Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 1978

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

2738 Papers [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Ministerial Statements

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

ALLEGATIONS REGARDING BUSINESS TRANS­ ACTIONS OF MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MAIN ROADS Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast-Min­ ister for Local Government and Main Roads) (11.5 a.m.): I bning 1to the attention of the House the latest examples 'Of sensa­ tionalist media propaganda directed at me by members opposite, and others, as pa·rt of a very deliberate campaign to besmirch my own and my family's reputation, and to drag the integrity and standing of this House, and this Government, to their own base level. I refer to an article published in the latest edition of "The National Times" and to TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 1978 simu1taneous c]a,ims and ~comments made by the member for Archerfield (Mr. Kevin Hooper), following on a question in a similar vein ,in this House last Thuj;sday by the member for Murrumba (Mr. Kruger). Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. J. E. H. Houghton, I believe that these laJtest examples-the Redcliffe) read prayers and took the chair unsourced and unsubstant,iaJted "National at 11 a.m. Times" aDticle, which quotes nobody and proves nothing, but implies and suggests things dark and de~ious ~involving everybody, PAPERS and the simultaneously released statements by the Opposition spokesmen, Mr. Hooper The following papers were laid on the and the member for Po!'t Cu11tis (Mr. Prest) table, and ordered to be printed:- -show the depths to which this Oppooition Reports- will sink to b11ing discredit to this House, State Service Superannuation Board, for this Government and this State 1that it cla:ims 1977-78. to serve. Builders' Registration Board of Queens­ Let me say again that I have absolutely land, for 1977-78. nothing to hide. Mr. Hooper and 'anyone Air Pollution Council of Queensland, for else can search official records for as long 1977-78. as they like in their scurrilous attempts to Government Gas Engineer and Chief "hang" on me something illegal or shady Gas Examiner, for 1977-78. in ·respect of my legitimate business Department of Welfare Services, for transactions. 1977-78. They've tried hard enough so far, and they The following papers were laid on the have failed miserably ,to substantiate any of table:- their outlandish claims and suggest,ions. They'H continue to pmve nothing, simply Proclamations under the Forestry Act because there is nothing to prove. 1959-1976. No doubt, as the next phase in this very Orders in Council under- predictable campaign, we will have follow­ State Development and Public Works up questions and the like in this House again Organization Act 1971-1978. this week. No doubt the member for Arch­ Harbours Act 1955-1976. erfield (Mr. Hooper), or one of hi's maJtes The Supreme Court Act of 1921. whom he's able to con :into it, will indulge Forestry Act 1959-1976. in some more .of the sensationalist muck­ raking that we've come to expedt from Regulations under- Mr. Hooper and his kind. Queensland Marine Act 1958-1975. The tragedy of it all is that this Parlia­ Appeal Costs Fund Act 1973. ment and the people of Queens1and should Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971-1977. have to stomach this sort of personal abuse Contractors' Trust Accounts Act 1974- and blood~lett:ing over a member's private 1978. and 'legit,imate business affairs, instead of Co-operative and Other Societies Act Padiament's gettJing on with the job of 1967-1978. legislating and governing. By-laws under the Harbours Act 1955- Let me assure the House that, in the case 1976. of the land referred to in "The National Times" article, all aspects of the very pro­ Report of the Dumaresq-Barwon Border tracted negotiations and transactions were, Rivers Commission for 1977-78. and are, 1egal 1and above board. Precisely Ministerial Statements [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Ministerial Statements 2739

the same rules, regulations and procedures that the A.L.P.'s back-room hatchet men applied to me as would have applied to should choose the member for Murrumba to anyone else. pose this particular question. What is the Mr. Hooper says I should resign or at honourable member getting white for? Is least be stood down pending a full investiga­ he shivering in his shoes? Well, he can tion. Let me make it clear that, because I just sit and cop it! have no reason to resign, I won't be It is perhaps not widely known that 1:fr. resigning. Kruger himself is involved in extractive Mr. Prest says he'll reveal his financial industry in the Pine Riv~rs SJ::ire, wh.ile interests cif I'll reveal mine. I've a1ready told being a member of the Pme R1vers Sh1re him three times in this House that, if all the Council, and of this Pa:diament, and involved 23 members opposite reveal all their private in making important decisions in these areas. affairs, I'll do likewise. I repeat it. But I For the information of all honourable mem­ doubt whether they have the guts to do it. bers and particularly for those on the other When the member for Pont Curnis can show side of this Chamber who weren't told, me ,that he has a similar undertaking from didn't know, or didn't want to know, a permit his 22 so-cailed mates, I'U talk to him was issued in 1969 allowing E. D. Greig to further on that score. extract sand and gravel from land owned by F. W. & R. C. Kruger at Kallangur. Mr. Burns: You reveal yours. In 1976 an annexure to the agreement stated that 20c per cubic metre was to be Mr. HINZE: Boy, would the people of paid to Kmger for all material sold from Queensland like to have a look at ·the affairs the Pine River whether passing through the of the Leader of the Opposition! Why plant on his property or being raw material. doesn',t he take up my challenge? He gets paid even though the g_ravel comc;s Mr. Burns: I will table mine if you table from the river and not necessanly from h1s yours. land. Now how much has Kruger been paid Mr. HINZE: I want the 23 Opposit~on between 1969 and 1976, and 1976 and now? members to reveal theirs. I'm told about $80,000 a year. Mr. Burns: No. I will table mine. Mr. Kruger: That is not correct. Mr. HINZE: No, the 23 of them. Mr. HINZE: Fancy the honourable mem­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! ber having the infernal guts to stand up and ask me a question. He should look Honourable Members interjected. at himself. Lf we multiply $80,000 by 9 we can get a fair idea of Mr. Kruger's Mr. SPEAKER: Order! This House will v~sted interests. Against this background, come to order. When the jacarandas come I can't really understand what the member is into bloom, the fighting starts in the House. drivincr at with his question. Is he saying It has been going on for weeks. Christmas it's O~K. for La:bor Opposition members to is approaching, so I th~nk it is about time have business interests, but not for members that honourable members. started to show on this side of the House? It is merely a goodwill to all men. question of degree? Does the member feel compromised by Mr. HINZE: And the A.L.P.'s absolute his own position and interests in the question financial wizardry when in power (in Queens­ he has asked, as he suggests that I should be? land 21 years ago, and federally only a few Obviously, he and those faceless men. in years ago) is sti11 sufficiently fresh in the the Opposition's vicious little muck-rakmg minds of Queenslanders for them not to think-tank didn't really give much thought want a bar of it-election returns in recent to it before the member for Murrumba was years are eloquent testimony to that. suckered into asking this question. Incidentally, I was forewarned a couple But to be more specific, it's common of weeks ago that I could expect some sort knowledge that I have interests in a gravel­ of set-up story in "The National Times" on extraction business-rather a family company the Coomera land issue, and that, simultane­ involving me and my sons. These would ously, I could expect the attack which came probably be the best-known gravel operations from the member for Archerfield (Mr. in Queensland, because of the publicity gen­ Hooper), the muck-raker. I wasn't at all erated by the mud that people like Mr. surprised, then, at the turn of events. They've Kruger, Mr. Hooper and others have thrc:·wn gone pretty well according to the script ~but, of course, have failed to make st1ck. I was alerted to, and no doubt another mud­ slinging effort by the member for Archer­ I have never tried to hide details of my field will be the next phase. business affairs. What they net my family and me is my family's business and mine, I turn now to the substance and intent not that of the mernber for Murrumba or of a question directed to me last Thursday anyone else, except the taxman, of course, by the member for Murrumba (Mr. Kruger). who gets his usual pound and a-half of I must admit that I was somewhat surprised flesh. 2740 Ministerial Statements [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Ministerial Statements

The Opposition has raked around like pigs deliberately waited till 5 to 12 on Thursday in muck trying to find something illegal, to ask a question, orchestrated behind the shady or dirty about this and my other scenes by Jack Stanaway, who's so crooked business interests. he couldn't lie straight in bed. The whole Opposition Members interjected. lot of them got together and organised a question to be asked at 5 to 12. It was some­ Mr. HINZE: I've got them worried, thing that had been distributed to the news haven't I, the bludgers. They thought they media two days previously. The "Gold Coast were going to have it all their own way. Bulletin" published it before it was a docu­ Have a look at them. They can go home ment privileged in this House. and cry; they are bludgers; that's all they Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, the time is now are. ripe for you to exercise the powers given to Opposition Members interjected. you by this Parliament and to steer its members to the course of governing by dis­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have warned all allowing the garbage-and I repeat "garbage" honourable members on my left and on my -that comes out of the mouths of some right. The next member to interject will be Labor back-benchers in their contributions to dealt with under Standing Order 123A. I this House. warn all honourable members to obey the rules of the House. If they do not conform Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I draw the atten­ to their own Standing Orders, I will have tion of honourable members to the proce­ to deal with them. dure at question-time. It is not a matter of my Speakership. Any member can ask a Mr. HINZE: They've even set up artificial question-nobody wants to see Parliament land deal scandals and other alleged con­ become a tame cat-but it is entirely within troversies through newspapers, radio and the Minister's prerogative whether he T.V. in their attempts to embarrass me and answers it. That applies whether the question get rid of me-but they've failed miserably is upon or without notice. on all counts. However, I, too, appeal to all members. The rather pointless question of the mem­ Some of the garbage that comes out of the ber for Murrumba is another sleazy episode in mouths of some members on my left is the whole sordid saga-which apparently this disgraceful. I have said before that the House is going to have to put up with for dignity and decorum of this Parliament is at a while longer yet while there are, regret­ such a low ebb that honourable members tably, members like him and the member should straighten themselves out and bring for Archerfield in this Chamber. the dignity back to its former standard. The However, as I have said before, I have future of democracy in this State-the future nothing to hide, and I'm quite prepared to of Parliament itself--is in your hands. Public take Opposition members on a "Cook's opinion of parliamentarians is entirely in tour" of all my business interests, starting your hands. with the very-well-run and efficient Hinze I have spoken before about abiding by the dairy farm, the Farleigh and Lewers gravel rules of the Chair and putting a bit of operations on Hinze land nearby, the rural/ decorum and dignity back into this House. residential land development across the road Within the last six or 12 months, I have (and referred to in "The National Times" tried everything in my power to get the article), land on the Gold Coast where proceedings on an even keel again so that I propose to build home units. I will the welfare of parliamentarians and their of course, my beloved horses. I will standards is appreciated by everybody. Now pay for the trip-but I won't be paying it is entirely in your hands. for a bus to take Bill D' Arcy, because he's got a $58,000 car. However, I'll ,tell the If I deal with anybody harshly-there is House all about that tomorrow. That's the no doubt about it; I have probably been too next episode. weak-he will really deserve it. I cannot In conclusion, honourable members can stress too strongly that members should put speak to my legal advisers (Messrs. Short, their own house in order; if they do not, I Punch & Greatorix of Surfers Paradise), my shall deal with them very harshly. accountant (Bob Murphy of Murphy, Downie & Co., Surfers Paradise) and my bank (the Commercial Bank of Australia) at ADELAIDE BRIGHTON CEMENT LIMITED the Treasury Branch and the Southport Hon. N. E. LEE (Yeronga-Minister for Branch. However, I want the same courtesy Industry and Administrative Services) (11.20 extended to me in relation to all members a.m.): I would like to refer to the issue opposite. If they want to have a look at my of Adelaide Brighton Cement Limited, and affairs, I want to have a look at theirs. particulady the way in which the Opposition In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, you would be Leader (Mr. Burns) has chosen to involve aware of concern expressed by members of himself in it on behalf of the company. the Federal Parliament-and, indeed, by the He has made a lot of statements about it Prime Minister-about these smear-tactic which are not in keeping with the facts­ questions and statements. The Opposition which, to put it bluntly, amount to the Ministerial Statements [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Ministerial Statements 2741 company's wanting to dump its product Queensland home is between 8.5 and 1.3 here and lessen employment opportunities for tonnes. In other words, even if we accept Queenslanders. the exaggeration of Mr. Burns on increased The State Government was not ready to costs for cement, which I do not, the increase go along with that proposal, but Mr. Bums, on the figures suppiied would be an average who always claims he has the interests of of $45 per house approximately. So much the Queensland workers at heart, seemed to for the $100 increase. think it was preferable to a Queensland Again, Mr. Burns thought this up for company being encouraged to expand and the Sherwood by-election, because the issue open up many more job opportunities for affects the Sherwood electorate. Queenslandern. The plain fact is that on Instead of ha~f... baked truths, what we this matter Mr. Burns is as off-key as a would reap are many benefits to Queens­ honky4onk piano. landers-not southerners. The money would The Queensland Cement & Lime Co. Ltd. stay in Queensland to boost our own economy now employs 530 people. It will employ instead of going interstate; Gladstone's pros­ an additional 150 at its projected plant at perity would be increased; and, as well as Gladstone. The construction programme the new jobs that would be created direcHy, will provide 250 to 300 jobs on top of this. more employment opportunities could be I wonder whether those workers, the people expected in anciJ.lary industries. Does Mr. of Gladstone, and trade unionists in general Burns expect us to stand by and see Queens­ agree with Mr. Bums, or whether they land Cement & Lime crucified while southern now know he speaks with a forked tongue companies supply clinker here at dumped whenever the political situation suits him, pdces-all because of the mismanagement of such a~ in the campaign for the Sherwood the South Australian and New South Wales by-election. economies whcich has caused an over-supply Unlike Mr. Burns, I am going to stick to of southern-manufactured cement? Is that the truth. He said the Queensland Govern­ what Mr. Burns and the A.L.P. think of ment's encouragement of the expansion of Queenslanders' jobs? Let the southern com­ Queen&land Cement & Lime will lead to panies come to Queensland and manufacture cement prices being higher here than in cement from start to fin~h in this State and ether States. That again is a distortion of our Government would welcome them. the facts, and in my day a distortion of the Mr. Bums: No, you wouldn't. facts was commonly known as a lie. True· fact No. 1 is that the Bri~bane­ Mr. LEE: We would welcome them. delivered price for bulk cement is $48.66 We looked into all aspects of the matter a tonne. True fact No. 2 is that the present before deciding to give preference to Queens­ price for bulk cement delivered in Sydney laud-owned companies over southern-owned is $7.08 a tonne dearer, at $55.74 a tonne. companies that would use Queensland as a True fact No. 3 is that the present price dumping ground for their products. for bulk cement delivered in Newcastle, New South Wales----Brisbane-delivered bulk Queensland company and Queensland workers. cement would be higher than it is now-and Has Mr. Burns not heard of our "Buy building coots, too, would be higher. If Queensland Made" campaign, or does the Mr. Burns disputes that statement, it will A.L.P. show its support only for southern only be in line with all the other reckless companies? statements he has made. We will continue to help southern com­ Let us take another false claim. We are panies wanting to expand here where we told that Government support for Queensland think Queensland will benefit from it. Yes­ Cement & Lime's expansion programme will terday, for instance, I announced that we increase the price of new houses by between had provided incentives to induce Katies $7.50 and $10 for each tonne of cement Limited to come here with plans to open a used, and that this would amount to $100 factory which will initially create 400 jobs. for a "typical" Queensland house. These Queenslanders are entitled to ask themselves are the true facts. I have been advised by if Tom Burns and the southern companies the Queensland Housing Commission that have the interests of Queensland workers at the amount of cement used in an average heart. 2742 Financial Administration, &c., Bill [21 NovEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice

I hope the newspapers involved will now PRIMARY PRODUCERS' CO-OPERATIVE give as much space to the truth as they did ASSOCIATIONS ACT AMENDMENT to the distortions and biased claims made BILL by Mr. Burns. THIRD READING Bill, on motion of Mr. Sullivan, read a PETITIONS third time. NEw PoLicE STATION AT JINDALEE Mr. BURNS (Lytton-Leader of the AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS Opposition) presented a petition from 416 DISTRLBUTION CONTROL ACT residents of Jamboree Heights and Jindalee AMENDMENT BILL praying that the Parliament of Queensland will instruct the Queensland Government to THIRD READING construct a new modern police station at Bill, on motion of Mr. Sullivan, read a Jindalee to service the needs of residents of third time. the Centenary suburbs. Petition read and received. QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE POINTS SYSTEM FOR CANCELLING OR 1. LIVE CATTLE ElXPORTS SusPENDING DRIVERs' LicENCES Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. AUSTIN (Wavell) presented a petition Minister for Primary Industries- from 584 citizens of Queensland praying that the Parliament of Queensland will (!) With reference to the recent export legislate forthwith to overcome the situation shipments of live cattle from Brisbane to which is causing undue hardships in these Japan, how many export shipments of live times of unemployment, because drivers are cattle have passed through Queensland forfeiting their livelihood and employment ports since 1 January 1977, and what is the by the points system cancelling or suspending total number of cattle involved? their licences for minor breaches. (2) In relation to each individual ship­ Petition read and received. ment during this period- (a) What was the date and port of departure and the country of destination? PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM PORNOGRAPHIC CHILD-ABUSE MATERIALS, PUBLICATIONS (b) How many cattle were involved, OR FILMS and what was the estimated export value of each transaction? Mr. AUSTIN (Wavell) presented a pet­ (c) What was the name of the con­ ition from 11 citizens of Queensland pray­ signee and likewise the overseas company ing that the Parliament of Queensland will or individual taking delivery? protect all children and immediately prohibit (d) Do the Japanese businessmen pornographic child-abuse materials, publica­ (Yohachiro Iwasaki and Albert Aoki) tions or films. and the Brazilian (Sebastiao Maia) have Petition read and received. any association with any of the export deals and, if so, in what way? SPORTING FIELD AND OVAL, DAKABIN STATE HIGH SCHOOL Answers:- ( I) My depa11tment does not have Mr. KRUGER (Murrumba) presented a records of live ca,ttle eX:ports and I refer petition from 235 electors of Murrumba the honourable leader of the Opposition praying that the Parliament of Queensland to the Commonwealth Department of will undertake, as a matter of urgency, the Primary Industry for such informat,ion as provision of an oval and sports field at it may have. Dakabin State High School. (2) Since I am not aware of the details Petition read and received. of any shipment, I do not know whether 'the Japanese businessmen {Yohaohiro FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION AND Iwasakii and Aclbert Aoki) and the Brazil­ AUDIT ACT AMENDMENT BILL ian (Sebastiao Maia) are associated with any of the exponts. INITIATION Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah -Premier): I move- 2. WATER FOR CATTLE IN TRANSIT "That the House will, at its present Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of Minister for Mines, Energy and Police- the Whole to consider introducing a Bill (1) Is he aware that a cattle train from to amend the Financial Administration and Emerald and Clermont arrived at the Audit Act 1977 in certain particulars." M.P.A.B. saleyards at Cannon Hill on or Motion agreed to. around 8 November at approximately Questions Upon Notice [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice 2743

8.45 p.m., that the M.P.A.B. has a policy 4. CREDIT CARDS AND CHEQUES, BUILDING of turning off water at these saleyards at SociETIEs 9 p.m. and that, as a result, cattle on this train were unable to obtain water until at Mr. Milliner, pursuant to notice, asked the least 2 or 3 p.m. the next day? Minister for Justice and Attorney-Genera;l- (1) Has he investigated the statement in (2) Are agents now insuring cattle "The Sunday Mail" by the S.G.I.O. Build­ transported on trains and, as a result, has ing Society Chairman, Mr. Eric Riding, the number of train drovers employed that the society was considering a scheme been reduced, thus creating a situation to introduce credit cards for its customers? where many cattle receive little or no water during the long train trips? (2) Are building societies entitled to issue credit cards and cheques, thus acting (3) As this is a cruel and inhumane more as a bank than as a building society? practice, will he ensure that an investiga­ tion is carried out in to this particular Answers:­ matter to see that this type of treatment does not occur again? (!) Yes. (2) T:he Registrar of Building Societies has advised me that he is arranging to Answers:- seek legal advice on a specific proposal (1) No. presently before him as to whether a particular building society is entitled to (2) The matter of insurance of cattle allow its members to operate cheque and employment of drovers is one for the account facilities through its banker. individual agent or owner. Legal advice available to me indicates that there is no Should any society seek to introduce a onus on the owners of stock oc the Rail­ credit card facility, legal advice will be way Department to provide a drover. sought in relation to the specific arrange­ ment that is proposed. (3) Should the honourable member become aware of information in future concerning allegations of cruelty to cattle, 5. DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR the Commissioner of PoLice wiU arrange to YOUNG PEOPLE have them investigated immediately he is made aware of the relevant facts. Mr. Powell, pursuant to notice, asked the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health- (1) Has the report on page three of "The Sunday Mail" of 12 November headed 3. ALLEGED PoLICE INVOLVEMENT IN "Alarming rise in number of teen drunks" DRUG TRAFFICKING, NORTH QUEENSLAND been brought to his attention? Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the (2) Does his department have evidence Minister for Mines, Energy and Police- that agrees with the article? (1) With reference to the drug activity (3) What education programmes does in North Queensland, is it a fact that, his department undertake to warn young apart' from the late Constable Connor, people of the dangers of the use and abuse serious allegations concerning drugs have of alcohol and other drugs? been made in recent years against at least seven other police officers or former police Answers:­ officers in North Queensland (names (!) Yes. supplied)? (2) I am advised that two recent surveys, (2) Were some of the investigations separated by a number of years, have not into such allegations followed by transfer shown any increase in drinking by school­ of an officer and, if so, how many were children. Also, there has not been any transferred? increase in the use by teenagers, in recent (3) How many of these men are still years, of the clinical services provided by in the force? my department's Alcohol and Drug Depend­ ence Service. (3) The Division of Health Education Answers:- and Information in my department pro­ (!) Allegations were made in respect vides resource material for schoolteachers of five of the officers named. However, in the field of drug education, and has investigatiollls carried out f

6. UsE OF AsBESTOS AS BUILDING as saying that he is not directing his INSULATING MATERIAL remarks at officers of the Department of Children's Services. Mr. Powell, pursuant to notice, asked the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health- (1) Is he aware of the claim made on 8. SELLERS OF DANGEROUS GoODS the ABC programme "Four Corners" on Mr. Austin, pursuant to notice, asked the 11 November, that asbestos is being used Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- as an insulating material in some ceilings of houses and commercial buildings? As a person endangered has no proper means to detect defects, is section 289 of (2) In view of the publicity surrounding the Criminal Code sufficiently explicit to this material and its links with disease include people who knowingly sell to the leading to death, will he have the matter public goods that may endanger life, thoroughly investigated so that, if found safety or health and, if not, will he amend to be ,injurious to health, the material will the code? be banned and companies that have installed it will be 'instructed to replace it at their cost? Answer:- Under section 289 of the Criminal Code, Answers:- a person who is in charge of or has under his control anything which in the absence (1) Yes. of care or precaution in its use or (2) The Division of Industrial Medicine management, may injure the life, safety of my department has been aware of the or health of any person is obliged problem for some time. Some years ago to exercise the degree of care which asbestos was commonly used in ceilings, the law requires and, in the absence but from inquiries made over the last few of such care, is criminally responsible for months it would seem that builders are any injury to any person caused by or not using this material for ceilings at the through such thing. A typical instance of present time. I am advised that there is a dangerous thing is a motor vehicle. no necessity to remove this material pro­ Section 289 deals with criminal negligence, vided the ceilings are well sealed, and which is substantially different in degree any repairs should be effected with non­ from the degree of negligence which will asbestos material. render a person civilly liable. The section does not apply except where a person has the dangerous thing in his 7. ALLEGATIONS OF ADVICE BY WELFARE control. In the case where there is a sale WoRKERS TO LEAVE HoME of anything, control passes from the ven­ dor. The result is that section 289 would Mr. Powell, pursuant to notice, asked the not apply to the selling of something which Minister for Welfare- is dangerous for one reason or another, (!) How far have investigations pro­ including the existence of defects. There ceeded into the statement by the eminent is nothing in the Criminal Code which Director of the Shaftesbury Citizenship applies to the selling of any dangerous Centre, Rev. Alan Male, wherein he claimed item. Various provisions are made in the that some young and presumably inexperi­ law in this regard, for instance, section enced welfare workers were advising young 124A of the Health Act which enables the people to leave their homes? Director-General of Health and Medical Services to prohibit in writing the sale of (2) Has he found that Rev. Male's any article capable of causing bodily harm statement is largely correct? or discomfort. In the case of motor vehicles, provision is made in the Inspection (3) Will he direct officers of his depart­ of Machinery Act for the inspection of ment t0 adhere to Government practice motor vehicles and for requirements for in the matter of family unity and, if they the obtaining of roadworthy certificates in will not, invite them to find other employ­ relation to the sale of second-hand vehicles. ment? If the honourable member cares to Answer:- advise me of particular matters which he has in mind, consideration will be given (1 to 3) Following the publication of to determining what changes, if any, are remarks regarding welfare workers attri­ required to the criminal law in respect of buted to the Director of the Shaftesbury the sale of dangerous things. If the ques­ Citizenship Centre, Rev. Alan Male, I tion relates to the sale of defective motor directed senior officers of my department vehicles, the matter might more properly to write to him. Rev. Male has replied be dealt with under the Inspection of to the request, but he is not able to quote Machinery Act, which is administered by specific instances that might assist my my colleague the Honourable the Minister officers in any investigation. He is reported for Labour Relations. Questions Upon Notice [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice 2745

9. TRANSFER oF ScHOOL DEAF UNIT Answers:- Mr. Austin, pursuant to notice, asked the ( I) An entitlement for an endorsed Minister for Education- licence to operate in Moreton Bay exists if- Is the Deaf Unit attached to the Leich­ (a) the vessel has operated under a hardt Ward State School, Rockhampton, ,permit in the Moreton Bay prawn fish­ being transferred to the Glenmore State ery for one of the three years 1975, School and, if so, when will the relocation 1976 or 1977; or be completed? (b) the vessel has an endorsed licence Answer:- at the time of its sak to a new owner. It is proposed to transfer the Deaf Unit Any endorsement fm a vessel which does from Leichhardt Ward State School, Rock­ not meet these criteria would have to be hampton, to Glenmore State School after cons,idered as a special case on grounds a new unit has been constructed. At the such as personal hardship. present time it is not possible to give (2) Since 1 January 1978, three prawn the completion date of this unit. trawling vessels exceeding 14 m in length have been apprehended and reported by officers of the Queensland Boating and 10. QUALIFICATION FOR ISSUE OF MASTER Fisheries Patrol for fishing in Moreton FISHERMEN'S LICENCE Bay. Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked the (3) At the time of their appreheno;ion, Minister for Maritime Services and all three licensees had applied for endorse­ Tourism- ment on compassionate grounds and two had already been informed that a tempor­ ( 1) Is the mm I m urn yalue of catch marketed in 1978, which is $4,500, to ary endorsement v.ould be issued. Because qualify for a master fishermen's licence of the possibil[ty of a misunderstanding by in 1979 being strictly policed? the licensees, no charges were laid. How­ ever, a caution was issued in one case. (2) How many fishermen who did not sell the minimum value of fish in 1977 were granted a licence for 1978? 12 & 13. CABINET MINUTE, RATIFICATION BY GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL Answers:- (!) Yes, in the sense that, in accordance Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked with the criteria laid down, anyone who the M'inister for Justice and Attorney­ does not have an acceptable reason for Geneml- failing to meet the catch quota does not (1) Does a Cabinet minute which has get his licence renewed. not been ratified by the Governor in (2) This information is not readily avail­ Council have any authority in law? able in detailed form. However, approxi­ (2) Did the Cabinet minute on which mately one-third of the fishermen licensed the Auditor-General based his authority to in 1977 either did not apply for or were investigate members' travel privileges have refused renewal in 1978, and most of these ratification by the Governor in Council? drop-outs occurred probably because of (3) If this minute had no authority, difficulties in meeting the catch quota. The why did the Auditor-General name 23 number of fishermen exempted from meet­ members? ing the quota on such grounds as personal incapacity through sickness or injury, or Answers:- vessel incapacity through breakdown or ( I) A Cabinet decision is essentially one loss, is estimated to be less than 5 per cent of policy. J,t becomes effective in so of all renewals in 1978. far as it is implemented by a person hav­ ing the legal ca:paoity in the particubr circumstances, for example, the Governor 11. TRAWLERS EXCEEDING 14 METRES IN in Council or a Minister. LENGTH (2) The powers of the Auditor-General Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked are given by statute and are not con­ the Minister for Maritime Services and ferred upon him by the Govemor in Tourism- Coundl. (!) What requirements have to be met (3) The special report and its contents to enable a licence to be issued to operate are the responsibility of the Auditor­ in Moreton Bay when a fishing trawler General. exceeds 14 m in length? (2) From 1 J'anuary to date, how many ve,>els exceeding 14 m were booked by Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to noVice, asked boating patrol officers? the Premier- (3) How many were charged with a With reference to the Constitution Act breach of the regulations and what reasons 1867-1977 and especially sections 18, 19, were given for not charging the remainder? 34, 35 and 39 wherein it clearly states that 2746 Questions Upon Notice [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice

no money Vote or Bill is lawful unless Answers:- recommended by the Governor in Council (!) 33. and that no part of public revenues may be issued except on warrants from the (2) One registrar, one chief building Governor, will he explain why he allowed inspector, one senior building inspector, Cabinet minutes to be the sole authority nine building inspectors, one administration to issue moneys in the form of travel officer, five clerks, eight stenographers and warrants to members and their spouses? seven clerk/typists. (3) Yes. Answer:- (4) See answer to (3). The honourable member is under a mis­ apprehension. The moneys appropriated 16. PROSECUTION AND DEREGISTRATION by Parliiamen:t to the Crown were appro­ OF BUILDERS priated on the recommendation of the Governor and were issued on warrants Mr. Mackenroth, pursuant to notice, asked from the Governor. the Minister for Works and Housing- (!) How many builders have been prosecuted for not being registered with (a) 14. PARLIAMENTARY APPROPRIATIONS AND the Builders' Registration Board of Queens­ EXPENDITURE ON MEMBERS' land and (b) the House-builders' Registra­ AIR TRAVEL ,tion Board of Queensland? (2) How many registered builders have Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked been deregistered by (a) the Builders' the Treasurer- Registration Board of Queensland and (b) (1) What was the total appropriation of the House-builders' Registration Board of moneys for the management of the House Queensland, and for what reasons? of Parliament for 1976-77 and 1977-78? Answers:- (2) How much money was allocated (!) (a) 274; (b) 4. for air travel for members (a) from their electorates to Parliament House, (b) inter­ (2) (a) 1,148. state with or without spouses and (c) Reasons:- intrastate with or without spouses? Company in liquidation or (3) How much money was actually used wound up 23 on the allocations in part (2) of this Firm unable to pay debts 1 question? Bankruptcy .. 31 Registration obtained by mis- representation 2 Answers:- Incompetence or negligence 13 No nominee 21 (1) Expenditure from the Votes of the Failure to pay roll fee 1,056 Legislative Assembly for 1976-77 and 1977- Convicted of an indictable 78 were $2,775,588 and $3,339,084 respec­ offence 1 tively, as shown on page 8 of the Estimates of the Probable Ways and Means of (b) 14. Expenditure for 1977-78 and the current Reasons:- financial year. Company in liquidation or (2 & 3) Treasury records do not extend wound up 3 to detailed dissections of expenditures No nominee 5 charged in line items in the Estimates, Convicted of an indictable and ,I would refer the honourable member offence 1 to the Clerk of Parliament. Incompetence or negligence 3 Bankruptcy 1 Not a fit and proper person to be registered 15. BUILDERS' REGISTRATION BOARD STAFF Mr. Mackenroth, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Works and Housing- 17. WAITING-TIME FOR PUBLIC HOUSING (1) What is the number of staff working Mr. Mackenroth, pursuant to notice, asked for the Builders' Registration Board of the Minister for Works and Housing- Queensland? (1) Is he aware of a statement made in (2) What are their classifications? the House of Representatives on 28 Sep­ tember by his National Party colleague (3) Are the same staff employed in the the member for Darling Downs, Mr. House-builders' Registration Board of McVeigh, that there was not a growing Queensland? need for public housing in Australia, and (4) If not, how many extra are there that, although in Toowoomba in September and what are their classifications? 1977 224 people were seeking public Questions Upon Notice [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice 2747

housing, only 175 were seeking public hous­ could continue to 'be administered in United ing in September 1978, and that if one States schools when it upheld the consti­ lives in Brisbane and requires public hous­ tutionality of physical punishment. ing on a rental basis, one has to wait only In Queensland schools, corporal punish­ four weeks? ment is meted out only when a~bsolutely (2) From what source would the necessary and it is covered by regulation member for Darling Downs have received 36 of the Education Act. That regUJlation this information, and is it correct? states that a principal, or if authorised by a principal, a deputy principal, of a State (3) If the information is not correct, school may administer corporal punish­ what is the position in regard to the waiting ment to boys who· are pupils of the school period for public housing for the majority for (l) offences against morality; (2) insol­ of the thousands of applicants on the ence; (3) wilful and persistent disobedience; Queensland Housing Commission's books and (4) gross misconduct at school or when at the present time? travelling to and from school that is in the opinion of the principal likely to pre­ Answers:- judice the good order and discipline of the school. (1) Yes. The regulation also states that corpo·ral (2) The factual information is largely punishment shall not be administered to a a matter of pub1ic knowledge, which the pupil enrolled in Grade 1 or 2, for trivial member could have obtained by a repre­ breaches of school discipline or for failure sentation on a question to the appropriate or inaJbi1ity to learn, or in a form which is Minister. The opinions expressed are his irregular, degrading, injurious and unneces­ own. The Toowoomba statistics are cor­ sarily severe. rect, and the Brisbane waiting-time given is correct provided the applicant family I believe that the fact that corporal is a priority case without too specific a punishment is administered so infrequently locational requirement or some special here in Queensland bears out that the housing need. authority to use the cane is a deterrent to the unruly. (3) Waiting-times vary from centre to centre. Under the priority system of let­ ting, times can range from a few weeks for high priority cases in some places up to 19. SoCIAL WoRKERS IN WESTERN AREAS two or more years for those adequately Mr. Turner, pursuant to notice, asked the housed. The latest commission wait list of Minister for Education- applicants shows 921 families with priority and 2,319 adequately housed throughout Owing to the desperate need for social the State. workers in western areas, is there any possibility of appointments being made through the Education Department to operate through the Priority Country Area 18. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN ScHOOLS Program Scheme and local schools? Mr. Turner, pursuant to notice, asked the Answer:- Minister for Education- At the present time my department would (!) Is he aware that the Opposition in not be aJble to provide a social worker for the Senate has moved to have corporal the western areas of the State. Although punishment banned in all Australian my department did employ a small number schooli? af social workers at one time, there are no social workers presently on staff. The (2) Does he favour the banning of whole question of how such services might corporal punishment and, if not, what is best be provided to schools and families is the rea.>on? presently under review, but no decisions have yet been made. Answers:-

(1) Yes. 20. NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AUGATHELLA (2) No, I do not favour the banning of AND MORVEN corporal punishment. I must say that I am Mr. Turner, pursuant to notice, asked surprised to see that people in responsible the Minister for Works and Housing- positions are advocating its abolition. Will the new State school at Augathella In some parts of the U.S.A., for instance, and the new pre-school building and library school discipline has been rated the most at Morven be completed and available for important problem facing the public use at the start of the 1979 school year? schools, and the most frequent suggestion made by American citizens is that the Answer:- schools should enforce stricter discipline. Every endeav.our is being made by the Last year the United States Supreme Court contractors concerned and the depar,t­ in fact decided that corporal punishment ment's day-labour work"force, to ensure 2748 Questions Upon Notice (21 NOVEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice

that all of this accommoda,tJion is avail­ a temporary officer will be provided able for occupation at the commencemen1 between 20 November and 15 December of the 1979 school vear. Present indi­ this year and that this will have a marked camions are that the ·proposed completion effect on this period, what does this mean date will be achieved in aLl instances. in terms of delay, and will he give an assur­ ance that in future the waiting-time will not be permitted to become greater than 21. PUNISHMENT FOR LITTERING OFFENCES that in Brisbane? BY MINORS Mr. Bishop, pursuant to notice, asked the An.1wer:- M1n~ster for Local Government and Ma,in On the basis of the assistance afforded Roads- by the Deparltment of Transport to the Gold Coast Testing Centre, which is under In view of recent publicity given to a the administrative control of the Minister Gold Coast City Council litter officer's for Police, it is anticipated that if there issuing a $25 fine to a 10-year-old child, ·is no unforeseen increase 'in the number will he consider amending the Act so that of tests required, then by 15 December litter officers may use their discretion by the waiting-time should be reduced by substituting some other type of punish­ three weeks or more. At the end of ment appropriate to the age of the offender, that time, on the basis of a continuing particularly as the Act presently does not review over the next few weeks, the ques­ permit litter officers any action other than tion of what further assistance it'! neces­ the issue of tickets to minors? sary wiH be the subject of discusSiion between the Commissioner foc Transpo!'t Answer:- ~nd the Commissioner of Poltke. I can­ not give the assurance sought by the hon­ The honourable member's suggestJion ourable member as factors outside the will receive conSiidemtion the next t,ime control of either the Department of the Liitter Act 1971-1978 is under review. Transport or the Police Department such as an increased demand for ,(est!! and the availability of testing officers due to sick­ 22. BRITISH THAVEL AGENTS' SURCHARGE ne.ss or other r1easons cannot be pre­ oN AusTRALIAN BooKINGs dicted with any certainty both a11 regards the Brisbane testing centres and the Gold Mr. Bishop, pursuant to notice, asked the Coast centre. I might add that the pre­ Minister for Maritime Servrices and Tourism- ilent waiting-time in Brisbane is three weeks, not one week as stated by the ( I) Is he aware that many British travel honourable member, and this il'l ·consistent agents add a surcharge of up to 14 per with the minimum learning time from the cent for services sold or booked to tourists issue of a leamer's permit to the attain­ coming to Australia, such as in the case ment of reasona!ble dniving proficiency, where the room price is $A57 and in beMii.ng in mind that advance book[ngs Britain it is quoted at $A64 per night by may be made. the travel agent? (2) Will he inquire into this double commission rake-off through Queensland's 24. PEDESl'RIAN LIGHTS AT ST. ANNE'S Agent-General in London and also the ScHooL CRossiNG, Ross RIVER RoAD Australian Government so that tourists coming to this country will not continue Mr. Wilson, pursuant to notice, asked the ,to be ripped off? Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- Answer:- With the extension of the six-lane Ross River Road between Riley Street and Ben­ (I & 2) The matter will be referred to ghazi Street, Townsville, is it intended that the Australian Federation of Travel Agents traffic lights will be provided to allow the for invest~gation. crossing of schoolchildren in front of St. Anne's School and, if so, will they be installed during the construction of this 23. WAIT!NG-11ME FOR DRIVERS' road? LICENCE TESTS Mr. Bishop, pursuant to notice, asked the Amwer:- Minister for Transport- The present construction project pro­ As there is a three-month waiting period vides for the installation of a zebra-type for the issuing of a drivers' licence at the school crossing but not for pedestrian­ Surfers Paradise Testing Station as against actuated traffic signals. In addition, a a delay of approximately one week at fenced refuge will be provided in the Brisbane testing centres and as it has median strip for the protection of school­ been stated by the Minister for Police that children crossing the new divided road. Questions Upon Notice [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Questions Upon Notice 2749

25. COST OF EROSION RESTORATION WORK, (3) What is the minimum training neces­ GoLD CoAsT sary for an electrician or an untrained person -to effectively test used electric Mr. Wilson, pursuant to notice, asked the blankets? Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- (4) How much time is needed to perform a safety test? (1) What has been the total cost of erosion restoration, rock walls, etc., (5) How often should used electric on the Gold Coast in the last 10 years? blankets be tested? (2) How much of this expenditure has (6) Apart from electrical testing, what been (a) paid for by the council's are the warning signs that indicate resources and (b) paid by State Govern­ that an electric blanket should be ment subsidy? discarded? Answers:- (7) Do faulty blankets cause electrocu­ tion or fires and, if so, how often? The figures, which have been supplied to me for the period from 1966-67 to (8) Will his department arrange for the date, are- testing of, and reporting on, an electric blanket that recently caused a fire in (1) Total expenditure, $7,951,772. Toowoomba? (2) From loan funds, $5,ti0-~,916; from revenue, $586,488; from State subsidy, $1,680,368. Answers:- (!) Electric blankets are tested for com­ pliance with Australian standard 3164. This 26. BURDEKIN FALLS DAM AND HYDRO­ involves most stringent testing. ELECTRIC SCHEME (2) The type of equipment necessary Mr. Wilson, pursuant to notice, asked would be found only in a well-equipped the Premier- workshop or laboratory, or the manu­ facturer's works. Has a further studv been made into a hydroelectric scheme ·in conjunction with (3) Only qualified electrical workers can the proposed Burdekin Falls Dam? If so, perform the tests and no additional training what were the findings, and when is it would be necessary. expected that construction of the dam will (4) About 10 to 15 minutes. commence? (5) Every three years, but the owner should make a visual check each year An.JWer:- before the blanket is put into use. FoUowing public release of the Com­ (6) Scorch marks or element wires monwealth/State report "Resources and crossed over within the blanket. Potential of the Burdekin River Basin", the Government instructed a committee (7) There is no record in Australia of compri~ing the Co-ordinator-General (as electrocution from electric blankets. Some chairman), the Commissioner for Elec­ reports of fires in all States have been ,tricity Supply, the Director of Industrial received and these are thoroughly investi­ Development, the Director-General, gated. The standard has been amended Department of Primary Industries, and the on several occasions to improve the safety Chairman, Land Administration Commis­ of the blankets. In the most recent sion, to prepare a firm and detailed twelve-month period surveyed in Queens­ proposal for a water resources development land, three fires were reported to fire project in the Burdekin basin. This com­ brigades. No injuries were received. mittee has included in its investigations (8) Arrangements have been put in hand further studies of a 500 MW hydroelectric for the testing, and the results will be power-station, associated with a dam of communicated to the honourable member some 8 500 000 Ml capacity at Burdekin by the State Electricity Commission of Falls as one possible development. The Queensland as soon as possible. Government will consider the findings of the report when it is completed.

