20 Aug 1997 Ministerial Statement 2993

WEDNESDAY, 20 AUGUST 1997 demonstrated that no additional traffic problems will be generated by such a development.

Mr SPEAKER (Hon. N. J. Turner, Nicklin) read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. Rural Schools From Mr Perrett (10 petitioners) requesting the House to declare that the PETITIONS Government supports the system of education The Clerk announced the receipt of the via small schools in rural communities as an following petitions— integral part of rural family life and which form part of a vital community infrastructure and acknowledge that removal of children from Abortion Law rural schools to larger schools will be From Mr Campbell (29 petitioners) detrimental to the children, their families, requesting the House to enforce the existing community and businesses and further to law on abortion and to take suitable measures direct that the schools of Mulgowie, Thornton to stop the abuse of the law. and Blenheim not be closed.

Maryborough Base Hospital Gill Netting, Victoria Creek From Mr Dollin (44 petitioners) requesting From Mr Rowell (317 petitioners) the House not to downgrade any services or requesting the House to ban all gill netting in facilities at the Maryborough Base Hospital. Victoria Creek from its inlet and to include all creeks flowing into it. Cane Growing, Boonooroo From Mr Dollin (55 petitioners) requesting Disabled Students, Special Education the House to oppose the expansion of cane Schools growing into marginal and residential areas of From Miss Simpson (451 petitioners) Boonooroo. requesting the House to permit disabled students who attain 18 years of age before the end of the school year to remain at their Leading Schools respective special education school, unit or From Mr Healy (36 petitioners) requesting class until they complete that final full year of the House to call upon the Government to schooling. withdraw the Leading Schools proposal Petitions received. because it is a method of school-based management which is removing the responsibility of State education from the PAPERS Government to local communities. This Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— method of school-based management places Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The too many legal and financial responsibilities on Arts) (9.34 a.m.): I lay upon the table of the local communities and will lead to inequitable House the Brisbane Cricket Ground Trust provision of public education across the State. annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 1997 and a letter Birth Centres, Public Hospitals explaining the delay in tabling. From Mr Horan (645 petitioners) requesting the House to provide birth centres MINISTERIAL STATEMENT in all public hospitals. Comalco Alumina Refinery Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Buderim Ginger Factory Site Paradise—Premier) (9.34 a.m.), by leave: I From Mr Laming (2,070 petitioners) wish to inform the House of very encouraging requesting the House to, through the developments in relation to the potential for Honourable Ministers for Transport and Local the development of a major alumina refinery in Government, refuse the current proposal, Queensland. Last week Comalco indicated to which includes a supermarket, for the Government that it wished to proceed with development of the Buderim ginger factory site an environmental approval process for an in Buderim Village until such time as it can be alumina refinery at Gladstone. It also 2994 Ministerial Statement 20 Aug 1997 sought—and was immediately granted—major between the aluminium and the magnesium economic development project status for the industries in Gladstone to lead to at least alloy refinery. Comalco has appointed Dames and production and potentially a die-casting Moore to engage the environmental process. industry specifically for the world car industry is It must be said that these developments a great sign indeed for the region and the do not, of themselves, amount to a project State. announcement; but, of course, they are So while I emphasise that there are still extremely encouraging signs. Both the State important issues to be resolved before we can and the company have been working be totally confident of a start to an alumina assiduously to reach this point. Projects of this refinery at Gladstone, the signs are extremely scale do not fall out of the sky. We are talking, encouraging. I can assure the House that the ultimately, about a project that could well grow Government will be doing everything in its into the largest single private investment in the power to ensure that we get not only that history of the State. extraordinary alumina project but also the spin- offs that could help transform the industrial The first stage would engage some $1.5 base of this State to a revolutionary extent. billion and 2,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ultimately, it could grow into a $4 billion project, with thousands more direct and MINISTERIAL STATEMENT indirect jobs. It would also have many other Business Franchise Fees extraordinary spin-offs. The most significant would be the construction of the Chevron Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— Asiatic Limited gas pipeline from the extensive Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The oil and gas fields at Kutubu in the Papua New Arts) (9.38 a.m.), by leave: As honourable Guinea highlands. That would be a massively members would be aware, in its ruling handed significant development for Queensland. It down on 5 August, the High Court found that would be to this State what the North West the New South Wales State business franchise Shelf gas discoveries have been to Western fee—BFF—on tobacco was constitutionally Australia: a veritable revolution in our industrial invalid. In light of that decision, the potential. Queensland Government has received legal advice that Queensland's BFF on tobacco is The Chevron proposal is to build a high- invalid and that its franchise fee on liquor is volume gas pipeline from Kutubu to the coast, also of doubtful constitutional validity. In other across Torres Strait, down Cape York, and States, the legality of the petroleum franchise along the length of the Queensland seaboard fees has also been called into question. The to Gladstone in the first instance. Ultimately, loss of those revenues will have very serious that line could go to Brisbane and to Sydney. budgetary implications for all the States and That is the energy source that Comalco is Territories, with in excess of $5 billion expected examining. Supplying a Comalco alumina to be collected in 1997-98 by the States and refinery at Gladstone would give Chevron the the Territories. As a result, the Commonwealth anchor customer it needs to justify its project. Government has agreed to a unanimous The spin-off for Queensland would be not only proposal by all State and Territories to an alumina refinery at Gladstone but also a immediately implement safety net high-volume, competitively priced energy arrangements. The safety net arrangements source running along the seaboard past all of are designed to return to the States and the our major coastal regional centres—past Territories an amount equivalent to that Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton previously raised through BFFs and also into Gladstone and potentially beyond. The include a windfall gains tax component to potential for jobs generating development right protect past State revenue collections. along that route would be tremendously enhanced. Of course, at Gladstone itself the Queensland has agreed to repeal its refinery would also have some potentially tobacco and liquor BFFs on the basis of spectacular flow-on effects. receipt of offsetting revenues from the Commonwealth under the safety net Honourable members will be aware that in arrangements. Queensland also has January the Government jointly announced announced that it will provide subsidies to with the commercial partners a $73m taxpayers to offset to the maximum extent magnesium pilot plant at Gladstone, which will possible any additional revenue returned to no doubt lead to a $700m, 90,000 tonnes-a- the State by the Commonwealth over and year magnesium metal industry in this State by above the amount which would have been shortly after the turn of the century and the collected had the State franchise fees millennium. The potential for a combination remained in place. 20 Aug 1997 Ministerial Statement 2995

Queensland's objective under these Treasuries have provided suggested options to arrangements is simply to maintain the State's these groups on proposals for ensuring that revenue position in order to ensure that the the safety net arrangements can be capacity of the State to deliver essential implemented as quickly and efficiently as services is not adversely affected. Accordingly, possible. Further meetings are scheduled with arrangements will be set in place in respect of both these groups this week with the objective liquor, tobacco and petroleum so that there is of finalising arrangements as quickly as no reason for wholesalers and retailers to possible. increase prices as a consequence of the In relation to the tobacco arrangements, decision. This means that consumers should the tobacco companies are currently holding not have to pay increased prices. further discussions with the Commonwealth In relation to liquor, all licensees and regarding the imposition of the additional wholesalers now have been advised by letter Commonwealth taxes and will discuss the from me of the arrangements that the coalition States' proposals following completion of their Government has set in place, in consultation negotiations with the Commonwealth. For with industry participants and representatives, petroleum products in particular, where so that there is no need for price increases in Queensland is the only State which has not Queensland. In essence, the coalition imposed any form of fuel or petrol tax, the Government has agreed to refund in full liquor Government remains committed to ensuring licence fees paid in advance by over 400 that Queenslanders continue to benefit from licensees. This is at a cost of around $12m, the Government's no fuel tax policy. which is over and above what the Accordingly, the Government will ensure that Commonwealth will refund to us but was done the full 8.1c per litre excise that the by this Government so that consumers' prices Commonwealth Government is levying will be would not rise. We have agreed to provide full returned to wholesalers. Again, there will be no subsidies to liquor wholesalers in respect of the need for petrol pump prices to rise. additional revenue collected by the State over The Queensland Government wishes to and above that which would have been thank industry participants for their cooperation collected had the State liquor BFF remained in to date in these extremely difficult times. It is place. This equates to a subsidy payment of evident that they, as much as the States, are 2.8% on the pre-wholesale sales tax price of victims of the High Court's decision. As beer and spirits and 2.4% for wine. We have honourable members would be aware, the determined administrative and payment decision now has proved a catalyst for reform arrangements that will provide for the payment with the Prime Minister last week announcing of subsidies to wholesalers on the same day his intention to conduct a review of the nation's as wholesalers are required to make their tax system, including Commonwealth/State wholesale sales tax payments to the Commonwealth. These arrangements have financial relations. Clearly, fundamental reform been welcomed by the liquor industry and of Commonwealth/State financial relations is clearly indicate our Government's commitment the only way to finally remove the uncertainty to ensuring Queensland taxpayers do not long associated with State revenues. need to face any price increases under these safety net arrangements. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT The Queensland approach to refund in Mr P. Connolly, QC. full the unexpired licence fee portion is in stark contrast to the approach by the New South Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— Wales Labor Government which has Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) steadfastly refused to make this concession. (9.43 a.m.), by leave: Today I want to advise Labor in New South Wales is using this as a the House of the contempt in which I hold the cash grab which will increase prices to honourable member for Rockhampton consumers, and I understand that it has following his outrageous remarks last night already, while we have taken action to ensure about Peter Connolly, QC. I never cease to be consumers are protected from price increases. amazed by the levels to which members of the Discussions and negotiations have been ALP will descend in an effort to prosecute their under way for some time with petroleum and political cause. Abusing citizens under privilege tobacco companies and representative in this House is their stock-in-trade. Abuse of organisations to establish similar administrative the judiciary is a new low even for them. and payment arrangements to ensure a Mr Peter Connolly, QC, is a distinguished smooth transition to the safety net former judge of the Queensland Supreme arrangements. The State and Territory Court. He served on that court from 1977 to 2996 Ministerial Statement 20 Aug 1997

1990. He remains a Justice of Appeal in community's faith in our criminal justice system Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. He is a is any suggestion that the appropriate former councillor of the International Bar authorities may have failed to conduct Association and President of the Law Council vigorous and proper examination of allegations of Australia. He was admitted to the Bar in of this nature brought to their attention. 1949 and appointed Queen's Counsel in As I said publicly last week, I was bitterly 1963. During his period on the bench, no disappointed in 1989 when my repeated allegations of bias were raised against him. He direction to the then Queensland Police Force fulfilled his duties with integrity, dedication and to act in this area appeared to be ignored. absolute even-handedness. However, we are now dealing with a very I am appalled that his critics have held his different organisation in the post-Fitzgerald membership of this House as the Liberal Queensland Police Service. Yesterday, member for Kurilpa from 1957 to 1960—37 following the tabling of Mr Alford's report, I met years ago—against him. Under the perverse with the Commissioner of the Police Service, logic followed by the member for Mr O'Sullivan, and two of his most senior Rockhampton, eminent jurists such as Mr assistants to formulate a decisive response Justice Murphy of the High Court would have which will involve close cooperation between been excluded from judicial office by virtue of both the Police Service and the Children's their membership of a political party. This is Commissioner in dealing decisively and, at absolute nonsense. last, convincingly with this insidious problem. I reject the honourable member's remarks Also present was Mr Bob Bottom, about Mr Peter Connolly. I note more in sorrow organised crime specialist and special than in anger that his outburst says more consultant to Mr Alford during the compilation about him than it does about Mr Connolly. of his report, who last week agreed to act as a Mr Schwarten interjected. special adviser to my Ministry in both this area and the area of organised drug trafficking Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for activity. Rockhampton! I wish to state squarely on the record that Mr BEANLAND: I challenge the Leader of I believe that the Queensland Police Service, the Opposition and shadow Attorney-General reformed and re-energised, is the appropriate to repudiate these outrageous, offensive and and qualified authority to handle these intemperate remarks and defend the institution matters, to bolster public confidence in their of the judiciary in the way that I have. approach. But Mr Bottom will work pro-actively Mr Schwarten interjected. with the Police Service and the Children's Mr SPEAKER: Order! I now warn the Commissioner to ensure full cooperation member for Rockhampton under Standing between both agencies and to monitor and Order 123A. report to me on the investigations which will be undertaken. I am pleased to inform the House that the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Commissioner of Police, Mr O'Sullivan, is fully Response to Paedophilia Allegations supportive of this move and has given me his Hon. T. R. COOPER (Crows Nest— personal undertaking that the Police Service Minister for Police and Corrective Services and will leave no stone unturned in attacking this Minister for Racing) (9.46 a.m.), by leave: I problem where it exists and, just as wish today to outline to this House steps I importantly, in decisively establishing in the have taken last week and yesterday which I public mind that those allegations which are believe will indicate the seriousness of this baseless will also be laid finally to rest. Government's intention to act decisively to The Queensland community should take allay community concern about the recent considerable comfort and have some of their controversy surrounding allegations of faith restored by the Project Horizon operation widespread paedophile activity culminating in currently nearing completion by the the important report by Children's Queensland Police Service. This was an Commissioner Alford tabled in this House initiative stemming from the commissioner yesterday. himself and his inspectorate in the wake of There is no more repellent and disturbing similar allegations of widespread paedophile crime than this and the idea of organised activity emanating from the Wood royal networks engaging in this disgraceful and life- commission into the New South Wales police. shattering criminal activity is rightly and deeply Acting with admirable initiative, Mr O'Sullivan disturbing. Equally disturbing to the directed that Project Horizon, a full and 20 Aug 1997 Ministerial Statement 2997 thorough review of the Queensland Police must be clearly identified and allocated Service response to investigations in this area, specifically as part of the Police Service's be conducted in consultation with the Criminal response to this important area. The additional Justice Commission and surveying other resources must be linked to performance relevant Government agencies to determine indicators to ensure that they are used to how the QPS response could be improved. As maximise efficiency and effectiveness. Commissioner Alford said in his report The police can only do the job we need yesterday, this "refreshingly frank, self- them to do if we give them the appropriate evaluation of police processes" is to be tools. For seven years, Governments have commended. While its final report is yet to be dithered on addressing the contentious compiled, the draft Project Horizon paper question of giving our police those extra states, "The people of Queensland not only powers. As members of this House are aware, expect but deserve both a pro-active and I am nearing completion of an exhaustive reactive professional response to this area of public consultation phase preceding the responsibility." It is my intention that the introduction of new police powers legislation to people will get this response. Commissioner this House which will give police those very O'Sullivan has given his full support to necessary powers while—and I stress finalising Project Horizon and is committed to this—protecting the rights of innocent and law- having action taken to implement the abiding citizens from any potential abuse. If important recommendations arising from this those on the other side of the House are review. genuine, they will give bipartisan support to Our Police Service has always been that legislation, which will be fast-tracked and committed to best practice in this area, as was introduced in early October, which is a month evidenced by the introduction in 1980 of the earlier than I had expected. Project Horizon multi-disciplinary response to child sexual also provides an ideal model for undertaking a abuse, now known as the SCAN team review to devise strategies for the future to approach. Queensland was the first in combat more effectively the illicit drug trade Australia to initiate use of this response, which throughout Queensland. is now replicated in other States. Just as Project Horizon has been dealing Earlier this year, with my full support and specifically with paedophile activity, a parallel backing, Commissioner O'Sullivan established project, to be titled Horizon II, will now deal the specialist Task Force Argos which is staffed more specifically with the drug trade. Among by 20 officers. Since its inception in February, it other things, this process will address the has succeeded in laying 700 charges against nexus between the supply of illicit drugs to 22 people. Working with Mr Bottom and the minors and paedophilia. The charter will be to Children's Commissioner, Task Force Argos ensure the more efficient and effective remains the appropriate mechanism for the operation of the Queensland Police Service. investigation of allegations of this kind, Such an initiative would address responses by pending the Government's consideration of the Queensland Police Service to community the proposal to establish a State crime concerns over an increase in drug activity. It commission. will position the Queensland Police Service so Investigations of this nature are complex, that it can make effective use of proposed extremely difficult and often time consuming. additional powers, particularly the wider use of However, pivotal to their success is the quality listening devices and the availability of powers of intelligence available to investigating to intercept telephones. officers. Both Project Horizon and Such a review would also enable the Commissioner Alford have identified service to enhance its task force capacity in its deficiencies in the current structures of the own right and in conjunction with the Criminal Queensland Police Service in this important Justice Commission, the National Crime area. I have given a commitment that I will Authority and other agencies. In particular, the give favourable consideration to receiving a review process would be applicable in the proposal regarding additional resources that event of a possible revamp of the organised may be required, particularly to enhance the crime functions of the Criminal Justice intelligence utilisation in the important area of Commission into a crime commission concept. paedophilia and drug matters. This review and Therefore, it would be a project involving a the development of the proposal will be wide range of consultation, with Mr Bob undertaken as a matter of urgency. I will be Bottom acting as a special adviser and liaising seeking Government support to have any between my office and the commissioner's additional necessary resources provided. I inspectorate. I am committed to ensuring that have stressed that any additional resources the Queensland Police Service will continue to 2998 Ministerial Statement 20 Aug 1997 lead Australia in combating both paedophilia relevant expertise. Through the participation of and illicit drug trafficking. its senior executives in Construction Queensland, the industry has demonstrated that it is eager to take control of how the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT construction industry should be structured for Launch of Construction Queensland the future. Hon. B. W. DAVIDSON (Noosa—Minister Construction Queensland has the support for Tourism, Small Business and Industry) of industry and Government. This affords it a (9.53 a.m.), by leave: Last night I had the very legitimate central agency status to coordinate great pleasure to launch Construction the efforts of stakeholder associations and Queensland with the assistance of my others as we strive to deliver a more viable colleagues, the Minister for Public Works and industry. Our challenge will be to design an Housing and the Minister for Economic industry which will reward participants who Development and Trade. Construction excel and, at the same time, provide Queensland is a joint effort between my opportunities to those who aspire to portfolio and those of my two colleagues to excellence. I have every confidence that we create a partnership between this Government have the plans and the people to make that and the construction industry. happen. The construction industry represents 12.3% of Queensland's gross State product or, MINISTERIAL STATEMENT in dollar terms, $8.5 billion annually. It employs over 70,000 Queenslanders and remains one Used Oil Code of Practice of the most important indicators of the State's Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western economy. As we approach a new century of Downs—Minister for Environment) (9.56 a.m.), economic development, a healthy construction by leave: Recently in Brisbane I had the industry is a critical part of the State's pleasure of attending a Used Oil Management economic infrastructure. Conference that was organised by the Waste Construction Queensland is the result of Management Branch of the Department of extensive planning with my department and Environment in consultation with the Australian those of my colleagues. It is charged with the Institute of Petroleum and the Oil Recyclers job of developing a Queensland construction Association of Australia. The conference was industry strategy. It represents an initiative attended by more than 100 delegates from from both Government and industry to address around Australia who represented industry, the perception within the Queensland Government, science and academia, and one construction industry that a disjointed group from Japan. The conference was approach was preventing the industry from opened by Senator Ian MacDonald, the fulfilling its potential. More importantly, it is a Parliamentary Secretary to the Commonwealth recognition that there is an increasing Minister for the Environment, and the keynote international demand for quality construction speaker was Professor Robert Snow, the Dean services and that the industry in Queensland of the Faculty of Engineering at the Royal will be better placed to take advantage of that Melbourne Institute of Technology. demand if it adopts a unity of purpose. The conference was certainly not simply a Construction Queensland takes a broad talkfest, a significant outcome being the approach to the industry, bringing together not launch for public comment of the draft just construction and building companies but Environmental Code of Practice for the also associated parties such as accountancy, management of used lubricating oil. The code architectural, engineering and legal was developed by lubricant marketing professionals to ensure that the services used companies, oil recyclers and local government, by the industry are provided by people who are with input from retailing representatives, and in tune with the needs of the industry. The was facilitated by the Waste Management board of Construction Queensland, chaired by Branch of the Department of Environment. prominent industry figure Mr Barry Freeman, is The closing date for submissions is 15 made up of industry and Government September 1997. representatives who are committed to the The introduction to the draft code improvement of the industry. Together with the indicates its aim, stating, "Protection of the General Manager of Construction Queensland, environment and conservation of non- they have instituted a range of issue groups renewable resources are significant issues for which meet regularly to examine current issues business and the community in general." It affecting the industry and get the benefit of notes that 500 million litres of lubricant are 20 Aug 1997 Ministerial Statement 2999 used annually in Australia, and states that it is the right to hire, promote and fire based important that as much as possible of the on merit and not the union seniority list; resulting used oil is recovered and recycled in the removal of all demarcation so that an environmentally sound manner. The code's employees are able to do all jobs for objectives are— which they are trained; and "... to minimise the environmental impacts the right to use contractors to efficiently of used lubricating oil and to educate meet additional workloads and special generators in correct storage, handling needs and not at the whim of the union. and disposal options. Further, it will ensure that those businesses involved in Fundamentally, this strike is about who runs lubricating oil understand and are aware the mine. of their responsibilities—to their customers The CFMEU has its head in the sand and and to the environment." is not thinking about the long-term viability of the industry and the jobs of its members. It The draft code also states, "The oil industry is needs to learn the lesson of Arthur Scargill, committed to achieving environmental who until the early 1980s led a proud British excellence in its operations." Coal Mining Union with over 50,000 members. I commend the industry for its positive Within a few years his rump of a union had and pro-active stand. I note with pride that the only a few thousand members after a Waste Management Branch of the disastrous national coal strike. Department of Environment has played a The real tragedy of this dispute is its cost. critical role in activating the waste oil industry The revenue loss to the company is already towards such worthwhile goals on a national $42m, with the total loss to the Queensland basis. economy being over $100m. The cost to Queensland taxpayers is already $10.5m. Another cost that is very real, but difficult to MINISTERIAL STATEMENT estimate, is the cost of the damage being Curragh Coalmine Strike done to Queensland's reputation as a reliable supplier and exporter, and as a place to invest. Hon. S. SANTORO (Clayfield—Minister for This strike is sending a message that it is Training and Industrial Relations) (9.58 a.m.), difficult to do business in Queensland. Mining by leave: I advise the House of a most serious is a world competitive industry. At stake is situation in central Queensland, which is Queensland's ability to compete on the world recklessly damaging the economy of market, since the issues raised at Curragh are Queensland and the wellbeing of the same across the whole industry. Queenslanders. I refer to the 14-week strike by the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy The coal industry is one of Queensland's Union—euphemistically known as the most important industries. Production in 1995- CFMEU—at the Curragh Coalmine at 96 was estimated at 93 million tonnes, with Blackwater. This dispute is now the longest export revenue of $4.4 billion, representing running coal strike ever in Queensland. around 25% of all exports. The industry employs around 10,000 Queenslanders, with What is most disappointing about the thousands of other jobs in flow-on activities. dispute is what it is about. At a time when While this State produces some of the best average wages in Queensland are a little over coal in the world, sadly our mines are no $34,000 per annum, before the strike the longer at the forefront in terms of productivity average earnings of miners at Curragh was and are becoming increasingly uncompetitive $75,000 per year. How many Queenslanders with overseas mines. The CFMEU must take a get that sort of money? How many would like lot of the blame for this, entrenching outdated to? Just the other day, the Industrial Relations work practices in an industry where industrial Commission handed down its decision on the disputation is 45 times the national average. State wage case, awarding a safety net adjustment of $10 per week. On the other The roots of this dispute go back to 1993, hand, the Curragh mine company is offering a when Curragh first alerted the Goss Labor 9% wage increase over two years, which will Government to the difficulties it was having in take the top rate of pay for miners to $84,000 meeting its contracts to supply the Stanwell per year. Power Station with thermal coal. Unfortunately, then Minister McGrady put it in the too-hard In return, the company wants the sorts of basket, leaving the parties no other option flexibilities that operate in virtually all other than a costly legal dispute which continues to Queensland workplaces— this day. By failing to act at that time, a window 3000 Ministerial Statement 20 Aug 1997 of opportunity was lost which eventually led to endorsed by the Government on 23 June the loss of more than 160 jobs at the 1997 outlines the largest water infrastructure mine—the fault of the previous Goss Labor program yet to be undertaken in Queensland. Government. Labor has contributed to the More than $660m of Government and private dispute not only by failing to address problems sector funding is to be spent during the next at the mine during its term in office but also by five years on water infrastructure development continuing to create divisions between the and planning projects to promote sustainable company and its employees today. regional economic activity throughout all In many ways, the saddest consequence regions of the State. of this protracted strike has been its effects on The implementation plan confirms the the community of Blackwater, where it is Government's commitment to allocate $1 beginning to turn neighbour against billion over the next 15 years to water neighbour. Since the strike began, we have infrastructure development. It is expected that seen some extraordinary behaviour from the when combined with private sector funding the honourable member for Fitzroy, Mr Pearce, Government contribution will result in more including attacks on the mine's manager in this than $2 billion of water infrastructure House. That attack came while Mr Denney was development over the 15-year period. The considering an offer of assistance by the implementation plan builds on the 1993 Water member in resolving the dispute. This Conservation Strategy discussion paper culminated with his attempt last week to blame prepared by my Department of Natural this Government for the loss of jobs resulting Resources by prioritising proposed from the company's efforts to create a viable developments in response to submissions operation, which was frustrated by a dismal from industry and the community. The lack of action by the former Government, of implementation plan outlines how the which the member for Fitzroy was a part. department will proceed in advancing these proposals over the next five years. The Queenslanders have every reason to be critical of how the actions of the previous department will continue to be the lead agency Government, including individual members, for the strategic planning of water infrastructure laid the basis for this dispute. This dispute projects throughout the State in response to must not be allowed to drag on and drag down emerging demand for water and Government this State's reputation as a reliable producer. It policy objectives. is too important to the welfare of In addition to addressing the need for Queenslanders to let it drag on. The additional water storage development Government will not allow the CFMEU to throughout the State, the plan emphasises the continue with its irresponsible actions which are importance of demand management, damaging the Queensland economy. sustainability of proposed developments, community consultation and the use of rigorous project assessment processes to MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ensure the best outcomes for both the Water Infrastructure Planning and Queensland economy and its population. Development Implementation Plan Initiatives detailed in the implementation plan include the highest priority proposals identified Hon. H. W. T. HOBBS (Warrego—Minister by the Water Infrastructure Task Force in for Natural Resources) (10.03 a.m.), by leave: I response to submissions received from water wish to inform the House that, in response to users, industry, local government and recommendations made by the Water community groups from throughout Infrastructure Task Force, the Government has Queensland. It also includes a wide range of now endorsed the Water Infrastructure initiatives, including water supply projects, Planning and Development Implementation catchment and regional planning studies, Plan 1997-98 to 2001-02, which provides a assessment and planning studies for proposed blueprint for water infrastructure development developments, ground water management and planning in Queensland for the next five projects, enhanced water monitoring, research years. on environmental flows and improved water Water is one of the most fundamental use efficiency, and funding for community and vital resources for the future development education programs. of the Queensland economy. The provision of A new development incentive scheme, additional reliable supplies of water is essential designed to promote private investment in to underpin continued economic growth and water storage for irrigation by land-holders, is employment and the living standards of to be piloted over the next two years. Up to Queensland families. The implementation plan $30m will be allocated to this scheme over the 20 Aug 1997 Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee 3001 next two years, subject to demand. Some of PERSONAL EXPLANATION the more significant elements contained in the Ambulance Response Times implementation plan include: major proposals on the Comet and Dawson Rivers, upgrading Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba) of water supply infrastructure for Gladstone (10.09 a.m.): Yesterday the member for and Mount Isa, an interim raising of Borumba Toowoomba North, in a carefully crafted Dam, raising of the Bingegang Weir, an speech from the Minister's office, referred to upgrade of the Merlwood Water Board supply my claim that it took the ambulance more than pipeline, weirs on Cressbrook Creek, an off- half an hour to respond to Mr Martin Murphy's stream storage at St George, and weirs on the stroke. The member claimed that I was wrong. Condamine River. I table the ambulance response form, showing that it was 31 minutes from the time that the Major catchment/regional planning and Petrie Ambulance Station was notified, and assessment studies are to be undertaken for obviously the 000 call was placed some time the Burnett River, the Dawson River, the Lower before that. The member said that the Fitzroy River, the Burdekin River system, the response time for three-year-old Joshua Upper Herbert River, the Atherton Tablelands Griffin's convulsions was 14 minutes, not the and the gulf region to evaluate and prioritise longer period claimed by Kylie Griffin and half opportunities for future water infrastructure development. Planning and assessment a dozen others, as if 14 minutes was good studies are to be commissioned for a number enough! And the member said that I was of water supply proposals, including Kinchant wrong to claim that it took 15 minutes for the Dam augmentation, Lethebrook and O'Connell ambulance to respond to baby Callum Austin's River irrigation schemes, Flinders River dam acute asthma attack. He said that it was 12. I and water supply options for Bungil Creek. have here a video from the Mobil service Initial work is also to be progressed on station which records the first and the second planning and assessment studies for a calls as well as the 15-minute time lapse between the first call and Cassie Austin number of Category 2 proposals to clarify their rushing out the door with her sick baby. I have likely viability and to allow interested arranged to play this tape for honourable stakeholder groups to be informed as early as members on channel 4. Screening will begin possible as to whether particular projects are after question time—15 minutes after question likely to proceed or not. time. To meet its commitment to the principles of ecologically sustainable development, the Government plans comprehensive PARLIAMENTARY CRIMINAL JUSTICE assessments of the proposed water COMMITTEE infrastructure developments prior to Publication; Three-year Review considering their approval for construction. Such assessments would include examination Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel) (10.10 a.m.): of engineering, hydrologic, environmental, I lay upon the table of the House the CJC social, economic and financial aspects of each publication titled Queensland Police Service of the proposals. The Government recognises academy training: the view of recruits. The that water infrastructure developments usually committee is tabling this document as it impact on a diverse range of stakeholder believes that it is in the spirit of the Criminal groups which often have widely differing Justice Act that all non-confidential attitudes towards proposed developments. To publications by the CJC be tabled in the ensure that all stakeholder groups have an Parliament. However, the committee stresses opportunity to express their views, it is that it has in no way conducted an inquiry into proposed that all development projects will the matters the subject of the publication and include a consultation process involving a local that it is the CJC which has determined that reference group with representation from all the publication is not a report of the major interest groups. The role of such commission for the purposes of section 26 of reference groups is to provide advice and to the Criminal Justice Act. be a communication link with industry and the Pursuant to section 118(1)(f) of the community. Criminal Justice Act 1989, the Parliamentary The public release of the Water Criminal Justice Committee is required to Infrastructure Planning and Development conduct a review of the Criminal Justice Implementation Plan is an important milestone Commission every three years. The PCJC in the process of initiating a major program for must review the activities of the CJC and report water infrastructure development throughout to the Legislative Assembly as to further action Queensland. that should be taken in relation to the Criminal 3002 Private Members' Statements 20 Aug 1997

