. as will be provided in the neighbouring city of Gladstone, in spite of the explosive Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Speaker, may I-­ development in Gladstone. In Rockhampton, job numbers have been increased by 400 at Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There will not be the new meatworks of T. A. Field & Co., any debate on questions. 100-odd at the Central Queensland Cement Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 175

Company's works, 40 to 60 at the two new case in Mackay. In Rockhampton the situa­ flour mills, approximately 100 at cement­ tion is that 20 per cent. of the capacity of mixing works, and round about 200 at the two meatworks is offered to other packaging works, prefabricated-steel works, operators and we cannot get takers. There and many smaller industries. are only two main users of the 20 per cent., namely, Bush & Co. and Redbank Meat There would be nearly 100 at the two salt Works Ltd. They both operate through the enterprises and at Port Alma, so that addi­ C.Q.M.E. Co. Redbank Meat Works Ltd. is tional jobs in industry in Rockhampton over a sister operation to the C.Q.M.E. Co.; they recent years have increased by approximately are both owned by the Vestey empire, so we 1,000. What is most pleasing to this city gain no advantage there from the 20 per is that we have overcome our seasonal cent. operation. Had the 20 per cent. not unemployment, which caused so much priva­ been in operation Lakes Creek still would tion in the ranks of the workers in Rock­ have killed for Bush & Co. and Redbank hampton at the end of the meat export Meat Works Ltd. season. For many years we had the largest unemployment figures in this State, and The city's economy has never been around January the figure for unemployment sounder, and we have been successful in in the city went up to 1,100 or 1,200. e·otabli-hing our city rates as the lowest municipal rates in the State. In support of :VIr. Graham: What about Mackay? this assertion, I will make a comparison Ylr. PILBEAM: I cannot help Mackay's between Rockhampton and Brisbane. Our representation. general rate is 4 · 5 cents in the $1 whereas Brisbane's is 4·8 cents in the $1, and I think For the last two years the unemployment hon. members will agree that the average figure in Rockhampton has been down to valuation for a sewered allotment in Brisbane less than 200, and we had the lowest unem­ ic; nearly twice what it is in Rockhampton. ployment figure in the State. There are more Our minimum water rate is $20 whilst jobs in Rockhampton than ever before; there Brisbane's is $30, and our charge for water are more married women working and more for industry in Rockhampton is 30 cents per people with two jobs. thousand, reducing to 25 cents, while in Mr. Tbackeray: You have the lowest Brisbane it is 35 cents, reducing to 30 cents. increase in population for any city or pro­ Our garbage service rate in Rockhampton vincial town in Australia. is $3 a year as against $10 a year in Brisbane. Mr. PILBEAM: Rockhampton is divided Our sewerage rate is $25 a year compared into two, unfortunately; on one side we have with $30 a vear in Brisbane. It must be a member who exalts the city and tries to realised that ·in Rockhampton we take the advance it whereas on the other side we sewerage line right into the house to the have a "knocker". pedestal, whereas in Brisbane the sewerage work by the local authority stops at the fence Mr. Thackeray interjected. alignment. From there on it is the responsi­ bility of the householder. Worse than that, Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Hooper): the subdivider has to pay some proportion of Order! The hon. member for Rockhampton the cost of the major headworks in the sub­ North will have an opportunity to speak in division. As yet we have not charged the this debate. I notice he has not done so subdivider for any portion of the cost of as yet, but his persistent interjections will not putting sewerage into an estate. be tolerated. Mr. '1-Valsh: You put that on the purchaser, Mr. PILBEAM: Extraordinary improve­ of course. ment has been effected in the meat industry in Rockhampton. The two meatworks are Mr. I'ILBEAM: Still we do not do it. the only two in Australia working to full Our valuations are very low. Mr. Marsh, capacity and substantially exporting at the a well-known real estate identity, was quoted present time, and that is in the Australian in Rockhampton's excellent paper, 'The scene where meatworks are either closing Morning Bulletin", as saying that the cost of down or working to half capacity. I think a sewered allotment in Rockhampton was that is a great tribute not only to the manage­ approximately half that of a sewered allot­ ment but to the graziers, who are con­ ment in Brisbane. Mr. Marsh is a Brisbane ditioning themselves to supplying cattle real estate man; those are not my words. throughout the year, and to the employees also. Let me pay a tribute to the A.M.I.E.U., Rockhampton's city amenities-sewerage, because we have had no industrial trouble in roads, footpath construction, water reticula­ our meatworks for several years. That is tion, etc.-have reached a high degree of a great tribute to the A.MJ.E.U. members, saturation. Sewerage, for instance, is their president, and their secretary, installed in well over 90 per cent. of the city's Mr. Maxwell, and I give them credit for it. tenements, and filtered \\ ater is reticulated in all areas. That is not the case in a great That situation exists simply because we numher of other provincial cities throughout have no district abattoirs in our midst. Had the State. Every street in Rockhampton has this been the case we would have had much a centre bitumen strip, and we are rnpidly the same order of losses as has been the implementing a scheme to bitumen every 176 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY} Address in Reply street from kerb to kerb. Kerbing and chan­ Commonwealth. Whichever way we look at nelling of the city's footpaths is almost com­ it, Rockhampton is indeed a very prosperous pleted. and comfortable city in which to live, and I was told by a certain high official in a we are proceeding to add the touches of Government department that it would be beauty. We have our own air-conditioned economically impossible to bitumen all Rock­ theatre the first country branch of the hampton streets from kerb to kerb because Queen;land Art Gallery, and a beautiful of the width of the streets. Although we were coloured fountain, which is quite outstand­ told that we would never be able to afford ing. We had the tests the other day, and to bitumen them from kerb to kerb, we are I doubt that there is anything like it any­ doing it. We are well on the way towards where else in this country. achieving what we set out to do. It will take us 10 years, but we have made a very Probably the most important develop­ good start in the first year of this scheme. ment is the commencement of the Capri­ The barrage scheme is going ahead well. cornia Institute of Technology-hon. mem­ The coffer dam is more than halfway across bers heard the questions and answers about the river. It is very interesting to realise the Institutes of Technology this morning­ concern of the Department of Local Govern­ which is attracting the attention of a number ment as to whether the people of Rockhamp­ of students and citizens in Rockhampton. ton could afford to pay for the barrage. The It is also attracting the attention of country following interesting letter was sent by the students, and this must be so if it is to be Director of Local Government to the Town a success. Although we were a little dis­ Clerk, Rockhampton, on 24 February 1965- mayed at not receiving approval to go "Dear Sir, ahead with the university development, we make no excuses at all for this modern "With reference to the proposal for the expression of tertiary education, which takes construction of the Fitzroy River Barrage, into consideration today's industrial trends. I am forwarding herewith a statement of We visualise the institute becoming a great statistics prepared by the Department in success and, indeed, we see the possibility relation to the incidence of rating in the of an exchange of students between the City. Rockhampton and Townsville areas. It is "I desire to point out that the figures quite possible that Rockhampton students seem to indicate that the incidence of will go to the Townsville University to study rating in the City is already high, and your academic subjects, and that students from advice is requested as to the Council's pro­ Townsville will attend our Institute of posals for financing the additional annual Technology for technical subjects. We are costs associated with the construction of not the least dismayed about this expression the barrage scheme." of tertiary education. We hope to see it Included in the letter was a small calculation progress so that it may grow into something which sought to indicate that we would be of which the whole nation may well be involved in an extra payment of £9/6/6d. proud. per tenement for the Fitzroy barrage. That statement gave no consideration at all to I must express my deep appreciation of several important matters. It did not take the success of the Port Alma project. A into consideration the extra tenements that few years ago I put my head right on the would be erected whilst the barrage was being block over the Port Alma development when constructed, or the fact that we had no major I induced the city of Rockhampton to borrowing on account of water extensions guarantee that it would meet the losses of for about 10 years. We stopped a project this port. Everybody said that I was a to duplicate our rising main in the hope that complete idiot and that I was facing the we would eventually get permission to put possibility that all the work I had done for this scheme into effect. Rockhampton could be brought to nought No consideration was given to the fact that by the colossal failure that Port Alma must we would make substantially extra sales of be. But Port Alma is on the way to complete water to industrial concerns in the city. We success. We are now in the process of are already paying off one-third of the capital preparing the final plans for the second cost of this barrage, that is, $2,000,000 of stage of the wharf construction. We are the $6,000,000, without raising the rates one providing two more berthings, a conventional cent. The water rates remain the same. one and a dolphin one. We have an assur­ ance that Port Alma will be accepted as a It is very nice to think that the people in container port by the Australian National Brisbane are concerned about us, but in view Line, which has underwritten part of this of the statement I made about Brisbane's undertaking. The I.C.I. has also substantially rates, I hope the Director of Local Govern­ underwritten this latest development in the ment sent a similar letter to the Lord port. Mayor of Brisbane. He is the one the department should be concerned about, not My only hope is that eventually the me; his rates are rising, not mine. Government will treat Port Alma as favour­ ably as it does Gladstone, and that it will The Year Book gives the retail rate of accept the same responsibility for the Port spending per head of population, and Rock­ Alma access road as it does for the South hampton's rate is one of the highest in the Trees Road at Gladstone. I trust that the Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 177