28. INVOLVEMENT OF MINISTER FOR LOCAL 27. TESTING OF ELECTRIC BLANKETS GOVERNMENT AND MAIN ROADS IN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY Dr. Lockwood, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Mines, Energy and Police- Mr. Kruger, pursuant to notice, asked the (!) What procedures are followed in 'Minister for Local Government and Main safety-testing of electric blankets before Roads- sale? ( I) With reference to his proposal to (2) What equipment is necessary for take away from local authorities the respon­ subsequent safety-testing after regular use? sibilities for administration of extractive 2750 Questions Upon Notice [21 NovEMBER 1978] Question Without Notice

industries in Queensland, and as he will be 30. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS, the Minister administering extractive indus­ CLEVELAND SANDS HOTEL INCIDENT tries for the State Government, is he per­ sonally involved with quarrying and does Mr. Kruger, pursuant to notice, asked the he have a contract with a major firm, Premier- Farley and Lewers Pty. Ltd., which (1) With reference to an article in "The operates in the readymix concrete business? Courier-Mail" of 16 November concerning (2) Does he receive monthly cheques serious allegations of assault, including of $10,000 made out to R. J. Hinze which, pistol whipping, against two members of for the full financial year, amount to an the Police Licensing Branch, did the income of $120,000? victim of the alleged attack, Barry Collins, suffer a broken nose, fractured cheek and (3) What is the quantity supplied other injuries? monthly to this company, and any other company, by him for the processes involved (2) Were charges laid by the policemen in extractive industry? involved against Collins, following the assault in the vicinity of the Cleveland (4) What representations have been Sands Hotel? made to him or to the Department of Local Government by the representatives of (3) Was a third person, who works as Farley and Lewers Pty. Ltd.? a bouncer at a city hotel, involved in the incident, and were there a number of (5) Does he believe that, as there is witnesses? conflict of interest between his personal financial involvement and his responsibili­ (4) Are there also reports that the two ties as the Minister administering the pro­ policemen involved were guilty of intimida­ posed extractive industry legislation, tion against women staff members during he should either (a) dispose of his personal previous visits to the hotel? intere>ts, or (b) step down as the Minister? (5) In view of the serious nature of the allegations, what action is being taken by Answer:- the Police Commissioner? (1 to 5) I refer the member to the minis­ Answer:- tel'ial statement I made earlier this morn­ ing. (! to 5) The ailegation mentioned is pre­ sently being investigated by members of the Police Internal Investigations Section under the direction of the Deputy Com­ 29. RAILWAY TO REDCLJFFE missioner of Police. In the circumstances, it would be improper for me to comment Mr. Kruger, pursuant to notice, asked the at this stage. Minister for Transport- (1) Did he promise the "Rail for Red­ cliffe" committee that he would discuss the report on the study with the committee QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE before any decision was made? STATEMENTS BY SOUTH AUSTRALIAN (2) Why did he break that promise, ATTORNEY-GENERAL ON WEALTH TAX which was made before Mr. Speaker and me? -- Mr. LANE: I ask the Minister for Labour (3) Did he investigate ways and means Relations: Did the South Australian Attorney­ of financing the proposed railway for Red­ General, Mr. Duncan, address an A.L.P. cliffe before he decided to set a date for dinner this month in Brisbane? Did he advo­ the construction? cate a 4t per cent personal wealth tax on (4) Was the year 2000 set as a date everyone with more than $7,000? Did he because it was the closest round figure he urge a progressive taxation scheme as a could find? basic lever in the redistribution of wealth? Did he endorse what he called the dem­ ocratic extension of public ownership? Did Answers:- the A.L.P. suppress circulation of his views (1) A copy of the report has been sent because they were completely unacceptable to the "Rail for Redcliffe" committee and to thinking Queenslanders? I am prepared to discuss it with them at any time. Mr. CAMPBELL: I cannot say for certain (2) '"Dhere is no question of any promise whether Mr. Duncan did honour Queens­ having been broken. landers with his observations, but the Adelaide "Advertiser" the next day published what (3) I have have not set a date for the it said was the text of a Brisbane speech given construction. by Mr. Duncan and released by him. I have (4) The statement I made was based upon no doubt such sentiments would have been the recommendations of the consultant and music to the ears of A.L.P. hard liners here, on the fact that the Government faces a particularly when Mr. Duncan advocated a heavy financial commitment to urban trans­ 4t per cent personal wealth tax on every­ port projects already in progress. body with more than $7,000. The explosive Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2751 effect on swinging voters at the Sherwood I said, I am very proud to be part of the by-election would have been equally obvious Government team that has achieved that to the A.L.P. leaders. I believe that the performance and that reputation. people of Sherwood are entitled to know It is very satisfying to a Minister such whether the A.L.P. agrees with Mr. Duncan, as myself to hear such flattering comments whether it stands for socialism of industry, about the State and the Government, of or whether it agrees with its Victorian which I am a part, when representing the counterpart which, this month, reaffirmed State at conferences or similar national gath­ the policies of the Socialist Left. The Leader erings either here, interstate or overseas, and, of the Opposition cannot laugh off what his believe me, they are heard very often, despite counterparts in the other States have said. the "knockers". At 12 noon, The Government and the people of Queens­ In accordance with the provisions of land owe a great deal to the many loyal, Standing Order No. 307, the House went into dedicated, and talented administrators and Committee of Supply. advisers available to the Government, who have helped shape the Government's success story that is Queensland today. In my own SUPPLY case, as Minister for Local Government and Main Roads, I cannot praise too highly the RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATES­ contributions made by people at all levels ELEVENTII AND TWELFTII ALLOTTED DAYS within my two departments. (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. W. D. Hewitt, Greenslopes, in the chair) I would be remiss if I did not formally place on record the sterling efforts, in this respect, of the Director of Local Govern­ ESTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1978-79 ment, Mr. Harold Jacobs, and his staff, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MAIN RoADS and the Commissioner of Main Roads, Mr. Bill Hansen, and his staff. DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT When we are in a position to compare Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast-Min­ the quality of our administrators and advisers, ister for Local Government and Main Roads) and the advice they give, with that of our (12.1 p.m.): It is my pleasure to move­ counterparts in other States (and we very often are in a position to do that, of course), "That $4,506,887 be granted for 'Depart- we emerge from the comparison very well ment of Local Government'." off, I can assure you, Mr. Hewitt. Honourable members know that the past year has been a most busy-indeed, hectic­ As all honourable members would appre­ period for the Government. But it has been ciate, the past year has not been without a productive period of performance, too­ its anxious, frustrating moments, and some and this certainly is true of the two depart­ financially hard-pressed times, too, because ments for which I have the honour of being of the prevailing tight economic conditions responsible in this Government, namely, the nationally. These factors certainly have lim­ Department of Local Government and the ited performances in the local government Department of Main Roads. area, and put the brakes on some commun­ ity projects throughout the State, including It is with considerable pride that I present some road-works. to you, Mr. Hewitt, today this summary of progress and potential within the two depart­ Potentially disastrous effects Statewide of ments as part of the Government's overall periods of national economic uncertainty performance which has earned it the accolade have been offset to a large extent, however, as the most successful State Government in by good housekeeping and bookkeeping at Australia, governing the most productive the State and local government levels, and State in Australia. by the impact of several State initiatives in this area. A little more than a week ago, I repre­ sented Queensland at a Northern Australia The State Government, and local govern­ development seminar at Alice Springs, in ment, have good cause for pl'ide in the fact the Northern Territory, and it was sheeted that, despite the impact of national circum­ home, very clearly, by people of national stances and conditions over the past year and international repute in various fields there have been no significant work-force that Queensland is held in very high stand­ retrenchments in the local government and ing as an emerging giant among the States. main roads areas. We are becoming renowned not only I think that all honourable members with throughout Australia, but overseas as well, any experience or interest in local govern­ as a State which gets things moving and ment would acknowledge that as a level of gets things done; a State with an almost government, local government is growing in limitless future; a State which more than importance and influence, Australia-wide. In pays its way in the economic scheme of recent years, local government has come to things and, of course, the Government's assume direct responsibility or to act as agent performance in balancing its Budget every for State and Commonwealth authorities in year since it assumed office in 1957 is, I a much wider range of activities and areas of believe, unparalled and unprecedented. As community involvement and concern. 2752 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978} (Estimates)

Economic set-backs of recent years have Fourteen major Acts are currently admin­ affected the land development and real estate istered by the department, namely, the Local industries quite markedly-and home building, Government Act, the City of Brisbane Act, too, of course-and it is probably fair com­ the City of Brisbane Town Planning Act, the ment that, in these circumstances, many local Clean Waters Act, the Clean Air Act, the authorities have lost ground to some extent Litter Act, the Building Act, the Local Gov­ in their efforts to raise more funds through ernment Superannuation Act, the National rate revenue to finance their wider role. The Trust of Quensland Act, the Picture Theatres impact has not been as severe in acknow­ and FiLms Act, the Sewerage and Water ledged growth areas (such as the Gold Coast Supply Act, the Noise Acbatement Act, the and Townsville, for example), which have, as Local Government (Aboriginal Lands) Act, it were, stood out in the crowd against the and the Local Government (Adjustment of genera! trend. They have been fortunate Boundaries) Act. exceptions, but they have not been without their problems. On the funding side, as I said at the out­ set, it has been a trying time for local However, even the fortunate growth areas authorities in many areas, as it has been for have been hit hard by the Commonwealth's State and Commonwealth Government pulling almost right out of local authority authorities. However, the State Government water supply and sewerage works funding. has more than lived up to its reputation as This is an avenue of practical assistance to the most generous State Government in local government that the Commonwealth respect of its assistance and other dealings must restore as soon as possible, in every­ with local government. In the last financial body's interests. year, the State Government made available Similarly, the local govemment percentage $5,072,000 in Treasury grants to local of the national tax pool under tax-sharing authorities, another $7,923,390 in Treasury between the three spheres of Government loans, and $30,764,575 in subsidies on capital must be lifted from the present 1.52 per works. Add to this local government's share cent to 2 per cent at the very least, in the of its tax-sharing entitlement ($30,250,000), next Federal Budget, if not befme. and debenture loans raised privately by coun­ cils ($127,330,000), and you have some idea, On the roads side, the Commonwealth Mr. Hewitt, of the scale of funding assistance must stop its piracy of motorists' national that Queensland's local authorities receive. fuel tax contributions and direct substantially The Queensland Government is very proud­ more of its revenue from this source to the and jealous-of its reputation for assisting States (and locai government) for road­ and co-existing and co-operating harmoniously works. with local government, and the Government's policies in this regard will continue. I cannot accept the argument that loosen­ ing the purse-strings for works in these three In general terms, the most outstanding and, specific areas would be inflationary; I do not at times, controversial features of the depart­ accept that view at all. In fact, I believe that ment's very busy year, overall, have the reverse would apply. It would assist in included- the fight against inflation, not add to it. The move to formal local government self­ I suggest that there are big political and management for the former Aboriginal economic bonuses for the Commonwealth, reserve communities at Aurukun and Morn­ and for the nation, in acting as I have sug­ ington Island; gested in these three areas- ''Creation of the new Shire of Logan on * Productivity and performance would be Brisbane's southern outskirts, embracing improved (at local, State and national former northern areas of the Shires of {evels); Alberl\ and Beaudesert; * Unemployment could be reduced signifi­ *The appointment of an administrator and cantly in the process; and executive as~istants to conduct the local ':' The Commonwealth would reap an even government affairs of the State's second bigger taxation harvest, by reducing its city-the Gold Coast; pay-out of non-productive unemployment * Passage and implementation of the long­ relief. awaited Noise Abatement Act; and

It is a~ainst the background of these open­ * A very substantial list of other iegi;,lation ing remarks and observations that I now involving local authorities. propose to deal, in specific detail, with the operations of my two departments. Firstly, Aurukun/Mornington Island the Local Government Department. The move to local government self-man­ agement at Aurukun and Mornington Island General Administration and Funding was of course, a first in the field of Abor­ The range of activities of the department iginal affairs in Australia. The appointment has broadened considerably in recent years of an administrator to both of the new shires, (particularly in the administrative and legis­ pending the holding of initial elections, was lative fields), reflecting the continuing develop­ not foreseen or planned initially, but I think ment throughout the State and the need to events have proven that this was the only update and change with the times. course open to the Government to maintain Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2753 local government self-management as a pros­ effective means of ensuring a more peaceful pect for these people. I believe that events existence for many thousands of Queens­ since have completely vindicated the stand landers. Its effectiveness will depend very taken by both the State and Commonwealth largely on the degree of co-operation of local Governments, in consultation with other councils, police and other relevant auth­ interested parties. I believe further that this orities, and I am sure this co-operation will legislation will prove to be a milestone in be forthcoming. the recorded history of the Aboriginal people, Other Legislation and Progress and of local government in Australia, and the State Government's policies in this regard, Some important amendments to the Local based on actual equality (not imagined or Government Act this year will broaden the alleged equality) will be proven to be correct. powers of local authorities in a number of respects, and these include- Shire clerks will take up duties at Morning­ ton Island and Aurukun in December and * Provision for councils to appoint their January, respectively, and the councils will mayor (or chairman) from among elected operate as fully-elected local authorities as members in lieu of 'his election by a separ­ from the triennial local authority elections ate vote of electors; and in March next year. * The introduction of the preferential voting system at local authority elections. I cannot stress too highly the magnificent job that has been done to date by the local In both cases, discretionarv powers on the government administrator for the Aurukun adoption of these procedures are vested and Mornington Shires, Mr. Ken Brown. largely with each individual local authority. One officer from the Local Government The Government's decision to dissolve the Department has been engaged full-time in Gold Coast City Council earlier this year assisting Mr. Brown, while other officers have was personally one of the hardest decisions carried out similar duties on a part-time l have been involved in since I became a basis. Minister in this Government four years ago. I would like to make special mention also I can assure honourable members that, of the co-operation that I and the department because for many years I had known on have received from the Minister and officers a. perso~al level many of the people most of the Queensland Aboriginal affairs depart­ dtrectly mvolved, the move was not without ment (Mr. Porter and Mr. Killoran), and the its perso~al trauH?-as for me .. I do not pro­ Commonwealth department and some very pose to mdulge m any recnminations over capable and responsible people in the Uniting the issue; I will leave that to others who Church who formerly managed the two undoubtedly will. My only comment is areas. that I believe that, on an assessment of all the facts, the Governor in Council's decision Improved police facilities (including watch­ was the correct one and that events since houses and other facilities necessary to prop­ the appointment of the Administrator (Mr. erly carry out legal processes and to main­ John Andrews) bear that out. tain law and order in both communities) are being provided, and police will be stationed Before I depart. from the subject, however, in both areas soon. The Health Minister, I must pay a tnbute to Mr. Andrews 'and (the Honourable Dr. Llew Edwards) already his executive assistants, the Local Govern­ has visited the region, and only last week ment Senior Executive Officer (Mr. Neil confirmed plans for upgrading medical fac­ Macpherson) and Executive Planning Officer ilities. My colleague the Education Minister (Mr. Arthur Muhl). I sincerely thank them (the Honourable Val Bird) will visit the area for their efforts on behalf of the city's next week, I understand, for a review of electors and ratepayers. Their performance education services, and a similar review is has been in accordance with the highest being undertaken by other Ministers, and standards of professional competence and other departments, to ensure that all the ethics-and no-one can do better than that. services and facilities that these new local Town Planning authority areas should have are available. In all, I am very optimistic about the pros­ Under the Local Government Act, town pects and the future for these new local planning is pr,imarily a local government authorities. function, with schemes being subject to Governor in Council approval in the overall Shire of Logan/Noise public interest. I firmly believe that this approach is the most sensible and efficient In respect of the new Shire of Logan, I method of controlling and regulating the use believe that its creation will be hailed as of land (especially in the urban, commercial another local government landmark for the and industrial situation), as 'town planning people in this fast-growing region on the is closely allied with other local government southern metropolitan fringe. The new coun­ functions, such as providing roads, town cil has an exciting period of continuing water supplies, sewerage, drainage, etc. We growth ahead of it, I am sure. are sometimes criticised because, in some The Noise Abatement Act was proclaimed people's eyes, we allegedly do not give people on 30 September this year to provide for (apart from councils) enough say in planning. controls on the abatement of excessive noise, On the other side of the coin, it has often and it is believed that the Act will be an been said by people, including academics 2754 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978) (Estimates)

and some planners in other States, that matter will take some ~time, but I am sure Queensland's objection and appeal procedure honourable members would acknowledge that is too broad and that it unnecessarily delays the investigation is a worthwhile step. and frustrates worthwhile developments. I think we have what can be regarded as a Water/Sewerage Activities very workable compromise in our current The Local Government Department's legislation and practices. Water Supply and Sewerage Branch had Of the 134 local authorities in Queensland, another busy year. Its design section was 93 had statutory town planning schemes in heavily involved in investigations and designs force at 1 July 1978. In fact, every city for augmentation of the Gladstone area and town council in Queensland has a water supply, and investigations were carried statutory town planning scheme in force. out into the proposed Dumbleton Rocks At present, a further SO town planning Dam (for ,the Mackay City Council), includ­ schemes are in the course of preparation, and ing hydraulic model studies of the dam to during the period from 1 July 1977 to 1 determine the effect, if any, of the dam on July 1978, nine new town planning schemes flood heights in the Pioneer River. As well, were processed by the department and the department is involved in the design of approved by the Governor in Council. There a major augmentation of Mackay sewerage are 10 town planning schemes currently with treatment works. the department for final review and examina­ A comprehens,ive study is being under­ tion, ~and 12 draft planning schemes are taken of the Gold Coast water distribution with the department for preliminary rev~iew system-and in addition to these major prior tn their being placed on public exhib­ undertakings, the department is involved in ition in accordance with the Act. a large number of sma1ler works for many To provide a more rational basis for longer­ other local authorities throughout the State. term planning, the department has actively Continuing its involvement in catchment encouraged the preparation of poHcy plans, area studies the department has been which are non-statutory plans accompanying engaged in a' study of the Ross Rivelf Dam statutory planning schemes. These are par­ catchment on behalf of ,the Thuringowa Shire ticularly valuable in planning long-term Council!. environmental protections and providing for During the past year, the sewocage sec­ future service requirements, such as roads, tion initiated and organised a completely water supplies, sewerage needs, etc. ne,w formal course of training for sewerage operators, which is now available through University Involvement/Development the Technical Educat,ion Branch of the Conditions Educat~ion Department, and is recognised by For some time, the Government has been all other States. moving towards rationalising town planning Plans, reports and documentation for legislation-and perhaps introducing the one almost $60,000,000 worth of sewerage and town planning Act for the whole State. There drainage works were reviewed during the are currently two Acts, namely, the City year for cities, towns and shires tlhroughout of Brisbane Town Planning Act and the the State. Local Government Act. The Water Supply Section prepared 13 Recently, the Queensland University's preHminary reports and feasibility studies on Department of Regional and Town Planning water supply for local authorit,ies and other agreed to carry out its own independent bodies, and speoificaVion documents, plans assessment of what new town planning and est,imates were reviewed for 150 schemes legislation is needed. I welcome the uni­ propos,ing town water supply and swimming­ versity's interest and involvement in this pool works estimated to cost almost project, and I look forward to its recom­ $20,000,000. mendations with a great deal of interest. In respect of the Water Quality Section, It would be appreciated that the question the very extensive annual report of the of development conditions is closely tied up Water Quality Council already has been with proper planning, and I believe it is tabled in this House and I would refer hon­ true that there has been a general community ourable members to that very detailed and acceptance of the principle that, as far as expressive record of progress in the field possible, conditions applicable to a particular of water pollution control. development should be specified in a by-law. Just what conditions should apply as gener­ Air PolluNon ally standard conditions on specific types of The annual repOift of the Air Pollution development, and how they can best be Council was tabled ~in the House earlier today, expressed in by-laws, have not yet been and I refer honourable members to that resolved. document. I would like to refer briefly, how­ A working committee of local authority ever, to one or two new developments in people and others interested in the land this area. The regionalisation of air pol­ development industry is to look into this lution control staff has now begun, with in detail and ultimately will report to me the appointment of staff to Townsville, on possible legislative amendments. This is and this appointment will greatly assis:t the a very complex issue, of course, and the work of the division in the growing northern Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2755

parts of the State. It is hoped to have a some depth. I would draw honourable mem­ regional engineer and other staff in Glad­ bers' attention to this excellent document, stone in the near future to better cover which is a record of considerable progress the important cen:tml coa·stal areas of Queens­ under most trying conditions in the road­ land a;Jso. funding area. This report by the Main Roads Permanent air pollution monitoring Commissioner (Mr. Bill Hansen) reveals stations are currently being estabJ,ished at record spending of more than $212,800,000 Mt. Isa and Gladstone. These wiH double by the Main Roads Department last financial as meteorological recording stat·ions too, year, against the background of a marked under a joint State-Commonwealth pro­ shortage of available funds to do all road· gramme. Within the last week, we have works which need to be done. To bridge seen evidence of the Department's atten­ this deficiency, the department again bor­ tion to pollution in the north with the rowed loan funds totalling $10,180,000 from commissioning of a $6,000,000 new stack the State Treasury to maintain works and at the Mt. Isa Mines complex. This, of employment. course, is jus.t another example of the steady Despite the problems, significant progress progress being made in the field of air pol­ was achieved on road and bridge construction lut•ion control in Queensland. in both rural and urban areas of the State, Motor vehicles continue to be regarded marked by continued co-operation from local as major cont11ibutors to air poHution and authorities in their ,traditional partnership the effects of the fitting of emission-control role with bhe depai'tment. I would !be remiss devices on new passenger cars, and derivates if I did not aga:in pay rtribute l(o the very with petrol engines, over the past few years vital role played by local authorities in are being watched with great interest. Cur­ building and maintaining roads throughout rently, some blame is being attached to the State, and to private enterprise, too, of these control devices for increased fuel con­ course. Together, local authorities and sumpt,ion, and some sections of the com­ private enterprise have been responsible for munity are reacting strongly. Queensland is carrying out almost 70 per cent of all road­ represented on all adv.isory committees study­ works done throughout Queensland during ing the motor vehicle emission problem. the past year. One of the main activities of the research I would dm.w the attention of honour­ staff of the Air Pollution Control Division able members to the vastly improved motor has been directed towards the accurate and vehicle registra·tion serVlices now aVlaHable reJ,iable measurement of ozone concentra­ to the motoring public of Queensland. With t•ions in the Brisbane area. Such information the opening of another five regional regis­ is essential in assessing, among other things, tration offices during the year, fast and the long-term effectiveness of emission-con­ efficient over-.the-aounter serVlice is now avail­ trol devices. Several permanent monitor­ able at 13 centres throughout the State. ing stations in the Brisbane region, and ~he system is the most advanced aVlailable one mobile laboratory, now exist and these to motoristos in AustmLia. PersonaLised num­ enhance the reliability and the ready avl!Jil­ ber-plates also will be available to Queens­ ability of ambient a1ir measurements. land motori~ts in the near future, and advice Over the past few years, a high proportion is being sought from the Industrial Design of air pollution complaints have been about Institute on possible designs. I expect a odour, particularly from the meat, tanning report and some sketches in this respect and food-canning indust11ies. These odours within a few days. usually emanate ~rom either liquid-effluent To summar;ise, very bi1iefly, some of the treatment plant or rendering plant and the key points of the annual report, reoords show engineering staff of the Air Pollution Control that in the past 12 months- Division have been actively eillgaged 'in * 509 km of declared road were upgraded advising on odour control at liquid-effluent to a sealed surface; treatment plants, and the installation of * Another 509 km of declared road (pre­ odour-control equipment for rendel'ing plant. viously sealed) were widened, realigned It is anticipa.ted that with continued v.igilance or regraded; in this area, there will be a reduction in complaints about odour. * 2 416 km of declared road were resurfaced with bitumen sealing or asphalt; The control of air po1Iut•ion needs constant * 40 new bridge9 were completed and 91 vigilance to ensure that e:>eisting controls bridges underwent major repairs; and are maintained and that potential problems are anticipated. This Government is fully * 28 major intersections and 13 road cros­ aware of its responsibilities in environmental sings were provided with pedestrian traffic matters, and will continue its pol1icy of con­ signals. tainment and improvement. Included in the 1978-79 requil'ement of some $208,400,000 for the Department of Main Roads Main Roads Fund is an amount of I turn now to developments in the Main $127,100,000 for permanent works on declared Roads Department. The very detailed and roads, compared with an expenditure of specific annual report of the Main Roads $113,400,000 last financial year. This is Department was tabled in the Chamber last required to further upgrade the network week and already has been reported on in of 40 121 km of road declared under the 2756 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Main Roads Act. The Main Roads Depart­ plant maintenance. Similarly, the income ment works programmes are very largely derived from the issue of stores provides the decided by the prov,isions of the Common­ finance to purchase replacement stocks. wealth Government's roads aid le~islation which directs separa.te and distinct allocations Loan Fund for national highways, national commerce An amount of $2,500,000 from the Loan roads, rural arterial roads, rural loca,l roads, Fund is included in the department's Esti­ urban arterial roads, urban local roads and mates for 1978-79, compared with an minor traffic engineering and road safety expenditure of $1,000,000 from the same improvements. In addition, there is an allo­ fund last financial year. This money is cation o:f funds for transport planning and required for a programme of works on research. declared roads associated with the Wivenhoe Dam project. In drawing up the works programmes, the Commonwealth funds, together with Special Projects Fund avai,lab.!e State funds, are allocated to the categories of works laid down in the Com­ Tn 1977-78, the Main Roads Department monweaith legil'>1ation, and any programmes was allocated repayable amounts totalling carry;ing an element of Commonwealth fin­ $10,000,000 from this fund, and $4,800,000 ance are subject to final approval by the is provided in the Estimates for 1978-79. These Commonwealth. The pe11manent works com­ funds are for construction projects of high ponent of the proposed Main Roads Fund priority that need to be done now but, expenditure includes the foHowing alloca­ because of the insufficiency of the funds tions to these categories of works on roads available, could not be otherwise pro­ dedare:d under the M'ain Roads Act:- grammed. National highways-$31,480,000; I have continually voiced my disgust at National commerce road9---$880,000; the decreasing proportion of petrol taxation Rural arterial roads-$42,940,000 (plus returned by the Commonwealth to road­ $18,340,000 of State funds); works and of the inadequacy of the Com­ monwealth's allocations in relation to road Rural local road9---$15,160,000 (plus needs in real terms. I must say that, without $2,640,000 of State funds); the injection of these State Loan Funds into Urban arterial roads-$29,010,000 (plus the main roads programme, there would $17,940,000 of State funds); be serious disruption to an already inadequate M~nor traffic engineering and road safety rate of development of the road system. 1mprovements-$1,414,000. These additional State funds will help to maintain at least a minimum viable pro­ In additio!l, there is an amount of $698,000 gramme, and assist with cont~nuity of from special Commonwealth funds for road­ employment. works employment in the Maryborough region, following on from the Common­ Commonwealth Aid, Local Authority Roads, wealth's decision to block sand-mining on Fund Fraser Island. The department's Estimates this financial Also mcluded in the Main Roads Fund year also include an amount of $15,496,560 requirement is an amount of $37,950,000 for as anticipated expenditure from the Com­ declared road maintenance, compared with monwealth Aid, Looal Authority Roads, $35,530,000 spent last financial year. The Fund. This is to meet estimated payments State has to bear all maintenance expenditure to councils for works on roads under their on categories other than national roads and control to be financed from their Common­ rural l?cal roads. The principal proposed wealth aid allocations. The amounts required expenditures are $9,500,000 on national high­ to be provided this financial year may be ways (all Commonwealth funds); $15,890,000 summarised under the following categories on rural arterial roads (all State funds); of work9--- $6,480,000 on rural local roads ($1,000,000 $ Commonwealth, $5,480,000 State); and Rural local roads 7,000,000 $4,630,000 on urban arterial roads (all State Urban arterial roads 770,000 funds). Urban local roads 4,064,000 National commerce roads 2,362,560 Other items of proposed expenditure from Minor traffic engineering the Main Roads Fund include $15,010,000 and road safety on salaries, $13,270,000 on general con­ improvements 1,300,000 tingencies (such as motor vehicle costs of collection, surveys, planning and research, Total 15,496,560 interest and redemption, and the like), $5,500,000 on purchase of stores, $3,700,000 The expenditure last financial year was on purchase of plant, and $5,400,000 on $14,746,000. maintenance of plant. These latter three items are self-financing, as the earnings from Roads Maintenance Account hire of plant charged to construction and maintenance works, together with the pro­ The amount of $5,500,000 shown in the ceeds from the sale of plant, are reinvested Estimates as being required for e~penditure in the purchase of new plant or expended on from the Roads Maintenance Account Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2757

represents the collections anticipated by the the Gladstone City Council, Dr. Cleary, the Transport Department under the Roads director of the Air Pollution Control Division, (Contribution to Maintenance) Act. Expendi­ stated- ture from the account last financial year was " ... the station should comply with the $5,435,000. Clean Air Act under normal operating conditions." The whole of this money, without any deduction for collection expenses, is distri­ We know that it should comply with the buted between the Main Roads Department, Act, but what we in the area want is for to assist with the maintenance of declared the station to comply with the Act not only roads, and the local authorities as a contribu­ under normal operating conditions but under tion towards the cost of maintaining roads any operating conditions at all. This is one under their control. The proposed distribu­ af the things that bug the people in my area. tion for 1978/79 is $1,900,000 to local authorities and $3,600,000 to the Main Roads The Minister for Mines, Energy and Police, in reply to a letter from the Gladstone City Depar~ment, which is approximate,ly the same as for last financial year. Council, stated- "An amount exceeding $17 million has Special Standing Fund already been committed for the capital cost of precipitators at Gladstone which were There is also an amount of $3,500,000 guaranteed to control flue gas dust emis­ shown in the Estimates as required for ex­ sion within statutory limits. In order to penditure from the Main Roads Department ensure that costs to the electricity con­ Special Standing Fund. This fund is in the sumers of Queensland are not increased r;ature of a suspense account in which unnecessarily, the Board is cautious a:bout charges are accumulated against work carried further expenditure on dust precipitation out for other bodies, including jobs in which without reasonable proof that such expen­ local authorities have a joint financial diture will result in a complete solution to responsibility. the problem." Other accounts, in the form of reserves, The Minister for Mines, Energy and Police are also contained within this fund, for says that a certain amount of money has example, annual leave reserve, workers' 1been spent on precipitators at Gladstone but compensation insurance reserve, pay-roll tax, that, in order to save the consumers of supervis:ion fees, etc. The items concerned Queensland from further costs, he does not are either wholly or partially recoverable, or agree to the spending of any more money unless the result is guaranteed. I believe are reserves established for payment at certain that a guarantee has been given that times or under certain conditions. $17,000,000 will be spent. The Air Pollution The fund is also used to facilitate the cost­ Council should ensure that those who have ing operations of the various departmental contracted to carry out that work do it immediately. workshops and repair units, these accounts being cleared at regular intervals mainly by I was very pleased to hear the Minister transfers against the maintenance of plant say that there has been no reduction in the vote. work-force for main roads and local govern­ ment. However, he did not mention that This concludes the presentation of the early in the year motor vehicle registration Estimates for the Departments of Local fees were increased by 25 per cent. He said Government and Main Roads, and I now at that time that the increase was necessary commend the Estimates to the Committee. because of a shortage of funds and that he would have to reduce staff if it had not been made. It is certainly not to the Government's The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind hon­ credit that it has placed that additional ourable members again that the administrative burden on the motorists of this State. Of acts of the department are open to debate, but course, among the tax increases in the last the necessity for legislation and matters in­ Federal Budget, the increase of 16c a gallon volving legislation cannot be discussed in in the price of petrol added to the burden Committee of Supply. of the motorists. In speaking to these Estimates, I first Mr. PREST (Port Curtis) (12.38 p.m.): In express my concern about the Estimates for speaking to these Estimates this afternoon, I the Main Roads Department. The may say that I was very pleased to hear the Treasurer's Financial Statement this year Minister say that officers from the Air Pollu­ showed that in 1976-77 the Main Roads tion Council are going into the country areas. Department had available to it funds from It was also very pleasing to hear him say all sources totalling $181,900,000, of which that, in the near future, officers are to be $90,700,000 was under the Commonwealth stationed at Gladstone. As we know, Mr. Roads Grants Act. Even in that year, it Hewitt, Gladstone will become a very big meant a reduction in the amount of work industrial centre. One of the concerns there that could be carried out. In 1977-78, at the present time is that the power-station, $206,500,000 was available from all sources, which is still under construction, is operating of which $100,800,000 was from the Com­ in a minor way. In reply to a letter from monwealth. That represented an increase of 2758 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978) (Estimates) about 10 per cent, which was in keeping 'to bear the brunt of the lack of funds. Every with the rate of inflation in that year. How­ year the main highway along the coast is cut ever, it must be remembered, Mr. Hewitt, in the same places for long periods. It was that 1977-78 was an election year for both a little heartening to learn that after 21 State and Federal Governments, and I years a study is to be made of the problem presume that that is why the Commonwealth in the Rockhampton area. Government increased its allocation at that time. In 1978-79, $208,400,000 is available­ Mr. Jones: It is all right as long as there an increase of $1,900,000 on the figure for is no wet season. the election year-and the Commonwealth's contribution has dropped to $92,000,000. Mr. PREST: That is so. Nevertheless we That is a reduction of $8,000,000, or are going to have a wet season, and that approximately 9 per cent. So, taking into could come at any time. There does not have consideration the Commonwealth contribu­ to be a bad wet season for those roads to tion and the rate of inflation, which is still flood. They flood every time a couple of about 7.9 per cent, it is obvious that there inches of rain fall. is not going to be very much improvement I do not want to become parochial but in the road system in Queensland this year. over the years this Government, and par­ On 19 February this year, the Minister ticularly the Minister for Local Government for Local Government and Main Roads said and Main Roads during the last election that he wanted an additional $20,000,000 campaign, has made promises to the people from the Commonwealth in 1978-79. What in Calliope and Mt. Larcom that inspections did he get? He received less. During the would be made. Those promises have not election campaign, the Premier promised that been kept. It is obvious from the Estimates more money would be available in the main that the roads in question are not going roads and local government areas. In spite to receive the attention that was promised of that, less money is available, which means for November 1978. In rainy weather a small that less work can be carried out. creek on the outskirts of the township of Calliope cuts the rural arterial road, com­ In opening the 51st annual conference of pletely isolating the Boyne Valley area. Only the Australian Automobile Association at last week that area was cut off again the week-end, the Federal Minister for following a couple of inches of rain. It Transport (Mr. Nixon) blamed the States. would not need the expenditure of a great He said- deal of money to overcome the problem "The States have demonstrated a reluc­ associated with Leipex Creek. It would need tance to allocate any substantial part of only the provision of a few pipes and the general revenue assistance from the Com­ raising of the level of the road. The Calliope monwealth into their own roads pro­ Shire is trying to get the Banana and Monto grammes. Shires to come in. Between them they may "This is despite the fact that there has be able to solve the problem. been a substantial rise in general revenue I am greatly concerned at the road toll. assistance to the States under the revised At the conference he opened yesterday, Mr. tax sharing agreement. Peter Nixon said that Australia's road toll "The 10.2 per cent increase this year is was a national tragedy. He was reported as well ahead of the inflation rate. Obviously saying- some of this money could be devoted to " ... for there to have been more than roads if the States were serious about road 2,700 people killed on our roads through­ construction. out Australia in the first nine months of "Instead the States seem to rely on the this year is a national tragedy. limited funds from motor registration and "While motor vehicle accidents are not related charges." unique to Australia, it would appear on The State Government blames the Federal the statistics that our record compares Government; Mr. Nixon blames the State most unfavourably with other countries. Government. What Mr. Nixon did not say "For instance while the fatality rate for was that the Commonwealth Government 10,000 vehicles has fallen during the past has failed to fulfil its election promise of an 10 years from 7.9 to 5.2 this is still much increase to 2 per cent in the States' share of higher than the 1976 figures for the US of revenue from personal income tax. The 3.3, New Zealand of 3.7 and the UK of actual payment is only 1.2 per cent. The 3.8." Labor Party believes that it should be 3 per Road accidents occur far too frequently in cent. Until it is granted, each year the Queensland, particularly fatal ones. Many State Government will be calling on reasons contribute to those accidents. One motorists to pay increased registration fees is the lack of uniformity of road rules in and charges, and there will also be increases the States. Because of that lack of uniformity in other areas of local government. southern motorists run into trouble when We cannot expect any great progress in they drive in Queensland. Indeed, in Queens­ the upgrading of our road system this year. land itself there is lack of uniformity between We can expect some areas to benefit, but I one shire and another. In some shires "Give would bet my last dollar that the country Way" signs are erected at the northern areas will not benefit. Country areas will have approaches to narrow bridges, whereas in Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2759 other shires those signs are placed at the Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. southern approaches to bridges. That is the The member is making an accusation about type of thing that causes problems. In some my getting a\\ ay with something. He should areas there are far too many traffic signs. be more specific. Motorists do not understand the meaning of ail the signs that sometimes are displayed at The CHAIRMAN: Order! I give the intersections. Some of them can be very Minister an undertaking that I will listen confusing. closely to the honourable member's speech.

