PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)
FORTY-NINTH PARLIAMENT
SESSION 1983-84
Legislative Assembly
VOL. CCCLXXII
[From October 18, 1983, to November 24, 1983]
MELBOURNE: F. D. ATKINSON, GOVERNMENT PRINTER
80232/84
The Governor
His Excellency Rear-Admiral SIR BRIAN STEWARTMURRAY, KCMG, AO
The Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable SIRJOHN McINTOSH YOUNG, KCMG
The Ministry (As at 9 August 1983)
Premier, and Attorney-General The Hon. John Cain, MP Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, The Hon. R. C. Fordham, MP and Minister of Educational Services *Minister for Industrial Affairs, and The Hon. W. A. Landeryou, MLC Minister of Labour and Industry Minister for Conservation, and Minister The Hon. E. H. Walker, MLC for Planning Minister of Housing, and Minister for The Hon. I. R. Cathie, MP Economic Development Minister of Transport The Hon. S. M. Crabb, MP Treasurer The Hon. R. A. Jolly, MP Minister of Agriculture The Hon. D. E. Kent, MLC Minister of Forests, and Minister of The Hon. R. A. Mackenzie, MLC Lands Minister for the Arts, and Minister for The Hon. C. R. T. Mathews, MP Police and Emergency Services Minister of Health .. The Hon. T. W. Roper, MP Minister for Employment and Training The Hon. J. L. Simmonds, MP Minister of Public Works, and Minister The Hon. J. H. Simpson, MP (or Property and Services Minister for Community Welfare The Hon. P. T. Toner, MP Services Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation The Hon. N. B. Trezise, MP Minister for Minerals and Energy, and The Hon. D. R. White, MLC Minister of Water Supply Minister for Local Government The Hon. F. N. Wilkes, MP Minister of Consumer Affairs, and The Hon. P. C. Spyker, MP Minister for Ethnic Affairs Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Dr K. A. Coghill, MP
*Portfolios of Minister for Industrial Affairs, and Minister of Labour and Industry conducted by the Hon. S. M. Crabb, MP, from 11 July 1983. The Hon. W. A. Landeryou, MLC, resigned portfolios on 31 August 1983. (From 1 September 1983) Premier, and Attorney-General The Hon. John Cain, MP Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, The Hon. R. C. Fordham, MP and Minister of Educational Services Minister for Planning and Environment The Hon. E. H. Walker, MLC Minister of Housing, and Minister for The Hon. I. R. Cathie, MP Economic Development Minister of Transport, Minister for The Hon. S. M. Crabb, MP Industrial Affairs, and Minister of Labour and Industry Treasurer The Hon. R. A. Jolly, MP Minister of Agriculture The Hon. D. E. Kent, MLC Minister for Conservation, Forests and The Hon. R. A. Mackenzie, MLC Lands Minister for the Arts, and Minister for The Hon. C. R. T. Mathews, MP Police and Emergency Services Minister of Health .. The Hon. T. W. Roper, MP Minister for Employment and Training The Hon. J. L. Simmonds, MP Minister of Public Works, and Minister The Hon. J. H. Simpson, MP for Property and Services Minister for Community Welfare The Hon. P. T. Toner, MP Services Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation The Hon. N. B. Trezise, MP Minister for Minerals and Energy, and The Hon. D. R. White, MLC Minister of Water Supply Minister for Local Government The Hon. F. N. Wilkes, MP Minister of Consumer Affairs, and The Hon. P. C. Spyker, MP Minister for Ethnic Affairs Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Dr K. A. Coghill, MP (From 8 September 1983) Premier The Hon. John Cain, MP Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, The Hon. R. C. Fordham, MP and Minister of Educational Services Minister for Planning and Environment, The Hon. E. H. Walker, MLC and Minister of Public Works Minister for Minerals and Energy, and The Hon. O. R. White, MLC Minister of Water Supply Minister of Housing, and Minister for The Hon. I. R. Cathie, MP Economic Development Minister of Transport, and Minister for The Hon. S. M. Crabb, MP Industrial Affairs Treasurer The Hon. R. A. Jolly, MP Minister of Agriculture The Hon. O. E. Kent, MLC Minister for Conservation, Forests and The Hon. R. A. Mackenzie, MLC Lands Minister for the Arts, and Minister for The Hon. C. R. T. Mathews, MP Police and Emergency Services Minister of Health .. The Hon. T. W. Roper, MP Minister for Employment and Training The Hon. J. L. Simmonds, MP Minister of Labour and Industry, The Hon. J. H. Simpson, MP Minister for Property and Services, and Assistant Minister of Transport Minister for Community Welfare The Hon. P. T. Toner, MP Services Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation The Hon. N. B. Trezise, MP Minister for Local Government The Hon. F. N. Wilkes, MP Minister of Consumer Affairs, and The Hon. P. C. Spyker, MP Minister for Ethnic Affairs Attorney-General The Hon. J. H. Kennan, MLC Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Or K. A. Coghill, MP (From 2 November 1983)
Premier The Hon. John Cain, MP Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, *The Hon. R. C. Fordham, MP and Minister of Educational Services Minister for Planning and Environment, The Hon. E. H .. Walker, MLC and Minister of Public Works Minister for Minerals and Energy, and The Hon. O. R. White, MLC Minister of Water-Supply Minister of Housing, and Minister for The Hon. I. R. Cathie, MP Industry, Commerce and Technology Minister of Transport, and Minister for The Hon. S. M. Crabb, MP Industrial Affilirs Treasurer The Hon. R. A. Jolly, MP Minister of Agriculture The Hon. O. E. Kent, MLC Minister for Conservation, Forests and The Hon. R. A. Mackenzie, MLC Lands Minister for the Arts, and Minister for The Hon. C. R. T. Mathews, MP Police and Emergency Services Minister of Health ., The Hon. T. W. Roper, MP Minister for Employment and Training The Hon. J. L. Simmonds, MP Minister of Labour and Industry, The Hon. J. H. Simpson, MP Minister for Property and Services, and Assistant Minister of Transport Minister for Community Welfare The Hon. P. T. Toner, MP Services Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation The Hon. N. B. Trezise, MP Minister for Local Government The Hon. F. N. Wilkes, MP Minister of Consumer Affairs, and The Hon. P. C. Spyker, MP Minister for Ethnic Affairs Attorney-General The Hon. J. H. Kennan, MLC Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Or K. A. Coghill, MP
*Resigned as Minister of Educational Services, 8 February 1984 MEMBER DISTRICT MEMBER DISTRICT
Austin, T. L. Ripon Maclellan. R. R. C. Berwick Brown, A. J. Western port Mathews, C. R. T. Oakleigh Burgin, C. W. Polwarth tMicallef. E. J. Springvale Cain. John Bundoora Miller. R. H. Prahran Callister, Miss V. J. Morwell Newton, D. R. Bennettswood Cathie, J. R. Carrum Norris, T. R. Noble Park Coghill, Dr K. A. Werribee Patrick, Mrs 1. T. Brighton Crabb, S. M. Knox Pope, N. A. Monbulk Culpin, J. A. Glenroy Ramsay, 1. H. Balwyn Delzoppo, J. E. Narracan Ray. Mrs M. E. Box Hill Dickinson. H. R. South Barwon Remington, K. H. Melbourne Ebery, W. T. Midlands Reynolds, T. C. Gisbome Edmunds, C. T. Ascot Vale Richardson, J. I. Forest Hill Ernst. G. K. Geelong East Roper. T. W. Brunswick Evans, A. T. BaHarat North Ross-Edwards. Peter Shepparton Evans, B. J. Gippsland East Rowe, B. J. Essendon Fogarty, W. F. Sunshine SaJtmarsh, D. N. Wantirna Fordham, R. C. Footscray Seitz, George Keilor Gavin, P. M. Coburg Setches, Mrs K. P. Ringwood Gray, D. J. F. Syndal Sheehan, A. J. Ivanhoe Hann, E. J. Rodney Sheehan, F. P. Ballarat South Harrowfield. J. D. Mitcham Shell. H. K. Geelong West Hassett. D. L. Dromana Sibree. Ms P. A. Kew Hill, MrsJ. M. Frankston Sidiropoulos, Hill, L. J. Warrandyte Theodore Richmond Hockley, G. S. Bentleigh Simmonds, 1. L Reservoir Ihlein, G. R. Sandringham Simpson, 1. H. Niddrie Jasper, K. S. Murray Valley Spyker, P. C. Heatherton Jolly, R. A. Dandenong fSteggall. B. E. H. Swan Hill Jona, Waiter Hawthorn Stirling, G. F. Williamstown nKempton. A. K. Warmambool Tanner, E. M. P. Caulfield Kennedy. A. D. Bendigo Templeton. T. W. Mentone Kennett. J. G. Burwood Toner, Mrs P. T. Greensborough Kirkwood, C. W. D. Preston Trezise, N. B. Geelong North *Leigh, G. G. Malvern Vaughan, Dr G. M. Glenhuntly Lieberman. L. S. Benambra Wallace, T. W. Gippsland South McCutcheon. Andrew St Kilda Walsh,R. W. Albert Park McDonald, M. J. Evelyn Whiting, M. S. Mildura McGrath, W. D. Lowan Wilkes,. F. N. Northcote McKellar, D. K. Portland Wilhams, M. T. Doncaster McNamara. P. J. BenaHa Wilton,J. T. Broadmeadows
• Elected. 4 ~mber 1982 t Elected. I ~ Marrll r 983 .. Elected. 7 Ma)' 1983 t Elected, 7 May 1913 Speaker: THE HON. C. T. EOMUNDS Chairman of Committees: MR J. T. WILTON Temponry Chairmen of Committees: Miss Callister, Mr Ebery. Mr Emst, Mr A. T. Evans, Mr B. J. Evans, Mr Fogarty, Mr Hockley, Mr Jasper, Mr Kirkwood, Mr Miller, Mrs Patrick, Mr Remington, Mr Richardson, Mr Stirling, Or Vaughan, and Mr Whiting.
Leader of the Labor Party and Premier: THE HON. JOHN CAIN Deputy Leader of the l.aOOr Party and Deputy Premier: THE Ho~~. R. C. FOROHAM Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition: THE HON. J. G. KENNETT Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Libenl Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: THE HON. R. R. C. MACLELLAN Leader of the National Party: MR PETER Ross-EoWAROS Deputy Leader of the National Party: MR E. J. HANN
Heads of Parliamentary Departments (As at 9 August 1983)
Council-Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council: Mr A. R. B. McDonnell
Assembly-Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr J. H. CampbeU
Hansard-ChiefReporter: Mr R. O. Darby
Library-Librarian: Miss J. McGovem
House-Secretary: Mr R. M. Duguid
(From 15 September 1983) Assembly-Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr J. H. Campbell
Council-Clerk of the Legislative Council: Mr R. K. Evans
Hansard-ChiefReporter: Mr R. O. Darby
Library-Librarian: Miss J. McGovem
House-Secretary: Mr R. M. Duguid Questions without Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1109
Tuesday, 18 October 1983 HOMELESS YOUTH Mr ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of the The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed National Party)-I refer the Minister for munds) took the chair at 2.8 p.m. and read Community Welfare Services to a report by the prayer. Jesuit Brother Alex McDonald on Mel bourne's street children entitled, "The ABSENCE OF MINISTER Streets and Beyond". Does the Minister in tend to act on the report, or are the views The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed expressed by Chief Inspector Reg Baker that munds)-Order! I advise honourable mem the report will probably be shelved, consist bers that the Minister for Employment and ent with the Government's view? Training will be absent from the House this week. Mrs TONER (Minister for Community Welfare Services)-I thank the Leader of the National Party for the question. The QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE report, "The Streets and Beyond" on alien ated youth by Brother Alex McDonald is not mine to shelve. I read the report for the PUBLIC HOSPITALS first time yesterday and have written to Brother Alex asking him whether he will Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-I ask make the report available to officers of my the Premier: What guidelines does the Gov department and the Child Welfare Practices ernment propose to issue to hospitals in this and Legislation Review Committee. The re State to protect the interest of patients, their port is not mine to release. It contains a families, and doctors, in circumstances number of confidential details relating to where death or complication results from matters presently being investigated by the inadequate numbers of staff being available Police Force. The report represents four or rostered for duty in public hospitals as a years' work by Brother McDonald between result of Government policy and Budget the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. cuts? It is a depressing report which deals with the terrifying aloneness of young people, the Mr CAIN (Premier)-I did not intend to sense of non-belonging and unemployment issue any guidelines. I do not for a moment problems. It asks many questions and its accept the alarmist assertions being made recommendations are not clear because by some people and irresponsibly fuelled by Brother McDonald, after having spent four the honourable member for Benambra. The years on the street, does not have all the Government and I are satisfied with what answers. He is as alienated as the young has been made clear by the Minister of people with whom he has worked for more Health on this issue. We are confident about than four years. The report mentions a mor the proper and adequate resolution of these ally corrupt and bankrupt, apathetic and ig matters. All the Government has asked norant society. I do not have that perception people in the health sector, as it has asked of society, but had I spent four years work others in other areas of the public sector, is ing as Brother McDonald has with alien that they be careful, circumspect and dis ated people, I may have had that view and creet and that they handle public funds in a I may have needed to visit Rome and Paris sensible and responsible way. where he is examining programmes for The community must recognize, as the young people. Victorian Chamber of Manufactures latest news sheet file notes, that a sacrifice is to be I have talked with Brother McDonald on made in the public sector, as well as the a number of occasions. This is too impor private sector. All the Government asks is tant a subject to joke about but you can that those in the public sector who have a jest-- responsibility to husband and allocate re Honourable members interjecting. sources do so carefully. If that is done, there Mrs TONER-I hope that honourable is no need for any diminution of the serv members opposite obtain this report and ices that are required in the health area or read about the difficulties that some young in any other area to meet the needs of peo people experience. After talking with ple. Brother McDonald, I have taken his advice
Session 1983-42 III 0 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Questions without Notice in a number of areas. I do not agree with all circumvent the guidelines, such as classifi his perceptions of how to handle particular cation or incremental creep, sweetheart an problems but I shall address myself to the omalies or spurious work value cases, will suggestions that he has made. I do take the be actively opposed by this Government. report most seriously and I hope that a copy The Government will be using every means has been supplied to the Leader of the Na possible to ensure that both the principles tional Party. I shall ask that Brother Mc and the intent of those national centralized Donald make the report available to all wage fixing guidelines are applied to the politicians as they would all benefit by care Victorian public sector. I wonder whether fully perusing this document. There are not the Opposition will put its support where any easy answers, but the Government is its interjections and rude behaviour in this determined to address itself to the problems place indicate it will. I invite members of spelt out therein. the Opposition to indicate whether they will support the stand that the Government is NATIONAL WAGE CASE DECISION prepared to make. Mr WILTON (Broadmeadows)-Will PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM the Premier indicate to the House the Gov ernment's response to the recent national Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick)-I ask the wage case decision? Further, can the Pre Premier: Is it a reflection of the Govern mier indicate to the House what actions the ment's priorities that it is able to find $3 Government has taken to implement those million for repainting public transport trams decisions? and trains and $13 million for the fairway Mr CAIN (Premier)-The Govern proposal for tram priority while, at the same ment's response is one of support for the time, cutting pre-school, hospital and emer decision announced by the Conciliation and gency teacher funds; if so, what reflection Arbitration Commission which indicated a does the community get from that example return to an orderly wage system. The Gov of the Government's priorities? ernment believes the State tribunals should Mr CAIN (Premier)-I cannot express comply with those guidelines. Yesterday, the any surprise that the honourable member Victorian Industrial Relations Commission for Berwick should ask this question. As a laid down guidelines which were almost former Minister of Transport, he can look identical with those of the Conciliation and back over the past eighteen months and see Arbitration Commission, the only differ what a real Minister of Transport can ence being in the procedures for considering achieve. He must be the most concerned and processing anomalies and inequities. and guilty former Minister in this place. Decisions of the Federal and State commis Many former Ministers of the Liberal Gov sions do not cover the whole field in this ernment have been outstripped by their State. In the Victorian public sector, a large successors, but none quite to the extent of number of tribunals have yet to determine the honourable member for Berwick. In their position on those guidelines. Those three years, he achieved nothing. tribunals are independent. The Govern Trams and trains are repainted anyway. ment recognizes that, but expects them to When their turn comes, the trains and trams embrace the guidelines and makes it very will be repainted in the uniform colours that clear that it hopes the Opposition will take have been adopted. The Government makes the same view. no apologies for setting out to ensure that The Government believes those guide public transport pays a return to the people lines should be applied consistently. It is of this State. Ensuring that public transport certainly our intention to make a submis is attractive to the users is a highly desirable sion to that effect to the tribunals when they policy. Victoria has a good fixed rail arterial come to address those guidelines. For the system, and the Government intends to en centralized wage fixing system to work, all sure that it is used to the best possible ad tribunals must accept the national wage vantage by commuters. principle and all parties must operate under The programme being pursued will en the same rules. The Government will not sure that those who use public transport, as support any procedures that might under well as motorists, obtain the best result from mine that centralized wage fixing system. the available resources. The Government The administrative procedures designed to makes no apologies for reducing the jour- Questions without Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1111
ney time of people travelling to and from is to be closed and that the nurses presently work, which the new fairway system will accommodated in that nurses home have achieve. It is money well spent. been told that they must vacate the prem Honourable members interjecting. ises and find alternative accommodation? The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed In view of the inconvenience this will munds)-Order! I advise the honourable cause them, and the fact that the nurses member for Malvern to cease interjecting. home will remain vacant, will the Minister intervene with the board of the hospital with Mr CAIN-Just as the money for public a view to allowing the nurses to remain in transport is being well spent, the Govern that nurses home? ment is demanding that State departments and instrumentalities spend their money in Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-Each the same way. It is true that the moneys hospital has been asked to propose arrange they will receive this year will not be in ments to provide for the 1· 5 per cent reduc creased by the same amounts as previously. tion in what would have been their increased The Government requires tight, responsi budget for the full year. All those hospitals ble constraint and is determined to achieve are coming up with proposals on how they the best results from the public moneys that can best meet that reduction. Some hospi are spent. tals have come up with a whole range of fairly small measures and other hospitals Members of the Opposition have no ap have larger proposals. preciation of the extent of the economic downturn which this State and nation have I am not aware of the range of proposals suffered. That lack of appreciation is under made by the board of the Queen Victoria standable as they caused it. The Opposition Medical Centre, which would have gone to supported the Fraser Government for seven the finance division of the Health Commis years, and that Government brought this sion. I will make myself aware of those ar country to the brink of economic disaster. rangements and be in touch with the Deputy Members of the Opposition now seek to Leader of the National Party. criticize a Government that has deter Some fairly irresponsible suggestions are mined, by its economic policies and Budget being made at the moment about major strategies, to get the economy of this State ward closures. I was surprised to learn that moving again. The Opposition could not do one hospital is suggesting that it will have that when in government. to close between 10 per cent and 25 per cent The Government will continue to pursue of its beds because the budget has been re the same policies because they are endorsed duced by 1·5 per cent. Inquiries are being by the electorate. People are sick and tired made about that proposal. of the Liberal Party in this country. Those The former Minister of "Bad Transport", views will be made clear in Queensland next as opposed to the present Minister of "Good Saturday, and members of the National Transport" on the Government side of the Party agree with me. That is why the Liberal House, is responsible for hospitals such as Party across this country remains utterly the Essendon and District Memorial Hos and totally discredited, and it will remain pital. His Government built a hospital in that way for some time. the wrong place and left the Government So long as the Liberal Party endorses peo owing $13 million on it. ple such as the honourable members for Malvern and Kew, it will continue in that POLICE LIAISON COMMITTEE way. Honourable members are now seeing Mr WALSH (Albert Park)-In the light what the new system of the Liberal Party is of the recent Age article concerning the at throwing up. Because of that, the Labor titude of police towards the Aboriginal Party will be in government for a long while community in Fitzroy, can the Minister for to come. Police and Emergency Services inform the House what steps are currently being taken QUEEN VICTORIA MEDICAL to improve relations between the police and CENTRE the Aboriginal community? Mr HANN (Rodney)-I ask the Minister Mr MA THEWS (Minister for Police and of Health whether it is a fact that the nurses Emergency Services)-The maintenance of home at the Queen Victoria Medical Centre good relationships between the Police Force 1112 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Questions without Notice and the Aboriginal community, between the raised in the Age. Those initiatives can be Police Force and ethnic communities, and built on. between the Police Force and community We cannot be satisfied with anything less groups, is a matter to which the Govern than the highest possible standards, which ment attaches high priority. the empty kerosine tin from Malvern, who In July, my colleague, the Parliamentary is interjecting, may have difficulty in recog Secretary of the Cabinet, who is responsible nizing. within the Government for the Aboriginal Mr Jona-You can't call him that! affairs field, and I convened a meeting of representatives of Aboriginal groups to dis The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed cuss the establishment of a standing liaison munds)-Order! Ifany honourable member committee between the police and the Ab would like a remark withdrawn, he should original community. I am glad to say that advise the Chair. that meeting was well attended and that dis Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-On a cussion went forward in a positive spirit. point of order, the remark made by the Subsequent to the meeting, both the Police Minister is offensive to me, Mr Speaker, Force and the Aboriginal groups concerned and I ask that it be withdrawn. agreed that the committee should be set up. The SPEAKER-Order! The honourable The police were able to nominate repre member for Doncaster has found some sentatives to that committee immediately thing offensive. I am not aware of what it and I received the names of the nomina was because I did not hear the remark. If it tions of the Aboriginal community within is suggested that the Minister for Police and the past fortnight. They are Mr Robert Emergency Services made an offensive re Pearce, Mr Keith Morgan of the Bairnsdale mark, it is up to him to withdraw it. Aboriginal Co-operative, Ms Jenny Witton Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and of the Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-opera Emergency Services)-Mr Speaker, since tive and Mr Stewart Murray, of the Aborig you were unable to hear the remark that I ines Advancement League. made, I say that I referred to the "empty That committee will be convened and will kerosine tin from Malvern" on the well meet forthwith. I would not want it to be known basis that empty kerosine tins make thought that this was an isolated instance of the most noise, but I do withdraw the re initiative on the part of the Police Force so mark. far as the cementing of better relationships Mrs PATRICK (Brighton)-On a point with community groups is concerned be of order, I do not wish to waste any more cause the Police Force has for some time time, but I understood that once you, Mr had its own liaison committee with the eth Speaker, had made a ruling that an honour nic communities. able member withdraw a remark, he was obliged to withdraw it. The Police Force operates a cross-cul The SPEAKER-Order! I understood the tural awareness programme, an in-service Minister for Police and Emergency Services training programme, in sensitization of is to withdraw the remark that was offensive sues of cultural disparity. Thanks to the to the honourable member for Doncaster. courtesy of my colleague, the Minister for There is no point of order. Ethnic Affairs, Mr I van Kolaric, has been appointed as ethnic affairs advisor to the Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and Police Force since the coming to office of Emergency Services)-In conclusion, the the Government. Although the establish Government and the community expect the ment of the standing committee and the highest possible standards from the police cross-cultural awareness programme long where police relations with the Aboriginal preceded the incidents that have prompted community are concerned. I am confident today's question, yesterday-in direct re that those standards will be forthcoming. sponse to the Age stories about the Fitzroy VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES police station-the police and the Aborigi nal legal service in Fitzroy took the initia Mr SALTMARSH (Wantirna)-Has the tive by convening an extremely productive Minister for Community Welfare Services meeting, which has gone a long way towards ordered a critical review of Victoria's 800- thrashing out the issues that have been odd voluntary agencies, which will result in Questions without Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1113
discrimination in funding between welfare can apply without delay for immediate pay organizations rather than implementing the ment of personal hardship grants of up to 2 per cent across-the-board cut in spending $500 by making application at the nearest announced by the Premier? municipal office or at the nearest office of Mrs TONER (Minister for Community the Department of Community Welfare Welfare Services)-The honourable mem Services. Similarly, where people find ber for Wantirna is right when he refers to themselves in necessitous circumstances, the letters that I have sent to the 800 welfare there will be a further relief payment avail agencies in Victoria indicating that rather able to them to enable them to make good than the across-the-board 2 per cent cut each the damage to their houses and to the con agency would be the subject of a critical tents of those houses so that they can be review. The agencies would participate in reinstated in their houses at the earliest pos that critical review and evaluation so that sible opportunity. These arrangements are the services to be funded most adequately the same as those that the Government would be those most in line with the Gov brought into play on the occasion of the ernment's policy. There will be an advan floods last month in western and northern tage in a rationalizing of programmes. Victoria. I do not indicate at all that every pro I was surprised and appalled to note a gramme is equally worthy or that every pro statement by the honourable member for gramme conforms to the priorities of the Bendigo Province in another place, Mr Government with respect to welfare, but the Bruce Reid, who I understand is the shadow agencies themselves will participate in that Minister for Police and Emergency Services critical review. in another place, who said that since com ing into office the Cain Government had FLOOD DAMAGE starved the State Emergency Service of Dr COGHILL (Werribee)-I refer to the funds. recent floods at Werribee, Melton, the Honourable members interjecting. Maribyrnong Valley and elsewhere and I Mr MATHEWS-I am discussing the ask the Minister for Police and Emergency state of preparedness of the State Emer Services whether he could indicate to the gency Service and the way it came into play House the present situation and the action on the occasion of the floods last week-end. the Government is taking in relation to The Leader of the Opposition is interject those floods? ing. I am enough of an academic to know Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and that $2 is a greater sum than $1. Let me Emergency Services)-I take the opportu draw the attention of the House to the facts. nity to pay tribute to the men and women In 1980-81, the State Emergency Service of the State Emergency Service units who budget-the honourable member for Ben were called out to deal with the floods last ambra has no taste for the facts-- week-end. I would hope that all honourable members would acknowledge that theirs was Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-On a a truly magnificent effort and one which point of order, Mr Speaker, the Minister for minimized the damage to property. Our Police and Emergency Services is debating losses could easily have been much greater the question. The Minister has spoken for than turned out to be the case. almost 10 minutes on the question, which The Government has moved rapidly in makes a total contribution of almost 20 the aftermath of the floods to invoke the minutes from the one Minister during ques Commonwealth-State natural disaster re tion time. lief arrangements. Yesterday, the Govern The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed ment in Canberra was notified that flood munds )-Order! I thank the hono~rable damage in Victoria was certain to exceed $1 member for Benambra for drawing my at million and that there would be calls for tention to the length of some of the replies relief under the terms of the relief arrange of the Minister for Police and Emergency ments. Services. I advise the Minister that he has I have since given public notification that bordered on debating the answer to the people in necessitous circumstances, as a question and I suggest he round off his an result of being evacuated from their homes, swer. 1114 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Questions without Notice
Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and basis was made which the community could Emergency Services)-I neither aspire to afford. The Australian Medical Association nor expect to exceed the long-windedness of and the Government actually achieved the honourable member who raised the agreement on this in recent months. point of order when he spoke as a Minister. Unfortunately some members of the as Honourable members interjecting. sociation have had second thoughts about the agreement and the reduction in pay for The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed resident medical officers is currently in dis munds)-Order! I advise the honourable pute. There is no dispute between the Gov member for Malvern for the second time to ernment and the association about the basic cease interjecting. I will not warn him again. p~yments for the 48 hours worked by resi Mr MATHEWS-I simply draw to the dent medical officers. The dispute occurs in attention of the House the facts of the mat the volume of overtime, on-call and recall ter and the extent to which the preparedness payments and various other benefits that of the State Emergency Service on the oc are received by the officers. casion of last week's floods was a commen We believe we should be reducing the tary on the large increase in resources for number of hours that they currently work. the service that has occurred through the Obviously the Leader of the Opposition policies of the Labor Government. does not understand that there is a training In 1980-81 the State Emergency Service component in the work of the resident med budget was $823000; in 1981-82 the budget ical officers for which they are currently was $945000 and, in the first year of the paid, but many senior medical personnel Labor Government, it was $1·325 million. have doubts that this should be the case. Let there be no suggestion that the Labor The honourable member for Caul field no Government neglects the State Emergency doubt would be aware that Victoria has a Service. large number of resident medical officers. RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICERS In Prince Henry's Hospital, the number of resident medical officer hours per patient Mr TANNER (Caulfield)-In the light of per week is almost 15 hours. For each pa the repeated statements of the Minister of tient in Prince Henry's Hospital, that ac Health that resident medical officers in pub counts for nearly 15 hours each week of lic hospitals are overpaid, will he explain patient time. I am sure patients in that hos why the Victorian Government has been a pital would be surprised to learn that for 2 party to two separate uncontested award in hours every day they are under some inves creases in October and December 1982 re tigation or other by the resident medical sulting in a total 22·9 per cent increase in officer. their salary levels? In telexes sent yesterday to the chief ex Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-The ecutive officers and chairmen of medical honourable member would be aware that staffs, the Government has made it clear over the years there has been a develop that it is prepared to maintain the existing ment in the resident medical officer area establishments of resident medical officers about which the Government became aware and registrars, but at a lower cost per doctor and commenced negotiations with the Aus than has previously been the case. tralian Medical Association. That develop That does not address the base figure. It ment resulted in the extremely high payment addresses the amount of overtime and other to resident medical officers that had been expenses that are involved with residents. going on in this State for many years and Honourable members may not be aware of was not subject to review as was the case in what is involved. Even a junior resident can South Australia. achieve a large income because of the tra That is why negotiations were under ditional organization. The doctor who was taken with the Australian Medical Associa mentioned in this morning's paper, Dr tion to bring some sense into the bases of Timms, is in his second year out of univer payments of resident medical officers. It is sity and his base pay for this year will be in not simply dealing with percentages, but the order of $36 500. I am sure honourable rather dealing with the basis on which resi members would agree that that is not bad dent medical officers are paid. The Govern for a recent graduate. He works long hours. ment was concerned to ensure that a new Some months ago, the Australian Medical Questions without Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1115
Association and the Government agreed to statement has been prepared; if so, will it be reduce the hours so that the costs in respect made available for public comment? of each resident would fall. Mr CAIN (Premier)-I do not know The Government will provide further in whether a statement has been prepared. I formation in relation to resident medical understand that an examination is proceed officers to ensure that the community clearly ing. As I indicated last week, the matter is understands what is involved in payments under consideration but no decision has yet to those residents. been made on it. I do not know why the Leader of the Op WINE LICENCE FEE position and other Opposition members are Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-I refer the becoming excited about the matter. They Treasurer to the Budget proposal to in "sat on" the same waste for eight and a half crease the wine licence fee from 9 per cent years and did nothing about it. The Gov to 20 per cent. Is the honourable gentleman ernment has sought to do something in re aware of the problems this will create? sponse to the disquiet that has been expressed. Opposition members can find The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed nothing right; they have nothing to do but munds)-The honourable member's ques criticize. The fact that they can find nothing tion is out of order in that it anticipates the constructive about which to question the debate on the Budget. Government indicates how bankrupt of RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICERS ideas they are. I understand and respect the concern of Mrs RAY (Box Hill)-Can the Minister the honourable member for Gisborne about of Health inform the House of the progress the matter. Concern has been expressed by of discussions between the Government and a host of local members. the Australian Medical Association on the matter of resident medical officers? When a report is complete, it will be made available to the honourable member. No Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-I decision has been made yet about the mat thank the honourable member for her ques ter. tion and for her interest in the matter. Honourable members interjecting. SHIP BUILDING AT Mr ROPER-I was not asked about this WILLIAMSTOWN matter by the honourable member for Caul Mr STIRLING (Williamstown)-Will field. There was to be a meeting on Wednes the Minister for Economic Development day between officers of the Health inform the House of the Victorian Govern Commission, the association and my Min ment's response to the recent announce isterial adviser, Dr Morris. At the request ment by the Commonwealth Government of the association, that meeting has been to award a ship-building contract to the postponed until Thursday; obviously it was Williamstown Naval Dockyard? not as urgent as a person reading the news Mr CA THIE (Minister for Economic papers might have thought. However, I hope Development)-I know that the honoura the meeting on Thursday will make prog ble member for Williamstown is delighted ress in ensuring that the association is able with the decision of the Federal Govern to live up to its part of the undertaking made ment to build two frigates at the Williams some months ago that there would be a sig town Naval Dockyard, which will mean nificant reduction in the cost to taxpayers continued work there and at the Bendigo in respect of resident medical officers. Ordnance Factory. Victorian industry will benefit as a result of componentary, partic RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE ularly in the engineering and metals fields. Mr REYNOLDS (Gisborne)-In view of In addition, the Victorian Government is the opposition by the City of Broad equally determined to ensure that the sub meadows, the Shire of Bulla and all other marine replacement programme is also community groups in the area to the con given to this State. Every State has indi struction of a radioactive waste storage in cated an interest in the replacement pro Broadmeadows, will the Premier inform the gramme; centres from as far afield as Cairns, House whether an environmental effects and around Australia to Fremantle. I have 1116 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Petitions seen five overseas ship-building companies Treasurer, has just informed me that, not or their representatives and I have given withstanding his busy schedule, he will be them information about what Victoria can able to attend. achieve. Those companies are Vickers, Cockhams, Rotterdam Dockyards and two RACING TRIBUNAL German firms, Thyssen and HDW-IKL. Mr SIDIROPOULOS (Richmond) All of those companies have inspected the Will the Minister for Youth, Sport and Rec site that the Government has proposed at reation inform the House of the progress the old International Harvester area at Gee that has been made on the establishment of long. It is an excellent site. Victoria has a a tribunal for the racing industry? first-rate and skilled work force in Geelong and in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Mr TREZISE (Minister for Youth, Sport The Government is now vigorously pursu and Recreation)-The Racing Appeals Tri ing the possibility of getting that submarine bunal, which was brought in with the full replacement programme in Victoria. support of all parties and the support of 99 per cent of the racing community, has now TEACHER EMPLOYMENT been finalized so far as its chairman and PREFERENCE deputy chairmen are concerned. The chair man will be James Herbert Forrest and the Mr JONA (Hawthorn)-I ask the Min deputy chairmen will be Bruce Findlay ister of Education, pursuant to his 1984 McNab and John King Nixon, all of whom agreement with the three major teacher are County Court judges, experienced in that unions, whether the Government's Indus field and well respected in racing circles. trial Relations Task Force is currently dis I also point out that the appointment of cussing a means of implementing absolute advisers to that tribunal from the three rac employment preference for members of the ing codes is being considered. They are three major teacher unions with the inten nominations from the racing industry itself, tion of ensuring that no non-union teacher and those appointments will be announced will be able to teach in Government schools. next week. Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa tion)-No. PETITIONS GRAIN CHARGES PROTEST The Clerk-I have received the following MEETING petitions for presentation to Parliament: Mr McGRATH (Lowan)-As the Gov Trading hours anomalies ernment and the Minister of Transport par To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF ticularly are responsible for taking from THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEM grain growers of Victoria some $72 million BLED: in rail freight, $52 million in Grain Elevator The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Board handling charges, $4 million in grain Victoria relates to the action of retail shop trading hours wharfage fees and $4 million public author etc. ities dividend tax imposed on the Grain El Your petitioners therefore pray that the House take evators Board, will the Minister of action to ensure that immediate positive action be taken Transport and his colleague, the Treasurer, to introduce legislation as necessary to eliminate exist attend the Victorian Farmers and Graziers ing anomalies in the Labour and Industry Act which Association protest meeting to be held at presently permits supermarkets to trade on Saturday Bendigo on Friday to explain the reasons afternoon and Sunday and your petitioners, as in duty for the significant increases in charges? If bound, will ever pray. not, why not? By Mr Lieberman ( 1344 signatures) Mr CRABB (Minister of Transport) Retail shopping hours The honourable member may have noticed that my life has been fairly busy recently To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF it took me four weeks to get a hair cut! I THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN THE PARLIAMENT OF have already told the Victorian Farmers and VICTORIA ASSEMBLED: Graziers Association that I will be unable Receive the humble petition of the undersigned citi to attend the meeting on Friday. However, zens of Victoria which relates to the Retail Trading much to my surprise, my colleague, the Act. Petitions 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1117
Your petitioners request that the House take action The humble petition of certain citizens of Victoria to ensure that trading hours for retail shopping not be show: increased, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will That, we are opposed to the lack of collaborative ever pray. processes in formulating the guidelines for restructur ing school councils, as this is undemocratic, dictatorial By Mr Shell (147 signatures) and Mrs and lacks community consensus. Setches (225 signatures) 1. The new guidelines virtually predetermine the Week-end trading hours council composition giving the school community only a Jait accompli to approve. To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF 2. There were no options to retain the status quo, if THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEM that suited the school concerned. BLED: 3. That several suggested alternatives were not of The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of fered so some "freedom of choice" could be exercised. the State of Victoria, respectfully showeth: that it is Your humble petitioners therefore, pray that the convenient to shop in a supermarket after 1.00 p.m. on matter be introduced into the House as a "BILL" so a Saturday and on a Sunday; that we enjoy the oppor that full and proper debate may ensue. tunity to shop at a time that suits us; that we believe in the right to shop on Saturday afternoons and Sundays; And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever that all retailers, large and small, should have the right pray. to open or close, as they wish, at week-ends; and, that By Mr Jona (156 signatures) when and where people shop should be a decision left to customers and retailers. Education Department hostels Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Vic To THE HONOURABLE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE torian Government will not take any action that would LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED: in any way curtail or restrict the rights of supermarkets to open when they wish on Saturday afternoons and This petition of the undersigned citizens of Victoria on Sundays. respectfully showeth that the closure of Education De And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever partment hostels will: pray. 1. Reduce access to education for country students. By Mr Newton (583 signatures) and Mr These hostels provide a valuable service to country students who, in order to continue their education must, Micallef (421 signatures) generally, move to metropolitan areas. Lurg Primary School 2. Government funding for student housing is needed now. To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND THE HONOUR ABLE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN In many areas of Victoria the shortage of low-cost rental accommodation is leaving students living in a PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED: sub-standard accommodation. In closing the hostels, The humble petition of the undersigned electors of the Government will continue to add to this. the State of Victoria respectfully showeth that we de 3. Demonstrate the Government's lack of foresight sire the Lurg Primary School to be restaffed for the and planning. following reasons: The Government has abdicated its responsibilities The commitment to and belief in the benefits of a by not providing any realistic alternatives for the pro small rural school education for the children of Lurg vision oflow cost accommodation for students. district. 4. Demonstrate the Government's lack of consulta The strains placed on the children ofLurg district by tion. the excessive time and distances involved in travelling The failure of the Government to adequately consult to and from Benalla. with students, administrations of relevant tertiary in To provide a focal point for the developing commu stitutions and other concerned bodies has left the com nity of Lurg. munity unsure of the future of the remaining Education And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever Department hostels in Victoria. pray. Therefore, the closing of the student hostels will serve to further disadvantage country students access to By Mr McNamara (103 signatures) higher education and add to the lack oflow-cost rental Guidelines for restructuring of school accommodation in Victoria generally. councils Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that: The Legislative Assembly will reverse its decision to To THE HONOURABLE, THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF close down the Education Department hostels. And THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEM your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever humbly BLED: pray. 1118 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Papers
By Mr Kempton (109 signatures) SALINITY COMMITTEE It was ordered that the petitions be laid Extension of inquiry on the table. Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa PAPERS tion)-By leave, I move: That the resolution of the House of 8 December The following papers, pursuant to the di 1982 providing that the Salinity Committee inquire rections of several Acts of Parliament, were into and report on the quantity, control and usage of laid on the table by the Clerk: water and the allocation of water rights in Northern Victoria by 31 December 1983, be amended so far as Dietitians Registration Board-Report and statement to require the Committee to report by 31 December of accounts for the year 1982-83. 1984. Environment Protection Authority-Report for the The motion was agreed to. year 1982-83-0rdered to be printed. It was ordered that a message be sent to Equal Opportunity Act 1977-Report of the Commis the legislative Council acquainting them of sioner for Equal Opportunity for the year 1982-83- the resolution and seeking their concur Ordered to be printed. rence therein Equal Opportunity Board-Report for the year 1982-83-0rdered to be printed. APPROPRIATION MESSAGE Land Conservation Council-Report for the year The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed 1982-83-0rdered to be printed. munds) announced the presentation of a National Museum of Victoria Council-Report for the message from His Excellency the Governor year 1982-83. recommending that an appropriation be Public Account Act 1958-Report on the Victorian made from the Consolidated Fund for the Development Fund for the year 1982-83. purposes of the Business Franchise Acts Town and Country Planning Act 1961: (Further Amendment) Bill. Camberwell-City of Camberwell Planning Scheme APPROPRIATION (1983-84, No. I) 1954, Amendment No. 51 (1979). BILL AND WORKS AND SERVICES Cobram-Shire of Cobram Planning Scheme 1979, APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 2) Amendment No. 7 (1983). (Budget debate) Maffra-Shire of Maffra (Heyfield Township) Plan ning Scheme, Amendment No. 13. The debate (adjourned from October 11) on the motion of Mr Jolly (Treasurer) for Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme, Amend the second reading of these Bills was re ment Nos. 192 (Part 1),246 (two papers). sumed. Mildura-City of Mildura Planning Scheme, Mr ROWE (Essendon)-It is with pleas Amendment No. 62 (1983). ure that I participate in this Budget debate. Mornington-Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme At the outset, there are two features of this 1959, Amendment No. 142 (1981). Budget to which I wish to direct attention. Portland Planning Scheme 1960 (Town of Portland), The first is that, without doubt, it is unas Amendment No. 38 (1982). hamedlya social document; that needs to Traralgon-City ofTraralgon Planning Scheme 1957, be clearly understood by the House and by Amendment No. 34. the community. The Treasurer makes that point clear in his opening comments in the TATTERSALL CONSULTATIONS Budget speech, when he states: BILL The main aim of this Budget is to create more jobs Mr JOLLY (Treasurer), pursuant to in Victoria. Standing Order No. 169 (b), moved for leave It has been estimated that in pursuing that to bring in a Bill to amend the Tattersall objective this Budget will provide some Consultations Act 1958 and for other pur thing of the order of $900 million as a net poses. stimulus to the Victorian economy, com pared with last year's estimate of$l million The motion was agreed to. net stimulus to the Victorian economy. In The Bill was brought in and read a first providing this stimulus, the Government is time. meeting its over-all objective of focusing on Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1119 the key issue facing the Australian and t~e jected that proposal in the Budget. The Victorian economies-unemployment. ThIS Government, when in opposition, devel commitment was made prior to the election oped a strategy which the Treasurer put for and on coming to Government. ward whilst in opposition. It w~s a co~ere~t strategy directed towards gettIng V1ctona The second feature to which I wish to moving. It included bringing control~ over direct attention is that this Budget builds on the public sector generallx, .and a pohcy on the successful economic strategy intro semi-Government authontIes. The strategy duced last year. It is not a document that put into effect la~t year ~as been contin~ed has been prepared in response to conditions this year, and WIll certaInly be an ongoIng that have arisen recently; it is part of an project. Later this y~ar, towards.De~ember, over-all framework and strategy which has the Government wIll be releaSIng ItS eco been tested and which has been found to nomic development strategy. It is within provide the appropriate initiatives and re that context that Victorians can look for sponses to the present economic climate. ward to a coherent policy for the develop It is worth noting that in this context t~e ment of the State. Budget brought down by the Treasurer IS Although the honourable member for providing twice as much stiml;llus to the Balwvn and other Opposition persons have Victorian economy as that provIded by the critiCized this Budget and the policies last Thompson Budget. A consistent ~deol adopted by the Treasurer-the honourable ogy in the last Budget has been contInll;ed member for Balwyn certainly did not put an in the present Budget. They are th~ major features that I shall draw out dunng my alternative strategy. The reactions of the community to this Budget .should .be con contribution. sidered, especially the reactIons of Journal The Opposition spokesman on this mat ists and editorial writers of newspapers. ter the honourable member for Balwyn, pr~vided a number of tables and charts in A number of those newspapers indicated his contribution and spent nearly two hours a favourable response generally to the ~hru.st on the matter. He neither put forward nor of this Budget. I refer firstly to an artIcle In the Australian Financial Review of 23 Sep developed any alternative strategy. ~~ ~rit icized aspects of the Budget, as he cntIC1zed tember 1983, under a heading, "The Victo the Budget strategy last year. He was not rian Budget seen as a boost". That. certainly prepared to put forward a Budget strategy highlights the general thrust of thIS Budget that the Opposition could adopt if it were and the general direction in which t~e G~v in the position of framing a Budget. The ernment is trying to push the V1ctonan Opposition is remiss in failin$ to develop a economy. That article mentions the impact coherent policy, articulated In the House of the Victorian Budget on housing. It reads, and the community, and seeking response inter alia: to that policy. The Oppositio~ eit.her. does The chief executive of the HIA's Victorian division, not appreciate that aspect, Wh1.C~ .11~d1cates Mr Les Groves, said the association was very pleased that it is not a matter of cntIc1z1ng the with the State Budget, which would provide a further Budget that has been put forward, Rob Jolly. It is more important for what it represents as a move towards greater public accountability and responsibil There also appears to be a general tightening of effi ity than for what it actually does this year. ciency in government and semi-government depart ments and agencies. This is a vital issue; there will be Again the Budget is a significant reform and no public benefit if money is wasted by paying for it has pursued that aspect which was intro inefficiencies particularly in the power, transport and duced in the first Budget brought down by building industries. the Labor Government, and which was ar Again those comments highlight the com ticulated in the House and the community munity's reaction and appreciation of the by the then shadow spokesperson. He Budget and the objectives the Government pointed out that we should endeavour to is determined to reach. The Budget is a so promote greater responsibility and account cial document with clearly-stated objec ability within the public sector. tives. It is an unashamed response that Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1121
members of the Government make in the sponse, as illustrated by the comments of House. editorial writers and journalists? There was A further aspect is the comprehensive in an overwhelming endorsement of the thrust formation set out in the Budget documents. of the Budget. One has only to examine Budget Paper No. This was further illustrated in the head 2 entitled "Budget Strategy and Review lines and, in the assessment and commen 1983-84" to ascertain that it covers a di tary on the Budget, journalists indicated the verse range of information which was never areas of importance. The aim of the Budget made available at this level in Budget doc is for greater accountability and efficiency uments of previous Administrations. and to meet the objectives of increasing em I take up the point made by the Treas ployment. In its analysis and response to urer, who is at the table, that no other State the 9udget, the Opposition failed to pro Government has pursued this line. One ceed along that line. journalist commented that this method of Mr Ramsay-What about Terry Mc presentation rivals the Commonwealth Crann. Government with respect to the type of in formation made available through the na Mr ROWE-It is not appropriate for the tional accounts. An examination of the honourable member for Balwyn to interject with the name of another journalist. The contents pa~e of Budget Paper No. 2 reveals the sorts of Issues dealt with. Part 1, dealing honourable member for Balwyn failed dis with the Budget and the economy, contains mally in his response to the Budget because a Budget over-view and an examination of he failed to present an alternative strategy. public sector expenditure and the Victorian He and the Opposition stand condemned economy on a sectional basis, including for their failure to present a viable alterna manufacturing industry, primary industry tive. and so on. Part 1 also examines the housing I t is not good enough for the honourable aspect. This is an illustration of the stimu member to suggest, by way of interjection, lus the Labor Government has provided the name of one journalist who made some over the years for the housing industry. Part critical comment of the Budget. Criticism 1 also examines the employment aspect must be expected. I am not putting forward which is one of the major objectives of the the argument that blanket endorsement of Government. every aspect of the Budget has been re Part 2 of Budget Paper No. 2 entitled ceived. However, the references from which "Financial and Budget Strategy" deals with I quoted suggested that the Budget had gen financial viability, financial management, erally been well received by the business Budget development and public authority community. I quoted from Mr Ian Spicer of policy. Over a number of years, the Public the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures and Bodies Review Committee identified the also the major evening newspaper. I also problems of public authority development, mentioned the Australian Financial Review including management reporting, account and the Age, the Herald and the Sun. ing and other management practices. The Budget identifies those problems and re There was some media criticism of the sponds accordingly. As the Parliament and Budget; there was not a blanket endorse the community became aware, the previous ment on every item. Neither the Govern Government was unable to respond to those ment nor the Treasurer would want or sorts of problems. The former Government expect that. Unfortunately, the honourable turned away from those issues. However, member for Balwyn was unable to contrib the Labor Government has taken on board ute much in his comments on the Budget. those issues and it is in that context that The Budget is part of an ongoing strategy one must examine the Budget. of the Government. The Opposition criti Part 3 of Budget Paper No. 2 concentrates cized the Budget last year and this year, on Commonwealth-State financial rela again, it was unable to find anything in fa tionships. That is a significant feature of vour of the Budget. However, statistical in any State Government and certainly places dicators demonstrate that Victoria is doing this Budget in the appropriate context. Is it well relative to other States and to the na any wonder when one examines the Budget tion. It is no wonder that media editorial Papers that they received a favourable re- journalists and business leaders in the com- 1122 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills munity are endorsing the general thrust of ready mentioned loan approvals for hous the Budget. ing. In July a publication published by the A prime objective of the Government has ANZ Bank stated that industry in Victoria been the reduction of the unemployment was further advanced in coming out of the rate. The August unemployment rate for recession than the rest of the country. It Australia was 10·3 per cent; Victoria's un went on to indicate that the bank acknow employment rate of 8·8 per cent was the ledged that the position was a direct result lowest of any State. Unemployment in Aus of the State Budget last year and the strategy tralia reached rock bottom in April this year. implemented by the Government. Since April, to the present, seasonally ad Therefore, one could examine a number justed figures show that Victoria's employ of ways to gauge reactions to the Budget; ment rate has accounted for nearly the whole whether one examines the statistics or the of the rise in employment nationally. This reaction generally within the community. point has not been lost on the general com One can see a general recognition of the munity. This issue has been noted by those thrust of the Budget and it has been gener lookin~ for employment, by industry and ally accepted within the community, if not by busIness. by the Opposition. It is for those reasons During the period April to August, Vic that the Budget is understood and wel toria's employment increased 28 200 com comed by the community. pared with the national average increase of Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi 28 100. While for the rest of Australia sea tion)-In addressing myself to these Bills sonably adjusted employment figures fell by and to the 1983-84 Victorian Budget, I in 100, Victoria gained 28 200. The Opposi tend, in the short time I have, given the tion has failed to address these unemploy order of the debate, to concentrate on four ment figures in this debate. Employment principal themes. Firstly, I wish to highlight rates in Victoria have improved. The reduc the massive increase in State taxes and tion in unemployment in Victoria is part of charges since the Government came to of the Government's strategy. fice, a trend that has continued in this Other indicators demonstrate how well Budget. Secondly, I will discuss the Gov last year's Budget performed and how well ernment's expenditure priorities as re one can expect this year's Budget to per vealed in the detail of these Appropriation form. Another indicator of how the Victo Bills. Thirdly, I should like to examine the rian economy is performing is retail sales. long term implications of the Govern Victoria's retail sales increased 2·8 per cent ment's massive borrowing programme, and during the period July-June compared with finally, the implications of the Govern the national rate of only 1·7 per cent. This ment's economic strategy for the Victorian demonstrates increasing consumer confi private sector, which is, despite the Gov dence in Victoria, which can be related to ernment's efforts, still the predominant last year's Budget. source of economic growth in this State. The housing figures have been known for Before turning to these areas, I should some time. The strategy adopted by the like to reinforce one of the major points Government in 1982-83 has proved suc made earlier in this debate by my colleague, cessful and has met with the appropriate the honourable member for Balwyn. That response from the community. In the June is that the economic strategy of the Govern quarter, new dwelling approvals increased ment enjoys very little support anywhere by 48·2 per cent in Victoria over the pre else in Australia. In particular, it is not sup vious year compared with the national av ported by the Federal Labor Government erage of a fall of 5·1 per cent. Loan approvals or other State Labor Governments. Indeed, for housing increased 7·6 per cent in Vic the Federal President of the Australian La toria during 1982-83 compared with a na bor Party and the most senior State Labor tional increase of only 2·9 per cent. Premier, Mr Wran, has intimated on sev Mr Ramsay-I draw attention to the state eral occasions that the strategy pursued by of the House. the Victorian Government is "dishonest". A quorum was formed. That is how Mr Wran describes the eco nomic approach of the Victorian Govern Mr ROWE-There are other indicators ment. The most recent repudiation of the upon which one can draw and I have al- economic strategy of the Government has Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1123
come from the Labor Premier of Western This Budget brings the total increase in Australia, Mr Brian Burke. In contrast with State taxation since the Government came the "deficits-don't-matter" philosophy of the to office to a massive 40·2 per cent. This Government, Mr Burke's Budget speech Australian Labor Party Government, which delivered last Thursday, lists balancing the prior to its election claimed it could not see Budget as his Government's first goal. Mr any need to increase State taxes in any area, Burke stated: and which promised to reduce some taxes and charges, such as petrol tax, gas and elec This is a balanced Budget. It is not a Budget of dra matic changes of direction. It is not a Budget that seeks tricity prices, and public transport fares, has to alter the face of Western Australia at a single stroke. managed to increase the burden of State It is not a Budget that claims to rectify all Western Government on Victorians by more than Australia's economic and social ills in a single meas 40 per cent-and there is still another ure. Budget to go before the Liberal Party re sumes office. That contrasts with the ultra-expansionist dogma of the Victorian Government. The Mr GA VIN (Coburg)-On a point of or West Australian Premier went on to state: der, Mr Acting Speaker. It is quite obvious that the Leader of the Opposition is reading We have aimed for a Budget that is safe and steady. his speech to the House, which is contrary This is a sharp distinction from the "spend to Standing Orders. He should, now and now pay-later" approach of the Victorian again, at least appear as though he is not Government. Mr Burke's Budget speech reading. also repudiates the "blame-your-predeces The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk sors for everything" line of the Premier and wood)-Order! There is no point of order. the Treasurer of Victoria. On page 4 of his The Leader of the Opposition is referring to Budget speech-and I remind the Treasurer copious notes which have been approved that it was delivered only last Thursday, by the Speaker. and I am sure he has read it-the Premier Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi of Western Australia stated: tion)-I only hope, when the honourable In fairness to our predecessors, I should point out member for Coburg comes to make his con that although I am critical of them for their conceal tribution to the debate, that he can consider ment of the State's financial position prior to the elec both Bills before the House and be able to tion, that position arose largely because of factors make a contribution! beyond their control. Not only is this 40·2 per cent increase in In other words, unlike the Premier and State taxation a mammoth increase in ab Treasurer in this place, Mr Burke does not solute terms, but it is also a huge imposition go around blaming his problems on the pre when compared to the situation in other vious Government. Indeed, he explicitly re States. jects that mode of conducting political The most recent West Australian Budget debate. Therefore, the most recent West has brought the increase in State taxation in Australian Budget represents yet another that State since 1981-82 to 32·8 per cent. rejection of the approach to economic mat Over the same period, State taxation has ters by the Victorian Government. As was increased by 29·5 per cent in New South so convincingly demonstrated by my col Wales and by 26·7 per cent in South Aus league, the honourable member for Balwyn, tralia. In Tasmania, where the last two when it comes to economic policy, the Vic Budgets have been brought down by a Lib torian Government stands very much alone. eral Government, the increase is only 9· 3 I should now like to turn to my first fun per cent. damental theme, namely, taxation. This In other words, this Government has in Budget increased total taxation revenue by creased State taxation by much more than 13· 7 per cent. Of course, that figure includes any other State in Australia. The perform taxes imposed on statutory authorities, and ance of the Victorian Government in this the energy consumption levy, which the respect has been so bad that the Federal Victorian Government likes to pretend are Labor Treasurer, Mr Paul Keating, has had not taxes; even though they are accepted as to apologize for the effect that its high taxing such by every other State that levies them, policies are having on Australia's image and by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. overseas. 1124 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
Speaking to a gathering of British bankers of life, expenditures which ordinary people and industrialists in London recently, Mr cannot afford, in order to fund its ultra-ex Keating observed that: pansionist policies. "Some State Governments had been crude taxers. The second area I shall deal with briefly This was a matter for regret." is the Government's priorities. Its priorities are basically distorted. Its No. 1 priority is This comment was not reported in the Mel itself. The first objective of the Cain Gov bourne media, but if honourable members ernment is to increase the proportion of the of the Government party doubt that it was State's gross domestic product which passes made, I refer them to page 14 of the Sydney through the public sector. If the private sec Morning Herald of 12 October. tor is to be squeezed to make room for the Clearly, Mr Keating was referring espe burgeoning State public sector then so be it, cially to the Victorian Government, which according to the ultra-expansionists. There has been the crudest taxer of them all, hav is now widespread awareness and criticism ing imposed a 40·2 per cent increase in State of the huge increase in State public sector taxation since it came to office. employment since the Government came to office. Victoria's public sector employ Such a huge increase in State taxation ment has increased by 9100 jobs in the first must be at the expense of investment and thirteen months of this Government's term, jobs in the private sector. This is clearly compared with only 400 in all other States demonstrated by the fact that, in the past put together. Even the Age has been moved financial year, private sector employment to criticize the Government for what it has fell by 2· 7 per cent in Victoria, compared to called its "bad housekeeping". It states that a national average of2·2 per cent. the Government has been, "profligate in its This trend has continued into the current employment of additional bureaucrats". It financial year. The latest labour force statis also states: "This appears in part responsi tics indicate that over the year to September ble for the Government's budgetary diffi total employment fell by 1·1 per cent in Vic culties". toria, compared with a decrease in the rest Other groups who would normally be of Australia of 0·9 per cent. Given the huge numbered amongst the supporters of the increase in public sector employment under Government have also begun to query its the Government, the trends in private sec priorities. For example, last week's edition tor employment are clearly worse than the of the Northcote Leader reported a shop statistics of total employment suggest. front financial counsellor, Ms Glenda Davis, These huge increases in taxes will not only as saying that she found it difficult to under adversely affect employment, but are also stand how $30 000 could be spent on refur generally regressive and inflationary. Petrol bishing trams when a family counsellor in and tobacco taxes hit directly at the weekly Northcote was under threat of losing her budgets of low income families. Increased job. stamp duty collections from second-hand The same article quoted the manager of car dealers will hurt low income purchasers, Northcote's community services depart while most of the beneficiaries of the Treas ment, Mrs Matj Gadsden, as telling a public urer's ludicrous $250 rebate for new car meeting that welfare workers were starting purchases will be higher income earners. to question whether services fared better The Opposition estimates that increases under the previous Government. Affiliates in State taxes and charges since the Govern of the Trades Hall Council have been de ment has come to office have cost the aver manding Ministerial resignations. age Victorian family approximately $1000 . The Government has been forced, in this per annum after Federal taxation. The Gov Budget, to provide funds for increased rents ernment has been particularly underhand for public offices and buildings in order that in turning every major business authority these extra employees can be put some in the State into a branch of the State Taxa where. It has had to provide extra funds for tion Office. As a result of the Government's the purchase and operation of motor vehi policies, every time a Victorian turns on a cles for them to drive around in. It has had light, tap, heater or stove, he or she pays tax to provide extra funds for computing ex to the State Government. The Government penses, perhaps to process their pay che is taxing the basic essentials and necessities ques. It has had to provide extra funds- a Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1125
174 per cent increase, in fact- for "special It is also clear, and apparently of no con projects", perhaps so they have something cern to the Treasurer, that Victoria faces a to do. major problem as a result of Government At the same time as the Government has borrowings and interest repayments. The found the funds for these high priority areas, next Liberal Government will face a major there have been severe cuts in what the problem as a result of the long-term finan Government apparently regards as low cial commitments entered into by this Gov priority areas, like hospitals, police and ernment to finance its ultra-expansionist schools. I t has been especially harsh on policies. This will be an enduring legacy of grants to non-Government, voluntary and the Cain Government, so much so that the community groups. These allocations dem Cain Government is starting to make the onstrate the Government's priorities. They Whitlam years look good! are not the priorities of the Liberal Party My final theme is the impact of the Budget and they will not be the priorities of the next and the Government's economic policies on Liberal Government. the private sector in Victoria. Honourable members on the Government side of the I turn now to my third theme, which is House may not like to be reminded of the the implications of the huge increase in bor fact that it is the private sector through rowings which has taken place under this which wealth is created and it is from the Government. The tables presented in part private sector that Governments obtain 2:2 of Budget Paper No. 5 show that the their revenue. The health of the Victorian total net debt of the Victorian public sector economy depends on the health of the pri has increased by an estimated 35·2 per cent, vate sector. The Budget demonstrates how or 12·3 per cent in constant prices, since 30 little the Government understands the na June 1982. ture of the non-Government private enter This net debt includes not only the tradi prise sector. Apart from the increase in the tional Loan Council and semi-Government pay-roll tax exemption level of $200 000, borrowings, but also the Budget deficits run there is nothing in the Government's so up by the Government last year and this called "private sector incentive package" year. In 1982-83 the total Consolidated that is either worth-while or meaningful. Fund deficit was $398 million. In 1983-84 it is estimated to be $487 million, an in Two of the measures, the apprenticeships crease of 22 per cent. package and the proposed expenditure of$1 million on central business district ameni Continued and growing Budget deficits of ties, in fact disguise a reduction in expendi this order pose long-term problems for Vic ture. The $250 rebate for purchases of new toria's public finances. The Director of the Australian-made cars is a pointless waste of Department of Management and Budget, money. The Federal Government and the Dr Peter Sheehan, recognizes this problem. Prime Minister are saying that there will be On page 159 of his 1980 book, Crisis in no protection for the Australian car indus Abundance, Dr Sheehan wrote: try but this beleaguered Government says it Budget deficits extended over long periods of time will continue to offer protection. Once again also bring other problems-such as a growing propor the Victorian Government is totally out of tion of Government outlays having to go into debt step with its Federal colleagues. This point service. less waste of money was neither sought by the manufacturers nor by the major vehicle This trend is apparent already after just the unions and neither the Treasurer nor his second Budget of the Cain Government. department has any idea whatsoever of how This Budget provides for a 39·7 per cent many jobs, if any, will be created or saved increase in net debt charges, bringing the as a result of this "piece of inspired idiocy", total increase in net debt charges since as the Australian Financial Review termed 1981-82 to nearly 70 per cent. A growing it. Its effects will be offset by higher petrol proportion of revenue is going to meet in taxes and by increased stamp duty collec terest and principal repayment commit tions from secondhand car dealers. ments incurred by this Government, even The Government's attitude to private en though the Government is trying to conceal terprise is best illustrated by its claim that this growth by burying interest payments in the decision not to increase the energy con the Works and Services Account. sumption levy will cost the Government $14 1126 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills million a year. This highlights the point that clearly being told to take their money some the Government's No. 1 priority is itself. where else. The Government's attitude is that by not increasing taxes it is costing itself money. The Treasurer has only to look at the re That is an unusual proposition. Perhaps that port issued recently by his colleague, the is why it does not care about the effects of Premier of New South Wales, which shows the 40 per cent increase in State taxes and how much of the financial centre of this charges it has already imposed on busi State has moved to New South Wales in the nesses and families. That is a cost to some past twelve months, and add to that the one else, not to the Government. Over the movement to Queensland and the Austra past twelve months, the Government has lian Capital Territory, to realize that Vic demanded that the community show re toria is no longer the centre of Australian straint, but the Government has shown no financial investment. That has all happened restraint in regard to its own programme. It in the past few months. does not matter that private sector employ The inescapable conclusion is that, unless ment, indeed total employment, has fallen there is a change of Government policy or, by a relatively greater proportion in Vic better still, a change of Government, enter toria than in the rest of Australia, so long as prise in Victoria will, in the words of the Government gets what it wants to Keynes, "fade and die". finance its spending programmes. Mr HARROWFIELD (Mitcham)-I The Government and its supporters support the Budget. It is a continuation of sometimes think of themselves as "Keyne the tremendous reforms that have been sians" and claim that the inspiration for made in Victoria by the Cain Government their economic policies is drawn, at least in in the way in which our economy and our part, from the writings of John Maynard finances are managed. I cannot leave un Keynes. However, some ofKeynes' thoughts challenged some of the comments of the have clearly had little influence on the Vic Leader of the Opposition. He spoke of torian Government. In Chapter 12 of The spontaneous optimism. There could be General Theory o/Employment, Interest and nothing more designed to generate sponta Money, Keynes wrote: neous optimism amongst members of the Government party than contributions of the A large proportion of our positive activities depend on spontaneous optimism, rather than on a mathemat sort we have just heard from the Leader of ical expectation, whether moral or hedonistic or eco the Opposition. In the last major debate to nomic. Most, probably, of our decisions to do which he contributed he did not vote. On something positive ... can only be taken as a result of this occasion, he did not contribute one animal spirits-of a spontaneous urge to action rather scrap towards a debate on the commercial than inaction. or financial management of this State. One could have been excused for thinking that Keynes went on to suggest that: the speech that the Leader of the Opposi ... if the animal spirits are dimmed and the sponta tion read from copious notes had been writ neous optimism falters, leaving nothing but a mathe ten by John Stone, except that that was matical expectation, enterprise will fade and die. dispelled when he started quoting Keynes, I assert that as a result of this Government's because all honourable members know that economic policies, the "animal spirits" of both John Stone and the Leader of the Op Victorian entrepreneurs and potential position have not read Keynes. Instead, he investors are being dimmed. The Govern chose to parrot Saba-like the speech of his ment is sending out clear signals which will shadow Minister, the honourable member quell the spontaneous urge to action rather for Balwyn. Obviously the Leader of the than inaction-the 40 per cent increase in Opposition did not impress his back-bench State taxes and charges, specific taxes which ers too much as they sat there in stunned discourage investment such as the punitive silence. taxes on land taxes and the energy con In relation to a Budget of this impor sumption levy, the burgeoning growth in tance, one would expect and appreciate debt and debt charges which is a guarantee some reasoned debate from both sides of in itself that these policies will continue, the the House because some very important is massive growth in State public sector em sues are involved. One would not expect ployment, the distorted spending priorities, the two sides necessarily to agree, but at and so on. Entrepreneurs and investors are least there could be some informed and ra- Appropriation Bills 28 February 1984 ASSEMBLY 1127
tional debate. The honourable member for the Opposition has not done his home Balwyn can be given some credit for at work-as usual-because ifhe had he would tempting to do this, but the Leader of the not come into the House and accuse the Opposition did not do so. His was a half Government of being irresponsible in that hearted attempt to criticize the Budget. He area. made plenty of criticism but provided not Another point that needs to be men one alternative suggestion. tioned is that the Leader of the Opposition The Leader of the Opposition said that said that the Government was managing the the expenditure proposals of the Govern State into bankruptcy, or words to that ef ment would not be the priority of a Liberal fect. Once again, he has not done his home Government. He did not tell us what the work. priorities of a Liberal Government would If the Leader of the Opposition had ex be, nor what the strategy of the Liberal amined table 2 on page 5 of Part 2:2, Budget Government would be. The reason was that Document No. 2, he would have seen that that party does not have a strategy and it in the early 1970s, in the boom years when certainly will not get one while the honour there was a Liberal Government, the net able member for Burwood is in his present debt represented up to 12·6 per cent of the position. gross domestic product. The Leader of the Opposition spoke about During the 1970s, once again under a the cost of the Budget. It is easy to look at Liberal Government, the Government al revenue increases and say that Victorian lowed the infrastructure of the State to run families will have to pay more per head as down to an alarming extent, to the extent a result of the Budget. However, increased that it drove industry away from Victoria revenues in a Budget document do not nec and sent the economy further into recession essarily mean that families will pay higher than it needed to be. In 1977 the percentage real costs because their wages and salaries of gross domestic product dropped down to are also increasing. 7·4 per cent. The Leader of the Opposition also re The present Government recognizes the ferred to the increases in statutory authority importance of restoring some of the infra charges. He obviously has not read the structure and has increased the net debt to Budget documents. I refer him to paragraph 8·6 per cent. The Leader of the Opposition 2.4 on page 9 of Budget Document No. 2, has no understanding of economic matters. Budget Strategy and Review. On that page, Pity the State if he ever becomes Premier! I there is an interesting table of statutory au do not wish to dwell on the petty contribu thority price increases. I shall go through it tion of the Leader of the Opposition more for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposi than that, because it was a petty contribu tion and his cronies. This year the increase tion. No wonder his troops are demoral in State Electricity Commission of Victoria ized! charges is the lowest increase in ten years, a It is important to remind the House that real reduction of 3· 3 per cent. Gas and Fuel the Budget has been framed in the context Corporation charges have fallen in real of some of the most difficult economic cir terms by 2·3 per cent. This compares with cumstances any State Government has had 1981-82, the last year of Liberal Govern to face in many years. It is important to ment, when there was a 13 per cent real increase in those prices. There is a real re remind honourable members of some of the duction of 2·4 per cent in Melbourne and circumstances the Government has had to Metropolitan Board of Works prices. One face; for example, the worst drought in the has only to go back to 1979-80 when there history of the State. One should realize that was 11·7 per cent real increase in those such a drought takes away valuable reve charges by the Liberal Government. nue. Projected revenue of $35 million was not earned this year because no revenue was The Port of Melbourne Authority whar earned on freight transported by VicRail. fage charges have fallen in real terms in Another example was the bush fires. No one 1983-84 by 4·1 per cent; in tonnage charges would doubt the tragedy of that occurrence there is a small increase of 0·9 per cent which or question the response of the Govern compares with a 14·9 per cent increase in ment and the community to that tragedy. real terms in the last year of the Liberal The Government responded in the only way Government in this State. The Leader of a Government can respond-compassion- 1128 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills ately towards the people who suffered in some control. That is not to say that the that tragedy. However, in financial terms, Government can insulate itself completely such a tragedy puts pressure on the State from what happens nationally. The Gov Budget. ernment has been prepared to tackle diffi The third context in which one should see cult issues on the basis that there is a the Budget is the growing imbalance of prospect for a State Government to tackle Commonwealth-State relationships. The some of the cyclical problems experienced Hawke Government has been much more by an economy. It needs to be said that for generous and much more responsive to State much of the time it has been in government Governments than the previous Fraser there has been a breath of fresh air in terms Government but there is still an alarming of economic management in this country. gap growing between, on the one hand, ex Prior to the last Federal election and de penditure demands made on State Govern spite the cold hands of monetarism pro ments and, on the other hand, their capacity duced by the Fraser Government and the to raise revenue to meet those demands. then Federal Treasurer strangling the econ That is a matter that ought to be of concern omy of the country, a glimmer of hope was to all honourable members. It is something represented by the State Budget last year that has been responded to, at the urging of where the Government indicated that it the Cain Government, by the Federal Gov would set out to create employment and try ernment, which has agreed to set up a work to tackle some of the economic ills that were ing party to deal with some of these issues. evident. The final, and probably the most serious The honourable member for Brighton point that needs to be borne in mind when says, by interjection, that the Government considering the Budget, is the dwindling has done a very good job. I agree, it has revenue raising capacity of State Govern done a magnificent job. Let me quote some ments. That point was highlighted by the statistics to support that statement. At the report of the independent inquiry into State end of August, Victoria's unemployment revenue raising that was commissioned by rate was the lowest of all the States, and has the Government. I commend that docu been consistently so since the Government ment to honourable members. The fact is took office. that there are fewer and fewer means by The honourable member for Polwarth which State Governments can raise reve suggests, by interjection, that Victoria has nue, and, more importantly, fewer means always had the lowest unemployment rate. by which they can raise recurrent revenue That is nonsense. In only five of the last 29 to fund recurrent expenditure-that is, months of the Liberal Government, of wages and salaries. which the honourable member for Polwarth The best example of lost revenue raising was a member, did Victoria have the lowest power is the loss of the pipelines licence fee. rate of unemployment. Over the last 29 Without canvassing the rights and wrongs months of Liberal Government, the na of the High Court decision, the reality is tional unemployment rate was 6·01 per cent that it places tremendous stress and pres and the average unemployment rate for sure on State finances. Against that back Victoria was marginally above that, at 6·02 ground, the Cain Government has done a per cent, compared with New South tremendous job in framing the Budget. The Wales-which at that stage had a Labor Treasurer should be commended for the Government, and still does-where the un magnificent job he has done in framing a employment rate was 5·49 per cent. It is very difficult Budget. nonsense for honourable members opposite One of the features of the Cain Govern to suggest that Victoria has always had the ment in the eighteen months it has been in lowest rate of unemployment because that office so far has been its determination to was not true when the Liberal Party was in develop an economic strategy. The Govern government. ment has never been prepared to simply Let me look at the very proud record of wash its hands of economic responsibility the present Government. In the seventeen and say it is at the mercy of what happens months it has been in government-be nationally. The Government has always tween May 1982 and September 1983- maintained that there is a State economy there was only one month when Victoria over which State Governments can have did not have the lowest rate of unemploy- Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1129
ment in Australia. That was in May 1982- I turn now to examine what the Treasurer the first month in office, but that month was able to achieve for Victoria. The Treas reflected the policies of the previous Gov urer was able to reach agreement with ernment. Esso-BHP that it would not require the State Government to repay amounts collected During the seventeen months in which from the pipelines licence fee in 1983-84, the Labor Government has been in office, thus taking an enonnous amount of pres the national average rate of unemployment sure off the Government. The agreement has been 8·74 per cent. The Victorian aver would only require the Government to re age has been almost 1 percentage point lower pay half the outstanding amount in 1984-85 at 7·9 per cent. The honourable member for and the remaining half in 1985-86. Polwarth and his cronies, who tend to inter The Treasurer was also able to reach ject and say that Victoria has always had agreement with the Federal Government the lowest rate of unemployment, should that it should meet 46 per cent of the cost of check their facts because that is not so. those repayments. More importantly and lt is also useful to examine the other sta more significantly in the longer term, the tistics which demonstrate the performance Treasurer was also able to make the point of the Government in terms of its economic to the Federal Government of the need to policies. Since April 1983, the employment examine the ongoing consequences of its rate has increased in Victoria, although it revenue decisions on State Governments. has fallen in other States. The rate of ap That was a remarkable achievement by the provals for new dwellings increased by 15·4 Treasurer, for which he ought to be com per cent in Victoria during 1982-83 com mended by the House and all Victorians. pared to a national fall of 16 per cent. Con It is regrettable that so often during de sumer confidence is increasing, as indicated bates in the House on the economy one by the July retail sales figures, which reveal notes time and time again the failure of the an increase of 2·8 per ~ent compared to the Opposition to understand the difference be previous month and the national average of tween recurrent and capital expenditure. I 1· 7 per cent. have outlined to the House some of the dif The ANZ Bank, in its monthly review of ficulties that the Government has faced in the economy, indicated that Victoria was terms of raising recurrent revenue frum further advanced than any other State in which to fund recurrent expenditure. coming out of the recession. The bank ack It is an entirely different matter in terms nowledged the fact that this was a direct of capital expenditure because that is a one result of the last State Budget and the eco off expenditure. It is much easier to finance nomic policies of the Cain Government. than recurrent expenditure. Yet one notes The problems of framing the Budget re the repeated failure of the Opposition to volve around the dwindling revenue base understand the difference between recur rent and capital expenditure. During the de that confronts Victoria and eVl!ry other bate last week, the honourable member for State. There could be no more graphic illus Hawthorn suggested to the Government that tration of that argument than the loss of the it should use recurrent expenditure to pipelines licence fee. It is worth bearing in finance the employment of additional mind that that particular revenue measure emergency teachers. It was that type of atti was introduced by the former Government tude that got the former Government into which, for once in its life, accepted the ar an economic mess. Unless one can afford to gument that Victorians had a right to share fund recurrent expenditure on a recurring in the benefits of the resources in Victoria. and ongoing year-by-year basis, it would be It has been a severe blow to the finances of irresponsible of any Government to dip into Victoria that that licence fee was ruled to be capital resources to fund wages and salaries invalid by the High Court. which come from recurrent expenditure. That ruling could have posed some seri The Government has responsibly refused to ous and damaging consequences for the go down that path of devastation, unlike the Budget had it not been for the work of the former Government. Treasurer and the superb negotiations that Given the recurrent finance problems of he engaged in with the Federal Government the Budget, the Government has been es and Esso-BHP. pecially creative in pursuing its employ- 1130 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills ment strategy. It has done so in three areas. ployment for people who otherwise would Through capital spending, it has funded not have had jobs. capital works by a massive 44 per cent in Nunawading North Neighbourhood crease in capital expenditure in the Budget, Centre is not complaining about the poli which builds on the increases allocated last cies of the Government and its strategies. year. They are delighted at the $50 000 that the I could speak, for example, of capital Government has spent on providing jobs works in the area I represent. I am proud to for young persons who would otherwise not say that, due to the attitude on capital have had work. The persons who run the spending by the Government, the Eastern community education employment project, Suburbs Geriatric Centre is now under con which operates out of Blackburn South High struction. Many words were spoken about School, are delighted to be able to quote the that centre by the former Government but expenditure of$1 000 on their project to help nothing was ever done. Not only is that work find employment for people in their mid providing an important resource facility for forties who were involved in middle man people in the eastern suburbs represented agement and who had been retrenched and by the honourable member for Box Hill, the who would have been out of work perma honourable member for Ringwood and the nently had it not been for the initiatives of honourable member for Monbulk, but also the Government. Try telling them the Gov it is employing people. ernment is on the wrong track! Try telling Only last week the Health Commission them the strategy of the Government is approved a tender to construct an ambul wrong! ance station in Nunawading. That is a The taxation constraints have made it $250 000 capital works project that will once more difficult for the Government to reach again provide employment and meet a its target of initiating employment projects. pressing community need. However, in the Budget there have been Tomorrow night, the Minister of Educa creative initiatives in the field of taxation to tion and I will attend the opening of a com help create employment. The increase in munity hall at one of the local primary the pay-roll tax exemption level from schools in the area I represent. The Govern $140 000 to $200 000 will benefit a whole ment allocated $90000 in capital spending range of small businesses by freeing them to provide a tremendous community re from expensive pay-roll tax. That will be source, the construction of which generated reflected in jobs. much employment. The Leader of the Opposition has de A colleague of mine, the honourable scribed the car rebate scheme as ludicrous. member for Box Hill, and I are pleased to I have had many calls from people in the note that at the end of this month a music area I represent who are only too eager to facility will be opened at the Blackburn High take advantage of the rebate scheme. School. That facility represents a capital ex penditure in excess of$300 000 by the Gov People who would not otherwise have ernment. That will be a magnificent music done so are buying cars. That is a creative facility for the children of the eastern sub taxation policy and I commend the Gov urbs. As the former Minister of Public ernment for it. Works, the present Minister of It is important for Parliament to reflect Labour and Industry, would have noted on the achievements of the Cain Govern when he visited the construction site of that ment in economic terms over the past eight facility, it provided employment for many een months. It has developed definite persons who otherwise would not have been economic objectives and strategies to create employed. jobs, and the honourable member for Mal Another area in which the Government vern should be aware of that. It has set out has attempted to provide employment to prove that the Victorian economy should through capital expenditure has been the be viewed as an entity in its own right and employment initiatives programme. Many that State Governments are not helpless to members of the Opposition have criticized tackle economic problems. The Thompson that programme. However, two employ Government refused to accept that and ment projects in the area I represent have meekly went along with the disastrous eco been particularly creative in providing em- nomic policies of the Fraser Government. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1131
The second aspect of which the Cain ment. That is a matter about which all hon Government can be proud is the way in ourable members should be concerned. which it has used public resources. It has introduced a policy requiring a real rate of Another area of significant achievement return from public authorities and com in economic terms has been in revenue rais menced a responsible approach to the in ing. The report of the inquiry into State rev vestment policies and the funding of enue raising, which was chaired so capably statutory authorities in this State. It has es by Dr Niewenhuysen of the University of tablished the Victorian Development Fund Melbourne, has produced a report that will as a landmark in the efficient use of public be a benchmark for State Governments of moneys and public resources. All that Op all political persuasions. That is not to say position members can do is criticize that that all aspects of that report will be accept matter because they do not understand it. able to Governments on either economic or political terms, but it goes to the heart of That move has been a landmark reform in the imbalances that have emerged in re this State. spect of the revenue that State Govern The Cain Government has introduced a ments have received from the Federal remarkable reform in the area of accounta Government. It also highlights some diffi bility that was referred to by the honourable culties of working in the 1980s, with a con member for Essendon-the Budget docu stitution designed for the 1890s, and it ments and the information provided in points out some options that shou~d.be co~ them. I wish honourable members oppo sidered by Governments. In a splnt of bI site, particularly the honourable member for partisanship, I hope that all honourable Malvern, would read those documents. members will consider that report and will They may then begin to understand the not merely try to use it for political advan achievements of the Government. I am also tage as the Leader of the Opposition did. pleased to note the introduction of the An Mr AUSTIN (Ripon)-I am fascinated nual Reporting Act, which resulted from the by the new young members of the Govern work of the Public Bodies Review Commit ment party; one receives the impression that tee and the Economic and Budget Review the Government is doing marvellous things Committee of which I am proud to be a and one can look forward to a rosy future; member. That is an important achievement that the job situation is fine and that eco in terms of accounting for State resources. nomic management is absolutely tops. All The Government has played a major role honourable members hope that these things in pressing for the reform of Federal-State will come to fruition. If they do, the Liberal financial relationships. Much was heard Party will be the first to congratulate the from the Thompson Government about the Government. injustices being done to Victoria by the It is also fascinating that honourable Federal Government, but the then Premier members opposite, particularly the honour did nothing about that. He was unable to able member for Mitcham, seem to forget convince his political ally in Canberra of that the Labor Party is in government. They the need to reform Federal-State financial speak to and attack the Opposition as if it relationships. The Cain Government is were responsible for some of the ills that are working constructively with the Federal still around today. The Government has Hawke Labor Government to overcome been in office for eighteen months; it is about those problems. midway through its term of office. It has It is important to reflect on a comment done things which a section of the commu that was made in the Age of 22 September nityapplauds, but the real test for this Gov by Geoffrey Barker which stated: ernment is its second Budget and the way in which the economic management of the That is why the social and political impact of the State is handled from now on. The Govern Budget may eventually be far more significant than its ment's second Budget is similar to its first; immediate effects on the price of cigarettes, wine, pe trol and new cars. the same philosophy is involved. The Treasurer, during his Budget speech, That is justifiable recognition of the major claimed that the aim of this year's Budget is reforming role that the Cain Government to create jobs for Victorians. The opinion has played in pressing for an improved of the Liberal Party is that the policies that financial deal from the Federal Govern- have so far been enacted and those that are 1132 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills currently in the pipeline will cause the em the present course is continued, Victoria will ployment situation either to remain static be bankrupt. or to decline. Until now, the Cain Government has It is interesting to note that the figures been inclined to assert its influence on is quoted for Geelong for the twelve months sues such as white lines, membership of the to the end ofJune show that unemployment Melbourne Cricket Club, nude bathing and in that city rose by 34 per cent. The Treas Victorian Football League football. While urer talks, and often pays lip service to these matters may have some day-to-day things which he does not put into effect. He interest, they have no bearing on the eco talks about creating jobs in the private sec nomic survival of Victoria. I would suggest tor, but up to this stage the Government that, in areas such as Victorian Football has been injecting what limited funds it has League football and· racing administration, to spare into the public sector, at the ex the Government would be wise to let the pense of the private sector. It is well known industries run themselves. that some 9800 extra jobs have been created In considering the policies of the Socialist in the public sector in the space of sixteen Government and the decisions that it has months. During that period, 65 000 jobs made concerning the selling of rolling have been lost in the private sector, largely stock-locomotives, carriages and freight because of increases in Government taxes trucks, and how many it has sold, to whom and charges. and how much-it must be remembered that the stock that has been sold was pur The Government fails to recognize, al chased at incredibly high figures in past years though it occasionally gives it a mention, from Loan Council borrowings on which that true recovery can come only through interest has been paid ever since. the private sector. Until it recognizes that fact, its economic policies must fail. The The question that the State Government must be prepared to answer is whether, with Treasurer gives the appearance of trying to taxpayer's money, it now pays the original build up his confidence by giving himself an interest and, on top of that, pays for a leas occasional pat on the back and saying that ing charge while expending capital in an area all economic indicators for Victoria are on which income is not earned? If that is so, ahead of those in other States. An interjec it is a short-sighted policy which may pro tion from the Government benches says that vide some capital in the short term but will that is true. As I said earlier, if that is true be a long-term disaster. and remains true, the Liberal Party will be the first to congratulate the Government. The rail has always been a costly and dif ficult problem, but this problem has been The Government inherited a situation in made worse for the railways and railway which Victoria was well ahead of other users, which means that passengers and States, but, if current policies are continued, freight users have a black future in store. it will rapidly lose that advantage. The One needs only to consider what happened Government came to office saying that it recently in the grain industry. I am inter would not increase taxes and charges; in ested that the Treasurer intends to go to fact it said they would be lowered, but, as Bendigo on Friday next and I hope that he soon as it was elected, like many other of its will explain to the grain growers why he has promises, that promise was thrown out of pursued certain policies and enacted legis the window and taxes and charges have been lation. It is disappointing that no member increased by 40 per cent. of Cabinet has been to any of the series of Mr Simpson-Because of the deficit your meetings that have been held in Victoria, Government left. and no one can tell me that none of the Ministers invited did not have time to at Mr AUSTIN-The Government did not tend these meetings. have a deficit. That remark shows that the Mr Simpson-I will send you a copy of Minister does not understand the position. the papers. The Government does not have any hope of producing decent economic policies when Mr AUSTIN-A copy of the papers it does not recognize that fact. might be interesting, but it would be better for Ministers to be present at these meetings The Government, as in any house-keep so that Victorian grain growers can ask ing exercise, must live within its means. If questions of those who are responsible for Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1133 disadvantaging them to the extent that their have bumper crops and will have a good survival is in jeopardy. year, but many others will not share in that Mr Simpson-I went through your elec large increase in yield. Some farmers in the torate and I could not find you anywhere. wetter areas of Victoria will have very poor crops. Unfortunately, some of those farm Mr AUSTIN-I heard that you went ers will have had three very poor returns in through the electorate that I represent and I succession. However, they will be forced to knew exactly where you were at any given pay the increase of 15 per cent in grain time. charges. Grain growers cannot afford the increases While it is difficult to obtain figures for that have been imposed on them, yet the costs of the railways, I am led to believe that Government does not seem to care. I know the amount the growers actually contribute that Ministers have received deputations in freight for the movement of grain has and representatives from the Victoria increased from 85 per cent to 94 per cent of Farmers and Graziers Association, but no the total cost. I am not sure whether the new change in policy has been made. Ifthe Gov increased charges will bring it over 100 per ernment believes Victorian grain growers cent. These are the figures that the Govern can bear the imposts that have been put on ment should be able to supply to the indus them, it should seriously re-examine the try. matter. The figure is somewhere above 90 per I hope that the Treasurer will consider cent, yet suburban passengers and other what will be said to him this coming Friday freight users are contributing only 40 per in Bendigo and perhaps there will be a back cent of the total cost. How can anyone say ing-off, which the Opposition accepts, which that that is fair? will be in the interests of growers who have been disadvantaged. It always surprises me I believe city dwellers would appreciate how the Government believes farmers have that it is an unfair situation. It shows that it easy. With a return to something like nor the farmers in the community do not rank mal seasonal conditions, the Government very high in the eyes of the Government believes grain growers will have a bumper and of the Labor Party. The Government's harvest and all the difficulties of droughts view can probably be understood when it is and poor seasons over recent years will be realized that it does not hold any seats in overcome. the country. It is in government without holding a country seat. Mr Simpson-This coming season looks like being a record. Mr Simpson-What about Bendigo, Ballarat, Morwell and Geelong? Mr AUSTIN-The Minister at the table says that this coming season looks like being Mr AUSTIN-I do not believe many a record and that is the problem faced by farmers in Victoria, when considering grain the Government. If it understood farmers freight rises, believe Bendigo or Geelong and the farming industry, and specifically have anything to do with it. the grain growing industry, it would realize Mr Simpson-Y ou are holding the farm that an over-all bumper harvest for this year ers' meeting at Bendigo? is estimated to be 3· 5 to 4 million tonnes. Mr AUSTIN-There are no grain grow Mr Simpson-It is more than that, it is 5 ers in Bendigo. Constituents of the honour million tonnes. able members for Bendigo and Geelong live Mr AUSTIN-It is estimated that in in those provincial cities and they do not Victoria it is somewhere between 3·5 and 4 grow grain. It is difficult to get that message million tonnes. The Minister believes it is a across to the Government. There are no La higher figure, and he may be right as he has bor Party members who really represent been making sojourns into rural Victoria. country people or the farming community. With each fall of rain, the harvest in some There is a document, which the opposi areas will be greater than previously esti tion was privy to see, and which arrived by mated and I am hoping that it is. some strange route, relating to various pro The Government fails to recognize that posals concerning the future of the rail sys many farmers in many districts do not reap tem. I recognize from the outset that they the benefits of those conditions. Some are proposals and that none of those pro farmers in the Mallee and Wimmera will posals has been implemented so far. If one 1134 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills looks through the list of those proposals, happened. Recently on a television pro they are very horrifying indeed. Those in gramme, the Minister was defending the volved would be people working in the rail State's education priorities and claiming the ways, and they would lose jobs by the lowest pupil-teacher ratio in Australia. He hundreds. The recipients of increased inherited that situation. charges ought to be aware that it is the If one looks at the Minister's "open door" trademark of the Government that it does policy, he said to one school in the electo not really care about consultation. When rate I represent that if the Labor Party was one sees this paper that has been circulated, elected to Government and he was the Min and thinks back to similar papers in the ister ofEducation, children would no longer past, one knows that the next step is imple be taught in staff rooms and in the library; mentation. that that would be fixed immediately and, One of the significant things about this if that did not happen, they were to tele document is that it seems to be contrary to phone him. Thirty-seven telephone calls everything the Labor Party usually stands later nothing has happened. for; certainly the things to which it paid lip service when in opposition. If imple Another area that upset schools and peo mented, those proposals would mean a tre ple in the electorate I represent relates to mendous loss ofjobs and a terrific disregard the principals and the staff of all schools, for the safety of people, of train travellers in the president of school councils, and the particular. There is a proposal for closing regional directors of education, who re 1400 kilometres of country railway line, ceived a memorandum regarding the emer which is significantly in grain-growing areas. gency teacher programmes. That directive There is a proposal concerning reduction of has caused great concern, particularly in services and facilities. primary schools. Secondary schools have a little more flexibility but, in primary schools, When this Government was elected, one particularly in the country, it would be a of the areas where one could imagine it tremendous burden to bear. would have support was from school teach ers. During the last election, as I moved Item 4 of the memorandum mentions around the polling booths in my electorate, what will happen for the remainder of term a tremendous number of school teachers 3. Only one emergency place will be avail were manning polling booths on behalf of able for each teacher on the staff. In a school the Labor Party. of 800, which has seventeen on the staff, Mr Jolly-No grain growers? that one emergency place could be taken up with one teacher being absent with appen Mr AUSTIN-The grain growers were dicitis or some fairly small medical prob on the other side. The Government could lem. Already some schools have planned have been expected to have had some sup for excursions, camps and trips to Mel port in the field of education. The Minister bourne in the third term, and these will of Education, when he was in opposition, probably have to be cancelled. The memo spent quite a bit of time in country areas randum goes on to state that many of these and country electorates visiting numerous duties could be fulfilled by parents. I would schools, criticizing the then Minister and think that is a very risky area in which to the then Government, and saying how involve parents because they are not trained things would be if the Labor Party was elected and, in particular, ifhe was to be the in that kind of activity. It is a responsibility Minister of Education. He said there would that they should not be asked to bear. be plenty of class-rooms, reduced pupil It is interesting to note that, in the area of teacher ratio, maintenance programmes, emergency teaching, arrangements have that building and extensions would be al been made to provide replacements for most instant, and that full-time clerical as teachers involved in State-wide responsibil sistants for primary schools that had an ities and for other purposes. I am not cer enrolment of200 pupils would be provided. tain what that means, but it is at the Finally he said, and this really impressed discretion of the Director-General, and this people, that his door would be always open, will include union council meetings, curric and that either by a visit to Melbourne or ulum committee meetings, Ministerial by the lifting up of a telephone, one would committees and regionally appointed disci have instant attention. None of that has pline advisers. One wonders where the stu- Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1135 dents themselves stand in the total pecking ence fee on wine from 9 per cent to 20 per order of im portance. cent. I should imagine that the Treasurer As recently as last Thursday, hundreds of has received plenty of representations on students from country areas marched up this matter and I hope he is big enough to Bourke Street to Parliament House. Any back off on this increase in the wine tax and body who was there and saw those students big enough to reassess the decision that he would have to say that their behaviour, their has made, because if he does not there will demeanour, and their appearance were first be chaos. One of the problems that has ari class. They felt strongly enough to march sen out of the increase in the wine tax is the because this Government, through the effect that it has had on cider. Why should Minister of Education, has made a decision a wine tax include cider? The price of a to sell the hostels, the very places where the bottle of cider will be increased from $1.30 students are accommodated, without con to $1.50. Beer is a competitor of cider and a sultation and without telling the students previous decision of the Government to what is going to happen. The students are de regulate the price of beer will mean that to be kicked out onto the street. beer prices will decrease from $1.18 to about $1, thus improving the competitiveness of There was the extraordinary situation of beer. Some cider manufacturers will be put Mrs Kirner, a member in another place, ad out of business. dressing the students on behalf of the Labor Party and on behalf of the Minister. The The cider manufacturing firm of Bulmers students were angry and upset, and rightly is relocating from Tasmania to Silvan, out so, because of the arrogant, unilateral action side Melbourne, and it will not only be em of the Minister. Mrs Kirner could be ex ploying people but will also be utilizing cused for the difficulty she had in talking to approximately 4000 to 5000 tonnes of ap those students, because she was given a very ples a year. This is a heartening move for unfavourable task. the apple growers of Victoria but suddenly, by an action of the Government, the price What Mrs Kirner said was, in a way, in of a bottle of cider will increase by approxi sulting to those students because she said mately 20 cents. the whole thing was a matter of priorities. The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Fo That obviously meant that the priority for garty)-Order! The honourable member has those students was much lower-- 2 minutes. Mr Jolly-Lower than what? Mr AUSTIN-In the short time left to Mr AUSTIN-Some of the rebuilding me, I shall briefly mention one or two mat programmes or whatever the $40 million is ters. In the allocation to agriculture, the to be used for in bricks and mortar, when Government has seen fit to cut back on the the Minister and the Government cannot allocation to the Royal Agricultural Society service what is already there. It is ridiculous for grants for young farmers by $60 000. to spend money on capital ventures when That is an absolute disgrace! Once again it the Government cannot look after the stu becomes necessary to ask the Government dents themselves. just what is its opinion of the young people Mr Simpson-Y ou do not understand it. of this State. Mr AUSTIN-If the Minister thinks that Mr Jolly-What would you have cut, understanding it is throwing the students then? out in the street, he has a very different Mr AUSTIN-Certainly not the alloca understanding from the one we have on the tion to young farmers. The increase for the Opposition side of the House. The Govern Crop Research Institute in Horsham has ment is saying, "We are not closing all of been so small that it is practically a cutback, them down, although it is not really our because that institute will be $60000 worse responsibility, but we have to close some of off than it was last year after it has met its them down." The Government is not clos administrative costs. In comparison with ing them down in Geelong and Bendigo, it the importance of the institute and the role is leaving them open. One would have to be it would play in Victoria by the discovery cynical enough to wonder whether that has ofjust one new variety of grain suitable for, anything to do with politics. say, the wetter parts of Victoria and the re One of the most extraordinary actions this turn to Victoria and to farmers that that Treasurer has taken was to increase the lic- would mean, the allocation of sufficient 1136 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills funds would be chicken feed. This shows mentioned many times, if one examines the how little clout the Minister of Agriculture situation of Victoria in relation to that of has in Cabinet. the other States of Australia durin~ the past The last matter to which I refer is the cut twelve months, one sees that VIctoria is back of 20 per cent in the allocation to the leading the way. As at August, unemploy Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty ment in Australia reached 10·3 per cent on to Animals, which will leave it $50 000 short seasonally adjusted figures and Victoria's of its budget; that is a disaster! unemployment was the lowest of all the States, at 8·8 per cent. In the four months Mr POPE (Monbulk)-It is a pleasure to from April to August, employment in Vic be able to support the second Budget intro toria rose by 28 200, as was pointed out by duced by the Labor Government; indeed, it the honourable 'member for Essendon, while is the second Budget that has been intro in the whole of Australia employment fell duced while I have been a member of Par by 100. There is no doubt that Victoria is liament. I expect I shall have the showing the way in employment. This is opportunity of supporting future Labor obviously a matter that must be addressed Government Budgets for many years. and addressed continually, not only by Vic To understand this Budget, one must set toria but also by all the other States in Aus the scene of the background against which tralia, and I believe Victoria is leading the it was framed by the Treasurer and the way in addressing that question. Government. To perceive the difficulties In the area of housing, one can look at the that had to be dealt with, one has only to effects of last year's Budget, in which hous realize the great problems that have been ing was given a great stimulus; expenditure suffered with the Current Account, cer was increased by more than 80 per cent. tainly in the past twelve months. As all hon The benefits of that stimulus are being ourable members would be aware-and the reaped this year. During 1982-83 new honourable members for Essendon and building approvals in Victoria increased by Mitcham have already pointed this out 15·4 per cent, compared with a national fall the Budget has been framed during a time of 16 per cent. That must say something of national and international recession. That about last year's Budget. Loan approvals for should be remembered by honourable housing in Victoria increa~ed by 7·6, per c~nt members on all sides of the Chamber. in 1982-83,. compared WIth a natIOnal In As well as that, Victoria has suffered pe crease of only 2·9 per cent. culiarly in comparison with the other States The July issue of the ANZ Bank Business in that it has suffered the worst drought and Indicator stated that industry in Victoria the worst bush fires in Australia. Those was further advanced than in the rest of the events brou$ht about revenue shortfalls, country in coming out of the recession. particularly In the operations of the rail ways, where, because of the drop in freight As a direct result of the strategy imple rates due to the loss of the wheat crop in the mented by the Victorian Australian Labor drought, Victoria lost $33·8 million in the Party Government in last year's Budget, the past year. Also because of the recession, Victorian Chamber of Commerce released there was a pay-roll tax short-fall of $38·2 its Pulse survey in September, the month of million. Other State tax revenue, to the ex the Budget, and states that on forward or tent of$81 million, has also been lost. ders, sales and capacity utilization, and new As well as that the pipeline levy, which capital expenditure, it had been fifteen was introduced as the result of a decision of months since such trends had been re the former Liberal Government, has been corded. The survey discussed consumer de ruled out by a decision of the High Court. mand and confidence in Victoria and Naturally enough, that has also been men indicated that there was a turnaround in tioned by previous speakers during the de Victoria before any other State in Australia. bate, and it took some $120 million away The survey also indicated that Victoria is from revenue for this State. There will also leading Australia in the economic turna be an ongoing loss of more than $50 million round. With that sort of history over twelve in future years. I shall deal with the pipeline months, it is easy to recognize that the levy in more detail a little later. Budget handed down in September fol Irrespective of those problems and of the lowed the strategy which was so successful other constraints facing Victoria, as has been during the 1982-83 financial year. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1137