Justice Act or the functions, powers and PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS operations of the CJC. In May this year the Paedophilia in Whitsunday Electorate PCJC tabled report No. 38 making numerous recommendations to enhance the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader accountability of the CJC to the PCJC. Building of the Opposition) (10.13 a.m.): The Premier on this report, the PCJC will immediately has attacked the member for Whitsunday for proceed with its three-year review. The PCJC demanding action on paedophilia in her will be calling for public submissions on electorate, and yet the Children's relevant issues during the review. No public Commissioner has independent evidence of hearings will be held. The PCJC has resolved paedophilia in the Whitsundays and said on to aim to complete the three-year review by Channel 10 last night that she was the end of the year. courageous. He said— "Mrs Bird, I think, was very courageous yesterday. You might be NOTICES OF MOTION interested to know that this morning I have had a visit from one of the victims of No Confidence in Attorney-General and the alleged paedophile ring." Minister for Justice That brings me to this question: why does the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader Premier want Mrs Bird shut up, and why does of the Opposition) (10.12 a.m.): I give notice the Premier want to gag Mrs Bird? All decent that I shall move— Queenslanders would have applauded what "That this House has no confidence Mrs Bird did. Today the Premier has invited in the Attorney-General and Minister for some National and Liberal Party mates from Justice, Mr Beanland, and calls on the Whitsunday down to Brisbane to protest Premier to dismiss him." against the efforts by Mrs Bird, the member for Whitsunday, to protect children. That group includes the likely candidate against Mrs Bird, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice David Hutchins. What we have is a Government that wants to gain a political Mrs CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone) advantage from this vile, evil crime against (10.12 a.m.): I give notice that I shall move— children. "That this Parliament objects to the One has to ask: why are the Premier and actions of the Attorney-General for failing the Tourism Minister opposed to Mrs Bird to take note of concerns expressed about coming forward with appropriate evidence to the selection of suitable commissioners to the appropriate authorities? What is wrong with undertake a review of the efficiency of the that? Why is the Government seeking to try to Criminal Justice Commission, which has intimidate her, gag her and prevent her resulted in this commission of inquiry coming forward with evidence? Are they being brought into disrepute." suggesting that she should have been part of some cover-up? Are they suggesting that she should have hidden this material? I simply say Minister for Transport this: Mrs Bird has stood up for the children in her electorate. I appeal to the mothers and the Mr ROBERTSON (Sunnybank) fathers in Whitsunday to stand by their local (10.13 a.m.): I give notice that I shall move— member, Mrs Bird, for doing what was the "That this House condemns the courageous and correct thing to do. Whose Minister for Transport and Main Roads for side will the mums and dads in Whitsunday be ignoring the legitimate concerns of south on? They will be on Mrs Bird's side, because side residents by yesterday failing to rule they will put children ahead of the economic out the construction of a freight rail line rationalist nonsense from the Premier. through southern suburbs to the port of Time expired. Brisbane and for delaying the study into the freight rail link until after the next State election, thereby avoiding public scrutiny Black Sigatoka Outbreak and accountability to the community in a Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook) (10.15 a.m.): blatant attempt to prop up members of On 6 June 1997 the exotic fungal disease the Government who show such black sigatoka was positively identified on the contempt for concerned residents that Alexandra Farm's banana plantation at they describe them as 'ratbags' and Daintree. The Department of Primary 'stirrers'." Industries immediately placed the farm under 20 Aug 1997 Private Members' Statements 3003 quarantine, effective as of 9 June, and been there on four occasions over the last 10 eradication of the disease, which took the form months. of ploughing in the entire plantation, Mr Stoneman interjected. commenced on 11 June. Alexandra Farm had established a viable export business with Mr ELDER: The member is the Premier's Japan and was the only banana farmer boy in north Queensland. He has tried to exporting to Japan on a regular basis. Due to knock Brunker for getting in there and doing their certification assurance system, they something for Bowen. continued to supply the Japanese market Up until now all the Premier has seen fit to throughout the papaya fruit fly outbreak. The do is visit the set of a movie in the farm consisted of 100 hectares of organic Whitsundays and to hobnob it with Rupert bananas, with 75% of the crop being sent to Murdoch on Hayman Island. That represents Japan. It was the intention of Alexandra Farm the Premier's entire visits to the Whitsundays. to double their export over the next few years. He has not seen the workers of Bowen. At the Their Japanese buyers are sympathetic, but end of the day, organising this cheap political Alexandra Farm will need to replant on new stunt is beneath the Premier of this State. land as soon as possible to retain their place in There is no doubt that difficulties are being the Japanese market. experienced by operators in the Whitsundays, Alexandra Farm cooperated fully to help but they deserve better treatment than this. stop the spread of black sigatoka, but the cost They deserve serious attention, and they of restarting the operation will be substantial. deserve it now. When I was there last week The banana industry acted swiftly to assist the they said that this is the worst winter they have affected growers by establishing a voluntary had on record. Why doesn't the Premier get levy, effective from the end of June till the rhino man out of the savanna and up to October. The threat to the north Queensland the Whitsundays? industry has wider ramifications than the Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of order. I problems of combating the disease by the use met the Mayor of Bowen within a week of his of fungicides. It would leave the door wide requesting a meeting with me. open to imports of bananas from low labour cost countries that have black sigatoka and Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. have been precluded from the Australian Mr ELDER: The Premier has dogged on market due to the quarantine restrictions. Bowen since day one. He was up there trying Time expired. to cover the shadow Ministry. This State needs some leadership from the Premier. At the end of the day, he should not elevate the tourist Paedophilia in Whitsunday Electorate dollar over the importance of protecting the Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy innocence of the children of this State. Leader of the Opposition) (10.18 a.m.): Today Time expired. we are being given clear evidence of the depths to which the Premier and his Government will sink for perceived political Information Industries Council advantage. The stunt that has been arranged Mr WOOLMER (Springwood) by the Premier to bring down tourist operators (10.20 a.m.): Earlier this month the Minister for from the Whitsundays, sprinkled with his Tourism, Small Business and Industry unveiled political supporters and the likely National Party his new Information Industries Council, an candidate, just to score a few cheap political initiative that has been met with applause right points against the local member is an absolute across the State. The council has been disgrace. We have had a number of calls this established by the Minister as one of an array morning, one from a major tourist operator of new industry councils and will provide a who said, "That dirty dozen does not represent valuable source of information and feedback us." So true! both to the Government and to the Minister on It took the Premier four months to see the issues affecting Queensland's information Mayor of Bowen. Where was he when the 350 industries. The council includes a broad cross- meatworkers at Bowen lost their jobs? section of IT professionals amongst its Nowhere! In contrast, there was a delegation membership. Members of the IT community from the Opposition. The shadow Cabinet was from areas such as software development, there. The Leader of the Opposition has been hardware manufacturing, IT exporting, there now on two occasions in the last couple telecommunications and multimedia have of months and three over the last year. I have joined to form this advisory council. 3004 Private Members' Statements 20 Aug 1997

I am very pleased to say that the assurances that these allegations will be Government has received nothing but praise thoroughly and comprehensively investigated and positive feedback with respect to the by a body with the sufficient legal power to do composition of this new council. IT people from so. The silence of the Premier and the across Queensland recognise that the responsible Ministers of his Government positions on this council were not handed out regarding these specific claims has been to mates as in the previous deal, nor were they deafening. handed out to the political fellow travellers as I think I can speak for every member of under the previous Government, but were this House and every Queenslander who given to people with a genuine concern for the heard Mr Bottom on Monday when I say that industry in the State. The council has been his allegations turned my stomach. If such a carefully chosen to reflect the balance crime occurred, it is all the more shocking that between big and small firms in the industry as any police officer would move to cover up such well as the many and varied aspects of that a travesty. Why has the Premier not come into industry. this House and given unequivocal guarantees The Minister in consultation with the about the pursuit of this matter? Why has the chairman, Mr Bob Waldie, has carefully Minister for Police not moved to either defend chosen a group of people who command his Police Service or tell the public about what respect across the industry through their no- he is doing about these specific allegations? nonsense approach and their commitment to He used his opportunity yesterday to tell us the development of IT in Queensland. The that he had become a grandfather and his Minister has also made a commendable statement to the House today made no decision to ensure that the council includes a mention of these distressing claims. youthful point of view through the appointment The only Minister who has responded to of a student from the Silicon Graphics Training these matters is the Minister for Families, and Studio, Ms Eliza Cole. Apart from providing a what was his response? The claim by a police young person's point of view on the council Ms officer involves a possible police cover-up of a Cole, who studies 3D animation at the new murder investigation and where has the training centre, with the assistance of one of Minister sent the complaint? To the police! the Minister's scholarships brings to the council Yes, the good old boys are back in town and a reminder that the modern meaning of IT is the police are investigating the police again. much more than just software and hardware, it The Minister has repeatedly claimed that the also includes the multimedia and Children's Commissioner may or can refer entertainment aspects which are growing very complaints to the police. Wrong! The quickly. legislation requires that he must send the Time expired. complaints to the police, the very group which his own report condemns, the very body that he accuses of protecting and covering up for Children's Commissioner, Paedophilia these crimes. Allegations Time expired. Ms BLIGH (South Brisbane) (10.22 a.m.): On Monday of this week the Government's Health Services, Toowoomba new crime adviser, Mr Bob Bottom, made a Mr HEALY (Toowoomba North) series of shocking allegations on ABC Radio (10.24 a.m.): I rise today to commend the about material presented to the Children's Commissioner over the weekend. Mr Bottom's coalition Government for the decision to claims included an assertion that a child had increase the health services in Toowoomba been sodomised and murdered for a so-called following the recent 1997-98 State Budget snuff movie at Pinkenba on the Brisbane River announcements. The Budget boost for the and that police had covered up the Toowoomba region includes a $1.2m increase investigation into the matter; and, further, that in dental health, a $250,000 increase in young Filipino boys were being flown into activity growth, a $155,000 increase in mental Australia by paedophile rings for a month at a health, a $76,500 increase in home medical time and flown out again with devastating aides and a $13,000 increase in child health physical injuries. nurses. In addition to the $1.7m immediate increase in funding, the State Government will More than 48 hours have passed since spend $33.5m on the Toowoomba Hospital these shocking allegations were made by an redevelopment this financial year plus $4.9m adviser to the Government and there has on the construction of a new community health been no Government response, no centre. 20 Aug 1997 Private Members' Statements 3005

$3.1m has also been provided to reduce the New South Wales department on the elective surgery waiting times. $2.1m is new weekend titled Protecting Children, Schools money to reduce the Category 2 patient list and the Teaching Profession which lists all the and the remaining $1m is recurrent funding things that have been done in New South reserved for Category 1 waiting lists. The Wales. They include a case management unit Toowoomba District Health Service will also including 29 case managers and investigators, receive $54,000 for perioperative nurse a child protection training strategy endorsed by education, $70,000 to employ a health the director-general in March which contains improvements program coordinator and three phases of comprehensive and $87,400 for a methadone access program. A coordinated activities, supporting continuous further $505,000 has been allocated to allow staff development in child protection policy the rural health training unit to service procedures and education and training for Charleville, the northern downs, Roma, the 60,000 teachers in New South Wales. New southern downs and Toowoomba districts, and South Wales has done all that while this $37,000 in special purpose funding has been Minister and this Government have stood by allocated to the mobile women's health and done nothing in response. service. We have heard nothing from this Minister The coalition State Government has and this Government. There has been a recognised the unique needs of Toowoomba comprehensive review of policies in New South and has delivered on promises to increase Wales in relation to sexual abuse and child funding for public hospitals, mental health and abuse. There has been a review of policies in dental health. A combination of the hospital relation to people other than teachers using redevelopment, the construction of a schools, but this Government and this Minister community health centre and a boost in the have done nothing in response to the issues health services for the region will provide the that were raised by the New South Wales royal Toowoomba district with one of the most commission of inquiry. In fact this report comprehensive and advanced health care states— systems in the State. Time expired.

Paedophilia Health Services, Townsville Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (10.26 a.m.): The Wood royal commission of inquiry in New Mr TANTI (Mundingburra) (10.28 a.m.): I South Wales uncovered disturbing allegations rise to acknowledge the increase in funding of paedophilia operating in schools and raised announced by Mike Horan, Minister for Health, concern for school education departments for the Townsville region. Dental services are to around the country. On 17 and 18 July last receive an additional $1.6m; cardiac services year, the Ministerial Council of Education are to receive an increase of $1m; mental Ministers—State, Federal and health services are to receive an increase of Territory—agreed to adopt a national approach $40,000; home medical aides funding has on dealing with paedophilia in schools. Since increased by $45,000; and child health nurses then, there has been an alarming silence from will receive an additional $13,000. $6.8m has the Education Minister and the State also been provided to reduce elective surgery Government about action that they are taking waiting times. to deal with these issues in Queensland Opposition members interjected. schools. In fact, the only statement that we Mr TANTI: Honourable members opposite have had from this Education Minister in do not want to hear the good news. Do they relation to the issue of paedophilia in schools want me to talk about all the Labor infighting in was the disgraceful exercise that he undertook Townsville? $3.6m of new money has been in publicising the fact that two teachers in provided to reduce Category 2 patients and Queensland were to be withdrawn from the remaining $3.2m is reserved for Category schools and were to be subject to 1 patients. investigations. Notwithstanding the fact that those investigations subsequently cleared Opposition members interjected. those two teachers and they were returned to Mr TANTI: I can talk about Labor in their schools, we have heard nothing more Townsville if honourable members like. The from the Minister by way of apology to those 1997-98 financial year will also see an people. estimated $18.813m spent on Townsville. Honourable members should contrast that Mr Woolmer: How many counts was Mr to the statement which has been launched by Kehoe convicted on? 3006 Questions Without Notice 20 Aug 1997

Mr TANTI: Ten. $4.45m will be spent on concerns of the honourable member the construction of the new hospital at Palm apparently dated back to the early 1990s. Island, $512,000 has been provided for the What happened in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 rural health training unit and $275,000 for and 1995, when the member for Whitsunday ATSI health services. said that she was in possession of this An economic impact study is currently information? What did she do? According to a being conducted by Coopers and Lybrand to TV interview the other night, she took the evaluate the best possible site for the complaint to Peter Beattie. Apparently, the redevelopment of the hospital. The results of member for Whitsunday had a memory lapse that study are due in the next few weeks. This for a few years. It was not so much a problem is evidence of the coalition Government's during the bulk of the Labor years. For any immense commitment to the Townsville area. member in this place to engage in a blanket As a vital member of the coalition Cabinet, the smear against all the tourist operators in his or Honourable Minister listens to the community, her electorate is a disgrace, and that is what unlike the former Labor Health Minister—alias the member did. the flim-flam man—who stated before he even If the honourable member or anyone else set foot in Townsville that the best option was wants to take a specific complaint to the police for the hospital to remain at Kirwan. The boost or the Children's Commissioner, that is his or in health services provided in the Townsville her business. However, I heard members—not region will mean that the Townsville community National Party hacks, as the Leader of the will have access to some of the best health- Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the care services and facilities. Opposition would suggest—of the local tourism bureau saying last night that they felt that the honourable member's comments could have QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE done as much damage to the Whitsundays as Paedophilia; Comments by Member for a cyclone—a natural disaster. Whitsunday Mr Elder interjected. Mr BEATTIE (10.30 a.m.): I ask the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Premier: now that his own Children's Capalaba! Commissioner has publicly congratulated the member for Whitsunday on her courage in Mr BORBIDGE: Yesterday, the member bringing forward allegations of organised for Whitsunday did not say that she had one paedophilia in north Queensland and, further, specific complaint that she was going to take that he has revealed that he has already to the Children's Commissioner. She used a spoken at length to the mother of one of the smear against every tourist operator in the alleged Whitsunday victims who has Whitsundays—a smear against every island substantiated the member for Whitsunday's resort. The difference is that, under this claims, I ask: when is the Premier going to Government, she had someone to go to. She stop his grubby political attacks on the has the Children's Commissioner, who was member for Whitsunday in the hope of winning appointed during the life of this Government. her seat and treat her allegations with the This morning, the Minister for Police detailed seriousness that they deserve by ordering a initiatives being taken in that regard. royal commission into these sickening crimes In respect of a crime commission, which against children? has been suggested by Mr Bottom, who is Mr BORBIDGE: I welcome the opportunity now working for the Government—he did not to reply to the Leader of the Opposition. I work for members opposite, who did nothing believe that the Leader of the Opposition is about this issue for six or seven years—Mr putting an interesting interpretation on the Bottom has certain views in regard to a crime comments made by the member for commission, as do other honourable members Whitsunday. The comments that I heard from in this place. Certainly I believe that the the member for Whitsunday were of proposal for a crime commission has some widespread paedophilia in respect of all the merit, and it will be given every consideration resorts—all the islands and all the resorts. The by the Government in terms of the review of honourable member for Whitsunday engaged the Criminal Justice Commission. in a blanket smear in respect of her electorate. Opposition members interjected. I have no problem with the member for Mr BORBIDGE: These are the people Whitsunday or anyone else taking a complaint who have been arguing against inquiries. to the Children's Commissioner. However, I These are the people who have been saying would ask one question. These particular that inquiries have been a waste of money. I 20 Aug 1997 Questions Without Notice 3007 make the observation that the people of Children's Commissioner can refer these Queensland do not want inquiries, they want matters to Mr Clair or the Police Commissioner. prosecutions; they want action taken. This Mr Fouras interjected. Government has done more on the issue of paedophilia than the Labor Party did in the six Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for years that it was in Government, when the Ashgrove! member for Whitsunday was at one stage Mr BORBIDGE: If the Deputy Leader of deputy chairman, I understand, of the the Opposition is saying that he considers Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee—— either gentleman to be a joke, then I would Mrs Bird: No, no. suggest that that is an absolutely ludicrous Mr BORBIDGE: The member for proposition. Whitsunday was at least a member of the Mr ELDER: I rise to a point of order. The Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee, and implication is that I have called them a joke. I she sat on her hands and did absolutely find that offensive and ask that it be nothing. withdrawn. I called the Premier a joke. He is Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the "The Joke". honourable Leader of the Opposition. Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of Mrs Bird interjected. order. The member will resume his seat. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Whitsunday will withdraw that remark. It is Queensland Economy unparliamentary. Mr SPRINGBORG: I refer the Premier to Mrs BIRD: I withdraw the remark that the the claim in today's Courier-Mail's editorial Premier is a liar. comment that political instability is harming the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will Queensland economy, and to other recent resume her seat. I call the honourable Leader published material in the Courier-Mail and of the Opposition. other media that runs directly counter to this assertion, and I ask: what are the latest points of interest in the high-performance Paedophilia Queensland economy from the perspective of Mr BEATTIE: My second question is also leading analysts? directed to the Premier. I refer to revelations by Mr BORBIDGE: I was a little surprised this the Children's Commissioner that there is morning to read certain comments in the strong evidence that a child was sexually editorial of the Courier-Mail that— assaulted and then murdered during the making of a so-called snuff movie in Brisbane. "... the state slowed to a crawl as nervous I also note Mr Alford's public acknowledgment business leaders threw the economy into that allegations have been made that judges, neutral. high-profile public figures and politicians may ... be involved in organised paedophile rings in The reality, as measured by any Queensland. On behalf of all Queenslanders number of indicators, is that business has who are horrified by these claims, I ask: how reacted badly to a period of political can the Premier do anything but order a royal instability and loose talk of election. commission to investigate these outrageous allegations? ... Mr BORBIDGE: As was pointed out on Labor also has a responsibility to several occasions yesterday, the Children's ensure that the fragile and somewhat Commissioner has full authority to refer to the sluggish economy of the state is not Criminal Justice Commission or to the police damaged further by unnecessary and any allegations requiring investigation. destabilising no-confidence motions." Obviously, these allegations are particularly I also find it interesting that, in the Courier-Mail serious, and I would expect the police and the of the same day, we have a news report Criminal Justice Commission to be giving all headed "Qld to star in nation's economic possible priority—— comeback", which states— Mr Elder: "The Joke" is back; it's you. "Accelerated economic growth would Mr BORBIDGE: Is the member calling the boost the number of jobs across Australia CJC a joke now? Is he calling Jim O'Sullivan a with Queensland leading the way through joke? Let us just get this on the record. The a starring performance in business, 3008 Questions Without Notice 20 Aug 1997