Traffic signs must be designed so that Mr. PREST: Thank you, Mr. Hewitt. I they can be ident,ified easily by motorists, be1ieve that it is a case of, "You scratch and their shape should be such as to enable my back and I'll scratch yours." The Mtinis­ motoris;ts to identify them from the back ter has the broadest back, the biggest guts as well as from the front. In many instances, and the biggest mouth, so he gets away traffic signs are placed in such a location with almost anything. that they are visible only to motorists approaching from the direction in which The CHAIRMAN: Order! I appeal 10 the the signs are facing. Motorists coming honourable member to moderate his lan­ from nhe other direction should be able to guage. see and identify traffic signs. Confusion as to the meaning of traffic signs causes a Mr. PREST: It is totally appropriate that number of accidents. the Minister charged with administering Traffic accidents are caused also by cara­ these responsibilities should do so in a fair vans. In fact, there are far too many and impartial manner. It is totally appro­ acoidents involving vehicles towing caravans. priate that there should never be a con­ The Traffic Regulations should pro'.Aide tha,t flict of interest between a Minister's personal a caravan canno't be towed by a vehicle assets and interests and those covered by below a certain horsepower and that the his responsibilities as a Milllister of the size of camvans should be related to the Crown. horsepower of vehicles. In other words, Apart from the provision of such facilities a vehicle of comparatively low horsepower as water supply and sewerage, a number of should be permitted to tow only a small functions in local government come under caravan, and so on up the scale. the Minister's control. These are, for example, land-use planning and subdiv,ision Unfortunately, motorists towing caravans and the extraction of sand and gravel. It have a tendency to stay close one behind is an accepted practice under the West­ the other. This is particularly so early minister system for a Minister of the Crown in the morning as they leave the various who has ,any personal interest in areas over caravan parks. Other motorists become which he has control to declare quite openly somewhat impat,ient and try to overtake and clearly what his personal interests and without having sufficient visibility, and quite assets are in the area of his responsibility. often a head-on collision results. Some It is well known that the present Minister caravan owners, by travelling slowly and for Local Government and Main Roads has holding up long streams of traffic, fa,j,l to such interests. May I say that judging by show consideration for other users of the road. his lack of competence he will not be administering his portfolio much longer. It Mr. Davis: They do not pull over. is also common knowledge that he is trying to crawl out and get control of the Doomben Mr. PREST: No, they don',t. Ten Thousand. The Minister for Local Government and Accidents caused by caravans may not Main Roads is heavily involved in land-use occur frequently in the area south of planning, land subdivision and the extraction Gympie or on the Gold Coast (I shall not of sand and gravel. In the circumstances mention in whose electorates those areas there should be no alternative to his making are located); they do h<1ppen quite often, a full and total declaration of his pecuniary however, in the northern and western elec­ interests in order to totally dispel any sug­ torates, where roads are narrow and have gestion that he might be involved in a bad shoulders. conflict of interest. On the one hand the Minister has said Main Roads is only one portion of the that next June or July he will be retiring Minister's portfolio; the other is Local Gov­ not only as Minister for Local Government, ernment. Most of the discontent that per­ but also as a parliamentarian. On the other vades local government today is brought hand, rumour has it that he will be a about by the Minister for Local Govern­ candidate to become the next •Premier of ment and Main Roads. When some people Queensland. involved in local government read of his hand1ing of his portfolio, they say to them­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! The Minister's selves, "If it is good enough for the Minister Estimates are under debate, not the Minis­ to get away with it, I can get away with ter's ambitions or future plans. it, too." Mr. Yewdale interjected. 2760 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Mr. PREST: I do not think so, either; annoys me immensely that Ministers of this I do not think he will be acceptable to Government have to make ministerial state­ Wally in London. ments in the Parliament, wasting the time of the Parliament, simply because some mem­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! I have asked bers of the Parliament cannot observe dec­ the honourable member to return to the orum and cannot direct their remarks on a Estimates. factual basis. Mr. PR:EST: Today, we heard the Minister The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. say how it hurt him during the year when Wright): Order! There is too much audible he had to appoint an administrator to take conversation coming from my left. over from the Gold Coast City Council. I do not think that it hurt him much. Mr. POWELL: Therefore, Mr. Wright, I Mr. Goleby: He has done a good job. would like to have it recorded that I support the Minister. I am certain that nothing he Mr. PREST: I agree. The Minister ought has done cannot be explained fully. I would to thank the administrator because he got also be quite confident that the Minister his rezoning through in the Burleigh Heads has alw·ays conducted his department in the area and he is going to do a pretty fair-- best interests not only of the Government but also of the people. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. The statement made by the honourable mem­ Under the Minister's administration come ber indicates some impropriety whereby I both the Department of Local Government appointed the administrator and officers for and the Main Roads Department, two areas my benefit in a rezoning application. of Government endeavour that are very important in the State of Queensland. In The CHAIRMAN: Order! Is the Minister speaking on the local government section asking for a withdrawal? of his responsibilities, I refer to a meeting held in my electorate recently at which Mr. HINZE: I ask that the whole of that the Minister for Survey and Valuation (the statement be withdrawn, and I expect an Honourable John Greenwood) was present. apology. The meeting was called because of what in the eyes of the people were inequitable The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon­ rates charged for the small township of ourable member for Port Curtis to withdraw Woodgate. The meeting passed the following that statement. resolution:- "That this meeting requests the Gov­ Mr. PREST: I withdraw the statement and ernment to alter the Local Government apologise to the Minister. Act to permit Local Authorities to levy We know that there was a reason for a lesser rate in the dollar on urban land appointing the administrator to control the than rural land where specially inflated Gold Coast area, but it has never been valuations make such action desirable. given to the Parliament. It is a sleeper; And that this action only occur with the we would like to know why the administrator approval of the Governor-in-Council." was appointed. Other local authorities That resolution was moved and seconded throughout the State have done far worse bv two councillors from the Isis Shire Coun­ things than the Gold Coast City Council, cil and was carried by the meeting, at which but the Minister's department would not 126 were present. 104 people signed a peti­ take action against them. tion, which will be handed to the Minister, (Time expired.) asking the Government to undertake that [Sitting suspended from 12.58 to 2.15 p.m.] action. I can understand the Government's hesit­ Mr. POWELL (Isis) (2.15 p.m.): I wel­ ancy in amending the Act in that way. I can come the opportunity to speak in the debate understand its not wanting to have such a on the Minister's Estimates. In so doing, resolution carried. I realise that in western I open my remarks by paying a tribute to shires that have a considerable amount of the Minister for the diligence with which rural land-indeed, a large city council neigh­ he undertakes his tasks. The previous speaker bouring my own electorate is in a similar in this debate made some despicable remarks position-people in rural areas could be about the Minister. I am fully aware that considerably disadvantaged if a city-based the Minister is completely capable of answer­ shire decided to raise an inequitable amount ing the inane remarks of the member for of revenue from rural areas. However, the Port Curtis; however, I do not think it is rider to the motion clearly states "with the right that the Minister should be left as the approval of the Governor in Council". If only one to defend himself against those that rider is maintained, then I cannot under­ accusations and the attacks that are made stand why the Government will not accept upon him. such a proposal. I find it extremely disturbing that some I hope that the Minister can accept the members of the Queensland Parliament, when proposal put forward by that very large they cannot win an argument through logic public meeting-a proposal put forward in and fact, resort to personal attacks. It representations made by other shire councils Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2761 and city councils-having very large areas of penalised, and I do not think that is fair at rural land and, right on the coast, a small all. Surely the money allocated by the corn­ coastal development which has necessitated mission should be handed out in a more a considerable rise in valuations. equitable fashion. In fact, I believe that It was suggested that the Isis Shire greater recognition should be given to local Council could solve the problem by creating authorities that prune their budgets-in other different financial divisions. I would like to words, those that cut their cloth according place on record here today that the council to their purse. did look at that suggestion and rejected it simply because, if they had accepted it, sorn~ A Government Member: The good house­ cane-producing areas would have been rated keepers. at one level and others at a different level. I am sure everybody would agree that that Mr. POWELL: Yes. They are the ones would have resulted in an untenable situa­ who should be receiving financial recognition, tion. not the ones who plainly waste money by spending it willy-nilly all around the There are 134 local authorities in Queens­ countryside. I hope that the Government land and for years debate has raged about will look very carefully at the guide-lines the location of their boundaries. In rnv elec­ laid down for the commission so that in torate, as the Minister well knows, we had future, as the commission travels around, it considerable argument over the boundaries will look carefully at the funds that local of the areas of the Hervey Bay Town Council, authorities receive and the way they spend which was in the old Burrurn shire, the them. Woocoo Shire Council and the Maryborough City Council. Such has been the debate, even Quite obviously rates form the main part after the decision was made, that at a meet­ of a local authority's income, but we must ing of one of the local authorities in the recognise the capacity of people to pay. area last Friday people were still complaining There are areas within my electorate, as I about the location of the boundaries. know there are in many other electorates, in which people have, generally speaking, With 134 local authorities, some with retired to the coast. They have done so boundaries that were drawn many, many because they want to live by the sea and years ago when communications were not as because at the time they bought the land good as they are today and roads were much and settled there it was relatively cheap and worse than they now are, I suggest that the easy to obtain. There were no facilities Government should adopt the sensible there and they did not ask for any. In many attitude of setting up a select committee of cases the councils have now decided to give this Parliament to look into local authority people amenities that they do not even want. boundaries. I suggest that we should be giving the members of this Parliament the In some of the coastal towns in my elect­ opportunity, through a select committee, to orate, the council has insisted in some sub­ travel around the State and have a very divisions that kerbing and channelling be close look at local authoritv boundaries. constructed on pure sand. I agree with the There may well be good arguments why building of bitumen roads in subdivisions, there should be no changes at all, but, quite but it is totally unnecessary to insist on the frankly, I believe there should be many construction of kerbing and channelling. Also, changes. I am only one member and can councils are putting in water reticulation look at only one part of the State, but a although the source of supply is not good. select committee of this Parliament set up The list of anomalies goes on and on. People for the sole purpose of looking at local who have retired to these areas are now authority boundaries would do the people and being charged rates that are totally unac­ the Government of this State a great service ceptable. In my opinion, the Grants Corn­ by considering the matter in the calmest mission should look very carefully at this possible way. situation. Local authorities that build essen­ tial amenities should receive the benefit of Quite clearly there are anomalies, and one any money that is provided, not the ones can see this by looking at the second report that are building great Taj Mahals for the of the Local Government Grants Commis­ benefit of only a few people. sion on financial assistance for local govern­ ment. I mentioned this when I spoke in the The Minister also administers the Main Budget debate, but I mention it again Roads Department, which is very important because I believe that there are many to this State. Being a far-flung State, one anomalies in the way finance is distributed. in which connecting roads of a very high It seems to me-I know I am not alone in standard are needed, quite obviously this saying this-that the Local Government department has a very important role to Grants Commission has tended to provide play in the development and progress of assistance to local authorities that have the State. Yesterday I read in the news undertaken developments they really cannot media the reported remarks of the Hon­ afford-what we might term luxury pro­ ourable Peter Nixon. I find it strange that jects. The councils that have sat down and Federal Ministers should talk in that fashion. done their homework, have budgeted well, I believe that the Federal Government has and have kept their rates as low as possible a much greater role to play in road main­ to the benefit of the ratepa) ers, are being tenance and road building. 2762 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

It is all very well for Federal members occurred. As a matter of priority, the Gov­ of Parliament to say that the State Govern­ ernment needs to upgrade the Bruce High­ ment is receiving a certain amount of money way in the Bauple area where presently a for development projects but that it is not bypass is being constructed. As a matter of spending that money on roads and should be priority, the road from Kannigan's Gap north spending more in this way. I find such state­ to Bauple needs to be upgraded to a stand­ ments totally unacceptable. As everyone ard that befits a main highway in Queens­ knows, the Federal Government takes in tax land. at least one third of the money that motor­ I appeal to the Minister to make sure ists pay for petrol. I do not care what they that ·the funds of the Main Roads Depart­ call that tax, but they are taking that money ment are distributed equitably throughout off the motorist. The State Government the State. The fact that there is a reasonably receives back less than 1 cent per litre. In large number of people in the south-east other words, the Federal Government is corner of the State should not mean that taking at least one third of the money that less money is spent in the central region and motorists pay for petrol and giving back to other areas of the State. the States less than one-twentieth for their roads. How the Federal Government gets A tourist road in my electorate that I around that argument is beyond me. In have mentioned, probably ad nauseam, in logic, it cannot win. If it takes that amount this Chamber is the Torbanlea-Pialba Road, of money off the motorist, it is high time and I am thankful that the Main Roads that it paid back a greater share to the Department is to spend $373,480 on it in State Governments so that they can use it the next three years. An unfortunate for the benefit of the motorist. feature of my electorate, and, in fact, of the Wide Bay area as a whole, is the level Dr. Lockwood: It is balancing the Budget. of unemployment. One way of reducing unemployment would be for the Main Roads Mr. POWELL: It may be called balancing Department and other Government depart­ the Budget, but I do not accept the way in ments to spend more money through the which the Federal Government wants to local authorities. This would enable them balance its Budget. It is high time that the to employ more people. Federal Government stopped spending money I am informed that $39,000 of the $115,000 ~m some of the ridiculous things on which that is to be spent on the Torbanlea-Pialba It spends money and spent more in areas Road this financial year goes in design. Per­ where it can best be used. haps the Main Roads Department could In looking at the money paid out by the somehow or other avoid charging that Main Roads Department, I should like to $39,000 against the job in that local authority utter a word of criticism of the way in area. I would ask the Minister to consider which it is distributed throughout the State. seriously the possibility of granting the whole The report of the Main Roads Department, $115,000 to the Hervey Bay Shire Council which was tabled in the Parliament the other to enable it to get on with the job and day, shows that very large sums of money re-employ some of the men that it has had are spent in the south-east corner of the to retrench in the last week or so. It is State. For example, the Albert Shire received most important that local authorities be used $5,765,570, of which $2,700,000 was spent for the purpose for which they were designed, on the Pacific Highway. The Gold Coast that is, local authority works. They could City Council received $1,013,506, the Red­ then easily absorb much of the temporary land Shire Council received $1,179,293, the unemployment that is occurring in certain Brisbane City Council received $5,847,201, areas today. and the Moreton Shire Council received One way of overcoming the problem-and $3,117,788. So it goes on. I know that this has been canvassed before -would be for the Federal Government to Of the local authorities in my electorate, look far more carefully than it now does the Hervey Bay Shire Council received at the possibility of paying unemployment $328,060, the Isis Shire Council received benefit money to local authorities -to enable $669,217, and the Woocoo Shire Council them to employ people for two or three days received $485,249. I believe that the Govern­ a week to carry out work that they cannot ment should be looking very carefully at currently afford to carry out. I think it is spending a lot more money in Central Queens­ quite clear that if the Federal Government land. It seems to me that it is spending a gave local authorities a right to employ tremendous amount of money in the south­ people and those people then received their east corner of the State and, indeed, in the unemployment benefit in that way, the effect northern parts of the State. The central part would be twofold: firstly, it would reduce of Queensland seems to be left out. unemployment benefit payments; secondly, it The Bruce Highway, which is the main would give some dignity to the people receiv­ highway connecting Brisbane and Cairns, is ing unemployment benefits. It seems .to me in reasonably good condition as far north to be quite an untenable situation that as my electorate, and even as far north as people who are unemployed can only sit back Rockhampton, except for some areas around and ·accept unemployment benefits. 1In my Miriam Vale where, because of bad road opinion, unemployment benefits could be surfacing, some serious accidents have used much more effectively than they are Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2763

at present, and it is high time that the was built but later the Toowoomba City Federal Government gave careful considera­ Council fo'und that even the quantity of water tion to the proposal that I have put forward. from that dam was not adequate. Mr. R. .J. Gibbs: Whose fault is it? It rather disturbs me that there are regular cries from aldermen of the Toowoomba City Council that the Government should subsid­ Mr. POWELL: I am pleased that the ise the Toowoomba City Council because of honourable member for Wolston interjects, decisions the Government has taken over the "Whose fault is it?" I will tell him. In years. On 19 April 1955 the Town Clerk of 1973, a fellow named Whitlam signed an the Toowoomba City Council advised the International Labour Organisat•ion agreement. Irrigation and Water Supply Commission that Because he did that, the Federal Government the council would prefer to leave the Con­ is unable now to do as I have suggested. damine Basin water alone and develop dam If it is merely a matter of removing a sites east of the range. Subsequent to that, the signature from a stupid agreement that was Irrigation and Water Supply Commission entered into by the Federal Labor Govern­ gave the Toowoomba City Council permis­ ment in 1973, I say it is high time we did sion to dam Perseverance Creek, and that that. Only by doing so, Mr. Wright, will became Toowoomba's second water supply. we be able to stop some of the silly nonsense that is now going on. Gettincr the water to Toowoomba involved the establishment of a massive pumping The honourable member who preceded me station, with a gravitational supply all the in the debate spoke also about the road toll. wav from a collection dam at Pechey, some He seemed to be very much down on people 20-odd miles away, to Toowoomba. Too­ who tow caravans along the road, and I woomba is now considering the cost of its deplore the remarks .that he made. I do third dam. Rather belatedly we have had the not believe that he has thought the matter through carefully. People wishing to go on crv that the State Government forced the Toowoomba City Council out of the Conda­ holidays cannot afford high-priced holidays, mine Basin, and therefore the State Govern­ as the honourable member obviously can. They want to be able to tow a caravan along ment should compensate the Toowoomba the road with their motor vehicle. Although City Council for the difference in c?st there certainly needs to be some upgrading between getting water from the Condamme of driving standards, it is stupid to say that Basin and getting water from east of the all accidents are caused bv caravans on the range. I am rather disturbed that some of road. · the aldermen have persisted with this. The record is there in the files of the Toowoomba The honourable member said that there City Council. If they looked at a copy of should be a certain horsepower rating. Does that letter of 19 April 1955, they would see he realise that a very light motor car with that what I say is true. Once the Toowoomba a very high-powered engine is far more City Council turned its back on ~he. Conda­ dangerous when towing a caravan than a mine Basin water supply, the Irngatwn and low-powered heavy vehicle towing a caravan? Water Supply Commission aH.ocated . the He should take that into consideration when available water from the Condamme Basm to he makes suggestions of that type. If there irrigated farms. There are ~ow ov~r 200 is to be any regulation, recognition should be irrigated farms in the Condamme Basm, and given to the weight of the vehicle being they are making extremely good use of the towed. It is stupid to tow a large caravan water. with a high-powered, light motor vehicle. The honourable member suggested that it It seems a simple concept that Toowoomba should be on horsepower alone. That is a should just go west, dam the Condamine stupid statement, which demonstrates that somewhere and pump the water into Too­ he does not understand the situation at all. woomba. But it is not as simple as that. The (Time expired.) second stage of the Leslie Dam would cost $5,000,000 to implement at this stage. As I have said, the water is fully committed to Dr. LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) irrigated farms. It would cost $20,000,000 (2.35 p.m.): First of all I should like to to put in a dam at Talgai, and of course address myself to some of the problems fac­ this would flood a great deal of the Conda­ ing Toowoomba with its present and future mine Basin and put many of the valuable water supply. Honourable members should be farms under water. Similarly, the scheme at aware that all inland cities have problems with water supply, and certainly Toowoomba Elbow Valley, east of Warwick, would cost is no exception. Up till 1940 Toowoomba in the order of $20,000,000. It would not relied almost exclusively on rain-water tanks flood as much valuable farmland, but never­ and underground water supplies from bores. theless it would be an immense programme The city came to rely very extensively on to implement. The problems in the Conda­ bores. Some of the very large ones could mine would not end there. The irrigated pump 100,000 gallons or more per day. As farms have been allocated all of the avail­ the city grew, this form of water supply was able surface water, and perhaps they have no longer adequate. In 1941 the Cooby Dam overcommitted the underground water. 2764 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

There is no point in aldermen of the ToG­ to the construction of the Julius Dam, which woomba City Council crying to the State stores water for the city. Toowoomba, on Government or attempting to have the elec­ the other hand, has no large single manu­ tors believe that the State Government forced facturing or mining interest such as Mount the Toowoomba City Council out of the Isa Mines, nor can it look to one major Condamine Basin. That simply is not true. source of private finance to en~tble it to 1f the council cares to search its reco11ds, it continue with these projects. It all comes will find it is not true. It is a simple case back to the fact that Toowoomba wiU have of bellyaching in the hope that this will to finance its own water supply and pass the attract a certain reaction from the people, construction of the Cressbrook Creek dam thereby helping the council win Government over to a water supply authority. Of course, funds. if it does that, it will have to pay that The Toowoomba City Council has been authority for the water that is delivered to developing the new dam at Cressbrook the dam. Creek. It has cost a great deal to carry out ,I now want to deal with flash flooding. the initial investigation, because the country Recently, flash flooding occurred in my elec­ surrounding the creek, owing to its geological torate. It raised again all the problems asso­ features, is not ideally suited to the con­ ciated with residentia'l land that is subject struction of a dam. The council has received to flooding, whether it is major flooding or regular loans from the State Government to flash flooding. Prior to the recent flash flood, help it on its way, and I believe that at this heavy soaking rain fell for four or five days, stage it is carrying out some of the smaller and it was followed by a heavy downpour on works associated with the construction of a a Sunday night. Although the catchment area major earth dam. was only one-third of a square kilometre, a As the Federal member for Darling Downs, \vall of water came down and went through Mr. Tom McVeigh, has said, Toowoomba properties at a depth of 2 ft. This rapid hoped to receive part of the Federal Govern­ torrent caused a great deal of local destruc­ ment's injection into dam construction of tion. $20,000,000 over the next five years. On a Questions have been asked about whether per capita basis, however, Toowoomlba could such land should be subdivided, but because eJGpect to receive only from $50,000 to this land was subdivided at the time of the $100,000. In fact, I do not believe that the flooding the wisdom of the subdivision was present Commonwealth scheme has anything no longer of moment. Building permits cov­ at all to offer to Toowoomba. ering the land in question had been issued The funds are to be devoted, firstly, to but the design of the two houses built on flood mitigation. There is no way in the world it was not suitable for an area subject to that any dam below the range could come into flash flooding. The people concerned are that category. Secondly, the funds are to be seeking an urgent allocation of a great deal allocated for irrigation purposes. Once again, of council money to re-route the flood waters. there is no way in the world that any water However, the diversion of flood water can supply scheme for Toowoomba could be con­ create many other problems. Members of sidered as irrigation works. Parliament and other people know that the diversion of flood water can lead to liability In any provision of funds for urban water in civil litigation under the common law. supplies in cities, Toowoomba will be com­ peting with Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, I do not believe that the Toowoomba City Adelaide, Perth and other large cities. I am Council or any local authority should have afraid that when little Toowoomba goes to power to mark title deeds with words dec­ battle with some of those giants it will not laring that land is flood-prone. I do not get very far. 11he sheer weight of numbers even believe that local authorities should have of politicians in New South Wales and Vic­ to publish maps, but I do believe that they toria alone will make sure that Toowoomba could prepare maps showing areas that are gets very little, if any, of that $20,000,000. prone to flash flooding. That would permit I come now to what options are open. those interested in purchasing land to con­ Perhaps Toowoomba's best option is to keep sult the maps, just as people consult town developing its water supply and to pass the plans to determine possible land use. construction of the dam over to a water The area in question is definitely not a supply authority such as that mooted by the defined stream or even an intermittent Government. Certainly Toowoomba suffers a stream. The trouble arises because of the disadvantage by having to collect water from funnelling of waters on a natural slope into below the range and pump it up to the city. a very narrow channel. That is what caused The water is then available after treatment the destruction. I was amazed to note that for discharge down the headwaters of the one of the houses in this flood area was Condamine River and it can be used further built on a slab of concrete at ground level. downstream. Despite all the flood-control measures imple­ Mention has been made of Government mented, there were eight or more inches of assistance to Mt. Isa. Certainly, Mt. Isa is water at the back door. One curious thing fortunate in that regard. It is fortunate in was that drains from the laundry let water another regard, too, in that Mount Isa flood right through the house. Only one Mines has contributed large sums of money type of house should be allowed anywhere Supply [21 NovEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2765 near a flood area, namely, the old-fashioned road we would have a crop of broken wind­ Queensland house on stumps. The owner of screens and that, if rounded gravels are one house that was 2ft. off the ground used, skidding could be increased. It is a was lucky. The water did not enter it, but very complex problem. the other one was completely flooded. What adds to the problem is that our highways are becoming rippled lengthwise. The best advice that can be given to people The modern sedan can cope quite well with who have suffered flooding is to apply steering on a flat or evenly cambered road; urgently for revaluation. It costs very little but, when a highway is rippled along its and the forms are available from the Depart­ length, cars crossing the ripples change from ment of Local Government. The local auth­ correct to incorrect camber. Anything can ority can also help with applications for happen. They can easily go into a tail-spin. revaluation of the land so that the value of The cause of the rippling, of course, is the the land and the rates payable thereon can loads carried by our major transport units -those massive semi-trailers-and the be reduced and the money saved in rates inability of the undersections of highways used for repairing properties before the next to meet such loads. flood, which will almost certainly occur. Rippling occurs in our city streets as well I turn now to matters affecting our main as on our highways. I for one would wel­ roads. Of particular interest to me is the come regulations or legislation to confine the provision of deceleration and acceleration heaviest vehicles to set routes. There is no lanes on main roads. I am very pleased to way that the ordinary city or suburban street see that the Minister has provided some can withstand the force exerted by semi­ acceleration and deceleration lanes, with trailers carrying maximum loads. If those room for turning traffic to remain in the vehicles could be channelled to routes speci­ centre lane and passing traffic to overtake ally prepared with solid foundations before on the left. In my opinion many more of bitumen is laid, rippling would be prevented. these facilities are needed. One of the most I would ask the Minister to look at some alarming incidents on a highway occurs when sections of road on the Range, particularly a person is following a vehicle that stops the up road, that are deeply rippled. When suddenly-maybe at the head of a line of the road is wet, the dieseline that is pre­ traffic on the highway-and the following cipitated on the surface, coupled with the traffic cannot stop in time. I have seen cars light rain makes it an absolute death-trap. pass other vehicles on the left when the Many sed'ans have spun off the road. Semi­ vehi~le at the front of the line is already trailers have lost all traction and have been turmng left. We must be particularly mind­ unable to continue on their journey. The ful of the fact that the braking capacity of drivers have had to guide the vehicle to a very large semi-trailers carrying maximum halt as best they could, slipping backwards loads is nowhere near as good as that of a down the Range while in a forward gear, sedan car. Large semi-trailers proceed at chock the vehicle and get out and wait until full speed on the highway, (which is their the condition of the road improved. I repeat right), but if they are to do so safely there that I do not know the real answer, but must be adequate warning of turn-out. I the Range highway certainly demands think a full hundred metres of slow-down further investigation, particularly in the is needed for a vehicle turning left· it must matter of surfacing and in the matter of get off the highway into a lane, dec~lerate in foundation preparations to prevent rippling. that lane and allow the highway traffic to continue. Mr. K. J. HOOPER (Archerfield) (2.54 p.m.): The issue a_t stll:k~ in _all departl!l<;r:tal Numerous unexplained accidents occur on Estimates debates IS m1mstenal responsibility. the highway. I think that this could be one The specific issue, as I see it, is conflict of of the factors causing them. Many people interests. The Minister for Local Govern­ driving along highways find that they are ment has acquired 12 acres of Crown land unable to stop suddenly and avoid a vehicle for nothing-not one cent of capital outlay; slowing down to effect a left-hand turn or a just transfer fees. He now stands to n~t right-hand turn off the highway. I com­ over $100,000 in what can only be seen, m mend the Minister for his action in building my opinion, as a corrupt deal. He has done the few turn-outs that have been built and it through collusion with his National Party in making provision for one at the bottom of cronies on the Albert Shire Council. the Range road. Without it, I believe that we would have had a continuing pile-up of Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. cars at the bottom of the Range. The pro­ The member has referred to a collusion and vision of the acceleration and deceleration the fact that I, as the Minister, have lanes has averted that hazard. acquired land in some sort of deal. Those statements are entirely incorrect and I ask Still on the subject of the Range highway that the member withdraw them in their -there continue to be slippery sections after entirety. the road is first wet. I know that the depart­ ment has been looking at ways and means The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. of controlling what is really a perennial Wright): Order! The Honourable the Minis­ problem. I do not know the answer. I am ter has asked that the statements be with· told that if very coarse gravel is put on the drawn in their entirety. 68278-93 2766 Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Mr. K. J. HOOPER: In deference to the This is entirely incorrect. I ask that the Standing Rules and Orders of the Parlia­ whole of that phrase be withdrawn because ment, I withdraw them. I take exception ·to it. But there has been a great outbreak of corruption on the Gold Coast, and this is The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! only the tip of .the iceberg. The National I ask the honourable member to accept the Party is intimately involved, and I will pro­ Minister's denial. ceed with my comments until the public is made fully aware of the proportions of the Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I will withdraw it. land scandals on the Gold Coast, all of which are a matter of concern in this Estimates The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! debate. I now table documents which stress I am asking the honourable member to only part of the Minister's involvement in accept the Minister's denial. this corruption. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I will accept it, but Whereupon the honourable member laid let me say this: the Minister is like a tom­ the documents on the table. cat; he can give it, but he can't take it. Document No. 1 will show that the Minis­ This morning in this Chamber, under the ter for Local Government and Main Roads guise of issuing a ministerial statement, the (Mr. Hinze) obtained an acre of land from Minister bucketed all and sundry in this the Albert Shire Council for nil. The Chamber. Why don't you sit back and cop acquisition of the council land led to Mr. some of your own medicine, you fat fraud! Hinze's applying to the Lands Department for the closure of an adjoining road. The The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Minister for Lands at the time was Wally I would ask the honourable member to Rae, familiarly known in this Chamber as continue with his speech. Mr. Cedar Furniture. The agreement with the council is probably just inside the law. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. The Minister obtained one acre of council The honourable member referred to me as land through a verbal contract. How many a "fat fraud". I take exception to the young couples •Could walk into the office words "fat fraud" and ask that they be of the Department of Local Government withdrawn. I also ask that •the member and be given one acre of land, without apologise. signing any documents, and then subdivide this land into prime residential blocks? The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The Minister has asked that the offensive Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. words used be withdrawn and that the The honourable member is making accusa­ honourable member apologise. tions concerning gifts of land to me that are entirely incorrect. He referred to cor­ Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I withdraw the word ruption. The whole tenor of the honourable "fat" and I apologise. member's remarks is .that there has been some collusion. I take exception to the whole Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. tone of his remarks so far and ask that I asked that the words "fat fraud" be with­ they be withdrawn in their entirety. drawn.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The Minister is taking exception to the words The honourable member heard the words that used and the statements made by the honour­ have to be withdrawn, and I ask him to able member, and I ask him to withdraw withdraw them . .them. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: There again, [n Mr. K. J. HOOPER: In deference to you, deference to you, Mr. Wright, I withdraw. Mr. Wright, I will withdraw but, quite But the question I would like to pose to frankly, I do not think I have transgressed the Minister through you, Mr. Wright, is: at all. Nevertheless, in deference to you how much did the Minister get the land and to save embarrassing the Chair, I will for? I am saying he got it for nothing, not withdraw them. one cent! He was given this piece of land. Document No. 2 shows that the contract Let him deny that! He knows it is the was a verbal one. Document No. 3 is a truth. copy of a deed of grant by which the Gov­ ernment took one acre of council land from Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. Mr. Hinze and gave him back 11.76 acres. I emphatically deny that I was given the His freshly acquired council block of another piece of land referred to by the honourable 10 acres of adjacent land-- member and I ask that he withdraw that statement. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. The honourable member is now referring to The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! an arrangement or something whereby he I can only ask the member to accept the says that I was given back 11 acres of land. Minister's denial on that matter. The Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978) (Estimates) 2767

Minister has denied it. I ask the honourable Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. member for Archerfield to accept the Minis­ The honourable member again refers to my ter's denial on that point. attitude and says that I cannot walk straight past an allotment, and what I do is designed !'f.r. K: J. HOOPER: I accept it. The to accumulate for me a quick profit. Those Mm1ster IS very touchy. The Minister has words are offensive to me and I ask that they loose bowels or something this afternoon be withdrawn. -he is terribly touchy. ~1!-t I have. to say quite bluntly that in my The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! opm10n, and m the opinion of every member The Minister has asked that the offensive of the Opposition, the Minister should resign. words be withdrawn. If he does not, the Premier should stand him dow.n and hold a judicial inquiry under Mr. K. J. HOOPER: Well, I will withdraw, the ausptces of a Supreme Court judge. This Mr. Wright. Last week-end it was "The would be done if the incidents I have National Times" and his real estate collec­ referred to occurred in any other State. Even tions in the Coomera district. There is even under the Fraser Federal Government when a trotting track there, I am told. Let me say it was suggested that the Minister for Fin­ this: normally, the Minister is not a thin­ ance, Mr. Eric Robinson, was involved in skinned person but, probably because of the the gerrymander and rort on the Gold Coast pressure that he is under and his conscience, to his credit Mr. Fraser stood him down: and probably because of some tummy trouble Mr. Robinson has been exonerated, and I he has at the moment, he is extremely touchy accept this. But as far as I am concerned today. Let me say this to the Minister this Minister has not been exonerated. I~ through you, Mr. Wright: it is not every any other State of Australia there would loving son who gets a present for nix, or have been an inquiry into this matter. Of next to nothing, from mum; not only mum, course, in every other State in Australia but local authorities as well. Before that, it there is natural justice. In Queensland, was the rezoning of land held by the Minister there is one brand of justice-Bjelke­ and his electorate secretary through their Petersen justice, a peculiar brand, and it company Lowanna. Here a council recom­ is rotten and corrupt. As far as I am mendation was overruled, with the Minister's concerned, the Minister for Local Govern­ approval, while the attitudes of objectors who ment and Main Roads has no integrity, and had previously found sufficient interest to I repeat that he is totally unfit to hold office. submit suggestions were overlooked or Just before the recess for lunch, the Minis­ ignored. Let the Minister deny that. ter, in introducing these Estimates, used the Beyond that, Mr. Wright, were the two term "good housekeeping and bookkeeping". charters from Brisbane to Aurukun and The same Minister would not produce his Mornington Island. A few hours there, and books here or over the road-more positively, then on to Dunk Island for convalescence on to the Taxation Office. There is nothing nice the return journey. that one can say about a man who is pre­ pared to use his ministerial position as the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Minister has. The nicest description of the I ask the honourable member to explain Minister that I can give is that he is a some­ what relevance these points have to the times entertaining, political racketeer. Estimates.

Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I said in my opening The member referred to me as a sometimes remarks on these Estimates that the whole political racketeer. key to this debate was the responsibility of the Minister. What I am suggesting here Mr. K. J. Hooper: Entertaining. is that the Minister is guilty of ministerial malfeasance. That is what I am trying to Mr. HINZE: A sometimes entertaining, point out to this Chamber, and I think that political racketeer. I take exception to the I have a right to do that, Mr. Wright. term. I ask that it be withdrawn and that the member apologise. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable member refers to "minister­ The Minister has taken exception to the ial malfeasance". I take strong exception to offensive words used. I ask the honourable the words, and I ask that they be withdrawn. member for Archerfield to withdraw and apologise. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable member has been called on Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I withdraw and to withdraw the offensive words used. apologise, Mr. Wright. Surely the Minister will not object to this: in my humble opinion, Mr. K. J. HOOPER: Mr. Wright, I am frankly, he could not walk straight past an getting giddy from getting up and down all empty allotment. His fingers must tremble the time. I withdraw. every time he signs a document or regulation I say this to the Minister through you, where there is the prospect of a few dollars Mr. Wright, more in sorrow than in anger: of quick profit. even further back still this year was the trip 2768 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) across the Tasman by the Minister and his Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I do so in deference electorate secretary for three weeks. He was to you Mr. Wright. I certainly do not wish filling in time at yearling sales and trotting to embarrass you in the chair, Mr. Wright. tracks awaiting a meeting that lasted less Let me sav this: it has become public than an afternoon. Mr. Wright, what I am knowledge this week, and wide publicity has saying to honourable members here today is been given to the fact, that the Minister for that this is a disgraceful disregard of, and Local Government and Main Roads, whose disrespect for, Crown money and responsibil­ Estimates we are debating today, wants to be ity of office. Let the Minister deny that. Up the Minister in charge of racing, with control he gets. over the T.A.B., free, as it is at the moment, from a check by the Auditor-GeneraL Such Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point or order. a thought, Mr. Wright, is akin to the appoint­ The honourable member referred to a Press ment of John Andrew Stuart as superinten­ secretary or an electorate secretary having dent of Boggo Road prison. The mind used Crown money at my direction. I take boggles! Look at the flood that would follow strong exception to that. I deny it. I ask the late bets and disputed dividends, Mr. that that statement be withdrawn. Wright. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. Frawley interjected. I ask the honourable member to accept the Minister's denial and to withdraw the state­ Mr. K. J. HOOPER: Normally I would take ment that he made. an interjection from the honourable member for Caboolture, but I am after eagles today. I have onlv a couple of cartridges left and I Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I withdraw. Until this afternoon, Mr. Wright, I had always con­ am not going to waste them on a tomtit. sidered the Minister to be loud-mouthed, The Minister for racing, Mr. Wright, I but let me say this: he is a soft-mouthed, ask you! This well-fed Minister must be ill-tempered, political bully. He can dish it joking! The Minister for robbery would be out but he can't take it, and that is his more appropriate. problem. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. I Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. cannot accept the last phrase used by the hon­ I ask that those words that the honourable ourable member, that I be referred to as the member just used in referring to me be Minister for robbery. I ask that that phrase withdrawn. He is becoming a little repetiti­ be withdrawn and that he apologise. ous. I ask through you, Mr. Wright, that the member desist. We have had enough of this, The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! surely. I will have to continue my requests The words used are offensive to the Minister, if the honourable member continues in this and I ask that they be withdrawn. I remind vein. the honourable member for Archerfield again that the points now being made have little to The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! do with the Estimates under discussion. A point of order has been taken that the words used are offensive, and I ask the Mr. Porter: You have not spoken about honourable member for Archerfield to with­ the Estimates yet. draw them. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: Never been off them. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: He is terriblv sensi­ How dare the Minister for Aboriginal and tive-"very-sensitive Russ". I have to say­ Island Affairs-- I am going to say it again, Mr. Wright, and surely I am entitled to say this-that the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Minister is unfit not only to relax in Cabinet; I ask the honourable member for Archerfield he is unfit and unclean to sit side by side to withdraw the words used. with honest men on any bench in this Chamber or anv bench or stool within this Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I do withdraw them, building, and he should resign. Mr. Wright. What I am going to talk about now, Mr. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. Wright, definitely comes under the Estimates The terms and phrases that the honourable of the Minister for Local Government and member used are definitely offensive to me. Main Roads--quarries. I ask that they be withdrawn, and I ask that Mr. Campbell: Racing? he apologise. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I am talking about The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! quarries. I am not going to take the inter­ The Minister has asked that the words used jection from the geriatric Deputy Leader of be withdrawn, as they are offensive. I would the Liberal Party. remind the honourable member for Archer­ field that a member is not to use unbecoming While I am talking about quarries, Mr. or offensive words in reference to another w.right, let us hear more about the Minister's member in the Chamber. quarry. Who are the other customers? What Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978) (Estimates) 2769 are the other personal cheques, and for how the time, and I apologise to Mr. Jack much? I say no more than that he is unfit Stanaway. I should not have made the state­ and undesirable for this particular portfolio ment and I apologise. because of his property interests and his Mr. K. J. HOOPER: Well, that is some­ land-developing deals, as undesirable for any thing we have achieved! other ministerial portfolio as for the Local Government and Main Roads portfolio in The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! this State. I know that the honourable member will accept the Minister's apology. Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. The last phrase, in which the honourable Mr. K. J. HOOPER: It is the first time member suggests that I am unfit, apparently he has ever apologised in his life. I am sure indicating some sort of compromise by me, that Mr. Stanaway will be most grateful for is extremely offensive to me. I ask that it the apology. If the Minister is fair .di~kum­ be withdrawn, and I ask that he apologise. to use an Australian colloqmahsm-he should immediately write to Jack Stanaway The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! and put his apology in ":riting. I spoke to The Minister has asked that the offensive Mr. Stanaway at lunch-time; he was cer­ words be withdrawn. tainly very aggrieved and. hurt. A!t.er all, public servants are not m a position to Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I withdraw. But let defend themselves in this Chamber. They me say this, Mr. Wright: the documents that have to depend on courageous members on I have tabled in this Chamber will reveal, this side to spring to their defence. Anyhow, when perused by honourable members, that I am very pleased that the Minister has the Minister for Local Government and Main apologised. Roads can no longer be trusted with minis­ Without regurgitating everything I hav.e terial office. I repeat what I said earlier­ said in this speech, I wish to close ,on t.h1s that, at the very least, he must be suspended note: I make it quite clear that I don t thmk pending an impartial inquiry by a Supreme the Minister is a fit person to hold the Local Court judge into all of his activities. I think Government portfolio. If he had any intestinal that is reasonable. In any other State in the fortitude and any principle whatsoever, he Commonwealth, that would occur. Of course, would immediately resign. as I said earlier in my speech, it does not happen in Queensland. Queensland is the Mr. SIMPSON (Cooroora) (3.12 p.m.): I Old Curiosity State, and, of course, we have rise to support the Minister in the debate an arch-hypocrite, Mr. Bjelke-Petersen, as on his Estimates. I did not think that so soon Premier. Fo1lowing such an investigation, Mr. after my entry into Parliament we would Wright, I have no doubt that the Minister oet to the stage where on 21 November for Local Government and Main Roads will l978 the Opposition can do nothing in an be occupied in hard labour in another place, Estimates debate other than cause harassment, that he will no longer be concerned not just make innuendoes, and muck-rake at the with his promotion to Premier but also with lowest possible level. I should have thought events in general in this Chamber. that there would be members on your left, Mr. Wright, who would be capable of Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. debating the Estimates in a way that would Again the honourable member implies that I be worthy of this place and worthy of the would probably be committed to Her portfolio held by the Minister. It is common Majesty's Prison. Of course, that is offensive knowledge throughout Australia that the to me. I take strong exception to it, and I departments under the Minister's a. 'ntrol ~re ask that he withdraw and apologise. very well run and administered b) a Mm­ ister who is a fully capable man, <'ll'ld one The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! who takes an expertise of his own ·ao the The Minister finds the remarks by the honour­ portfolio. He can speak with knowle.~~e on able member offensive, and he asks that they local government matters, having been in be withdrawn and that the honourable mem­ a local authority. Having been a successful ber apologise. businessman, he can bring competent man­ agement to that portfolio. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I will withdraw them. I am often asked to address schools in Here in this Chamber today all honour­ mv electorate about various matters con­ able members were horrified to hear the cerning Parliament and government. A Minister make a vicious, personal, unwar­ question frequently asked is: WI:at are the ranted and cowardly attack on a very qualifications of a parliamentanan? The respected public servant in the person of Mr. most accurate answer I can give is that a Jack Stanaway, the Press officer of the parliamentarian should be a good decision­ Leader of the Opposition. maker. He should have a proven good record in running his own business so that he can Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. take that expertise to his decision-making I admit that I made a statement about Jack and the framing of legislation. Surely this Stanaway. I should not have made it. It Estimates debate is a check on a particular was done in the heat of the argument at section of government in Queensland. It is 2770 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) an opportunity to see whether it is function­ review of shire boundaries in Queensland, ing properly, whether the appropriations are therefore, would be a worthwhile move. the right ones and whether certain emphasis However, it would be a difficult one for the on certain matters is required. It is an Government to take. opportunity for the Assembly to constructively The lack of funds for road maintenance debate the Estimates. That is not happening and improvement creates a tremendous prob­ in this new era, which I hope will pass lem for local authorities. We would like to quickly, where the Labor Opposition can do see returned to local authorities a higher nothing but denigrate individuals in a way proportion of the taxes collected frol!l that is not at all constructive. motorists. A huge sum of money that rs Its whole attitude is to bring false infor­ collected from motorists in Queensland does mation before the people of the State and not find its way back to the State to be used Australia through the media. to the motorists' advantage. The Federal Government, of course, claims that taxes Local government is a very important coHected fwrn motorists are purely revenue. level of government in this State, as it is I suggest that is an unfair way to look at it. throughout Australia. The State Govern­ The Commonwealth puts up all types of ment, the Minister and his committee con­ arguments, and asks fallacious questions such tinually discuss with local authorities issues as "Does that mean that taxes on liquor that are of importance to them. The Gov­ sh~uld be used for the construction of bigger ernment regularly amends legislation to make hotels?" That is not a proper analogy to their task easier. This helps the local draw. It is quite obvious that motorists are authorities as well as the State Government not provided with adequate roads. maintain a vital approach to the running of the State. We must look seriously at the present peculiar situation concerning ro~ds and. road The local authorities must be given some building. Because of the hrgh ramfall, of the credit for the achievements attained especially on the coastal strip where the by Queensland in becoming the most pro­ heavy traffic places a grea1 demand on ro~ds ductive State in Australia and the one that and road building, the cost of constructmg is carrying the nation. Not only is local roads and the many bridges over the streams government close to the people; it also per­ and rough terrain is enormous. To minimise forms a number of essential tasks that are costs road use should be monitored scien­ necessary at State level. tificaiiy. During periods of prolonged rain­ In our three-tier system of government, fall, axle loads should be reduced on a per­ certain functions are performed by the Com­ centage basis. In this way, the State and local monwealth. There is a need for a greater authorities would be saved millions of dollars. input of Federal funding into local govern­ This money is lost simply because we do not ment to lighten the burdens placed on apply some restraint. Some roads are ruined highly capitalised businesses and ratepayers. completely because axle loads are adhered I instance primary producers and business­ to, even when roads are under water. That men who suffer from the present system of is not a sensible, scientific approach. We valuation. The rating burden that is imposed should monitor road usage more accurately upon them bears no relationship whatever to and impose restraints. We cannot afford to their ability to pay. continue in the present way. The whole financing of local government Town planning must be reviewed. Many should be reviewed to bring about equity, local authorities are locked into unsuitable especially in areas where there are large town planning that has nothing but provision numbers of transient users of facilities pro­ for high-rise buildings and more and more vided by the local authorities. I instance development on demand. On the Sunshine the amenities provided in tourist areas and Coast, the people have a definite resentment the safety measures provided at beaches by .to high-rise buildings. They want to keep a way of beach patrols. People who visit areas greenery aspect. We believe that that should but do not pay rates in them impose a tre­ be built into local authority town-planning mendous burden on local authorities. laws so that all development-business, indus­ As an example-the Noosa Shire has at trial and urban-includes reference to a any one time a population of approximately greenery aspect so as to maintain the delight­ 40,000. Of that number, however, 30,000 ful features of the Sunshine Coast that attract people are holiday-makers. That means that so many people. At least a quaDter of. a only 10,000 are ratepayers. It is easy to million people could live on the Sunshme imagine the great demand made on the Noosa Coast and it could still maintain its present Shire Council by such a large number of pleasant greenery aspect. visitors. I suggest that the Grants Corn­ One advisable improvement in local gov­ mission has overlooked the huge difference ernment is better rapporil between ratepayers between the amount of money contributed and councils. Obviously all councils do not by ratepayers and the number of persons lack communication with ratepayers, but who have to be provided for by a local some do. In Western Australia, councils meet authority. the ratepayers annually, to explain budgets Certainly some shires are becoming too and programmes for the following 12 months. big. The member for Isis mentioned this and That is a commendable idea and one that also the fact that some are too small. A we could well investigate for Queensland. Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2771

Mr. Casey: What percentage of the rate­ would never see it at night." I then sug­ payers attend those meetings? gested the use of a coloured symbo.J. In other words, Highway 1 could have a heart Mr. SIMPSON: I have not checked that, or a diamond. lf that was painted on the but I believe that when communications go pavement, a driver could not miss seeing wrong the people will turn up. it. What is more, if he strayed off the highway to do some shopping or for some When things are going along smoothly, other reason and wanted to pick it up probably only the same few people are inter­ again, the minute he found the symbol on ested enough to turn up. However, the sys­ a pavement he would know how to follow it. tem is necessary to let people get an account­ ing from the local authorities of the budget SimiJ.arly, another symbol could be used programmes for the forthcoming 12 months. on the road from the airport to Highway That makes for better planning in the local 1. It would save many navigating prob­ authority area, as it makes the authority lems for the motor

thickly populated south-eastern corner of inspectors, building inspectors, or whoever Queensland should subsidise those in the they will be, will go about collecting evidence western areas. To a certain extent I agree that prostitution is taking place in massage with him, but unfortunately what we have parlours, and how they will determine who seen is an effort to achieve that by taking are the guilty parties. I suggest that this will away the powers and the rights of the be only an exercise in buck-passing. It is authorities in the thickly populated area of beyond the realms of possibility for these the State. This move has been attacked by people to carry out that function. all members of local government. The Local Another matter that must be causing all Government Association members-men of honourable members concern is the proposed all political persuasions-have complained establishment of a water board to take over about the move to take away the rights of the functions of the Brisbane City Council local authorities. What we will see is a relative to the supply and distribution of tendency towards the Local Government water. It has been said that what is con­ Department's assumption of powers that right­ templated relates only to the supply _of water fully belong to the parochial councils. I am and not its distribution, but I remmd hon­ sure that all members would agree that that ourable members that much the same was would be a bad tendency. said about electricity when it was taken over. Local government is being starved for The general public and those in local gov­ funds. That is not peculiar to Queensland; ernment will recall what happened in the it is a widespread problem. Councillors and take-over of electricity, and they expect the aldermen throughout the State are becoming same situation to arise in the supply and frustrated in their efforts to give their time distribution of water. to provide good local government. Time ~nd People in and out of the city of Brisbane time again we see moves made to provide are realising that the promised savings in standard by-laws, standard ordinances and electricity costs have not eventuated. Elec­ standard town plans, all of which take from tricity accounts have increased unreasonably, the local councils the right to provide in while efficiency has not increased as their ordinances for the needs of their rate­ promised. In fact, there is much evidence payers. to suggest that it has decreased. In the cir­ Among such moves was the take-over of cumstances, it is not unreasonable that electricity supply. Government members people should expect the same pattern in the hailed the take-over as something that would take-over of the water supply. make electricity cheaper for people in the I become concerned when control is taken less-populated areas of the State. The take­ from a democratically elected body and over, of course, has not had that result at placed in the hands of a board. Even with all. In fact, people have to pay more for the best will in the world, a board lacks the their electricity now than they did prev­ responsibility to the general public that the iously. So we need to be very careful before elected representatives have. That was borne we make such centralist moves. Many of out by the early action of the South East the ordinances that are pushed through only Queensland Electricity Board. When faced add to the costs of councils and ultimately with a crisis in the supply of electricity, it lead to an increase in rates. promptly shut off for a considerable time At the same time, people supporting some the hot-water systems of all people in the of the moves complain that property owners area it served. Pensioners, and people suf­ are paying too much in rates. Frequently fering from ill health, were without hot when legislation is introduced Ministers say water. I sincerely submit that that would that responsibility for its implementation will not have happened had the decision been rest with local authorities. All that costs in the hands of elected representatives. money. The latest suggestion is that because Because they were responsible to the people, efforts to control houses of prostitution, their thoughts would have been with those known as massage parlours, have failed miser­ who would be disadvantaged. ably, control will be placed in the hands of It can reasonably be expected that ·taking local authority health inspectors or building away the council's water-supply asset will inspectors. I submit sincerely that the people have a similar effect in increasing the rates least qualified to carry out that responsi­ of the citizens of Brisbane and, I believe, bility are employees of local government. the citizens of shires around Brisbane, as They have neither the protection of the law has taken place in the case of electricity. nor the means to control prostitution. If the The Minister has pointed out-quite rightly, police cannot control it properly, it is totally in my opinion-that, irrespective of whether unreasonable to expect local authority the supply is or is not handed over to a employees to do so. board, an increase will result from somebody Mr. R. J. Gibbs interjected. (in this case, the Brisbane City Council) having to accept responsibility for the Wiven­ hoe Dam. That is fair comment. Mr. SHAW: It is unfair to ask inspectors with families-people who are unused to The cost of Wivenhoe to a ratepayer dealing with the criminal element-to try to of the city of Brisbane who is paying the collect evidence of this nature. I ask hon­ present minimum rate of $80.07 per year ourable members to think how health will be approximately $20-1 am assured Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2775 that it is reasonable to expect that-irrespec­ say, "Yes, that's right. The principle is tive of whether or not a water board takes entirely wrong", then turn around and say over. It can also be expected that the it is a different matter when the ratepayers bureaucracy resulting from the establishment of Brisbane are asked to subsidise the buses of the board will further increase the cost of Brisbane and to pay the registration fees by about 15 per cent. Therefore, the to allow them to run on the roads that the ratepayer presently paying $80.07 could people themselves have built. They get no expect his rates to be in the vicinity of benefit whatsoever from those registration $115. We should view that with great fees, but Government members say, "Oh, no, concern. Many people today in all areas that's different." What I cannot understand of local authority are placed in a very is that the honourable member cannot accept serious position because of their inability a principle one way or the other. Honour­ to meet rate demands. able members opposite want to argue that The final matter I raise on the proposed in one case-- water board is whether we will see the long­ Mr. Austin: Don't any buses run on threatened introduction of water meters in Gympae Road? every house served by the board. If that happens, we can expect a further increase in charges to cover the cost of those meters. Mr. SHAW: Yes, some buses run partly on It is a matter of history that the cost of main roads, which are subsidised, but the supplying, installing and reading meters has honourable member cannot say that that sub­ exceeded .the amount collected from the sidy is paid falil'ly. I think he would agree charges imposed. What metering does, of w'ith me that it is not. course, is ration water. I would be the first We have talked about the need to put to admit that there is a need to conserve forward the paroohial vliew, and yet I heard water; but I totally reject the concept that a threatenling suggestion in the Minister's that conservation should be on the basis of speech, if I understand him correc.tly, that a person's ability to pay, which is what he intends to introduce something like a happens with the introduction of water standard town planning Act for Queensland, meters. We are virtually saying, "If you and that this WiiH be done on the basis of are prepared to pay the cost of the water submissions received from the Unriversi,ty of you use, you can use any amount you like." Queenslood. I know that the M~nister has The person who is on a limited income has always been something of an academic and to ration his water use. I believe that that bends over backwards to listen to the views is the wrong way to go about it. of town planners, but I submit toot there Mr. Austin: I live on a corner allotment. needs to be a great deal of practical input The fellow next door to me pays less water in town plannling. More than anythQng else, rates than I do. town plans need to be flex.ible. It is aU very well for aoademcios to say, "We need Mr. SHAW: I can take an interjection, a maLl to be placed in this particular area but not a speech. and a shopping centre to 'be built in this particular ,section of the city", bUJt rif, because Mr. Austin: Can you explain why he is there is !insufficient income to be derived paying less water rates than I am? from the project, the developers are not prepared to do that, it just will not happen. Mr. SHAW: The reason, as I think the Desirwble as it may be from the purely honourable member would know, is probably town planning viewpoint, if the economics that the Valuer-General has placed a lower do not permit it, the development wiH not value on his property than on the honour­ go ahead. So there needs to be a con­ able member's. Nnual compromise between what ,1fue academios suggest lis good town plrumiing Mr. Austin: Isn't that inequitable? and ,the cold hard practicaLities of imple­ mentang :their suggestions. Mr. SHAW: If the honourable member wants to argue about differential rating, I I am concerned about what has happened will go along with him. I have heard many to the nty of Brisbane Town P:lan. It people on his side of the Chamber saying was compiled afier a great deal of pubLic that there should be differential rating. I input. The city council went to a great would be prepared to listen to their argu­ dea:l of trouble to erurure that the citizens ments. I am sure that any member of a of Bnisbane knew what was happe:nring wlitth local authority in Queensland would be the town plan, but for a pedod of two prepared to listen to that argument. But years since its :introduction we have seen I'll bet that differential rating does not changes made to it in secrecy behind dosed come about in Brisbane. doors. A great number of people have come to me and OOiid, "Look, what's this I see We have heard complaints by Govern­ in the paper :that something is going to ment members that people in Queensland happen? I went :in and looked at ilhe town are being charged taxes by the Federal plan when it was on view and that wasn't Government for things from which they what was going to happen at all?" People receive no benefit. I quite agree. But there are have gone in and viewed the proposals and honourable members opposite who nod and said, "That will suit me; I ,have no objection 2776 Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

to that." Consequent,ly, they did not lodge Tom Burton and Gordon O'Sullivan for the an objection and yet now a large number v.ay in which they have robbed the Aust­ of proposals are being changed. ralian Pensioners' League. The Australian Pensioners' League and the A.L.P. have been Mr. Kruger: Who engineered these running lucky-numbers stalls on a joint basis problems? -50 per cent for the A.L.P. and 50 per cent Mr. SHAW: I believe quite a. number of for the league. But the A.L.P. has been Liberal Party people operatmg behind running some stalls from which it gets all closed doors. The important thing is that ,the proceeds. It has been defrauding the it happened behind closed doors and the pensioners. Now that the Australian Pen­ citizens of Brisbane no longer know what sioners' League has lodged an objection to is going on. They are '1iving in a fool's the Corporate Atfairs Commission about the paradise believ,ing that what is going on A.L.P.'s criminal activities, an investigation "'ill suit them. They are being denied is under way. the opportunity of objecting to what the Government has done behind olosed doors. Mr. Fouras interjected. If it is fair enough, and I believe it is, for a local authority's proposals ;to be the Mr. FRAWLEY: I am just telling the hon­ subject of objection by people rin the area, ourable member what is going on in the then surely ,it is 'also fair enough for the A.L.P. So members opposite should not Government s proposals to be the subject think that they can throw buckets on mem­ of comment and object1ion. It is not ,in bers on our side of the Chamber without order for the people of Brisbane to be getting some back themselves. handed a fa~t accompli. I am an old local government man, having A great deal is being said about the been a member of the Redcliffe City Council changes ,that will occur on Moreton Island. for six years. So I have had an amount of It is said that a lot of sand-mining will experience in local government. occur on Moreton Island despite the fact that the largest number of objections to the Mr. Turner: You did a good job, too. Brisbane City Council's town plan related to the proposal to mine Moreton Island. We Mr. FRAWLEY: I thought I did at the have people say:ing that the town plan had time, and the people of Redcliffe showed to . be. changed . because there were so many their appreciation by electing me with a ob]ectwns to rt, yet the one single item handsome majority on the second occasion that attracted more attention than any other on which I stood for election to the council. was the proposal to mine Moreton Island. Mrs. Kyburz interjected. It has been said that only 6 per cent of. M?reton Island will be mined, and that this 'Is necessary because it will provide Mr. FRAWLEY: At present my brother employment, but what wi11 happen to those is the f!layo~ of the Redcliffe City Council, people who gain employment when that 6 and he 1s domg a pretty good job down there. per cent has been mined? Will the per­ Mr. Casey: He is a better bloke than you. centage of the area be increased to 20 ~nd, if .so, what will happen when that has Mr. FRAWLEY: I think he might be and ~een mmed? Are we then going to say, I do not mind saying that. I taught' him I am sorry; your employment ,js finished· all he knows. your _job . is no longer there." I submit that It w;U b~ a Jot harder to say that I now turn to local government. The Shire at some time m the future than it would of Caboolture is divided into four divisions. be 'to try to control the situation todav When a councillor dies or retires between when. no jobs are involved. ~here are elections, there is always a hue and cry certamlJ: many more jobs to be gained not bv from interested people who want to be on mir:mg It but by promoting better planning t~e coun.cil. Everybody comes up with a of rt. different 1dea. At present, when a councillor (Time expired.) dies or retires between elections the other councillors have the right to ele;t a person Mr. FRAWLEY (Caboolture) (4.10 p.m.): to t~ke his or her place, and I can see I should. like to congratulate the Minister nothmg wrong with that. But some groups because If there is one Minister in this Gov: of people want to have another costly elec­ ernment who keeps his word, it is the Minis­ tion to elect a councillor, and I congratulate the Minister for not taking any notice of ter. ~n every occasion that he has given a them. prorr.use to a depuiatJOn that I have brought ,o !urn from my electorate, he has kept that For example, in division II of the Cabool­ promise. No matter what is said about him ture Shire Council last time there was an he is ~ man o~ his word. When he say~ elect!on, in Deception Bay, only two people somethi?g, he sticks to it. I extend mv con- nommated for the council, and they were gmtulatJOns to the Minister. - elected unopposed. One of them resigned I heard the member for Archerfield casti­ shortly afterwards. Would it be reasonable ~aie the Minister. The member for Archer­ to have an election for one councillor in field knm;s that criminal charges are pending one division? agamst G~rry Jones, the A.L.P. Secretary, Mr. Davis: Yes, in a democratic society. Supply [21 NovEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2777

Mr. FRAWLEY: That is ridiculous. What an adjoining local authority. I cannot see a waste of money that would be! Also, how anything wrong with that, and I think it is could the other councillors appoint a defeated rather strange that such a direction should candidate? Some people think that if three be given. people nominate for a division, and one of the two elected then resigns, the person A local author'ty may undertake private who came third in the election should be works only in instances where they cannot selected to fill the vacancy. This is a matter be carried out efficienl'ly by private enter­ for the other councillors. In Redcliffe for prise established in the area. In my opinion, years, whether a councillor has retired or that is wrong, because local authorities died, the council, which consists of eight should be entitled to tender for any works in councillors, has always appointed the person the local authority area. I agree that a sub­ who came ninth in the election. Such a divider should have the right to decide who person is presently on the council now. I shall do work for him. If he is to be believe that the best way of selecting a responsible for providing roads, drainage and person to fill a vacancy on the council is for kerbing and channeHing, he should be able the other councillors to select that person. to say who is going to do that work. But I sincerely hope that the Minister leaves the local council should be given the oppor­ the position as it is. If another election tunity of tendering for the work. It should were to be held to elect one councillor, it not be restricted; it should be able to use its would be an added cost to the ratepayers. \vork"force. I· do not agree that it should be allowed to build up its work"force, but it Mr. Davis: We find that a National Party should be allowed to use its work-'force to Council always elects a National Party per­ carry out any work, especially work when a son. council has laid down a requirement for a subdivision. For example, I firmly believe that Mr. FRAWLEY: That is not true. I dis­ the concrete cross-overs from a roadway to agree with the member for Brisbane Central. a garage should be constructed by the rele­ vant local authority, even though sometimes Turning to town planning-most councils it might charge a little more than a pdvate today have town planners, and they are contractor. That has happened on more than doing a fairly good job. However, I still one occasion. As a matter of fact, it hap­ agree that the Minister and the Local Gov­ pened to me in Redcliffe. ernment Department should have the over­ riding authority because, as a previous 1\'Ir. Davis: Oh! speaker said, some of the academics who draw up town plans do not know what they Mr. FRAWLEY: It did, but I put up with are talking about. They can sit down and it. come up with grandiose schemes about what should not be done, but the man on the spot Mr. Prest: You did not pay it. is the man who should make the decisions. People in local authorities have the best knowledge of what should go into their town Mr. FRAWLEY: I did pay it. Being an plan. alderman on the council, I felt that it was only right that I should give the Redcliffe Turning briefly to Moreton Island-! sin­ City Council the opportunity of doing the cerely hope that sand-mining, if it proceeds work at my place. You can imagine my sur­ on Moreton Island, goes on as it has on other prise, Mr. Row, when I found out that the islands. I hope that no group of idiots, like council made a pretty good profit on it. the crowd who stopped sand-mining on Fraser Island, get involved on Moreton Mr. Davis: Why didn't you pay them? Island and put many people out of work. Mr. FRAWLEY: I did pay them. A Government Member: F.I.D.O. I congratulate the Minister on all the Mr. FRAWLEY: Yes. The people in that road-works that have gone on in the shire organisation are the greatest bunch of clowns of Caboolture. As I said earlier in my speech, in the world, and the Federal Government the Minister is one man who keeps his pro­ should be severely castigated for allowing mises. He promised that an overpass to carry all of those people in the Maryborough dist­ the Ca:boolture-Bribie Island road traffic rict to be put out of work. across the Bruce Highway would be built as soon as the Bald Hills/Burpengary bypass was I wish to speak now about one other aspect completed, that it would be the next job. He of local government that has concerned me stuck to his word, because that overpass at the very much. Recently some guide-lines were Bribie turn-off will be open any day now. It laid down by Cabinet for works carried out by will definitely be open for Christmas. local authorities. \Vorks are supposed to be penformed solely within the area of a local Mr. Prest: Th~y are calling it the Frawley authority. I agree with that to a certain overpass. extent, but there are some instances, especially near my electorate, in which a local authority has not the equipment to do Mr. FRAWLEY: No, they are not. I do the work itself and it has the work done by not want anything named after me. The 2778 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Minister has done a good job in getting the Mr. FRAWLEY: Certainly the honour­ work done, and so have the officers of his able member would not find me in the pub. department. However, I am friendly with the publican there. That road has been reconstructed. Mr. Davis: They are calling it the Frawley overpass. Mr. Prest interjected.

Mr. FRAWLEY: I do not want it named Mr. FRAWLEY: The honourable mem­ after me. ber for Port Curtis wouldn't know. He is all bone between the ears. The Friar Tuck of I hear complaints from some people that Port Curtis! I ask him to let me get on not enough road-works are carried out. Let with my speech. me list some of the things that are happen­ ing in the Caboolture Shire. The reconstruction of this part of the D'Aguilar Highway is not before time. The The D'Aguilar Highway runs from Cabool­ people of Woodford were complaining about ture to Wood:ford. Incidentally, I reside a it for some time. The Minister stuck to his couple of kilometres out of Caboolture, just guns, and this work has now been carried off the D'Aguilar Highway, so I am quite out. As a matter of fact I drove up there familiar with the work that is now going on. last Saturday. It is a pleasure to drive along Last year part of the D' Aguilar Highway that section of the D'Aguilar Highway. In from George Street as far as View Street was fact, it is a fairly good road all the way from completed by the Caboolture Shire Council, Caboolture to Woodford, and half way to at the expense of the Main Roads Depart­ Kilcoy. ment, and at present it is carrying out further reconstruction of the highway from View Mr. Prest interjected. Street to Smith's Road. I hope that next year it will continue with the reconstruction Mr. FRAWLEY: I am congratulating the of the D'Aguilar Highway up as far as Lesley Minister and his officers. My electorate Avenue. finishes at Mary Smoke's Creek, which is half way between Woodford and Kilcoy. I It is important that the work go as far as don't go any further than that; I stick to Lesley A venue because the 'credit can then be the confines of my electorate. I am not like shared by four people. As you know, Mr. other members who jump from one person's Row, when road-works go on in an area, electorate to another. I stick to the confines or kerbing and channeHing is installed, if of my electorate and do my representation in any member of a local authority or any the area where I get the vote. I don't get a member of Parliament happens to live in that vote in Kilcoy. area, he aLways gets the credit for that. People COiffiplain and say, "He got it done Mr. Gunn: You lost me some one night. to his front door." When the extension of the D'Aguilar Highway ,is continued from Mr. FRAWLEY: The honourable member where it is finishing this year at Smith's Road for Somerset blames me for losing him some to Lesley A venue, as the chairman olf the votes. One of his constituents called me a Cwboolture Shire Council 'lives in Lesley bastard, and I was not too happy about it. Avenue, I live in Waterview Crescent, Coun­ I suppose he thought I lost him a few votes. ciHor Peter :Bell lives in Valley Drive, and Councillor Greg Munt lives in Webster Drive, The Bruce Highway runs approximately 'the four of us will have to share either the 27 km through the Caboolture Shire. Boun­ credit or the blame for having the highway dary Road is the border between the Pine taken as far as our places. Instead of my Rivers and Caboolture Shires. Boundary being the only one accused of using my in­ Road to Beerburrum Creek, where the fluence to have it done, three other coun­ Caboolture Shire finishes, is a section of cillors will be involved. Any brickbats that 27.7 km. A lot of work has been carried are thrown about the continuation of the out on the Burpengary bypass in the last D' Aguilar Highway wm be shared among us. few years. This has cut a lot off the travel­ ling time for people travelling from Cabool­ Mr. Prest: You don't want to take any ture to Brisbane. In normal traffic the trip credit? can be made quite comfortably in 50 minutes without breaking any speed limits. The Main Roads Department is to be congratulated Mr. FRAWLEY: I am not taking any for upgrading that section. credit for 'it. Mr. Austin: I spent three years on that. There has been reconstruction of the D'Aguilar Highway from the town of Mr. FRAWLEY: I offer my congratula­ D' Aguilar~the honourable member for Port tions to the honourable member for Wavel!. Curtis will be interested to know that it has only one hotel, so he would not pass that There are other important roads in my hotel if he went there-to Woodford to a electorate. The honourable member for 7.4 m pavement. Brisbane Central has probably never even heard of Campbell's Pocket Road. That road Mr. Prest interjected. goes from Wamuran to Mt. Mee. Only a Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2779 few kilometres of Campbell's Pocket Road of the section of rthe Houghton Highway have been bitumen surfaced. From a few that has been completed. I do so now. The kilometres out of Wamuran, Campbell's name given to the new viaduct is indeed Pocket Road has been bitumen surfaced, an appropriate one. I sincerely thank the then it is a gravel road almost all the way to Minister for naming it the Houghton High­ Mt. Mee. It is a fairly good gravel road. In way, thereby recognising the work done by very wet weather it is a bit unstable, but the member for Redcliffe since 1960. Right there are no problems in getting to Mt. from the day of his election to 'Parliament Mee via Campbell's Pocket Road if a person in 1960, the member for Redcliffe has drives properly. advocated the duplication of the Hornibrook Highway, which was erected in 1935. Over Mr. Davis: Have you a photograph of it? the years since then it has rendered sterling service to the people of Redcliffe. Mr. FRAWLEY: No, but I have a photo­ graph of the Houghton Highway. In 1972, the Leader of the Opposition tried to mislead the people of Redcliffe by As an indication of the amount of recon­ stating that if the Labor Party were elected struction and maintenance work carried out to office in 1972 it would remove the toll in 1977-78 in the Caboolture Shire on high­ on the highway. ~he Leader of the Opposi­ ways, main roads and secondary roads, tion knew that that was impossible, because I point out that it cost the impressive the franchise agreement extended from 1935 total of $2,946,541. That would not be the to 1975. Any notice of intention to buy top bracket in Queensland, but it is a pretty out 'the debenture-holders or remove the toll good indication of the concern of the Minis­ would have had to be given in the five-year ter and his officers for the needs of the period before then, so that there was no Caboolture Shire. possible way in which the toll could have Mr. Prest: The Minister told me that he been removed in 1972. is propping you up. I might say that I was opposed to the removal of the toll before the expiration Mr. FRAWLEY: I am not going to of the agreement. People who years ago answer that interjection; it is so stupid. The invested money in the construction of the Minister knows that he does not have to Hornibrook Highway did not receive one prop me up at all. razoo prior to 1939. The debenture-holders were left gasping; they got nothing in return Mr. Hinze: You know I wouldn't say for their investment. With the outbreak that. of war and the advent of heavy traffic over the highway, however, the debenture-holders Mr. FRAWLEY: I know the Minister received magnificent payments on their deben­ wouldn't say that. tures. In fact, in the last year of the The Burpengary-Caboolture road is agreement they received 100 per cent. From another important road in my electorate. I a sinking fund, they got their money back use that road quite a bit. The speed is a when the toll was removed. I agree with little too high for me on the Bruce High­ that, because they were prepared to risk way. I don't want to drive at 100 km/h, so their money in a venture that did not seem I usually turn off at Burpengary and come at first to be profitable. The Labor Party to Caboolture on the old Caboolture-Beer­ promised to remove the toll, and it would burrum road. Only last year or the year have taken down those people who had before, following a visit to Caboolture, the invested their money. Minister generously made an allocation to Before decimal currency, the toll each repair the bridge at Elimbah where problems way on the Hornibrook Highway was Is. were being encountered. On a Sunday, if With the advent of decimal currency, a there is any congestion on the Bruce High­ motorist who bought a book of 100 tickets way, Brisbane-bound traffic uses that road paid only 7c each way. If he bought a ;book from Beerburrum through to Caboolture. of 30 tickets, he paid Se each way. That The Minister generously allocated money was a very cheap way to get to Redcliffe. from his funds to help repair the bridge and It was much cheaper than driving all the do some work on the road. way out through Strathpine and Bald Hills. While the Minister was in Caboolture he Mr. Davis: Why didn't you use your received a deputation from the Beachmere gold pass? Progress Association. A section of the Beachmere road near the river-beds, which Mr. FRAWLEY: I understand that the was certainly a bad section of road, has member for Brisbane Central tried to use been upgraded. That is a good indication his gold pass on the Hornibrook Highway of the work done in my electorate, and for and that the toll collectors would not accept it the Minister and his department are to it. be congratulated. The Houghton Highway will serve a very I now want to speak about the Houghton useful purpose in that it will improve tre­ Highway, which is a project dear to my mendously the traffic flow to and from the heart. I promised that I would show the Redcliffe Peninsula. Contrary to the sug­ member for Brisbane Central a photograph gestion that Redcliffe is a suburb of Brisbane, 2780 Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978) (Estimates)

it is a city of 43,000 people, who are proud In listing a few of the recommendations to be where they are-far removed from made to the Minister that were heeded, I Brisbane and separated from it by Hayes point out that under what was known as Inlet. There are only two routes to Redcliffe, B zoning in the old plan we were able either across the Hornibrook Highway or to persuade the Minister to increase the out through Bald Hills. density from that provided in the town plan documents to give developers, or people Mr. Davis interjected. owning 24 perches of land, an opportunity to build multiple-unit dwellings. Thanks to the Mr. FRAWLEY: The member for Bris­ Minister's heeding the advice given, a small bane Central never goes outside the city. block of home units can no\v be built on a That is why he is known as the "Queen 24-perch block of land. Street Cowboy". We were also able to persuade the Min­ The Houghton Highway is being con­ ister to remove the proposal in the plan for a structed at a cost of a little over $6,000,000 river set-back of 30 metres from high water and it is another indication of the concern mark between the William Jolly Bridge and felt by this Government for people who the Hawthorne ferry and from the William live outside the metropolitan area. The Jolly Bridge upstream to Hill End. But Government is not a Queen Street Govern­ for that removal, all people owning prop­ ment, centralised in Brisbane. It is con­ erties in that zone would have been pre­ cerned for the people throughout the State. vented under the town plan, as prepared by The Minister continually complaints that the Labor Citv Council, from rebuilding had he is not getting enough money from the their properties been destroyed in some way. Federal Government for road-works. He Property values would have been destroyed is perfectly correct. If Peter Nixon were and the compensation provisions did not to use his head and give Queensland more provide for adequate compensation in such money than he has given it, he would not situations. have the problems that will confront him. In addition, a provision relative to adjoin­ Fancy his coming up here last week and ing blocks meant that before a person could making statements to the effect that Queens­ land had plenty of money for roads! Such build a house on his block of land he had a remark is totally irresponsible. \Ve cer­ to enter into some arrangement with the tainly are not getting our fair share from owner of the adjoining block-some sort the Federal Government. I am right behind of contract giving a right to develop the sur­ the Minister every time he complains. It rounding area. is time that Queensland received a fair The city council also sought to limit areas allocation from the Federal Government to of industrial land that could be developed. enable the Minister and his department to The minimum size of land needed for light­ carry out their responsibilities in the interests industry development was 40 perches, and of Queensland motorists. for general industry it was 80 perches. We requested the Minister-and this is included Mr. LANE (Merthyr) (4.30 p.m.): The in the new town plan to be released shortly­ debate today on the Local Government to allow small warehouses or light industry to Estimates gives me an opportunity, on the be permitted on a 24-perch block. People eve of the release of the new town plan for will also be allowed to develop general the city of Brisbane, to make a few com­ industry on a 32-perch block. Small business­ ments and announce early in the piece a men will be able to get their enterprises off few of the changes in that plan. The changes the ground on small areas of industrial land were effected as a result of the Minister's in B-risbane. enlightened approach in heeding the advice given to him by the metropolitan Govern­ We were unable to deal with some pro­ ment members' town planning committee, of visions in the town plan. One matter I should which I have been chairman for the past mention relates to what is known as RX couple of years. zoning. Anyone studying the town plan will see that quite a lot of Brisbane land, par­ Mr. Prest interjected. ticularly on main arterial roads, is zoned RX. That does not mean the obvious thing. Mr. LANE: The honourable member for It means that people must have a two-street Port Curtis interrupts quite often. He is access to such blocks of land before they can nothing but a nuisance in this place. He develop them. As far as I know, that has will not divert me from what I am saying. not been changed in the town plan. When the City of Brisbane Town Plan The planning reason for it was to dis­ was produced by the Labor City Council, it courage people from driving out onto arterial contained many factors that were obviously roads and interrupting the free flow of traffic. calculated to inhibit industrial development I suppose there is some planning merit in and the provision of homes in this great city that. But it is a very arbitrary thing, and I of Brisbane. But for our overview and the think that the city council will cause a lot fact that we were able to make adjustments, of hardship to people who own land that is Brisbane would not have gone ahead as it so affected. I hope that the council will not should. resort to its usual tactics of refusing to pay Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2781 proper compensation. I hope that it will com­ Mr. LANE: He does not seem to be able pensate people who find themselves in these to behave himself in the Chamber. His con­ circumstances. duct here today has been a disaster. Mr. Davis: What about the Main Roads When the plan is finally presented to the Department and the freeway changes? public, it will be after years of intensive study and conscientious application by the Mr. LANE: I know all about the hon­ Minister's officers in making the corrections ourable member's stews with the Communist that were needed to compensate for what the Party in relation to the Main Roads Depart­ Labor city council has done over the last ment and the freeways. I have had a lot of couple of years. This State has been put experience with him in that area. He was to great expense-by that I mean the tax­ not interested at all in the people, their payers of Queensland-to correct the dis­ homes, or how they were affected by free­ astrous town plan that was put on display ways. He was only interested in making about three years ago. It was so disastrous political capital out of the freeways, and he that it was necessary for special legislation to didn't care with whom he lav down while be introduced into the Parliament to instruct he was doing it. He was part of the dirty the Brisbane City Council to modify its town little campaign on freeways of Charlie plan in a meaningful way. Even after legisla­ Gifford, of the Communist Party of tive direction by this Parliament, the council Australia. However, people have seen insisted on putting in the plan inhibiting through that since, and the honourable provisions that did nothing for the city of member for Brisbane Central is condemned Brisbane and reflected the socialist outlook }or his actions in the past. of members opposite and their friends who Another type of zoning on the town plan sit up the road in the Brisbane City Hall. is R3. Quite a lot of land that was in B So that some resolutions can be put zone now has, by the stroke of a pen by through the council before it goes into recess the Brisbane City Council, this R3 zoning. on 5 December, I would like to make a few In terms of density, it means that the land remarks about the proposed crossing at the can be used only for a couple of town houses. lower reaches of the Brisbane River. We all That is a more restricted use than previously know that the department recently called existed. I hope that the council will exercise tenders world-wide for this project on the discretion in the wav in which it issues build­ basis of design/ construction finance, and I ing permits for those blocks as a means of believe that already at least 60 sets of docu­ in some way compensating people who form­ ments have been taken out by prospective erly had an opportunity to build four or six tenderers who are registered to submit home units on a 24-perch block of land. In tenders for this project. future, because they are in R3 or T2 zone, they will only be able to construct a couple I look forward to a tunnel unde.r the of town houses. lower reaches of the Bl'isbane River as, indeed, did my predecessor, Mr. Sam Rams­ Planners have a lot of fun implementing den, who fought w:ith the Governmel111: for their pet theories, but they always do it at many years in an effort to encourage them someone's expense. We on this side of the to build a tunnel under the Brisbane River. Committee do not believe that the individual I would like to take up his call here again should suffer for the sake of the State. That today. I hope that that is what we can is where we differ so much from Labor achieve as a result of calling >tenders world­ Party politicians, both in this Chamber and wide. This project is no newcomer to in local government. Brisbane. Tenders were called twice before­ I suggest, Mr. Row, that the member for in 1964 and 1967-but to no avaiL But Port Curtis close his mouth. He might catch thev were oalled with little detail or infor­ some flies in it. mation on the feasibility of the scheme and, as a result, did not achieve a posi.tive a:.esult. Mr. Prest: I am just thinking how stupid you are. The north-south freeway route, whicih includes the river crossing, has, since the Mr. LANE: All he ever contributes to this w,ilbur Smith study of the 1960s, been place is the stupid expression on his face. planned to bypass the city centre, bu:t finance Let him keep it up. was and 'is beyond the resources of the local authol'ity here in Bnisbane. In the Mr. Prest interjected. 1atter part of 1977, interest in this crossing was again rekindled with the development The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. of a toll faoi1ity in mind to overcome our R01v): Order! financ~al difficulties. lV.lr. LANE: When this town plan is I commend the M~nister on he:ing a man rele<.sed on 2 December-- of action in this regard, because I repre­ sent ·the Fortitude Valley area and I see Mr. Prest interjected. the results of great tmffic congestion. It is particularly bad at peak hours, but it The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! con1inues throughout the day. If one The honourable member for Port Curtis endeavours to cross Ann Street in the Vallev will cease repeated interjections. at any time, one is met by a wail of stee-l 2782 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

continually moving up towards the city. The would be very unwise to work in that trucks and semi-'tmilers carr,~Cing conta~ners narrow area, with no real knowledge of what and •the like from the harbour faciJ,ities on else might be needed there in the future. the no11th bank of the Brisbane River up Another aim of the early feasibility studies through the •commercial area of the Valley was to obtain a more accurate estimate of ser;iously inhibit the free movement of people cost so that the economics of the proposals from New Farm through the Va1ley and could be better evaluated, and to provide into the oity area. A lower Bvisbane R!iver informat[on to prospective tenderers on the crossing would rel