A number of articles have been quoted The private sector has not been forgotten, from various newspapers; the Leader of the although the honourable member for Bal Opposition read out an article from the wyn, when speaking on the Budget last week, Northcote Leader. I have before me a news seemed to neglect exactly what was men paper which is a little more widely read than tioned by the Treasurer. For the edification that read out by the Leader of the Opposi of the honourable member, who is not in tion. The Age on 22 September 1983, after the House and has not been in the House the Budget was handed down, stated in its during the debate today, I shall read from editorial: Budget Paper No. 1 to illustrate exactly what In its over-all objectives and economic impact, the the Government intends for the private sec second Jolly Budget is reasonable and responsible. It is tor, as pointed out by the Treasurer. It states: more adventurous than the recent Federal Budget in expanding spending on capital works and employment • There is also a package of specific measures to schemes, but it balances these massive outlays by more stimulate the private sector. These include: stringent economies on departmental expenditures and -the lifting of the basic pay-roll tax exemption level selective tax increases. The spending priorities are right, from $140 000 to $200 000, freeing 18 per cent of all and the higher taxes and charges are not excessive in employers now paying pay-roll tax. their inflationary impact (adding a net 0·5 per cent to -an incentives package to assist and encourage the the cost of living) and are socially equitable. Increased employment of apprentices. public transport fares were unavoidable to keep the enormous transport deficit in check and they have been -an incentive scheme for individuals purchasing balanced by a restructured fare system to make public new Australian-made motor vehicles. transport relatively more attractive. If the long-awaited -an increase in the exemption level on rental duty economic recovery is indeed on the way, the Budget from $2000 to $15 000. should do more to encourage than to hinder it. -freezing the energy consumption levy at its cur That paragraph sums up the strategy of the rent level in real terms. Government and the response to the Budget -a package of measures costing $1 million in the of a reputable daily newspaper such as the current financial year to assist the Melbourne Central Age. Another quote from the Australian Fi Business District. nancial Review dated 22 September 1983 states: Although the honourable member for Bal wyn would not like to admit it, a number of ... the Victorian Budget has to be adjudged a docu areas in the private sector have been sti ment which goes as far in the direction offiscal stimu mulated by the Budget, as indeed they were lus as a State Government can go in our federal system, while at the same time taking enormous strides to last year. It would be remiss of me if I were wards improving the presentation of the Budget and not to mention the pipeline levy to which I the public accountability of the Victorian Government referred at the beginning of my speech when and bureaucracy. I mentioned the problem with the Current Account, which has resulted from the bush Not only the Age and the Australian Finan fires, the drought and the recession. cial Review but also other media have been quoted by the honourable member for Es The pipeline levy has not received much sendon which indicated that the Budget by media coverage. The levy was introduced the Victorian Government has been ac by the previous Government but, after a cepted as being responsible and reasonable. High Court decision to knock out the pipe The Budget has been generally applauded line levy, a problem arose with the Current by the media. The thrust of the Budget, Account. The Treasurer pointed out during given the success of last year's Budget, is his Budget speech that a package was agreed along the same theme. It stimulates more to and it is necessary for honourable mem employment in Victoria through a massive bers to consider the expertise of the Treas injection of capital works. If one examines urer, which has certainly come to the fore the capital outlays in the Budget, one rec since the Labor Party took office in Vic ognizes that education receives a massive toria. Perhaps this has been pointed out 33 per cent increase, transport a 59 per cent more markedly in the negotiations the increase and housing a 19 per cent increase. Treasurer has held with the Federal Gov Naturally Victoria will experience a recov ernment which have provided assistance to ery in those areas and in the economy as it Victoria. The following passage that was did as a result of the 1982-83 Budget. agreed to was negotiated by the Treasurer: 1138 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
1. Victoria would not impose a charge on Esso/BHP Honourable members opposite should to make up for the loss of revenue in 1983-84 caused study the allocations for emergency teach by the pipeline licence fee decision. ing made by previous Liberal Govern 2. Esso/BHP would not require the State Govern ments. In 1978-79 the former Liberal ment to repay amounts collected from the pipeline Government allocated a mere $ 7 million to licence fee in 1983-84, and would only require the Government to repay half of the outstanding amount emergency teaching. Even the last Liberal in 1984-85 and the remaining half in 1985-86. Budget of 1981-82-the last Budget for 3. The Federal Government will pay to Victoria in many decades-allocated $20·5 million. 1984-85 46 per cent of payments due in regard to past Last year the Labor Government increased payments of the pipeline licence fee. This has regard to the allocation for e~ergency teaching to the company tax entitlement of the Federal Govern $40·6 million. Therefore, the Labor Gov ment on these payments. ernment more than doubled the allocation 4. The Federal Government undertakes to ensure for emergency teaching. The honourable that, in the decisions flowing from the current working members for Balwyn and Ripon attacked party discussions and the review by the Grants Com the Government because it reduced that al mission, which are directed to establishing an appro location to $37·9 million this year. How priate sharing of taxation power and revenue grants, ever, that allocation is 87 per cent higher the loss of revenue from the pipeline licence fee will also be fully taken into account. than the past Liberal Government alloca tion for 1981-82. That means that 87 per Facing the enormous shortfall of $20 mil cent more funds were available for emer lion and the ongoing $50 million, the pack gency teaching since the Liberal Budget of age negotiated by the Treasurer was such 1981-82. It is ludicrous for honourable that it had less of an impact on Victorians members opposite to condemn the Govern than normally would have occurred-hon ment on that issue. ourable members must recognize that this position was thrust upon us by a High Court For the first time ever, Victoria has the ruling. highest expenditure per pupil in Australia. At the primary school level, $1813 per pupil The honourable member for Balwyn, who is spent in Victoria compared with the Aus is the lead speaker on the Budget for the tralian average of $1535 per pupil. In the Opposition, made a number of contradic secondary school area, $2959 per pupil is tions during his speech last week. The hon spent in Victoria compared with the Aus ourable member criticized cuts in tralian average of$2487 per pupil. expenditure yet at the same time called for lower taxes and stated that recurrent ex As has already been pointed out, Victoria penditure was running away. The honoura leads Australia in teacher-pupil ratios. In ble member cannot have it every which way the primary school area, Victoria has one so I suggest that he gets his act in order. teacher to every 17·4 students compared In every speech made by members of the with one teacher to every 19·7 students for Opposition, including the honourable the national average. In the secondary member for Balwyn and the Leader of the school area, Victoria has one teacher for Opposition, the Opposition has not put for every 11·4 students compared with the na ward an alternative strategy. The Opposi tional average of one teacher for every 12·5 tion has called for lower taxes, which is students. The Labor Government has not ludicrous, even if unemployment is run reduced teacher numbers even though ning at 8 or 9 per cent. Although that rate is 26000 fewer primary school students en the lowest of any State in Australia, it is rolled compared with when the Labor Gov exceedingly high and much higher than ernment first assumed office. The primary anyone would want to exist. school area is experiencing decreasing en The reality is that a call for lower taxes rolments. However, despite this decrease, and a call for a cutback in expenses will the Teaching Service has not lost a single have the effect of creating more unemploy teacher. As of February next year, 1310 more ment in Victoria. The honourable member teachers will have been employed than criticized certain cuts in teaching, as did the would normally have been the case under honourable member for Ripon, who con the former Liberal Government. Opposi veniently suggested that the Government is tion spokesmen have incredible gall to crit making a mess of education and specifically icize the Governmen( in the area of referred to emergency teaching. education. Those honourable members Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1139
should examine the situation that prevailed cluding the transport area where the dupli under the former Liberal Government. cation of the Lilydale-Belgrave line is about The honourable member for Ripon re to be completed. Monbulk does not suffer ferred to the increased revenue for the Gov decreasing enrolments in primary and sec ernment, which was described by the Age ondary schools as is the case in the rest of and the Australian Financial Review as re Victoria. sponsible and reasonable. The Government Residents in the Monbulk electorate will announced a 1 cent a litre increase in the be pleased about the number of major cap price of petrol. One must remember that ital works in the education area, including a the catastrophic decision by the High Court complete upgrading of library and admin on the pipeline levy could have imposed a istration facilities at the Upwey primary and tremendous impost upon Victoria. How high schools. This joint venture is a prece ever, a disastrous situation was alleviated dent in the outer eastern area and I look by negotiations between the State Treasurer forward to its commencement next year. and the Federal Government and the price The proposed Emerald Post Primary of petrol rose by only 1 cent a litre. School has received the go ahead and will The tobacco licence fee was increased accept students in 1985. This commitment from 12 per cent last year to 25 per cent. An was made by the former Liberal Govern examination of the situation in other States ment in 1975. However, it did not rest at reveals that the South Australian fee rose that because that commitment was also from 12 per cent to 25 per cent, Western made in 1962, 1971 and 1973. Now that the Australia from 12·5 per cent to 35 per cent Liberal Party is no longer in government, and Tasmania from 12 per cent to 24 per that school will be built. cent. This demonstrates that the Victorian The Minister of Health announced that situation is comparable with that of other the William Angliss Hospital in Upper Fern States. I have not received a single adverse tree Gully will receive a massive capital ex comment about the increase in the tobacco penditure injection enabling the construc licence fee, even from my secretary who is tion of an operating suite. This facility was a smoker. promised on many occasions, including one The honourable member for Ripon spoke occasion in December 1981, by the former at length about the increase in the wine tax honourable member for Monbulk and a for from 9 per cent last year to 20 per cent this mer Minister of Health, the Honourable Bill year. However, that is still less than the tax Borthwick. When the Labor Government on beer and spirits. It is merely a matter of assumed office, a memorandum written by equity to increase the percentage and I see the honourable member was found suggest no reason why there should be an imbal ing that this facility should not go ahead. ance between beer, spirits and wine. However, the note pointed out that the an Stamp duty on properties valued in ex nouncement should be made, especially in ceSJ of $1 00 000 has been increased. I have the light of the impending election. I am not received any complaints about this in pleased to advise that that project is now crease, possibly because there are no prop going ahead and will provide a massive cap erties valued at more than $100 000 in the ital works project for the Monbulk electo Monbulk electorate. This Budget followed rate this financial year. the same strategy as the 1982 Budget and I applaud the Budget and particularly ap aims to generate employment and provide plaud the negotiations undertaken by the stimulation to the economy by the massive Treasurer with the Federal Government injection of capital works expenditure. I will about the pipeline levy. This could have be taking part in many future debates on been a catastrophic problem for Victoria. I the Budget from my position on the Gov applaud the Government for introducing an ernment back-bench. However, the hon innovative, responsible and reasonable ourable member for Warrnambool, who Budget, and I know I will speak on many continues to interject, will be facing his last more occasions in the future about the rea Budget next year since he will lose his pref sonable, responsible and innovative Budg erences from the Australian Labor Party at ets introduced by future Labor the next election. Governments. The Monbulk electorate has received Mrs SIBREE (Kew)-It is interesting to massive capital expenditure increases, in- hear of the faith of the honourable member 1140 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills for Monbulk in the economic policies of facts and figures shown in all statistics are this Government. He mentioned that the that there is a job loss in Victoria of 60 000 1983-84 Budget represents the continua jobs. The Treasurer and the Government tion of the 1982 Budget strategy which many have failed to produce the new jobs, espe Victorians now realize did not work for cially for young people, that were promised them and cannot work either for them or in the previous Budget. their State. Last year, there was an employment ini In Budget debates, often honourable tiatives programme of $30 million, very lit members are bogged down in a lot of dis tle of which was spent. The Government, cussion on figures, economic theories, per when given Commonwealth Government centages, inflation, Government charges, moneys for creating employment for young and so on. What really sums up the Budget, people and for those who had been without and probably the previous Budget, are a few employment for a considerable time, did words: People are paying more and getting not have anyone in the departments who less. That is the essence of this Budget. It is could prepare a submission to the Com building unrealistic economic pipe dreams monwealth Government to provide the for the future of Victoria. Priorities are being projects and suggestions for those jobs. The set in strange ways; giving false hopes to Commonwealth Government had to tell the thousands of people who have not received State Government that it would not give the benefits that were promised to them the State any more money because the State through the 1982-83 Budget. was incapable and could not produce the The alternative strategies of the Liberal goods and the programmes on which to Party have been spelt out clearly many times spend the money. in speeches made in this House. The Op This performance by the Government is position believes the economic recovery of particularly disheartening for young people. Victoria will not be based on enlarging the Probably, they did hold some hope for their tax base of the State Government. It cannot future with the election of a Labor Party fundamentally rest on pouring more and Government. That hope is being whittled more money into public works and into away. More and more young people are what I call "Red Roper's red elephants" joining unemployment queues and are find instead of white elephants, the Minister of ing that jobs are not available. The Govern Health is creating an enormous spending ment should heed recent opinion poll programme. Economic recovery is based on surveys about people's attitudes, their val proper management that ensures private ues, their hopes and their aspirations. sector recovery. In a recent survey, when the question of The strategy of the Treasurer in the last jobs and employment was put to people, the Budget has not worked. The promises made majority believed their future, their better in that Budget have not eventuated. The prospects for employment and their long strategies that the Government is still un term wages and jobs were not created by dertaking, according to the honourable public sector expenditure, which simply member for Monbulk, will not work. Last creates false-hope jobs, but by private sector year's Budget Paper No. 5 was interesting. expenditure. Those interviewed saw that The Treasurer indicated that, because of the their hopes for the future would be in the Victorian Government's capital works pro growth of the private sector to provide them grammes for 1982, he envisaged in the im not only with long-term jobs but also with mediate future a stimulus to employment long-term jobs with skills. in Victoria of an additional 10 000 to I have met many young people who have 12 000 jobs and that the effects of high in had hopes built up by the employment ini come expenditure would flow through the tiatives programme in the previous Budget. economy so that a further 10 000 jobs would Many people thought that would lead to be created; he predicted that 20 000 new bigger, better and brighter futures. I am sad jobs alone would result from capital works to report that this has not been the case for programmes. young people. They have been disillu This has not occurred. There has been a sioned. They were hoodwinked into believ loss of 60 000 jobs in the private sector dur ing they would be given six months ing last year. The predictions of the Treas employment in a non-profit Government urer for last year have not eventuated. The or community job and perhaps through that Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1141 gain skills that they could sell in the market nesses incorporate themselves for a number place. of reasons. The report comments that these For most of those young people, this has small businesses will bear the burden of not happened. Their disillusionment set in providing this massive anticipated $17 mil within three months when they realized that lion surplus of the Corporate Affairs Office at the end of the six-months programme and that that burden falls unequally on the they would not have jobs to go to. small and medium business sector. More and more people are aware that the That is an important point for people to jobs created in the public area are costly. remember. The small and medium size That cost has averaged in a year at $20 000 business sector is bearing the burden of the ajob. Young people are realizing that if this increasing Government charges in the S!'l~e money had been directed to providing in an unequal way. The report says that It IS training skills for them and to opportunities particularly harsh on the new business in private enterprise, they would have been starter registering a business now or incor a lot better off because they would have had porating a company. jobs with long-term prospects with employ That is a point honourable members need ers who were committed to these young per to take into account. During these times, sons' long-term prospects, not only on everyone would welcome and encourage all humanitarian grounds but also on produc new business established in Victoria, partic tivity grounds. ularly in areas where there are excellent op The Government has failed to "realize that portunities, especially in the hospitality the community and young people seeking industry, the tourism industry and some of jobs are seeking them not in the public area the small computer-orientated areas. A where the Government has placed its em number of new companies are setting up in phasis, but in the private sector, where long the computer area, and the Government term jobs are what is sought. The strategy ought to be mindful of the fact that its strat of the 1982 Budget to create 20 000 jobs is egy and imposition of restraints on private in tatters. People do not believe the Gov industry is putting a damper on develop ernment, because of the disincentives that ment of these new enterprises. When refer have been placed on industry and on the ring to new enterprises, and again relating private sector, will be able to produce the to young people in this State, I point out long-term jobs that people are seeking. that I am particularly disturbed that there is This is reflected in the many comments very little incentive for young people to get made by small business organizations on together and participate in co-operative public sector inflation and what it is doing ventures. to the many small businesses that are strug I have been disturbed when I have come gling to make ends meet and to keep the across a number of young people who have jobs they have at present, which is being ideas and some know-how but who have made more and more difficult by the further got nowhere. Perhaps with the help of an Draconian legislation of the Government older person who has retired in recent times, on shop trading hours, the financial institu they could obtain some help, initiative, or a tion duty, and so on. start from the Ministry for Employment and The report of the Victorian Employers Training through the various schemes that Federation dated 14 October indicates that are available. As soon as the people men 99·4 per cent of the State's private busi tion that they want to get an idea off the nesses fall into the small and medium cate ground; that they wish to run a business for gories of enterprise. The report contains an a profit, the authorities concerned are not interesting fact. It says that the State Treas interested in helping them. It is all right for urer's recent Budget shows that the Corpo one to be part of a co-operative but not to rate Affairs Office operated at a profit of operate at a profit. However, if one wishes $14·844 million in 1982-83, that this year to make a profit, the authorities concerned its budgeted expenditure was $8 million and do not wish to help. This is the concern of a that it anticipates an income of $25 million number of young people in the electorate I and a profit for the year of$17 million. represent, no doubt in many other areas Of course, this is all passed on to the many and who want to make a contribution to the small businesses which operate under the State and to their own futures. This partic ambit of the Corporate Affairs Office. Busi- ular contribution has been dampened and
Session 1983-43 1142 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills denied them by the attitudes of the Govern As at June 1983, public sector cost in ment. creases were up 13·6 per cent on average. I make a continued plea for small busi The private sector area was averaging in ness in this State. Small business is now creases about 9·4 per cent. In other words, facing further charges under this Budset with the Government is not taking the lead in an average increase of 13· 7 per cent In costs trying to keep costs and charges down and and charges. Many of the new small busi trying to stimulate economic recovery by nesses will not be affected so much by the alleviating the taxes and burdens which the increase in sas and electricity charges, but private sector is keeping to a minimum, as established Industries will certainly be af demonstrated by the figures I have quoted. fected and there is no question that they are I sh.ould like to highlight some problems being hit very hard. experienced by young people in terms of I came across a motor detailing business what this Government has offered for ap recently, and the manager of that business prenticeship incentives. and training. Never advised me that he would be able to employ have I seen such a Budget fudge! An an an additional 100 people and obtain extra nouncemeat was made that there would be jobs by bringing overseas money to Aus an increase of$3 million for the apprentice tralia through very large contracts with ship incentive and training schemes. Many overseas companies. young people heard of this and thought that He said the company could employ an it was interesting and that perhaps it would other 100 people and double the size of its do something for them. However, when one business. However, that will not occur be examines the estimates under the various cause, in this instance, the extra cost of divisions, one realizes that all that has hap workers compensation premiums to be paid pened is that the Government has taken by this company would wipe out any profit away $3 million from one programme, the the company might make from doubling the State Additional Apprentices Scheme, and size of its business and bringing money into put it into a new, untried programme, with the country. It is extremely sad that this nothing extra and no guarantee that it will business is unable to create new jobs, espe work. In fact, I predict that it will not work cially when they need to be created. Work because previous strategies for creating jobs ers compensation premiums present a large and increasing the number of people in ap problem and a large issue, but the Govern prenticeships have not worked. ment has done nothing about it. It is the Last year, the number of people in ap responsibility of the Government to exam prenticeships in this State fell miserably, by ine alternatives and address itself to the 25 per cent. However, fiddling around by problems. transferring $3 million from one scheme to Mr Jolly-What problems? another will not improve the apprentice Mrs SIBREE-The Treasurer is well ship rate one iota. Difficulty has been expe aware of the problems, and the Govern rienced by people in retaining ment is just piling more and more problems apprenticeships. There has been difficulty on small business by increasing the taxes, with apprentices being able to continue their charges and other burdens under which apprenticeships in one company at all times small businesses have to operate. because of closures of businesses, reduc When examining private sector price tions in staff numbers and reductions in the trends and changes, it is interesting to note number of supervisors, because businesses that during the years 1980 to 1983, during have shrunk as a result ofdifficult economic which period Australia has experienced a times. I do not believe this Budget fudge recession, the private sector suppliers who will help anyone. It is a disgrace that these operate in a competitive environment have loud announcements have been made, increased their charges at a much lower rate which really mean nothing to young people. than has the public sector, which mostly I should now like to discuss my concern operates in a non-competitive environ about where the Government is setting its ment. The Government has certainly esca priorities. An announcement was made be lated that increase fairly substantially in fore the Budget that the over·all 2 per cent terms of local rates and charges, fuel costs, cut in Government expenditure would be lighting costs, housing costs and the price of reflected in the Government sitting down tobacco, alcohol and public transport. and determining the top priority need areas Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1143 in this State. When one examines what has responsive. I consider it was irresponsible actually happened, one wonders where the for the Minister to present a bud~et, through Government is going as the Budget cer the Treasurer, for youth servIces, which tainly demonstrates that people are paying completely overlooked the needs in the area more and receiving less. and indicated the low priority or no priority the Government has for young people. Ma With regard to the area of youth services, jor cuts in the pre-school area have caused the Treasurer entered the Budget discus considerable concern and worry throughout sions without an iota of an idea of what he Victoria and are another indication of peo wanted to obtain for young people in this ple paying more and getting less. State. What he came out with was some thing like 30 per cent less than what was Prior to the 1982 election, the State Aus given in the last Budget. The youth services tralian Labor Party proudly announced that budget was smashed to smithereens. The it would provide stability of funding in this basic youth grants-the promises that were area and predictability. I do not know where made during the year that the youth work the predictability is. The Budget contained ers subsidy would be increased from $9000 one line allocating $700000 for free milk, to $12 000, the support for parent bodies, and yet two days later the Minister said that the support for local youth groups and all the priorities were wrong and that the line those very important traditional services, in the Budget should not have been in were basically thrown out of the Budget. cluded. He indicated that the money will be allocated to general services in the Health Therefore, where was the priority of the Commission and will be taken away from Treasurer, where was the priority of the children. I wonder where the predictability Government when the problems of young and stability in funding lies. people and support services for them in to day's society were examined? Families with pre-school children are dis pleased and worried about the cuts to pre I put it to the House that the Government schools and are concerned about the future had no priority and no policy. It was not of young people in light of the priorities and until young people and young workers direction of the Government. This area has raided the Treasurer's office and pressed been subject to a saga of changing minds, their case for the funding to be maintained changing standards and changing decisions. at least at last year's level, because of the One day the Minister announced that all enormous problems facing young people in three-year olds in kindergartens will not be this State, that the Treasurer then said he funded. The next minute he said that some would try to find $500 000. of them will be funded. He has said that extended hours programmes will not be Mr Jolly-There is no problem. funded, and the next minute has said that only 40 per cent or 50 per cent will be af Mrs SIBREE-The Treasurer says there fected and that it will be decided on the is no problem with funding that. The whole basis of need. The Treasurer, and the hon problem was that anybody who entered into ourable member for Morwell, who is out of the Budget debate on behalf of the Govern her place, are continuing to interject and ment knew nothing about what young peo say that I should read the Budget. ple required in terms of priority in this Budget. It has been a "hit and miss", The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed "change our minds", "see what we can do", munds )-Order! I advise the honourable "Oh dear, we have forgotten them; we did member for Kew that she is also out of her not even remember them" approach. In a place. very embarrassed manner, the Treasurer apparently tried to find an additional Mrs SIBREE-The Budget indicated an $500 000 just to maintain the very impor allocation for the distribution of free milk, tant services. and yet that was withdrawn in the course of 24 hours. I wonder who is right and who is The honourable member for Morwell, wrong. The Minister's advisers at the Health who is out of her place, indicated that it was Commission were unable to decide what 1144 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills the Budget decisions will mean ten days after of the other kindergartens in the area want the Budget was brought down. People in those children and will not be available to volved in pre-schools have no idea what the provide the assistance required. In deciding Budget decisions might be. At the end of priorities, individual needs must be under the year when they were providing places stood. for children for the next year, they were un able to say what places would be available. The Government seems determined to At present, a scramble exists in trying to push people into boxes, whether they like it define what the needs are for continuing or not. It is not concerned about the needs extended hours kindergartens. Those deci of children or their parents, and if some sions have been made without any consul thing fits into a tight priority budgetary box, tation with those in the field. that is where it goes and that is the basis on which the Government is making deci Bureaucratic decisions have been made sions. It is not making decisions on the ba and those who are most concerned with sis of the needs of the children involved, children's services and priorities have not but on what priority the Minister may real been consulted. That is an affront to the ize at the time. many fine organizations that have acted in this area with good faith in the interests of I understand that the Minister may say children and their parents. Not one of them that the responsibility for pre-school edu has been consulted on the significant cation belongs to the Commonwealth. I changes to the future of children's services. challenge the Minister on this point to in dicate, when the House is in Committee In addition, they feel complete distrust in discussing divisions of the Bill, what he has many areas because the Government set up done to encourage the Commonwealth to a review of children's services, the report of take up this responsibility in areas of Fam which was apparently on the Minister's desk ily Day Care child services and other real two weeks ago, but has not been made pub needs. A report recently indicated that 5000 lic. I understand that six people who are children under five years of age were left members of the committee have not signed alone or under inadequate supervision in it, yet the Minister has willy nilly made de Melbourne on anyone week in Melbourne. cisions on changing perspectives in the pre school services area without waiting for the The Government's Budget strategy has review. He has pre-empted the report of a not been working. The 1982 strategy did not review that has cost the State $120 000. It create the jobs that the Treasurer estimated may have been better not to have had the would be created. In fact, 60000 jobs were review and allocated the $120 000 into lost and the 22 000 jobs that he said would priority ar\!as of need such as extended hours be created were not created. He has indi kindergartens for children with parents who cated that the Budget strategy this year will are working, for children in high-rise estates cause the loss of another 11 000 jobs. If he where there are many family and commu considers that the Budget is the right strat nity problems that need to be addressed in egy for Victoria, the Government is on the real terms and for people with special needs wrong track. The capital works programme and learning difficulties. is building many pies in the sky and is mort gaging much of what is owned by Victori A kindergarten in Geelong provides ex- ans, which will be paid for in the long term . . cellent service for some three-year-olds, a That is a dangerous prospect and the people number of whom have learning difficulties. of Victoria are waking up to the Govern Only last week, I learned that one boy of ment. three years of age, whose parents are both deaf and dumb, until about three months I hear more and more complaints about ago could not speak. For the first time in his what the Government is asking people to life, he is now acquiring proper language do-to pay more and get less. The priorities skills but will be denied this chance because that have been set are dangerous and have the kindergarten will be closing next year. been set without consultation. They have The kindergarten has a number of similar overlooked the human needs, including children including one child with Down's those of young people, who have been com Syndrome. The kindergarten specializes in pletely ignored in the Budget. I believe the caring for children with special needs. None Budget should be condemned on that issue. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1145
Mr IHLEIN (Sandringham)-I take a dif financed and the effect of the chosen means of financ ferent general approach from that of the ing on inflation, unemployment and growth, are mat honourable member for Kew, who com ters on which there is always considerable argument menced by saying, basically, "Let's not con That is a good example of the sorts of prob fuse ourselves with figures". She went on to lems that are confronted when trying to draft try to describe what the Liberal Party Budget the Budget. The difficulty is that nowhere strategy would be. She responded to an in did the honourable member for Balwyn go terjection by the Treasurer, askin~ what she on to say, "This is how I would face those would do in the Budget, by saylng that it problems. These are the means I would use had all been clearly set out in a number of for financing expenditure. This is the degree previous speeches. She then tried to indi of fiscal stimulus I would give to the econ cate, for those of us who had not heard in omy. These are the effects a particular any of the previous speeches just what this measure I would have chosen would have strategy would be, what the Liberal Party on unemployment and growth". It seems to strategy would be: Proper management me that it is about time we got down to tin based on making sure the private sector will tacks in this sort of debate and stopped re recover. lying on rhetoric. We should stop wasting I have no idea what sort of Budget would the time allowed for the debate and ask, as have been produced by members of the is asked in Government when a Budget is Liberal Party if they regarded that as their being prepared, "What is the merit of that strategy. I have no idea what that would measure as against another one?" mean as a technical document, whiCh is what the Budget should be. I have no idea The other statement made by the honour what it would mean in considering precisely able member for Balwyn with which I agree what tax and expenditure proposals should was: be. "Too much," is the response of the hon The Government alleges that these statutory author ourable member for Kew. It seems to me ity taxes have no effect on the prices. In a strict eco that we need to go through the Budget and nomic sense, that could be argued, in that the ability of examine it as a detailed document, not one the authorities to pay these taxes is a by-product of to be responded to simply by rhetoric. It their being required to earn a stipulated real rate of should not be responded to by saying, return. "Proper management based on making sure That is quite correct. There is no necessary the private sector will recover". That would effect on an ordinary household of a divi tell my constituents absolutely nothing dend payment by a statutory authority, yet, about the sorts of Budget measures we when doing the calculations, firstly, of the should be taking in 1983-84. impact on total State taxation and, sec It may surprise members of the Opposi ondly, the impact on households, the hon tion, but there were two comments in the ourable member for Balwyn assumed that speech of the honourable member for Bal the whole of the statutory authority divi wyn that I actually thought had some merit. dend payments would be charges to State I should also add that I do not believe any taxation and on households. Budget strategy in 1983-84 can solve all our problems-it can be only our best effort to As the Leader of the Opposition today overcome our economic difficulties. The paraphrased the speech made by the hon first of the comments with which I agree by ourable member for Balwyn, I shall go the honourable member for Balwyn was: through some of the figures mentioned by the honourable member for Balwyn, which In discussing the Government's strategy, I want to were incorrect. They are fairly important if make it clear that the Opposition accepts the general we are to have a debate that is based on the proposition that during periods of severe economic facts. At one stage, the honourable member recession, Governments should provide a boost to eco for Balwyn said that State taxation revenue nomic activity and alleviate some of the human suffer ing that recessions cause by increasing capital works had increased in the period from 1982-83 expenditure. That is a Liberal Party view. If anyone to 1983-84 by 23·3 per cent; at another stage doubts this, I refer them to the 23 per cent increase in he used the figure of 23·5 per cent and at capital expenditure allocated in this year's Tasmanian further stages he referred to figures of 21·6 Liberal Budget. per cent, 16· 5 per cent and 14·9 per cent. I However, the appropriate degree of fiscal stimulus, suggest that the figure of 14·9, as argued by the question of how any increased expenditure is to be the honourable member for Balwyn, is the 1146 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills most appropriate, and I shall indicate why. out that that represents approximately 0·8 As reported at page 864 of H ansard, he said: per cent offamilies in Australia today. But even taking this revenue "shortfall" at face value, On the basis of the honourable member's it needs to be seen in the context of a budget which figures, the increase in taxes over that pe provided for a massive increase in Consolidated Fund riod would amount to $200 for each mem revenue. ber of the family. Another of the tables The. 1982-83 Budget provided for an increase in prepared by the honourable member for Current Account revenue from State sources, exclud Balwyn shows a figure of$183 a head. I also ing Trust Fund revenue and borrowings from the Cash point out that there is no allowance in the Management Account, which were not available in figures referred to by the honourable mem 1981-82 of 21·6 per cent. Despite the revenue shortfall ber for Balwyn for inflation over the period. referred to by the Treasurer, Current Account receipts from State sources still rose by 16·5 per cent in 1982-83. If allowance for inflation is made, it is nec essary to subtract a considerable sum-ap SO, he says that the actual receipts, includ proximately half of the amount. The major ing the pipelines fee, rose by 16· 5 per cent. difficulty is that the Leader of the Opposi At page 865, the honourable member for tion did not use the figure of$1 000 a family; Balwyn is reported as saying: he used the figure of $290 a family. Some Even if one discounts the revenue from the pipelines where along the line someone has got his fee, Current Account revenue from State sources still figures wrong. rose by 14·9 per cent in 1982-83. I shall go through it a little to show that However, if one goes across to the table pre even the $290 a family is an incorrect anal pared by the honourable member for Bal ysis. wyn, which was Quoted today by the Leader The Leader of the Opposition estimated of the Opposition and which purports to that this Budget would "cosf' a Victorian show the increase in State taxes and charges family $290 a year. On~ can only assume for the period 1981-82 to 1983-84-it is that because the amount comes out at Table 2, which appears at page 869-the around that figure and he has taken total figure shown is 23· 3 per cent. The honoura taxation, departmental fees and charges and ble member for Balwyn went on to compare public authorities payments for June 1981 the situation in Victoria with that in New and divided that figure by the number of South Wales in an endeavour to show that families in Victoria. The difficulty involved over the period charges in Victoria have in that exercise is to assume, first of all, that risen by a much greater amount than those every departmental fee and charge and every in New South Wales. public authority dividend payment is auto I point out that if one uses the figure of matically passed on to Victorian families. 14·9 per cent,also argued by the honourable Honourable members know, for example, member for Balwyn, and not the 23·3 per that that is not the case with respect to elec cent shown in the table, the reverse of the tricity and that in terms of departmental claim made by the honourable member for fees and charges there are payments for Balwyn is shown. Increases in Victoria's services rendered. taxes and charges have been less over the Secondly, it cannot be assumed that any period 1981-82 to 1983-84 than those in increase in taxation revenue should be re New South Wales. garded as a dis-benefit and any increase in Another area in which the figures Quoted expenditure provides no benefit. Ob by the honourable member for Balwyn sim viously, for example, with respect to the ply do not add up is shown by an examina motor vehicle purchase incentive scheme it tion of two remarks made by the honourable can be estimated that, based on the average member. At page 869 of Hansard, the hon number of Victorian families and estimated ourable member is reported as saying that expenditure, the benefit to Victorian fami the cost of the Budget would be $1000 a lies would be approximately $5 a family, if family. I do not know just what would be the same methodology is used as was used regarded as an average family nowadays. I by the Leader of the Opposition. It can also can only assume from the way in which the be looked at in terms ofstimulus to employ honourable member has calculated the fig ment. That is a benefit that should be de ure that he regards the average family as ducted from the $290. There are other being two parents and three children. I point benefits that can be examined. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1147
Further, I refer to the position of statu section one will find that statutory authority tory authority dividends. The first thing to dividends are included in the national be said is that there are two parts to statu accounting statements as taxation. I checked tory authority dividends. The first is those the reference and found that the honourable dividends which do have a price impact on member for Balwyn had performed a bit of the authority but which are a non-cost push a sleight of hand. The statement under the transfer of an equity return component. In heading, "Taxes, fees, fines etc." states: other words, they are similar to the author Includes taxes, fees from regulatory services, fines, ity, having to pay an interest payment-- gifts and other minor transfer items such as unclaimed Honourable members interjecting. moneys and conscience money. Taxes are compulsory levies by governments which do not entitle the payer The SPEAKER (the Hoo. C. T. Ed to any appreciable tangible benefit provided by the muods)-Order! The honourable member government levying the charge. Fees from regulatory for Warrnambool should not interject. services are levies which are not primarily designed to Mr IHLEIN-I have been trying to in raise general revenue and which are usually associated with the granting of a permit or privilege. Fines are dicate to the House that this is a technical civil and criminal penalties imposed on law breakers, debate. The Budget is a technical document other than penalties imposed by tax authorities. and the sort of inane interjections just made are typical of the problems to which I have The table set out four pages earlier, at page been referring. 2, under the heading, "Taxation" includes There are components in the statutory not only statutory authority fees but fines authority dividends which can have a price and fees which one would clearly regard as impact on the authorities but are a non-cost being payments for services rendered and push transfer of an equity return the heading "All Other" includes other component. What that means is that, in the matters referred to in the quotation to which Budget documents, the way an accountant I have just referred. in the statutory authority would handle that The honourable member for Balwyn did item would be to treat it similarly to an not include fines and fees in his tables. He interest payment on a loan received by the would clearly recognize that they should not authority. be regarded in the same way as general tax In contrast, there are other statutory ation revenue, yet his only argument for authority payments which can have a price regarding statutory authority payments as impact and which do affect the rate of return. being taxation was that they were included I suggest that honourable members should as such under a general heading in the na speak to the accountants in the statutory tional accounting table. I suggest that for authorities who will tell them that that is consistency, if the honourable member for exactly how the accounts are drawn up. The Balwyn is going to include statutory pay former dividend should not be included in ments because they are under a heading of any assessment of, firstly, State taxation and, taxation in the national accounting table, he secondly, the impact on consumers. The should also include fines, fees, levies and all latter case may have an impact on of those other matters. Obviously that would consumers and should be included in State be a ridiculous thing to do. taxation. I now turn to specific matters that I be If one examines the figures, the total this lieve are particularly beneficial to the elec year is $372·2 million in statutory authority torate I represent. There has been a response transfers and the dividend payments are by the Government to the matters raised by $204· 3 million leading to a net statutory members of Parliament over the past twelve authority taxation of$167·9 million. If one months. I suggest that is a test, in part, of is to do the figures correctly, it is only the the ability of the Government to bring down latter figure that should be included. a responsible Budget. The only argument used by the I was horrified to hear a number of speak honourable member for Balwyn on why ers, including the Leader of the Opposition statutory authority dividends should be and the Leader of the National Party, make included in State taxation figures was to refer disparaging comments with reference to the to the national accounting statements in $250 rebate on new car purchases. Budget Paper No. 2, part 4. I, pages 2 and I suggest that the honourable member for 6. He indicated that if one looks in that Doncaster, who is now interjecting, might 1148 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills come down to the electorate I represent and During the course of the programme, four speak to the people in the car industry and persons have received work elsewhere and see what his Government did to the Lucas they have been replaced by other persons. factory. That car parts industry was sent Approximately ten people are involved in under because of the policies of the former the programme, which has a further two Government. The rebate on new car pur months to run. These persons are doing chases has been regarded by factories in the work at a nursery and learning the skills of electorate I represent as a great shot in the nursery work and coastal erosion control. arm. Employees in the electorate I represent The person in charge is a forewoman, who are primarily engaged in the motor indus is the first woman employed in such a posi try. tion by a local council. She has university qualifications. If members of the Opposi The honourable member for Polwarth tion visited the area I represent and said interjects by saying that the price of that the employment initiatives pro Australian-made cars has risen. If the gramme should be abandoned, they would honourable member investigated that claim, be run out of town. The people in the area I he would discover that it is wrong. represent are strongly in favour of the pro During the debate on the last Budget, gramme. members of the Opposition claimed that there should be an increase in foster care Indeed, I have spoken with local council payments, even though there had been no lors in the area and they have told me that increase in those payments for years when they have received more telephone calls the Liberal Party was in government. The about the employment initiatives pro Budget provides for a substantial increase gramme, which involves cleaning up the in foster care payments. It is my hope that foreshore, than on any other matter in the the southern region of Melbourne will have history of the council, and that includes rate a foster care programme in the near future. increases and so on. There was considerable criticism by As well as being funded by the State Gov members of the Opposition on the con ernment and the local council, the project is straints placed on the Legal Aid Commis being funded by the Australian Conserva sion in the past year due to inadequate tion Foundation to the tune of $6000. funding, even though in the last State Bud$et Humes Ltd is also sponsoring the project the Government provided for a drastic In through the provision of plant and equip crease in funding for the Legal Aid Com ment. The project is also being funded by mission. In this Budget, the Government the Buckland estate. It is a model project has provided an increase of 300 per cent in and I wish that members of the Opposition funds for the Legal Aid Commission. That would stop talking about the employment is an increase from $1· 5 million to $4· 5 mil initiatives programme as though it was lion. something homogeneous and start talking I am not waiting with bated breath, but it about what programmes a future Liberal is my hope that those members of the Op Government would and would not fund. If position who raised the issue in the area I members of the Opposition want the pro represent and who were critical of the con gramme stopped, they should have the guts straints placed on the Legal Aid Commis to visit the area I represent and tell the peo sion will now commend the Government ple involved in the programme that a future for increasing funds to the Legal Aid Com Liberal Government would throw them on mission from $1· 5 million to $4· 5 million. the scrap heap. I refer to the employment initiatives pro I conclude by commending the Govern gramme. During an earlier debate when the ment on the Budget it has introduced. I have Leader of the Opposition was speaking, I visited many groups in the area I represent. interjected and invited him to visit the area Many of those groups have been critical of I represent and examine the employment the financial restraints placed on them by initiatives programme on foreshore work. I the Budget. I have had to debate the issues urged the Leader of the Opposition to tell with those groups and point out that, when the people who are employed in that pro public opinion is ready for larger increases gramme that a future Liberal Government in taxation and charges, the types of pro would not provide them with funds and grammes those groups support will be would put them out of work. funded. It is clear that public opinion has Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1149 been responsive to the Government exer to 65·1 per cent. Workers received a slightly cising restrain t in increasing taxes and smaller slice of a much bigger cake, but charges. much more of it was shared. I have tried to demonstrate in my speech, I t is inevitable that as the profit share by tackling some of the technical compo slumped the wage share rose to record lev nents of the Budget, that the increase in els this year. Unemployment has multiplied taxes and charges of 8·8 per cent compares and the only time when the wage share in favourably with the increase in the last this economy has been higher was in the Budget of 14·9 per cent. I make no apologies notorious days of the Whitlam Administra for those adjustments. tion in 1974. I have a graph with me but I I also make no apology to those groups do not know whether you, Mr Acting who have had to accept financial con Speaker, will permit it to be incorporated in straints imposed by the Government. How Hansard. ever, the Government is unable to increase The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk taxation by an amount greater than the rate wood)-No. of inflation. The population accepts and ap plauds the Government for exercising the Mr WILLIAMS-No, you do not like necessary financial restraints. the truth. This graph clearly shows that, as profits go down, unemployment rises. There The sitting was suspended at 6.17 p.m. is an absolutely clear correlation. until8A p.m. I believe-and I was trained in Keyne Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-The sian economics-that this Budget is based Treasurer will be interested to know that I on theories that even Keynes, if he were completely agree with the objectives of his alive, would repudiate. They have been dis Budget to increase employment and pros carded throughout the rest of the world be perity for all Victorians, but he will not be cause the pump-priming measures that the surprised that I totally reject the means by Treasurer has approved, which have been which he proposes to create employment put to him by his academic advisers, will and prosperity for all Victorians. not work in Victoria and Australia unless The honourable member for Sandring an incomes policy is produced that sticks. ham was challenging the Opposition to give The more I read the daily newspapers, the its version of an alternative budget, what it more I realize that the Hawke Labor Gov would do, and I interjected "increase prof ernment's prices and incomes accord is not its" and I meant that. There is no way, if going to stick. It is virtually impossible in a there is a mixed economy in Australia where free democratic society where there are 80 per cent of the jobs are provided by pri tough-minded union leaders who want vate enterprise, that there will be increased everything they can get for their members employment and prosperity for all Victori and where there are some capitalists, unfor ans unless Budget measures are adopted that tunately, who will do everything in their will increase incentive and enterprise in the power to increase their profits. As I indi private sector. Belting business over the cated earlier, profits are good, but if they are head with heavy taxes, cost increases in gas, obtained by unfair and improper means, by fuel and transport charges will not create monopolistic means or by means that you, jobs in the community, particularly in the Mr Speaker, will not allow me to elaborate small business sector where half the jobs are on, and through improper competition, the provided. economy will not work. I re-emphasize that jobs do not come from I agree that if the Prime Minister of Aus job creation schemes in the public sector. tralia became Napoleon Bonaparte and used They come directly from a rise in profits. the Draconian powers that President de There is an immutable link between the Gaulle used in getting the French economy ability to earn more profits and the capacity out of trouble, it may work. But the situa to employ more people. tion is that there is now a benevolent So An Australian record employment rise of cialist Democrat, rather like the Treasurer, 481 000 took place in the three years from running France, President Mitterrand, who September 1978 to 1981 when the profit will not impose Draconian methods on the shares rose from 13·9 per cent to 15 per cent people of France, and his policies will not and the wage share eased from 65·6 per cent work. 1150 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
If the Hawke prescription for economic problem because it is not a big issue with progress in Australia for a prices and in those who have jobs. comes accord is to work, he will have to I regret to say that past supporters of my take away the precious democratic rights of political side of the fence, among the com all Australians. fortable middle class, are happy to see the We will have to pass our privileges of Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria, the dissent, and all the rest of it, over to the Premier, and the Prime Minister masquer corporate State, where policies will be de ading as liberals. They do not mind the pol termined by big businessmen such as Sir icies of these two men hitting those on the Peter Abeles, Sir Roderick Carnegie, and bottom of the spectrum, because it is a case other friends of the Prime Minister such as of out of mind out of sight; if one does not big union leaders, like Mr Bill Kelty, and see the unemployed, who cares about them. Mr Simon Crean, who run the Storemen The wiz-kid from Monash University, the and Packers Union-or should I say store honourable member for Syndal, ought to persons union-because that is what the learn that eventually the worm will turn and corporate State is all about; big unions, big there will be nothing so damaging to the business and big government, getting to population of this country than a whole lot gether in a nice, cosy, little monopoly ar of disillusioned people under 30 years of rangement where it is "us" against "the age. Is it any wonder that they do not want rest". to enrol to vote; they detest and distrust politicians and think all parties have let It does not matter about the unemployed, them down. the small businessmen, or those who are not union members. Less than half of our Honourable members from all parties employed population are in trade unions, should be much more caring about the peo or if a person is not in a trade union or is in ple who are at the bottom of the scale. I a weak union, he will get only the wage in never thought that I would live to see the creases awarded by the Australian Concili day when Labor leaders would openly tell ation and Arbitration Commission. He will the public that the unemployment problem not get the heavy, over-award payments, was intractable, that nothing could be done and the secret handouts that I have read so about it and that we would have to live with much about in recent times, and which were it. reported on by the Costigan inquiry in the It is distressing that independent man press this morning. If a worker is not in the agement consultants of the eminence of De Storemen and Packers Union, or in the Ship loitte, Haskins and Sells, have forecast that Painters and Dockers Union, or the Build Australia would suffer a dramatic fall in its ing Workers Industrial Union of Australia living standards over the next 30 years and and all these other standover unions, he will will have to accept 500 000 unemployed as miss out very badly, and that is what the its lot. What an indictment of our economy problem of modem society is all about. and political system that it is now being predicted that there will be a permanent un Members of the Labor Party should not employment level of 500 OOO! The same ex try to brush away the seriousness of unem perts predict that Australia will sink from ployment in this country. In September, ninth in the world's scale of standards of 718 700 people or 10 per cent of our popu living to eighteenth. The number of work lation-I in 10-were out of work, and the ers in manufacturing plants in Victoria cruelty of it is that 1 in 4 people between the could fall by more than one-third in the ages of 15 and 20 years are the ones who are next 30 years, and most of the victims of affected. It is one of the most distressing this relocation of our manufacturing base aspects of contemporary politics. There is a will be women and young people. It seems cynical abandonment of the unemployed by to me that without jobs these people will sections of the trade union movement. I endure a life of semi-poverty, boredom and regret to say that the President of the Aus frustration. If ever there was a recipe for a tralian Council of Trade Unions, Mr Dolan, workers' revolution in this country, this made it clear that he was in that position to must be it. The present policies that are look after his members, and his members being pursued in Canberra, and a little less are in jobs. I accuse the Labor Party of harshly in Victoria, are all aimed at knock washing its hands of the unemployment ing the private sector over the head. These Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1151 policies are depressing the incentives of on the Liberal Party. The Liberal Party has genuine, honest businessmen who want to sins to answer for, but it is not responsible earn fair profits, just as honest working men for the present economic crisis which is want to earn a fair day~s pay for a fair day's sweeping the Western World. work. If we get away from the system that built the British Empire and the United An economic crisis in the Western World States of America, then our Western eco has a great effect on the Australian economy nomic system faces a crisis of great propor because Australia is a supplier of foodstuffs tions. and raw materials to the rest of the world. When the United States of America and I hope I am wrong in my suspicions that Western Europe catches a cold, Australia there are people in society who want to un gets pneumonia. dermine our economic institutions so they can take over and impose their Socialist Australia's cost structure is out of line system on us. I have great hope for the pri with the rest of the world. I do not want to vate enterprise economic system that has see the wages of Australian workers sink to served this country so well. There are peo the level of those in Taiwan, Korea or Ma ple in our society who blatantly say that the laysia, but the facts oflife are that Australia present economic system will not work. cannot compete in consumer goods such as clothing, shoes and electronics. Imports are I quote from the Workers News of 8 Oc flooding into this country and putting good tober 1983, and this is the Organ of the young people, particularly females, out of Central Committee of the Socialist Labor work. League, which, I understand, is part of the Socialist Party of Australia. I do not know It is another sad aspect of the changing what its relationship is to the Labor Party, structure of the Australian economy that but this document states: more and more married women are return ing to the work force. That may be as a Only Socialist policies based on the nationalization consequence of the contrac.eptive pill, but it of the banks and basic industry under workers' control, is having a dramatic effect on the economy. without compensation to the capitalist class can an swer the mass unemployment and defend wages and Mr Fogarty-What has the pill got to do union rights. with it? Mr WILLIAMS-I am speaking about Unfortunately, Mr Speaker, you and I are unemployment, and members of the Gov going to see the day when that sort of policy ernment should be ashamed of themselves will have much greater sway in the unions because they do not want to speak about it. and the Labor movement than we have ever Ifthe honourable member for Sunshine does seen before, and if these disillusioned, un not find jobs for people in that area, he will employed youngsters get behind that phi losophy, I can only say, "God help this be out on his ear. country in times to come". These young In 1968, 20 per cent of married women people are good Australians like the rest of were in the work force, but by 1990, it is us, and they are not going to become the estimated that half the married women of depressed, under-privileged, second-rate this State and country will be in the work citizens that one sees in Bombay, and other force. Shame on an economic system that is places, where they are less than human. Our creating that problem! The mothers should young people will not put up with it, and I be at home looking after their children. sympathize with them. If they want to be Mrs Setches-What about the fathers? come red radicals, and overturn the bour Mr WILLIAMS-The fathers could do geoisie in the Labor Party, I can understand more to help, but I am an old fashioned what it is all about. person who believes the responsibility of There is no doubt that there is unanimity bringing home the bacon lies with the male. within this Parliament on what the causes Another reason why Australia's young of unemployment are, but for the benefit of people cannot get jobs is that, compared some honourable members I would like to with the rest of the world, Australians are repeat them, because we have been hearing shabbily educated-in fact, they are deplor a lot of political nonsense. I was disap ably educated. In Japan, 88 per cent of all pointed in the Premier this morning when seventeen-year-olds are still at school. The he was trying to blame the economic crisis figure for Australia is 32 per cent. In Japan, 1152 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
40 per cent of new entrants to the work nomic background is similar to mine, but force have degrees, but in Australia, the fig his working background is different. I was ure is only 8 per cent. fortunate to work with a private enterprise Is it any wonder that the top people in economic consultant group for almost 30 Japan think Australians are a bunch of hill years. Had I not worked for that group for billies? Australia cannot win contracts, so long, I may have been able to hold my whether for sugar, coal, metal or iron ore own with some of the younger fellows who because its people are ill-equipped and ill: want to chop off my head and retire me educated. Who are we to be so xenophobic prematurely. They may have a lot to learn and chauvinistic and criticize "Wogs"? because it IS all very well to pontificate in Australians are the "Wogs"; we are ill-edu this place, but if one does get down to basic cated and the management in this country fundamentals and does not understand that is not worthy of the great resources Aus without profits this country has no future, tralia has. Australia is in trouble. That message must be repeated. The solution to the economic I regret to say that our grandchildren and troubles and the key to near full employ great grandchildren will pay a heavy pen ment and hi~er living standards is greater alty for that because Australia will no longer profitability In the private sector. belong to white Australians-it will belong to people from China and Japan because The great tragedy of this State is the seri they will have the equipment, education ous unemployment among its young peo background and the ability to work hard t~ ple. Of Australians in the age group of 15 get Australia's resources out of the ground. years to 19 years, 23 per cent-one in four Australia has the world's greatest resources are out of work. Of Australians aged be but its management is inefficient, and it~ tween 20 years and 24 years, 12 per cent are workers are too ill-educated to understand out of work. This is having a traumatic ef where their bread and butter lies. They lis fect on Australia's young people. ten to strike-happy agitators and "go slow" I shall quote another well known radi merchants who have almost wrecked the cal-who will be known to the honourable economy. member for Sunshine-Mr Harry Van Another factor creating unemployment is Moorst from the Footscray Institute of that the "brains" of the country are being Technology. The premise is wrong, but I induced into the Public Service because of find the economic analysis of those on the ~~e ~i~ salar;ies. In th~ good old days, extreme left to be much more satisfying than braIns went Into the pnvate sector, and if the fools' gold put before the people of Aus a person had brains, he could start with tralia by those who occupy what is called nothing and become a millionaire. the centre unity position in the Australian Today, if one is an honest man, one can Labor Party. The Socialist left is much more not become a millionaire. Some of the cap honest and, eventually, a person such as italists who have friends in high places and Harry Van Moorst may well be the Premier who came to this country 30 years ago with of Victoria, if not the Prime Minister of 4000 pounds and now have assets of $1 000 Australia. Some of the centre unity mob million, as well as knighthoods, did not gain had better watch out where they are going. that money from paying proper taxes, hence Mr Harry Van Moorst stated that the un creating the bottom-of-the harbour tax employed come proportionately from lower scandals. socio-economic areas. He said that they are I reiterate that the future of this country less skilled than their employed counter and the budgetry policies of the Common parts and that the traditional class relation wealth and State Governments will fall into ships in our society are strongly reflected in ruin unless a sharp increase in the profita the area of unemployment and the guilt that bility of industries occurs. so often accompanies not being able to work. A well respected management group, W. This is the worst sin we can commit, to D. Scott & Co. Pty. Ltd, has said that Aus create in our young people the impression tralian corporate profits will have to rise by that they are to blame because they are un one-thi~d to .ensure a healthy economic re employ~d. Nothing could be further from covery In thIS country. I appeal to the wise the truth. The "high mandarins" who sit in men. on t~e Government benches. I respect Canberra and in Melbourne and their polit the Intelhgence of the Treasurer; his eco- ical masters, who would be nothing-as Ben Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1153
Chifley said-without the labor movement, for his corner when we get to the Estimates who are the people who are responsible for debate. I am disgusted with what he has these young people being out of work. They done about high technology in the area I are the ones to blame. Mr Van Moorst said: represent. There is precious little for the young unemployed in that area. There is It is the unemployed with lower socio-economic sta tus and the younger unemployed who felt the greatest precious little for the working housewiv~s degree of guilt over being unemployed. in that area. Doncaster-Templestowe IS It Too often people who are still working assume that ideally situated to be a Silicon Valley. has the life of the unemployed is one of carefree leisure and access to the Tullamarine Freeway and there ease. could be a remarkable computer facility in Doncaster. Mr WALLACE (Gippsland South)-The Feelings of guilt, a strong desire for work, and a 1983-84 Victorian Budget is being debated severe dissatisfaction with their leisure were the real half way through the present office of the characteristics of being unemployed. Cain Government. The Government has I say categorically that it is fools' gold for one set of standards for itself and another this Government to think that job creation for the Victorian community. The size of and job protection will do away with the the Government, the range of its activities frustration, the guilt, the anger and all the in the public sector capital works are to con rest of the feelings that are plaguing our un tinue unabated and will increase in many employed youth, particularly in the work areas. The State's taxpayers-the people ing class areas such as Coburg, who elected this Labor Government-are Broadmeadows, Footscray, Williamstown paying extra in almost every area of their and other western suburbs. daily lives to meet the Government bill. The Government has been described as I shall now be a little political and make an anti-country Government and the Budget another attack on the Prime Minister of supports that argument. The double stand Australia for his hypocrisy in telling the ard is also being dealt out in the way in young people that the way of the future is which the Government has been encourag for them to work on an Israeli kibbutz. He ing people and industries in Victoria to wants to turn us all into good little Israelis. tighten their belts and become cost efficient I well remember what happened in this and restrain their demands for wage rises. House in 1954 when another group in the After being told this is for the common good, Labor Party wanted to turn Victorians into the Government sneaks around the corner little peasants. A Bill was torn up in this with a sledge-hammer and hits the com very Chamber. So far as I am concerned, munity with a vast increase in charges for putting people into kibbutzes is no different public facilities and services. The taxpayer from turning them into little peasants. may say, "Well, this is all right, because we The social and economic costs of the mis will get, perhaps, lower un~~pl~rment, be~ management of the Australian economy are ter services and more factlltles , but he IS high and unnecessary. As I said earlier, the getting slugged again; he is paying more and essential prerequisite of this economy is he is getting less. economic growth and that can be achieved The Government is· spreading its taxa only by profit making. We do not want a tion net into new areas of revenue, which flood of money coming into this country for are obviously designed to become broad investment in schemes that will not provide general areas of taxation. Land tax is one of future employment for those living in this these. In the past sixteen months or so, it country. What is the good of having mas has become the growth tax of the 1980s. sive city buildings; what is the good of ha v Despite the outright untruth in the Budget ing luxurious hotels and all these other speech, which said that new land tax meas activities if they do not provide employ ures will raise an extra $3 million this finan ment? What we want is investment in high cial year, the revenue raised from land tax technology industries that will be able to will increase by about 37 per cent-from export to the rest of the world. $139 million to $191 million. Mr Cathie-That is pie in the sky. The Government is also looking at the Mr WILLIAMS-I will give the Minis report of the inquiry into revenue raising, ter for Economic Development something which is an interesting report. It is an exer- 1154 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills cise in how to raise another $90 million a The taxation spider web has been cast year from land tax. This tax is an unduly over local government ratepayers with the high penalty on both private and company reduction in the interest rate subsidies for property owners. sewerage and local government authorities. The Government is still trying to rescue Residents across the State are now receiving itself from the shambles surrounding the rate notices that are 5 per cent higher than financial institutions duty and it is deter would normally be the case because of this mined to make that into another of the measure. Once again the people of Victoria growth taxes. Last year the financial insti have to pay. The people are told tall stories tutions duty raised $37-5 million and this about the extra money paid in taxes and year it will raise $87 million. This is also a charges. I accept that the Government is form of revenue that hits families and busi spending more on housing. The result will nesses. The financial institutions duty which be good for the housing industry and em was introduced in last year's Budget, has ployment generally. However, the Gipps since been accompanied by Common land timber industry has not received any wealth charges on cheques. It is high time Government funding. The problem is the the Government sought some rationaliza way in which the Government has por tion between these two financial charges. trayed its increased charges. When one ex amines the figures, one realizes that the The public authorities that provide es Government's contribution to public hous sential services throughout the State are ing has declined by 20 per cent. being bled dry to pay for the Government's capital works programme. Public authori Mr Cathie-How do you work that out? ties will pay an extra 28 per cent in revenue Mr W ALLACE-I will explain. The ex over the next twelve months. It is argued tra money is coming from the Common that the dividends being charged against the wealth, including $15 million which has State Electricity Commission, the Gas and been diverted from Commonwealth-funded Fuel Corporation, the Grain Elevators employment programmes. Funds for co-op Board, the Board of Works, the Port of Mel erative housing societies, which undertake bourne Authority and the State Bank enable valuable work, particularly in country areas, tariffs for items such as electricity to be kept have been reduced by $2 million to $30 mil down. That is rubbish! The only source from lion. which authorities can obtain the money is Mr Cathie-That is double what it was their customers; it is the people who are under the Liberal Government. paying once again. All Victorians will be required to meet this extra bill. Apart from Mr W ALLACE-It is not what is stated their returns on capital, the State Electricity in the Budget and that is the important Commission and the Gas and Fuel Corpo point. Health funds have been slashed to ration are also being levied additional the point where large hospitals are facing a charges to create artificially higher prices for crisis. Hospitals are having to economize power and gas. on staff and close wards. Patient care has been cut and hospitals have been forced to I wonder how the commission managed raise the charges on any properties they own to persuade people to convert their equip and enter co-operative arrangements with ment to gas because it was cheaper than neighbouring hospitals. electricity. Those people who converted to The Minister of Health has bluntly put gas were led by the nose to conversion and the threat that any hospital that does not now they are paying through the nose. meet the cutbacks will be shut down. The A frightening aspect of the Government's Minister stated that, because the operating dividend policy is the continual hints one costs of the Gippsland Base Hospital are receives that ultimately all Government au high, it should close down for three months. thorities will have to pay an annual levy on How can a hospital close down for three their assets. Such an approach would send months? What will happen to the doctors the irrigation areas broke. What will happen and staff and, more importantly, the pa to the fire-fighting services? Can we expect tients? Vast amounts offunds have also been to see the day when fire victims have to pay saved by the deferral of major hospital up for fire brigades so that a Government levy grading projects while the McClelland in can be met? That is the way in which we are quiry confirmed what we all knew anyway heading. that most of the projects were necessary. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1155
The cost of public transport has been in is unacceptable. In 1980.... 81, the Govern creased in contradiction of the policy target ment contributed $13 233 358 or 44·98 per of encouraging the use of public transport. cent to the public library service and the municipalities contributed $16 184781 or On the other side of the coin, the private motorist is paying petrol prices that are 20 55·02 per cent. per cent higher than they were a year ago. If In 1981 .... 82, the State contribution was a motorist happened to turn to cigarettes 42·61 per cent and the municipalities con while he or she is stuck in a traffic jam, it is tribution was 57·39 per cent-it is slowly all the worse. Public transport is seriously going down; in 1982 .... 83, the actual figures lacking in the electorate I represent. The respectively were 40·51 per cent and 59·49 Government should consider transport per cent; and for this year the estimate is needs in conjunction with its economy drive 37·44 per cent and 62·56 per cent respec in the Latrobe Valley. If the valley can be tively. The State contribution includes per one of the cornerstones of Victoria's eco capita subsidy payments, regional library nomic recovery-I believe it can-the ad development grants, special project grants, jacent areas deserve an adequate transport and so on. The municipalities' contribu system. tions do not include capital expenditure. It The Minister of Education seems deter is totally unacceptable. mined to achieve a significant amount of One would have thought that the final his 2 per cent cost reduction by selling off result of this Budget, with its increased the tertiary student hostels. Last Thursday, charges and areas of Government expendi a demonstration took place on the steps of ture cuts, would be a State that is on a solid Parliament House. Country students expe financial basis. However, the Government rience an enormous upheaval when they is increasing its capital works with money move to the city to pursue their studies. borrowed from other resources through the This measure will force country students Cash Management Account. The ledgers are who attend Melbourne institutions out of balanced in the Budget, but only with bor supervised housing into unsupervised rowed money. There will come a time when housing in the private rental market. This this money must be repaid. What will hap is particularly difficult with students who have examinations approaching and do not pen to Victoria then? know where they will live next year. It is a No honourable member has ever seen the heartless means of saving money and I can process reversed where a Government be assure the Minister that country people are comes smaller. On the basis of borrowings, determined that the Minister will not suc Victoria will be the loser. When that day ceed in closing down student hostels. comes and the borrowing must be repaid, The Government has also foreshadowed Victorian taxpayers will need to rescue the cutbacks to decentralization benefits as well Government from the State's bankruptcy as the cutting back of specialist facilities to and, by then, taxpayers may not have any smaller country schools. Of particular con ready money left in their pockets. cern to me is the cutback on regionallibrar The Government should assist and en ies and assistance to the arts. A recent letter courage the private sector. It must encour to me from the Chief Librarians Council age initiatives and it must settle the big pointed out that a 2 per cent actual funding problems facing Victoria. It should encour cut, together with a projected 7 per cent age individuals in the business sector. The increase in the consumer price index, means Government must change its attitude and a cut in real terms of 9 per cent. The letter its direction before it is too late. I am sure further points out: that at the next State election it will be too The Labor Party and Mr Mathews as the responsible late for the Government and that the voters Minister have repeatedly promised the restoration of will react accordingly. 50:50 shared State municipal funding oflibraries. After Mr NEWTON (Bennettswood)-I sup this Budget the State contribution will have fallen from port the Budget. It is a responsible Budget 43 per cent when the Labor Government took office to and meets the needs of very difficult times barely 37 per cent in 1983-84. which have been created by both local and In 1982 .... 83, the regional library grant was international pressures. At present, the $825 775. In 1983-84, it was reduced to world is experiencing the worst recession $550000, a decrease of33·39 per cent. That since the great depression. 1156 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
In Victoria, significant factors have made New dwelling approvals in the June it difficult for the Government to budget: quarter increased by 48·2 per cent in Vic There has been a severe drought, which toria compared with a national fall of 5·1 members of the National Party and rural per cent. representatives would not dispute; there The July issue of the ANZ Bank business have been devastating fires which have re indicator stated that industry in Victoria sulted in both a loss of productivity and was further advanced than other States in massive paymefits in compensation; and Australia in coming out of the recession. there has been somewhat of a minor crisis The bank acknowledged that this was a di with the loss of some $50 million to the rect result of last year's Budget and the Victorian Government via its pipeline tax. strategy implemented by the Government. Not many people in the community Those points, which will be highlighted would even question the Government rein further by other Government party mem ing back on public expenditure. I am glad bers, clearly indicate that the Government that the Government has not been panicked is unsuccessful in its ambition and that this into a knee-jerk reaction such as the Fraser Budget will further that ambition. It is Government experienced; all honourable pleasing to note that the Budget has inno members know the consequences of that vations and that it has initiated those inno economic policy. vations without severe increases in taxation, In addition to being a responsible Budget, especially on items which would not be de it is exciting. It has both initiatives and scribed as vital commodities. creativity in so many areas of responsibility The National Party has made cries of out even though there are so many economic rage about the 20 per cent increase in the inhibitors. The Budget builds on the success price of a packet of cigarettes. That increase of the previous twelve months in which the may be steep, but cigarettes are hardly a Government proved its capabilities as a vital commodity. One can take them or good and sound manager of the economy. leave them. The increase may have a good One does not need to take only my word. I spin-off for community health programmes refer honourable members to two articles in with a decline in the number of smokers. the Age of 22 September. Kenneth David Not one of my constituents has com son commented: plained about this increase. Similarly, I have Given the constraints set by the national economy not received one complaint about the 1 cent and the policies of the Federal Government in Can a litre levy on petrol, which is a very small berra ... Mr Jolly has brought down an intelligent increase. Budget which will provide a real stimulus to the Vic torian economy. The increase of 50 cents on a bottle of wine worth $5 is a reasonable increase on The editorial stated: an item that is not a vital commodity, and The spending priorities are right, and the higher taxes it will place wine drinkers on an equal foot and charges are not excessive in their inflationary im ing with beer drinkers. I have received no pact ... and are socially equitable. consumer reaction to that from the electo rate I represent. Those are two very important independent sources. One has to examine the factors af Increases have also been announced in fecting economies and the measures of suc the public transport area in some of the fare cesses of economies to interpret how well structures but, when one considers the total the Government has done. There are sev package, it is possible to see the many gains. eral major economic indicators. The fare structures have been expanded and the flexibility of travel has been improved, Victoria has the lowest unemployment in so there is an increase in some of those fares Australia. The reduction of unemployment but the benefits far outweigh the increases. in Victoria to the lowest level in Australia Similarly, the payment of stamp duty on can be attributed to the success of the Gov larger properties will affect those who can ernment. most afford to meet that burden. Retail sales have increased 2·8 per cent in I want to deal briefly with some key Victoria compared with an over-all rate of Budget features, one being the employment 1· 7 per cent for the Australian economy. initiatives. The thrust of the Government's Again, that is a very healthy figure. Budget is to increase general capital works Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1157 by 44 per cent overall. It is hoped that this positions, although some of those positions will lead to increased employment, as did will be part-time. Some derogatory remarks the Government's first Budget. I mention were made by members of the National two projects in the eastern suburbs-the Party about services in country areas, but geriatric centre and the Queen Victoria those honourable members failed to men Medical Centre at Clayton. Both are major tion that an extra 50 specialists will be projects employing many people. More spe ~hared by clusters of small primary cific are the job creation schemes. A total of schools-something wl1ich was never prov $141 million in Commonwealth and State ided by previous Liberal Governments funds has been allocated to those schemes. which were supported by the National Party. The allocation for transport capital ex The school improvement programme will penditure is increased by 59·3 per cent to receive an allocation of $500000 to allow $647 million. Many local people have com many schools throughout the State to up mented to me on the improved rollin~-stock grade their programmes to meet commu now travelling on train and tram hnes in nity input and make schools more reflective the eastern suburbs. I hope the new light of the needs of modem society. In the area rail articulated vehicles will be travelling of ethnic education, the Government has down the Burwood Highway before the end made available an extra 50 community lan of the year. guage teachers and another 30 ethnic teacher An increase of 300 percent has been made aides and has initiated the pilot bilingual in the allocation for legal aid. The Govern programme in many schools. An important ment obviously believes legal services allocation of $14 000 has been made avail should be available to low-income earners able to the Brailling service for blind chil who were previously denied access to legal dren. rights. Another important matter that was not I am pleased to note that the community mentioned by members of the Opposition welfare services allocation is increased by is equal opportunity. I direct my remarks 12·8 per cent, given the number of child particularly to the honourable member for care organizations in the area I represent. Doncaster who needs some education in this The foster parent base rate payment of $25 area. An allocation of $45 000 is provided has been raised to $35 and a 10·7 per cent for the conversion of ten technical schools increase in the funding for refuges has been for co-education. That is an important start made available. in training girls and boys on the same edu Education affects every electorate. Edu cational basis to lead them into equal op cation capital expenditure is increased by portunity. 37 per cent and expenditure in the eastern Some remarks were made by Opposition region is increased by 63·9 per cent. This members about the availability of teachers education allocation is the fifth largest in but, again, no comment was made by those the State. That is a telling factor which rec honourable members about the extra 350 ognizes that the State Government has had primary school relieving teachers that will to pour resources in to improving the poor be made available. The mother of the hon facilities that were provided by the former ourable member for Malvern was a teacher Government. Much work has been done to and I sympathize that she failed in her ex compensate for those years of neglect. Two ercise. schools in my area-the Burwood Primary Victoria's student teacher ratios are the School and the Wattle Park High School best in Australia, regardless of the appalling will benefit by way of major works. state of education when the Government The Minister has made available a re inherited it. Secondary school support staff lease which indicates some innovations in are made available for deaf students, and a education. Computer education will receive special support facility for hearing-im an allocation of $754 000, to match Com paired students will be set up in post-pri monwealth funding, to increase computer mary schools at a cost of $31 000. An awareness in education-a vital matter, allocation of $125 000 is made to train ad given that we live in a technological age. ditional mathematics and science teachers. An allocation of $700000 is made for An over-all increase of 12·6 per cent is clerical assistance in primary schools. That made in the health area, taking it up to will provide the equivalent of 100 full-time $1466· 3 million. Initiatives of interest in 1158 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills that area are an increase of 114 per cent in clearly could not understand that the hon the area of mental retardation. That will ourable member for Balwyn was drawing a interest many constituents in the Bennetts distinction between State taxation revenue, wood electorate who have attempted to care which increased by 23· 3 per cent in 1982-83 for retarded children for many years with and total State revenue from State sources, out much assistance from the Government. which includes non-taxation revenue such The Government will double the alloca as royalties and revenue from departmental tion to the School Dental Service, which charges. will result in the teeth of twice as many As the honourable member for Balwyn children being checked during the coming pointed out, this was an extremely signifi financial year as were checked during the cant increase and certainly belies the Treas last financial year. The allocation to dental urer's claim of a revenue drought in care for pensioners is increased to $1· 5 mil 1982-83. Further, the honourable member lion, which must represent a lot of dentures. for Sandringham claimed that, if one took The total allocation available to the hous the estimate of the increase in the total Vic ing area is $271 million, an increase of 19· 3 torian revenue from State sources in per cent. When I first entered this House, 1982-83, less the pipelines levy, a figure of one fact which became glaringly obvious was 14·9 per cent would be arrived at, and that the shortage of public housing in the eastern this would be less than the increase in New suburbs, including the electorate that I rep South Wales. The honourable member for resent. Sandringham was being grossly inconsist ent in attempting to paint this picture be I am pleased to indicate that many initi cause he was forgetting that one would have atives have been taken in this area since to make similar adjustments in the New that time. I am also pleased to add that this South Wales figures. One would have to take Budget is aimed at increasing the number the total figures from State revenue in New of spot purchases and the provision of some South Wales, not just the figures for the State 3500 new rental units. There has been an taxation revenue. increase of 18 per cent in the number of If the honourable member for Sandring rental houses available to the Ministry of ham were to make his comparisons prop Housing and $57 million has been allocated erly, he would find that the Government towards family home purchase schemes. imposed a greater increase in taxation, or Mrs Patrick-Y ou got those figures from total State revenue, however one likes it, the Budget? than did the New South Wales Government Mr NEWTON-I mention these figures in the last financial year. The honourable for the benefit of members of the Opposi member for Sandringham also deliberately tion because I know so few of them can sou~t to confuse the estimates of the Op read! I could go for many hours on this pOSItion on the cost of the Government's subject because numerous initiatives are measure. He sought to suggest that the Op being taken in this Budget, which is surpris position could not make up its mind ing considering the economic climate. The whether the cost of the Budget to the aver Treasurer has done an excellent job and I age Victorian family was $270 or $1000 a believe he deserves the applause of all hon year. For the benefit of the honourable ourable members; he certainly has my sup member for Sandringham, let me make port. these figures clear. Mrs PATRICK (Brighton)-Before I The cost to the average Victorian family commence my speech in this Budget de of the measures included in this Budget is bate, I should like to respond to some re approximately $275 a year. This does not marks made by the honourable member for include the effect of increases in public Sandringham before the suspension of the transport fares, and I intend to say some sitting for dinner. The honourable member thing about that later. The total cost of all for Sandringham quoted selectively from the the increases in taxes and charges that this speech of the honourable member for Bal Government has imposed since it has been wyn in an attempt to suggest that the hon in office represents approximately $1000 a ourable member for Balwyn was confused year to the average family. about the increase in revenue in 1982-83. This is the Government which, before The honourable member for Sandringham coming to office, said it would not increase Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1159
State taxation, but this is the result. This is graph, which is short but sums up the an unbalanced Budget and my authority for position, states: that is Mr Terry McCrann, the business ed More effective job creation programmes must be tar itor of the Age who, in an article of 22 Sep getted on the private sector to provide skills and help tember, stated: provide permanent jobs for those most in need. Jolly's Budget-unbalanced in the real wurld. When I tUfT. to my area of responsibility as "As required by law, the Consolidated Fund will be shadow spokesperson on local government, balanced in 1983-84," Rob Jolly said in his State Budget I find that the Minister for Local Govern speech yesterday. ment, at the opening of Local Government And Mr Jolly is a man of his word. It is beyond Week-and I was in attendance to hear his dispute that the 1983-84 Budget is balanced. Balanced, that is, in the accounting sense that the figures in the speech-was reported in an article in the column marked "Receipts" equal-give or take the Herald of 10 October as having stated: odd million or so-the figures in the column headed The Government has used part ofYictoria's share of "Expenditures" . the Federal wages pause money and offered councils But once we move away from the purities of ac up to $40 000 each for job creation projects, to be counting and out into the real world we find a very matched on a $1 for $1 basis. significant deficit in the Budget. "Some 84 councils are participating in the scheme Indeed if we strip away what is known in the private which will create 476 new jobs for unemployed people sector as "creative accounting" the 1983-84 State and provide an additional 121 jobs for supervisors." Budget has a real deficit of something like $863 mil lion. In the first instance, the Government has He said it could be even more because he used part of Victoria's share of the Federal had not searched through the fine print. He wages pause money. That point is signifi states about a paragraph further on: cant. Secondly, the Government claims the scheme creates 476 new jobs and an addi Thus, in its first two years, the Cain Government tional 121 jobs for supervisors. Although I has managed to spend something like $1500 million grant that some extremely good projects more than it has raised in overt taxes, fees, Common have been carried out by local government, wealth grants and the like. such as landscaping in the Shire of Corio This is a truly impressive achievement which far and a very nice park it is and something outperforms even the best and brightest days of Ne everyone can be proud of-much of the ville Wran when, with gusto, he set upon the "hollow work being done is, in my opinion, not as a logs" in the NSW statutory authorities to wring every last available dollar out of them. shadow spokesperson on local government but as a person concerned about unemploy But an ever so slightly disturbing achievement ment, the gilt on the gingerbread, which nevertheless. Without wishing to spoil Rob Jolly's fin Victoria cannot afford. est hour, some nagging questions remain. What hap pens when the hollow logs are exhausted; where-that The jobs created in the field of local gov tedious question again-will the replacement money ernment are often temporary. They may in come from? volve six weeks' landscaping or ten weeks The Government has, in this Budget, raised in another field. People do not learn skills $200 million more in taxes, but that will in that way. Once the jobs are finished, the not make up the deficit which Mr McCrann people concerned are out of work. The so rightly pointed out. An additional $203 Government cannot rely on its job creation million in this Budget is aimed at creating programme in local government. That is the 25 000 more jobs. I point out that the job only programme I have heard much about. creation programmes of the Victorian La It creates only temporary jobs. It is a matter bor Government are, to say the least, piti of education and youth training, which is ful. The Victorian Chamber ofManufactures vital to economic growth. I refer to the Vic File dated 15 July 1983, refers to the Com torian Council of School Organizations monwealth Budget, but it is just as applica magazine, School Bell, for June 1983. Page ble to the Victorian Government. The article 11 states: to which I refer is headed, "Job Pro Australia is well behind other western countries in grammes Must Develop Skills" and refers full-time education participation rates. A recent OECD to the Green Paper No. 16. The article was report noted that: "In Canada, Japan and the United prepared by the Manager, Economic Re States between 70 and 90 per cent of the age cohort search, Mr Michael Connell. The first para- remains until the last year or obtains a leaving certifi- 1160 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
cate. By contrast, the percentage in Australia is 35 per The State Government has been strongly criticized, cent." particularly from within the ALP, for the increases in Of particular concern is the low level of retention in public transport fares &nnounced in the State Budget. government schools in disadvantaged areas, which are Fitzroy Council this week passed a four-part resolu characterised by significant numbers leaving school tion condemning the State Government's move saying early ... it was against the ALP's commitment to encourage the Only the T AFE sector has experienced an apprecia use of public transport. ble increase in youth participation rates overall. How Cr Kevin Healy, also a member of the Road Trans ever, this is attributable largely to the growth in part port Authority, said the fare increases hit the inner time enrolments ... suburbs the hardest. A general objective for all those involved in the ed It was expected that urban fares would rise at least ucation process could be to facilitate participation in 100 per cent and more than 30 per cent for a travel education and training for the great majority of young card, he said. people aged 16 to 18, whether full-time or as part of "Yet these areas remain substantially working class their employment. and have the lowest car ownership rate." This will not in itself remove youth unemployment but it will make a significant contribution to its reduc I am interested to note that what were tra tion and at the same time assist in providing the skilled ditionally regarded as Labor Party areas do workforce needed for national recovery and recon not agree with the Government's Budget, struction in the years ahead. particularly the fare increases. I take this The Government is being short-sighted in opportunity of directing attention to a letter not pursuing some of those suggestions. I received from Mr David Johnston of Car Everyone knows that events go in cycles son Place, Melbourne, in which he points and that there will be a turn around. Eco out that an advertisement was inserted on nomic prosperity will be returned to Aus page 5 of the Herald of Saturday 15 Octo tralia. Australia is a land flowing with milk ber, by the Minister of Transport, Mr Steve and honey. Labor Governments are to be Crabb, headed, "Melbourne to have its say". deplored. They consider that "profit" is a I t refers to a public hearing on transport on dirty word. Until people are encouraged to the fifteenth floor of 480 Collins St, Mel make profits, jobs will not be created. Young bourne, on 12, 13 and 14 October 1983. Mr people should be educated in the right way. Johnston states that no doubt this is an ex Housewives who have spoken to me have ample of Labor Party cronyism. The letter made these points, and the Government reads inter alia: should realize that. By some slight mistake a public notice was put into The Government is aiming to reduce the Herald on 15 October, 1983, page 5 after meetings everyone to the same common denomina to accept contributions for the Labor Transport Plan tor to get rid of incentive and to tax every I would suggest that submissions from insider Labor one so that we are all dependent on the Party Members were well represented and I would not State. I was appalled to read that one in four be surprised if NO C.B.D. submissions from ratepay persons in Australia is dependent on social ers such as myself were recorded. security benefits for their income. That sit uation is encouraged by the State Govern That is another typical effort of the Labor ment. Honourable members on the Government, which has ignored the people Government benches may not individually who want to make an input and ignored believe in that attitude, but that is the way local government councillors, whom I shall the Government is heading. People are kept deal with later. The Government pretends to the lowest common denominator and not to consult and to do the right thing, but I given the opportunity to work, develop and have had examples pointed out to me many create jobs. times of cases where the Government has I shall now deal with fare increases. On not consulted. I wish I had more material the one hand the Government has said that with me that has been given to me on the people must use public transport, but on the subject, and I wish I had more time to pres other hand, it has raised another $14 mil ent it to the House. I shall refer again to the lion in extra fares. It is interesting to note speech of the Minister for Local Govern that the Government has been criticized in ment at the opening of Local Government the Melbourne Times of28 September, par Week. On page 9, he stated: ticularly by Australian Labor Party sup- The next area of policy change comes under the head . porters. The article reads: of finance. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1161