mining and tourism, according to two I was really touched by a little invitation reports released yesterday. from the Labor Party that is going around The Reserve Bank said in its August currently. I think I should acquaint the House bulletin"— with it. We all know the tensions between the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy the Reserve Bank—one cannot get a much Leader of the Opposition. It appears that they better source than that. The article continues— have formed a coalition agreement. This little "Independent researcher BIS brochure I have here commences "Brisbane Shrapnel said in a report entitled State Central EEC welcomes you and your friends to Economic Prospects—1997 to 2012 that listen to our two Queensland Labor leaders, Queensland would be the nation's top Peter Beattie and Jim Elder". Or is it Jim economic performer for the next five Beattie and Peter Elder! There are two years." leaders, with a coalition agreement between Opposition members might like to listen to it, the Old Guard and the New Guard. Mr Elder too, because they have been off the beam for will not go by himself, because Mr Beattie will a long time. The article continues— not let him. At the New Farm Bowls Club they will dine on Italian cuisine and the people of " 'Growth in Queensland's economy New Farm will have the opportunity to listen to is forecast to outpace economic activity in our two Queensland Labor leaders, Peter total Australia by 1 percent per annum,' Beattie and Jim Elder. It is just a matter of a the BIS Shrapnel report said. little bit of time before we find out which one is The state's economic growth would which. average 4.1 percent supported by a strong performance from industry with Connolly/Ryan Inquiry every sector forecast to 'increase at, or above the national average'. Mr FOLEY: I refer the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to his claim yesterday Average employment growth of 2.8 in this Chamber that "At no time was I percent was expected to remain the advised ... that the Connolly/Ryan commission strongest of any state. of inquiry exceeded its terms of reference." I The report said Queensland also ask: how does he reconcile that with his own should be the leading growth state until submission to the Supreme Court, through Mr 2012. Tom Hughes, QC, that the Connolly/Ryan In the longer term, Queensland's commission had exceeded its terms of economy would continue to diversify, reference in investigating the Carruthers building its industrial base in areas such inquiry, and, in particular, the submission of Mr as manufacturing, transport, finance, Hughes, QC, at page 84 of the transcript business services and tourism. urging "the very view that I am articulating on behalf of the Attorney-General, namely that Mr These would attract investment and Carruthers' conduct of his inquiry is not open population away from the southern states, territory for Messrs Connolly and Ryan", and BIS Shrapnel said." the further submission of Mr Hughes, QC, at I have quoted two reports, one from the page 80 of the transcript, "that any inquiry by Reserve Bank of Australia and one from BIS the Connolly/Ryan commission of Mr Shrapnel. Carruthers' conduct of his inquiry would be a We have seen the incredible performance statutory contempt"? by this Government in regard to the latest Mr BEANLAND: I stand by my statement employment figures. For the last month, 72% of yesterday. I suggest that "One Question of all new jobs generated in Australia were Too Many" Matt ought to read the whole of generated in Queensland. The simple the transcript in relation to what Mr Hughes, statistical fact is that there are $26 billion worth QC, has said. I am sure that it will be of great of major projects committed or under moment to him as exactly what was said construction in Queensland at present. Despite unfolds before his eyes. That is not what he is the efforts of the Leader of the Opposition—or perpetrating in the House today. the two Leaders of the Opposition, and I will come to that in a minute—the fact is that this Government is getting on with the job. Rail Journey; ALP Payment of Account Queensland is leading—in the words of the Mr CARROLL: I refer the Premier to quite correct headline in the Courier-Mail: "Qld claims by the Leader of the Opposition about to star in nation's economic comeback". the probity of him and his fellow passengers 20 Aug 1997 Questions Without Notice 3009 on the gravy train. I ask: has any further point out that I have the receipt upstairs. I will evidence of duplicity of Labor Party members bring it down so that he does not have to go come to light? through the mill again. Shall I get that receipt Mr BORBIDGE: I thank the honourable so that he does not have to look a bigger joke member for the question and the opportunity than he has already looked today? to acquaint the House with certain Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of developments. Honourable members will recall order. the muddle that the Leader of the Opposition Mr BORBIDGE: A cheque, No. 54616, got himself into over the Labor Party's now dated 12 June was subsequently drawn to Mr famous gravy train journey from Brisbane to Elder for payment of that expenditure. That is Townsville. That was the trip that we were all quite serious, because, on the one hand, we assured was to be paid for by the ALP. We had the Leader of the Opposition standing up were assured that not one cent was to be in this place on 10 July, after he had been drawn from the pockets of the Queensland caught out once, claiming that, as promised, taxpayer. No sooner had the carriages pulled the ALP had met all the costs involved; yet the into the station than the Leader of the man who sits beside him, who is apparently his Opposition caught himself out when a claim for deputy, sat there with a cheque drawn one $2,775 was sent to the Premier's Department month previously for an amount of $228.20 for for payment of a food and alcohol bill. liquor supplies on the gravy train. According to the Opposition Leader when However, the situation gets more serious. he rose on a matter of privilege on 10 July, Today I received advice that cheque No. that could be explained as a misunderstanding 54616, which was made out to the Deputy and that that invoice dated 8 July 1997 had Leader of the Opposition, was not presented been inadvertently and incorrectly sent to the for payment until 15 July—some five days after Ministerial Services Branch of the Premier's the Leader of the Opposition guaranteed to Department for payment. It was, according to this House that all costs had been met by the the Leader of the Opposition, an Australian Labor Party. Mr Speaker, in light of administrative oversight and it was always the that, it is clear that the Leader of the intention of the Leader of the Opposition that Opposition has misled the House. Therefore, I all costs associated with the gravy train journey have no alternative but to ask you, as I have were to be met by the ALP. this morning by letter, to refer this matter to the I quote from Hansard of 10 July when the Privileges Committee for investigation and Leader of the Opposition said— report back to the Parliament. The Opposition "As promised, the ALP has met all rorted the system and it lied to the House. the costs involved." I will repeat the words of the Leader of the Connolly/Ryan Inquiry Opposition to Parliament on 10 July— Mr ELDER: I refer the Attorney-General to "As promised, the ALP has met all the massive amount of taxpayers' money the costs involved." wasted on the Connolly/Ryan inquiry, and I I wish to advise the House that during a ask: does the Attorney-General accept routine internal audit of the Premier's ministerial responsibility for this debacle and, if Department's accounts, a most significant not, why not? If the Attorney-General is not expenditure item has been brought to my responsible, who is? attention. It relates to the personal credit card Mr BEANLAND: I thank the member for expenditure of the Deputy Leader of the Capalaba for the question. Obviously, he is a Opposition. I now table a direct invoice little deaf in relation to this matter. Of course, voucher from the Office of the Leader of the for several days the Labor Party has tried to Opposition seeking reimbursement of $228.20 crank up the cost of the Connolly/Ryan worth of expenditure racked up on the commission of inquiry and it has been found personal credit card of the member for out. The cost was just over $7m, not some Capalaba. The expenditure incurred at the other outrageous figure. Koala Tavern at Capalaba is noted as liquor I notice that not a word has been said supplies provided on ministerial carriages on a about the Opposition's own Cooke inquiry, trip from Brisbane to Townsville, On the Right which it nobbled and then closed down after a Track, from Sunday 20 April to Thursday 24 cost of many millions of dollars. I also notice April 1997. that the member for Yeronga is in the House. Mr ELDER: I rise to a point of order. To He is responsible for the $400m destruction of stop further embarrassment of the Premier I the workers' compensation scheme in this 3010 Questions Without Notice 20 Aug 1997

State. Then he gave the member for Mount economic growth and, of course importantly, Coot-tha a hospital pass and flicked the matter for jobs. to her. The Treasurer has now had to prop up When the Labor Party talks about an the workers' compensation scheme and that expenditure tax, it means a wealth tax. It is will occur over a period of years. This year, couching it in different terms, but it means a $35m of taxpayers' funds will be used. On top wealth tax. We know that a wealth tax is a tax of that is the $126m damage done to on the activities of our economy. It is an Suncorp-Metway, the $112m fiasco in Health insidious tax. The expenditure tax would hit which was left by Messrs Beattie and Elder, borrowings, it would hit the sale proceeds of not to mention the HOME scheme and the investments and it would hit withdrawals from budget deficit of $185m that was inherited by personal bank accounts. Let me say that such this Government. a tax would have quite serious effects on the Mr Borbidge They wiped a $7m debt ordinary battlers, not just on those who are from Gondwanaland. perceived as being wealthy Australians. Those Mr BEANLAND: Perhaps the Deputy battlers would also be forced to pay this new Leader of the Opposition, who at the time was tax on their bank account withdrawals and on the relevant Minister, has something to say their borrowings. The tax would certainly also about the $7m for Gondwanaland, which was hit pensioners and fixed-income earners. They wiped off. There was $14m for Compass would be slugged accordingly. We have not Airlines, which also was just wiped off. The heard what the Leader of the Opposition hypocrisy of the Opposition! thinks about that tax and whether or not he agrees that battling Australians should be hit I notice that this morning the member for with a further State tax on bank withdrawals Capalaba's tongue is very twitchy. Clearly, he and borrowings and that we should be hitting is feeling very guilty and very nervous. His the people who are creating the jobs and the tongue is out more than it is in. His tongue is wealth in our economy. moving around. Obviously, the member is feeling very guilty and very nervous. The I would then like to know what the Leader shameful record of the Labor Party stands for of the Opposition thinks about Gareth Evans' all to see. suggestion, which was that we should have a death tax and a bed tax. When those Labor politicians talk about taxes, they become very State Taxes regressive. In this State the death tax was Mr WOOLMER: I refer the Deputy abolished by the previous coalition Premier to press reports that the Labor Party Government in 1977. We also certainly know front, the Evatt Foundation, is pushing a the negative effect that a bed tax would have proposal for an expenditure tax and Labor's on our tourism industry. I think Mr Evans' Federal wing is pushing for new State taxes, comments reveal that he has a total—— and I ask: would the Treasurer care to please Mr Hamill: So will a GST. explain to the House how such taxes would Mrs SHELDON: Obviously, Mr Hamill affect the economy of the State of Queensland? supports Mr Evans. Mrs SHELDON: I thank the member for Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. I ask his very incisive question. I know that he is very the Treasurer to withdraw that statement. I do interested in the revenues of the State. It not support the remarks of Mr Evans nor do I would be very interesting to hear what the support a GST, as the Treasurer does. Leader of the Opposition, Mr Beattie, thinks of Mrs SHELDON: Then Mr Hamill might be the new types of taxes that the Evatt able to enlighten us on how he is going to Foundation—which is, of course, the think-tank reform Federal/State taxing arrangements. I of the Left Wing socialist philosophies of the have not heard a word from the member. Labor Party—and Gareth Evans think should Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable be imposed on the States. Firstly, the Evatt member has asked for that remark to be Foundation believes that we should have an withdrawn. I ask the Treasurer to withdraw. expenditure tax. Mrs SHELDON: Whatever the member Mr Welford: No, they don't. found offensive, I withdraw. The member has Mrs SHELDON: The member would not absolutely no knowledge of tax systems— even know what the Evatt Foundation was, let Federal, State or any other. From the lack of alone know what it suggests. The expenditure comment by the shadow Treasurer, the tax concept is inherently flawed because it Leader of the Opposition and Jim Elder, it is would destroy incentives for investment, for quite obvious that they do not wish to say 20 Aug 1997 Questions Without Notice 3011 anything about the tax situation. By their had a reluctance to try to enforce those things silence, they are condemned. on the CJC or any body that is preparing such When one looks at the effects that Mr reports. Over six years, the CJC has been Evans' proposed State taxes, that is death saying to the ALP, "We are not going to do it. taxes and bed taxes, would have on the It is not our role. This is not our definition of economy, they would realise that they would organised crime." Up until now, nothing has not raise sufficient revenue to even cover the happened. At least this Government can loss that the State has experienced as a result guarantee the people of Queensland that, of the High Court decision, which amounts to once something is referred to the Children's $700m. The revenue that a proposed Commissioner, the Children's Commissioner inheritance tax would raise would be between will have the power to refer it immediately to $100m and $200m. The Commission of Audit both the CJC and the police. More importantly, estimated that such a tax would raise only he will have the power to monitor what he about $110m. A 10% bed tax, which would be refers to the CJC. a tax on our State tourism industry, would raise a further $100m. Those taxes amount to Siting of New Prisons approximately $200m, or at the most $300m, and would go nowhere near replacing that Mr HARPER: It is with pleasure that I ask $700m. the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Racing if he can tell the House I think that it is quite clear that the Federal what has been done to accommodate the Labor Party, the Evatt Foundation and, by its concerns of residents of Riverhills, and the lack of comment, the State Labor Party, want Centenary suburbs generally, who are faced a bed tax, a wealth tax and an expenditure with having more prisons built on the prison tax. They want to hit battling Australians and reserve at Wacol? they want to hit Queenslanders' pockets for yet Mr COOPER: It is with the greatest another $300m of tax. pleasure that I respond to the member for Mount Ommaney, because he has been very Children's Commissioner successful in helping to negotiate agreement with the people of CRAMP, the Concerned Ms BLIGH: I direct a question to the Residents Against More Prisons. Members Minister for Families, Youth and Community opposite have heard of that group because Care. As he acknowledged yesterday that the they occasionally brought them into the House Children's Commissioner has only a monitoring like they do in some of their stacked meetings. role in complaints of child sexual abuse and in We know how they operate. The Opposition light of media comments by crime adviser Bob had them duchessed in and duchessed out, Bottom that he and a number of others were but those people saw through the Opposition present at the weekend when the Children's and realised that they would get nowhere by Commissioner "opened up his commission to talking to its members. When we talked to receive witnesses" and "hear evidence" about them, we came to a very satisfactory claims of child sexual abuse, I ask again: on conclusion. what legislative basis did the Children's Commissioner hold these so-called weekend Of course, what is at stake here is a hearings since his commission has no medium to high security, 600-bed men's prison legislative powers to hear evidence or examine and a 200-bed women's prison. A new witnesses? women's prison has been needed for a long time. In 1989 the previous coalition Mr LINGARD: Over the weekend, the Government had plans in train for one, but the person who came to see Mr Bottom and Mr Labor Government did not give a hoot about Alford did so of his own free will because he female prisoners and did nothing. As usual, wanted to pass on information to them both. the mess was left for us to clean up. The The fact that the Children's Commissioner will Government, with the help of the member for now refer that matter to both the CJC and the Mount Ommaney and CRAMP, has been in police needs no further legislative power or the process of doing that. protection as far as privilege is concerned, We have developed a very satisfactory because both the CJC and the police are win/win solution. Starting in September, we legally covered. As the member knows, that is can get on with the job of building two the situation. The Children's Commissioner has prisons—a capital works project that will be been completely covered. worth about $107m. We have been wanting to One thing that has come through in the get on with this sort of thing for a long time last few days is that clearly the ALP has always and, finally, it will happen. The point is that the 3012 Questions Without Notice 20 Aug 1997 prison site is now about twice as far from the the people from CRAMP because once they Riverhills residents as the current Wacol and knew that we were serious about talking with Moreton prisons, which is exactly what they them, as we proved we were, they acted very wanted. It is not up near Basil Stafford, which responsibly. would have given it far too much visibility, Perhaps the only down side, apart from especially at night. It is situated by the the endless politicking that comes from those Brisbane River near Cockatoo Island. It will be opposite, is that, for whatever reason, the surrounded by a very high mound and will be Opposition wanted to delay the project until screened by trees and so on. The Government after the next election. The Government can and will take all of the concerns of the wanted to get on with the job, but the residents into account. Opposition did its usual thing and played We have received very few complaints politics. I guess the clown of the whole show about the new prison site, which just goes to was the Opposition's mate Peter Pyke. He was show what a Government can do if it is really out there in clown's gear, most of the time. serious about consultation—not the sort of Mr Barton: No. consultation that the Labor Government engaged in from 1989 to 1996, which merely Mr COOPER: Yes, he was. He had all the informed and proceeded regardless. The gear on, including his pathetic boots, and he Labor Government trampled all over the got up on his stupid soap box. I thought, "This people and took no notice of what they said. It really reminds me of the Opposition", because proceeded to do what it wanted to do and to that is exactly how Opposition members hell with the people. This Government has treated the issue—like a joke. It is no joke. shown what can be done. The editorial of the Queensland Times I believe that in the past the member for lays the issue pretty well on the line. It states— Waterford has referred to preparatory work that "Nobody wants a prisoner for a was done at a cost of up to $3m. No neighbour. And for quite sometime that preparatory work was done at that cost. The seemed to be the fate for residents living delays in consultation—— near the site of Wacol's proposed SEQ1 Mr Barton interjected. and SEQW prisons. Mr COOPER: The member mentioned After a loud five-month campaign by preparatory work. The delays in getting on with lobby group Concerned Residents Against the construction added up to—— More Prisons (CRAMP), the State Mr BARTON: I rise to a point of order. The Government has finally offered an olive Minister is misleading the House. $3m is his branch in a bid to keep all parties happy. own figure. That is what he told CRAMP it had Under the peace plan hatched by cost the State of Queensland, because he Corrective Services Minister Russell already had to spend $300,000. Cooper the proposed prisons, which few Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. would dispute are both sorely needed, will I cannot rule on figures like that. be located 2.3km from the old site, on the banks of the Brisbane River near Mr COOPER: The member said that up to Cockatoo Island. $3m had been spent on preparatory work. It had not been done. Certainly, delays cost up Governments are often justifiably to $3m, and I stated that because we had to hammered for half-baked major get on with the job. infrastructure developments, but not this time. Mr Cooper and his bureaucrats must The good news is that, now that the be congratulated for taking this issue by prisons will be situated on the new site and the the horns and nutting out a workable contract is under way, we can and will take into solution that appears to have left all account the costs of delays in the contract. I affected parties happy. believe that we can bring the cost in exactly as we wanted to in the first place. Again, I think Community consultation is often the that is good news because we can and will cliched cry of politicians hell bent on deliver on that major project. proliferating the perception they actually I pay tribute to the member for Mount give a damn about community attitudes. Ommaney, who showed excellent negotiating The win-win resolution in this instance skills, and the acting Director-General, Peter proves governments can win more votes Rule, who worked closely with CRAMP from appeasing community concerns throughout the process. Everybody involved rather than riding rough-shod over them." demonstrated great patience. I give credit to I rest my case. 20 Aug 1997 Questions Without Notice 3013

National Response to Paedophilia in problems to other States by giving such Schools teachers glowing references, as did New South Mr BREDHAUER: I refer the Minister for Wales. Education to the 12-page report released by Most people realise that Queensland has the New South Wales Department of School one of the best systems of teacher registration Education last weekend, "Protecting children, in Australia. We require extensive disclosure of schools and the teaching profession", which the employment history and other matters lists action taken in that State to address related to teaching experience. This concerns about paedophilia in schools, Government has also given the Board of including a comprehensive review of all policies Teacher Registration increased powers to and training for 60,000 teachers, and I ask: investigate the history of teachers even after since all State and Territory Ministers agreed in they decline to reregister through the board. July 1996 to pursue a national response to this This Government has taken steps to protect problem, why has the Minister done nothing to children in schools with respect to the quality of review Queensland policies or provide teachers being employed in this State. We will appropriate training for Queensland teachers? continue to do so quietly behind the scenes in Mr QUINN: The member is right that there respect of the national approach and also with has been an agreement by all Australian respect to reviewing procedures within the Ministers for Education in terms of action on department. paedophilia. As everyone has recognised, that has arisen out of the Wood inquiry. New South Queensland Rail Workshops, Townsville Wales has given all of the States a real headache, because its approach to the Mr TANTI: I direct a question to the problem has been a most irresponsible one. Honourable Minister for Transport and Main There is no doubt that people ought to Roads. Given the turmoil inflicted on understand why New South Wales has taken Queensland Rail workshops in Townsville by the action that the member indicates. the previous Labor Government, I ask: could he please indicate the coalition's approach to New South Wales' approach to the rectifying the situation? problem of paedophiles in schools was simply to export them to other Australian States. That Mr JOHNSON: I thank the honourable is what it did. Alongside the names of teachers member for Mundingburra for his question and who it suspected had committed or who had also his concern about what has been going been convicted of committing sexual crimes on in Townsville over a number of years, against children, it made the notation "Not to especially under the stewardship of the former be employed". Then it gave them glowing Government and now Opposition. I refer in references so that when they went to other particular to what it intended to do with the States in Australia those States looked at the railway workshops in Townsville. reference from New South Wales and Today, I am very happy to announce to employed those teachers. The Queensland the House, for the information of the Government and other Governments right Parliament, the people of Queensland and around Australia are faced with the task of also the member for Mundingburra, that the cleaning up the mess created by the New Honourable Deputy Leader of the Opposition, South Wales Labor Government. As to Mr the member for Capalaba, recently visited Aquilina's putting in place a series of measures Townsville. The newsreader on radio station in his State—he is simply trying to negate a lot 4QY asked the honourable member— of the trouble and concern he created. "The Opposition has reaffirmed its We are looking at our procedures in commitment to the railway workshops in Queensland. We have moved to toughen up Townsville. It is a major turnaround. As the requirements for teachers coming into the previous Government they had a Queensland such that they require registration policy of downsizing and relocating to a through the Board of Teacher Registration, minor workshop site at Stuart." and we are addressing other procedures within Mr Stoneman: In the Burdekin electorate. our department. It is not true that we have done nothing at all in this regard. We have Mr JOHNSON: Yes, my colleague tried to clean up the mess that New South reminds me that that is in the Burdekin Wales has created for us. The honourable electorate. The honourable member for member opposite said that we ought to be Capalaba replied— following the lead of New South Wales. We will "Obviously in the long term Stuart will not be doing that; we will not be exporting our become a strategic centre for rail, 3014 Questions Without Notice 20 Aug 1997