Government will not impose the responsi­ cost of constructing good roads. This has bility for maintaining this road on the city been proved in many fields. have proved council, which has guaranteed the success of it in the City of Rockhampton. Port Alma. That is a reasonable request. Mr. Thomas H. MacDonald, first Federal So much for parochial matters, although Commissioner of the United States of I make no apology for being parochial as America Bureau of Public Roads, is quoted this debate gives hon. members the oppor­ as saying-and this is very significant- tunity to report on undertakings within their "We were not a wealthy nation when we electorates. I believe I have something to began improving our highways, but the report on this occasion, as Rockhampton and roads themselves created new wealth in Central Queensland are really on the move. industry, business, and land values. So it was not our wealth that made our high· What I should like to put forward as my ways possible; rather it was our highways main theme in this Address-in-Reply debate that made our wealth possible." is a plea to have a nation-wide system of That emphasises my point that we must bitumen highways constructed as soon as build our highways first and reap the benefit possible. We have gone too far into the of having them while they are being paid road age to be content to potter around with for. Mr. MacDonald fully bears out my our highways as we have been up to now, contention that in the matter of national by doing the job out of revenue on a patch­ highways the horse must be put in front of work basis. We must have a new concept the cart; in other words, the roads must be of what is to be done to give the State and built first and paid for afterwards. the nation an all-weather system of high­ ways. To do this we must eventually face Time is not on our side in this matter. up to the incontrovertible fact that the only Costs continue to spiral upwards, and the way we can acquire such a road system is longer we hesitate to face up to the problem of constructing a national network of roads, to build the highways first and pay for them the more they will cost. There are many afterwards. We must build them out of instances of people who have not faced up loan moneys; we cannot pay for them out of revenue. to a proposition having to pay "through the nose" for their dilatoriness. In Rock­ Good, safe, dependable roads linking all hampton we had two city hall plans to States are important in times of peace; they consider: one had a large public hall and are vital in times of war. National higl}­ was to cost £90,000, and the other, without ways are of mutual benefit to every State, a public hall, was to cost £53,000. A large and to the cities and municipalities through auditorium at the back of our beautiful city which they pass. hall would then have cost £37,000, and the rate of interest was 2 per cent. We priced Industrially and commercially, costly time­ a similar auditorium the other day, 28 years wastage, running charges, maintenance, and later. The cost now would be $300,000, accident losses will be substantially reduced, and the rate of interest would be approxi­ ensuring a saving in transport costs, and mately 5! per cent. The longer we delay even of human life. That is no exaggera­ in facing up to raising loans for the con­ tion. This saving will apply to the cost struction of a national system of highways. structure of every commodity the nation the more we will eventpally pay for them. uses. The downward price movement will continue to the retail level, with a con­ This is the age of hire-purchase and build­ sequent increase in monetary purchasing ing from loan funds. Young people shortly power. The entire population of Australia after marriage could not possibly acquire will benefit from such a network of roads. homes unless they borrowed money. How could they otherwise obtain even television On the world scene, as at December, 1965, sets, refrigerators, and all manner of necessary international financial institutions had pro­ things? If they wait till they have saved vided 93 loans and credits totalling enough they will never get them, and that is $U.S.l,549,790,000 to 43 countries for road just as true in the case of a national system construction and maintenance. Australia has of roads. All hon. members who have had not participated, although 43 other nations experience in local-government administration have. While those 43 nations have built know that if a major project is to be under­ road systems out of loan moneys, Australia taken, such as a sewerage scheme or road is still pottering around trying to pay for construction, costing $2,000,000 or them out of revenue. It cannot be done. $3,000,000, it is not financed from revenue. That cannot be done; the money must be On roads, Lord Casey said- borrowed. That is the only way cities and "Whether or not you build good roads, shires can advance. The work has to be you've got to pay for them. In other carried out and paid for later, which means words, if you have poor, indifferent, or that the benefits are enjoyed whilst they are bad roads, your economic costs through being paid for. I say we have proved that having these inadequate roads are of the the only way to get the system of roads we same order as the probable cost of the so badly need is to raise the money by loans. good roads you have not built." In the light of the examnles I have given, In other words, we waste sufficient money why does Australia as a Commonwealth, and maintaining bad roads to provide the capital every one of the States, boggle at putting up 178 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply a proposal to finance a modern national net­ Mr. PILBEAM: That is correct. [ am not work of highways from loan moneys and meet quarrelling with the decision to build beef interest and redemption payments on those roads; I said that their construction is a good loans fJ:om a special fund established for the example of co-operation. If the highways purpose? It could be built up from many are not the main roads of the country, then sources--for example, from Commonwealth the Main Roads Department should make a aid. I think the money is available now if fresh classification. Highways are now such a proposal was adopted and implemented classified as top-priority roads and, as the by the States. name implies, they are the most important Mr. Aikens: Will your council fall for the roads in the country. hire-purchase racket? Railways were built from loan moneys. Have we lost the pioneering spirit that Mr. PILBEAM: If any worth-while pro­ actuated the pioneers when they borrowed posal is put to me, I will take it. If I do the money to construct these? What does the same as Clem, I expect the same it matter if the railway loans have not yet "clemency". A good example of the way been repaid? This is capital invested in a money can be provided for a road system transport system that has played a major part is the Wilbur Smith scheme, on which expen­ in the development of this great country. diture of an amount of $33,500,000 in approximately 10 years has been approved With changing trends the emphasis is now for the construction of the first stage of a on road transport, and it is high time that we modern city road system. It is just as built a national network of roads, without important to this nation that the same attitude which no decentralised development of the be adopted in regard to Queensland and all country can be achieved. There is no shadow the other States. I am not so parochial as to of a doubt about that. To emphasise the want it to apply to Queensland only. No contention that the trend is now towards State is facing up to the position as it should. road transport, I quote from statistics pro­ The Australian Road Federation has long duced by the Department of Shipping and had a vision of what I suggested, and has Transport. They show that road transport worked towards it since 1948. I do not know was responsible for 7 4 per cent. of the total whether many would agree with its proposi­ tonnage of freight carried in Australia in tion that the sovereign rights of the State be 1963, and the percentage has increased since abrogated. I do not agree with that, and I then. The number of motor vehicles in think that the ideals of the Australian Road Australia is now almost 1 to every 3 persons, Federation could be carried out by co­ and it is expected that it will be 1 to every operation between the States and the Com­ 2 persons before long. monwealth without the abrogation of any I think it is appropriate at this stage to sovereign rights of the States. quote part of a statement by President It must be admitted that the Australian Johnson of the U.S.A. on the occasion of the Road Federation has been instrumental in signing of the current U.S. Federal Aid Roads helping to gain some positive results. It has Bill. He said- achieved- "For much too long, the man who owns (a) The divorcement of Federal aid and drives an automobile has been treated finance from sectional taxation; like a stepchild. We require him to pay (b) An ultimate increase in Federal road for the roads he uses, and we require him finance to the States in the sum of to pay in advance. We divert his taxes to $750,000,000 over a five-year period (1964- other uses, and we delay the building of 1969); the roads he deserves. We never thank (c) Federal legislation to set up a Com­ him for what he adds to the worth and monwealth Bureau of Roads, which would wealth of our economy." provide the following developments- What are the circumstances that are militating (1) The utilisation of loan money as against the construction in bitumen up to the an additional source of Federal road highest highway standards of State (and finance~ national) highways? Firstly, there is the (2) A priority listing of national road impossible fight to build and maintain them projects. from revenue. I again repeat: we cannot hope to build them without raising large I stii! think that the States know what they lo".ns. That has been proved many times up want, and only co-operation between the to date. States is needed to establish priorities for national roads. Beef roads are a good Mr. Aikens: If you raise a loan you have example of bitumen highways that can be to pay it back some day, haven't you? provided by co-operation between Common­ wealth and States. But beef roads, important Mr. PJLBEAM: The interest and redemp­ though they may be, are not as important tion bill would not be any higher than that as highways, which should be built from loan now incurred in maintaining bad roads. moneys. Secondly, there is no proper co-operation between the Commonwealth and States on Mr. Ail£ens: You must admit that the beef this verv important issue. I am honeful that roads are highways in the back country. the Coinmonwealth Bureau of Roads will Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 179 supply the right answer here. Thirdly, there I am optimisti:; enough and have enough are some frustrating aspects of State adminis­ faith in my fellow Australians to predict tration. I cite as an example the lumping that what the United States has done in together of the portfolios of Transport and regard to its highways can also be done. Railways. In many respects they are even if on a somewhat smaller scale, in diametrically opposed to each other, and I Australia. We must have the vision, and think a better appreciation would be obtained we must devote all our resources and energie5 if Transport was put with Main Roads. At to bringing it to reality. the moment, in my opinion the Minister for Mines and 1\lain Roads has two specialist Mr. ADAIR (Cook) (12.37 p.m.): I did portfolios under his control. Jobs for not attend the opening of Parliament and specialists should be given to somebody who did not hear the moving and seconding of can concentrate on one field. the Address in Reply, but I understand that the hon. member for Mulgrave gave an excel· Mines and Main Roads are both very lent address. Naturally I would expect that important fields, and I think the job is too of him because he is a Far Northerner; he big for one Minister to handle. The work has lived there virtually all his life and in both fields has increased tremendouslY in naturally he wDuld know what he was talking recent years. Mining has become greatly ~bout. I congratulate both him and the diversified. It in~ludes the mining of mineral seCLJnder of the motion on their excellem sands and salt, which is more farming than contributions to this debate. mining, and requires great attention from the Minister. Similarly, the Main Roads port­ f rose to speak today mainly of the tobacco folio is acquiring tremendously greater industry and its present state, because it i" significance with the increased usage of the an important industry in my electorate. In roads. 1 think we would be doing a great the Mareeba-Dimbulah area it brings in service to this country if we were to divide something of the order of $13,000,000 to these two specialist departments. $14,000,000 a year. The Government has Mr. Aikens: Are you advocating an spent large sums of money on irrigation, increase in the number of Ministers? and wisely so, because it has been proved over the years that it does very well from Mr. PILBEAM: No; I think the depart­ its yearly off-take from the tobacco industry. ments should be sorted around. I am not I do not think the Queensland Government going to say which ones I think should have has ever invested money that has broughl a little added to them. back to it a return such as it has had from Fourthly, the lumping together of all the tobacco industry in Mareeba. classes of roads and the financing of all of Some time ago the State and Federal them from the same financial pot is another Governments co-operated in the introduc­ circumstance militating against their con­ tion of a stabilisation scheme for ·the tobacco structiDn. Highways must be put in a industry and l believed, as other memben separate category and financed from a did, that this stabilisation scheme would be separate source without interference from of benefit to the industry. I believe it local authorities. How would the railways could still be-and should be-but the have fared if each local authority through manufacturers are determined to see that it whose area a line passed determined the does not function properly. They are doing direction in which it went? everything in their power to have the A h;gh-class system of national highways stabilisation scheme wiped out. is too important to be pushed aside any longer. We are losing the race to provide I do not say that lightly; I believe it to be the highways the nation requires and to true. At tobacco sales in J\1areeba I have adequately maintain and upgrade the old been on the floor and followed buyers whom ones. I have watched very closely. I have had Of the United States national roads pro­ with me tobacco-growers who have been in gramme, made possible by Federal finance, the industry for many years, established President Johnson said- growers who know the industry well. It was difficult to believe some of the things I saw. "It has put more than 1,000,000 Apparently it is necessary to get the buyers Americ::ms to work. It is already saving at the right time or in the right mood before 3,000 lives a year, and by 1972 it will they will offer a reasonable price for leaf. be saving 8,000 lives a year. It is saving On some days one has the feeling that they dollars-$6,000,000,000 in used benefits want to buy, but on other days it is obvious last year; $11,000,000,000 a year eight that they are not concerned whether they years from now, and the programme is buy or not. On one occasion I saw the not costing the general fund of the United States Treasury a single cent. buyer for a major company walking around the floor with other buyers but only very "If we add together all the tangible occasionally making a bid. In my opinion he assets of this Government of the United was there "just for the ride". States. including our share of investment in public highways and mads, the balance If the stabilisation scheme was allowed to sheet will show that our assets exceed our work properly it would be of real benefit to national liabilities." the tobacco industry. It would mean the 180 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

success of the industry in that area. How­ Mr. ADAIR: The money given to the new ever, the tobacco stabilisation plan was not farmers or settlers was insufficient. The intended to achieve an average Australian $16,000 was not enough; it should have been price of 125d., with adjustments, 131.3d., $20,000. In the sugar industry the Agricul­ by paying some growers up to 24d. above tural Bank will advance $20,000 to estab­ this figure and others 24d. below it, for lished growers who own their own farms. similar-quality leaf, but this is how it is They have no trouble at all in getting $20,000, operating at the present time. but the new farmer has to start as a pioneer. He has 50 or 60 acres of scrub land, which The grower needs to be not only a good is cleared at a cost of $240 an acre, and he grower with a good knowledge of tobacco; then has to put the land into production, he also has to be a kind of mind-reader. plant it with cane and do everything else. Neither the buyers nor the companies inform The established farmer, on his own land, has the growers of the type of tobacco they want. no trouble in getting $20,000 from the Agri­ One year they want light tobacco-bright cultural Bank, but the pioneer, the man yellow tobacco-and the next year they want starting from scratch, clearing his ground dark tobacco. How the sales go seems to and so on, gets only $16,000. depend on the whims of the buyers. Experienced growers who know what they The tobacco farmer cannot possibly exist are talking about have told me during the if he does not have an adequate quota. Many course of a sale, "Last year this leaf would of the farmers bought land at a certain price have brought the top price. Now look at and it is impossible for them to make a the price they are offering for it!" living on the quotas they have been given. Tobacco manufacturers have never bought It is imperative that the Government look Australian leaf freely, without financial at this seriously and do what it can to help inducement or Customs pressure from the the industry. We have too much money Government. In the 1963 and 1964 selling invested in the industry to let it fail. The seasons it became clear that production was Government has spent over $30,000,000 on outstripping demand, mainly because of the Tinaroo scheme and the extension of the Commonwealth reluctance to increase the channels to the farming areas. The return statutory percentage of local leaf to be used to the growers each year from the tobacco in blends. The hon. member for Tablelands crop is about $13,000,000 or $14,000,000. would agree with this. It seems to be at the There is also the value of the farm equip­ whim of the buyers whether they offer a ment and the money spent by the farmers reasonable price for leaf. paying for water, and so on. The total invest­ ment in the industry at Mareeba and Dim­ There are more than 500 growers in bulah is about $90,000,000. If the industry Queensland whose operations are uneconomic collapsed the Government would suffer a as their quotas are too low. At least 150 of severe blow, and it will collapse if the stabil­ them survive only because they have been isation scheme is not made to work efficiently. selling over-quota leaf during the last two seasons. Most of the growers are in North Mr. Wallis-Smith: It would not be a drift Queensland, where the expansion has been from the country then; it would be a torrent. orderly and controlled. Most growers feel that the Federal Government is sympathetic Mr. ADAIR: Yes. It is a burden on the to them and wishes to help the industry, but State. I know that these farmers are ready I assure hon. members that if quotas are not to walk off their farms if their quotas are increased for the next season at least 140 or not increased. They managed to carry on 150 growers will be forced to leave the last year and the year before, but they have industry. They will have to walk out of it reached their limit now, and there is no in the far north of Queensland simply because way in the world they can carry on any their quotas are insufficient to allow them to longer. carry on with their farming. This is true. I The Minister informed me that he tried have been told by the farmers themselves to have the amount of tobacco sold each that they cannot possibly carry on with their year increased from 26,000,000 lb. to present quotas. 28,000,000 lb.-he fought very hard at the Mr. Wa!lis-Smith: They cannot get finance time-but I claim that 28,000,000 lb. is with a low quota. not enough today. Nothing under 29,000,000 lb. would be sufficient to give these men Mr. ADAIR: It is impossible to get finance security in the industry by increasing their with a low quota. We cannot blame the quotas to a tonnage sufficient to give them a banks. They know that if the tonnage is reasonable return. insufficient to provide a living they run the Mr. Wallis·.Smith: Do you think a 2t risk of losing any money they advance to a per cent. rise each year would be better than grower. this stop-go method? A Government Member: What about the Agricultural Bank? Mr. ADAIR: Yes, but there must be an immediate increase to save the industry, and Mr. Wallis-Smith: The Treasurer told the then there could be a percentage increase. Agricultural Bank not to advance more than Only 50 per cent. of the tobacco used in a certain sum. Australia is grown in this State. It is not Address in Reply [24 AuGUST] Address in Reply 181