I would like anyone interested in local gov What does the Government do? It says, "We ernment to remember that one of the prom do not mind it being set up under our aus ises of the Labor Party before it came to pices, although the negotiations began un office was that a share of State taxation der the former Liberal Government, but would go to local government. It was a firm now that it is successful we will not allow it promise. It was one of the few promises the to extend. We will not allow councils to Government did make to local govern borrow from that fund. We shall take it back ment. The Minister also stated: again." Last year while opening the annual session I ack Mr Cowan, who was the brain behind this nowledged that of all the reforms sought by the Gov scheme, said, at the annual session of the ernment, the one aimed at placing municipal funding Local Government Seminar: on a more appropriate and rational basis, would take the longest time, and prove the most difficult to achieve. Up to a fortnight ago I thought that they-meaning the Government- I'll bet! He was not given any money. . .. had agreed with our proposal to build upon the Central to this reform is the Government's policy successful and profitable investment service operation commitment to the introduction of general revenue by adding to it a local authorities borrowing service for sharing arrangements at the State level-the allocation a fraction of what it would cost if the State Govern to councils each year, of a fixed percentage of state ment gets its way. taxation revenue. Our proposal means one finance arm of local gov As the Treasurer indicated at the annual deputation ernment embracing both the investment service and of the MAV executive on 23 September last, "The the borrowing service to be established under the MA V introduction of general revenue sharing is really a mat Act in exactly the same way as MA VIS was established. ter of timing". It would be a joint and co-operative venture between councils and water bodies and managed by their elected Timing my foot! They will not get any more representatives. It would be dealing with the same money and that is that. A Government that commodity, that is money, and with the same set of has overspent by $863 million, at a conserv clients, that is councils and water bodies, and our cost ative estimate, will not give a penny to local effectiveness would be high. This will enable us to com government. Local government can kiss that pete fully with the banks, who have for so long bor goodbye! rowed short money from you at low rates and lent long-term money to you at top rates. The Government naturally has to overcome the State's deficit problems to give it the financial flexibil The State Government, in contrast, wants to set up ity to carry out this important policy commitment. a separate qango reporting to Treasury to handle the The measures we have taken in the Budget should borrowings- certainly assist the process. And this is the important part- A more mealy-mouthed speech I have never ... and have said that we can ifwe wish donate MA VIS heard in my life! Local government did not to the qango. They say that if the MA V does not donate buy it and local government will not buy it. the investment service, they might set up another one in competition. The Treasurer is also setting up a working party to fully examine the whole grants and payments mecha The Government is desperate for money nism and the implementation of Government policy and it will do anything it can to get any in this area. amount of money it can find. The Munici That is no way in which to honour the pal Association of Victoria set up a success promises made by the Government before ful investment scheme and the Government it came into office. Local government can wants to get its hooks into that scheme. expect not a razoo from this Government. However, we must not despair. An article Not only can it not expect a razoo, anything in the Age of 13 October states: it has will be taken away from it. Councils to fight central loans body. Under the auspices of the Government, Victoria's 211 local councils are likely to oppose a the Municipal Association of Victoria In State Government move to set up a central agency to vestment Scheme was set up. This is a most borrow hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of councils, water and sewerage authorities, and some successful scheme, which has done well for other semi-government bodies. those councils that have invested with it. There was a profit of something like I now turn to the human services report and $500 000 in the first three months, although point out that in the Australian Municipal it is not expected to continue at that rate. Journal of August 1983, St Kilda council- 1162 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills lor, Margaret Niall, told the meeting, "We has not really done anything to look at the are concerned about the lack of consulta plight of young mothers and single parents. tion with councils." The article continues: Mr Pope-You are distorting the figures. She said: "It makes it difficult for councils to know Mrs P ATRICK-These figures were sup what will be required of them and what money will be plied to me by someone who has gone into available for programmes to be devolved to us." them thoroughly. There could be presumed 1 believe the Government will try to de savings from the implementation of a cen volve as much as it can to local government tral payment system and Bud$et overruns, and will not give local government the which are always happening In local gov money to carry out the functions devolved ernment, could be dealt with. to it. Councillor Mary Duffy ofPrahran was As has already been mentioned, munici concerned about it and Prahran councillor pal libraries have been hard hit. Regional Bill Dane said: library services will probably go out of ex istence . . . . he believed the State Government wanted to "flick" the problem area of welfare onto councils, with no 1 now return to the attitude of the Gov guarantee of adequate funding. ernment to local government as a whole. 1 am embarrassed by the fact that nothing has "My message to councils is to put on a very serious set of glasses, making sure they are not rose coloured," been done following the Richmond City he said. Council inquiry. 1 have received two letters from Mr Andrew Alexander, who wrote to Collingwood Councillor Bob Banford said that as well as worries about funding, the council believed the Attorney-General on 12 October saying there had been inadequate consultation over the pro that he referred to his letters of 15 March posals. and 1 September, which were addressed to "There was some involvement at officer level, but the Premier. He expressed his dissatisfac not much consultation at councillor level," he said. tion with the fact that he has had no an swers to those letters and has been given no Fitzroy Council's social services committee chair man, Cr. Deirdre Mason also criticised what she said reasons why there have been no prosecu was a lack of consultation. tions following the inquiry into the Rich mond City Council. She said councillors had to rely on "vague rumours" and copies of early drafts of the report "falling off the 1 also refer to a letter written to Mr Cain back of a truck." and dated I September 1983 in which Mr Cr. Mason said American experience showed that Alexander stated: devolution to local government and volunteers was a common method of introducing cutbacks by stealth. In February of this year I wrote to you expressing my deepest concerns that as at that time nothing had 1 am in favour, as would be a Liberal Gov been done to pursue Mr. Nicholson's recommenda ernment, of the devolution of human serv tions concerning the above. ices to local government, which is the arm of government closest to the people, but this He later stated: Government will try to hand over as much I am now more disturbed than ever. Firstly at your as it can and it will not give local govern lack of further communication with me, and secondly ment an extra farthing. that this whole business has dragged on far too long! At a function some time after your April reply, I was 1 turn now to the allocation for kindergar introduced to and then taken aside by one of your ten teachers, in which there has been an senior Party colleagues. I was advised that your prob increase of2·8 per cent in the Budget. Local lem seems to be Section 30 of the Evidence Act (I find authorities operate an estimated 440 out of this hard to believe) ... the 1200 subsidized kindergartens in Vic toria. As the subsidy is based on full salary The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk entitlement, there has been a real cut. That wood)-Order! The honourable member's cut could be accommodated by a reduction time has expired. in the number of approved kindergarten Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Ivanhoe )-It was sessions, and that has been happening al very interesting but not rewarding to hear ready. It is a scandal that this Government the Conservative's response to the Cain La and former Governments-I will say it bor Budget. The House was again presented have not paid adequate attention to pre· with the economics of the pig trough, by the school education and child care facilities. 1 honourable member for Balwyn, who re am ashamed to be part of a Parliament that sponded on behalf of the Opposition, and Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1163 the Leader of the National Party, the hon to achieve the same absolute levels of em ourable member for Shepparton. ployment for the target group. At a cost of about $20 000 a job, it was by any measure The honourable member for Balwyn a most successful programme. Victoria managed to turn back the economic clock should learn from that experience and build some 200 years as his party wanders in a on it. Hence my suggestion for a two-tiered political wilderness in search of ideas from approach to t~,rgeted employment initia Adam Smith and complained on the one tives. hand about State Government intervention and on the other hand looked for the State By way of background, I point to the eco Government to intervene to prop up ailing nomic environment facing Australia over industries. The speech of the honourable the next two to four years where it will face member for Balwyn was claimed in some an average level of unemployment that will quarters to be well researched, but in reality hover around 700 000 people. Fundamen it was simply a gripe about the levels of tal economic constraints will restrict the taxation with no suggestion about alterna erosion of that 700 000 unemployed. That tives. figure assumes Australia has Federal and The main concern of the Leader of the State Governments which are actively us National Party-typical of the National ing an expansionist programme. However, Party Socialists-was a cry for free milk for such traditional responses will only main primary school or kindergarten children. It tain employment at current levels. While, I is interesting that in such difficult times the say that such traditional responses should National Party Socialists can still pork bar be maintained, they do not come to grips rel. with what is becoming a hard core pool of long-term unemployed in Victoria and in I t should be recognized that the Budget Australia. Given this fact, it is very impor was framed in difficult circumstances, yet tant for the Government to address that the Government has managed to put the particular group of people and the problems emphasis on employment. That is, ofcourse, they have. a number one priority of the Government. It is an objective I applaud and one that has Ifno new initiatives are taken targeted to the widespread support of the community. the currently unemployed, the stock of un However, to my mind, an improvement employed in Victoria will hover around could be made to the Budget without chang 182 000 people for the next few years of ing its structure. I refer to the inclusion of a which 96 OOO-or more than half-will suf two-tiered approach to target employment fer periods of six months or more unem initiatives in the Budget process. ployment, and 75000 will be unemployed In putting forward this suggestion, I refer for nine months or more. The proportion to the report of the University of Mel suffering long-term unemployment-fif bourne Institute of Applied Economic and teen months or more-will be four times as Social Research which evaluated the em large as in the previous period of stable un ployment initiatives programme of the employment between 1978 and 1982. Government. Although the evaluation was It is critical that that problem should be critical of the failure of the employment in addressed because the average duration of itiatives programme to pick up its full quota uncompleted spells in unemployment will of female unemployed and an inappro increase from an average of 30 weeks in priate emphasis was placed on "works-type" 1979-80 to an estimated 50 weeks by 1985. projects, it did indicate that overall it was a This will mean that the cost of unemploy most successful programme. ment, already inequitably spread, will be The main elements of the programme's borne even more intensely by those af success were in terms ofits labour intensity, flicted. The traditional means of stimulus cost and targeting. Compared to other fiscal or targeted fiscal policies will ensure that instruments available to State Govern preference is given to those who are cur ments, the employment initiatives pro rently unemployed when filling new em gramme is 60 per cent more effective and ployment positions. This is important the report indicated that compared with an because with general unemployment ex expenditure of $30 million on the pro pansion the majority of new positions are gramme it would require an expenditure of not taken up by the unemployed but are around $258 million on other programmes taken up by new entrants to the work force. 1164 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
General expansionary policies may, in a ence or relative training and can slot into sense, push those people further down the existing jobs, but also those who are disad job queue. vantaged in the competition for jobs merely I am arguing that those who are presently because they carry the stigma of unemploy unemployed should be given some prefer ment. It will do nothing to assist those who ence and, if that does not happen, their have been unemployed for long periods. The prospects of future employment would be employment initiatives programme would even further reduced because the longer an pick up those who have been unemployed individual is unemployed the poorer his or for three months. In addition, a revamped her long-term employment prospects be employment initiatives programme, that is, come. In other words, a person who is un a small-scale targeted job creation pro employed for a few weeks has a far better gramme, would ensure that the scheme opportunity of getting a job than a person would reach the most disadvantaged and who is unemployed for three months; a per focus on the objective of improving the em son who has been unemployed for three ployment prospects of participants. months has a far better chance of getting a To be effective, such a scheme would pro job than a person who has been unem vide work experience in areas where there ployed for six months, and so on. It is im is likely to be demand for labour in the fu portant in that context that, when Victoria ture. I refer specifically to the service-orien is developing new programmes and new tated industries. In addition, such a scheme capital works programmes, the Govern would provide whatever on-the-job train ment target our new employment oppor ing or other support is needed to bring the tunities to those who are currently skills and attributes of more disadvantaged unemployed. employees into line with other new entrants Mr Maclellan-That has not happened. to the workforce. Mr A. J. SHEEHAN-I am suggesting it Such a scheme should be targeted to the should happen. It would not happen by any more disadvantaged of the long-term un of the traditional means. employed, who I would define as having The programme I suggest is a two-tiered been unemployed for nine months or more. approach to targeting. I suggest that all It should provide a period of employment Government programmes should be as sufficient to alter the future employment sessed to see what proportion ofjobs would prospects of participants significantly. Again be amenable to employment targeting re I would suggest that a period of employ strictions. For example, employment in ment for nine months should be sufficient. general public works, general public admin It could be twelve months, but that would istration and the less skilled areas of health, limit the effectiveness of the programme in education and welfare, could all be subject terms of the number of people it would to targeting restrictions. This would not cover. have to entail any new expenditure or However, a period of employment for change to existing Government pro nine months would be sufficient to allow for grammes. Nor would it entail the displace a meaningful period of work experience and ment of existing workers. training. It would place participants on a All that would be necessary would be that, more equal footing with other employees in as vacancies arise in these areas either the eyes of prospective future employers. It through attrition or through new pro should be noted that job tenure for nine grammes, ari attempt is made to ensure that months is not significantly different from such vacancies are filled from among those the normal work force experience of over who have been unemployed for, say, three half the number of new entrants going into months or more. so-called permanent jobs in the private sec tor. The only cost involved in such a strategy would be the relatively insignificant admin The over-all strategy I am recommending istrative cost of monitoring the targeting is thus to lessen the burden of unemploy procedures. ment on those currently unemployed by en suring that they have opportunities, at least, This large-scale strategy will assist not for short-term employment. To achieve this, only those who have previous work experi- it is essential that a two-tiered approach be Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1165 adopted for this strategy to be effective. That portion of the problems that face the com is, it is necessary to include both a broad munity as a result of a Labor Government targeting strategy for general Government having come to power. employment and a smaller scale special job creation programme for the more disadvan During the eighteen months in which the taged unemployed who would miss out on Labor Government has been in office, there opportunities under the broader targeting have been a number of newspaper articles strategy. written on the performance of the Govern ment. Some ofthose newspaper articles have Without this smaller scale job creation been kind and others have been unkind. programme to complement the larger strat However, I should like to quote from the egy, those who are already relatively disad Age of 4 April this year, which had this to vantaged would be further disadvantaged say about the Government: relative to other members of the unem ployed, and would therefore bear an even There have been mistakes, of course: the Premier's greater share of the total burden of unem gaffe on nuclear ships, the way he handled the probate ployment than they do at present. issue, the unnecessary humiliation of Mr Landeryou, Tom Roper's threats to hospitals in the hapless electo In short, I am suggesting a two-tiered ap rate of Wan non. proach to the problem. I accept the financial constraints the Government faces. How The biggest of all, perhaps, we are yet to see. Are the ever, the general employment programme finances of the State in as good a shape as they should be? The Government has some major problems here could be geared to pick up those who have and much of its reputation in the future will be deter been unemployed for three months or so. mined by how it handles them. The administrative costs involved would be minimal. It would not require any new The Government is incapable of competent funding. Alongside that scheme one could administration. For a considerable period, have an employment programme specifi the Government was prepared to belt the cally targeted towards picking up those who former Government to death on its alleged have been unemployed for nine months or inability to manage efficiently the finances more because those persons would be espe of the State. cially disadvantaged in attempting to enter the work force. I commend the Govern I want to highlight some of the inadequa ment on the Budget. cies of the Government. When I contri Mr BROWN (Westernport)-The Op buted to the Budget debate last year, I position is pleased to acknowledge the pres indicated that broken promises solely would ence of the Treasurer, who is the only be the reason for the downfall of the Gov Minister who has seen fit to be present in ernment. However, it now goes far beyond the House at this time. I was unaware that broken promises. The Government is hope appearance fees were being offered for the lessly incompetent at its senior level of debate! However, the Opposition appreci management. I refer specifically to the ates the attendance of the Treasurer. Treasurer. During the last State election campaign, The present financial deficit far exceeds the Australian Labor Party promised that if anything that Victoria has faced before. I elected to Government it would be an open have no doubt the deficit will increase dur and honest Government. However, for the ing the life of this Budget. Although it is not second year running, the Government has technically possible to bankrupt the State, seen fit to make this a cognate debate and the Government is composed of a pack of effectively cut in half the time available to incompetents who will run the State as close the Opposition to debate the Budget. The as is possible to insolvency and bankruptcy. precedent was set last year. During the When the Premier was Leader of the Op Budget debate last year, I was granted an position he said, "We will run a tight ship extension of time. From the outset I indi and see that this State is operated effi cate, while the Leader of the House is in the ciently". Naturally, a week after that state Chamber, that I will be seeking an exten ment was made, newspaper articles were sion of time during this debate because half carrying major headlines indicating that new an-hour is nowhere near long enough for State taxes would cost families $210 a year the Opposition to place on record even a extra. 1166 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
That was as a result of the last State beginning to stand up to the Government Budget which contained dramatic increases and there are many others in addition to across the board twelve months ago. Such him. increases were not only not promised by the In transport, a further $311 million worth Government but also unexpected by the ofassets will be sold as a result ofthis Budget community. The State charges and taxes and recurrent interest charges in lease-back that were increased twelv~ months ago arrangements, which last year totalled $7 would be beyond the comprehension of million, will balloon this year to $35 mil what even the most ardent critic of the then lion. Also under transport, $60 million is Labor Opposition and now the Labor Gov allowed for an early retirement scheme so ernment was content to state. that the Minister of Transport can remove The House is now debating the second some of the thousands of people from the and obviously the last of this Government's public sector under his jurisdiction. There Budgets. It will not debate another State has never previously been a period of Budget for the simple reason that it will spending to match it. The Government has want to go to the polls early, of its own spent hundreds of millions of dollars not volition, because of its gross incompetence only through inefficiency but also where it and mismanagement of Victoria. was not necessary. I will put it on the record that there will As part of the Budget, electricity for the not be a third Budget debate because the average householder or family will go up by Premier will be running scared far short of $1.85 per week; gas up by $1.69; Board of the twelve months that that Budget period Works rates up by $1.70; health insurance encompasses and, undoubtedly, he will see up by $3.22; petrol tax up by 38 cents; to the writing on the wall, as will the residents bacco tax up by 19 cents; and wine tax up or voters in Victoria, that the Government by an extra 17 cents. With other State reve has to go. As one moves around Victoria, nue up by about $9.12 on the Opposition's one hears complaints from all quarters, even carefully costed calculation, the total is those outside the Melbourne metropolitan $18.32 per week per family. That isjust un area. Unknown to the Government, these der $1000 extra that the average family in people do exist and still have a vote. Fortu Victoria has to suffer because it gave the nately they are being cared for by the Op Government the chance it asked for to position. They are demanding, "Please bring manage Victoria efficiently-and what a on the election, we made a mistake for the laugh that has turned out to be! first time in 27 years, we gave them their The Government believes that, for an un chance and they have blown if'. foreseen period, it can buy its way through I will take the House through a brief ex the tangle of problems with the unions. If amination of some of the items in the one considers the electorate represented by Budget. Taxes and charges are up by 13·7 the honourable member for Morwell---cer per cent and that is about 40 per cent across tainly not well represented in this House the board since the Cain Government came Loy Yang has been a frontrunner in the to office with promises that it would not strikes. An article in the Herald states: increase State taxes and charges. This is The strike at Victoria's $5000 million Loy Yang much greater than the Government's coun power project is in its fifth day. The strike, by members terpart in New South Wales. South Austral of metals trades' unions, started last Friday. ia's increase is under 30 per cent for the same period and Tasmania has increased its In an article in the Age of 2nd August 1983 taxes and charges by less than 10 per cent. it states: Around 9000 extra employees in the pub Last night's walk-out at Pentridge Prison is the first lic sector have been employed in the past general strike in its 132 year history. eighteen months and this grossly incompe This is great management and competence tent Government is now examining where from a Government that is supposed to be it can cut back. Even the honourable mem part of, and supported by, the unions. ber for Albert Park has taken the Minister of Transport to task in caucus because of There were requests last week calling for his gross inefficiency and mismanagement, the Minister of Health's resignation and so and the Opposition is pleased that some there should be. If ever a Minister in Vic members of the present Government are toria has mismanaged a senior portfolio, Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1167 which it was until he took it over, it is the Victoria and he indicates in many articles Minister of Health. Regrettably, it has been that I have in front of me his gross dissatis downgraded and with the many chops that faction with the way Victoria is being mis have been effected on the block, including managed financially and incompetently. The the many heads that are rolling, it is little Opposition shares the view of the Prime wonder that unionists on the shop floor are Minister and refers to an article headed calling for his resignation. "Cain Budget to highlight rift with Can In an article in the Age of 8 October 1983 berra" which also mentions many areas it states: where the Prime Minister is dissatisfied, particularly with the high flying and big The Victorian Government is facing its first major spending programmes. industrial confrontation over Budget cuts affecting schools and public hospitals. Mr Cathie-Where does the Prime Min That article also indicates that more than ister say that? 40000 teachers are upset and that tens of Mr BROWN-"The high flying and big thousands employed in the hospital sector spending programmes" is my quote. We all in Victoria are not only upset but have been went through this a decade ago. The biggest grossly let down and misled by the Minis high flyer up until the Premier and his team ter. In one voice they have called for his of merry men was Gough Whitlam. He had resignation. the magic recipe for success: Borrow, bor row, borrow, stick it on Bankcard if neces There are also internal headlines such as "Comrades fall out on smelter"; as it has sary, but spend it. not been rebutted, it must be true. It stated In transport, that has been the recipe and that the Premier met a delegation of union in education and housing, which I am lead ists and blasted them for speaking in public. ing up to, that has been the recipe. This What would any Premier expect if he year, the Government borrowed in excess asked for unionists to give their support, of $30 million just for housing on the basis gi ve their money, in the case of the teacher of using it in this year's expenditure, and unions $200 000, and, after the Govern the borrowing will be over a long period; ment gets in, it kicks them in the teeth. It is whereas last year the Government was able obvious that the union movement will re to manage on borrowings of$3 million from but and resist the Government when it is the same source. We have a continuing pro mislead, and it is pleasing to the Opposition gramme of major capital expenditure, which that the unions have reached that stage. I in good times is a good thing. The building did not believe the turnaround would be as trade is something I like to see supported quick as it has been but, with the Govern and, all credit to the Minister of Housing, ment working in the interests of the Oppo he has tried to the best of his ability to get sition, it had to come. his colleague to see sense, but the day must What does the Prime Minister say? All come when the Government cannot contin honourable members know about his well uously borrow vast amounts. We are talk chosen words where he talks about the ing of many hundreds of millions of dollars, canker of the Socialist left in Victoria which spending it in the short term and burdening he has to suffer. People in rural Victoria future generations with the repayment. A know how to handle canker. It is in all sorts Government is not like business; there is no of animals; usually they get a blunt instru tax deductibility; it is simply a loss expend ment, dig it out and throw it into the gutter. iture when this money is borrowed over very The Prime Minister talks about the canker, long periods. but he has to suffer it. Thankfully, honour able members on this side of the House do The Federal Minister for Science and not have to suffer the same canker. The So Technology would be a person that the cialist left is the tail wagging the dog that is Government would not say too much about running Victoria, and the Opposition does when I use one of his quotations, but in the not have to suffer it. Australian of September this year, he said: I now refer to other articles that have not At least 12 management and investment companies been rebutted, so I take them as truth. The are ready to take advantage of a 100 per cent tax de Prime Minister talks about the Melbourne duction recently approved by Cabinet and soon to be Mafia running the so-called economy of spelled out. 1168 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
But the Minister for Science and Technology, Mr most of the media was looking for him and, Jones, said he wanted to ensure the potential growth in his absence, the Acting Treasurer said industries were well spread across Australia. that Treasury will be under extreme pres He went on further to state: sure as a result of this. I know of 10 or 12 companies that are firm. They are Fire relief cheques were sent out unsigned setting up in Tasmania, Western Australia, South Aus to families who lost their homes in the Ash tralia, and Queensland. Wednesday bush fires. Thankfully, the Treasurer was able to ensure that the che They are not setting up in Victoria. Of ques, although unsigned, were able to be course he is a Victorian Federal Minister cashed. This is the great financial compe and he is keen to see investment attracted tence in management! to this State, and no doubt he would do all he could, but not just menial forms of The media highlights in one article I have: investors, but major investors are running shy of this State. Labor and the snouts in the public trough. The article indicates that this Government Mr Cathie-They are not. has employed an extra 8900 employees, Mr BROWN-The policies of this Gov whereas all other State Governments are ernment will lead businesses down the road cutting back. They give a break up of the of insolvency and ultimately to bankruptcy increases; health, in excess of 3000; educa if they follow the spending of this Govern-· tion, 2520; public administration, 970; ment. The Premier is in attendance and in finance and business studies, 840; forestry dicates that Victoria will do better than any and mining, 640. Then the Premier gave an other State. The present Government took edict that he would cut back on expenditure over from a Government that had been in in the various Ministries and, in relation to power for 27 years, and its policies were all emergency teachers, he said that they are working well. It will take time to destroy the being paid $90 a day to supervise kids play total, and this Budget under debate is a total ing with plasticine. What a smack in the decimation of past Liberal Party pro face for the teaching profession! grammes. In this twelve-month period, we There are many other quotes that I could will see the proof of the pUdding. As I said, use. The Premier saw fit to cut out sponsor it has all been tried before. ship of the yachting fraternity. He claimed The WhitIam experiment failed dismally, that it was an elitist sport, and Australians, and regretfully most of us are still paying off to their great credit, and every member of the legacy that was left. The Treasurer has this House acknowledges it, won the Amer dropped on to a novel way of raising ica's Cup. The Premier was the first one on finance. I see that he is the first man to take the bandwagon saying what a great thing out a ticket in the new mid-week Tattslotto has been achieved by Australians, and "We game. I daresay he would have a vested in would welcome you here in Victoria. Come terest and, after the rebuff he had from the and conduct the next America's Cup chal Premier on the issue of accepting money lenge on Port Phillip Bay". This is after tell from a function such as this, no such thing ing the yachting fraternity to"Drop dead; would be involved. However, when asked We are not interested in you. You are a would he contribute any winnings to the pack of elitists." What sort of Premier is State Treasury, Mr Jolly laughed and re running this State when he would use such plied with a cautious, "We will have to see a situation, as the Prime Minister does, and about that". I have no doubt that he would gets away with it? There are other inefficien be hopefully mindful that he would attract cies. I do not know if those appearance fees that small windfall as a result of entering for speaking in public would be called an Tattslotto because he knows, as well as hon inefficiency, but the public applauds the ourable members, that he sorely needs it. Premier's move to ensure that it will not happen again. This Government came to power prom ising financial management of a sort that There are criticisms within the Labor this State was bereft of. There is an error of Party. The honourable member for Albert $105·8 million in the Budget under discus Park took the Minister of Transport to task sion tonight. What does the Treasurer say in relation to the State Budget that we are to that? He was absent on the day when discussing tonight. He 'made a stinging at- Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1169 tack on the Minister over the lack of con "U nfairway priority programme". This sultation about the proposed new fares. He morning, I drove down Bridge Road, and if was unrestrained in his insults, and at an a car or other vehicle had parked legally other meeting that night he was said to have along the kerb, there would have been in sorted out the matter. That was in the Mel sufficient room for me to pass without going bourne Age of 24 September 1983. over the yellow line that has been laid. That road used to consist of four lanes, and it has The Oppcsition is pleased that members been cut in half. Problems will certainly oc of the Government party are taking the cur there. present Ministers to task. Most of them are sitting on slender margins and it is for cer The Ministry of Housing, by its various tain they will be gone after the next election. committees-regretfully, caucus commit The Liberal Party needs only seventeen seats tees-is grossly bereft of fresh ideas. The to govern in its own right, and it will be like Ministry has used up all of Mr Brian Dix falling off a log to get rid of seventeen Gov on's ideas and, to his credit, Mr Dixon ernment members. It will be a matter of turned the Ministry of Housing around. The "Please bring on the election early". I pre programmes he set up are all still in opera dict it will be ten or eleven months before tion and are working in the interests of the the next State election. It will be announced State. prior to the next State Budget and there will What does the Minister of Housing do be a time when this House will be closed when he receives good advice from his di down. The time of the Opposition to make rector? He turns around and silences him an adequate response in this debate has been he puts the gag on him. The Minister said, cut in half. This House has never sat less in "You will not speak publicly without my its history than it is sitting now under this approval", and that means that the director management. It suits members of the Op will not speak publicly. What is wrong with position, because, when the Ministers go to the director speaking publicly; the public is Queensland for a couple of weeks, we use paying him. However, when the Ministers the non-sitting time to go out into the elec of this Government receive good advice, torate to the marginal seats and we look like they throw it to the wind and rely on their winning more than seventeen seats. cohorts for advice. One could mount a ma jor speech on some of the comrades in the Milk has been cut off to pre-school chil Labor Party who are directing the policy of dren. The Minister of Health gave an edict to senior citizens clubs to lower the age to housing in this State. 55 years for people using elderly citizens Mr Cathie-Who are you talking about? facilities, and he cut off the long-established Mr BROWN-Comrade Salvaris is one forms of assistance for capital grants. How of them. I enjoy reading the Labor Star in is it possible to have an influx of hundreds the Parliamentary Library and having a of extra senior citizens with no finance to chuckle about it. Comrade Salvaris and Mr match? Rob Cartes are mentioned quite often. There is no doubt that I could go on in Comrade Salvaris is well known for going the hour that I have available talking of the out to community groups; he was a mouth inadequacies, . the shortcomings and the piece for the Labor Party and was able to gross incompetence and mismanagement of infiltrate community groups prior to the last all the Ministers. However, I wish to move State election. More will be said about that on to housing, which is near and dear to during a debate about the Housing Com me. mission, which will come on next week. The day prior to the bringing down of the The Minister of Transport is having the Budget, the Government obtained good junk known as the old trams repainted. He headlines. It received front-page coverage is spending $3·5 million to refurbish trams in the Herald, which mentioned a tough built in 1935 and 1939 at a cost of approxi Budget but brilliant things for housing. Al mately $30000 each. This is the Govern though the Government brags about what ment that was going to do all sorts of will be done for housing, cutbacks in the wondrous things. vicinity of $18 million from State sources A system known as the fairway priority have occurred. Cutbacks have occurred in programme has now been introduced. It is the programme for granny flats, and spot grossly unfair and should be renamed the purchase programmes for family units have 1170 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
been cut back from $39 million to $23 mil perate straits where they are paying high lion. Gross underspending of money oc rentals for the homes they are occupying curred last year in the rent relief schemes and are in need of some assistance. With and the Government has stopped taking the money committed-in excess of $10 names of people who are eligible to be con million-the Government closed down the sidered. applications. As I understand it, the Gov The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed ernment is saying to those who are fortun munds)-Order! The honourable member ate enough to be receiving assistance, "Good for Westernport has 2 minutes. luck", and to those who missed out because of the demand, "Bad luck." Mr BROWN-The Government is say ing to those people, "You did not have your I have previously highlighted that the name on the list, so we will not take it now." Minister is taking great pride in the fact that Again, that will be referred to in a debate he has reduced interest rates. He has not next week. Funds for co-operative building once reduced interest rates in the time that societies have also been cut back, and other the Labor Government has been in office. A cutbacks have occurred. Bill was introduced to allow the Govern ment to do it, but in every case the Govern Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick)-By leave, ment followed the market. It has waited I move: until interest rates have come down and a That the honourable member for Westemport be week later reduced the interest rates. The granted an extension of 10 minutes. Government has not reduced interest rates; the market has reduced the rate of interest Mr CATHIE (Minister of Housing)-On payable for home loans, and the Govern a point of order, you, Mr Speaker, clearly ment has followed. When in government, indicated to the honourable member for the Liberal Party allowed the market to de Westernport that he had a further 2 min .fine the level of interest rates payable, and utes. That was the opportunity for any that is what this Government has continued member of the Opposition to move the ap to do. propriate motion, but it was not done. Legislation exists to provide for con The SPEAKER-Order! I have accepted sumers occupying houses. The Ministry of the motion that the honourable member's Housing initiated a study into that, and the time be extended for a further 10 minutes. Opposition is waiting to find out what the The motion was agreed to. Minister will do. Mr BROWN (Westernport)-I thank the One can only assume that the Minister of House for continuing the precedent set last Housing will be opposing the proposal of year, which will undoubtedly continue in the Minister for Consumer Affairs, because future years. When in government next year, the Minister of Housing well knows that if the Liberal Party will be prepared to offer the major changes that are proposed protect such extensions. Members of the Liberal only one side-no matter whether it be the Party do not believe the rights of the Oppo tenants or the landlords-the rental stock sition should be obliterated by one stroke of that is available will decrease even further. a Ministerial decree. The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed . The scheme to which I was referring pre munds)-The time appointed by Sessional viously was one whereby up to $20 subsidy Orders for me to interrupt business has now a week was made available for rental in the arrived. private sector to those who needed it. A press release issued by the then Federal On the motion of Mr CA THIE (Minister Minister for Housing and Construction and of Housing), the sitting was continued. the Minister of Housing in this State indi Mr BROWN (Westernport)-The Min cated that the State and Federal Govern ister of Housing full well knows that if one ments would each put forward $5·3 million militates heavily against one sector-be it a year for three years. Recently, it was an tenants or landlords-the rental stock, nounced by the Minister of Housing that which is already at its lowest level in the the scheme was costing too much and that history of Victoria-only about 1 per cent there was such a run for applications to ob is available on the private rental market tain the subsidy that the application list individuals will be further forced out of would be closed. Many people are in des- supplying rental accommodation. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1171 The Minister of Housing well knows that Brian Dixon, a former Minister of Housing, the fact that his Ministry, in response to his started off that concept. He changed the di edict, has commissioned a study-which the rection the Ministry of Housing was taking. Opposition commends-is an acknowledg High-rise housing estates went by the board ment that there is a real fear that if the co many years ago in Victoria, to the glee of all horts ofthe Socialist left-and I suggest that honourable members, and the Labor Party, the Minister of Consumer Affairs is a mem when in opposition, made a commitment ber of that faction-have their way, there and gave an undertaking that there would will be an exacerbation of the difficulties be no more large housing estates of any kind, faced by people attempting to find private not merely high-rise estates. rental accommodation in Victoria. I reiter Mr Cathie-That is right, no more large ate that we praise the Minister of Housing housing estates. for undertaking the study, but we are Mr BROWN-The Minister acknow eagerly awaiting the announcement of what ledges that. It is on the public record and that study finds out. the Minister is saying it here tonight, but The next major problem with which I what is happening? The Government is shall deal is student hostels, which are, ac buying up properties all over the place. I cording to an announcement made by the shall start with the Angliss meat works site. Minister of Education, to be sold. It is to be Millions of dollars are being spent on a large regretted that this affects country students. area of land that is to be used for housing. My understanding is that four of the eight It will be a large housing estate occupied, in hostels are to be sold and those four are the main, by tenants of the Housing Com occupied. That is also a responsibility of the mission. Minister of Housing. These young people The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed are the leaders of the future. Until the time munds)-Order! The honourable member of that announcement, it might have been has 2 minutes. that some of them were future members of the Labor Party but from what I have been Mr BROWN-What we are saying is that told by them there is no likelihood of that the mix of private and public housing on occurring. I suppose the Government has, that site should be weighted in favour of therefore, at least done something for which private housing. It should not be identifia the community can be thankful. It has ble as a Housing Commission estate. It forced those students to re-think their posi would be in the interests of both sets of tions. It intends to throw them to the wolves. occupants-but primarily in the interests of The Government proposes to sell the hos the tenants of the commission-that fewer tels over their heads. than one in ten houses on the estate should be commission houses. If that is not so, like Mr Spyker-Not over their heads. the Graham Road development in Highett, Mr BROWN-It is accommodation they there will be several hundred people occu are presently occupying. They will have to pying a comparatively small site and most be moved out. The Government should not of them will be tenants of the Housing sell all of the hostels and, if this Govern Commission. That would not be doing those ment cannot negotiate with the Federal people a favour. It is the opposite of what Government to ensure that those hostels, the Government promised when it was in which are adequately used at present, are opposition. The Government is now doing purchased by the Federal Government so something it promised it would never do. that the students can continue to occupy The proposed Orana development in them, it is not doing itsjob. The Opposition Burwood is to be a major development and will be doing its job at that time, not only there will be hundreds of Housing Commis by highlighting the situation but also by sion tenants on the one site. That is the doing whatever it can to ensure that the claim made by the Opposition and we will housing needs of students in Victoria are stand by it. It is true. There will be hundreds properly looked after. of Housing Commission tenants on that one I now turn to the promises the Labor site. That is not fair to them, It is totally Party made when in opposition as com unreasonable. The Government has grossly pared with the actions it is taking now that misled the public on this issue. it is in government. It promised that there The spot purchase programme is highly would be no more large housing estates. Mr commendable and has the full support of 1172 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills the Opposition. Why not further develop Perhaps we should examine the judgment that? of the people on the economic management The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed of the affairs of the State by the Labor Gov munds)-Order! The honourable member~s ernment. I refer to a recent Gallup poll. The time has expired. honourable member for Doncaster told me the other day that last week's Gallup poll Mr REMINGTON (Melbourne)-Any had been suppressed because he thought it one would certainly agree that the honour was so bad for the Liberals. able member~s time had expired and his logic expired some 30 minutes ago. None The SPEAKER-Order! I suggest to the theless, I congratulate the honourable honourable member for Melbourne that the member for Westernport on his contribu track he is presently pursuing would be bet tion to the debate. He has certainly added ter debated on another occasion. The hon ourable member should return to the Bill some fire and humour to the Opposition~s contribution to the debate. It is unfortunate before the House. that H ansard will not show in brackets that, Mr REMINGTON-Yes, Mr Speaker. during his remarks, the honourable mem Dealing with the contributions to the de ber was smiling and grinning for most of bate made by members of the Opposition, I the time. Although the debate on the Budget have to be highly critical of that made by is a serious debate, a little light heartedness the honourable member for Brighton, who breaks the monotony for those who sit on showed callous indifference for those who the Government side of the Chamber and will and have benefited from the Govern have to listen to the dreary speeches made ment's employment initiatives programme. by members of the Opposition. I have no doubt that many people in the electorate represented by the honourable I shall point out the fallacy in one of the member have benefited by the economic in comments made by the honourable mem itiatives of the Government in providing ber for Westernport. He said that there opportunities for people throughout the would be no difficulty in the Liberal Party State who have suffered the humiliating gaining seventeen seats at the next election. stigma of being unemployed for long pe There must be some confusion in his mind. riods to get back into jobs. Surveys and What he meant to say is that there would be studies that have been conducted show that no difficulty in the Liberal Party gaining 17 the steps taken by the Government have percent of the vote-an impossible task. At been successful in helping people to get back the last election the Liberal Party gained into employment. I am appalled that the 38· 3 per cent of the vote and the Labor Party honourable member for Brighton should annihilated the Liberal Party at the polls. castigate the Government for the initiatives Since that time, the Liberal Party has fallen it has taken in that area. even lower than that. In July its support had I congratulate some members of the Gov fallen to 33 per cent. ernment party whose contributions to the Mr Williams-You don't put the boots debate I have heard. I particularly congrat in when someone is down! ulate the honourable member for Mitcham The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed on the speech he made today. It is not sur munds)-Order! The honourable member prising that his contribution to the debate for Doncaster is out of order in inteIjecting was extremely well informed. The honour and I ask the honourable member for Mel able member was most articulate and un bourne to return to the Bill before the House. doubtedly possesses a great knowledge of Mr REMINGTON-That reflects the the Budget. credibility of the Government in the eyes of It is not surprising because the honoura the electorate of Victoria. It is all very well ble member was a tutor in economics at the for people such as myself and other honour Swinburne and Caul field Institutes ofTech able members to make speeches on these nology and was also a tutor at the Univer matters but the real judges of the Govern sity of Melbourne. I congratulate the ment's economic performance, the real honourable member for Essendon for his judges of the Budget are not members of contribution because he is also a successful this Parliament, no matter on which side of young man who was a former lecturer in the Chamber they sit; the real judges are the economics at the Royal Melbourne Insti people of Victoria. tute of Technology. I have singled out those Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1173 two men for their contributions to' the Budget made by a prominent person in the Budget debate because they are members of House that I have heard during the past six the Treasurer's economic committee which years that I have been a member of Parlia formulates, to some degree, the strategies to ment. The Leader of the Opposition skipped be adopted in the Budget. through his speech in a record time of less The House listened to the excellent con than 20 minutes. Our kind and generous tributions by the honourable members for Speaker ruled that the Leader of the Oppo Bennettswood and I vanhoe, the back-bench sition was reading from copious notes; I members of the Government party who suggest the contrary; he read his speech and spoke on the Budget and illustrated that it he said nothing. was not a single initiative taken by anyone The Leader of the Opposition spoke about individual in the Government party; it was animal instincts in order to try to show that a total team effort by the Government, whoever wrote his speech knew something which was led without doubt by the most about economics. When I say that the hon capable State Treasurer in Australia today, ourable member skipped through his speech the honourable member for Dandenong. in twenty minutes, I mean that he showed a There is no question that there are many superficial knowledge of economic manage outstanding Treasurers in State Govern ment of the affairs of the State. Last week ments throughout Australia; there are ex the Leader of the Opposition, by compari cellent Treasurers in South Australia, New son, staged a ftllibuster for 2 hours on a South Wales and Western Australia but I matter in another debate which was closer am sure they would not argue that the eco and dearer to his heart and to his pocket, nomic strategies introduced into the State extended shop trading hours. However, the by the Victorian Treasurer make him with most important contribution to a debate out doubt the best State Treasurer in Aus that the Leader of the Opposition must tralia today. make in the twelve months until the next Mr Brown-What does the Federal Budget is brought down should have been Treasurer say? his contribution to the Budget debate. It was a disgraceful performance. Mr REMINGTON-I shall not draw comparisons between Federal and State The honourable member did not even Treasurers as they face difficult tasks. The produce a press release on the matter. I task of the Treasurer is difficult enough and thought I would try to comprehend the certainly the Victorian Government's Fed written word rather than the spoken word, eral colleagues inherited the same difficul but no press release was forthcoming. It ties in Canberra but on a much more would take an excellent journalist to make compounded base. good copy out of the Leader of the Opposi The worst honourable member to make a tion's expose and fantasy. contribution in the debate I shall deal with The Opposition claimed there was no briefly. I feel compelled to do so but under public support for the Budget brought down normal circumstances it was a speech that by the Government three or four weeks ago. would not attract comment; it was the If the Leader of the Opposition had cared speech made by the Leader of the Opposi enough to go to the Library and read the tion. The speech made by the Leader of the newspaper cuttings on the issue, he would Opposition is the most important speech to have discovered general support in the var follow that made by the Premier, who will ious editorials of the Age, the Australian speak later to the Budget. From the Gov Financial Review, the Sun and the Herald. ernment's point of view, those two are the I am not saying that the newspapers did not most important speeches on the Budget and, raise some criticisms of the Budget because, therefore, honourable members should pay after all, the economic writers of the various attention to them. Conversely, honourable newspapers must make a balanced· and members should pay attention to the speech broad review of the Budget. Honourable made by the shadow Treasurer. members would rather that many things in The kindest thing one can say about the the Budget had not been included, but those speech the Leader of the Opposition made hard decisions that were made in the best on the Budget is that it was an absolutely interests of the State had to be taken. disgraceful performance by a person in his To give his speech some credence when position. It was the worst speech on the he said that there was no public support for
Session 1983-44 1174 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills the Budget, the Leader of the Opposition financial assistance for those people in grave had to find a newspaper comment and the need because of the drought. best he could find to support his argument was the Northcote Leader. Fancy having to The honourable member for Western port rely on that newspaper to mount an attack ought to be ashamed. All he can do is giggle, on the Budget produced by the Cain Gov sneer and laugh about the worst drought in ernment. The Government is in pursuit of the history of Victoria. All Victorian tax payers went to the aid of the fa~ers. It was excellence and is endeavouring to achieve not the Government's money; It was the that excellence through the Budget and the State's money-money that had been con financial management of the affairs of the tributed from the length and breadth of the State. Before leaving behind the Leader of State. The bush fires also had a disastrous the Opposition-as undoubtably his party impact on the economy. I notice the grin will do-I advise him to either dance well has died on the face of the honourable or get out of the ballroom altogether. member for Westernport. The Cain Labor The Budget is both reasonable and re Government assumed office in an environ sponsible. The principal concern of the ment which represented the worst depres Government is for the unemployed men and sion since the 1930s. women in Victoria. The Government set The recession cost $38 million in lost pay out and chartered a course last year when it roll tax. The drought cost $34 million. The was in a befuddled economy. It established drought was disastrous, both to the farmers a programme of objectives to overcom~ the who would normally have shipped grain to business lack of confidence and the senous the ports and for the taxpayers because ~f problem faced by the unemployed. It char the rail freight revenue shortfall of$34 mIl tered the same course through the Budget. lion. The Labor Government assumed office in 1982 when the State's finances were in Mr Burgin-Y ou knew that was to be so chaos. Previously Liberal Government when you framed the Budget. Ministers had lacked confidence, lacked Mr REMINGTON-We are not weather drive, and possessed no policies, the State forecasters, but we are financial forecasters. experienced a loss in business confidence, Because of meddling and interference by the bankruptcies flourished, factories closed Upper House, there was a shortfall of $60 their doors and workers were laid off. Is it million in the financial institutions duty. any wonder that last year the Victorian peo There is no question that after the next Sta~e ple decided they had cried enough and ban election the days of the Upper House wIll ished the Liberal Party from Government be numbered. for many years to come. I was not surprised to read an article in a Members of the Opposition can halluci newspaper that the Upper House Liberal nate as much as they like; there is no ques member for Boronia Province-being one tion that the Government through its Budget jump ahead of the hunter-had sought pre strategies and the sound management of the selection for the Lower House seat of War affairs of the State will win more seats at the randyte. She is a wise woman who. reads the next State election. The National Party may winds of change well! The meddlIng of the pick up a few seats on the way, which will Upper House caused a shortfall in expected do no harm to Victoria. revenue of $60 million. After the next elec The Cain Labor Government assumed of tion, we will not have to tolerate that s~rt of fice when Victoria was in a state of adver meddling because the Upper House wIll no sity. Not only were the financial affairs in a longer exist. Wise Opposition members chaotic mess, but also Victoria faced the should watch the pre-selections carefully severe and damaging conditions of the because other Upper House members may drought. Members of the Opposition do n.ot wish to come to the Lower House. recognize the tremendous burden placed on Stamp duty receipts fell by $10 million, all Victorians by that hardship. The drought land tax by $8 million and there was a proved costly for all Victorians. However, shortfall in taxes of$9 million. Interest rev we accepted our responsibilities to help the enue fell by $8 million and forest royalties man on the land. We accepted the respon fell by $6 million, which represents a total sibility to show compassion and to provide of$173 million shortfall in revenue. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1175
One can add to that the loss in revenue behind the profit motive system. I thought that the State must pay back to Esso-BHP the honourable member for Brighton must because of the bad legislation introduced have spent too long in the sun today be and passed by the former Liberal Govern cause of some of the comments she made. ment. How stupid of us to believe that that Increased business activity and confidence Government could have ever done any will lead to a healthy economy. Only then thing right! The Victorian taxpayers have to will we be able to reduce the number of pay back $70 million for the Liberai Party's unemployed. In the interests of returning improper pipeline legislation and there is business confidence, the Government was also a shortfall of$50 million in anticipated proud to support the Victorian Chambers revenue. of Commerce and Industry as the represent I always hold the view that if one wants ative of small business in the debate on re to find out how good a person is one must tail trading hours. This demonstrated that look at his performance. Despite the diffi the Government shows concern for small cult economic environment in which the business, which is the backbone of the State. Cain Labor Government assumed office, the The Government took a stand against a 98 first Jolly Budget introduced by the Treas per cent foreign-owned company, the Safe urer was successful in the face of great ad way group. The Government will continue versity. Victoria has the lowest over-all to support small business, not only in this unemployment rate in Australia. One would year's Budget, but also in successive Budg have thought that, with the prevailing eco~ ets. nomic environment, Victoria might have had the highest unemployment rate. How The Government set out to reduce the ever, the economic strategies adopted last percentage of unemployment by directing year were successful, as will be the case this massive amounts of money into public ex year. penditure. In this Budget, the State Govern ment's works programme will rise by 44 per The Cain Labor Government has prov cent. Who will do the work? Private enter ided millions of dollars for the building in prise will do the work because of the profits dustry. It selected the building industry, not that can be made. Private enterprise will do only because it was rejected and neglected the work efficiently and competitively. by a succession of former Liberal Govern Sometimes I think the only thing large mo ments but also because it is labour-inten nopoly capitalism cannot stand is competi sive. There is a velocity and compounding tion. Small businesses certainly know the effect on all moneys in the building industry full meaning of competition. which accelerates to other areas of the econ omy. New dwelling permits increased by The Government's housing capital works 15·4 per cent during 1982-83, which repre programme shows a substantial increase of sents a singular and outstanding success. At 19·2 per cent and capital expenditure on the same time, in other States that did not education has increased by 40·4 per cent. If use the economic strategies of the Victorian one goes through the various programmes Budget, there was a national fall of 16 per within the Budgets, one finds that the Gov cent. ernment is taking all possible steps to stim ulate the economy, to return business The change of Government in Victoria confidence and get private enterprise work brought about renewed business confi ing. dence, and quite correctly so. Business con fidence under the former Liberal Now is the time for the building and con Government had hit an all-time low. Busi struction industry to get into the market ness confidence had hit rock bottom. Even place because land will never be cheaper, the business leaders-the height of the Mel wages will never be cheaper and material bourne Establishment-stabbed and knifed will never be cheaper than they are today. former Premier Hamer because of their lack Over-all, the co-operation of the unions with of confidence in him. I also acknowledge the Government has never been better. The that the Leader of the Opposition played no Government has developed good industrial small part in the demise of Hamer. relations with the trade union movement. The Government is very proud of its links The Cain Labor Government strongly with the trade union movement from which supports the free enterprise system and is this great Labor Party sprang. 1176 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
Of course, hard decisions had to be made. pose of the Cain Labor Government is for The Government did not want to inflict the the general welfare of all Victorians. cutbacks that are causing hardship in many The ACTING SPEAKER-Order! The areas but hard decisions had to be made. It honourable member's time has expired. is nice to be popular, but it is responsible to Mr LEIGH (Malvern)-One or two of make hard decisions. Through this Budget, the comments made by the honourable the Minister of Health is taking hard deci member for Melbourne are worth mention sions, as is the Minister of Education. Those in~. In his half hour speech, for about fifteen hard decisions had to be made, one in ten mInutes he spoke about the Leader of the Victorian workers are unemployed. That is Opposition; ten minutes occupied rulings through no fault of the Government or its from the Speaker that the honourable mem economic stategy. That situation is a dam ber was not relating his remarks to the Bills, nation on the Liberal philosophies and pol and five minutes of his speech covered the icies of successive Liberal Governments in Budget. this and other States and, above all, the in famous Fraser Government. The Leader of the Opposition should be proud that the honourable member for Mel All economic indicators show that Vic bourne spent so much time in attempting toria is leading the recovery in Australia in to denigrate him because that can only mean housing and reducing unemployment. Un that the honourable member for Melbourne employment in Victoria is the lowest in was a bit upset by his comments. Australia. The Government is working in When one examines the Budget, it is in conjunction with the Federal Government teresting to note the difference between the to restructure the major motor car industry Labor parties in Victoria and New South not because of any great love for General Wales because, during the Treasurer's Motors-Holden or Ford but because the speech presented on 21 September, he made Government is concerned about the high two comments that I believe are most sig labour content in that industry. That is why nificant. Firstly, the honourable gentleman the Government is providing a bonus of said: $250 to people who purchase vehicles with a substantial Australian content. I am criti We welcome the thrust of the 1983-84 Federal Budget cal of the foreign-owned members of the handed down last month which endorses the strategy motor vehicle industry who automatically which the Victorian Government has applied. increased their prices. The second point was that: The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Fo Victoria's Budget stategy complements the national garty)-Order! The honourable member has economic strategy and is directed at placing Victoria two minutes. on a sustained upward path-increasing employment, Mr REMINGTON-There is no ques and creating more prosperity for all. tion-Victoria is on the move again. The It is interesting to note that the honourable previous Liberal Government referred to member for Balwyn made reference to Pre new directions and provided unlimited cap mier Wran from New South Wales when ital in rhetoric but did not put the dollars the Premier said that it was naive to suggest where their words were. Victoria lan that any State had the capacity to stimulate guished under the Liberal Govelnment. the economy and that anyone who says that The present Government has injected is either naive or dishonest. Perhaps the modern economic management metho~s question the House ought to be asking is into Victoria. I remind honourable mem whether the Government is naive or dis bers that when the Minister of Transport honest! It is hoped that most people in the took office he found $30 million in cheques community would think the Government lying in bags on the floor of the Motor Reg to be naive, but those honourable members istration Branch. The Government is using who have sat here for a longer time than I the State Development Fund to the best ad have would perhaps begin to believe there vantage and is determined to drive the State were other motives involved in what the out of the economic mire it inherited. Government is doing. The Government has a long term in office Indeed, when one looks at the strategy of ahead of it and will undoubtedly be re the Government, it is the reverse of the elected at the next election. The whole pur- Federal Labor Government, it is the reverse Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1177 of the Wran Labor Government, it is the than in Victoria. The cost of the almost 9000 addi reverse of the Bourke Labor Government tional Public Service employees would almost cer in Western Australia, the reverse of vir tainly not be less that $200 million and is probably tually every other State in this nation. How closer to $300 million. This appears in part responsible is it that so many of these brilliant econo for the State Government's budgetary difficulties. mists-as the honourable member for Mel Mr Jolly argues that an increase in the number of State employees was to be expected at the beginning of bourne suggested they were-are taking a a new administration which had made policy commit different course to that in Victoria? Perhaps ments. But it is hard to believe the Government needed the honourable member for Melbourne was almost 10000 extra public sector employees to fulfil its right and they are brilliant, it is our State election promises. It appears to have been particularly and our Treasurer who really is in the age lax in allowing administrative staff numbers in the of the dodo. Education Department to grow by 346. By any stand ards this is a large injection of new staff into a Govern If one looks at the Budget-one must re ment department, even one where it might be claimed member that honourable members are talk there had been a good deal of neglect. The Government ing about nearly $7·9 billion-and adopts could well ask itself if the money for the extra admin the methods that the Treasurer used when istrative staff could not now be better spent on ensur he was in opposition, when the Govern ing an adequate supply of emergency teachers, ment came to power it had a surplus of particularly at special schools that cater for the handi about $6 million. Today, if one includes the capped. selling-off of the trams, the trains and any Other State Governments have learned the hard les other asset that this mob has sold to get son that the first years of reforming zeal have their funds to cover massive losses that are oc costs later on. The New South Wales experience is almost a replica of what is happening in Victoria. Mr curring in the State, there is a Budget deficit Wran in recent years has had to clamp down on Public of$487 million. Service growth in order to marshal his funds for essen Indeed, Terry McCrann of the Age has tial State programmes. Mr Cain is now attempting to do the same, but is finding it difficult in the face of a predicted a Budget deficit in excess of $800 strong campaign by special interest groups. The cir million. The Budget will ensure that after cumstances in which the Government finds itself are the next State election the Government is part of a predictable pattern, but with a little more on the Opposition benches. prudence it probably could have escaped some of its The honourable member for Melbourne present difficulties. claimed that newspaper editorials had given I apologize for reading such a long editorial wide support to the policies of the Govern but it highlights the performance of this ment. The Age is not noted for its long Government. standing support of the Liberal Party. How ever, on 17 October the Age editorial made The Government has kept few of its elec some telling points, which Government tion promises. The Treasurer has argued the back-benchers should examine if they wish need for an additional 10 000 public serv to remain in office. Under the heading, "The ants; yet the Treasurer promised Victorians cost of extra bodies", the editorial states: lower gas prices and to look after the el derly. What has happened? Electricity Ifgood government is about good housekeeping, Mr charges have risen so much that the Gov Cain and his administration appear not to be doing all ernment has had to provide a $7 million that well at the moment. The State Government has been forced to cut spending in the health and education subsidy because pensioners have not been sectors partly, it seems, because it has been profligate able to afford the increased charges. in its employment of additional bureaucrats and other During its term of office, the Government public sector staff in its first year in office. The cost of has spent a great deal of money. What has extra staff appears one of the reasons hospital and the Government spent that money on? The teaching services are being squeezed. Ifby adding extra Government granted teachers a 27 per cent bodies to its payroll the Government has left itself increase in wages. Earlier in the debate the short of funds for essential services this does not reflect well on its housekeeping abilities. . honourable member for Bennettswood sug gested that my mother was a primary school The facts, according to the Australian Bureau ofSta teacher. That is correct. However, I do not tistics, are that State Government employment in Vic toria increased by 8900 or 3·3 per cent in the first 12 believe the entire teaching profession should months of Mr Cain's administration. In New South have been bought offin return for a $750000 Wales, in that time on the other hand, there was an donation the teacher unions made to the actual reduction in the size of the bureaucracy. In other 1982 Australian Labor Party election cam State bureaucracies rates of growth were much less paign. 11 78 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
In the past twelve months, there have in the 45 to 50 year age bracket are also been many increases in public utility losing their jobs. charges. However, the Government has The Government promised that it would failed to support the wages pause accord. do more for public transport. However, Indeed, even Philip Chubb of the Age has public transport fares have risen by 20 per realized that the Government is increasing cent and, in some areas, by 100 per cent. A public sector employment at the cost of pri city tram ride will rise from 30 cents to 60 vate sector employment. cents. That is objectionable. In the Budget last year, the Government promised to create 23 000 additional jobs. The Government has spent more than $3 What happened? There was a loss of more million on painting orange trams green. than 60000 jobs in the private sector. This Those orange trams should be painted only promise has not been kept. when they need painting. The Treasurer has blamed the effects of The Government has a fetish for trams to the drought for the financial difficulties fac be green and yellow, which is the Labor ing the State. However, even though the Party's political colours at present. Those honourable member for Melbourne sug colours used to be red and black and now gested that one needed to be a weather fore the Labor Party has pinched the Demo caster to suggest what effects the drought crats' colours of green and yellow. would have on the Budget estimates, the Opposition informed the Treasurer what The Government is spending money in would happen as a result of the drought last all these areas yet on Thursday a demon year. stration of the youth of the State was held at Parliament House. By interjection, the The Government has a zeal to create Treasurer talks of economic speeches. Gov temporary jobs. Many young people who ernment Party members have been reading have been on the dole for "X" number of the Treasurer's notes, facts and figures into months have been given a chance of having their Budget statements. That is not what a job for six months, after which time they are back on the dole. Those young people the Budget debate is about. become even more bitter against society. I refer honourable members to the Police The Treasurer has announced that the Force. Who promised 1000 extra police Government will spend $30 million on job when in opposition? Where are they? They creation schemes. Yet the Treasurer has put are not on the streets yet. Once again, the a new name on top of the apprenticeship Government, when in opposition, made scheme and allocated the same $3 million promises which are like pie crusts-made from last year and claimed the Government to be broken. The Labor Party has said one is spending more money on apprenticeship thing to the community and has then done schemes. That is not the case. the reverse. I congratulate the Government on in It is no wonder that people are cynical creasing the pay-roll tax exemption from about politicians. Politicians ought to keep $140 000 to $200 000. If the Government to the commitments they make. On reading wants to create jobs, it should concentrate the statements of the Government, one on providing assistance to the private sector would not believe that the Labor Party because that is where real jobs can be cre Government and the Labor Party formerly ated. If the Government did that, it would in opposition were of the same political not have to spend as much money and more young people would have a chance of ob party. It is objectionable. taining employment. In education, the Government bought off The Government claims that it cares. I the teaching profession, which supported the accept the commitment of Government Labor Party in the last State election. Now members that they care about what hap cuts are being made in education to places pens to people on the dole. I hope there like the National Gallery. Education does would not be one honourable member in not take place only in the class-room with this House who would not be concerned books; it takes place as an experience also, about those persons, irrespective of age, who whether in a museum, an art gallery or are being retrenched. Besides young per wherever. The Government has spent enor sons, it should be remembered that people mous amounts of money paying off its sup- Appropriation, Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1179 porters to keep them quiet and made into public housing, which will mean in cutbacks to the children of this State. creased taxes. In fairness to the Government, much In health, overnight the Minister of money has gone into capital works expend Health, against recommendations of some iture for education buildings and I com of the committees inquiring into pre-school mend the Government for that. However, education, said that all three-year-olds are the Government has cut back on emergency to be out of kindergartens and all four-year teachers. A school with a staff of twenty will olds are to be in kindergartens. In this in get only twenty days a year emergency stance, the Government told kindergartens teachers replacement. It may be that one of these proposals when allocations had al teacher will be absent for the whole of the ready been made for next year. twenty days. I am sure that no one-that includes the Minister-knows what will That type of Government by consulta happen after that entitlement is taken up. tion is strange. Remember, this Govern ment said that it would talk to the people. The Government has broken its commit It does. It says: Here are the facts, you wear ment to the people to whom it promised the it, it is your problem, good luck to you! most. I suspect that the people who will pull the Government down will not be the gen The Minister of Health has announced eral community but its own party support cuts across the board in hospitals. When he ers in whom high expectations were created took over the hospital system, he said, "I when the Labor Party was in opposition .. am taking over the best hospital system in Australia" and in eighteen months he has It is true that there has been a 19 per cent pulled it to bits and put people's lives in increase in the housing industry activities danger. and it is commendable of the Government to pay attention to this area. New South The two areas to be exempt from cuts Wales has had a fall of 25 per cent in its should have been those areas concerning housing industry. However, the Victorian life-that is, health-and children-that is, Government has cut back its housing ex education-but not this Government. This penditure by $40·2 million. The money Government and the Treasurer have said being spent on programmes for which the that there will be a 2 per cent cut in expend Victorian Government is claiming credit has iture across the board even if it kills people come from the Federal Government. Ifany in the process. one deserves accolades for increased activ There was one case a few weeks ago where ity in the Victorian housing industry, it is an eighteen-year-old student was trans certainly not the Cain Labor Government, ferred between two casualty wards. He died but the Hawke Labor Government. in the process. That is terrible. One can pay The health of the housing market must compensation to the parents of that eight still be questioned because the Government een-year-old, but that does not bring him is fighting for principles that affect the rental back to life. What the Government is doing market, which have resulted in property is horrendous. owners literally pulling out of the rental The Government is responsible for the market. In St Kilda, flat dwellings are now introduction of a 38-hour working week in being turned into strata title units and are the public health field and now the private being sold because the owners who rented sector wants it. It will cost $30 million. In out those properties are scared of what the deed, it will bring about the destruction of Government will do to the rental market. some private hospitals. That is not in the interests of health, particularly when the The needs of tenants ought to be looked Government is a supporter of Medicare, after and, certainly, the needs of landlords which will add to the costs ought to be looked after as well. The Gov of the health ernment's proposals are creating an imbal industry. ance where the Government is looking after The honourable member for Melbourne only the tenants. The Government's pro said that Victoria was far better off in em posals will serve neither landlords nor ten ployment than other States. The facts are ants because tenants will have to pay more that Victoria is always more well off than in rent and more money will have to be put any other State, and it has been throughout 1180 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills the years. The figures at present for labour ernment, Victorians are still waiting for a growth for the year ending August 1983 decision from Alcoa of Australia Ltd. How show that Victoria is 1·1 per cent and that will the Government find $250 million to the Australian average is 1·6 per cent. Ac put into the Portland smelter project? Will tually, Victoria is behind in those season it try to steal it from the State superannua ally adjusted figures and it is in trouble. tion scheme? At Christmas, many young people will be The company has put its $250 million on looking for work. The Government will give the ground. No third partner in its right them six weeks' work to plant trees and an mind would take on the proposal that the other six weeks' work to someone else to Government has proposed. The Treasurer pull the trees out. That is not a job. sits there smiling and well he may smile, but he is bringing about Victoria's eco A job is an opportunity for the future so nomic doom. This Budget will be referred that one can grow, develop, save for hous to, as many Opposition members have ing, and do all those things that people do pointed out, as "Jolly's folly", and that is in this society. The Government is propos what it is. ing to keep people broke and to keep them The Government has advisers like Dr destitute so that they have nothing. Peter Sheehan and others who have never Indeed, since the Government came to worked in private industry but they should office, its increased charges have cost every know that, if you buy something, you must family approximately $1000 a year. This is pay for it some day. The Minister ofTrans $1000 less that they have to put back into port sits there smirking while he is in the the economy. process of selling off every tram, train and bus that he can get his hands on. When the Other honourable members have quoted people of this State realize that the assets the Federal Treasurer, Mr Keating, on his they have purchased are being 301d, there feelings about increased State charges. Since will be a huge outcry. it was elected, the Victorian Government has increased its charges by 40·2 per cent in One could say that the Government has this State. The Tasmanian Government has been conducting a media exercise and per increased its charges by 9·3 per cent and haps it has won to date, but the best exercise increases by other State Labor Govern of all occurs each week when Victorian fam ments are in between those two figures. In ilies outlay for increased electricity and gas the beginning of the Wran era, the New charges and the financial institutions duty. South Wales Government spent all of the I remind honourable members that the money out of the hollow logs and bank honourable member for Melbourne said that rupted the State with its attitude of, "Have the former Liberal Opposition cost Victo a good time now and we will pay for it in rian taxpayers $60 million. The Labor Gov the future". The Victorian Government is ernment wanted to impose that tax on living in a fool's paradise, and the Treasurer hospitals and charities so that both of those is getting away with it. However, come the institutions would have been worse off than next election, I suspect that he will not get they are at present. When the cost of its away with it; this may well be his last increased charges is realized, the Govern Budget. The Opposition will then become ment will lose office. the Government and it will have to clear up Miss CALLISTER (Morwell)-Honour the mess. able members have heard a typical contri Gough Whitlam looks good compared to bution from the honourable member for John Cain, the Premier, and Rob Jolly, the Malvern, who has been referred to in this honourable member for Dandenong. He had place as "Motor Mouth" because of his a good economic grasp, by comparison. The tendency to speak about roads. I am sur facts are that this Government is operating prised that he did not raise that issue to government through the media. It discusses night. Perhaps that indicates that he is Bills such as the Nude Bathing Bill, the pleased with the Budget allocations in that Equal Opportunity Bill and other Bills deal area. In the electorate of Morwell and on ing with matters such as the white lines at the access route to that area, a huge boost racecourses. I am not denigrating those has been given in funding for the duplica matters-they are important-but eighteen tion of the Princes Highway. That is widely months after the election of the Cain Gov- applauded from Berwick onwards. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1181
The honourable member for Malvern directed into those sectors when one exam made some ill-informed comments-some ines the figures achieved by the Govern may even say trite. For instance, he main ment in improving opportunities and the tained that certain aspects of the Govern input of human resources into those serv ment's budgetary policy were not in accord ices since it assumed office. In the education with those of the Federal Government. It is context, I will refer later to the recurrent not necessary for me to draw the honoura side of the Budget. ble member's attention to Federal Govern It was interesting that the honourable ment expenditure, because he alluded in his member for Malvern condemned the prin contribution to the fact that that Govern ciple of a 38-hour week for employees in the ment has targeted the housing sector for an public health sector. In its dying days, the infusion of funds to create private sector former Liberal Government had exactly the activity and, in so doing, to provide public same pclicy and I am interested that the housing and increased access to the pur honourable member is now withdrawing chase of homes, especially for first home from what was proposed Liberal Party ac buyers. tion. I also direct the honourable member's at I direct the attention of the honourable tention to the fact that the job creation member to the fact that, in areas such as scheme, which was introduced under the child care, the actions of the State Govern Cain Government's first Budget, has been ment have been in accord with the priori taken up at the Federal level and used as a ties of the Federal Government, which has model for job creation in other States, in given a significant boost to funding for the cluding Queensland. Perhaps the honoura office of child care. ble member would not make that assertion in the run-up to the Queensland State elec That has meant that some of the pro tion but, in other contexts and at other grammes that were funded by this Govern times, he would probably claim that ment under the family strengthening Queensland was a peak example of what a programme Mark 2 were able to be picked "free" enterprise system can achieve. up by Federal funding. That has happened to a child care programme in the electorate The contribution made tonight by the I represent, where interim funding was honourable member for Malvern was provided by the State Government through mainly debate by insult, similar in content the family strengthening programme, and to that of the honourable member for West then, because of a significant funding boost ern port who also uses that technique in his by the Federal Government, that pro contributions in this House. It is regrettable gramme received predictable funding forth that he wastes so much of his time in com with. That is an example of a most desired plaining about the lack of time available to initiative and service for the area and is an him and then fills his contribution with illustration of how two Governments have rhetoric. worked in concert for a particular pro The honourable member for Malvern re gramme. ferred, amongst other things, to an Age edi I should also like to refer to some of the torial which he said asserted that the comments made by Opposition members Government is not meeting the teacher em in their Budget dissertations this evening. ployment needs of the educational system. The honourable member for Gippsland I invite the honourable member to read the South, for instance, talked about the need Age ofthe previous Saturday in which Philip for a strong economic foundation in the Chubb provided a breakdown of the 8900 State. As the honourable member for Mel extra public sector employees engaged dur bourne outlined so comprehensively in his ing April. That breakdown indicated that speech, and indeed as the Treasurer did in education and health were two areas in the Budget speech accompanying the Budget which substantial increases in employment documents, we are firmly of that view as were recorded. Health had an increase of well. I direct the attention of the honourable 3090 and education an increase of 2520. nlember to the fact that if the previous Lib Although those figures include both part eral Government had been returned, and time and full-time numbers, it is difficult to had kept up its existing expenditure and accept the honourable member's criticism revenue allocations, the State would have that insufficient human resources are being been $1430 million down the chute by 1182 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
1984-85. This Government has managed, secondary school for many years. This by re-ordering and giving different priori Government has agreed that secondary stu ties to its functions of government, and dents in that area have too far to travel and through other revenue measures, to bring it is providing a secondary school to meet the Budget back to a manageable state of their needs. I was at the regional office the affairs and the Budget meets human needs other night and had the pleasure of inspect in Victoria much more effectively than did ing the plans for a school at Lakes Entrance. the directions that the previous Liberal I was in the town last week-end and noted Government had set and was taking. how excited the community was about hav The speech of the honourable member ing this school commenced next year. It will for Gippsland South contained a mass of be built in stages as well as the school at contradictions, which tends to be typical of Churchill. If ever there was an indictment National Party members in that they want of the previous Government's lack of plan huge amounts of public expenditure in the ning in the education sector, it is exempli electorates they represent but they do not fied by the situation in Churchill. Churchill want any increases, changes or alterations has a population of more than 5000. The to the way in which finance will be collected urban population and the rural residential or raised in order to finance those pro population has also grown vastly, and any grammes. one could see that it would be sensible to I am surprised, for example, at the oppo locate a post-primary school at Churchill, sition of the honourable member to the and reassemble resources in Morwell, so that Government's huge boost in housing ex the students would not have to travel in penditure, because in opposing increases in their hundreds by bus on an inter-town capital expenditure works or in public transport system. spending he is, by implication, opposing I am very pleased to say that in the La such things as bringing forward the comple trobe Valley there has been a splendid feel tion of the Blue Rock dam to before the end ing of community response about how to of this year. He is opposing some of the reallocate resources to meet the needs of the improvements in school buildings to be changes in the population structures which brought forward that would have been way have occurred. That is an ongoing process down the track had this Government been and there is a high amount of community proceeding along the lines of the previous involvement in achieving the changes that Government. He is saying that things like are needed. cyclic maintenance for Boolarra Primary School, the Foster High School, the Sale The honourable member for Gippsland High and Technical Schools, the Wurruk South referred to student hostels in Mel Primary School and for the Yarram High bourne. I only hope that he has written to School should be shifted down the track, as the Commonwealth Government, as I have, the previous Liberal Government would and has supported the representations of have done, but this Government has re the honourable member for McMillan in versed the trend of the former Government his endeavours to get the Commonwealth whereby capital expenditure on State to take over responsibility for the housing schools was given a low priority. Neverthe of tertiary students in Victoria, as is done in less, I would be surprised if I did not see the all other States. Even with that, the State honourable member for Gippsland South Government has not retired completely, if proudly beaming when the Minister of Ed I can put it that way, from making a contri ucation or one of his representatives visits bution in that area. Clearly, however, it is those schools and has the honour of in Commonwealth responsibility, and the specting a school that has just been subject Victori~n Government is hopeful that the to cyclic maintenance, or a school that has Commonwealth Government will pick up had new wings attached to it, or a school its responsibility appropriately not only in that has just been built. relation to housing needs for students in the Additions have been made to schools in metropolitan area but also in the regional Gippsland, in the post-primary area, to give areas, such as the area I represent. There are students an opportunity to attend schools urgent housing needs for students attending closer to where they live. I am referring to the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Edu Lakes Entrance, which has cried out for a cation which require resources. Appropriation Bills 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1183
In that regard, I have also put various features of the record of the previous proposals to the Commonwealth, and I Administration, of which she was a mem would anticipate that all honourable mem ber, as well as that of the Fraser Govern ~e.rs reprt.:senting the Gippsland area would ment. She said that 1 in 4 people in Australia JOIn me In those proposals because I am was dependent on some form of social se sure they are equally concerned that the re curity assistance. If ever I have heard an gional college should have adequate student honourable member in this place damn the accommodation to meet the needs of the record of a former Administration, of which students who will attend that college. that member was part, that was it, because The honourable member also quoted that position is a legacy which the present some figures relating to the Ministry for Government has set about reversing. I shall Economic Development and asserted that quote figures later that will demonstrate the the Government had a reduced commit truth of the claim that there is a turn-around in this ,St~te and t~at Victoria is leading ~ent t~ proyiding. assistance for secondary Industnes, IncludIng decentralized indus Austraha In economIC recovery. That point tries. I draw his attention to the figures in cannot be over-emphasized because in all the Budget which show that, in 1982-83 the critical comments that have bee~ made some $36·9 million was allocated for ap~ by members of the Opposition during this prov,ed decentralized secondary industries, debate, they have overlooked some of the and In 1983-84 the figure is estimated to be features that demonstrate that this State is somewhere around $42·2 million. That is i~ a comparatively healthy economic posi hardly an indication of a reduced commit tIon and that the Government will stimu ment. late further economic recovery. The secondary industries in the electo The honourable member for Brighton also rate I represent are pleased with the access spoke at some length about the public trans that they have to the Minister for Economic port system, and I assure her that expendi Development and their ability to have dis ture on that area by the Labor Govenlment cussions with him, face to face as well as since it came to office is certainly noticeable with officers of the Ministry, which action when one examines the railway line that enables them to put their case about the sort extends f~om Melbourne to east Gippsland. of aid they believe they will need both in Perhaps It would be better understood if I the shorter term and in the longer term. The called that railway line the Latrobe Valley Government has put a process in place, for line. Not only has the railway track been the first time in this State, to arrive at an vastly improved, which means that the ride over-all economic strategy that will take is much smoother, but also there has been a rapid transition in the state of carriages from yictori~ into the next century. After those Industnes formulate their responses to the just rough old red rattlers to either refur bished carriages or new carriages. It will not ~atest set of discussion papers that have been Issued" and on which meetings have taken be too long before all the rail services to the place In country areas, a new paper will be Latrobe Valley are provided with excellent drawn up and more discussion will occur. carriages. As one who has travelled along that line to and from Melbourne for many The secondary industries are assured years-although less frequently on the serv not by members of the Opposition who Ice that operated under the former Liberal ~sually insist on distorting or omitting facts Government-I know for a fact that one In the comments they make about where outstanding feature to people in the Latrobe the Government is at with various propos Valley and the central and east Gippsland als-by the Minister for Economic Devel areas generally is the radical improvement opment that there will be no overnight that has taken place in public transport to change, and they have been able to obtain there from Melbourne. that assurance, face to face, from meetings with the Minister, which I have gladly ar I should also like to draw attention to the ranged. I hope other honourable members fact ~hat statio~s are being upgraded, and representing the Gippsland area and other that Includes Fhnders Street station. I have country electorates are doing likewise. received many representations, particularly from groups such as the National Council The honourable member for Brighton of Women of Victoria, expressing concern quoted perhaps one of the most indicting about the need for upgrading country sta- 1184 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Appropriation Bills tions, as well as Flinders Street station. extremely flimsy, about the lack of commit Comments made by such groups have been ment by the Government in certain areas of integrated into plans for the improvement local government or contributions to local of those stations. government for services that it provides. Therefore, in spite of all the negative I direct her attention to the breakdown of comments by the honourable member for the State Budget by the Municipal Associa Brighton this evening, I point out that if she tion of Victoria. If the honourable member ever got herself out of Melbourne, I am sure examined it carefully, she would note that she would find that there are plenty of Lib the allocation for infant welfare services in eral members in country areas who will creased by 14 per cent on the 1982-83 level. readily admit that the improvement in the The allocation to home help services in public transport system to the country has creased by 23 per cent; the allocation to the been a fine achievement of the Government immunization campaign increased by 22·6 and one which they certainly would not per cent; the allocation to elderly citizens' criticize. clubs increased by 22·8 per cent; the alloca The honourable member for Brighton also tion to pre-school dental clinics increased referred to supposed broken promises. I re by 13· 5 per cent; and rate concessions for fer her to the fact that the Liberal Party was pensioners increased by 14·9 per cent. The probably the most expert in making prom honourable member ignored some impor ises which it later broke, so that it could tant points that are fundamental to improv repromise them at the next election. As an ing services for infants and elderly people example, I refer to one of the Liberal Party's in local government areas. favourite promises, which was made eleven The honourable member for Western times after the second world war relating to port, as I said earlier, has typified a contri the roofing of the railway yards. By the time bution full of rhetoric and no substance. He the Liberal Government was voted out of apparently has a rather fantasy-fixated mind. office, that proposal was still just a promise. He tends to hate the facts and a reading of his speech will demonstrate that point. If the honourable member for Brighton During his diatribe, he asserted that the would care to visit the area I represent and economic position of Victoria was disas discuss with people, such as landowners, the trous, unhealthy and that it was the worst record of the former Liberal Government in Australia. I direct his attention to the fact in updating the Lands Compensation Act, that consumer confidence is rapidly in which it promised year after year until no creasing. Housing approvals are rapidly in one believed it would ever be updated and, creasing and are certainly the best in of course, the Liberal Government had no Australia. Anyone who has visited the La intention of doing so. Nevertheless, one trobe Valley recently, particularly Traral must admit that the last Minister for Plan gon, would realize instantly the impact that ning of the previous Government had some the housing priority is having on that area nervous twitches towards the end of his do because of the dramatic amount of activity main and came out with some extremely taking place. It is providing jobs for build rough guidelines about changes that would ing workers, nursery workers and for people be made. She should realize that the Labor who sell curtains, carpets, linoleum and so Government actually took action to update on. and reframe that legislation soon after it came to office. Because of the difficulty of In closing, I mention the suggestion by the task, which is probably the reason why the Liberal Party that the Government cut the former Government failed to grapple $20 billion out of the building side of the with the complex questions that arise when education budget and transfer it to more considering land compensation-it failed to salaries in the education budget. That means take any action because it was daunted by that in my area projects at schools such as the difficulty of it-it has taken some time the Churchill Post-Secondary School and to set that process in train. However, in the works at the Sale Technical School and at not-too-distant future, work on that pro the Morwell Park Primary School, which posal should be finalized. has received extra art facilities from the State Development Fund, would be thrown out The honourable member for Brighton also the window. Many people who are gaining made a number of comments, which were jobs, such as building contractors and those Community Welfare Services Bill 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1185 in associated activities, would not receive for contract No. 26684, Pakenham estate. jobs. I am stunned to think that the Liberal The successful tenderer was Jennings In Party could advocate that those people stay dustries Ltd for a figure of $327 684. There unemployed. That is an irresponsible sug were many tenderers, four of whom submit gestion. ted cheaper tenders than the one that was The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed accepted. The cheapest of the other four for munds)-Order! The honourable member's the contract was a firm known as Darci time has expired. Constructions Ptv Ltd at Endeavour Hills On the motion of Mr HANN (Rodney), for an amount of$302 724. the debate was adjourned. The second tender I raise for the atten tion of the House was contract No. 26691 It was ordered that the debate be ad at Cranbourne, again for several residences. journed until next day. The successful tenderer in this case was R. COMMUNITY WELFARE SERVICES W. Johnson Homes at Frankston for a (DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF tender amount of $326 119. Again, there CORRECTIONS) BILL were four unsuccessful tenderers that were all of a cheaper price than that accepted by This Bill was returned from the Council the Ministry. The lowest of the four unsuc with a message relating to amendments. cessful contractors was Darci Constructions It was ordered that the message be taken Pty Ltd at Endeavour Hills for an amount into consideration next day. of$311 024. LATROBE REGIONAL COMMISSION If one combines the total price of the suc BILL cessful tenders and compares that with the total price of the two lowest tenders, the This Bill was returned from the Council difference in cost is $40055. In other words, with a message relating to amendments. the Ministry of Housing has accepted two It was ordered that the message be taken contracts at a cost of$40 000 more than the into consideration next day. lowest tender. That money could have been saved if the Government had accepted the ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION lowest tender. That amount equates ap (AMENDMENT) BILL proximately to the price of one three-bed room brick veneer dwelling. The This Bill was received from the Council Government could have obtained a free and, on the motion of Mr WILKES (Minis home if it had accepted the lowest price. ter for Local Government), was read a first time. When the matter was brought to the at tention of the Opposition, the claim was ADJOURNMENT thoroughly investigated, and it is unques tionably true. I asked the Minister of Hous Building tenders-Staffing of Yarrawonga ing to provide copies of the plans of the police station-Quarter-horse racing successful tenderers, because the Opposi Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa tion has copies of the plans of the unsuc tion)-I move: cessful tenderers. The Minister refused to supply the plans. I requested the plans a That the House do now adjourn. second time, and was again denied them. Mr BROWN (Westernport)-I raise a The Minister is not prepared to make the matter of serious concern to the Opposition plans available, and that situation is totally that is of considerable public importance untenable. I undertook that the Opposition involving the acceptance by the Housing would not copy the plans and they would Commission of two tenders for multiple not be shown to third parties; the Opposi dwellings construction. tion simply wanted to compare them. With the co-operation of the successful tenderers The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed and an on-site inspection, comparisons have munds)-Order! Could the honourable been drawn and, in both cases, the lowest member indicate to which Minister it is tenders formed adequate designs. Some of directed? the designs were properties previously pur Mr BROWN-I direct the matter to the chased by the Housing Commission. The Minister of Housing. The first tender was Opposition believes the lowest tender 1186 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Adjournment should have been accepted, and I ask the Quarter-horse race meetings are held in Minister to explain why it was not. Victoria but one of the problems is that Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-I draw to those who are participating can bet on only the attention of the Minister for Police and four of the events that take place, even Emergency Services the staffing of the though there may be six, eight or even ten Yarrawonga police station. You, Mr races. The privilege of betting is allowed on Speaker, and the Minister will be aware of only four of those races. the disastrous conditions of the Yarra Meetings have taken place at Woodend wonga police station. A new station and res and there will be a quarter-horse race meet idence has been built and will be completed ing at Kaniva, one of the tracks that was soon. It may be appropriate for the Minister delicensed recently in changes to the Racing to visit the area not only to open the new Act, on 3 December. station but also to discuss the staffing prob A deputation to the Minister from lem with the police at Yarrawonga, as well quarter-horse owners and trainers would be as the Shire of Yarrawonga, which has been of benefit to all parties concerned, as this interested in the matter. section of the racing industry will take off in Recently, a reservist at the police station Victoria in the next four to five years, prov retired. He was a most experienced person ided it is given support by the Government. and handled the clerical work at the station I do not mean financial support, I mean extremely well. The reservist has not been support in the extension of betting oppor replaced. tunities and use of race tracks. Four policemen are currently stationed at The thoroughbred racing industry would Yarrawonga, but five policemen are needed not at present want a situation similar to to service the area. On many occasions, the that in Queensland, where there are mixed police are not present at the station and racing programmes, because at the moment when people telephone the station, they re thoroughbred horse owners are struggling ceive notification that they must contact the to get enough race meetings to race thor Wangaratta police station with any com oughbred horses. Surely some provision can plaints. The Wangaratta police station must be made to give the quarter-horse owners then contact the police car, wherever it may and trainers the opportunity of staging full be, to attend to the problem. and regular meetings that would allow Yarrawonga is a tourist town and its pop quarter-horses the opportunity of racing and ulation increases to more than 20 000 dur would help in the development of the in ing holiday periods. That highlights the need dustry in Victoria. for additional staffing of the police station. Mr CATHIE (Minister of Housing)-The As I mentioned, presently four full-time po honourable member for Westernport raised lice officers are stationed there, but that the matter of two contracts, one at the needs to be increased to five permanent staff, Pakenham estate and one at Cranbourne, and the reservist needs to be replaced. I ask which relate to Ministry of Housing design the Minister to investigate the staffing prob and construction tenders. I point out that, lem and I extend to him an invitation to of the 51 design and construction contracts visit Yarrawonga, which he has done in the let in 1982, 36 went to the lowest tenderers past, so that he can officially open the new and only 15 went to others than the lowest police station and residence as well as dis tenderers, of which these were 2. cuss the staffing problems. It ought to be clear to the honourable Mr McGRATH (Lowan)-I raise with member for Western port that other mat the Minister for Youth, Sport and Recrea ters, as well as the question of the lowest tion the matter of giving some encourage tender, must be taken into account. For ex ment to the quarter-horse racing industry. ample, there is the issue of the design stand The quarter-horse breeding programme in ard and guidelines as well as the ability of a Australia has taken off in the past four or particular builder to perform the work. The five years. In Queensland at present, the Ministry takes into account many factors in industry has the right to stage quarter-horse determining what will give it the best value racing on some 62 race tracks and Queens for money in the product it decides to ac land has certainly taken up the initiative to cept. Independent persons are also part of give these people the opportunity of racing the panel process in deciding which con their horses. tracts represent the best value for money Questions on Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1187
and I believe those sorts of safeguards are residence and station and I will take the adequate. However, I will further investi opportunity of inspecting both on that oc gate the two contracts referred to by the casion with the honourable member, if he honourable member for Western port and is also enjoying the festivities in that area. will reply to him in detail. Mr TREZISE (Minister for Youth, Sport Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and and Recreation)-The honourable member Emergency Services)-In response to the for Lowan raised the matter of quarter-horse concern expressed by the honourable mem racing in Victoria, which has been operating ber for Murray Valley, I will be happy to for four or five years on a somewhat re have examined again the staffing levels at stricted basis. When the Labor Party came the Yarrawonga police station. However, as into office, I met with the quarter-horse rep t~e honourable member is well aware, po resentatives and assured them that I would hce are spread thinly across Victoria and it examine the situation. I asked them to re is extremely difficult to respond to the well turn in a year with figures that showed they based representations for further police had support and increased support so that strength, which I receive from almost all the Government could examine the situa honourable members from time to time. tion and perhaps improve the standard of racing, especially betting restrictions. The honourable member notes correctly Therefore, I am happy to meet with those that the importance that the Government people again if the honourable member for attaches to the work of the Victoria Police Lowan can arrange a deputation to discuss Force has been given practical expression the future of quarter-horse racing. in the case of Yarrawonga by the construc tion of a fine new police residence and sta The motion was agreed to. ti~n. I expect to be eating my Christmas The House adjourned at 12.22 a. m. dInner across the road from that new police ( Wednesday).