workshop activity and other activity. What "All wages employees to be given a I am letting people know now is when we commitment of Permanent Employment." are in government"— That has already been done by the coalition and it will be a bloody long time away— Government. "we will be spending the millions to Mr DOLLIN: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point actually relocate the south yard and build of order. The Minister is misleading the House. those new heavy duty workshops." He has just made 35 positions in Maryborough Mr Borbidge: What did he do when he redundant. was Transport Minister? Mr JOHNSON: Misleading the House? Is Mr JOHNSON: He wanted to close them the member telling me that this policy down—400 jobs went from the Townsville document is not right? He is a member of the workshops. There were 600 jobs; now there Opposition; he should sit back and cop a bit are 223. Who saved those 223 jobs? We did, more of it. Proposal No. 3 states— and we are going to build Townsville into a "In the interim the present Townsville strategic railway workshop network for north Workshop Redevelopment Strategy be Queensland. Our $8m program to upgrade the completed." Townsville South yard and move the north That is in progress and it will be completed. yard across is under way. No doubt the Proposal No. 4 states— member for Capalaba saw that last week. He is laughing. I have got him. The point I make is "The Townsville Workshop to retain that the boys at Townsville—all of the shop its identity." stewards at Townsville—signed this piece of It most certainly will retain its own identity. That paper. The member for Capalaba knows about is coalition policy. We have promised those it. However, I will press on. people in Townsville precisely that and we will Mr Elder: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point of deliver on that issue. order. I ought to know about it; I chaired the Mr Elder: Whose document is that? meeting. Mr JOHNSON: This is the Opposition's Mr JOHNSON: I am just reminding the document. It reads "Australian Labor Party" honourable member. and came from the shop stewards in Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have some news: Townsville. No doubt it has the member's I am chairing this meeting. name written all over it; this is part of his press release. Mr JOHNSON: Good on you, Mr Speaker. Mr ELDER: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point The other point that I wish to make is that of order. Before the Minister misleads the this Government has given the Townsville House, I point out that that proposal is the railway workshops a contract to build 300 new stewards' proposal; it is not Labor Party policy. cattle wagons, commencing as soon as that The Minister should be careful that he does north yard has been relocated to the south not mislead the House. yard. Some time around Christmas that will be completed, and we will be starting that Mr JOHNSON: I am not misleading the exercise at the beginning of 1998. That will House; I am quoting from the member's secure jobs in Townsville. document that he left with the shop stewards in Townsville. I will quote a press release from I wish to make a couple of points about Mr Elder delivered in Townsville. It states— what the Labor Party has said in relation to the Townsville workshops. It proposes a "Townsville has the capacity to redevelopment of the Townsville workshops. provide comprehensive maintenance and The document which I quote is headed repair facilities for all North Queensland "Proposals for Commitment from the rail operations ..." Australian Labor Party Queensland Branch". It took them a long time to find that out. He Honourable members should listen to this. also goes on to say— Proposal No. 1 states— "We have learnt the lesson that in "A complete Workshop capable of Government we simply did not listen doing repairs to all rail wagons and closely enough to the advice given to us equipment used by Queensland Rail in by workers on the ground who actually the Northern Division situated at Stuart." knew what was going on ..." That is already in place. Members opposite put Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle! We certainly that in place themselves. Proposal No. 2 listen. I remind members opposite: which states— Government tried to close down a third of the 20 Aug 1997 Questions Without Notice 3015 railway lines? Labor! Which Government had great experience in the accountancy field, represented the workers? We represented the has gone there as the CEO is to be workers. Looking across the Chamber at commended, because it was a difficult members opposite, I reckon that only 12 of situation for anybody to take on. The fact that them could say that they have ever had dirt he is trying to get them out of the mess that under their fingernails. There is a question they are in I think is a very commendable mark over the rest, but I will give them the thing. benefit of the doubt. We have given them a loan that they are Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Minister to currently repaying over five years to try to help wind up his answer. them out of their problem. As far as the levies Mr JOHNSON: Mr Speaker, I will press are concerned—we are checking the validity of on. Mr Elder's press release states— the first levy, the water, sewerage, cleansing and maintenance levy, against the Residential "That practical knowledge must form Tenancies Act. We are also checking the part of any planning for the future." validity of the community levy, and I believe There is no doubt about that, and we have that the Mornington Shire Council itself is done precisely that. It further states— seeking its own legal advice on this matter. As far as the CEO's salary package is "I will continue to consult with workers concerned—that has nothing to do with me. as Labor develops its rail and transport policies both in Opposition and when we are returned to Government ..." Dingoes on Fraser Island I will conclude by saying that there is one thing Mr HEALY: I direct a question to the that Labor has got right: it realised that it got it Minister for Environment. On Channel 9's wrong. Today Show this morning the weather presenter, Monty, was on location on Fraser Island and was shown feeding dingoes. I ask Levy on Mornington Island the Minister: is this practice condoned, or is his Mr McGRADY: I refer the Minister for department actually doing all that it can to Local Government and Planning to the discourage the practice? introduction of a compulsory water, sewerage, Mr LITTLEPROUD: I thank the member cleansing and maintenance levy on for Toowoomba North for having the nerve to Mornington Island which the chief executive of ask the question, but it is not a flippant the local council, Ken Davies, has announced question at all. I am sure that all of us are will be paid by every resident of the island over aware of Monty's performances all around the age of 18. I ask: is this levy legal and, if so, Australia on the Today Show. He presents the is the Minister concerned that this tax could weather from various parts of Australia. Today extend to other councils in Queensland? Does he chose to go to Fraser Island. Unwittingly, he Mr Davies' salary package reward him financial may have had a bad lapse of judgment. There bonuses based on the amount of revenue that is concern on the part of the national park the council collects? If the levy is illegal, what rangers up there that there is a danger to does the Minister propose to do to ban this people—especially children—if they feed the levy on Mornington Island? If it is legal, what dingoes. If Monty becomes aware of this, actions can the council take against those maybe he will use his good grace to make persons who refuse to pay it? some sort of correction on the show tomorrow. Mrs McCAULEY: I hope that this is not a I notice that there are some children in the "get Ken Davies" question. God forbid! That public gallery now. The message needs to be would be dreadful! I want to give the reinforced that there is a real danger that if honourable member some background on this people feed the dingoes on Fraser Island they particular issue because he may find it may be bitten. interesting. In September last year we found The rangers go out of their way to provide that the Mornington Shire Council was all sorts of brochures. The most recent one experiencing severe financial problems. I point carries the heading "Some dingoes have out that those severe financial problems did become threatening because people have fed not come during that six months that we were and encouraged them". Below that, the in Government; they were obviously coming for brochure states "Always stay with your some considerable time. A preliminary review children". It also warns people that if children of that whole situation revealed a cash shortfall are playing they are often carrying out actions of approximately $2.3m, so they were in big that excite the dingoes. It warns people to trouble. The fact that Ken Davies, who has make sure they stay with their children when 3016 Questions Without Notice 20 Aug 1997 they are playing on Fraser Island. The plea to because in that statement we outline the Monty is that he might correct that tomorrow. It various strategies that we have taken and will was probably an unwitting error on his part, but continue to develop during our current time in it is a good chance to reinforce the message office. It is unfortunate that the Opposition that the rangers on Fraser Island are trying to makes a mockery of it by trying to highlight the put across. sleaze factor. In doing so, the Opposition is condemning a hell of a lot of people who have done and will continue to do as much as they Paedophilia possibly can to attack this issue. Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: I refer the Police In my discussions with the various experts Minister to his claims in the Courier-Mail on 14 from the police and others on this matter, I August that as Police Minister in 1989 he gave have been advised that the police need more directions to police to target paedophile powers, and as far as I am concerned they will networks and that his directions were get them. However, that is entirely up to this stonewalled for unknown reasons and also Parliament through the usual processes. But that— when it comes to targeting paedophiles, they "Where the blockage was I couldn't say that they would have far more success if tell you ... All I could ever do was guess they could use listening devices or telephone that it was people in high places who had intercepts. That is the sort of thing that we enormous influence who could cut these have been discussing with people around this things down and that's all I could ever State. I believe that the people can see that think of." specifically targeting major issues and major I ask: was the Minister so lacking in authority crime like that is a way to attack those particular crimes. It is one way, but there are a as Police Minister during the bad old corrupt lot of other strategies that we have put in place days of National Party rule that any top-level and will continue to put in place to make sure crony could snap his fingers and overrule the Minister's lawful direction to police? that we do something serious and decisive about this issue, which members opposite Mr COOPER: As I have heard echoed all ignored, much to their detriment and their around the Chamber already, what a stupid absolute shame. They should hang their question! I find it absolutely offensive that the heads in shame. They are quite happy to member wants to start making these sorts of make wild allegations about people and they allegations. That is the sort of thing members are quite happy to smear people's reputations, opposite do. They spend most of their time in but when it comes to actually putting up proof, the gutter. That is where they were raised, and they are pretty short on it. that is where they have remained. Everything I said in that article is true. There were obvious If the member for Whitsunday or any blockages. I have said it again and again and other Opposition member has proof, let us see again. The only thing is that the Labor Party it instead of their going around smearing did not do anything about it. It had six years to people and destroying reputations. I will bet do something about it and it did nothing. We that we do not hear another word from them. I have put strategies in place that I believe will will bet that they have nothing to add to this debate, which is very serious and is causing work. I believe also that there are people in the much concern in the community. We have Queensland community who are genuinely done and will continue to do something deadly concerned about the issue of paedophilia and serious about it because we do take it very the related drug factor. We intend to do seriously, as do the people of this State. Yes, something about it. they are concerned; so too are we. But why is As we know, not just through the Wood it that members opposite sat on their hands inquiry but through various inquiries around the and did absolutely nothing? They did not even nation, time after time after time when it make a comment about it in the six years they comes to paedophilia blockages have been were in office. What a disgraceful lot members encountered. This has been the experience opposite are! I will be looking for any proof that around the nation. As far as we are Opposition members have and any evidence concerned, it is time to really start doing of smearing the people that they may have something about getting at those people. We referred to in their ridiculous questions. are going to do that in a number of ways, as I outlined in my ministerial statement this morning, which the member should have Leading Schools Program listened to. Quite obviously he did not. To save Mr BAUMANN: I ask the Minister for me going back through it all, he should read it, Education: could he please advise the House 20 Aug 1997 Succession Amendment Bill 3017 of progress being made in implementing the No. 37 was issued in July 1992 and Report No. Leading Schools program now that the 42 in June 1993. None of the commission Teachers Union has endorsed the State recommendations have yet been enacted in Government's package of guarantees? law. This Bill is based on a number of the Mr QUINN: As most members would be commission recommendations. aware, the Queensland Teachers Union has An intestacy occurs when people die agreed to endorse our proposal on Leading either not having made a will at all, or having Schools, subject to a number of conditions. made a will which does not cover all of their The balloting process to lift the industrial bans property. It is difficult to estimate with any on Leading Schools is now in progress. We accuracy the number of intestacies and there always said that Leading Schools would go are no precise statistics available as far as ahead, irrespective of the opposition to it from Queensland is concerned. In 1988 the Law the Queensland Teachers Union, which we Commission of England and Wales in Working said at that time was really about trying to Paper No. 108 entitled The Distribution on extract from the Queensland Government and Intestacy estimated that about half the the Education Department in particular population die intestate. That figure is increased salaries for its members. significantly lower in Queensland, possibly as Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for low as 20% of the population, due in part to questions has expired. the free will-making service offered by the Public Trustee. According to the 1997 census, the SUCCESSION AMENDMENT BILL average age for death among males in Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— Australia is 75 and 80.8 for women. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) intestacy rules operate, primarily in relation to (11.30 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I this older age group. A surviving spouse will move— most probably be a retired woman in the 75 to "That leave be granted to bring in a 80 year age group. Any children of the Bill for an Act to amend the Succession intestate and the spouse will most probably be Act 1981." mature rather than young adults or infants. The parents of the intestate will most probably Motion agreed to. already be dead. It will be unusual for the intestate to die leaving more than one spouse First Reading (married or de facto). The Public Trust Office has one of, if not the largest intestacy Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and practices in Queensland—13.5% of the Bill, on motion of Mr Beanland, read a first estates they administer are intestacies. These time. have an average value of about $92,000 (including real property). This means that the Second Reading average value of an intestate estate is under $100,000. Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) The existing rules are manifestly unfair. (11.31 a.m.): I move— They provide for only one half or one third of the estate to be distributed to the spouse. The "That the Bill be now read a second balance goes first to the children and then to time." more remote issue of the intestate. If there are The purpose of this Bill is to reform the issue, the spouse gets no specific monetary Queensland succession laws by amending amount. If there are no issue, the spouse gets Part III of the Succession Act 1981— only $50,000. Distribution on Intestacy—and replacing it with The most notable reform is the increased new intestacy provisions that— legacy to the spouse. Under this Bill the Give an increased legacy to the spouse; spouse takes the household chattels, recognise opposite sex de facto $100,000 and half the residue if one child, relationships of 5 years' duration; and (one third residue if more than 1 child) and the issue take the balance. When there are no make a number of other reforms. issue, the surviving spouse will take the entire The Queensland Law Reform estate. The residue no longer has to be Commission received a reference to make shared with the parents, brothers and sisters, recommendations to bring the Queensland nieces and nephews, grandparents, uncles intestacy laws up to date. Working Paper and aunts and cousins of the intestate. 3018 Succession Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

The current requirement of the intestacy one, is possible in every case where there is a rules that the surviving spouse must always surviving de facto. However, de facto spouses share one half or two thirds of the estate with will be given intestacy rights, subject to a the surviving issue pays scant attention to any restrictive definition of "de facto spouse". principle of need. In the case of the small Assuming a couple have lived together in a de estate, the present rules work great injustice to facto relationship, two additional requirements the spouse. If there are adult children (or must be met to grant intestacy rights— grandchildren who are beneficiaries) they are The relationship must have been in entitled to insist that the estate be sold or existence for periods totalling 5 years of valued and that they receive their entitlement the 6 years immediately preceding the to the one half or two thirds. This may well death; and leave the spouse with no car and in many estates where the family home is the main the relationship must exist at the time of asset, without a house. death. Queensland is the only State in Australia This is different from a married spouse that does not give a specific monetary amount where intestacy rights are gained immediately to the surviving spouse. In all other States and upon marriage and are lost only by divorce. A Territories the spouse is given a specific married couple may have separated for years provision in priority to any other distribution. and seen nothing of each other yet if one dies That amount is the household chattels (except intestate the survivor is fully entitled as a legal for the ACT and Tasmania) and— spouse. In summary, the definition of "de facto" is consistent with that already existing in $100,000 in the ACT and New South s. 40 of the Succession Act for family provision Wales applications. In addition, there are 10 factors $60,000 in the Northern Territory which, while not being a complete test, the $50,000 in Tasmania, Western Australia, courts take into account in determining Victoria and New Zealand whether a de facto relationship existed. Those factors are— $10,000 in South Australia. The duration of the relationship. The minimum needs of the surviving The nature and extent of the common spouse are a proper consideration in deciding residence. what he or she should inherit. This is consistent with the policy of Part 4 of the Whether or not a sexual relationship Succession Act—family provision. Part 4 allows existed. a surviving spouse (child or other dependant) The degree of financial interdependence, to apply to the court if adequate provision is and any arrangements for support, not made from the estate for their proper between or by the parties. maintenance and support. The court has a The ownership, use and acquisition of discretion to order that such provision be property. made. A family provision claim will supersede any intestacy rights or legacy. The procreation of children. Another important reform gives the The care and support of children. spouse the right to acquire the matrimonial The performance of household duties. home if the spouse ordinarily resided in it at The degree of mutual commitment and the time of the intestate's death. This scenario mutual support. would arise if the title to the matrimonial home was held by the intestate solely in the Reputation and public aspects of the intestate's name or as a tenant in common relationship. with the spouse. Opposite sex de facto If there is no married spouse, the de facto spouses of 5 years' duration are also spouse will take the spouse's share. If there is recognised. both a married spouse and a de facto spouse, There are several reasons to include de there are three methods for distributing the facto spouses. There is a real inconsistency entitlement to a whole or a part of the under the current law. On the one hand, a de intestate's residual estate— facto in need is recognised as a dependant of A distribution agreement, which is a the intestate and can make a family provision written agreement between the spouse claim under Part 4 of the Succession Act. On and the de facto. the other hand, a de facto is not recognised A distribution order made by a court on on an intestacy. This inconsistency also means the basis of what the court considers just that a family provision application, or threat of and equitable. 20 Aug 1997 Trust Accounts Amendment Bill 3019

In equal shares if a number of conditions acrimony and costs in settling the estate. The are met. reforms will make it easier to convey the law to Transfers of property under either a will or the average person in the street. But it is intestacy currently attract only a nominal stamp important to note that these reforms will only duty. Advice has been received from the Office apply if a person dies without a will. It is always of State Revenue confirming that a distribution preferable for people to make wills, and this of the entitlement under section 36 will similarly should be encouraged. This can be done attract only a nominal stamp duty. It is either through a private solicitor or through the anticipated that a revenue ruling confirming free will-making service offered by the Public this advice will be in place on proclamation of Trustee. But in the event someone dies this Bill. without a will, these reforms will ensure a more fair and just regime. I commend the Bill to the When the intestate is not survived by a House. spouse or de facto spouse, there are no changes to the persons entitled to take an Debate, on motion of Mr Foley, interest in the residual estate. The issue adjourned. continue to be entitled to the whole of the residuary estate. Similarly, when the intestate TRUST ACCOUNTS AMENDMENT BILL is not survived by a spouse or de facto spouse or issue, there are no changes to the persons Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— entitled to take an interest in the residual Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) estate. The parents, followed by the next of kin (11.40 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I and the Crown, continue to be entitled to the move— residuary estate. There are, however, changes "That leave be granted to bring in a to the way the entitlement of the issues is Bill for an Act to amend the Trust distributed. Where all the children of the Accounts Act 1973." intestate predecease the intestate leaving Motion agreed to. issue, the entitlement of issue is to be distributed in the following way— If the intestate had one child and the child First Reading survives, the child takes. Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and Bill, on motion of Mr Beanland, read a first If the intestate had two or more children, time. all of whom survived, the children take in equal shares. If the intestate had two or more children, Second Reading of whom some survived and the Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— remainder did not survive and did not Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) leave surviving issue, the surviving (11.41 a.m.): I move— children take in equal shares. "That the Bill be now read a second In all other instances the entitlement is time." divided into as many shares as the This Bill amends the Trust Accounts Act intestate had children who survived or 1973 to deal with, amongst other things: who did not survive but left surviving issues. The intestate's surviving children 1. enabling the transfer of auditing take one share each. The other shares functions of solicitors' trust accounts are taken by representation. to an appropriate supervising entity— the Queensland Law Society; On a partial intestacy—that is, when there is a will but it does not cover all the 2. identifying and updating relevant property—beneficiaries will no longer be penalty provisions in the Act; and required to account for the value of the interest 3. making various technical received under the will. This means, for amendments to the Act. example, that if the intestate is survived by a The Trust Accounts Act 1973 was spouse and no issue, the spouse will no longer introduced to make provisions with respect to be required to deduct from the $100,000 the keeping of certain books of account and statutory legacy any benefit received under the records by trustees, the establishment and will. management of trust accounts by trustees, the The reforms in this Bill are long overdue. examination and audit of those accounts and They will bring Queensland's intestacy laws up related matters. In practice, the Act regulates to date. Ultimately, they will prevent delay, the trust accounts of solicitors and 3020 Electricity Amendment Bill (No. 2) 20 Aug 1997 accountants; provides for accounts of all trust flows. It is therefore necessary to recognise moneys received by such trustees to be kept this practice and to provide safeguards during and for the Department of Justice to be its use, particularly for the purposes of notified when an account is opened. accountability and maintaining audit trails. This It is interesting to note that, when this Bill Bill does this by requiring the approval of the was introduced by the former Minister for supervising entity. This Bill continues to impose Justice, the Honourable William Knox, he statutory duties on solicitors and accountants said— in addition to other duties imposed either by other statutes or common law. I commend the "In view of the number of Bill to the House. defalcations that have occurred with trust moneys in recent years, it has become Debate, on motion of Mr Foley, apparent that the Trust Accounts Acts, adjourned. which were introduced in 1923, should be reviewed." ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT BILL (No. 2) Unfortunately, today we still continue to read and hear about defalcations by accountants Hon. T. J. G. GILMORE (Tablelands— and solicitors. Hence one of the purposes of Minister for Mines and Energy) (11.45 a.m.), this Bill is to identify and update relevant by leave, without notice: I move— penalty provisions in the Act. Therefore, this "That leave be granted to bring in a Bill updates the Act by specifically identifying Bill for an Act to amend the Electricity Act those provisions which are penalty provisions 1994 and another Act and for other and inserting appropriate penalties. purposes." The Government has also decided that it Motion agreed to. is now timely to consider the overall system of supervision in the Act. It has decided to introduce a dual system of supervision by First Reading allowing for supervising entities to supervise Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and particular trustees only if the chief executive of Bill, on motion of Mr Gilmore, read a first time. the Department of Justice is satisfied that the entity and relevant employees have the qualifications, experience or standing to Second Reading perform the functions of a supervising entity. Hon. T. J. G. GILMORE (Tablelands— Given the auditing expertise within the Minister for Mines and Energy) (11.46 a.m.): I Queensland Law Society Inc., it has been move— decided that that body be empowered to carry out that function in relation to solicitors' trust "That the Bill be now read a second accounts. This anticipated transfer of this time." auditing function from the Department of I'm pleased to introduce this legislation to Justice to the Queensland Law Society is not the House. The House will recall that on 17 carte blanche, but shall also involve the December 1996, the Government announced imposition of additional statutory duties on the its strategy to reform Queensland's electricity Queensland Law Society as the supervising supply industry. The key elements of that entity. These additional duties require the strategy are— supervising entity to give to the Minister an establishing effective competition in the annual report on its functions under the Act industry by restructuring the industry and to report suspected offences. into— Other purposes carried out by this Bill are to— three independent generation corporations; and (a) remove unnecessary provisions and insert appropriate references to other three separate retail corporations sections in the Act; while keeping the seven existing regional electricity corporations as (b) enable the transfer of moneys from a distributors; trust account by way of electronic funds transfer; and an interim wholesale electricity market starting in the last quarter of this year as a (c) simplify procedures to deal with precursor to Queensland participating unclaimed moneys in trust accounts. directly in the National Electricity Market With respect to electronic funds transfer, this is following interconnection with New South now the primary mode for effecting financial Wales; and 20 Aug 1997 Electricity Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3021

choice for electricity customers electricity in accordance with the Market Code commencing with large electricity or as otherwise provided in their authority. customers from 1 January 1998. The Bill appoints the Queensland The industry was successfully restructured Electricity Transmission Corporation, that is, on 1 July 1997, and the new corporations Powerlink, as the Queensland System have their preparations for the competitive Operator to administer the interim wholesale market well in hand. I congratulate the people market. Powerlink must ring-fence its market of the industry whose professionalism has administration functions from its transmission enabled the reforms to proceed so quickly and functions so that the operation of the market is smoothly on their superb effort. This not distorted in the interests of its transmission demonstration of skill and commitment business and at the expense of other market promises much for the future of this vital part participants. The Bill provides for, and of Queensland's economy. supports, a Market Code for the interim The interim wholesale electricity market, market. To reduce the complexity of the the second stage of the reforms, is central to industry's transition to the National Electricity the operation of the new industry Market, the Market Code comprises the arrangements. This Bill contains the small National Electricity Code and particular changes needed for the interim market. For number of amendments to the Electricity Act the information of the House, I table the 1994 which are needed to implement the Market Code. interim market arrangements. The issues addressed in the Bill are— The interim wholesale market will operate using State-based administrative regulation of wholesale selling of arrangements for only a relatively short time electricity; before the National Electricity Market establishment of a wholesale market arrangements are brought into force. operator; Therefore, the Bill and Market Code do not set provision for a wholesale Market Code; up complex administrative arrangements, such and as those that will apply in the National Electricity Market. Consequently, the Bill compliance with, and enforcement of, the provides that the Minister may make and Code. amend the Market Code. It also enables The Bill also deals with another matter of persons to be appointed to undertake Market great importance to this State. One way for the Code administration tasks, particularly dispute Government to encourage investment in rural resolution and advising the Minister on areas is through the use of State-owned changes to the Code. infrastructure. Electricity wires infrastructure The Bill provides for the Queensland and associated easements are attractive to System Operator to act against code potential telecommunications service providers participants, that is, generators, transmitters, as ready-made means of support for distributors, retailers and other wholesale telecommunications cables. The infrastructure purchasers who fail to comply with a direction it can therefore provide a mechanism for the has issued or who breach the Market Code. Government to encourage further This action includes suspending a person from telecommunications development in regional participation in the wholesale market. In areas of the State. The Bill therefore allows addition, the Bill provides that the regulator appropriately authorised telecommunications may also take action against a participant who providers to use easements held by fails to comply with a direction of the transmission and distribution entities to deliver Queensland System Operator or who telecommunications services. breaches the Market Code. I will now discuss these issues in more I now turn to the use of electricity wires detail. The Act currently prohibits the selling of infrastructure and easements for electricity by anyone other than the holder of a telecommunications purposes. This will retail authority. While generators are currently promote the widespread provision of high- exempted from this prohibition, in the interim quality broadband telecommunications in wholesale market generators will need a clear Queensland, and will reduce the cost of power to sell electricity. The Bill provides that a providing land-based telecommunication person can sell electricity if the person holds services to rural and remote areas. The either a retail authority, a generation authority measure has positive economic and social or is otherwise authorised. The holder of a benefits. Businesses throughout Queensland generation authority will be able to sell will have greater access to information 3022 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 technology and telecommunications, which are the matter. They had counsel present to put key factors in economic growth. Further, their point of view to the High Court. greater access to on-line services will allow As I said, the High Court decision was not rural communities to broaden their range of altogether unexpected. There was a joint social and cultural relations. The measure will judgment of the majority of 4-3. On page 10 of also be good for the electricity industry. The their decision, in relation to the tobacco ability of Powerlink and the distributors to use licensing fee in New South Wales, the justices their infrastructure for telecommunications stated— purposes will allow them to obtain an additional return from existing assets. This will "Moreover, an amount equal to 75 or also allow them to share capital investment 100 per cent of the value of tobacco sold costs and improve the economics of rural during a relevant period is levied by the extension projects. The Government is aware Act. That amount could not conceivably of concerns that additional cabling is be regarded as a mere fee for a licence unattractive. It is therefore ensuring that required as an element in a scheme for appropriate consultation occurs with local regulatory control of businesses selling governments and communities to minimise tobacco. The Act contains minimal any adverse effects on communities. provisions controlling businesses selling tobacco, chiefly those contained in"— In summary, this Bill provides for the and this is in New South Wales legislation— establishment of a wholesale electricity market in Queensland within the time frame set by the "s 36(2) which authorises the refusal of a Government, that is, in the last quarter of licence to a person who has been 1997. As members know, industry participants convicted of an offence under s 59 of the and a wide range of potential investors are Public Health Act 1991 (NSW) or, eagerly awaiting the introduction of a pursuant to s 36(2AA), if the Chief competitive electricity market to progress Commissioner is satisfied that 'the issue various development plans in this State. The of a licence would be contrary to the earliest commencement of this market will public interest'. Subject to these provide parties the certainty required to provisions, renewal of a licence requires progress their plans. I commend the Bill to the merely the due payment of the fees House. exacted. The licence fee is manifestly a revenue-raising tax imposed on the sale Debate, on motion of Mr McGrady, of tobacco during the relevant period. The adjourned. licensing system is but 'an adjunct to a revenue statute' .... " Although they observed that they were REVENUE LAWS AMENDMENT BILL conscious that their decision would have Second Reading significant ramifications for the States and their revenue bases, the justices of the High Court Resumed from 19 August (see p. 2974). stated— Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich) (11.52 a.m.): "But, in the light of the significantly Last night, just before I moved the increasing tax rates imposed by State and adjournment of debate on this Bill, I was Territory laws under the insubstantial cloak commencing to analyse the decision of the of the Dennis Hotels formula, the Court is High Court, which was brought down a little faced with stark alternatives: either to over a fortnight ago, in relation to State uphold the validity of a State tax on the business franchise fees and licensing fees. sale of goods provided it is imposed in the That High Court decision cannot be considered form of licence fees or to hold invalid any to be unexpected. Along with other State such tax which, in operation and effect, is Governments, the Queensland Government not merely a fee for the privilege of selling made submissions to the High Court in relation the goods. Section 90 of the Constitution, to this matter. I found it quite extraordinary that by prescribing the exclusivity of the the Treasurer would claim in some of her Commonwealth's power to impose duties public utterances following the handing down of excise, resolves the question. So long of the High Court decision that the as a State tax, albeit calculated on the Queensland Government had nothing to do value or quantity of goods sold, was with it, had made no submissions and had had properly to be characterised as a mere no part to play in the matter. In fact, the licence fee this Court upheld the Queensland Government and other State legislative power of the States to impose Governments had a very vital part to play in it ... But once a State tax imposed on the 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3023