.like the sugar industry. If there is over­ who in many cases will not consider leaf at production of sugar overseas markets are the assessed price shown on the label. The sought. It is up to the Government to try price therefore drops considerably. Some­ to force people to smoke Australian tobacco times it might go above the assessed price. so that the quotas can be increased to a The hon. member for Tablelands has seen tonnage that will give the farmers peace and that happen. security. Unless something is done the farmers will have to walk off their proper­ Mr. Wallis-Smith: Yes, I have. ties. That will happen if the Government Mr. ADAIR: Buyers do not worry about does not force the big manufacturers, who the assesed price. are fleecing and robbing the growers, to use more Australian tobacco. There is no doubt Mr. Bromley: They refuse a good-quality that the manufacturers are robbing the bundle today, and next day they buy the growers. One has only to look at the price same bundle. charged for a packet of cigarettes to see that. A packet of Rothmans is the same price Mr. ADAIR: I have seen buyers make no even though that company buys leaf at a bids for bales of tobacco one day, and next reduced price. A packet of Rothmans costs day go back on the floor and pay top prices the same amount everywhere in Australia. for them. One day the tobacco is no good, The manufacturers are having a picnic at according to them, yet the next day they the expense of the growers. come back and pay top price for it. There is something wrong with the whole system. Mr. Bromley: They are dictating to the It is also possible to pick the wrong day. Government, too. A Thursday, I think it was, was a black Mr. ADAIR: They are. They are telling day in one year. Everybody received bad the Government they will not carry out this prices because apparently there was some scheme. They are flouting the Government. feeling among the buyers and all the growers The buyer from one firm-1 shall name it; suffered as a result. Those who withdrew it is Rothmans-just walked around the their leaf received excellent prices the next Mareeba floor looking at leaf and occasion­ day, yet those who offered theirs on the ally made a bid. He might as well have Thursday did not even receive cost of pro­ been outside for all the tobacco he bought duction. That is the present method of on that day of the sale. buying in North Queensland. Mr. Bromley: If the quota was increased, Another matter I should like to bring would the growers have any difficulty before the notice of the House is the growing it? supplying of electricity in rural areas. There is in North Queensland the Cairns Regional Mr. ADAIR: No, because at present we Electricity Board. In the Daintree area there easily produce the percentage of Australian are many new cane-growers who are tobacco consumed in this country. The struggling for their existence. They are manufacturer's argument is that it is neces­ indebted to the Agricultural Bank for up to sary to have a certain blend of tobacco, and $16 000 and have invested every penny they that tobacco has to be imported from ow~ in 'their farms. The electricity mains go Rhodesia, America, and other places, to be right past their properties, in some cases by blended with our tobacco to give the taste their very doors. Prior to the introduction the consumer wants. That is all hooey, of of the new scheme, consumers had to pay a course. They could tell the growers what certain percentage of the cost of bringing blends to grow. They are getting tobacco the power to their area. That might amount cheaply from other countries. It is grown to, for example, $180 a person. mostly by black labour, and can be produced [Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to 2.15 p.m.] for a few handfuls of rice. A former Governor, Sir Henry Abel Smith, had 1,000 Mr. ADAIR: Before lunch, I was speaking acres in Rhodesia on which tobacco was about the extension of electricity supplies to grown for an average of about 7s. a lb. rural areas. In the Daintree area there are That is the type of tobacco that is brought many new settlers, new farmers, and new here and blended with the locally produced assignments. The hydro-electric power line leaf. runs either right past their properties or I had the manager of Rothmans and two adjacent to them. The Cairns Regional of his departmental heads in my office one Electricity Board has now introduced a day chastising me over a statement I made deposit scheme for rural extensions, and I in the House. They wanted me to withdraw am told that every electricity board in it, but I would not. I still claim that manu­ Queensland has introduced a similar scheme facturers are robbing the farmers and will in rural areas. Previously all one had to do continue to rob them till the Government ws.s pay a deposit of 10 per cent. or 12 per takes a firm stand and forces buyers to take cent., depending on the cost of the scheme. average leaf assessed by men who have grown The people in the Daintree area are now up in the industry and who know it as well being asked to pay a guarantee of $180, as, or better than, the buyers do. Most and pay $1,000 to the C.R.E.B. or invest buyers are young men who have had prob­ $1,000 in the C.R.E.B. loan. Farmers in that ably no more than a couple of years' experi­ area are struggling to make a living and, ence in the industry, and they are the ones although most of them could find the money 182 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

to pay the guarantee, they certainly would not !-a /e h::cl a hard struggle, but I tem is House some more of my thoughts on this exhausting the elements necessary for subject, and I will also give the Minister human life-land, air, and water.' " 184 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The letter goes on to deal with the air Mr. Aikens: Aren't they going to be pollution that will result from the increased paid reasonable compensation? number of cars using the freeways and expressways in the metropolitan area. Mr. BROMLEY: I intend to deal with that later. Recently I have asked a lot of A large number of people in my area are questions about it in the House. affected by this plan. Nothing much can be Yesterday I was talking to another lady done about it now because the Government who told me she had lived in the area for has already decided to go on with it. Never­ 64 years. She is now living on her own and theless, because I am concerned for the has no savings, and is worried about how people, and because they are worried about much compensation she will receive. it, I feel that it is incumbent on me to bring this before the House. In the main, Before I deal with compensation, I wish the resumptions concern people in the older to say that my feelings against the Govern­ age group. Some of them are infirm and ment in this matter are very strong. It is some are pensioners. They have lived most true, of course, that the Government has of their lives in this area and the other areas offered to assist people in their inquiries, that will be affected. Your electorate, Mr. just as I have. I am bitterly disappointed Deputy Speaker, will be affected in the same with the Government's attitude and its lack way before long and I know that you, too, of concern for those who will be affected. are concerned for the people there. These Perhaps I should draw attention to the people are used to the locality and the facil­ fact that the Minister for Main Roads, who ities that are available, such as the Princess is in charge of the Main Roads Department. Alexandra Hospital, the various modes of is a member of the Country Party. As I transport, sewerage, and the many shopping have already stated, most of those affected centres. All of this is important to the are elderly people, and I think the least people concerned. This plan is a great worry the Minister could have done was to provide -in fact it is a terrible worry-to these officials at public meetings to explain the residents. I have spoken to them personally, position to them. and I know. Those who are particularly worried are the older people who live on Mr. Camm: They had about four meetings. their own. They have no savings. All they and I supplied an official every time they know is that their homes will be taken from asked for one. them. Mr. BROMLEY: There has been no I mentioned recently that I had been official at a public meeting in my area to informed of one particularly sad case of a explain to the people what is going on. I person who thought she would not be affected feel that the Minister himself could have by the original Wilbur Smith plan, but on attended to explain it all in simple terms. receiving the brochure from the Government Surely that is not asking too much. Of recently, became quite ill during the day, and course, the Country Party is the senior party that night had a heart attack and died of a in the coalition, and its members are not at coronary occlusion. That indicates how all concerned about city dwellers. some people are affected by this plan. Mr. Davies: I think they are dominated Many are still ringing me because I have by the Liberals. brought this matter up in the House on other Mr. BROMLEY: They may be dominated occasions, and I made a broadcast the other by the Liberals, but they are obviously day. In addition, many people are coming uninterested in the city area. The Minister to see me. Some of them have been and still now says that there have been some meet­ are heartbroken. I have a letter here that ings. Certainly there have been some in the is typical of many that I have received. adjoining electorate called by people who Because I got this one only the other day subsequently set up an organisation to be I feel that, to give those members on the known as the "Southside Citizens' Advisory other side of the House who are talking and laughing, and are obviously not concerned for Committee". the average people of Queensland, some idea Mr. Camm: That is what you are sour of what is happening, I should quote from it. about-somebody got in ahead of you. "I don't know what you think but I Mr. BROMLEY: No, I am not. I intend think it is awful to put us out of our homes to tell the House a little about this com­ for a freeway. Where are we all going mittee that was set up. I am not sour about out to Woop Woop. I felt sorry for the it, because I went and addressed the people people at Kangaroo Point but now it is at and killed the political propaganda that they my door. were there to put out about my party. I shall tell the House some more about that. "I am upset I have been sick every Those meetings proved useless for the people. day and cry myself to sleep at night. Mr. Camm: They were the ones you were When you have worked hard to get a home at. I have lived here about 46 years there are others the same as me in the same boat. I Mr. BROMLEY: No; I am talking of those know I should not worry you it is not that were held before I attended. This your fault I am so upset." committee did not succeed in placating the Address in Reply [24 AuGusT] Address in Reply 185 people concerned or helping them. It was valuer, or for a lawful valuation, particularly in fact of no use at all. The original meet­ when appeals may be taken before the ing was convened by the then Liberal Land Court. As we all know, one candidate in the election for the Federal has to have some evidence of comparative seat of Griffith, who eventually won it, and sales that have taken place in an area the C.M.O. candidate for the council election, in the past five years when one takes a who subsequently was defeated. All that case on appeal. I am not convinced that a they succeeded in doing was further frighten­ qualified valuer would be willing to value ing the people. pr.operties for people much more cheaply than another properly qualified valuer would I say this because the people came to me do it, particularly if the valuation has to be and told me so, which is why I then went able to stand up in the Land Court. to the meetings. I was not told that they were to be held. I went along to explain A charge has been imposed on people who to the people why this was happening and wish to become members of the committee­ endeavour to assist them, as I always do. so much for ordinary people, a lesser amount I did not go along with the idea of frighten­ for pensioners. I do not know what is ing them. For purely political-propaganda to be done with that money, and I am not reasons, they had been told that the Brisbane imputing any improper motives to those who City Council, under Labour administration, suggested its collection; but I do not see was going to take their homes from them. any reason why such a charge should be At the meetings they blamed the Brisbane made when it is evident that those who will City Council. Obviously, the inexperienced be affected are certainly not going to get Federal Liberal member, as he now is, any assistance from the committee. should have kept his dirty big Tory nose out of State matters. I do not appreciate For the Minister to say that I am upset Federal members interfering in State matters. because a Federal member jumped the gun is so much rot. It does not concern me. Mr. Carum: He did good work. Mr. Aikens: You know that an offer will Mr. BROMLEY: He did not do good work. be made to them and that they may accept If the Minister had the decency to attend that otter without any appeal? the meetings him'self, he would know that that man did not do any good. In fact, one Mr. BROMLEY: The hon. member for person said at the meeting that he thought Townsville South rightly says that the people it was the site of a graveyard from the concerned may accept the offer. I told him attitude of the people who attended it. earlier that I intended dealing with com­ pensation; I still intend to do that. How­ Mr. Porter: To whom does the hon. ever, there are many things that have to be member refer? considered in connection with the resumption of properties. Mr. BROMLEY: I mentioned the Liberal member for Griffith. The people who will be affected are in the older age group. Naturally, they are Mr. Porter: Mr. Cameron? worried and, as a result, are not able to understand fully what is to happen to them, Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Don. Cameron, other than that their homes are to be taken yes. from them. Mr. Porter: It would be nice if we had I have here some figures relating to com­ a little more parliamentary language used pensation paid consequent upon resumptions. about him. These figures were supplied by the Minister and, while there may be a trap in the figures Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Hooper): supplied, nevertheless I will at this point Order! relate them to the House. One of the Mr. BROMLEY: Through you, Mr. questions I asked the Minister the other day Deputy Speaker, I say to the hon. member concerned Part IV of this 12-point question­ for Toowong; he is a Tory, is he not? Some aire and related to the amount of compensa­ people may not call that a parliamentary tion paid. The Minister, in his answer, said term. Perhaps it may be derogatory of a that to date 44 properties had been acquired. person to refer to him as a Tory; it may not He gave the localities and then went on to be parliamentary language. But he is a Tory, say that the total amount of compensation and that is all I have to say about it. paid to 30 June, 1967, was $113,535. One does not need to work that out exactly, but A plan of action was agreed upon, and they by mental arithmetic I should say that it are now tied up with a person on the com­ would work out to roughly $3,000 a property mittee who is supposed to be a land valuer. ,..._44 properties for approximately $3,000 They have told the people that he will be able each, according to the Minister. to get their homes valued at a much lower Mr. Aikens: The people must have accepted rate than if the valuations were carried out that of their own volition. by fully qualified valuers. I am not saying whether or not he is a good valuer, because Mr. BROMLEY: I do not know that 1 do not know. However, I do not need to they have accepted it. Some of those who tell the House what is required of a good have been affected continue to attend these 186 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply meetings, and to my knowledge there were old people. After all, they are the ones not many who said they were happy with the who have done so much for the economy compensation paid. of this country. They have helped build this country to what it is today. Now they Thinking that very possibly there could be are to be completely forgotten by those in a a trap in the figures, I asked the Minister in responsible position who could have done this question what were the individual something for them. If they have been amounts. He refused to answer that, or at frugal and have a little money in the bank, least he did not answer it by quoting any and then get the compensation they are individual amount already paid. It seems to entitled to, their assets will be beyond the me that there is plenty of money-according maximum allowed under the mear..s test, so to the Minister's answer-for the construction unless they buy another house within six of freeways, but, on those figures, there is months they will forfeit the age pension. not too much for compensation. Many of these people, particularly those In Parliament last year, the Minister for in their 80's, should be allowed to occupy Local Government said that all people would some type of flat or unit-somethiag t~at be paid the full compensation due to them could be supplied by the Queensland Housmg as a result of the resumption of their Commission-under an arrangement with the properties. In fact, I quote from "The Commonwealth Government whereby they Courier-Mail"-it is in "Hansard" anyway­ will not lose their age pension. How can what the Minister said- old people be expected to build up the yard "Full compensation will be paid to of a new home? In any case new houses people for land required for all stages are not available. The State Government of the scheme." should have worked in co-operation with the Let us contrast the figure of $3,000 I men­ Federal Government. These elderly people tioned with what was paid by the Brisbane should not be adversely affected this way. City Council as compensation. The council paid $8,000 to a newsagent who had only iVh'. Aikens: They can have $9,600 and 10 months of his lease to run. I feel that not lose any of the pension. the Government is not doing the right thing by these people. Mr. URO.MLEY: I do not want to go into that, because my time is short. I know I want also to record in "Hansard" the what they can have; I have explained it all fact that I have done a tremendous amount to them. If the amount paid to them in of work for thec;e people, seeing them compensation is not sufficient for them to personally in their homes-not calling buy another home, why does the G?vern­ public meetings for purely political-propa­ ment not say to them-and this is ganda purposes, but spending week-end after purely an example-"Say we give you week-end looking for properties that might :£5.000 in compensation; you can get another be available for those whose houses are to home for $8,000 and we will advance you be resumed. The Government has not the rest of the money without any repay­ instituted any housing or resettlement pro­ ment." They could not hope to make repay­ gramme. I have been out week-end after ments out of the miserable pension the week-end looking at properties all over the Federal Government gives them. If the metropolitan area, and I have not seen any Government paid the extra $3,000 it could land at all that one can purchase for under eventually recoup itself out of the estate as $2,500. th~ old people passed on. If that were done In one particular estate to which I went, we would be doing something for these the gentleman in charge-he is an approved people. I am not being political, but merely valuer who works for a well-known real speaking on behalf of the people in my area estate firm in Brisbane-told me that 15 of who are affected. No doubt. Mr. Deputy the 44 people who so far have lost their s,,eaker, you will be just as ;;incere as I am homes through resumption had gone to this when the section of the Wilbur Smith plan estate. No doubt they had gone to others, that affects your electorate is implemented. too, but the point is that they had the The Government distributed brochures to deposits to enable them to buy homes-and the people in the area. I had asked sever.al I might mention they were a good-quality times that some type of brochure be dJ<;­ home too-but unfortunately none of them tributed, and I give full credit for the fact met the requirements for repaying the capital that this has been done. Unfortunately, the because the amount they are required to brochures are not sufficiently explanatory. repay is $15.30 a week. The wording is completely non-committaL How could pensioners buy or build new The plan shown in the brochure gives some homes? How could they cultivate the idea of the areas affected, and the brochure gardens and lay the lawns that so many of itself explains the procedure by which the them deariy love? The Government should Government acquires properties. However. have had a long-range plan and set up some it does not set out the procedure for acquir­ sort of rehousing or resettlement scheme to ing properties by the people who are being cater for these people. There should have displaced, although there is a note at !he been some co-operation between the Com­ bottom readin!!, "Ring 32-0301, ExtensiOn monwealth Government and the State 437, and no doubt you will receive great Government to set up a scheme for these help." Addre·ss in Reply (24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 187