Mr. LANE: It is something that the Mr. Frawley: Did you go to the opening? narrow-minded gentlemen opposite could not understand. Mr. DAVIS: I went to Story Bridge unless they use the Queens­ people of the area have been denied a free­ port ferry, which carries a limited number way because of the greediness of one person, of vehicles. Is it any wonder that there is Sir Bmce Small, who paid $40,000 to the traffic chaos in the Fortitude Valley area? National Party for his knighthood. Anyone with any common sense would know that that problem could be overcome by Mr. Jones: I thought it was closer to building another bridge across the river. $50,000. In 1972, about a month after the election, Mr. DAVIS: No, $40,000. plans were put forward for the construction of the Northern and Central Freeways. The I do not wish to spend too much time department went through all the rigmarole on the Gold Coast. I will get back to my and problems associated with resumptions, beloved Brisbane Central area. The building and at one stage 300 or 400 people had of the freeways has been one of the major to leave their homes. Now that all the jobs carried out by the Main Roads Depart­ problems have 'been sorted out, the funds ment. I have never been a great supporter have dried up and no freeway development is of freeway development in this city. I have proceeding. It looks as if it will be years always thought that more money should before those projects get under way. There have been poured into improving the system are still residents of Fortitude Valley, of public transport. Recently a new bridge Wooloowin, Windsor and New Farm who was opened over the Brisbane River connect­ are having problems in selling their property. ing the north-side and south-side railway They don't know for sure when the New systems. I believe that the railway system Farm bridge will be constructed; they don't should be extended into new areas and that know whether the Northern Freeway and the existing road system should be widened the Central Freeway will be built. They and reconstructed. are in a freeway zone and they cannot 2784 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) sell their property. Nobody would want large numbers of the working class simply to buy a property when he is not sure has to make way for progress. In other about what is going to happen in the area. words, people who stand in the way of One section of the Valley community has progress and have a mate in Cabinet do been completely destroyed. not have to worry so long as their mate can win a few votes by acting on their I now \Vish to comment on the policy behalf. of the Main Roads Department towards the hou~es it resumed. The original policy of I now want to deal with the study car­ rentmg those houses that were purchased in ried out by the National Associrution of 1972 seems to have changed. I recall asking Australian State Road Authodties a question about that time about the rental (NAASRA). Its recommendwt,ions came ,in to be charged. It was to be 10 per cent by way of regulation on Thursday, 1 April of the purchase price per annum, plus any this year. I am quite prepared to let the rate rises. All the Main Roads Department recommendations go for another 12 months, wanted to do at that stage was get some because obviously further problems will arise. return for the money it had spent until I want to raise with the M>inister some of the properties were demolished or shifted. the present problems and I would appre­ lt seems that that policy has now been ciate i'l if he would make some comment changed. Now the department is charging on them. rents based on the market price. I am sure that honourable members recall Some properties in the Windsor area that the recommendations contained some have had three substantial increases in rent proposals for uniformity in regul&tions gov­ in the last three years. Although the rents erning the carrying capacity of vehicles have been increased, the department certainly throughout Australia. A proposal was put has not increased maintenance on the prop­ forward that the maximum carrying crupacity erties. Only the barest of maintenance is should be 38 tonnes. Western AustraLia carried out. Tenants are being charged accepted the proposal, South AustraHa has exorbitant rents and getting very little main­ not made any change ,(o its regulations and tenance done on their premises. I would the other States, including QueenS>land, have like the Minister to tell the Committee the a maximum of 36 tonnes. That means that intentions of his department. Many residents a truck coming from Western AustmHa in those areas would like to know the depart­ with a load of 38 tonnes is acting wjthin ment's policy. Is it going to maintain those the law while it is driving through South properties, many of which are becoming AuSJtralia but is acting contrary to the law eyesores? once it crosses the border into the eastern States. If the driver does not shed 2 The Committee will recall the controversy tonnes from his load, he can be fined for a couple of months ago over the decision of overloading. A question that oan be asked the Brisbane City Council and the Ipswich is: if the vehicle unloads at the border can City Council not to operate the Moggill the operator be fined for doing so? Surely ferry. The thinking of those councils was that is an anomaly. that the Government should build a bridge I have referred to overload,ing. The truck­ at that point. As was their right, some ing industry asks the tollow,ing question residents complained about the discontinu­ wlso: ance of that service. They approached their local member, the honourable member for Why, if a truck is 10 tonnes overweight Mt. Coot-tha. What happened? The Minister in South Australia, should it cost the for Local Government and Main Roads operator twice as much as in New South knocked the bridge proposal on the head Wales 0if he is a second offender) and after one consultation with the local mem­ four times as much as in Queensland­ ber. What a farcical double standard this and more than 10 times as much as in Government has! It is one thing to have Victoria? a pal in Cabinet who wants to stop a Although a uniform standard is proposed, scheme on the grounds that extra traffic the var,ious States have different regulat,ions will flow through a certain area, even though governing overloading. I do not support Yery few resumptions are required. It was overloading; I know the problems that i,t another thing when the Northern Freeway creates for loca,J authorities in dam

I have already referred to the maximum lHr. GUNN (Somerset) (5.8 p.m.): It is a of 38 tonnes. I do not intend labouring pleasure to take part in the debate on the the point. Obviously further problems will Local Government and Main Roads Esti­ arise. The questions that I have put forward mates. Throughout my public life I have are ones that should be brought to the been involved with both local government JVfinister's attention. and main roads. For eight years prior to entering this Chamber I was involved with a Members referred today to the fact that local council. This is my third term in the Commonwealth GDvernment is not giv­ Parliament and during all my parliamentary ing the State suffioient money for road­ career I have served on the parliamentary works. The States are missing out, of course, committee dealing with local government and now that a Liberal-National Country Party main roads. In that time I have seen a few Government is 'in office and a generous Ministers and a couple of Directors of Local Labor Government no longer resides in Can­ Government. I pay tribute to the present berra. I am not going to dweH on the director and his staff for courtesies always argument whether the Commonwealth is giv­ extended to me. I have never known them ing the State enough or whether the State to extend other than courtesy to any mem­ is not <>pending enough; I shaH leave that ber of the public who has sought advice. I to other speakers. am sure that all honourable members in I have not heard the Minister comment the Chamber will agree with me. I also pay much about the 16c that the Federal Gov­ tribute to the Commissioner of Main Roads ernment is taking from the motorists' and his staff. pockets. In fact, I have heard no comment When talking about the main roads from any Minister about it. I have heard requirements throughout the State, we should one or two Government members refer to look at what we have achieved. If we look the 16c being taken from the motorists' back some years and compare conditions pockets, \\ hich will return the Federal then with those of today, it is obvious that Government about $630,000,000 by 30 June we have achieved quite a lot. The Com­ next year. Obviously if the Minister wishes missioner and his department are to be con­ to attack the Commonwealth Government, gratulated on what has been achieved in this increase gives him an ideal opportunity. South-east Queensland particularly-and I If we received our fair share of that sum, am not just confining my remarks to that obviously we would not have many problems area. Since entering Parliament, I have had with main roads. As the Federal Govern­ the pleasure of driving over most of the ment puts this money into Consolidated roads in the State. All I can say is that we Revenue, the Premier and our esteemed have come a long, long way. While it can­ Minister for Main Roads should be more not be denied that a lot more has to be done, vocal about it. due credit must be given to the Main Roads Department. As the member for Merthyr said, the Mr. Casey: Have you driven on any inter­ town plan will be introduced very shortly. The Government has a double standard in state roads at all to make a comparison? town planning. While it expects local author­ Mr. GUNN: That is a different situation, ities and the people of Brisbane to abide bv as I think the honourable member would the town plan, it does not do so. In th~ agree. If he likes to play politics, I could Spring Hill area, the Government erected remind him of the amount that we received the Main Roads building, which did not con­ for rural arterial roads when the A.L.P. form to town planning requirements. The was in power. The amount received was Government is now contemplating the con­ meagre compared with what we receive struction of a child remand centre on the today. corner of Boundary Street and Water Street, In spite of the amounts available to local which will be completely contrary to town authorities in the form of grants and sub­ planning regulations. I ask the Minister to sidies, they always seem to be short of funds. tell us in his reply if the Government intends This has been brought about by many fac­ to disregard completely the town planning tors. Rates are not now of the same sig­ scheme or if it will abide by the regulations nificance in local authority finances. Anybody that bind the people in the area. who was involved with local government some years ago would remember that there was no such thing as a grant. We might I pay tri~ute to the Main Roads Depart­ ment for domg an extremely good job in pro­ have received a small subsidy. Today in viding off-street parking and rest areas. quite a lot of shires in Queensland rates i\lthough I a.m not keen on freeways-and, would constitute no more than 20 per cent mdeed, I thmk we will rue the dav we of the total revenue. The rest is in special decided to keep building them-the depart­ grants, subsidies, and Main Roads construc­ ment has at least tried to beautify them. tion and maintenance. I might say that Full credit must be given to the administra­ quite a lot of councils are depending on tion. While I may be critical of some aspects C.A.R. funds and Main Roads work. Without it, they would have to dispense . with the of the. ~ain Roads Department, I am very services of quite a number of their staff. apprec~atrve of the courtesies extended by departmental officers. Mr. Prest: They get loans. 2786 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Mr. GUNN: Not only loans; there are they have not done their job the people will special grants. Subsidies are not loans. They know, and no doubt they will pass judgment. receive pretty generous subsidies today. It might be said that the subsidies have not Mr. Prest: That's rot. increased in terms of percentage, but I think Mr. GUNN: The honourable member says we have to face the fact that the cost of that it is rot-- roads has increased and the subsidies in money value are quite a lot more. Mr. Prest: Some divisions have 1,500 people and others have 500. We are very fortunate to have a Minister for Main Roads who is also Minister for Mr. GUNN: Weli-- Local Government. Quite a number of councils have benefited by being able to Mr. Casey: Do they have separate budgets come along to see a Minister who has a for separate divisions? great understanding of local government, Mr. GUNN: They do. They have a loan having served in the Albert Shire for a account for each division, which makes number of years as councillor and then as administration very difficult. I do not entirely chairman. He is a Minister who has a agree with it-- very thorough understanding of his portfolio. That is to the advantage of those councils Mr. Casey: It is an antiquated system. that approach him with a case for assistance. Mr. GUNN: It is, but again that gives Queensland is a vast State. Local govern­ the honourable member some idea of the ment and main roads play an extremely flexible situation we have. If the councils important part in its development. I concede wish to do this, we allow them to do it. that the responsibility of local authorities has Differential rating works along the same increased over the years---but so has their lines. If a council decides to initiate a rate revenue in the form of the subsidies that in the dollar for a certain section of a I have just spoken about. They are not certain division, it is allowed to do so. without thcir problems, particularly in developing areas of our State, which cover Mr. Prest interjected. quite a lot of it now. There is one par­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. ticular aspect that I wish to refer to. Many Row): Order! I hope the honourable mem­ people are now 11hifting from the city into ber intends to address his remarks through rural areas. We call these rural retreats. the Chair in answer to the honourable mem­ They are paying pretty high prices for their ber's interjections. land. I might go as far as to say that in many cases they are overvaluing the land. Mr. GUNN: This gives some idea of how The valuations that have been carried out the Government has bent over backwards have crea·ted a problem. I might say that to assist councils. they have been carried out correctly, if we look at the true sales--the second sales­ I am not here to knock the Common­ of these blocks of land. The values have wealth because it has done quite a lot of increased alarmingly. This has caused local good, but I agree with the Minister that government quite a problem. The Govern­ the Commonwealth should assist more with ment did its utmost by introducing legislation local authority water supply and sewerage under which differential rating could be works. I will give honourable members some applied on those blocks of land, and some examples of this. councils have taken advantage of that Mr. Casey: It did nothing at all before legislation. A lot of these councils sat Whitlam. back, whinged and did nothing, but under the Act they had the power to set a dif­ Mr. GUNN: If the honourable member ferential rate. wants to talk about what Whitlam did, I remind the Committee that Whitlam loaned Mr. Prest: Which shires are they? them the money. They were not even sub­ sidies. He charged the full bond rate for Mr. GUNN: I am not going into that. the money they were loaned. They did not There are 134 shires in Queensland, and no enjoy the subsidies they now enjoy from the doubt my remarks apply to a number of them. State Government. But the point is that under the Act they are able to set a differential rate if they so Mr. Casey: He gave it to them through desire. There is a shire in my electorate the Grants Commission. that has a different rate for every division­ divisional rating. The honourable member Mr. GUNN: He did not give them much; might not agree with it, and I might not I can assure the honourable mem!Jer of that. agree with it, but it suits them. They were all repayable-- Mr. Casey interjected. Mr. Prest: They are probably looking after their brother as an equal. The TEMPORARY CHAIR.MAN: Order! The Chair will tolerate only one speaker at Mr. GUNN: I think they do that, but a time. If the honourable member for they come up for election every three years, Mackay want~ to interject, he can do so, as do those in every other council, and if but he must not carry on a conversation. Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2787

Mr. GUNN: I agree with you, Mr. Row. of notice of Mr. Brown and also of his own It would be different if they knew their sub­ director. There is no doubt in my mind that ject, but they are ducking and weaving and ,they will pick the best two people available. do not know what they are talking about. I do not know who those people will be, but I have enough faith-- Mr. Prest: Cut it out. Mr. Prest: I thought you said you did not Mr. GUNN: The honourable member for know much about Aurukun. Port Curtis is solid ivory from the neck up. He has been interjecting, but he certainly Mr. GUNN: I know a lot about Aurukun. does not know what he is talking about. I have learnt a lot from my trip there. Mr. Prest: I think I would know as much Mr. Prest interjected. as you. Mr. GUNN: That shows how stupid the Mr. GUNN: That is debatable. honourable member really is. That has hap­ Mr. Prest: AU right, I won't help you any pened since I was there. To explain the more. position for his benefit, and for his benefit alone-we set up .the council at that time, Mr. GUNN: If I have to depend on the and a shire clerk was to be engaged later. honourable member for Port Curtis for help, That happened several months ago. It takes I will give the game away tomorrow. It a while to advertise a position and to choose would be a sad situation, and I am sure the right person. I was there some months the people from Somerset would never put ago. me back here again if I accepted help from Mr. Prest: They have been appointed. him. If he has some sensible interjections to make, I am prepared to listen, but up till Mr. GUNN: They have been appointed now he has said absolutely nothing sensible in now. interjections. Mr. Prest interjected. I think one of the Government's greatest achievements this year, and I pay tribute to Mr. GUNN: That is quite right. I do not the Minister for this, has been the setting believe that they will take up their positions up of the shires of Aurukun and Mornington. until 1 January next year. There is no doubt I was present at the opening ceremony, and I in my mind that a certain group of people think history will certainly prove that this are hell-bent on stopping local government was one of the best things we ever did. My from working in that region. All I say to interpretation of the situation, and I hap­ the Minister is: if those people remain there, pened to be there, was that those places were it will be hard to make local government run by a group of absolute stirrers. The Min­ work. If the matter is left to the Aborigines, ister will remember that the first thing we with an adviser like a shire clerk, I believe saw when we arrived at Aurukun-- that they can make it work; in fact, they will make it work. Mr. Casey interjected. One thing that actually made me laugh Mr. GUNN: Unlike the honourable mem­ was the fact that for years they wanted a ber, the Aborigines are decent people. But police station there. Now that we are build­ when we arrived we saw this group of ing a police station and putting police there, stirrers behind trees giving the people advice. the Opposition talks about the expense I have seen many council meetings in my involved. For years the church has wanted time, but I have never seen anything to police in that region. Because of the grog compare with the shemozzle we saw at in the area, I can assure you, Mr. Row, that Aurukun. The people on Mornington Island it is absolutely necessary to have police there. were quite good. We did not go there accom­ Mr. Prest: This is a police State. panied by police; we went there to assist the people. Mr. GUNN: That interjection is not worth Mr. Prest: You couldn't even get a answering. Queenslander who held a local government I turn now to main roads and to the great certificate to go there. You had to import necessity for a massive infusion of funds to them from other States. meet the great challenge of our road systems. I believe ,that the total moneys collected Mr. GUNN: I am not conversant with the from fuel tax would have to be provided to number of people who applied for the pos­ the States for two years to enable them to ition, but I feel certain that the administrator, overcome the problems with our road sys­ Mr. Ken Brown, whom I know very weii-- tems. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Prest: He's not there. we need massive road construction. Whilst we are inclined to talk about what Mr. GUNN: He was the administrator is needed with road construction, we do not there, I know him very well. He will cer­ often talk about what we have achieved, tainly be able to give advice on who is particularly with freeways. The member for the best man for the position. I think that Brisbane Central spoke about freeways. They in this matter the Minister will take a lot make a tremendous contribution to better 2788 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

traffic flow. I use them every time I come local authorities use those funds for match­ here. I do not know what I would do if ing grants, and tha{ adds to the number I could not use the freeways to get into of grants that are already available to local the city. authorities. Also, I refer to the amount of work that has been done on the Warrego Highway and Mr. Prest: What are they? the Bruce Highway. I think that the Minis­ ter has a loan programme to do road-work Mr. GUNN: I have just mentioned connected with the Wivenhoe Dam. I $15,500,000, and the State contributes think that an amount of $2,500,000 is $5 500 000. I could go on and on. Sub­ involved. That will mean a lot in my area. sid,ies 'are also available, and subsidies for I believe that when the Wivenhoe Dam is road construction vary from 15 per cent constructed, it will attract a lot of tourist to 20 per cent, depending on the type of traffic. There is no doubt in my mind about road. It should not be forgotten that local that. authorities do not now make any contri­ bution towards the cost .of natJional high­ When the honourable member for Wyn­ ways. When I was a shire chairman, l~al num, who is not in the Chamber now, was authorities did contribute towards the mam­ speaking, I was in the Chair and I suppose tenance of what are now caHed national that I could have pulled him up. highways. So we have gone a long way Mr. Yewdale: Why didn't you? in that sphere. Mr. Prest: Not far enough. Mr. GUNN: I am going to speak about the same thing. I should like to talk about Mr. GUNN: The Government recognise.-; the proposed Brisbane area water board, and that it is necessary for local authmi~ies about the track record of the council, which to have a greater share of the taxation the honourable member for Wynnum sup­ pool. ports, and about how it rode roughshod over the Kilcoy Shire Council. When Clem Jones Mention was made earlier in the debate was Lord Mayor of the Brisbane City Coun­ of town planning and shire planning, and cil, the Kilcoy Shire Council did not receive I believe that it is absolutely necessary. an answer to any of its letters. The Brisbane Many shire counoils have not completed City Council charged lessees for ground under their planning, but they are covered by an water. The little Kilcoy Shire Council had interim-development by-law that enables the:n to take the Brisbane City Council to the High to control most of the building for a certam Court of Australia to get rates from it. period. That is what the Brisbane City Council is There is no doubt in my mind that local like. That is why we would never wear the government has grown stronger. If one situation whereby the Brisbane City Council visits local autho11ity areas, one sees some controlled the water supply. It would con­ fine council chambers. Very few shires have trol development everywhere, including the liHle wooden council chambers; usually one outskirts of Brisbane. sees large bl'ick council chambers. The Moreton Shire, which contains the Mr. Casev: And some of them are criticis­ Redbank Plains, a fast-developing area, with ing us for building a new Parliament House. a population of, I think, 10,000, has to buy water from the Ipswich City Council, which, in turn, buys it from the Brisbane City Mr. GUNN: I am pleased that the hoo­ Council. That is how the system works. We ourable member has mentioned that. I want the situation where these other councils was about to say that the condit,ions I will have a say in the supply of water. had in my shire were much better than What the Lord Mayor of Brisbane is worried the condit,ions in Parliament House when I about is the $100,000,000 he will miss out came here. The new building is absolutely on, which he has fleeced from the public. necessary, and it is certainly not before time. When I think of the cramped c~n­ Many families today have two or more ditions that members had to put up Wit 1~ cars. I do not think that there are many when I first became a member of th1s 18-year-olds today who have not a car. This Assembly, I do not think that me~~ers has increased the number of vehicles using have to apologise for the new bUIIldmg. the roads and also increased the need for Many shire councils have good accommoda­ maintenance. The Main Roads Department tion, and I am not criticising them for tha~. spent about $26,000,000 on macintenance Lt is essential that they have good counCil! last year, and this is one area in which chambers. the Commonwealth Government could make a contribution. I know that it pays for (Time expired.) national highways, and I think it contributes also towards the maintenance of rural local Mr. KR.UGER (Murrumba) (5.29 p.m._): roads. However, that is not sufficient. I join with other honourable members . m complimenting the heads of the respectlve I notke that councils have available to departments. I am very pleased that they them about $15,500,000 under the Com­ are doing a reasonably good job, because monwealth . Aid, Local Autho11ity Roads, it would be a case of "God help us" id' Fund. That Is a worthwhile contribution. Some they were not; I do not know who else Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2789 would. Efficient departmental heads are the area. I trust that when the Noise Abate­ essential not only in the State of Queens­ ment Act gets rolling properly we will see land but also in other Austra1ian States. some results from it. Mr. Casey: They must be very strong 1 turn now to the cost of policing the to be able to carry a big fellow like the type of legislation I have been referring to. Minister. The State Government seems to be giving -less to local authorities, yet they will be Mr. KRUGER: He would take a bit of burdened with the cost of policing matters carrying. I suppose they would lead him that the Government wants policed. This is along a bit, also. I have seen certain a problem I see with so many Bills that animals led along by a ring in the nose. come before the Assembly. More and more Perhaps that is an alternative. is thrown onto local authorities, with less money being provided for them to do the 1 would J,ike to go straight to some of job expected of them. the matters that were discussed this morn­ ing by the Minister for gravel pits when We are to see the introduction of the he was, in effect, giving himself a good preferential voting system, which is now old pat on the back for the results that optional in shires. In many cases that will he has achieved. Knowing all the things cost a local authority much more, because that the people in my electorate are crying counting will take longer. I believe that out for, I should think that perhaps the preferential voting in local authority elec­ pats on the back that the M'inister gave tions will be another cost burden on rate­ himself are the only ones he would get. payers. This will show up particularly in In my opinion, opeml'ions in both the main the Pine Rivers Shire. roads and local government fields leave much The Minister also mentioned the Clean to be desired. Althou&h the Minister is Waters Act. The local authority has to possibl:>: doing his best for the cause, prob­ face the cost of policing this legislation, just ably htS best IS not good enough, as he as it has to meet the cost of policing air has not quite got what we require in Queens­ pollution and noise pollution. land to obtain the very best for our State. Mr. Bourke: You are a bit of a noise ,The ~inister mentioned good bookkeeping. polluter. \\hat 1s good bookkeeping? Bookkeeping can be done in various ways. It can be Mr. KRUGER: Yes, but I cause sensible done in such a way that local authorities pollution compared with some of the pol­ can think they have had a good deal when lution I have heard in the last few days. in fact they have not. Good results, more Another problem we have in the Pine than a good deal or a good bookkeeping Rivers Shire, which also probably arises in method, are what we require. That is what other shires which are fast developing, is we are looking for, particularly in fast­ the fiasco of downstream owners becoming growing areas such as the Pine Rivers Shire. concerned about the discharge of water We want results, not a good set of books. through their properties. It is high time The Minister went through the Acts he the Government looked at the situation. It administers. Go.ing through the "Acts" is should not be left as a matter between the appropriate thing for the Minister to do developers, and then perhaps a matter for because he is a born actor. He has been the courts to decide. The Government acting up through the whole debate on his should take the initiative and introduce Estimates. legislation to ensure that this type of opera­ He referred to the need for the formation tion is properly carried out, without the of the Aurukun and Mornington Island present fiasco and without great delays with Shires, and spoke about the folding up of developers in certain areas. If development the Gold Coast City Council, which he is to work successfully in a shire close to brought about. While all these things were Brisbane or in a provincial city, it has to necessary, an examination of the Estimates be carried out as quickly as possible in indicates to me that they put a greater order to achieve the best possible results. burden on the economy of the State. That The Estimates we are debating affect the comment also applies to the creation of the little man. When I say "the little man", new shire in the Gold Coast area. Although I am talking about the ratepayer in shires the new shires. might operate effectively, we and cities. Too often in major cities and have to cons1der very carefully the cost the more populated areas of small towns the burden that is placed on the rest of the ratepayers are being hit to leg as a result shires. of the type of legislation introduced by The Minister mentioned the Noise Abate­ this Government. Local Government is a ment Act. I would like to understand a little day-to-day operation. The root of the prob­ better the effect that that legislation will lem lies in the fact that the Minister and have on the community. With the Clean Air his colleagues are trying very hard to take Act, the Noise Abatement Act and similar from local government those controls that legislation, what sort of control are we going they exercise in the interests of the people. to get over factories, say, in the Pine Rivers A good deal more money could be spent Shire? My constituents strongly object to in local government. In view of the present the noise and smell caused by factories in level of unemployment, the Government 2790 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) should embark on a scheme similar to the I say, in the Pine Rivers Shire there is a RED scheme, but on a smaller scale. It high standard of development. Now the could embark upon, in effect, a mini-RED Minister wants to lower the standard. If he scheme to get under way beautification succeeds, some people will have land that is works and the down-to-earth operations that fully developed and others will have only a are needed in shires. mediocre type of development. Where does The Minister himself is creating a prob­ the Pine Rivers Shire stand? The State lem in that he believes that he has to take Government should take a positive stand full control so that he and his Cabinet col­ instead of playing around with standards of leagues can direct local government. Look­ development. ing at this matter realistically, I suggest that, if that happens, within a few years the local Mr. Warburton interjected. authorities will be merely administrators of pot-holes. That is about all that will happen Mr. KRUGER: Somebody says something to local authorities. and, as with little Sir Echo, down the Look at what happened to the Brisbane Hne it goes and the silly trash spreads through­ City Council's electricity department. That out the State. In some instances a few money-raising undertaking was taken from people •believe it, although not understanding the council by the State Government. The what has been said. Government carried out an undermining If we get to the stage where the people operation to take revenue from the Brisbane understand the State Government, we will City Council. The result is that the users of have achieved something. Unfortunately, the electricity-the ratepayers-have to pay Government hoodwinks the people with a more for it. few nice words and a little promise here and The Pine Rivers Shire and other fast­ ·there. It is more than time for the Govern­ growing shires are faced with a very serious ment to embark on some type of house and problem concerning subdivisions. The costs land development. It has been proved in of subdivision have increased tremendously. South Australia that it can ·be done. It need I do not believe that they should be borne not be a major operation at the start, but we by the State Government. I do believe, how­ should be looking to 1the future so that we ever, that its legislation should allow the can at least compete with the developers and local authorities to know where they are give people a fair and reasonroble go. heading. This morning the Minister said Young married couples buying their first that by-laws should be introduced to control home see advertisements on television spon­ subdivision and that it was not desirable to sored by the zucchini grower at Strathpine continue with the present wishy-washy situa­ to the effect that, apart from growing good tion. I think he referred to sweetheart deals. zucchinis, they can get $2,000 for their first The State Government should introduce home. What a lot of hog-wash! That $2,000 legislation to remove the problems arising in is quite acceptable by any standards but connection with subdivisions. Possibly the what the people want is a fair and even Minister is thinking to himself, "The situa­ opportunity. They do not particularly want tion varies from local authority to local gifts, although they are forced into taking authority." He would be absolutely correct. them iby the Government's attitude. However, I am sure that legislation could In the Pine Rivers Shire, we are threatened be introduced to overcome those variations. with the development of rural residential Anyone connected with local government >land. This may be quite a good development has to adopt a parochial attitude. The Minis­ that many people want, but as I see it the ter, however, decided some years ago that problem in rural residential development is he did not want local authorities to be that it will cost much more to get amenities parochial and that he wanted to control them to the blocks. People who have seen and from this Parliament. If that is what he advocate this type of development realise wants, he must face up to the fact that any that water is essential; it has to be supplied. legislation that he introduces must work We are looking possibly at five to 10-acre correctly. blocks, which mean long water mains with poss]bly 10 to 12 times the capacity needed The Pine Rivers Shire has a rating system elsewhere, to cope with friction loss over the that ensures a high standard of develop­ distance. ment. Subdivided areas are provided with a water supply and sewerage, and quite a lot In this type of development we see people of kerbing and channelling has been carried who are not quite sure whether they want to out. Now, however, it seems that the State be in a residential or rural area. I would Government's policy is that the standard bet my ·bottom doHar-and I have experienced should be reduced because the subdividers this in the Pine Rivers Shire over many years are not getting a fair go. That is typical of ~that a person will go into an area with a the attitude of this Government. To hell gravel road, or a very badly sealed road, and with the poor little guy who wants to buy a the following week he will say, "I have been block of land, so long as the subdivider gets here a ·week. It is high time that you pro­ a fair go. That is the Government's attitude. vided water, channelling and sewerage." I It does not care whether the price of a block mention this because I believe it will bump of land is increased by $2,000 or $3,000. As up the costs for ratepayers within the shire. Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2791

Until the Government controls the situation Mr. Frawley: There should be a water and starts to do something concrete, we will board. The Pine Rivers Shire robbed Red­ continue to have more and more problems. cliffe blind for years. I have in mind the type of development that Mr. KRUGER: That is what I am saying. is proposed for Samford. Honoura:ble mem­ That mob are colleagues of the honourable bers may recall that some time ago, when we member for Caboolture and would not know were having a little trouble in the Pine Rivers how to handle the matter. Shire wbout a decision, the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads said in this A water board is being established so Chamber, "You had better make a decision that the people of South-east Queensland soon or I will bloody well make it." Those take over the cost of the Wivenhoe Dam. are the situations with which we are faced. I do not think that having a water board is I will grant the Minister that he ma:kes a bad system, it is only the way in which decisions. If he could make his decisions it is being introduced that I object to. With quickly and accurately, he would certainly the type of Government that we have, one be worth his weight in gold. And what a has to be suspicious of the reasons for its nice ·lot of gold we would have! introduction. A board system should have been introduced years ago, instead of being Mr. Frawley: He nearly suspended your introduced when everything has been done. councH for the way you were going on. The board will reap the benefits of local Mr. KRUGER: I would not be surprised. government work, as happened with There is only one good councillor out there. S.E.Q.E.B. and as might happen with Bris­ The honourable member can guess who that bane City Council transport. The purpose of is. He is a member of the Labor Party. If this scheme is to up the price of water, to the Minister cares to look at some of the increase the revenue for this Government. things done by the riff-raff out there, I Mr. Vaughan: Water meters. would not mind betting that he will again have to consider suspending the ·council. Mr. KRUGER: Yes, but it does not stop at the introduction of water meters. They A Government Member: He is as big a have to be read and repaired, The honour­ fibber as you are. able member for Wynnum spelt out quite Mr. KRUGER: I would not think that he clearly the ramifications of the introduction would be as big a fibber as I am· Govern­ of water meters, so I am wasting my time ment members like to paint a pic'ture of a talking about it any further. man. It is useless denying or arguing about Mr. Bourke: You don't know much about it. I will take the honourable member's it. word for it if it will set his mind at ease. The Pine Rivers Shire has been very suc­ Mr. KRUGER: It is quite obvious that I cessful except, as the honourable member do know something about it. I will back for Caboolture pointed out, that there has myself to know as much as most members been a little bit of a breakdown. We will about local government. At different times forget that----

I have no cause to criticise them. I have Water is a crucial factor in any Govern­ found them to be entirely honest and decent ment aid or encouragement to cities such as people. I do not join with the honourable Toowoomba. The price of water is an member in criticising them-tha:t is for sure. important factor in the establishment of any I now wish to speak about a few of the industry and the provision of jobs. Water is problems in local government that are affect­ the first step in any development. I believe ing my area. I speak, first, of Toowoomba, that the State Government and the Com­ where half of the people in my electorate monwealth Government should look towards live. One of the big respons~bi1ities of stimulating the growth of the population of local government today is to provide water. Toowoomba to about 150,000, when future It is the basic 1.1i~ht of every person on development would be self-supporting and the face of this earth to have an adequate the city would again become the gateway to supply of dDinldng water. We have our the South-west and the Inland. Recently one problems with water in Toowoomba. We firm in Toowoomba experienced problems, are 100 miles from the coast and on the and perhaps this is an indication of modern edge of the eastern side of the seaboard. trends. The Water Quality Council was set We are finding that increasingly our water up, and its setting-up was necessary and per­ supplies are becoming more expensive. The haps long overdue. As a result of that, one sources of our water are becoming more industry in Toowoomba that employs about remote from the city. The supplies are 20 to 30 people has experienced problems. It bec?ming . smaller, relatively speaking, and would be sad if Government policies, when so mcreasmgly expensive. put into practice, militated against the As we are on the edge of the eastern development of industries in Toowoomba. side of the seaboard, we are faced with The time is overdue for a change in our the additional problem of havting to pump philosophy of water usage. Not only in w~ter uphi~ll, and the pumping costs increase Toowoomba but also all over Australia, there w1th the moreased cost of eleet,Picity. So has always been a philosophy that water is Toowoomba is faced with the situation vhat, there in unlimited quantities and that the in the future, water will become increasingly first responsibility of local government is to expensive. provide it in unlimited quantities, that it Earlier, we were lookling at the Condamme should move in an unthinking fashion to River as a souPce of our water supply, but meet the need. In my opinion, that philo­ we were not able to obtain it from there. sophy has to go. We have to introduce water The flow was inadequate to meet our policies and water-pricing policies that will demands and the demands of people further control the present unrestricted growth of west. 'IIhe Government allocated Crest­ water usage by the population, policies that brook Creek to us. A strong argument will ensure that water is used for worth­ could have been advanced that water from while purposes instead of being wasted with­ the Condamine R!iver would have been out thought being given to its source. In cheaper, and that the Government should Toowoomba, we have gone in for universal be consideDing providing us with a higher water-metering, and in that respect I think subsidy. That _is an issue that local people we are in advance of many of the other have been pushmg and we have been trying cities in Australia. It has not been a cheap to get somewhere with it. I believe that we process-it has cost well in excess of can put forward many arguments to sup­ $1,000,000--but we are now moving towards port the proposal that the State and Federal a meaningful water-pricing policy, which is Governments should be ~V'ing Toowoomba an essential part of any scheme to use special conSiideration in the provision of meters. Because of our problems there, we water. My ma;in argument concerns not the are looking to see that water is used ration­ Condarnine River site but the fact that we ally and is not wasted. However, that does are an inland city. Toowoomba is a success not release the Government from its respon­ story. It is the largest natural inland city sibility to look towards giving Toowoomba in Australia. special aid. [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] All local governments should be consider­ Mr. BOURKE: If decentralisation is to ing making information available on the mean anything in this country, it is high quantity of water that various appliances use. time that Governments, both State and No information of that type has been released. One sees automatic dishwashers and Federal, put much more effort into helping automatic washing machines advertised for inland cities such as Toowoomba. For too sale. No information is supplied about what long development in Australia has been water consumption is involved in the use of ribbon development along the coast. The such appliances. This reflects our philosophy history of inland settlement in Queensland towards water, and perhaps even the Govern­ and, in fact, throughout Australia, is dis­ ment should consider making the supply of graceful. There has been virtually full-scale such information compulsory when appli­ depopulation of inland areas, and if some ances are sold so that people purchasing assistance and aid is given to Toowoomba­ them would know how much water they use. and that has never happened in the past­ it could be a stepping-stone to a fresh I move from the provision of water to the approach to inland areas and development of provision of sewerage, which is another them. aspect of local government service. Again Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2795 there are difficulties that are peculiar to Toowoomba has another problem peculiar Toowoomba. The city has one large sewer­ to its own position. A vast quantity of age treatment plant. The city fathers showed greenery, trees and grass from gardens is foresight in years gone by in introducing dumped at tips. People are garden con­ sewerage bright and early and establishing scious in that city, where we have a fast the plant, and it has been practical to growth rate. Each year vast quantities of enlarge that one plant in Toowoomba rather this material is dumped at tips. In the than build a new one. Because of that, the past we have burnt it, but the Health Depart­ Toowoomba City Council has never qualified ment has intervened. I emphasise that it for any Government subsidy on sewerage is only greenery that we wish to burn. The work. It has all been carried out at the council wishes to see the Minister to find expense of the local ratepayers. That is out whether we can get some common sense another aspect that is unfair to Toowoomba. in this problem. We do not want to burn It is a peculiar circumstance that the city, ordinary garbage; we have a modern inciner­ because of its geographical position and its ator for that. Burning the greenery is the history, has used only one sewerage plant. most practical way of reducing the bulk. Again, the council is under constant pressure No health risk is involved, and it is a cheap, from the Water Quality Council to upgrade efficient way of handling the material. the standard of effluent, which, of course, ':Dhe State Government has moved to flows west. A large licence fee is paid every unload some of its responsibilities for year. Although I cannot argue against the cemeteries onto local government, thus add­ principle, I think that if the State Govern­ ing to the constantly increasing costs of ment is going to insist on such standards, it local authorities. should be considering bearing the cost rather than unloading it onto an inland city such I espouse the cause of regional concepts as Toowoomba. Rather than being penalised in local government. I believe that the for its location, it should receive special con­ regional view is the only one to take. As sideration. neighbouring shires grow and prosper and develop in strength, so does the city of Further on the subject of sewerage­ Toowoomba. We have a problem with water Crow's Nest, a town in my electorate that in Toowoomba. We get all our water from is the headquarters of the Crow's Nest Shire, the Crow's Nest Shire Council, with whom has recently submitted a progressive plan to we have an agreement. I believe that that introduce a new form of sewerage in the agreement has been a model of fairness. It town. It will involve each individual resi­ has been an arm's length agreement which dence having its own septic tank, with the I think both parties have benefited from, surplus fluid being collected in a common but there is a rather small attitude on the treatment pond. In some quarters there is a part of some of the Toowoomba aldermen bit of reservation about this sort of sewerage towards neighbouring shires such as system, but I feel that it has a lot to recom­ Jondaryan and Gatton. Development mend it. The costs are approximately half has taken place along the boundaries those of the full system, which would result of Toowoomba in small quarter-acre in a reasonable level of rates for the people blocks. The Toowoomba City Council concerned. They would still be rather high expresses a marked reluctance to supply at about $200, but I feel that the system those people with water under any circum­ has a lot to recommend it. Final Govern­ stances. It puts forward the argument that ment decision on subsidy is still awaited. I it wants to restrict growth in those areas. hope that the Government will look at the A reasonable view should be taken; water matter sympathetically. This system of should be supplied to those people. It is individual tanks with a ponding of the excess not a matter of any pride to me that some fluid could have application in other areas of the Toowoomba aldermen adopt this of the State. In steep sections of Too­ narrow attitude. woomba, pumping is a problem. The system of collecting surplus water and leaving the We should be looking to merge some of solids in the tank could have a lot to recom­ our local government areas. Local govern­ mend it in such areas. ment is very efficient, but by merging we could cut costs. At the same time we could The disposal of garbage is a constantly have an expansion more and more into increasing cost to local authorities. The cost regions as such, under regional government, of disposal per head is rising constantly, and which was put up before by the Whitlam is becoming increasingly complex. I am not Labor Government. I think that Govern­ arguing against conservation matters, but ment was right in that proposal. PeThaps it is a shame that we had a false start. there is a constantly increasing demand for Along with this expansion into regions, we a better way of treating garbage. Sanitary should release broader responsibilities to landfill proponents are urging for the use these regional governments. We should then of more efficient compactors. Of course be able to evade the sort of fringe develop­ the cost here is a matter of some concern ment we see on the edge of cities such to local government. In a place like Too­ as Toowoomba. We would be able to ensure woomba, where land is not a particularly that resources were used for the benefit of high cost factor, I feel that the compactor all the people in the district. should be looked at with reservations. (Time expired.) 2796 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Mr. BOOTH (Warwick) (7.25 p.m.): In I should like the Minister to make inspec­ rising to speak to these Estimates, I compli­ tions of shires where there is a lack of ment the Minister on the presentation to maintenance and allocate to them funds that Parliament of the annual report of the Com­ are necessarv to retrieve the situation before missioner of Main Roads and on his presenta­ it is too late. As I have said, the important tion of the Estimates. I agree with him that asset of a bituminised main road can be local government is gaining in importance. I lost. Heavv expenditure is involved in up­ would add that it is prepared to shoulder the grading it,- and some local authorities may additional responsibilities that are being not be able to afford such expenditure. There entrusted to it. is, after all, a limit to what local authorities Any fair-minded person who looks at the can raise by way of rates. policy over the past couple of years of the This is an appropriate occasion on which Minister would agree that he has tried to to refer to safety on main roads. Adequate spread the funds available as equitably as maintenance is necessary to ensure safety. possible throughout the State. He is a fair­ Serious accidents can occur if a road is pitted minded man, even though on some occasions with pot-holes or if its shoulders are in a he handles us a bit roughly. bad state of repair. Mr. Burns: Mr. Nixon didn't say that on Mv main purpose in rising tonight was to Saturday. make a special plea for a greater alloca.tion to those shires that are un