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
The following answers to questions on no Mr CA THIE (Minister of Housing)-The tice were circulated: answer supplied by the Minister for Conser vation, Forests and Lands is: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON NOTICE 1. It is not considered appropriate for this informa tion to be given. Any queries the honourable member (Question No. 2235) may have should be directed to the permanent head. ~.r WILLIAM~ (Doncaster) asked the 2. The questions were referred to the appropriate MIfllster of HOUSIng, for the Minister for branch when they first appeared on the Notice Paper. Conservation, Forests and Lands: 3, 4 and 5. I am confident the department is provid ing answers to questions on notice as efficiently as pos 1. What is the name and departmental telephone extension number ofthe officer within the Department sible, given the large numbers on the Notice Paper and of Crown Lands and Survey responsible for preparing the limited resources available to research and process answers to questions on notice? the replies. 2. When questions on notice numbers 563, 565, 568, Staff have been directed to answer questions on no 572, 573, 1340 to 1348, 1619 to 1627, 1857 to 1861, tice as quickly and as fully as possible. 2044, 2112 were referred to this officer? LABOUR AND INDUSTRY EQUAL 3. What were the dates of any follow-up by the Min ister? OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMME 4. Whether only one-third of the questions asked of (Question No. 2247) the Minister relating to Crown lands administration by the member for Doncaster this Session have been an Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the swered? Minister of Labour and Industry: 5. Whether the Minister will ensure that clear con With reference to the answers to question No. 588 cise and accurate answers are provided within ten given by the Minister of Agriculture on 14 December working days of referral unless the matters raised ne 1982, que~tion No. 606 given by the Minister for Com cessitate more time for adequate research? munity Welfare Services on 17 November 1982 and 1188 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Questions on Notice question No. 804 given by the Minister for Conserva The needs of officers are identified and placed in a tion on 3 November 1982: register. Courses are conducted on a range of subjects 1. Whether the departments, :mthorities and agen with priority being given to those officers having the greatest need. cies within the Minister's administration have estab lished an Equal Opportunity Committee; if so, when The provision of personnel services based on the each first met and what are the duties of such commit criteria as alluded to by the honourable member could tees? be seen as providing positive discrimination. The basis of need is considered a preferable criteria and in itself 2. What surveys have been instituted to-(a) com ensures equal opportunity is afforded to all staff. pare the positions of men and women in terms of their classification level, qualifications, length of service and At departmental induction programmes newly re general career profile; (b) identify those factors which cruited officers are provided with information on their have inhibited the career development of women; and rights and obligations and specific reference is made to equal opportunity legislation and the individual's rights (c) indicate what action is required to eliminate these inhibiting factors? thereunder. In line with Public Service Board policy, the depart 3. What strategies are being designed to implement ment has nominated an officer to act as Special Place the aims of the Government's Equal Opportunity pro ments Officer whose function is to identify positions gramme, including-(a) consultation with staff; and within the department, as they become vacant, which other interested parties; (b) dissemination of informa may be suitable for filling by persons suffering some tion; (c) incorporation of equal opportunity into staff form of disability. training and development programmes; (d) career counselling; and (e) monitoring of practices by data 4. Women are actively encouraged, in line with the collection, questionnaires and surveys? above needs based policy, to participate in manage ment development programmes. 4. What action is being taken'to encourage women to participate in management development pro DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE grammes which are aimed at providing training for REVIEWS potential middle-managers? (Question No. 2264) Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and Industry)-The answer is: Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the Minister for Local Government, for the 1. No committee along the lines referred to has been Minister of Agriculture: established within the department of statutory bodies attached to it. It is considered that utilizing the services With reference to the answer given on 12 October of the Public Service Board in the field of equal oppor 1982 by the Honourable the Minister of Health in re tunity as opposed to creating similar machinery within sponse to question No. 775: the department, is the most effective utilization of the 1. Whether he will indicate examples of any similar resources available to it, in this area. The department action recently taken by departments; authorities and was represented on the Interdepartmental Committee agencies within the Minister's administration to-(a) on Equal Opportunity when it existed and currently is develop five and ten-year capital works programmes; awaiting management plans on the implementation of (b) review the role and objectives of such bodies; and equal employment opportunity being prepared by the (c) reassess the aims, organization and management of Public Service Board. such bodies in accordance with documented policies ofthe Australian Labor Party? 2 and 3. Surveys as referred to have not been under taken by departmental officers. The department co 2. What specific public documents would assist in operates with the Public Service Board, the Equal Op evaluating the applicability of Labor Party policies to portunity Board and the Equal Opportunity Commis such action? sioner in the implementation of relevant surveys and Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov strategies. ernment)-The answer supplied by the It is understood that surveys of a comparative na Minister of Agriculture is: ture are undertaken by officers of the Public Service Board involved in the area of equal opportunity. 1. (a) Five and ten-year capital works programmes The department's personnel section operates on the are not prepared by the Department of Agriculture or basis of need and consequently any officer identified as any of the other agencies within my portfolio. requiring assistance in performing their duties, devel (b) As indicated in my answer to question on notice oping their skills and/or increasing job opportunities is No. 576, steps were taken to ensure the aims and objec provided the necessary assistance through the services tives of all bodies within my administration were re of the department's Staff Development Officer. vised in accordance with the Government's policies. All officers have the option of completing one of (c) See (b) above. three analyses questionnaires (designed for three levels 2. Preparing for Government (Agricultural Policy) of staff, i.e. non-supervisory, supervisory, and senior and Preparing for Government: Financial Manage management). ment and Economic Strategy. Questions on Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1189
The Government's general commitment to making Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and the public sector more accountable and more efficient Industry)-The answer supplied by the is documented in "Preparing for Government: Finan Minister of Water Supply is: cial Management and Economic Strategy" released by the Victorian Australian Labor Party prior to the April On 28 March 1983, the Minister of Water Supply 1982 election. met with an employee of the Board at the employee's request to discuss matters associated with the employ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ee's unsuccessful application for a vacant position of PURCHASES higher grading within the board's service. As a consequence of that meeting, the Minister dis (Question No. 2278) cussed the matter with the Chairman of the Board and the Board's Director of Engineering and requested that Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the the board identify the career path for the employee Minister for Local Government, for the concerned and inform the employee ofthis. Minister of Agriculture: The Minister made it clear to the board that in estab With reference to the answer given by the Minister lishing a career path the board should pursue its nor mal policies and procedures in relation to gradings and for Community Welfare Services on 17 November 1982 appointments. in response to question No. 605: I. Whether the majority of requisites of depart ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON ments and/or authorities and agencies within the Min NOTICE ister's administration were purchased from Victorian based manufacturing and/or service industries? (Question No. 2492) 2. What submissions were made to the State Tender Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the Board during 1981-82 in accordance with Regulation Minister for Ethnic Affairs: 84, Treasury Regulations 1981 for approval to pur In respect of questions on notice Nos. 310, 635, 658, chase goods, stores and/or services costing in excess of 662, 663, 958, 2370 and 2407: $2000 on behalf of departments and/or authorities and agencies within the Minister's administration from 1. Whether he is aware of the limitation of 200 (a) Victorian; (b) interstate; and (c) overseas manufac pounds sterling set by the Minister of State Treasury in turers and suppliers? the Parliament of the United Kingdom as the maxi mum permissible cost associated with the answering Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov of questions; if so, whether it is expected that the cost ernment)-The answer supplied by the of answering any of the above questions would exceed the Australian equivalent of this amount indicating Minister of Agriculture is: which questions? 1. Yes. 2. Whether the Minister will answer these questions 2. Not applicable to statutory agencies within my within the next ten sitting days of Parliament; if not, administration. whether he will provide an explanation to the Parlia ment? The Department of Agriculture made submissions by the placing of a number of orders with the State Mr SPYKER (Minister for Ethnic Af Tender Board as follows: fairs)-The answer is: (a) Victorian-272 1. Not until the honourable member brought it to (b) Interstate-22 my attention in this question. I am not prepared to commit resources to determining the estimated cost of (c) Overseas-l answering individual questions on notice. MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN 2. No. The questions will be answered as soon as BOARD OF WORKS EMPLOYEES possible, given the priorities of my department and the resources available. (Question No. 2351) MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the BOARD OF WORKS BUILDING Minister of Labour and Industry, for the Minister of Water Supply: (Question No. 2596) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked Whether the Minister has requested or directed the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works since the Minister of Labour and Industry, for the April 1982 to create or find a position at a higher grade Minister of Water Supply: for an employee ofthe Board who was an unsuccessful What was the-(a) estimated cost; and (b) expendi applicant for another position and whose appeal was ture to date ofthe Melbourne and Metropolitan Board dismissed; if so, what are the details? of Works building? 1190 ASSEMBLY 18 October 1983 Questions on Notice
Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and 1. How many officers of departments, authorities or Industry)-The answer supplied by the agencies within the Minister's administration were sent Minister of Water Supply is: overseas in 1981-82 and 1982-83? 2. What was the cost of such visits in 1981-82 and 1982-83? $ $ Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and (a) Estimated cost of con Industry)-The answer supplied by the struction of Melbourne Minister of Water Supply is: and Metropolitan In 1981-82 four officers of the State Rivers and Water Board of Works build- Supply Commission made overseas trips at a cost to ing (September 1969) 11 622 525 the Commission of $28 492. In the same period, the (b) Actual cost of con Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works sent two struction of the build officers overseas at a cost of$15 632. ing (completed The Board of Works also has a bursary policy by October 1973) 14 119 272 which officers travelling overseas are granted $5000 (c) Cost of recladding each to study overseas trends on an approved subject. building* (completed During 1981-82 five officers travelled under this 1983) 17 399 528 scheme. Less costs recovered 2 112500 15287028 Two officers of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission travelled overseas in 1982-83 at a cost of $9220, while seven officers of the Board of Works trav * A restatement of the recladding costs in 1973 val elled overseas under the bursary scheme. Also, five ues provides a figure of $5858300 which puts these officers of the Board of Works travelled overseas at costs into better perspective when compared with the their own expense and were authorized to attend con over-all cost of the building which was completed in ferences or make contacts which were of benefit to the 1973. Board. In total, these officers were reimbursed an amount of approximately $4800 for conference regis FORMS ISSUED BY MINISTRY OF tration fees and other reasonable out-of-pocket ex EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING penses. (Question No. 2658) LA WS ADMINISTERED BY Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Minister for Employment and Training: AND WATER SUPPLY Whether he is taking action to ensure that all forms (Question No. 2692) issued by departments, authorities and agencies within his administration conform to the requirements of so Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the cial relevance and language comprehension in 1983; if Minister of Labour and Industry, for the so, what action; if not, whether he will take such ac Minister of Water Supply: tion? Whether any steps have been taken to-(a) ensure Mr SIMMONDS (Minister for Employ that no Victorian is ignorant of the laws administered ment and Training)-The answer is: by departments, authorities and agencies within his administration; (b) review all such laws, including sub As "language comprehension test" assesses the com ordinate legislation, with respect to social relevance prehensive ability of the person being examined it can and language comprehension in 1983 and (c) produce not determine the degree to which a cross-section of a pocket guide to such laws; if so, what steps; if not, people will comprehend data; for example, a form. The whether the Minister will ensure that such action is "Australian Council of Educational Research" has been taken? contacted. That body has not developed a testing mechanism for business and commercial purposes. Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and With respect to the question of social relevance, my Industry)-The answer supplied by the Ministry reviews all forms or designs to ensure that Minister of Water Supply is: they fulfill the purpose for which they were intended. (a) This department does not take any special ac OVERSEAS TRIPS BY OFFICERS OF tions to inform people of the legislation administered by it; however, as the need arises, particular matters WATER AUTHORITIES may be explained to those persons who seek assistance (Question No. 2672) and advice. Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the Experience has shown that one of the areas of great est public interest and concern lies in the area of Minister of Labour and Industry, for the plumbing controls and, in this regard, the State Rivers Minister of Water Supply: and Water Supply Commission produces and sells to Questions on Notice 18 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1191 the public a booklet of the Water Supply Services By • a public document of all manuals, guidelines, etc., law and the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of which are used by departmental officers to inter Works produces and sells to the public consolidated pret Acts administered by the department. booklets of its Water Supply By-laws and Plumbing and Sewerage Code Regulations. All by-laws and regu Copies of these documents will be available for in lations made by this department are readily available spection or purchase. for purchase from the Government Printing Office. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Whilst this department does not generally publicize its making of by-laws, a system has been established AND WATER SUPPLY PURCHASES whereby bodies likely to be affected by legislative (Question No. 2697) changes are consulted prior to an amendment being prepared and are advised of subsequent amendments. Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster) asked the Minister of Labour and Industry, for the (b) The writing and revision of laws administered by this department is carried out by Parliamentary Minister of Water Supply: Counsel and the department is not in a position to 1. What purchases were made by the departments, control the degree of social relevance or language com authorities and agencies within his administration in prehension contained therein. 1981-82 and 1982-83-(a) within Victoria: (b) inter In respect of subordinate legislation, this depart state; and (c) overseas? ment is progressively revising a number of its by-laws 2. Whether the Minister will make a commitment and regulations in an endeavour to bring them up to to implement a procurement policy of positive dis date. At all times this department attempts to ensure crimination in favour of Victorian small business? that its by-laws are relevant and well drafted. (c) This department does not have a pocket guide to Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and those laws and subordinate legislation administered by Industry)-The answer supplied by the it. However, as soon as practical after 5 July 1984, this Minister of Water Supply is: 11 of the Free department will be required under Part 1. The purchase of goods and services within the dom ofInformation Act, to publish- administration of the Minister of Water Supply are not • in the Government Gazette, a statement of the par recorded in the three categories specified. ticulars of the organization and functions of the 2. The Victorian Government has a policy of posi department, indicating decision-making powers tive discrimination in favour of Victorian small busi and those powers affecting members of the public; ness. 1192 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Questions without Notice
Wednesday, 19 October 1983 eral national improvement, Victoria is doing noticeably better than any other State The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed and it will continue to do so. munds) took the chair at 11.5 a.m. and read MARITIME INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE the prayer. Mr ROSS-EDW ARDS (Leader of the ABSENCE OF MINISTER National Party)-I direct a question to the The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed Premier which is somewhat along the same munds)-Order! I advise the House that the lines as the previous question. I refer to per Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation haps the most serious industrial dispute that will be absent from the House on other has occurred in Victoria since the Govern Ministerial duties. ment came to office. I refer to the virtual closure of ports in Victoria because of a strike by eleven tug controllers which is at QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE present holding up 46 ships in the ports of this State. The strike started a week ago last Wednesday. I ask whether this matter BUILDING SITE AGREEMENTS has been referred to the Industrial Relations Task Force of which the Premier speaks so Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi glowingly, and, if not, when is it to be re tion)-In light of the Premier's statement ferred? yesterday that the Government expects some sacrifice from the public sector as well Honourable members interjecting. as the private sector, and that he expects Mr ROSS-EDWARDS-I am directing those in the public sector to marshall re the matter to the Premier because he talks sources carefully and prudently, will the 0:1 a shining light of success. This is one of Premier withdraw Government support for the worst industrial strikes in Victoria. site allowances granted to members of the Honourable members interjecting. Builders Labourers Federation working at The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed the Queen Victoria Medical Centre, which munds)-Order! I advise the Leader of the was negotiated in defiance of wages board National Party that his preamble has been guidelines and criticized by the Arbitration fairly long, and to this point I am not sure Commission as irresponsible? whether he has asked his question. I ask Mr CAIN (Premier)-I believe the deter him to ask his question. mination of the Government to ensure that Mr ROSS-EDW ARDS-The Question is large projects are as free as possible of in very simple and direct. As I understand dustrial strikes is well known. The Govern from the Premier, by interjection, the mat ment believes it is desirable that site ter has been referred; but what progress has agreements should be entered into in re spect of all large projects. That is the policy the Industrial Relations Task Force made that the Government will continue to pur in settling this very serious dispute that is sue because it believes it is in the best inter paralysing industry in Victoria? ests of the State to ensure so far as possible Mr CAIN (Premier)-The dispute has industrial harmony on all projects. It is a been referred to the Industrial Relations practice that is being followed by the pri Task Force and is under consideration by vate sector as well. The results can be seen. that body. If the Leader of the National When one examines the statistics that are Party wishes to direct his question to the presently available indicating days lost from Minister for Industrial Affairs, he will re industrial disputes in this State, compared ceive a more detailed answer. to other States, Victoria stands out like a MEDICAL STAFF shining beacon above all others. I acknowledge that industrial relations Mr SHELL (Geelong West)-Will the generally in this country have improved Minister of Health inform the House of the across the nation and that is in no small discussion he has had with his Federal col measure due to the election of the Hawke leagues on the growing problems of doctor Government. In the context of gen- oversupply? Questions without Notice 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1193
Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-I am raised the issue on a number of occasions. well aware of the concern of honourable The problem needs to be dealt with very members about medical manpower. Over quickly, especially the question of univer the past couple of years, there has been sity intakes, and I hope action will be taken growing concern by the Australian Medical at the Commonwealth level and at univer Association, the Government and inde sity level to ensure that what is looking like pendent commentators on health services a serious situatiO'l does not become even in Australia about the increasing numbers more serious in the next few years. of doctors in the community and the likely increased numbers in training over the next HOSPITAL AGREEMENTS two decades. Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-I ask The accepted desirable number of doc tors in the community is roughly 1 to every the Premier to refer to his comments yester 550 people. That is the figure that was agreed day about the need for prudence and sacri to in discussions at officer level and also fice in the public sector and to the criticism with the Australian Medical Association. At by the Minister of Health on overtime pay present, Victoria has 1 doctor for every 531 ments for resident medical officers. Victorians, which is more than the desired Is the Premier aware that the Minister of figure. Nationally, it is 1 doctor to every 491 Health, on behalf of the Victorian Govern Australians. ment, in October 1982 and again in Decem The Australian Medical Association is ber 1982, confirmed, ratified and joined in concerned about this because in its view it a consent order to grant resident medical will !lffect both the quality and the cost of officers an increase in overtime payments services to the community. The Govern which took the overtime payment rate from ment shares this concern. It has engaged in one and a quarter times for hours worked discussions with the Commonwealth Gov over 48 hours to one and a half? ernment about what can be done to deal Mr CAIN (Premier)-I thought the hon with the situation at present and to head off ourable member for Benambra was present an even worse situation in the future. during question time yesterday; apparently The estimates for the next two decades he was not. It was made clear then what the are that the figure will move from the pres situation was on that matter. The Minister ent ratio of 1 : 491 by the year 2000 to of Health answered adequately the matters 1 : 405, which would mean a gross doctor that the honourable member has raised to oversupply in the community. day and I refer the honourable member to Mr Jona-Why is the Government then that answer. bringing doctors in from overseas with its Quite clearly, the Minister of Health has recent Bill? indicated what the response was in this Mr ROPER-The Government wants to matter and I have nothing further to add to ensure that migrant communities have their it. particular needs met, and those needs are I am terribly interested that the honoura not being met now. Finally, Upper House ble member has become very concerned members saw the sense of the proposal con about the issue after having been a Minister tained in the Government's Bill on that is of Health for a number of months-I think sue. it was eighteen months of so-or Assistant The Federal Minister has asked whether Minister of Health in the former Govern the Victorian Government would assist the ment. Commonwealth with the other States in preparing material for consideration at the He was the person in this House respon next conference of Health Ministers to be sible for health issues. He was the assistant held in Melbourne next year. Certainly, the Minister. He may have been so inept and Government is anxious to assist the Com so inconsistent that we may not have no monwealth Government in this endeavour. ticed it, but he was Assistant Minister. I do I make it clear that the Government also not know why the Opposition is so sensi will be expecting and receiving the co-oper tive. ation of the Australian Medical Association Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-Mr in this matter, because that organization has Speaker, I ask the Premier to withdraw the 1194 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Questions without Notice remarks that are unparliamentary and un private sector employer. The matter has true. been considered under the auspices of the The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitra munds)-I advise the honourable member tion Commission since last week, and I and for Benambra that I heard no unparliamen my staff have been monitoring the situa tary remarks. Ifthe honourable member for tion. A proposition put by the Conciliation Benambra believes a remark made by the and Arbitration Commission was put to the Premier offends him, he should ask for it to employees concerned yesterday morning be withdrawn. and was rejected by them, at which stage I requested a meeting of the employers and Mr CAIN (Premier)-I have nothing to the union concerned, acting as a conciliator add. in that regard, which is basically the only role that a Government Minister can play SCHOOL PRINCIPALS in such a situation. Mr HANN (Rodney)-I ask the .Minister As a result of a fairly lengthy meeting last of Education whether the Government still night, a proposition was put together. The intends to proceed with its proposal to al two parties have been in the Arbitration low school councils to be involved in the Commission this morning since 9 o'clock. selection of school principals, and, if so, They have now adjourned into private con what progress has been made in the prepa ference. It has been established that there is ration and the implementation of this par substantial agreement between the parties. ticular programme? There are a number of minor matters to be Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa resolved, and I am hopeful that the dispute tion)-The Government commissioned the can be resolved during the course of the State Board of Education to consult with afternoon. the education community and to prepare a policy advice for myself as Minister on this INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ON issue. I received this week a copy of the GOVERNMENT PROJECTS report of the board in accordance with the Mr RAMSAY (Balwyn)-Mr Speaker, I requirements of the legislation. That will be direct my question to the Minister for In tabled in the House, but as soon as copies dustrial Affairs, but you may redirect it to are available I will make sure they are avail the Minister of Public Works. Can the Min able to both the Deputy Leader of the Na ister advise the House which are the six tional Party and to the shadow Minister of Government construction projects cur Education for their consideration. The mat rently subject to bans and limitations by ter will be considered by the Government unions, tactics which the unions have used and an announcement will be made in the as guerilla tactics? near future. The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed MARITIME DISPUTE munds)-The honourable member will ask the question, not debate it. Mr WALSH (Albert Park)-I direct my question to the Minister for Industrial Af Mr RAMSAY -Which are the six Gov fairs in his role as Chairman of the Indus ernment projects, including police stations, trial Relations Task Force. Has the Minister and can the Minister indicate to the House been requested to intervene in the dispute what has been the cost to the Government in the maritime industry that has existed and to the community of these bans and since last Wednesday, and can he inform limitations, some of which have been in the House what progress has been made, if place since last May? any? Mr CRABB (Minister for Industrial Af Mr CRABB (Minister for Industrial Af fairs)-The six projects to which the hon fairs)-It should be directed to the atten ourable member referred are subject to a tion of the House, and perhaps to the Leader building industry general site agreement of the National Party in particular, that the which is in the process of being negotiated. dispute that is causing the holdup in the Honourable members interjecting. docks at present is a private sector dispute. Mr CRABB-The negotiations are in the It involves private sector employees and a process of being finalized. I cannot recall Questions without Notice 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1195 the names of the individual projects, but I may assist in ensuring that that leadership will ask the Minister of Public Works and continues. let the honourable member know what they are. INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ON GOVERNMENT PROJECTS RACING AND GAMING l\IEETING Mr TANNF,R (Caulfield)-Following the Mr SEITZ (Keilor)-In the absence of reply of the rvIinister for Industrial Affairs the Minister for Youth, Sport and Recrea to an earlier question concerning industrial tion, will the Premier inform the House bans and limitations on Government con whether the Minister will convene a meet struction projects, will the Premier indicate ing of Ministers in the racing and gaming whether he is concerned at the lack of prog industry through the States and, if so, will ress in overcoming those bans and limita he inform the House of the purpose of the tions and what action he proposes to take meeting? on this matter? Mr CAIN (Premier)-I am pleased to say Mr CAIN (Premier)-I am always that the Minister has taken the initiative of concerned with any bans on any project at calling a meeting of Ministers from the var any time, but what I am also concerned ious States and the Territory who are re about-- sponsible for racing and gaming. This move is consistent with the strong leadership role The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed the Minister has taken in sports generally, munds )-Order! I advise the honourable and racing in particular. The Treasurer and member for Forest Hill that he is interject the people of Victoria have been the bene ing in a disorderly manner from out of his ficiaries in no small measure of some of the place and I will not warn him again to cease initiatives, such as the after-race payouts, interjecting. which have led to a much larger return to Mr CAIN-I am also concerned to en both the Government and the State from sure that the best basis for industrial rela the Totalizator Agency Board. tions in this State continues. The In reply to an interjection from the Op performance of the Government and the position benches about a significant social task force in the industrial relations field cost, I reply that I do not know whether have been exemplary. All I ask is that those there is any evidence of a social cost, but I who shout and call from the Opposition know that the resources of the Totalizator benches, like the honourable members for Agency Board are being used to a much Caulfield and Balwyn, examine the figures greater extent by the State and the people as that have recently been published on dis a result of the initiative taken by the Minis putations and days lost in this State com ter. It is typical of all Ministers of the Gov pared with other States. They should then ernment. They stand out and give make a reasoned judgment on whether the leadership. I am delighted that on this issue task force has been outstandingly success the Minister has chosen to show leadership ful. They can make assertions based on again. There is no doubt what the people of bland rhetoric, but they should consider the this State think of the Opposition. Today's figures. issue of the Bulletin indicates their views. Mr TANNER (Caulfield)-I raise a point Let there be no mistake about it! of order. I am interested in the Premier's When Opposition members are worrying reply, but I wonder whether he could an about preselection in the next few months, swer the question I asked. they should bear those figures in mind. It may not be worth while for them to be here. The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed The Minister has called a meeting of the munds)-Order! There is no point of order. responsible Ministers to discuss matters of Mr CAIN (Premier)-The good indus interest and concern between Governments trial relations in this State are another rea in racing and gaming. Papers are being pre son why industries come to Victoria in pared to ensure that discussions are as fruit preference to other States and why this State ful as possible, because the matter is is leading in the economic recovery in Aus important. I believe this State leads the tralia. Again, I point to the clear, hard data country in racing and that the conference of the economic indicators that are avail- 1196 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Questions without Notice able to support that view. Ifone looks at the tors in the road toll-the deaths, or the housing figures and the retail sale figures maimings which continue to disgrace our one may note from where the economic State. The Government is determined that stimulus is coming. Victoria is at the fore the impact which has already been achieved front of what is occurring and it is the best against the road toll will continue to be placed of any State in Australia to be at the backed up with every means at its disposal front of the recovery that is occurring. The and I hope that further initiatives in this Government is proud of its industrial rela area will be introduced before the end of the tions record which stands head and shoul year. ders above that of any other State in this country. TRANSPORT SEMINAR IMPROPER DESCRIPTION OF TOXIC Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-I ask the GOODS Minister of Transport why the transport seminar entitled, "Melbourne to Have Its Mr McNAMARA (Benalla)-1s the Say" was not advertised by the Ministry in Minister of Health aware that many toxic the Melbourne Herald until after the semi goods are being improperly described and, nar had concluded? followin~ the statement by the Standards AssociatIOn of Australia that truck drivers The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed are not being fully informed of the hazard munds)-Order! Has the honourable mem ous nature of some goods in their loads ber asked his question? which may threaten their health and lives Mr WILLIAMS-I have another part to and those engaged in emergency services, the question. I must stick to the rules. Is what action will the Minister take in that this a revolt against prudence and sacrifice situation? in the public sector which the Premier spoke Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-The about in the House yesterday? question does not involve only health mat The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed ters; it involves also the Department of munds)-Order! The latter part of the ques Minerals and Energy and a number of other tion is out of order as it seeks an opinion. departments. There are a number of actions currently under way within my own port Mr CRABB (Minister of Transport)-I folio. We are looking at therapeutic goods would have expected a question to be asked legislation and others of my colleagues are yesterday concerning the agenda as I had inquiring into dangerous goods and how circulated the issues among members of those goods can be better controlled. I will Parliament. However, it takes the honour consult with my colleagues who share this able member for Doncaster some time to responsibility and will provide a detailed catch on. answer on this question. The reality is that, although there was an advertisement that appeared in the Herald UNROADWORTHY VEHICLES last Saturday to advertise the hearings that Mr F. P. SHEEHAN (Ballarat South) had been held over the previous three days, Can the Minister for Police and Emergency one should be aware th,-t they were previ Services inform the House of the results of ously advertised in the daily newspapers. I the State-wide campaign conducted re have not worked out why the Herald adver cently by the police against unroadworthy tisement was in the wrong week. vehicles? Those public hearings were for people Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and who had earlier made written submissions Emergency Services)-In the first six to expand on them. The submissions were months of the year, the police ca.mpaign to written and were received earlier this year, detect unroadworthy vehicles resulted in the and I understand that the seminar was a inspection of 17 232 vehicles. Twenty-eight success. per cent of the vehicles inspected were found ADULT ILLITERACY to be unroadworthy. Those are appalling statistics which indicate conclusively that Mrs SETCHES (Ringwood)-Could the the use of unroadworthy vehicles has joined Minister of Education inform the House excessive speed and alcohol as major fac- whether any action has been taken to over- Questions without Notice 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1197 come the problem of adult illiteracy in the which has been negotiated with the Minis community? ter in terms of the 1984 log of claims prov Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa ided in principle for absolute preference to tion)-I thank the honourable member for members of those major unions for em her question and it is most appropriate that ployment in the State Teaching Service and she should ask it of me, given her concern that the matter has been referred to the In about the issue over a long period. It is an dustrial Relations Task Force for manner important matter and one which I hope is of implementation, and, furthermore, that of concern to honourable members on both the unions regarded-- sides of the House. The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed It has been estimated that approximately munds )-Order! I advise the honourable 180 000 adult Victorians cannot read or member for Hawthorn that he is well aware write with any degree of effectiveness. To of the procedures of the House and it is a increase the number of opportunities for long-established practice and a rule that these people, I am pleased to say that the questions should be short. I ask the honour Government is providing a special alloca able member to get to the question. tion of $75 000 this year for adult literacy Mr JONA-How does the Minister rec programmes. Those funds will be chan oncile that advice to the union members nelled through the T AFE system and will be with the answer he gave in the House yes used to train volunteer tutors who will work terday that this subject-matter was not part with students on a one-to-one basis. of the 1984 agreement? Three T AFE colleges have been selected Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa as a first year thrust on what will be an on tion)-I have not seen the union journals going and much-needed requirement, and that have been referred to by the honoura the three colleges are the Gordon T AFE ble member for Hawthorn, but I am de College in Geelong, the Ballarat School of lighted that he is now such an avid reader Mines and the Footscray T AFE College. of teacher union journals. The Technical and Further Education Board and the Adult Literacy Council have I suggest that he read this week's Bulletin conducted an extensive analysis of the illit as well because it does give some interesting eracy problem in the community and the insights into political life. I refer the hon Government is keen to support their efforts ourable member to the question yesterday and support the volunteers who are pre which was quite different from the way he pared to give up their time. reported it today. I hope that some of the inteIjections from The situation clearly is that the teacher the Opposition today do not indicate that unions did put forward proposals for im honourable members opposite do not be mediate development of preferences for lieve it is a worth-while initiative. It is a unionists. As a result of discussions, that pressing need and one that has been asking matter has been referred to the Industrial for attention for a long time. Relations Task Force for further considera The Government is not going in with the tion and, no doubt, discussion with that idea that by a simple wave of the hand or body. However, there is no suggestion that with a magic provision of$75 000 the prob we are in the throes of implementing any lem will be overcome, but it is a start-a agreed position. On the contrary, it will re major start-and one which the Govern quire further consideration by the task force. m.ent is confident that the general commu The Government has made no commit nity will be prepared to work on. ment further to that. PREFERENCE FOR TEACHER FIRE SERVICES UNION MEMBERS Mr B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East)-In Mr JONA (Hawthorn)-I direct my view of the considerable interest in the re question to the Minister of Education and port on the intergration of fire services ask whether he is aware, in the latest issues throughout the State, will the Minister for of the journals of the various major teacher Police and Emergency Services indicate unions, it is clearly spelled out to the mem when the report will be released to the pub bers of those unions that one of the clauses lic? 1198 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Petitions
Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and in any way curtail or restrict the rights of supermarkets Emergency Services)-I believe the hon to open when they wish on Saturday afternoons and ourable member asked me a similar ques on Sundays. tion several weeks ago and the answer to And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever that question remains the same. I hope to pray. have copies of the report available for ta bling in the House and for distribution next By Mr McDonald (118 signatures), Mr week. That was the substance of my pre Richardson ( 1198 signatures), Mr Shell (43 vious answer. Next week, I will be happy to signatures), Mr Ihlein (630 signatures) and table the report and make a Ministerial Mr Gray (334 signatures) statement with copies available for general distribution. Retail Shopping Hours PETITIONS To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN THE PARLIAMENT OF The Clerk-I have received the following VICTORIA ASSEMBLED: petititions for presentation to Parliament: Receive the humble petition of the undersigned citi Week-end trading hours zens of Victoria which relates to the retail trading Act. Your petitioners request that the House take action The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of to ensure that trading hours for retail shopping not be Victoria showeth: increased, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will 1. That we find it necessary and/or desirable to do ever pray. some or all of our shopping at week-ends. By Mr Ernst (1422 signatures) and Mr 2. That we believe that all retailers large and small should have the right to open or close at week-ends as Ihlein (76 signatures) they wish. Collingwood Community Health Centre 3. That we believe that competition keeps prices down and as consumers wish to have maximum free To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF dom of choice. THE LEGISLATIVE AsSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEM 4. That we respectfully suggest that any further re BLED: striction on shop trading would reduce employment and reduce competition and that when and where peo Receive the humble petition of the undersigned citi ple shop should be a decision left to the customer and zens of Victoria. the shopkeeper. We the undersigned petitioners, being users of the 5. And that therefore we request the Parliament to Collingwood Community Health Centre, or citizens take no action which would in any way reduce or re aware of the great value of that Centre to its users, urge strict our right to shop and the shopkeepers right to the Government to restore funding cuts made in re open whenever they wish including on Saturdays and spect of staff and supplies. Sundays. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. pray. By Mr Hassett (2215 signatures) By Mr Saltmarsh (21 signatures) It was ordered that the petitions be laid To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE AsSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEM on the table. BLED: CONDUCT OF MEMBER The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the State of Victoria, respectfully showeth: that it is The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed convenient to shop in a supermarket after 1.00 p.m. on munds )-Order! Before advising the House a Saturday and on a Sunday; that we enjoy the oppor of appropriation messages, I advise the tunity to shop at a time that suits us; that we believe in the right to shop on Saturday afternoons and Sundays; honourable member for Forest Hill, who that all retailers, large and small, should have the right takes some interest in the Standing Orders to open or close, as they wish, at week-ends; and, that and procedures of the House, that he does when and where people shop should be a decision left not have licence to do as he will while I am to customers and retailers. in the chair. I advise the honourable mem Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Vic ber that I will not tolerate that type of be torian Government will not take any action that would haviour. Appropriation Messages 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1199
APPROPRIATION MESSAGES LOCAL GOVERNMENT (GENERAL AMENDMENT) BILL (No. 2) The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed munds) announced that he had received Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov messages from His Excellency the Gover ernment) moved for leave to bring in a Bill nor recommending that appropriations be to make further provision with respect to made from the Consolidated Fund for the municipal council powers, to amend the purposes of the following Bills: Local Government Act 1958, to make con Police Regulation (Police Reservists) Bill. sequential amendments to certain other Acts Director-General of Conservation, For and for other purposes. ests and Lands Bill. The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read a first STATE CO-ORDINATION COUNCIL time. (REPEAL) BILL GRIEVANCE DAY Mr CAIN (Premier) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal the State Co-ordi Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa nation Council Act 1975 and to amend the tion)-I move: Town and Country Planning Act 1961 and That so much of Standing Order No. 59 as permits the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong four hours debate on "Grievances" be suspended for Ranges Authority Act 1976 and for other Thursday next and the debate on the Question that purposes. grievances be noted be concluded at 1.00 p.m. The motion was agreed to. Towards the conclusion of each sessional The Bill was brought in and read a first period, it is normal for the grievance debate time. to be short-circuited. The Government is moving in line with that tradition and con LEGAL PROFESSION PRACTICE fining the grievance debate to Thursday (AMENDMENT) BILL morning rather than until mid-afternoon. I Mr CAIN (Premier) moved for leave to have moved the motion in the context of bring in a Bill to amend the Legal Profes the Budget debate continuing all day to sion Practice Act 1958 and for other pur morrow. I give an assurance to honourable poses. members on both sides of the House that they will have an opportunity of speaking The motion was agreed to. on matters of wide-ranging concern, given The Bill was brought in and read a first that the Budget debate is the widest debate time. that is available to honourable members on both sides of the House. It should also be TRANSFER OF LAND noted that there will be a further Grievance (AMENDMENT) BILL Day before the end of the sessional period. Mr CAIN (Premier) moved for leave to In those circumstances, the motion is rea bring in a Bill to amend the Transfer of sonable. The Government will, I hope, be Land Act 1958 and for other purposes. able, in conjunction with the other parties, The motion was agreed to. to develop an appropriate schedule of The Bill was brought in and read a first speakers so that the Opposition does not time. feel off-put by this proposal. Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick)-The Op PAROLE ORDERS (TRANSFER) BILL position opposes the motion and the prin ciple that has been enunciated by the Deputy Mrs TONER (Minister for Community Premier. However, the Opposition will not Welfare Services) moved for leave to bring divide on the motion. The Opposition does in a Bill relating to the reciprocal enforce not accept the arguments put and it does ment of parole orders. not accept the way in which the Govern The motion was agreed to. ment organizes business so as to chop off The Bill was brought in and read a first the opportunities of back-benchers to raise time. matters of grievance. 1200 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Tattersall Consultations Bill
However, in view of the special circum That this Bill be now read a second time. stances and the special arrangements made Honourable members will be aware that the by the Deputy Premier, the Opposition will Government has decided to award the Vic not divide on the issue. The Opposition torian lotteries licence to Tattersall's for gives notice, though, that it notes the offer seven and a half years from 1 January 1984. of the Deputy Premier that there will be a That decision was taken after comprehen further grievance debate during the ses sive tenders for the licence were invited from sional period. I do not know how the math Victorian Lotteries Pty Ltd, the Totalizator ematics of the Deputy Premier work out, Agency Board and the trustees of the will but unless he is expecting the House to sit and estate of the late George Adams. All in one of the weeks that was scheduled to three submitted highly professional tend be a non-sitting week, it appears that the ers, which contributed significantly to the latter weeks of the sessional period will be success of the tendering process, and fully disrupted by a grievance debate. iustified the Government's decision to take The Opposition will look forward to the such a step. four hours grievance debate without any cutback in the time allowed. However, the As has already been announced, Victoria Opposition does not accept the principle can expect to benefit over the seven and a that the grievance debate should be limited. half year period of the licence from substan The grievance debate is a special right for tially increased revenue, from major im back-bench members to raise matters that provements such as on-line ticketing at affect the areas they represent. Despite the agencies, and new games that will be intro opinion of the Deputy Premier of that de duced to give an expanded service to the bate, it is an important debate for honoura public. Mid-week Tattslotto, which was one ble members who wish to speak. The of the features of the Tattersall's tender, has Opposition will not divide on the issue. already commenced. Mr HANN (Rodney)-In a spirit of co Since Tattersall's first commenced oper operation, the National Party is happy to ation in Victoria in 1954, revenue derived support the motion. I was under the impres for the State from traditional consultations sion that the Liberal Party would support and Tattslotto has been used principally for the motion because the matter was dis the benefit of hospitals and charities and cussed between the House Leaders earlier mental institutions. This will not change. in the week. It was generally felt that the This Bill when enacted will put in place motion would facilitate the debate on the the amendments necessary to require the Budget. higher duty to be paid to the Government The appropriate Leaders of the parties on subscriptions to consultations, as well as sought advice from their individual mem 25 per cent of the licensee's net profit. bers on which members wished to speak on In addition, a ceiling will be placed on the the grievance debate. Two propositions we.:e licensee's profit so that in any financial year put: I put the second proposition. The Lib it can never exceed 1·5 per cent of total eral Party wanted to extend the grievance subscriptions to consultations. debate until 3 o'clock and I suggested 1 Another major feature of the new licen o'clock. The Liberal Party a~eed to 1 sing arrangements will be the creation of a o'clock. I am amazed that the LIberal Party Lotteries Development Fund which will be opposes the motion but will not divide on kept as part of the Public Account. Into the it. fund will be paid a further 10 per cent of the The motion demonstrates a spirit of co licencee's profit, and as the name suggests, operation, which is essential if the Parlia the fund will be used for the purpose of ment is to work effectively. It will enable furthering product research and develop the Budget debate to continue and honour ment to ensure that Victoria maintains its able members to contribute to it. place in the forefront of lottery develop The motion was agreed to. ment and promotion not only in Australia, but also in the world. TA TTERSALL CONSULTATIONS BILL For a number of years now, successive Victorian Governments have entered into Mr JOLLY (Treasurer)-I move: agreements with Governments of other Environment Protection (Amendment) Bill 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1201
Australian States and Territories and New of the principal Act, relating to the fees to Zealand, for the return or retention of all or members of bodies under the Act. Section 9 part of the duty subscribed to Tattersall (cl) presently requires members' remunera Consultations and Soccerpools conducted tion to be fixed by regulation. to be consist in those places. Although provisions au ent with the means by which most other thorizing the negotiation of such agree statutory appointees' salaries are met, it is ments were put into the Tattersall proposed that this section be amended to Consultations Act in respect ofSoccerpools fix members' remuneration by order of the in 1976, no such provision exists in respect Governor in Council. of consultations. A new section has been Clause 3 inserts in the principal Act a new drafted which overcomes that deficiency. section 20AA which deals with temporary The licensee will be required to have variations to waste discharge licence condi Government approval for the introduction tions and clause 4 repeals section 26 (2) of of new games or when making substantial the principal Act. alterations to existing ones, and to have the Prior to 1978, the Environment Protec books and accounts in respect of consulta tion Authority was able to vary a licence at tions made available to the Auditor-Gen short notice under section 26 (2) of the Act. eral as required. Naturally, as the Since then the Act has been amended to Government will be entitled to receive a provide for the issue of preliminary deter share of the profits of the licensee, the Gov minations and advertisement of changes to ernment will require that the calculation of licence conditions. Legal advice has cast those profits be subjected to scrutiny by the doubt on the authority'S ability to tempo Auditor-General. rarily vary the conditions of a licence with The remainder of the amendments will out going through the preliminary enable various other propositions put to the determination process and, in an emer Government in the Tattersall's tender to be gency, the consequent time delay would not implemented, so as to allow an extension of be acceptable. the jackpotting capability and the introduc There is a need to establish a clear mech tion of new games to be facilitated. These anism to temporarily vary licence condi and a number of machinery matters are set tions at short notice where an emergency out in more detail in the explanatory mem exists or where there is a need to prevent orandum on the clauses of the Bill. I com community hardship. This problem was mend the Bill to the House. highlighted in 1981 when there was a need On the motion of Mr RAMSA Y (Bal to vary two power station licences held by wyn), the debate was adjourned. the State Electricity Commission of Vic to:ia to increase power output for a shcrt It was ordered that the debate be ad period of time. This need was created by journed until Wednesday, October 26. plant failure at other power stations and the desire to lessen the severity to the commu ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION nity of power restrictions. (AMENDMENT) BILL It is proposed that the inclusion of sec Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov tion 20AA would clearly establish the mech ernment)-I move: ani~m to temporarily vary licence conditions at short notice where an emer That this Bill be now read a second time. gency exists or where there is a need to pre It has been the Government's stated inten vent community hardship. It is also tion to review the Environment Protection proposed that section 26 (2) be repealed. Act. Clause 5 amends section 27 of the Envi The Bill contains eight clauses and, for ronment Protection Act 1970 which deals the assistance of the House, I shall now with prosecutorial proof. comment on each in turn. Where a licence is issued to a company Clause 1 gives a short title of the pro which is a member of a group of companies posed amending Act and provides for the in circumstances where several of the group Bill to come into operation when it receives companies operate from the same premises, Royal assent. Clause 2 amends section 9 (cl) in the absence of admissions being obtained 1202 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Environment Protection (Amendment) Bill from a person authorized to speak on behalf right of appeal to third parties against the of the company, it may be impossible to licence issue, amendment, and so on ascertain which company is responsible for whether or not they lodged an objection to the discharge in question. the preliminary determination. It is the intention of the proposed new Para.,graph (c) of existing section 32 (5) section 27 (3) to overcome the problem of provides " ...... emission of noise above proving reponsibility for a waste discharge tolerable levels under the provisions of a where a single premises is shared by a com licence ...... ", as one of three grounds of pany and its subsidiaries. appeal. It is not intended that noise emis Clause 6 amends section 32 (5) of the En sions be controlled through the licensing vironment Protection Act 1970 which deals process but rather through the service of with third party appeal rights. noise control notices under the provisions Since the commencement of the Environ of the Environment Protection (Noise Con ment Protection (Amendment) Act 1978 on trol) Act 1978. As this concept renders sec 1 August 1978, a defect in the provision tion 32 (5) (c) superfluous, it is to be deleted. introduced in this amendment has become Clause 7 amends section 61 (1) of the En apparent. In certain circumstances, third vironment Protection Act 1970 dealing with parties do not have a right of appeal to the service of notices. Planning Appeals Board against licensing decisions made by the Environment Protec Where documents are required to be tion Authority and its delegated protection served by law, it is usual that a true copy of agencies. Prior to the 1978 amendment, the document be required to be served and third parties had a right of appeal against a not the original. Section 61 (1) has the effect grant, amendment or removal of a suspen of requiring an original notice to be served sion ofa licence. As amended section 32 (5) rather than a true copy thereof. This proce now provides a right of appeal by third par dure can create difficulties. ties only where they made written objec Where a noise control notice or an air tions to a preliminary determination of pollution abatement notice is involved, it is grant or refuse a waste discharge licence or up to the Planning Appeals Board to direct where they attended a conference to which that the notice be varied in some respects. they were invited, pursuant to section 20 If the original notice has been served on the (6) (c). occupier, it may be impossible for that no They do not have a general right of appeal tice to be varied in accordance with Plan against the final licensing decision other ning Appeals Board's order. than in those circumstances. In addition, a recent Supreme Court judgment has ques It is proposed to amend section 61 (1) to tioned the validity of appeal rights for those provide for the serving of a copy of a notice who were invited to a conference but had rather than the original. not lodged prior written objection. It is also Clause 8 repeals section 71 (4) and (5) of apparent that this requirement can be par the Environment Protection Act 1970 deal tially over-ridden by the Chief Chairman of ing with the tabling requirements of noise the Planning Appeals Board under the Plan control regulations. Section 71 (4) requires, ning Appeals Board Act introduced in De that regulations for the purpose cember 1981. inter alia, of controlling noise cannot be made unless Under the preliminary determination the proposed regulations have been tabled procedure, another problem exists where the in both Houses of Parliament for fourteen only objector is the applicant. If the author sitting days. This requirement has recently ity responds to his objection and issues the delayed amendments increasing penalties licence in terms different from those of the for noisy motor vehicles and will cause de preliminary determination, third parties will lays even to minor amendments. As this have no right of appeal if they did not object provision is not required in relation to pro to the preliminary determination. This posed regulations for the control ofair, water problem has occurred in practice. or land pollution, it is proposed that section It is proposed to amend section 32 (5) to 71 (4) and (5) be repealed. I commend the resolve the above problems by providing a Bill to the House. Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1203
On the motion of Mr TEMPLETON ate but, the schools that saved up their (Mentone), the debate was adjourned. emergency teacher days for later in the year It was ordered that the debate be ad will be affected. journed until Wednesday, November 2. An example, is a school in the electorate I represent, which each year takes its stu APPROPRIATION (1983-84, No. 1) dents to Canberra. It is an annual event and BILL AND WORKS AND SERVICES the children save up their pocket money, do APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 2) paper rounds, help mum in the garden and in the house and so on to raise additional The debate (adjourned from the previous finance for their trip. What has the Govern day) on the motion ofMr Jolly (Treasurer) ment done? The Government has said that for the second reading of these Bills was the school will not be allowed to engage resumed. emergency teachers to replace those teach Mr HANN (Rodney)-In the ten years I ers who would normally go on the excur have been a member of Parliament, this has sion camp to Canberra. been the toughest Budget I have seen. On the one hand, the Government has been Therefore, what the Government is effec handing out and implementing new policies tively doing in the process is probably forc in the Budget but, on the other hand and in ing that school to cancel its trip and probably order to do that, it has effectively intro the children will lose their deposits. This duced significant cuts in key and important decision also interferes with people who are areas; in traditional areas which are impor involved with private enterprise, those who tant to the people of this State and to the provide the bus services to transport the people living in country Victoria in partic school children. It also interferes with the ular. operators of school camps, both in Victoria and interstate, who provide the facilities to As an example of these cutbacks, I refer accommodate the children. to the complete closure of student hostels in Melbourne by the Minister of Education, Therefore, the Government is effectively who did so in a mean, cost-cutting exercise interfering with the viability and income of in order to save some $500 000 in recurrent those enterprises. However, the more im funding. More especially, it has suddenly portant point in this exercise is that, by tak occurred to the honourable gentleman that ing this decision, the Government is he could sell those assets-the hostels-for disadvantaging those students because it is an estimated cost of some $10 million. What restricting them in widening and broaden he is doing in the process is leaving up to ing their educational opportunities. 400 young teenage people homeless in 1984. In the same context, the Government has It is not just the students who will be also substantially reduced the number of affected by the decision of the Minister of support teachers who have been previously Education but also the parents in country employed in zoos, museums and art galler areas who have felt secure knowing that their ies, and a number of tourist complexes children, who have to come to Melbourne around Victoria. Many honourable mem from areas many hundreds of miles away bers would have witnessed the excellent ed will be accommodated in the safe and ucational complex that has operated in the secure environment of student hostels. Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens this That is one example of a severe cut that year. That operation provides support, ad the Government has introduced in the vice and visual information for hundreds of Budget. Another example is the cut in emer thousands of school children who visit the gency teacher programmes. The most de zoo each year. The same situation applies vastating aspect of that is that the to other cultural centres throughout Vic Government made an arbitrary decision toria. that, from 10 October 1983, there would be However, the Government is saying, "No, severe restrictions on the employment of we want those teachers to go back into the emergency teachers in various categories. school system." Many of those teachers Those categories include excursions and might not go back into teaching positions school camps, in-service training and so on. but might find themselves in non-teaching The school children who attended school positions within the Education Depart camps earlier in the year have been fortun- ment. An important educational pro- 1204 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
~amme that has been provided in Victoria That has occurred not only in country areas In recent years has been withdrawn. The but also in the metropoljtan area. Very few same situation exists in the geography area, new books will be purchased this financial where the number of consultants has been year. reduced from 395 to 200, of which only 62 In a letter I received from the Chief Li will be available to service post-primary brarians Council, two major areas of con schools in 1984. This is causing immense cern were expressed. The first area of concern to geography teachers throughout concern was that municipal libraries appear the State. Once again, action was taken to have been singled out in a discriminatory without considering the consequences. way, because State subsidies are paid to lo Turning back to the emergency teacher cal government for home help services, in programme, it appears that no special con fant welfare services, elderly citizens clubs, sideration has been given to the needs of pensioner rebates and so on. Those subsi small schools. One and two-teacher schools dies have risen substantially in the Budget were told that they will have an allowance from 14 per cent to 23 per cent. The State of one emergency teacher day for each Library of Victoria has received a 7·7 per teacher for the remainder ofthe school year. cent increase in its allocation, which is little What happens if a teacher is suddenly taken enough, but certainly sufficient to match the ill? Does the Government expect the school Treasurer's projected rise in the consumer council to run the school? What does the price index. However, only the municipal Government propose to do? Does it expect library allocations have been actually cut. the children to stay home or will it recog The second point made in the letter is nize it has a responsibility to maintain and that the Labor Party and the Minister for continue an effective education system and the Arts have repeatedly promised the res provide emergency teachers? toration of 50-50 shared State municipal Another area in which a major cutback funding of libraries. The council states that has occurred is in library services. Although after this Budget the State allocation will this is certainly an area involving local gov have fallen from 43 per cent, when the La ernment, it is also a matter that should be bor Government took office, to barely 37 of concern to the Minister for the Arts, who per cent in 1983-84. is at the table. It has been put to me that the cuts in library services that will occur as a The Minister for the Arts has reason to result of this Budget will be the worst since be extremely embarrassed about the situa the end of the second world war. The reality tion of regional library funding. The posi is that funding of regional library services tion is so grim that regional librarians in Victoria has been cut back from $826 000 around Victoria are beginning to question in the last financial year, of which some whether the Government genuinely wishes $600 000 was allocated to regional libraries to maintain a library service in Victoria or in country areas, to $550 000. In other whether it intends to withdraw the funding words, there has been a 33 per cent cut in altogether and attempt to impose the costs the funding of regional library services in on local government and not accept what this State. This has placed a number of the National Party believes is its responsi country libraries in the predicament of vir bility to provide its share of funding for tually having no funding to purchase books library services. in 1983-84. The municipal library in Kyab Upon examination of the nasty items in ram, which is in the electorate I represent, the State Budget, there are two or three other had a book budget last year of$25 000. This key items, not big ones, which show the ¥ear, the book bud~et could be as . low as attitude and highlight the total lack of sup $6000 and, if the hbrary is lucky, it may port the Government is prepared to give, receive up to $10 000 or $11 000. particularly to country areas. One area in I am sure honourable members are aware which I have had much experience in the of a number of on going services that must past is with the Victorian young farmers. be provided by libraries. They must com What does the Government do in this mit their budgets to purchase certain docu Budget? It cuts the grant to the Royal Agri mentaries and publications. What it means cultural Society of Victoria for the purposes is that there has been a significant cutback of Victorian young farmers from $287 000 to country and regional library services. last financial year to $229 600 in 1983-84. Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1205
That decision will cause the loss of two it was drawn to my attention that a group senior personnel of the Victorian Young of young musicians in Melbourne, who were Farmers; two of the advisory officers pro previously Labor Party supp'orters, ex viding a service to the organization in coun pressed their strong opposition to the pro try Victoria will be lost. Alternatively, one posals. They have stated that they will not of the senior officers and one of the staff at support the Labor Party because it is impos the head office will be lost. It is a mean ing additional costs and stops them from action for the Government to withdraw providing services, not only in metropoli support from the organization, which is one tan Melbourne, but also in country Vic of the most effective and positive youth or toria. ganizations in the State. The only thing the Government has done The organization is an area of youth lead is to provide a $250 grant for those wishing ership; it involves young people from all to purchase a car built in Victoria. I under walks of life and not simply those with stand that the grant does not even apply to farming backgrounds. The theme of the or utilities; it applies only to passenger vehi ganization is, "You don't have to be one to cles. Any dealer worth his salt can offer any be one". That means that one does not have one a reduction in the price of a vehicle in to be a young farmer to be a member of the excess of $250. It is a token effort by the organization. One can be a bank clerk, Government to try to promote the sale of school teacher or be employed in any other Victorian cars. On one hand, the Govern area. The Government has cut the grant to ment is saying, "We will provide $7 million the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria for people to purchase Victorian cars", but, with a savage blow, and the National Party on the other hand, it is saying, "We will tax views that with extreme alarm. you by a further $31 million to pay for it". Another area in the question of funding Widespread opposition exists among the of rural interests is the young farmer finance farmers in the grain areas of Victoria to the scheme. Once again, the Government has imposition of a public authority dividend cut the allocation to that scheme from $1·85 tax on the Grain Elevators Board. The Gov million in 1982-83 to $1·5 million in the ernment has imposed a levy of $4 million current financial year, at a time when prices on the grain industry. That is a totally un of land are rising rapidly, when the de fair and unreasonable attitude. The Gov mands on the scheme are even greater than ernment is taxing the growers on their own ever because of the difficulties that young funds. people have in meeting the gap in trying to The growers have established the grain purchase their own homes, and at a time elevator system and have funded it them when at least $5 million a year should be selves. When one examines various papers allocated to that programme. prepared on this subject by the Public Bod I now turn to the revenue items within ies Review Committee, one finds that the the Budget and the ways in which the Treas whole theory was that those authorities urer has sought to gain additional revenue gaining the benefit of public funds would be to balance the huge expenditure of the last taxed. In this instance, the Grain Elevators financial year. One area of concern to all Board is funded by the growers, and is being Victorians is the rising price of petrol. The taxed by the Government largely because it Government has increased the price of die has been an efficient organization. The sel fuel and motor spirit. The State levy on board seeks to make profits which it ploughs motor spirit has been increased from 5·4 back into improving the grain handling sys per cent to 7·8 per cent and the levy on tem. If the Government continues to im diesel fuel has increased from 8·6 per cent pose such a tax on the board, the system to 11 per cent. That is an increase of one will run down because the board will not cent a litre. have the resources to plough back into the That will have a significant impact on system, which is so vital to the grain indus Victorians. Many Victorians are already ex try in this State. pressing their total alarm and opposition to The other major area of concern-and the constant increases in fuel prices im little has been said about it because very few posed by both the State and Federal Labor people are aware of its significance-is the Governments in recent Budgets. This week, intended increase in stamp duty on convey- Session 1983-45 1206 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills ances on transfers of property. More impor the revenue that it was supposed to. It is tantly, the Treasurer announced that, for simply an extremely complicated tax. the first time, the Government intends to The other concern that has been ex amend the Stamps Act to impose duty on pressed to the National Party by many peo the transfer of personal property as well as ple is that often they pay the tax on two or real property. In other words, the chattels three occasions; it is a double or triple tax involved in a property transaction, which ation. For example, in the case of a person have normally been exempt from stamp who is selling livestock, the livestock com duty, will now be taken into consideration. pany imposes a tax on that person; .the bank That could have a significant effect on the imposes the tax when the money IS depos rural community. Most dairy farms are sold ited; and then if money is withdrawn from on a walk-in, walk-out basis. If a farm has a the bank, the tax is again imposed. Cer herd of 100 milking cows, the herd would tainly on many occasions, one may tend to be worth somewhere in the vicinity of be charged double or triple. $50000. The machinery and other chattels The Treasurer has not satisfactorily ad on the property would be worth somewhere dressed that problem and suggests that it is between $30000 and $50000. Using a the responsibility of the livestock company. property of 100 acres as an example-which That may be so, but first the livestock com would be worth approximately $200 000 in pany charges and then the bank charges. an irrigation area-one could easily add an Now that the Treasurer is at the table, I other 50 per cent to the value of the prop shall deal with the stamp duty. Can the hon erty for the purposes of paying stamp duty. ourable gentleman explain whethe~ the im That will not only increase the actual position of stamp duty on chattels Included payments, but will also push the property in the purchase of a property is to apply to into a higher bracket. That is a matter of rural properties? Those rural properties grave concern to the Victorian Farmers and often include livestock, machinery and other Graziers Association, which has expressed chattels. its alarm at the Government's action. The Treasurer indicated that the proposal will As pointed out, the imposition of such a tax will have a substantial impact on the bring in an additional $10 million this year amount of stamp duty an individual will and approximately $23 million in a full year. have to pay and it will also push the value The National Party views that with alarm. of the property into a bracket one or .two Members of the National Party are con times higher. If one considers the vanous cerned at that additional tax burden being brackets listed by the Treasurer in the imposed. It is a sneaky tax because it sneaks Budget, one notices that when a property in quietly through the Budget Papers, yet it exceeds the value of $100 000 but does not brings significant additional revenue. The exceed $125 000, the duty will be 3 per cent. Treasurer should review that policy, partic If the property increases to the value of ularly as it affects rural land. It will discour $200 000 but not more than $300 000, the age the sale of properties on a "walk-in, stamp duty is 4·2 per cent. walk-out" basis and will encourage land holders to purchase new stock and machin If the value ofa property were to increase ery separately from the land. by 50 per cent because of the inclusion of chattels, it could mean a difference of O· 7 5 Complications arise with the purchase of per cent of the actual duty proposed a~d in property and with borrowing arrangements addition the chattels now are dutiable through banks. A much easier and cleaner whereas previously they were exempt. transaction is to purchase property on a walk-in-walk-out basis rather than splitting The National Party is concerned by the the transaction or having the person pur lack of detail in the Budget Papers this year chase the herd and machinery separately. compared with that which was available last year. Honourable members were provided Another area of grave concern to the Na with papers from the individual depart tional Party is the financial institutions duty ments which contained specific details on which has been a total disaster for the Gov their proposed programmes. The Opposi ernment. There are practical problems in tion and the National Party must now ob implementing the duty, which has not raised tain copies of the individual press Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1207 statements released by the Ministers in or on a home computer. I am pleased that at der to glean the details of the new pro long last the Government has recognized grammes. The Treasurer inteIjects that there the need for computer programmes. are more details available than in previous The Minister of Education also an years but the honourable gentleman should nounced the provision of $700 000 to in compare the individual departmental de crease the number of clerical assistants in tails. I am not referring to the details on the primary schools. All honourable members dollars and cents in the Budget; I am refer would have received numerous representa ring to information available on specific de tions on the matter and would have realized partmental programmes of which less detail that the situation was ridiculous. Many pri is available than last year. mary school principals have had to do their The Ministers have tended this year to clerical work and type their own letters, un provide the information in press releases less they have had the services of a volun rather than in documents. The Minister of tary parent. The Budget will allow for the Education issued a number of press releases addition of 100 full-time positions and I immediately after the Budget was brought hope that in the next Budget honourable down which spelt out the increases pro members will see the completion of the posed. The National Party welcomed a Government's promise to provide clerical number of those increases, the first of which assistants in all primary schools. A need still is an additional 50 specialist teachers who exists for part-time clerical assistants in all will be shared by clusters of small country smaller primary schools. primary schools. The programme was first The School Improvement Plan received initiated last year and was highly successful. an allocation in the Budget but it was dis In Nathalia, one school has shared a spe appointing last year because the pro cialist teacher. It has been highly successful gramme was promised in September 1982 and the school is delighted with the success yet it was not implemented until June 1983 of the programme. The Pyrenees, which was because the funds were not provided. It may the first pilot project area, provided a report have been later than that despite the fact which indicates that the area is extremely that regional committees faced tremendous pleased with the success of the shared spe difficulties. I hope the programme will get cialist teacher programme. The Wando Vale under way. Primary School in the Casterton area indi cated its desire to have access to a specialist While welcoming the improvements in teacher. I am pleased that an additional 50 the education system, the National Party is specialist teachers have been provided for gravely concerned by the severe cutbacks. in the Budget so that areas like Wando Vale It believes the emer$ency teacher pro will have access to them in future. gramme should be reVIewed as well as the reduction in the number of consultants. The The Minister of Education also an National Party does not support an action nounced the provision of$754 000 for com that allows for a 2 per cent cut in a small puter education. It is interesting to note, sector of the education system, the services while travelling around Victoria and visit area, because it would be more in the vicin ing the various schools, the number of ity of a 10 per cent cut across the system. schools which have purchased computers That is the greatest single disruption in the and initiated computer programmes. This education system. is often done on their own initiative and they have often paid for the computers with Mr W ALSH (Albert Park)-I congratu money raised by the school canteen or other late the Treasurer for presenting the second various school activities. Some schools used Cain Labor Budget. the school grants they obtain. Generally It is apparent from examining the Budget schools are moving into the computer area. that it is an intelligent Budget that has been We live in a computer age. In a short put together by hard work and in the inter period Videotex will be available. It will ests of the people of Victoria. I congratulate allow homeowners to sit in their lounge the people who were instrumental in put room and order their groceries and various ting the Budget together. other household commodities or even pay There are two main aims within the bills by the mere pushing of a few buttons Budget. Those aims address the state of the 1208 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills economy and the high percentage of unem be created in that area. It will also benefit ployment that exists in the State. those in the small business sector. The Gov The main aim is to create more jobs in ernment has supported the small business Victoria. If one examines the last unem sector since it came to office. ployment figures for September of this year, The Budget was announced on 21 Sep Victoria is leading the way with the lowest tember of this year and a week later, at the percentage unemployment rate in Aus end of September, a Gallop poll was con tralia. ducted which showed that the acceptance of The present rate of unemployment in the Australian Labor Party Government had Victoria is 9·6 per cent. That is not good increased by 2 per cent-an increase from enough, so it is the intention ofthe Govern 51 per cent to 53 per cent. That is 3 per cent ment to reduce unemployment further. higher than when the Government came to When the Government came to office, the ottice. That is what the people think of the employment situation in the State had hit Budget. rock bottom and the unemployment per The future looks bright for the people of centages were equal to or worse than any Victoria. If one takes the popularity rating other State in Australia. The Government of the Leader of the Government from Au has done its job by reducing unemployment gust to September, the percentage increased and will continue to do so. Victoria will from 65 per cent to 66 per cent. Need I go continue to lead the way with low unem on to speak about the rating of the Leader ployment rates. of the Opposition! His popularity has The increased pay-roll tax exemption in dropped from 31 per cent to 29 per cent. cluded in the Budget will mean that 18 per The slogan of the Government is, "Keep cent of employers will not have to pay pay Jeffrey there" because he is doing a great job roll tax, so they will have more funds to for us! The Labor Party does not really care create more jobs. The over-all increase in who is the Leader of the Opposition, be the pay-roll tax exemption is approximately cause it has the greatest Leader ever who 43 per cent. That is another good decision will keep us in Government for many years made by the Government that will help cre to come. ate more jobs. That decision will also ease The Government is on the right track. It the pay-roll tax burden for 11 580 employ has the support of the business sector and ers or 63 per cent of those who are now of the people of Victoria because the Labor paying pay-roll tax. There is no doubt that Party is showing the country how to. get out the Budget initiatives in this area alone will of the doldrums it was· in before the Labor boost employment opportunities. Party became the State and Federal Gov It is believed the Budget programme an ernments. Another reason the business sec nounced by the Premier will create an ad tor has confidence in and is supporting the ditional 25 000 jobs. No doubt this is a Government is the good industrial relations decision that has been welcomed by the that now exist, led by the Honourable Steve school leavers who will come onto the job Crabb as the Minister for Industrial Affairs market within the next few months. and Chairman of the Industrial Relations The Government is also moving into and Task Force, of which I am proud and hon helping the private sector by providing a oured to be the deputy chairman. $250 rebate to those persons who buy Aus The work that has been put into indus tralian-made cars. That initiative will help trial relations by the Government has re to create more employment in the car sulted in employers and the business sector industry. having confidence in the Government. One The Victorian Employers Federation has need only compare the industrial disputes stated that the Budget is as good as could be that have arisen since the Government came expected under the existing economic con to office with the disputes that occurred prior ditions. That federation is more than happy to that time to discover that industrial rela about the 40 per cent increase in the Gov tions have improved tenfold. That is part of ernment capital works programme. There the programme that employers and the is no doubt that that increase in the works business sector are supporting. programme will flow on to the private sec Much has been said by the Opposition tor and more employment opportunities will about Victoria's transport system. Much has Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1209 been achieved since the Labor Party took allocated four new breath testing vans to try office and inherited a second-hand public to curtail drinking drivers. transport system from the former Govern Since the election of the Labor Party to ment. The decisions that have been made office, a great chan~e has occurred in the old and the decisions that will be made as a VicRail system. It IS now V/Line. The Min result of the Budget are in the interests of ister of Transport has reorganized the com the people of Victoria. plete public transport system into four major I could easily list about 35 Government bodies: the State Transport Authority, the achievements in public transport as a result Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Road of the last Budget and compare those Construction Authority and. the Road achievements with the achievements that Traffic Authority. His reorganization has will result from this Budget. I shall highlight changed the system of bureaucrats in those a few of those points. When the Labor Party former services going to lunch for two hours took office, Victoria's tow truck system was each fortnight at the expense ofthe Govern in a shambles. It had nothing but problems. ment. Tow truck drivers had to fight one another The Government is making decisions in to get to a damaged car to tow it away. On the interests of public transport. Even the 1 September 1982, the Minister of Trans Ararat to Portland line has had money al port initiated legislation to create a civilized located to it. Trains have been equipped tow truck scheme for the State. That should with communication radios so that contact have been done many years ago. can be made between the staff where a safety When the Labor Party took office, 70 problem arises. These decisions are in the dangerous level crossings existed in the interests of Victorians. State. The Minister of Transport initiated a The Government is making progress. The boom barrier programme to make those decisions being made in transport are com crossings safer. That programme will be fully mendable. This week, the new fairway sys implemented within the next couple of tem that will give trams the right of way in years. It is an important programme in the certain areas was introduced. In the past, interests of the safety of Victorians. public transport has been delayed by pri Normal train services have been an vate transport. The public transport system achievement of the Government. By should be run efficiently, and it will be. In Christmas, it is expected that the Leongatha the past, each day there were between ten line that was removed by the former Gov and twelve breakdowns or late arrivals of ernment will be reinstated. Major transport trains. It was a continual record one heard projects have been initiated. There is up on the radio every morning. That does not grading of roads. Those decisions are part happen now. Because there isa better sys of the Budget and are achievements for the tem, people are returning to public trans Government. port. The Minister of Transport initiated the Some honourable members have com multi-purpose taxi scheme. I understand plained about the increases in public trans there are some problems at the Melbourne port fares. I believe if one has a clean, Airport at Tullamarine which the Minister ontime, efficient public transport system, the is trying to solve at present. I do not doubt people of Victoria will pay for it. They do that he will be successful. Another initiative not mind paying for a service when it is was taxi vans for disabled persons. Taxi good, clean, reliable and safe. services for the disabled were never Funding for transport has increased by available before the Labor Party came to 25·4 per cent. That is the importance that office. Motor cycle training centres have the Government places on transport. The been established so that cyclists can learn increased funds will go a long way towards how to handle those machines before they making Victoria's transport system the best. go out on the roads. Capital expenditure will rise by 59·3 per cent The Minister of Transport has made a and operation expenditure will increase by decision from this year to staff all railway 13·3 percent. More locomotives will be built stations. That has created another 240 jobs. in the State. As a result, people are returning to the public Mr Lieberman-I draw attention to the transport system. The Police Force has been state of the House. 121 0 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills A quorum was formed. the school and not the Government. The Mr WALSH-A contract has already decision to spend money on the school is been let for ten new locomotives of 2500 welcome~ by me and by the people in the horsepower and another ten locomotives of community. I am sure the school council 3300 horsepower, and they will be built in will be more than happy with the decision Victoria. That will keep jobs in Victoria and to spend money on capital works on school it will be in the interests of the Victorian buildings in the area and I congratulate the people. I am happy about the decisions that Minister for that. have been made concerning transport in this The Government is to spend $700 000 to Budget. By 1985, I am sure Victoria will employ 100 clerical assistants in primary have the best public transport system in the schools. Every member of this House has country. requested money for clerical assistants to be employed at schools so that the principals I now turn to education. There has been and teachers can spend more time in the condemnation concerning the amount of class-room. This money will relieve the ~oney spent on education in Victoria, but principal and teachers of some of their bur !f on~ co~pa~es the amount s~nt per pupil den and allow them more time for teaching. In Vlctona WIth other States, It will be seen that in 1982-83 the Victorian Government Another matter I have raised in nearly spent $1813 per pupil as against an average every Budget debate except last year is the of $1560 in other States. That is $253 per employment of ethnic teacher aides and pupil more in 1982-83 than any other State language teachers. In the next twelve in Australia. In 1983-84, the Government months, the Government intends to em will be spending $2959 per pupil compared ploy another 80 ethnic teachers. When I with the average in other States of $2487. sl?oke on the first Budget ~ebate, the pre Victoria has increased its spending per pupil VIOUS Government thought It was doing well ~y $~ 146, and that is $47.2 more per pupil wheJ.? it was employin~ .fifteen or twenty In this State compared WIth $221 spent in ethniC teachers. The Minister of Education other States. has done well by making a decision to em ploy another 80 ethnic teacher aides and There has been. a dispute between teach ers and the New South Wales Government language teachers. and the teachers are saying to the Wra~ As honourable members know, there has Government, "Give us what Victoria is get been a shortage of mathematics and science ti~g'~. That is thei~ aim. I congratulate the teachers in Victoria. The Government in Minister of Education on the money that is tends to spend another $125 000 for the being spent in the education area. I am sure training of these teachers at the Melbourne the problems with emergency teachers will College of Advanced Education in the hope be resolved before the end of this week. that more teachers will be available in the In another area ofeducation, the Govern mathematics and science areas. ment is spending for capital works on school The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed buildings $176 million this year, which is a munds)-The honourable member has 2 37 per cent increase. As a member for an minutes. inner suburban electorate, I welcome this Mr W ALSH-I am very proud also of spending on school buildings. It was ne the Gov~rnment's spending in the housing glected by the previous Government for area. It Intends to spend $271 million on years and years. Three schools in the elec housing this year, which is an increase of torate I represent are to receive money this 19· 3 per cent. This will mean that more year, and I am happy about it. The schools housing units will be built in 1983-84 and are the Graham Street Primary School, the !hat will cre~te more employment. As I said Knox Street Primary School and the Albert In my opening remarks, the Government's Park Primary School. These schools have No. 1 priority is to create jobs. neede~ money to upgrade their buildings, The Budget is reasonable and responsible and thiS programme should have been im and will encourage economic recovery and plemented years ago. At the Graham Street not hinder it. The Government is confident Primary School, the water that flows down that this Budget will take Victoria out of the the pipes does not go into drains but on to economic doldrums. We, as a Government the asphalt at the school. The parents blame are proud to present this Budget for 1983-84 Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1211 as it will be in the best interests of the peo as a policy issue in the Budget debate. That ple of Victoria. I thank the people who did was done by the Premier when he was the work of putting the Budget together. I Leader of the Opposition. His predecessor, am very proud to be a member of the Gov the Minister for Local Government, who is ernment that prepared this Budget. A week the honourable member for Northcote, did after the Budget was presented, the people not do so when he was Leader of the Oppo of Victoria showed how much they sup sition. ported it. I commend the Budget to the I have a copy of the speech made by the House. Premier when he was Leader of the Oppo The sitting was suspended at 1 p.m. until sition on 23 September 1981. It was pre 2.3p.m. sented as the blueprint for economic Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-In re recovery and for managing the affairs of the sponding on behalf of the Opposition on State. It set out what he proposed as an the second Cain Budget, it is appropriate alternative strategy. That speech is compul for me to remind honourable members that, sory reading for all Victorians and every when I made my contribution to the first member of Parliament. It is interesting to Cain Budget, I indicated my apprehension consider the call by the Government on the over how the strategy of the Cain Labor honourable member for Balwyn, the shadow Government was unlikely to achieve real Treasurer for the Opposition, to present an economic growth and unlikely to be in the alternative Budget strategy, when one con best interests of the people of Victoria. I siders exactly what the Government has coin the phrase that the Prime Minister of done in its first year of budgetary power, in England has often been heard to say, that if comparison with what it said it would do one spends more than one earns, one will before it came to power. During debate on get into trouble and, if a Government spends the Appropriation Bill, the Premier, who the money of the people at a faster rate than was then Leader of the Opposition, as re is fair and equitable, it is inexcusable. ported at page 899 of H ansard of 23 Sep At the end of the first Cain Government tember 1981, said: year, the Budget strategy has caused a mam In the coming weeks, together with my shadow Min moth deficit which has been financed tem isters, I will be giving in fine detail the specific policy porarily by borrowing. Therefore, there has strategies designed to get Victoria out of the slump. been a massive increase in the State debt, He received considerable publicity for those which must be covered. The deficit must be strong remarks. He also said: serviced and has been accompanied by an unbelievable increase in taxes and charges. There must be a two-pronged approach to the prob Those taxes and charges are biting heavily lems. Firstly, a recipe, a prescription for develo~ into the standard of living and quality of ment-a blueprint for growth in both the public and life of the average Victorian. When the Pre private sectors to benefit all Victorians ... mier was campaigning as the Leader of the It is now 24 months since he made that Opposition before the election, he said that speech and nineteen months since he be his Government would act to protect and came Premier. Honourable members have restore the standard of living, arrest the ero noted a blueprint for growth demonstrating sion of the earnings ofthe average Victorian positive action by a mammoth growth in and in many cases, contain and reduce State the public sector. He has fulfilled his prom taxes and charges. ise in that regard and broken all records. It The shadow Treasurer, the honourable has surpassed the growth of all the Public member for Balwyn, made a thoughtful and Services of the States and the Common significant contribution. I was amazed to wealth. However, at what cost has he ful hear the criticism of it by members of the filled that promise? One has only to examine Government and the call on him to present the burgeoning costs of public sector wages an alternative Budget strategy ~ That call and salaries, the overheads associated with made headlines. Ifone examines the history housing and accommodating extra public of Oppositions in the past decade or so, servants, and the loss of employment in the consisting mainly of Labor Party Opposi private sector because of the diminishing tions, one will note that only one Opposi funds available to ensure that that particu tion offered an alternative Budget strategy lar masterpiece of strategy is put into effect. 1212 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
It is already having a savage effect on the We will restructure the State Electricity Commission economy. and gas tariffs. The burden will be redistributed, away from the small and family consumer. In that speech, he also made a positive statement that his party would provide an Again, in the twenty months of the Cain immediate incentive for job creation and an Government, there has been an astronomi employment grant of 10 per cent of average cal increase in tariffs, so much so that in the weeldy earnings to all firms in the private past few months the Government has been sector that increased their total level of em persuaded, out of desperation and panic, to ployment. That promise, which he made introduce a scheme which purports to give unqualifiedly, has not been fulfilled. He re a discount to pensioners for their gas and neged on that promise. electricity used for domestic purposes. The Premier has reneged on many other However, if one analyses that, one finds promises. In his speech on 23 September that it is a shabby exercise. The Govern ment has increased the taxes and charges to 1981, as reported on page 900 of Hansard, the extent where authorities' consumer he said after he made reference to the Esso charges are beyond the means and ability of oil and liquified petroleum gas pipelines: ordinary persons in Victoria, so much so . . . the proposed new petrol tax increase will be that people on pensions and fixed incomes scrapped. need special assistance to cope. This has He was referring to the strategy of the then happened because of the Cain Labor Gov Premier, Mr Thompson. In this Budget, ernment strategy, which the Premier so which is the second Cain Budget, an in proudly boasts is the best thing that has crease in the petrol tax is imposed on every happened to Victoria. In the historic speech person in Victoria. It will affect not only the. that I suggest will haunt the Premier in the ability of families to meet the cost of living short reign as Premier that he has left, he but also business and industry which must stated: bear the extra impost. The former Leader of the Opposition, now Premier, went on to Seventy per cent of all users will pay no more than say: they were to pay before this Budget. The 10 per cent gas price will be reduced to around I am glad the Treasurer is in the House and 6 per cent. This levy will ensure that foreign and inter I hope that, during the debate or the Com state users are financing a better standard of living for mittee stage, he will make available to the Victorians. That should have happened years ago if we House the actual statistics to indicate the had not been sold out. current situation in Victoria as a result of That, of course, is another extraordinary his Government's policies and economic statement made in his blueprint and one strategies, particularly taxing strategies, only has to ask what is the cost now of gas compared with the promise his Govern in Victoria to the private consumer and for ment made when in opposition, as was viv industry and business use and how it com idly recorded for time immemorial, as it pares with what the then Leader of the Op should be, in H ansard of 23 September position promised. One will see that there 1981. At that time the then Leader of the has been an astronomical increase, based Opposition, now Premier, said: not only on the cost ofgenerating and deliv It is clear that State and Federal Governments have ering the gas to the consumers in Victoria turned our hospitals and health centres into taxation but also on an additional cost because of a offices. The Government that will come into power new tax on authorities-which is, of course, after the next election will review all health charges a sinister way of the Government raising and collection procedures. extra revenue and avoiding the odium of It has certainly done that. That is a promise sending an assessment direct to the con the Premier has fulfilled to the letter be sumer. The Government uses the statutory cause, in reviewing health charges in hospi authorities such as the State Electricity tals, he has increased those charges in the Commission, the Melbourne and Metro nineteen months he has been in power by politan Board of Works and the Gas and an astronomical 62· 5 per cent. He has dri Fuel Corporation to raise taxes for it. The ven up the cost of living in Victoria because then Leader of the Opposition, the now Pre the health contribution to the consumer mier, went on to say: price index has been recorded as one of the Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1213 highest factors, resulting in the Victorian phasing in period of, say, three years, the cost of living overall rising and causing an Government has put those industries in a inflation rate of nearly 12 per cent. grave position of disadvantage with the rest The Premier was not content just to in of Australia. This Government is so foolish crease hospital charges. As part of his policy that it believes Victoria is an island and can to make hospitals perform in the way in operate its own economic strategy remote which he represented to the community they and independent of even the Federal Gov should, rather than as taxation offices, he ernment's budgetary strategy. How naive! also introduced a special discriminatory tax The honourable member for Balwyn has al of 80 cents a week on every family in Vic ready aptly demonstrated how a State Gov toria that cared enough and took the trouble ernment with an economy in conflict with to take out private insurance. That was a that of the Federal Government of the day neat way of avoiding sending out out-pa can only bring the State to ruin. tient bills. The public was not fooled be Because of the taxes that have been im cause it realized that most people who posed, several problems are now arising in belonged to private funds had little need for the electorate of Benambra. North-eastern out-patient services and would not have Victoria adjoins New South Wales, which needed to pay for those services. In addi also has a tax on wine sales. However, the tion, they had insurance cover if it was New South Wales tax is much lower than needed, which averaged 40 cents a family a that of Victoria; from memory, I think it is week, through the health fund. about 12 per cent. Many people who buy The Premier doubled that, and now and enjoy wine buy it in quantities of more charges families in Victoria who have insur than one bottle. They usually buy several ance, again through the health funds, an ad bottles, possibly a crate, particularly when ditional 80 cents a week. That 80 cents a Christmas is approaching. They can now week has also impacted on the cost ofliving buy their wine requirements from outlets in and when one adds the power charges and New South Wales, just over the border, and the extra price offood, because manufactur obtain a substantial discount on the price ing industries must pay extra Government compared with the price of fine wine pro imposts, one finds it is the average person duced in Victoria. in the street, the person whom the Labor That has struck a serious cord in an in Party says it represents in this Parliament, dustry that is already having difficulty in who suffers most under the two Budgets Australia. It is an industry that requires spe presented by the Cain Government. cial care and attention and has enormous In the electorate of Benambra that I re potential as an employer of more Austra present, in north-eastern Victoria, there are lians. But no, the Government, because it is a couple of vivid illustrations of how insen desperate and broke, has acted stupidly and sitive and stupid this Government is in its insensitively and has put that industry at taxing policy. It has sent the State broke and risk. Victoria has the largest public sector debt The tobacco industry is a sensitive indus ever. That is because, to service the public try to talk about because the anti-smoking sector payments on that debt, the Govern lobby says that tobacco should not be grown. ment must find new taxing measures. Apart However, it is my duty as a local member from having the authorities send out the and Parliamentarian to make sure that Par bills, the Government has decided to in liament is aware of the presence of tobacco. crease the levy on wine from 10 per cent to I must remind Parliament that an Act of 20 per cent and the levy on tobacco from 12 Parliament provides that tobacco can be per cent to 25 per cent. The tobacco crop in grown, there are rigid quota requirements Victoria is grown entirely in the north-east and the Department of Agriculture has an ern area and wine sale and production for overview of the industry. the whole of Victoria is substantially contri The tobacco industry has been hit by a buted to by the famous wineries in north savage increase to 25 per cent in tax. As the eastern Victoria. member for north-eastern Victoria, I point In addition to the savage impost of those out that these industries employ many massive increases in taxes that have oc thousands of people directly and indirectly. curred overnight without any staging or a In the tobacco industry, 2000 people are 1214 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills directly employed in north-eastern Victoria I am an Australian first but also a Vic in the production and delivery of tobacco torian and, ironically, there will be an in to the sales room. The ripple effect from the crease in employment in the wine industry sale of the tobacco in the economy of Vic in New South Wales to the disadvantage of toria is substantial. Victorians. That is a needless loss that If one uses a multiplier of 1·5, one is talk should not occur. It has been caused by ing about a total of about $50 million. It is Government activity, not based on any sen conservatively estimated that the sales of sitive approach, but one which has been tobacco and wine, because of the disadvan born out of desperation. There is no ques tages that they will suffer in the competitive tion that the Government is desperate. area and the disadvantage to consumers, As all honourable members know, I hold could be as high as a reduction of 20 per the shadow portfolio of health for the Op cent, and certainly at least 10 per cent. position and there is not time to encompass in this second-reading response all the mat No industry in Australia today can afford ters that should be mentioned about the to have-I do not like using colloquialisms health crisis which has arisen in Victoria but I must-a kick in the guts at a time and is getting worse. when it should not be kicked in the guts. This is the time when the industry should I would like to have incorporated in Han- be treated by the Government with some . sard some words of other people that more sensitivity and respect. If the Government aptly demonstrate to Victorians what the does need funds-and it is obvious that it Government has done. I quote from a pos ter of the Age which states, "Hospital chief does-why has it not consulted with the warns of crisis". The Minister for Local industries before the introduction of these Government, with his marvellous sense of taxes? Why has it not heeded the calls ofthe humour, says that that is the Opposition's industry since the Budget was delivered and newspaper. That is a surprise to me, but I tried to review the stupid, inept structure of am $lad it is not just Parliamentarians and these taxes when the other States of Aus partIcularly the shadow Minister of Health tralia are out of kilter with Victoria? Why saying these things. Independent people are does the Government not say that it will saying things about the reality of the Gov phase in this tax over three years? Why does ernment's administration. it not say that it will carry out an economic The Age was also moved on another oc impact statement for the industries in Vic casion to state, "Hospital cuts to close toria and come to an arrangement? It should wards". The Premier and the Minister of talk to the other States and try to get recip Health are desperately tryin$ to con the rocal arrangements so that it can avoid the community in Victoria by saytng that there absurd situation that has arisen in trade and is not a crisis and that the cuts that are being commerce. spoken about in the community will not Nothing has been said by the Govern occur. All honourable members should be ment that it is a good manager, that it will aware that, for the first time in the history treat people with respect and that it wants of the health field in Victoria, many people to see the private sector developed further are speaking with one voice. It is not just and produce more jobs. There has been Lieberman saying it-he is a Parliamentar practically no consultation with industry. ian and the shadow Minister-and cyni In fairness to the Treasurer, I believe he has cally one might say that is the rhetoric that agreed to meet with representatives of the the Opposition would want to pursue. wine industry, but it is after the event. So However, it is not just me talking in this far, nothing has been done to encourage way; it is all the people working in the health these hard-working people in the wine and system. tobacco industries to help them to provide Another poster from the Herald states, jobs and income for Victorians; instead, the "Hospital crisis: Doctors hit out". I did not Government has forced on them the effects have time today to get from my friendly of this macabre budgetary measure. This is newspaper boy the Herald poster, but I am something that all Victorians should know told that there is another one spelling out a about and they will learn more about it when serious crisis where, for the first time in Vic there are retrenchments in the industry. toria, doctors have decided collectively that Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1215 they will have a rally on Friday to demon the State into a Federal arrangement that strate to the community the seriousness of does not supply enough funds. The Budget what is going on and to indicate the gravity cuts could have been avoided if the Minis of the crisis. ter of Health had deferred the introduction It may be that the Age has decided to of the 38-hour week. The editorial from change its ways because, coincidentally, to today's Age states: day, 19 October 1983, there is an editorial With the threat of industrial action-the immediate on page 13 about shorter hours and fewer introduction ofa 38-hour week for those who still work jobs. The substance of the message in that only a little longer. The shorter-hours campaign is par editorial is that, although it is conceded that ticularly inappropriate in the industries in which it is a shorter working week is inevitable, be being waged. They are the ones that can least afford it. cause of the consequence to most industries The public hospital system can least afford in Australia, there are times for constraint, it. Because the Minister implemented there are times when it should not be intro shorter hours this year instead of deferring duced and should be deferred. There is po them until next year, he has asked the hos sitive proof that jobs are being put at risk if pitals to take a cut of $16 million. That is industries that do not have the 38-hour week the figure the Minister uses for the required insist on it at a time of economic crisis. 1·5 per cent cut. The Minister admitted to I can prove by independent research, if me that the cost of the 38-hour week will be necessary, that the reason for the crisis in $17 million. Since $16 million is to be cut Victoria's public hospitals is solely attrib from the hospital budget, one does not have utable to the policy of the Premier and the to be a Rhodes scholar to understand the Minister of Health in introducing instead of reason for that. The cost of the 38-hour week deferring the 38-hour week. The Minister of is being removed from the budget of the Health told the House a few months ago, in hospitals and, as a result, health services answer to a question from me, that the 38- will be cut. The Age editorial continues: hour week could be implemented without Although the Arbitration Commission has recently any cost at all. That was a stupid and incor granted a 38-hour week to some groups of workers in rect statement by the Minister. Later in other industries, it did so only after being satisfied that writing, he told me that the net cost of in the costs were minimised by offsetting savings. With troducing the 38-hour week, with offsets, out such offsets, shorter hours would contravene the would be nearly $17 million. He said that no-extra-claims conditions laid down in the national the offsets would produce $10 million so the wage case decision. net cost would be $17 million. I have that More will be said about that in the next few in writing. It is becoming even more evi days. Last Friday, the Ministers for Indus dent now that that estimate of $17 million trial Affairs and Health and the Premier is wrong. agreed to reduce the cost of the offsets of the I still believe the actual net cost of the 38-hour week package in the health area to introduction of the 38-hour working week avoid further strife and strikes within the is $17 million plus because the money is public hospital system. They have been to not flowing into the hospitals. They are still court and the original agreement concern employing the same staff on a 40-hour week ing the offsets agreement has been ratified. basis; the staff are working an extra two Now, it seems that the Government has hours and are accruing overtime, which is turned around and thrown the offsets out being deferred, or are adding it to their leave the window. Where will the money come entitlements, which is accumulated and they from? Will further cuts be made? Will there will be paid that amount in the future plus be more scapegoats? Honourable members a loading of 17·5 per cent. have seen more scapegoats in the past few That is a time bomb ticking away in the months coming from the mouth of the Min most labour, intensive industry that the ister of Health than at any other time. Government operates. The Budget forces a The Minister of Health has caused a grave 1·5 per cent cut for Victorian hospitals. The crisis in the health system by his foolish crisis in hospitals will become more serious behaviour in ratifying industrial awards, in with the introduction of Medicare. That is troducing a 38-hour week instead of defer another blunder that I do not have time to ring it and refusing to listen to other points discuss now, but the Government has locked of view. The Budget is a monument to his 1216 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills ineptitude. In the next few months, what If one analyses the remarks made by the will happen with the diminishing quality of honourable member for Melbourne, one care and the loss of skills of doctors and realizes that some members of the Govern nurses? It is a matter-I regret to say-that ment Party are beginning to understand the Parliament will be gravely concerned about importance of the rural sector in the Victo as the situation continues. I hope and pray rian economy. Those honourable members there will not be too many more Budgets did not appreciate that role and the drought from the Cain Labor Government. probably taught them a lesson and showed Mr McGRATH (Lowan)-With the in them the battles that the rural community troduction of the second Budget of the Cain must face from time to time. The rural com Labor Government, it would be fair to say munities have good seasons, difficult sea that Mr and Mrs John Citizen take an inter sons and seasons of severe hardship. est in politics only twice during the life of a The rural community pulled together and Parliament; once at election time, and once handled the drought situation extremely at Budget time. Except for those two occa well with the limited Government assist sions, the average person in the street prob ance. The governments of the day, both ably does not pay much attention to what is Federal and State, will reap rewards many happening within the Parliamentary sys times greater owing to the resurgence of the tem. That is a pity, because people should be rural communities as they prosper from an politically aware and understand what the improved season. various parties are trying to achieve and The Premier announced a 2 per cent cut how those programmes and philosophies across the board for all Government depart affect the community. ments. I support this measure because one cannot continue with the hike in taxes and I refer to the speech of the honourable revenue raising mechanisms without real member for Melbourne yesterday evening. locating massive amounts of resources. I The honourable member was at pains to wonder how long the genuine taxpayer can indicate how the Labor Government played continue to support the Government's pro an important role in alleviating the plight gramme. In 1983-84, the Government's of the rural community during the drought. works programme is estimated to be $1699 I do not know whether the Labor Govern million, an increase of $490 million or 40 ment brought the rain, but considerable per cent compared with the expenditure in questions arise about the level of assistance 1982-83. The increase in public works pro provided to the rural communities in that grammes since 1981-82 has been of the or time of hardship. der of 100 per cent, or 80 per cent in real The honourable member for Melbourne terms. went on at length to explain that the Gov In this day and age, the emphasis appears ernment had spent $7 million in drought to be on Government-funded rather than relief measures. In all fairness, I should point privately-funded work programmes. That out that the majority of the drought initia emphasis highlights the difference in the tives involving the most assistance were philosophies between the Labor Party and created by the Federal Government. The the National Party, in that the Labor Party former Federal Minister for Primary Indus prefers to see a growth in Government try, Mr Peter Nixon, was the person respon funded works programmes. However, that sible for most of those initiatives. He and growth is funded through increased taxes his Cabinet initiated the measures which and charges. The National Party philoso helped to alleviate the hardship of the phy places greater emphasis on the provi drought. sion of incentives and encouragement to the The season has now turned around and private sector to stimulate economic $fowth. the Government is imposing excessive That is not happening at present In Vic charges in the areas offreight and the public toria. authority dividend, including the charges of There has been a significant increase in the Grain Elevators Board. The Govern the allocation for public housing. That in ment will recoup far more from the rural crease has created jobs in the private sector communities than it paid by way of drought but has placed a greater burden on taxpay assistance last year. ers. If that initiative had been created Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1217 through the private sector, the general tax Governments, especially those Govern payer would not face such a responsibility ments that are not sympathetic to the rural in providing the funding. sector. Regrettably the Federal Govern I refer now to the allocation to the De ment has downgraded the portfolio of agri partment of Agriculture for research insti culture. In Victoria the portfolio of tutes and stations. Last year, the allocation agriculture is not held as highly as it should was $1·7 million and this year it is $1·8 be. There have been transfers of authority million. That is a meagre increase for an from the Minister of Agriculture to the area of activity that is important to agricul Ministry of Transport. Those transfers have ture. It does not matter whether one is a weakened the role played by the Depart livestock producer, a cropping farmer or ment of Agriculture in Victoria. whatever, one looks continually to the agri It is unfortunate to note a fall in financial cultural research institutes and stations to allocations to young farmer organizations. provide up-to-date data on the correct crop That fall represents the disregard the Gov ping programmes, animal husbandry and ernment has for fostering and encouraging ways and means of combating animal dis young farmers in Victoria. Young farmer eases that arise from time to time. Recently organizations assist and provide encourage a new disease known as stripe rust has af ment and social events for young farmers. fected wheat crops. It will be some time In 1983 I was asked to open a Young before officers at the agricultural research Farmers Achievement Day, at Horsham. institutes and stations come up with all the Young farmers from all around Victoria met answers to the disease. to exhibit various forms of agriculture and Last week, it was pleasing to note the demonstrate what can be done in the field. opening of extensions to the All Crops Re Those agricultural demonstrations were held search Institute at Horsham. I pay a tribute in a marvellous social environment. Agri to Mr Jim Nuske, who for many years was culture also assists young persons through the chairman of the crops research commit the provision of apprenticeships. tee. In addition to that position, for a num In the past twelve months, there has been ber of years, he was a Victorian grower an increase of 9 per cent in the number of . representative on the Australian Wheat apprentices taken on in the farming sector Board. Before that, he was engaged exten as compared with a 25 per cent downturn sively in agricultural politics in the old wheat in apprenticeships in other areas. I hope the and wool growers organization. He has had appropriate authorities will recognize the a major influence on the development of change in this emphasis and make available agriculture and getting the view of farmers the necessary back-up services through the through to various Governments of the day. technical schools and T AFE colleges to as It was fitting that the Victorian Farmers sist in the education of apprentices. It costs and Graziers Association honoured Mr approximately $67 a week to employ a first Nuske with a testimonial dinner held last year farmer apprentice, but, when Govern Friday night at Horsham. That dinner was ments savagely attack the farming attended by well over 200 people who rep community with increases in freight rates resented all sectors of the farming commu and fuel and energy costs, many farmers do nity. Mr Nuske is one of those persons who, not have the resources to take on appren during his lifetime, has exercised honesty in tices. That is what I mean by saying that the the straightforward negotiations he has been initiative must be given to the private sec involved in with various Governments and tor. members of Parliament. That is why he is The Treasurer asks what taxes and charges so highly respected by the farming commu I would increase. I question the need to nity throughout Victoria. He was one of the continually increase taxes and charges. I hard negotiators. If he had a point to put, have not asked for any extra services. I he seldom backed away from it. He fought should like to see a lessening of departmen for the rights and privileges that farmers tal roles in our community. have in the community today. There are An Honourable Member-You have been not many like him left. suggesting more. People involved in agricultural politics Mr McGRATH-I have not been sug need to take a strong line when dealing with gesting more. The initiative should be given 1218 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills to the private sector to take on the appren An Honourable Member-You should tices. look at the Bulletin surveys. I criticized the Government's spending Mr McGRATH-The Bulletin does not programme. I began my remarks by sup do surveys out in the country. porting the Premier's decision to instruct With the changes that have taken place in departments to cut their budgets by 2 per the racing industry and the expected higher cent, but I seriously question whether they turnover of the Totalizator Agency Board, I are cutting them in the right direction. The thought there may have been an increased Minister of Health has directed hospitals to allocation for the Department of Youth, cut their budgets by 1· 5 per cent, yet ap Sport and Recreation. The system of proximately 70 or 80 per cent of a hospital's financing the department has altered. It was budget is taken up by wages, over which it formerly financed by a contribution of 2 per has no control. It becomes necessary for cent of the turnover of the Totalizator hospitals to bring about a 1·5 per cent cut Agency Board, but I understand that it is across the board, using the remaining 20 or now financed by a direct allocation from the 25 per cent of their budgets, and that must Department of Management and Budget. effectively mean a cut of 15 or 20 per cent However, the department is not winning in those other areas. I question whether the out. Last year's allocation for the State 2 per cent cut is in order. Indoor Entertainment Centre, including the redevelopment works, sports facilities and The Treasurer has raised a large amount grants, was $9·2 million; this year's of revenue through the public authorities allocation is $ 7·2 million, a cut of dividend. The State Electricity Commis approximately $2 million. sion will pay approximately $103 million, the Board of Works will pay $55 million, Much emphasis has been placed by all the Gas and Fuel Corporation will pay $25 honourable members on the importance of people participating in recreational and million and the Port of Melbourne Author sporting programmes designed to provide ity will pay $6 million. That is why grain for a healthier lifestyle. Even the Treasurer handling charges rose from 24 cents at one is seen jogging from time to time to keep port and 48 cents at another to $1 a tonne. physically fit, and it is pleasing to know that The State Bank will pay $10·4 million by many other people are also participating in way of a public authority dividend and may sporting activities. find it necessary to increase interest rates by One thing that becomes obvious in O· 5 or 0·25 per cent to cover the cost. The country areas in relation to a grant from the Grain Elevators Board will need to charge Department of Youth, Sport and an extra $1 a tonne on this year's harvest to Recreation, through the local municipalities, meet the cost. Ifthat $4 million had applied to a sporting club or association is that, if last year, the charge for grain that passed the department were to make that grant through the Grain Elevators Board system available-it may be only $1000 or $2000, would have amounted to $12 a tonne. If or it may be $5000 or even $20 OOO-the there is a downturn in the next grain har association or club would immediately come vest, perhaps to 2·5 or 3 million tonnes, the to the party and, through voluntary board will still have to meet that payment contributions and from its own resources, of $4 million and probably more if it keeps set up a facility that will amount to pace with inflation, and handling charges something like eight or ten times the value will increase even further. of the initial grant from the department. These problems must be faced. It will be It is a tremendous investment for the interesting to hear the explanation from the Government to make grants available Treasurer when he visits Bendigo on Fri through the local municipalities to various day. I note that the Minister of Transport associations and clubs. The facility is then has backed away and will not face the mu set up and is available for the community sic. The farmers will at least hear the Treas as a whole which, undoubtedly, takes a tre urer's explanation before making their own mendous load off the Government in meet decision as to who can give them the best ing health care needs in the community. opportunity for development and prosper The second Budget from the Cain Gov ity in this State. ernment causes considerable concern purely Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1219 because there seems to be a tremendous approval for the Leader of the Opposition emphasis on Government spending rather is 29 per cent and approval for the Liberal than creating and fostering development in Party, which won 38·3 per cent of the vote the private sector. If permanent employ at the last election, has dropped to 33 per ment is to be created in this State, it has to cent. be achieved through the private sector. Al Honourable members of the Opposition though all honourable members like to have claim that is nonsense, and one cannot those sorts of programmes established in blame them for being disturbed because the electorates they represent, job creation those are not the sorts of facts one likes to programmes are really a band-aid approach hear, especially ifone is a member ofa party to this most serious problem in Victoria. If that is saying that the Government is not one is going to come to terms with unem capable of handling the economic affairs of ployment, overcome it and alleviate some the State. Ifthe Opposition insists on claim of the problems facing people in Victoria, it ing that the Government cannot handle the has to be the private sector that undertakes affairs of the State, I point out that there is the task, and the Government can certainly no evidence, from this public opinion poll, assist the private sector by providing initia that the people lack confidence in the Gov tives to stimulate their activities, increase ernment. In fact, it is to the contrary. Many their economic output and encourage them, people believe the Government is doing a not from a financial point of view, but from good job. the point of view of regulation and new leg Reference was made earlier to the eco islation that provides a better economic cli nomic situation in Victoria, and I point out mate to promote more growth in this State. that this is a well-balanced; Bud$e~ designed Mr KENNEDY (Bendigo)-The Budget to generate more economIc actIvIty, create is an extremely fine document. It is well more employment opportunities and main framed to tackle the problems confronting tain and, where possible, boost living stand the State and provide for and address some ards. The last Budget had a significant effect of the problems of the living standards of on stimulating economic growth in Vic the community. It has been extremely care toria. The Government has been able to fully framed and the arrangement of the frame a capable Budget, despite the current Budget reflects the sort of intelligence, fore circumstance, in an international economic sight and constant hard work that has come recession. Victoria was severely affected, to be known as a hallmark of the Cain financially and economically, by the floods, Labor Government. drought, the bush fires and by the loss of The honourable member for Benambra Government revenue as a result of the High made reference to a Melbourne newspaper Court decision on the pipelines fees issue. article as evidence of a crisis in the hospital Despite all those problems, the Govern field and apportioned the blame for the sit ment has been able to produce, yet again, uation to the State Government. If one another positive and helpful Budget which wishes to obtain an accurate assessment of will stimulate more economic activity and community feeling about how the Govern generate more job opportunities. At the ment is performing, it is not a bad idea to same time, the Government has been care conduct a public opinion poll. A public ful to restrain public spending and avoid big opinion poll of 25 September has just been increases in taxes and charges and, to the reported in the Bulletin and it appears to extent possible, avoid an inflationary confirm solid support for the Cain Labor impact of the Budget. Government by the community at large. The Budget contains modest increases in That support has increased since the elec taxes and there has been restraint in the tion. In April 1982, Labor Party support charges levied for State services. I did not was running at 50 per cent; in September hear much positive comment from the Op 1983, it was 53 percent. The popularity ofthe position about what it would do if it were Premier is most commendable and indi now in government. Numerous negative cates the good standard of Government un comments have been made. The Opposi der his leadership, which will be tion is opposed to public spending and has strengthened by the Budget. At present, ap attacked the Budget for being expansionary. proval for the Premier is runnin~ at 66 per One can only come to the conclusion that if cent according to the public opInion poll; the Liberal Party were now in office, it would 1220 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills have to cut back massively on public spend than the level of inflation. I commend to ing, Public Service employment and on the honourable members the Budget Papers, stimulus that it would be able to provide for particularly the document headed, "The the economy. If it did not do that, it would Budget Strategy and Review, 1983-84". At have to increase taxes drastically, or it would pages 9 and 10, interesting details explain have to do both. the real rate of return policy on assets, which The Opposition is not very good at ana the Government has required from public lysing what its own approach should be. I authorities. It indicates that a real decrease know the Opposition does not like what the in prices charged by the State Electricity Government is doing. If one examines what Commission, the Gas and Fuel Corpora the Opposition has said it would not do tion, the Melbourne and Metropolitan with regard to a few programmes the Labor Board of Works and the Port of Melbourne Government has established to bring about Authority has occurred. The figures quoted sound financial management and a sound indicate that the increases in the prices revenue base, and adds up the cost of all of charged by the State Electricity Commis that, one would come to a total of some sion are the lowest increases in six years. $433 million. When the Labor Party came to office, it The Opposition said it would not have received a report from the Ziedler inquiry introduced the Victorian Development into the financial arrangements of the State Fund, which this year provided some $129·6 Electricity Commission. The report recom million of important capital works funds mended that State Electricity Commission for projects aimed at boosting housing and tariffs should be increased by 29· 7 per cent. construction and generating economic ac The Government introduced an increase of tivity. The Government would be down by 15 per cent, and this year the increase has $100 million because of the Liberal Party's been only 7·9 per cent. opposition to the sale of assets and the Gov The charges levied by public authorities ernment's lease-back arrangements, partic during the last year of the Liberal Govern ularly in the railways. The Opposition also ment were high. For example, in 1981-82, opposes the payment of a dividend tax by the charges levied by the State Electricity State public authorities. This year, that div Commission were increased by 19·7 per idend should bring in some $204· 3 million. cent. Similarly, the level of increase in the When one adds up all those costs, one comes charges levied by the Gas and Fuel Corpo to more than $433 million. That is $433 ration was 22·4 per cent. In the first year of million the Government would be short if the Labor Government, the increase was it did not do all those things the Opposition reduced to 16·6 per cent and, this year, it is said it should not do. How would the Gov 8·9 per cent. If people claim that the Gov ernment make up that amount? Would it ernment is overcharging public authorities, simply cut back massively on capital works it should be borne in mind that the in projects? creases in charges are lower than the level As the Treasurer has often pointed out, of inflation. when the Government first came to office, A significant statement is contained in it was indicated to him by the Treasury that, the Budget, which indicates that, had the if the Government proceeded on the basis previous Government's policy continued to of unchanged policies, by next year, it would apply to State Electricity Commission suffer a deficit of some $1400 million in the charges, those prices would now be at least Current Account. 3 per cent higher than they were last year. At pages 4 and 5 of the document I previ The Government has acted carefully and ously mentioned, it is indicated that the prudently in framing the Budget to hold State and local Government charges levied down the deficit while at the same time in Victoria have recently been lower than boosting economic activity. the Australian average. The figures indicate It is also interesting to note that the pric that, in 1982-83, State and local govern ing policies of the public authorities are ment charges around Australia increased by being carefully watched by the Govern 20·8 per cent, but in Victoria, the increase ment, and the prices charged by authorities was only 16·5 per cent. In 1981-82-the such as the State Electricity Commission last year of the Liberal Government-a 25·9 and the Gas and Fuel Corporation are lower per cent increase in State and local govern- Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1221 ment charges occurred. In the first year of tained this year. It has been decreased by the Labor Government, the increase was only $2 million on the allocation made last 16· 5 per cent. That indicates total adminis year. However, I point out that last year's tration by the Government, which is deter allocation was extremely large. mined to ensure a boost to the economy I turn now to education, and the Govern and the living standards of Victorians. ment is to be congratulated on its work in While it is easy for members of the Op that area. The most significant factor to bear position to complain and state that they are in mind is that the Budget provides for an opposed to increases in charges for gas and increase in spending for education. It pro electricity, the facts are straightforward and vides an increase of 6·5 per cent in funds clearcut. They ought to be borne in mind and it is the first time in history that the when those criticisms are being made. allocation for that area has exceeded $2 bil I now refer to the sizeable increase in the lion. allocati{)n for housing. The Ministry of One of the most commendable aspects of Housing is giving a major boost to con the Budget is the large increase in funding struction throughout Victoria. Total spend for school buildings and works. The in ing has been increased by 19· 3 per cent this crease is quite dramatic. This year, the in financial year to $271 million. Undoubt crease in funding for capital works edly, that is providing an amazing stimulus programmes for schools is 30 per cent more to the housing industry in Victoria. It will than last year's allocation, which was a sig have significant spin-off effects on the econ nificant increase on the allocation of the omy, and will assist thousands of people previous year. If one compares that figure who are on the waiting list for Housing with the allocation made by the Liberal Commission homes. Government in its last year in office, it has Mr Richardson-Mr Deputy Speaker, I increased by 63 per cent. That funding is draw your attention to the state of the having a significant effect on the improve House. ment of accommodation and facilities for A quorum was formed. schools. Mr KENNEDY-I was pointing out that, In the Loddon-Campaspe and Mallee in Bendigo, the Ministry of Housing wait areas, the funding has been increased this ing list has approximately 500 applicants, ¥ear by 33 per cent, from $6·1 million to and the waiting time is approximately two $8·1 million. At the same time, the Govern to three years. Because of the massive injec ment has maintained full-time staffing; no tion offunding into public housing, a signif cuts in staffing have occurred. The Govern icant public housing programme has been ment will continue to make progress in established, and it is one of the most signif reducing class sizes. icant building projects ever seen in the his The Government has been criticized for tory of Bendigo. its handling of the emergency teacher situa The Minister of Housing visited Bendigo tion. Many honourable members have re last year and announced major housing ceived criticisms from teachers and parent projects to the tune of 167 000 flats. A sub groups about emergency teachers and it is stantial number of houses have also been important to recognize that, although the provided, as well as land package schemes. criticisms are a reflection of the general at When they are combined, one sees that ap titude in the community, the Government proximately $7 million has been injected has provided for a substantial increase in into the housing industry in Bendigo. That the emergency teaching services when it is is having a good effect on the economy in compared with that provided in the last year Bendigo, and is widely recognized and under a Liberal Government. appreciated by the community. The funding provided for emergency The Minister of Housing, who has taken teachers in the Budget is 87·3 percent higher such a close interest in electorates such as than provided in the last year of the Liberal Bendigo, is to be warmly congratulated for Government. In 1981-82, the Liberal Gov the assistance he has provided. Last year, ernment provided $20·5 million for emer the Government doubled the funds avail gency teaching. In 1982-83, the Labor able for co-operative housing societies, and Government doubled that figure to $40·6 that level of investment has been main- million, but that was brought back this year 1222 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills to $37·9 million. Although there has been a cess for music teaching of young school cutback, it represents an excellent achieve children. ment by the Labor Government. The Government has also ensured that The comparison with the former Liberal 50 specialist training teachers will be avail Government must be borne in mind because able for primary schools. The Government the difference is outstanding. I commend has provided 100 extra full-time clerical as the Minister and the Government for the sistants and an extra 350 relieving teachers way in which they are recognizing what in primary schools. The Budget has prov should be the concern of the Government ided $300 000 for school council support about the matter and doing what is and $500 000 for the School Improvement necessary. The funds available to the Plan. Overall, the record of the Govern Government are not limitless and some ment is extremely good in education. It is action must be taken in the light of the interestin$ to compare the student-teacher present economic circumstances which the ratio in VIctoria with that for Australia. Government would rather not take. The figures indicate that Victoria is ahead I commend the Treasurer and the Minis of Australia just as the recurrent spending ter of Education for discussing the T AFE for each pupil is ahead in Victoria com system and for examining again the possi pared with other States. The student-teacher bility of increasing the availability of funds ratio for primary pupils is 17·4 pupils to in that system. TAFE is an important sec each teacher in Victoria compared with 19·7 tion of education for country students, nationwide. For secondary schools, the fi~ especially those in Bendigo. I have dis ure is 11·4 pupils to each teacher in Victona cussed with the Bendigo T AFE College and compared with 12·5 for Australia. The re the administrative officer of the college the current spending for each pupil last year for situation of increasing the funds provided primary schools was $1813 in Victoria to the college. I have also discussed with the compared with $1535 for Australia. For Minister of Education the need to maintain secondary education, the figure was $2959 and extend the excellent services provided for Victoria and $2478 for Australia. by the Bendigo Officers Trust and Gallery. I commend the Government for the sub I am pleased with the positive attitude stantial boost in the funding for the capital shown in that regard. works programme ofthe Ministry for Police Despite the fact that the Government was and Emergency Services. There have been unable to meet all of its objectives and de significant improvements in Bendigo re spite the fact that it was necessary to make cently with the construction of a new fire some cutbacks in the education area, the station. The station was well overdue and Government has nevertheless been able to had been promised by previous Govern proceed with some important programmes, ments. At Eaglehawk, a new small police in particular, the Arts and Education Pro station has been completed and a major $2·6 gramme which has been introduced for the million police station is about to be con first time this year. Under that programme, structed in Bendigo, for which $280 000 has the Ministry of Arts and the Education De been allocated in the Budget. The construc partment will provide $150 000 for an Art tion of the new Bendigo police station will ists-In-Residence Programme in Bendigo be commenced this year. which will train skilled musicians in Ben Although there is certainly a major need digo to perform publicly and in schools. for increased police staffing in Bendigo, the They will also be trained to teach young Government has made a good start. In the music enthusiasts. previous ten years under a Liberal I commend the Ministers who put for Government, only one extra uniformed ward the idea and for their support of the policeman was provided for Bendigo despite programme. The programme will make an the increase of 10 000 in population. There excellent pilot project in Bendigo and will had been a few uniformed police allocated appeal to those young children who are in to Bendigo in the months before the State terested in music. With the support of the election, but the Labor Government has Government, the enthusiasm shown by brought about an effective increase of six pupils and teachers for music performances uniformed policemen in Bendigo, the can be developed into a showpiece of suc- biggest single increase in uniformed police Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1223 in that area for more than ten years. Such vious Liberal Government's existed only an achievement by the Government has because the Government was forced to ac been widely recognIzed and has contributed cept the system introduced by the Federal significantly to the capacity of the police to Labor Government between 1972 and 1975. meet the needs of the community. There is no question that for the first time The Government has allocated funds for in the history of Victoria community health building a new Bendigo re$ional library in services have the total support of the Gov co-operation with the Bendlgo City Council ernment. There is also no doubt about the at an estimated cost of $3·5 million. The importance with which the Government Budget provides $1· 524 million to allow for views community health services. the construction of that fine new building, The allocation of $1· 5 million for a which has been needed for a long time. scheme to provide dentures for pensioners Bendigo was able to obtain funds because is most welcome. Although the fine details the Government made that wise and of the scheme have not been worked out, popular decision to reallocate funding which the Government has committed funds to might have been directed towards the honour an election promise to introduce a construction of a new State offices complex. scheme to enable eligible pensioners to have The new library will be a welcome adjunct dentures provided either by private dental to the services available at Bendigo. I technicians or dentists. commend the Minister for the Arts for Finally, I refer to the significant increase providing $2000 for the feasibility study to in spending on public transport. One of the determine whether the historic century-old most significant allocations is for the Ben Capital Theatre can be renovated into a digo bus services following the excellent performing arts centre in Bendigo. The work carried out to upgrade the public bus theatre has a strong emotional pull on the services in Geelong. Along with that goes people of Bendigo because of its long the very significant emphasis the Govern association with the performing arts. One ment has placed on the development of will have to wait for the feasibility study country railways. It is true that nowadays before a decision is made as to whether the the railways are becoming much more pop building is suitable for that purpose. ular. Trains run on time, are more modem A number of initiatives that have been in that more comfortable carriages are used, taken in health should be applauded. There and the morale of the people who work on has been a significant expansion of the the railways has improved. Over the past school dental scheme, which is welcomed. two years, railway services have improved The Federal Government's school dental and patronage on country services has scheme was introduced by the Whitlam increased by 25 per cent. Government in 1973, yet for ten years Ben Another matter of significance is the de digo never saw it. It took the election of the velopment of a construction programme to new State Labor Government before the provide new locomotives. That programme children ofBendigo saw a school dental van is most welcome. All of these developments and dental therapists. In recent months, the are extremely important to Bendigo, not therapists have visited Bendigo and they only because they provide a public service have provided advice, drilled and extracted but also because the railways are important teeth and also took part in the education to the North Bendigo railway workshops, programmes at the schools. which is an important employer of labour The additional funding provided was and a provider of employment opportuni welcomed so that the scheme could be ties. I congratulate the Government on the expanded. Budget it has presented. I welcome the increased spending for the Mr RICHARDSON (Forest Hill)-The community health services scheme under honourable member for Bendigo and other which Bendigo has two fine centres. Those Government speakers have commented that centres are well established in the provision the Opposition has not presented an alter of medical and other services to the native Budget strategy. It ought to be made community. clear that the Opposition has no intention The community health services that ex of presenting an alternative Budget strategy isted in Bendigo for many years under pre- at this stage. Indeed, the debate is not about 1224 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills the policies of the Opposition, it is about then Leader of the Labor Party could well the Government's Budget and the failure of have been commenting on the disastrous the Government to properly address itself Budget presented by his colleague, the to the financial management of the State. Treasurer, this year. The Government is following a disas In the following year, the new Leader of trous course, a course chartered for it by a the Opposition, now the Premier, did at group of economists who are rapidly be tempt to present what he called an alterna coming increasingly discredited, a group tive strategy. I refer to the Hansard report that is at odds with the economic policies of 23 September 1981 recorded at pages that are being presented by the Federal La 896-901, when he said that the proposed bor Government. A very interesting schism new petrol tax increase would be scrapped. is developing between the Federal Govern He also said "the 10 per cent gas price will ment and the State Government in terms of be decreased by about 6 per cent". He said the economic approach being taken by each that a Labor Government would restruc Government and the way in which financial ture State Electricity Commission and gas management is being carried out in Victoria tariffs, and that the burden would be redis in contrast to the strong views of the Fed tributed away from the small and family eral Labor Government. consumer. He also said that 70 per cent of It should be made clear that at this point all users would pay no more than they were the House is not concerned with the eco to pay before the Budget. nomic policy of the Opposition. The debate How seriously has that alternative strat is concerned with the economic policy of egy, which was presented by the then Leader the Government which is reflected in the of the Opposition at that time, been fol Budget. It is interesting to note, that when lowed? The facts are that the petrol tax is the Government was in opposition, it did up one cent a litre in contrast to the promise not present any alternative strategies when to scrap the 1981 increase. Gas prices are responding to the second Budget of the Par up 29·5 per cent for most users and even liamentary term which began in May more for big users who have to pay an ad 1979-that is, the 1980-81 Budget. ditional new tax in contrast to the promise I refer the House to the speech made by that gas prices would be reduced by 4 per the then Leader of the Opposition-who is cent. Electricity prices are up by around 23 now the Minister for Local Government percent. before he was rolled by his successor. When In his alternative Budget, the then Leader speaking in reply to the 1980-81 Budget of the Opposition went on to say: and I refer honourable members to H an We will review all health charges and collection pro sard Volume 352, 2 October 1980 pages cedures. We do not accept that the principle of the user 1200-7-the then Leader of the Opposition pays ought to prevail so far as the sick are concerned. presented no alternative strategy but did make some interesting criticisms of the Lib Since the Labor Government has been in eral Party. He said "that high taxation will office, hospital charges have gone up by 62·5 create more problems". He said that the per cent. The Premier also said: Government had distorted priorities and he We will rebuild the public transport fare structure so referred to the dangers associated with the that the average commuter pays no more than he did Government's infrastructure borrowing before the 1981 Budget was introduced. programme. He made the extraordinary re An announcement was made by the Minis mark that "increased fuel costs will lead to ter of Transport on the very afternoon that heavy price increases throughout the com the Budget was presented that there would munity". Nowhere did the then Leader of be an increase in public transport fares by the Opposition present anything approach as much as 100 per cent in some cases. So ing an alternative Budget strategy. much for Government apologists criticizing It is interesting to note that the criticisms the Opposition for not presenting an alter of the Liberal Party made by the then Leader native Budget strategy. It is clear that when ofthe Opposition could be transferred with the Labor Party was in opposition it did not out any effort as criticisms of the present present an alternative strategy at a compa Budget and, indeed, the Budget that was rable time in the life of the last Parliament. presented by the Government last year. The When it did present an alternative strategy Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1225 in response to the last Liberal Party Budget, Government of its responsibility to main it simply presented promises which it had tain a quorum in this place. This was the no intention of keeping and which have Government whose Leader said prior to the since been totally ignored. election that there would not be any need to The ultra-expansionist economic strate increase State taxes and charges yet, since gies of the Government are not working. the election, the Government has broken For example, the Budget Papers acknow those promises along with any other prom ledge that private sector employment fell ise that it made. 2· 7 per cent in Victoria in 1982-83 com Mr Maclellan-I draw attention to the pared with a fall of2·2 per cent in Australia state of the House. as a whole. Over the year to September 1983, A quorum was formed. total employment fell by 1·1 per cent in Vic Mr RICHARDSON-The performance toria compared to only 0·9 per cent in the of the Victorian Government and its taxa remainder of Australia. tion policies has been so bad that the Fed Over the year, to August 1983, new mo eral Treasurer, Mr Keating, has had to tor vehicle registrations fell by 9·2 per cent apologize to overseas investors for the effect in Victoria compared with a fall of 7·7 per that it is having on Australia's image. I re cent for the rest of Australia. The Victorian mind members of the Government party Government's economic strategy does not that, speaking in London, the Federal La enjoy the support of the Federal Labor Party bor Party Treasurer, said: Government or of other State Labor Party Premiers such as Mr Burke or Mr Wran. Some State Governments have been crude taxers; This Government's economic strategies are this is a matter for regret. relatively condemned by all Governments The Cain Government has turned every in Australia; more particularly by Labor major business authority into a branch of Party Governments. An incredible remark the State Taxation Office. Revenue on taxes was made by the Premier when he was from statutory authorities has increased in Leader of the Opposition. He said: 1983-84 by 57 per cent. Every time a Vic torian turns on a tap, a light, an oven or a We see no reason why there should be any need to heater, he or she is paying tax to the State increase State taxes and charges. Government and the Government claims This State Budget increases State taxes and that these taxes are in fact not taxes. Every charges by 13·7 per cent. Since the Govern other Government that taxes its statutory ment obtained office, total State taxation authorities-Tasmania and Western Aus has increased by 40 per cent, which is much tralia, for example-includes them in its greater than for any other State. In Western definition of taxes. Australia, under a Labor Party Govern ment, the increase is 32·8 per cent; in New I refer also to the definition given on page South Wales it is 29·5 per cent; in South 6 of Budget Paper No. 2, part 4:1. The Gov Australia it is 26·7 per cent; and in Tas ernment has rigged its Budget Papers to give mania it is 9·3 per cent. The record in Vic the impression that it has exercised some toria is an increase in State taxes and charges sort of restraint in its current expenditure ofa massive 40 per cent. and it has rigged them to over-state the de gree of stimulus provided in the Works and The gap between per capita taxation in Services Account. In transport, $32 million Victoria and New South Wales has quad of interest and leasing charges and $60 mil rupled since the Cain Government was lion of golden handshakes for railway work elected in 1982. It is not surprising when ers have been included in the Works and one looks at the figures to which I have Services Account; $106 million of capital referred. This was the party that said that it expenditure undertaken by the former Mel could not see any need to increase State bourne Underground Rail Loop Authority taxes and charges! and the then Melbourne and Metropolitan Mr Ebery-I draw attention to the state Tramways Board in 1982-83 was conveni of the House. ently omitted from the 1982-83 total A quorum was formed. therefore it made the increase in 1983-84 Mr RICHARDSON-The honourable look bigger. Various items such as the Com member for Midlands has reminded the monwealth share of Bass Strait royalties and 1226 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