seller of goods and calculated on the Commonwealth as a result of the agreement value of quantity of goods sold cannot be that the Queensland Government and other characterised as a mere licence fee, the State and Territory Governments entered into application of s 90 must result in a with Commonwealth authorities. declaration of its invalidity." I believe that most Queenslanders would That is the statement of the law and the ask, "Why has it taken so long to get these up-to-date statement of the Australian arrangements in place?" It surely is not a case Constitution with respect to the imposition of that the Queensland Government should be excise duties. As the Treasurer—and, indeed, surprised that the High Court brought down every other State and Territory Government— such a decision. Any Government worth its salt well knows, the founding fathers gave an and any Treasurer worth her salt should have exclusive right to the Commonwealth for the had a series of scenarios or contingency plans levying of customs and excise taxes and in place to meet the various scenarios that charges. Where the States have clearly fallen could have arisen out of the High Court foul is in respect of the level of charge that has decision. Yet it was some two weeks later been levied, characterised as it was as a before the Treasurer was able to make a business franchise fee or licence fee. There ministerial statement in this Parliament to the has been some speculation and comment in effect that she believed that arrangements the media that, if the State fee were of the were now in place with respect to liquor order of some 5% or 6%, perhaps it would still retailers and wholesalers in Queensland but be able to be characterised as a business that there was still some way to go before the licensing fee. That may be so, but certainly the tobacco wholesalers and retailers could be High Court is not giving any clear guidance on satisfied and that talks were still ongoing. I do that point, although by inference from the High not think that that is good enough. Court decision it would appear that, if the fee What greater uncertainty can there be goes significantly further than simply a fee that than a Treasurer who sat on her hands when a covers the actual regulation of the sale of most significant decision was being handed goods, then really it is an excise and, down by the High Court; a Treasurer who had therefore, it is outside the legislative capacity not undertaken the consultation with under the Constitution of the States to so Queensland businesses in relation to how they enact such charges. would fare if the likely outcome came to pass, Of course, the High Court decision was that is, that the State's tobacco and liquor based on the New South Wales tobacco franchise fees would be struck down and that licensing fee. The magnitude of that fee, of the State Governments would have the course, is similar to that which has been levied Federal Government collect additional excise in Queensland. As such, we can see quite to pay back to the States and Territories' clearly that the Queensland fee would be Treasury coffers for the revenue which the struck down in a similar manner to that of New States and Territories could no longer South Wales. constitutionally collect. Mr FitzGerald: It'll probably be It was a scandal which, in the days unanimous once they've made a precedent. following the High Court decision, led to a flurry Mr HAMILL: Quite obviously we do have of correspondence from the likes of Carlton a clear enunciation of the law here. Certainly United Breweries and Castlemaine Perkins the tobacco licensing fee as levied in stating that Treasury would not talk to them Queensland would fall foul. Of course, what is and that Treasury could not give them not so clear is the position of the State's liquor guidance as to how the compensation licensing fees, struck as they are at about measures that were being promised would, in 10%. It is certain that the States and Territories fact, be put into place. Of course, it was going have moved to protect their revenue base by to be complicated for the liquor industry entering into an agreement with the because the licensing fee fell on the retailers— Commonwealth to have an excise in lieu of the hotels and the clubs—whereas the new those liquor fees collected, because of the Commonwealth excise fell on the brewers. In uncertainty of the capacity of the State to levy the absence of any compensatory measures, a liquor licensing fee of even the magnitude of the brewers had no choice but to pass on that 10%. increased excise by way of increased prices. Although there is no great need to raise It was also not good enough for the issue of petrol taxes in Queensland, it is Treasurers Sheldon and Costello to go around nevertheless the case that excise on fuel sold waving their fingers at retailers and wholesalers in Queensland has also been increased by the and threatening them with all sorts of dire 3024 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 consequences if prices rose when they could Commonwealth had actually imposed the not inform those wholesalers and retailers additional excise. exactly how the compensation measures The real question is: for how long is which they had promised would actually be put industry going to have to carry the can for the into place. By not having arrangements in Queensland Government's dereliction of duty? place in the event of the High Court decision Industry will not carry the can indefinitely. It will coming down, they really were derelict in their be forced to pass on the increased excise, and duty to the business community and to the it will be the consumers who will pay and pay consumers. dearly for the Queensland Government's Some members of the Government would slothfulness in getting arrangements in place. think that I am being a bit too harsh in my This morning the Treasurer also criticism. However, I remember only too well commented on the issue of tax reform. the Capital Duplicators case and how the Certainly one good thing that may flow from spectre of the very thing that happened in this the High Court decision in relation to the State recent decision by the High Court was business franchise fee is a renewed impetus to anticipated by States and Territories a few bring about taxation reform in this country. The years ago when the Capital Duplicators case point that I made last night is the point that I was heard by the High Court. At the time, in wish to make again today: the most pressing the event that State franchising and licensing issue for taxation reform is reform of the fees would be struck down by the High Court, Federal/State financial arrangements. In this the Queensland Labor Government put in country we have the ridiculous situation in place extensive contingency arrangements. which the Queensland State Government has When there was such an impending and very to provide a level of service that is far in excess real threat to a significant slice of the State's of the capacity of the State's revenue base to taxation base, why should not any meet. In other words, the Queensland State Government do just that? But no, this Government has to rely on a distribution of Queensland Government was too busy revenues collected by the Commonwealth to throwing good money after bad in its meet the day-to-day, month-to-month vendettas against the CJC to really care very responsibilities that it must shoulder. There is a much about putting in place the work that was very real need for a revision of the necessary to protect Queensland industry and Federal/State taxation responsibilities so that Queensland consumers from price increases in State Governments have the capacity to raise areas such as fuel, tobacco and liquor, which the revenue that they need to provide the were the logical and potentially only outcome services that are required by their of the changes that the Queensland communities. Government had negotiated with the Federal Government over the way in which the Federal Through the High Court finding that it is Government increased its excise. unconstitutional to levy State franchise fees in relation to liquor and tobacco, roughly 10% of We know that the increased excises that State-sourced revenue in Queensland has were levied by the Federal Government were been struck down. We have also heard in excess of the level of taxation that had suggestions of some other State taxes going hitherto been collected by the Queensland as a result of an overall review of the Government. However, we have not received a Federal/State financial relationship. I would detailed exposition about how the difference is have thought that no-one believes that payroll going to be paid back to the wholesalers. This tax is a desirable means of taxation, morning, in her ministerial statement, the particularly as this Queensland Government is Treasurer stated that administrative and pursuing the line that the larger employers of payment arrangements will provide for the the State will continue to be the ones who payment of subsidies to wholesalers on the have to pay this tax on jobs. Last night in this same day as the wholesalers are required to House I outlined that it is the Opposition's view make their sales tax payments to the that a better measure that would provide real Commonwealth. Let us have a detailed jobs growth and incentive for major employers exposition of how these arrangements are to to engage additional staff would be a lowering come into place not only for fuel wholesalers of the rate of payroll tax across-the-board, not but also for tobacco and liquor wholesalers. I just fiddling with the threshold. However, the notice also that this morning, in her ministerial Queensland Government has chosen not to statement, the Treasurer said that the pursue that course of action. If we are going to circumstances in relation to tobacco are still have a situation in which State stamp duties very unclear and that negotiations are still and payroll taxes are to go the way of State going on. This is two full weeks after the business licence fees, a further $2 billion hole 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3025 will be punched in Queensland's revenue- only shudder at the magnitude of the goods raising capacity. and services tax which the Queensland I have not heard anything from the coalition Government will support through the coalition—State or Federal—other than a tax debate that is currently raging around the mantra that believes that a goods and services nation. tax is the answer to Australia's taxation woes. I come closer to home to make a very That mantra was one that the Treasurer simple exposition of policy by the Opposition in herself joined when she and her colleagues relation to the whole question of Federal/State pledged undying loyalty to the Fightback relations. This morning, while accusing others program that was being advocated at the time of not having a view, the Treasurer did not by the Federal coalition under Dr Hewson. In enlighten anyone in the House as to the view Queensland, what does that GST mantra of the Queensland Government. The mean? It means that we would see a range of Opposition believes it to be absolutely critical taxation imposts falling on various services that a constitutionally guaranteed proportion of which currently do not attract a tax. For revenue raised by the Commonwealth—after example, all of those friends of the coalition all the Commonwealth has the revenue-raising who send their children to various non- powers; the States' capacity is very limited Government schools would find that a goods indeed—be handed back to the States. After and services tax would add an additional sum all, the States have to pay the salaries in our to the fees that are charged for the service of schools and hospitals and they have to providing education. Additional fees would be provide children's services, police services and added to the services provided in our health so on. The States need money to provide system. Every time one went to the doctor those services. In the Federal compact, the there would be an additional charge for the States need a constitutionally guaranteed service provided. share of the overall revenue basket that is Given the enthusiasm of the financial gathered by the Commonwealth. markets for a goods and services tax—and I The States also need the Grants know about the lack of enthusiasm that the Commission to ensure that there is equity financial markets have for any imposts on across the Commonwealth that ensures that financial transactions—presumably every time the States that have a disability by virtue of one went to the bank one would pay a fee for geography or distribution of population are not a transaction, in addition to Mrs Sheldon's disadvantaged when it comes to the quality of increased bank account debits tax. Every time the services that are provided. The States also there was a transaction in the financial need an assurance that any constitutional markets, we would pay something additional guarantee of funding to the States is paid to through the imposition of a tax on services. them through financial assistance grants and Yet the Queensland Government seems to be not through specific purpose payments—that blithely going along and mouthing the same is, not through payments with strings old mantra that it has mouthed for several attached—because the States need the years in relation to a goods and services tax. discretion to determine their priorities, which will This morning, when the Treasurer was differ from State to State. It is important that waving her finger in the manner that she likes States and Territories have the capacity to so well and was speaking about the bed tax in direct the funds at their disposal to the New South Wales, she made the ludicrous particular needs that exist within their proposition that, shock, horror, how terrible that jurisdiction. would be for the tourism industry in Before I close, I wish to reiterate a couple Queensland, but, at the same time, the of points about land tax. Last night I said that I Queensland coalition Government supports found it extraordinary that the Queensland the imposition of a goods and services tax on Government would believe that it was services. If the tourism industry is not a service desirable to give away $37m of revenue at a industry, I do not know what it is. On the one time when the State's revenue base is under hand the Government criticises another State attack in the way that I have outlined. The Government for placing a levy on a certain Government is not giving that money to aspect of service provision and, on the other companies that might actually employ young hand, the Treasurer is prepared to go the Queenslanders, but is basically giving it as a whole hog and support a full-blown goods and no-strings-attached gift to many overseas and services tax across-the-board. If the National interstate speculative land-holders in the State. Party is to be believed, hearing Mr Fischer talk That is what the Government is doing with about the removal of excise on fuel, one can these changes to land tax. 3026 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

An owner/occupier does not pay land tax incentives to industry, then give land on his or her home. A primary producer does speculators a windfall of a $37m tax cut and not pay land tax on a property that is being do nothing for the young unemployed. What used for primary production, and one of our an indictment! If ever there was a Government major primary producers, the Minister currently that lost its way, this is it. It only took weeks for on the front bench, nods his agreement to that the Government to recant on a whole range of statement. The people who pay land tax are election commitments. The Government has those who own various investment properties now brought down two Budgets which have and so on, and many of them are speculative. provided benefits to the speculative industry, As I outlined last night, many are companies but has not provided a brass razoo, let alone and trusts, not individual Queenslanders. Yet one cent, for a package to reduce youth the coalition seems to be hell-bent on further unemployment in Queensland. I will be excising this important part of the State's reminding young people and their families in revenue base. my electorate of that breach of promise by the Before the last State election, we heard Government. that land tax would be abolished. I As I said, the Bill before us is commented on this issue earlier in the year disappointing. It is disappointing not so much during my speech in the Budget debate. I because of what it contains but rather because remind the House of what the would-be of what its contents reflect about the state of Treasurer, as she then was, promised in thinking of this Government—a Government relation to land tax. She said that, in order to that is prepared but only to tinker at edges be eligible for cuts to land tax, companies when it comes to the State's taxation base would have to put in place schemes to provide and a Government that is prepared to jettison employment opportunities for young people. its promises with respect to the important We have the cuts to land tax, but not one services and support that the community lousy cent has been allocated to provide needs in order simply to richly reward a few employment opportunities for young wealthy backers that it seems to have in a few Queenslanders. In her policy speech, the isolated pockets of the State. Treasurer stated— We are not going to oppose this Bill. As I "The coalition will pass on those said, this is the Government's Budget Bill. We savings to business by way of rebates. To supported the passage of the Government's successfully apply for a rebate, Budget. We did not agree with its priorities and businesses will need to qualify for a we do not agree with all of the measures that program designed to boost youth this Bill contains. I believe the Government has employment in Queensland." a right to be hoist with its own petard and to be Goodness knows that we need a boost to seen for the hypocrite it is with respect to its youth employment in Queensland. Over the policy. This is a disappointing Bill, but the last 12 months, we have seen an absolute Opposition will not impede its passage through decline in the number of full-time jobs in the the House. State. The youth unemployment rate is around Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel) (12.21 p.m.): 30%, but still we see no scheme to reduce I have to ask the question: where are we going youth unemployment as the coalition with the High Court of Australia? As the promised. We see a $37m handout to those highest court in the land, I know that it must who pay land tax, although not by way of make certain decisions. However, one would rebates as the Treasurer promised; it is more have to think very hard to find the wisdom likely to be in the form of brown paper bags behind some of its recent decisions, which will marked "return to sender". $37m has been leave uncertainty and havoc in their wake. I marked "return to sender", with no obligation have to wonder whether its agenda is to get rid and no responsibility imposed on those who of the States. are receiving the funds that they should be We can do what we like, but the bottom used to provide employment opportunities for line is that we have to go cap in hand to the youth, which the coalition claimed was a critical Federal Government to see whether, after and central part of its manifesto at the last heaps of unnecessary administration, we will State election. I think that is dreadful and is a get our money back. It is of great concern that real sell-out. some so-called learned people have decided I cannot think of anything lower than a that something which we have enjoyed for a mob who come in here and build up the great number of years and which has been expectations of young Queenslanders with the working in a practical way is not in everybody's promise of an employment scheme based on best interests. The decision will cause 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3027 enormous uncertainty. Today, I read in the the Government has agreed to refund in full newspaper that Ansett will challenge another liquor licence fees in advance for over 400 aspect of State taxation. So we will go through licensees, at a cost of about $12m, which is the whole process again, and it could flow on over and above what the Commonwealth will to all sorts of areas other than the ones we are refund us. This is the point I was making discussing at the moment. before. We are going to have to do all of this It seems that all sorts of people are giving and we will not get all of our money back. It will opinions that are frustrating other people in the mean that somewhere along the line community. For example, in recent days the somebody will miss out when that need not ombudsman made suggestions that the have been the case. Livingstone Shire Council should not have had We have agreed to provide full subsidies a country rate levy. If it has to pay back all of to liquor wholesalers in respect of the those rates, the bill would amount to over additional revenue collected by the State over $40m. I question that view. Our Local and above that which would have been Government Minister is cooperating with the collected had the State liquor arrangements Livingstone Shire to solve that problem not remained in place. That equates to a subsidy only for that shire but also potentially for other payment of 2.8%. It does not seem that this shires. Hopefully, that matter is under control. whole business was needed, and it has caused unnecessary hassles for everybody. A few moments ago, a Labor member Publicans and those who sell tobacco and commented that we should have had other goods have all been affected. It is okay everything in place. Labor members should be for the Labor Party to tell us what we should the last ones to talk about having everything in have done. However, had it been in the same place. I ask: what did they have in place to position, I am sure that it would not have done stop the blow-out in workers' compensation, any better, and it knows that. It probably would which affects the taxpayer, by an amount in not have done as well. At least we have the order of $400m? At least when we left addressed the situation, which is extraordinarily power we were running a surplus of $60m-odd complex. We must remember that for quite a a year, and that money was being given back while the Commonwealth did not know how to to those policyholders who embarked upon handle this matter. It is okay to say that we very good safety practices. I ask: what did the should have acted very quickly—and I believe Labor Party have in place in relation to car that under the circumstances we have—but registration, when it let that blow out by an the fact that the Commonwealth did not know amount in the order of $200m? What did it where things stood made it difficult for us to have in place when the hospital budgets blew act. out by such an amount that I do not think anybody knew what was going on with hospital Many publicans in particular are battling. budgets? As we all know, when the Labor Party was in power, it brought in poker machines. That That brings us to this scenario: where meant that clubs have escalated in this State would we be if the Labor Party were in power and that ordinary hotels have had one heck of at this very moment? At least we have taken a battle to survive. The hotels have been the corrective action on those matters. However, mum and dad employers for a long time. almost certainly Labor would have let those People panic when something happens such issues go on. Had Labor still been in power, I as what we saw in recent days. Of course, they hate to think where we would be as a State, want the situation fixed yesterday. However, how much money would be owing and how sometimes the more one tries to fix something much corrective action would have to be taken the more complex it becomes. by some future coalition Government. As to the Budget—I will continue to press I do not think anybody can throw stones for more revenue to be spent in central in relation to this issue. This is a very serious Queensland. issue and, collectively, we have to work out Mr HAMILL: Mr Deputy Speaker, I draw what we are going to do about it. At least we your attention to the state of the House. are endeavouring to overcome what is a serious problem. In relation to liquor, so that Quorum formed. there is no need for price increases in Mr LESTER: Quite obviously, the shadow Queensland, all licensees and wholesalers Treasurer is trying to escape the fact that there have now been advised of the arrangements are so few members in the Parliament from his that the Queensland coalition Government has side. Most of the seats opposite are bare. We set in place in consultation with industry are seeing a big bit of hypocrisy on an issue participants and representatives. In essence, that is so very important. He came unstuck. 3028 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