Mr. WARBURTON (Sandgate) (7.32 Fraser Government's honouring the prom­ p.m.): The Minister's Estimates allow mem­ ise to increase the share of personal income bers of the Opposition, particularly, to be tax to local government from 1.52 per cent highly critical of many Government activities, to 2 per cent during the life of the current especially local government activities. Tonight Parliament. That was one of the promises I intend to outline to members on both sides Mr. Fraser made. The relevant factor here of the Chamber the feelings that are run­ is that the Minister and his Government ning high in local government in Queensland were the greatest advocates of Fraser feder­ at this time. alism policies, which have resulted in a real decline in grants from the commission and I would like to deal with many matters the gradual demolition of specific purpose tonight, but time is against me. The fact grants. That is the result we have seen of that the State Government, when under­ the Fraser federalism policies that were grab­ taking project::, does not meet requirements expected of p;ivate developers is one of the bed with great glee by this and certain other :natters foremost in the minds of local govern­ Governments in this country. ment people throughout the State. Despite There is no valid argument against the :he fact Ihat local government representa­ need to lift the share of personal income tives consider the Minister to be approach­ tax immediately. In fact, if the Federal c.ble and only too willing to meet deputa­ Government was truly aware and concerned tions, nothing has been done. Such is the about the deteriorating position of local gov­ frustration facing local government in ernment, it would have done something a Queensland. long time ago. r.t certa;inly should have done something in the last financial year. The The Government's handling of the additional .48 per cent would have given local modified Brisbane Town Plan is an government in Australia a further $35,000,000. absolute fiasco. I shall not discuss it at It would still be well below the requirement, kngth tonight. It has been in the Govern­ but it would certainly provide much-needed ment's hancis since December 1976. Those finance for local government throughout of us who know anything about town plan­ Australia. ning appreciate that that can only be detri­ mental to deYe!opment in our great city. The Minister must surely have been joking Opposition and Government members heard when he said at the introduction of his the honourable member for Merthyr tell us Estimates that he was proud of his Gov­ ~omething that the Minister should have told ernment's harmonious relationship with local us ages ago, that is, that the town plan was government in Queensland. If my memory to be 1c1zetted on 2 December. I gather that serves me correctly, those were the words it was a mistake on his part to pre-empt what that he used- "the Government's harmonious was happening with the plan, but it is a good relationship with local government in indication of the lack of respect that the Queensland". The fact is that relationships Minister and his colleagues have for both could not be more strained. That is the Government and Opposition back-benchers. result of years of frustration and unreason­ It is a sad state of affairs when such a able treatment meted out to local government thing happens in this Parliament. I reject it in the State of Queensland. completely. The plan is important to the people of Queensland, particularly -those in Mr. Bourke interjected. Brisbane. It should have been dealt with long ago and should be in operation now. Mr. WARBURTON: I am about to prove my point, so I will not take interjections at It is deplorable that the member for this stage. I will refer to recent statements Merthyr could stand up and say what he made by Councillor Rogers, M.B.E., who said here tonight. We all know that he was happens to be president of the Local Gov­ the chairman of a metropolitan Liberal ernment Association of Queensland. I pressure group that represented certain believe that all those associated with local vested interests in this city-interests that government in this State would agree that were more concerned with profitability than he is probably one of the most respected with the well-being of the people of Bris­ local government representatives in Australia bane. We know that. Statements made in at the present time. I shall quote from the his name appeared in newspapers months ago executive report of the 1978 annual confer­ reporting changes that his committee were ence held in Townsville on 12 September going to recommend to the Minister. I only 1978. The president, Mr. Rogers, had this hope that, when it comes down to the Min­ to say about State legislation- ister, he will see common sense and will "While Mr. Hinze has discussed with appreciate the work that has gone into Executive Members many of his proposed that modified plan by aldermen of the legislative amendments, it is evident that Brisbane City Council. the wishes of the majority of local author­ The Minister referred rather briefly to ities have not influenced the Government Commonwealth payments to local government as demonstrated in the recent amendments in Queensland and the recommended distri­ to the Local Government Act in relation bution of those payments by the Queensland to preferential voting at local authority Local Government Grants Commission. One elections and the appointment of Mayors can share the Minister's concern about the and Shi,.e Chairmen by elected Councils. 68279-94 2798 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

Those amendments were opposed strenu­ He said further- ously by many individual local authorities, "Another aspect of State Government­ some District Associations and the Execu­ Local Government relations which is of tive Members were unanimous in their great concern to me is the public criticisms opposition to the amendments. which have been levelled at Local Govern­ "Pleas made to the Premier from time ment in recent months by Cabinet to time for closer co-operation between Ministers." the State Government and Local Govern­ I will go as far as to say that on that ment have not met with the desired occasion those remarks did not include the response. It is the wish of the Executive Minister for Local Government and Main to co-operate with the State Government Roads. Councillor Rogers said further- in an effort to resolve many of the prob­ "! have, in turn, been criticised by lems which confront both spheres of Gov­ members of some Councils when I have ernment and this we are unable to achieve allegedly failed to respond in defence of while the State Government fails to Local Government." demonstrate any degree of willingness to openly discuss matters with the Executive. I am sure that the statements I have just quoted do not in any way indicate that "Another major problem seen by the harmonious relations, as mentioned by the Executive is the attitude of Executive Minister earlier in the day, exist between Government by Regulation as distinct from the two levels of government. The position, Government by Legislation debated openly in fact, is exactly the opposite, and this is from the floor of the Parliament." the point that I believe should be brought Councillor Rogers, the president of the Local home loud and clear to all members of this Government Association, did not stop at that. Chamber. At the 82nd annual conference of the Local I know that the Minister has not been Government Association on 13 September subjected to the same criticism in the past 1978, he said something that I will quote as have his fellow Ministers and other to prove just how relations are between Government members, but he must now, this State Government and local government, unfortunately for him, share the blame and remembering that Councillor Rogers, because responsibility for \vhat has occurred. If he of his position, is the voice of local govern­ does not have the power to convince the ment in this State. He had this to say- Ministry that the voice of local government "On several occasions the Association should be heard, that is a problem he has has requested the Premier to confer with to live with and about which he should us and to have his Ministers consult with us start to be honest with this Committee, on matters which affect Local Government particularly at a time when local government in this State. We have stated time and in Australia is pursuing constitutional again that we wish to work in harmony recognition. with the State Government for the benefit This pursuit is gaining impetus as the of the State and its citizens and unfor­ result of the 1976 Australian Constitutional tunately the only manner in which I can Convention, which, I believe from memory, construe the second paragraph of Mr. was held in Perth. Yet what do we see? We Bjelke-Petersen's letter dated 11th July, see the Government of Queensland turning 1978 is that he does not wish to talk with in the opposite direction. In fact, as other us. Previously I have refrained from Opposition speakers have said today, it is being critical but my interpretation of doing exactly the reverse of what other the Premier's letter does, I believe, indicate State Governments are doing. Instead of quite clearly where we in Local Govern­ adopting what is happening in Victoria at ment stand in the opinion of the Premier. the moment, where as a result of that Con­ "I believe, with feelings of some regret, stitutional Convention, a Bill is being intro­ that we stand well to the rear of such duced to give some recognition to local gov­ persons as Milan Brych and Mr. Iwasaki, ernment, the Queensland Government is who seems to be able to obtain instant guilty of a complete about-face. There is access to the Premier's office; and this means ample evidence that the Queensland Govern­ that important local government issues ment is pursuing the policy of taking res­ affecting the very great majority of Queens­ ponsibility and powers away from local landers from all parts of the State are government. also relegated to the backblocks, or ignored, We have seen enough of that in recent so that the Premier can devote his time times. Councillor Rogers, the president of to such things as the above and the unfor­ the Local Government Association, referred tunate problems localised at Aurukun and to what occurred earlier this year when the Mornington Island, issues which don't amendments to the Local Government Act affect a majority of Queenslanders. went through this Chamber contrary to the "I believe good State Government and wishes of local government in this State. good Local Government complement each Irrespective of what the Minister said here other and for this reason I have done this morning about the assumption by local everything possible to foster good relations. government of certain powers on preferential But it is an impossible task when the voting and the election of a mayor, he knows, other side will not even sit do\vn and talk!" and knows only too well-and the position Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2799 on the Gold Coast shows this clearly-that he At this stage, the objectors-over 1,000 of as the Minister, and the Government have them-have met the requirements, and their overriding powers. He and his Government objections have been upheld by the Brisbane have shown by their actions in recent times City Council. It remains to be seen whether that they are only too prepared to use those or not the move by the Government will powers when the occasion arises. change the course of those events. As a result of what we now know, the Bald Hills I believe that the councils and shires of Against Mining Committee will certainly be this State-and I am still discussing the reactivated. problems associated with local government and how this Government is proceeding to It is a pity that the Minister did not stick take away their powers, to lessen their res­ to his statement-perhaps he may yet do ponsibilities-should be aware that this Gov­ so-that town planning by local government ernment intends to go further than it has and is the most efficient and sensible method of take responsibility for sand and gravel-mining controlling the use of land. I believe that operations away from local government and that is true, and any attempt to take away put it in the hands of a construction mater­ 'those responsibilities will be detrimental to ials authority. This has not come to the fore the Government. at this stage, for obvious reasons, but local government in this State should know about Mr. Hinze interjected. it. I hope that by my raising it tonight, local Mr. WARBURTON: I sincerely hope that government will get the message loud and the Minister is right, and when he does clear. proceed, I hope that the result will be that Mr. Bourke: Are you talking about '!he Brisbane City Council and other local legislation? authorities still have the responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people whom they represent. Mr. WARBURTON: I am not talking about legislation. I am sure that the hon­ (Time expired.) ourable member would like me to talk about legislation, but I know that you, Mr. Miller, Mr. KAUS (Mansficld) (7.52 p.m.): I com­ would not allow me to do so. Therefore, I mend the Minister on his administration of will ignore that rather nebulous interjection a difficult portfolio, made even more difficult from a person who should know better. by a shortage of money, rising costs, great distances and problems of climate and top­ The Government is looking at the extrac­ ography. tion of construction materials from all land Queensland covers an area of 1,700,000 sq. in the State, including the sea-bed, under the km, or one-fifth of Australia. It is the most jurisdiction of the State. Naturally, at this decentralised of all Australian States, yet all stage it is impossible to know the final pro­ Queenslanders, whether they live in hamlets posals. The history of this Government or on properties 50 miles from a neighbour, regarding the extractive industries in this or in a big city, are serviced by local auth­ State surely leads me and the members of ority, State and national roads. That is as it the Opposition to believe that economics are should be, of course; but it has not ahvays a far greater consideration than any environ­ been so, particularly in regard to standards. mental impact study that might be made on some project. Certainly the 1,000 or more Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. people who objected to an application in the Bald Hills area, in which it was sOLwht to The THtPGRARY CHAJRMAN (Mr. mine sand and gravel in an area kno~n as Miller): Order! The honourable member for the Bald Hills Flats adjacent to Gympie Archerfield may interject only from his usual Road, wili be very interested in the proposal seat in the Chamber. that this Government is considering at this time. Those peopie went through the normal Mr. KA.US: The Labor Party was in office procedures expected of them. The Brisbane in Queensland continuously for 40 years, City Council had a responsibility to receive with the exception of three years during the the application. It also had a responsibility depression. Labor Governments would not to consider the objections to that application. build any highways from the New South Wales border ,to Cairns, not even with the l\1r. I-Iinze: It will still be able to do it. Federal money they received. They prefer­ red to divert funds to la!'ger and industrial­ Mr. WARBURTON: The honourable ised towns and cities from which they got gentleman has a definite advantage m er me. their votes, and they did not give a damn Earlier today, the honourable member for for the country people. Merthyr was able to tell the Committee that It is acknowledged throughout the com­ the town plan is ;'Oing to be gazetted on munity that roadbuilding is one of the present 2 December. If he speaks again in this Government's greatest achievements. High­ Chamber in the next couple o-f days per­ ways now run out to the West in southern, haps he will be able to ,tell us wl;at is central and northern Queensland where vir­ in the proposed Bill. Although the Minister tually none worthy of the name existed under says that, I will remain unconvinced until I Labor. As you know, Mr. Miller, in the old see the contents. days one could not even drive to Southporl, 2800 Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) and I doubt whether one could drive any Mr. Cooper lives on the mountain there, and ful11:her north of Brisbane than the Pine that is the way he comes to work. He Rivers Shire. Main roads link towns and in wrote-- many areas and in many cases feed to the "I will try to avoid moving outwards highway network, and local authorities are along Klump Road to where it joins Logan doing a wonderful job, under considerable Road between 8 a.m. and 8.45 a.m. each financial difficulties, in maintaining a very morning, Monday to Friday, w_hen the high standard of roads. All this has brought schools in that area are operatmg, due visitors to the most far-flung parts of Queens­ to the strong possibility of either hitt!ng land and has helped this State become tops one of the cars being manoeuvred droppmg in tourism in Australia. children off, or, more importantly, trying We recall the days when a former Min­ to avoid, or at worst, killing some of the ister for Tourism, the late Honourable J. D. school-children who stream across the Herbert, used to take the tourism com­ intersection and at various places along mittee right out through the Central West Klump Road. and western areas just to prove to tourists "As you know, schools occupying quite that they could cover a certain area within a large area, either at, or in close prox­ three weeks. Of course, all this has been imity to the intersection of Logan and brought about by the great development of Klump Roads are: Clairveaux College, roads in Queensland. In addition, that has Mackillop College, St. Joseph's Convent, speeded the transport of produce to market, Upper Mt. Gravatt State School, Upper given access to holiday resorts and aided the Mt. Gravatt Kindergarten, and St. Bern­ speedy development of towns associated with ard's School. the expansion of the mining industry. "It also might be noted that major I say again that the performance of the sporting venues are situated very cl?s.e to Australian Labor Party on road-works is the intersection-squash courts, Hibiscus the greatest blot on the political history of Gardens swimming complex, Mt. Gravatt the State, and it will be for ever condemned Soccer Club, Mt. Gravatt Australian Rules by the tens of thousands of country dwellers Club, Mt. Gravatt Bowls Club. who were left to get on the best they could if they did not live in a Labor electorate. "It is also worth mentioning that the Those were referred to as the horse-and­ playing fields of Clairveaux College are buggy days. not only used by the school-children from that college but also by other sporting Honourable Members interjected. organisations, particularly touch football associations. Mr. KAUS: This is going back to the days of the Labor Government. Opposition mem­ "As you also further know, two bers should remember those days. In their restaurants, McDonalds and the Pizza Hut, areas then they had only dirt roads. But occupy areas on the opposite side of look at what they have today! Logan Road to the schools, although, par­ ticularly the Pizza Hut, their operation is Opposition Members interjected. in the evening. "The intersection of Klump and Logan The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Roads is notorious for motor vehicle acci­ Persistent interjections will not be tolerated. dents. A person was killed there a few weeks ago. Mr. KAUS: I should like now to draw the Minister's attention to the hazards in "As the next section of the freeway is the area adjacent to the Klumpp Road/Logan scheduled to be completed in early 1979, Road intersection. As the Minister knows, the with the main inlet/outlet road joining new section of the freeway will link with that freeway at the southern extremity, the Pacific Highway at Klumpp Road. I which is Klump Road, the Queensland would appreciate a full run-down on what Main Roads Department and the Brisbane the Main Roads Department and the Bris­ City Council have possibly made definite bane City Council are planning to alleviate plans to alleviate most of the problems, the inevitable problems and dangers in that and in particular have considered the area. There are six schools, squash courts, a safety of the children who cross Logan swimming complex, soccer and Australian and Klump Roads. Rules clubs in the vicinity, and grounds "I would appreciate your views in order that are used by children and sporting associ­ that I, as a parent of one of the sch?o!­ ations. There are also restaurants in that children can be assured of my child s area. If planning is not effective, there will safety ~hen the new section of the free­ be congestion and tragedy in that area. way is opened and the volume of tr:affic I appeal to the Minister to look personally on Klump Road is increased many times at the problems and dangers. To back up over." my plea, I will read a letter written to me I believe that Mr. Cooper's sentiments are and to the council by a Mr. Lew Cooper, reflected throughout the community. who is the well-known secretary/manager of the Queensland Cricketers' Club and one An official statement from the Minister who travels along Klumpp Road each day. would do much to allay Mr. Cooper's fears. Supply [21 NoVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2801

I join with him and thousands of other con­ them. I refer, of course, to the people who cerned parents in requesting a detailed state­ live near the freeways. They suffer because ment on what is intended. Naturally I wel­ of the noise and the pollution. come the extension of the freeway, as do the The resolution of the conflict becomes a people who live in the area. However, they matter of striking an appropriate balance would like to know what plans the Minister between the needs of the transport users has for the future. and the welfare of non-users. There is no suggestion that the presence of potentially Mr. K. J. Hooper: Why don't you write adverse environmental effects should auto­ him a letter? matically mean the abandoning of a trans­ port project or a main roads project. What Mr. KAUS: I get excellent service from is needed is a careful assessment of the the Minister and from his department. costs to the community in the broadest sense I want to pay a tribute to the contractors, by proceeding with the project and then a engineers and designers who have created a comparison of these costs with the perceived wonderful facility for the people of Bris­ benefits of the project. The planner may bane as well as a thing of beauty. It is not then find that the project can proceed or often that roads enhance a city to such an that a modified version of it will resolve extent that they become a tourist attraction. the matter, and reasonably satisfy the inter­ But this is certainly so in the case of Bris­ ests of all parties. No doubt the main bane's freeways. The freeway system lead­ roads planners do this. They have flexible ing to the Captain Cook Bridge is a won­ plans and when they have problems with derful acquisition and, instead of detracting main roads going through certain areas they from the beauty of the city, it adds to it. can effect changes. One of the fondest memories that visitors Similar techniques need to be employed to Brisbane take with them when they return when other conflicts of this kind arise. For home is of our freeway system. No doubt instance, another matter that has come to this is the reason why a lot of their friends the forefront in recent times is the con­ come to see for themselves. Our freeways servation of energy. At present, transport blend in with the landscape and leave no relies heavily on liquid petroleum fuels as nasty scars. Of course, they relieve traffic a source of energy. In the absence of congestion and have brought pleasant inner­ further substantial discoveries of indigenous city driving to millions. At peak hours cer­ crude oil, we will become increasingly depend­ tain problems occur because of the volume ent on imported supplies over the very period of traffic entering or leaving the freeway on when it is widely agreed that world demand the bypass roads. However, these problems will be approaching the production limit. will be alleviated in time. The lack of substitute fuels for transport on our main roads, as distinct from their When the perimeter roads are built and more general availability for industry, com­ when the cross-river link in the lower merce and households, makes transport on reaches is completed, Brisbane will be the main roads a premium user of liquid pet­ envy of all capital city planners. roleum fuels. The demand for this type of I want to speak now on the conflicts that fuel in transport is not responsive to increases arise within transport generally. One of the in price unless we postulate unacceptably major items that cause concern is the pro­ high prices which could have an adverse tection of the environment, with all the con­ impact on the economic and social structure notations attaching to that phrase. House­ of our society. On the other hand, because holders complain, for example, about noise transport is a major user of energy in the levels around airports. I do not disagree economy, the potential certainly exists for with them. On the other side of the coin, achieving significant levels of energy savings regular requests are made from airlines for in the medium term without the need for some relaxation of curfews so that they can economic and social dislocation. improve their services. No doubt these ser­ I could deal with quite a number of sub­ vices will be improved with the construction jects but, unfortunately, I have not the time. of the new Brisbane airport. I now turn to the vitally important work The conflict of interests is a classic of the Australian Road Research Board. The example of the dilemma that faces transport board's work ranges through studies of pave­ planners today, particularly in view of the ments, bituminous materials, road structures, size of the transport component in the traffic engineering, transport planning and economy and the importance of transport in the human factors. But the gut-issue import­ virtually every other activity within the ance of the research can be distilled out of economy. the technical language down to the simple message of better and safer roads. We On the one hand, there is a continual and cannot ignore the fact that we have some increasing demand for more and better 550,000 miles on which our 6,000,000 vehicles transport services and facilities, such as main travel. With our problem of long distances roads; on the other, there is a growing public between centres on the one hand, and the awareness of the potentially adverse effect of continuing problems of urban congestion on those services and facilities on the daily lives the other, roads and road research are most of people, even those who are not using important matters at this stage of Australia's 2802 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

development. Because of this, the Common­ a better sight distance at night? Can we wealth grants for roads include an allocation reduce the number of roadside objects that for research. are involved in accidents? Can we improve railway crossings? Can bad-accident roads be The Main Roads Department in each reconstructed? State, of course, arranges its own r:Ianning, and in some cases undertakes 1ts own Current research is going more than a research. But a considerable proportion of long way towards improving our roads. With these Commonwealth grants ends up with the results of that research, our road plan­ the Australian Road Research Board. Yet ners can only be in a good position to under­ despite all the technical work and money take their task. The flow-on benefits to such that goes into roads, it is disappointing that a large State as Queensland are immeasure­ some of them are not up to an acceptable able. I commend the Minister and his depart­ standard. ment on their activities during yet another very busy year. The road is prabably the most essential transport link for any State and, as such, Mr. I. J. GIBBS (Albert) (8.12 p.m.): It it needs to be of quality. Unlike the sea is a pleasure to speak on the Estimates of the and the air, which are unchangeable by man, Local Government Dep1rtment and the the road can be changed and its design is Department of Main Roads. I would like to thus a major factor influencing the design cover some of the aspects of those depart­ of the motor vehicle and the efficiency of ments as they affect my electorate. I thank transport operations. the Minister for the co-operation that he I would certainly not wish to determine has so far extended to me and to my whether the road should be designed to electorate, which takes in part of the City influence the vehicle or vice versa, but the of Gold Coast and the Albert Shire, both facts are that much of Australia's road of which are growth areas. There are many system has been designed for what today jobs to be done. People are moving into those could only be regarded as inefficient opera­ areas, which are the fastest-growing in tions. 'vVe cannot change this situation Australia. The rate of growth in th~ A!bert overnight, but I suggest that wc should Shire is about 20 per cent and, on the Gold recognise three factors that are essential in Coast, it is about 10 per cent. future planning and research into roads. We have many road problems. In the These are the road safety, social and econ­ main, these have been cured or planning is omic aspects. With freight and domestic under way to correct them as soon as po.s­ tariff on many thousands of millions of ton­ sib!e. Perhaps the worst of those roads s!Jil miles and passenger-miles on our roads, we to be improved are Gorge Road, \1 hich is not cannot afford to sit back and ignore these far from the Minister's home, and Mt. issues. With Australia's road accident record, Nathan Road, which leads across to Nerang. with rising transport costs for private as I believe that plans are in hand for both well as commercial operators and with of those roads and that work is ready to vehicle emissions contributing to the pol­ be commenced. Linked up with this are the lution of our air, I feel quite safe in Nerang Bridge, the Bundail Road Bridge ,and suggesting that there is not one among us the recently completed Chevron Is1and who would say that he should not be looking Bridge, which will give better access to more closely into the road safety, social Surfers Paradise and greatly improve traffic and economic aspects of our road system. flow in the area. In fact, it will pull the plug From the Commonweallh's point of view, out of many bottlenecks and lead to a these sorts of matters are being examined in smoother flow of traffic in the area. considering the role of the road"- i;1 the overall In recent vears we have heard a lot about transport network. For example, road sur­ the cancelled freeway, which is a contro­ veys undcriaken by the Commonwealth in versial matter. At the time of the cancella­ conjunciioi1 with local government and main tion, I was a little upset 2bout it myself. roads author;ties highlight the deficiencies of I could not see any clear alternatives. How­ the Australian road system. As a result, th~ ever, after a flight over the new r~mte :\ne! Commonwealth is in a position to determine ,;n inspection on the ground, I beheve that what level of financial assistance should be in the long term what is proposed is far granted to the States for roads. These grants better for the area. It will in filet allow the are not just meant for highways catering area to expand more evenly without result­ largely for in~rastate movements but also for ing in another ribbon through the middle of interstate highways. it. Actually, the back road-the rear high­ way-with the correct ladder roads leading There are other questions we have to ask into the coast will prove in the long term ourselves. Are v. e to adopt uniform pracUccs to be a very wise concept. in road design, or, because of our wide range of climatic and topographical features, Another minor problem we have is the is there a case to have ro:cds differing old road into Hope Island, although it does between the States? Can we make our high­ not carry a lot of traffic. It is a very ways safer and, if so, how? Can street light­ narrow road with one very narrow bridge. ing be improved? Can we light more roads? I know that some money has been set aside Should car headlights be improved to give to upgrade it to a fairly safe carriageway. Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2803

Another road is planned to cross from Oxen­ Mr. I . .J. Gnms: In his contribution ford to Paradise Point and then up to Hope to this debate today, the honourable mem­ Island. This will provide another link into ber showed that he has become a great Paradise Point, and thus the Gold Coast. muck-raker. As a former mayor of Glad­ This will once again divert some of the stone, he leaves a lot to be desired. I traffic flow and prevent all traffic arriving aJn very disappointed in him, to s;::y the at one point. We were rather anxious to least. I will say no more than that. start the planning for that road so that we would know where we were going in A great deal has been said in recent the long term. 1 know that aerial photo­ times about the establishment of a water graphs have been taken of the area with board. I know that the idea has been a view to beginning proper planning. postponed for the t,ime being, but I believe that in the long term it will have to be The Cedar Creek Road pre,ented some looked at very hard because it is some­ problems earlier in the piece, but in the thing tha;t will affect many small areas short term, anyway, it has been made a lot around the city of Brisbane. I do not think safer and so far the people in the area anyone wants to do anything that win are fairly happy with the new set-up. But upset the Brisbane City Council's plan of the new work has to be continued right management, and I believe that probably through to Tarnborine Village. it is a good thing that the consideration of this proposed water board has been put Another proposal, which is perhaps off for the time being. At a later date­ unkno\\ n to many people at present, is for perhaps next year-it should be looked at a road link from what is known as the again, to try to work out in a cool, prac­ Crab Farm along the back of Southport tical way a scheme that will provide wdter, into the road system that will bypass the perhaps from the Wivenhoe Dam, to all of coast until Nerang. Nothing much is known the people in the region. about this, but it is an important adjunct to the freeway. Later another dam, the Wolffdene Dam, is to be built on the Albert River in the We know that people are wondering what Beenleigh district. This will be another is happening to the freeway out of Bris­ important dam for both my electorate and bane because it greatly affects the traffic to the electorates on the fringe of Brisbane. the coast. It is still progressing, and we hope the new sect,ion will be opened in the While talking about local authorities, I not-too-distant future. In addition, the 1982 should like to mention preferential voting. Commonwealth Games are to be held in There seems to be great backing for a!l Bl'isbane. Certain work wiil have to be councils to have preferential voting. Pre­ done to upgrade some of the roads in the ferential voting is used in almost all voting areas involved in order to provide a better systems in Australia. I think that all political traffic flow. There will be a tremendous parties, including the Australian Labor Party, input of traffic during that period. use preferential voting when selectins their candidates. No doubt it has proved to be I know work is being carried out in the one of the best systems of voting. Yet in Springwood-Shailer Park area to make it Queensland we have first-past-the-post voting. safer. There have been many accidents I cannot understand why all councils will not along that road. I think overall things accept preferential voting. I believe it is the are very satisfactory. The amount of money fairest type. provided is never enough, of course, and inflation upset a lot of the plans to progres­ I believe that in the long term it will have sively improve our roads. But when we to be accepted, because I do not believe that compare the area of Queensland w1th Hut first-past-the-post voting gives electors a fair of other States and the length of our road vote. In fact, in some cases it allows some­ system for our relatlively small population, one who has received only a very small por­ we see that the Minister and his depart­ tion of the vote to represent an area as a mental officers have done a tremendous job. mayor or a chairman. A person who received only about 20 per cent of the vote Perhaps I could now cover some aspects could represent an area. If the preferential­ of local government. There has been a voting system were used, that is the propor­ lot of talk recently about the new Logan tion of the vote that he would receive. It is Shire. I believe we have made history a shame that the preferential-voting system in the creation of this new shire and that is not accepted. in the long term, and even in the ~hort term, it will be proved to be one of the I predict here and now that in the long best moves that this Government has ever term preferential voting will be included in made. It was initiated by the shires of all local authorities in Queensland. I know Albert and Beaudesert and then the cudgels that at this stage there is some opposition were taken up by the Minister. He investi­ to it. I am pleased that it is being introduced gated the matter thoroughly. I believe in the Gold Coast City Council and in the the creation of the Logan Shire will be a Logan Shire Council. I am pleased that the good thing not only for the new shire but mayor or chairman will be elected by the for the shires of Albert and Beaudesert. councils in both of those areas. Mr. Prest interjected. An Honourable Member: And Redland. 2804 Supply [21 NOVE!>ffiER 1978] (Estimates)

Mr. I. J. GIBBS: The Redland Shire is to the recommendations made in earlier years accept the system voluntarily, and that is to varied a little from the present recommenda­ its credit. I believe that in the long term tions, they were basically the same, and I all local authorities in Queensland will come think that the men who made them had to accept the system. some rather wise thoughts in their heads. Mr. Prest: I would not doubt it. You are In the 1ime remaining to me, Mr. Miller, trying to protect all the National Party I should like to speak of some aspects of members. the debates that take place in this Chamber, and in particular of the attack that has been Mr. I. J. GIBES: Let us talk about Percy made on the Minister today. As I said earlier, Tucker. How did the A.L.P. get Percy I do not intend to mention names of people Tucker in last time? Will the honourable who attacked him; I intend to refer more to member explain that to me? That is a the principle involved. strange phenomenon. The Honourable Russell Hinze, Minister for Local Government and Main Roads, is The TEMPOJRARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. one of my constituents and a neighbour of Miller): Order! mine. I have been a member of the Gold Coast Gty Council, and I know many of the Mr. I. J. GI.BBS: Thank you, Mr. Miller. aspects of the Burleigh property to which I need to have your protection. reference has been made and many of the I think that one of. the important matters aspects of the extractive industry o,wned by on the Gold Coast and in the southern part the Minister. of the Albert Shire is sewerage. I think A person who comes into this place with that we have made a breakthrough with the business interests should be able to retain Government with the provision of loan them and run them with dignity. Members money for sewerage on a continuing basis. should not be able to snipe at him and, by The sewerage programme is well under way. innuendo and suggestion, attempt to pull him It is going very smoothly. But we need to down. I do not believe that that is what Par­ have some co-ordination on the training wall liament is for. As Mr. Speaker has said at the mouth of the Nerang River. No-one recently, members should have a good look seems to be able to determine who will pay at themselves. the bill. Certain investigations are being Mr. Prcst interjected. made by the local authority, in conjunction with the Co-ordinator-General, the Depart­ Mr. I. J. GIBES: The honourable member ment of Harbours and Marine and all the \Vho has attempted to interject should have other departments associated with this ques­ a good look at himself in the mirror every tion. A decision has to be made soon. The night. If he did, I am sure that he would whole thing is going very well. It affects get a shock. the Minister's electorate and mine, as well Mr. Prcst interjected. as the electorates of the honourable mem­ bers for Southport and Surfers Paradise. It Mr. I. J. GIBES: The honourable member is important that we have as quickly as pos­ can interject as much as he wishes. I will sible an answer to the question of who is to give him heaps. pay the bill. It is important that the people There are many reasons why people vote should know where they are going. The members into this place~perhaps because of scheme has been accepted. It will allow the their political colour; perhaps because they outfall to go through the revetment that will have 1been successful in business. In most be set up on the training wall. instances, members' lives are an open book. People are now beginning to ask questions. However, an attempt is being made to tear They feel rather insecure about the actual a man apart because, being Minister for results and they want to know exactly where Local Government, he happens to own a they are going. For years and years there couple of blocks of land. I have known him has been procrastination in regard to sewer­ ifor 20-odd years and I have seen him work age in that area, There have been knockers; hard and long to be successful. I have seen people have put up good ideas and the him work in local government for many knockers have come back again. The years as chairman of the Albert Shire Minister and his department are to be con­ Council. He has worked for the public for gratulated for obtaining the Camp Scott between 20 and 30 years. In 1978, having Furphy report and doing something positive. att-ained the position of Minister for Local They have proved to the people ·that what Government and Main Roads in this Par­ has to happen has been recommended by an liament, he is being subjected to strong and independent authority. continuous attacks by the Opposition and, to I see Leon Henry in the lobby. The Camp some degree, by the media. They do not al­ Scott Furphy report is not very different from ways bother to find out the facts. They just the recommendations that Lean Henry put print what is put before them~things that forward when he was dealing with water are said in this Chamber under privilege that quaHty and sewerage problems for local no-one would be game to say once they gat authorities. After all these years, we have outside the door. come back almost to square one and to what Dr. Seott-Young: They are only jealous of the experts said in the first place. Although his potential. Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2805