the payments to the Melbourne and Metro the Government came to office is nearly 70 politan Board of Works for the Thomson per cent. Given the hu~e increases in the dam have somehow disappeared from the sale and lease-back oftratns and trams, these Current Account. obligations will now steadily, and in the . With all these changes, the increase in years to come, become an economic whirl Current Account spending is 10·6 per cent wind which future generations will some and not 7·6 per cent as claimed, and the how have to control. It will have to be paid increase in the Works and Services Account for, yet this Government is setting up a ter is 33·5 per cent and not 57 per cent as sug rible inheritance for future generations. gested in Budget Paper No. 3. Apart from the increase in the pay-roll The Current Account reveals the Gov tax exemption level, this Budget provides ernment's distorted priorities-its first no incentives for the private sector. It dem priority is itself. In the first thirteen months onstrates how little the Government under of the Government, State public sector em stands private enterprise; it demonstrates ployment increased by 9100. That should that this Government is consistently anti be compared with an Increase of 400 in all business, anti-employment, and somehow other States put together. it believes that all problems can be solved Rents of public offices have increased by by increasing the size of the Public Service, 28 per cent. Electronic data processing ex the size of the public debt; somehow it be penses increased by 33 per cent. The pur lieves that the public purse is a bottomless chase and operation of Government motor pit, and there is no need for wealth to be vehicles other than police vehicles has in generated. For that reason, there is a whole creased by 17 per cent. The amount for series of pieces oflegislation directed against "Special projects and consultants" -what business, against free enterprise, against ever that means-has increased by 174 per those forces within the economy which cent. Something that is quaintly described would be able to create wealth, so that this in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs as economy can grow and with that growth "community awareness programmes", there can be an increase in employment, an which ought to be better described as prop increase in business activity and an increase aganda to advertise the Government, has in the wealth of the community. Without increased by 58 per cent. Public Service that increase in the wealth of the commu Medical Centre expenses have increased by nity, there will be no financial resource from 21 per cent. which the Socialist Government is able to draw the funds it needs to carry out the At the same time, provision for free milk sorts of programmes that it envisages in this in schools, resident medical staff in hospi Budget. That fundamental fact has been ig tals, emer$ency teachers in schools and nored either deliberately or through lack of youth servIces have been cut. There is no comprehension by this Government, which real increase in funds for the Police Force has set itself on an economic course which despite the election promise, and the grants can lead only to disaster. to voluntary and community groups have been either frozen or severely cut. Unless the Government realizes that the real basis of wealth in the community is The Government's huge borrowing pro private wealth generated by private sector grammes already are building up an incre activity, unless it comes to realize that it dible inheritance for future generations. The cannot carry out any of its programmes un total net debt of the State of Victoria has less there is economic stability and growth increased by 35 per cent since the Labor in the private sector, unless it comes to the Party obtained Government. realization of the economic truth and facts The Government's spokesperson pointed of life, not only is this Government ruined, out that the public debt relative to the size but in going down it will take the commu of the economy is still smaller than it was nity and the economy with it. in the early 1970s, as though something As I said, apart from the increases in the magical was established in the early 1910s; pay-roll tax exemption level, the Budget and there was an appropriateness about provides no incentive for the private sector what happened in the early 1970s. The net activity and growth that I have been refer debt charges have increased by nearly 40 ring to. The increase in the exemption level per cent in 1983-84, and the increase since for rental duty will cost only $100 000. The Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1227 apprenticeship package, and the proposal to demonstrated what great talent they have. spend $1 million on central city amenities, They admit, by this Budget, that that deficit disguises reductions in expenditure. The of $160 million is going to increase. Government is taking advantage of the Once again, the revenue that is raised by winding down of the State Additional Ap the Government, even with this increase of prentices Scheme and the Bourke St Mall to 40 per cent in revenue, will still not keep up release funds for other activities. with the spending pulicy of this Labor The $250 rebate on the purchase of a new Government. If the Government continues Australian-made car is one of the greatest to manage the State in the way it has done con tricks that has ever been perpetrated by for the past eighteen months, Victoria will a Government. The Government clearly be broke. Future generations will then have believes the community to be a bunch of to pick up the reins and somehow try to fools. In fact, this rebate has been described restore this State to a viable economic entity, by Kenneth Davidson, the Age economics restore the community so that it can operate writer, as "a grubby little bribe". The in a free democratic society which has real editorial of the Australian Financial Review economic strength and genuine wealth. on 29 September described it as "a piece of Future generations will have a terrible inspired idiosy". Most of the beneficiaries inheritance unless the Government recasts of that handout will be higher income its priorities, does its arithmetic, and earners, while, at the same time, the abandons the disastrous economic policies Government is taking an extra $10 million which are leading Victoria to economic ruin. in stamp duty from used car dealers. This will affect low-income earners through the Mr STEGGALL (Swan Hill)-This is the price of used cars. In addition, the first State Budget with which I have been Government is taking $35 million extra in associated as an observer or member of the petrol taxes. Opposition. It has been a fascinating time The Government's attitude is best for me as a member who has just entered illustrated by its claim that, by not increasing Parliament to listen to back-bench mem the energy consumption levy, it is costing bers, particularly from the Government itself $14 million. By what piece of strange benches, boasting ofthe enormous amounts logic it can reach that conclusion, I do not of extra money being spent in various areas know. The Government seems to think that, that are being controlled and interfered with by not increasing taxes any more than it by Government. They are all extremely has, that is, by 40 per cent, that somehow it proud. Democracy faces the problem that is costing itself money. I fail to see the over the years community attitudes elect Government's point, because the people who will give more in the "gimme" Government's argument fails in logic. society. The current Budget and Govern ment supporters in the debate have shown The Government not only fails in logic in the attitude to its full. Honourable mem that exercise, but it fails also in economic bers should examine the results of the logic because it fails to comprehend the handout society in which we live. economic realities of the community. The Government is bound by its ideology to Governments are putting more money pursue the course which it is pursuing, into certain areas, particularly community regardless of the consequences to the welfare services. More money must be found community and regardless of the fact that it to cope with unemployment, homeless is already operating at a deficit. It has youth, deserted wives and women's shelters admitted, by its own arithmetic, that with that are in increasing demand. Pre-release this Budget expenditure will again exceed programmes are being introduced in gaols revenue. This is an extraordinary situation because of the shortage of gaol accommo because the Government inherited a surplus dation. The fabric of society and the way in of $6 million and it finished the financial which money is distributed and collected year 1982-83 with a deficit of$160 million. have caused these problems. That takes some doing, but this The Premier and Ministers have trav Government has achieved it. It started off elled around the State and Melbourne the year $6 million in front and finished up boasting of the benefits of the Government $160 million behind. That takes talent, and and have maintained that the Government the deep thinkers opposite have represents all Victorians. The people of 1228 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills country Victoria do not swallow that claim to office, which I consider was a disaster, in any shape or form. The 2 per cent edu was the appointment 'Of the new Director of cation cuts across the system will have an Tourism. It then created a bigger region. enormous effect in regional areas. Reducing Instead of the region operating from Mil emergency teaching allocations in small dura to Kerang, which is quite a distance, it schools will have a considerable effect. If now extends from the other side ofMildura two teachers are taken away from a school on the South Australian border, right down and emergency teaching is required for the to Rochester, which is in the Murray Valley rest of the term, more problems will be region. That region receives considerable caused than if a larger school had existed. community interest along the river with It was interesting to note the figures pre places like Echuca, Swan Hill, Robinvale sented by the honourable member for Ben and Mildura. The shires that do not have a digo indIcating that the allocation has been larger contribution have some effort in jus decreased from $40·6 million to $37 mil tifying staying in the region. lion. With the amount of trouble being cre Since the region has been formed and ated with that cut in schools in the area I people have accepted the increased size, the represent, particularly small schools, I won Government has cut its funds. I am not sure der where the $37 million will be spent. how the tourist regions will operate in this Technical and further education colleges way. The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement is were introduced a few years ago. The de not only a tourist attraction, but also an mand for those colleges, particularly in education centre. Many students, and even country areas, is well known. The former young adults, from the Melbourne area have Government set up a technical and further had their only Australian history experi education college at Charlton, which serv ence at Swan Hill. I wonder how the emer ices all the high schools in the various towns gency teacher cutback will affect places like in that region. Instead of having a technical the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. It may and further education component at each affect the Australian history education, school, students receive. that education at which always seems to miss out. For some Charlton. It was a first-class idea which was reason, people like to spend more time in well received and is working like a dream. schools and colleges on European, Asian, The Government suddenly decided to in American and English history while the his clude the Charlton Technical and Further tory of our nation is not paid as much atten Education College in the Bendigo region. tion. That is happening right throughout rural Former Governments have addressed the areas. The Bendigo region will set out its matter and supported the educational thrust priorities and the areas on the weaker side of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. Two of the region are the ones that will be af education officers at the settlement have fected. I hope the Minister of Education has been working well. It handles about 19 000 the case of the Charlton Technical and Fur students a year. Last week the ther Education College before him and that settlement received a letter indicating that, it will remain a direct funding operation owing to the 2 per cent cut in the Budget, from the Education Department, and not operate through the Bendigo region. The the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement would lose Bendigo region has nothing in common with 50 per cent of its education officers. The the Charlton college and the considerable settlement is also visited by the majority of expenditure that the Government has given Melbourne schools, many of which would to Bendigo is something that the smaller be from the Coburg electorate. They will rural regional centres do not enjoy. miss out and will be much the poorer for not understanding more about Australia's Another area that has suffered from history. regionalization is the tourist field. The re gion in north-western Victoria was working If some back-bench members of the La- . reasonably well. Communities were sup bor Party went into the country and had a porting it, local government was supporting look, they would appreciate what Australia it, and the results being achieved in many is all about. At present they lack an under cases were dependent upon their ability to standing of rural life, regional cities and promote the areas within that region. The centres. These are matters that those hon first thing the Government did when it came ourable members would do well to catch up Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1229 on. The Treasurer is going to Bendigo this The Government ought to talk with local week and it must seem to him that he is government throughout Victoria, find out going to the outback. what areas are required to be maintained The regional library service has also suf and dispose of the other areas at market fered cutbacks. Over the years, this area has value to the people on adjacent land. I quote been popular with Labor Party politicians. a paragraph from a letter from the Depart Before the last election, promises were made ment of Crown Lands and Survey to one about what a Labor Government would do landholder. It states: for libraries in regional Victoria, but in this On the cancellation of a licence the former licensee Budget cuts have been made. The Swan Hill shall, if required by the Secretary for Lands, construct library, which covers Swan Hill, Wyche at his own cost a sufficient fence on the common proof and the City of Swan Hill, will be boundary of his land and the road/frontage. After he affected because there will now have to be a has constructed the fence he shall keep it in good re 35 per cent increase in input for those mu pair. nicipalities. So much for the 2 per cent; that The letter goes on to tell the landholder to figure does not equal 2 per cent in regional do just that. There will be a very interesting Victoria. time with the bureaucrats and primary in The Government has closed six court dustry in the next eight or ten months if the houses in the electorate I represent alone, Government brings in these rates. It is ar and once again it has cut off and slowed gued that the people of Victoria must ob down a service which rural people have tain a proper return for the value ofthe land needed and enjoyed over many years. they own. I do not believe the people of Victoria will be too keen on ownership of When one looks back at the years oflead all the unused roads in Victoria and I sug ership of Sir Henry Bolte in this State, one gest that the Government strongly consid finds that there was an enormous build-up ers selling off at market value areas of land in rural services, in Government education not required by local government and State and private enterprise areas. However, dur Government. Some 1500 miles of these ing the past few years, successive Govern roads are spread throughout the Shire of ments have moved in harder and harder on Swan Hill. They go nowhere and come from the rural economy. This Government has nowhere. gone in harder still. The State Electricity Commission is reducing its staff; the Total From time to time, people in the country izator Agency Board is moving into agen have enjoyed assistance with pay-roll tax cies in different communities; Lands concessions for decentralization incentives. Department offices are being closed; and The word "decentralization" should not be teacher numbers are being thinned out in used in this place, particularly as country areas have never known proper decentrali rural areas. zation policies or programmes to be imple This Budget has also increased Crown mented. One of the reasons for this is that land rentals throughout Victoria. A lot of it is very difficult to do; one can put words Crown land is mainly disused roads or non to it, but if incentives to free enterprise are used roads and consists of long, narrow cut, it is difficult for business to be estab strips right through properties. The Gov lished in rural areas. The time is probably ernment is raising the rental for that land not far away when there will be an increase from $10 to $50 a year. Farmers are now in business moving out of the capital cities saying that while the rental was $10 a year because of the problems of cities, the break they would wear it, but now that the charge downs that occur and the rules and regula is in excess of$50 for a small wood lot, they tions that are imposed. It is hoped that may as well buy the land because in a cou regional Victoria, through its local govern ple of years it would be paid for in any case. ment and the rules of the State Govern Some discussion is taking place on what the ment, will not inhibit or make it difficult for future of these areas will be. In the mean them to move out. time many farmers are saying they will not When looking at the issue from a regional pay the rent. Unfortunately, some of these point of view, one wonders where the Gov lots go right through the middle of proper ernment will spend all the extra money. At ties. present in country Victoria, there is a lot of 1230 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills worry and concern about the future of bush If one looks at the public authorities div nursing hospitals and the small public hos idends, it is difficult to understand how the pitals. The hospital situation was men Treasurer can argue for hours about how tioned by the honourable member for good they are and rely on the fact that the Benambra, and I reiterate that, unless the State Electricity Commission does not have Minister begins to understand what the to increase its tariffs even though it will pay small hospitals in the country are all about, $103 million this year. there will be enormous troubles. The Min All that the public authorities dividend ister needs to understand better the plight taxation is doing is creating tax-gathering and operation of those hospitals and their agencies for the Government. There is no role in our small communities. doubt that, when the Treasurer looks around There are ten hospitals of various sizes in for more and more money to pay the high the electorate of Swan Hill. If the hospitals costs for less and less services, he will find are taken from the communities or are cut other public authorities such as local gov back, communities will fall down. The ernment or irrigation trusts, particularly in Budget also attacks the small schools. The country areas, on which to impose more school transport system, which is under re and more taxes. He will still stand up and view at the moment, is something that I am argue that, by charging extra tax, the public nervous about. authorities involved will not have to in crease their charges. I still have trouble with Mr Gavin-Have you put in a submis that view. sion? A lot has been said about the employ Mr STEGGALL-I wonder if the hon ment and training programme. All the pub ourable member for Coburg has put in a licity has been out, good headlines have been submission. I doubt that he would under obtained, but where are the jobs? When are stand what a bus transport service means to we going to get these promises fulfilled? I rural areas. The school transport interim hope that the employment schemes are re report has been presented to the Minister leased soon and that some people can be and the final one will be presented on 23 employed in those jobs for some time. These December this year. I am worried about jobs have been promised by the Govern what the Government will do with that ment and should be delivered in a hurry. report. In examining the Education Department There is now extra red tape and a tax on hostels, which is another attack on country country abattoirs which are also wanted in areas, I smile when the Government says the small communities. I hope that the that it is losing $250 000 a year on the hos Government does not re-write the rule book tels. I smile because the reason why the on small abattoirs to bring them up to the Treasurer wants to get hold of those is to same standard as the larger export abattoirs sell more ofthe assets to create a bigger pool that exist in the metropolitan area. of money, as he has done with the railways The rail freight situation has been well and other public areas in Victoria. If the canvassed by honourable members and the Treasurer and the Minister of Education service handling charge for the Grain Ele were fair dinkum in their approach to the vators Board has also been canvassed. plight of country students in Education De Money has been taken out of regional Vic partment hostels, they would cut $5 or $10 toria in both areas. However, when one from every $250 bribe that is being given to looks at the Grain Elevators Board's tax, someone who buys a new Australian-made one can see what the legal profession has car this year. That would more than pay for recently been calling an occupational tax. it. There is no way that the $4 million tax on The wine tax implementation creates the Grain Elevators Board can be described many problems and it is not just a wine except that it is an occupational tax on grain industry problem. In northern Victoria, growers in Victoria. The way that it has been which will suffer from the Federal taxation introduced, its intent and the way that grain introduced on wine this year, a lot of pres growers have been isolated concerns people sure is put on the amount of grape intake from rural areas. Where are these taxes that wineries will have. The vintage coming leading? up will be less than it should be. It also Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1231 diverts more grapes into the dried fruits in needs of all Victorians and to give all chil dustry and that industry throughout the dren kindergarten facilities. world is completely overloaded now. A lot The honourable member for Benambra of trouble will arise in the Victorian dried attacked the policies of the Minister of fruits areas. Once again, it does not matter Health. 1 congratulate the Minister of Health much in this House when one talks about because he has the courage of his convic the dried fruits industry because it is tions. The Government is taking action in situated only in the electorates of Mildura areas where rationalization can take place and Swan Hill. and where there can be some accountability The Government has referred to the tre for Government funds and public money. mendous efforts it has made towards rural The Minister is asking hospital managers to communities with its drought aid. It was become accountable for taxpayers' money. mainly Federal money and the rules were Everyone begrudges paying taxes, therefore laid down by the Federal Government. City accountability is essential. 1 am sure com communities are reaping the benefits of the mon sense will prevail and that the doctors assistance that has been given, which was will see the error of their ways. not that much when one considers the price Members of the Opposition do not mind of meat people in the metropolitan area are that middle-class doctors have decided to paying today. It is at rock bottom prices and hold a stop-work meeting. However, they the same can be said about all primary pro decry the working class whenever a stop duce in Victoria. work meeting is held. The shoe is on the The big benefits to the people of Victoria other foot for a change. The Opposition does through any drought aid, most of which was not decry the action of the doctors which Federal money, is being repaid now. One of jeopardizes the well-being of patients. the reasons for the assistance was to keep One should examine the history of medi our primary industries strong and viable. cal science. The medical profession was Our primary industries are strong and will originally a calling which provided a service be viable, and 1 only hope that the Govern to the community. What have doctors be ment will stop delving into the pockets of come? They are often greedy, selfish people. rural people and will commence re-assess The public is beginning to recognize that ing the whole role and function of Budget fact. No other profession has the same ac management. cess to public funds. How much does it cost Mr SEITZ (Keilor)-Members of the the taxpayer to educate a medical practi Opposition have gone through a ritual of tioner at university? However, doctors often saying that the Treasurer through the Budget do not consider putting money back into has restrained Victoria economically. 1 the community. It has been said that doc would like to add a few points and to high tors give of their time for the benefit of pa light some of the issues that members of the tients. The same can be said for many other Opposition have not come to grips with. professions and for the people who work numerous hours on a voluntary basis. They A lot of noise has been made about kin do not say to the public, "I deserve this dergarten restrictions on three-year-olds money because 1 have put in extra time". through the Health Commission as being Honourable members opposite do not raise part of the Budget but, in the electorate that those issues. As soon as the possibility of 1 represent, for many years we have not been some restriction arises, there is an enor able to house and provide kindergarten mous outcry by doctors. Medical practi facilities for four-year-olds. tioners have a responsibility to the It does not matter whether one is speak community and the nation which provided ing about migrant children or any other for their education and put them in a posi group of children in the community, pre tion to service the community. school experience is essential and impor Under the former Government, mental tant. It is important to allow four-year-olds health patients and sufferers of Downs syn the opportunity of gaining pre-school expe drome, multiple sclerosis and so on had to rience before they begin school. The Gov put up with apalling conditions and suf ernment's policy in this area is a fered years of neglect. The Labor Govern redistribution of facilities to cater for the ment is trying to improve their facilities. 1232 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills The medical profession did not take up that The introduction of Travelcards and the cause. That profession did not hold stop restructuring of the travel zones for public work meetings to improve facilities in the transport will, in the long term, be of benefit m~n~l health fie!d. Patients in 100-year-old to the community. The restructuring of the buIldings are dYIng of pneumonia because public transport system will encourage oflack of heating. These people are the least commuters to use their regional shopping able to raise public opinion about their centres. Under the new system, students plight. There is often embarrassment within who live in the western suburbs will find it a f~mily if a child or family member is suf more economical to use public transport. fenng from some sort of mental illness or The students who attend various colleges in disability. The Minister of Health has been the area I represent will find it cheaper to in the forefront of providing facilities for use the public transport system. Those peo-" this needy area. Will the medicos stand up pIe who at present have to pay anything up for the underdog instead of looking after to $20 a week to use private bus services their own profession? This fundamental and vehicles to transport their children half a mile or so to school each day will find the question should be asked of the medical new public transport fare system more eco profession. nomical. The medical profession was able success Mr Kem~ton-Mr Acting Speaker, I draw fully to lobby former Governments. The your attentIon to the state of the House. demise of Medibank meant that the low in come earners were the ones to suffer. They A quorum was formed. were the people who could not afford to pay Mr SEITZ-Members of the Opposition health insurance premiums and had to add and the National Party have criticized the their names to public hospital waiting lists. employment initiatives programme. Those The winding up of Medibank did not affect honourable members have obviously lost the !Diddle classes, but they did not take up touch with the community and the people the Issue on behalf of the low income earn they represent because they have failed to ers. notice the achievements gained through the programme. The doctors say that they are concerned about patients. Do they mean that they are The employment initiatives programme concerned about the patients who payor has been taken up by the Federal Govern the poorer patients who cannot afford to ment. pay and who have to rely on the services of Mr Maclellan-Mr Acting Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the hon
The employment initiatives programme did not do that because I was dismayed should be aSSIsting those in the community and I have said publicly how dismayed I who are disadvantaged, namely, the young was-by the allocation for education capi people and migrants, but the scheme has tal works in the Barwon South-Western Re made no attempt to do that-mainly be gion. In contrast to the average State cause its whole thrust is wrong. It does not increase of 38 per cent, the increase for the provide good, permanent, free-enterprise region is only slightly more than 10 per cent, types ofjobs. The thrust of the progrcunme which means that the education capital is aimed at providing short-term jobs that works expenditure for that region just kept equip the participants with no particular pace with the rate of inflation. There was skills. It removes them from the ranks of very little real growth. Members of the the unemployed in the short-term but, when Government party who represent seats in their employment terminate&. they have the region can take no pride in that, and I gained no particular skills. That is the situ am sure their constituents will, at the next ation not only in metropolitan Melbourne State elections show their views as to the but also in country Victoria. It is a regretta disadvantage the region suffered. I regret this ble state of affairs because the Govermtlent situation very deeply and I should like to should be taking a more constructive and hear from other honourable members who long-term approach towards solving this represent electorates in the Geelong area, problem. At present it is taking a purely who should also regret the lack of expendi band-aid approach. The Government ture. should consider adopting alternative schemes to help those disadvantaged and Many schools in the electorate I represent unemployed persons to whom I have re would benefit from increased expenditure ferred. on capital works. It is disappointing that the general thrust of the Government's Budget I turn now to the education segment of is aimed at benefiting metropolitan Mel the Budget, which particularly highlights the bourne and perhaps some of the larger thrust of the Govenment's policy in its provincial cities, but Geelong is not one of pump priming and fiscal stimulus of the those cities. I reiterate that the Bar Victorian economy. In it there is increasing won-South Western education region has expenditure on capital works. The average been badly served by the allocation for cap increase in education capital works expend ital works expenditure because the average iture for the State is 38 per cent, which is a increase for the whole of the State is 38 per clear reflection of the Government's general cent, but it is only a little more than 10 per thrust. However, I am sad to see that in cent for the Barwon-South Western region. some education regions the sort of increase That is a very sad state of affairs. in capital works expenditure has simply not occurred. The general thrust of the Budget is to wards promoting any extra stimulus or pri If the Government had the intention of mary activity towards the metropolitan area stimulating the economy across the board, or areas other than western Victoria. The it would have applied the increase in capital people in the electorate I represent will make works expenditure more or less across the their presence felt at the next State election board. Indeed, I was pleased to see the hon in Geelong and other regional centres where ourable member for Geelong West at a the Australian Labor Party currently holds meeting in Geelong at which education cap seats, because it promotes those sorts of ac ital works expenditure for the Bar tivities. won-South Western education region of Another area of the community that has Victoria was announced. It is clear just experienced cutbacks by the Government is which area of Victoria is being grossly dis education where specialist teachers, emer advantaged by the general thrust of capital gency teachers and other similar elements works expenditure and specifically disad have been affected and sacrificed as a result vantaged by the capital works expenditure of the Government churning money and in the education sphere. funds into capital works programmes. What Some members of this Parliament who a sad state of affairs when education is sac represent the Geelong area walked out of rificed and run down to build up State cap that meeting with grins on their faces, but I ital works. That is the direction in which Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1237
the Government is heading. No action has Ifhonourable members are not now aware been taken to rectify that situation. of the Liberal Party's position in the polls, I Within the caucus of the Government, point out that support for the Liberal Party those Government supporters representing is declining and is now down to 33 per cent. country seats should be taking every step to The Government is up to 53 per cent of the have the situation rectified, otherwise they vote and the National Party is picking up might not be sitting in caucus much longer. seats from those which have been vacated They would not want that. The Govern by retiring Liberal Party members. The Na ment is sacrificing country education facili tional Party has a dazzling opportunity of ties to allow it to chum money into the making some gains at the next election. It capital works area. may pick up seats from the Liberal Party Mr GA VIN (Coburg)-It was fascinating and, no doubt, it will pick up the seats of to listen to Queen Victoria's representative Warrnambool, Portland, Ballarat North, for Warrnambool, who has addressed the Ripon and maybe even Midlands and South House on the Budget. After listening to his Barwon. Those six seats are obvious possi speech, the Government should reconsider bilities for the National Party ifit continues giving him its second preferences as it did to follow the trend to become more and at the last elections; there is no way that the more moderate. It is more of a centre party ~ Government could possibly give preference than is the Liberal Party. to him again because the National Party Mr McNamara-I have always been a candidate could be no worse. I am amazed moderate. at the standard of debate on the Budget put Mr GA VIN-I understand that the hon forward by members of the Opposition. I ourable member for Benalla has always been am extremely worried about the relevance a moderate, as he points out, and if the Na that the debate has to the community at tional Party continues to take the centre line, large and what relevance the Parliament has as it has done with the Budget and the de to the community, given the way members bate on extended shop trading hours, it will of the opposition party have carried on dur continue to pick up seats and support. Dur ing the debate. ing those debates, the National Party was in Honourable members on the Opposition contrast to the Liberal Party which totally side of the House have criticized everything rejected everything because of its born again, the Government has done, whereas the Na laissez-faire capitalist attitudes. tional Party members have at least demon The National Party has an opportunity of strated the capacity to pick and choose. I replacing the Liberal Party as the major op congratulate them for agreeing with some position party in the House. It should con measures that are contained in the Budget sider how it could operate members in the Papers and opposing others. The National city. Maybe it could combine with the Aus Party has not demonstrated a blanket rejec tralian Democrats or another party to help tion of the Budget as was demonstrated by it eliminate Liberal Party members of Par the Liberal Party. liament in the city areas. The Liberal Party has a strange ideologi Honourable members interjecting. cal Leader who totally rejects everything to Mr GAVIN-If the National Party con do with welfare in Victoria and the post tinues to be more moderate and continues war consensus as we have understood it. to represent the centre of Victorian politics, His strange ideological, born again, laissez it can easily eliminate this extremist Liberal jaire capitalism is intended to push society Party leader who might be described as back 200 years. Those people who failed ~~Thatcherism without brains" and who is miserably as Liberal Party Government about to destroy the Liberal Party. He is the Ministers during the 1970s and 1980s-like reason why the Liberal Party is finished in the Leader of the Opposition and the Dep Victoria. The extreme ideological' position uty Leader of the Opposition now-wish to taken by the Liberal Party and by its Leader reimpose a dead social order on society, but has been rejected at the various State elec society will not tolerate that. That is why tions and in the opinion polls. There is an the people reject again and again the Liberal excellent opportunity for the National Party Party during elections and in the opinion if only it continues its present stance during polls. the next eighteen months. Session 1983-46 1238 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Hock by the Government is spent in a responsible ley)-Order! The honourable member for manner. Coburg should direct his remarks to the There are areas in which the Government Budget and should address the Chair.. has not acted responsibly although the Mr GA VIN-I am trying to demonstrate Government has acted very responsibly in how the National Party has approached the other areas ofGovernment expenditure. The debate in a sensible manner that is totally amount spent in the housing field was well unlike the approach taken by the Liberal and truly required. Party and that it will benefit considerably during the next eighteen months, if it con The Government has created some prob tinues with its moderate approach. lems for itself because prior to the last elec tion it made some promises. Those promises The Liberal Party totally rejects and wants had to be fulfilled up to a point although deregulation of everything, as was ex one must acknowledge that a lot of those pressed during the debate on extended shop promises could not be fulfilled. This does trading hours. The Liberal Party no longer not help the image of the Government or of deserves the support of the people who fol Parliamentarians. When promises are made low the centre of Victorian politics. The and they are not kept, people in the com Liberal Party is finished and the National munity become cynical of Parliamentarians Party should make use of every opportunity making these promises. to pick up more seats. If it joins with the Australian Democrats, the Labor Party will In some instances, some of the promises stay in power for the next five years. made prior to the election had to be hon The ACTING SPEAKER-Order! I am oured or many problems would have been sure the National Party knows where it is created for the Government. Teachers re heading. The honourable member for ceived an enormous increase in salary to Coburg should address the Chair on the overcome the likelihood of actions being Budget. taken by teacher unions. The increase in the number of public servants in Victoria is un Mr GA VIN-As I indicated, the debate acceptable. An additional 9100 public serv on the two Bills has been abysmal. I was ants have been appointed by the demonstrating that it was abysmal because Government since it assumed office. The of the performance of the Liberal Party. Like cost of public servant rental accommoda my colleagues, I congratulate the Treasurer tion has increased from $23 million to $30 on the Budget. I shall not go through the million this year, and the reason given to details of the Budget over and again, but me is that the accommodation leases have will conclude by appealing to the National had to be renegotiated. The additional sa Party to continue its good efforts. laries for the additional 9100 public serv Mr EBERY (Midlands)-The honoura ants cost between $200 million and $300 ble member for Coburg is a very difficult act million. to follow. I am certain that had the Premier That is one reason why the Government been listening to his dissertation he would is faced with a considerable deficit. Deals have !Jeen impressed! There is no doubt that have also been made outside the Concilia the quality ofback-benchers is magnificent! tion and Arbitration Commission. The re My comments relating to the Budget will sult has been increased borrowing and long be a fairly broad-ranging value assessment term interest payments which will mean that of it. It is necessary for an Opposition to be future Governments will have difficulty in constructively critical of all matters relating meeting those commitments. I am ~ot to the Budget. Over-all, the Opposition has against conciliation or meaningful neg~tla maintained a constructive and critical look tions taking place. The only way meanIng at budgetary matters. ful negotiations can operate is when both The Treasurer has introduced the second parties are prepared to sit down and nego Budget of the Labor Government. It is the tiate in the best interests of the State. same type of expansionary Budget as was I do not think the State can place itself in its first Budget. The Government must be financial isolation. Prior to the last election, very careful to ensure that the amount of the Treasurer made a number of comments income and expenditure received and spent and the now Premier said he believed the Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1239 State was financially equipped to overcome in Canberra could purchase wine from a many of the problems that existed. Victorian grower, take it to Canberra, re I shall quote a comment by Douglas turn it to the retailers in Victoria and sell it Wilkie which appeared in the Sun on 12 at a price cheaper than the Victorian retail July 1983. He made the comment when re ers could buy it. ferring to what happens in other parts of the It will create enormous problems for the world, particularly in those countries with small business people operating at the retail Socialistic philosophies, and he stated: level, for wholesalers and for wine growers. The lack of understanding by the Govern The Swedes, for their part, are modifying their wel fare State-so costly that the income tax needed to ment is evident in the statement of the Min finance it has become a corrosive deterrent to hard ister for Economic Development made in work. Bendigo that wine drinkers are not price conscious. That statement is as elitist as the That comment should be paramount in the remark made by the Premier that the yacht minds of members of the Government ing fraternity is elitist. Of course, after the party. It is only a matter of thinking about results of the America's Cup challenge, the what happened to New York when that city Premier wanted the next challenge to be held fell to a Socialistic philosophy. Douglas on Port Phillip Bay, yet he would not assist Wilkie went on to state: yachtsmen to go to America to race! The Danes and the Austrians, after long years of Many wine retailers are operating on be feather-bedding by Socialist Governments, have ~n tween 8 per cent to 11 per cent profit mar gratefully swung to the right at recent polls. gins. An increase of 11 per cent in taxes These developments have taken place in just those means that they will not make any profit. countries which at one time or another have been held One operator will have to find $175000- up by our ALP spokesmen as models of social democ he is a large operator-and there is no pos racy on the march, from which Australia had much to sibility of him finding that money to pay for learn. the added tax. I am warning the Government that ifit does Without doubt, the Government blun not stop trying to spend its way out offinan dered into this tax. It did not think it cial difficulties, in the long term it will be through. The only way in which the tax will detrimental to the whole economic struc operate is if all States were on the same tax ture of the State because there is no way basis. Wine merchants and the wine indus that any person with entrepreneurial abil try do not object to some form of tax; they ity, who is prepared to get up and do some do not object to an equitable tax. Restau thing, will have an incentive to do that. It rants in VIctoria will purchase wine outside will mean that long-term employment op Victoria and bring it back to the State with portunities, and the ability of the State to out paying the 11 per cent tax. It will be tax people, will become fewer and fewer and almost impossible for the wine industry to there will be no hope of the State getting out continue. The variance between New South of its financial difficulty. Wales' and South Australia's taxing meas To give one example, the Budget has in ures is 8 per cent and 10 per cent. creased the tax on wine sales from 9 per Already since the Budget, there has been cent to 20 per cent. It would be wise to a drop of approximately 25 per cent to 30 explain how this tax works because it is a per cent in wine sales. As the honourable tax imposed at the retail level. The first pay member for Swan Hill interjects, it will ment is due in December. It is based on last mean that more grapes will be available for year's wine sales. At the moment, there is a dried fruits, which will compound the prob different level of tax between the States. In lems of that industry. Victoria there is a 20 per cent tax on wine, The medium-sized wine producers would in New South Wales a 10 per cent taxon be all right if they sold their products at the· wine and in South Australia a 12 per cent door, as they would then not be subject to tax on wine. There are 769 retail bottled the tax. If they produced more wine than liquor licences in Victoria and 622 of those, they can sell at the door and that wine is or 81 per cent, are small businesses. An ex sold through retailers, they will have to pay ample of what can and will happen under a 20 per cent tax. Most wine growers are not this proposed wine tax is that an operator able to sell all their products at the door. 1240 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
The Government's policy is ridiculous. The personnel are experiencing difficulty now Budget highlights the lack of knowledge of because people are being made aware of the Government and the lack of assistance their "rights" and the powers of those per by the Government that the Opposition sonnel responsible for disciplinary meas believes is essential. ures are being eroded. The allocation for the young farmers pro If anyone of those personnel is charged gramme has been cut by $60 000. Fewer of with some misdemeanour that has to go to ficers will be appointed for the programme. a disciplinary hearing, it is more or less a The group is an excellent group of young matter of guilty until proven innocent, people who contribute enormously to the which is a reversal of common law. Civil community. It is wrong to cut those funds. rights groups have done a lot to inform peo Research stations and the delivery of ple of their rights, but in the process have those services have also been cut. The for made it more difficult for those who have mer Government set up these research sta the responsibility of law enforcement to tions and the delivery of these services carry out those responsibilities. which, over the years, have contributed I now turn to the bush nursing hospitals substantially to the State. in Victoria. They have given excellent serv The Royal Society for the Prevention of ice over many years, but now they are not Cruelty to Animals is another group to be sure of their future. They have been in touch affected by the Budget. The society contrib with the Federal Minister for Health, Dr utes enormously to the health of animals Blewett, and he maintains that the State and I wonder what will happen now to sick Minister should give a different priority to animals? The society's allocation has been the bush nursing hospitals, which are now cut by 20 per cent. It appears that the Gov considered to be private hospitals. Many ernment is trying to transfer those respon country people living in isolated areas re sibilities to local councils, which would be quire the service of a bush nursing hospital, unworkable. Council officers finish work at and if it is taken away it will mean a whole 5 p.m.-whal happens after 5 p.m.? region will not be covered. The two Minis On many occasions, the Minister for ters directly concerned should resolve the Community Welfare Services maintained problem as quickly as possible. that the former Government left this State The Government also lacks an under bereft of community welfare services. Her standing of the responsibilities and prob statement cannot be justified. In prison lems confronting rural communities. services, the former Government built Jika Primary producers have to rely almost solely Jika and a new hospital at Pentridge Prison; on exports. They have to compete on world it upgraded "J" division and Fairlea Fe markets for commodities such as wheat and male Prison and prior to the last election wool, and up to a point, meat. The Euro was ready to implement the construction of pean Economic Community has delved a new remand centre. Plans and specifica deeply into many contracts that it has with tions for a new remand centre were ready in the Victorian and Australian primary pro April 1982 and nothing has been done-not ducers, and I believe in the long term the one brick has been laid. European Economic Community will be of Overcrowding of prisons has reached a minimal assistance to primary producers. ridiculous stage. Both prison warders and Primary producers have to budget for police officers are dissatisfied with these each financial year on what they hope to conditions and the sooner the problem of obtain for their commodities on the over overcrowding is resolved, the better. Many seas market. They did not receive the 4· 3 prisoners are being released far too early per cent increase that wages and salary simply because there is no space available earners received, nor did they receive the for them in the prison system. consumer price index increases, yet the A certain philosophy prevailing in soci Government has been dilatory in giving ety at present has undesirable ramifications milk producers an increase in milk prices. for those many people in the community Primary producers waited eighteen months who have jobs of carrying out disciplinary for an increase, yet they had to bear in measures such as educators, prison warders creased State Electricity Commission and members of the Police Force. Those charges and railway freights. I wonder what Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1241 would have happened if public servants and real value for the taxpayers' dollar. What is other wage earners had not had an increase needed is not an expansion in the Govern in wages in eighteen months. The Govern ment sector but an expansion in the private ment turns its back on these people and it sector. The Government seems to have put is unforgivable for a Government to treat a all its eggs in one basket and to be hoping section of the community so irresponsibly. that massive capital expenditure and ex There are also problems with the employ pansion of the Public Service will lead to ment initiatives grant. The Government regeneration. In fact, the statistics over the should give to local government a greater past twelve months reveal that the rate of hearing when allocating finances for those unemployment in Victoria is higher than purposes where the councils have the ac the average for Australia, more particularly countability, the responsibility and super the rate of unemployment in the private vision of such grants. U ntiI that happens, sector is expanding, while there is a mar many of the funds being allocated will not ginal increase in the rate of employment in be used for the long-term benefit of this the public sector. These are areas in which State. These grants are taxpayers' funds and the Government is going down the wrong their expenditure should be supervised. track. The Opposition has looked at the various One sees from the Budget Papers that a measures which the Government has insti number of capital assets are being sold and gated and has made constructive criticism that a large amount is being borrowed from of them. The Opposition hopes the policies the State Development Fund-a figure of of the Government will help ·overcome the $175 million. A sum of $ 311·6 million is economic plight that is confronting the State being raised by the selling of transport as and the Commonwealth, but it has reserva sets. This is somewhat typical of the pea tions because they have been tried in other and shell sleight of hand accounting that parts of the world and it has been found does not appear in the Budget Papers. In all that, by spending too much in the public other State Governments, capital charges sector, the private sector is being denied the on institutions such as the State Electricity initiative and determination to work and Commission and the Gas and Fuel Corpo make a profit. This in turn creates employ ration are shown as taxes, but in the Victo ment, and finances the taxing powers of rian Budget Papers they are listed separately which the State is desperately in need when and are not shown as taxes. one looks at the Budget that was brought That probably accounts for the discrep down by the Treasurer last month. ancy between the Opposition's estimate of Mr McNAMARA (Benalla)-This an increase of more than 40 per cent in State Budget reveals a great number of concerns, charges and the Government's estimate. All the most notable is that it reveals that this of the charges should be included in the is a Government of big taxes and of irre estimate. The assets that are being taken sponsible financial management. It shows from the State Development Fund and, to the public that this is a Bankcard Gov more particularly, the transport assets that ernment-buy now and pay later. The in are being sold are areas in which frugal crease in State charges over the past eighteen Governments in the past have built up eq months amounts to more than 40 per cent. uity. In a short period, the Government is The Premier, when Leader of the Opposi hocking those assets. In the long term, that tion, promised that there would be no in is a dangerous precedent to follow. Under creases in State charges if the Labor Party the efficient management of former Gov was elected to Government, but after the ernments, Victoria's finances were in good election this was shown to be hypocrisy. shape. Because the Government is cashing There has been a massive expansion in those assets, future taxpayers will have to the public sector, and the net growth to the redeem them. That is not the way Victoria Victorian public sector has exceeded the net should be heading. growth of the Public Service in all other I notice in the Budget Papers that no pro States of Australia over the same period, vision was made for payment of the pipe including the Commonwealth. This is a line tax. The Government is relying on matter of real concern to all people who Esso-Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. to want to ensure that Governments provide put off that charge for the years hence. It is 1242 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills typical of the buck passing of responsibility has one State insurance authority that cov to future years. There seems to be a token ers all workers compensation policies. It is ism in the Government's attitude to small able to make offers to people and people business. Great play is made of the number have the recourse of going to court through of areas where assistance has been in common law, but many people opt to take creased, particularly in the pay-roll tax ex the cash settlement and thereby save many emption figure, from $140 000 to $200 000. thousands of dollars in legal charges. Work Without tallying up the assistance provided ers compensation charges are out of hand to small business by way of direct incen in the Victorian scheme. tives, I note that the amount provided will One area that particularly concerns coun be about $30 million. On the other side of try people is the ridiculous public authority the ledger, there is approximately $88 mil dividend tax of $4 million being faced by lion in additional charges. the Grain Elevators Board. There is no jus The Government is trying, again by tification for that charge. sleight of hand, to give the appearance of Mr Harrowfield-Why not? giving real assistance, but other charges have to be met which add to the cost of employ Mr McNAMARA-The Grain Eleva ment. There are charges such as land tax tors Board has been totally funded by grain and charges to State authority's, such as the growers and the tax the Government is State Bank of Victoria and the Gas and Fuel placing on it is little more than an occupa Corporation. The real areas that lead to in tion tax. There is no way in the world one creased costs of employment are workers can compare the Grain Elevators Board with compensation, penalty rates and superan bodies such as the State Electricity Com nuation. Those matters need addressing. mission and the Gas and Fuel Corporation. The National Party is glad to note that a The Grain Elevators Board is little more study is currently being conducted into su than a co-operative. It has the role of trans perannuation in the public sector. Penalty porting grain from the farmers' delivery rates is certainly an area that needs to be points to the Australian Wheat Board. It is addressed. an organization of growers that is totally funded by growers, who have maintained The Prime Minister has expressed a de its efficiency. sire that penalty rates may need to be re considered in some areas. Penalty rates were One of the reasons that was given by the a luxury society could afford in more afflu Government for the imposition of the tax ent times, but with the stringent economic was the fact that the Grain Elevators Board conditions Governments face at present, the had large capital assets that it put aside over benefits given in the past need to be ad the years to provide the capital works nec dressed. Workers compensation is one of essary to carry out improvements in the the most significant problems. It is interest system. The Government said that those ing to note the discrepancies between the funds could be more efficiently used in the cost of premiums in Victoria and the costs Government's system, but it is not Govern in other States such as Queensland. I was ment money. That money is provided solely privy to a document that contained a list of by grain growers. The Grain Elevators Board about 23 industries. In virtually every in has the stamp of a statutory authority to dustry, the workers compensation charges enable it to deal on the money market and in Victoria are double the charges in other to deal with other Government instrumen States. There may be other circumstances talities. Perhaps the grain growers of this that come into play, such as cheap and effi State should set up their own co-operative cient hospital services; and free services and forget about the protection of a statu provided in Queensland. There are cer tory authority. They certainly would not tainly reasons why workers compensation have to pay the tax of$4 million if they did. should be considered. One of the reasons In a season such as last year, the tax would that has been attributed to the considerable amount to about $12 a tonne. savings in workers compensation premi The honourable member for Portland, by ums in Queensland is that it has endeav way of interjection, has said, "more". He is oured to take the legal profession out of the probably correct. It is a disastrous prece industry as much as possible. Queensland dent. I ask whether the Government will be Appropription Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1243 consistent and tax the Builders Labourers their charges, but how else will they do it? Federation or the Victorian Teachers Will they wave a magic wand? They cer Union. It is an occupational tax on a body tainly will not. We all know who will pay that is totally funded by one occupation, those charges; it will be the same people namely, the grain growers of the State. Ifthe who paid them last year-the consumers. Treasurer has the courage of his moral con Similarly, the Melbourne and Metropolitan victions, I hope he will be able to attend the Board of Works will be forced to pay $55 meeting on Friday night and explain the million in public authorities tax and it must measure to the grain growers and assure pass those charges on to its consumers. them that he will be consistent and apply Public transport fares have also gone the tax to other occupational groups. through the roof, with a 100 per cent in Grain growers have suffered severely in crease in city tram fares. Many of the prom recent years. They have had an increase in ises that were made by the Government excess of 50 per cent in rail freights in the prior to its election have been forgotten; past three years. Everyone knows that this is another. They promised that they graingrowers subsidize the rail system and would make public transport cheaper and yet last year the Government was bemoan more efficient. That is another promise that ing the fact that a particularly poor harvest the Government, in its wisdom, has de was had. Some of the problems of V/line cided to back away from. were brought about because insufficient Another area of real concern is bush nurs grain was transported by farmers and, ing hospitals. No provision has been made therefore, farmers were not able to subsi in the Budget to assist bush nursing hospi dize the suburban system as they had been tals. Instead, the Government has attacked able to do in the past. them most viciously. It has stripped bush The allocation to library services has ef nursing hospitals of capital funding. The fectively been reduced by 30 per cent. Over Minister of Health said that, if necessary, a number of years, particularly under the he would step in and assist those hospitals leadership of Premier Hamer, there was an if they suffered as a result of actions by the improvement in funding. Regional library Federal Government. The Federal Govern groups were encouraged, and they provided ment placed bush nursing hospitals in cate a particularly effective library service, espe gory C, which puts them in a class similar cially in country areas. I was privileged to to private hospitals. Bush nursing hospitals be chairman of the Goulburn Valley library are now guaranteed only $100 a bed a day, service for a number of years. That service whereas last year they were receiving $138, covers thirteen municipalities in the area. and this is despite the fact that at present At that stage, the funding was on the basis the average running cost is $119 a bed a of $2 for $1 and we were looking forward, day. in the future, to that becoming $3 for $1. This situation will threaten many bush This is the first time in many years that a nursing hospitals. In fact, the Bush Nursing backward step has been taken in library Hospitals Association has stated that it ex services and the Government, which claims pects approximately 31 of the 38 bush nurs to be the champion of the underprivileged, ing hospitals to go out of business if the has back-pedalled on the free library serv State Government does not step in and do ice, which as it suggests, is a service that something. It is ridiculous that bush nurs allows people who cannot afford to pur ing hospitals should be placed in the same chase many of the books available to bor category as private hospitals because people row them at no cost. This is certainly a in small country towns regard their bush backward step. nursing hospitals as public hospitals. The Energy charges have gone through the people have provided support in the form roof. The public authorities tax means that of fund raising programmes. It is marvel the Gas and Fuel Corporation will have to lous for those people to have their own hos pay $170 million and the State Electricity pitals in their own towns. These hospitals Commission will have to pay $104 million. were originally constructed with public These charges will have to be passed on. funding but the Government, in its wis The Government has naively said that there dom, seems to be walking away from that is no need for those authorities to increase responsibility. 1244 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
There is a problem with elderly people, particularly harsh taxes on this industry and particularly those who reach the stage of is offering no protection. At the same time, needing geriatric care. It is important to have it is charging exorbitant fees on hotels. a local hospital where these patients may The National Party hopes that the Gov see out their days. It is distressing, not only ernment will seriously reconsider this 20 per to the individual patient but also to his or cent tax on the wine industry. It is high her relatives, if it is necessary for the patient lighted in electorates close to a State border to be taken 50 or 100 miles to a regional because, in New South Wales, wines can be hospital. This is an example of the prob sold at hotels or stores with licence fees being lems we have in country areas that the city half of those charged in Victoria. I would community does not have to contend with. hate to be a publican in Wodonga or to be The sitting was suspended at 6.14 p.m. running a liquor shop with people in Albury until 8.5 p.m. being able to sell wine at markedly lower Mr McNAMARA-The National Party prices. This is an area that the Government is concerned about this big Government, seriously needs to address. the government of big taxes and irresponsi There has been an increase in the amount ble financial management. I earlier referred set aside for public housing and the Na to it as the Bankcard government-a Gov tional Party always welcomes an increase in ernment that spends now and worries about the construction of public housing. Welfare paying later. housing in Victoria was first established by Another area of concern to the National a Country Party Government under the Party is the wine levy has been placed on leadership of Sir Albert Dunstan and it is retailers which has been increased from 9 pleasing to see that successive Govern per cent to 20 per cent. It is particularly ments, both Liberal and Labor, have fol harsh when one considers the problems that lowed that precedent set by the Country hotels and licensed grocers are now facing Party-now the National Party-and as a result of the Government's early deci members of the National Party certainly sion to drop the minimum price of beer support it. because supermarkets with a licensed liquor While on paper the expenditure on wel section can use the liquor section as a loss fare housing appears to be good, it has to be leader to attract and sell other commodities remembered that much of the money set that they have to offer, whereas the licensed aside is for reconstruction of housing as a liquor stores and hotels have no other com result of the bush fires, so it is not quite as modity to sell. good as it appears at first glance. It is interesting that the licence fees on I specifically mention the provision of wine in other States vary from 9 per cent to granny flats and portable units. I have been 12 per cent, but in Victoria it will be 20 per advised that that section of the housing cent. This is a particularly harsh burden on budget has been effectively slashed this year hoteliers and liquor shops, and they believe and that in real terms the Housing Com it is almost a retrospective tax. mission has only half the amount set aside The Government has given them the op this year that it had last year. tion to pay on a quarterly basis, which might Many of the portable units were provided seem gracious, but it is charging 10 per cent to bush-fire victims. Although the Govern interest on the outstanding amount. ment was required to act promptly to assist In the electorate that I represent, there are bush-fire victims, it would be only right and 60 hotels which are essential industries in proper that it reimbursed that fund so that small communities, and the same can be elderly people did not have to wait twice as said about licensed liquor shops. The Na long for housing. The waiting list for Hous tional Party believes the number of people ing Commission homes-both normal res they employ, especially on a casual basis, idential houses and granny flats-has grown adds greatly to the community and solves in the past twelve months. The Govern what would otherwise be an unemployment ment must address that problem. problem in country areas. The Government has been trying to sell The industry is highly regulated and it is the proposal that it should abolish pay-roll not just a matter of opening up a shop and tax concessions to processing and manufac selling liquor. The Government is placing turing industries in country Victoria. Re- Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1245 cently, a Maryborough newspaper reported The recession has hit business and low-in that the Minister for Economic Develop come earners; it has affected the whole of ment said that it cost the Government $26 the community. We are only just beginning million for those concessions. He was re to realize the depths to which this nation's ported as saying it would amount to a loss economy had fallen in recent months. of only 6000 jobs in the country if conces Mr Jasper-Who do you blame? sions were abolished. Mr CAIN-I blame the former Liberal Honourable members interjecting. National Party coalition. It is par for the Mr McNAMARA-The Minister inter course; that is true. The Government and jects to state that he did not say that. I cer Government agencies have to share the tainly hope he did not say that. Every burden. The Budget provides a significant honourable member realizes that many stimulus to economic growth, while at the country jobs are protected by pay-roll tax same time restraining the State's recurrent concessions and any move to withdraw expenditure growth to some 6·6 per cent, those concessions would be devastating for which I understand is the lowest for some country Victoria. thing in the order of eighteen or more years. The Government seems to be extending No Government in that time has been able public sector spending and not focusing at to restrain the expenditure growth in this tention on the development of the private State and the public sector to those levels sector. Recovery will come from the private for that period of time. Let that put the lie sector. Australian economists have pointed to the assertion of "big government". out that $1 spent in the private sector goes The Budget provided a substantial boost further than it would in the public sector. to capital works, particularly in the housing Economists consider the ratio to be 2: 1 and sector, and a comprehensive incentive this demonstrates the value of encouraging package to industry will, we are confident, development in the private sector. consolidate the Government's successful The Labor Government seems bent on policies that were introduced last year. havin~ "big government"; it practises big These policies-as the honourable member spendIng and big taxes. Large taxes and for Polwarth will realize in the electorate he charges were problems the Labor Party said represents-have put Victoria ahead of all would never happen before it was elected. other States. We are better placed to move The National Party is concerned at the es with the general economic recovery that is calation of the 40 per cent growth in State taking place than any other State. charges. Private industry cannot bear these As I said in question time today, all the charges. We must encourage the develop economic indicators point that way. Since ment of the private sector. If the Govern early this year, we have reduced the trend ment addresses these problems, the that put Victoria below the national average Victorian economy will have a chance of in economic activity and growth to a posi recovery. tion of prominence, a prominence which I Mr CAIN (Premier)-I raise a few points believe the honourable member for Pol at this stage of the debate so that honoura warth would wish to share. ble members are clear about what the Budget All the economic indicators show that sets out to achieve and can understand what Victoria is leading the rest of the country it has already achieved and what will be out of the recession. We will be in a position achieved during the remainder of the finan to pick up when the most significant trend cial year. starts to come through and the increase in The Budget is designed primarily to economic activity starts to occur. Our initi strengthen the basis for recovery. It sets atives are designed to generate and acceler out-without any apology at all-to ensure ate that recovery, particularly in the private that there is proper restraint on the current sector. The massive injection of funds into expenditure and provides, as the second leg, capital expenditure is a crucial stimulatory a considerable boost to capital works. This measure which inevitably will produce follows the strategy the Government com and has already produced-flow-on bene menced with its 1982 Budget. fits in the private sector. The Budget also requires that there be I shall deal with housing, an area ably equality of sacrifice during difficult times. administered by the Minister of Housing, 1246 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills who is seated behind me. Victoria has led Although the Government has clearly es the way dramatically and demonstrably in tablished stimulatory measures to generate housing commencements. When one com economic activity and growth, it has also pares the commencement figures in this reigned in its running costs. The Govern State with those of other States, it is clear ment has made no apologies for its actions. that the policies we have followed are start The Government has required its senior ing to bear the fruit where it affects people mana~ers of Government and statutory au most-housing construction and what flows thoritIes, who are all well paid in my view, on as a result of housing construction and to ensure that they obtain the best results housing commencement. for Victorians from the dollars that they spend, that their management is tight and The Government has examined rigour efficient and that the money is channelled ously all options in its bid to improve effi into areas where it is most needed. ciency in the public sector and in ensuring that available funds go as far as possible. I know that those measures have come as The savings achieved have been redirected a cultural shock in some places because there to create job creation initiatives. A few of was a need to effect a turnaround from the the major stimulatory features include the runaway spending trends set by the former allocation to housing, which went up 80 per Government. However, the Government is cent last year and was boosted again this determined to ensure that the requirements year by $271 million. Expenditure under of tight budgeting and efficient manage the Government works programme will be ment are effected at all levels. $1699 million, which is up 43 per cent on I remind the House again that, shortly last year. The major increases are in those after the Australian Labor Party came to critical areas that affect people most-edu office in June 1982, the Treasurer received cation, transport and roads. estimates from his officers that, on un I shall list measures designed to stimulate changed policies, forecast a deficit for employment in the private sector. The basic 1984-85 of approximately $1·43 billion. pay-roll tax exemption has been lifted from That is a king's ransom. However, jUdging $140 000 to $200 000. This significant by the interjections of the honourable mem change means that, of the 18246 employers ber for PolwaI1h, is it any wonder that the currently paying pay-roll tax, 11 580, or 63 Liberal Party was so clearly and demonstr ably dismissed by the electorate nineteen per cent, will have their burden reduced. months ago? Is there any reason why the Approximately 3250 businesses will be freed electorate would re-elect the Liberal Party? from paying pay-roll tax altogether. One should not be surprised at the recent I take up the point made by the honoura opinion polls, which indicate that only 33 ble member for Benalla on the need to stim per cent of the electorate supports the Lib ulate the private sector. A clear indication eral Party. That must be a record low! of the intention of the Government to stim Shortly after assuming office, the best ulate the private sector was the decision to Treasurer in Australia faced a mammoth provide a $250 rebate to be paid to individ task. However, the Treasurer has ensured uals who buy new Australian-made motor that the initial estimate has been cut to cars or station wagons. That decision will something less than $150 million for help stimulate the motor car industry, which 1984-85 on present projections. The cuts is of significant importance to both Victoria have been made fearlessly across the board. and Australia. It is also of significant impor The Government sought an average 2 per tance to the manufacturing base of both cent cut in recurrent expenditure. The cut Victoria and Australia. I cannot recall the was less in some areas than others where former Government, in all its years in of the Government had regard to priorities and fice, taking a positive, robust step like that, needs. For example, in the area of health, despite all the rhetoric on being concerned despite what the honourable member for about the private sector and so on. The Benambra may say from time to time, a cut Government has taken a positive step to in expenditure of 1·5 per cent was applied. assist a most sensitive and important part I turn now to examine briefly some of of the manufacturing industry base of Vic those assertions that were made by the hon toria. ourable member for Benambra, who Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1247 claimed that the Government is one of high claimed that the levy has placed a restraint charges. In answer to that assertion, I refer on the competitive advantage of some in the honourable member to a table, which dustries and that it has been a disincentive appears in Budget Paper No. 2, Part 2:4, to industries to expand. It needs to be page 9. It is a simple table that even mem understood that the Government has held bers of the Opposition would understand. the energy consumption levy at its current The table is headed, "Victorian Statutory level, which is approximately 11 cents a gi Authority Price Increases". The table sets gajoule. A recent arbitration decision on the out year after year the increases that have price of gas supplied to New South Wales been applied both under this Government has led to a 20 per cent increase in gas and the former Government. Let people charges in that State for industrial users. both in this place and outside judge which Thus, the competitive advantage of Vic Government has imposed high charges on toria in the supply of natural gas has been the Gas and Fuel Corporation; the State increased. The Governments of South Aus Electricity Commission; the Board of Works tralia and Western Australia have also re and the Port of Melbourne Authority, which cently increased their gas prices by quite are the statutory bodies dealt with in that large amounts. table. From time to time, the claim is made I commend the table to honourable both in this place and elsewhere that the members. It demonstrates the determina pay-roll tax surcharge has remained in place. tion of the Government to ensure that the I simply refer to my earlier remarks. In the statutory bodies will perform in the same Budget, the Government has freed approx manner as do any other commercial orga imately 18 per cent of all pay-roll tax payees nizations. The prices charged by those sta from liability for this tax. The Government tutory authorities have been less under this has reduced the burden for some 63 per cent Government than they were under the for of all employers now paying this tax. I wel mer Government. The table demonstrates come the support of the honourable mem clearly the trends that occurred under the ber for Murray Valley. The Government has former Government. Those trends have been prepared to take the hard decisions been reversed by the Government, which is and to place on record in the Budget its concerned about the charges that people are determination in dollar terms to support required to pay. industry in every way possible. Members of the Opposition made some irresponsible assertions when they claimed Mr Jasper-And small business. that the Government had imposed exces Mr CAIN-And small business through sive public transport charges. There have shop trading hours legislation and other been no public transport fare increases in measures. The Government has been pre Victoria since October 1981. The cost re pared to take hard decisions on financial covery on passenger services is presently matters to ensure that business is given averagin$ 43 per cent. The Government be every assistance. The Government recog lieves it IS a fair requirement that the pas nizes that pay-roll tax is one that it does not senger services meet a cost recovery of wish to have to impose at all. However, the approximately 50 per cent. facts are that it is a most significant revenue The new public transport fares will be contributor from the limited fields that introduced in conjunction with a remodell States have available to them to gather taxes. ing of the fare structure on a more rational It is not a perfect tax, but the Budget re and equitable basis. The new fare structure forms do provide significant assistance to has been explained through material that is the smaller employer and encourages em now circulating in the community. It will ployment, which the Government intends be introduced in November. The basis of to continue. the proposed charges has been made clear The National Party has made some un and the proposed new fare structure has kind comments about the Grain Elevators been well received in the community. Board dividend. National Party members There have been calls by members of the have alleged that that dividend slugs wheat Opposition to scrap the energy consump farmers who are just recovering from the tion levy. Members of the Opposition have drought. 1248 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
Mr Jasper-It is their money. education alone total more than $3·2 bil Mr CAIN-It is not their money. It is the lion; that is 50 per cent of the total Budget State's money. It is like any other dividend. sector, and education alone accounts for al I detect a fundamental misunderstanding of most 30 per cent. Despite some cutback in the dividend and the structure of the Grain growth in those areas, the growth in the Elevators Board from the Opposition. I Government's two Budgets has resulted in know there is some considerable misunder substantial increases in the services in both standing by the Opposition and in particu of those areas. The Government made a lar by the National Party about what the solemn pre-election commitment to regen dividend means. As the Treasurer has said erate what it saw as the decrepit education on many occasions, the dividend should system that was inherited from the previous have no effect on prices, and he has offered Government. assistance in explaining what it means, but Education had endured a decade or more the Opposition will never learn. All any of neglect. Portable class-rooms were the dividend does is require the enterprise to order of the day, inadequate facilities were share its accrued profit with the rest of the abundant and a lack of esteem was appar community. That is what the Melbourne ent. and Metropolitan Board of Works and the The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Gas and Fuel Corporation do and should terjects. I invite him to listen and I will do. That is what any well run Government inform him of what has occurred over the organization should do and will do. past eighteen months and how the Govern The cost of the public equity of the Grain ment has striven to improve matters. The Elevators Board is higher than the cost of system is not perfect, but it has been im debt, and that is all that is being put into proved significantly since the Liberal Gov place by a dividend being paid. ernment left office. The Labor Party made a The argument of the National Party is commitment to education, and the educa that city people should not benefit from a tion system in this State now compares fa Grain Elevators Board dividend and that vourably with that in other States. country people should not benefit from the The figures of the Commonwealth dividend paid by the Melbourne and Met Schools Commission on the expenditure by ropolitan Board of Works, which provides States for Government school pupils are re facilities and services to city people. vealing. In 1982-83, following the Govern Honourable members interjecting. ment's first Budget, at primary school level, The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed Victoria spent $1813 per pupil, whereas the munds )-Order! I ask the honourable average of all States is $1560 per pupil; that member for Benalla to control himself. His is to say, Victoria spent almost $260 or 16 contribution to the debate was heard with per cent more per pupil than the average. respect. I also take the opportunity of in At the secondary level the contrast is even forming the honourable members for Swan sharper. Victoria spent $2959 for each sec Hill and Polwarth that I will not tolerate ondary pupil in 1982-83, whereas the aver continuous interjections. age of all States was $2487, so that, Victoria Mr CAIN-I will round off my remarks outspent the other States by almost 20 per on this point by saying that it is not a city cent. Government taxing country people, just as Another measure is the important pupil the dividend from the Board of Works is teacher ratio. Here again, Victoria leads the not a tax that is being paid by city people way with a ratio of 1: 17·4 at primary level from which country people are deriving as compared with 1:20 in other States; at benefits. All Victorians should share in the secondary level the ratio in Victoria is 1: 11·4 fruits of public authority ownership and that as compared with an average of 1:12·5 in all is all the Government requires in respect of other States. That significant advance has these dividends. been achieved by maintaining and increas It has been suggested that the Govern ing the availability of teachers in schools at ment has been particularly tough in regard a time of substantial reduction in enrol to education. The total Budget allocation ments. Between February 1982 and Febru for recurrent expenditure for 1983-84 is ary 1984, there will have been a reduction $6·44 billion. The allocations for health and of some 26 000 pupils in Victoria's primary Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1249 schools. If the Government had followed The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed the policy of its predecessor, the result would munds )-Order! The Premier has 2 min have been 1310 fewer teachers in primary utes. schools. The Government has kept those Mr CAIN-Lest there be any lingering positions despite the falling enrolments in doubts about some of the anxious expres order to enhance the quality of education in sions from certain quarters in recent weeks, our schools, and this policy has enabled it I shall put the record straight. The Federal to honour its commitment. The Minister of and State Governments will not pursue a Education has been determined to reduce policy of integrating Government schools class sizes and to provide specialist teacher with non-Government schools. The Gov facilities in the areas of art and craft, music ernment unequivocally accepts the right of and physical education. The quality of edu parents to enrol their children in non-Gov cation has improved in the nineteen months ernment schools and the right of those the Government has been in office and I schools to maintain their own character and remind my National Party colleagues that integrity. in country areas those teachers have been The Government requires the non-Gov appreciated by both pupils and parents be ernment sector to accept accountability for cause they have had the benefits, on a shared the use of the taxpayers' money, but beyond basis, of the services of those specialist that accountability the Government will not teachers in the areas I mentioned before. I interfere in any way with the enrolment of note the nods of assent from my colleagues non-Government schools, which are geared in the National Party, and even from the towards the maintenance of the specifically honourable member for Polwarth. church-based character of those schools. I could go through a range of initiatives On the motion, by leave, of Mr MA that confirm the Government's pledge to CLELLAN (Berwick), an extension of 10 rejuvenate our schools after decades of ne minutes was granted. glect, I congratulate the Minister on his per Mr CAIN (Premier)-I thank the House formance. He set about singular reforms that for its courtesy in granting me an extension have brought real gains to education and to of time. The Government recognizes the the teachers and pupils of this State. rights and responsibility of non-Govern ment schools to develop their own curricula The Government is committed to contin in concert with the universally accepted role uing that progress, despite the current budg of the Registered Schools Board in deter etary constraints. The commitment extends mining appropriate registration standards. to the non-Government Victorian schools The Government has had, and will con as well. tinue to have, full communication and co The Government has maintained the operation with the various non-Govern same level of support to non-Government ment education authorities. schools in 1983-84 as in 1982-83, as it said The Budget has been well received by the it would do. That has been achieved in a community. It has been seen as a Budget most difficult budgetary time. The Govern that recognizes the reality being faced. I ment is committed to the allocation offunds make it clear that it was a tough Budget to to non-Government schools on the basis of frame. It was not made any easier by the needs. delivery of the decision of the High Court A needs-based policy recognizes the dis on 4 August in respect of the pipelines case. parity of resources available and provides The Government faced great difficulties in funds accordingly. It is the Government's ensuring that some maintenance of equity wish that education funds should be distri between the claims and needs of various buted in an equitable and just way. I want sections of the community occurred. The to allay any misapprehensions that may Government recognized that hard deci have grown about the Government's atti sions had to be made, and it intends to con tude to non-Government schools. There is tinue making those decisions as and when no basis for that speculation and I want to necessary to ensure the best administration dispel any anxiety in the community. Such of the State. anxiety as there is appears most evident in Mr TANNER (Caulfield)-It has been the Catholic community. interesting to listen to the Premier's speech. 1250 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
It is obvious that the Premier is a student of judge the validity of the commitments made Goebbels because he thinks that if he can by the then Leader of the Opposition. He make the lie big enough and repeat it often went on to state: enough-- As I said, my Government will apply modem finan The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed cial management techniques to curb generally the re munds)-Order! I advise the honourable cent excessive increases in consumer charges. member for Caul field that he does not have Honourable members will be aware that, absolute licence with what he wishes to say, under this Government, the cost of living and the expression he has used is unparlia for the average family in Victoria has risen mentary. I ask him to withdraw it. by $20 a week, due solely to increases in Mr TANNER-I withdraw the expres Government charges and taxes. Honoura sion and leave it to the House to decide on ble members know that the Premier's com the Premier's words this evening. mitment in that regard has been I refer the House to the Premier's speech dishonoured by the Government. when he was the Leader of the Opposition. I shall read to the House some of the state The then Leader of the Opposition fur ments he made during the Budget debate in ther stated with reference to public trans 1981. He said: port: We will rebuild that fare structure to ensure that the We will provide an immediate incentive to job cre average commuter pays no more than he did before ation through an employment grant of 10 per cent of the Budget was introduced. average weekly earnings to all firms in the private sec tor which increase their total level of employment. Under this Budget, public transport charges Of course, that has not come into being, yet are rising by more than $14 million. Yet the then Leader of the Opposition made that does not go half way towards meeting that commitment in this place. He said fur the $35 million to pay the interest charges ther: on the public transport facilities that have been sold of[ Honourable members can We look to an enlivened, competitive and efficient judge from the statement of the then Leader public sector-modem financial management tech of the Opposition during the 1981 Budget niques-as the starting point for economic recovery. It debate how much reliance can be placed on is clear that this can be achieved with existing public the honourable gentleman's commitments. sector resources. What has happened to the average con However, in the last financial year, the sumer in Victoria under the Government? number of public servants employed has Taxes have risen by 40·2 per cent. How does increased by 9100. Does that gell with what that compare with the situation in other the then Leader of the Opposition had to States? The comparison discloses that Gov say in 1981? He went on to say: ernment charges in Tasmania have risen by The 10 per cent gas price will be reduced to around only 9·3 per cent. Even in the brother So 6 per cent. cialist State of New South Wales, Govern What hollow cheek of the then Leader of ment charges and taxes have risen by only the Opposition to make that claim. All hon 29·5 per cent. ourable members would be aware that gas The average person in this State is having prices for the average consumer has in to pay $698 . 76 a head in State Government creased by 19· 5 per cent under the Labor taxation compared with $515 . 82 when the Government. Government came into office. This financial year, the average person in He further stated with reference to the New South Wales will pay $632.84 in State State Electricity Commission and Gas and Government taxes and charges compared Fuel Corporation charges: with $500. 13 in 1981-82. The difference in Seventy per cent of all users will pay no more than taxation in 1981-82 to the average person they were to pay before this Budget. in each State was $15.69. However, this However, honourable members know that year, the average Victorian is paying an ad not only have gas charges increased, but ditional $63 . 92 a head. electricity charges have also risen by 23 per This is a Government of big taxation and, cent. I leave it to honourable members to despite the promises and commitments Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1251 made by him in his contribution to the Employment is another area in which Budget debate in 1981 and the commit close attention should be paid so as to scru ments he has made today, it is obvious that tinize the claims of the Premier and the no reliance can be placed on the word of the Treasurer. In Victoria, private sector em Premier. I can show honourable members a ployment for the period April 1982 to April copy of a document that was put forward 1983 decreased by 5 per cent in comparison by the Government as propaganda in the with a decrease for the rest of Australia of lead-up to the 1982 State elections, which 3·2 per cent. In fact, of all private sector contained the promise that: employment in Australia lost last year, 37·4 per cent was lost in Victoria. Victoria con Your gas bill will be reduced by 4 cents in every stitutes 27·6 per cent of Australia's work dollar. This can be achieved by abolishing a Govern force, yet in the private sector we contri ment licensing fee on natural gas. buted 37·4 per cent of all jobs lost. In Vic Despite that, under this Government gas toria last year, approximately 66000 jobs charges for the average consumer have risen were lost in the private sector and, basi by 29·5 per cent. In other words, under this cally, this can be sheeted home to the Gov Government one-third of every Gas and ernment's $1000 million additional taxation Fuel Corporation bill goes in taxation; $1 in imposed on the private sector to enable the every $3 charged by the Gas and Fuel Cor Government to employ the further 9100 poration goes to the Government immedi public servants it employed. More of the ately in the form of taxation to feed its same is promised this year. As I have said, bloated public sector employment and the a terrible legacy is being built up by this additional 9100 public servants it employed Government for future generations of Vic last year. That figure can be compared with torians and there is no doubt that for many the increases in public servants in all other years to come Government charges will Australian States, which, together, totalled have to be substantially higher in Victoria only 400. It is quite obvious that this Gov than they are elsewhere in Australia to meet ernment has completely different priorities the debts the Government is incurring. from those of all other State Governments in Australia. It is travelling along a different Over the period April 1982 to June 1983, path and it is unfortunate that it is building unemployment in Victoria rose by 51·4 per up a heavy legacy for future generations of cent. Full-time employment in Victoria Victorians who will have to meet the debts during that period fell by 4·2 per cent com it has incurred on their behalf. pared with 3 per cent in the rest of Aus tralia. Female full-time employment in What is the state of the Victorian econ Victoria showed an even worse situation, omy? The Premier and the Treasurer have dropping by 4·7 per cent, compared with a both claimed that Victoria is leading Aus drop of only 1·9 per cent for the rest of tralia out of the recession. One of the major Australia. assumptions in the Treasurer's documents is that real non-farm products in Australia The number of people not in Victoria's will increase this year by 2 per cent, yet it is labour force grew last year by 3·3 per cent, estimated tl1at in Victoria they will decrease compared with an increase elsewhere in by 2·5 per cent to 3 per cent. Is that an Australia of only 2·7 per cent. Meanwhile, example of Victoria leading Australia out of the working age population in Victoria grew the economic recession? by only 1·9 per cent, compared with a growth of 2·3 per cent in the rest of Aus Last year, private investment in plant and tralia. All those figures illustrate that Vic equipment and non-dwelling construction toria's labour force situation is far worse in Victoria decreased by 18·6 per cent, than the situation elsewhere in Australia and whereas in Australia over all the decrease the claims made by the Premier and the was 15·9 per cent. Once again, the claim by Treasurer are simply not correct. Labour the Premier and the Treasurer that Victoria force participation in Victoria last year de is leading Australia out of the economic creased by 0·8 per cent, from 61·4 per cent recession is proved not to be factual, be to 60·6 per cent, whereas in the rest of Aus cause the facts bear oat the contrary argu tralia it dropped by only 0·4 per cent-half ment. of the decrease in Victoria. 1252 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
The figures I have quoted show the re financial year, the Treasurer was talking sults of the strategy adopted by the Govern about a $396 million debt legacy inherited ment in the last financial year, which it by this Government from the former Gov intends to continue this year, of increasing ernment. That was not the real situation. In taxation in the private sector in order to fact, the Government inherited a surplus of feed an ever-increasing Public Service sec $6 million in the current account, as well as tor will not succeed. It will only worsen the a surplus in the trust funds of $214 million. recession in Victoria and worsen Victoria's The Treasurer produced some hypothetical competitive position as compared with the figures and came up with the small deficit other States. of only $396 million. It is interesting to note Finally in regard to employment statis that the sincerity of the Treasurer in this tics, in the period from September 1982 to area is reflected by his refusal to forecast a September 1983, total employment in Vic prospective deficit of the Government of toria decreased by 1·1 per cent, compared which he is a member, not only for this with a decrease in the rest of Australia of financial year but also for future financial 0·9 per cent. The situation in Victoria, on years. Despite his reluctance to make such the basis of those fi~ures, is only slightly a forecast now, he certainly was not loath to worse than the situatIon in the rest of Aus quote such figures when he first became the tralia, but it is a pointer to the fact that Treasurer. Victoria is not leading Australia out of the One can place no reliance. on the hypo economic recession. thetical figures he produced last year. He In regard to some of the other claims did not provide any statistics to back up made by the Premier, which I found totally those figures. One realizes how sincere he astounding, I point out that the honourable was in quoting those figures when one con gentleman claimed that the increase in cur siders that he now refuses to make forecasts rent account spendin~ this financial year was of that nature on the basis of the Budget he only 6·6 per cent. ThIS figure was arrived at, has introduced. presumably, through some of the jUggling The Premier also mentioned the effects of figures carried out in the Budget docu this year's Budget will have. Some that have ments. In fact, the increase in current ac come to my notice are in the education field count spending is 10·6 per cent, not the 6·6 and have been brought to my attention by per cent claimed by the Premier. The figure the South Central Region School Improve quoted by the Premier was arrived at by the ment Plan Committee which advised me: Treasurer hiding interest and leasing charges in the Works and Services Account, as well A major effect in this region will be to completely as golden handshakes for various public remove the General Curriculum Consultancy Team. sector employees. This team has an integral role in the support and im plementation of the School Improvement Plan. The Premier also spoke about diverting savings to high priority areas. What are those high priority areas? It is a fine sound Primary and post-primary schools in this region stand ing phrase that appears to be full of good to lose total support for the School Improvement Plan, intentions but those high priority areas are school-based curriculum development, school-level really increased rental charges for public evaluation and school-based decision-making, as well buildin~s, expenditure on electronic data as process support for parental and student participa processIng in the Public Service, purchases tion initiatives. and operations of Government vehicles and The committee is not impressed by the ac various special projects, the allocation for tion taken by the Government. I have also which was increased by 174 per cent in the received correspondence from the geog Budget, but no explanation of that increase raphy curriculum committee which has de has been offered. They are the high priority tailed a list of matters that are of grave areas referred to by the Premier. One won concern to it as a result of the Budget. It ders just what the priorities of the Govern points out that there will be a reduction in ment really are. the number of regional consultants from 395 The Premier also referred to the alleged to 200. It points out that fourteen subject prospective deficits inherited by his Gov associations which currently have either full ernment when it took office. During the last time or part-time secondment have been Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1253 asked to reimburse 50 per cent of the salary the Chief Librarians Council which advised of the secondee, which will immediately af me that there has been imposed an unprec fect the Geography Teachers' Association edented burden on Victoria's municipalli of Victoria, and that 39·5 extension educa braries with the 2 per cent funding cut plus tion officers seconded to a number of agen the projected 7 per cent consumer price in cies that provide educational services to dex increase, which in effect means a cut in schools have been cut unless the agencies funding in real terms of9 per cent. can reimburse the full salary of the teachers In addition, there has been a 33 per cent concerned to the Education Department. reduction in regional library grants and the The correspondence states: council believes the result will be shorter At the same time of writing the further cuts to the opening hours of municipal libraries, less Curriculum Branch, including this Committee are un stock on the shelves and fewer staff. For a known ... Government that claims a commitment to Obviously the committee is also extremely employment, one can see from its actions concerned about what the Government is just how sincere it is when the figures it doing in education. produces in the Budget Papers forecast an increase in the unemployed of up to 10000. Similarly, I have been contacted by a rep I wonder if the Government has consid resentative of the National Gallery of Vic ered the increase in unemployment that will toria who pointed out that there has been a result from the cut in funding to the munic 50 per cent cut in the staffing of education ipallibraries. So that all honourable mem services in the National Gallery of Victoria bers, including those in the Government and also in institutions like the Melbourne party, can judge the insincerity of the Gov Zoological Gardens and museums in gen ernment in keeping its commitments, I ad eral. It is also concerned by the Govern vise them ofthe letter of the Chief Librarians ment's actions. I have also correspondence Council. It said that the Australian Labor from the Chadstone Park Primary School Party had promised 50-50 State-Govern which states in a letter to parents: ment funding to municipal libraries which At present negotiations are taking place with the has since been reduced to a 37 per cent share Minister of Education and we sincerely trust that a by the Government. What did those terrible satisfactory solution can be found. If these talks fail the Liberals provide before they were defeated: staff of Chadstone Park Primary School will be forced 43 per cent in its last Budget. The Labor to attend the Stop Work Meeting planned for Tuesday 25th October. We hope you will understand that we Government promised 50 per cent, which take this action so that the high standard of schooling is now back to 37 per cent. Some promise it we are providing for your children can continue with has kept! Obviously, the Premier is a stu out such disruptions. dent ofGoebbels. Finally, I have received representations Honourable members can all well recall from all the teachers at the Caulfield South when the Minister of Health, who con Primary School who told me: stantly discusses the high standards of health services in Victoria, stood on the steps of ... the Government's decision to severely restrict the the Health Commission with a coffin and use of emergency teachers threatens the stability of the school environment and places at risk the children's said that the previous Government was tax formal educational opportunities. ing people from birth to the grave. A hand out put out by Medibank Private points out Many concerns have been expressed about that from 1 September 1983 inpatient the actions taken by the Government and charges at hospitals for a shared ward will what must astound the average person is rise to $130 a day and single room facilities that since the Government came to office is will cost $180 a day. The handout points the increase in State taxes and charges by 40 out that for ten days' hospitalization in a per cent and still there is not enough money shared ward with medical attention prov around. ided by public hospital medical staff, the Mr Burgin-Where has it gone? treatment will now cost up to $2000. Mr TANNER-As the honourable I have not been able to keep up to date member interjects, where has it gone? I hope with the latest hospital tariff increases since during the debate the Treasurer will tell us. the Government came to office, but I point I have also received representations from out that hospital charges have increased by 1254 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills more than 60 per cent. That is how the cated the dire effects that they will suffer Government looks after the needy in the from the action taken by the Treasurer. They State. Is the Treasurer proud of his Govern have indicated that an 11 per cent increase ment's achievements with the increase in will occur in the retail price of wine because hospital charges by more than 60 per cent? of the increased licence fees. Interstate trad A matter of grave concern to the people ers will become more active in Victoria in the electorate I represent is the action which will have a detrimental effect on Vic taken by the Government against kinder torian retailers. gartens. The McNeil Presbyterian Kinder I appeal to the Treasurer to think about garten in North Road, South Caulfield, the representations that have been made to points out how concerned it is about the him on this matter because it is obvious effect of the Budget cuts on the children of that the Government has not realized the South Caulfield. However, judging from effects the increase will have not only on statements made by the Minister of Health, licensed retail merchants but also on mem it appears that the Government intends to bers of the Australian Hotels Associations take no notice of the protests made in the and the people engaged in the wineries in community. the north of the State. I now refer to the issue of State aid, a So far as the Opposition is concerned, topic to which the Premier referred. It is a there is grave disquiet because the previous matter of grave concern to the residents in Government spent many years building up the Caulfie1d area. The Jewish Day Schools the finest pre-school system in Australia. St Association had a meeting, at which over Andrew's Kindergarten in Burke Road, 1000 attended, to protest the grave effects Gardiner, protested in a letter at what has the policy of the Government will have on occurred to its kindergarten. It drew the at all of their schools. Not all schools are af tention of the Minister of Health and the fected immediately this financial year but Government to the unemployment effects members of that association foresee that if that will occur in kindergartens throughout the Government continues with this policy Victoria. Not only will three-year-old chil in years to come all of the Jewish schools dren be denied pre-school education but, as will face grave problems. Recently the with the municipal libraries, increased un Catholic bishops of Victoria issued a pas employment will result in the kindergarten toral letter on education matters. For the field. benefit of honourable members of the Gov Many other matters are of grave concern ernment party who are present, I shall quote and one was touched on by the honourable portions of that letter in which it is stated: member for Benalla regarding the wine lic We insist that the percentage link between the Gov ence fee increase. In the Budget, the Treas ernment-school standard costs and per capita grants to urer proposes to increase the licence fee on non-Government schools must be retained. Unless this wines from 9 per cent to 20 per cent which is done, there is clear discrimination between parents will have grave effects on many retailers of who exercise their right to a choice of a non-Govern wines in Victoria. The Retail Liquor Mer ment school and parents who---no matter how rich chants Association of Victoria made repre they may be-have their choice ofa Government school sentations to the Treasurer about its totally supported by taxpayers' money. We repeat that concern. Obviously the Treasurer intends freedom of choice is not genuine if people are discri to take no action on the representations. minated against unless they choose one ofthe available One can only appeal to him tonight to re options. think the matter and not to tell the people Finally, the bishops make a very telling they have to live with it. Many people in point when they state: the retail liquor merchants field will not be We cannot remain silent while the improved ecu able to live with it. The increase will be far menical relationships between the churches are dam too great for them to meet. aged or when different sections of the community are set against one another. Those persons who paid their licence fee Our common task as citizens is to improve the edu in one payment in the past will now have to cational opportun;ties of all young Australians. Much pay by instalments and that will incur a needs to be done, which will require those qualities of penalty of 10 per cent. Other persons in the spirit which have sustained Australians in the past. volved in the" wine retailing area have indi- A satisfactory outcome of the educational enterprise Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1255 cannot be achieved by money alone, nor can it be One can see from the buildin~ approvals achieved by trampling on the rights and freedom of ~anted and activity in the hOUSIng industry people in a democratic society. That is one ofthe great In the electorate that I represent that the lessons of history. May we all be wise enough to heed statistics produced are accurate. it. Over the years, a matter of concern to the I support the statement made by the bish people in the electorate I represent has been ops in their pastoral letter on education. I the shortage of accommodation for elderly call upon those honourable members of the persons, especially in the public housing Government party who have paid lip serv area. There is also concern about the short ice to United Nations charters and rights age of family accommodation. Both of these for freedom, to bear in mind that a United areas have received significant increases in Nations charter specifically states that it is funding in the State Budget. The allocation the fundamental right of parents to choose for construction of new family housing in the type of education that they want for the public housing area has Increased by their children. I support that right. It is the 48·9 per cent and allocations for units for right of parents to decide what type of edu elderly persons have increased by 63·6 per cation they want for their children and, as cent. Other areas of housing, such as room pointed out by the bishops, parents cannot ing houses, have received an increased al have a free choice if they are not given the location of around 100 per cent, and State opportunity to exercise it. improvements have increased by 23 per I believe in the years ahead the Govern cent. It is clear that the housing policy has ment will place at risk the right of all par . been carried out. ents in the community to exercise their right The Minister of Education must also be to send their children to a non-Government complimented for his excellent contribu school. The Government should think again tion to the Budget. because if it does not the Caulfield commu Mr Dickinson-Madam Acting Speaker, nity will exact a heavy toll upon the Gov I draw your attention to the state of the ernment. House. Mr HASSETT (Dromana)-It is my A quorum was formed. privilege tonight to support the Premier and Mr HASSETT-As I was saying, the his magnificent and positive contribution Minister of Education has to be compli to the Budget debate. The Premier shows mented for his section of the Budget. Ex strong leadership in his illustrations of the penditure on capital works shows a tight management that has been portrayed continuing theme, that is, a significant in in the excellent Budget framed by the Treas crease in capital works expenditure which urer. It was a sharp contrast to the Leader not only fulfils the promises made by the of the Opposition and those honourable Government but also fulfils the broken members on the Opposition benches. Par promises of the previous Liberal Adminis- ticularly of note to me was the honourable tration. · member for Westernport who made a rather Capital expenditure for new pupil places rabid contribution to the House, a contri has increased by 38 per cent. This means bution which showed classic symptoms of a that the Rosebud High School, which has beleaguered school teacher-a screamer out consisted of practically all portable accom of control, possibly because of his own in modation, will be able to go ahead with stage secure position in the electorate he repre 1 and stage 2 of its two-storey building proj sents. ect. The Mornington TechnIcal School will The public opinion polls show a swing to be able to complete its building pro the Government of around 4 per cent since gramme. There is an increase of 34· 5 per the last State election. That swing would cent for other education expenditure which comfortably see the honourable member for will enable another broken promise of the Westernport out of Parliament. The hon Liberal Government to be fulfilled. I refer ourable member for Westernport made a to the allocation for the Mt Eliza ecacentre. yelling match out of his contribution and The promise made by the former Gov did nothing to disprove the solid and bal ernment was never fulfilled. Next year, I anced support which the Government is shall be pleased to be at the opening of the giving to the housing industry in Victoria. centre. 1256 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
The headlines of tonight's Herald refer to forms of assistance for workers compensa education and the fact that IBM Australia tion could include no-claim bonuses to Ltd will be establishing a personal com businesses and to employees, a matching of puter construction facility in Victoria. This contributions between employees and em complements the education policies of sup ployers and a greater simplification of pro plying computers for schools and encour cedures. aging computer education. Of some concern has been the allocation The Minister of Transport must be com of money to the arts, particularly for library mended for the initiative that he has taken. services. I hope that the Minister for the The Budget allocation of $788 000, an in Arts will be able to assist libraries. I am crease of 32· 7 per cent will ensure the con aware of the difficult recurrent expenditure tinuing construction of the Mornington problems, but I am sure that library services Peninsula Freeway. The Budget addresses will be assisted soon. I hope that the mobile other activities that will clear up the inher library service in the Mornington Peninsula ited mess left by the previous Administra will be assisted. tion, such as the widening of the Nepean Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon)-The Highway at Moorabbin and the construc Budget has shown that the Labor Party has tion of the South Eastern Freeway arterial increased State taxation by 40·2 per cent road which will improve road communica over two years in comparison with New tions between the Mornington Peninsula South Wales which has had a 25 per cent and the city. increase in its State taxes. The Victorian Local councils were critical of the pre Government is the highest taxing State vious Administration and grants made Government in Australia. available to municipalities for main and The electorate that I represent has suf unclassified roads. The Budget allocation of fered unduly from the Ash Wednesday bush $8·882 million for this purpose is an in fires. The level of unemployment in Gee crease of 34·6 per cent for this purpose and long has increased by 32 per cent over the it is a magnificent increase. It shows the past two years. While public works expend concern of the Government for the role of iture is said to have been increased in Gee local government in road construction. long by 40 per cent, one should closely Another important point for the people examine where that money is being spent of the Mornington Peninsula is the alloca and what value the taxpayers of the State tion of$5 889856, an increase of 18·84 per are getting for their dollars. cent, for private bus subsidies. This will en It is of concern that money has been able an improvement in the bus services on poured into International Harvester Aus the Mornington Peninsula. tralia Ltd. This business was highly viable The Minister of Health should be also and enterprising many years ago. Geelong congratulated for his initiatives. In the depends heavily on multinational compa Budget, $1· 5 million has been provided for nies such as the Ford Motor Company of dental care services for pensioners. The Australia Ltd and Alcoa of Australia Ltd. Budget provides subsidies to municipalities When a multinational-based company is for home help schemes. This will be well handicapped by escalating wages and it de received by municipalities in the Dromana teriorates to the extent that it can no longer electorate. The Budget also provides for compete on the world market, a situation community health facilities, of which there such as arose with International Harvester is nothing available in the Dromana electo Australia Ltd will occur. That company had rate. $6 million injected into it to try to keep it A sore point for many residents in the viable. electorate has been the standard of the water One should question the priorities of the supply. The allocation of$2 646 226 to im Budget and where they are placed. There prove water provisions has been increased has been a squeeze on the private sector, by 106 per cent. whereas the public sector has seen the crea Funding has been made available for a tion of 9100 jobs in the Public Service at committee of inquiry into workers compen considerable cost. The community has been sation. Workers compensation was left in a hit hard with increased fuel costs and gas big mess by the former Government. Some and electricity charges. Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1257 The community has had to pay small When one examines the documents be- . amounts of money that have progressively fore honourable members in this House, it become large sums of money through the is interesting to see that a great deal of the financial institutions skimming tax. This tax money was raised by community collec has been adopted by every State Labor Party tions. The Salvation Army alone found $4 Government. Companies have endeav million without even raising an appeal. The oured to avoid paying the tax by putting people of Victoria gave $~.2 million, yet the money in bank accounts in Canberra. I un State Government had to ask the Common derstand that legal firms in Geelong have wealth Government to assist it to do what avoided paying this tax by putting it through it should have done willingly for those who accounts because they fear that they would suffered in the Ash Wednesday bush fires. be paying $15 000 in that tax. The inten tions of the Government when it initiated The people" of Victoria are not fooled by legislation for that tax were not fully exam Melbourne trams being painted green or ined because some people are avoiding their Geelong buses blue. There is a cost to the commitment for this tax. community. People may well say that the People on the land are being penalized. money that is being spent on this could well They now have to meet higher freight rates be spent in other quarters. on shipping of grain by rail to the Geelong There are children who want to go to kin wheat terminal and are meeting higher fuel dergartens, but this Labor Government has costs for farm implements. withdrawn money from kindergartens and Although the Budget has given a 174 per other needy areas and for underprivileged cent increase for special projects, it is cyni children, especially in the Geelong area. In cal to say that this was a pay-off to teachers the area that I represent, there is the Cottage in the first year of the Labor Party Govern by the Sea, a place where children from ment's office. The additional salary costs to homes and underprivileged backgrounds the State then were $107 980 million. In the can enjoy a holiday at Christmas time. I put second year of office, teachers are being it to the House that the Minister was uncar highly frustrated in their endeavours to ing and unthinking when he withdrew the obtain clerical assistants in schools. money from the Cottage by the Sea at The Government has divided the com Queenscliff. munity by withdrawing money previously Mr SHELL (Geelong West)-On a point allocated to private schools. In Geelong, of order, the Minister is not uncaring. He private schools are suffering by approxi took due consideration and had consulta mately a loss of $1 million through the tion with the organization. Government's decisions. This division in The ACTING SPEAKER (Miss Callis the community should not be encouraged. ter)-Order! That is not a point of order. At present, school groups throughout Vic Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon)-This toria are meeting daily to discuss what can Government is rapidly being known for its be done. It is a considerable burden to fam corkscrew tactics with rising costs and taxes. ilies who next year will have to pay an extra The statutory reserves of many Govern 14 per cent to keep their children at private ment bodies have been pilfered by this schools. Treasurer who refuses to answer questions While members of the Government party as to how much money and at what interest have every right to believe State schools rates these funds have been borrowed from need every encouragement and facility, statutory reserves. The people of Victoria many thousands of people who pay taxes have every right to know what interest rate have made a decision that they wish their is being paid and from where this money children to be educated in the private school has come. I think the Treasurer will become system. They need a Government that is aware of this when he visits Bendigo in a responsive to their needs as well as being day or two. He will know that there is a responsive to the needs of children in State limit on how much one can take from the institutions. cupboard, and when one raids the cookie The Government has spoken at length jar and finds that the rats have been at it, about the drought situation and the fires then there is nothing left for the community that hit the State last year. to thrive on. 1258 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