There is a problem when the person who At one point not too long ago when the hopes to be Treasurer one day cannot count. I Labor Party was in power, for the Capricorn suppose on this occasion it is his difficulty if he Coast we had one police officer at Emu cannot count. Park—not a sergeant—and only six uniformed Mr Springborg: He wants to be Treasurer. officers in the region. The establishment was a little bit more, but at one point there were only Mr LESTER: He is trying to be Treasurer, six uniformed officers. The Labor Party but he will have to count better! seemed to be doing absolutely nothing about I will continue to press for more amenities it. I would approach the officers in charge in to be provided in central Queensland and Central region. Of course, the senior officers particularly the electorate of Keppel. I am were a bit reluctant to talk to me too much, happy to announce that as a result of this because if they did they would have been Budget a new police station has been built at jumped upon from a great height by the Police Emu Park. This facility would not have been Minister for daring to try to talk to me. delivered by the Labor Party till about the year Nevertheless they did talk to me. We tried to 2010. I have managed to get it in one year. overcome a very difficult situation. There are Mr Tanti: Well done. now 14 uniformed police officers stationed in the region, with another two to come. Mr LESTER: It is pretty good. The station Ultimately we will have 16 uniformed police is there. It is about to be opened. It is about to officers in the area. We already have an be operational. It will look very nice and will additional detective, making three detectives, enhance the beautiful area of Emu Park. and we have two Water Police officers. In fact, Under this Budget we have also been able to there are now 21 officers serving the Capricorn obtain an additional police officer. We now Coast. We have achieved a lot. They are good have two officers, and the station has been officers. We have excellent people doing a upgraded to sergeant status. I am very tremendous job who are very involved in the grateful for that. It has made a big difference. community. Fortunately, we are experiencing The police have been able to become heavily less trouble with crime, although it will never be involved in the community. wiped out completely. In our little fundraising effort last week for Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. I Super Walk, Councillor Fay Owens and I raised know that the forms of the House in relation to $1,600 for the spastics. I pushed Councillor appropriation Bills allow a free-ranging debate, Fay Owens in a wheelie bin for 8 kilometres. but the comments of the member for Keppel No doubt at some point some people will try to seem to have no relevance whatsoever to the make fun of that, but my conscience is very subject matter of the legislation. clear. Had we not made that effort, that money would not have been raised. In the previous Mr LESTER: The member cannot cop it, year, when I pushed her 8 kilometres in a that is what is wrong with him. wheelchair, Councillor Owens and I between Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Laming): us raised more money than all of Order! The member for Keppel! Rockhampton. That was not a bad effort, if I Mr HAMILL: I seek your ruling, Mr Deputy say so myself. Speaker. Is it the forms of the House that a Honourable members: Hear, hear! revenue Bill has the status of an Appropriation Mr LESTER: I thank members. Bill, or do members have to address the subject matter of legislation such as this? A Government member interjected. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I rule that the Mr LESTER: I do not want to have to matter that the member for Keppel is referring label the member behind me with some of the to is in order in this second-reading debate. comments of the Labor Party. Mr LESTER: Thank you very much. I We have been able to get the entire most certainly have been referring to revenue length of the road between Emu Park and that we have been able to obtain. If we did not Rockhampton widened in one go. That is a obtain that revenue, additional police officers quite extraordinary achievement. It certainly would not have been provided in the area. The would not have happened under the previous Labor Party most certainly did not provide Government. It amazes me that Labor Party funding for those additional officers. The Labor people in my area are so extraordinarily Party denuded our area of revenue. That is negative and do not see any good in anything why there were only six police officers at that has ever been achieved. All I can say is Yeppoon and why the crime rate was in such a that we are achieving many things as a result heck of a mess. I did not want to get stuck into of this Budget and the previous Budget. members opposite on those issues and 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3029 expose just how poor they were, how dreadful House, too, which is why we in Capricornia their administration was and how they did not kicked up such a heck of a fight. I held a care about people's safety. They could not number of public meetings and I got stuck into have given a hoot! the Labor Party and we won the day. Not only Even more revenue has been made did the coalition Government retain the available. Almost $1m has been made services that we had, but we have now available under the Budget for a new police improved them and given the workers the boat. That police boat will save people's lives. opportunity to work in peace, do their job Time and time again we asked the Labor properly and collect the revenue for the Government to provide a boat that at least Government. That is one of the jobs that they would not sink. The previous boat was awful. do: they collect the revenue for the In the end, the officers said to me, "It is the Government. Labor Party that is sinking." Of course, it did Mr Hamill interjected. sink—it got sunk well and truly! We now have a Mr LESTER: The people opposite babble new boat, and it is a beauty. Also under the on like a babbling brook. They know not what Budget we have secured a subsidy for the they say. They cannot count the numbers in coastguard boat, so we are also getting a new the House and are making a heck of a mess coastguard boat. There is still more revenue. of things. The member opposite is a decent $300,000-odd has been made available for a bloke personally but he does not have a clue new boat for the fisheries patrol officers so that about revenue. God help us if we ever get we have some fish left in the place. This is back to having those characters opposite another example of the revenue made running workers' compensation, the Health available. We have not let up. Department and car registration again. They The Labor Party cannot stand hearing would not know where they were going. All I about these allocations because it was so jolly can say to the people of Queensland is that stingy when it was in power. The former the coalition has arrested a number of these Government blew its money on administrative situations. We have fixed them up and we are oddities in the Health Department. It mucked going to do the job a lot better than we already up workers' compensation. have. A Government member interjected. Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) Mr LESTER: I will not talk about the gravy (12.41 p.m.): It is a pleasure to rise and speak train; I do not get involved in those things. to this particular Bill because it has very There are many other areas in which the Labor important ramifications for the whole of the Government presided over a malfunction, to State and all of our residents. It really is a key say the least. It cost taxpayers an awful lot of part of the overall Budget initiative. This Bill money. deals with specific issues of the Budget and is only part of the employment initiatives that Here we are; we are doing something. We were contained in the Budget. I was are getting the job done. In addition to this, we disappointed to hear the Opposition have funded extensions to our courthouse at spokesman, the member for Ipswich, being so Yeppoon from the revenue from this last negative in that regard. He knows full well that Budget. When the Labor Party was in office this is only part of the overall initiatives to help we tried and tried to get some revenue from its the unemployed, including the young Budgets to extend the courthouse—and the unemployed. We have spoken on that before Labor Party is supposed to be the helper of and we have shown that the Government the worker. Those who worked in this does care about young people and their courthouse were in the extraordinary situation employment. We also care about middle aged of not being able to move properly. The ladies people and we care about the older people there had to stand up all day. There were no who are working in our community. The Bill, workstations—no nothing—yet we have been which puts into place the Budget initiatives, able to remedy that. We are the ones who goes a long way to help all our citizens be it at help the workers. the home front or in employment initiatives. Mr Elliott: They closed courthouses As outlined in the Treasurer's Budget everywhere. Speech, the coalition came to power with an Mr LESTER: I will not mention all of the iron-clad guarantee and commitment to courthouses that the Labor Party closed. It just enhance Queensland's low tax status by got rid of them. It did not care about the reducing payroll tax and phasing out land tax. people in the country. The Labor Party This Budget faced up to that, and that is what intended to get rid of the Yeppoon Court this Bill is about. The Budget delivers on these 3030 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 commitments, and the Revenue Laws sitting members or potential candidates, but it Amendment Bill before us today gives effect to is certainly helping Queenslanders and that is these initiatives. The land tax and payroll tax what this Government is all about. concessions are key components of the Within the Mount Ommaney electorate, coalition's employment, training and small some of the direct results flowing from the business strategy. They are designed to Budget initiatives include the construction of minimise business costs and, therefore, the police station that is under way as well as stimulate real job growth in the private sector. the traffic noise calming on the Centenary Surely anybody can see that reducing Highway, which is something that the Ministers business costs—cutting out the hamstringing of the previous Government put way down the of businesses—must help them to get on with list of priorities; it was not to go ahead for the work that they are really there for, that is to many years. They said that the Mount produce goods and services for the community Ommaney residents would have to wait for and, therefore, increase employment. years to have noise barriers to quieten down The initiatives also reinforce Queensland's the noise effect on those people 24 hours a low tax status. For instance, every person in day. They did not really care. But we have New South Wales, under their Labor Party shown those residents that we do care, and Government, pays on average over 55% more our Budget has proved that. in taxes than we do here in Queensland. We We have also well and truly got the are 55% better off than those just south of the Centenary high school on the agenda, and border. If we look at this in actual dollar terms, that is the first time that that has ever on average Queenslanders are better off by happened. $732 per annum than their counterparts just south of the border. I think that that is very Mr Hamill: Ha, Ha! significant. Mr HARPER: The members opposite I would like for a moment to touch on the scoff. Of course, the member for Ipswich is on gains for Mount Ommaney residents because record as saying that we do not deserve that I am keenly interested not only in what they will school, and that it should be low down on the get from this specific Bill—the concessions list of priorities. The member for Ipswich told flowing from changes to land tax, payroll tax the former member—who is now a former and stamp duty—but also in the job stimulus. member of the Labor Party and is now referred That is certainly important for people seeking to by his former colleagues as an Independent work as well as for employers looking to "clown"—that no, that school was not on the increase business for their own particular priority list. But this Education Minister, Bob company who in turn will be able to put on new Quinn, has well and truly taken seriously the employees and relieve the unemployment matter of a high school for Centenary. He is factor. When we talk about the unemployment having the matter looked at and we are well factor, we have to remember that Queensland and truly pushing ahead with that sort of is doing better than any other State in initiative. That is what this Government is all Australia. We have created over 50% of the about: getting on with the job and looking after new jobs in Australia in the last 12 months and the people. we have only 18% of the Australian Mr Hamill: Gaols. population. Mr HARPER: The member for Ipswich Do we hear anything about that from the mentions the gaol. I am more than happy to members opposite? I notice that only a couple talk about the gaol. I will be saying a little bit of them are in the House, which shows the more about that later on in this House. Of scant regard that they really have for course, it must be remembered that the Queenslanders and the important things member for Inala knew about the gaol contained in the Budget. We do not hear proposed for his electorate early last year, but anything positive coming from them about the it was not until this year that he suddenly fact that we keep creating those jobs and that realised that maybe he could make some our growth rates are ahead of the rest of political gain if he started doing a bit of stirring. Australia. No, that is bad news for them, but it So the member for Inala suddenly awakened, is good news for Queenslanders. It is bad even though he had seen it in the Budget and news for their re-election prospects because commented to me about it way back in they know that the people in their electorates August/September last year. I will talk more are realising that we are getting on with the job about that later, because I would not like the and doing the right thing for Queensland, member for Ipswich to stand up and draw the instead of whingeing and carping. Of course, attention of the House to the fact that maybe I that is not going to help the Labor Party, its am straying from the Bill. We do not want that 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3031 to happen again, even though the member thought about and cared about the people was way off track when he tried to pull up my and, as a result, we are simplifying those friend the member for Keppel on that issue. procedures. Turning to the issue at hand, I say again As to taxation administration—in late May, that there are many gains in this Budget for the Treasurer launched the future directions for the residents of Mount Ommaney, and I have the Office of State Revenue. A key element of mentioned just a couple. We will continue to this Government's policy with which we went to make gains for the residents of the Mount the people was to ensure that the taxation Ommaney electorate and, indeed, for all system as administered by the Office of State Queenslanders. Revenue ran properly, simply and efficiently for I would like to touch on some specific the benefit of all concerned. Those changes issues. When this Bill was introduced originally, involve the modernisation of the Office of it contained matters regarding the State Revenue and a clear, precise administration and licensing of tobacco. The commitment to client service, recognising that Treasurer will touch on that later on. At the it is the people out in the community whom Committee stage, there will obviously be that office serves and making sure that they changes flowing from the High Court decision. are looked after in the correct way. Included in The measures put into the Bill originally with that, of course, is the sharing of information regard to tobacco and so on show this between the tax administrators and the Government's commitment to a fair and taxpayers—not hiding that information from equitable administration, to looking after both the taxpayers, but cooperating and sharing residents and businesses and to making sure that information. We must also ensure that that the responsible and honest traders were those who are involved in tax administration given a fair deal and that those who were realise the impact of their decisions and their trying to rort the system and, therefore, rort the processes on the people with whom they are Queensland taxpayers were caught. Even dealing—their clients—and on businesses to though those measures will now have to be ensure that there are no detrimental impacts. withdrawn, I think it shows quite clearly that this I turn now to a couple of specific issues. Government and this Treasurer have a The first relates to land tax. The land tax responsible attitude and that they care for measures which will apply for 1997-98 include people and businesses, and the actions of increasing the statutory deduction for land putting that into this Bill clearly demonstrate owned by individuals who are not trustees or that. I will leave my remarks at that because, absentees from $160,000 to $200,000. That is as I said, the Treasurer will speak on that later quite a sizeable increase of some 25%. on. Mr Palaszczuk: What was that again? I turn now to the issue of stamp duty. I Mr HARPER: Apparently the member for am sure that my other colleagues will discuss Inala is having trouble counting as well. I will these matters at length in regard to this Bill. repeat that for him because it bears repeating: The aim of the coalition and this Government the statutory deduction is being increased from is to bring about clarity and certainty in regard $160,000 to $200,000. As a former to stamp duty, because there is nothing worse schoolteacher, I would have thought that the than the individual citizen—let alone solicitors member for Inala would quickly be able to work and other advisers who are helping those out that that is some 25%. But if it took him people—being unsure as to just where they that long to work out 25%, then I feel sorry for stand, as happened in the past. This his former pupils. I thought that the member Government has brought about changes to was a good teacher. He had a good reputation make sure that there is clarity and certainty in as a teacher. Perhaps he should take up that what people are liable for, so that we do not calling again. have to go through those sorts of processes The exemption threshold in respect of that take time, cost money and cause land owned by companies, absentees and problems for people. trustees is being increased to $100,000, from The administration of the concessions the current $60,000 for companies and that flow from stamp duty will be simplified. trustees and $40,000 for absentees. As This is important, because it can be quite outlined in the Treasurer's Budget Speech, a daunting for people to have to go through a lot general rebate of 5% of the land tax assessed of red tape and procedures. Of course, when will be provided for all land tax payers. As a they use legal or other advisers, that can be result of these changes, approximately one quite costly and could defeat any benefit of a third of all land tax payers—one third, or 33%, concession. Once again, this Government has for the benefit of the member for Inala—will 3032 Distinguished Visitors 20 Aug 1997 not pay land tax in 1997-98. All remaining land object to the payroll tax reductions. I did, tax payers will pay less than they otherwise however, point out that the land tax would have paid. concessions were not exclusively given to Mr Palaszczuk: Do you understand that? Queenslanders. I hope that the member will keep to the truth of these matters in his further Mr HARPER: Yes, I do understand it, discussion. because I wrote it. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Laming): One issue that I am particularly keen to Order! I call the member for Mount Ommaney. address—and I am sure that other members will touch upon this—relates to the principal Mr HARPER: In regard to payroll tax—the place of residence and the giving of exemption threshold will be increased from concessions when other people reside there. $800,000 to $850,000 from 1 January 1998. The Government has faced up to this matter, Last year, the Government increased that which was brought about by a decision of the threshold from $750,000 to $800,000. This Land Court in the Trustee for O'Rourke Seven does have a beneficial effect on businesses. Trust v. the Commissioner of Land Tax. In that As a result of the extension of the exemption case, the issue of exclusivity of the owner of threshold, 3,000 businesses will pay less the house came into question. The issue was: payroll tax and, in total, 95% of Queensland if a person or a couple owned a house and employers will not have to pay it at all. This they had other people living there, would they must be beneficial to them. be eligible for the concession? That was a Payroll tax arrangements in Queensland ridiculous interpretation. I am not criticising the are the most favourable to business of any court, because it had to act on the Act. State or Territory. The significant distinguishing However, in some cases only one spouse factor is that Queensland has maintained the owns or buys a house, and in other cases their tax rate of 5%, whereas it is higher everywhere parents might buy the house with them. And else. For instance, payroll tax rates are 37% when they have children, of course, they have higher in New South Wales and 25% higher in them living with them. They do not erect a tent Victoria. It is no wonder that businesses are on the footpath outside so that they can live coming from the south and setting up in there. In such cases those people should still Queensland, because they can see the be given the concession when it is quite clear favourable conditions here. That also that the owner is the person who resides there stimulates job creation to the point at which we and is the principal resident. That then gives have the best job creation record of the whole them the right to have other people residing of Australia. Queensland also has the highest with them, as most of us would do from time to exemption threshold of any other State or time. I am very pleased that that matter has Territory. For example, it is $600,000 in New been addressed and clarified so that that South Wales and $515,000 in Victoria, ridiculous state of affairs will no longer apply. compared to our $850,000. Maintenance of The land tax concessions are in addition the payroll tax rate of 5% saved Queensland to the three-year averaging initiative, which businesses some $440m in 1996-97 was announced in the 1996-97 Budget and compared with those States that impose a 7% which comes into effect in 1997-98. That is a flat tax. very important part of land tax—allowing for I conclude my remarks by repeating what that three-year averaging—because at times I said at the outset. This particular Bill is a key people are affected by dramatic changes in part of our Budget initiatives. It clearly the particular valuations of their properties. The demonstrates the commitment of the total cost of all these land tax issues for 1997- Government towards helping Queenslanders 98 will mean a $37m benefit to as individuals in their households and helping Queenslanders. That is very good. businesses to stimulate growth, which then Mr Hamill: Not Queenslanders. leads to employment growth. It is a key part of our strategies and our promises which we are Mr HARPER: I turn now to payroll tax. Of keeping to Queenslanders to lower taxes, course, these issues will affect maintain our low-tax State and create employment—despite the negative remarks of employment. I commend the Minister for the member for Ipswich, who is really not introducing the Bill to the House. interested in employment but is trying to make political capital—— Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. The DISTINGUISHED VISITORS member for Mount Ommaney is continuing to Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I am sure misrepresent my words in this debate. I did not that honourable members will join me in 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3033 welcoming 19 students from St Paul's Kosen Minister, the Federal Treasurer and the High School in Kyoto, Japan. Federal bureaucrats. If one can believe what is Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to reported in the press, from the perspective of a 2.30 p.m. person looking from the outside that does not seem to be an altogether comfortable experience for the Treasurer. REVENUE LAWS AMENDMENT BILL A number of years ago we were on the Second Reading verge of some decent reforms to the State- Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick) (2.30 p.m.): Federal taxation relationships in that the In rising to speak to the Revenue Laws States were to be promised a guaranteed Amendment Bill, I believe that it is necessary share of revenue by the Commonwealth; to outline at the outset that a Government however, when Mr Keating became Prime should work from some very basic premises Minister, that idea was bowled over. I believe when it is setting its State revenue-raising that the States should be able to plan from policy. I believe that any measure that is year to year knowing that they will receive a introduced must have the broad support of the guaranteed share of revenue. Let us face it: community. No revenue-raising measure— we are here to provide services to the people whether it be the now-gone State tobacco of Queensland. I believe that everybody in this excise, fuel excise, land tax, payroll tax or Parliament appreciates those broad issues stamp duty—will ever have universal support or and that the community does, too—even universal acclaim. Unfortunately, some people though they will wrangle and haggle over the expect that the Government should be able to various measures that the State uses to raise deliver an increasingly enhanced range of revenue. If the controversial aspects are removed, I believe that all sides of politics services with the revenue that it currently has broadly agree on the fundamental issues: or with diminishing revenue. I am talking about health, education, law and order and roads. removing the growth factor from the equation and the view that the total tax take should be Since coming to office our Government reduced. I do not believe that we can live up to has made some major reforms that are for the that, because people expect that a certain betterment of the people and business in level of service must be maintained and Queensland. The payroll tax ceiling was lifted provided to the community. Since coming to last year and has been again this year. A land power early last year, I believe that our tax reform process has been put in place. I Government has been responsible in its hope that one day that will lead to the abolition revenue-raising measures and the way that it of that tax. Objectively, I believe that we must has gone about apportioning those measures avoid taxing in a burdensome manner the broadly and fairly across the community. members of our community, particularly those During the course of this debate, a couple in business who are creating much of the of other members, including the shadow wealth. We rely on them to employ others and Minister and the member for Keppel, have we should not deter them from doing so. If referred to the High Court's decision on State they believe that taxation is burdensome— taxation powers. I must admit that there is a whether State or Federal taxation is involved— they will amend the way in which they conduct hell of a lot in that judgment that confuses and their operation. That would certainly be to the concerns me. As I travel around my electorate, detriment of the State and to the revenue that many people ask for a full explanation of it. the State needs to raise. Mr Hamill: That is an unfair question. As I mentioned before, the State has a Mr SPRINGBORG: It is a bit of an unfair responsibility to ensure that any revenue- question. A lot of it is like reading a bowl of raising measure is responsible and has the spaghetti. It is very hard to get across. It has broad support of the community. Although the created some very complex and intricate State may go about the dismantlement or problems for the States. For a long time I have abolition of taxes over a period—as in the case believed that we should be reforming the of death duties in the 1970s, which were State/Federal taxation relationship. Since abolished for very good reasons— World War II, when the Commonwealth Governments must ensure that the State has assumed responsibility for income taxes, the a flow of money. We do that in a number of States have become generally mendicant and ways. Principally, we try to encourage subservient to the Commonwealth. I do not economic growth. That is an objective of all believe that that is a very good situation. Every Governments, but it is a particular objective of year our Premier and Treasurer have to go to this Government. I believe that we have been Canberra and do battle with the Prime successful in doing that, particularly when 3034 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 compared with the rest of Australia. We rely certainly were not as rosy as the picture that upon population growth to assist us, because had been painted by the previous that naturally increases the amount of revenue Government. coming into the State. We also rely upon I would like to return to a couple of articles interstate migration to help us to achieve that that have appeared during the term of this objective. Government that paint a far more positive Recently, much has been said about the picture than the Opposition would have the perception that the State Government is not a people of Queensland believe exists. I refer to good economic performer. I would like to an article that appeared in the Courier-Mail on debunk that myth. Although from time to time 14 April 1997, which states— we receive some negative press in Courier-Mail "Queensland has retained top spot editorials, I can recollect over the past year or as the best performing state in the so reading numerous articles about the fact country but is facing a challenge from a that the State of Queensland is leading rapidly improving Victoria, a new study Australia in a range of economic indicators. I says. The study by the Victorian will refer to an article that appeared in the Employers Chamber of Commerce and Courier-Mail when our Government assumed Industry ranked debt-free Queensland as office in March last year. That article was the top state for the third year in a row. written by Peter Morley and appeared on But a 30 percent surge in business March 1996. It states— investment has under-pinned Victoria's "Evidence is beginning to emerge leap to the state with the best economic which supports the view that the much- indicators in 1995-96. praised but nevertheless vanquished Queensland's strong financial Goss Labor Government has not left position improved to produce a surplus of Queensland in as good economic shape $732 for every person in the state in as it had claimed. 1995-96, up from $406 in 1994-95. The latest Queensland Treasury 'Queensland recorded a stronger financial quarterly performance indicators paint a surplus this year compared to 1994-95', fairly gloomy picture of the state of the report said. economic play. This healthier financial position, It shows that the state's growth this together with an excellent credit rating, financial year is expected to be around has ensured Queensland continues to 3.5 per cent—about half the rate recorded enjoy a stronger financial performance in the 1994-95 financial year. relative to the other states." There was no growth in retail turnover I refer also to another article which appeared during the December quarter, private on 14 April 1997, which states— investment declined, there was little "NSW has slipped second place movement in the housing sector and car behind Queensland on economic registrations fell. performance but Victoria and Western And while the number of registered Australia have held their rankings for the businesses in Queensland increased by 1995-96 financial year, an employer body 988, this was offset by 895 bankruptcies survey has said. which represented a 44 per cent increase on the corresponding period in the South Australia and Victoria have previous year and nearly double the done the best to improve their overall national average. positions, while Tasmania came last for the fourth consecutive year in the The average unemployment rate for Victorian Employers Chamber of the quarter was 9.6 per cent, up from a Commerce and Industry fifth annual rate of 9.2 per cent in the three months States Report." ended September and more than 1 per cent above the national average. Those articles demonstrate that things are not as bad in Queensland as the Opposition The export trade was one of the few would have the people of this Parliament and bright spots, with strong growth in mineral the people of Queensland believe. I believe sales pushing sales in the three months that, through the steps and measures that to November to a figure 11 per cent have been put in place by this State higher than the year before." Government, we are going to see an As honourable members can see from that improving State economy over the year to article, when we came to Government things come and certainly in the lead-up to the 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3035 middle of next year. Through those measures, that the area is experiencing, those family we are certainly setting the scene for a very, businesses are now reluctantly letting those very productive end to the decade. people go. Obviously, that will have some However, a couple of issues worry me impact on the economy of the State. Although very much because I believe that they will I believe that in other areas things are much impact upon Queensland's revenue-raising brighter and that that will help to counteract capacity. I refer to the fact that many of our the economic downturn in my area, that does rural areas are suffering another dry year. not mean that we should put the economic Some areas are on the verge of receiving problems of those people to the backs of our drought declaration or have received drought minds. declaration. I believe that that will impact on a Recently, I have been conversing with the whole range of State taxes and charges. Minister for Natural Resources and the Minister Although the Government has lifted the ceiling for Primary Industries in an attempt to address for payroll tax in this State, which will provide a some of these issues. I note that the Minister substantial benefit to many employers, in my for Primary Industries has been particularly part of the world we are going to see the keen in standing up for those primary negative impact of this drought on major producers who have suffered a major drought. employers who provide the State with a I do not think that people realise how serious substantial amount of its revenue. the drought has been. My colleague the member for Cunningham represents what has I do not believe that people have to live in traditionally been regarded as the bread rural areas to know that the cattle industry has basket of Queensland—the Darling Downs and undergone a major downturn. For about 18 some of the most fertile country around months, that industry has undergone a very, Jondaryan. This year, the member for very severe downturn. There could not have Cunningham, along with many other people been a worse financial set of circumstances for who live in his part of the world, has not been primary producers. They came out of a able to plant a wheat crop. I believe that for drought, albeit for a very short period, into a the entire year the area in which the member time of a very, very substantial downturn in for Cunningham lives has received something cattle prices. So people who had spent a lot of like three to four inches of rain. Of course, the money keeping their stock alive over an drought impacts on other industries. For extended period went into the drought with example, it will impact on rail freight and 100% equity and even some cash reserves. reduce the revenue of Queensland Rail. After five very, very hard years of drought, they have found themselves with 50% equity or While I am talking about revenue raising, I even less and no cash reserves because they would like to refer to a very, very had had to feed their stock over a continuing commendable move by the Minister for Natural period. As soon as there was a climatic Resources. He has become very, very improvement, cattle prices dropped and they concerned about the worsening drought are unable to arrest their downward spiralling situation and has today decided to waive the debt situation. fee which is generally applied to people grazing their cattle on road reserves, which is That situation did not happen for only about $1.50 per head per week, for people cattle producers; a similar situation existed for who are in a drought declared area or partially those people who grew grain and a range of drought declared area, or those people who other commodities. Although last year was a have received individual drought declarations. good wheat year in Queensland and it Obviously, that will cost the State a little bit in contributed significantly to rail freight revenues, revenue, but I believe that it will have a very, this year does not look so good. I believe that very positive impact on those people who are that will impact on the State economy. In struggling to keep their stock alive during such addition to that, as a consequence of the a difficult time. It is the obligation of any worsening drought, employment in some rural Government to ensure that it is responsive and areas will be reduced. That will also impact on responsible to concerns that are brought to it. I rural businesses and their traditional revenue- certainly praise that particular Minister for that raising capabilities. initiative. In the few hours since it has been I would like to touch briefly on the announced, it has been received quite well. concerns that many people in my part of the I would like to refer to the responsible way world are starting to express. For a long time in in which this State Government has gone that area, family businesses have retained the about raising revenue and applying revenue services of people for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. across the State of Queensland and the Because of the substantial economic downturn advantages that it has offered my electorate. 3036 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

As a consequence of this Government's have been going through hell for a decade or responsible economic management, it has more now are not placed in jeopardy by the been able to put in place a major Capital payment of land tax. They have enough Works Program that is really now starting to dramas as it is. Most of them are making provide benefits to many areas throughout nothing. We cannot afford to attack them in Queensland. For example, in the Warwick that manner. electorate, a $900,000 community health centre has been provided in Stanthorpe. For a It is important to understand that the court number of years, the people in that area have case placed in doubt the issue of the principal been crying out for that health centre. There place of residence of a person, whether living has been a continual upgrading of a number alone or with other persons. For that reason, it of roads, including the Texas-Yelarbon Road, is important that everyone understands the which runs in front of the Whyalla feedlot, implication of the case, The Trustee for which is the largest feedlot in the southern O'Rourke Seven Trust v. Commissioner of hemisphere. That feedlot has the capacity to Land Tax. Without amendment, the decision expand to 75,000 head on site at any one would have disqualified a land-holder from time. claiming the principal place of residence concession where other persons also reside at In relation to capital works, the the property. Obviously, that is nonsense. Government has provided a new administration and new covered play area for I reiterate what some previous speakers the Stanthorpe State School and given have said about courts in general. When one funding also for building better schools looks at some of the decisions of the High throughout the Warwick electorate. It is great Court and other courts, one really wonders just to talk to the teachers, the parents and the what goes on. I know that judges have to students about the much better work reflect the law, but it makes one wonder about environment in which they are now working. the interpretation of the laws when one looks They really do appreciate the fact that the at some of their decisions. If one looks at the State has responsibly and sensibly applied the end result, the decisions really do not follow money that it receives through various taxes, through in any commonsense way. As I have fees and charges. said, life is difficult enough without those sorts That also ensures that we are able to of things happening; they make life even more provide a greater degree of service for primary difficult. producers from Department of Primary Industry If the High Court's decisions continue staff. This year, more field staff, agronomists down this road of challenging things and and a range of other researchers were impacting on the whole State revenue appointed to the Department of Primary question, that will basically make the whole of Industries, in addition to the 252 people who the country almost ungovernable. One also were appointed to the Department of Primary has to question whether the way New South Industries in 1996-97. Those people help our Wales went about the exercise was wise. For a primary producers to become more productive long time it really looked as though the first by using new methods and technologies so person who challenged the validity of the taxes that, hopefully, they can meet the challenges may well have found that they were not valid. of drought, climate changes and changing Obviously, we have not been helped by that. market expectations. A consequence of that is that it will assist the Government in its revenue- I will turn to other parts of the legislation. raising measures. Clause 5 inserts a new section 9AA. Basically, the clause increases the thresholds for various I commend the Treasurer on the forms of assistance in respect, firstly, of land measures that she has outlined in the Bill tax, which is tremendously important to people before the House. I support the measures who are trying to make a living out of primary contained therein. production and small business. I applaud the Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) (2.50 p.m.): In Government's philosophy and approach, which rising to speak in the debate on the Revenue is to work towards a complete abolition of land Laws Amendment Bill, I am pleased that the tax. We have knocked 5% off land tax in this Treasurer has, in fact, put further beyond Budget, so everyone will, in fact, pay less land doubt the issue of residential qualifications as tax this coming financial year. That is certainly they relate to the payment of land tax. The a move in the right direction and I would like to whole question of land tax and the right not to see it accelerated. I do not pay land tax, pay it was put in jeopardy by a court case. It is because all of my off-farm investments were very important that the people in the bush who lost in the last decade through drought. 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3037