l\Ir. I. J. GIBBS: That is right; I believe register of pecuniary interests for all mem­ that they are. They are trying to bring this bers of Parliament-something that I have man down. He is an approachable Minister, urged for a long time-as many other and one can go to the officers in any of the Parliaments in the world have, we would departments under his control and get first­ not have this sort of problem. The Minister class service and sensible answers within a and his colleagues want to repudiate some of few days. It certainly cannot be said that the attacks of the Opposition, but in this the Minister does not run his departments instance the Minister is delving in a very correctly. He has good officers round him, grey area. If he were in an area over and the service that he has given to the which he had no responsibility; if he did community in Queensland is something for not appear to be introducing legislation that which we can all be thanMul and very grate­ would give an advantage to his pecuniary ful. He is a man who is positive. He is not interests, seeing that he is involved in frightened to say "No" when the occasion extractive industry; if he did not appear to arises. He is prepared to say, "No, it is not be taking this power away from the councils; on. We can't do that." and if he did not appear to be having double An Opposition member spoke about the standards, it would be easy enough to estab­ Minister not being popular with local auth­ lish from the details of his pecuniary orities. A Minister could never be 100 interests-- per cent popular with all local authorities, Mr. HINZE: I rise to a point of order. even if he had a magic wand. Through his I gained the impression that the honourable local government experience over the years member was referring to my activities and and his understanding of people, this man is said something about double standards. I able to sum up the situation. He is not would like him to clarify that. If he is frightened to go against the recommenda­ suggesting that I am adopting any double tions of his own department when he thinks standards, the words are offensive to me that is the right thing to do. He proved and I want them withdrawn. that when the department was keen to bring in ;vater boards throughout Queens­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. land. A very big meeting of all local Miller): Order! The Minister finds the words authorities affected \\\as held and, after a offensive and asks the honourable member few hours' solemn debate, the Minister to withdraw them. summed up the situation and said, "We won't do it." He said that despite all the pressures Mr. D'ARCY: If he is referring to per­ to bring in a water board for a very large sonal double standards, in this instance I region. I am not speaking about the type was not doing that. of water board we were talking about earlier in this debate. The TEMPORARY OIAIRMAN: Order! The Minister should not be subjected to I am asking the honourable member to this sort of attack. I would take his side withdraw the words. at any time anyone cares to take me on. I know a lot about the background of Mr. D'ARCY: I fail to see how I could the-- withdraw them because the way I phrased it-- Mr. Prest: If he tabled details of his pecuniary interests, there would be no The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! problem. There will be no discussion of my decision. Mr. D'ARCY: I withdraw them. I point Mr. I. J. GIBBS: Someone like the honour­ out very briefly that the Minister admits able member would probably have no pecuni­ that double standards exist in his department. ary interests to table. He probably has not been very successful in his life. Of It worries me very much that in his speech course, there is a difference between honesty today the Minister quickly glossed over the and stupidity. Logan Shire. He said, as other speakers on his side have said, that it will be a great Mr. Prest interjected. thing, and then sat down. He said, "We have done something in this area." I believe M;. I. .J. GIBBS: I was wondering how that the Minister has adopted the greatest the honourable member had worked so hard lot of double standards in the history of all his life without accumulating very much. this State. I congratulate the Minister for his activities I do not deny that what was needed was in my electorate and throughout Queensland. an area of administration free from I also congratulate his departmental heads the bondage that had been placed on it for the job they have done in the past by the Beaudesert and Albert Shire Councils, financial year. which had virtually no interest in that area and were desperate to cast it off. I under­ Mr. D'ARCY (Woodridge) (8.32 p.m.): The stand that. I have already said in this Parlia­ honourable member for Albert mentioned ment that the Logan Shire was established what he called the personal attacks of the to maintain the National Party presence in Opposition on the Minister for Local Gov­ the area. However, by establishing it ernment and Main Roads. If we had a in the way that the Minister did 2806 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) and by saying that the internal areas position of the new Logan Shire. It is import­ were fairly delineated by the distribu­ ant that we know that, and what will be tion of boundaries, the Minister became a the cost of setting up the administration of joke. The Minister knows that, and I know it. the new shire. Mrs. Kyburz: The Labor Party agreed The Minister has given no estimates, not with it. even to the councillors whom he has taken into his political cloisters. In fact, many of Mr. D'ARCY: We did not. the councillors have claimed in private that he is robbing the northern end of the shire Mrs. Kyburz: You are the only one who of millions of dollars. I have seen no concrete didn't. evidence of the political formula or the finan­ cial and economic formula laid down by Mr. D'ARCY: No, that is not correct. It the Minister to reimburse the northern end is in this respect that the Minister has adop­ of the shire for the administration that has ted double-standards. He asked for submis­ occurred over the past few decades. To sions from various bodies in the area and me and to the people of the area, that is stipubted a time in which objections could of paramount importance. It should be out­ be lodged. However, he did not disclose lined very clearly at this stage, not a few where the objections came from. The hon­ months before an election for councillors. VIe ourable member for Salisbury and I objected need to know now. Christmas is approaching and the Australian Labor Party in Queens­ and we are all aware that in March next land objected by way of submissions. These year a new council will be elected in that submissions were handed to a couple of area, as in all other council i!re~ts in councillors. It appeared that the Minister Queensland. regarded the opinion of councillors elected on It has come to my notice that quite a gerrymandered boundaries more highly than few Queensland shires have banned the that of long-standing members of Parliament chemicals 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T on advice from who represent the area. That is one of the the Department of Primary Industries. One points on which I take him to task. Members member of Parliament has disfranchised her of Parliament, including the member for electors; she was given a petition from 832 Salisbury, have been slighted by the Minister people of the town of Innisfail to present and his department. Their pleas have been to Parliament, but it \\·as not presented. totally ignored. \Vhen the matter was raised in debate Mrs. JKyburz: I do not think the submis­ recently, the response was that the petition sions were ever received. I think one of was not presented in a proper manner. those councillors threw them in the waste­ Today I showed the Clc:-k of the Parlia­ paper basket, and you know which one I ment the petition and he said that he would mean. not accept it, but when I delved a litcle fur­ ther into the reasons behind the rejection of Mr. D'ARCY: I would not be surprised; the petition by the honourabie member for I will leave it at that. Certainly the Minister Mourilyan I found that prior to its bein::; treated the whole thing as a joke. He orches­ organi:~ed her secretary wrote a letter to the trated it from the start. He organised the people who prepared it. This is the letter Beaudesert Shire and he organised the Albert from Mrs. vVaddell, electorate secretary to Shire. \Ve now have the result. the honourable member for Mourilyan- I am not worried particularly about the "I managed to have a f~w minutes' talk setting up of the Logan Shire as such. As with Mrs. Kippin before she left for Bris­ the Minister has said, in the long term, bene­ bane, and she said the petition doesn't fits will flow to the people of the area from have to take any particular form. She having a shire of their own, a shire removed suggested you start with something Jike:­ from the maladministration of the Minister's 'We, the petitioners, being electors for the National Party stooges in the Bcaudesert Electorate of Mourilyan, etc.' and mention and Albert Shires. No matter how the new the matter about which you are petitioning, shire's councillors are elected, it will have and perhaps what you wouid like done. close contact with the people of the area The petition should have three columns, and their problems. This is very important. the first showing the person's full name, the second, his address as in the roll, and The long-term result may be what the thi.rd, his signature. Minister set out to achieve. In the short term, however, the new council has no real "Regarding an appointment, Mrs. Kip­ guide-lines to follow. The Minister has not pin will be available around lunch-time laid any down. If he has done so, I have not on Tuesday 15th if that will suit you." seen them. Nothing is laid down concerning That is the letter. It is obvious that the the distribution of funds from the existing honourable member for Mourilyan misled her shires to the new Logan Shire. Stories are electors about the presentation of the petition floating around among councillors of every in Parliament. She did not present the political ilk to the effect that the Minister petition but, I believe, sent it off to the and his department are misconstruing the Minister. She accepted the petition and told financial background of these shires. We the people involved that it would be pres­ want to know what will be the financial ented. The people in her electorate are Supply (21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2807 upset. In the circumstances, I cannot blame One thing I wish to tackle the Minister them. They have a reasonable case for on is a very serious pwblem within the being upset. Local Government Department, which under The honourable member for Mouriiyan is various Ministers tends to stand over the involved in cane-farming and she wrote an people of Queensland. It obviously has the article about the chemicals 2,4-D and power to do so. I refer to two sections 2,4,5-T, in a Mourilyan paper prior to the of the department that worry me. One is petition's being organised, in which she the section deaiing with pensioner rebates said- in Queensland. This is a particularly onerous problem for shires. Rates are a heavy bur­ " Unsubstantiated claims that this herbi­ den on the pen:>ioncrs themselves and it is cide had caused deformities in newly-born unfa,ir that rebates vary dramatically. As children, were given great prominence in I said to the lvfinister, we haYe one standard the media." in one instance and another standard else­ That is fair enough. The artic!z continued­ where. "These investigations could establish no I have referred the Minister already to relation whatsoever between 2,4,5-T and the double standards adopted in the elect,ion any deformities in children." of chairmen. He has refused the people The people involved with the petition belie" c of the Logan Shire :.:.n overall franchise to that this portion was a direct attack on elect their chairman; yet he is obviously them- allowing the Albert and Beaudesert Shires to "Despite the clearance given to this her­ elect their chairman as before. Surely that bicide, there still exists a campaign to have is a double standard. With pen<;ioner rebates, it banned, which would cost the sugar we have nothing but doc.1ble standards. It industry alone millions of dollars in iost is an area of concern. I have a list of production." the rebates of local authorities throughout Queensland. In Brisbane, a Labor council I think this is the relevant part- ailows 50 per cent on the general rate. "It seems that, when these present day Some others are Bundaberg, 25 per cent; campaigners can find no basis to sub­ Cairns, 50 per cent; Charters Towers, 50 stantiate their claims, they revert to fe::r per cent; Giadstone, 30 per cent; Gold tactics in the hope that they can motivate Coast, 60 per cent; Gympie, 50 per cent; the general public to their way of thinking. Ipswich, 66'! per cent; Mackay, 25 per cent; "Such action is most irresponsible as it Maryborough, 30 per cent; Mt. Isa, 100 invariably results in very costly investiga­ per cent of all rates to long-standing rate­ tions by Government." payers in financial difficulty or on rates that accrue against an estate; Redcliffe, 60 per I might add that the Minister for Health cent; Rockhampton, 35 per cent; and Too­ told me that the Government has spent no woomba, $22. money on investigations, that it has taken It is incongruous that we should have such hand-down reports from other authorities. a wide fluctuation in rebates. It speaks Mr. Katter: Victoria has. for itself. I thrink all of us would Eke to see the Local Government Department Mr. D'ARCY: That is right. The hon­ take on full responsibility for it. In South ourable member for Flinders, who is out AustraLia, the Government is responsib'e for of his proper place in the Chamber, inter­ the rebates. There S"hould be a standard jected that Victoria has. He only substanti­ rebate for all pensioners in local autho~ity ates my claim that the Government has areas of Queensland. taken hand-down reports from other auth­ Mr. Hinze: It is a Commonwealth respon­ orities on this subject. sibility. I commend the Department of Primary Industries on making local authorities realise Mr. D'ARCY: This is the Minister's the danger to plant life in the States, but department-the Local Government Depart­ it appears that our Health Department ment. The Minister can put a case up to the ignores completely the health of Queens­ Commonwealth if he wants to, but the Ianders. We appear to be more interested responsibility rests squarely on his shoulders. in plant life, and that interest prompted the He makes so many other decis~ons in local banning of the herbicides. government that are high-handed. Why doesn't he make this one in the interests of Mr. McKechnie: Would you like to see the people of Queensland? it banned? I point out one thing that affects local Mr. D'ARCY: Yes, until the herbicide is government quite seriously. It very dra­ completely cleared. The thing is that it matically affected the new Shire of Logan has not been cleared of the more recent and the shires of Albert and Beaudesert. charges. I refer to the way that the Government departments in this State are able to over­ Mr. McKechnie: Would you answer one ride the rules of development of councils more question? and shires in Queensland. We have all met this problem in our eleotorates. There Mr. D'ARCY: No; I haven't the time. is no escaping the long-term ramifications 2808 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) of it, '"ith Housing Commis9ion develop­ completion of the bridge. But I urge the ments, school developments and other Gov­ Minister to look at the peripheral roads ernment facilities finding a way around the around the Pacific Highway so that residents st:dctures of the Government's own regula­ can gain easier access to the highway. It tions. It is something that we in ParLia­ would also cut down on the road deaths ment have to come to terms with. in the area. We talk about private enterprise in this (Time expired.) State. The State Government does not impose upon itself the same strict rules and Mr. MOORE (Windsor) (8.52 p.m.): It is regulations as it imposes upon private enter­ with a great deal of pleasure that I rise to prise developmental projects. It is a very speak on the Local Government and Main sore point with many businessmen and devel­ Roads Estimates. I do not throw many oper's in our State. It think that they bouquets, as everybody kno\vs. have a legitimate po,int. We in Queens1and allow certain shires to have advantages over An Opposition Member interjected. others with development. Perhaps this is what the Minister is trying to gain with Mr. MOORE: I throw a few other things the new Albert Shire, as he did when he around, mostly brickbats. But I have a great was Chairman of the Albert Shire when it deal of respect for the Minister for Local was an adjunct to BDisbane and when people Government because of the way he goes moved down there for what supposedly were about making a decision. I have been to better developments and cheaper rates. They see him over all sorts of issues, and I have find now that they are worse off and that received my good share of knockbacks, but the rates are higher than those in Brisbane. when I have been able to convince him that I pass on qurickly to the Main Roads my case is right he has made up his mind Department. We hear so much about it and given an instant decision. I know that a from the other side. As muoh as we are Minister can make an instant decision and led not to believe it, our colleagues on then find, after checking with his officers, the other side of the Chamber are not that it was a wrong decision, but one has to greatly disadvantaged. If they were, they accept that. But the Minister has been very would realise the disgraceful state of Queens­ good as far as I and my constituents are land's roads. Plenty of excuses come from concerned. I know he is a little bit of a the other side, but over·all our main roads humourist and occasionally puts on a turn in Queensland are not up to 20th century when presenting a case. He would probably standards. That is the century in which do himself more good if he were to treat we happen to Live. Our problems are many the matter seriously. He jokes about a and we have to tackle them. We are matter on the outside but is still serious doing this, to some extent, in South-east about it in his own mind. Because of his Queensland, but we are not making much attitude, he is quite often judged incorrectly. headway at present. I heard members today I know his heart is in the right place and he taJkJing abourt pot-hole maintenance, and that is responsible, even though he behaves in is stiH a fact of life, to some extent, in that way. North Queensland and even on many roads in South-east Queensland. Mr. Fouras: Would you like to see him as Premier? Cuts in Federal Government spending have meant lower road allocations so that projects Mr. MOORE: When the occasion arises, with higher p~iorities must come first, and I I would be very happy to see him there-of understand this. But at present we are not course I would. making a very good fist of the job in South-east Queensland, particularly on roads Mr. Prest: What are you going to do off the Pacific Highway. The Pacific Highwav about his land? between Brisbane and the Gold Coast should have been completed as a four-lane highway Mr. MOORE: You're a galah, so don't in 1963 when the rail line was torn up. bother coming in on this. But this has still not occurred, and now in the northern part of the Albert Shire The Minister's portfolio covers the Depart­ and the new Logan Shire we find a great of Main Roads. When one drives around bank-up of cars on either side of the high­ Queensland, one cannot but comment on way. This is occurring mainly because of the quality of the work done by the Main Brisbane's southern sprawl. The Minister Roads Department. One often finds a situ­ told me during the week that one of the ation where a contract for a road has been major bottle-necks on the fringe of the new given to a subcontractor and he has fallen Logan Shire is coming up for attention and by the wayside because he has tendered that is the Compton Road bridge. I b~lieve wrongly. The Main Roads Department then that the Government will provide 70 per cent comes in and does the job. The engineers of the money with 15 per cent coming from work out the type of aggregate and gravel, each of the shires. This bridge will be a A and B class and all the rest of it, the great asset. This bottle-neck has been a prob­ general foundation, the architecture of the lem for a very long time and the residents bridges and the general lay-out, and the of the area will very much appreciate the job is always well done. Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2809

Queensland is a big State. It has not enough carried by rail from the Gold Coast could &ealed roads, and an insufficient amount of be carted in a wheelbarrow. Immediately money is spent on those roads. If all the the line was closed, other means had to be money that was collected in petrol tax in found for carting all the rutile and goods Queensland was spent on roads, our roads from the Gold Coast. The people respon­ would be reasonable. But the money col­ sible for closing that line could not see five lected by way of the petrol tax is used for inches in front of their noses. hospitals and for all the other services. The I have been asked by a couple of mem­ money collected in petrol tax should be spent bers to reduce my speaking time, so I will on roads, but it is not. conclude on a couple of parish-pump issues. As we all know, there are freeways lead­ One concerns pollution control. There is a ing into the city of Brisbane. I wonder tannery and wool scour in the Stafford area whether we should have built a ring-road ~n my electorate. It has been there s~nce system rather than the present freeway sys­ Adam was a boy. I know that it was there tem, but the freeway system is there, and and that the houses were built around it. that is that. I have one criticism, and it This tannery and wool scour pollutes the air relates to the signs on the freeways. When for a couple of miles around it. On a leaving the city on the South East Freeway, winter's night or on other nights when the one sees signs showing "Juliette Street" and air is still and the water on the pond is dis­ "Cornwall Street". That is very good for turbed, the stench is great. As I have said the locals who know where Juliette Street before, it is so rough and tough that one and Cornwall Street lead, but it is not of could cut it into blocks and build a house great help to visitors to the city. The sign with it. People should not have to put up showing "Cornwall Street" should include with that smell. "Southport", which is where that road I thought that the company needed real eventually leads. The sign showing "Juliette money to overcome this problem, and I was Street" should include "Ipswich", which is attempting to get it a loan of $100,000 at a where that road eventually leads. low rate of interest. But it tells me that it It should not be forgotten that one has to needs only about $20,000. Previously it travel along the freeway at the maximum was operating under an anaerobic system, speed, or one hinders other motorists. When that is, one of keeping the air out and rely­ a person sees for the first time signs showing ing on the decaying process to turn the Juliette Street and Cornwall Street, he has matter into gas, which would then disperse. not a lot of time to make up his mind as to The correct system is an aerobic system which lane he should take. That causes a under which the water is simply aerated. certain amount of confusion in his mind. Instead of going away in the form of a gas, He says, "Cripes, I have gone past it; I the decaying matter oxides away, and there have gone the wrong way." If one turns is then no problem. That system should be down the wrong road, one sees a sign say­ forced on the company. I do not want to ing "Wrong Way". Visitors to the city find put it out of business. It does not have to these signs very difficult to understand. go out of business for a paltry $20,000, and that is all it would cost. When one is coming into town, one sees signs referring to Elizabeth Street and Turbot Mr. K. J. Hooper: You say "a paltry Street. A visitor to the city does not know $20,000". That is more than I would earn where Turbot Street leads to. I think that in a lifetime. the sign should read, "Turbot Street, City". I think that there is something wrong with Mr. MOORE: I know, but the honourable the present signs on the freeway, particu­ member is a gambler. We know that when larly for visitors to the city. They are all he gets into that sort of trouble the groceries right for the locals. If the Minister were are not paid for, and when someone comes to take note of my comment, I think some for the rent he says, "Well, you know that good could come from it. Phar Lap did not win on Saturday. The We were criticised when we first intro­ rent was on it." duced the freeways, but I do not hear much Mr. Prest: It is only a few overseas flights. criticism of them now. I think that there should be more freeways. The fuel crisis Mr. MOORE: Of course it is only a few will worsen, and I can envisage the day overseas flights. Has the honourable member when we will have a rapid transport system never been overseas? using buses or vehicles with steel wheels run­ ning on a steel track. I foresee the need for I hope that the Minister's officers take a rapid transit lane on the freeways. note of what I am saying, send their inspectors out and get the job done in rela­ Mr. Bishop: We need a rapid transport tion to pollution control in the Stafford area system to the Gold Coast. of my electorate. The other subject on which I wish to Mr. MOORE: Of course we do. It was speak requires only a small expenditure but a crying shame that the railway line to the is very important. I refer to flood mitiga­ Gold Coast was ever pulled up. A lot of tion under the Brisbane City Council flood legs were pulled on the reason for closing mitigation scheme. I know that the council that line. It was said that all the goods is the constructing authority, and I know 2810 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) that the funding is on the basis of 40 per minor problems in the whole concep: of cent State, 40 per cent Federal and 20 per his portfolio but which were important cent council. In my electorate, sand has matters to the people involved in the local built up in Kedron Brook and now has grass situation. I congratulate him for that sort and trees growing on it. To remedy the of effort. situation would not require millions and millions of dollars. Only a few thousand I also congratulate and thank the senior dollars and a bulldozer would be required officers of his two departments, the Directcr to push the sand back and restore the back­ of Local Government and the Commissioner yards that people have lost. All that is of Main Roads, and their staff, including the needed is a little imagination and a little regional officers, for their co-operation. I will. make most of my representations through the Townsville office of the Main Roads depc,rt­ The creek is now running under the ment. That office is extremely co-operative. southern side of the bridge, whereas when I was a kid it used to run under the northern Living as I do in a rural electorate, I side of the bridge. The creek now drives realise that there are many problems asso­ against piles that have been driven into the ciated with property, such as road design bank and is diverted at an angle of 90 work and realignmenb which, in some in­ degrees. Using a bulldozer of reasonable stances, infringe on freehold property. The size, only about two days' work is needed department is very co-operative in sorting to fix up the area near the bridge on out problems, even to the extent of redesign­ Lutwyche Road, and I hope that it can ing some of its plans in order to avoid up­ be done. setting people. I am extremely grateful for that co-operation. People living on Kedron Brook are in trouble every time there is a storm, because Another aspect that is worth mention:ng there are so many bitumen roads in the is the liaison between the Main Roads area and so much redevelopment has taken Department, the Department of Local Gov­ place in the Upper Kedron Brook area that ernment and the Irrigation and \Vater Supply flash-flooding is caused. The problem is Commission. All departments are freqL!entiy that the people living on the creek bank involved in the effects of road elevation and are poor. They have no political muscle; changes in flood patterns. There has been a they have no money in the bank; they have great deal of co-operation when a solution to not any of the wealth that gets things done. such problems has been sought. There is a moral issue in this. If it is good enough to carry out restoration of the It is reasonable to say that the problem of beaches on the coast-and I have no objec­ roads would be more talked about than any tion to that-it is good enough to spend other problem by the public in Queensland, about $40,000 to carry out some simple particularly in rural areas and North Queens­ rectification on Kedron Brook, and I hope land. It seems that in the wet tropics it is that it will be done. virtually impossible to satisfy the need for the provision and maintenance of roads. I Mr. K. J. Hooper: Round off. am gratified by the breakup of the financial allocations. Rural arterial roads, for instance, Mr. MOORE: I am going to. I commend have the highest individual allocation of the Minister for the job he has done in nearly $43,000,000, plus $18,250,000 of State relation to the town plan. He was in funds thrown in. The per capita expenditure difficulty with all the members on the on roads is surprising, yet there always seems Government side. I was one of them. I to be more to be done. said, "Chuck the whole damn thing out and start afresh." He said, "No. If we I recently asked the Minister a question throw it out, we will never get a town plan. about new techniques and new improved Let us try to build upon the foundation methods of paving which would appear to we have." Vve have built on that foundation. be desirable if we are going to make our Although the town plan is not perfect, it is money go further for this kind of operation. pretty good. I was grateful that the Minister gave me the opportunity to go along to the department I thank him for the part he played in to view some of the proposed new processes preserving the Newmarket bird and animal and plans for the future. I sincerely hope sanctuary, which the Brisbane City Council that the advancements in technology will was going to knock down and make into provide better value for our money than we housing allotments. I thank him for leaving appear to be getting at the moment. the birds there. It is a common cry that the south-east Mr. ROW (Hinchinbrook) (9.4 p.m.): I corner of Queensland gets all the money commend the Minister for the way in which spent on it for the construction of roads he presented his Estimates, and I thank and highways. I am gratified by the breakup him particularly for his personal attention of the figures. When one examines the to matters affecting my electorate that I have Estimates, it can be seen that a very reason­ raised with him while he has held this port­ able amount of money is allocated for road­ folio. On many occasions he has made time works remote from the south-east corner of available to look at what were comparatively the State. Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2811

Having been associated with local govern­ expense of more prudent and less vocal ment I have a fair idea of the public criti­ authorities, which are left short of money. cism ' that it attracts from time to time. This matter should receive a good deal of Quite often it finds itself on the chopping­ attention. 'olock. In recent times there has been a cer­ Town planning is another area of con­ hin kind of alienation of local government cern to me. I have been involved in a fJom the State Government. This has arisen couple of shires in my electorate, in both of mainly from the activities of a former Aust­ which town planning has been limited to ralian Government, which concentrated the environs of the main town in the shire. strongly on endeavouring to alienate local Thanks to encouragement by the Local Gov­ government from the Slates in order to ernment Department, they are leaning impiement a political philosophy that would towards embracing the total area of the have removed some of the sonreign rights shires in the town-planning arrangements. from the States. No doubt that was a long­ That has created quite a few serious prob­ range political plan. lems for rural people. Some of the town­ planning authorities' requirements are rather Even though that Government has been stringent in areas where the population is remo~ed from office, some of the repercus­ sparse. In one instance, the introduction of sions can still be felt. In many instances, the uniform building by-laws created such local government is leaning towards Com­ financial hardship in the construction of build­ monwealth funds and assist:mce and is mak­ ings such as farm sheds that the cost was iiw representations direct lo the CDmmon­ almost prohibitive. A farmer simply could w~alth without paying due regard to its not afford to build a shed to the standard closer partners, the State Governments. We laid down under the blanket cover of the should concentrate on maintaining co-opera­ building provisions. tion and liaison between the State Govern­ ment and loc:tl government. I am happy to say that, after very strenu­ ous representations, the situation was relieved I had some trepidation about recent to a great extent by the granting of exemp­ amendments to the Local Government Act, tion to buildings in certain areas undcr cer­ particularly those relating to the election of tain conditions. I thank the Department of local authorities and preferential voting. I Local Government for the part it played in felt that the latter might prove to be a assisting to modify the approach. It has great encumbrance in the local authority meant a great deal to many people. I assure area. I also felt concern about the amend­ the Minister that it was very well received. ments relating to the options as to the election of chairman. I am happy to say, Drainage is another matter of great con­ however, that these provisions have been cern in wet tropical areas. In many instances accepted reasonably well by local authorities. improved town planning and drainage, with The fact that options are available is in the provision of sewerage and other amen­ itself a safeguard. I only hope that it does ities, has increased the effluent discharged not become too much of a political football from many town and provincial areas, to and that opportunity is not taken to use the disadvantage of nearby rural land. When this provision of the Act in an undemocratic a move is made to establish rural drainage manner by exerting undue influence on local boards or suitable local drainage institutions authorities in regions where a conflict arises. that can be provided under the legislation, However, that remains to be seen. a conflict arises with the shire authorities where the town plan ceases to operate. Some As has been said on frequent occasions, boards find that shires claim they are not Queensland is an emerging State, one that eligible under the present legislation to enter has proved to be most attractive to invest­ into drainage schemes outside the town area. ment of capital. Therefore, the establish­ That has caused a good deal of conflict. Many ment of industrial estates in decentralised useful proposed rural drainage plans have country areas should be greatly encouraged. been held up because of the reluctance or This is something on which local govern­ inability of the town council to involve itself. ment can exert a strong influence. The State Some time ago I made representations Government should ensure that, if any modi­ through the Department of Local Govern­ fications or alterations are required to the ment concerning this matter. I understand legislation controlling that type of activity, it is being looked into, and I hope my rep­ it is ready and willing to accommodate those resentations will again bear fruit. Without local authorities that wish to establish indust­ adequate control of drainage in rural areas rial estates. I am pleased to say that this embracing the whole of the shire-this is seems to be taking shape reasonably well in where river trusts are involved, as many of many places. The encouragement of the them operate throughout the State-appropri­ State Government, through the Department ate action cannot be taken. While on many of Commercial and Industrial Development occasions river trusts are limited to benefited and the Department of Local Government, areas, it has become a popular concept to is essential. extend their influence throughout entire Reference was made by previous speakers shires. One of the main reasons for this is to allocations by the Loan Council to shires that expenditure by a trust in a shire attracts that put forward extravagant claims. On a better subsidy than expenditure on a lim­ some occasions they gain an advantage at the ited benefited area. 2812 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates)

This is another matter to which I believe fact in local government circles that a num­ the Department of Local Government, in ber of the local authority budgets produced co-operation with the Irrigation and Water each year would, if challenged, fail because Supply Commission, should give a great deal of the rate structures adopted. of attention. All the instrumentalities and Most older people-people on super­ authorities should, in a co-operative effort, annuation and in retirement-are reachirg provide the essential services needed to rectify the stage where they have lived for 50 Jr the drainage problems in entire shire areas. 60 years in their homes only to tlnd that They should not be left with one authority development has grown around them and here and another authority there. Official land prices have risen. The resultant va:ua­ barriers to proper co-operation should be tions have virtually priced them out of their broken down wherever possible. I recom­ homes in the last few years of their Jives. mend to the Minister a close look at this I think it is time that we had a good look at sort of thing, together with the provision of property taxes and the charges that are levied studies sponsored by the State Government on people for owning their 0'\'/!1 homes. A for the rectification throughout entire shire new method has to be developed. l do not areas of those problems that I have raised. think that anybody in local authority is The Clean Waters Act and the Clean Air really happy with the current position. I do Act were welcome pieces of legislation. So not know if differential ratint! is the answer, was the Noise Abatement Act. They will but there is obviously a ne;d for a public have many applications that are beneficial to inquiry into the rating system. society. If officialdom or the bureaucracy I rose tonight to speak briefly about pollu­ overdoes things, it will be counter-produc­ tion, too. As the Minister would know, I tive, as the public will not co-operate. I have raised this subject a number of times am pleased to say that in my area, which is over the vears since I was elected to repre­ largely involved with sugar factories, quite sent the ·Lytton electorate, which faces a some time ago pilot plants were established major pollution problem. However, I have by the mills. Indeed, they have gone beyond ;,pent recently seven days door-knocking and that stage and now produce factory effluent canvassing in the Sherwood electorate as part that is below the assimilable microbiological of the by-election campaign. During that status of our Queensland tropical coastal time I have come to understand the com­ streams. This is an extremely important plaints of people in that area about th.e achievement of industry in co-operation with Darra cement works, and so I was upset this the Government. We should be very proud morning to hear the Minister for Industry of the fact that we can produce factory and Administrative Services say that there effluent that is not a pollutant. The same would not be any increase in pollution as a applies to flue discharges from factories. result of the Government's decision to sup­ Most factories in rural areas generally have port Queensland Cement & Lime Co. Ltd. their effluent down to acceptable levels. This in its monopoly under Government contracts has been achieved in the quite short time for the next 10 years. As I understand it, since the provisions were introduced. Every­ that company will have to increase its prc;­ one involved deserves praise for these duction to maintain its monopoly, and If It developments. does that and it has to do it at Darra before it builds' its plant at Gladstone, there will I look forward to continued co-operation be increased pollution from that works. from the Local Government Department and Let me go back through the annual the Main Roads Department. I do have reports of the A1ir Pollution Council for minor criticisms of them at times, but that the past five years in relation to _Da!ra is healthy. When we think things are not and the problems there. It !S a contmumg right, we have to say so. In general, I have problem, and the Government and the Air received a good deal of co-operation from Pollution Council have not been able to them. I always encourage my constituents solve it. In its 1973-74 report, the council in the belief that the ratio of per capita said~ expenditure by these departments in the "In Brisbane the Queensland Cement remote areas of this State is not too bad and Lime Company at Darra still proves when the figures are put on paper and to be the source o.f many complaints." examined. Finally, I look forward to a That is a very brief statement, and there continuation of co-operation from the are a lot more in the reports, but that regional officers of these departments that I is basically what was said. We then waited have had in the past. 12 months until the 1974-75 report, in which the council stated~ Mr. BURNS (Lytton-Leader of the "Complaints were received throughout Opposition) (9.23 p.m.): In the few minutes the year about dust and odours from the remaining in this Estimates debate I would Darra Cement Works. These came in like to raise a number of matters. ' The first general from two areas, namely the more is t~e n~ed for a proper inquiry into the established residential area of Oxley in ramifi?atwns of our outdated rating and respect of fallout of partaculate matter valuatwn system. Surely this would provide (especially in winter months) and the new a system of rating and valuation to suit residential estates at Jamboree Heights in present-day conditions. It is a well-known respect of odours (in summer) . . . This Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2813

vear however there had been an increase their hard-earned money in tho,;0 homes, In fallout and the Company's efforts have or have probably borrowed it and are pay­ been directed to replaoing and modifying ing 10 or 11 per cent interest, and yet the main collection equipment from the many are finding that at times their homes kilns " are uncomfortable to live in. I know this occurs only at certain times when the wind Tv;elve months later, in the 1975-76 annual blows in a certain direction. report, the council stated- "Apart from dust fallout in the Oxley I went to London and saw fY"''ple from and Darra areas, odour from the cement the Greater London Council who handle air works continued to trouble residents of pollution and people from the Thames Vlater Jamboree Heights when the wind favoured Authority who handle water pollution. They that direction. The total concept has said, "You have to push industry to make been studied weekly by officers of the them do it. You don't have to be dif­ Company and of this Division, in an ficult, but you have to take action to atte!71pt to correlate odour with plant make them measure up." I car.not see in operating conditions." any of those reports where the Govern­ ment has made Queensland Cement & Lime So for three years we were told that there was a problem. at Darra measure up to the standards that In the fourth year, in are expected of other cement companies the annual report for 1976-77, the counoil stated- around the world or other companies in this city. I believe that the company has "No significant changes to fallout in been given an unfair advantage. The Gov­ :the Darra and Oxley areas were reported ernment has given it a monopoly in cement for the year ending 30th June, 1977. 11he sales under Government and local govern­ highest faUout deposit gauge readings still ment contracts f'or the next 10 years. I occur during the winter months and mostly would like to know when we are going to affect the areas within ~ to 1 km from the see some aot,ion at Darra. The people Darra Works." - up there e:xcpect some action from the This morning we had another annual report Government. (77-78) tabled by the Minister the day the Estimates were to be debated. It stated- We have had an Air Pollution Council for a number of years, and for five con­ "An ongoing facet of the division's acti­ secutive years all it has reported is that vities at ,the Queensland Cement and Lime Co. Ltd., Darra, has been to investigate there is a problem there. Surely by now fugitive low level emissions at the fac­ we can expect an answer from the Minister tory. No major equ1pment requiJ.1ing Air saying, "This is going to happen, and we Pollu!Jion Council approval was installed will be able to control the dust and odour at the works during the year but the problem." It has been done at the new company replaced and installed bag filters cement works down on Bulwer Jsland opposite to handle emisslions from cement transfer my electorate. That cement works has screws and elevators in a section of the created little or no pollution problem. If loading area. it can be done at one cement works, it can "Complaints regarding smells have still be done at another. been received and an oxygen monitoring and recording meter has been installed The other question that we have to ask on one of the kilns. Further installations about air pollution is: how many firms have will follow in an endeavour to ident,ify been prosecuted for continuing to pollute and improve odour problems." the atmosphere? Their attitude is like that of someone who picks up his garbage, throws So for the last five years the Air Pol­ it in the street and says, "I don't want it lution Council set up by the Queensland any more. Let the community take it Government has continued to report the away." It is the same attitude as that of odour and fallout problems in those areas the person who discharges foul odours into and yet the Minister for Industry and the air and says to someone else, "It is Administrative Ser\Oices this morning said your problem. Do something about putting that there is no problem. Of course there an air-conditioner in your home, or take is a problem, and the people in the area are some steps of your own." Companies have entitled to expect that the Government will a responsibility to face up to the terms of do something about it. When one sees the Clean Air Act. The Government and the sweetheart deal that has been done wjth the Minister have a responsibility to see Queensland Cement & Lime and the mono­ that the terms of the Act are observed, and poly that is being created by this free­ that the people at Jamboree Heights and in enterprise Government, one wonders whether the Oxley area get clean air. An agreement Government members are fair dinkum, was made that I should conclude at 9.30 especially if one lives in the affected areas p.m., and I now do so. and finds pollution falling over one's home. No wonder people complain about the Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast-Minister odours going through those beautiful homes for Local Government and Main Roads) in the Jamboree Heights area. People have (9.31 p.m.): I thank honourable members for invested $30,000 and $40,000 or more of their contributions in this debate, and in 2814 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) closing I would like to make a few com­ have real meaning, only if they are carried ments and further observations-and one out after the commissioning of the plant ha:: or 1wo corrections-in respect of some been completed. I have in fact posted a comments by honourable members. reply on this matter following a query frcm I think it is fair comment that most of the honourable member only this week, and the constructive, reasonable comments in the the position is very clearly set out there. debate have come from this side of the The honourable member for Isis is rnore Chamber. The Opposition members have on the ball in his comments in laying the been relatively true to form in concentrating blame for inadequate road spending clearly on knocking everything and presenting a half­ where it lies-with the Commonwealtl::. It baked version of the real picture in many is a fact of life that the Commoml'ealth respects-with the usual bit of bucket-tipping receives from the motorists in fuel taxes thrown in, too. well over $1,000 million a year-and on I think it is very significant that the Federal Transport Minister, Mr. Nixon's, Opposition spokesman on Local Government own figures, it allocates only of the crder of (Mr. Prest) had very little to say by way $500,000,000 for roads throughout Australia. of constructive comment on the activities So more than $500,000,000 goes down the and performances of either of the t1vo drain, siphoned off to prop up other Com­ departments whose Estimates we have been monwealth programmes and projects in most debating here today. In fact, in one refer­ cases totally unrelated to roads, motorists, ence to road funding and road spending, in and the reason for this tax and the basis on comparing, or allegedly comparing, spending which it was first introduced, and is still last year with this year, he was just a levied. whisker under $24,000,000 astray. That pretty well sums up content of the points I would suggest that if we really wanted to that he had to make on Main Roads matter;;. see who was telling the truth on this matter and who was not, the Commonwealth should The figures quoted by the honourable mem­ hand back to the States responsibility for ber in comparing the spending over the past fuel taxes and all the massive revenue-earning three years in fact were incomplete as far potential that goes with it. You can rest as his figures for 1978-79 are concerned. In assured, Mr. Miller, that a great deal more particular, they took no account of grants of this money would be directed to roads to local authorities. In fact, the proposed if it was left to the States, and you would total spending for 1978-79 increases by more see the difference in the roads in all States than $20,000,000, and the State Govern­ in only a few short years. The Common­ ment's contribution, from its own resources, wealth is perpetuating a massive public decep­ exceeds the quota set in the relevant Com­ tion-a deception on a grand scale-in claim­ monwealth legislation by more than ing that the States should be doing more $20,000,000 a year. This has been the level road-work while this piracy of fuel tax of over-quota spending that the State Govern­ revenue is going on and increasing. ment has achieved for the past several years. The honourable member for Isis queried Similarly, the member for Port Curtis in the cost of road projects in local author­ some respects \\as off beam in his comments ity areas such as Albert Shire, Brisbane City, in respect of air pollution at Gladstone, etc. In areas of high-density urban, industrial although he did at least acknowledge the and commercial development, there are rea­ Government's moves to extend its air pol­ sons for this, of course, by virtue of the lution control effort in this region by the much greater traffic density and the higher foreshadowed appointment of regional staff road needs. It might be of some interest, there. however, in highlighting the equitable dis­ tribution of road funds throughout the State In respect of his comments on fall-out (which the 1Iain Roads Department's annual from the G!adstone Power Station, I should report reveals), to know that in fact the point out that the primary responsibility for making sure that the control equipment per­ central division has the highest percentage of total funds directed to it of all Main forms to specification is a matter for the Roads Department divisions for 1978-79. This Electricity Commission and the Queensland Electricity Generating Board through my is due largely to the needs of extensive colleague the Honourable the Minister for mining and other developments in that Mines, Energy and Police. I understand region. I thank the honourable member for that extensive testing has been carried out Isis for his contribution. by officers of his department as part of the The honourable member for Archerfield commissioning, but there are still problems (Mr. Hooper)-or should I say the member in meeting the strict limits specified by the for Luggage Point?-was completely predict­ Air Pollution Council. able in this tirade. As I forecast in my Obviously, until the generating board has ministerial statement in the House this morn­ accepted a boiler or group of boilers from ing in response to week-end allegations in the contractors as units performing to a certain newspaper and simultaneous media specifications, tests carried out by officers of outbursts by the honourable member, he the Air Pollution Council would have no took this opportunity to make his custom­ real meaning. They can be conclusive, and ary contribution to rational, constructive Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) 2815

debate~precisely nothing. His only contribu­ The honourable member for Toowoomba tion~if one could call it that~was to com­ North also referred to problems in respect of pletely overlook what this debate is all about, the Toowoomba Range Road, and I can make no constructive comments or sugges­ assure him that investigations are being made tions whatever about the activities of either to overcome problems created by the slippery department we have been talking about, and surface of this Range Road and also to launch into one of the most baseless exam­ improve the road pavement. ples of vitriolic garbage and muck-raking that it has been my misfortune to witness any­ The honourable member for Cooroora where in 27 years in public life. referred to the problems of building roads and maintaining them in areas of high rain­ My only other comment in respect of the fall. This is quite a problem throughout honourable member for Archerfield's little many areas of Queensland, of course, and effort, Mr. Miller, is to note the extraordin­ those affected will be interested to learn that ary patience of the Temporary Chairman, quite extensive research on this question is the member for Archerfield's Opposition being carried out by the Australian Road colleague the member for Rockhampton, in Research Board and the Queensland Main allowing him the latitude that he did in his Roads Department. Research work gt the outburst. James Cook University (Townsvil!e) is The honourable member for Toowoomba achieving positive and practical results in North gave a very commendable summary this area, and this is being recognised ove;-­ of the history of Toowoomba's \\ ater supply seas. problems and other is~ues affecting his elec­ The honourable member's suggestions torate. His comments in respect of the water regarding signposting and other road safety situation affecting Toowoomba, and other matters are being fully researched by the areas similarly placed, highlighted one very Australian Road Research Board as well. important fact. It is clear that all local authorities will have to face up to the prospect He asked about the prospects of Nile perch of increased costs for services in the future, being introduced into Queensland water since augmentation and capital works of storages, and I believe this fish would be this nature will be high-much higher than eminently suited to Queensland dams and they are today. Provision will have to be other suitable areas. In fact, a report recom­ made by local authorities by way of gradual mending its introduction has been presented, increases in rates to build up a fund to soften and it is understood that Queensland will the impact of large capital expenditure. again be proposing introduction of the fish at a meeting of an all-States advisory committee Many councils appear to be unwilling to do to be held early next year. I believe that the this. For example, the Brisbane City Council Hinze Dam in the Gold Coast hinterland has been spared the cost of constructing would be an ideal place for this fish to be Wivenhoe Dam up to the present, and it is introduced. Some work needs to be done to reluctant to accept the $20 a year increase investigate food chains, and my colleague the in water rates that will follow the Govern­ Minister for Maritime Services and Tourism ment's handing over of the responsibility no doubt will be looking into this aspect. for the Dam to it, or to a water board. I think that the point needs to be restressed It is fortunate that we have a researcher that when Brisbane people are called on cf the standing of Mr. Hamer Midgley in the to meet their due share and responsibility State, to assist us in these investigations. for water from Wivenhoe, either directly or Mr. Midgley already has studied the fish in through any board or similar arrangement, Africa, and has undertaken very extensive they will face additional cost. investigations into introducing them into Queensland. The honourable member for Some people have tried to suggest that the Cooroora also raised the proposal that new extra cost in prospect is simply because of methods should be found to finance local moves to form a joint water authority for the government. This has, in fact, largely occur­ region. This simply is not the case. The pro­ red in recent years because of local govern­ ject has not cost Brisbane ratepayers a cent ments receiving a share (presently 1.52 per up to now; but this fool's paradise cannot be cent) of personal income tax receipts. As expected to last for ever, and the city council well, local authorities in recent years have and other people know it. received $5,000,000 in untied grants from the State. These grants have been of great The Government's critics are simply trying assistance to local authorities, particularly in to use me, as Minister, and the water author­ western areas. ity proposals as convenient scapegoats to justify, in advance, increased water charges Local government is the third sphere of that they know must confront city ratepayers government, and the general consensus is in the future. We have even had some people that the greater part of local government suggesting that the water-authority proposal revenue should be found from rates. Local is part of some devious move by the Govern­ authorities have power to frame their own ment to bring down the city council and to budgets, and should logically be responsible scrap the Greater Brisbane concept. This is for fixing their own rates. The danger is a load of politically motivated rubbish, as that, if a large proportion of local govern­ anyone who thinks about it would realise. ment finances is found by way of grants 2816 Supply [21 NOVEMBER 1978] (Estimates) made ,cva,;a;:ne by central government, pres­ decision. Whether the honourable member sures could arise for central government to likes to acknowledge it or not, it is a fact have a say as to how such grants are to be that Queensland has by far the most auto­ spent. L'>Cal government would thereby lose nomous system of local government in autonom:,. Australia. With changes that have occurred in recent The water board proposal is simply an years in the incidence of valuations in rapidly extension of local government-in effect, a developing areas, a number of problems have joint local authority but on a much larger arisen for local authorities in making and scale-to give everyone in the region using levying rates to achieve equity in rating. In the region's water a say in how it should :recent years, we have amended the Local be used, how much it should cost and how Government Act to give the local authority it should be augmented, extended, or dev­ greater flexibility in rating. Examples are: eloped. It is very much a Brisbane City minimum rates; differential urban rates; rural Council monopoly situation now. residential rates. A further proposal is now under COP-sideration to enable a local author­ The honourable member's suggestion of a ity, with the prior approval of the Governor 15 per cent increase, which would be brought in Council, ''" make and levy a rural rate about and attributed directly to the cost of higher than the urban rate. setting up and operating the proposed joint authority, is absolutely absurd. The increase The honourable member for Cooroora also in cost attributable to the board is likely to raised the question of the need for greater be as little as 50c a year in individual water rapport between local authorities and their charges to consumers. ratepayers,. Sme local authorities already have arranged meetings at which ratepayers The honourable member for Surfers Para­ can discuss their problems with the local dise referred to the Government's decision authority or its officers. After all, every rate­ to abandon the freeway concept on the Gold payer and eiector has the right to go to his Coast. I would remind him that this decision local councillor or alderman with his prob­ was forced on us entirely by the funding lems. The local authority, of course, is situation at the time. It was purely a ques­ responsible to its electors every three years, tion of economics. We did not have enough and the remedy of dealing with a local funds, and we did not look like having authority that is considered to be unsatisfac­ enough funds, to build the freeway which tory is in the ratepayer's hands-through the had been proposed. ballot•box. Similar hard-line decisions to abandon The hooourable member for Caboolture freeways and other major works have had raised the matter of recent guide-lines issued to be made in Brisbane and in other capitals, by Cabinet concerning the carrying out of and we must remember that, in any case, private works by local authorities. These there is more than one solution to traffic guide-lines were designed to see that private problems. A committee comprising officers enterprise was not disadvantaged by local of the Main Roads Department, the Gold authorities entering into the contracting field. Coast City Council and the Albert Shire Local authorities are set up to carry out Council did prepare an alternative plan to public works, but they have power to make cover traffic needs for the immediate future by-laws authorising them to carry out private (three to four years). This plan was adopted works for the purpose of keeping their nor­ and is currently being implemented. mal work-