A lady came to my house the other evening Mr. Camm: You are going to be a very just after I got home to ask me some happy man later on. questions on this subject. She had walked a considerable distance. I said, "Why didn't Mr. BROMLEY: I will be only too happy you ring me? I would have come to see to hear that. Why does not the Minister tell you". She said, "I have never used a phone them now instead of letting them continue to in my life". As a result, even that statement worry? on the brochure worried her. The brochure Mr. Camm: They have been told a dozen reads- times. You are only trying to confuse them. "What is paid for property? The Crown's assessment for compensation is Mr. :BROMl,EY: I am trying to ensure that set by valuation as at the date of they get full compensation. If the Minister Proclamation, and is based on fair market will assure me that they will, I will be very value of the land and property taken, and happy and so will the people concerned. includes any other losses suffered by the Mr. Camm: They will get the full amount. d;spossessed owner by reason of the acquisition m accordance with the Mr. BROMLEY: Does the Minister say Statutes." they will get full value? Perhaps that is all right for us-I can under­ Mr. Carum: They will get the full value of stand it-but how can we expect aged, sick their property. ctnd infirm people to understand that sort of !angu~1ge. All rhey can understand is that Mr. BROMLEY: As though it were not they are to be put out of their homes. Many atfected by the vVilbur Smith report? of ttem say, "All right, we have to go. We \1r. Camm: Yes. Jo not want to deny progress and we must :;o". All that they can think of is that they Mr. BROMLEY: How does the Minister Me to be put out of their homes, and they reconcile that statement with the amount wonder where they will go. l also want to mentioned in the questionnaire-the amount know where they are to go and I want a that is suid will satisfy the resumptions? sc\tisfactory answer. Although I do not expect l\1r. Camm: Any amount mentioned in one, nevertheless I believe I am within my answer to your question has already been rights in asking for one. mith plan. bc.cn consid.red. The Government does not gn,: a tinker's d :mn for these people. I hope :'11!'. Camm: don't understand your the people wiil not be affected as adversely a~gument at all, and I don't think anyone

This year, if I remember rightly, we in a mental condition to appreciate what is being North Queensland have received 91 Federal talked about and said to them, they politicians from the House of Representatives graciously condescend to go back to and the Senate during the few weeks of our Canberra, or wherever it is they go, and salubrious winter season. They came up like consider the submissions. the locust plague of Egypt. One group alone had 32 Federal Parliamentarians in it, I repeat that this year the people of another group had 28, and there were other North Queensland are absolutely disgusted groups of fairly large dimensions. They came at what they have seen of Federal politi­ up in specially chartered planes, with all their cians. Unfortunately, it is true that many expenses, all their accommodation, and every­ politicians from the South, even State poli­ thing else arranged and paid for, and I under­ ticians from the south of Queensland, con­ stand also that they got $12 a day in their sider the people of North Queensland to be pockets as spending silver, provided of course uncouth and uncultivated oafs of no intelli­ by the unfortunate taxpayers. gence at all who are likely to fa]] for all the malarkey and blarney associated with This year we have seen them at their very so-called parliamentary visits. I can assure worst. They went to the various areas in those gentlemen that the people of North North Queensland. At each place they were Queensland saw through this shallow and given a civic reception, and they sat around hollow facade years ago, and they know gorging and guzzling the luscious food and these sponging political parasites for just grog that was supplied to them at the rate­ what they are. I shall deal with the general payers' expense. The mayor of the city or public reaction to them later. the chairman of the shire council, as the case may be, made the same old typical, stereo­ What is really needed are visits from typed speech of welcome, and the leader of small groups of two or three, such as the the ravening horde made the same type of hon. member for Clayfield used to bring stereotyped reply and then, as far as Towns­ to the North when he was our Federal ville is concerned-! assume this is the member. Instead of being shown established practice in every other place they visit-they industries, they should be taken out to the were taken out, not to see places where new country and allowed to meet and talk with industries could be established and population the people who are the salt of the earth and could be settled, but to see established indus­ discuss with them the potential of their dis­ tries. In Townsville they are always taken trict, so that when they return to Canberra out to see the copper refinery, the cement or their southern electorates they will at works, the university, and the Army site, and least have some detailed personal knowledge they stand around glassy-eyed, hearing nothing of what is required in North Queensland. and seeing nothing, because of the food and But this we will never get as long as they grog they have consumed. It is not a very descend, as they did this year, on the well­ presentable sight, and not very elegant. They laden tables of North Queensland and go are belching, regurgitating, hiccuping, and if through the food and grog like a plague of I may use a phrase that would be used by grasshoppers through lucerne. Some of the an ex-naval man like the Minister for Labour statements they made there were ridiculous and Tourism, firing shots from the stern gun in the extreme. waiting only until they can go along to th~ next city to resume their gorging and guzzling I repeat-and I want this driven home­ there at the ratepayers' expense. that they were members of all political parties-the Labour Party, the Liberal Then, after their well-paid and well­ Party, and the Country Party-because organised tours of North Queensland at the when it comes to dipping their long, sticky expense of the taxpayers, they return sooner fingers into the taxpayers' pockets, there is or later to their paternal homes and a peculiar blood-brotherhood between all remember nothing of their trip. If some Federal politicians. They meet on common have a hazy recollection, it is an amber­ ground when it comes to fleecing and delud­ coloured, hazy memory. We are expected ing the taxpayers of Australia, particularly to believe that these people are going to do those of North Queensland. something for the development of North The Leader of the Opposition in the Queensland. Federal Parliament, Mr. Whitlam, made a Mr. Walsh: I think you are exaggerating. separate visit to Townsville for the Labour Day celebrations. As an example of the Mr. AIKENS: I am not exaggerating a statements that these people make in North bit. If the people of North Queensland want Queensland and an indication of the opinion them to consider any new industry, or any­ that they have of the intelligence of North thing new at all that might attract or retain Queenslanders, Mr. Whitlam said that the the population that is so badly needed, they only developments that had taken place in are supposed to go to them, presumably North Queensland since 1961, I think it was, touch their foreheads on the carpet three were the responsibility of himself, Senator times before approaching, and submit long, Jim Keeffe, and Dr. Patterson. The hon. tabulated and detailed reports of what they member for Townsville North was there, require. It is even suggested that we should and he got calluses on his palms from clap­ have motion pictures taken of schemes that ping Mr. Whitlam for making that stupid we want inaugurated. Then, if they are in statement. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 189

I scarified Mr. Whitlam in the columns of would have learnt something about the "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" as a result desires of the people of North Queensland­ of that incredibly silly statement. He was something in which, apparently, they are attacked in the Federal Parliament by the completely uninterested. present Federal member for Herbert, Duke I should like to know-and I am sure that Bonnett, but he did not reply. I do not know the people of North Queensland would like what was wrong with Mr. Whitlam. Every to know-just how much it costs for our time I see him on television he strikes me as Federal politicians to trek overseas. I read a man of ordinary, average intelligence. He the other day in "The Worker"-! do insult is not the political demigod that some people my intelligence now and again so that I can seem to think he is. As I said, I do not know keep abreast of all factions-- what was wrong with him on that particular occasion, whether he had been sniffing ether Mr. Smith: You insult ours, too. or taking Purple Heart tablets, or perhaps having recourse to the old northern stimulant Mr. AIKENS: The greatest insult I offer of a rum and two or a gin and two, but it was to my intelligence is to read speeches an incredibly stupid statement for him to delivered in this House by the hon. member make. We do not get many statements at all for Windsor-on the rare occasions on which from the herds of Federal politicians in he makes them. Northern Queensland, other than a hiccup, As I said, I do insult my intelligence a belch, a regurgitation, or, as I said earlier, sometimes by reading "The Worker", and in a shot from the stern gun. the last issue I read that Dr. Dittmer had Mr. Walsh: Don't you think it was a been to Indonesia. Believe it or not, he tribute to Townsville when Senator Keeffe appears to have seen something while he went to live there? was there-and to have remembered what he saw, which is the most amazing thing! Mr. AIKENS: I have not the time to go This idea of running round in groups in into that, but I promise the hon. member for order to find out what the people need, and Bundaberg that in another speech during making people come to you-- this session of Parliament I will produce facts and figures to show just what harm Senator Mr. Smith: Something you cannot do in Jim Keeffe has done to the Labour Party your party. in Townsville, and they will not be my facts and figures. Mr. AIKENS: Well, when I go round, I do I repeat: if these people who come there in so at my own expense, and I spend a fair groups made it obvious that they sincerely amount of time in each area and talk to the wished to find out for themselves what the people who live there. I do not get any North needed, we would be happy to meet civic receptions, although they did me proud them and take them round and show them out at Cloncurry recently. While I wa~ there the things they really should see. The only I found time to go out to Mary Kathleen. ] thing they do not bring with them now is a am not going to say I went by myself, as trained sheep dog to keep the flock all two very prominent citizens. Mr. Peter Dawes together, although I do understand that they and his son, Mr. Colin Dawes, drove me out. take a black tracker up there with them to I wanted to see Mary Kathleen for myself. trace any of those who stray from the herd. Although it was a Sunday morning, the Of course, some bring very glittering females caretaker did me the honour of opening the with them in the role of private secretaries­ gates for me and taking me all over Mary at least I hope they are private secretaries­ Kathleen, answering all my questions, and and they all come at the taxpayers' expense. telling me all I wanted to know. At least I How much it costs, of course, we do not came back from Mary Kathleen with some know-and I suppose we never will know. knowledge of that remarkable uranium deposit and all that it means to Australia. Recently, after this thundering herd of southern Federal politicians had returned I will tell the House a humorous story in in dribs and drabs, to Canberra-they connection with the visit. We drove out in departed unwept, unhonoured, and unsung one of the most palatial cars I have ever from North Queensland-a big representative ridden in and I said to Colin Dawes, "By meeting was called in Ayr to discuss the jove, Colin, this is a lovely car." He said, pressing problem of the building of the "If you want to know the truth, it is only Burdekin dam. Where was the herd of because you honoured us in asking us to Federal politicians? Where were the grouns drive you out that I brought this car. It is of 32, 28, 12, and so on, that were theie not any ordinary car; in fact, I very rarely only . a few days before, gorging and use it as a car. I am the undertaker at guzzlmg? There was neither sign nor sight Cloncurry and this is the mourning coach". of them. The only politicians present at I was driven to Mary Kathleen in style in that meeting, were Mr. Katter, Dr. Patterson, a mourning coach and I enjoyed every Duke Bonnett, Arthur Coburn, and myself. moment of it. That mourning coach was If the Federal politicians had been at that almost as luxurious and palatial as the car meeting listening to the people talking about in which I was driven aronnd Gladstone the Burdekin dam and seeing the rice that is recently, and I am very grateful to the chap now being grown in the Burdekin area, they who did that. 190 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I do not know whether the politicians on politician in the State House today. Surely to these organised tours-these Cook's tours­ goodness, you, the good people of Australia, ~hink they impress the people, but I can do not want any more of that type of assure them that they do not. Quite recently politician." The people of Australia went to one Cook's tour was made of the western the polls, where they gave their opinion in areas of the State by five of the "Moscow no uncertain manner as to what they thought, mob" of the Labour Party from this Parlia­ not of the nexus, but of the party politicians ment-Mr. Houston, Mr. Tucker, Mr. in Australia today. Wallis-Smith, Mr. Newton and Mr. 0' Donnell. They went around ostentatiously If the leaders of the political parties can­ in a ministerial rail-car proviJed for them not see that writing on the wall, then they by the Government, which I think is the are just as blmd, dumb, deaf, and stupid as entitlement of the Leader of the Opposition. I think they are. That is the opinion of the They told the world they were going around people of Australia of the politicians of to have a look at the need for development Australia as a whole, and the politicians of in that part of the State. I wonder if they Australia as exemplified and epitomised by think they fooled the people. l have friends the rigid party-political hack. If they do not in all those areas. They went through the take notice of the warning the people of West, to places that they feared might return Australia gave them at the nexus referendum, a Right Wing delegate to the Labour-in­ then, of course, the blood will be on their Politics Convention next year in order to own heads. ensure that a Left Wing, or Trades Hall, The other night I listened to the Fe-deral delegate would be sent to the Convention. Treasurer, Mr. M cM ahon, delivering the In that reo;pect they did a first-class job and Federal Budget. Apparently quite a lot of we can be assured that at the Labour-in­ other people did, too. I go down the street Politics Convention next year-I think it is in Townsville every morning, and I talk to !0 be at Southport-the Trades Hall mob, the P•~ople and listen to them. That is a with '"'Fatso" Egerton in command, will virtue many politicians have not developed. again emerge triumphant. He can give much While it is necessary for politicians to know of the creJit for that to the five members how to talk, it is also necessary for them of the "Moscow mob" who recently made a to know how not to talk and when to listen. tour of North-west Queensland. At one If you go down the street and listen to what place, just to put up a front, they went to a the people say, as I did the morning after farmhouse and asked the chap there where the delivery of the Federal Budget, you the farmer was. They were told, '·He is learn what people are thinking and saying. down in the big paddock filling in the One thin;s impressed me on this occasion. misses." The hon. member for Barcoo said, The people listened to this interminable dirge ·'What does he want to take her down there for?" He did not realise that the word is of the Federal Treasurer telling us that we spelt "misses", not "missus". were living in a wonderfully buoyant country, in a lotus-land state; that no-one was going These members to whom I refer do not to get any reduction in taxation and no-one realise that the people are wide-awake to was going to get any increase in pensions; them, just as they are to the sponging there was going to be no extra money for political parasites that descend on North education, hospitals, or any of the other Queensland like a horde of locusts every things that money should have been found winter, and more so this winter. The for. At that stage every parliamentarian remarkable collusion and bonhomie that in the Federal Parliament was listening in ~xists between Labour members and Liberal­ silence. Then he said, in effect, "But the Country Party members in these groups is Federal Government is going to increase the a by-blow of the ri~id political-party system pensions paid to old, retired Federal public existing today. If they want to know what servants and old, retired Federal politicians the people think o£ them-apparently the to Lft their pensions from the $36 a week, people all over Australia have been subjected for which they made superannuation pay­ w the same insults to their intelligence as ments, to $70 a week, and in some cases to the people of North Queensland have-the $76 a week." When he said that, all figures of votes cast in the last referendum politicians on both sides of the House sang to break the nexus between the House of out, "Hear, hear! Hear, hear! Hear, hear!" Representatives and the Senate will give them the answer. Do not think that the people do not realise the significance of that. Every time the I should say that one of the shrewdest Federal politicians or the State politicians are ~md most tactical political stunts was that allowed to dip their long, sticky fingers into performed by Vince Gair. For political the taxpayers' pockets, and they have not a perspicacity he deserves 100 per cent. really solid reason for it, don't you think the honours. He went to the people, particularly people notice it? I do not know why I am over television, but did not deal with the giving this advice, but for goodness sake get nexus referendum at all. He completely it out of your head that the people of ignored that. He just said to the people of Australia and Queensland are gullible, Australia, "You have s,,en for yourself the credulous fools, because they are not. They class of politician in the Federal House today; may have been in the old da) s. When I was you have seen for yourself the class of party a lad they might have walked up to the Address in Reply (24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 19!