It concerns me that the Treasurer has been It is not the intention of Parliamentarians irresponsible in his approach to the use of to blow the whistle unnecessarily just for taxpaye~s' ~oney in this State. The taxpay the headlines in the paper, but it is their ers ofVlctona want to know where their tax duty to bring to the attention of Ministers dollars are going, and all the Cain Govern where money may be wasted and where ment's new directions have been seen as money may be better spent within the com "nude" directions. The Government is more munity. concerned with the trendies and irresponsi The shadow Minister for finance has ~le minority groups of this State than get summarized the Cain Budget, with the in tIng on ~nd making the economy of this crease in taxes and charges being increased State .thnve. ~ look forward to seeing the by a. m~ssive 40 per cent. The extra cost per PremIer of thIS State and any other of his famIly IS $275 per year, and the claim of a Cabinet Ministers when they visit South public sector led recovery is not sustained Barwon, if they dare, and they open any by figures before this House. The private nude bathing beach. They will be the laugh sector job loss last year was 60 000 and as I ing stock of the community. have said, this is so in Geelong. There ~ere There are costs which people want to 9100 extra public sector positions last year know about. If one looks at the questions a severe cost to this Government. A $44 on notice in this House, it will be seen that million boost in housing capital works is there is a deliberate attempt by the Treas part of a $62 million increase in Common urer to avoid answering questions specifi wealth grants. cally. He does not want to know how much overtime is paid for this or that, but the In the electorate of South Barwon, which people want to know. They want to know, I represent, where 722 homes were burnt for Instance, how the Public Works Depart this Government could build only twelv~ ment tendered for the painting of this Government houses. The Government has House; how much money will be paid out yet to account to the people of Victoria how for the removal of scaffolding from the hall the money that was collected for the bush next.to this Chamber. These things cannot fire victims was allocated. The Auditor be hIdden from the people of Victoria and General has yet to check whether some of they have every right to know. The Cain the claims that were made were fraudu Government has at all times boasted of lently based; that people received money ,wanting open Government, but its public for houses that were not burnt down; that servants cannot provide intelligent answers pe
Heathmont and Southwood primary schools million, which is a rise of $32·5 million or have been sighted in preparation for visits 13· 7 per cent. This means that a significant there. It is hoped that in a few weeks the increase in public housing will occur in service will visit the Ringwood Heights, 1983-84 and it is estimated that more than Norwood and Mullum primary schools and, 3500 new accommodation units will be after a short interval, the Ringwood Pri made available, compared with 2700 in the mary School. The Ringwood East Primary past financial year. This will be of great as School was visited recently and the van left sistance to people in the Ringwood electo that school on 15 September. It is intended rate, especially single parents. Most single that the primary school at Heathmont East parents requiring housing are women and will be visited by the van in about three the increase in the Budget allocation for weeks' time, as well as Bayswater North, housing will certainly assist those women. South Croydon and Dorset primary schools. The Premier has already tonight spoken The cost of siting each school is $600 and about the education budget and I shall deal that amount is always expended preceding briefly with the increase of 37 per cent in a visit by a School Dental Service van. capital works expenditure in the education As the School Dental Service will be serv field. This increased allocation will mean a icing all preparatory grade children, as well great improvement in school buildings and as ~ade 3 children in those schools in ad new pupil places in the outer east, particu ditIon to all other students whose parents larly in the electorate of Ringwood. An hold health cards, this is an enormous step amount of $750000 has been made avail forward for the Ringwood electorate. It is able for primary school clerical assistance. an enormous advantage after a long period That follows the Government's promise to of having no dental treatment available for provide ancillary services to schools which, schools in the area. in the past, suffered great disadvantage. I am also delighted that the allocation for It gives me much pleasure to note that mental retardation services has been in the school improvement plan has received creased by 15·4 per cent compared with the a substantial allocation, which will enable expenditure last year. There has also been Government schools to examine their pro an increase of $17 million in family and grammes and their effectiveness and to children's services to provide for new and make an evaluation about where they are ongoing programmes. This includes an going in their efforts to improve schooling amount of $4·7 million for capital works. for children attending them. Provision is being made for the expansion It is heartening that the Budget Bills are of kinder~arten services to cover all four year-olds In the State, which means that new aimed at improving employment in this services will be provided in the electorate of State and I commend the Bills to the House. Ringwood. Both I and the people of Ring Mr SALTMARSH (Wantirna)-A num wood are also pleased that $163 000 is being ber of positive points can be made about provided for the interchange programme, the increased allocation for housing set out which provides intermittent and other types in the Budget documents and the Govern of care for disabled children. ment's economic plans for the State in the When discussing this Budget, it is impos next twelve months, but in many areas the sible to ignore the contribution of the Gov social policies of the Government, which it ernment in the housing area. There has been stated so clearly during the election cam a massive increase in capital works expend paign and on many occasions since then, iture. It is the Government's aim to ensure have not been fulfilled. that every Victorian has access to adequate It is sad that, as a local member, one and appropriate housing, whether it be in should receive so many complaints, partic owner-occupied or in public rental accom ularly from older residents, who can no modation, which is to be provided at a price longer afford to keep their heating going within his or her income. With that aim in during the day. The price of energy has been mind, last year the Government provided a increased so dramatically that many of the massive increa~e of 86 per cent compared poorer members of society cannot enjoy with the allocation made in 1981-82 and what they would regard as the normally ex the total funds available for housing pro pected benefit of adequate heating during grammes in 1983-84 will increase to $270 the cold winter months. Because of the em- 1262 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills barrassment the Government has faced over grammes in the western suburbs. Yet from this issue, it has recently announced that the same western suburbs, as the spokes some concessions will be made, but the ex man for the Liberal Party on welfare mat tent of the concessions is a meagre 5 per ters, I find that a number of people are cent for some pensioners. That amount is strongly objecting to the social policies and not sufficient to allow pensioners to live in programmes that are being introduced, or their own homes in comfort and with dign others being reduced. ity during the cold months. The increased For example, there was a strong expecta energy costs seem to me to be designed to tion that funding would be provided for hurt most the most vulnerable people in the emergency foster care in.the western region. community and that sort of thinking is It is appreciated that, under the present eco borne out by a number of other Govern nomic conditions, which everyone acknow ment actions about which I shall comment ledges are hard and tough, there is a need later. for a special response in some of the welfare The Government seems to have acted programmes for the people who are now cynically in relation to its own stated social victims of the economic conditions. Many policy goals. There is no doubt that, as a of these victims are children whose families result of this and the Government's pre are no longer able to adequately support vious Budget, a number of people are begin them and there are many children who need ning to object very strongly to what is foster care arrangements, or emergency fos happening in various Government pro ter care. grammes. During the past few weeks, I have One would imagine that in the western received an enormous number of com suburbs there would have been an increased plaints from individual teachers and teacher allocation to support programmes such as unions, including the Victorian Teachers emergency foster care. However, the letters Union and the secondary teacher unions, being sent to me indicate very strongly that objecting to the policies being developed the promises and expectations that people through the Budget in relation to educa had of the Labor Government have not been tional programmes. It has been a great op fulfilled. In fact, the reverse situation ap portunity to write back to those people and plies. There are now less funds made avail say, "We are now able to see, for the first able for some of these important time, the real impact of a Socialist Budget programmes, even in the western suburbs. operating in our mixed economy". Many of If one considers some of the other areas these people thought that if they voted for of concern in welfare programmes and wel John Cain they would be voting for a Lib fare policies, one can see that there is a dra eral in disguise, and providing an opportu matic increase in the number of homeless nity for the Liberal Party to reassess its youth in the metropolitan area. Every night, policies. large numbers of young people in Mel People now realize that in voting for the bourne are without adequate accommoda Cain Government they have voted for a tion. The community is aware of the Government that is no longer prepared to increasing problems being highlighted support those who show enterprise, no through such programmes as "The Street longer prepared to support those who show Kids" and those that have been developed initiative and no longer prepared to support by Brother Alex McDonald and others in those who want to save and care for their the St Kilda area. These have dramatically own future. People have been taxed so sav highlighted the needs and enormous diffi agely and have been hit at all levels that culties faced by victims of all sorts of social they are realizing that the cold winds of and economic problems. Socialism are blowing over this State. However, at the same time there is a Speakers from the Government have been community concern, even alarm, about the proud to point out a number of achieve numbers of young people who are homeless ments that the Government has undertaken and are involved in all sorts of criminal for disadvantaged people in the commu activities to survive on the streets in places nity. In a recent issue of Victorian Govern like St Kilda. At a time when young people ment Notes, the Premier has stated clearly are under the greatest pressure, the Govern that he is very proud to be promoting pro- ment, which should be taking every oppor- Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1263 tunity to provide adequate resources to meet decreasing confidence in the business com their needs, is prepared to close down one munity, that there will be far fewer jobs at of the important accommodation homes in the end of this year. Yet no other real bene Balwyn called Illoura Childrens Home. For fits have been designed to encourage confi a number of years, this facility has provided dence and increased work opportunities for first-rate accommodation for young teenage youn~ people .. Temporary work through wards of the State. It can accommodate at contnved employment schemes have no least 20 of these young people, but the Gov ongoing creative impact on unemployment. ernment has taken the attitude that institu I am disappointed that the Budget is care tionalizing young people is not desirable. less about the needy sections of the com Therefore, the responsible authorities are munity. There have not been increased not prepared to refer appropriate young benefits for the unemployed and there have people to this institution. not been increased opportunities for other While it could adequately accommodate victims of economic and social conditions. 20 people, only eight are being cared for It is because of this that I feel sad that the now. The Minister has advised the institu Budget document will not achieve all the tion that on 31 December 1983 the institu promise of the policies that were espoused tion will close. At the very time when a during the election campaign. I can only Government or community resource can hope that, despite what is being put forward provide first-rate accommodation for young now in the Budget document, there will be people in need of accommodation, when an economic recovery from international the crisis is greatest, the Government has sources and local sources so that there can decided to close down one of the most im be some restoration of confidence in the portant facilities in the community. This Victorian economy. indicates that its own social policy pro Another area of major concern is educa gramme has been turned upside down. tion. Honourable members have canvassed When one would expect young people to many matters in this area and I indicate be cared for by a Government which made that the Budget on this occasion has been a such a pretence that it was going to provide great hoax. It purports to be a balanced better facilities for those in need, the facili Budget document. However, it conceals a ties are being cut back and the opportunities $863 million deficit. for young people are being withdrawn. The question that needs to be asked is There are a number of other areas I would how will this deficit be paid for; what addi like to highlight concerning the problems tional burden will be placed on Victorian associated with young people. There is no society to meet the necessary costs of this doubt that the instruments being used high deficit Budget? within this policy document are not de What additional taxes will be levied to signed to encourage confidence amongst the pay for it? The last speaker commented on business community. There has certainly the additional funds for capital works in the been an increase in the amount of pay-roll education area. The Minister will be fully tax exemptions and that has given some aware that much of the additional funding benefit to an increased number of small for capital works in education has come businesses. However, the Budget document from borrowed funds. Therefore, the edu last year indicated that 23 000 more jobs cation regions will have to pay back the bor would be created. During the past twelve rowed funds next year. Not only will they months, there has been in fact a decrease of have to repay capital, but also they will be 60 000 jobs in Victoria. This has affected paying interest. Over the next few years, an the unemployment problem and has dra increased burden will be placed on the edu matically affected young people as well as cation budget. There will probably be a re older people. striction on the capacity to provide for the The present policy being enunciated in additional physical capital resources in the this Budget document seems not to be de education regions because the resources will signed to promote employment any further. be necessarily absorbed in paying for the All the Budget document has indicated is loan funds and the interest on them. that there should be 25 000 more jobs cre Although it may appear that a reasonable ated and it can only be anticipated, with the additional allocation for capital works in 1264 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills education has been made this year, an ad pared to allow those authorities to charge justment will be made at the end of the year appropriately to cover costs, they will make on how those amounts are to be repaid. a profit. That is what the other authorities What additional resources will have to be must do. There is not question that rural taken from other areas in the following year water supply authorities will soon face some for the Education Department to meet these sort of levy. costs? This makes it perfectly plain that the The Budget will be hiding more of the Government believes it is more important real costs. Those costs will not have to be to provide cheap transport for the people of faced until next year. It is on that basis that Melbourne than it is to provide country I believe the Cain Government will not be people with a drink of water. That is the prepared to face another Budget; it will pre order of priorities of the Cain Labor Gov fer to face an election before the next Budget ernment; it has stated that categorically time is due. and again. Mr B. J. EV ANS (Gippsland East)-The most extraordinary point that has come out All the high flying phrases-such as of the Budget debate has been the explana equality of sacrifice and the fact that all Vic tion provided by the Treasurer and the Pre torians should share in the fruits of the pub mier in justification of the Government's lic authority dividend-are totally impost of$4 million on the Grain Elevators meaningless when one examines the blatant Board. This body has been linked with other discrimination that takes place in rural public authorities that are definitely semi areas. Government in character in that they serve When one examines the effects of the a large proportion of the community. Budget on certain sectors of the commu The Grain Elevators Board is specifically nity-the poorest people, the least educated responsible for servin~ a certain section of and the least healthy-one realizes that it is the community, that IS, the grain growers. also fair to examine the effects of the Budget The Board's facilities and finances have been on the most isolated people in the State. I created by charges upon wheat growers and refer to places which are probably meaning wheat growers only. Yet the Government less to virtually everybody in this House seems to believe that it is justified simply and include: Bendoc, Bendoc Lower, Hay because the only support-apart from its dens Bog, Bonang, Dellicknora, Cabanan legislative base-given by the Government dra, Tubbut, Erinunderra, Combienbar and is a Government guarantee for finance Goongerah. These townships probably raised by that authority. sound foreign to most honourable mem If that is the basis on which the Govern bers, but I can assure the House that they ment now believes it is justified in demand are communities within the State. I am sure ing its pound of flesh, I suggest many other the people who live in those communities authorities will have to start wondering what must often feel doubtful about that fact. will happen to them in future Budgets. Ob They do not receive Victorian radio or tel viously the Victorian Dairy Industry Au evision transmissions. Many of the town thority is the next in line for this kind of ships do not possess a Victorian school to levy. One could also mention the co-opera which to send their children and they have tive housing societies and a huge range of to attend schools over the border in New Government instrumentalities. The only South Wales. instrumentalities that can breath easily are In many cases, their electric power is ge those that the Government has already in nerated in New South Wales and reticu dicated-for some obtuse reason-are not lated across the border. These townships are to be included in this category. I refer to the dependent on Government activity and Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Mel Government interest in the vast areas of bourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board public land that surrounds them. When the and bodies of that type. opportunity presents itself many of the res The Treasurer indicated that the author idents of the area are engaged in the timber ities must make a profit first. Surely that is industry. Forestry is associated with the within his hands. If the Treasurer is pre- development of proper forests. Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1265 Recently the Bendoc Progress Associa in other parts of the State, the bush fires in tion corresponded with me about its view east Gippsland would have been recognized on the sort of activities they would like to as some of the largest and most devastating . be undertaken by the Government. The as that have ever occurred in Victoria. Due to sociation informed me that the unemploy the fact that the bush fires in east Gippsland ment rate amongst adults in the area is as did not attract the same public attention as high as 60 per cent. Many statistics have those in other parts of the State, the public been bandied during the Budget debate, but at large was not aware of the tremendous an employment rate of 60 per cent is devas amount of time and effort that was donated tating in any community. by a vast number of volunteer fire fighters The area is dependent first of all on the in east Gippsland. timber industry, an industry that has been The Government should seriously exam in serious decline in east Gippsland for a ine the question of providing the Country considerable time. At present evidence ex Fire Authority regions with an amount of ists of an upturn in the industry and we money equivalent to that paid in wages for must be grateful for the additional activity the work performed by volunteer firemen. in the housing field as a result of Govern In some instances, people either leave their ment policy. However, that will be fairly properties or permit employees to leave their slow in showing any effect and as yet the properties or place of employment for weeks recovery in the timber industry in east at a time in order to fight bush fires. The Gippsland is not sufficient to ensure ade women folk provide food and shelter and quate employment opportunities. Because general amenities for the fire fighters. In there is such a large area of public land and some instances, women are on duty night State forests in that area of the State, there and day for weeks on end during the bush is a continuing opportunity for Govern fires, as occurred in the bush fires at Cann River. The women provide sustenance for ment expenditure in proper forest manage the fire fighters from both the Forests Com ment practices. mission, the State Emergency Service and Many years ago, a senior official of the the Country Fire Authority. All of the work Forests Commission pointed out to me that, is provided for the Government at no cost. during periods of prosperity, much of the The Government claims that the forest work of the Forests Commission tended to areas belong to all Victorians. Yet the Gov fall behind because sufficient numbers of ernment expects the people who live in the personnel were not available for work in the forest areas to provide a substantial portion forest areas. However, during periods of of the necessary manpower to suppress bush economic recession it had been the practice fires. Incidently, the Government pays little of successive Governments, in order to cre heed to the views of those people on forest ate opportunities for employment, to make management. substantial amounts of money available for The people who live in forest areas make forestry work. Unfortunately, in the mid- few demands on the public purse. Indeed, it 1970s, that line of assistance came to an end appears rather ironic that in the Budget an for the Forests Commission largely because amount of $1 million has been allocated to programmes such as the Regional Employ stimulate the central business district of ment Development scheme and so on fell Melbourne. That is a bitter pill to swallow into disfavour when people wanted to ob for those people who live in country areas. tain unemployment benefits without hav The Government is asking those people to ing to do any work in return. believe the central business district of Mel The result has been a steady decline in bourne is so depressed and run down that the management practices involving forest country people must contribute towards areas. That has led directly to the problems providing $1 million to help boost that area. that were graphically illustrated by the de After all, country people are contributing vastating bush fires that occurred in east towards the cost of a $500 million under Gippsland and other parts of the State when ground rail loop, which most country peo large tracts of forest areas and national parks ple would probably never use. Country were completely devastated. Indeed, had it people pay just as much towards the cost of not been for the tragedies of Ash Wednes that rail loop as do the people who use it. day, and the terrible loss oflife and property Indeed, country people pay the same as 1266 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills metropolitan people towards the cost of ganization known as VEDA, which was es providing an extremely expensive freeway tablished, I am proud to say, after I system, which is designed to help get more convened a meeting in approximately 1964. people into the central business district of That meeting arose directly as a result of Melbourne. the oil and gas discoveries off the coast of In return, country people receive very lit east Gippsland, when many local residents tle from the public purse to sustain them in had become somewhat alarmed by the fore the type of life style in which they choose to cast of massive development that would live. Many people who live in the country follow those discoveries. live what is generally termed an alternative The local residents approached me with lifestyle. I say good luck to them, because their fears that the lifestyle to which they those people have the coura~e of their con had become accustomed and which they victions. They believe mankind can survive cherished could be severely disrupted by the only if it reduces demands on the resources forecast development. They suggested the of the earth. Those people who live alterna need for an organization that would enable tive lifestyles do so because those lifestyles the community to express its opinions on place a minimum amount of demand on the form of development that would occur the natural resources. These people to whom in the wake of the oil and natural gas dis I am referring are not a tub thumping, ban coveries. ner waving mob. They are people who sin The SPEAKER (the Hoo. C. T. Ed cerely believe in their principles and who muods )-Order! The time appointed under are prepared to put those principles into Sessional Orders for me to interrupt busi practice and to stick with them. Although I ness has now arrived. may not share their views entirely in many On the motion ofMr FORDHAM (Min matters, I do respect the fact that they are ister of Education), the sitting was contin prepared to stick to what they preach in the ued. way that people should live. Perhaps all of Mr B. J. EV ANS (Gippsland East)-I us could fo!low that example for the benefit went to some trouble to ensure that there of our community. were prominent business people in the east Over the years, much of the area about Gippsland community who were prepared which I am talking has been declared a to take on the responsible positions in this national park. The honourable member for organization and, despite a fairly tentative Ripon laughs. The former Government, of start in the first few years when It was sup which the honourable member was a mem ported by a small section ofthe community, ber, was responsible for declaring the vast the VEDA organization determined that, of majority of national parks. However, the the large range of resources available, the honourable member for Ripon would not greatest potential for its future lay in tour like to see the Grampians declared a ism, a finding with which I concurred. national park. VEDA was not the first organization in One of the arguments that has been put east Gippsland to promote tourism on a over the years, in support of the declaration regional basis, but east Gippsland led the of more national parks, is the proposition State and possibly Australia in the realiza that they provide enormous tourist attrac tion that tourist promotion on a regional tions. It is to be hoped that if the forest basis was logical. The VEDA organization resources are to be tied up and not used to had been promoting tourism on a regional provide employment in the timber industry basis for some time before the Honourable and general forest management practices, Murray Byrne, the then Minister for Tour then at least the Government will acknow ism, decided that there was a future in tour ledge the substantial tourist potential of the ist promotion on that basis. particular regions and act accordingly. The National Party welcomed the Gov Unfortunately, the policy of the Victo ernment's interest in tourism at that time rian Tourism Commission is to combine but the Government made a fundamental the east Gippsland region with the west mistake in dividing the State into regions Gippsland region under the proposed res which were considered to be ofequal tourist tructure of the tourist regions. The regional potential and giving each region the same tourist authority in east Gippsland is an or- amount of finance for tourist promotion, a Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1267 situation which seems to be out of kilter fortunately, when it comes to geographic with the arguments of Governments that location, the people who are most disad support for the various sectors of the com vantaged by living in isolated areas are the munity should be based on the needs of ones who receive the least consideration those various areas. If it is reasonable to from the Government. divide each State into regions and give each the same amount of money for tourist pro This is borne out by the Government's motion, why is not the State divided into decision under the current Budget to close regions with each receiving the same the hostels that country people rely on for amount of money for public transport or accommodation for their children who any other aspect of Government adminis come to the metropolitan area for teacher tration? training. These hostels have been a boon to I should be interested to know whether parents going through the trauma of having the Treasury is prepared to do a statistical their children move so far from home. In assessment on an electorate or regional ba the past, they have at least had the consola sis of the expenditure of Government reve tion that their children were in well-run nue throughout the State. I have examined hostels that have enjoyed excellent reputa this question in the past on the basis that tions. In the course of the first twelve east Gippsland is, on the current electorate months, those young people are able to es figures, slightly above the quota for an 88- tablish friendship and contact with others seat Parliament. If it received I-88th of the and team together to rent a house, making disbursal under this Budget, I would expect way for the next intake of young people. All to see $60 million spent in the area in the this is thrown aside because the Govern current financial year. That would be a fair ment wanted another $6 million to meet the share of the disbursal from the Budget. It hand-out that it has offered, mainly to peo would be a simple matter for the Treasurer ple in the metropolitan area. It is regrettable to prepare a statement showing precisely that the Government should choose this how much money is spent on each electo particular area to raise capital. The selling rate and if one could find three-quarters of of public transport facilities and leasing that amount being spent in any country them back is bad enough but to sell off these electorate one would be fortunate. hostels to find a few lousy dollars to help it The corollary to that proposition is that payoff its electoral supporters is scraping the metropolitan area is heavily subsidized the bottom of the barrel. by the people in other areas of the State. It is a short-sighted policy for the Gov The people in the North Riding of the Shire ernment simply to comply with the direc of Orbost do not have the police officers, tive that the east Gippsland region, known schools, public transport, art galleries, sports as the Victorian Riviera, be merged with grounds and other facilities that are prov the central Gippsland area. As opposed to ided to the metropolitan community at the the rest of the Gippsland area, east Gipps public's expense. The demand on the public land does not have a cold winter climate. purse by country people is lower than the Anyone who has followed the weather re demands of the people in the metropolitan ports will have noted that east Gippsland area, yet one would think, on the basis of has warm weather. It has warm-hearted the present Budget and indeed those of pre people and a warm climate, and it deserves vious Governments, that metropolitan peo a far greater measure of support from the ple were disadvantaged. I understood that Government. It is an area that can produce the basis of government was to even out the a great deal of wealth for the benefit of the good things oflife between those people who State. have more than enough and those who do not have enough. Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan)-The An Honourable Member-That is Social 1983-84 Budget .will have a profound effect ism. on all Victorians, especially their pockets. Mr B. J. EV ANS-It is not Socialism. Despite the promises made by the Labor The basic principle of government is to help Party before it came to office that taxes and the less fortunate and the most disadvan charges would not be increased, the Victo taged by taxing those who can afford it. U n- rian electorate has been badly hit and is 1268 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills paying dearly for the luxury of the Cain late the economy. The problem with that is Government. that once authorities and organizations are Taxes and charges have increased by 13· 7 depleted of their reserves, there is nothing per cent. If this is added to the increase in to fall back on. When the reserves are spent, charges last year, a 40 per cent increase in borrowing must be resorted to. taxes and charges has occurred since the The Government has proved that it is Cain Government came to office. Even the prepared to borrow large sums of money. It Premier of New South Wales, Mr Wran has proved that it is prepared to sell the another high spender-could manage an in assets of Victoria, especially in the trans crease of only 29·5 per cent during the same port area, and then lease back those assets period. An increase of 27·7 per cent oc to gain money for capital works. As every curred in South Australia, and an increase person who has had to run a household of 9· 3 per cent occurred in Tasmania. budget knows, when one borrows, one must It has been estimated that the extra cost payback. to each Victorian family is of the order of That is the reason why, this year, debt $275 a year. The sad part is that the extra charges have increased by 38 per cent. They burden falls on the poor, the disadvantaged have increased from $318 million in the last and the unemployed. The Government al Budget to $439 million in this Budget. If the leges that it helps the disadvantaged in our Government continues with that strategy, it community, but its taxes are having the op will lead to disaster because, with every year posite effect. The extra taxes and charges that passes, the State is going further and will mean that the expansionary impact of further into debt and fewer funds for cur the Budget is largely dissipated by new tax rent expenditure will be available. burdens imposed by it. . I shall briefly deal with the effect the Through the Budget, the Government el Budget has had on the electorate I repre oquently expresses that public sector-led re sent. Like many people in other country covery is the right prescription for Victoria. electorates, my constituents feel they have However, the figures in the Budget do not been forgotten and neglected by the Gov sustain that argument. In the past year, ap ernment. The Government is a metropoli proximately 60 000 jobs were lost in the pri tan Government, and it is seen in that vate sector. On the other side of the scale, manner. People in the country feel ne the staff of the Public Service increased by glected and discarded. For example, the approximately 9000. That is by far the larg Government came to power declaring that est increase in the Public Service of any it would keep petrol costs down. It made State. The increase in staff of the Public great play on that point. During the time Service has been a severe burden on the the Labor Party has been in Government, taxpayers of Victoria. It was a severe cost petrol costs have risen from 38·6 cents a factor in last year's Budget, and it is re litre to 49·2 cents a litre. flected in the ongoing costs of this year's That is a shame because the Government Budget. must understand that country people can The only way to recovery in this State is not resort to public transport; the parents through the private sector. The Budget must must take their children to school and be framed to encourage the private sector sporting activities. They are distanced from by providing for lower taxes and charges medical services and the like. If they want and creating more demand, thus increasing to travel, they must do so by motor car. jobs for all Victorians who want them. Because of that, country people believe they However, the Budget fails to do that. Some have an additional burden to bear. stimulus must be provided to service indus Similarly, the Government's antics in re tries, such as the tourism and entertainment spect to the Country Fire Authority are a industries. disgrace. After the magnificent effort put up In balancing the Budget, the Government by the authority during the bush-fire disas has taken a leaf out of the book of the Pre ter, it is grossly unfair that the Government mier of New South Wales, Mr Wran-with is now contemplating interfering with the the so-called hollow log theory. The theory existence of the authority and amalgamat is that there are vast sums of money in re ing it with the Metropolitan Fire Brigades serve that can be spent and used to stimu- Board. The other source of discontent is Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1269 that the Government has seen fit to abolish considerately with the bush nursing hospi the Queen's Medal, which was awarded to tals that serve the more remote areas ofVic firemen for outstanding acts of bravery. toria. In passing, I add that the bush nursing I had the unfortunate experience of being hospitals are a small drain on the financial telephoned by a representative from the au resources of the State. They rely heavily on thority requesting me to obtain for him a their own funds, expecially since the Gov flag. ernment abolished capital grants to bush Mr McNamara-For the truck? nursing hospitals in the Budget. Some ar Mr DELZOPPO-No; members of the rangement must be made for the accom authority wanted to fly the flag in memory modation of patients when the Medicare of their comrades who died during the Ash scheme comes into operation next year. I Wednesday bush fires. ask the Minister of Health to take such steps as will continue the service for country Vic As a matter of fact they borrowed one. torians. They wrote to the Premier asking him for a flag they could fly on such occasions and There are other matters I should like to their request was refused, which I consider raise but my colleague, the honourable to be pretty lousy. If that is an unparliamen member for Gisborne, has matters to put tary word, I substitute the word "mean". I before the House in this debate. I thank wrote to a Victorian Senator, explaining the honourable members for their attention. situation and four or five days later I Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-I have recei ved a flag. had discussions with the Treasurer on many Mr Jasper-Australian or Victorian? of the matters in the Budget about which I Mr DELZOPPO-An Australian flag. am concerned, and he advised me that, if I We are thinking of flying a Gippsland flag. could restrain my comments to a few min I now turn to education, about which there utes, he would respond directly to the mat is discontent in country electorates, espe ters that I raise. I take the point made by cially the electorate I represent. The Minis the Treasurer, but point out to him that, ter of Education is making an inquiry into because of the concern about some of these the school bus service, and that is proving matters, it will be difficult for me to restrict to be very unsettling indeed to parents, who my comments to the few minutes that he are frightened that the service will be cur suggests. tailed. That would put them at a great dis When I spoke in the Budget debate twelve advantage. I understand that some of the months ago, I said that I supported the gen smaller schools have been closed in the past eral thrust of that Budget and I again indi so that bigger schools could be formed from cate to the House that I support the general the aggregation of the pupils of those smaller thrust of this Budget and its expenditures. I schools, in order that the children could ob support the Keynesian approach that, if the tain a better social experience at school. If economy is not buoyant, the Government that is to be done in future, it is imperative should expand spending to stimulate the that the school bus service should be kept economy in an attempt to promote employ going. The Minister of Education should ment and the economy generally, which en consider carefully the decision he makes as a result of that inquiry. ables private enterprise to operate and to be profitable. Conversely, if the economy is Finally, I advise the House that I have buoyant, I would support a contraction of some interest in the Victorian Bush Nurs Government spending to dampen down the ing Hospitals Association, being an execu tive of that body. The Bush Nursing economy. Hospitals Association is reeling under the Although I agree with many of the argu attacks of this Government. As has been ments and programmes put forward by the mentioned several times during the debate, Government in the Budget, there are many bush nursing hospitals provide hospital areas that are of concern to the National services to the remote areas of the State, Party and myself. I generally support the and it is a great shame that they feel under thrust ofthe Budget in stimulating the econ threat from both the State Government and omy and maintaining the impetus that has the Federal Government. I earnestly invite been started in many areas over the past the Minister of Health to deal kindly and twelve months. Session 1983-47 1270 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills
The National Party strongly supports the I suggest to the Minister that private lifting of the basic pay-roll tax exemption practitioners should be permitted to under from $140 000 to $200 000. As the Treas take dental work for pensioners and that urer said in his Budget speech to the House, that work should be charged to the Govern this will be free to 18 per cent of all employ ment on a fee-for-service basis. I am pleased ers now paying pay-roll tax. I have spoken the Government supports this idea and that on many occasions about the importance of funds will be provided to establish the small business to the economy of Victoria scheme and allow pensioners to go to pri and the fact that if small businesses operate vate practitioners for dental work. effectively and profitably they will employ Pensioners also have had problems with more people, which will have the effect of paying for eye testing and obtaining pres raising the economy to a higher level of cription glasses. These problems are expe buoyancy. This, of course, is to the advan rienced by pensioners in the electorate I tage of all people living in Victoria. Raising represent and in the eastern part of the elec the exemption level to $200 000 must be torate they can now go to the Wangaratta supported by Parliament as a positive move District Base Hospital to have their eyes to assist small businesses and free them from checked and receive an order from the hos a most iniquitous tax, which was recog pital for prescription glasses to the specifi nized by the Liberal Party when it was in cations of a private practitioner. government and by this Government. The scheme will be of assistance to pen sioners and is supported by the National On page 13 of the Treasurer's Budget Party. Pensioners living in the western end speech, he indicated many areas of expan of the Murray Valley electorate need to sion in Government spending and support travel to Shepparton to the Goulburn Val for various areas of the economy. I note ley Base Hospital. Again the problem is ev particularly the assistance to pensioners ident to them because they must wait a for dental care. This is a matter about which lengthy period to have work done on their I have been making strong representations dentures or to have their eyes tested. The to the Minister of Health over the past measure will overcome that problem. twelve months. In the electorate I represent, The Treasurer discussed the introduction pensioners from Wangaratta and surround of the motor vehicle purchasers incentives ing areas who have dental problems can scheme. All honourable members are aware book in to the service that is provided at that my family is involved in the motor the Wangaratta Base Hospital. Unfortu vehicle industry and that I am most inter nately, there are many problems that re ested in the introduction of the scheme. Al quire immediate dental treatment but the though I applaud the provision of this people are not able to obtain those services incentive, it may not have the stimulating quickly. Many pensioners have come to me effect the Treasurer expects will occur in saying they have specific dental problems additional sales of new motor vehicles. that need immediate work but they have I trust the measure will assist the trade been told by the dentist operating at the but, being aware of the heavy discounting Wangaratta District Base Hospital that they that operates within the motor industry may have to wait eighteen months to two generally on the sale of new motor vehicles years to have the work done. Anybody who by manufacturers and dealers, the $250 re has dentures would realize that it would be bate will not be such a great incentive to very difficult to wait for that long to have new car buyers; nonetheless it certainly their broken dentures repaired. should assist in stimulating the industry. Many motor manufacturers and dealers are Problems are being faced by many te advertising that as well as big or excellent agency reporting to the Minister for Com trade-ins for motor vehicles and a discount munity Welfare Services. With the separa on the new price of a motor vehicle, an tion thaided, in this case, the Wangaratta additional incentive of$250 will be paid by District Base Hospital, but also in sur the Government to individual purchasers rounding areas like Yarrawonga and of new motor vehicles. Rutherglen. Some pensioners must travel Additional funding has been provided for 25, 30 or 50 miles to the hospital to obtain correctional services and the establishment the services provided. of a separate agency reporting to the Minis- Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1271 ter for Community Welfare Services. With yet honourable members have received no the separation that is taking place within details of how the allocation will be spent to the Department of Community Welfare stimulate apprentice training in Victoria. Services, there will be grave problems cre . The Budget Paper indicates other areas of ated in the country purely and simply be expenditure by the Ministry of Employ cause of that separation. I have had brought ment and Training and mentions specifi to my attention that many sub-agencies cally workers compensation coverage for from the department will not be able to first-year apprentices. One of the best stim function because of the staff reduction. They uli for employing additional apprentices in will not be able to operate effectively with Victoria would be for the Government to separation of the two services. The reduc consider paying workers compensation for tion in staffing will increase the need for the total apprenticeship period. If an ap additional administrative support in those prentice is employed for four years to com country areas to maintain the services prov plete his apprenticeship training, ided by the Department of Community consideration should be given to the provi Welfare Services. I shall address that prob sion of workers compensation payments for lem at a later stage because of the grave those years. problems that will be faced by the depart ment in maintaining the welfare services Additionally, the Government provides provided in the country where there are an exemption from the payment of pay-roll small populations and fewer staff within the tax for first-year apprentices in the scheme. department. . Consideration should be given to the exten sion of the payment of pay-roll tax for the If the number of staff members is spread by separating them within the correctional payment of salaries to apprentices for the services and the normal community welfare full period of training. Perhaps these mat services being provided, the provision of ters are already being considered by the services will be reduced. The department Ministry, but surely if an allocation of $3 would then close the sub-agencies that are million is made, an indication should be operating in many country areas. I hope the given as to how it will be expended. Minister takes particular note of that point Those are some of the concerns created because I have many facts and figures pro by the Budget Papers. One of the areas from duced from my electorate that indicate which the Government is gaining funds for clearly the problem that will be faced by the the State is the public authority dividend. department with this separation agreement. These public authority dividends are de The one office will need to be retained to tailed in Budget Paper No. 2. This year, the effectively provide the two services. State Electricity Commission will have to One of the areas highlighted by the Gov pay $103·9 million, the Melbourne Metro ernment as a stimulus to the economy and politan Board of Works will have to pay $55 to apprenticeship is the provision of$3 mil million and the Gas and Fuel Corporation, lion from the Ministry of Employment and $25 million. Those charges represent a huge Training to develop programmes which increase on the payments made in the pre maximize the demand for apprentices in the vious year when this charge was introduced coming year. If honourable members ex by the Government. The Port of Melbourne amine Budget Paper No. 2 under the Min Authority will have to pay $6 million, the istry of Employment and Training, Part 4:3, same as last year. 17, honourable members will read details of the amount to be expended under the cur This year a charge has been made on the rent account by the Ministry and the amount Grain Elevators Board of $4 million as also under works and services. Although refer has the State Bank of Victoria for $10·4 mil ence is made to the need for a stimulus to lion been introduced. I particularly wish to apprenticeship training and a stimulus to refer to the public authority dividend charge the number of people involved in appren imposed on the Grain Elevators Board. ticeships, absolutely no reference is made as I listened with a great deal of interest to to how the $3 million will be spent during the comments made by the Premier this the next twelve months. evening. The Premier believes it is just and . I remind the House that we are almost right that the Grain Elevators Board should four months into the current financial year, pay $4 million to the State Government. So 1272 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills far as I am concerned, it is wrong for the dealers responsible for the stamp duty pay Government to impose a $4 million charge able on the transfer of used motor vehicles. on the board. In the past, farmers have faced The Government will force used motor ve many problems including the drought and hicle sales outlets to pay for the stamp duty the excessive wet seasons. This year, the on the sale of vehicles. Honourable mem grain producers will probably enjoy an ex bers know that the purchasers of almost any cellent harvest. If the harvest is 4 million item pay the stamp duty that is applicable tonnes every grain producer will have to to that item but in this case, because there pay the Government $1 a tonne. has been evasion of this duty in the past, I remind the Treasurer and the House the Government is making it the responsi that the Government provided no funds to bility of the used motor vehicle dealers to the Grain Elevators Board to set up the grain pay the stamp duty on the transfer of motor handling system in Victoria. I agree that the vehicles. Government has provided guarantees, but I remind honourable members that the the money used to set up the grain handling stamp duty on the transfer of used motor system belonged to the growers. The grain vehicles in Victoria is 4 per cent. The stamp handling system belonged to the growers. duty on the purchase ofa new vehicle is 2·5 The grain growers pay interest on the money per cent. Let me compare that with other borrowed. The point I make is that this year States in Australia. In New South Wales the the Government has said that it will charge stamp duty is 2 per cent on new and used the Grain Elevators Board $4 million. Let vehicles, in South Australia it is 2·5 per cent, me read what the Treasurer says about the in Queensland 1 per cent and no stamp duty Grain Elevators Board in Budget Paper No. is payable in the Australian Capital Terri 2 on page 6 of Part 2: 1: tory. It has been operated on an efficient basis and clearly has a track record to be classed among Victoria's lead I also remind the House that when in ing commercial business authorities. opposition the Labor Party voted against the imposition of a 4 per cent stamp duty Everybody agrees with that. To continue: on the transfer of used motor vehicles. I Its ability to generate a rate of return on equity is have no need to remind the House that I clear and its initial dividend has been set at a level of crossed the floor and voted with the Oppo $4 million. sition because I believed that the imposi Then we get to the crunch line in the next tion of a 4 per cent stamp duty, being the sentence: highest by far in Australia, was an unrea There is no doubt that it can be successfully phased sonable imposition on the purchasers of up to the dividend limit of a 5 per cent return on equity used motor vehicles? Who buys most used together with the four other authorities currently con motor vehicles? Most of the people who buy tributing less than this share of equity to the Consoli them cannot afford to buy a new motor ve dated Fund. hicle. They are generally people on lower The growers have the equity in the Grain incomes. Who does the Government sup Elevators Board, not the Government. All port-the people on higher incomes or lower the Government is saying is that the board incomes? is an efficient operator and the Government should enjoy some of its income. The Government says that if a person buys a new Australian-made car it will give The National Party is totally opposed to him a $250 rebate, but if he buys a used car the imposition of this tax on the Grain Ele the Government will ensure that he pays vators Board. This is the first time a Gov the 4 per cent stamp duty and the Govern ernment in Victoria has imposed a tax ment will then try to force the dealers to pay directly on growers. as well. That is iniquitous and totally hyp I mentioned earlier that the Government ocritical because, when the Government was is providing a rebate of $250 to the pur in opposition, it was opposed to such a chasers of new Australian-made motor ve charge. I wish the Minister of Transport was hicles. That will cost the Government $7 in the Chamber because, when in opposi million. Of course the Government gives tion, he vehemently opposed the imposi with the one hand and takes back with the tion of a 4 per cent stamp duty on the sale other, with interest. The Government now of used motor vehicles. That situation indicates that it will make the motor car should be reviewed. Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1273
Last year, the Treasurer went to great Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-I thank pains in his Budget address, and in com the House for its indulgence and I thank the ments he made in this year's Budget speech, Deputy Leader of the Opposition for mov to say that he is changing the presentation ing the extension of time. There is no doubt of the Budget Papers to ensure that anyone that my remarks today will prompt the can understand them and see where money Treasurer to examine the Budget Papers just is going to be spent. I spent about five hours to see what is contained in them. I suggest today going through the three Budget Pa that the Treasurer calls all Ministers to pers. I read most of them and tried to find gether, after perhaps talking to the Premier out where the money is being spent. One first because he gives most of the instruc needs to cross reference everything. When tions, so that each Minister may provide one has cross referenced everything be a supplementary paper on what will be tween the detail in the Budget speech and spent in each Ministry. what is in Budget Document No. 2 and Budget Document No. 3 to find out where In the Ministry of Employment and money is being spent, I suggest that one is Training, $3 million has been allocated for almost back at square one. apprenticeship schemes but there is no in dication in the Budget Papers how that One really does not know where the money will be spent. Perhaps the Ministry money is to be spent because not very much is still thinking up ways and means of detail is provided. The Treasurer is mis spending that money. leading Parliament by saying that more de tail is being provided in the Budget Papers I reiterate that one really needs to cross than ever before. Perhaps each Minister reference the Budget Papers to be able to get should present a supplementary document any idea of where money is to be spent. It stating where the money is to be spent. would be better if more detail were con Most honourable members, particularly tained about what that expenditure will those who have been members of Parlia provide. ment for some years, will understand what Almost at the very back of Budget Paper happens. For the first three months of the No. 2 Part 4:3, pages 44 and 45, funds being financial year, when one telephones a de spent by the Ministry of Water Resources partment to determine an allocation for a and Water Supply show initially that the particular project, the staff usually answer current account is at almost $98 million. that they are waiting for the Budget to be Various amounts are shown in the works presented. When the Budget is presented and services account. and one again contacts the staff, they say that they are waiting for Ministerial ap The concluding comments say that coun proval. By then, it is almost four months try sewerage authority allocations for sew into the new financial year and many of the erage projects amount to $8·633 million and programmes are not even in place. that in addition authorities borrowing less than $1·8 million will be able to borrow Last year, I telephoned various depart under the smaller authorities arrangements ments to determine the position of various of the Australian Loan Council and that projects in the electorate that I represent. these loans will be subsidized at a rate of However, many approvals were not given 6·5 per cent. Without getting into an argu until Christmas and even after Christmas, ment about the percentage, I suggest that which was six months into the financial year. the remainder of that page, which is blank, The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk could have been filled with details of where wood)-The honourable member has 2 some of that money is to be spent. minutes. The Minister of Water Supply has ap Mr JASPER-I have demonstrated to proved two sewerage authorities to proceed the House some of the concerns I have about this year with works, one of which is the the Budget Papers that have been pre township of Ruthergien where I live. The sented. There are other areas of concern that township has been battling to get the sew I would like to mention. erage programme moving for some years On the motion, by leave, of Mr MA and would have liked it to have started last CLELLAN (Berwick), an extension of 10 year, but funds were not available because minutes was granted. of the completion of other projects. 1274 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills Approval has been given for the sewerage pared with 25 per cent in country areas. The project at Rutherglen to proceed, but the previous Government spent approximately Shire of Rutherglen does not know how two-thirds of the housing funds in country much money has been allocated. Staff of the areas and one-third in metropolitan Mel- Ministry of Water Resources and Water bourne. I suggest to the Minister that there Supply say that it may be $500 000 or pos needs to be a greater allocation of funds to sibly $750000 in this financial year, but the country Victoria, mainly because of the dif shire must wait another month before the ficulty in obtaining housing there and the Ministry can state how much is to be spent. greater difficulty in being able to provide The Shire of Rutherglen Sewerage Author and obtain finance for people living in ity will now have great difficulty in spend country areas. ing that money this financial year. I suggest to the Minister, in his capacity The problems facing those concerned are, as Minister for Economic Development, firstly, determining what has been approved that there needs to be a balanced develop and, secondly, the authorities or organiza ment across Victoria with more develop tions receiving these funds, whether sewer ment in country areas. Decentralization may age authorities, shire councils or other not get the same impetus from this Govern organizations, knowing when they will be ment as with the previous Government, and able to spend the money. They need to pro the National Party will watch with interest ceed immediately with those projects. More to see what happens to decentralization. detail should be given earlier so that those The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk projects can proceed quickly. wood)-The honourable member has 1 I support the increase in the allocation to minute 30 seconds. the Ministry of Housing. Without doubt, Mr JASPER-I appreciate the extension this has provided a great stimulus to the of time that was provided to me by the economy and, as the Minister of Housing House, because in that time I have been interjects, it provides increased employ able to present to the House the needs of ment. The increase in expenditure from people living in country areas. I trust that $227 million to $271 million is a 19 per cent there will be a redirection in funding for increase. More than 3500 units will be added housing from the Government and that the to the rental housing stock in the next twelve Minister will rethink where housin~ funds months; 2700 were added to that stock in are being spent. I trust that this Wlll be a the 1982-83 financial year. move in the right direction in continuing Those measures will ease the shortage of economic development in country Victoria housing both in country and metropolitan as well as in metropolitan Melbourne. areas. Of the $271 million that will be spent Mr REYNOLDS (Gisborne)-I am de by the State Government on housing this lighted to be following the honourable ~ear, the Federal Government is providing member for Murray Valley in this debate. I $115·653 million, which is an increase from hope I will be extended the same privilege last year of almost $57 million in the Fed that he was given with an extension at the eral Government allocation to public hous end of my· half hour. It is very nice to be ing. I support the allocation of these funds able to speak in this debate tonight and into and I point out that a large amount of Fed tomorrow. eral Government money is being spent on It appalls me that for the second year in a housing. That perspective should be placed row the Government has made this a cog on the housing funds to be spent in Vic nate debate by joining the Works and Serv toria. ices Appropriation Bill (No. 2) and the Of great concern about the funds being Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill. Hon provided through the Ministry of Housing ourable members are limited to a mere half is the redirection of from where those funds hour to talk on two of the most important are being provided. Bills that will come before this House. Even The Minister of Housing, in a recent re members of the Government may wish to lease, indicated that $10 million would be talk of the electorates they represent. spent on new homes in a house and land What has Victoria got to show for eight package arrangement, but then he indicated een months of a new Government that that 75 per cent of that funding would be promised so much? We were promised spent in metropolitan Melbourne com- modem financial management techniques Appropria~ion Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1275 and, as the honourable member for Murray achieve growth in employment in the pub Valley said, if one tries to work out these lic sector but not in the private sector. In Budget documents, it amounts to modern fact there has been a decrease in employ financial management confusion. Very few ment in the private sector. people seem to be able to understand them. By the time one traces a particular item The most iniquitous thing that this Gov through the whole of these documents, one ernment has done has been to introduce the financial institutions duty. I was advised by finishes back at the beginning and is none a banking executive the other day that, in the wiser. that particular bank, eight out of ten of the The Government promised a whole range major banking accounts had been shifted to of advantages. It promised lower taxes and Canberra or Queensland. The Treasurer State charges. I have not seen where that may think he is clever in introducing this promise has been put into practice. The tax. It may gain him some extra funds but, Government promised lower fares on pub as Mr Bjelke-Petersen said when the Gov lic transport. Has that happened? The Gov ernment intended to introduce probate du ernment promised that there would be a cut ties, a four-lane highway would be needed in electricity prices, that gas would fall by 4 for people going to Brisbane-three lanes cents in the dollar, that hospital charges going up and one for the furniture vans would drop to the level they were in 1981, coming back. The financial institutions duty that the petrol tax would be abolished. None will have the same effect. of these things has happened and the Min ister for Police and Emergency Services This Government has made Ned Kelly travelled around the State promising 1000 look like a gentleman. An apt description extra police in the life of the Government, for the Government is a public pickpocket. with 500 in the first year. I believe there are Everything one touches or buys has been 334 extra police, and half of them are public taxed by the Government, retaxed and taxed servants who have been employed to re again. Then it is indexed so that the Gov lease police from paperwork. It will be im ernment gets extra tax when inflation possible for the Government to achieve its increases. aims in this regard. There were not to be any gas price rises, What have we got really? In some areas, but there has been an 18·5 per cent increase the Government has been able to get rid of in the price of gas. The price of electricity the white lines at racecourses. What a major was not to go up, but it has been increased achievement that has been! There is now by 15 per cent; a 23 per cent increase overall nude bathing. What a tremendous asset to in Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of the State that is! A few extra race meetings Works rates because the Government has are to be held. That will help the Treasurer put a tax on the Board of Works. A most out with his financial problems because iniquitous tax is the health insurance levy, there will be extra turnover for the Totali which no one can justify, and a man who zator Agency Board and it will help the "big" can talk as well as the Minister of Health is owners of race horses who win most of the having a hard job justifying this levy of$I.60 city races. a fortnight. Victoria now has a record deficit, un known in the history of this State. I believe All the charges are indexed and are in creasing every year. They are increasing the deficit will be larger next year. The Gov every year without honourable members ernment cannot reach a decision on Alcoa. knowing and without people who have to It is impossible for the Government to make pay them knowing. As I said, the financial a decision that will achieve anything of great institutions duty is iniquitous. The worst benefit; white lines, nude bathing, extra city feature of it is that it applies to repaym~nts race meetings, but no resolution to the AI on home loans. The Government has been coa problem that has been going on for the spruiking about helping first home buyers past eighteen months. and helping people payoff their housing There have been plenty of new jobs cre loans, yet it is slugging them 3 cents in $100 ated in the Government, and 200 of these on the repayment of their loans, whether employees are receiving more than $30 000 they be from finance companies, banks or a year. The Government has been able to housing societies. 1276 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Appropriation Bills I can say that the chickens have come industry. As he said, if someone cannot home to roost in this Budget. People are afford a new motorcar with a $250 rebate, starting to realize what the .Government is that person is taxed $8 in every $200 or part doing. I know people have been talking thereof. That is the tax at 4 per cent. The about an opinion poll in the Bulletin, but provision of$250 rebates for people buying one should ask what the next opinion poll locally made cars will cost the Government will indicate when the facts of the Budget $7 million. It will then receive back $13 are realized. It was indicative of the Pre- million by lifting petrol taxes. I do not mier in across-the-table debate that, at understand it. question time the other day, he changed the One of the things that worries me more subject to the venue of the grand final. He than anything is the wine tax being in seems to be obsessed with where the grand creased from 9 per cent to 20 per cent final will be held next year. The Govern- of sales, assessed on volume. Licensed re ment cannot decide what to do with Alcoa tailers tell me that 85 per cent ofthe volume of Australia Ltd in eighteen months, yet it of wine that they sell is cask wine, which is is prepared to spend $1· 3 million to get the sold at discount prices in most instances. Melbourne Cricket Ground for the grand The Treasurer has said that the provision is final on one day of the year. Where are the not backdated, but if it is based on pur Government's priorities? In the history of chases in the past twelve months, the retail the Melbourne Cricket Ground, £100000 ers must pay by the end of the year. He has of Government and taxpayers' moneys went said they can pay in instalments, but they into the construction of that multi-million will be charged ala per cent surcharge if dollar structure. The Government is now they do so. That tax has not been properly granting $1·3 million to buy one day of the considered. None of the Government mem year at the ground. The Government's bers have been in business-if they had priorities are wrong and people are wak- been, the businesses would not be success ing up to it. ful. The Government has used textbook One should remember the hypocrisy of economics that do not work in the real the Premier when Australia won the Amer- world. The Government should get its hands ica's Cup in asking that the race be held on dirty. Port Phillip Bay in three years' time. Eight- Another problem that is not addressed in een months ago, the honourable gentlemen the Budget is workers compensation. In stopped the $100 000 that had been given creases in workers compensation premiums to get the project off the ground because he are causing industry considerable prob considered it an elitist sport. He called it lems, particularly the sawmilling industry elitist and then turned around and wanted where premiums have increased in many the race run on his own dunghill. I have instances by 150 per cent. I wonder whether never witnessed such hypocrisy in my life. the Government will consider the construc The Budget strategy will affect people who, tive suggestion that a percentage of wages smoke, people who drive a motor vehicle could be paid into a guarantee fund and and if a person does not use petrol, he will allow workers compensation, particularly in be hit with stamp duty and transfer duty the sawmilling industry and abattoirs, as and, if that fails, he will pay a licence fee on the honourable member for Murray Valley wine sales. has interjected, where there is a high risk of The Government is really hitting the inj.uries, to have the same advan.tage~ that working man who partakes of those pleas- eXIst for. I?o~or ca.r comprehenSIve In sur ures. It is hitting the family by $275 per ance.pohcles In whIch the person who takes annum, the people it is supposed to stand out Insurance pays the first $100 or what up for. That is what the average family will ever. excess c~arge. It would be a way. of pay as a result of the Budget. The Minister keepIng premIums do~ and be of cons~d of Transport, who was interjecting earlier, erable advan~g.e, l?artIcularly to abattOIrs is selling the State's assets to the Japanese and the sawmIlhng Industry. or Chi~ese: He is selling the tr~ms and trai!ls A couple of matters that have come to to fore~gn Interests. Th~t I?ohcy must. be Ir- my attention in local areas and that are reconcIlable to the Soclahst left factIOn of causing considerable concern are bush the Labor Party. nursing hospitals, where Government fund- The honourable member for Murray Val- in~ for capital works has been stopped for ley has some background in the motor car thIS year. Although the Minister of Health Appropriation Bills 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1277
has stopped funding for this year, I hope he about the repayment of the money that he will restore it for the following year. I is borrowing. understand his motives for this year, but funding must be restored for the following A local issue of concern is the provision year. He also has problems in sorting out for the extension of the natural gas pipeline. for bush nursing hospitals the categoriza There will be a joining of the line from tion and level offunding they are to receive Kyneton to Wandong, which will pass close from Medicare. to the township of Kilmore. The Shire of Kilmore has been agitating for some time Three of the 38 bush nursing hospitals in for reticulated natural gas. The pipeline will Victoria are in the electorate I represent. All also pass between the towns of Romsey and of the three are extremely concerned about Lancefield, which are only about 35 and 38 how they will make ends meet. They are miles from Melbourne and I ask the Minis working as a co-operative venture. They do ter to take up the cause of these three towns. not make a profit and many people work It would not be expensive to connect these long hours in a voluntary capacity to keep towns to the gas pipeline when it is being bush nursing hospitals open. The Minister put through the area and it would allow of Health must examine bush nursing hos them the advantage of using natural gas. pitals in an endeavour to make some por tion of them available for public use. I should like the Minister for Police and Emergency Services to take up the need for One of the matters I wonder about in a new police residence in Trentham. Last Budget Paper No. 2 is the announcement in week, the honourable gentleman opened the Part 1:3 on page 17 that $600000 will be new police residence at Riddell's Creek and spent on a thoroughbred training complex the people of the electorate I represent would at Geelong, as proposed by the Geelong Re certainly welcome his opening the new res gional Commission. Many projects are ap idence that is needed at Trentham-as proved for funding under that State would Sergeant Bourke and his wife, who Development Programme and I congratu have lived in the present residence for many late the Government on some of them. That years. old chestnut is here again; the remand centre. This time it is to be designed. Pre I congratulate the Government on the de viously, the Premier has told us the remand centralization budget, which has been in centre had been designed but here we find creased from $36·9 million last year to $42·2 that it will be designed again. million, an increase of 14·3 per cent. It is Although many of the other projects are pleasing to note that this programme has worth while, I shall not go into them, but I been saved for at least one more year. The am interested in the thoroughbred training Shire of Kilmore was so concerned about complex. Only recently, I was advised that the danger to this programme that was in this project had been shelved. I have tried the offing that it placed full-page advertise to obtain the correct information but have ments in the local paper asking the public not been able to do so. I ask the Minister to write to the Premier and the Minister what will happen with this training com regarding the possible loss of decentraliza plex, which is to cost $600 000, not from tion benefits. the Racecourses Development Fund but I now refer to the allocation for youth, from Government funds; it is the taxpayers' sport and recreation. I was worried when I money and we, as taxpayers, must pay the read the document entitled Finance interest on that money as well. We should be 1982-83, Treasurer's Statement for the Year told exactly what is happening and where Ended 30 June 1983 and Report of the Aud the money is coming from. I hope the Min itor-General to note that the 1982-83 ister can provide that information fairly Budget voted the department $9 816 600, shortly. of which the department spent only The whole of the State Development Pro $8211 800. I should like to know who gramme funding totals $162·937 million. missed out? If only 83·7 per cent of the al Even at a meagre 15 per cent, interest on location was spent, someone has missed out that figure will amount to $24·5 million a somewhere. The expenditure of the State year. That must be found next year and I Sports Council was down 27·4 per cent and hope the Treasurer has thought about it. He the State Youth Council was down 21·3 per does not appear to be thinking too much cent. They did not spend their allocation. 1278 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Adjournment
Someone is missing out somewhere. The of the car racing calendar can be run in Vic expenditure of the State Recreation Council toria every year. It would be a famous three was down 66·7 per cent. Either it was not day event that would attract world-wide allowed to spend its allocation or it was publicity and be a tremendous tourist at voted too much in the first place. traction. Despite that, the Government has When a department spends only 83·7 per fiddled around for eighteen months. cent of its allocation, someone should have Mr Ross-Edwards-It was worse with the a good hard look at the reason why that yacht race. happened. One area in which there was gross underspending was the Sports and Recrea Mr REYNOLDS-Yes, the way in which tion Programme, which spent only the Premier did an about-face on the yacht $1 365900 or 18·2 per cent down on its race was enormously hypocritical. There is budget from the previous year. Why were no doubt that the Minister has problems those funds not spent? because the grant for the State Youth Coun cil and for youth work and youth services The Bud~et documents reveal that the to within the department is down by a large tal expendIture in 1982-83 for the whole department was $38 717 251. When one de amount. ducts from that the amount of $538 958, What happened was that a group of these which was granted to the department by the people camped on the Minister's doorstep Commonwealth for expenditure on the and demanded to see him. Of course, he hockey centre, the Equestrian Centre at knew how to fix them up! He said, "Look, Werribee Park and on the Olympic Park go away. I will give you $500 000", and away No. 1 grandstand, one arrives at a total ex they went. The confusion now occurs over penditure of State-generated funds, either who is to supply that money. Honourable from the Treasury, the Totalizator Agency members have been advised that there is no Board or some other source, of$38 178293. more money in the Treasurer's fund and What does a comparison between these fig that there is a need for a cutback of 2 per ures and the vote in the 1983-84 Budget cent. That is a perfect example for anyone show? If one tries to work out how well the who wants to receive funds from the De department is doing this year, one finds that partment ofYouth, Sport and Recreation the allocation is $39313281, less the Com one should camp on that Minister's door monwealth grant for the Sports and Recre ation Programme, which is $2 894 680, step, and he will give one $500000 to shut leaving a total of$36 418 601. That reveals one up. that there has been a 4·8 per cent decrease The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed in funding for the department and, in real munds)-qrder! The question is: That the terms, rather than receiving a cut of 2 per Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill be now cent the department's funds are being cut read a second time. by almost 15 per cent compared with the The motion was agreed to. amount it actually spent last year-not the The Bill was read a second time and com amount it was voted but the amount it ac mitted. tually spent. When the Minister gets back tomorrow, he will have a bit of explaining The SPEAKER-Order! The question is: to do. That the Works and Services Appropriation The Budget documents contain no men Bill (No. 2) be now read a second time. tion-although I have heard it mentioned The motion was agreed to. everywhere else-of an international grand The Bill was read a second time and com prix car racing circuit, although I under mitted. stand the Commonwealth Budget has allo cated an amount, through the Sports and ADJOURNMENT Recreation Programme, of $2 894 680 for this purpose. This seems to be yet another Presentation of petitions-Pre-school facil opportunity the Government is allowing to ities in Shire of Lilydale-Emergency ~o by. The Federal Government has offered teachers-Monash University, Faculty of It $3 million for $2 million of State money Law-Fairway traffic scheme-Co-oper no matter how the State Government ob ative housing societies-State superan tains it-so that one of the premier events nuation-Administration of electoral rolls Adjournment 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1279
Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa I include amongst those Mr Crabb who tion)-I move: has had sent to him 1647 signatures, Mr Sheehan, 555, Mr Jolly, 487, Mr Rowe, That the House do now adjourn. 1458, Mr Hassett, 1560-- Mr RICHARDSON (Forest Hill)-I raise The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed a matter for the attention of the Premier, in munds )-Order! I hope that the honourable his capacity as the Leader of the Govern member is not intending to defy the Chair ment and the Minister responsible for the in respect of this matter and I suggest that proper representation of constituents by he use the correct form in referring to hon members of the Government party in this ourable members of the House. place. The matter relates to the presentation Mr RICHARDSON-It is not my inten of petitions by members of the Govern tion to defy the Chair and I continue to ment party, which reflect upon the proper direct my remarks through you, Mr Speaker, representation of constituents, the way the to the Premier who is the Leader of the Government conducts its affairs and the re Government. I refer to the honourable sponsibility of the Premier as Leader of the member for Broadmeadows who has re Government in this place. A number of pe ceived 879 signatures, the honourable titions have been collected over the past few member for Springvale 431, and the hon months relating to shop trading hours. ourable member for Greensborough 217, Those petitions have been sent to various none of which has been presented to Parlia members of the Labor Party, who are mem ment as reported in H ansard. The fact bers of this place, but have not been sub is-- mitted to Parliament. What disturbs me The SPEAKER-Order! I advise the greatly and, indeed, it disturbs the constit honourable member that I do not intend to uents of those members who have received allow him to continue. If the honourable those petitions, is that there have been a member wants to use the balance of his time number of honourable members who have in drawing the Premier's attention to a mat apparently refused to present those peti ter of Government administration I will tions to Parliament. hear him for the balance of his time. The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed Mr RICHARDSON-I direct the Pre munds)-Order! The honourable member mier's attention to the dereliction of duty for Forest Hill is out of order in bringing on the part of a number of his Government that matter to the attention of the Premier members and I ask what he is going to do and he is out of order in attempting to do about it? so. If he wishes to raise the other matter, Mr McOONALD (Evelyn)-I bring to with which he started in his opening re the notice ofthe Minister of Health a matter marks, for the attention of the Premier as a of concern regarding pre-school facilities in matter of urgent Government administra the Shire of Lilydale and the surrounding tion, I will hear him. district. I have received queries from con Mr RICHARDSON-I shall return to the stituents relating to the future accommoda point I wish to direct to the Premier as the tion needs for pre-school children in the Leader of the Government in this place and Shire of Lillydale. Some of these requests the Minister responsible for the administra have come from outside the electorate that tion of Government in this State, and the I represent such as Chirnside Park and Minister supremely responsible for the Mount Evelyn. The eastern suburbs' popu administration of affairs of government in lation is increasing at a very rapid rate and the demand for new pre-school facilities is this Parliament. As the Leader of the Gov also increasing accordingly. I ask the Min ernment party, he is also responsible for the ister to ensure that funds are made available actions of those members of the Govern so that pre-school needs are adequately ca ment party. tered for. The fact is that petitions containing thou Mr McGRATH (Lowan)-I raise with sands of signatures have been presented for the Minister of Education a matter relating presentation to Parliament, which have not to emergency teachers. A direction had been been presented to Parliament so far as I am given that the emergency teacher provision aware. was going to be curtailed to a large degree. 1280 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Adjournment
It is refreshing that the Minister in a press Since I made that speech, a faculty board release today has announced, in relation to meeting held on 17 October provided a rare permanent teachers incurring illnesses, that glimpse into the machinations and power the school will now be provided with an plays that are occurring at the Monash U ni emergency teacher, regardless of how many versity Faculty of Law and, in particular, days the permanent teacher may suffer from the less than honourable role played by the an illness. Dean of the faculty. The other matter that I wish to raise with Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-On a the Minister-and I will take the exact point of order, is this a matter affecting the words from his press release-is that emer State of Victoria or the Commonwealth of gency teachers would also be provided to Australia? enable limited camp programmes to be un The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed dertaken. I ask him to clarify what he means munds)-Order! There is no point of order by "limited camp programmes". Does he and the honourable member for Syndal has mean that those camps that are already set raised a matter for the attention of the Min in motion will be allowed to be undertaken ister ofEducation. The honourable member but no further new ones, or does he mean is in order. that a regional office is going to have the power to direct which camps will be al Mr GRAY (Syndal)-The less than hon lowed, or what exactly is the criterion? If ourable roles played by the Dean of the Fac the criterion is that perhaps not all school ulty of Law and other senior members of excursions or camps will be allowed, if those the faculty have come to light. During the school councils have paid a deposit for a faculty meeting of 17 October, I understand school camp or excursion and it will not be that a fiery debate occurred between two allowed because of. the emergency teacher senior professors of the faculty and disputes restriction, will the Education Department were raised about the veracity of the min refund that deposit to the school council? utes circulated and the irregularities associ ated with the failure to table certain I take the point a little further: While it is documents. Reasons for the decision to deny pleasing that the decision that was made the student a supplementary examination hastily by the Minister of Education in the were only presented on 17 October, months emergency teacher situation has now been and months after various explanations and reversed for this year, do we face the same statements were given by other organs sort of problem for the next school year? within the university whose responsibility Will school councils be given the oppor it was to provide legal opinion on the mat tunity of consulting on the emergency ter and two months after Mr Rosenbaum teacher programme and whether it should received advice from the executive com be allowed to run now that so much respon mittee of the faculty board advising him Sibility has been placed with the school that the unanimous opinion of the ad hoc councils by the Government? They were committee had been rejected. certainly overlooked by the Government In discussions held by the Minister ofEd when the first restrictions on the emergency ucation with the Monash University on this teachers programme was introduced. disturbing case, will he not only seek ade The Wimmera schools are scheduled to quate explanation from the Vice-Chancel use the Somers Camp during November and lor, but also will he be prepared to consult I would like to know on behalf of those the Attorney-General with a view to exam schools whether restrictions are placed on ining the possibility of enacting legislation them in taking up their options to use that to require tertiary institutions like Monash camp, which is vital to the programme and University to observe the basic principles the students in the Wimmera region. of natural justice in their dealings with stu Mr GRAY (Syndal)-I refer the Minister dents and staff which other bodies are re of Education to my speech during the griev quired to observe? ance debate on 18 August when I raised the During this examination, I would like the case of Mr Norman Rosenbaum who has Minister to pursue the fact that in a letter been denied natural justice by the Monash from the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Pro University Faculty of Law in his applica fessor Baxt, to the student Mr Rosenbaum tion for a supplementary examination. on 15 August 1983, the Dean stated that the Adjournment 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1281
Executive Committee of the Faculty of Law, mm. It is a concrete section of the new Fair after consideration of the report of the ad way programme introduced by the Metro hoc committee established to determine the politan Transit Authority. This item was matter, the submission of the student and apparently stuck on the road with super glue submissions by the faculty board, had de on Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning, cided that the student was not entitled to a at least six of the objects that had been supplementary examination, yet in re placed in Collins Street between Exhibition sponse to a request under the Freedom of and Russell Streets had come unstuck. Information Act in a letter dated 7 October The object is a piece of concrete through 1983, the university stated that submissions which reinforcing wire is protruding at the considered by the executive committee of corners. If a truck hit the piece of concrete the faculty board, requested by Mr Rosen at the right angle, it could run over the kerb baum, could not be provided as the Execu and there is no doubt that that object could tive Committee had not considered any kill someone by flying through the air and submissions other than the report of the ad hitting pedestrians. hoc committee, a copy of which he already I ask the Premier what testing procedure had in his possession. was made on the concrete before its introd In view of all the evidence that has come uction. There are many modern techniques, to light showing that statement to be un such as plastic, that could be used instead true, I ask the Minister to investigate the of concrete. Unless the Minister of Trans reason for this and the action that can be port can provide the facts, either the Min taken to ensure an institution that is sup ister or the public servant responsible ought posedly operating under the Freedom of In to resign. formation Act complies with the I will show the item to the Premier. The requirements for telling the truth. fairway programme has been in operation Mr LEIGH (Malvern)-This afternoon I for only one day and, of the concrete strips asked the honourable member for Mentone placed in Collins Street, more than 50 per to ask you, Mr Speaker, whether I would be cent have been damaged within 72 hours of allowed to bring an object into the House. being installed. Apparently the honourable member for Mentone was told that this would not be The Premier must ask the Minister of possible and therefore I will not produce the Transport to provide evidence that there is object. a development programme that has unfor tunately gone wrong. I ask the Minister to The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed take appropriate action to ensure that this munds )-Order! Perhaps I should advise the problem is solved. House that the honourable member made an object available to me. He wished to bring Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-I refer the it into the House and I suggested that he Minister of Housing to the future of small should not do so. I refer to the relevant co-operative housing societies that operate section of M ay on page 433 regarding the in country Victoria, about which I have had display of articles to illustrate a speech, extensive correspondence with him. I refer which provides: particularly to the co-operative housing society operated by the Shire of Rutherglen. The rules of the House of Commons forbid bringing This society has operated successfully for certain articles, notably weapons, into the Chamber. many years and provided funds to first Members have been permitted to display articles-but home buyers in the shire. not weapons-to illustrate an argument in a speech. Two or three years ago, the previous The honourable member may refer in detail Government reduced the funds provided for to the object if he happens to have it with co-operative housing societies to virtually him. zero. Last year, the Cain Government rein Mr LEIGH-The object was given to me troduced funding on a more extensive basis by the Motor Cycle Riders Association. but only provided funds to a limited num Since the Minister of Transport is not pres ber of societies-generally the larger co-op ent, I direct the matter to the attention of erative housing societies operating in big the Premier. The object is yellow in colour centres. The way the funds are provided is and measures 250 mm by 150 mm x 40 causing grave concern. 1282 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Adjournment
Funds are provided for the co-operative The last letter I have received on the mat housing societies operating in Wangaratta, ter from the Government is dated 12 July Wodonga, Numurkah, Shepparton and the 1983. It was forwarded to me on behalf of larger centres in country areas. The smaller my constituent by the Treasurer. That letter societies, such as the ones operating at states, inter alia: Yarrawonga and Cobram and specifically Rutherglen, have not been receiving funds As you are aware, the Government has established a in recent times. The co-operative housing Parliamentary committee to inquire into superannua society operating in Rutherglen has oper tion schemes in the public sector. ated very effectively and is probably the only The Treasurer goes on to state that he would municipal-run society in Victoria. It was prefer not to make comment until that certainly the first to operate on this basis. committee has handed down its findings. As I indicated earlier, the Shire of I am concerned that the matter has Rutherglen has made extensive representa dragged on for a long time. Indeed, the mat tions to me and has provided me with a ter was first raised in 1982 by my predeces copy of a letter sent to the Minister of Hous sor. It is not envisaged that the ing, which indicated that it would be re Parliamentary committee inquiring into sponding to a discussion paper on the potential role of local government in hous public sector superannuation will report ing. I know from personal experience and until at least the end of this year. That is a discussions I have had with Mr W. J. sad state of affairs because, if the Govern McQuillen, who is the Shire Secretary and ment is waiting for that report, it means who operates three societies under the con that the 93 people of whom I have spoken trol of the Shire of Rutherglen, that the so will be disadvantaged for at least that ciety has operated extremely efficiently. Mr period of time. McQuillen operates the societies tO$ether I draw the attention of the Treasurer to with the local directors, and stated In his the fact that under the Commonwealth su letter to the Minister of Housing: perannuation scheme such an inequity was rectified in 1976 to allow widows who re It is indeed disappointing to see this one brave at marry to maintain their superannuation tempt by a rural local government unit to be really of service to its residents, be now divorced from its con payments under the Commonwealth super cept as a sop to computer based regionalisation. Per annuation scheme. haps we are letting computerised economy outweigh In that respect, I seek assurances from the personnal service and concern. Treasurer that I will receive responses to I ask the Minister to comment on this de my correspondence and that he will act velopment and provide information to me without delay on the report when it is re about the future of the smaller co-operative ceived from the committee. In the event housing societies, particularly the one op that that inquiry continues on into 1984, I erating in the Shire of Rutherglen. urge the Treasurer to take action before the Mr KEMPfON (Warmambool)-I di inquiry in regard to this inequity is com rect a matter to the attention of the Treas pleted. urer in relation to the vexed question of the Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-I raise a provision of State superannuation to the matter for the attention of the Minister for wives or spouses of deceased public serv Property and Services who is responsible ants who remarry. It is apparent that there for the administration of the electoral rolls. are 93 such people in Victoria and at least Nothing could be more important in a one within the electorate of Warmambool. Parliamentary democracy than ensuring that It is a vexed problem which was taken up the electoral rolls are correct. I have been on behalf of my constituent by my prede most concerned to note a large influx ofvoters cessor, the Honourable Ian Smith, in Au on the electoral rolls in the area I represent, gust 1982 by way of a letter to the Minister mainly in the west ward of the City of Don of Education who, in turn, passed the letter caster and Templestowe. In the past twelve to the Treasurer for consideration. Since that months, the number of voters on the west date, there have been numerous letters, the ward municipal electoral rolls has increased last of which was written at the end of Sep from 13 000 to 20 000. I find that most ex tember 1983. traordinary. I presume that it is due to an Adjournment 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1283 influx of young persons being enrolled on petitions and whether honourable members the electoral rolls. choose to be agents for those who present However, in the past few months, I have petitions to them. been inundated with computer print-outs I shall not take up any matter with any from the Electoral Office. The print-outs member of the Labor Party on what those contain several thousand new names on the honourable members perceive as their ob electoral rolls for the area I represent. ligations. It is a matter for individual hon Something is very wrong because it is a built ourable members to determine. up area where for the most part there is little I shall take up the matter raised by the new housing. member for Malvern with the Minister of I am absolutely staggered at the seem Transport. ingly gross inefficiency of the Common Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa wealth Electoral Office. I am most concerned tion)-The honourable member for Lowan at the number of young persons who have has raised with me his apparent concern on not been contacted in the past with regard the provision of emergency teachers with to having their names placed on the elec particular reference to small primary schools toral rolls. in country Victoria. This matter has been Mr Roper-They are now. the subject of questions and discussion in Mr WILLIAMS-Ofcourse they are now the House over the past few days and in the because it suits the Australian Labor Party. media arising from the Budget. I would have I submit that the joint electoral Acts are not thought that the honourable member would being fairly admInistered by the State and have appreciated that the allocations in Federal Governments in relation to mem Victoria for education are leading this bers' rights. My Federal counterpart, the country. The provisions for teachers and honourable member for Diamond Valley, the over-all dollar provisions are far out receives regular computer print-outs in the stripping the performance of any other form of stickers, which he can put straight State in the nation. on to envelopes and distribute free through What was made clear by me some time the post to electors in the area that he rep ago was that the rapidly escalating provi resents. All I get is this computer print-out, sion for emergency teaching had to be which is wrong. I exhibit it for the informa halted. It has increased dramatically over tion of the House. My secretary is over the past five years, both in dollars and in whelmed in typing out the names and emergency teacher days. Following the an addresses of new enrollees from this sheet. nouncement of the Budget, I indicated that There are a number of errors and dupli restrictions were to be introduced and, sub cations contained on the computer print sequently, statements were issued to schools. out sheet, which is dated 7 October 1983. It was clear, and evident again from the Duplications also occurred in earlier print comments of the honourable member for outs. Something is grossly wrong in the Lowan, that there was not a proper under administration of the Electoral Office in this standing of what I and the Education State with regard to services to State and Department intended. At all times, regional Federal members of Parliament. It is most directors were given a discretionary fund undemocratic to discriminate between State for allocations to individual schools to cater and Federal members of Parliament who for additional needs such as an outbreak of represent identical areas. I ask the Minister illness and specifically the needs of smaller to have the matter investigated immedi primary schools simply because those ately. If there are to be no proper electoral schools of 1, 2 or 3 teachers would be in rolls, democracy is a fraud. difficulty as the opportunities for their col Mr CAIN (Premier)-On the matter leagues to cover for them are obviously raised by the honourable member for For much more restricted. That was made evi est Hill, I know of no requirement that dent to those schools. obliges members of Parliament to present Subsequent to the provision of that infor any petition which is put to them by an mation, a number of submissions were re electoral group or electors. It is a matter for ceived from schools and teacher associations each honourable member to make up his or and I agreed to consider those. I have done her mind as to what he or she does with the so and announced today a number of 1284 ASSEMBLY 19 October 1983 Adjournment adjustments arising from that considera honourable member would be aware, the tion. arrangements that are in place at present Broadly, in emergency teaching, I have were constructed by the previous Govern transferred $500 000 from moneys set aside ment and, as he stated in his speech tonight, for the February-June period of the finan the Government has established an inquiry cial year for possible expenditure in the Oc into superannuation to examine any changes tober-December period of the financial year. in this principle. Any change to the existing This has been done following detailed ex procedures would result in additional cost amination and advice from the Education associated with those principles and bene Department which believes it can be done. fits flowing to the spouses of deceased pub It will be difficult and the department will lic servants. The honourable member would be cuttin~ back to the bone for the February recognize that, with remarriage, there is also June penod. a change in financial circumstances. I also In the interests of making it absolutely point out to the House that, when the Gov clear that illness will be covered in emer ernment has introduced minor amend gency teaching across the schools in accord ments to superannuation Acts, the ance with the conditions I have stated and, Opposition has insisted that those Bills be similarly, in the area of camps for the re referred to the Parliamentary committee mainder of 1983, only where camps have before any decision is made, so it would be been arranged where it is within the school's inappropriate to make any change without normal allocation of resources for this area, the Parliamentary inquiry approving it. where there has been a genuine effort to Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-The involve parents and to redeploy existing staff honourable member for Evelyn raised the and where all those conditions have been question of pre-school services for the Lily covered, provisions for emergency teachers dale area, which is served by him and two will be provided in circumstances following of his colleagues, the honourable members submission to the regional office in each for Monbulk and Warrandyte. That munic case. ipality has a large number of four-year-olds who are not able to receive the pre-school Those adjustments are within the budg education to which they are entitled. I un etary allocations made available by the derstand that there has been a difficulty with Treasurer. There is no suggestion of addi the Shire of Lilydale requesting approval tional resources being provided to my Min for capital works and sessional allocations istry to finance the adjustments; to the for pre-school education for four-year-olds, contrary, and I make that perfectly clear. I and it is the Government's intention to am confident that the adjustments will prove overcome that difficulty. to be to the betterment of the operation of schools during the current financial year. The Government does not believe there should be a situation where, in the outer The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed suburban areas of Melbourne, four-year-olds munds)-The honourable member for Syn are not able to receive pre-school education dal raised a matter calling for legislation. In because there are no pre-schools located that part of the matter he was out of order. there or because no requests have been made Mr FORDHAM-The honourable for pre-school facilities there. The Govern member for Syndal again raised an issue ment intends to take a more interventionist involving Monash University. I will con attitude than was taken by the former Gov sider the matter and will continue discus ernment and to ensure that pre-school facil sions with representatives from the Monash ities and teacher sessions are available where University, and I will keep the member in the need occurs, and it will discuss with formed. I realize his concern on this issue groups, which I hope will include the coun and the need to have the matter clarified cil in the Lilydale area, the provision of pre and the issue resolved within the shortest school services so that the Government's possible time. commitment of one year's pre-school edu Mr JOLLY (Treasurer)-The honoura cation for all Victorian children can be met. ble member for Warmambool raised a mat I thank the three local members in that ter concerning the non-payment of benefits area for their efforts in the past eighteen to spouses of deceased public servants cov months and for raising with me the ques ered by the Superannuation Act. As the tion ofadequate pre-school facilities for their Adjournment 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1285 area. I hope their enthusiasm for this vital current Federal Government set up an all service is reflected in the attitude of local party committee under the chairmanship of groups such as the council. Dr Klugman, MHR, and this committee was Mr CATHIE (Minister ofHousing)- The amazed to find that 1 million Australians honourable member for Murray Valley were not on the rolls. A campaign is cur raised the question of the future survival rently being conducted throughout Aus and role of the small co-operative housing tralia advising people not on the rolls to so societies, in particular in the Shire of enrol. I have s,een advertisements to this Rutherglen. As the honourable member effect in Victorian newspapers. I cannot see knows, the Government has introduced anything untoward in encouraging people strict criteria in order to increase the effi to enrol. In fact it makes eminent sense. cient operations of these societies. It is If the honourable member for Doncaster equally undertaking a review of the role of believes there is some impropriety in those local government in assisting in the provi people coming on to the roll, I will see if sion of housing services in Victoria. there is anything to that effect. However, if there is nothing to that effect, it would be I will refer the comments made by the hove the honourable member for Doncas honourable member to that review so that ter to make an apology to those conducting the particular role of the Shire of Ruther the rolls in Victoria. glen in developing a number of smaller co operative societies can be properly exam Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-On a ined to see what the future role of those point of order, Mr Speaker, the Minister is societies will be. completely distorting my remarks. Mr SIMPSON (Minister for Property The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed and Services)-The honourable member for munds)-I advise the honourable member Doncaster raised a matter concerning a dra that that is not a point of order. It is an matic increase in the number of people reg attempt to make a personal explanation. istered on the rolls, and presumably within the electorate that he represents. He men Mr SIMPSON (Minister for Property tioned in particular certain municipal wards and Services )-1 will take up the matter with within the electorate of Doncaster and he Mr Eric Richardson, the chief returning of mentioned an increase from 13 000 to ficer for Victoria and, if the honourable 20 000. As I understood it, he seemed to member for Doncaster believes there was have some objection to this increase on any impropriety-- those rolls. I cannot understand why the Mr Williams-I did not say that at all. honourable member for Doncaster would Mr SIMPSON-The honourable mem be objecting to people exercising their dem ber implied that there was a dramatic in ocratic right of enrolling to allow them to crease in the number of persons on the roll vote at elections. It is the responsibility of and it seemed a reflection on the officers. I everybody, when they become a certain age take umbrage at that reflection, as the Min or when taking out naturalization, to have ister responsible, and I repeat, if it turns out their names placed on these electoral rolls. that there is nothing untoward, the honour They will be assisted wherever it can be able member for Doncaster should apolo done, but it is still the responsibility of the gize to those officers. person concerned. The motion was agreed to. One would not have to go back very far The House adjourned at 12.45 a. m. to look at matters of electoral reform. The ( Thursday).
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
The following answers to questions on no Mr LEIGH (Malvern) asked the Minister tice were circulated- of Labour and Industry, for the Minister of Public Works: WINDSOR HOTEL 1. What was the tender price for the renovations required on the Windsor Hotel, Spring Street, Mel (Question No. 2625) bourne? 1286 19 October 1983 ASSEMBLY Questions on Notice
2. What was the time agreed on for completion of of the Lease. Several general conditions to facilitate the works? extensions of time for the execution of the lessee's cap 3. What is the present estimated cost of completing ital works have also been detailed in the lease agree the works? ment. It should be noted, however, that no time period has been stipulated in the lease for the completion of 4. Whether there is a penalty clause in the contract the lessor's capital works (as described in Schedule relating to non-completion of the works within the Nine), which Oberoi Hotels were responsible for car agreed time; if so, what are the details? rying out on behalf of the Government (excluding the Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and exterior facade restoration works). Industry)-The answer supplied by the 3. The current estimated forecast total cost (at Au Minister of Public Works is: gust 1983) for the completion of all the capital works is approximately $9·8 million. Oberoi Hotels share of 1. Oberoi Hotels (International) Pty Ltd, original this estimated cost is approximately $6·2 million, with May 1980 tender bid for the Windsor Hotel lease was, the Government's estimated share being approxi in part, based on a total proposed capital works ex mately $3·6 million. penditure by them of $2 520 000. At this time, it was also considered that the Government may be required 4. There is no penalty clause within the lease agree to expend an additional amount in the order of up to • ment relating specifically to non-completion of the $2000000. capital works within the agreed time. The general in tent embodied in the lease is that "the lessor and lessee Following subsequent discussions and negotiations, shall use their best endeavours to procure the prompt on 26 August, 1980, a Crown Lease was granted to expeditions and efficient execution of the lessor's work Oberoi Hotels (International) Pty Ltd, which con and the lessee's work". tained schedules and requirements related to both the lessee's and lessor's capital works. Oberoi, as lessee, Notwithstanding the above, each of the numerous was responsible mainly for renovations and refurbish prime contracts that have been let, contained penalty ing internally as well as for all repairs, maintenance clause provisions for non completion of the contract and renewals other than those specifically included in works within their specified contract completion times. the lessor's works. The Government, as lessor, was However, due to the extreme complexity ofthe project, responsible essentially for external repairs, mainte the progressive defining of the works and the conse nance and restoration works related to the roof and quent extension to their scope; the unforeseen nature facade and for the provision of fire sprinklers, smoke of the renovation works, the use of multiple contracts and fire doors and other fire protection facilities. which were progressively let, industrial disputes, etc. the construction period did tend to protract with no There were no estimated costs in this lease agree readily enforceable date for completion of the overall ment-it relied solely on generalized descriptions of works. the works involved (much of which required progres sive defining and consequent extensions to their scope). It should be now noted, though, that all the capital works, with the exception of the exterior facade resto In addition, under the lease agreement Oberoi Ho ration, have been effectively completed as at August, tels were the principal to all contracts and were respon 1983, with the "built" result being most satisfactory sible for carrying out all the capital works required and also resulting in the Royal Australian Institute of including those works which were the Government's Architects-Victorian Chapter presenting at its 1982 obligation-the only exception now being the exterior annual awards ceremony, a Merit Award for Outstand facade restoration, which is being carried out directly ing Building Restoration for the restoration and recon by the Public Works Department's Construction Group. struction of the Grand Dining Room at the Windsor All costs incurred by works being the responsibility of Hotel, Melbourne. the Government (excluding the facade restoration) are reimbursable to Oberoi Hotels. POLICE VEHICLES Furthermore, with the formal approval of the Min ister of Public Works on 6 March, 1981, all the works, (Question No. 2731) with the exception of the exterior facade restoration, Mr LEIGH (Malvern) asked the Minister have now been carried out using a combination of for Police and Emergency Services: progressively let mUltiple prime contracts and sub contracts, material purchase orders and the provision What is the total number of new police vehicles pur ofattendant site labour, all organized under a construc chased for the Police Department during 1982-83, in tion management arrangement. Consequently, there is dicating how many are used by the department as no single contract tender price, as such, for the actual unmarked police vehicles? building renovation works at the Windsor Hotel, Spring Street, Melbourne. Mr MATHEWS (Minister for Police and Emergency Services)-The answer is: 2. The lease states that the lessee shall use its best endeavours to complete the works described in Sched During 1982-83, a total of 45 vehicles were added to ule Seven (the lessee's capital works) within a period the police fleet. Seventeen of these vehicles are being of 16 calendar months from the commencement date used as unmarked police vehicles. Questions without Notice 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1287
Thursday, 20 October 1983 sion made by IBM Australia Ltd. The com pany is of world stature, and probably the The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed largest in the world in this field. It has munds) took the chair at 10.34 a.m. and chosen the factory at Wangaratta to pro read the prayer. duce personal computers. It will be only the second place outside the United States of America to l,roduce them. The only other QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE place is Greenock in Scotland. The other matter that should be raised is the considerable tribute this announcement PROPOSED IBM FACTORY AT is to the skills and technology that exist in WANGARATTA this State. It is a tribute to the work force of Victoria that its skills and expertise have Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi been recognized by an international firm of tion)-My question to the Minister for Eco repute. It is a decision that reflects the con nomic Development relates to the fidence the company has in the skills avail announcement that IBM Australia Ltd is to able in this field in Victoria. The project will set up an international computer organiza receive the whole-hearted support of all tion in Wangaratta, which the Opposition Victorians, particularly the people of welcomes and supports. Has the Govern Wangaratta, where the plant will be located. ment agreed to give the company long-term The Government welcomes these sorts of decentralization benefits and, if so, what are projects, which reflect what can be achieved the benefits that may have been supplied to between Government and private enter the company by the Government? prise on a co-operative basis. The an Mr CA THIE (Minister for Economic nouncement is a first-class example of those Development)-No agreement has been achievements. made at this stage on long-term decentrali zation industry benefits. As the Leader of EMERGENCY TEACHERS the Opposition knows, an extensive review is being carried out into incentive payments Mr HOCKLEY (Bentleigh)-Will the to country industries as part of the Mc Minister of Education inform the House of Donald inquiry. As I have indicated before, the result of discussions with teacher unions I do not intend to pre-empt the community on emergency teachers? consultation that is taking place as a result Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa of that inquiry. tion)-In response to the Budget, I received Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-My some submissions from the teacher unions question to the Premier also relates to the seeking the opportunity of discussing cer announcement by IBM Australia Ltd that it tain aspects of the Budget, with particular will expand its typewriting factory at Wan reference to the provision of emergency garatta to produce computers. Will the Pre teaching. As a result of very protracted dis mier indicate to the House the benefits this cussions, I agreed to make some additional will have, not only to north-eastern Victoria proposals which provide for a reallocation but also to the rest of Australia, including from within the existing Budget resources the significant benefits to the economy of of funds being provided for emergency Victoria from the development of the fac teaching but which were originally ear tory? marked for the February-June period, but Mr CAIN (Premier)-The benefits to be which have now been brought forward for derived by the State, particularly the Wan possible expenditure during the Octo garatta district that the honourable member ber-December period. That has been done represents, are quite considerable. The in order to clarify the Government's com nation will also benefit. This is the first oc mitment to ensure that teachers who are casion on which arrangements have been away ill are covered by emergency teaching, made between Governments, both State and and also to allow for a limited camps pro Federal, on offsets to encourage and finally gramme for those schools that had already consummate a project of this kind. The initiated camp arrangements for the Federal Government welcomes the deci- remainder of 1983, and to meet other Gov- 1288 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Questions without Notice ernment guidelines so far as camping pro Leader of the National Party does not seem visions are concerned. to be able to get that through his thick head. In addition, I agreed to initiate a series of I hope the leadership of the two unions joint studies involving the teacher unions concerned will reconsider their position in and the Education· Department, which the interests not only of the children in Vic studies would examine the past use of emer torian schools but also in the interests of gency teaching in this State and desirable their union members. Victoria is very proud future practices regarding the employment of its record in education, and the Govern of emergency teachers. I also agreed to ini ment looks forward to maintaining Vic tiate a further joint study covering teacher toria's leadership throughout Australia. welfare and the issue of teacher stress, which has been put forward as a major contribu PROPOSED IBM FACTORY AT ting factor to the increased amount of sick WANGARATTA leave taken, with resultant additional emer Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi gency teaching. tion)-I direct a question to the Minister I was pleased with the response to the for Economic Development following the Government's willingness to put forward answer he gave to the first question that no those proposals that I initially put to the arrangements had been entered into in terms teacher unions. I was initially advised by of decentralized interests with IBM Aus the Victorian teacher unions that, as a con tralia Ltd. Is IBM's commitment a concrete sequence, they would not participate in what decision to establish at Wangaratta and is it was a planned three-union stoppage for next not dependent on the provision by the State Tuesday. Government of pay-roll tax rebates? I was then advised later in the day that Mr CA THIE (Minister for Economic the three-union stoppage, as a whole, would Development)-The company is entitled to not be proceeding. However, the House an existing range of benefits, including pay ought to be informed that I have been noti roll tax rebates. As I have indicated, future fied this morning that two of the teacher development of the Government's direc unions, the post-primary unions, the Vic tion in over-all economic policies is under torian Secondary Teachers Association and review. the Technical Teachers Union of Victoria, have now decided to proceed with indus STUDENT TEACHER HOSTELS trial action next Tuesday. Mr HANN (Rodney)-Can the Minister I am bitterly disappointed at the attitude of Education advise the House whether he that has been taken by the teacher unions in has made personal contact with the Federal these circumstances. Victoria's expenditure Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, per pupil, both in primary and sec·ondary Senator Susan Ryan, about his proposal that education, is the highest in Australia; Vic the Commonwealth Government should toria's pupil-teacher ratio, both in pri purchase the student hostels in Melbourne mary and secondary education, is the and make them available for tertiary stu highest in Australia. Victoria is the envy of dents who will be without a home next year, every other State in this country in terms of if the Government decides to close those educational provisions and in view of the hostels? economic constraints facing all Victorians, If the Minister has not made contact with including the Victorian Government, I be the Senator, apart from a letter sent some lieve it is unreasonable to expect further weeks ago, will he advise the House when allocations offunds for education, given the he intends to make that contact and seek an Government's record and the commit answer from Senator Ryan on the matter? ments that it has honoured since coming to Mr FORDHAM (Minister of Educa office. tion)-As the honourable member men To answer the Leader of the National tioned, I have written to Senator Ryan. Party, who is interjecting, no extra funds Discussions have been held which have in were provided as a result of those negotia volved members of my personal staff with tions. The amount allocated for the finan the Senator's office, and similarly the office cial year is exactly the same. However, the of the Post-Secondary Education Commis- Questions without Notice 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1289 sion, which has contacted the Common both indirectly with information to Victo wealth authorities to discuss the same issues. rian companies and directly with financial If I have not heard from Senator Ryan by assistance. Therefore, Victorian companies tomorrow, I shall endeavour to telephone wishing to participate in the offset arrange her personally. ments should contact the Ministry for Eco Mrs Patrick-Why can't you ring her nomic Development. now? STATE BUDGET Mr FORDHAM-The honourable member for Brighton is in a fine mood this Mr RAMSA Y (Balwyn)-Is the Treas morning and I look forward to her contri urer aware of the decision of the Minister bution to the Budget debate. I shall contact for Youth,. Sport and Recreation, who an the Deputy Leader of the National Party nounced an expenditure of $500 000 from tomorrow and advise him of the result of funds he said he did not have? Is the hon that contact. ourable gentleman aware of the decision of the Minister for Community Welfare Serv PROPOSED IBM FACTORY AT ices not to proceed with the 2 per cent WANGARATTA spendin~ cut, and is he aware of the unilat eral decIsion of the Minister of Education Mr McDONALD (Evelyn)-Can the to take $500000 from the next calendar Minister for Economic Development ex year's funds to spend in the first half of the plain the arrangements made by the Minis year? How much more interference will the try on the computer manufacturing plant at Treasurer tolerate on a unilateral basis from Wangaratta? his colleagues? Mr CA THIE (Minister for Economic Development)-No inducements or guar Is he proposing to introduce a mini antees exist to purchase IBM equipment. Budget during the currency of the present The move was a response by IBM to the Budget to legitimize these unilateral deci State and Federal Governments' offset sions? scheme and as a joint offset deal with the Mr JOLLY (Treasurer)-It was amazing Commonwealth Government. This co to hear that question. One would wonder operation with the Government is a notable whether the honourable member partici first. pated in the Budget debate, let alone led for The Government has been able to set up the Opposition in the Budget debate for one bank consisting of debits and credits 1983. Of course, the honourable member which can operate at both the Common should be aware that, within line items, wealth and State levels. This proves the Ministers are free to determine allocations initiative the Government took in discuss within that area and also overtime. In re ing the offset policies with the Common spect of education, that has been the posi wealth. The discussions have resulted in real tion. benefits to the State. In respect of the other Ministries to which Manufacturing is. expected to source $27 the honourable member referred today, I million worth of components of Australian have had discussions with those Ministers suppliers, in particular technology-based and, of course, their decisions are com manufacturers. The company will also pletely within the framework of the Budget. commission software in Australia, which MUNICIPAL ASSISTANCE FUND otherwise would not have happened. The GRANTS Government has instructed that offset com mitments must be taken up or no credit will Mr KIRKWOOD (Preston)-Can the be given for manufacturing. Minister for Local Government inform the The Government estimates that approxi House whether the Municipal Assistance mately 200 jobs will be created from the Fund grants are to be paid this year and, if deal, which opens up the possibility of ex so, will they be made available to all Victo port markets in South-East Asia. Through rian councils? the Ministry for Economic Development Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov and the Victorian Economic Development ernment)-Not only has the honourable Corporation, we will be well placed to assist member for Preston had immense experi- 1290 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Questions without Notice ence in local government in his own area Mr CRABB (Minister of Transport) but he has continued to show that interest That is a strange question to ask at question in Parliament. The question asked whether time. I would have thought the honourable the Municipal Assistance Fund grants will member would have read the newspapers be distributed to municipal councils this this morning, because that request was made year and will all municipalities receive a to me. by the Victorian Farmers and Gra grant from that fund. ziers Association when I met them last week Mr Speaker, you will recall that when the and as a result, so far as the State Transport Government came to office last year the Authority is concerned, rather than giving Municipal Assistance Fund was one of those that rebate at central receiving points it will funds that was subsumed into the Consoli be reducing the grain freight rates overall, dated Fund under the public account trust as has been requested by the Victorian funds. That meant that section 270 of the Farmers and Graziers Association and by Local Government Act was amended and the farmers who chaired the four or five the effect of that amendment was that any amount up to $1 million that was made protest meetings. available for distribution to local govern The $2 incentive was $1 from the State ment would be carried out under the works $1 from the Grain and services account of the Local Govern Transport Authority and ment Department. Elevators Board. That is a matter for the Grain Elevators Board to consider when it That is a little different from the old Mu sets its rates this season, but I expect it will nicipal Assistance Fund as honourable take the same line, given the unanimous members know it. The effect of that amend view of farmers that it is better to have a ment is that all municipalities will now re ceive some benefit from that fund. Prior to lower rate overall. that, there were 48 cities, towns and bor oughs that received $4750 as of right and SOUTH GIPPSLAND TRANSPORT there were 133 shires that received $5750. STUDY A good example would be the City of Frankston and the Borough of Port Fairy Mr W ALLACE (Gippsland South)-Will which received $4750, yet the City of the Minister of Transport inform the House Heidelberg received nothing. That is a clas when the South Gippsland transport study sic example of the inequitability the Gov report will be tabled and made public and ernment wants to correct and proposes to of the preparations being made for the correct. report to be implemented? No regard was given in that distribution Mr CRABB (Minister of Transport) to population or to area. The formula that The study team has completed its investi this fund will be distributed under now will gations and I have a draft report, which I take into consideration population, area and expect to release in the near future. On the needs in that area. That will mean that all question of preparations, much of the municipalities will receive a cut from that changes that are envisaged depend on the $1 million. In fact, the base rate will be restoration of the line to Leongatha which, $2500 and the top rate will be $412 000. In in turn, depends on the restoration of some the view of the Government, that is a more "T" class locomotives, which are at present equitable way of distributing funds to mu being done by the Clyde engineering works. nicipalities in this State. I still hope to have those locomotives REBATE TO GRAIN GROWERS available before Christmas, although there have been some delays in the manufactur Mr AUSTIN (Ripon)-Will the Minister ing process and it may be that I will not of Transport inform the House of the cur have them until after Christmas. If not in rent position regarding the $2 a tonne December, it will be January. rebate to grain growers who cart their wheat to the central receival point and, in view of The implementation of the new bus routes the inequitable nature of those rebates, will recommended are contingent on getting that the Minister take steps to see that the rebate rail line restored. It should be, at the latest, is spread over the total grain freight scene? January. Questions without Notice 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1291
McCLELLAND REPORT ON ities have been outgrown, have become HOSPITALS worn out, and, in some areas, unsafe. The idea of the capital works programme Mrs RAY (Box Hill)-Will the Minister is to ensure that hospital services are main of Health explain to the House the situation tained in adequate surroundings and are not of the McClelland report on Victorian allowed to run down as they were under the hospitals and its implementation? former Government. Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-Since The work that has occurred already and the release of the McClelland report to hon is occurring this year is a majo! step .r~r ourable members, to hospitals and to other ward and the Government antIcIpates InIt interested groups in the community, a spe iating other recommendations after the cial group has been set up within the Health implementation committee has had a Commission, which includes Mr Mc chance to examine and comment on the Clelland, to examine the response that var individual submissions of hospitals. ious hospitals and communities give to that report. Already there has been a YACHTING favourable response to the recommenda tion on the Prince Henry's Hospital and the Mr REYNOLDS (Gisborne)-I direct management of the hospital is keen to begin my question to the Premier, and I refer to looking at options for the hospital's future. the Premier's well-known view that yacht ing is an elitist sport. I, therefore, ask the Also, there has been extremely favour Premier whether he vetoed a grant of able response from a whole variety of areas $50000 to the Geelong yachting fraternity, where the Government has been able to start proposed by the committee organizing Vic putting into effect already the priority HA" toria's 150th anniversary commemora suggestions of the McClelland report. tions. At Geelong, the Government has been Mr CAIN (Premier)-I have no axe to able to start the north wing at the Geelong grind with yachting. If honourable mem Hospital and to develop a cash flow for the bers care to examine what this Government next four years. In the western suburbs, the has done and what the Department of Government has been able to start funding Youth, Sport and Recreation has done, they the new theatres or the upgrading of theatres will see that considerable assistance has been at the Western General Hospital. given to those concerned in yachting, in the By interjection, the shadow Minister of true sport which is participated in by a large Health is complaining about the Govern number of people. A number of yacht clubs ment doing things before the consultative have received assistance from the Govern period is completed. He is suggesting that ment. So far as the 150th programme is con the Government should not have pro cerned I will make inquiries as to what has ceeded with the north wing at the Geelong occurr~d to its very extensive programme. Hospital and with the other works. I am sure his colleagues would not support his DRUG PRICES belief. Mr MICALLEF (Springvale)-Can the A major step the Government has been Minister of Health inform the House of the able to take is to provide funds for both the situation in relation to drugs, such as Pre kitchen and the theatres at Box Hill Hospi gestimil, a special infant formula? tal. I believe it demonstrates both the value Mr ROPER (Minister of Health)-If any of the report and the Government's prompt honourable member opposite needs a spe action on it that the former President of the cial diet we will try to assist him or her. We Box Hill Hospital, Dr Ramsay, has been are concerned about the situation in rela fulsome in his response to the Government tion to Pregestimil and the fact that it has taking this action. had to be taken off the Federal pharmaceut In a letter to me, he states that he has just ical free list scheme. Some families at pres concluded his term of office and thanks both ent are having to pay up to $100 a week for the Government and me for the excellent that particular formula. We understand the support and understanding that has been reasons why the Commonwealth has had to given to the Box Hill Hospital, whose facil- take the action it has taken because of the 1292 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Petitions need to keep the prices of drugs in check By Mr Wilton (856 signatures) and Mrs and the fact that at present there is a con Setches ( 122 signatures) certed campaign by the big drug companies to break the existing price controls on drugs Retail shopping hours which, if it succeeds, will cost the Austra To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF lian taxpayer in the order of $200 million a THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN THE PARLIAMENT OF year for the Commonwealth costs, and will VICfORIA ASSEMBLED: cost the Victorian taxpayer additional mil lions for the purchase of those drugs for Receive the humble petition ofthe undersigned citi distribution through the public hospital sys zens of Victoria which relates to the Retail Trading tem. Act. Your petitioners request that the house take action We understand the Commonwealth's dif to ensure that trading hours for retail shopping not be ficulties in this matter, particularly because increased. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will Bristol-Myers Co. Pty Ltd increased the ever pray. price of this particular drug by 150 per cent, which is a substantial rise indeed, obviously By Mr Rowe (586 signatures) and Mrs relying on the worrying of the public to try Setches (72 signatures) to force the Commonwealth Government to agree to such a price hike. Yesterday, ECONOMIC AND BUDGET REVIEW there was a meeting between the Federal COMMITTEE Minister, with whom I have been in con State Employees Benefits (Amendment) tact, and the company, and a number of Bill proposals have been put to the company which are to come back to the Common Mr ROWE (Essendon) presented a re wealth within a week. port from the Economic and Budget Re We are certainly hoping that there will be view Committee on the proposals contained a resolution of this difficulty, but we also in the State Employees Benefits (Amend hope that it is a resolution that not only ment) Bill, together with appendices. assists those families but also assists the It was ordered that the report be laid on Australian taxpayer. the table and be printed. PETITIONS GRIEVANCES The Clerk-I have received the following The SPEAKER (the Hon. C. T. Ed petitions for presentation to Parliament: munds)-Order! The question is: Week-end trading hours That grievances be noted.
To THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick)-When I THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN PARLIAMENT ASSEM last raised this matter in a previous griev BLED: ance debate, I addressed the House on the corruption of power and the failure of the The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Attorney-General to act on matters brought the State of Victoria, respectfully showeth: that it is to his attention. convenient to shop in a supermarket after 1.00 p.m. on a Saturday and on a Sunday; that we enjoy the oppor Since that time, I have received a letter, tunity to shop at a time that suits us; that we believe in dated 23 August 1983 from Messrs Weigall the right to shop on Saturday afternoons and Sundays; that all retailers, large and small, should have the right and Crowther, solicitors, who act for Mr to open or close, as they wish, at week-ends; and, that Morris Milder and Mr Alfred Branicki. For when and where people shop should be a decision left my information, it encloses a copy of a to customers and retailers. handwritten statement made by Mr Isaac Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Vic Brott. Apparently within four days of my torian Government will not take any action that would raising the matter within the House, action in any way curtail or restrict the rights of supermarkets was taken to resolve some of the matters at to open when they wish on Saturday afternoons and issue between Mr Brott and his former part on Sundays. ners. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever For the purposes of the record, I will read pray. the statement made by Mr Brott. It is ad- Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1293 dressed to Messrs Branicki and Milder and explained to him about what had been going on and he states: said words to the effect "don't worry it's just a little excitement". At this stage the police had arrived and I refer to my letter addressed to the Attorney-Gen asked the unidentified men to leave the premises. In eral of Victoria, the contents of which were read to the meantime I had explained to Messrs Jerard and Parliament by the Honourable Mr Robert Maclellan Milder that this incident was a disgrace to which Mr on 18 August, 1983 during the grievance debate. Milder replied that as he was part owner ofthe building In that letter I made the following allegations against I would have to leave the premises. A policeman who you: was privy to this conversation promptly told Mr Milder (i) Tax fraud, to grow up and stop aggravating matters. (ii) Offers of political corruption to clients, At this stage I looked outside the window and saw (iii) Direction to compromise the Vietnam Veter the unidentified men sitting on Isaac Brott's car which ans common law case. was parked outside the door and one was standing on the bumper bar bouncing the car up and down. For your information I also made these or like alle gations to the Attorney-General of Australia, Mr. F. X. I have received statement after statement Costigan Q.c. and Mr. George Crawford in his capac from apparently independent witnesses who ity as President of the A.L.P. observed the incidents that occurred, which For the reasons which I shall set out hereafter, I wish were raised with the Attorney-General who, to inform you that each of such allegations I now be at the time, was also the Premier. No action lieve is without foundation and I withdraw these alle was taken in relation to the matter and I gations. raised it with the Minister for Police and In defence of myself, I wish to say that I made these Emergency Services. It appears that, despite allegations against you in the heat of the present dis pute between us arising out of a former partnership. At the police having these statements by repu the time I made them, in my mind, I believed them to table, independent and non-side-taking per be correct. sons who were simply witnesses of an event, It is only after much consideration and consultation no action has been taken. with my solicitors and counsel over the past four days There is a statement by Nazli Bas, a state that I realized that the evidence does not exist to sup port these allegations. ment by Catherine Sharpe of Lower Templestowe, and a statement by John I would be less concerned about that letter Charles Brien of Harkaway. These are peo and the accompanying statement if I was ple scattered around Melbourne and the not now in possession of statutory declara metropolitan area who are not associated tions and statements made available to the with one another other than by the fact that police by a number of independent wit they were there when the incident took place nesses who witnessed an incident that took in the building, when as the documents de place in the offices of the former partners. scribe it, six people arrived with two former I have a statement by Loula Kabylakis, of partners and proceeded to barge through the 16 Best Street, Oakleigh; a statement by office in search of files. Teresa Marotta of West Heidelberg; a state The Law Institute of Victoria was noti ment by Dr. Maxwell Barr an occupant of fied and it reacted. The police were notified the premises; a statement by Tony Souli and they reacted and came to the premises, man; a copy of a statutory declaration sworn but since then nothing has happened. This in Fitzroy by Miss Nicola Walton; and a is the situation where allegations were made statement by John Nomikoudis, an extract and some of the allegations are now with of which reads: drawn. Legal matters between the partners were settled within four days of my raising Whilst seated in my office I heard this dull thudding noise and I did not know what was causing it. Shortly the matter in Parliament. I confidently ex after my secretary Mrs. Loula Kabylakis (who was six pect that within four days of my raising this and a half months pregnant at the time) ran to my door issue in Parliament, there will probably be panicstriken and said that the unidentified men were some action about it also. kicking down the door upstairs and they were chasing It appears that nothing is done in the At Dr. BaIT. At this stage I rang up the police and the Law Institute who rang 024 themselves. All the girls were torney-General's office if a matter is at all most upset and I believe after Dr. BaIT had made his embarrassing to the Labor Party. If it in escape sometime later Mr. Branicki came down and volves Labor Party interests, nothing is done asked the girls what they were worried about and they unless the matter is raised in Parliament 1294 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances and then, suddenly, the matters seem to be Mr MACLELLAN-I spoke to him on resolved or partly resolved. the telephone. I went to see Mr Balmford I raise this matter because this allegation and afterwards I received the following let was not withdrawn by Isaac Brott. In addi ter from him which says: tion to that there is a statement by Sue Cip I am returning to you the document which you left ilIa. She said inter alia: with me yesterday. I heard my dad shout from inside "Stop that will Having read it through, I have come to the conclu you". And Alfred answering: "open the door". And sion that the matter discussed does not fall within the when they succeeded to open the door they all run tenns of reference of my inquiry. through it but Malcolm was not in sight. They went back downstairs. I remember that I also saw Morris After the matter was taken to him, he said Milder but only for a second when he came upstairs that it was not within his terms of inquiry. then he went down. It is suggested that Han Hock Hai, who was a person resident in Australia had dealings There was a young girl working in the build with the same firm of solicitors in relation ing who made a statement to the police to his possible entry and re-entry into Aus about what she heard and observed. There tralia. The statement suggests that it was is a statement from Miss Faye Robertson put to him that it would be necessary for also. Statement after statement is sworn to him to pay approximately $U.S.4000 into and attested by police officers, justices of the trust account of the firm and a further, the peace or clerks of the court, all appar perhaps, $U.S.194 000 into an off-shore ently in proper order and all apparently giv company. This was to assist Han Hock Hai ing the various witnesses' positions in in obtaining entry documents from the Fed relation to the incident. eral authorities while he was qualifying for This must raise questions about the At Australian citizenship. torney-General who was then in office in It is the same firm of solicitors-the con Victoria. This State is paralysed with inac nection. I took the matter to Mr Balmford. tion when any matter is raised which causes This document refers to a discussion or embarrassment to the Labor Party because meeting that took place with the Honoura it involves a significant member of the La ble W. A. Landeryou when he was Minister bor Party. for Economic Development. I know that The last statement I have is from Lor the Minister can have certain people brought raine Joy Merry-I shall be happy to make to him and see them in completely innocent copies of these statements available to all circumstances, not knowing any back honourable members-who lives at Keilor. ground that has occurred outside his office. She says, inter alia: However, in trying to confirm whether such a meeting took place, inquiries were made Just prior to 4.00 p.m. I was looking out the side in Australia under the Freedom of Infor window of the building and saw Mr. Branicki, Mr. mation Act. They have been referred to Mr Milder, Mr. Jerard and about 4 or 5 other men get out Landeryou for his confirmation as to of their cars carrying unfolded cardboard boxes. whether such a meeting took place. At this Here is an innocent confirmation without stage, there are no answers as to whether great detail and without allegations and that happened so far as the Honourable W. charges. Often in the Parliament when mat A. Landeryou is concerned. ters are raised similar to this, there is an invitation from the Premier that honoura But, so far as the man who made the ble members should not raise the matters in statement is concerned, he said that there the Parliament but should use the proper was an attempted shake down of an over forms and go to the right places. Certainly, seas citizen intending to visit Australia and the public arena is not the right place. Fol intending to come and go on his business lowing the Premier's good advice, I saw Mr trips. Having fallen amongst people who Balmford, who conducted the inquiry into gave him unhappy advice as to how much the affairs of the Honourable W. A. Lander it would cost him to be able to make those you-- movements in and out of Australia, he got better advice as a result of a casual conver Mr Remington-Did you see Mr Brott? sation with the Honourable Murray Byrne, Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1295 formerly a member of the Legislative Coun I act for and on behalf of a client who at this stage cil and now a solicitor. desires to remain anonymous. However, my client has instructed me to make available to yourself as Victo The honourable member for Melbourne rian Attorney-General and to the Honourable J. G. would be delighted to know that I have con Kennett in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposi firmed with the Honourable Murray Byrne tion, copies of documents which show grave irregular that what is said in this document is wrong. ities as to the conduct and running ofthe Lalor Central There was no personal contact with him. Branch of the Keilor state Electorate of the Australian There was contact through a third party at Labor Party. a tennis party where someone said to the These documents would appear to support an alle Honourable Murray Byrne, "A friend of gation that a breach of the Crimes Act 1958 or a com mine has been told you have to pay mon law conspiracy may have been committed. One $200 000 for immigration documents. He of the purported signatories ofa membership form has has to put $194 000 into an off-shore com been dead for over six (6) years and other purported signatories have made statements disassociating them pany and will pay the rest into a solicitor's selves from the documents and from the Australian account here to get the work done. That is Labor Party. the system that operates in Australia." Accordingly, a thorough investigation as to the crim The advice of the Honourable Murray inalliability or otherwise of persons involved in these Byrne confirmed that that was a lot of non ham fisted forgeries would appear to be warranted. sense and that Australia was not corrupt like that. He said, "What you want to say to I wrote to the present Attorney-General on Han Hock Hai is go to the immi 10 October 1983 and asked him what was gration office, get the appropriate papers and happening about the document and what do not pay anyone. Australia is not so cor was happening about the accompanying ap rupt that people should be touting those plication forms which appeared to be forged, sorts of suggestions." together with the statement of person after person saying that they have never applied This document went to the Landeryou to be a member of that branch and, in one inquiry, but was found not to be within its case, that the person had been dead for more terms of reference. I can imagine that Mr than six years. Landeryou did meet a foreign investor or potential investor and had quite innocent The grievance that I raise is that inaction discussions with him, but that is not to say by the Attorney-General's department is that the motives of the people who intro producing an atmosphere in which no one duced that person to the Minister were not can have confidence that matters will be to shake that person down for money. That pursued when they are raised with the is certainly the theme of the statement that proper authorities. If the matters are in any I have, which I took to the inquiry. way embarrassing to the internal political I make no accusations at all in respect to affairs of the Victorian Government, that is Mr Landeryou. As I have already indicated, the beginning of corruption. It is the begin it is perfectly open and consistent that he ning of corruption of a Government which knew nothing of what was happening in the is answerable to this Parliament. background of this matter, but it is also true If that is not so, the Opposition and the that every Minister in the Government has community can have no confidence that any to be on guard so that he or she is not used action will be taken in respect of a matter to decorate a villainous shakedown of unless it has the harsh spotlight of publicity someone, if that is the intention of people on it. It has to be made public before the behind the matter. This is the sort of matter Government and the Attorney-General's that has come to Parliament and should be department will act. clarified. It is the inaction of the Attorney Mr CAIN (Premier)-I want to respond General's department in pursuing matters briefly to the remarks of the Deputy Leader which produces the situation of a crisis of of the Opposition. The harsh spotlight of confidence. A firm of solicitors, Edward J. publicity was cast very glaringly upon him Flannery and Associates, wrote a letter to on the last occasion when he raised the mat the Honourable J. Cain, Victorian Attor ter to which he has referred today. It was ney-General, and they sent a copy to me found that he had behaved in a most irre through the mail. The letter is dated 26 Au sponsible and improper way. I make no fur gust 1983 and states: ther comment in regard to that matter. I 1296 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances believe the public record on this matter the course that any Government should speaks for itself. take. I can only assume that he chose to raise Mr JASPER (Murray Valley)-AI the matter further today to try, in some way, though the National Party supports many to justify his previous remarks. I reject en of the actions of the Victorian Government tirely the extent to which those further re in attempting to boost the Victorian econ marks today cast aspersions upon any officer omy and protect the profitability of small of the Attorney-General's department and/ business, I express concern at the devastat or the Police Department. ing effects upon the wine and liquor indus Mr Ross-Edwards-What about the At try of the increase in. the wine licence fee torney-General himself! introduced in the Budget. Mr CAIN-The Attorney-General too, Honourable members will be aware that the past and the present. To suggest that the Treasurer announced that there would matters referred to responsible law officers be an increase from 9 per cent to 20 per cent and to responsible police officers by Minis on the licence fees for wine sales. The Gov ters have in any way been dealt with on the ernment anticipates it will collect an addi basis of political considerations is quite im tional $8 million from the wine industry proper and I would have expected some this financial year and $10 million in a full thing better from the Deputy Leader of the year. Since the announcement of the pro Opposition. posed increase, the Treasurer has received strong representations from representatives I believe I and the Minister for Police and of the industry and individual wine retail Emergency Services have never sought to ers. play any part in decisions by responsible officers in our departments. They make their The Treasurer should take specific note own assessments. The police face a difficult of those representations. However, it ap task in determining whether they should rely pears to me that the submissions will fall on upon the statements or information prov deaf ears. This is disappointing when one It examines what is happening in the liquor ided by A against B. is very easy for any industry and how the imposition will affect honourable member to stand up in the the future profitability of that industry. Re House and deliberately read from state tail wine sales have already dropped dra ments without seeing the people, without matically. One retailer indicated that his evaluating the merits of the statements and figures demonstrated a fall of 30 per cent in without testing them by examination, and wine sales since the announcement of the that is what the police have to do every day proposed increase. A representative of a to see whether they should proceed. major chain of liquor outlets indicated that I do not believe assertions can be glibly wine sales have fallen by 28 per cent. made in blind reference to people on one Honourable members interjecting side so that a judgment can be made in the House as to whether those officers acted Mr JASPER-If the honourable mem properly in the decisions that they made. ber for Coburg listens, he will learn some One cannot evaluate material of that kind thing about the wine industry. At the in that way. conclusion of my remarks, I am sure the honourable member will agree that the im I have the greatest confidence in all offi position of the wine tax will have a devas cers of the departments with which the tating effect on the industry. Government is associated and the way they One needs to analyse what has occurred handle the tasks before them. I believe they in the wine industry in the past twelve are totally objective and that they always months. Perhaps one should go back even will be. I stress that that is the view of all further. Figures I have illustrate that over Ministers of the Government. the past ten years there has been a dramatic There will be no favours given to any increase in employment in the wine body for political or any other reasons. The and liquor industry generally. In 1980-81, Government will take the proper advice it was estimated that an additional 1055 given by appropriate law officers or police employees joined that industry and in the officers in these circumstances, and that is previous three years an increase of over 900 Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1297 employees was registered each year. In the try and the Federal Treasurer. I give the 1982-83 financial year, the wine industry Federal Minister for Primary Industry due reached a sales pinnacle. The industry ex credit because he believed that the discri pects a dramatic reduction in wine and liq minating excise on fortified wine should be uor sales because of the taxation removed. Unfortunately, the Federal impositions. These facts need to be taken Treasurer did not respond completely to the into account in analysing the situation and representations. Finally he announced that determining what action should be taken. the excise on spirit for fortified wines would This year, legislation removed section llA be reduced from $2. 61 a litre to $1 . 50 a from the Liquor Control Act. As honoura litre. That was a step in the right direction. ble members would be aware, this removed Some of the major wine producers in the the fixed minimum price for beer which had State are located in the electorate ofMurray been established by the previous Govern Valley. That electorate also contains the ment in 1976. During the debate on the Bill, major producers of the best fortified wine the National Party pointed out that this in Victoria and probably Australia. Ruther would cause a dramatic reduction in beer glen wine producers estimate that they pro sales. The Minister pointed out that there duce as much as 55 per cent of fortified would be a reduction of 55 cents or up to $1 wines. Those producers will be dramatically off the retail price for a dozen bottles of affected by the imposition of the excise. One beer. small wine producer indicated that by The National Party proved conclusively March next year he will have to pay approx that if there was a reduction in the retail imately $50000 in excise to the Federal price of beer-particularly packaged beer Government. One must remember that it this would mean a dramatic reduction in will be many years before those fortified profitability for retail liquor merchants and wines are ready for the market. the hotel industry generally. To date, the drop in price of packaged beer anticipated I plead with the Government to make by the Government has not occurred. U n representations to the Federal Government fortunately, the Government is now mov in an endeavour to ensure the removal of ing towards ensuring that the price of beer the excise on fortified wine. The excise is falls. Government representatives have ap having a discriminatory effect on specific proached the Trade Practices Commission wine producers. to ensure that a reduction in the retail price The wine producers in the area I repre of packaged beer takes place and there sent have indicated that approximately 55 should be no discussion within the industry per cent of the wines they produce are for about maintaining a reasonable price for the tified. However, the wine producers in South sale of packaged beer. Australia and in the Hunter Valley region This is the dilemma in which the industry of New South Wales have indicated that finds itself about the price for which pack only 10 per cent of the wines they produce aged beer will be sold. During the election are fortified. The imposition of the excise campaign, the Federal Labor Opposition has had less effect on the wine producers in indicated that a wine tax would not be in those areas than on the wine producers in troduced if the Labor Party were returned the area I represent. The Minister for Eco to office. Two days prior to the Federal nomic Development has responded to my Budget, the Federal Minister for Primary pleas and made representations to the Fed Industry, Mr Kerin, indicated to residents eral Government to remove the excise on in the Murray Valley electorate that the in fortified wines. I trust the Minister will make dustry would not face this imposition. further representations. What happened? The Treasurer an The Victorian Government has an nounced that there would be an excise on nounced an increase in the licence fees pay spirits used for fortified wine. This repre able by liquor merchants. The licence fee sents discrimination against wine produc has been increased from 9 per cent to 20 per ers. The Federal Government imposed a cent. The increase will create enormous levy of $2. 61 a litre on spirit used in forti problems for retail liquor merchants. I have fied \Vine. Strong representations were made received many representations from retail to the Federal Minister for Primary Indus- liquor merchants, who have indicated that 1298 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances the increased licence fee is a form of retro chants Association of Victoria, the Treas spective tax. urer indicated that retail liquor merchants Take for example the retail liquor mer will have fifteen months in which to gener chant who will pay his licence fee on 31 ate the extra revenue required to meet the December. The fee is calculated on wine 1983 fee, which will be due on 31 December sales for the previous financial year. On 31 1984. The Treasurer has not taken into ac December 1983, the retail liquor merchant count the current twelve months, which is will be required to pay his licence fee calcu the vital point that needs to be recognized. lated on the sale of liquor from 1 July 1982 Earlier today, the Treasurer indicated that to 30 June 1983. The Minister for Eco he wanted to be present in the House to nomic Development has indicated that the listen to my comments on the wine licence retail liquor merchants can pay their licence tax. However, the Treasurer has had to meet fees.o~ a quarterly basis. With regard to the with a deputation and he is unable to be retaIl hquor merchant who pays his licence present, but he has told me that he will read fee on 31 December, ifhe decides he cannot Hansard and take note of the points I am pay the total licence fee at that time he can making. pay it on a quarterly basis. Howe~er, the Another problem is that of the anomaly Government will charge interest at the rate that exists between retail liquor merchants of 10 per cent on the remaining 75 per cent located on the Victorian borders with South of the licence fee remainjng to be paid. Australia and New South Wales. Although The retail liquor merchant who decides a~omalies are being investigated by a com to pay a quarter of his licence fee on 31 mIttee on border anomalies, the increase in December will discover that the quarterly the licence fee for Victorian liquor mer payment he has decided to make would not chants is yet another anomaly. In South be for the current twelve month period cov Australia the licence fee for retail liquor ering the quarter on which a 9 per cent lic merchants is set at 12 per cent; in New South ence fee has been applicable. The Treasurer Wales it is set at 10 per cent and it is cur has claimed that retail liquor merchants rently 9 per cent in Victoria, but it will be should increase their prices immediately. increased to 20 per cent. In the area I rep Perhaps they should have done so. How resent, people will not buy wine from the ever, the increased licence fee is retrospec liquor merchants in the Murray Valley re gion at Wodonga, Rutherglen, Yarrawonga, tive really for only three months. Cobram or any town along the border. They It needs to be recognized that the in travel into New South Wales to purchase creased licence fee is not a retrospective tax. their liquor requirements. There is no doubt It applies only to the three months for the that the retail liquor merchants in New ~urrent financial year on which a 9 per cent S.outh. Wales are taking advantage of the hcence fee has applied against the new lic sItuatI~n: Inde,~d, many oft~em have signs ence fee of 20 per cent. A retail liquor mer proclaImIng, Buy your hquor require chant who, under the 9 per cent licence fee ments in New South Wales. Don't buy them faced a payment of $20 000 on 31 Decem~ in Victoria". ber, will now have to pay an additional On the motion, by leave of Mr Mc $20 444. The Treasurer has said that retail GRA TH (Lowan), Standing Order No. 59 liquor merchants should immediately in was suspended to enable the honourable crease their prices and pay their licence fees member for Murray Valley to continue his on 31 December, either in total or 25 per speech for 5 minutes. cent thereof. However, the retail liquor merchants have only had three months in Mr. JASPER (Murray Valley)-The which to raise the additional revenue by 31 Amencan Express Wine Cellars is advertis December. It is impossible to generate that ing in Victoria urging people to purchase sort of money in the time allocated by the their wine interstate to avoid the imposi Treasurer. It is important to take that as tion of the increased licence fee. I have a pect into account, especially with regard to copy of a letter that was sent from the Min the other taxes imposed on retail liquor ister for Economic Development to the merchants. honourable member for Bentleigh, who is interested in the subject. In resl?onse to represen~tions made by the PreSIdent of the RetaIl Liquor Mer- This letter is most important: Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1299
It should be noted that there is no breach of the Mr AUSTIN (Ripon)-The matter I wish Victorian Liquor Control Act as the payment for and to discuss relates to meat inspection. The the appropriation of the goods takes place at premises Minister will understand that concern has licensed under the New South Wales Act. been expressed over a long period regarding In other words, one can buy wine through the dual meat inspection system. Steps have American Express Wine Cellars, pay a 10 been taken to achieve a better system and per cent licence fee in New South Wales and to do away with the duplication of inspec thus avoid the licence fee in Victoria, so the tions in abattoirs that have export licences. border anomalies situation is evident. The matter has been of concern to the Aus tralian Agricultural Council, the present I have also been informed by retailers that Minister and the two previous Ministers. the larger companies will make their pur Despite much work and discussion, the is chases outside Victoria and import the wine sue has still not been satisfactorily resolved. into the State to be retailed. There is a potential problem with people avoiding the At about the time the present Minister tax which is applicable in Victoria. took over the portfolio, the problem had almost been resolved. A Victorian model The Treasurer said that problem can be was to be put into effect to allow other States overcome by employing more staff to check the opportunity of seeing whether that sales from retail liquor merchants and wine model was suitable for use in other States. outlets, but this will be extremely difficult Since that time, New South Wales has pro and, unfortunately, people within the in duced a model which is being examined by dustry will find that the imposition makes the other States. it so difficult to maintain profitability that they will be forced to look at other avenues Two memoranda on the matter have been of avoiding the 20 per cent licence fee. issued by the Department of Agriculture, one on 27 July and the other on 27 Septem The proposed increase will have a dra ber. The second stated, inter alia, that the matic effect on the industry, not only on Prime Minister had agreed to a proposal by retail sales of wine from retail wine outlets, the Premier of Victoria that a joint working but also on wine producers right back to the party be established. That working party grape producers. There is already excess would take steps to examine the possibility grape production in Victoria. The dried fruit of amalgamating the two existing services, industry is in a difficult situation and many that is, State and Federal. It also stated that producers of grapes have switched to grow an interdepartmental committee, including ing grapes for wine production. With the representatives from a number of Victorian imposition of this additional tax, it is esti departments including the Department of mated that the 10 or 11 per cent increase in Agriculture, would be appointed to identify the licence fee will result in a sales reduction the State issues that were involved. It would of 10 to 13·5 per cent in wine. also suggest Victorian membership of the The Treasurer does not agree that the re proposed working party. The last part of duction will be so dramatic, but I suggest that memorandum refers to the fact that the that people within the industry who are well interdepartmental committee has been re versed in sales patterns can make more ac quested to report to the Minister of Agricul curate assessments of the likely reduction. ture by the middle of October 1983 and The point made by the honourable mem states that, following that report, it was ex ber for Ripon is important. The changes pected that the matter would be considered within the industry will extend to the tour by the Victorian Cabinet. We are now past ist industry and will have enormous rami the middle of October and I ask the Minis fications in the reduction of wine sales and ter for Local Government to request the a significant reduction in employment, eco Minister of Agriculture to supply current nomic activity, tourism and other areas of information on what is occurring and the industry. I ask the Treasurer to investigate type and size of the services which are to be the alternatives to the imposition of the tax. provided. It is important that the Minister If this measure is proceeded with, the in of Agriculture should give an assurance that dustry will be faced with enormous difficul improvement and ongoing efficiencies will ties in maintaining profitability and many be derived from the changes that will take will go bankrupt or simply close their doors. place. 1300 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances
There has been concern in the pastoral rules and set the prices so that the industry industry about the ever-increasing costs of will suffer. handling, marketing, slaughtering and proc In conclusion, I ask the Minister for essing. These costs will have a paralysing Local Government to ask the Minister of effect on the industry. Honourable mem Agriculture to supply up-to-date informa bers opposite will recognize that the high tion on the situation and to give an assur killing cost is out of proportion to the ance that changes will not be made just for amount of work that is done. Anybody who the sake of change. I recognize that changes has had experience in killing a sheep would need to take place and that tl1e matter needs probably kill on the wool shed floor and to be resolved, but we must ensure that when make a reasonable profit on today's charges. the change does occur it will not follow what Inspection fees are one of the high costs has happened in New South Wales, which today and there is a real danger that they is different from Victoria. The change must will get out of hand. The inspection fee in not· result in another increased cost to the Victoria for the cost of killing a head of primary producer. cattle is $2 . 80 and the inspection fee in the Mr McGRATH (Lowan)-I grieve to the export industry is $5 .40. The inspection fee House on the Government's decision to sell in Victoria for sheep and lambs is 35 cents student hostels in the metropolitan area. The and the export inspection fee is 54 cents. Deputy Leader of the National Party, the The inspection fee for pigs is $1 . 75 and the honourable member for Rodney, has been export inspection fee is $1 . 80. dealing with this subject since 9 September The export inspection services have been to try to change the Government's mind on trebled recently to allow for a 50 per cent the decision. He has met students and writ recovery. If and when the inspection fees ten continually to the Minister of Education are amalgamated, there is no doubt that the on the matter. It is probably fair to say that costs will be passed on to the industry, most honourable members representing probably with little benefit to the producer. country electorates are receiving many let It is imperative that the domestic scene does ters directing their attention to concerns of not become overloaded with additional parents, students and school councils about costs. On the State scene, the department the Government's decision. has always considered that export abattoirs Last Thursday, students undertook a are overstaffed. There is certainly no need march to the steps of Parliament House to for domestic meat to be burdened by many make their protest and bring the matter to of the unnecessary export standards. They the first-hand notice of the Government. I are necessary for export, but not necessary congratulate the students who participated for the domestic market. in the march. There must have been about In the year to 31 March 1983, 78 per cent 800 of them and their conduct was ex of beef killed, 84 per cent oflamb killed and tremely orderly. They were well presented 85 per cent of pork killed in Victoria was in their personal appearance, which was a for the domestic market. When New South pleasant change, as the honourable member Wales changed its system, 80 per cent of the for Polwarth has interjected. When they New South Wales inspection staff were al spoke on the steps of Parliament House, ready located in export abattoirs. That is a they were sound, sensible and reasonable. different situation from that which obtains I hope the Government, particularly the in Victoria where few of the inspection staff Minister of Education, will also take a rea are in export abattoirs. In Victoria, the do sonable approach to the decision to close mestic scene dominates export production. the hostels. When speaking on education in Another matter that needs to be watched this House, the Minister makes consider closely in Victoria is that in New South able explanations on how the Government Wales regionalized slaughter centres have is leading Australia in providing educa been forced to close. Victorians do not want tional opportunities, yet he has brought that happening here. We do not want small about what will be a severe disadvantage to country abattoirs and killing works closed country tertiary students. The Budget Pa down with control of the industry placed in pers indicate that the education budget this the hands of a few of the larger works. If year is about $2104 million and yet, in a that happens, the large works will make the press release, the Minister has claimed that Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1301 by selling the hostels he will save $500000 ment-in many cases, they come from small in running costs. The total budget on edu country environments-to a large metro cation is a si~ificant amount of money to politan area. They face many difficulties in justify retainlng those facilities for country acclimatizing to the different social envi students. ronment. Therefore, if there are students at The press release also indicates that the the hostel who have similar backgrounds hostels that have been closed and will be and similar problems, they can assist one sold are Avonholme in Armadale, Marne another in adapting to the different metro Street in South Yarra, Walsh Street in South politan environment. Yarra and Lauriston at Geelong. The hos What the Minister's decision is really tels that will be closed and sold are Alan doing is depriving those students of the op Ramsey House in Queens Road, Mel portunity of obtaining a tertiary education. bourne, Cowabee in St Kilda Road, Mel After selling off these hostels, the Govern bourne, Pinamani in Wellington Road, ment does not propose any alternative ac Clayton and Warwillah in St Kilda Road, commodation. Today, the honourable Melbourne. The Government is selling off member for Rodney asked a question of the the farm. I question the economics of a gov Minister of Education about the Minister's ernment selling its properties. In times gone approach to the Federal Minister for Edu by. people who have sold off their farms cation and Youth Affairs, Senator Susan face difficulties at some time later in the Ryan. In his reply, the Minister indicated progression of society. As the honourable that, at this stage, he had not received word member for Polwarth has said by way of from the Federal Minister about whether interjection, that farmer eventually goes out the Commonwealth Government is pre of business. pared to come to the party and take over Country students consider that the action the hostels from the State or to assist with of the Government in closing the hostels their running costs. The honourable mem will put the Government out of business. ber for Rodney raised the same matter on 9 The hostels are providing essential services September-more than a month ago. I to country students. They also provide rea question the Minister's sincerity in coming sonably priced accommodation. Honoura to terms with the problem, considering the ble members should imagine the case of amount of correspondence he would have country students seeking accommodation. received from honourable members repre Where do the students start to find accom senting country areas, from individual peo modation when they decide to further their ple, from school councils, and the petitions education and must come to the city to do that have been presented to him. so? Do they start by placing advertisements The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk in various metropolitan newspapers seek wood)-Order! I remind the honourable ing private or some other type of hostel ac member for Bentleigh that Standing Orders commodation? specifically state that no newspapers are to They do not know where to start. How be read in the House. ever, the school councils and the principals Mr McGRATH-The other day, I spoke have knowledge of these hostels and what with a lady who had moved from the city to they can provide; they know about the prices the country, Mrs Diane Handbury, who is a of accommodation for the students and so nursing sister at Hamilton. She explained on. These details are sent out in a circular that she had always voted Labor in the past. to the secondary schools in country areas. Being a city person who had just moved to By obtaining that sort of information, the the country, she had believed that the Labor students have a starting base. The decision Party's philosophies were right. Since mov to sell off those hostels places them in the ing to the country, she has witnessed the middle of nowhere. disadvantages with which country people The other advantage of providing hostel have to cope in the fields of education, accommodation for the students is that they transport and health. She indicated to me can give one another support and can share that she now believes anyone living in some of the academic and social problems country Victoria who would vote Labor that they will encounter when they have would be absolutely wrong. That comment moved away from the country environ- was made by a person who had always voted Session 1983-48 1302 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances
Labor in years gone by. Certainly, that is who come to study in the city very much at the sort of reaction being expressed in the ease when the break from the family occurs. country about some of the Government's They are much more at ease knowing that philsophies in closing down and selling off their children will be accommodated in stu the types of facilities that are available for dent hostels. country people. The $500000 that the Minister will save The social advantages of hostel accom in running costs is peanuts compared with modation are significant for students who the over-all education budget of $21 04 mil are pursuing tertiary education. It is fair to lion. By selling off those hostels, the hon say that country students who have grad ourable gentleman is really selling off the uated from tertiary institutions will proba farm, and I urge the Minister to reconsider bly drift back to the country and take up his decision because it will be detrimental appointments in country areas of Victoria. to the progress of Victoria, especially from Country areas experience a great deal of dif an educational point of view. ficulty in attracting the right sort of quali Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-My fied people to take up professional positions. grievance concerns the Prime Minister of Most of the time, when positions have been Australia. No matter what you, Mr Acting advertised in the country, there are not suf Speaker, or I do for the State of Victoria, ficient applications coming forward. By re what the Prime Minister has is a capacity to stricting the students from country areas in do harm to Victoria which will far outweigh undertaking tertiary education, that situa the efforts of any State Government. The tion will get even worse in the future. More State expects the highest standard in lead and more young graduates will have to ership, and that includes reference to the travel to the city seeking professional em moral climate of our land. The leaders of ployment, and the appointment of profes this country affect national standards of be sional people will take place only in the city. haviour. I now come to the Prime Minister, It will be a great pity for country Victoria if Mr Hawke and, through him, to the Victo that sort of situation occurs. rian Government and the Australian Labor Regardless of what the Commonwealth Party. I am particularly concerned by a se Minister for Education and Youth Affairs ries of articles I have been reading in recent says, whether it is decided that the Com times. monwealth Government will come to the In an article written by Adele Horin in party and take over the hostels and their San Francisco, headed "Sal Amarena: operations-which would be fine, and so be Friend to the Bigtime", which appeared in it, and perhaps that has been a good move the National Times of 29 July to 4 August by the Minister-or whether the Federal 1983, the following appeared: Minister is not prepared to come to the Sal Amarena had seen better days. It was July 14, his party, I urge the Minister of Education to 63rd birthday. The San Francisco noon temperature reconsider his decision to sell off the hos was unusually hot and the sky bright blue, but in Sal's tels. It is rather significant to note that he is dingy and cluttered hotel room in the city's seamy selling Qff the hostels in the metropolitan Tenderloin district, the only light came from a flicker area. If one examines the list of hostels, one ing television set. realizes that the hostels at Ballarat, Bendigo Not so long ago, Rudy Tham, the San Francisco and Geelong will be retained. I wonder Teamsters (trucking) Union boss was Sal's friend and whether they will be retained because they customer, and Jimmy "The Weasel" Fratianno, Mafia are situated in swinging electorates! I am boss and confessed murderer, was like a brother, and a certainly not suggesting that those hostels good many other notables, including prominent Aus should also be sold off-they should be re tralians, patronised his poky establishment, Sal's caffe tained at the same high standard at which Espress Bar, near the Hilton Hotel. they are running at present-but the hostels Sal's fortunes began to change when Jimmy the Weasel began to sing. The Weasel told the FBI so much in the metropolitan area should also be re about the Mafia and its friends that Rudy Tham ended tained. up in jail on a union funds embezzling charge. Many students have explained to me that the hostels provide a high level of accom The article continues: modation that is clean and well supervised. Sal remembers the last meal he serVf~d before hand It certainly places the parents of students ing the keys over to the new owners in late 1978. The Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1303 phone rang and a man announced the imminent ar brothels in Sydney", had been convicted on numerous rival of a person he described as "the Prime Minister occasions for his associations with the Sydney under of Australia" travelling with an aide. As it turned out world and on more than one occasion had been sus later, the identification was wrong. Certainly it wasn't pected of ··dropping bodies off in various parts of Malcolm Fraser. Sydney". He claimed that Saffron had once financed Korn hauser into the Cumberland Hotel in the Sydney sub The man who arrived was a well-built, good-looking urb of Bankstown and that Kornhauser had told delib Australian man of about 5ft lOins and 45 years who erate lies under oath to the Royal Commission on laughed and joked a lot. His aide was a much bigger Liquor conducted by Justice Maxwell in 1950. man. They came in and Sal locked the doors. Sal's memory is faulty here. He can't remember the man's At a later licensing hearing in 1956, the New name. South Wales Licensing Court Magistrate, Mr S. M. Stewart, said: I will tell honourable members the names of these men; one was Mr David Combe, . . . he had no hesitation in saying that Kornhauser and the other was Mr Robert James Lee was not a fit person to hold a publican's licence. Hawke. That was who the two were. Mr Hawke and Mr Combe can deny it, but I In another address to the Queensland Par will challenge them to tell the people of liament on 1 March 1982, Mr Gibbs again Australia that they did not stay at the Hyatt said about Eddie Kornhauser that: Regency Hotel in San Francisco in late 1978.- . . . since I last named him in Parliament last year and referred to his association with the notorious un The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk derworld criminal, Abraham Saffron, has said in inter wood)-Order! I draw the attention of the views with various people that he has had no contact honourable member for Doncaster to a rul with Saffron since the royal commission hearings in ing of a previous Speaker, Sir Kenneth the early 1950s. This is a blatant lie. Wheeler, on 11 October 1973. He made a ruling on reflections upon members of other I am concerned about your ruling, Mr Act Parliaments and said: ing Speaker. In the best traditions of this place and in the spirit of The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk its Standing Orders and practices they should refrain wood)-Order! I should bring to the atten from making imputations concerning the official ac tion of the honourable member for tions of members of other Parliaments which could be Doncaster that the ruling is not mine. It is a regarded as being personally derogatory towards them. ruling made by a previous Speaker, Sir Ken I suggest the honourable member takes this neth Wheeler. ruling into consideration when making Mr WILLIAMS-I am deeply con various statements about members of other cerned that the only forum for the people Parliaments. are the Parliaments of Australia. If we are not permitted as members of the com Mr WILLIAMS-With respect to the munity to question our Leaders-- Chair, I was talking about the then Leader of the Federal Australian Labor Party and Mr Simpson-Go outside and say that. the then Secretary of the Australian Labor You haven't got the courage. Party. Mr WILLIAMS-I have got the cour Mr Simpson-He is the Prime Minister age! now. You heard the ruling. Mr Simpson-Then go outside and say Mr WILLIAMS-I shall refer to another it. National Times article included in its issue Mr WILLIAMS-I have the courage and of 15 to 20 November 1981. The article re I will defend my actions in court. fers to an address in the Queensland Parlia The ACTING SPEAKER-Order! I di ment by the shadow Attorney-General of rect to the attention of the honourable that Parliament, Mr Bob Gibbs. The article member for Doncaster that the only restric states, inter alia: tion on him is regarding any imputations he Earlier in the Parliament, Labor's shadow attorney might make against any members of other general, Bob Gibbs, alleged there was a close associa Parliaments. Provided that he does not tion between Kornhauser and the "notorious Abe Saf make any such imputations, he is free to fron". He said Saffron was a professional "purveyor of make his comments. 1304 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances
Mr WILLIAMS-IfI may be permitted, were Mr Bruno Gordano Grollo and Mr I shall speak about some powerfully con Rino John Grollo. nected men in Australia. One such person I was most disturbed by the recent news is Eddie Kornhauser, who is one of the rich paper reports of the gelignite blast at the est men in Australia.Recently his name was R. J. Hawke Hotel. The article reads: brought before the Costigan Royal Com mission when a man named Lockyer was The owner of the hotel, Mr Claudio Gionfriddo, was questioned about a $48 million money asleep upstairs when the explosion happened. laundering tax avoidance scheme con "The noise suddenly woke me up," he said today. trolled by Hanover Holdings. "I thought it was a car or a truck smashing through Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov the walls. ernment)-On a point of order, I have lis "But then 1 sensed the smell of gunpowder or some tened carefully to the honourable member thing like that and realized what must have hap for Doncaster and I am having difficulty pened." relating his remarks to Government admin istration in Victoria and I should have thought the grievance debate, although it is Police have not yet established a motive for the blast embracing, does not give honourable mem at the hotel which was formerly owned by the Store bers the chance to raise matters which are men and Packers' Union. of no concern to Victorian Government administration. Arson Squad detectives were still investigating. The grievance debate should be used so I have a licensing application document that honourable members can raise matters with me which discloses that the same for the attention of the Government and it Claudio Gionfriddo was employed by B. L. provides an opportunity for the Govern & M. Grollo Homes Pty Ltd. He was a sales ment to take into consideration any matters manager of the housing division, which which it considers to be reasonable. Until clearly suggests a connection between the now the remarks ofthe honourable member Grollo brothers and the R. J. Hawke Hotel, for Doncaster have not in any way sug which was formerly owned by the Storemen gested a lack of Government administra and Packers Union. tion or suggested an area that should be I remind the House that for nearly ten taken into consideration by the Govern years I have raised in the Parliament mat ment. ters of corruption in the Richmond City The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk Council. It is all very well for the Minister wood)-Order! Although I sympathize with for Local Government to now cast asper the views expressed by the Minister, it is sions on me. correct to say that the grievance debate is I challenge the Minister for Local Gov an extremely wide debate and consequently ernment to get off his backside, work with there is no point of order. the new Attorney-General and ensure that Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-I am ut the gentleman whose fingerprint is on a bal terly appalled that the revenues of the Com lot paper in connection with the rigging of monwealth of Australia and, ipso facto, the the Richmond City Council elections is State of Victoria, have been gravely den brought before the court. If a fingerprint is uded by Hanover Holdings. Documents that not evidence, what sort of country do we have been brought before the Costigan have? The moment this man appears in Royal Commission show that that com court all hell will break loose. He probably pany laundered $48 million, which could received onlv a chocolate box of bank notes. well be as much as $100 million. The same He will reveal the gentleman who received company was recently before the Magis a caseload or bags full of bank notes. They trates Court in connection with a payment even came into Parliament House. If the of secret commissions to Builders former associates of the gentleman who Labourers Federation officials, who in brought the bag load of bank notes into Par cluded Mr Norm Gallagher, Mr George liament appears before the Privileges Com Herscu and Mr Maurice Alter, who were mittee or some other tribunal he cannot partners in Hanover Holdings. Also fined truthfully deny, on oath, what happened. Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1305
It is all very well for the Minister for department and I insist that it be with Local Government to cast aspersions on drawn. me-- The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk Mr Wilkes-I do not understand what wood)-Order! The Minister has sought the you mean. honourable member for Doncaster to with Mr WILLIAMS-The Minister knows draw that statement. The honourable mem very well what I mean. That witness did not ber knows the forms of the House. come back into the country until he had Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-It was an been given clear indications that the Liberal instantaneous response to the joviality of Government was on its death bed. I refer to the Minister. It was not meant in the spirit lackie Hayes. he took it. I unhesitatingly withdraw what I am disturbed that a question I placed was a jovial comment. on notice some time ago has not been an I am most concerned at the slamming swered. On 16 August 1983, I addressed a that has been going on in Federal Parlia question to the Minister for Police and ment in relation to tax avoidance. I am most Emergency Services, further to the answer concerned that the king of tax avoiders, a to question No. 2518 provided by the Attor multi-millionaire Gold Coast investor and ney-General on Thursday 11 August 1983. racehorse owner, Brian Maher, has been I asked: seen in the company of, and photographed . . . whether he will obtain a clarification from the with Tommy Smith and a person I must Chief Commissioner of Police that Sergeant (Acting call Mr X, a well-known person in this Inspector) Phillip Wallis, in June 1980, gave a lecture country. Again the same Mr X was seen to 24 members of an advanced detective training school dining at David's Chinese Restaurant on in the course of which he referred to Sir Peter Abels; if the Gold Coast with this gentleman and so, whether it was stated in substance that Sir Peter Abels was followed from Australia on a visit to the three ladies. West Coast of America and was seen and photo The ACTING SEAKER (Mr Kirk graphed consorting with Mafia members and known wood)-Order! The honourable member has Mafia members and was seen in many entertainment 2 minutes. clubs with these Mafia connections. Mr WILLIAMS-In deference to the We will no longer have a democratic system Minister for Local Government, who I in this country if men who associate with thought was a democrat, I shall sit down. gangsters are going to be in positions of im Mr BROWN (Westernport)-On 10 mense power and strength. Our forefathers February 1983 the Minister of Housing is fought for freedom of speech and were a release which states: granted freedom of speech by Magna Carta. sued press We were granted freedom of speech under The State Housing Ministry has bought a 50-year the Bill of Rights. As a result of that deci old woolstore at Western Beach on the Geelong fore sion, members of Parliament are free to shore to refurbish as 60 home units for rental to low speak in their place, subject only to the dis income earners. ciplines of the Parliament. The six storey brick building which has extensive views over Corio Bay, has been unused for years and If the Australian Labor Party wants to the Government has successfully negotiated a price of discipline me, I am prepared to come before $320000. the Privileges Committee and defend any statement I have made in the House, if that The Minister then went on in the press re is what it wants to do to me. If it wants to lease to outline that an extensive feasibility expel me from Parliament, that is its privi study had been undertaken which indicated lege. I am the duly-elected member for . that the additional cost of converting the Doncaster. building to flats would be $2·45 million. Mr Simpson-Temporarily. The Minister went on to indicate that this would average about $45 000 a unit includ Mr WILLIAMS-Apparently the ing the value of the land and provide space boundaries will be rigged! for 41 cars. He said that the refurbishing Mr SIMPSON (Minister of Labour and would be carried out by private enterprise Industry)-On a point of order, I find that and the design would ensure that the project remark very offensive against officers of my is not identified as public housing. 1306 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances
The Minister went on to make several The Geelong Chamber of Commerce has other statements in the press release as fol been active on the subject of the proposed lows: conversion: It opposed it. Media coverage The suggested unit composition is for 30 single bed of the chamber's opposition includes an ar room units, 24 twin bedroom units and six with three ticle in the Geelong Advertiser of 5 July 1983: bedrooms. The adjoining property will also be devel The Geelong Chamber of Commerce council last oped as public open space and playing areas for resi night agreed to back the demolition of any of the city's dents' children. vacant woolstores-with one exception. The building previously owned by Denny Strachan Mercantile Estates, is on the corner of Cunningham That exception, of course, is not the one Street and Western Beach. under discussion. Understandably, and as expected, the Minister of Housing replied Earlier this week, I informed the House that to the statements of the local chamber of the Government is regularly purchasing commerce-to the local people who know homes on the basis of paying approximately what is required in their area-and an arti $1000 too much for each unit. This project cle in the Geelong Advertiser of 6 July 1983 will undoubtedly be aborted in toto. As the stated: building is proposed to be redeveloped it will be a fire risk. The Government is aware The Geelong Chamber of Commerce has come un of the problems that I will outline. Under der fire for its opposition to the conversion of a beach the Freedom of Information Act, I have front woolstore into a residential development. been able to obtain an internal Ministry The Minister for Housing, Mr Cathie, and local MLC, document which indicates that problems are Mr. David Henshaw, said yesterday the chamber was anticipated by the Ministry and one of the uninformed. options open to the Minister is to abort the Mr Shell-True! project, but these facts are being hidden by the Minister. Mr BROWN-The honourable member for Geelong West shares the view that the It was not the desire of the local council Geelong Chamber of Commerce is unin or local authorities in Geelong that the wool formed. store be purchased for this purpose. The Mr Shell-True! "City by the Bay" concept initiated by the former Liberal Government, and suppos Mr BROWN-The article in the Geelong edly supported by the present Government, Advertiser states further: had this site and the adjoining site ear At the chamber's council meeting on Monday it voted marked as a future motel and convention to voice its objections to the recycling of the railway centre. That was clearly defined on the plan woolstore in Eastern Beach by the Housing Ministry. and that is the desire of the community and Its committee opposed the plan on the ground that the local authorities in Geelong. They had the development would be uneconomic, was socially no idea that the Government would pur unacceptable, lacked nearby schools and for the prob chase the site for this proposal and do not lems associated with high-rise residential develop share the view that it is a desirable location ments. for the proposed home units. Local people have voiced their understand There are many areas in Geelong that are ing of the major concerns relative to the available for home building and what the proposal, yet the Ministry of Housing still Ministry could buy, including other sites plans to persist with its plan. that house wool stores that could be con The Ministry of Housing undertook an verted rather than the site that was pro internal feasibility study. It is voluminous posed for the establishment of a future motel and time constraints today will not allow and convention centre. me to outline totally what that study en In another article, it is stated: compasses. It indicates that the existing building is inadequate and that the stairs do The former Dennys wool store, which has extensive not comply with building regulations. It is views over Corio Bay, must be one of the most presti proposed to provide openings in the exist gious locations for welfare housing in Australia. ing timber floor at each level for natural Design work has already started and the estimated light, ventilation and a visual link, and to completion date is about mid-1985. provide two fire isolated stairs. Grievances 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1307
With the exception of the external walls, To provide the number of units proposed this building of six storeys is of total timber in the conversion, the Opposition estimates construction. Unquestionably, the conver that the cost required would be at least dou sion proposed by the Government would ble that which the Ministry of Housing has make the building a "towering inferno" and announced publicly. To obtain 60 units would place the occupants of the building through the conversion, which is the num at considerable risk. ber proposed by the Ministry, the cost would The Government is the only organization be a minimum of $100 000 for each unit. in the State that does not have to apply for That is approximately twice the amount for building permits. The Opposition under which the Ministry purchased the site and stands that the Government has no inten for which it announced to the public it tion of applying for building permits for the would be able to achieve that conversion in proposed conversion. I believe the Govern the interests of the community. ment has no option but to report its propos als. Mr Lieberman-Did the Ministry not get an engineer's report? The internal study to which I am refer ring has not been released publicly. The copy Mr BROWN-The Ministry received a that I have was obtained under the Free report that indicated that it was feasible to dom of Information Act. It proposes at the convert the building in the manner pro first level to have: posed, but the feasibility study did not ad dress the problem of having to provide a 3- 1 No. one bedroom unit (Manager) hour fire rating. Carpark for 41 No. cars Mr Lieberman-That is a massive blun Stores der. Above that first floor level, which is to pro Mr BROWN-It is the worst blunder in vide parking for 41 cars, there will be five my estimation. There are others, but this is floors of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and the first that I can publicly state is a major three-bedroom units. Those residents hou blunder. The Ministry is getting poor ad sed above a car park for 41 cars will be vice and I regret that the Ministry does not exposed to undue risk of fire hazard. rely more on its own staff than it does on No development that exceeds two storeys Caucus sub-committees. can be converted for residential use if a 3- The Ministry has been advised by its staff hour fire rating is not provided. The pro that it is not possible to proceed with the posed conversion by the Government does conversion as proposed. The internal study not include the provision of 3-hour fire rat said that a town planning permit wil be re ing levels between the levels of occupancy quired and that building permits may be of that building. Further, for any building required. The word "may" for building per more than two storeys in height, the 3-hour mits has been underlined. fire rating must be concrete. The Opposition believes the Ministry At best, the proposed conversion would does not propose to obtain building per have a I-hour fire rating which means that, mits. By law, it does not have to obtain if the building catches fire, those six floor those permits. It can press on with its devel levels would have no better than a I-hour opment without those permits. No-one in fire rating and, once a fire takes hold, espe the private sector in Victoria could under cially in a basement which houses cars, pe take that development without those per trol and stores, the fire spread would be mits whereas the Ministry, if it wishes, can much quicker than 1 hour. do so. I hope it will not be stupid enough to The Opposition has investigated the do so. The internal study states also: building and its structural content. The only Whilst redevelopment of the property by recycling way in which to achieve proper fire protec the building for residential use is the objective of the tion is to totally demolish the interior of the Ministry, the following review examines development wool store and to leave standing only the alternatives with the view to presenting options in or exterior brick walls, which would have to der that the project can be re-assessed in financial, be underpinned because they are not suffi social and political terms prior to final commitment to cient to take five levels of concrete floors. the preferred scheme. 1308 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Grievances
I emphasize, "political terms". Another scores of other areas available locally for section of the internal study refers to the more suitable development; sites which are project background and indicates the cost close to schools for low income earners, who of the purchase of the wool store, what the are ~enerally the majority of tenants of Ministry of Housing got for that money and MinIstry developments, and families with what it thought was value for that money. children. A site could have been purchased This will be the most expensive site in the elsewhere more cheaply without the prob history of the Ministry of Housing. lems that are now being faced. The only options ofthe Ministry are either Option (b) is to demolish the existing to demolish the building and totally re-de structure and to redevelop the site. This is velop the site or to sell it and to get what it what is in front of the Minister; he has not can for it as it stands. The Minister of Hous released it publicly and he has not made any ing will have to make those decisions. statement on it. That unquestionably is an The internal document does not face up option and one which the Government will to the fact that 3-hour fire ratings are nec explore. essary for the proposed development. With Option (c) recommends aborting the pro out that fire rating provision, the building ject. I am sure this is what will occur. The will be a death trap for the Ministry of Labor Party talked about the former Liberal Housing residents if it catches fire. Government being grossly imcompetent in managing the resources of this State. This This is an internal document and it sug week, I have raised two issues where the gests that one answer might be to redesign Government has not accepted the lowest the proposal on the basis of having singular tender. It spent $40 000 more than was nec occupation or non-family usage; in other essary to buy 39 houses. Today I have raised words, the elderly, the maimed, but cer an issue in this House where the Govern tainly people without children. The Gov ment has spent well over $300 000 for a site ernment has woken up to the fact that this that is totally unsuitable for this develop building will be a fire trap, so families are ment. There are far more suitable sites not allowed to be put there. It wants to see available which the Ministry could have ob if the flats can be converted to occupy only tained at a cheaper price and close to the single people. The inference is that there facilities that families require. would not be as many people burnt to death The local member is out of touch with his if the project caught on fire. We are all con area and with what his local chamber of cerned, and hopefully the Ministry will be commerce says. He sits here hidebound, and concerned, that that risk is not run. Any life out of touch with the real world, particu is too valuable to be put at risk. larly in the electorate he represents, and he This document goes on to state on page is not prepared to listen to what the local 5: people, in the form of the chamber of com merce, tell him. He sits here, probably earn The Ministry is now presented with the following ing the best quid he has ever earned in his alternatives: (a) to recycle the woolstore for residential life, doing the least he has ever done in his purposes. life, and he criticizes people who are in busi I have indicated that options are being ex ness at the local level and says that they do plored, other than those originally pro not know what they are talking about. It is posed. The main one is to divide the time that the Government started listening building so that these units will be occupied to their local constituents and started facing by only single tenancies; in other words, only up to the realities of life. one person in each flat. This document is I conclude by making the point that this saying, "Let us try to keep the number of project has to be aborted. There is no op people on this project to a minimum". In tion. It is an unpalatable decision for the political terms, this internal document in Ministry, and I accept that. It is a political dicates that they do not want to abort the reality that has to be faced. Political conse project because much more than $300 000 quences have to be considered. I say, uTo of taxpayers' money has been spent on a hell with political consequences". The rele site that is not preferred by the local com vant issue is that if this "towering inferno" munity for this development. There are is created, it will be a death trap, and if a Auditor-General's Report 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1309 fire breaks out, not necessarily in the car are also required to pay $1260 indemnity park where the petrol is stored but on any insurance if they have fees in excess of level, there will not be adequate fire protec $14 000. This is a professional protection, tion between floors and people will be put and obviously protects solicitors for any at risk unnecessarily. fault in their operations. Exemptions from The Opposition has raised this matter and the indemnity insurance can be made on highlighted it and will not oppose the Gov application to the registration board, namely ernment's announcement in the near future the Law Institute of Victoria. Normally the that is proposes to abort the project and people who receive exemptions are consult either redevelop the site in a more sensible ants or employees. manner or sell it. Those are the only options When I mentioned a flat fee of $245 per available and either will be supported by annum for solicitors, that is a little mislead the Opposition. ing, because there are lower fees for solici Mr McNAMARA (Benalla)-The mat tors to become registered. There is a fee of ter I raise in the grievance debate concerns $135 for corporate solicitors or employed professional registration fees. I say at the solicitors, while many other organizations outset that I am a licensed real estate aucti pay a higher fee in the first year. In the first oneer and that is the area to which I would year, solicitors pay a lower fee, and in the like to address my remarks. subsequent years the fee is $65 per annum. I wish to make some interesting compar Non-practising lawyers pay a fee of$45 per isons between the professional fees charged annum. There is no such provision in the for that occupation and accountants, medi real estate registration for a person such as cal practitioners, dentists, architects, phar myself who is not actively involved in real macists, sworn valuers and solicitors. I shall estate. I am still required to pay $400 regis go through those various occupations and tration for the real estate licence and $100 compare the registration fees. Firstly, estate for the auctioneer's licence, which I may agents are required to pay a licence fee of not use. $400 per annum and an additional $100 for Estate agents, when compared with other an auctioneer's licence, making a total of professional organizations in many in $500. When one adds to that membership stances pay more than ten-fold for registra of the trade organization, such as the Real tion fees. Estate and Stock Institute of Australia, the I ask the Government to immediately re figure is in the vicinity of$900. duce real estate licence fees. Accountants have no fees at all. They do not have to belong to the Australian Society The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Kirk of Accountants or chartered accountants. wood)-The time for grievances has ex There is no public account register, and as pired. such there are no fees for accountants in The question was agreed to. Victoria. The sitting was suspended at 1 p. m. until Medical practitioners in their first year 2.5p.m. are required to pay a fee of $30 and after that $15. Dentists have an annual fee of AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT $40. Architects in their first year pay a fee of $34, and in subsequent years an annual The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Wilton) renewal fee of$30. presented the second report of the Auditor Pharmacists are required to pay a $60 an General for the year ended 30 June 1983. nual registration fee. Sworn valuers have a It was ordered that the report be laid on first year fee of $50, followed by an annual the table and be printed. renewal fee of $30. As I mentioned, this compares with $500 paid by estate agents STATE CO-ORDINATION COUNCIL with an auctioneer's licence. (REPEAL) BILL Solicitor's fees are $245 per annum, plus Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov $10 for the Solicitors' Guarantee Fund pay ernment)-I move: able for the first twenty years and it is pay able only if money is held in trust. Solicitors That this Bill be now read a second time. 1310 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 State Co-ordination Council (Repeal) Bill
Its purpose is. to repeal the State Co ment and delivering services to the com ordination Council Act 1975. The State Co munity as efficiently as possible. ordination Council was established under Much diligent work was performed by the State Co-ordination Council Act 1975 working groups of the State Co-ordination and was required to ensure effective co-or Council. At times, they were assisted by dination of agency activities; to report on municipal and other organizations-that statements of planning policy and regional these efforts were not capitalized was not strategy plans, and major projects and pro the fault of those involved, but was a result posals as required by the Premier; to advise of the approach of the Government of the on changes in policy due to changing cir day to administration. cumstances and priorities within compet The reforms in administration intro ing Government policies; and to report on duced by the Labor Government meet the other matters referred to it by the Premier. needs perceived by the authors of the State The council comprised 38 members-the Co-ordination Council Act better and more heads of departments, Ministries and major efficiently. The more creative arrangements statutory authorities-and operated through developed by the council have been re meetings of the council itself, its constituent tained and incorporated into the reformed groups and special task groups. structure of government. The then Liberal Government intro The Government has introduced funda duced the Bill to establish the council with mental reforms in public administration in a great fanfare. It was to play a major role Victoria. The main emphasis has been to in the development and management of the strengthen the degree of scrutiny and con State's resources and in the development of trol by Ministers and Cabinet over public major projects and programmes. How administration, and to enhance the ac ever, the record shows that major projects countability of public bodies to Govern and programmes were not referred to the ment. To this end, the Ministry has been council for advice, that there was no effec rationalized in that portfolios have been re tive working relationship between Cabinet duced in number and changed in structure. and the council, and that many of the sta Cabinet and Cabinet committees now tutory functions of the council such as ad provide the focus for determination of vice on priorities and on policy changes were priorities and co-ordination of policies. not fulfilled in any material way. A Cabinet office has been established to The principal deficiency of the council provide secretarial support and assistance was structural. It was supposed to report to to Cabinet and its committees. Ministers the Premier, but there was no direct link and departments are required to co between it and Cabinet. ordinate with relevant arms of Government The responsibility for determination of before bringing matters to Cabinet. The priorities of government was vested by the central agencies-the Department of the Act in a sub-committee of agency heads. Premier and Cabinet, the Department of This too was a structural deficiency. The Management and Budget and the Public determination of priorities in government Service Board-have been organized to should lie instead with those charged by the provide both improved support and service public for managing the affairs of the State to the Government, and clearer roles in co the Executive of the Government, which is ordination of the activites of state agencies. the Cabinet. It is not surprising, therefore, To ensure a broader base in decision that over time the council came to assume making, the Government has set up pro a different role from that proposed for it in cesses for early and informed community the Act. participation, and an information policy The council meetings tended to become based on openness of Government and information exchanges among senior offi public access to official information. cials. Information came to be exchanged for Other important reforms which will facil its own sake. This was inefficient. No activ itate the co-ordination of Government ity in the public sector should be under administration are the introduction of pro taken unless it directly serves the purpose gramme budgeting, and the requirement for of promulgating policies of the Govern- annual reporting by public bodies. Legal Profession Practice Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1311
This major task of re-organization and The Bill increases the lay representation administrative reform is well under way, on the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to and the more effective arrangements for de provide that one lay person must be repre cision making and co-ordination which I sented on a summary tribunal and two lay have outlined have already been estab persons must be represented on a full tri lished. bunal. The introduction of these measures has The Bill also increases the panel of mem made the State Co-ordination Council re bers from which the lay representation may dundant. However, I wish to place on re be drawn. This accompanying amendment cord recognition of the work of those who is important not only because of the in participated in its activities over the past creased lay representation on the tribunal, seven years. Many of these people did so in but also because delays are sometimes pres an honorary capacity as members of co ently being experienced in the holding of ordinating groups or task groups, and de tribunals, since none of the three present serve special thanks. I commend the Bill to appointees can be available at the required the House. time. In 1979, only 1 full tribunal was held; On the motion of Mr TEMPLETON in 1980, 12 tribunals were held, of which 7 (Men tone ), the debate was adjourned. were full tribunals, 3 were summary and 2 It was ordered that the debate be ad were preliminary. This year, to date, 7 full journed until Thursday, November 3. tribunals have been held, 1 summary and 1 preliminary tribunal. A further full tribunal LEGAL PROFESSION PRACTICE is set down for hearing this year. The num (AMENDMENT) BILL ber of tribunals being held, together with the increased representation, therefore make Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov it imperative that more lay representatives ernment)-I move: are appointed by the Attorney-General to That this Bill be now read a second time. the panel from which selection can be made when necessary. It is the first in a series of amendments pro posed to amend the Legal Profession Prac The second important change made by tice Act 1958 with particular emphasis on this Bill gives protection to the three coun the disciplinary procedures of the Law In cil members-members who must approve stitute of Victoria. in writing any matter referred to a full tri bunal. Protection is also extended to the lay As honourable members may be aware, observer to the solicitors and barristers dis the Legal Profession Practice Act has been ciplinary tribunals in respect of anything subjected to a number of amendments over done or performed under the authority of the recent past. One of the most significant, the legislation. Honourable members may in relation to the disciplinary powers of the recall that the lay observer to the solicitors institute, was the amendment made in 1978. and barristers disciplinary tribunals was an This Act of 1978 established a Solicitors office which was also created by the 1978 Disciplinary Tribunal, constituted by per legislation. His function is to review inves sons drawn from a panel of members from tigations made by the institute and to ad the Law Institute Council, solicitors ap vise the Attorney-General in relation to any pointed by the council, and three lay per matter referred to him by the Attorney sons appointed in the public interest by the General. At present, protection is given only Attorney-General. The Solicitors Dis to the secretary to the institute. It is appro ciplinary Tribunal could hear matters as a priate that the council members of the insti preliminary tribunal-consisting of one tute and the lay observer also have member who was either a member of the protection for any functions performed in council or a solicitor appointed by the council-or as a summary tribunal-con accordance with the legislation. sisting of three members who were again Finally, the remaining amendments are members of the council or solicitors ap miscellaneous amendments made so as to pointed by the council-or as a full tri repeal obsolete clauses, to re-arrange sec bunal-consisting of five members, one of tions, or to clarify provisions in the legisla whom was a lay representative. tion. 1312 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Transfer ofLand (Amendment) Bill
As I stated at the commencement of this Accordingly, the Bill amends section 84 second-reading speech, this Bill represents of the principal Act to empower the Regis the first of a series of amendments which trar of Titles to grant an application for the . may be required to ensure that the self-reg discharge of a mortgage, in a case where the ulatory nature of the legal profession oper duplicate mortgage is not produced to him, ates more satisfactorily. The Attorney if he is satisfied that it is reasonable to do General has also recently established a so. working party to consider more substantial The second specific purpose, as provided reforms in this area. It is hoped that the in clause 6, concerns the practice of lodging working party will report in time for further caveats to protect a subsequent unregis amendments to be introduced into this tered mortgage. Problems have been en House next session. countered by mortgagees endeavouring to Honourable members may recall that in exercise their power of sale under registered 1978 the now Premier, the Honourable John mortgages where caveats have been lodged Cain, pointed out the need for a continuing by persons claiming under unregistered review of this legislation. This Bill is an mortgages or charges. important first measure both for solicitors and the members of the community who As the law now stands, the holder of an are their clients. It will provide additional unregistered mortgage or charge who has safeguards in the interests of clients in rela lodged a caveat can often be in a better po tion to the professional conduct of solici sition than the proprietor of a registered tors. At the same time, it will tidy up sections mortgage whose interest may be overridden of the legislation which have been outstand by virtue of section 77 (4) of the Act on ing for many years. I commend the Bill to registration of a transfer by a selling mort the House. gagee. The selling mortgagee's power of sale On the motion of Mr TEMPLETON may be impeded by the existence of the ca (Mentone ), the debate was adjourned. veat which will not lapse without notice to the caveator. It was ordered that the debate be ad journed until Thursday, November 3. It is common practice for subsequent mortgages to be retained unregistered by the TRANSFER OF LAND mortgagee who, instead of registering the (AMENDMENT) BILL mortgage, protects the interest by lodging a caveat. For instance, some finance compa Mr CAIN (Premier)-I move: nies have adopted the policy of not register That this Bill be now read a second time. ing mortgages or charges over the land where there is already a registered mortgage in ex It has four specific purposes. The first, as istence, but instead lodge caveats. In such a provided in clause 5, concerns duplicate situation, it has been the practice of the Re mortgages. Under section 84 of the princi gistrar of Titles to give notice to the cavea pal Act, the Registrar of Titles is empow tor before registration of a transfer. This ered to grant an application for the discharge practice was confirmed as the proper course of a mortgage when certain requirements in a recent Victorian Supreme Court deci are met. Section 84 (2) contains one of these sion. requirements-production of the duplicate The problem arises in that a mortgagee mortgage. who exercises his power of sale cannot make The requirement of the production of a a good title to the purchaser unless he is able duplicate mortgage is a safeguard against to secure removal of any caveats prior to forgery of receipts and a protection against settlement. This can involve substantial de the possibility, probably remote, that an un lay and expense, particularly if it is neces registered interest in the mortage might have sary for a selling mortgagee to apply to the been created. court or to the registrar after exercising his There are circumstances, however, where power of sale. it is clear that those dangers do not arise A registered mortgagee is, therefore, put and an application for discharge oUght not to the additional expense and inconveni to be held up for want ofthe duplicate mort ence of having to remove the caveat in one gage. way or the other before a transfer can be Transfer ofLand (Amendment) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1313 registered. This places a registered mortga in the neighbouring States of New South gee at an unwarranted disadvantage. Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. The The Bill seeks to overcome this anomaly major groups using Victorian Titles Office by providing that the registration of an in facilities were consulted on the subject some strument of transfer executed by a regis time ago and have accepted the need to in tered proprietor of a mortgage shall not be troduce them. It is intended that the panel prevented by a caveat which was lodged type forms will be approved by the Regis after the mortgage was registered, or one trar of Titles for general use and persons which claims an estate or interest in the will need to be licensed by the Registrar of land transferred by virtue of an unregis Titles to print and sell the approved forms. tered mortgage, unless the caveat claims that These will bear the seal of the Office of Ti the unregistered mortgage or charge is bind tles to indicate that they are approved. ing upon the registered proprietor of the In the first instance, the Registrar of Ti mortgage. tles will be concerned to approve forms fre The third specific purpose as provided for quently used for transactions of a common in clause 7 is to shorten the form of prolix variety. As the need becomes clear, other instruments, such as mortgages and leases, forms will be approved. by enabling the registration, with the Titles It is envisaged that law stationers will be Office, of memoranda of common provi licensed to print and sell approved forms to sions and permitting the incorporation of the public. The Government Printer may the provisions in instruments by reference also engage in this market. Institutions and to the memorandum number. legal practitioners with an extensive con Such a system has been in use in New veyancing practice would be liable to apply South Wales for several years. It is widely for approval of forms to be printed for their used and is considered to have reduced the own use. Legal practitioners whose convey costs to both the public and the Registrar ancing practices did not warrant printing of General's Office in that State in the prepa forms, and also private individuals, would ration and handling of instruments. purchase forms from law stationers as they The fourth purpose of the Bill is to re do now. It would be open to any person to quire the use of printed panel-type forms in prepare a form in the style of the approved the preparation of instruments for lodg form and have it sealed by the registrar upon ment in the Titles Office. payment of a prescribed fee. At present, instruments are prepared in There will be a transitional period of six narrative form and need only conform in months to allow sufficient time for the de substance with the forms that are set out in pletion of existing stocks of forms held by the schedules to the Act and the regulations. major users such as solicitors and banks. The forms so prescribed are substantially Instruments prepared during this period the same as those introduced in the Real would be prepared in either the old or the Property Act 1862. There are large varia new form. tions in the means by which instruments are produced. These variations lead to inef Honourable members will note that clause ficiencies in the registration process. 9 includes provisions that will facilitate the panel-form proposal by, firstly, providing The Government has taken a number of the necessary extended regulation-making initiatives to improve the operations of the power and, secondly, introducing a new sec Titles Office and has confirmed the pro tion 121 into the principal Act to give the posal to computerize the unregistered deal Registrar of Titles the necessary legislative ings system, scheduled for introduction early in 1984. This system will require quick and authority to operate the system. accurate extraction of data from instru The Government is committed to reduc ments, and the desirable speed and accu ing the cost and complexity of conveyanc racy could not be reached if the form of ing and the procedural amendments effected instruments is not standardized effectively. by this Bill are in keeping with that objec There is general movement towards the tive and I commend the Bill to the House. use of panel forms in Australia. In particu On the motion of Mr TEMPLETON lar, they have been introduced successfully (Men tone ), the debate was adjourned. 1314 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Parole Orders (Transfer) Bill
It was ordered that the debate be ad ceivingjurisdiction. Thus, transfer under the journed until Thursday, November 3. arrangements is not automatic nor is it compulsory. PAROLE ORDERS (TRANSFER) BILL The issue of the need for a Parole Orders Mrs TONER (Minister for Community (Transfer) Bill has been discussed at meet Welfare Services)-I move: ings of the Standing Committee of Attor neys-General and at conferences of That this Bill be now read a second time. administrators and correctional Ministers. Its purpose is to provide legislation to ena A model Bill was settled by the standing ble interstate transfer and enforcement of committee and this legislation is in accord parole orders. The Bill, in conjunction with with the model Bill. At the correctional similar legislation enacted or shortly to be Ministers conference in May 1983, Minis enacted in other States and Territories, will ters noted the recommendation of admin strengthen parole supervision. It provides a istrators that the enactment of regional further indication of the Government's legislation in their jurisdictions be expe commitment to community based correc dited in order to formalize the transfer of tional programmes. parolees between jurisdictions. No additional costs will be incurred in The Bill will enable effective parole enacting this legislation. Victoria generally supervision of persons intending to live in has fewer parolees being supervised by other a State or Territory other than where they jurisdictions than the number it is supervis were released on parole. This will be ing on behalf of other jurisdictions. Thus, achieved by formal transfer of responsibil while actual supervision is already being ity for parole supervision between States and undertaken under existing informal recip Territories. rocal agreements, enforcement of parole or As the current situation stands, transfer ders will take up a marginally increased of supervision arrangements are informal. amount of parole service and parole board In the event of a parolee failing to comply administration time. with the conditions of the parole order, ex Major reasons for parolees seeking trans tradition back to the original jurisdiction is fer are to obtain employment in areas where the only solution. Extradition is an expen there are better employment opportunities sive solution. It is also regarded by the and to be reunited with their families. Chairman of the Adult Parole Board as a last resort, to be exercised only in excep The Bill provides that a parole order made tional circumstances. in another State or Territory may be regis tered in this State. This process is under The current situation is unsatisfactory. taken by the appropriate Minister in the Communities are not provided with ade State or Territory requesting the Minister quate protection from parolees authorized for Community Welfare Services to direct to travel interstate who fail to comply with that the order be registered in Victoria. Reg conditions. Parolees travelling interstate are istration is neither automatic nor compul often aware that parole orders will not be sory and will only be undertaken in adequately enforced, and this lessens the appropriate cases. The effect of registration credibility of parole in practice. is that the laws of this State will then apply The most effective way of resolving the to the parole order registered in this State as present unsatisfactory enforcement of pa if each sentence of imprisonment to which role orders where persons travel interstate the person on parole was subject immedi is for each State and Territory to enact leg ately before the making of the parole order islation which will result in the laws of the had been imposed in Victoria; each period receiving jurisdiction being applied as if the of imprisonment, served by that person for parole order and each section of imprison the purpose of the sentence, had been served ment which relates to it has been made and for the purpose of the sentence imposed by was in force under a law in that State or the appropriate court in Victoria; and the Territory. For a parolee to come under this parole order had been made and was in force arrangement, an application would need to under a law of this State. to be made by the "donor" jurisdiction and In a similar manner, the Minister may for it be registered and approved by the re- request registration of parole orders made Local Government Bill (No. 2) 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1315 in Victoria in other States and Territories. greater degree of autonomy-more room to The effect of this Bill is to give the Parole move-to enable it to take the actions Board of the State in which a parole order needed to provide the services demanded is registered authority over that order in an of it by the local community. The Bill is the identical manner to the authority it has over proof that the Government takes seriously orders it has itself made. This will enable its commitment to strenghtening local gov parole boards and parole officers to ernment. effectively supervise all such parolees. Honourable members will be aware that There have been delays in jurisdictions the practice in the past has been to intro enacting legislation. To date, only the duce Bills of this nature in the spring sitting Northern Territory has enacted a Parole and allow them to lay over until the follow Orders (Transfer) Act, February 1981. South ing autumn sitting. This was to enable Australia is proceeding with a Parole Orders councils and interested community groups (Transfer) Bill, August 1983. However, most to make comments. other States have proposed legislation which It was suggested to me that this procedure is in the process of being considered by should be varied because the Christmas re Cabinet or introduced to Parliament. cess often precluded councils from spend The Bill is a significant step in the ing sufficient time on the legislation. The strengthening of parole, and part of a joint suggestion was that the legislation should effort throughout Australia to improve a be introduced in the autumn sitting and be previously unsatisfactory and informal set considered by Parliament in the following of arrangements. I commend it to the House. spring sitting. On the motion of Mr SALTMARSH I could see considerable merit in this sug (Wantirna), the debate was adjourned. gestion but I was of the view that even more It was ordered that the debate be ad detailed consideration could be given if the journed until Thursday, November 3. proposed changes to legislation were made available to members of Parliament, coun LOCAL GOVERNMENT (GENERAL cils and other interested groups and indi AMENDMENT) BILL (No. 2) viduals prior to the preparation of a Bill. As Mr WILKES (Minister for Local Gov such at the beginning of July, draft pro ernment)-I move: posals for this Bill were released. Subsequently, I established a representa That this Bill be now read a second time. tive working party to study the draft pro The Bill makes a whole range of amend posals and any submissions made on them. ments to the Local Government Act; it is The working party enabled detailed consid not the tame measure that has become eration and has reported to me on the known as local government's annual offer amendments it considers to be desirable. ing to Parliament. The Bill now is a product of the draft pro posals together with refinements and addi I gave notice when introducing last year's tions that were considered necessary by Local Government (General Amendment) those who matter most, those who have to Bill that the days of such Bills were at an work within the confines of the Local Gov end and that the nuts and bolts tinkering ernment Act. which we have come to expect from such Honourable members will be aware that Bills are a thing of the past. the Government's policy is to introduce a I said that to enable local government to power of competence for municipal coun meet the challenges of the next ten or twenty cils and work is continuing on the prepara years the Government must look to giving tion of a suitable model. The Bill goes some councils more general and less restrictive of the way towards achieving this: Firstly, powers. The Local Government Act re with greater autonomy and responsibility quires too much to be settled in Melbourne, for municipal councils; secondly, less State matters that would be better left to the Government involvement in local govern council and the local community to resolve. ment affairs; and, thirdly, more facility for I said that because local government is public input into the deliberations of local community government, it should have a councils. 1316 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Local Government Bill (No. 2)
The Bill contains more than 100 pro Section 194 provides that, except with the posed changes to the Local Government Act consent of the Minister for Local Govern and I wish to use some of these changes to ment, the offices of the council are to be illustrate the importance of this Bill as a open for 5 hours each day between the hours step towards greater competence for munic of lO a.m. and 4 p.m. The only exceptions ipal councils. I mentioned earlier that the to this rule are Saturdays, Sundays and cer Bill embodies three facets of competence. tain public holidays. Firstly, I refer to autonomy and responsibil Honourable members will agree with me ity. The Local Government Act presently that it is ludicrous that the Minister for provides that if a municipal council wishes Local Government should be involved in to raise a loan for a particular project it such a matter. The Bill deletes this must advertise the purpose of the loan. The requirement and leaves such matters for the ratepayers of the municipality are then able decision of the council concerned-no one to call for a poll to ascertain the extent of will disagree that this is where it should be. opposition or support for the proposal. Not all Governor in Council or Minister While this system may have been ade ial approvals are of such a minor nature, quate in more sedate times, it does not en but I have used this example to illustrate courage a council to take an over-all view just how much we have patronized local of its loan requirements. The Bill provides government in the past. that in place of this piecemeal approach to The final facet of competence dealt with the raising of loans, a council will be re in the Bill is more facility for public input quired to prepare an annual loans project into the deliberations oflocal councils. The budget. The budget is to contain a list of present means for members of the public to projects for which the council proposes to become involved in the decision-making borrow money during the next financial process of their local councils are very dis year. parate and there has been criticism that they The budget will be open for inspection lead to confusion. The Bill takes a first and objection, and once these procedures step-and I repeat first step-towards pro have been undertaken a council may pro viding a standard procedure for objections ceed to borrow the necessary money. Im by the public to the proposed actions of portantly, the provision to call for a poll of their councils. ratepayers is not continued. This was a mat The procedures will enable those who ob ter about which the Government gave con ject to make submissions to the council. Any siderable thought as it appreciates that some person making a written objection may ap matters for which loans are to be raised can pear before the council or committee of the be controversial. council in support of their objection. On balance, however, the Government The council is to take into consideration believes that the new procedures will not the objections made and is to give written only encourage rational planning by coun notification of its decision to those who cils, but also provide a mechanism for con lodged objections. That notification is to in cerned citizens to express opposition to loan clude the reasons for the decision. proposals. Because this is a new procedure, it is only The second facet ofcompetence dealt with being applied in a limited number of cases leads to less State Government involve all of these, however, are of considerable ment in local government affairs. The Local importance. In particular, the procedures Government Act contains a veritable ple will apply to sale and leasing of land, the thora of requirements for matters to be set new loan raising provisions and certain as tled by the Governor in Council or by the pects of the roading powers of municipali Minister for Local Government. The Bill ties. Once this procedure has been in proposes to delete most of these require operation for a period, and its effects have ments. been monitored, there could easily be scope I would like to give an example of one of for it being expanded considerably. the requirements in the Local Government Mr Speaker, I am confident that like local Act for which Ministerial approval is re government itself honourable members will quired. welcome the Bill. It is the Government's Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1317 wish that this legislation be enacted this sit sinners, but somewhere in between. Speak ting so that these important provisions can ing for myself, I have had a good education. become law as soon as possible and I am I was fortunate enough to have a good sure that local government shares these sen career before I entered Parliament. It would timents. be fair of me to say that I have had to make Clause notes are attached to the Bill and considerable financial sacrifices to serve the I am more than happy to make departmen Parliament. I calculate that my weekly take tal officers available if any honourable home pay, after deductions for superannua member requires clarification of any provi tion and so on, earns me approximately $16 sion in the Bill, which I commend to the an hour. I assure you, Mr Chairman, that, House. as a man who probably would have had 30 to 40 years accounting and auditing experi On the motion of Mr TEMPLETON ence behind me, I could often earn at least (Mentone), the debate was adjourned. $60 an hour before tax. It was ordered that the debate be ad The CHAIRMAN (Mr Wilton)-Order! journed until Thursday, November 10. I am having some difficulty in relating the APPROPRIATION (1983-84, No. 1) remarks of the honourable member for BILL Doncaster to Division No. 101, which deals with a Budget allocation, "To supplement The House went into Committee for the the Special Appropriation under the Con consideration of this Bill. stitution Act 1975, Part V., Division 2, Oerk Clause 1 was agreed to. and expenses of the Legislative Assembly". It does not cover the salaries of honourable Clause 2 (Application of moneys) members. I ask the honourable member to The CHAIRMAN (Mr Wilton)-Order! round off his remarks on the salaries ofhon For the guidance of honourable members, I ourable members because they are not cov point out that the debate on clause 2 will ered by this item. take the following form: Each division Mr WILLIAMS-Mr Chairman, if you shown in the Bill will be called on and hon refer to the departmental votes on page 13 ourable members wishing to speak on that of Budget Paper No. 3, you will note an division should confine their remarks to the allocation of approximately $9·5 million, items of expenditure listed under the divi which, I take it, is to supplement the appro sion to be considered. priation under the Constitution Act. PARLIAMENT The CHAIRMAN-Order! I repeat that this item does not deal with Parliamentary Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-An allo salaries, it deals with the expenses of Select cation of $950 000 has been made for the Committees, the Clerk of the Parliament Legislative Assembly. That allocation is a and expenses of the Legislative Assembly. tenth of the total allocation for the cost of It does not cover the salaries of honourable the Parliament. members. This year, Victorian taxpayers will con Mr WILLIAMS-With respect, Mr tribute $9·5 million for the privilege of Chairman, surely some part of that alloca maintaining Parliamentary democracy. The tion is used to service the expenses ofhon question of whether that amount is too ex ourable members? pensive depends upon whether one values free speech; whether one wants to live un The CHAIRMAN-I can only repeat der a dictatorship or, even worse, a corpo what I have said: No portion of this appro rate State which is a guided democracy. priation will be used to meet the salaries of Victorians would be foolish and short honourable members. sighted if they were not prepared to spend Mr WILLIAMS-I will bow to your rul $9·5 million on the Parliament to ensure ing, Mr Chairman. My right of free speech that more than $10 000 million is spent to has already been ruled out once today. the advantage of all Victorians. The CHAIRMAN-Order! I take objec I deplore the continued denigration of tion to the connotation contained in the members of Parliament. Honourable mem honourable member's remarks. I am the bers are neither saints nor, I hope, gross servant of this House, bound by its Stand- 1318 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill ing Orders, and my responsibility is to en The CHAIRMAN-The Committee is sure that honourable members do not dealing with the Appropriation Bill. I re transgress those Standing Orders. I have al spectfully advise the honourable member to ready pointed out to the honourable mem obtain a copy of the Bill. ber twice that this division seeks an Mr HANN (Rodney)-Division 102 appropriation of funds, none of which is deals with the Legislative Council and the used for the payment of honourable mem Legislative Assembly House Committee. I bers' salaries. The honourable member raise some matters in relation to members' should confine himself until the Committee electorate offices. Those offices were first reaches that part of the process where he provided by the Government in 1975 or will have an opportunity to comment on 1976. In the first instance, honourable Parliamentary salaries. The honourable members were provided with an allowance member is bound to confine his remarks to of$3000 to enable them to set up electorate the appropriation which is being provided offices. This was the first occasion on which to meet the expenses of Select Committees, members of Parliament were able to em the Clerk of the Parliament and the admin ploy secretarial services for their electo strative costs of this Parliament. It does not rates. This amount was subsequently include salaries of members of Parliament. increased to $6000 and members were Mr WILLIAMS-No reflection was in provided with a full-time office with a per tended on you, Mr Chairman, and I offer manent secretary and provided with the my humble apologies if you consider that I necessary equipment. Through the years reflected on you. I was reflecting on our sys that equipment has been upgraded. Consid tem. I stand to be corrected when I say that eration should now be given to the need for it appears that I cannot defend, before the additional staff to be employed in those of people of Victoria, the costs of maintaining fices. Perhaps a junior typist or steno this Parliament. grapher could be employed. I think most members will agree that the The CHAIRMAN-The honourable work load has increased dramatically, plac member may raise the matter on the third ing an almost impossible burden on the reading, if he considers that to be appropri electorate secretary, who acts as reception ate. ist, telephonist, stenographer, private sec Mr BURGIN (Polwarth)-I wish to fol retary and girl Friday. In many respects, he low this matter a little further, Mr Chair or she also acts as a de facto member of man. Although allowances have been Parliament in country areas because the increased for all other sections in this year's member is not present while Parliament is Budget, the figures have remained the same sitting. Electorate staff answer many queries for both years for the Legislative Assembly from constituents and, while they are doing and the Legislative Council. Can the Min that, much of the correspondence honoura ister inform the Committee why this is so? ble members receive is not processed. I put Are the workings of those Houses and the a proposition to the Premier some twelve staff to be downgraded, or how are the fig months ago suggesting that it was appropri ures to be kept at that level? I am referring ate to allow employment of a junior per to Divisions 100 and 101, and I refer back son-perhaps an additional typist-in to page 9 which gives details of salaries and electorate offices to allow honourable mem allowances. I find that other allocations on bers to service their electorates more effi page 9 have increased over those in the pre ciently. vious Budget, but there is no increase for I hope the Treasurer and the Govern the Legislative Council and the Legislative ment will give serious consideration to this Assembly. question. If honourable members are able The CHAIRMAN-For the guidance of to more adequately service their electorates, the Chair, will the honourable member in that will benefit the whole State. From my dicate the document to which he is refer experience people appreciate the services ring? which are offered by electorate staff. Mr BURGIN-I am referring to the doc It is timely to examine the work load of ument, Estimates of Recurrent and Capital electorate secretaries. If one compared that Receipts and Payments 1983-84. work load with the work load of departmen- Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1319 tal staff in the metropolitan area, where there and more enlightened members of Parlia is not the same limitation on the employ ment. I do not see many members of the ment of staff, I believe the Public Service Library Committee in the Committee at Board would rapidly determine that there present. was a need for extra staff in country elec Honourable members interjecting. torate offices. I ask that serious considera tion be given to that matter. Mr WILLIAMS-I am glad I have pro voked a re'lponse. I put it to the Library Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-Division Committee that it owes it to the Parliament 106 deals with the Parliamentary Library. and the people of Victoria that its addi The allocation for the Parliamentary Li tional staff should be used by Parliament as brary is reduced from $420 000 last year to a whole, not just by some with narrow, $413 000 this year. The non-recurring item political, axe-to-grind activities. I urge of $10 884 may be a partial explanation of . members when visiting Brisbane to inspect the reduction but I, as an avid user of the the Queensland Parliament, as it has one of Library, am distressed at the tremendous the best libraries I have seen. The Deputy strain that is imposed on our loyal and de Leader of the National Party has said, by voted staff who work under conditions that way of interjection, that it is the best Parlia reflect no credit on this Parliament or on ment in Australia. It is fascinating, given the people of Victoria. I have been to the the denigration of the Queensland Govern libraries of many Parliaments in the West ment, that it looks after its members of Par ern World and it was my privilege, under a liament and does not treat them as second Commonwealth Parliamentary Association class citizens. It is no credit to this Parlia travel grant, to see that magnificent library ment that some of us occupy offices that are in the American Congress in Washington just hovels. where most of the information is comput erized. As I was a Victorian and an Austra The CHAIRMAN (Mr Wilton)-Order! lian, the staff there were happy to push the The honourable member is starting to drift buttons and churn out the relevant data re away from the subject. lating to the political, social and economic Mr WILLIAMS-It is difficult when I conditions of the people of Victoria, which am speaking about a subject that relates to unfortunately I could not obtain in this State my activity. The point is that the Library because we do not have that type of appa cannot be compared with the New South ratus. Wales, Queensland and other Parliamen I know the conditions are improving and tary libraries. I say that with no reflection I have heard on the grape-vine that two re on the staff; they are magnificent. I protest search officers will be appointed. That is strongly that any Labor Government could long overdue. This issue is part of the rea be so mean-minded as to reduce the alloca son for my campaign to deluge the Notice tion to the Library. Its resources are already Paper with questions on notice. I wanted to overstretched. It is a credit to the magnifi demonstrate to Parliament and the people cent people such as Miss McGovern, Ne of Victoria that the staff in departments ville Dutton and the other excellent men should take up the burden of answering le and ladies who attend to members of Par gitimate questions from people like myself liament. and that it would have been inhuman to The Treasurer is a former research man, place that task on the Parliamentary Li who must know that the situation is not brary service. good enough. He may have budgetary prob I understand that the research requested lems this year, but next year he should give by any individual member will be put to the the Library a double increase. Library Committee and that priorities will Mr HARROWFIELD (Mitcham)-It be established to investigate questions that was not my intention to enter the debate, are of paramount interest to the majority of but I had to respond to the comments made members. That is a laudable move. Hon by the honourable member for Doncaster. ourable members should not use the Li As a member of the Library Committee, I brary for our own narrow political purposes. can agree with much of what he said, but I We have a responsibility to the people of take issue with his remark that progress is Victoria to become wiser, better informed not being made. The committee has re- 1320 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill cently approved the appointment of two ad mittee. There could be a number of legisla ditional research staff, which is an important tive committees in addition to the step in changing the direction of the Parlia investigatory committees that were set up mentary Library. Traditionally, people have by the Government twelve months ago. tended to rely on libraries as storage places Sending those superannuation Bills to the for books, rather than as part of the infor Economic and Budget Review Committee mation process, which is of vital concern to was useful, but it hindered some of the work members of Parliament. of that committee. It would have been bet I agree with the honourable member for ter to send those Bills to a special legislative Doncaster that the facilities of the Queens committee to deal with those matters in a land Parliament are impressive. A sub general sense. That is the way Parliament committee of the Library Committee re should operate in future. It should send al cently visited the Queensland Parliament to most all proposed legislation to commit examine its facilities. I might add in passing tees, which could report back to Parliament. that, however good Queensland Parliament That process would often lead to consensus is at present, it will be infinitely better after and reduce the amount of division and Saturday. That Library has facilities such as political point-scoring that occurs in Parlia audio-visual facilities, that are outstanding. ment. The debates that would arise out of However, this Parliament must learn to those committee reports would be far more crawl before it can walk, given the neglect fruitful and would help to clarify issues for of the Library by previous Governments the public. over almost three decades. The Library is making tremendous strides towards devel That will be illustrated shortly when the oping its research facilities. I commend the superannuation Bills are returned to the Treasurer for the understanding he has House, and that will be obvious to those shown in assisting that process. I encourage honourable members who have read the re honourable members to use those research ports on two of the Bills that have already facilities and to change the emphasis, as the been tabled. Library Committee is attempting to do. It I should like the concept to be expanded is important that honourable members use so that it would not be necessary to go those facilities. I agree with the honourable through this sort of debate in dealing with member for Doncaster that the Library the Budget. I suggest that there should be a should provide a first-class research facility. series of estimates committees that should The Library Committee wants to achieve be quite separate from the investigatory and that on an all-parties basis and honourable le$islative committees. The estimates com members ought to support that objective. mittees I have in mind would probably meet Mr GAVIN (Coburg)-I point out that for only one week of the year and would far too often honourable members waste deal with large sections of the Budget. If their time on Parliamentary debates. The that process were adopted, so long as the Budget debate is one of the worst debates committees were provided with appropri for wasting time and even the committee ate staffing and resources, all honourable process is a serious time-waster. In addi members would be able to acquire a much tion, most of the debate on proposed legis better understanding of the budgetary pro lation in this place is out of date. I refer cess. It would be possible to cut out the sort specifically to debates on superannuation of nonsense we have gone through this week Bills that have been referred to the Eco in debating the Appropriation and Works nomic and Budget Review Committee, and Services Bills and honourable members which will make a report on the matter. It would be far better informed than they are is only by that process that the committee at present. members become aware of the lack of infor If this Parliament is to progress and if mation that is being provided now, and has honourable members are to be enabled to been in the past, on superannuation Bills. make a reasonable contribution to the That causes me to believe that, in future, all affairs of Victoria, these are the sorts of re Bills should be referred to a committee. The forms we should be discussing. The imple system that applies in the British House of mentation of these reforms would mean that Commons ought to be adopted here. Every Parliamentary debates would improve im Bill should be referred to a legislative co m- measurably. Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1321
Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-It is fas members of the Opposition, to speak in true cinating to observe what a transfer from the conscience, and that is why we are given by Opposition side of the. Houst: to the Gov our Leaders the freedom to speak as much ernment side does. Th1s Parhament has a as we choose, to the extent permitted by the long and ancient tradition of free speech. I Chairman, the Speaker and the Leader of resent the attempts of members of the Gov the House. ernment party to curb the right offree speech At about 5 minutes to midnight tonight, of members of the Opposition. When I had we will probably hear the Leader ~f .the the privilege of sitting where the honoura House moving the gag and most of thIS Im ble member for Bentleigh now sits, the then portant Estimates debate will not be heard. Government gave members of the Opposi I am entitled to have my say on the Budget, tion an open go. The Liberal Governme'!t as are my colleagues. It reflects very poorly was so foolish as to give the then OPPOS1- on this Parliament that there was not a tion the weapons to destroy it. !he Op{>o greater contribution from the Government sition used innuendo and gOSS1p to bnng back-benchers and better explanations of down the then Liberal Government. policy in support of the Budget by Ministers Day after day, I had to sit on the 90vern on the Government front bench. ment side of the House frustrated, hke most What is the future of this Parliament? Will honourable members on the Government it be just a show piece for honourable mem benches now. I see the honourable member bers? I am a member of the Social Devel for St Kilda who is a most zealous man, opment Committee and I must wal~ down and who w~uld, I am sure, like to be in to Exhibition Street to attend meetIngs of opposition so that he could speak openly that committee. I do not feel I am part of and freely at great length on ~any of .th.e Parliament when it is necessary to do that. matters so dear to his heart. It 1S my pnV1- It seems that there is something wrong with lege now to be able to engage in free this place when there is no accommodation wheeling debate and the true duty of mem for committees to properly deliberate on the bers of an Opposition to attack, weaken and, I hope, eventually destroy the Government. business of the Parliament. The CHAIRMAN (Mr Wilton)-Ord~r! Mr McCUTCHEON (St Kilda)-On a Division 109 is in no way related to ParlIa point of order, Mr Chairman, I do not be mentary committees in the sense that the lieve the honourable member for Doncaster honourable member is referring to them. I is speaking to Division 109. ask him to come back to the subject covered The CHAIRMAN (Mr Wilton)-I am by Division 109. not prepared to uphold the point of order, Mr WILLIAMS-I trust it is in order for but I recognize the point the honourable me to pay a sincere tribute to the Ha,!sard member for St Kilda is making. I have been staff. who for the sake of the convenIence having some difficulty in relating the hon of a~d be~ause of the dictates of the Gov ourable member's remarks to Division 109. ernment are forced to sit here and take The honourable member seems to have been down th~ words of wisdom-or lack of it directing his argument to the qu~l~t¥ of the debate in Parliament, whereas DIVISIon 109 that are heard in this place hour after hour. is providing funds to meet the operating Sometimes they are forced to take down ~he costs of Hansard. At the same time, I am unnecessarily biting comments of the MIn reluctant to restrict the rights of honourable ister of Labour and Industry, who, for rea members to express a point of view. I do sons of his own, does not always listen not propose to uphold the point of order, attentively to what is said to him and then but I will continue to listen closely to what takes umbrage. The late hours we are forced the honourable member says. to sit do no credit to the Parliament and they impose unnecessary constraints on the Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-Thank good men and wome~ who so accurately you, Mr Chairman, for ~o.ur wise ruling. I and diligently serve thIS place. was responding to the spInt of the remarks of the honourable member for Coburg, who In the spirit of conciliation and goodwill was insinuating that members on this side to the honourable member for Coburg, I of the Chamber are wasting the time of the should welcome the establishment of an all Committee. It is our bounden duty, as party Parliamentary committee to re- 1322 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill arrange the whole process of the discussion This is a service Victoria should maintain and debate of proposed legislation in the and advance in every possible way. Victorian Parliament, particularly the Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-The item Budget debates. Even more importantly, I relating to the Audit Office is one of the should welcome a change in the hours of most important items in the Budget Esti meeting so that they are conducted during mates. As I said earlier, the total expendi sensible office hours. We should be able to ture for the State is now well above $10 000 come here at 9 a.m. and leave at 5 p.m. It million and the Audit Office expenditure of should be quite unnecessary for the staff of $4·38 million this financial year, is money this place to make the unreasonable sacri well spent. fices they are forced to make. They have homes, husbands, wives and children to go Victoria has one of the most outstanding to, as do we. Many of us have reached mid Auditor-Generals in Australia. He is a man dle age but there are many young people on of integrity and is probably one of the key the staff and it is quite unfair for them to be proponents of the Westminster system, par separated from their families for such long ticularly when one is in opposition. When periods simply because of the mismanage in opposition, one is ultimately helpless ment of the House by the Government against the weight of the bureaucracy, which party. It does not matter whether it is a protects its Ministers against the criticisms Liberal Party Government or a Labor Party of members of the Opposition party. Government-it was once a Liberal Party The Auditor-General's report in Parlia Government and probably will be again. In ment is closely scrutinized-or it used to be my view, the Labor Party should be true to in the days when I was a member of the its principles and should stop exploiting la Public Accounts and Expenditure Review bour. Committee. I am not sure what new body does that now; it probably engages itself in PREMIER a more academic pursuit. Nothing is more important than the public accounts super Mr RAMSAY (Balwyn)-It is clear from vision by that committee in association with the allocation made in Division 133 that the Audit Office. the Government has cut back on the ex penses of the Agent-General's Office in The primary objective of the Audit Office London. This could be the result either of is to provide the Parliament with a report the Government seeing fit to wind down the which is required so that our functions are activities of the Agent-General or, alterna exercised properly within the Westminster tively, of its having found a better method system to ensure that the taxpayers' money of organizing the affairs of that office so that is not misused and squandered. The Audi it can run more efficiently and effectively. tor-General's report is the only way mem bers of Parliament can keep a close watch The office of the Agent-General plays an on the accountability of the Executive. This important role in the promotion of Victoria is unlike Canberra, where unfortunately one overseas and in the maintenance of interest of the executives in the Federal Govern in Victoria as a site for investment and other ment thinks he is Napoleon I. Victoria is business activities. In addition to the office fortunate that it has a Premier who is not of the Agent-General, over the past year or counted among that type of megalomaniac. two there has also been an office for the I wish him well. Victorian Economic Development Corpo The Premier will not last for ever and he ration and an item for the corporation is may well become the next Prime Minister included in this division. Its allocation has of Australia. That would be a compliment been reduced substantially as well. to any Premier of Victoria; I would have I urge the Government to think carefully liked to have seen a former Premier ofVic before it decides that the office of the Agent toria, Sir Rupert Hamer, become the Prime General is of diminishing importance. That Minister of Australia. is not the case. The present Agent-General The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock has the opportunity of being ideally suited ley)-Order! I am having difficulty relating to making contacts with businessmen, not the comments of the honourable member only in Great Britain but also in Europe. for Doncaster to Division 142. Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1323