In recent months nursing studies have been to a change from a staff of assistant nurses the subject of controversy in the Press and and trained nurses to a full nursing school the Opposition believes it is time that they within that hospital. There are intakes of were taken more seriouslv bv the colleges up to 30 student nurses who are trained in Df advanced education througl;out the State. psychiatric nursing. We believe that a lack of Federal funds for Vvhen they graduate, these nurses find education has caused the Queensland Gov­ themselves keenly sought after for positions ernment to be a little slow in introducing in the Baillie Henderson Hospital. They are these courses into education institutions in also sought for positions at the Brisbane the State. However, this has not stopped Mental Hospital, in alcoholic and orug certain other States from introducing rehabilitation services, general hospitals and courses such as these into ti1eir technical other situations through the State. So there education colleges. For e:wmple, the C.A.E. is a backlog of people wishing to undertake at Newcastle has a nursing studies course, the course, and for this reason the hospital and such courses are being mooted in other cannot revert to a position of having a States \\·ithout the help of Commonwealth staff of nursing aides and trained nurses at funds. the expense of the nursing students. It com­ mitted itself completely to putting as many Dr. Edwards: They are being funded in nursing students as possible through the other States. course, and there is no way at this late date in which it can go back to a 50/50 course, Mr. D'ARCY: Then whv can't \Ye get cutting the nursing intake to perhaps 15 the funds in Queensland? · nurses and filling the other positions in the hospital with nursing aides. Dl'. Edwards: Your Go1ernment wouldn't give them to us originally. There has been a great dc:1i of hue and cry in the local media in recent months Mr. D'ARCY: We are not in office feder­ concerning the dismissal of five nL!rses who, ally at present. I'hc Minister is looking at a through no fault of the Bo:~rd of Nursing Federal Liberal Government which has been Studies, failed in their exams and supple­ in office for some years. Obviously the fund­ mentary exams. I think it can !Je said ing for Queensland students should come from that the nursing school in the Baillie Hen­ the present Federal Government. Seeing that derson Hospital has given these five people we arc agreed on the direction of the educa­ every chance to pass their exams. It pro­ ion programme, and the Royal Australian vided extra tuition for them when it was Nursing Federation is at present promoting found that they were not able to pass their this scheme, as are lecturers and other people first exam. It provided courses in exam­ involved in the education field, the funds ination technique and how to study, and should be provided. it gave them a great many o!her tips on how to go about studying and passing exams. VIe are fairly unanimom on the educa­ Yet these five students could not pass the tion that is needed in the nursing field, par­ supplementary exam. ticularly as the subject is becoming more scientific as years go by. This applies not Any male or fema!e nurse in Queens­ only to nursing but also the paramedical land who does not pass his or her exam field. I believe that if we are to live with or supplementary exam is in danger of hav­ some of the legal implications and problems ing his or her position terminated. In that will arise from doctor and nurse parti­ the old days, students used to be called cipation in our society, we will have to take to have a little chat with the matron. The,e a stand fairly quickly. I think the Queens­ days it is made clear to them from the land Government would be well within its outset th;1t failure in the exam and the sup­ rights in starting to promote nurse educa­ plementary exam will mean termination of tion in the C.A.E.s in this State. employment. In fact, at the Bail!ie Render­ The Bill contains a simple amendment son Hospital students enter into a con­ which allows the Board of Nursing Studies tract, which quite clearly spelis this out to charge examination fees. As I said, we to them. A failure means that they are will discuss this matter during the second­ dismissed. These five nurses have been reading debate. dismissed or are facing dismissal as their time runs out. I have said that there is no way that the hospital can displace five nurs­ Dr. LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) ing students, or any other number of nurs­ (10.3 p.m.): In rising to address myself to ing students, from the nursing CDurse, this amendment to the Nursing Studies Act, because it would mean five nursing students I would like to make a few brief comments in each intake. As I have said, these about the achievements of the Board of graduates are keenly sought throughout the Nursing Studies in general. Since the board State. Therefore, this p<>Licy must be was appointed, there has been a great deal continued. Df remodelling and revamping of nursing courses, and nowhere has this been in greater I think that one of the student nurses evidence than in the course to train psychi­ who came to see me will be quite happy atric nurses at the Baillie Henderson Hos­ to continue in his present employment. I pital in Toowoomba. That course has led d0 not think that another one who came 2820 Nursing Studies Act [21 NovEMBER 1978] Amendment Bill to see me many months after h~s employ­ scientific research-based approach to health­ ment had been terminated would ever really care issues such as quality control, cost con­ cope with the exams. tainment and the solution of problems resulting from the rapid changes in our com­ Much could be sa!id about the selection plex health-care service. of students before they undertake the course, The Bachelor of Applied Sci-:nc:; courses, but the Hospital Employees' Union mem­ which were due to commence at the Lincoln bers said that they felt that perhaps public Institute of Health Sciences, had air.:.e~dy been money was being wasted in allowing stud­ approved by all committees of the 'hctorian ents to go so far into a course before Institute of Colleges. The prognmmes were they were failed. I do not know what planned and ready for implementation and more could have been done. The stud­ the major resources are ready now. In my ents were interviewed by nurses and psycho­ opinion, it is very sad that the Tertiary logists who, perhaps, are much better able Education Commission could nc't approve to predict who will be able to cope with these courses. the courses, seeing that they have been In concluding my comment,:, I '' ould be running now for several years. Although no remiss if I did not say, on bdmlf of my blame can be attached to the staff for constituents, that this appears to be another the failure of the students, I think that they charge being placed upon them, in addition would perhaps be looking for a smaller to increased board and increasetor•: gaine-d only a 2 in economics. Because ·,e got only two points in econo­ Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy mics th:.~. voung lady will be prevented for Premier and Minister for Health) (10.18 the re't her dayc; from achieving what p.m.), in reply: I thank honourable members she w:f!:s le' achieve in life. This is a very for their comments. The honourable members rcgrct;~ble Jevelopment. I have very strong for Woodridge and South Brisbane both men­ fe;;lings H those on the board who made tioned the matter of tertiary education for the decisiorr about Senior qualifications. I nurses. Of course, it is the Government's hope the ;,,;:nister can allay my fears by say­ policy to support the principle of tertiary iag that ihi·; young lady can be admitted to education for nurses. The honourable member nurse trai:1ing in Queensland. She has received for South Brisbane suggested that we should the unequi·, c•c:.tl statement from the hospitals take it up with the Tertiary Education that they :n not accept her because on the Commissimi. \Ve have done this over the entr2nc~ c>ialil~cations she would have to last two or three years. In fact, two or han~ a J i.:; economics as opposed to a 2. three weeks ago when I was in Canberra oucd have no hassle with what the with Senator Carrick, this was one of the honOL:rabe r,;ember for Toowoomba North matters \Ye discussed again. \Ve have pressed being judged on her for additional funds to be made available Surely we \Yant nurses not only for tertiary education for nurses l1C:::essary medical knowledge. I but also fm the expansion of the medical v:oukl ha"> c :1n hassle about her not being school. This matter was discussed with him. .'.!;e failed in her medical exam­ The Government's policy is that the tertiary have no hassle about her education programme should be equal in c'cl if while she was training as standard to the present hospital-based pro­ a nur:se she was found wanting in respon­ gramme, so that there would be no dif­ sibility, co;:<~ci,_ntiousness or care for patients. ferentiation between nurses who were the I would have no hassle about her being judged outputs of one system or the other. The at that st.::ge, but I have very deep feelings basis of our training programme must be about her nm being accepted because of such that whether the education be a hospital­ her results in economics, a most irrelevant based programme or a tertiary institution academic qualification in the field of nursing. course, the amount of clinical instruction While talking about academic qualifica­ and training is increased and is equivalent tions, 1et me refer to John Maynard in each case. With the board, we are look­ Keynes. But for his knowledge we would ing at the present time to alternative methods probably be experiencing a terrible depression by which we can introduce a programme like that of !Jhe '20s. If John Maynard for a tertiary education system. We hope to Keynes had been asked to produce the same obtain a recommendation from the board results in his entrance qualifications, he in due course. simply would not have gone to university I thank both members of the Opposition and, at the present moment, we would be for their comments. I am sure that they in a deep, dark depression like that of the are aware of the outstanding work being '20s. Let me switch now to Albert Einstein. undertaken by the Board of Nursing Studies. He achieved such bad results in Senior that If any honourable member would like to in our day and age he would not have been talk to members of the Borurd, I am sure able to continue with tertiary education. that we can arrange that for him. I therefore plead with the Minister not to The honourable member for TOQIWoomba judge a person and prevent her from going North referred to the problem 3lt the Balil:lie into her chosen profession for the rest of Henderson HospitaL Because ii is presenMy her days just because of her results in under consideration by the Industrial Com­ economics. mission, I would rather not comment on I travelled through my area with members it at the moment. of the Select Committee on Education. At ~he honourable member for Flinders raised every stop someone asked could we please a part:icular case. If he would Like to assess teachers on some sort of a moral or bring it to my attention, I will take it conscientious basis rather than straight up with the authonities. At the present 2822 Public Trustee Bill [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Public Trustee Bill time the standard is suill a Junior pass Many estates are delayed by complications in certain subjects. There is such a large such as- number of applicants for positions that most * Difficulties in establishing next of kin in who are appointed have a Senior standard. cases of intestacy; In most of our hospitals there is a wruit­ Delays in obtaining assessments of duties ing list for nurses of from two to three and of income tax; and years. If the honourable member would like to bring to my attention the particular Damages claims and other proceedings. case to which he refers, I will have it A significant number of esta,tes just can­ examined to see if the girl can have her not be wound up for many years, for inst­ name considered. On the information he ance- has made available to me, I think she Where a life interest is created by the would be entitled to be an applicant for wm; a nurse-training posiltion within 12 months. *Because there are minor beneficiaries; or On the other hand, because of the long waiting list in all of our hospitals, I could Because ass~ts have not yet matured. not guarantee her a position. Girls who The Public Curator assures me that sys­ put their names down now for positions at tems in his office are kept under continual either the Princess Alexandra Hospital or review to minimise delays as he is well aware the Mater Hospital would not be likely to of the strain that these often cause. obtain poS'itions before 1981. Knowing the earnest manner in which the honourable With respect to the reduction in staffing, member makes representations on behalf of up to June 1974 there had been a con~inui~g his constituents, I will do all I can to ,increase in the volume of work received 111 assist. the Public Curator Office, particularly in the field of deceased estates. 1-his reached a Again I thank honourable members for peak in the year ended 30 June 1975. This their comments. I am appreciative of their caused great difficulties as the volume of awareness that the board is working very work was too great for the staff available well. In 1975 the Government produced a to handle expeditiously. A buildup of staff White Paper, which was submit,ted to the combined with the introduction of an exten­ people of Queensland. Approximately 500 s,ive training scheme helped overcome this submissions were recerived. Eventually we position by the end of 1976. set up a working party compPising three nurses who worked full time on it. This After 1976, a new development emerged legislation was developed as a result. It which resulted in a consider:tble reduction is certainly an indication of the way in in the work volume. This was due to- which the profession can become involved. (a) The availability of legal aid through The benefits are quite obvious. the Legal Assistance Committee. This Motion (Dr. Edwards) agreed to. enabled eligible persons to have estates administered without charge by solici­ Resolution reported. tors, while the Public Curator, who has no funds for such purposes, had to make normal charges; FmsT READING (b) A rapid increase in the number of Bill pre'iented and, on motion of Dr. people who attended to collection of Edwards, read a first time. assets in deceased estates themselves, without seeking the services of legal offices; and PUBLIC TRUSTEE BILL (c) The progressive abolition of death duties. SECOND READING This necessitated a reduction in staff in the Hon. W. D. UCKISS (Mt. Coot-tha­ interests of both efficiency and economy. Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) However, the statT levels are still higher (10.24 p.m.): I move- than at 30 June 1974. The approach over "That the Bill be now read a second the last five years has been flexible and time." quickly responsive to needs. The question of establishing a speciaJ! scale for cottage This Bill recognises the important role that conveyancing will receive consideration. the office of the Public Curator plays in However, there is not as much scope for this the community. H will streamline and as may be thought. As the honourable mem­ simplify procedures with the intention of ber for Mt. Gravatt has pointed out, con­ avoiding costs, delay and unnecessary veyancing work, ewn of the cottage variety, difficulty. is much more time-consuming and involves At the introductory stage, the honourable much more \\ 0rk and responsibility than member for Rockhampton referred to delays most laymen realise. It is today considerably in the administration of estates. The Publk more complicated than a few decades ago. Curator has advised me that approximately For example- 60 per cent of the estates administered by * Requisitions on title were abwst his office are completed in less than 12 unknown 30 years ago but today they months. are almost universal; Public Trustee Bi /l [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Public Trustee Bill 2823

* Local authority searches are much more accepts this proposal. It will certainl;v stream­ comprehensive; line procedures with a view to cuttmg clown * It is common to investigate road develop­ delays and expenses. I ho~ that it will achieve that purpose. It will update ~he ment proposals; language in the provisions of the Act havmg ,; Group and strata titles are a new feature; regard to modern usage of language and also * A fair amount of consumer-protection­ to the changes in laws that have been type legislation, for example, as to flood­ brought about by other statutes such as prone lands and registration of plans of the Trusts Act 1973 and the Property Law subdivision; and Act 1974--1976. * Stamp duty concessions in certain types of cases, for example, on principal place I am very pleased to note that the Bill of residence. maintains the decentralised approach throug.h the District Public Trust Offices. The Public One other matter I would refer to is Curator Office, which was initiated by a advertisiilg by the Public Curator. This is Labor Government, has rendered a tre­ of quite a limited nature. Basically it is to mendous service to people throughout the info:-m the public of serYices available. In State and not just in metropolitan areas. a scmev;hat similar manner, the Queensland Too often we find Government instrum~nt­ Law Society advertises the services which alities only in the major areas of po]imlatwn. are available from private solicitors, for Under the Public Curator Act 1t IS noted example, on television, in the yellow pages that the Public Curator has the nght ~o o.f the telephone directory, and by distribut­ appoint clerks of the court and. even pub!Ic ing brochures. The Legal Ac;istance Com­ servants as agents; so the service. IS mam­ mittee also advertises the availability of the tained on a very broad, decentralised basis. services of private solicitors. I am pleased also to see that'· as in the This Bill is desirable for the proper admin­ Act, there are strict controls on mvestme~ts istratiun of the office of the Public Curator. and moneys held in the co~mon fun~. 1 n.e Minister has made the pomt that tnere .Is Mr. WIUGHT (Rockhampton) (10.29 a need to increase the quantum of certam p.m.): At the outset I wish to make some areas of activity of the Public Curator, comments in praise of the Minister. All especially when he is dealing :vith estates. honourable members who have taken the time I note the increase to $20,000 m the value to go through the Public Trustee Bill appre­ of estates which the Public Trustee may deal ciated that they had explanatory notes before with by filing an election in the Supreme them. With that material available, we were Court. Also, there is the increase to $5,000 able to understand fairly quickly the bas·is in the value of estates which he ma;v .handle of the amendments and the change3 being without filing an election or. o~tammg .an made. order to administer. This IS m keepmg with the gradual increase in. :noney values However, I have some points of condemna­ in our community. The Mm1ster has cer­ tion in that the Bill, containing 142 clauses tainlv been forward thinking in his approach and two schedules, was introduced on Thurs­ day night at about 11 o'clock and, after to this legislation. only 10 hours of sitting, we are debating The Opposition is pleased to support .the the second reading. \Vhile members of Bill, even though we have not had the time mv committee and I have taken the time to fully consider it. However, we haye made to" go through it in as much detail as we a comparison with existing legJs!atwn a.nd could, we simply have not had the time to appreciate that it does maintam the serv.Ice make a full comparison. If honourable that has been rendered over a long penocl members have had a chance to see the con­ of time and gives due recognition to t~e soliclaced Public Curator Acts as prepared Public Curator in his new position as Public by the Parliamentary Library, they will know Trustee. I hope that there are no problcJ_Ds that it is a conglomeration of pieces of paper in the future. I have had one opportun:ty and photostats and that it is yery difficult to to discuss the Bill with a lawyer c.nd 2 person compare it with the Bill. Admittedly, every who is in the Public Curator Office.. While clause in the Bill refers to the specific section thev did not have copies of the Bill, they in the existing legislation; but again I think were aware of the draft proposals. They it is incumbent on the 1\Iinister to ensure have assured me that there should be no that members on both sides of the House hassles and no problems. There is no need, are given proper and reasonable opportunity therefore, for any deep debate ~n ~he mat~er. to consider all asoects that come before them. We will be looking at the Bill m 1ts appl!ca­ It is important that we are able to debate tion, but at this poi:J.t we support the these matters in detail. Fortunately, how­ measure. ever, we have the explanatory notes, which overcame many problems. Hon. W. D. LICIHSS (Mt. Coot-tha­ We note that the aim of the legislation Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) is to change the title of the Public Curator (10.34 p.m.), in reply: I thank the honou~·­ and the Public Curator Office. For the able member for Rockhampton. for h.1s reasons pointed out by the Minister and me remarks. Obviously in the short t1me avml­ at the introductory stage, the Opposition able he has made a fairly thorough study 2824 Jury Act Amendment Bill [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Jury Act Amendment Bill of the Bill. I am pleased that he appreciated ones that can be held in abeyance while the:r the green slip on the front, which indicated are required for jury service. For these the major amendments io the Act. reasons, their continued exemption is I am, of course, not responsible for the thought to be justified. programme of the House. Although the Officers of the T.A.B. are not exempted. Bill was brought on for its second-reading Personnel in the T.A.B. who are exempted and Committee stages tonight, I do feel are the chairman and members of the board. that I indicated in my introductory remarks Their exemption is in keeping with the con­ that there were no major changes and that stant demands of their positions and should it was merely a streamlining of the Act, be equated to the exemption of permanent taking out those parts that were redundant, heads of Public Service departments. incorporating the modern trends in this Finally, dealing with the exemption of legislation and formulating the Bill accord­ mining managers and engine drivers-I have ingly. already answered this, in part, by my prev­ I think that honourable members gener­ ious mention of mining safety. A second and ally will be pleased with the Bill. Naturally, equally important consideration is the pos­ the Public Tmstee and his officers, provided sible harmful effects this could have on an the Bill is agreed to by the House, will be industry which is one of the largest revenue watching with keen interest to see how the earners in the State. It is for these reasons legislation functions. Of course, if there is they are exempted. I believe that the main a necessity for amendments, and I hope points of the proposed amendments have there will not be, then I will be reporting been covered and I commend the Bill to the back to the House accordingly. House. Motion (Mr. Lickiss) agreed to. Mr. WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (10.39 p.m.): COMMITTEE The measure before the Assembly amounts to a realisation by the Government that the (Mr. Row, Hinchinbrook, in the chair) exemptions that have existed in the Act have Clauses 1 to 142, both inclusive, and been far too broad. The Bill is an attempt schedules, as read, agreed to. by the Minister and the Government to Bill reported, without amendment. rectify the situation that has prevailed for a long time. Members will know that further exemptions were granted in 1976, so now we JURY ACT AMENDMENT BILL are starting to turn the clock hack a little and change the approach, and this is cer­ SECOND READING tainly supported by the Opposition. However, I doubt whether it will be welcomed by the Hon. W. D. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha-Min­ people in general. ister for Justice and Attorney-General) (10.37 p.m.): I move- Those people with whom I have discussed the Jury Act have said that they should not "That the Bill be now read a second have to serve on a jury, that it is a waste time." of time, that it is an inconvenience and that, As I stated in my introductory speech the in many cases, it is a financial burden. I Bill changes the classes of people automatic­ am sure that other honourabie members ally exempted from jury service by deleting have had people tell them that they wish bank officers, hospital salaried officers, they could be exempted from jurf service. employees of local authorities and public Therefore we have to look a little further servants. than the exemption list. We have to ensure While enlarging the classes of people that jury service is not seen to be a burden. eligible for jury service, the Bill gives the There has to be some adequate form of sheriff the authority to exempt hospital sal­ compensation. Many years ago the previous aried officers, employees of local authorities Minister for Justice, Mr. Knox, made the and public servants where their absence point that it was a community service. While would detrimentally affect services to the we might adhere to that principle, we must public. They shall only be exempted, however, ensure that people are prepared to provide by the sheriff on the production of a certi­ that community service. There should be ficate signed by the relevant hospital manager, greater remuneration. In the introductory shire clerk or permanent head. debate I spoke about the need to upgrade During the introductory debate the hon­ the fees that are paid and I hope that the ourable member for Rockhampton men­ Minister will look constantly at this matter. tioned the right to exemption enjoyed by On 4 November last year the fees were ministers of religion, officers of the T.A.B. upgraded to $20 for the first three days, and mining managers. In relation to ministers increasing in stages up to, I think, the 36th of religion-their role in society does not or 38th day. But the fees ought to be tied to readily lend them to jury service. Not only the average wage rather than roughly to the do they have their normal Sunday duties, but minimum wage, as seems to be the case now. they also give comfort to the sick and It is a very important point because some needy and attend to religious instruction in people in the community cannot afford the schools as well as perform their duties at time, do not have an interest in serving on a weddings and funerals. Their duties are not jury and do not seem to accept the important Jury Act Amendment Bill [21 NOVEMBER 1978] Jury Act Amendment Bi/i 2825 principle in our society that in all our courts our society. I believe that they should not an accused person ought to be judged by his have a special exemption. If, for some or her peers. So we need to reconsider these reason, they cannot attend for jury service, matters. I hope also that the Minister will they should be able to apply fo~ exemption, take further notice of the point that I made but there should not be blanket cover for about the dress of juries. them. I believe that the approach in most Coming to the actual amendments-it is cases should be that everybody is included on very important to look at the proposals that the list, except such people as lawyers, are being put forward. Paragraph (v) in sec­ police, members of Parliament and people, tion 8 (1) of the Act is being amended. At such as permanent heads, who have a present the Act refers to barristers-at-law, representative, law-enforcement or decision­ solicitors and conveyancers in practice. making role. Other people should simply Under the Bill, whether they are in practice have to show cause why should or not, they are exempted from jury service. not be called up for jury service. is to Whilst I could understand a judge not want­ be a community service, and the approach ing too many barristers in the jury panel, as must be maintained that it should be pos­ jurors they would make a worthwhile con­ sible to call on everybody in the community tribution to our judicial system. I cannot to provide the service. really see why, if a barrister is retired or At first, the Opposition intended to move is no longer in practice, he ought to be amendments to try to broaden the proposals exempt. before the House. However, it is now thought that that should be left to the Government. Paragraph (viii) of the same subsection is Although we do not agree that the Minister being amended to extend the classification of schoolmasters to include schoolteachers. This has gone far enough, we do agree with the was not clearly specified and it is to be tidied measures that he has taken. Therefore we up. I was of the opinion that school­ support the Bill. I urge him to look at the teachers should play a role on juries but, matter again and question the roles of the having considered the matter again and hav­ others that I have listed, and I hope that he ing discussed it with members of my com­ will maintain the principle that all members mittee, I accept that there would be certain of the community should be fulfilling their disruptions within the class-room if teachers responsibility as jurors. were called up for jury service. Hon. W. D. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha­ The proposal to remove the blanket exemp­ Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) tion for all public servants is certainly wel­ (10.46 p.m.), in reply: Again I thank the comed by the Opposition. Exemptions will now honourable member for Rockhampton for his include permanent heads of departments and contribution. I think we are doing well if persons employed in the Department of we go virtually all the way with one another Justice, the Prisons Department and the in accepting what is put before the Parlia­ Police Department in toto. One wonders ment. why this has not gone a little further, but I will return to that in a moment because the The honourable gentleman mentioned sol­ Minister did endeavour to answer some of icitors in practice. That provision has been these points. deleted to cover solicitors in the office of the Parliamentary Counsel and officers of a Exemptions for managers and bank officers similar type who otherwise would have been are to be removed. The exemption will apply included. only to officers of the Parliament and those on the Governor's staff and not to the other There will always be some people who say persons who are listed. Members of local that we have not gone far enough; others authorities will be exempted, but not clerks. will say that we have gone too far. Having reversed to such an extent the trend that has The Minister is including special condi­ persisted over a period, I believe that we tions to cover salaried officers of local ought to allow the matter to be tested in authorities, public servants and salaried the community to see how it stands. Some officers of asylums and hospitals. All that people might feel that they do not owe a they will require to be exempted from jury duty to the community generally, but I service is a certificate from the permanent believe that the ordinary citizen of this State head stating that service as a juror would does believe that he has a responsibility to in some way be prejudicial or detrimental his fellow-man and to the community gener­ to the role that they play in the interests of ally. If he were involved in a trial by jury, the community. I believe that he would like a fair cross­ I accept that the exemptions that the section of the community to sit in judgment Minister is removing are worth while, but on him. I cannot accept that we need to have mining As to fees paid for jury service-the hon­ managers, engine-drivers, commercial travel­ ourable member for Rockhampton mentioned lers, members of the T.A.B. and certain that in November fees were upgraded by ministers of religion exempted from jury about 14 per cent. Again, that is a matter service. Whilst I appreciate the important that will have to be kept constantly under role that ministers of religion play, I am review as the economic climate and the sure that they could also make a contribu­ general financial structure in the community tion to jury service. I see them as equals in varies from time to time. 2826 House-builders' Registration [21 NovEMBER 1978) and Home-owners', &c., Bill

I am very pleased with the reception that While it is an offence under the Aot the Bill has received in the House, and I not to pay the insurance premium, experi­ again commend it to honourable members. ence has shown that there is no machinery Motion (Mr. Lickiss) agreed to. at present by \Vhioh the board can ensure that the premium is paid. This can be achieved only at the point of granting COMMITTEE approval to build, that is, at the local (Mr. Row, Hinchinbrook, in the chair) authority level. Clauses 1 to 3, both inclusive, as read, The amending legislation is proposed in agreed to. an endeavour to obtain a solut,ion to the Bill reported, without amendment. problem of unpaid insurance premiums, and wiH- (i) Ensure that the premium is paid WITHDRAWAL OF NOTICE before approval to build is granted by a OF MOTION local authority; and HOUSE-BUILDERS' REGISTRATION AND (ii) Permit payment of the premium to HOME-OWNERS' PROTECTION ACT an agent of the board. AMENDMENT BILL The new section proposed requires a local authority to be satisfied that any insurance Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Minis­ payable has been paid, or that no insurance ter for Works and Housing) (10.48 p.m.): I is payable, before a permit to build is issued, ask leave to withdraw the notice of motion and fo.r copies of the plans and specifications given by me this morning concerning the to be so endorsed. A person will not be House-builders' Registration and Home­ permitted to commence building construc­ owners' Protection Act Amendment Bill. tion which requires the approval of a local (Leave granted.) author,ity unless copies of the documents have been suitably stamped by such authority. HOUSE-BUILDERS' REGISTRATION As an agent of the board, the local office AND HOME-OWNERS' PROTECTION of the clerk of the court will be authorised ACT AMENDMENT BILL to accept payment of the insurance p~e­ INITIATION mium and issue an appropriate receipt to facilitate the payment of this premium by Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Minis­ builders. This new arrangement, hoy;ever, ter for Works and Housing), by leave, with­ will not be extended to centres where there out notice: I move- is an office of the bo:trd, that is, Brisbane, "That the House will, at its present Rockhampton, Townsville and Toowoomba. sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider introducing a Bill The amendments proposed will ensure that to amend the House-builders' Registration the liquidity of the board is preserved, sim­ and Home-owners' Protection Act 1977 plify procedures for payment of premiums in certain particulars." by the builders, and at the same time safe­ guard the interests of home owners. Motion agreed to. I commend the motion to the Committee.

INITIATION IN C0:\1:\1ITTEE The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind hon­ (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. W. D. ourable members th::~t this Bil1 does not Hcwitt, Greenslopes, in the chair) refer to the Builders' Registration Act. Hon. C. A. l,HIARTON (Burnett­ Ministcr for Works and Housing) (10.50 Mr. :!I. J. HOOPER (Archerfield) (10.53 p.m.): I move- p.m.): As the Minisler ~aid in his intro­ "That a Bii1 be introduced to amend ductorv remarks, the Bill pro·>'des for a the House-builders' Registration and registered builder to obtain a perm:t from Home-owners' Protection Act 1977 in the local government office in the area in certain particulars." which the ~building is to be erected. The permit v,ill be issued only on the payment The House-builders' Registration and Home­ of the premium. The Opposition agrees owners' Protection Act 1977 provides that vYith that. However, the main re.Ison for the all house-building construction over $1,000 proposed amendments is that some jerry­ in value must be insured with the board. It builders are not taking out home-owner is th;; builder's responsibility to pay this insur­ insurance under the Act. ance premium. In spite of an intense adver­ tising campaign to inform builders and the I believe that many more prosecutions public of the requirements of the Act, pre­ should be launched. A lot of jerry-bui1ders miums have been paid on only approximately are not abiding by the Act. They are 50 per cent of the dwellings listed as being not taking out the necessary insurance. commenced bv the Government Statistician. which, of course, is to the detriment of This has resuited in a serious liquidity prob­ the home buver. The Act should be further lem for the board administering this Act. amended to provide for much heavier fines. House-builders' Registration [21 NoVEMBER 1978] and Home-owners', &c., Bill 2827

The Bill also provides that before a per­ Mr. WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (10.57 mit is issued the local authority has to sight p.m.): Like the Opposition spokesman on a receipt proving that the builder has com­ housing, I, too, welcome the amendment. plied with the insurance provisions of the There is not much sense in having provisions Act. on our statute-book if they cannot be en­ When the legislation was first introduced forced. a number of Government members, who no I have taken the opportunity to look at the doubt had friends and financial interests legislation that has been in force for the in the industry, were most vocal in their short period from 1 October 1977. Generally opposition to the Bill. It was obvious speaking, I would praise it. I recall that at that some Government members had a vested the introductory stage some commendatory interest in the building industry, and had remarks were made to the effect that it was exerted considerable pressure on the then very good consumer protection legislation. Minister to have some aspects of the Bill It has given that protection. However, as softened. I refer to the filibustering effort, always, we find that, after the legisation has particularly by the then honourable member been in force for some period, certain prob­ for BDisbane, when the Assembly sat excep­ lems arise. One of the problems that have tionally late. The honourable member fili­ arisen here relates to the defects that people bustered because he did not want the Bill can complain about. passed. When we have two types of laws covering Mr. Jones: Probably that is why he was one activity, it is a good principle to try to defeated. have them in very much the same terms. Unfortunately, however, a complaint that is Mr. K. J. HOOPER: That is one of the made by a home owner against a builder is reasons why he was defeated; he \vas too covered by two types of provisions concern­ verbose. ing the time in which such a complaint must be made. If there is a major defect, Mr. Katter: In that case, you'd be riding a home owner must make his claim within for a fall. three months of becoming aware of that defect. On the other hand, if it is a minor Mr. K. J. HOOPER: Fancy the honour­ defect, the claim has to be be made within able member for Flinders coming into it! one month. An Opposition Member: He's awake? The consumers' association with which I am involved finds that people are losing their Mr. K. J. HOOPER: He is a\vake. I say rights simply because they thought they had more in sorrow than in anger that if he had three months, not one month, in which to another brain it would rattle. make their claim. I ask the Minister to A strong Home-owners' Protection Act consider this aspect. Does it really matter would protect both the consumer and the whether a complaint about a minor defect is legitimate builder. Most honourable mem­ made within three months instead of one bers would agree, however, that the building month? It would seem that it is much easier industry has more than its fair share of for a person to remember that he must make crooks. It is also common knowledge that the claim within three months. So why have some builders go into liquidation as soon as two separate periods? However, from the they receive deposits from potential home fact that the number of complaints is de­ buyers. In fact, some of the building crooks, creasing all the time, it is obvious that the such as the Kratzman brothers, used to book law is working rather well. a hearing in the Bankruptcy Court every I spoke to the Minister prior to his intro­ time they floated a new company. Although ducing this Bill. However, I am still not they went bankrupt, they certainly were not satisfied that enough action is being taken broke. This was evidenced by the plush concerning home cladders. The Minister in­ homes in which they lived in the select formed me that they were covered by the suburbs of Brisbane and some of the mansions legislation. Nevertheless, they still pose that they were able to build on the Gold serious difficulties. The person who applies Coast. the cladding claims that he is not responsible As I have stated previously in the Cham­ for it and gives no warranty. The ber, although I believe the Act to be a step company that manufactures the cladding and in the right direction, I favour the New is located in, say, Sydney or some other part South Wales system-which, incidentally, was of Australia gives a 20-year warranty, but introduced by a Liberal Government­ that is only on the product itself, not on its whereby, for the sum of $50, a home owner application. In fact, one such product that can have a building inspector inspect a turned up recently in Rockhampton carried dwelling before he takes delivery of it. That a 40-year warranty. is certainly a step in the right direction, as I know of instances in which the applica­ otherwise the owner has to take the builder's tors are not registered builders. ·where does word that the house received a second coat the consumer go? He cannot take action of paint or that the plumbing was intact. under a warranty; there is no warranty from I reiterate the Opposition's support for the the applicator. So I cannot see how con­ amendment. We welcome it. sumers are covered by the legislation. I 2828 House-builders' Registration [21 NoVEMBER 1978] and Home-owners', &c., Bill would ask the Minister to clarify that aspect apply the law to prefab contractors, because of the matter. If house cladders are covered these matters are of interest to the consumer by the legislation, I hope that the Minister and the total community. will make a public announcement to that effect so that people who have experienced Mr. LANE (Merthyr) (11.3 p.m.): My problems can move against the applicators. contribution will be rather brief and I make They are the persons I am concerned about it in the safest place to say anything, where at the moment. it will be on public record. I desire to make a few comments on the undertakings Indee'

Mr. LANE: Yes, as the honourable mem­ this Act so that we can make it, say, less ber for Surfers Paradise notes as usual, except difficult for the building industry to operate on the Gold Coast. but at the same time keep for the home In these times we do not want to impose owner all the protective measures that he any more crushing burdens on the building needs. industry than are absolutely necessa·ry. I I agree with what the honourable member am all for relief for builders. As I have said had to say about the building industry. It is many times before, the building industry an industry that is very important to the is a very informal and loosely knit commun­ whole nation because, as I see it, the level ity. Tha:t is its very nature wherever H pliies of activity in the building industry more or its trade throughout the world. To formalise less indicates the progress or otherwise of it and put it into a strait-jacket by detailed the nation. While we are building and selling regulations governed by a bunch of men who houses we are growing as a State and nation, are more used to running Public Service but if the industry is depressed and suffering activities than looking after such an informal problems, and tied down by regulations that industry ,is only another crushing defeat for make it difficult for it to operate, we are not it and another great imposition on it. making progress. So I concur with the hon­ I hope that the Government, in line with ourable member's comments about the build­ its enlightened approach, will do what it ing industry. can as soon as possible to lift some of the I will reply to any further comments dur­ burdens off the building industry and let ing the second reading. it get back on its feet. Motion (Mr. Wharton) agreed to. Hon. C A. WHARTON (Burnett­ Resolution reported. Minister for Works and Housing) (11.8 p.m.), in reply: I thank all honourable members for FIRST READING their contributions. I noted what the member Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. for Archerfield had to say. I appreciate his Wharton, read a first time. support of the Bill in principle. They are The House adjourned at 11.13 p.m. only minor amendments, it is true; but they will have an effect on some people. The matter of more prosecutions and more inspec­ tions was raised. We are trying to make the Act really work without a great flurry of inspectors or prosecutions. We want the legislation to operate to the advantage of the building industry and the consumers who m~ed its protection. I appreciate the interest of the member for Rockhampton in consumer protection. This is a consumer protection Bill. It does afford protection to the person who is having a home built. I am sure that we will go along with that. I appreciate that the number of complaints is decreasing. That is an indi­ cation that things are moving in the right direction and that we are progressing. All I am trying to do is to make the legislation more workable for the home builder and the home owner. He also spoke about home cladders. Clad­ ders are covered under the Act, but there must be a registered builder who is respon­ sible for all parts of the job. It is in that respect that there is cover. I read the matter raised by the honourable member concern­ ing the cost of prefabricated building in country areas. I will have that investigated. Some instances seem to be a little extreme, but I know that there are great differences between costs in Brisbane and what we would assume to be the costs in country areas. I will certainly make an investigation of the point he raised and give consideration to his request. The honourable member for Merthyr raised the matter of the alteration to the other Act. All I want to say at this stage is that con­ sideration is being given to substantially altering the Builders' Registration Act and 68279-95