Labour booth and voted Labour, no matter Mr. AIKENS: He will come back looking what; another group may have walked up like Nkruma; give him a pair of horn-rimmed to the Liberal booth and voted Liberal, no glasses and tell him to say that he is Nkruma matter what. But those days are gone. and this Government will probably get some­ thing from the Holt Government. But if There is money for all these grandiose he tells them that he is a white Australian tours of the North; there is money for over­ and a Queenslander he will not get a bean; seas trips for politicians; there is money for he will not even get that tunnel under the extra superannuation payments for broken­ river;-he will not even get a concrete path down, retired Federal politicians and public to his "la-la". We will get nothing if we go servants; but there is no money for education down as white Australians. for hospilals, for schools and for all th~ Perhaps the hon. member for Clayfield can other things that this State and this country tell us, if he would-I wish he would-how really needs. There is plenty of monev of much the Australian overseas diplomatic course, .to feed the coloured people in S~~tth­ service costs. When I was rudely interrupted east As1a-not that I am a racialist. There by the hon. member for Yeronga I was Is plcn.ty of money for the 80,000,000 sacred referring to the diplomatic service. How cows m In?ia and to supply hospitals and much do the people of Australia know? I all those thmgs for people in Asian countries would like to ask the hon. member for but there is no money at all for the people Bundaberg, who is a student of these matters, if it is clearly shown in the Federal Budget of Australta, who supply the money and who really need it. how much the diplomatic service of Aus­ tralia overseas costs. Opperman was sent If . I could make a suggestion to the as High Commissioner to Malta. I was given these figures by someone who was in a P~emter and the Treasurer-and I think it position to work them out. It will cost over wlll pay off-:-the next time they go to the $250,000 a year to keep Hubert Opperman Loan Council-and maybe the Minister for as High Commissioner to Malta. It would EducatiOn, who has just walked into the have been more salubrious-and more benefi­ Chamber, Will be t~e Premier; that is, of cial to Australia-if Mr. Opperman had been course I~ my old fnend Bill Lonergan does sent as High Commissioner to Magnetic no~ do him,over-and I am all for "Lonergan Island. The two islands are of about the for .Lea?er ; Bill could topple him and will same size. He would do more good for do It With !ll.Y help. However, let us assume Australia at Magnetic Island than at Malta. that the Mimster for Education is to become the Premier ~nd will go to the next Loan Mr. Walsh: Do you think they would Counc.Il meeting. I seriously suggest to him supply him with a bike the same as yours'? t~at, mstead of going down there as Jack PI.zzey and. Gordon. Chalk and coming back Mr. AIKENS: If he can ride a bike-] With nothmg-commg back with Mother understand that he should be able to--and Hubbard's cupboard bare as they do now­ if they do appoint him as High Commissioner he should go down as the front end of a to some reasonable place, I will present him sacred cow-he could be the head and the with my bike. As a matter of fact, it has front legs-and Gordon Chalk could be the deteriorated somewhat since I rode round rump and hind legs and the tail. They can to see the Minister for lndustrial Develop­ go down to Federal Parliament to Holt ment, who was up visiting his son in Towns­ McEwen .and those fellows as a ~acred eo~ ville. I rode my bike around there and when from Indm and they will get all the money I came out the Minister was on it and I had they. need. I suggest that they try that and to get in a taxi and chase him out to Stuart. see If they get it. If they wear a turban and I think he was riding it to Brisbane. da.rken their faces with burnt cork or some­ thmg hke that they ~ill get all the dough If we had honest politicians-if Whitlam they need, but they will not get it from the were the honest man he claims he is, and Federal. Governmen~ as ordinary, average if other politicians were the honest men Australians. There IS plenty of money for they claim they are, they would point out the monstrous extravagance that is the hall­ to the people of Australia where the money mark of the present Federal Government could be found for all the things that we plenty of money for the ever-growing army Australians need to have done. It need not be of Federal pub!ic se~vants; plenty of money necessary to raise any more taxation. We fo~ . the Empire-bUilders among Cabinet should appoint a committee. I do not know Mimsters of the Federal Government; but no whether they have a Public Accounts Com­ money for the real things that are needed mittee now, but, if they have, it has not by the people of Australia who supply the been very effective since a man named n:oney. .There . is plenty of money for the Professor Bland became its chairman. He dtplomatic service; plenty of money to send used to make some very embarrassing reports Opperman (as a sop for his relegation to to the Federal Parliament. So embarrassing the ranks after being a Cabinet Minister)-- were they that when his turn came around for re-election, I think at the last election or Mr. Lee: Do you think we should send the election before, the Liberal Party would Mr. Ramsden down after he comes back not endorse him. That is how embarrassing from Uganda? Bland was to the Federal Parliament. 192 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Any man who runs a business-and we Mr. W. D. Hewitt: The Public Accounts have some people here who run businesses; Committee works very effectively in the whether they run them profitably or not is Federal sphere. conjectural-knows that today the most Mr. AIKENS: It does not work very well important man in any business is the cost since they got rid of Bland. Once they. got accountant. What we need in the1 Federal rid of Bland, the Public Accounts Comm1ttee Government is a cost accountant, or a group members knew what would happen to them, of cost accountants. This could be done by and what Menzies or Holt would do to them, the Opposition if it had the guts and sincerity if they kept introducing and bringing bef~re that it claims it has, but which it has not. Parliament embarrassing reports as Bland did. Whitlam should turn his men loose on the I shall accept that interjection as a challenge Federal Budget and go out and tell the people from the hon. member for Chatsworth. Let of Australia where money has been spent the hon. member come out with me now-! excessively and extravagantly. have done this repeatedly-and tel_l the pe~ple of Australia of the rotten, putnd, stmkmg, We know, of course, that all he is grumb­ filthy scandal of the Department of Civil ling about is the cost of the war in Vietnam, Aviation. I have not the figures here because and he is only grumbling about that because I never use figures. But let him tell the people !he Communists are being attacked there. about the $160,000,000 of the taxpayers' If by some strange chance AusJralia was money that is being spent every year to keep allied with the Communists in Vietnam and Ansett-A.N.A. and T.A.A. in the air, and that was attacking anti-Communists, Whitlam and the dividends that Ansett pays come out of rhe Trades Hall boys would be squealing for the taxpayers' pocket. more money to be spent on the war in Viet­ Mr. Walsh: And how little income tax they nam. pay. When we talk about American intervention in Vietnam, let us remember what we heard Mr. AIKENS: Yes. I had these figures over the national radio. I do not suppose taken out for me years ago. There is a nic:e terminal at Garbutt, in Townsville. It IS any hon. members listen to the radio now occupied by T.A.A. and Ansett-A.N.A., and that they have television. We have television the last I heard was that they were each at our place, but I listen to the radio because paying $1.25 a week in rent. Aerodromes m:e [ get better news over it. Prince Souvanna built at the taxpayers' expense, and all this Phouma of Laos said, "We hear everybody money is poured into facilities that keep those talking about American intervention in Viet­ airlines in the air. The other day the Federal nam. But nobody is talking about the Com­ Treasurer (Mr. McMahon) said that the gap munist North Vietnamese intervention in between the charges being made on Ansett­ Laos. They have been infiltrating into and A.N.A. and T.A.A. and the money being using my country as a pathway to South taken from the taxpayers' pockets to keep Vietnam for years, but nobody is interested them in the air was widening every year, and in that." We do not hear Whitlam and the that he was going to increase the fee for Trades Hail boys and the Stop-Bombing­ services provided by the Commonwealth North-Vietnam boys and the "Moscow mob" Government by 10 per cent., and later was of the Labour Party squealing about Com­ going to impose an air-travel tax that would munist infiltration into and aggression in Laos. bring in $4,000,000. We only hear them squealing about American intervention in and infiltration into South Immediately that was announced, Reg Vietnam. Ansett, squealing like a brumby .stallion,. s~id the Government was going to rum the airlme People ask me how it is that I have companies. Reg Ansett's profit alone would survived so long as a member of this Parlia­ be more than $4,000,000 a year if he frankly ment. I will survive as long as I place myself disclosed all his accounts. before the people. I have survived because I go out to the people and I tell them the Mr. W. D. Hewitt interjected. simple, honest truth, and they appreciate it. Mr. AIKENS: If the hon. member for H is like the smart Alec in a race, or in any Chatsworth thinks the Australian taxpayers other sphere of endeavour. He might get a temporary advantage, but in the long run should pay to keep the airlines in the air, he comes back to the field and the honest why should their money not be used to keep man goes past the post an easy winner. the railways running? Why should the Federal Government not set up a Transport Unless we can generate in Australian Department and, with the taxpayers' money, politics-I do not know how it can be done build the railway stations, goods sheds, tracks, in party politics-honest politicians who will and marshalling yards? Why does the go out and attack even their own Parliament Government not provide all port facilities? if it is extravagant and wasteful, and tell the Why are shipping companies not helped as people how money could be saved and used Ansett-A.N.A. and T.A.A. are helped? Why for better and more humane purposes than does the Government not build harbours, it is today, the party politician is going to wharves and all the things used by ships in sink lower and lower in the estimation of the plying their seagoing trade? Why does the people, and goodness knows he is low enough Government not build terminals for road now. transport opera tors? Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 193