Mr Milliner: You are a millionaire, not be happy until nobody pays land tax, anyway, so you wouldn't miss it. because I do not think that the way that the Mr ELLIOTT: It has all gone. The member tax has been instituted is very sound—and all is behind the times. others will pay less tax than they have been paying. As far as I am concerned, that is a Mr Milliner: You are a man of means. step in the right direction. Mr ELLIOTT: I am a man of means all It is obvious that the payroll tax right; me and the National Australia Bank! concessions will be of considerable benefit. It is very important that we encourage Members opposite should support the people, particularly those in small business abolition of payroll tax. and on the land, to invest off-farm and build Mr Hamill: I said that. up other assets. Quite frankly, I would not be on the land now if I had not done that during Mr ELLIOTT: That is good. I am pleased the late seventies; that is the only thing that to hear that. Payroll tax will always discourage has kept me going to date. We need to look the employment of more people. very hard at all taxes, charges and so on. We Mr Lucas: Tell us your view on vertical must ensure that policies are in place that fiscal imbalance. actively encourage people to get other income Mr ELLIOTT: I thank the member for that back into their properties or their businesses interjection; that is very helpful. If we want or, alternatively, improve income equalisation employers to take on more workers, we will bonds and so on so that they are more viable have to make some very hard decisions, given in today's climate. In the long term, probably the attitudes that people have at the moment. one of the ways of the future will be to ensure The minute employers go beyond the that people look at their overall situations and threshold, they will have to pay more tax. I am put some fat into the system, so that when pleased to see that the ceiling will be raised to things get tough they can run off that fat. $850,000 from 1 January 1998. That is a step As I have said, I am delighted with the in the right direction. I congratulate the former concessions in the legislation. Let us look at Parliamentary Secretary and the Treasurer, some of them. The Land Tax Act will be who were involved in that decision. Obviously, amended to increase the deduction for that is very positive. However, we have not individuals—not trustees or companies—from gone far enough yet. Once an employer $160,000 to $200,000. That is certainly a approaches that threshold, where is the move in the right direction. That sort of money incentive to employ more workers? would mean that a person could afford a We need to look at the whole wage holiday home, could negative gear a house in structure. I believe we are still the only country Brisbane, or something like that and not left in the world which pays people more necessarily be liable for land tax. money while they are on holidays than when I believe that land tax was instituted to try they are at work making money for the to equalise the playing field a little and to business. It is pretty hard to see any great ensure that some people in our society did not justification for that. I can understand that accumulate all the wealth while others who many people would be very unhappy if those were trying to do something for themselves conditions were done away with. However, had none. I support that principle. I do not over time we need to build more productivity support attacking the wealthy in an effort to into the whole wage structure so that we bring everybody down to the lowest common ensure that the people who perform are paid denominator, which is the basis of socialism more than those who do not. That is what it and communism. If one looks at China, Russia ought to be about. and many other communist countries, that Thousands of people want to do a decent system has proved ineffective and day's work for a decent day's pay. In every way unsuccessful. In fact, such regimes have possible, those people should be encouraged probably made life a lot worse for everyone. to do so. We should try to move away from Therefore, I am pleased to see that arrangements that offer no incentive amendment in the legislation. whatsoever for people to produce more. The I am also pleased to see that the only way in which we can compete with other exemption threshold will be extended from countries in our neighbourhood is by working $40,000 to $100,000 for absentees and from smarter. We will have to gear up with $60,000 to $100,000 for companies and technology and produce goods using fewer trustees. That means that one-third of people workers. However, that has the potential to will not pay any land tax—and as I said, I will add to the problem of unemployment. In 3038 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 respect of that balancing act, we have to work Mr ELLIOTT: Yes, he would need a map out in which direction we will head. and a seeing eye dog to find his way down I wish to discuss some areas in relation to there. The honourable member would have to the revenue Bill. As Parliament was not sitting be taken only five yards away from last week, I travelled around the whole of my Toowoomba before he would need a seeing electorate visiting small towns, schools and so eye dog. Interestingly, we were able to get on. That is something that I do about four those funds when the Labor Party was in times a year. That gives one a feel for exactly power. As to our professional relationship—I what is happening in one's electorate. The had an excellent rapport with Pat when he was feedback that I received is mixed. It is great the Education Minister. That was despite the that money from this Budget and the previous fact that he used to get very upset with me for one is being spent on facilities. The education getting stuck into him when I was the shadow facilities are unbelievable. I do not think I have Minister and he was the Environment Minister. ever seen the education facilities in my However, we still had a very good professional electorate in better order. Everywhere one relationship. I will give him credit where it is goes, one sees covered walkways, and that due. He did not play politics with respect to the assists in the prevention of skin cancer by needs of the schools in my area. He was very reducing children's exposure to sunlight as helpful and did a number of things for me they walk around. For example, play areas are when I made representations to him. I was shaded and a large number of the schools pleased about that. I am even more pleased now have covered lunch areas. To me as a with the results that we are now getting with parent, that is a step in the right direction. respect to facilities in my electorate. Mr Hamill interjected. The only other matter that I wish to raise while I have the opportunity is the concerns Mr ELLIOTT: I do not care whose expressed to me in relation to the Clifton library program it was. I am commending the end facilities. We issued a press release in respect result. I am not too worried about who put it in of this facility. The project has been place. The money is still coming through the announced, but there seems to be some system. Fifty-one per cent of the funds toing-and-froing about just what sort of library provided in this Budget are being spent will be built. Clifton is expanding, as are the outside the south-eastern corner, that is, the areas adjacent to it. Large numbers of people statistical division of Brisbane and Moreton. from out west are coming into my electorate That is a great step forward. As I said, I did not and living in Cambooya, Wyreema and so on, strike one school out of all of the schools in my and they want their children to go to the Clifton electorate that had any complaints about its State High School. For argument's sake, it is facilities. Q-Build was right on top of the work, an absolute nonsense to overload Harristown be it painting or fixing broken stair treads. High School in Toowoomba when we have the Without a shadow of a doubt, the education ability to take those kids at the Clifton State facilities are in the best order that I have ever High School. We have to look at the transport seen them. system. I will be talking to Vaughan Johnson in That makes a nonsense of the member respect of that problem. We need to be able opposite who wanders around my electorate to get more kids to the Clifton State High saying that we never achieve anything. When School. the Labor Party was in power, we were able to Clifton and Pittsworth have the best get money from the Labor Government reputations of any high schools in the country. because I did not play politics in relation to In many instances, they have achieved OP these matters. For argument's sake, we got results superior to those of the best of the funds for Millmerran. One day, I tracked down independent private schools in Toowoomba. Tom Burns on his car phone to speak to him in They are fantastic schools. We want to ensure relation to a deputation seeking funds from a that they continue to achieve those results. It rural program that was in place. We managed is important that we take the opportunity to to get a magnificent—— send more kids to Clifton. In that way, we will Mr Hamill interjected. keep up the numbers and the ratio of teachers so that those schools are not disadvantaged Mr ELLIOTT: When the honourable by the current drought status. Some people member next drives down to Goondiwindi, he are pulling out of the area and going away. should have a look at the indoor sporting We need to look hard at that issue. We need complex at Millmerran. It is equivalent to to understand the necessity for that library anything he will see—— complex. It is scheduled to go ahead and the Mr Stephan interjected. money is there for it. It is important that we do 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3039 not short change the library with the funds That follows on from comments made by from this Budget. We have to make sure that it Access Economics last week. So we have BIS is up to the task and able to do the job. I am Shrapnel, Access Economics and the Reserve not saying that we should not take advantage Bank all disagreeing with the member for of new technologies such as computers and Ipswich. I think that says something about the so on. It is very important to understand that credibility of the member. there is a shortage of classroom areas at the I turn now to land tax. It would seem that Clifton State High School. For example, the member for Ipswich has quite a stilted view students are using the tuckshop for classes, of what land tax is all about. It was announced which is not good enough in this day and age. in the 1997-98 Budget, in reference to the It has been suggested that Clifton should have reductions in land tax and the reductions in a proper library facility like that at the Killarney payroll tax, that these concessions provide a State High School. Killarney is a much smaller general rebate of 5%. Statutory deductions for school than Clifton, and I believe that Clifton individuals go from 160,000 to 200,000, and will continue to grow. approximately one third of all land tax payers I am pleased to support the Bill. On will not pay tax in 1997-98. It is important to behalf of the Scrutiny of Legislation take that into consideration and examine what Committee, I thank the Treasurer for her input the member for Ipswich had to say about it. I to the Alert Digest. In the Alert Digest we quote from yesterday's Hansard— indicated that the Treasurer gave very good "... if we are going to provide $37m worth explanations for areas in which there was of concessions in a particular area of some concern in terms of fundamental rights. tax"—— We congratulate the Treasurer on her attitude in that regard. I support the Bill. Mr HAMILL: Mr Deputy Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the House. Mr CONNOR (Nerang) (3.10 p.m.): I rise Quorum present. to speak on the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill. In particular, I want to make a few Mr CONNOR: I quote the member for comments on statements made yesterday by Ipswich— the member for Ipswich. Firstly, I refer to "... if we are going to provide $37m worth Hansard in which he claimed that "Queensland of concessions in a particular area of tax, is a basket case". I refer members to the let us at least know to whom we are article written by Peter Morley and Craig providing the concessions." Johnstone in the Courier-Mail today about Obviously the member for Ipswich does not Queensland's role in the nation's economic have a clue. He stated further— comeback. The article states— "... these measures contained in this Bill "The Reserve Bank said ... growth to provide a $37m gift to those who pay would increase over the next 12 months land tax are nothing more than a windfall ... for a number of companies involved in land speculation in Queensland." ... BIS Shrapnel said in a report entitled State Economic Prospects—1997 to 2012 Those are the people who the member for that Queensland would be the nation's Ipswich believes pay land tax. I can tell the top economic performer for the next five House who pays land tax. It is all the little years. businesses around the State. That is who really pays land tax. The member for Ipswich 'Growth in Queensland's economy is will say, "But we fixed that back in 1991. We forecast to outpace economic activity in made some amendments so that small total Australia by 1 percent per annum,' shopkeepers wouldn't have to pay it." That is the BIS Shrapnel report said. only one type of consumer of office space that ... comes under the land tax net. Under the Retail Trading Act, shopkeepers were exempted from In the longer term, Queensland's having to pay land tax as outgoings. That economy would continue to diversify, does not stop land tax being factored into the building its industrial base in areas such lease under which they operate. So when one as manufacturing, transport, finance, is considering who pays land tax, one still business services and tourism. needs to consider the existing—— These would attract investment and Mr HAMILL: Mr Deputy Speaker, there population away from the southern states, still seems to be an insufficient number of BIS Shrapnel said." members in the House. 3040 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

Mr CONNOR: I beg to differ. There are 15 per cent of growing businesses said they plus the Deputy Speaker. Another member would hire another person if on-costs were has just entered the Chamber, so there are 16 lower." members now present. The member for There goes the credibility of the member for Ipswich is just wasting my time and the time of Ipswich. It goes on further to say— the House. "Other issues, such as export We need to consider who is paying land generation and flexible, skilled labour tax. As I said, the professionals and the small- forces, warrant more urgent attention. A business people around the State are also possible first step would be to commit to paying land tax. The member for Ipswich gradually reduce on-costs over 5 to 10 stated further— years ..." "But there is nothing in the $37m It sounds very familiar. That is exactly the give-away in land tax which will generate policy that the coalition Government put in but one new job in the State." place, recommended by one of the world's What an absolute load of drivel! The member leading management consultants, as does not have a clue what economic consultant to the Federal Labor Government, development is about. When we came to with a foreword from the previous Labor Prime Government, we said that we were going to Minister. That is who recommended what phase out land tax over 10 years. We made should be done, but Labor did not have the that our policy, but a lot of the philosophy guts to do it. We did it; we followed the behind that policy came from a report titled recommendations of a world leader in these "Lead Local Compete Global". This report was areas who also maintained that it would be an written by one of the most respected important way to increase investment and management consulting firms in the world, particularly employment. That is where the McKinsey & Company. I might add that this credibility is. was not just a report produced out of the blue I would also like to refer to another article by a management consultant. This was all part that appeared in the paper. I think this is a of the Kelty task force whose aim was to try to pretty relevant statement. It states— stimulate investment in the regions of Australia, and it was commissioned by the "... Budget ... has introduced relief previous Federal Labor Government. The measures on land tax which will cost the foreword was written by Paul Keating. It State $23 million ..." states— It did not go quite as far as we did. It goes on "The momentum for growth will be further— underpinned by business investment "... the measures had been taken to ... reduce the impact of land valuation The McKinsey Report, Lead Local increases. Compete Global, summarises the findings The major beneficiaries—land owners of a nine-month study into private sector with properties worth less than $1 investment ..." million—will receive tax reductions ranging Let us have a look at what McKinsey & from 17 to 28 per cent. Company, working for the Federal Labor The statutory exemptions for land Government, had to say about what land tax owned by individuals will increase ..." and business on-costs were doing to Australia That was a very interesting policy. That was Mr and what should be done about it. The report De Lacy's first Budget. Mr De Lacy, the states— previous Labor Treasurer, did almost exactly "On-costs need to be lowered what the member for Ipswich criticised us for Businesses have universally strong doing yesterday. There goes the credibility of views on the issue of on-costs. They see the member for Ipswich. lowering on-costs, including payroll tax, We also need to look back at exactly what the training guarantee levy, workers we inherited in about March last year. I say to compensation and associated compliance anyone who thinks that the freeze was put on costs, as an important way to increase by us that it was put on by the other side. One investment and particularly employment. has only to look at the figures to see that the On-costs are a contributor to total wage slide in the Queensland economy started well cost and an irritant affecting the before we came along; it started in about June willingness of businesses to invest and of 1995 and gradually accelerated. That is employ additional people. Twenty-nine what we inherited and that is one of the 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3041 reasons that the previous Labor Government announced that the statutory deduction for did so badly in the Mundingburra by-election individuals would increase from $160,000 to and at the State election in July 1995. Labor $200,000 and the exemption threshold for drove this State into the ground through the companies and trusts would increase from same lack of credibility on economic and $60,000 to $100,000, and from $40,000 to management matters as the member for $100,000 for absentees. Ipswich demonstrated yesterday in his Another significant Budget initiative is the comments in this House. increase in the payroll tax exemption threshold Almost everything that I have quoted here from $800,000 to $850,000 from 1 January today has come from either the member for 1998. This follows the initiative provided in the Ipswich, the previous Labor consultants or the coalition's first Budget in which the threshold previous Treasurer, Mr De Lacy. Almost was increased from $750,000 to $800,000 nothing that I have quoted here has come from 1 January 1997. I must say at this stage from our side; they are all quotes from that this is a tremendous incentive for business honourable members opposite, but they operators who are finding that, on top of all of cannot cop it even though they are their own the other taxes that they have to pay, these words. That is why we ended up in the state taxes are making it very difficult for them to put that we inherited. We had to try to get this in the same amount of enthusiasm and get State going again because of the mess that any returns at all from their outlays and work. Labor left it in. On 21 May when launching the Future Mr Hamill: You turned off the tap. Directions for the Office of State Revenue, the Mr CONNOR: We turned off the tap for a Treasurer announced that the coalition few weeks so that we could find out what the Government's commitment to a low tax policy members opposite were up to, what wrong must be complemented through the directions they were going in and just how modernisation of taxation administration. An much they had not budgeted for, because important part of modern tax administration is they did not have the money for half of the a commitment to client services, the sharing of stuff that they had promised in elections and information between tax administrators and got under way. We had to try to find out what taxpayers and an understanding of the impact the hell they were up to. We sorted that out; of taxation administration on commercial we got the ball rolling again and we delivered. decisions which are made. That gives various As opposed to all of the predictions that the areas around the State some incentive for scaremongerers opposite made about the planning for the future. I highlight, for example, Capital Works Program, not only did we deliver the area of Wide Bay. The preparation of a more in the last financial year than they ever regional growth management framework has had, but the Budget itself was much bigger been decided upon to deal with the pressures than ever before, and we delivered a bigger of rapid population expansion in the Wide Bay percentage. The same thing is going to area. It has been predicted that by the year happen this year, and that is another reason 2020 Wide Bay's population will have that the Queensland economy is moving increased by 130,000 people. That is certainly ahead and will continue to move ahead under a very large figure indeed. the coalition Government. The Wide Bay area also includes my own Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (3.24 p.m.): It electorate of Gympie as well as the Cooloola gives me a great deal of pleasure to join this region. In the Cooloola region, for example, debate on the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill. figures published in the Wide Bay 2020 draft This Bill highlights the fact that the coalition report show that the population of Gympie has Government came into office with a clear grown from 14,764 in 1986 to 16,200 in 1996. commitment to enhance Queensland's status The population growth in the Cooloola region, as a low tax State through the phasing out of including Gympie, is projected to rise from land tax, the reduction of payroll tax and the 32,000 in 1996 to 46,750 by the year 2020. implementation of tax reform through the Areas of concern that require submissions improvement in taxation administration. This include land resources, water resources, the Bill delivers on these commitments. atmosphere, open space, coastal In the 1997-98 Budget, the Treasurer development, wildlife and vegetation, and announced that the centrepiece of the transport. These concerns will all be taken into taxation concessions was a $20m land tax account in these particular areas. package and that these concessions would As a result of population growth and the provide a general rebate of 5% on the land tax resultant development come other pressures. assessment for all taxpayers. In addition, she One of these relates to the provision of 3042 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 education. Education plays a very important at the moment, it will be able to make that role in all parts of the State, particularly in return journey in one day. growth areas, by keeping them abreast of Mr Hamill: Did the trial go well? what is happening. It is important that we maintain our school buildings to meet the Mr STEPHAN: I believe it did. It was not a needs of an expanding population. I highlight, full-scale trial. It was basically to ensure that for example, the Tin Can Bay area, which the rolling stock was performing as expected. needs increased school accommodation. Because of the expertise of the local builders Because of the high population growth in that in Maryborough, there is no doubt that that area, the number of pupils attending the service will be successful. However, there is a primary school has increased at a far greater downside. Because the train is travelling fast rate than was ever imagined. As a result, that and carrying a greater number of passengers, school is not properly catering for all its the shifts that drivers and train crews will be students. These sorts of pressures go hand in required to work will be longer. Unfortunately, hand with development. Whereas many as the expertise and the speed of those people realise that delays are often associated machines improves, some of those crews may with the development of some programs, no longer be required. others do not realise that at all. I take this opportunity to highlight some of the other programs that have been put in The report also highlights the problems place, including farm forestry. A great deal of facing the Wide Bay region in the next 23 interest is being shown by people in that area years, including soil erosion, which has been a in relation to what they can do and how they fairly substantial problem in that area for many can utilise the land. The Noosa and District years, particularly because beans, pineapples Landcare farm forestry project officer recently and most other crops have been grown on its welcomed the formation of a hinterland steeper slopes. Soil salinity is another problem forestry cooperative association in that area. in that area because saline water is being Although the study and assessment are yet to pumped from underground. be completed, the findings and resulting The conservation of natural resources, legislative action could see large tracts of particularly in the Great Sandy Region, is forestry preserved completely, thus having another issue that must be considered very major ramifications for the timber industry in seriously indeed. The Wide Bay region Queensland as well as nationally. I believe that contains some beautiful areas, particularly in there is a great future for that type of the national parks, including the Cooloola development and that type of cooperation National Park, the Great Sandy Region and between landowners, between Governments Fraser Island. When one visits these locations and landowners, and amongst landowners one realises just how beautiful they are, themselves. I support this legislation. together with the sheer magnitude of the Mr CARROLL (Mansfield) (3.37 p.m.): As natural timber growth and the growth that will a member of the Treasurer's ministerial continue over a long period. The area receives committee, I am pleased to be able to speak a substantial amount of rainfall, and this helps in support of the Bill before the House this a great deal in increasing tree growth in that afternoon. I believe that it is a further indication area. of the attention being paid by the Treasurer to I turn now to the role of transportation in the needs of this State, including the detailed the area. In the last couple of days, the new tilt amendments which are contained in this train which was built in Maryborough by particular Bill. Walkers, was given a trial run from The attention to revenue gathering and Maryborough to Gympie. When it gets into full the minor concessions which are allowed from swing, that train will reduce the travelling time time to time—such as we see in this Bill—are from Gladstone to Brisbane—— an essential background to the excellent provision being made throughout Queensland. Mr Hamill: It's going to run from In the electorate of Mansfield, which I am Rockhampton. fortunate to represent, enormous benefits are Mr STEPHAN: I am sorry, it is running being shown in our schools, our nearby from Rockhampton, which is a little further hospital, that is, the QE II Hospital, the roads away from Brisbane than Gladstone. I am network, and in the provision of police and particularly interested in its travelling time from court services. In particular, all the schools in Bundaberg, for example, to Maryborough, my electorate have enjoyed substantial Gympie and Brisbane. Because it travels faster renovations and improvements to services than the other trains that provide that service which count right in the classroom. Not only 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3043 have improvements been made to bus safety is the lender or payer, or the giver of the zones, where children are collected and security is the borrower or payee. dropped off at school; significant The second of the stamp duty measures improvements have also been made in the simplifies the operation of the 1996 classrooms. This has made my constituents, amendments to the mortgage duty their children and the teachers who serve in concessions for principal places of residence those schools very happy indeed. where further advances are made under The QE II Hospital is one of the real mortgages that have attracted the benefit of success stories of this National/Liberal coalition the concessions. In 1996 a package of Government. I am pleased to say that the measures was introduced to reduce mortgage constituents whom I represent continually stamp duty costs where people purchase their report to me their pleasure at having that first home or refinance home loans. These hospital so handy, so modern, so accessible concessions, which continue to benefit and now so well used. Indeed, some days Queensland home buyers, make it possible for when I pass the hospital I wonder whether or people to refinance an average home not an extra car could be fitted into the very mortgage without any stamp duty costs. They large car park. We have been pleased to have also assist people purchasing their first homes the Minister, the Honourable Mike Horan, visit through an increase in the mortgage duty the electorate to open a series of extensions exemptions from $70,000 to $100,000. Those and facilities at that hospital. I was pleased to two measures are real boons to the workers of play a part in ensuring that this Government this State. I am pleased to say that I have reopened that hospital. many of those in the electorate that I It has been very pleasing to see represent. improvements to the transport infrastructure in The 1996 package of measures included the electorate of Mansfield. We have recently new arrangements for calculating stamp duty opened the Capalaba Bypass. That followed on further advances; however, after the opening of the Southern Bypass, which consultation with the finance industry, it is linked the Gateway Motorway to the Logan apparent that the flexibility and range of Motorway. That road takes some 64,000 financing options available are such that the vehicles a week away from the Mount Gravatt- further advance provisions now need to be Capalaba Road, which traverses the electorate relaxed to extend the earlier concessions to of Mansfield from its eastern boundary to its financing through fluctuating accounts and western boundary. That is a real boon to the line-of-credit facilities. The change involves people in the quiet residential areas of adopting the general regime for calculating Wishart, particularly, and Mansfield and mortgage stamp duty, whereby stamp duty is Mackenzie, which adjoin the particularly levied on the highest amount advanced. The important Gateway arterial road. change will see stamp duty costs reduced and The Bill before the House contains four administration of the concessions simplified. initiatives that clearly demonstrate that the As I mentioned earlier, detailed attention coalition Government is listening to the to legislative changes is at the back of our Queensland community and is strongly commitment as a Government to ensure that committed to ensuring that Queensland small business particularly, but also the whole remains the low-tax State. Two amendments of the Queensland economy, receives a kick are being made to the Stamp Act, both of start. I believe that we can see that already which involve mortgage duty. The first of happening. Indeed, the excellent prospects for those, commonly known as the CitiSecurities Queenslanders from the actions taken by this amendments, is designed to clarify the liability Government can be clearly seen. That is to mortgage duty of securities given by third probably why Mr Beattie has been so parties for loans and advances to another desperate in the last couple of days to try to party. Following the 1995 decision of the Court bring to a head an election and endeavour to of Appeal in the CitiSecurities case, there was throw some mud at some of our Ministers— a need to provide certainty for the business without success I am pleased to say. community in this somewhat complex sector. After appropriate public consultation, this Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— amendment now comes before the House. It Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The will clarify that securities that directly or through Arts) (3.44 p.m.), in reply: I thank all members other arrangements secure the payment or for their contribution to the debate. I will repayment of an amount lent or to be lent, answer a few points that were raised by the advanced or paid will be liable to duty Opposition. It has been argued that the regardless of whether the holder of the security benefits of the land tax measures will flow to 3044 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 companies and trusts, many of whom may not the recent decision of the High Court. As I be located in Queensland, and that the think the shadow Treasurer has mentioned, no concessions will confer a windfall on longer is it appropriate to have that section in speculative land-holders. Far from benefiting a the Bill. select few taxpayers—as the Opposition would Some mention has been made about the have it—the changes in this Bill are designed Ha and Lim High Court decision. On 5 August, to benefit all those who pay land tax, the High Court declared invalid the New South particularly all Queenslanders, of course. The Wales licensing legislation to the extent that it package of three measures is broadly imposed an ad valorem fee for a tobacco equivalent to a 10% reduction in land tax licence. The basis of the invalidation of the fee across-the-board. For individuals, the increase was that it was an excise, which, pursuant to in the statutory deduction combined with the section 90 of the Commonwealth Constitution, principal home exemption means that Queenslanders may own their own home, an the Commonwealth has the exclusive power to average holiday home and an investment impose. The decision also has implications for property before being liable for the tax. The Queensland's tobacco licensing arrangements, increase in the statutory exemption for and has certainly cast doubt on the validity of companies, absentees and trustees to the liquor licensing fee. $100,000 will apply only to taxpayers with land- Without adequate action by the holdings whose aggregate value is less than Commonwealth Government, the decision that sum. Where the aggregate value exceeds would have resulted in a revenue loss of some $100,000, tax is payable on the full value $700m annually in Queensland and without the deduction. All taxpayers will enjoy approximately $5 billion nationally. Exposure to the benefit of that new 5% rebate. refund claims would have been equal to a As to payroll tax initiatives—the similar amount. So in response to the Opposition suggested that increasing the unanimous request from all States and payroll tax threshold provides only marginal Territories, the Commonwealth agreed to relief to some taxpayers. It has also been implement safety recommendations to protect suggested that the rate of tax be reduced so against the revenue loss. Of course, that that all taxpayers benefit from the adjustment. protection will be achieved through an increase Payroll tax arrangements in Queensland are in the customs and excise duties on tobacco certainly the most favourable to businesses of and fuel and, in the wholesale sales tax rate any State or Territory. Queensland has for liquor, an enactment of a windfall gains tax maintained the 5% rate of payroll tax since of 100% on refunds of licence fees paid prior 1974, while other jurisdictions have increased to the High Court decision. Owing to theirs to rates ranging from 5.56% to 7%: the constitutional constraints, the rate imposed by Northern Territory, 7%; New South Wales and the Commonwealth must apply uniformly ACT, 6.85%; Tasmania, 6.65; Victoria, 6.25%; across the country. As a result, the total South Australia, 6%; Western Australia, amount of revenue collected under those 5.56%. The maintenance of the payroll tax arrangements will be greater than that which rate at 5% saved Queensland businesses would have been collected nationally under some $440m in 1996-97 when compared with the licence fee arrangements. those States that impose a 7% rate. The coalition Government is committed to Queensland's payroll tax threshold is also ensuring that, to the extent possible, the highest in the country. It must also be Queenslanders do not suffer price increases remembered that increasing the threshold under those arrangements. It will achieve that extends the range of persons who may claim a by developing arrangements with businesses deduction in calculating their payroll tax liability. to return the overpayments before they are From 1 January this year, that deduction is passed on to consumers. available for taxpayers whose wages fall The shadow Treasurer questioned why it between $850,000 and $3.4m. When the had taken so long to put safety net members opposite were in power, they did not arrangements in place when the Government avail themselves of the opportunity to lower had known for some time that the court's the rate of payroll tax; instead, they did exactly decision was pending. The Government was what we are doing: they adjusted the aware that the court would be bringing down a exemption threshold. I think there is a fair decision and, prior to the decision on 5 degree of hypocrisy in their comments. August, a great deal of work was done to I foreshadow moving an amendment at ensure that Queensland was protected against the Committee stage to amend Part 5 of the adverse revenue consequences. However, Tobacco Products (Licensing) Act, because of there was no way that the Government could 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3045 guarantee what the decision of the High Court that the consideration of a broad-based would be. Indeed, the Government's legal consumption tax and the reform of advice was that there were three options open Federal/State financial relations will be on the to the High Court: it could find in the way in agenda. I think that, far from the shadow which it did, which was a great blow to the Treasurer trying to make political mileage out States; it could find for the status quo; or in its of this issue, it would be very good to see judgment it could provide a basis that would some State and Federal bipartisan input—— have meant that State taxes were more Mr Hamill interjected. secure and that the Government could have broadened the tax base. Prior to the handing Mrs SHELDON: No, I mean it. It would be down of the High Court's decision, the action good to see some bipartisan input into that the Government was taking was along the Federal/State tax reform. It is a vital issue for same lines as the strategy adopted in the our nation. I think that it is really extremely lead-up to the 1993 High Court decision in the poor that people such as the shadow Capital Duplicators case, which concerned the Treasurer, Mr Beazley and Gareth Evans are same issue. It involved lengthy and detailed trying to score cheap political points. This discussions with the Commonwealth on what debate should be well above that. I think that options were available. that does them no credit whatsoever. Following the recent High Court decision which As I have said, business franchise fees invalidated tobacco and liquor fees, the are imposed at different rates around the imperative for reform of Federal/State financial country, but the Commonwealth's response relations is greater than ever. I think that the had to be uniform nationally. That raised business community and people in general difficult issues for the States in how to return know that. I am very concerned that this the overcollections to ensure as far as possible reform must be of benefit to PAYE taxpayers that prices did not rise and will not rise. It was who, I think, when they reach a salary of also important to explore options for protecting $30,000 a year are then placed into the higher the State against refund claims. All of those tax bracket and pay something like 49% tax. negotiations were directly relevant to the That is ridiculous. It certainly offers no incentive announcement by the Commonwealth on 6 for anyone to work hard. August of the increase in excise and the proposal for a 100% windfall gains tax on The arrangements that the refunds. It defies a reasonable concept that Commonwealth has put in place to protect the this was all able to be done in one day, as the revenue of the States and the Territories is shadow Treasurer would have us believe. intended to be temporary. In fact, the Federal Treasurer, Mr Costello, said that. I think that Mr Hamill: You had months to prepare there will be a review in six months from when yourself. this is all finalised. We certainly need a forum Mrs SHELDON: The member has had his in which we can address the problem of go. Obviously, we had done a lot of work. If we vertical fiscal imbalance. We have set up a unit had not done that work, there was no way that within Treasury, with the officers who have that decision by the Commonwealth been working on it, to do just that. We are Government and that guarantee by the going to have input from the private sector, Federal Treasurer could have been made 24 such as people from the QCCI, the metal hours after the decision was brought down. trades industry, the welfare groups, rural groups and other people in the community. Negotiations with the fuel, liquor and We will get a pro forma agenda of where we tobacco industries have been held and think the State should be going. We are currently work is progressing at an urgent rate certainly contacting other Premiers and to settle the arrangements of returning the Treasurers to see if they would like to be overpayments. Those consultations were involved in what we are doing, or they may undertaken as soon as the Commonwealth wish to do their own thing. However, I think response was known. Owing to the that there needs to be some cohesion. We constitutional arrangements under which the then need to tick-tack with the Federal States must work, these are complex issues. It Government and see what can be done and is not surprising that there have been do that as quickly as possible. I am also asking difficulties in moving to this new system. the Prime Minister this week if Queensland The shadow Treasurer also indicated that could have a representative on the Federal the coalition favours a GST and that that will task force that has been set up. As I have adverse effects on Queenslanders. The understand it, the task force is comprised Prime Minister has announced a review of mainly of Federal Treasury officials. I have a Federal taxation arrangements and he said great concern that Queensland has someone 3046 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 with ability as a member of that task force. My "(a) The majority of owner occupiers recommendation would be for our Under claim principle place of residence and do Treasurer, Dr Doug McTaggart, to be a not pay land tax. A small number live in member of that task force so that he has his properties which include investment and finger on the pulse of what is happening down business properties valued as one parcel there and can enable interaction at a much and pay land tax. No details are quicker and better rate. available." Finally, I would like to say that all of these Part (b) of the question relates to the number revenue laws are important. As a State, we of absentee owners from Queensland and the have to have revenue to be able to provide answer is, "Unknown". In answer to the the services that the people need. It is our question about companies and trusts, the responsibility to deliver them, so the sooner we figure of 26,823 was given. The answer have some certainty in the amount of revenue states— we have, the continuity of that revenue and "This figure includes absentee also revenue out of growth taxes, the better. companies and trusts as tax threshold are Motion agreed to. the same they are treated the same." To the question of how many other absentee Committee owners there are—in other words, people from overseas or interstate—the answer is, Hon. J. M. Sheldon (Caloundra—Deputy "Unknown". Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts) in charge of the Bill. I find it quite extraordinary that the Treasurer cannot furnish the details of who Clauses 1 to 11, as read, agreed to. actually pays land tax in the State. How many Clause 12— companies and people pay land tax? In what categories are those people? Is it the case Mr HAMILL (3.58 p.m.): I want to highlight that the adjustments that are made to the an important issue that relates to clause 12, thresholds are made at random, in the and it is one that I believe needs to be absence of a database that shows who the addressed by the Treasurer. When the beneficiaries are? I would hope that that is not Government is undertaking changes to the tax the case. I hope that there is a bit of science schedules and the revenue base, I would have behind the adjustments to thresholds that are thought that the Government would have at its contained in clause 12, rather than simple disposal detailed information about the guesswork. If the Treasurer does have more incidence of a particular taxing measure in detail, now is an appropriate time to furnish the question. Parliament with that detail. Or is it the case, as Clause 12 refers to a set of provisions the Treasurer indicated in response to that which adjust the various threshold exemption question on notice, that there is no database levels for the payment of land tax and they to draw upon at all and that the only relate to different types of taxpayers. I believe information that she has is that 26,823 that the Treasurer would have details as to the companies and trusts pay land tax and numbers of people who would fall into contribute 84% of the total tax gathering under particular categories of taxpayer, to wit whether land tax? a person is domiciled in Queensland, whether As for the other 16% who contribute to the taxpayer is an individual taxpayer or the $200m or so that is collected through land whether the taxpayer is a company or a trust. tax—the Treasurer does not know who they This is an important point and one which has are, what their numbers are or whether they been canvassed in the second-reading are domiciled in Queensland or not. In fact, debate. If we are going to understand who in she has no profile on those taxpayers. I would fact the beneficiaries of these measures are, appreciate the Treasurer's response on those we need to know just who is paying land tax. very important matters. Therefore, I refer the Treasurer to her answer to my question on notice No. 550, dated Mrs SHELDON: The database is exactly Tuesday, 27 May 1997. The question asked— the same database as was in place when the member was in Government. There is nothing "How many of those who pay Land different there. Indeed, the same information Tax are (a) owner occupiers, (b) absentee is collected as the previous Government owners from Queensland, (c) companies collected. The information provided to me and and trusts and (d) other absentee given to the member in answer to his question owners?" on notice was the advice that came from that The answer states— department. I am sure it would be the same 20 Aug 1997 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 3047 advice that would have come to the previous he always is. The fact of the matter is that I Treasurer. thought that I had very adequately—— There is no more detail available. As I Mr Hamill: I'm a shadow. guess the member knows, land tax is Mrs SHELDON: Whatever the heck the assessed by reference to the Valuer-General's member is. I am never too sure what he is, records of land values. The absentee other than a loud mouth. company and the trustee exemption thresholds result in no assessments being I think that the member received an issued to those taxpayers. Records are kept of adequate answer to his question on notice those who pay, rather than of those who do and he has been adequately answered today. not. The databases are of the taxpayers and Possibly he would like a list of names to the Valuer-General's land values. It is not that present to the Parliament. As I said, the people are trying to avoid giving the member Treasury has the same information and information; that was the information that was databases that were available to the previous available when he was in Government and the Government. Increasing the thresholds as we same information is available now. We have have will take some taxpayers out of the scope not changed the way that the database is of the tax. We can say who will no longer pay collected. the tax and that is the basis upon which our Mr HAMILL: The Treasurer's response estimates have been made. That is quite a only raises more questions in my mind, rather reasonable, logical answer to the member's than answering the questions that I have question. posed. This clause establishes a whole range Mr HAMILL: The Treasurer talks about of new thresholds. Is the Treasurer trying to tell her estimates. What are those estimates? the Parliament that the figures contained in Mrs Sheldon: They were in the Budget. clause 12 have been arbitrarily put upon by the Treasurer, or does the Treasurer simply act Mr HAMILL: What are they? What are the upon some note that comes to her from within estimates in terms of reducing the total her department stating that someone has had number from what to what? Surely that is not the bright idea of adjusting the thresholds in an unreasonable question. Surely a Minister this way and does not bother asking how who is on top of her portfolio would have that many people will be affected, who they are or information here when we are discussing Bills what the incidence of the tax is? that arise directly out of Budget measures which she introduced into this Parliament. It is Given the Treasurer's answer, I find it almost as though we are asking for State extraordinary that there is information at her secrets, whereas surely members have the disposal as to the Valuer-General's right to know not the name of individual valuations—obviously she needs that taxpayers, as the Treasurer sarcastically would information to put out notices for the payment have it, but the aggregate numbers of people of the land tax—but that there is no record of paying land tax. who in fact is making payments to the Office of State Revenue. That is the implication of the The Treasurer can tell us that 84% of the Treasurer's answer. I find that too fantastic a total land tax collection comes from companies statement for me to believe it. and trusts, so why cannot the Treasurer tell us who makes up the other 16%? Why will the Could the Treasurer please make inquiries Treasurer not tell us whether those who are within her department—as I thought she would have done if she was going to introduce a Bill making up the other 16%—and we are talking to change the law in relation to tax about a sum of around $30m to $35m—are thresholds—and inform the Parliament exactly Queensland families or whether they are what the incidence of land tax is. For a start, individuals who own significant tracts of land in let us take a simple matter: it would be worth Queensland but who are domiciled in New while knowing how many land tax payers there South Wales or Victoria or Brunei or Japan or Malaysia or some other place? The Treasurer are. We know that there are 26,823 payers ought to know that. It is reasonable for that fall into the category of companies and members of Parliament to want to know the trusts. How many others are there and how answer to that question in order to understand many others will there be as a result of the whether the measures that the Treasurer is measures which the Treasurer wants to have introducing are in fact justified. As I suggested the Parliament agree to this afternoon? in my speech during the second-reading Mrs SHELDON: It is a great pity that the debate, it would appear that a $37m tax cut is shadow Treasurer tries to be as offensive as going to a very tiny section of the community. 3048 Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