Mr WILLIAMS-Division 142 relates Notice Paper about that matter. I hope it to the wide functions of the Auditor has been drawn to the attention of the General, the same as in any private com Auditor-General. mercial organization, to ensure that all the The Auditor-General should check up on decisions of the board of management are some of the rumours members of Parlia properly implemented in accordance with ment are hearing about the Government the policies. It is designed to ensure that running out of money and transferring there is no irregularity or misuse of funds. money from the Superannuation Fund into This is the function of the Auditor-General the Cash Management Account to pay the within the public system. salaries of teachers. The Education The audit goes beyond the mere checking Department must have got itself into a jam. of breaches of statutory regulations and Those are the sorts of activities that need Acts. The Auditor-General should draw at the fearless and independent scrutiny of an tention to any wastes or extravagances in Auditor-General who is answerable only to expenditure of public money. The first thing Parliament and not to any Minister who members of Parliament learn about a scan has grown too big for his boots. dal is when they read it in the Auditor Mr ROWE (Essendon)-I wish to com General's report. That is unsatisfactory. ment on the matter alluded to by the pre I deplore that situation; it is unlike the vious speaker, who would be well aware that situation in most private enterprises, where the Economic and Budget Review Commit the audit function is usually carried out by tee has a close relationship with the Audit an auditor from one of a number of man Office. agement consultants which may be hired by the firm. The audits pick up many defects The previous Auditor-General's report in the accounting systems and management tabled in Parliament last year was gone functions, which are then reported to the through by the committee I chaired. As a board. The board then insists that those rec result, the committee wrote to every depart ommendations be implemented by the op ment and authority mentioned in the report erating staff. asking what action had been taken to rectify the matters referred to. I also forwarded let Victoria is unique in that the Auditor ters to the appropriate Ministers informing General has no effective power to enforce them that the committee was conducting improvements in financial management and these investigations to ascertain what ac procedures. His power is solely one of scru tion was being taken. tiny and reporting. Unfortunately, Parlia ment is a junior in the whole process. Ifany It is worth notin~ that the role of the Aud members of the Opposition wish to imple itor-General is to Investigate and report to ment the recommendations of the Auditor the Parliament. The committee is prepared General, they are unable to because they to take up and investigate the matters re may not have the numbers in Parliament. ferred to in his report to ensure that they Without the numbers, the Opposition can are not left lying. A sub-committee headed not have implemented through the Parlia by the honourable member for Benalla is ment any of the recommended and proper currently investigating one matter to which improvements recommended by the Audi the Auditor-General has drawn attention tor-General to be applied in Victoria. over a number of years. Unfortunately, Parliament can pigeon The comments made by the honourable hole the Auditor-General's report no matter member for Doncaster are inaccurate when how damning it may be on the misfeasance he referred to the role of the Economic and of Government departments. This has oc Budget Review Committee in taking up curred under former Governments and it is those issues. It is recognized that there is a occurring under this Government. Some position of public accountability to be ful wicked and wasteful expenditures were filled in responding to the matters raised by brought to my attention the other day about the Auditor-General. some employment initiatives programmes. Mr RAMSAY (Balwyn)-I use the op Apparently money is being spent on elabo portunity of discussion on Division 142 to rate entertainment parties. That is a scan commend the Auditor-General for what has dal. I shall be putting questions on the been a significant improvement in the for- 1324 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill mat of the reports to Parliament which the ment departments were not ready to be Auditor-General has indicated he proposed audited by him. On analysis, there have to make this year. been good and proper reasons on those oc As the Committee is aware, the first re casions why the reports were not ready. port of the Auditor-General was tabled as Now that a report is presented to Parlia part of the Treasurer's statement regarding ment in stages, it will save the time of the the outcome of last year's revenue and ex Parliament in debating the availability of penditure that accompanied the Budget Pa information from the various departments pers. It was certainly an advantage to all and statutory authorities. honourable members to have available the I see this as a real step forward in the report of the Auditor-General and the Tre proper auditing of the public sector in Vic surer's statement at the time the Budget was toria. It can only be to the benefit of the brought down in this Chamber. Parliament and the people of Victoria. Honourable members could see immedi ately to what extent the performance of the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Government lined up with its own Budget Mr HANN (Rodney)-Division 150 re and the degree of support and approval that lates to the Ministry for Economic Devel was available to it from the Auditor opment. There are a number of matters that General. Honourable members could see the are of concern to many people in country points on which the Auditor-General criti Victoria. I refer to the significant changes cized the Government, such as the $250 000 that have been proposed in the incentive that had been paid into the Consolidated schemes provided under this Ministry. Fund from the Victorian Development Fund and the decision that was made when If one looks at the allocation of funds the Treasurer found that the Victorian De under this section of the Budget, one notes velopment Fund had not achieved a result that in the item relating to incentive pay big enough to pay the $250 000. He used ments and loans to approved secondary in the fairly smart footwork of transferring dustries in Victoria, including approved $100 000 and saying it should be treated as decentralized secondary industries, pay-roll recoupment of an advance. The Auditor tax rebate is the major incentive amounting General rightly picked up the Treasurer on to some $36·9 million last year. The Esti that point. mate for 1983-84 is $42·23 million. It is very important to have that sort of The Government has set up a committee information available to the Parliament. of inquiry to investigate these incentives. The Auditor-General also indicated that the 9ne ~f the major reasons for setting up that document accompanying the Treasurer's InqUIry was a concern that when these re statement was the first report-one of four bates are paid to decentralized industries -he proposes to make in the current finan the Commonwealth Government then ex cial year. The second report was tabled ear tracts a share of that rebate in the form of lier today and contains information on the company tax and so the benefit of the rebate operations of the Audit Office during is reduced. 1982-83 and audit observation and recom The reality is that if one improves the mendations arising out of the audited de profitability of industries in this State, more partments during that year. especially under that decentralization pro This is not the time to discuss that docu gramme, and if one increases the profitabil ment, particularly as the report has just ar ity significantly, these industries will become rived. The report was to be ready at the end liable to pay Commonwealth company tax. of September, so it was a week or two late. The logical way to get around it is to not A third and fourth report will be presented change the system but to negotiate with the later which will enable the Auditor-General Commonwealth Government with a view to do the correct audits of the various sta to the Commonwealth Government pro tutory bodies which he is obliged, by stat viding an incentive to decentralized indus ute, to cover without getting into the endless try by waiving company tax. harangues we experience in Parliament be That is the sort of action that the Govern cause the Auditor-General has reported that ment should be taking rather than propos certain statutory authorities or Govem- ing to drastically change the system this year. Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1325
I understand that a proposal could be put I refer honourable members to the Plum forward to a number of decentralized in rose Pty Ltd factory at Echuca, which has dustries suggesting that they might have ac been a success story. A significant part of its cess to interest-free loans which would be operation was relocated from Moorabbin to calculated as a percentage in lieu of pay-roll Echuca. At first, it was the vegetable tax and calculated as a percentage of their processing side and, more recently, it has tax rebate in this year. been the Yoplait factory. That was able to be done because the former Government That tends to be a one-off situation. It is had an effective decentralization pro not an ongoing incentive to decentralized gramme and the company was able to ob industries. Ultimately, they will have to pay tain financial assistance in the form ofloans back the loan so there would not be a form and incentives. of incentive that would replace the present pay-roll tax rebate system. The pay-roll tax Echuca could be in a difficult situation if rebate is the only effective part of the pro the Governemt moves towards its concept gramme. Some concessions are provided in of preferred locations and special assistance areas because Echuca is left out in the cold. relation to transport but those concessions There are other examples in that Swan Hill, are minor compared to pay-roll tax rebate St Arnaud and a dozen other places will be concessions. totally excluded. There will not be a bal If the Government proceeds to withdraw anced decentralized programme if the Gov the pay-roll tax rebates, it will mean the loss ernment proceeds with the scheme. of many thousands ofjobs around Victoria. Despite the shakin~ of the head of the It would have a significant effect upon a Minister for EconomIc Development SU$ number of decentralized industries, not just gesting that this is not the case, the reality IS the ones that have moved from the metro that an industry seeking to relocate from the politan areas but the decentralized indus metropolitan area and to establish in coun tries that have traditionally been in country try Victoria would obviously look at the areas and that have expanded their opera preferred location rather than at an area that tion under the protection and assistance of was not determined as a preferred location. the pay-roll tax rebate scheme. It is a significant factor. Obviously, an in At this stage, I stress concern about the dustry could be left without access to some changes that are proposed. These changes of the incentives that apply if the Govern ha ve been prepared by the Ministry for Eco ment puts its pool of resources into specific nomic Development in relation to the whole areas under this programme. decentralization scheme. I totally reject the proposal. It is wrong in principle to try to set up these single re I understand that the Government is gional growth centres or preferred loca talking of going back to the old concept of tions, as the Minister for Economic regional growth centres, but that they will Development wants to call them. This pol be called preferred locations. The centres icy is similar to a 1960s policy that was are similar to the old regional growth rejected by the former Government. centres, so it comes back to the regional Rochester is a small community of 2500 centre concept. The Government also has people. That municipality built a factory created four special assistance areas and under the scheme and encouraged a major there are growth industries in the proposal. knitwear company, Neat'n'Trim There is wide-spread alarm and opposi Manufacturers Pty Ltd, to establish an op tion to the proposals both from within some eration which consistently employed ap of those locations where they are to get spe proximately 60 to 80 people until such time cial recognition and more especially from as the factory was taken over by Mary those communities which will be totally ex borough Knitting Mills Ltd, which has since cluded from the new scheme. For example, similarly employed a number of women in I refer to two major provincial towns, the community who, without that factory, Kyabram and Echuca, where effective would not have jobs. decentralization programmes have operated The same applies to Kyabram where the in the past and where major industries have council established the Maryborough Knit been relocated. ting Mills Ltd many years ago and it has 1326 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill now established another factory complex. It cern has been expressed by a major and is a significant and important industry in highly successful industry, D. K. Stop and that town yet, if the Government proceeds Co., which manufactures concrete products to implement these proposals as prepared in Rochester. That industry has expressed by that Government department, it will dis its belief that the preference scheme should advantage not only that industry but also apply to secondary contractors as well as that town in encouraging additional indus primary contractors because, as it is now, it tries to come to that area. effectively excludes companies such as this, which is a smaller company and would not Mr Tanner-It is a pity that there are have the facility to tender for lhe large pro only six members of the Government party jects although it does have the facility to present. I draw attention to the state of the tender as a sub-contractor. Those industries Committee. ought to be able to gain similar benefits un A quorum was formed. der the preference scheme. Mr HANN-I hope the Government will The allocation for development commit carefully examine any attempt to change the tees has been increased reasonably substan decentralization policy. The National Party tially to $35 000. It is an important area and would oppose any suggestion that it should encourages local communities to have a lo be confined to any areas and to any sugges cal development programme to encourage tion that existing support may be with industries to establish themselves in those drawn from traditional industries. areas. These committees have been success ful. They provide a local stimulus for pro The major food processing companies in moting industrial development and I the electorate that I represent have gained commend the Government for the increase significant benefits in the past from decen in that allocation. tralization programmes and it will mean a loss ofjobs if the Government were to with Mr Tanner-I draw attention to the state draw from those industries the pay-roll tax of the Committee. rebate scheme. A quorum was formed. I draw the attention of the Minister to the Mr CATHIE (Minister for Economic grant of$5000 to the Murray Valley Devel Development)-The Deputy Leader Na opment League, which grant has been static tional Party misunderstands some of the di for a number of years. The Murray Valley rections in which the new programmes and League, as it is now called, perhaps belat policies have been developing. It does not edly, has made a submission to the Govern follow, simply because there is a proposal ment that the grant should be increased to for special assistance areas, that other areas at least $10 000 to bring it more in line with of the State will miss out or be neglected. contributions from other States, more es That is an assumption that the Deputy pecially with South Australia which, I un Leader of the National Party has made. If derstand, provides approximately $11 000. that terminology seems to be upsetting the I recognize that, because of delays in the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy submission reaching the Treasurer, it was Leader of the National Party, it is a simple impossible to have the allocation increased, enough matter to change the terminology. but I ask the Minister for Economic Devel However, let me remind the Leader of the opment to give due consideration to the im Opposition of the need for a new approach. portant role of the Murray Valley League. It A need for new industry and regional poli has been promoting industrial and tourist cies is beyond dispute because, over the past development in the Murray Valley and decade, the performance of the Victorian probably it led the way in regional develop economy has not only been poor but it has ment in Victoria. It is a fairly inexpensive fallen behind that of the rest of Australia. way of promoting the region. I have re Victoria's growth rates in population, in ceived sympathetic responses to the sub employment, in output and in investment, mission and I hope that the grant will be over the decade of the 1970s were all lower increased substantially next year. than those of the rest of Australia. I refer to the decentralized industries con It is interesting to hear members of the tract preference scheme. In this area, con- Opposition dispute what are known facts. If Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1327 they cannot recognize the facts, how are they development, to provide information, to going to determine policies that will deal assist firms and to take advantage of inter with the situation that actually exists? state and overseas market opportunities. Mr Kennett-Your interpretation of what The proposed activities would include, needs to be done is totally out of date. firstly, the provision of marketing informa tion and advice on particular markets or Mr CATHIE-I reiterate, the Opposi projects opportunities that may exist for a tion does not see anything wrong with the particular firm. That has no relationship to progress of manufacturing in Victoria. where it is located, whether it is at Echuca, Manufacturing in Victoria has been in de Portland, Westernport or in the western cline, and unless that is recognized, there is suburbs of this city. Provision of marketing no point in talking about how we are to information and advice could equally relate overcome the problems that face us, and to offset programmes. Honourable mem those problems existed over the_ whole of bers will note what the Government has the 1970s. been able to develop in that area in Wangar Mr Kennett-Get rid of the penalty rates! atta. There are such things as import re The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock placement opportunities, promotional ley)-The Leader of the Opposition is out opportunities, and expanding existing serv of order. ices that are offered by the Victorian Eco Mr CATHIE-He is like a parrot, Mr nomic Development Corporation or the Acting Chairman. The Leader of the Oppo Small Business Development Corporation. sition ought to know by now that if he is The Government has been using the ad going to address the problem that he has vice, the experience and the service of the been very vocal in the press about-- expert advisory committee. I could go on at great length to describe the new pro The ACTING CHAIRMAN-The Min grammes and policies, but that would have ister should address the Chair and ignore no point. I simply indicate those new pro the interjections. grammes and policies are out there for com Mr CA THIE-If something is to be done munity debate and consultation, and the about penalty rates, then one also has to Government will take into account the re address the question of what the ordinary sponses from the community, whether from rate is, and in the end the ultimate package Echuca, Moorabbin, Dandenong or the will not be very much different from the western suburbs. package which currently exists. I am not I can give the assurance now: Forget the here to debate this at the moment. terminology, look at the programmes; there There is no need for widespread alarm will not be the exclusion suggested by the because the industry policies are aimed in Deputy Leader of the National Party, but terms of the whole, and balanced develop there will be a programme of meaningful ment, of Victoria. I shall give one example assistance which is directed to the real is of industry policy. The Government is going sues facing Victoria, and not something that to address the need to restructure the man exists in the figment of the imagination of ufacturing industry in Victoria. That means the Leader of the Opposition. getting it to grow, and creating new import Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-Talk replacement jobs. In particular, the Gov ing to Division 150 and listening to the ernment has to look at import replacement, Minister, I am more worried now than I so that we can get into interstate markets in was before. The proposals of the Minister particular, and secondly, exports. It is all and his department, and the discussion pa very well for the Leader of the Opposition pers that are circulating, have sent a wave to shake his head. He is so negative he has of concern over the community and are not any solution to offer for the declining causing increasing alarm as the day goes on. manufacturing industries in this State. It is obvious that the community is recog I will describe one of the sorts of pro nizing that this particular Government is grammes that are currently being discussed wedded very much to the academic ap as a result of the McDonald committee re proach, to the great master plan, to the mas port-total general business support. One ter document, and we all know what that aspect of that programme would be market means. 1328 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill
The facts of the matter are that the Min it should; it has spent taxpayers' money at a ister refers to the decline in the manufactur time when taxpayers can least afford in ing industry in Victoria, and he said one of creases in taxes. That has increased the im the main reasons is because the Govern post on businesses and industries ment's incentives in relation to industry and throughout the State, and is making them decentralization in Victoria have not been less competitive. working effectively. That is the line he is I am concerned, as is the honourable taking. He is so naive as to think the Gov member for Rodney, about the broad pro ernment's incentives that have been oper posals being drawn up to tamper with poli ating very successfully in this State for the cies that have achieved development. Being past decade are the basic reasons for the a member of an area subject to decentrali decline of the manufacturing industry. It is zation, I can speak with some authority on well known that Australia's lack of compet this subject. The electorate I represent has itiveness, not just Victoria's lack ofcompet been subjected to a lot of decentralization, itiveness, particularly in the manufacturing both in a pilot sense, but also in a broad area, comes about because of a number of sense because the electorate also encom inherent structural problems within the passes areas that are not preferred locations. Australian economy which have been made I assure the Minister for Economic Devel worse because of people in the past decade opment that the availability of concessions holding their hands out for more and more, to industries and businesses is creating em but being less willing to offer more produc ployment and helping industries to develop tivity in return. That is one of the tragedies and grow. If the Minister adopts a broad of Australia. academic approach whereby preferred Unfortunately, this Labor Government in locations will receive all the "goodies" and Victoria is very much in the mould of a leave other locations with nothing, a sad Government that says that the increasing situation will occur. demands of unions have to be met at all The Minister should conduct a social and costs. In the past twelve months, the Pre economic impact study statement of the mier has said that his record of industrial effects on communities, such as the honour peace and achievement is something of able member for Rodney mentioned. In which he is proud, because he has mini dustries should be encouraged to make their mized industrial unrest. But today, the own decisions about where they should lo Minister of Education lamented, for the first cate. Governments cannot make those de time publicly in Parliament, about how the cisions; that is a naive belief. unions in education have let him down and IBM Aust Ltd located at Wangaratta how they were behaving unreasonably. because it conducted a feasibility study and The Minister of Education was highlight decided that that was the best place. Like ing the fact that union demands had ex any other good company, International ceeded even what he could keep up with. Business Machines made its decision based That is one of the problems that has caused on a number offactors. The Government is the manufacturing industry in Victoria to providing disincentives for industries to decline and become less competitive. Un make their own decisions. fortunately, a drop in productivity has I am also apprehensive about the fact that occurred, but the costs of production have one Government offers incentives to estab increased. lish employment, and another one taxes that Over the past eighteen months, an even incentive. That is crazy! greater problem has arisen-the increase in I advocate the introduction of interest Government charges is making the lot of free loans, for two reasons. Members of the manufacturing industries even worse. The Government party with some economic Minister for Economic Development will training will agree with me that an interest be one ofthe most important Ministers dur free loan becomes a liability on a com ing the next two years, and he is espousing, pany's balance sheet, which will accumulate in discussion papers and announcements, and destroy the credit rating of a company. that he will solve the problems of the econ How does one deal with the situation when omy. However, he is avoiding the real is a representative of a bank says, "We will sues: The Government has spent more than grant you the expansion loan for the expan- Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1329 sion you want, but you have a problem be to continue as though Victoria were an is cause you have a liability of X dollars on land. your balance sheet that is accruing every Recently, I represented the Leader of the year."? Opposition on a tour with other shadow Mr Kennett-Mr Acting Chairman, I Ministers of the Liberal Party from the draw your attention to the state of the States and the Commonwealth. We toured Chamber. the River Murray. A quorum was formed. During that trip, I was made even more aware of the importance of the River Mur Mr LIEBERMAN-I was expressing ray as an asset to Australia. The River Mur alarm at the concept of a State Govern ray basin and the Darling River basin ment, in order to assist recipients of State together represent one-seventh of Austral rebates of pay-roll tax to avoid company tax ia's productive source. The area is a tre imposed by the Commonwealth Govern mendous asset and it needs a lot of care and ment, entering into a tax evasion scheme to maintenance, which, unfortunately, it has defeat the Commonwealth income tax leg not received over recent years. islation. That is a stupid path for any State I agree with the earlier comment made by Government to follow, no matter how bit the honourable member for Rodney con terly opposed it may be to the Common cerning the need of the Murray Valley De wealth Government's policy. Woe betide velopment League for more funds than the Australia if States introduce tax evasion present $5000. I believe the league should methods to achieve their objectives. Ob be given increasing support, particularly viously, more discussion is required before when, for the first time, there appears to be a solution is found. a remarkable consensus among all political I express concern that the preference parties, local authorities and groups, all of scheme is still operating in many States of whom believe that more should be done Australia whereby industries tendering for about protecting the River Murray. Government contracts within their home If the Minister for Economic Develop States are given special advantages over in ment, who is interjecting, would give the dustries from other States whose tenders are Leader of the Opposition and his shadow lower. Although we are all patriotric and Cabinet six months in government, we should support the growth and develop would quickly be able to rearrange the ment of business within our own State, I priorities and point out how funds could be express alarm that some States are continu saved to make sure that they could be spent ing to subsidize industries in an artificial in the right areas, thereby bringing the State way with taxpayers' money to award con back to a better balanced position. tracts within the State. Division 150 refers to the rebate to Alcoa When I was a member of the Hamer of Australia Ltd in connection with the Point Government, it reluctantly introduced pre Henry third potline. Many country Victori ference schemes because South Australia ans are concerned about the failure of the and New South Wales had done so. To pro Cain Government to resolve the impasse tect Victorian industries, the then Premier, with respect to Alcoa's smelter at Portland, Mr Hamer, had to introduce those meas where there has already been a serious de ures, but he did so with a heavy heart. I cline in the economic health of the area, recall the then Premier stating publicly what because of the indecision of the Govern a crazy situation was developing in Aus ment in its handling of the project. tralia where taxpayers' money was being Mr Newton-The Government inherited used to subsidize industries because they that. had not offered a low enough tender to ob Mr LIEBERMAN-That is right, the tain a Government contract in their home Government inherited a most exciting proj State. That is a sad policy, and I know the ect, the construction of one of the largest dilemma of the Minister for Economic De smelters in the world, a $1000 million proj velopment on these matters. All the States ect. It was being planned for a Victorian must get together and work this out, and do centre and the Government had the oppor so quickly because it is absolute nonsense tunity of developing the project from the 1330 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. I) Bill point it had reached. I agree that there are resources-in this case, the brown coal problems with Alcoa at Portland but those needed to produce power-and the devel problems have not been resolved by the opment of the smelter and the production Government after nearly twenty months. of aluminium. That is a fact that is on re The issue is now becoming more urgent than cord and the left wing of the Labor Party ever before. It appears that there is now has a lot to answer for because it is retarding some attempt to attract an overseas part and has retarded Victoria's economic de nership for the project, although not too velopment. much need be said about that at this stage. There are a number of aspects re~arding It is becoming more and more obvious economic development to which thIS Gov that one of the reasons for Victoria's decline ernment will have to face up. I agree with and one of the reasons why it is not going the Minister that there are a number of is ahead as it should and why projects such as sues that have to be resolved and deter Alcoa have a cloud over them is that over mined, but what the Minister is doing, by seas investors are increasingly saying, "Why creating so much indecision with his discus would you invest in Victoria? Have a look sion papers, is ensuring that no one really at Alcoa. Have a look at what has happened knows where he stands. No one feels confi there". What they are saying is spot on. How dent that the Government will develop pol could anyone put himself in the hands of a icies that are balanced and will give Government that is dominated by the left? incentive and encouragement to enterprise That is the fact; no matter how much the in the small and large communities Government tries to hide the position there throughout the State. is an increasing awareness that Victoria no When I travel around the State, I get just longer has political stability. Investment by as much feedback as the Minister does and companies will be made only where there is I can tell him that the community, and par an environment in which companies know ticularly the country community, is suffer that the Government is able and willing to ing very much because ofa number of Labor participate in the development of free en Government policies. terprise and private enterprise for the bene fit of the whole State. Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi tion)-In one sense, I shall take up where It is not possible to travel around the my colleague, the honourable member for United States of America and other parts of Benambra, finished of[ There is no doubt the world and say that Victoria is a place that there is no more important area for with political stability offering.certainty in consideration by Parliament in this Budget relation to new projects. One need only read than the Ministry for Economic Develop the Labor Star, the official organ of the La ment. If this State is to secure a base from bor Party and sometimes of the Cain Gov which it may launch itself into growth in ernment, to learn of the expressions of the future-not only in personal freedom of derision about the investment of private choice and family security-it must come capital in Victoria and how the Govern through the area of economic development. ment should get bigger and the role of the private sector should be reduced. There is no doubt that the Government has destroyed the confidence of investors Mr Cathie-Are you trying to frighten off who would otherwise have considered Vic capital investment? toria as an investment option. The honour Mr LIEBERMAN-Indeed not. I am able member for Benambra has mentioned greatly concerned about the realities of the already the tortuous and delayed decision situation, I challenge the Minister for Eco making of the Government concerning the nomic Development to spend some time in Alcoa project during its eighteen months in other countries and ask investors in those Government. That is not a very good bench countries whether they are in any way mark in restoring confidence in the business alarmed at the criticism that his party, when sector. The Minister was not even included in opposition and since becoming the Gov in the negotiations on the Alcoa agreement, ernment in Victoria, has expressed about yet economic development is so important the role of multinational investment in to Victoria. Quite obviously, the Ministry Australia, particularly at Portland, and the for Economic Development has been down relationship between the use of Victoria's graded over recent months' and the Minis- Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1331 ter's major activity is involved in the Min age to finish the project-but I bet it does istry of Housing-mind you, he took over not. an efficient Ministry-and he is now spend It is not a matter of nationalization or ing less and less time on economic devel anything like that. It is a matter of getting a opment because the Government has not project under way that can immediately made a commitment to it. employ 7000 Victorians. The Government Mr Cathie-That is not true. has had the opportunity to do that for many Mr KENNETT-It is true. months. Only this week, a company has said The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock that it is going to invest more money in ley)-Order! The Leader of the Opposition Victoria, and that is welcome. I would like should ignore interjections and address the the Minister to say what he has offered IBM Chair. in pay-roll tax exemptions. I doubt that the company is secure for the State of Victoria. Mr KENNETT-I am ignoring them re I suspect that the Minister and the Govern peatedly, Sir. What I am saying is that the ment have gone to the press for popular Ministry for Economic Development has political support before completing ar been substantially down-graded. That is rangements. quite understandable when there is a major project in this State, being Alcoa, not even If it is secure, as the Minister has said, an having the Minister in charge of the depart arrangement has been made in terms of pay ment represented in the negotiations. Where roll tax; but that is not what the Minister does that put the priorities of the Govern said earlier today. I advise him to check the ment? Down the chute in terms of eco answer that he has given to the House that nomic development! no agreement has been made on pay-roll tax exemptions. I t is interesting that the Minister says, by interjection, that that does not follow at all, The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock but it is obvious that the power brokers in ley)-I ask the Leader of the Opposition to the Government do not consider his Min address the Chair. istry to be important enough for him to be Mr KENNETT-This is a fundamental represented at the negotiations. question to the development of Victoria and The Minister is not even participating in the Minister-- what is a most important project for the The ACTING CHAIRMAN-The Min immediate development of this State and ister can make a reply. what is, in the long term, a key ingredient Mr KENNETT-I am not asking him to in providing opportunities for future gen reply. I am addressing myself to the matters erations of Victorians. The Government raised. There is no overseas investment must see the Alcoa situation for what it is, a confidence in Victoria because of the Gov disaster! It demonstrates the inability of the ernment's failings to dabble and its failure Government to make a commercial deci to make decisions on Alcoa. Victoria has sion. now been taken off the world map as an If the Government thinks its pricing is investment option by overseas countries. right in the current round of negotiations, The honourable member for Bennettswood which are not bringing forward a third party, may laugh; it is something that he is well and if the Government so much believes in used to doing. what it is doing, it should take over the The ACTING CHAIRMAN-The hon whole project itself and buy in the necessary ourable menlber for Bennettswood is laugh expertise to finish it. ing out of his place. It would test the mettle of the Govern Mr KENNETT-Mr Acting Chairman, ment if it had to take over the whole project your humour is well known in this place and buy in expertise to finish it. The Gov and, along with the honourable member for ernment is so useless and the Ministry for Bennettswood, it should not be encouraged Economic Development is now so down but derided. Members of the Government graded that the Minister is not even part of party are prepared to laugh at investment the negotiating team. If it has set the price opportunities in Victoria which are being too high, it should say so and have the cour- destroyed and employment opportunities 1332 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill for young people which are not being cre ernment's policies are driving them out. Its ated. economic development policies are now If one considers various aspects of eco reaching the stage where those who want to nomic development, including the role the achieve in Victoria are no longer welcome. Minister plays in tourism, which is part of I suppose the highlight of that is the shop his Ministry, there is no doubt that eco trading hours Bill that is presently before nomic development in tourism· is terribly the other place. Imagine a Government of important. However, the Minister has been any political persuasion encouraging people unable to invest money in Victoria, unlike to start up a business and then saying that, his Federal colleagues. The promise made when they reach a certain size, they should by the Premier in June or July 1982, when not go any further, should not get any better he said that the first priority of the Govern and should not employ more people. ment was to restore business community Through the Government's economic de confidence in the decision-making process velopment policies, Victoria is becoming a of the Government, has not come to frui State of mediocrity. It is chopping off the tion. heads of achievers and encouraging those There has been a massive increase in un who want to work and be employed to go to employment figures in Victoria, not only other States. the annual figures but also the seasonally This is further reinforced when one looks adjusted fi~ures, and, unfortunately, that has at the employment figures in the public and a very omInous trend in the not-too-distant private sectors of Victoria. The Govern future. It is necessary that the Ministry for ment is saying, without any doubt, that more Economic Development again be upgraded. people can be employed in the public sec If the Minister is considered to be a senior tor, which in real terms employs no new Minister, he has to be performing and seen wealth and generates no productivity; it does to be performing like one. He has to be in not mind doing that so long as it has a pri cluded in decision-making processes of the vate sector which it can screw through State Government that involve secure economic taxes and charges to bring about the reve development for Victoria. nue to pay for the public sector. Over the past eighteen months, Austral There has been a decline of employment ia's financial base has left Victoria and there in the private sector of 66 400 people while will be many other industries leaving in the there has been an increase in the public sec future. It does not matter what report one tor of 9100. There is also an overriding fac reads. Even the one brought out by the Pre tor that the Minister does not understand. mier of New South Wales two weeks ago Earlier today he said that his role of eco quite clearly showed that Victoria is no nomic development is concerned with find longer the financial centre in Australia, and ing markets-- that is a tragedy. Mr Cathie-Or assisting. Mr Cathie-We are. Mr KENNETT-Or assisting in finding Mr KENNETT-No, Victoria is not. markets for goods produced in Victoria That is a very sad reflection on the Minister and that is an admirable aim. But if the because it obviously indicates that he does Minister is sincere about what he is saying, not have a clue about what he is saying. If he must realize that he will never find mar one looks at the home base of most of the kets if the cost component of producing insurance companies, one can see that they those products is not competitive, and I are in New South Wales. About sixteen know that the Minister agrees with that. merchant banks in recent times have estab In Victoria and in Australia generally lished themselves in New South Wales and costs are too high, but the State Govern only four in Victoria. Where new banks are ment has imposed more State taxes and being set up, with the exception of one, New charges on industries, small and large, in South Wales is the State attracting them. the past eighteen months than any other So the Minister should not come to this Government in Australia. What is the point Chamber and say that the indicators are that of the Minister trying to waste time in find Victoria is the financial centre of Australia ing markets when everyone knows, because because it is not true. The Victorian Gov- of the activities of the Government, that Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1333
Victoria cannot produce products that are that is what is happening. It is happening competitive. If the Minister is serious and only because the Government has in if the honourable member for Geelong West creased the cost of energy. puts down his dirty novel and listens to me, It does not matter how much effort the they will find that two companies in Gee Minister may put into finding new markets, long-- unless he recognizes that economic devel Mr SHELL (Geelong West)-On a point opment is primarily concerned with prod of order, I take exception to the reference ucing commodities that have a normal by the Leader of the Opposition that I am market in the world at large, one does not reading a dirty novel. The book I happen to have economic development at all. It is very be reading is Gallipoli Correspondent and I much like the Government's policy of sub ask him to withdraw the remark. sidizing, to the tune of $250, those persons The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock who buy Australian-made cars. ley)-There is no point of order. On the one hand, the Federal Labor col Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi leagues of the Government say, "There will tion)-I will withdraw the remark if the be no protection and assistance" and, on the other hand, the State Labor Govern honourable member finds it offensive. I ment is once again out of step with its Fed would have thought he would be more in eral colleagues in trying to apply more terested in the debate than sitting down in assistance. The Government knows in its his cocoon and reading novels. If I was the heart of hearts that that is a waste of money. honourable member for Geelong West-he I shall give the Government some credit: If has gone back to his novel-I would suggest the Government had $7 million, it could that he listens because what I have to say have used it more wisely than that. The affects his electorate. market place has absorbed the $250 subsidy The ACTING CHAIRMAN-The hon and many dealers are no longer offering dis ourable member should be addressing his counts. A few manufacturers have even remarks to the division before the Commit raised their prices. Is the Government seri tee. ous about economic development? Regard Mr KENNETT-The honourable mem less of the words uttered by the Minister for ber for Geelong West should know that in Economic Development, who is at the his area there are two cement firms which table, and may have good intentions, the rely heavily upon gas to stay in business and answer is "No". The Minister is basically to develop, and that they are on the brink competent. of closing. Mr Ross-Edwards-Y ou are being gen erous now. Why? The honourable member for Gee long West is not interested. He continues to Mr KEN NETT-I am being generous. If read about Gallipoli. I am sure his constit the Minister were not shackled by the other members of the Government, he would do uents will find that rather interesting. a better job. The Ministry for Economic The ACTING CHAIRMAN -Order! I Development is a low priority of the Gov ask the Leader of the Opposition to ignore ernment. The Minister for Economic De the honourable member for Geelong West velopment is not given a strong voice or and confine his remarks to the division be allowed to express a view or take action to fore the Committee. provide economic development. Ifhe were, Mr KENNETT-Two Geelong firms are the Minister would be able to speak out in threatened with closure because of the in caucus and in the Cabinet room to ensure creased price of gas. The increased State that increases in taxes and charges are held Government taxes and charges are crip down. The Government cannot have its pling economic development. If one exam cake and eat it too. ines the two firms, one would realize that it I predict that, in the next eighteen months is almost impossible to imagine that the cost or two years, companies in the non-Gov of producing cement in Geelong is now so ernment sector-small, medium and large expensive that-despite the weight of that companies- will not be viable because they material-it can be imported more cheaply are not competitive in terms of their own from South Korea. The Minister knows that efforts. This will have occurred because the Session 1983-49 1334 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill
Government has increased Government cific proposals for equity capital. I do not expenditure over and above its revenue col recall the Liberal Government-in the 27 lections and is trying to balance the books years in which it was in government-being by taxing those people who are still in busi prepared to say, "We will back industry and ness. Members of the Opposition are aware, put our money where our mouth is". The through travelling around the State, that in former Liberal Government never thought dustry cannot afford these increases any of using equity capital. The Labor Govern longer. ment has put up equity capital in the high The Liberal Party is committed to eco technology areas and in the traditional areas nomic development. In the next few of manufacturing, with a company in Gee months, I see the opportunity for the Lib long manufacturing agricultural imple eral Party, in enunciating its policies, to ments and drills. come up with a positive creative alterna Mr Lieberman-How is it going? tive. The community is well educated Mr CATHIE-It is going very well. The enough to know that, if we are to have jobs former Liberal Government also spoke for young people, family security and the about how it would assist small business. survival of existing industries in the future, The Labor Government has been prepared Victoria needs growth policies. We may to put its money where its mouth is and have to put peripheral issues, with which provide a $10 million loan to the Small we have dealt recently, to one side. Business Development Corporation to as Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick)-On a sist small business and secure growth for point of order, I draw your attention, Mr the future. There is only one point on which Acting Chairman, to Standing Order No. 46 I agree with the Leader of the Opposition, as it concerns the honourable member for and the Government accepts the point. I Geelong West. refer to the need for industry to achieve The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock competitiveness. ley)-Order! I uphold the point of order. However, at least this Government is The honourable member for Geelong West prepared to work towards assisting industry on his own admission is out of order in to achieve a much better competitive reading a book in Committee. I shall ask framework. The Government has sup the Clerk to point out the relevant Standing ported the concept of a centralized wage Order to the honourable member. fixation system. The Government also sup ported the national accord, which was Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi widely supported by employers and em tion)-It is important that the Government ployees, and it also established an inquiry develops policies that will provide families into the cost of workers compensation. and individuals with opportunities and provide incentives for industry not only to The Government also recognized the dif ficulty in the manufacturing and commerce survive, but more importantly to grow. areas, particularly the lack of financial man Mr CA THIE (Minister for Economic agement and marketing skills, and is deter Development)-The Minister has a right to mined to marshal all the resources of the comment on remarks made by the Opposi State so that skills can be developed and tion. I am surprised that honourable mem industry and business can become much bers opposite do not want to hear a response. more competitive. I want to make it clear that the Government The Government has decided to have the rejects the gloom and doom which has been Industrial Design Council of Australia and put forward by the Opposition. The Oppo the Productivity Promotion Council within sition seems to be gleeful that it can create the Ministry for Economic Development. a situation in which it can claim that invest The Government hopes to bring the Tech ment has been driven from the State. I as nology Transfer Council under the auspices sure the Opposition that, under the policies of that Ministry so that bodies with special of this Government, there are excellent in ist skills can work through the Ministry and vestment opportunities that will ensure the Government to provide the necessary economic growth. knowledge and management skills that are I shall cite a couple of examples. This often lacking. Sometimes companies just Government was prepared to examine spe- need direction or better information, par- Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1335 ticularly about technology and the changes mer Government by-passed the unions even that occur in that area. though the Minister for Economic Deve lopment then the shadow Minister, said In other words, the Government has a that Ne~port would not be built. It is not a positive programme of assisting in the de bad idea from time to time to examine the velopment of industry. The Gov~rnment credibility of the Minister. I intend ham rejects the gloom and doom enunclated by mering that point home. members of the Opposition, who are at tempting to drive investments away from In recent weeks, two members of the Victoria. Ministry for Economic Development and a member of the Minister's personal staff have Mr ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of the been travelling around Victoria trying to sell National Party)-It is all very well for the the concept of preferred areas. I know what Minister for Economic Development to those people have said. Ifthe M~nister woul~ claim that members of the Opposition are listen, he may find out somethlng about hlS talking gloom and doom, but there is gloom own department. These people have been and doom in Victoria. The first point I make preparing country businesses to get rid of is to highlight the abject failure of the Cain the pay-roll tax concession. I understand Socialist Government during its eighteen the Minister for Economic Development has months in office. The Minister for Eco had second thoughts about the preferred nomic Development must accept his share areas because the idea is not acceptable. of responsibility for that failure both as the The staff of the Minister told businesses Minister concerned for economic develop in certain country towns that they would ment and as a Minister in the Cabinet. The not get the benefits obtained by other busi Government has made no progress in re nesses in other towns. That message was solving the electricity price for Alcoa of delivered only a fortnight ago. The Minister Australia Ltd at Portland. interjects and says that he has no~ changed I am pleased that the Treasurer is in the his mind. I am delighted to hear It. Chamber because the question of the price I urge the Minister to take note of what I of electricity for Alcoa at Portland is the am saying. I hope the Minister reads the most serious economic problem that faces letters that have been sent to him by many Victoria. There could be in the vicinity of country people, ~etailing the ac~i~ities of 6000 to 8000 jobs created directly and indi his staff on that tnp. I hope the Mlnlster has rectly at Portland. Yet, due to the divisio~s a newspaper clipping service because he inside the Labor caucus, the Government IS would be disturbed to read some of the re unable to resolve the problem. There are ports that have appeared in country news many men and women in the Labor Party papers as a result of that visit. I have told who did not want the Alcoa project at Port the Minister personally about it and I am land built in the first place. However, now re-emphasizing the point. When I spoke !o construction has commenced, members of the Minister previously, it appeared he dld the Labor Party are adopting a negative at not know about it, but I hope he is now titude. aware of the problem. If I wanted to criticize the Minister for Economic Development personally, I could Mr RAMSAY (Balwyn)-Division 150 refer to the construction of the Newport in the Budget highlights more than anything power station. When the Minister was the else the difference between the Government shadow Minister for Economic Develop and the Opposition in their attitudes to ment, he told the Parliament that Newport wards economic development. The Gov would not be built. The Minister may re ernment has cut back heavily on economic member the day when he made that famous development. Although the allocation re statement. veals an increase from $49 million to $55 million in expenditure for the Ministry for The honourable gentleman claimed that Economic Development, it should be real Newport would not be built, 'but it was, de ized that the main increase is in the item spite the Socialist leanings of the Labor Party relating to incentive payments and loans to and the particular unions involved. approved secondary industries, including With all due respect to the former Gov approved decentralized second~ry indu.s ernment, the unions were beaten. The for- tries, where there has been an Increase In 1336 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill the allocation by $5·2 million for distribu obtain more support for his Ministry than tion to the private sector. the Government has been prepared to make I remind the Minister for Economic De available. It is no wonder that one of the velopment that most of that $5·2 million, if items in Division 150 relates to an ex gratia not all of it, is money that the Government payment to the former Director-General of has collected from the private sector through Economic Development, Mr Ritchie, rep pay-roll tax collections. What the Govern resenting his salary for the remainder of the ment is giving back to those industries. It year. The Government dismissed Mr Rit simply represents the increase in the pay chie, who was making a real contribution in roll tax rebate, which reduces the amount the Ministry towards encouraging the de of pay-roll tax that decentralized industries velopment of private enterprise in Victoria. have to pay. Hence, it is not a real increase That encouragement was completely out of in the funds the Government is making step with the philosophy and thinking of the available for the Ministry for Economic De Minister for Economic Development, whose velopment. real interest is not in stimulating the private sector but in encouraging the development The item covering the rebate of the stat of the public sector. utory corporation contribution relating to payments for power supplied to Alcoa of It is a sorry day for the Ministry for Eco Australia Ltd's third potline at Point Henry nomic Development when it is starved of is a result of the Government increasing the funds in the interest of promoting Govern required statutory contribution from the ment activities in other areas. State Electricity Commission. That is illus Mr JOLLY (Treasurer)-Honourable trated by an increase of$600 000. members have heard an incredible state The Treasurer should recognize that the ment from the honourable member from money made available for economic deve Balwyn, the shadow Treasurer, indicating lopment has not increased from $49 million that, because the source of State funds is the to $55 million; it has increased from $49 private sector, it is inappropriate to stimu million to $49·8 million. It is a piddling late the private sector by use of those funds. increase in light of the current rate of infla That is economic nonsense. The honoura tion. The Government has not allocated any ble member would agree that the incentives extra money to the Ministry for Economic given through economic development are Development. appropriate, and they are consistent with In the course of the second-reading de the sorts of incentives that were provided bate, the Treasurer said that the Govern to the private sector under the previous ment had decided to stimulate economic Government, so the honourable member is growth and recovery through the public sec arguing against the policy of his own party. tor. In the past two years, both through the The honourable member also stated last Budget and this Budget, there has been and, in doing so, he misquoted what was a huge increase in taxes and charges, which said in the Budget speech-that the Gov compound to 40 per cent. There has been ernment is favouring a recovery led by the an increase in the public works programme public sector, and he ignored the fact that but the Ministry for Economic Develop the Government in its 1983-84 Budget has ment has been downgraded. The former .made it clear that it will exercise maximum Government was using the Ministry for restraint on recurrent expenditure. The in Economic Development as a major weapon crease in departmental expenditure is less to encourage private industry to establish in than 7 per cent-a very low rate of increase. Victoria in an endeavour to create a private That is real restraint. sector led recovery. However, that policy The major stimulus to the economy is has been ignored by the Government and it through the private sector. Through the is a disgrace that the Ministry for Economic avenue of capital expenditure there is an Development has been left with such a increase of more than 40 per cent for capital paucity of funds to achieve the important works. As all honourable members under economic goals necessary for Victoria. stand, capital works activity is carried out I am surprised that the Minister for Eco mainly by the private sector. Similarly, nomic Development has not made that ad stimulation of the home building industry mission and turned to the Parliament to stimulates the private sector which carries Appropriation ( 1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1337 out that activity, but members of the Op The philosophy is that growth will come position do not understand that principle. about by increasing the amount that is spent They are still struggling to understand the through the public sector. Once Dr Sheehan difference between recurrent expenditure has convinced the man without any practi and capital expenditure, and they do not cal experience, the Treasurer then con appreciate that capital expenditure is there vinces the Premier, so there is a coterie of to stimulate the private sector. They also three people in this State, none of whom completely ignore the fact that the Govern has the economic philosophy, the experi ment has raised the pay-roll tax exemption ence or the practical expertise to get this level from $140 000 to $200 000, a factor State moving. that will assist small business. Overall, the Although the Treasurer blames the Op Government has indicated that as a result position and tries to heap scorn on the com of its stimulatory policies 25 000 jobs will munity at large, he talks about a growth of be created between June 1983 and June 25 000 jobs. Honourable members last year 1984. heard that same statement. What was the Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposi net effect? The net effect was a loss of 62 400 tion)-At some stage, Parliament and the jobs in the non-Government sector. What community will begin to see through the about the public sector? The only reason total hypocrisy of the statements made by why the figures were kept to a reaso.nable the Treasurer. If the Treasurer's arguments level was that the Government hastily em are right, why have the Prime Minister and ployed more people in the public sector to more specifically the Federal Treasurer dis fill a pretended need, but it is necessary to owned the Victorian Government and its have the money to pay them. Many in the economic policies? employ of the Public Works Department are sitting around without any work to do, Mr Cathie-Where? so I point out to the Treasurer that he should Mr KENNETT -Mr Keating disowned not come to this House and say that his them in London recently and the Prime philosophy of spending more on public Minister has on several occasions done so works is working, because it is not. at the Summit Conference and the Premiers Mr Jolly-It is. Conference. Mr Burke, the Premier of Western Australia, has publicly disagreed Mr KENNETT-It is not. with the Victorian Government's economic Mr Jolly-Have a look at the seasonally philosophy. unadjusted employment figures. We in Victoria have not a Government Mr KENNETT-I invite the Treasurer by the elected members of this Parliament, to look at the unemployment figures. The but a Government that is run by a small Government may laugh now, but Victoria selection of people who are commonly has traditionally had the lowest level of un known these days as Ministerial advisers. If employment because of its spread of activ one considers the economic philosophies ity in the private sector. That activity was that are applied in this State the man who spread across commerce, manufacturing and is actually the Premier, the man who is ac science. Formerly, Victoria was able to tually the Treasurer and the man who is attract industry to this State because of its actually running this State is not an elected reasonably low energy charges, but the representative of the people of this State. It Government has raised those costs and put is Dr Peter Sheehan who is able to convince a tax on the cost of producing energy. Al the Treasurer of an economic philosophy though the Government may laugh today that is totally outmoded. The Treasurer, about being the State with the lowest un without any practical experience but with employment levels, that position will not plenty of theory, will listen to a man who is last. What will happen then? not only much taller and stronger than he As I said, the Treasurer promised an in but who has far more influence. crease of 25 000 jobs last year and he has The Minister for Economic Develop made the same statement today-that there ment, who interjects, has no idea what is will be an increase of 25 000 jobs in the going on and that does not surprise me at private sector-but the second document of all. the Budget Papers clearly implies on page 1338 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation ( 1983-84, No. 1) Bill
15, in Part 1:5, a net loss of 10000 jobs. Whitlam ever did. It is absolutely wrong for Who is correct? Why does the Treasurer the Treasurer without any practical experi continue to deliberately mislead Parliament ence, to say that the support that the Gov when he has an economic philosophy that ernment is giving to the private sector is is not supported anywhere in Australia and valuable. one which, by his own Budget documents, The Opposition argued earlier about the is unacceptable. Treasurer's $250 grant to the car industry. If the Treasurer wants to talk about eco The industry did not want it; the unions did nomic development-the area of responsi not want it. The only reason why it was put bility of the Minister for Economic into the Budget, at the suggestion of Dr Development-I remind him that he pro Sheehan, was to try to hide some other cost mised to get the State moving again, so he factors that were built into the Budget. ought to look at his own papers and recog nize that he as Treasurer, being the mouth Tragically, this State no longer has Gov piece for Dr Sheehan and the implement of ernment elected by the people. It is a Gov the Premier, has allowed taxes and charges ernment run by Ministerial advisers, to rise by 40 per cent. Economic activity predominately by Dr Peter Sheehan. The and growth in that area will not occur while economic philosophy of the Government is that philosophy is continued. How can the the only philosophy of its kind in Australia. Treasurer continue to increase taxes and It is being rejected by the Government's charges? Not only is he dishonest in terms colleagues in Canberra, New South Wales of the policies and promises that he made and Western Australia and the longer it is to the people of Victoria who are now be able, blindly and inflexibly, to continue with ginning to see through him; more impor the policy, the greater will be the risks and tantly, he is dishonest in terms of his costs, not only to the State but, more impor commitment to get this State moving again. tantly, to the people. That is what he promised-to get this State Mr JOLLY (Treasurer)-The seasonally moving. unadjusted Leader of the Opposition seems Mr Jolly-I did not. to have a misunderstanding of what the Mr KENNETT- That is an enlightening economic forces are. He claims to have comment. practical experience. However, his experi The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock ence is only in the area of advertising. He is ley)-The term "dishonest" is unparlia a shallow vessel. He needs to examine the mentary. forward economic indicators of the Victo rian economy. There is no doubt that Vic Mr KENNETT- There is an interesting toria is leading the way out of the economic comment. I said to the Treasurer that the recession in Australia. It is also clear that Government promised during the last elec the strategy the Victorian Government is tion campaign to get this State moving following to boost capital works expendi again, and the Treasurer interjects and says ture in the home building industry is ex that that is wrong. actly the strategy that is being followed by Mr Jolly-Yes. the Federal Government at present. Ifit had Mr KENNETT-There he goes again. He been followed by previous Federal Liberal says that it is not the objective of the Gov Governments, Victoria would not be in the ernment to get this State moving again, so deep economic recession that currently ex where do we end up? We end up with a ists. State of mediocrity-boring, bankrupt and The Leader of the Opposition does not broken. understand the forces in the economy. In eighteen months, the Government and Firstly, it is important to recognize that the the Treasurer with his so-called economic home building industry is growing more philosophy, are now starting to make Gough rapidly in this State than in any other State Whitlam's years in office look good. The of Australia. Secondly, retail sales, which Treasurer has been able, in just eighteen are the most important component of pri months, to impose more taxes and charges vate sector consumer demand, are growing on the State and its people and on business more rapidly in this State than in Australia than the Federal Government under Mr as a whole. Victoria is leading the way in Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1339 economic recovery. If one considers sea tries that may collapse anyway. The conse sonally adjusted figures, not seasonally un quence is that the Government cannot find adjusted figures, one finds that Victoria has money to provide milk for school children the major increase in employment across and is forcing teachers to close school rooms the nation. There is no doubt that the Gov when teachers are sick. Excessive class-room ernment's policies on economic develop sizes created agitation in schools, and helped ment are working. The economic indicators the Liberals to lose the last election. show that Victoria is in a stronger position If$55 million is wasted on economic de than other States. Victoria's economic in velopment, the Government will not have frastructure has been built up and it is rec any money available for other departments. ognized by organizations such as the I would proudly tell people who challenged Victorian Chamber of Manufactures and the the Opposition to indicate what it would do Australian and New Zealand Banking about cut-backs in health and education that Group Ltd survey that Victoria is better I would cut out at least half the scandalous placed than any other State to reap the ben $55 million being wasted on the economic efits of economic recovery. The recovery development programme. I direct the atten will occur in this State because of the com tion of the Committee to the last available bined impact of Federal and State eco annual report of the Auditor-General, which nomic policies. is regrettably dated April 1982. I refer to the Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-I agree Albury-Wodonga Development Corpora with the Leader of the Opposition that the tion, which is one of the beneficiaries of the boffins in the Ministry for Economic Devel handouts that successive Governments have opment have a lot to answer for in the mis been giving in Victoria. It is regrettable that, use of public funds. I doubt whether the although the corporation is required to pro vide audited accounts to Parliament early people of Victoria will get lasting value from in the year after 30 June, the draft set of the $55·67 million being spent on the Min accounts for 1980-81 was not finalized un istry. Apart from the salaries and general til18 December 1981, which meant that the expenses, which alone amount to more than Auditor-General could not have the ac $4 million, the Government is seeking to counts audited until 3 March 1982. It was allocate $42 million in respect of payments almost a year before the people of Victoria and loans to approved secondary indus and Parliament were told anything about tries, including approved decentralized sec the activities of the corporation. As far as I ondary industries. can ascertain from the information given to I make no apology to this House for being me, it is a case of virtual insolvency. The proud to be a member of the so-called mod deficit for 1981 was $9·66 million and the est members' society section of the Liberal deficit for the previous year was about $8 Party called the "economic dries". Our million. I do not know the figures for leaders are John Hyde, a former member of 1981-82 or 1982-83. I presume that over Federal Parliament from Western Aus the past four years $50 million has been lost tralia, and Bert Kelly, a former member of on the Albury-Wodonga Development the South Australian Parliament. They be Corporation and the people of Victoria longed to the old-fashioned Liberal Party. know nothing about it. That is why the State is in a bad financial position. The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Hock ley)-Order! I am having difficulty relating Mr Cathie-I t is a very successful corpo the remarks of the honourable member to ration. the division. Mr WILLIAMS-It is a drain on the Mr WILLIAMS-I am leading up to the people of Victoria. I take strong objection basis of the economic principles to which I to the woolly-minded economics being used subscribe. The people of Victoria are being in Victoria by the academics now running defrauded because of the squandering of the Ministeries and Treasury. In my day, funds on uneconomic industries. Economic when Keynesian economics were new, peo export in the manufacturing and labour ple at university were taught that spending business will fall by at least one third by the money provided employment. In the mod turn of the century, and yet the Treasurer is ern, highly competitive society of today, that spending money trying to prop up indus- method will not provide jobs for young peo- 1340 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill pIe. When inefficient and uneconomic en It may be that this is a convenience to the terprises are propped up, the employment Minister who, earlier this year, much to my rate will sooner or later only become worse disgust, launched a personal attack on a for and standards of living will fall. I hope that mer Minister for Tourism, Mr Graeme in the new Parliament and in the new Lib Weideman, who was a local political adver eral Party there will be no Ministry for Eco sary of the present Minister for Economic nomic Development. Development. Mr Weideman apparently ran foul of the Minister for Economic De TOURISM velopment and the Minister used the forum Mr TANNER (Caulfield)-The paucity of this House to attack personally Mr of information presented to Parliament in Weideman and to accuse him of having au relation to the Victorian Tourism Commis thorized over-expenditure on the "Vic sion is an absolute insult to honourable toria-Ready and Waiting For You" members. An amount of $11· 219 million is promotion campaign. proposed to be spent this year under this The Minister for Economic Develop division. All the information provided to ment apparently found it convenient to for Parliament is three lines. No subdivisions get that the first Labor Government have been provided with extra information. Minister responsible for tourism, Mr Lan Item 3, Other Services, makes provision, deryou, actually congratulated Mr Weide in sub-item 2, for expenses for the promo man on the excellence of the "Victoria tion and development of tourism of$3·343 Ready and Waiting For You" campaign and million for the year 1983-84. Sub-item 3, continued that campaign during his term of which deals with the Victorian Tourism office. In fact, Mr Landeryou even author Commission, makes provision for the ex ized the expenditure of$6637. 17 which had penditure of$5·25 million and sub-item 6, not originally been budgeted for, so that an which is entitled "Motor Boating Activi insert showing the Premier could be shown ties", makes provision for $2·626 million at the start of the advertisements of the giving a total of $11· 219 million. "Victoria-Ready and Waiting For You" No other information is provided for campaign. Lo and behold, when one honourable members. In the years during watched television, where initially one had which I have been in Parliament and in the seen the advertisements without political years prior to that I am aware that far more connotations, suddenly one saw the Pre Information was provided for the benefit of mier appearing in them and, even worse, he honourable members and the community appeared to be wearing a raincoat when he generally, yet now honourable members are was supposed to be promoting Victoria as a expected to debate this division on the basis touri~t destination. of only those three lines. No additional ex Not only had the Minister for Economic planation is given and Division 155 simply Development the cheek to accuse Mr sets out the amounts. It gives no breakdown Weideman of authorizing over-expendi concerning the proposed expenditure of ture, but, with great gusto, he also accused $3·343 million for the promotion and de Mr Weideman of using the campaign for velopment of tourism. political purposes, despite the fact that the In any language, that must be regarded as original advertisements had no political being a lot of money. Any person operating connotation and it was only when this Gov a private company would think he was ernment took office that a political conno managing a large concern if that were the tation was introduced, because the Premier sum involved, yet we are now presented suddenly appeared all over the State and all with just the bland figure and no explana over the country wearing a raincoat and tion as to the way in which it will be spent. telling people that Victoria was the place to That is in marked contrast to the informa visit for a holiday. tion that has been provided in previous It is obviously convenient for the Minis y~ars. Nor is there any explanation of how ter to provide no explanation of the three the $5·25 million allocated to the Victorian sub-items authorizing the expenditure of Tourism Commission and the $2·626 mil $11· 219 million, because that hides the fact lion to be used for motor boating activities that Mr Weideman did not authorize an is to be spent. overrun of expenditure in the advertising Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1341 campaign. I understand that these figures Later, in his regional policy, the Minister also conceal the fact that the present Min for Economic Development said: ister authorized a large overrun of approxi The strength of regional tourism is that it "taps" mately $300 000 or more. I presume it was considerable local resources-both financial and vol for purely local political purposes that the untary personnel-for the development and promo Minister accused Mr Weideman of having tion of tourism in Victoria. authorized the over-expenditure of $250 000, but at the end of the financial As a result of Mr Byrne's original concept year it became apparent that Mr Weideman of regional tourism and its development under successive Liberal Governments, authorized no such over-expenditure. there was a great improvement in the pro I now turn to another matter that is rele motion of regional tourism and tourism vant to the proposed expenditure under this generally in Victoria. I am concerned that division-the reorganization of regional this Government, through its proposed ex tourist authorities. The Opposition would penditure for the promotion of regional certainly support any Government moves tourism, will place restraints upon regional that would lead to the improved promotion tourist authorities that will remain after 1 of tourism by regional authorities because January and will destroy the original con it believes that, if regional tourist authori cept of regional tourism. ties think they could be more efficient in the As the Minister may be aware, it is pro use of the resources and in the promotion posed that the present twelve regional tour of Victoria by allowing amalgamations to ist authorities should amalgamate and take place, it would be desirable. However, become seven. As I have said, the Liberal I must voice my concern that the original Party is prepared to accept that if the local concept of regional tourism could be harmed authorities believe it is in their best inter by the proposed amalgamations. ests. However, it would be most concerned Earlier in the year, in his capacity as Min ifthe present proposals should override their ister for Economic Development, the Min wishes and force them to amalgamate in a ister authorized the distribution to regional fashion that could be harmful, particularly tourist authorities of a regional tourism pol if the Government does not take proper icy. It is possible that the Minister is not cognizance of the fact that the concept of fully conversant with all the details in this regional tourism must not be destroyed. area because there is no longer a Minister The Minister has placed a further con for Tourism. In the past, Liberal Govern straint upon regional tourism by demand ments had Ministers for Tourism but this ing that municipal council representation Government has a Minister for Economic on them be reduced. In the past, municipal Development who is also the Minister of representation has been one of the great Housing and the Minister responsible for strengths of regional tourism and the Min tourism. Presumably, it is not possible for ister should examine this more closely. Mu the Minister to keep close tabs on the ex nicipal councils have strongly promoted penditure involved in the promotion of regional tourism in the past and it could be tourism in Victoria-it would certainly not very harmful to the over-all promotion of be possible for him to scrutinize it as closely tourism in this State if the Government were as Ministers for Tourism under previous to continue its demand in this financial year Governments have done. that municipal council representation on the In the regional tourism policy that he dis regional authorities be reduced. tributed to the regional authorities, the Another matter of grave concern to the Minister made the point that in 1973 the Liberal Party is the policy adopted by the then State Government recognized the Government on regional tourism that de wastefulness of open competition by many mands that the employment or dismissal of of Victoria's smaller country tourism com tourist officers or other staff of the authority munities for the tourist dollar. That is cer shall be subject to the approval of the Chair tainly correct. As I recall, it was Mr Murray man of the Victorian Tourism Commis Byme, a Minister for Tourism in the then sion. Regional tourist authorities want to Liberal Government, who created the con have a voice in the expenditure of the money cept of regional tourism in Victoria. allocated to them. Until recently there was 1342 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill a reasonable compromise with the local at the heads of the regional tourist authori people but it is getting close to the line when ties by telling them that unless they give the Government intends taking control of written notice by the end of the month to this power of the regional tourist authorities the Government that they are prepared to and making the decision as to whether they amalgamate, they will not receive fundings. can employ or dismiss certain staff. That gives the regional tourist authorities I am gravely concerned, as are many re little leeway. gional tourist authorities, by the Govern The authorities will have to hold meet ment's original commitment of$123 000 for ings and, by law, they will have to contact each regional tourist authority which will all authority members to advise them that now not be met. The authorities have been they must remove the present incorporated advised that they will receive funding of entities and incorporate new entities. They $109 666. Proportionately that is a substan will have difficulty meeting that time-table. tial reduction when one considers the diffi I am disappointed that the Government has culties those authorities will have in carrying decided to be so harsh by forcing the au out their duties during the next year. thorities to accept by 31 October the Gov I refer the Minister to the practical dis ernment's ultimatum on amalgmation; if tances that must be covered by the tourist not, they will not receive any further fund authority; they may have conflicting mar ing. kets. Also the local municipal council rep In order to keep faith with members of resentations will be diminished. One can the present authorities and to keep faith with undertand why the local authorities need all the public of Victoria in the promotion of the money they can get. The Government regional tourism, many of the authorities tried to sweeten the effect of the proposed feel they have to acquiesce without giving amalgamations in its original tourism pol their members the consideration that many icy by offering $123 000 to the proposed would prefer. By rushing headlong into the new regional tourist authorities. Now sub proposal, the Minister is in danger of de stantially less money will be made avail stroying the concept of tourism in Victoria able, which is of grave concern to the which to date has served the State well. No proposed new authorities. doubt it could be improved. The Govern The Liberal Party and I are concerned ment is encouraging the various regional that the Government may destroy the con authorities to utilize locally established ent cept of regional tourism as it has developed ities. over recent years in Victoria. I bring to the The Minister will recall that the Govern attention of the Minister, who is also the ment's regional tourism policy states: Minister of Housing, a matter of which he may not be aware. That is the concern ex In other words, local tourist associations would be pressed by regional tourist authorities at the responsible for raising membership subscriptions in timing ofthe proposed amalgamations. The their own community, with a proportion of these funds authorities are concerned that they will not being passed on to the regional tourist authority, so that the tourist associations and their members can be able to meet the legal obligations in gain access to a wide variety of promotional opportun volved with statutory incorporation. They ities made available through the regional tourist au will have to remove the present incorpor thority and the Victorian Tourism Commission. ated bodies or entities of the tourist author ities and incorporate themselves as new legal That sounds fine, but the Minister should entities. consider the system that existed in the State Given the time constraints proposed by that was implemented before the time of the Minister, the authorities are concerned the Honourable Murray Byrne. That sys that they will not be able to meet that time tem did not work. The system introduced table and some have appealed to me to bring by him has been followed over the past ten the matter to the attention of the Minister. years and although it is not perfect it was a Further consideration should be given to vast improvement on that which applied the matter. previously. The Minister obviously is very busy with In pursuing this policy, the Government other matters; nevertheless he should be should take note of the regional tourist au aware that he is virtually holding a shot-gun thorities and should not rush headlong into Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1343 a proposal that may ~estroy the pre~ent sys ing the clubs over the border and inspecting tem. Given the paucIty of InformatIon that the various tourist attractions has been provided in the Budget Estimates One of the most significant developments on expenditure, attention will have to be in the area I represent is the production of given to the fact that information shoul.d be the mini-TV series, All the Rivers Run. That provided t.o the Hous~ ~n ho~ the VICto is probably the most fantastic promotion rian Tounsm CommISSIon wIll promote one could get for a city. I gather it is the tourism this year. Has attention been paid most popular mini-TV series ever to have to the increased staff that will be required by the commission to meet its increased been made. It has exceeded all the ratings responsibilities under the various develop and looks like placing HSV -7 well ahead of mental programmes that will utilize the the other television stations. available funds? The Victorian Tourism Commission as Mr HANN (Rodney)-One interesting sisted in the making of the film and in the aspect of the proposed changes to the pres promotion of the area. Visitors come from ent structure of tourist boundaries is that interstate and overseas to see the area. The for many months the Minister denied it mini series has been sold to the USA cable would happen-despite a number of r~ television network. That highlights the sort quests that were made by my colleagues In of promotion that can be developed. both the Parliament and the press. The Industries have shown interest in Echuca Minister continually denied a proposed re because of the publicity that city has gained duction in the number of tourist boundaries from the mini series. in Victoria. It was common knowledge in One of the features of the production of tourist regions that the Government was All the Rivers Run is that all the props used proposing to change the structure and re in the film are a natural part of Echuca duce the number of tourist boundaries in they are not artificial-the buildings have Victoria. existed there for many years. All that had to Honourable members have seen those be done was to place the electricity supply proposals which, again, refle~ted how secr~ underground and cover the bitumen sur tive the process was. A meetIng was held In faces with dust. Melbourne with the chairmen of the var The Victorian Tourism Commission is ious regions and the Chairman of the Vic taking advantage of that mini-TV series to torian Tourism Commission but the encourage people to visit Echuca and the Government still did not freely distribute other towns along the River Murray. The that document to the municipalities programme will encourage people to see part throughout Victoria that will be vitally af of the natural history of the area, get the fected by the proposal. Many individuals feeling of the old riverboats, the paddle who have contributed to the tourist regions steamers and the romantic mystery of those have also not received copies of the docu days. ment. Only after members of Parliam~nt distributed the documents did they receIve In discussions about changes to regional copies. They could then put a view to the tourist boundaries, a number of municipal Minister on the issue. ities have expressed concern regarding the proposed regions in w~i~h they. might be There is support for the change in many included. I hope the MInIster wIll adopt a areas. I am not criticizing that support. The policy of allowing the municipalities to be concept of a Murray region which takes in in the region of their choice. Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura makes sense. Perhaps the region should have con For various practical reasons, municipal tinued along the River Murray. That was ities have opted to be in a particular region the concept of the Murray Valley League and I believe they ought to be allowed to which was ahead of the times in the way it stay in those regions. For example, the town promoted the concept of people travelling ofKyabram has indicated that it would pre and holidaying along the river. That fre fer to be in the Murray region. quently occurs as people travel up ~nd down It is important to get the boundaries right the river from town to town, staYIng at the and to ensure that tourists to those regions various motels for days at a time and visit- move from town to town. 1344 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill
Mr TANNER (Caulfield)-I refer to the now. Has the Minister been able to give Victorian Tourism Commission, which attention to the development of many of comes under Division 155. Will the Minis the very important tourist amenities that ter responsible for tourism advise the Com exist in north-east Victoria? Can the Minis mittee of the breakdown of expenditure ter also enli~ten the Committee about the under this division? This financial year the proposal WIth respect to the Dartmouth Government proposes to spend $11·219 township and Dartmouth Lake, which is one million on the Victorian Tourism Commis of the most magnificent lakes and a very sion. The only information that is provided fine asset to Victoria? It is an exciting tour is that $3·343 million will be spent on the ist mecca. I know that it falls within the promotion and development of tourism, portfolio of the Minister of Water Supply, $5·25 million will be spent on the Victorian the State Rivers and Water Supply Com Tourism Commission and $2·626 million mission being the operating body. will be expended on motor boating activi There is a lot of interest in north-eastern ties. Victoria about what is going to happen to The Minister responsible for tourism is the township of Dartmouth. It is hoped that no doubt aware that many people in the its future can be linked with recreational community believe the Government does activities and tourism. not have a commitment to tourism, it only Members of the Committee might be in plays lip service to tourism. People believe terested to know that an independent study the Minister responsible for tourism is too was carried out into the Dartmouth Lake busy, also being the Minister for Economic and its potential use for fishing. Although I Development and Minister of Housing, to understand it is not a fisherman's story, I pay attention to what some bureaucrats are thought it might be, but it is estimated that proposing. in the next five years Dartmouth Lake, I ask the Minister to explain to the Com properly managed and marketed, could at mittee how the Government proposes to tract 1·5 million fishermen each year. spend the $11·219 million. I remind the honourable gentleman that he made a claim In the parlance of those surveys, a fisher earlier this year that the Honourable man may go once or five times a year and Graeme Weideman the former member for on each occasion he is counted. Neverthe Frankston, authorized over-expenditure. less there is tremendous potential for fish That did not occur. I understand that the ermen and the income generated by those Minister authorized over-expenditure. Can visits is enormous. the Minister elaborate to the Committee the The Minister for Economic Develop workings of the Victorian Tourism Com ment should consider visiting that area as mission. soon as he can to look at Lake Hume, which A few moments ago, I asked the Minister is below Dartmouth dam and which has what provision was being made for the ap suffered quite a variation in level due not pointment of staff to meet the increased de only to the drought but also to the develop velopment work to be undertaken by the ment of Dartmouth dam. Victorian Tourism Commission in the Tallangatta and other towns have had to coming year and the additional office space suffer a dramatic loss in income from the that will be required. tourist trade because of these unfortunate I have been told that the commission may events. Tallangatta is anticipating develop suffer some restrictions and will not be able ing projects in the Tallangatta foreshore area to undertake any publicity campaigns. Can and at Lake Hume to complement Dart the Minister elaborate on the expenditure mouth dam and to enable the Tallangatta of $11· 219 million under those three head tourist industry to further develop and to ings? recover from the set-backs that it has expe Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra)-Fol rienced. lowing the request by the honourable mem I request the Minister to consider the fea ber for Caulfield for more details about sibility of developing a lock across the nar expenditure on tourism, I ask the Minister rows at Lake Hume out of the town of responsible for tourism to respond as soon Tallangatta. If the lock could be constructed as possible if it is not possible to respond with the co-operation of all the engineering Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1345 authorities, the River Murray Commission I am particularly pleased that one can see and the State Rivers and Water Supply on the ground in the ski resorts the invest Commission, it would give a permanent ment of many millions of dollars being storage and permanent level of water in the complemented by further investment each lake at the foreshore at Tallangatta and year. Additional jobs are being created, some would create one of the most prominent, casual and some full time. Without doubt, magnificent tourist meccas one could imag there is living evidence of what an area in ine with its back drop of hills and rural Victoria can achieve in the creation of more countryside. It would integrate with and jobs and investment. I wish the Minister complement other areas in the north-eastern well in that responsibility. I say that with region, offering attractive day tours and some envy because, to be responsible for overnight visits to make that region one of tourism, is a rewarding and challenging ex the most exciting tourist regions. perience for any Minister. The lock proposal has been discussed I hope the Minister will accept the invi before. In some areas, it has been described tation that I extend to him on behalf of the as a "pie in the sky" idea but, when electorate that I represent to visit the area examined seriously, it should attract a next year to look at some of the places to feasibility study. The Chairman of the Water which I have referred. Commission already has indicated that the commission would assist in the feasibility POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES study and the River Murray Commission Mr HANN (Rodney)-One of the first has indicated that probably it would be able matters that I raise concerns the Country to assist with engineering expertise and ad Fire Authority. As honourable members are vice. aware, over many months there has been The proposal needs to have a proper study wide-spread alarm in Victoria at proposals made to determine whether it would be fea of the Government to integrate the fire sible. It need not necessarily be financed services. A preliminary report was pre immediately, but I request that it be one of sented to Parliament in which a number of the proposals that the Minister for Eco options were listed. The one option that the nomic Development will consider for future committee was not able to consider was the development, particularly if the private continued separation of the two authorities. sector is willing to put its money where its The reason given for that was that the mouth is and if it were to say to the Minister United Firefighters Union would not accept that the lake, given support, would be an that option. attractive investment and, given Govern There is little doubt in the minds of the ment assistance in those areas, that private many thousands of volunteer fire fighters in industry would be prepared to develop Victoria that the major reason for the Gov facilities to service the potential tourism ac ernment attempting to integrate the fire tivity. services is the pressure being applied to it I congratulate the Minister for Economic by the United Firefighters Union. That is of Development for proceeding with the Al grave concern when one examines the in pine Resorts Bill. I know that there are some dustrial problems in which that union has disagreements between the parties, but been involved over the years. The Country broadly there is agreement and, as the local Fire Authority has been stable. representative for that area, I anticipate The authority is a unique fire-fighting working closely with the Minister and his service which has a base of permanent staff staffin promoting the work of the new com and a volunteer strength of approximately mission so that ski resorts can further de 116 000 men-and some women-who are velop and reach their full potential. on call at anyone time during the fire danger This year's season has been far better than period and who are prepared to go out and last year, although it has not been an opti risk their lives. Last year, volunteer fire mal season. Nevertheless, the industry has fighters lost their lives fighting horrendous renewed confidence and I am sure that fires in order to protect their fellow men, future growth predictions for ski resorts over their communities and the assets of these the next decade will be achieved. communities. 1346 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill
The Minister for Police and Emergency stantial amount of insurance. As I said, there Services has indicated that he is nearing the is a need for a more equitable system of presentation of a final report. I believe it funding. will be presented next week. I can tell the There are many thousands of dedicated Minister now that many thousands of vol volunteers, more especially the people who unteer fire fighters and many permanent fire are prepared to give service in the running fighters are interested in that report. The of the fire brigades, not only at the local sooner the report is released the better, so level but at association level, and there is a that fire fighters know what the Govern need to record a tribute to them: Councillor ment intends for the future of fire-fighting Geoff Evans, a leader in the fire brigade services. movement over many years, and likewise The delay has had a detrimental effect on Councillor Don Gow of Leitchville, who the morale of fire fighters. The Government has also been active at the association level should once and for all make it clear that it of the fire-fighting services. These people does not intend to intep-ate the two fire give of their time on a voluntary basis and fighting services, that it IS prepared to ack those men are only two of the many nowledge the unique volunteer service and hundreds of volunteers across the State. that it should be quite separate from the The fire fighters have competitions from metropolitan service which, of course, is a time to time and also fire demonstrations. professional service. I hope that decision is It keeps them alert and up with their train made soon. ing, and it ensures that they are able to cope If it does not line up along those lines, I with emergencies. The criticism of the fire warn the Minister that he is in for a tough fighters in the recent disastrous bush fires fight, not only within the Parliament, but this year was totally unfounded. They were with the fire fighters of Victoria, and the facing an impossible situation that was to Minister would not want to disrupt such an tally unforeseen. The magnitude of the fires important fire-fighting service in Victoria. that these men were trying to fight made it Another matter of concern referred to in an impossible task. We can only be proud the report is the funding of fire services. The of the service of the men and women fire present method of funding is most inequit fighters who fought these fires. able. There are those people who provide a While on the subject of emergency serv significant proportion of the funding, and ices and fire control, at this stage it appears there are those who are not insured and do that we have not coped with planning to not contribute to any significant extent to avoid similar occurrences in the future. the fire-fighting services. There is a need for There is still a disaster area in the Dande a more equitable method of funding fire nongs, and unless there is more rain in the fighting services. The Minister says he hopes next few weeks to dampen down that area, I will remember that next week. I believe in it could be a potential disaster area again that principle. Whether I will be supporting this year for another bush fire. the Minister in his proposal will depend very It has been suggested to me that the For much on the method that the Minister ap ests Commission is preparing a report ex plies to funding the fire-fighting services. If pressing alarm at the fire danger in this it is a system that is not equitable and fair coming season because the rainfall has been in its mode of operation, the Minister will lower than average in that area, and because not get the support of the National Party, the eucalyptus trees are dry and present a but I am prepared to wait and see on that potential hazard. A senior officer of the For issue. ests Commission has put it to me recently In recent months, I benefited from the that, as long as Governments of this State services of seven or eight local fire brigades continue with a policy which allows for a when there was a spot fire on my property significant percentage of vegetation where caused by lightning. These officers put the houses are, for example, something like a fire out promptly and effectively, and I can 40 per cent vegetation ratio in an urban say from personal experience that it is vital development area, there will be a fire prob to have fire-fighting services on call at all lem. I know that people like to live in the times. I contribute to a large extent to the forest areas, but they are in a potentially fire-fighting service, because I pay a sub- dangerous situation and from time to time Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1347 wi.ll ~e burnt out, lives will be lost and many in t.he funding of country fire services, I also milhons of dollars of assets will be de beheve a better and more equitable way ~troyed. The only solution in the long term must be found. Over the years, the funding ~s to e~courage closer urban development has predominantly come from insurance In specific areas and discourage people from comp~nies, which me~nt that people who building in heavily timbered areas where were Insured were paying for the services. there are potential fire traps. Due to benevolent Governments providing The ~ational Party strongly supports the aid to fire victims over the years, fewer peo separatIOn of the two fire services and it will ple a~e in~ured, therefore, fewer people are fight for that very hard. contnbutlng to the upkeep of the magnifi cen~ voluntary services. I welcome any sug In relation to item 14, "Fire-arms Train gestions that may come forward to distribute ing-Subsidies", the Minister recently indi the cost of the services more widely over cated to me that he had made a small the country community. allocation to one of the schools in my area from the firearms training subsidy. These I now refer to Division 160, item 14 relat are small subsidies, but they assist people to ing to firearms training. I also noted, as did learn to handle firearms and safety tech the honourable member for Rodney that niques associated with them. That is an im the allocation for that item has decr~ased portant programme and it should be by 10 per cent. I think back to the debate in encouraged. this House on firearms legislation and I pre sume that the higher fees for gun registra The subsidy to the firearms training last tion will be coming through to the ye~r ~as $12 510 and this year is $10 100. Government. Much emphasis has been This IS .at a time w~en the. Governme~lt sug placed on gun training throughout the com gested In a debate In ParlIament earher this munity, and it is a shock to see the small year that it was .g
The sitting was suspended at 6.30 p.m. Crime has now become a logical exten until 8.4 p.m. sion of the sort of behaviour that is often considered perfectly legitimate in respecta Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-I trust ble businesses. Unfortunately, in this coun that I will be permitted to praise Victoria's try, legitimate and illegitimate businesses courageous Police Force under the supervi become extremely closely entwined and sion of the Chief Commissioner of Poiice, there is little ho{.,e of sorting out the various Mr Mick Miller. Under his supervision, business. special criminal intelligence units have been organized in association with a criminal in Mr Tanner-Mr Acting Chairman, I draw telligence unit in New South Wales to bring your attention to the state of the House. crimes before the courts. A quorum was formed. Revelations of the Stewart Royal Com Mr WILLIAMS-An indication of the mission and the Costigan Royal Commis immensity of organized crime in Western sion were known to those gentlemen at least society may be obtained through state five to seven years ago. Nearly 100 files on ments such as that by Mr Dean Roach, a organized crime figures exist in the Bureau millionaire businessman who is Chairman of Federal Intelligence in this State. Ifproper of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission in assistance were given to the policemen in the United States of America, who said that control of these files, with the aid of a top between 6 per cent and 10 per cent of the investigating force and top lawyers to assist total gross economy of the United States of them, many well-known people in Victoria America is controlled by organized crime, would find themselves in the dock. and that it is by far the biggest business in I only hope that as a result of the work the United States. That is an incredible in done by Mr Douglas Meagher, the counsel dictment on Western society. Mr Wallace assisting the inquiry, and Mr Costigan, we Hay, Executive Director of the same crime will see some of those people revealed to authority in the United States of America Australia. No doubt the comments made by says that the commission: Mr Meagher were true. He also stated that ... has been able to devise some analytical pro organized crime in this country, in Victoria grammes that have yielded a great deal of information and in New South Wales, was unchecked on financial transactioins and have established rela and out of control and that its control in tionships with people engaged in organised crime Australia is one of the challenges of the activity of all kinds. decade. Of course, he outlines his activities in a Mr Meagher strongly stated that no per manner that shows that the position in Aus son in our community held so high an office tralia is almost identical. This was further as to be out of reach or beyond contempla illustrated through the Costigan commis tion of the criminal organization. Mr sion. There is no doubt that all the Royal Meagher has access to probably more infor Commissions and inquiries have given most mation-taxation, Bureau of Criminal In people a good idea of the background and telligence, the New South Wales criminal names of organized crime figures. The intelligence unit, Drug Squad files and other greatest authority on organized crime in the similar files-than any other person in the country is Mr Bob Bottom, the author of country. The Godfather in this country. His writings Mr Meagher points out that: make it clear that organized crime exists right across the nation. It emanates largely The bigger organizations are involved in many types from Sydney, where six major crime syndi of crime ranging from SP bookmaking and pornogra phy to prostitution and drugs ... cates have their headquarters. They control three major traditional areas of organized Unfortunately, these types of crimes are now crime, namely, illegal gambling, drug traf putting international problems, sport and ficking and vice and, below the top struc even politics off the pages of the newspapers ture, they control starting-price betting, because all one reads about in the daily illegal casinos, gambling clubs and race fix newspapers are the dreadful pornography ing. As Douglas Meagher pointed out, prac rackets, prostitution rackets, drug rings and tically every day at a racecourse around all the evils associated with organized crime. Australia a race is fixed. 1352 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill
Instead of squandering money on some member should consider whether the pro other Budget items, the Government ought posals submitted by the Treasurer are ade to do something about providing more quate. If the honourable member is allowed funds to the Police Department. The de to continue and honourable members are partment is 2000 staff understrength; it forced to listen to this poppycock all night, needs specialized detection equipment to the Committee will be wasting its time. keep up with sophisticated criminals. The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Stir At the lower end of the scale of crime one ling)-Order! I do not uphold the point of hears of bird smuggling which is a sad state order. The police and emergency services of affairs. Criminal gangs have enormous item is fairly wide-ranging, and the honour powers in the Philippines. Farjet aircraft fly able member is relating his remarks to that from the lower islands of the Philippines area. Admittedly, he has gone close to the direct to the top of Queensland by following fringe on some occasions. I have drawn that radio beams that stretch from Papua-New to his attention and I ask the honourable Guinea to central Queensland. member to relate his remarks to the divi The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr Stir sion under consideration. ling)-Order! I ask the honourable member Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-Thank to relate his remarks to the matter before the Chair, which is Division 187. you, Mr Acting Chairman, for your wise ruling. You are aware how close to the fringe Mr WILLIAMS-The drugs that arrive I have to go to obtain my information. in Queensland via aircraft finish up in St Kilda in Victoria and that is where the poor The ACTING CHAIRMAN-Order! I creatures become involved in massage par remind the honourable member that he is lours and other rackets. Some 80 per cent of close to the fringe and I will not tolerate it the armed holdups in Victoria are caused any further. by poor creatures who are addicted to her Mr WILLIAMS-I impress on honour oin smuggled into this country from the able members that there can be no greater Philippines and other areas. That is why the avenue for public expenditure than expend Police Department needs more resources to iture on the Police Force. Some of the crim restrict drug trafficking in this country. inals have knighthoods and if we do not get It is has become an absolute public scan them behind bars we will have sharply in dal that, at a time of economic recession, creased expenditure in the community wel many factories, shops and business proper fare services area. I would be surprised if ties are being burnt down. Arsonists are for any honourable member would not put or hire. Hundreds of millions of dollars are ganized crime as the No. I problem in soci made by arson crime syndicates. The latest ety. gag is for criminal arsonists to douse a cat in petrol, set the poor creature alight, and Mr Gavin-What about unemployment? send it scuttling through a factory. Mr WILLIAMS-In part, unemploy That is how a few recent fires occurred ment results from the desperation caused and that is the sort of problem that the po by the manifestations of drug traffickers and lice are facing. I agree with Bob Bottom that their dire effect on our young children. I am organized crime in this country is untouch concerned that so little has been done in able. It has become so powerful that it can this area. I was pleased to read in the Costi protect itself, by corruption from outside gan Interim Report, Volume 5, the praise interference. for the police Task Force Zebra. I had a Mr FOGARTY (Sunshine )-On a point little to do with the establishment of that of order, Mr Acting Chairman, the honour task force when I raised Cain about illegal able member for Doncaster should be dis bookmakers in this city. My colleague in cussing whether he is for or against the another place, the former Minister, Mr Jock allocations made in the Budget by the Granter, took my views seriously. The then Treasurer. Honourable members heard this Premier, the Honourable Lindsay Thomp speech this morning, last night and during son, took my views seriously and, as a re each and every debate on the motion for the sult, Task Force Zebra was established under adjournment of the sitting. The honourable the administration of Inspector Pittaway. Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill 20 October 1983 ASSEMBLY 1353
That is how the squad came to be known as In the past few days, the Minister of the "Pittaway Pirates". Transport introduced the new tram fairway scheme which will mean that the Police Mr Costigan points out that the illegal Force will be turned into a revenue collec bookmaking industry is robbing the ordi tion service. A person caught driving within nary working people of tens of millions of the yellow lines of a tram fairway will have dollars every year and causing people in to pay a fine of $150. The Police Force is highly-placed positions in commercial en not a revenue collection service. If police terprises to become addicted to gambling. have to book motorists for this offence that He said a number. of embezzlements are will not help public relations with the com due to the operations of starting-price book munity. makers in Melbourne. Unfortunately, the Minister for Police and Mr Costigan points out that a vast range Emergency Services has not fought hard of activities need to be policed by a highly enough for funds for the police. It is a sad skilled and serviced Police Force. He men day when a Government that puts money tioned crimes ranging from murder to com in to some crazy schemes in other areas pany manipulations. He is sure that if the does not give the Police Force the attention police were given adequate assistance they it deserves. would clamp down on some of the people The Government promised that an addi responsible for those crimes. tional 1000 police would be employed. With I am disappointed that some people in inflation, the Budget does not even cover the Australian Labor Party are still viewing the present wages bill, so no new police will organized crime so blandly. Despite the fact be employed under the Budget allocation that the proposed crimes commission had for this financial year. That means that if the support of the Commonwealth Attor the Government is to honour its commit ney-General, Senator Evans, there are some ment it will have to employ an additional people in the Federal Labor Party caucus 1000 police next year. When one considers who, for reasons I cannot understand, will the way the Government manages the econ not put their weight behind fighting people omy I cannot see that happening. It is about who are the most vicious anti-working class time the Government came clean and told people. Members of the Labor Party in Can the truth. berra are defending these criminals and I I believe the Police Force has not been want to know why. properly consulted. No doubt the police will Mr LEIGH (Malvern)-When one looks view that section of the Budget as a slap in at the provision of funds under Division the face and will reply at some point in fu 187 for travelling expenses this year, the ture. The Opposition will assist the Police Police Force has received a cutback. That is Force in trying to get more money out of unfortunate when one considers that it cost the Government. in the vicinity of $1 million to track down Mr TANNER (Caulfield)-Prior to the three of the escapees from Jika Jika. A fig suspension of the sitting, I was speaking on ure of $230 000 is allocated in the Budget Division 187 with respect to expenditure on for the transport of prisoners, search parties the Police Force. The allocation for Divi and traffic schools. That is unacceptable. sion 187-Police-Is $292 588 700 for this It is intolerable that the Police Force has financial year compared with $288 903 753 to find money to pay for the mistakes of the last financial year. That is an increase of a Minister for Community Welfare Services. little over 1 per cent-a miserable 1 per I am sure that the community in general cent! would find that intolerable. There has also According to Government figures, it esti been a cutback in the funds provided for mates that the consumer price index for the the purchase of new vehicles. One would coming financial year will increase by more have thought that with the increase in the than 7 per cent. I would be surprised if it growth of crime in society and the fact that does not increase by far more than that pro insurance premiums increase proportion jection. The Government has also proposed ately with the increase in crime, the Police that this year its taxes and charges upon the Force would have received more attention community will increase by almost 14 per than it has received from the Government. cent. Yet all the Government can find for 1354 ASSEMBLY 20 October 1983 Appropriation (1983-84, No. 1) Bill the Police Force is an increase of a little The child care programme has been allo over 1 per cent. That amount will certainly cated $304000. It is distressing to note the not help the police to meet the demands result of the divorce rate. It is also distress imposed upon them by the community. One ing to note the need to allocate $1 million can only assume that the Chief Commis to the youth accommodation services pro sioner of Police will have to impose strict gramme. Australia is a so-called affluent so house-keeping measures. ciety. However, too often parents have I am informed by the Secretary of the unreal aspirations for their sons and daugh Victoria Police Association that the Chief ters. When their sons and daughters do not Commissioner of Police may be required to attain those aspirations, they are literally close the police academy for up to six thrown out of home by their hard-headed months during this financial year. The rea parents. I pay tribute to the Trinity Angli son is that sufficient provision has not been can Church in Church Street, Doncaster, made for the employment of additional po which has established emergency accom lice. That situation will have dire conse modation for homeless youth in the area I quences for the Victorian community. The represent. Similarly, the Baptist Church in Government must be condemned for pro Blackburn also performs a magnificent job viding such a small increase in funding for in this regard. However, the number of the police. homeless youth is a grave indictment on parents. Prior to the suspension of the sitting, the Minister for the Arts, sometimes known as It is all very well for me to speak of the the Minister for Police and Emergency situation that exists in a middle-class envi Services, was at the table. I know he was ronment. There must be appalling prob aware that this debate was continuing but lems in the so-called industrial western he has not bothered to reappear in the suburbs. Chamber this evening. I will leave it to the Mr Fogarty-We had 27 years of Liberal community to decide whether the Minister rule. is concerned about an increase of a little Mr WILLIAMS-The problems of over 1 per cent that has been allocated to homeless youth are a direct derivative of the Police Force which has had some diffi the economic breakdown on society that has culty in meeting its commitment to the precious little to do with either Liberal or community in the last financial year be Labor Governments. The economy suffers cause of a lack of funds. if people, for various selfish reasons, do not ~ve a fair days work for a fair days pay and COMMUNITY WELFARE SERVICES If management does not keep up with tech Mr WILLIAMS (Doncaster)-Division nological developments. The unfortunate 244 represents an important area of com aspect of the economy is that when re munity welfare services. It is distressing to trenchments occur, those retrenchments note the number of breakdowns of families usually affect the employees with the least and the effect the economic downturn has experience, namely young people. had upon family life. The Government The Minister for Community Welfare would do well to establish family interven Services faces the appalling responsibility tion crises units similar to those established of having to care for the casualties of the in South Australia. Under that system, so economy. Unless the economic policies of cial welfare workers and members of the the Government work, even greater strain Police Force and others provide counsel and will be placed on the welfare system. One support for battered wives and so on. wonders from where the taxes will be de As the number of family breakdowns in rived to pay for social welfare services. It is crease, so does the strain on taxpayers. It is disgraceful that in one of the most wonder deplorable to note the ease with which mar ful countries of the world, approximately 2 ried couples with children can obtain a di million people should be living below the vorce. The divorce rate places an enormous poverty line. strain on all welfare agencies. Indeed, the No one would begrudge the helping hand Minister of Housing recently complained of given to people at the bottom end of the the strain placed on welfare housing by the social scale. However, if the Government high divorce rate. does not get its economic act together, so-