Why place airline companies in a special The pamphlet refers to "Lover-boy" 2ategory at the taxpayers' expense? Let the Whitby and "Lover-boy" Townsend. Time hon. member for Chatsworth answer that, is running out now, Mr. Speaker, but I or perhaps he will get on the platform with promise you that when I deal with that me at my next meeting at the Regent Theatre particular portion of the pamphlet, wrongly when I shall expose this stinking, rotten, and, I think, scurrilously ascribed to the putrid scandal perpetrated by the Federal hon. member for Brisbane, it will be a Government, apparently with the knowledge speech well worth listening to. and concurrence of the hon. member. Mr. E. G. W. WOOD (Logan) (3.46 p.m.): Mr. W. D. Hewitt interjected. The people of Logan would have me say that they join with the hon. member for Mul­ Mr. AIKENS: The taxpayers are paying grave and the hon. member for Chatsworth $100,000,000 a year to keep Ansett-A.N.A. in expressing loyalty to Her Majesty and and T.A.A. in the air. The hon. member offering congratulations to His Excellency the Governor and Lady Mansfield on a very for Chatsworth does not have to give any successful year of office. evidence; I know it. The only thing I should like to know is how much more money is I also welcome to this House the new to be spent. hon. member for Roma, Mr. Tomkins. I am confident that over a long period the I am glad to see you back in the chair, Mr. people of the Roma district and the Govern­ Speaker, although Mr. Hooper is an excellent ment of this State will have every reason Deputy Speaker. We are fortunate to have to group his name with the names of his you and Mr. Hooper to act in that capacity. very able predecessors. At times you are a little exacerbating, but The hon. member for Mulgrave and the we have learned to put up with each other, hon. member for Chatsworth are to be and as the session progresses-- congratulated on their very able contributions to the debate in moving and seconding, :V1r. Mann interjected. respectively, the motion for the adoption of the Address in Reply, and they are to be :\1r. AIKENS: Here comes old "Fatso"! commended, too, on their very fair statement When we talk about divisions between the of the general situation in this State. If Liberal Party and Country Party, we do not I may say so, I think the remarks made by seem to talk about the factions within the the hon. member for Mulgrave were very Labour Party. There is certainly a sharp lucid and informative. division within the Liberal Party and Country I agree that, in a rising economy, the Party over the Bill dealing with hire-purchase problem of escalating costs is one that must and various other matters. There is a division be faced. Cost increases can be provided down the middle of the Liberal Party, and for quite easily by secondary industries, the Liberal Party would gladly cut the throat businesses, and so on, which can pass the of the Country Party and vice versa. But increases on; but it is left to primary indus­ do we talk about that famous pamphlet of tries to absorb cost increases by increased which I have a copy? Mr. "Fatso" Egerton production, greater efficiency, and more and blamed the hon. member for Brisbane for more mechanisation. In turn, of course, printing that pamphlet. I would not like to this creates over-capitalisation, and the ever­ think that the hon. member did not have a increasing difficulty causes the aggregation better command of the English language than of holdings, which, in turn, has a tendency the one who prepared the pamphlet. To give to bulk production and consequential gluts. an example of how the hon. member for So it is the primary producer on whom these Brisbane and "Fatso" Egerton love each escalating costs are finally landed. other, I was in Townsville the other day and When one considers the position of the was told by a Commo. that Egerton caught middlemen, such as produce and wholesale up with "Johnno" Mann in the Jubilee Hotel agents, it is clear that they must follow suit, in the Valley and did him over. I said, "Was and primary industries cannot be penalised 'J ohnno' paralysed in a wheel-chair? That's in order to bolster up uneconomical small the only chance 'Fatso' Egerton would have agencies. I refer particularly to the Rocklea of doing 'Johnno' over." There we have markets and the movements made by the the factions in the Labour Party. Queensland Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries to have commission charges Incidentally, I shall deal with that pamphlet increased from 10 per cent. to 12t per cent. one of these days. I am sure the hon. member Let me give a brief history of the negotia­ for Brisbane was not the author of it, because tions that took place between the Govern­ it is much too mild. We know that the hon. ment and these agents when the Brisbane member for Brisbane is a rather truculent, Markets were taken to Rocklea a few years forthright fellow. Although he is probably ago. The agents were given a definite one of the most likable members in this undertaking that there would not be any new House, no-one could accuse him of being stands within the markets for 10 years. As meek and mild. In the Bible it is said that a quid pro quo to the farmers, commission "the meek shall inherit the earth." If that is charges were to be pegged at 10 per cent. so, "Johnno" will die stoney broke. over all, and that meant handling charges of 7 194 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply all types. One side of the bargain certainly In 1963 the C.O.D. agreed to provide was kept, because the number of stands has $80,000, over a period of 10 years, for the been controlled. However, the commission Redlands Experimental Farm. Over $40,000 charges of agents were left to Order in of that sum has already been contributed and Council, and no such Order in Council has used. Seven acres were purchased and 23 been forthcoming. Consequently, all the acres held in reserve for experimental farms. small-crop farmers in Queensland have the $8 000 was spent in the purchase of sword of an increase in commission hanging m~chinery, and other costs were involved in over their heads. the Bowen area. Very definitely I say that the time is ripe The fruit and vegetable industry and the when the Minister should, by Order in C.O.D. are now worried over the fact that Council, in terms of the agreement made with matching finance is not available from the the farmers, peg the commission rate at departments in comparable amounts, although 10 per cent. Hon. members will realise that the experimental farm at Redlands still this is quite an insidious matter. Quite apart requires a great deal of work. It still has not from the 10 per cent., these agents at present even a decent administration building. An are putting on handling charges, cheque extensive environmental control chamber, charges, telephone charges and charges of all costing $40,000, is half constructed and, as I types, and they are undermining the farmers' say, there are no satisfactory administration economy. There are 38 or 39 agents at the buildings. markets and I understand from the C.O.D. The difficulty arises in obtaining first-class that an increase of 21- per cent. in the com­ personnel. Scientists of this calibre are diffi­ mission would mean that approximately cult to obtain and harder to hold because of $700,000 would be distributed amongst those the demands of industry. Unless first-class agents, of which $240,000 would revert to conditions are available to them they ca1mot the C.O.D. he retained for these extension services, Fortunately indeed for the farmers, their which the farmer so vitally needs. organisation, the C.O.D., has stood firm on This year the C.O.D. made $16,000 avail­ this issue, and I appeal to the Minister to able. For the first time in history the Com­ make very sure that these commission charges monwealth Government and the fruit and are pegged so that the agreement that ;as vegetable industry have made a matching made with the farmers is maintained. grant to the Redlands Experimental Farm. I Members of this Government came into the know very well that the Department of Redlands area and gave an assurance to Primary Industries has spent consi'ierable the farmers that the commission rate would sums of money. I am given t.o understand he pegged at 10 per cent., and I ask the that over $588,000 was spent last year on Minister now to honour that promise. rc,,carch of all types. That included the Very heavy flood damage was suffered over testing of herds, sire survey, research the last wet season, and this is a very stations, overseas courses and all manner of important matter. Any assistance rendered research. In view of the effort the frmt to individuals in the closer-settled areas for and vegetable industry has made, it expects loss of personal effects, no matter how better treatment in the facilities made avail­ grievously they may have been affected, is, able at the experimental farm. to my mind, of secondary importance to the I should now like to deal with the subject rehabilitation of the primary producer who of water conservation. On numerous occa­ has not only had his means of livelihood sions I have championed the cause of the seriously depleted but his ability to recover Logan and Alhert Dam. I again enunciate postponed and impeded. the principle that it is much better to see All these small crops, particularly in other public funds spent in areas where the most areas, have seasonal harvests and if the economic use can be made of them, rather than to attempt to make new agricultural farmers miss one it is not just a matter of areas, new markets and new internal planting again and recovering; they have to developments elsewhere. wait until the ensuing season to recover. It is very difficult for them; they have lost their From here to Coolangatta there is not livelihood. one agricultural dam, although this area includes some of the best agricultural land In this difficult economic situation the in the State. There are 20,000 acres of first­ farmer is more and more dependent on class alluvial soil within one mile of the scientific knowledge evolving from the banks of the streams, and 10,000 gallons extension services and experimental farms. of milk a day come to the Brisbane area With his escalating production costs, which from that part of the State. I think the again are being passed on, the industry itself principal to be adhered to is that it is much is very alive to this fact, and the C.O.D., cheaper to grow fodder on the coast than since its inception in 1924, has voluntarily in the inland, notwithstanding the cost of contributed $256,83 8 to the Departments of transport to the inland. Once the weather Primary Industries, Agriculture and Stock gets hot in the inland there has to be almost the university, and other such researchers: daily irrigation. On the coast, irrigation is and the major part of this has been made required only periodically. It is cheaper since 1965. where the transport is available; it is cheaper Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 195 where lt'ler

Do not let us enter into intense com­ Road and divert some of the Redlands petition with New quin_ea's vegetable oil traffic to the Wynnum traffic, will you be any industry. Another pomt m favour of keep­ better off?" I think the best answer to that ing the dairying industry is that the coastal question is that ultimately t~e Easterll: Free­ dairy industry is situated on mostly undulat­ way is to come in at Seven Hills and Will ea~e ing country with only limited area of the strain. That is the attitude of the Mam agricultural land and mostly grazing land, Roads Department at present, and I must so it would be quite impossible to convert admit that it faces a difficult situation. to full agricultural or vegetable oil produc­ tion. I also thank the Minister for Main Roads for his efforts on the Pacific Highway in my I am Chairman of the Redland Shire electorate. He has done a number of things Council and am interested in the whole of that were not specifically required. I asked the Logan area. There are some matters for a service road to Slacks Creek Road, relative to the eastern side of the area to and I was pleasantly surprised at the amount which I should like to draw the attention of work put into bitumen surfacing the road of the Minister for Mines and Main Roads. throughout the whole length of the area. I I have previously drawn his attention to pay a tribute to the Minister for his efforts them on a number of occasions, and I in that direction. propose to do so again. The Capalaba-Belmont road services the I realise, of course, that these matters whole of the Redlands area. It is the main should be discussed at meetings of the Local outlet for the Redlands 8,000 cars a day. Government Association. But what is the In the whole of its length there is not one good of discussing them there? Motions are place in which a car can pass another with passed year after year, but, for reasons that safety. I have called repeatedly for some I may or may not understand, they are not four-lane passing stretches on this road but implemented by the department. have had no response. We are controlled One of the main problems facing local by the speed limits, which is fair enough, authorities concerns arrears of rates. Local because the important thing is to stay alive. authorities can sell for arrears of rates every But I do think the Minister should face three years, and the most that can be charged up to the fact the Redlands area is develop­ is 6 per cent. If a landowner knows that ing very quickly, even faster than the Greater he cannot be touched for three years and Brisbane area. We increase over 50 per bank interest is 7 per cent. and 8 per cent., cent. between censuses. In the Redland he would much sooner let the local authority Shire area one new house rises each day, debt increase by 6 per cent. Make no mistake seven days a week. That gives some idea about it-it is not profitable to take action of the future transport requirements of this under a chairman's warrant because costs of area. collection are often more than the amount I thank the Minister for Local Govern­ obtained. I know that from experience. The ment for allocating $5,000,000 to the Red­ Local Government Association is therefore land Shire for the construction of the Leslie on very strong ground in saying that the Harrison Dam and the water reticulation Government should allow local authorities to scheme. That area is going ahead at an increase their rate of interest to give them extremely rapid rate, and transport to the a fair chance to recover arrears. The metropolis must be provided. Auditor-General constantly complains about I again raise the controversial question of arrears of rates, and what I have stated is the Rickertt Road bridge. Some years ago the reason for arrears in a good 75 per cent. the Government closed the railway line into of cases, if not all. the Redlands area and left the northern end I now wish to refer to coastal shires. There of the shire in an isolated pocket that is in the Redland Shire marginal land that cannot be served adequately by buses. The can be controlled for about $1,000 a chain. local authority, in conjunction with the If shire councils were given permission by Brisbane City Council, has agreed to connect the Department of Lands to reclaim and Wynnum with the Redland Shire. We have subdivide for sale of allotments and retention asked that the Government bear a third of of reserves, that would be an economic the cost. To date this has been refused on proposition. At the same time, it would monetary grounds. I point out to the House reclaim the lost land, prevent erosion, and that the Redland Shire Council is committed save the drain on the Treasury caused by to the extent of thousands of dollars on erosion costs to the shire. planning that will not be recouped till the bridge is built. I do not propose to sit down Another problem that has come before the idly and accept this decision. I propose to local authority, after being considered by force the issue as far as I can, because I the Local Government Association, is drain­ know very well that the transport situation age. I think hon. members will understand in the Redland Shire in a year or two will that in the case of farms in closely settled be very difficult. areas the question is no longer one of I must be fair to the Minister for Main carrying capacity but of drainage capacity. Roads and say that he asked me a question The shire council has not sufficient control that I found rather difficult to answer. He of the drainage from pig farms and poultry said, "If we put a bridge across Rickertt farms out of doors or from lot feeding, and Address in Reply [24 AuGUST] Address in Reply 197

the matter should be looked at by the local In the brief time left to me I will not authority in accordance with the request made have time to deal to any great extent with by the Local Government Association. education, but there are several matters in this field in which I am very interested, and There have been difficulties in the Red­ later on in this session I propose to deal lands district since the council had its battle with the subject. with the cement company relative to air pollution, and contiguous shires were Mr. Sherrington interjected. unhappy with the set-up. When the pro­ visions of the Clean Air Act were implemen­ Mr. E. G. W. WOOD: I am quite pre­ ted and the representation on the control pared to discuss it at any time. I think our board was decided upon, local authorities Government has a very splendid record in were not given any direct representation. this regard. Therefore, I appeal for some representation Members of the teaching staff have put of local authorities on the control board forward a suggestion that the Department so that they have a voice on the air pollution of Education should form a pool of married in this State that they are expected to control. women teachers who would be prepared to I represent an area that covers quite a serve part-time in a temporary capacity so lot of Moreton Bay, and I do not think I that they can be drawn on at any time as should resume my seat without referring to teachers go on leave or become sick. They some of the features and difficulties of the have assured me that that is one measure, bayside and island areas. Firstly, the Red­ although it may be a small one, which would land Shire Council is attempting to have the assist in overcoming the difficulties of very extensive harbour formed at Toondah, teachers. Cleveland, and I thank the Treasurer for his I should like to recommend also the ceil­ recent Press statement showing that he has ing and lining of ,temporary classrooms. included this construction in the works pro­ gramme for the ensuing year. I realise that Admittedly these are used as temporary it is being constructed partly to assist the measures but improvements are required. mining industry on Stradbroke Island and the Some anti-glare measures should also be cartage of mineral sands. However, I thank devised. I do not think it is necessary to the Treasurer for the effort he has made and have those classrooms as stark and bare as ask him to expedite the construction of they are. l have approached the Minister Toondah Harbour. It is imperative that the on several occasions in regard to the glare mineral sands be taken from Stradbroke problem in these temporary classrooms, and Island by the shortest possible route. 1 should say that there is need for improve­ ment in this regard. The move by the Minister for Lands to declare a 3-chain reserve round the whole of I have not the time to deal very exten­ Peel Island is a splendid one. The public sively with the sugar industry-! will deal will now have complete freedom of access with it at a later date-but I stress the to the island for a certain distance. Admit­ difficulties existing in the sugar industry tedly, there are difficulties at Peel Island south of the Logan. They are more exten­ because it was formally a lazaret. Although sive than probably anywhere else in the I cannot see it being taken up for social State because the farmers receive 60 cents purposes in the near future, it is surrounded a ton less owing to the small quantities of by coral and is one of the best fishing spots cane harvested in the district. in the Bay. I have appealed to the Depart­ ment of Harbours and Marine on a number The Rocky Point grower will never be of occasions to dredge the coral out of able to guarantee production of sufficient Lazaret Gutter and make it possible to use cane until drainage schemes are undertaken. it as an anchorage. Such dredging would These people have undertaken much on have a twofold purpose: it would make their own behalf and are to be compli­ more coral available (I understand that coral mented on it, but I cannot understand, with is badly needed), and it would also facilitate the amount of water going over the the construction of the harbour. Woongoolba area, how anything grows at all. It has great potential as sugar-growing I have suggested several times that the land, but some effort should be made to question of oyster leases should be referred assist these people in the matter of drainage. to the Department of Lands. These leases It is all a question of finance. The milling have only an annual tenure, and it is very season was delayed this year and there were difficult to see how the industry can expand delays in payments to farmers. when there is no security of tenure. Oyster leases may be resumed for coral or for a The sugar industry was dealt with very number of other purposes. I have made efficiently and extensively by my colleague several appeals in this regard and I do so the hon. member for Mulgrave, who would again. I think the Department of Lands have a much vaster knowledge of it than I would have a very sound knowledge of have. I merely draw the attention of the what is required for the encouragment and Minister for Primary Industries, whom I development of leases, and I refer the see in the House, to the position and ask Department of Harbours and Marine to that him to keep a very close eye on the areas very able department. south of Woongoolba. 198 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

:\Ir. DONALD (Ipswich East) (4.24 p.m.): limited not only by the rate of food pro­ I feel that I must take this opportunity to duction upon the surface of the earth, but sincerely thank the Premier, Mr. Nicklin, also by the rate at which fuels can be with­ and the Treasurer, Mr. Chalk, for so readily drawn from beneath the earth's surface. agreeing to my request, made on behalf of the Queensland Colliery Employees' Union, It is clear to all thinking people that to receive a deputation from the Ipswich Australia has an enormous amount of work City Council and the Miners' Union to see to do in increasing the production and use what a(;tion the Government should take to of power to reach the standard of develop­ provide funds for the Ipswich City Council ment necessary for the nation's economic so that men who were thrown out of work development. by the unfortunate creep in the Aberdare In this period of automation and tech­ No. 8 Colliery could be placed in useful nology, living standards and security are employment. The deputation comprised Mr. closely related to the amount of power avail­ Jim Finimore (Mayor of Ipswich), Mr. Jim able and in use to produce the requirements Larsen (chairman of the Finance Committee for a full and peaceful life for our citizens. of the Ipswich City Council), Mr. Steve Morgan (vice-president of the Queensland Our population is increasing, perhaps not Colliery Employees' Union), Mr. Ron as rapidly as those in some other parts of Murphy (Union check inspector) and Mr. the world, but there is a steady and constant George Pitceathly, who is a worker from expansion of our primary and secondary Aberdare No. 8. industries. These factors in our national life, when added to a great increase in power The Premier and the Treasurer met the production, will contribute materially to the deputat!on as early as was physically possible. fullest development of our resources. TheJ:' !Jstened very attentively to the points of vrew put forward by the various members. The prosperity of our nation and the whon:- they treated very courteously, and standard of living of our people are pro­ promised they would do their very best to foundly influenced by the amount of power make money available to the Ipswich City used. Probably no other single factor has Council so that these men could be employed such far-reaching effects on the mode of life on useful work. I am very happy to say­ in all sections of the community. Australians at the same time I am very grateful-that are demanding more and more of the necessi­ the Government saw fit to make a large ties and luxuries that have become an sum of money available for that purpose. essential part of our modern civilisation. Only The Ipswich City Council received $50,000 by a planned use of the sources of energy by way of loan and $12,000 as subsidy. As available to us, by the intelligent use of our a result, I do not think any of the men black and brown coal, oil, natural gas and thrown out of employment by that unfor­ water resources, can our factories and our tunate happening are now without work. land be made more productive and our Because of that, the least I can do is express standard of living continue to improve. not only my own thanks and gratitude but The traditional source of most of our also those of the members and officials of power is coal, and it is still the largest source the Queensland Colliery Employees' Union. of our energy. The successful invention of the internal combustion engine has had a As fuel plays a very important part in the revolutionary effect on human life; it revolu­ economy of our life and nation, I feel that I tionised land transport, made possible the should have something to say on the subject. use of aeroplanes, farm tractors, bulldozers Complete gasification of coal is of great and all kinds of small power-units for special interest not only for synthetic oil, but also for purposes. town gas, power gas and the chemical A study of the energy resources and industry. The use of oil for domestic heatin" requirements of any country is incomplete purposes is an extravagance that should unless it takes into consideration the three not be tolerated. As the production major energy producers, namely, coal, oil, of oil by synthetic means would entail and water power, to which must be added considerable cost and effort, conserva­ natural gas, though it is still in its infancy in Australia. tion of oil should be extensively practised. The convenience and cleanliness of oil should Each has its special field of usefulness, not be allowed to override consideration of while in some activities they overlap and conservation and result in its use for purposes compete with, or supplement, one another. which coal can serve. The use of water power is largely confined to the production of electric power, whereas Utilisation of fuel is increasing throughout at present coal has the field almost to itself the world at a rapid rate, particularly in the in the manufacture of town gas and the industrialised nations. The reason for this production of coke. With the exception of Tasmania, coal is still the greatest source increase is due, without doubt, to the rapidly of energy in each of the Australian States increasing world population, followed in the generating of electricity, and it is naturally by the demand for more fuel. The essential, and plays a very important part, world's population will, in the future, be in the iron and steel industry. Address in Reply [24 AuGUST] Address in Reply 199

Petroleum takes the lead in fuelling aero­ Mr. E. T. Schumacker, Economic Adviser planes, road vehicles and farm tractors, and and Director of Statistics of the National is replacing coal in fuelling locomotives. Coal Board, at the Fourth International In marine and railway transportation, oil is Mining Congress in England in 1965, advised being used to a greater extent each year, in the following terms. without doubt owing to the greater ratio of heat value to bulk and the ease of handling Fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas, and controlling the rate of burning. are won from Nature's reserves, and the size of these reserves is obviously important in Many countries, including Britain, our consideration of the question of the Germany, Belgium, France, Japan and the future of coal. Estimates of the ultimate United States of America, being aware of ~eserves are of course extremely uncertain. the need to protect their indigenous coal Even if the geologists bad complete and industries, have taken some positive action perfect knowledge of the composition of the in this direction, such as imposing a tax earth's crust they would still have to introduce on furnace oil, placing a restriction on oil as an economic criterion a judgment as to imports, controlling oil prices on the home which reserves, at what depth, and of what market, or setting production and importa­ quality and concentration, could be reason­ tion quotas on oil. ably included in the estimate. However, The business of supplying energy is not a certain estimates were given at a recent static one, and, as there have been changes vVorld Power Conference which are worth in it in the past, there are changes now quoting. taking place and there will undoubtedly be more in the future. Some day, atomic power These figures are quoted in million million and heat from the sun may well make a tons of coal equivalent. Hard coal is 4.1, or contribution, but for the next generation at 66 per cent. of the world's known reserves of least it would appear that coal, oil and fossil fuel. It is followed by lignite, which is water power will provide most of the world's 1, or 16 per cent., and peat, which is .8, or energy, and that the countries which develop 13 per cent. Those three types of fuel their resources of these commodities \\ill constitute 95 per cent. of the known reserves. make the most progress. Oil follows with .2, or 3 per cent., natural gas 1 per cent. and shale oil 1 per cent., making There is no more important task than up the remaining 5 per cent. of the world's that of providing sufficient energy to meet known reserves of fossil fuel. the economi::: and social development of our nation. For this to be accomplished suc­ I am not saying for one moment that I am cessfully with the minimum of cost and the an expert; but these estimates may be maximum of efficiency, it is necessary­ widely wrong. It is clear that even sub­ mgently so-to establish in Australia a stantial revisions of the figures quoted for national fuel policy to enable Australia t'O oil, natural gas and shale oil would not alter be developed as a whole, so that the economy the main measure that if mankind continues of the country may obtain the greatest to rely largely on fossil fuels it will depend economic advantage by the scientific and on co::.l rather than oil or natural gas in the orderly use of its fuel and power markets. long run. Energy for our industries and for domestic Recent figures on oil show that the ratio of purposes is in the main obtained from our reserves to annual usage was 32 years. This black and brown coal, fuel oil and hydro­ is not as bad as it at first might appear when electric power. exploration is continually proving new The part that fuel plays in our day-to-day reserves. However, it is significant that this life, as well as our reliance on fuel, is ratio was 33 in 1955, 41 in 1957, 1958, and probably not realised by many in the com­ 1959, and has since fallen to 32. Production munity. The economies of fuel are also is increasing at an average rate of 6.5, or very important in the over-all cost of living. approximately at that rate, so that the We take so many things for granted, in proving of reserves has to increase pro­ turning on the switches in our home, office portionately to maintain this ratio. and factory, filling the car with petrol, or travelling in the train, tram or plane, with­ Australia ·s coal reserves, black, brown, out thinking where the fuel is coming from, and lignite, are approximately 60,000 million and is to come from in the future. In this tons as measured and indicated. Inferred rapidly expanding industrial age the growth reserves would be of a similar order. In in fuel production to meet the demand is in actual equivalent black coal tonnage, this itself an industrial revolution. i:> equal to approximately 24.000,000 tons. Reserves of fuel are of prime interest to Against these coal reserves we must con­ the world, and especially to the island sider the present known reserves of oil and continent of Australia. The possession of natural gas. Dr. Hetherington quoted the indigenous fuel reserves is of great economic oil reserves at Moonie at approximately benefit, and on this point Queensland and 3,000,000 tons of recoverable crude. Australia are reasonably well endowed, though, as our population and fuel usage The Barrow Island, Western Australia, increases, reserves become of greater reserves, are greater, and a reliable estimate importance. of the Gippsland oil reserves is not known. 200 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Australia's recent discoveries of natural Those engaged in the coal-mining industry, gas are estimated to be equivalent to whether as employers or employees, fully 200,000,000 tons of black coal, or approxi­ realise that other sources of energy, such as mately 1 per cent. of Australia's measured oil and hydro-power, are here to stay, and reserves of equivalent black coal. These that later developments, such as the use of reserves may prove far greater, but a signifi­ natural gas and atomic power, are sure to cant point is that if we in Australia are to follow. However, it is their considered view depend on fossil fuels, coal will continue to that a properly balanced national fuel policy play a major part. should be established to ensure that Australia's indigenous resources are used to Australia's consumption of petroleum pro­ the best advantage, not only for the present ducts in 1965-66 was approximately but also for the future development of our 17,000,000 tons, of which 98 per cent was nation. imported. We should give consideration to It is time that the national Government the enormous tonnage imported. Moonie gave serious consideration to formulating a reserves would be equivalent to two months' practical and effective national fuel policy. usage, while in Queensland, where the Australia's energy requirements may be safe 1965-66 annual sale of petroleum products and sound, but only if we do not neglect our was 1,460,000 tons, these reserves would be equivalent to two years' usage. chief indigenous source of energy. We can­ not allow the inactivity of the Government The cost of fuel is very important So on this very important matter to ·continue; often we hear said, in ordinary conversation it must be called upon to define a policy and in public announcements, "Cheap natural and act on it now. There has been too gas," "Cheap oil," and in many cases the much procrastination, and any further undue implication is that coal is very expensive. delay could be detrimental to the nation's When coal production costs are taken into economy. consideration, Australian coal is competitive The Tariff Board's report on refined with that of any other country in the world. petroleum products had this to say- Coal is produced very efficiently here, in "Although evidence shows that fuel oil many cases more so than elsewhere. The is in many cases being disposed of at prices modernisation of production methods in the much below formula prices, the Board coal mines and the installation of washing considers that this arises mainly from plants have been very costly indeed to th~ competition between refineries in attempts industry. However, unlike increases in other to dispose of excessive and somewhat commodities and services, the price of coal embarrassing supplies of locally-produced has been reduced while its quality has been fuel oil. In many cases this competition improved. has resulted in prices for fuel oil against Based on heating value, the price of coal which the coal industry cannot compete." from the West Moreton area in Ipswich The Tariff Board made it clear that the oil has been reduced in some instances refineries have it within their power to by as much as 7 to 8 per cent. In modify their pattern of production so that less this district the pithead price of coal varies fuel oil and more of the lighter fra.ctions from 20 to 30 cents per million British would be produced. In fact, some of the Thermal Units, while delivered costs to the oil companies assured the Tariff Board that industrial areas of Ipswich and Brisbane are this was being done. However, the position from 25 to 40 cents per million B.T.U.'s. is that the proportion of fuel oil to the The price of coal a ton at the pithead for the lighter fractions produced in Australian power-house is from $4.70 to $6.2 according refineries is increasing and not decreasing. to quality and distance from the power­ The development of the oil-refining houses, and, for railways, from $5.77 to industry in the next few years could have $6.64 a ton. consequences more serious than ever for the I should like hon. members to listen to coal-mining industry if the intention is to these figures. Published statistical informa­ market in Australia more than a small part tion reveals that Australian coal was sold in of any additional production of furnace oil. Japan at $2.30 below the average value of Rather does the board urge the oil industry total imports, and $5 below the cost of coal to plan its production of furnace oil so that from the United States. Australian coal was it will no more than meet the present calculated at $13.41 a ton and coal from the Australian market, the increment 1o that United States at $18.41 a ton. That is a market that comes normally from national vivid illustration of the advantage that growth, and the firm market outlets that can Japanese manufacturers, in competition with be found overseas. Australian manufacturers, have by reason of The joint Coal Board also drew attention the cheap rate at which our best coal is to the fact that the coal-mining industries of supplied to them. Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, Japan and the United States of America have Mr. Davies: I wonder if all members of not been able to carry on without aid provided the Government know that. by Government intervention of some kind. Mr. DONALD: They should. At least I am Different countries have adopted different telling them now. remedies to protect their native coal-mining Address in Reply [24 AuGusT] Address in Reply 201 industries from fuel oil. For example, in Another ground on which the British the United States of America the local Government has justified its action in refineries produce a much lower proportion refusing to remove the tax is the social of fuel oil than do the Australian refineries. implications that would arise fr?:n di_smissals The problem in the U.S.A. is caused by the of mine-workers, and the positiOn m Aus­ tralia would be no different from that in imported fuel oil produced by South Great Britain. American refineries. As long ago as 1959, the President of the United States of Therefore, as an immediate step, an excise America, by executive order as a national duty on fuel oil is strongly recommended to security measure, imposed quotas on the the Australian Government as a financial importation of fuel oil. To assist the coal­ incentive to the oil-refining companies to do mining industry in their respective countries what the Tariff Board has found as a fact that it is within their power to do, namely, to the Governments of the United Kingdom, modify their pattern of production so as to Germany and Japan have imposed duties on produce less fuel oil and more of the lighter oil products. The British and German fractions. schemes provide for a levy on fuel oil. The Japanese scheme fixes an annual consump­ In the long-term view, however, it is the tion and production figure for coal and sub­ considered opinion of those connected with sidises local coal-users who might otherwise the coal-mining industry in Australia that use other fuels, using for the subsidy the only a fully integrated national fuel policy can adequately meet the situation, and we proceeds from an import duty levied on oil. strongly urge the Government to take early Any idea that the oil refinery industry action to this end. might voluntarily restrict its production of With more and more oil refineries being fuel oil would be very wishful thinking built in Australia, an increasing tonnage of indeed. Four years ago Great Britain, with furnace oil is flooding the energy market. its coal-mining industry facing the same The proportion of this oil resulting from unfair competition from fuel oil that is refining in Australia is increasing in spite operating in Australia today, imposed a tax of the fact that there is a steadily increasing of 2d. a gallon on fuel oil. In spite of repeated surplus. These surpluses appear to have been requests, the British Government has refused an embarrassment to the oil industry, because to remove this tax, and in various public it has been found necessary to export them statements made from time to time it has at below cost. made it clear that it justifies the tax on In order to sell this furnace oil in competi­ grounds which include the following: (1) that the tax has brought stability to the tion with coal it is offered at considerably below list pric~. T)l.e motorist is subsidising British energy market (a similar tax on oil this loss in the price paid by him for petrol. would bring stability to the Australian coal This adds substantially to the cost of trans­ market); (2) that the tax has done no more port, a very important element in the cost than correct the temporary disadvantage coal structure of every part of the economy. is under, which is due partly to the over-pro­ duction of fuel oil (that is the obstacle that In spite of this surplus of the heavier is facing the Australian coal-mining industry fractions, insufficient of the lighter fractions, today); (3) that the use of Britain's native such as aviation and motor spirit, kerosene, coal lessens the drain on Britain's balance and so on, are produced, so they have to be of payments caused by oil imports (a tax on imported. The value of imports of. crude oil would do the same thing here); (4) that oil and petroleum products, amountmg to it is unwise to rely on foreign sources of approximately one-tenth of total imports, power that are liable to interruption in case represents one of the largest single items of of war or liable to sudden price fluctuations overseas expenditure. Refining procedures as a result of Government policy or dis­ could be modified to produce more of the turbances in the country in which the oil lighter fractions by cracking and re-forming is produced. the heavier fractions, thus helping the over­ seas balance of trade and the coal-mining The last point does not need any industry at the same time. emphasis from me. Every hon. member, indeed every member of the community, Crude oil importation and refining and knows the extent to which Great Britain marketing of oif products in Australia are has been inconvenienced by the disruption of dominated by over~eas capital, which may oil supplies resulting from the war in the account for the complete disregard of the Middle East, the closure of the Suez Canal, harmful effects of current policy. The Federal and the civil war in Nigeria. It has been conference of the Australian Labour Party, hit very hard indeed. As the British Govern­ the Australian Council of the Australian Rail­ ment's action in imposing a tax on fuel oil ways Union, and the Miners' Federation, has brought, among other benefits, stability realising the importance of an adequate supply to the British energy market, so would of coal, have called for a national fuel policy. similar action by the Commonwealth Gov­ This policy has received strong support from ernment bring stability to the Australian other sections of the community, the excep­ energy market and benefits to the people tion being the Commonwealth Government. generally. Many State Governments have also failed to 202 Address ill Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address ill Reply

realise the need for, and the importance of, An indication of the gap between the a national coal policy and also for the pre­ amount of energy used by the advanced servation and extension of our coalfields. countries and that used by the under­ Many people have questioned the wisdom developed ones is illustrated by the fact that of our Railway Department in extending the United States of America uses each year diesel traction, which relies on costly imported 8 tons of coal per head; Britain uses 5 tons fuel, instead of concentrating on electrifica­ per head; India uses only one-fifth of a ton tion, the needs of which could be met from per head. It is therefore reasonable to our national resources of coal, which we have assume that the world energy market will in abundance. increase tremendously in the not far distant future. In fact, it has been estimated that Today, throughout the world the entire in 40 years' time it will have increased to COJ?plicated structure of mod~rn industry three or four times its present size, requiring relies on natural concentrations of carbon. They are coal, oil, and natural gas. These an extra 15,000 million tons of coal resources are non-renewable. They represent equivalent a year. a once-for-all endowment. Together they are \Ne have already seen that uranium extractive industries working a non-renew­ supplies are dangerously low and in the able asset of limited size for which there immediate future costs are likely to be pro­ is as yet no substitute in sight. Even uses of hibitive, so the bulk of energy will have to I water and nuclear energy in the foreseeable come from fossil fuels. future do not alter the situation, as both The United Nations geologists have represent a tiny proportion of the world's estimated, as I have already pointed out, potential fuel requirements. If there are that the world's fuel reserves are as folloVI.'S: ample supplies of carbon, a simple criterion peat, lignite and hard coal, 95 per cent; oil, would be to use the cheapest available natural gas, and shale oils, 5 per cent. supplies without a thought for tomorrow. Unfortunately, supplies are not infinitely At present less than one-third of mankind large. There is, of course, uncertainty about uses seven-eights of the world's fuel, but the the size of ultimate supplies of coal, oil, <1nd other two-thirds have arrived in the arena to natural gas. lake part in the contest. The California Economic development is largely a matter Institute of Technology has reminded us that of adding to the horse-power available to if the whole world population attempted to assist the people who at present are poor cover any appreciable fraction of its energy because of the lack of it. There is no task consumption from liquid petroleum, all more important than to ensure that the potentially recoverable petroleum in the earth dramatic advance of the human race over would be consumed in a very few years. the past 200 years is not reversed over the From a global point of view most of the next 200 because of the exhaustion of the world's concentrated deposits are coal, but fuel which gave the opportunity for it. It by far the largest part of the increase in is often assumed that technical advances in world fuel requirements is being met by oil. the field of nuclear energy, even the possible Therefore, there is a very high rate of growth harnessing of solar energy, will ultimately in the world's oil consumption which, if con­ overtake fossil fuels and open up the road to tinued for a few decades more, must be abundance. At the moment, this hardly expected to threaten the world with the early appears likely. exhaustion of oil reserves, proven and as yet Nowhere in the world do any fuel exoerts unproven. hold out such a prospect for the foreseeable future. If all goes well, technically speaking, It is significant that more thought is given the most optimistic prediction estimates that to this matter in America than elsewhere. by 1980 the displacement of fossil fuels by Basically a fuel shortage would be nuclear energy will amount to less than 20 occasioned by a rapid over-all expansion of per cent of total world use. At the moment, the world economy. The driving force behind nuclear power is very costly compared with this is a combination of a world population coal or oil-fired power stations. Naturally, explosion and, of even greater force, an technical improvements should bring down almost greedy appetite for fuel caused by costs in the future. industrialisation and urbanisation. In Britain, at the end of 1965 the capital Although I do not know what percentage cost of a coal-fired power-station was £35 of Queensland's energy requirements comes per kilowatt, as against £100 per kilowatt from coal, I do know that it is our major for a nuclear power-station. The estimated source of energy and will be for some time cost of electricity sent out by a coal-fired to come. The production of coal in Queens­ power-house is 0.5d. per unit, whereas the land is steadily increasing, with a steadily cheapest nuclear power unit is 0.73d., but declining work-force. Figures for the year with the adoption of the advanced gas-cooled ending 30 June, 1967, show that total pro­ reactor it should drop to 0.49d. These costs duction was 4,736,088 tons, which is the should come down substantially with the second time in our history that the 4,000,000- improved reactor system, but all will use tons mark has been exceeded. The first time uranium as fuel, and countries with sizeable was the previous year. Of this total, 3,167,978 nuclear programmes are now becoming very tons came from underground mines, repre­ concerned about future supplies of uranium. senting a decrease of 17,708 tons on the Address in Reply (29 AUGUST] Questions 203 figure for the previous year. A total of competition with coal, below cost and 1,568,110 tons came from open-cut mines, charging the users of petrol a higher price an increase on the previous year's production than necessary to compensate for the loss of 174,146 tons. incurred, particularly when coal could be used more efficiently and with greater I should like hon. members to pay attention advantage to the economy of the nation. to these figures, because they mean a lot. The number of employees in the industry in We must also take into consideration the 1956 was 3,670, 3,481 being employed at fact that if a coal mine is closed, the district underground mines and 189 at open-cut in which the mine has operated for many mines. In 1967 the number was 2,278, of years suffers. We have in Queensland cer­ whom 1,937 were employed underground and tain centres suffering in this way. It is not 341 in the open cut. In that period, despite only the men engaged in the coal-mining increased production, there was a decrease industry who suffer, but also the butcher, of 1,392 in the work-force of the coal­ the baker, the amusement businesses, and mining industry. In 1956 the average output the whole community. When the miner loses per man was 6.79 tons at the face and 3.24 his power to earn, he loses his purchasing tons overall, and for the Bowen open-cut the power and therefore cannot continue pur­ figure was 12.49 tons. In 1966-1967 the chasing what he would like to buy. figures were: at the face, underground, 16.60 There are in some other parts of the world, tons, overall 6.7 tons, and, for open cut, and to a lesser extent in Queensland, what 14.79 tons. can be termed ghost towns because unfair Perhaps it is advisable to explain competition has forced coal mines to close. that when figures for coal at the face are (Time expired.) quoted they relate to coal produced by men Debate, on motion of Mr. Houghton, working at the coal face. The over-all pro­ adjourned. duction relates to the production spread over every employee in the industry, including the The House adjourned at 5.5 p.m. manager, the submanager, the fitter, the engine-driver, the carpenter, and so on. The tonnages I have quoted are for saleable coal, that is, coal that has been washed, with all the impurities removed. We have every justification to be proud of the over-all pro­ duction of coal in Queensland, whether at the coal face or over all. In many coun­ tries, and in other States, I believe, the figures relating to coal production refer to coal that actually comes from the bowels of the earth to the surface, not after washing and treatment. - A common fallacy is that coal is like goods in a produce store or warehouse, and can be easily replaced. It is believed that coal can be bought like a pound of butter or a similar commodity. It should be r~alised that that is not the case. When a coal mine is abandoned it is generally abandoned for all time. H<;m. members may ask why, but anyone with any elementary knowledge of mining, be it coal-mining or mining for any other mineral, knows that the mine roof and sides are supported by props, crowns and other supports. If they collapse-and they do collapse when a min{- is abandoned -or flooding occurs-and sometimes firing ta~es place-the underground roadways and rarlways are smashed beyond repair. The cost of a new mine is prohibitive and, in many cases, for the reasons I have outlined it is financially ill'possible to go into a min~ that has been abandoned. Coal has served the nation very well for many years, and some extra effort should be mad~ to ensure that coa}'--although it may not be grven preference-Is placed on a footing equal to that of other competing fuels. It should not be penalised by the importation of fuel oil; it should not be penalised by oil refine.rs in Australia selling fuel oil, in