Mr Connor: You've got it wrong again. Nevertheless, I am always the optimist Mr HAMILL: The member for Nerang and I will again be optimistic in inquiring of the seems to know more about these things than Treasurer when it is proposed that the existing the Treasurer. The member for Nerang seems legislation that imposes business franchise to have all of the information at his fingertips. It fees, struck down though it may be in the High is a sad and sorry day when the Treasurer of Court—certainly, effectively in relation to the this State knows less than the member for Tobacco Products Licensing Act and, shall we Nerang. I really did not think it was possible say, perhaps in relation to liquor licensing that anyone would know less than the member fees—will be repealed by the Treasurer. I for Nerang. If the member for Nerang has all of suggest it is probably more relevant in relation this information, why does he not send a note to the liquor licensing legislation, because the to the Treasurer and let her in on the secret as High Court decision was silent on the matter of well? This is information that should be liquor licensing fees, and it can be regarded available to members of the Parliament. In the only as an inference from the findings of the same way as the Treasurer can tell us the majority in that case that State liquor licensing numbers of firms that are paying payroll tax fees would be similarly found to be and can come out and say, as Treasurers unconstitutional, given the rate at which those have before her, that 95% of Queensland fees are struck. companies will not pay payroll tax, why can the Mrs SHELDON: It is quite obvious that Treasurer not identify the categories of the shadow Treasurer has not been taxpayers who together are contributing in the overdosing on happy pills. After the process order of $30m to $35m to State revenue? It is has been put in place, with the agreement of a simple question. It ought to have a simple the other States and the Federal answer. Government—and, of course, the Federal Clause 12, as read, agreed to. Government has to bring in legislation which has to get through the Lower and Upper Clauses 13 to 22, as read, agreed to. Houses—we will be repealing any Act that is Clause 23— no longer relevant for the State. Mr HAMILL (4.11 p.m.): This is the first Mr HAMILL: The Treasurer referred to clause contained in Part 5 of the Bill, which is certain Commonwealth legislation being that part of the Bill that relates to amending important in this regard. I seek further the Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 1988. elucidation of that point. I understand that, two That is the legislation which by inference has weeks ago almost to the hour, the been struck down in the High Court and which Commonwealth moved to increase excise in we discussed in some detail earlier. I note the relation to tobacco products, certain liquor Treasurer's comments that the Government is products and fuel as a result of the High Court not going to proceed with these amendments. decision handed down on Tuesday a fortnight I presume that these are all of the ago. I presume that was a regulatory measure. amendments contained in Part 5 of this Bill. I What further legislation does the Treasurer wish to inquire of the Treasurer—and I trust envisage being enacted in relation to that? If it that she will see fit to answer this question; she is a regulation, I presume the Commonwealth would not see fit to answer the questions in has that regulatory power and it then becomes relation to land tax—— a matter for disallowance. Mrs Sheldon: Don't be nasty. Be nice Mr Borbidge: We validate it. today. Mr HAMILL: I take the interjection of the Mrs Sheldon: It's got to be validated. Treasurer, and I will reciprocate. If the Mr Borbidge: They announce legislation Treasurer has found some nice pills to take to to be effective from that date. cheer up her disposition, I am sure she would be happy to share them around. In relation to Mr HAMILL: But to what purpose is the these matters, the Treasurer may think that legislation? The Commonwealth has already she does not have to come in here to respond increased the excise. What further legislative measures are being—— and be accountable to the Chamber in relation to her portfolio. I am afraid that is an attitude Mr Borbidge interjected. that seems to be shared by a number of Mr HAMILL: Are we talking about the Ministers in this coalition who seem to think compensation measures? that there is no such thing as ministerial responsibility and accountability in this place. Mr Borbidge: We put in place whatever That saddens me. arrangements are appropriate. 20 Aug 1997 Century Zinc Project Bill 3049

Mr HAMILL: That is what I am trying to by the State under the Commonwealth Native ascertain. If it is the case that the Title Act. It will bring enormous benefits to the Commonwealth is going to legislate to ensure people of Queensland, including the Aboriginal that rather than just having an agreement that people of the Carpentaria/Mt Isa mineral moneys would be returned to the States in lieu province. The purpose of this Bill is to facilitate of the moneys which the States previously aspects of the agreement which I signed on collected themselves, and if that is the behalf of the State on 7 May this year with the legislation that is being referred to, I am sure native title claimants and Century Zinc Limited. the Opposition collectively joins with the This Bill reflects the State's commitments Government in wishing the quick passage of under the agreement and makes it clear that that legislation through the Federal Parliament. native title is not extinguished by the Bill or My purpose is to have an understanding for anything done under the Bill. The non- the benefit of all members of what extinguishment principle under the arrangements have been put in place now to Commonwealth Native Title Act applies to protect a very important part of the State anything done under the Bill. This means that revenue base. native title will be suppressed for so long as Mrs SHELDON: The details are not the titles and the corridor are in place, but may available. As I said before, we are working ultimately revive and be of full effect. through these processes. As soon as those In case any member of this House is details are available, I will be very happy to unaware of the significance of the Century inform the Chamber and the shadow Treasurer project, allow me to provide a brief description exactly what they are. of what it entails. Century Zinc is proposing to Clause 23, as read, negatived. construct and operate the world's largest zinc mine. It will slurry zinc concentrate about 300 Clauses 24 to 33, as read, negatived. kilometres from the mine site near Lawn Hill to Bill reported, with amendments. the port of Karumba. From Karumba it will be dewatered, processed and shipped from a new facility, construction of which will shortly Third Reading begin. Annual production will average Bill, on motion of Mrs Sheldon, by leave, approximately 5 million tonnes of ore read a third time. producing 780,000 tonnes of zinc (and silver) concentrate and 70,000 tonnes of lead concentrate. The zinc concentrate will yield an average 450,000 tonnes of zinc metal per CENTURY ZINC PROJECT BILL annum. This is approximately 27% of Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Australia's zinc production or about 7% of total Paradise—Premier) (4.18 p.m.), by leave, world zinc production. The majority of the zinc without notice: I move— concentrate produced by the mine will be exported to the Netherlands and Asia. Up to "That leave be granted to bring in a 20% of the concentrate is expected to be Bill for an Act to facilitate certain aspects purchased by the Townsville zinc smelter which of an agreement about the establishment commenced construction earlier this month. of a mine and other facilities on certain land in north-west Queensland." The estimated construction cost of the mine and associated infrastructure is $1.2 Motion agreed to. billion. Of this cost, approximately 85% will be sourced domestically, providing a significant First Reading boost to the local region as well as the Queensland and national economies. It is Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and estimated that the construction phase will Bill, on motion of Mr Borbidge, read a first create about 600 jobs. In addition, further time. employment will be indirectly generated to provide the material and services required Second Reading during construction. During construction phase, the project is expected to increase Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Queensland's GSP by around $600m and Paradise—Premier) (4.18 p.m.): I move— Australia's GDP by up to $1 billion. Once "That the Bill be now read a second operational it is estimated that Century will time." directly employ around 300 persons in the The introduction of this Bill today is the north-west region and an additional 190 culmination of a unique negotiation carried out persons in the rest of Queensland. It is also 3050 Century Zinc Project Bill 20 Aug 1997 expected that substantial flow on employment The State has agreed to the following 17 effects will be generated. The project will commitments, namely, to provide $600,000 to contribute around $300m to GDP/GSP assist with the conduct of the claims process annually. In addition, the project will contribute currently under way under the Aboriginal Land to Queensland's economy via mineral royalties Act with respect to Lawn Hill National Park and and payroll tax revenue. It is estimated that the negotiation of management arrangements when operational, the project will generate for the park. State revenue in the vicinity of $20m per Secondly, to provide $1.8m over three annum. years for the conduct of a social impact In January this year Pasminco announced assessment of the Carpentaria/Mt Isa minerals that it would buy Century Zinc Limited from province. This assessment will better identify RTZ-CRA once valid titles were issued and also the future needs of all Queenslanders in this agreed to be bound by any agreement made important region of the State and will be by CZL with the gulf communities. When my conducted in consultation with all stakeholders. Government assumed power, I had the A further $5.76m is committed to Government opportunity to see at first hand the initiatives in the region and implementing the complexities of negotiations under the recommendations of the social impact Commonwealth Native Title Act. My assessment. Government "bit the bullet" and began the right to negotiate process under this truly Thirdly, to provide $500,000 towards the amazing piece of Commonwealth legislation. establishment of Aboriginal women's business We published notices about the acts we centres for the provision of culturally proposed to do, namely: to grant mining appropriate birthing services for Aboriginal leases; to acquire a miscellaneous transport women at Doomadgee and Mornington Island, infrastructure corridor and to licence CZL to with a view to establishing these services within build a slurry pipeline in it; to acquire native title two years. rights and interests to enable the grant of Fourthly, to provide $1m over two years leases at the port of Karumba and mine site; for training Aboriginal people. These funds are and to create a quarry at Karumba. to be particularly used to assist people who are The Honourable Bill Hayden accepted my not job ready and for pastoral industry training. offer to lead the team of Government experts, Fifthly, the agreement reflects the State's and these hardworking individuals travelled to commitment to the out-station development the gulf to meet with the claimants for the proposed for land held by the Bidunggu eight separate claims lodged over the mine Aboriginal Land Trust at Gregory. This site, the corridor, the port site and the quarry. development has been the subject of The agreement negotiated during the six numerous commitments both by this month "right to negotiate" period was Government and the last and it is of significant ultimately signed by all parties. It is a credit to importance to Aboriginal people in the gulf those parties and their advisers that region. Upon approval of the development, the agreement could be reached with respect to State will contribute $3m towards the such an important project considering the development. extreme complexities involved. I would Sixthly, the State has agreed to provide specifically like to thank Mr Hayden for his $15m for the cost of upgrading 41 kilometres efforts, and also commend the commissioners of the Wills Development Road between Fiery of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Creek and Gregory including access to the Commission, particularly Commissioner Gregory out-station development and a further "Sugar" Ray Robinson, who were instrumental $500,000 for the cost of upgrading the in bringing the matter to a successful Gregory River bridge. These upgrades will conclusion. vastly improve all-weather road access in the Under the agreement, the native title region. claimants, the Waanyi, Mingginda, Gkuthaarn Seventhly, the State will assist with and Kukatj peoples agree that the State may revitalising the culture of the native title groups do the acts we said we intended to do. In exchange, the agreement contains substantial through the training of young people in benefits for those native title groups. The matters such as traditional land care, terms of the agreement generally are ceremonies and the protection of sacred sites. confidential between the parties. However, I The State will contribute $180,000 towards the am able to inform the House and the people development of a men's business association. of Queensland of the commitments which the Eighthly, $70,000 will be contributed State has made. towards establishing an out-station resource 20 Aug 1997 Century Zinc Project Bill 3051 centre to service existing and future out- Many of these commitments and those stations with the provision of services. made by CZL do not commence until titles are Ninthly, the agreement provides $250,000 granted to the company. Similarly, the sale of towards personal development programs CZL to Pasminco cannot occur until various based on sport for Aboriginal communities in titles are granted. In order to ensure that the the gulf region. grant of the necessary titles can be delivered in a timely and cohesive manner, the Bill Tenthly, the State has agreed to a total of facilitates various aspects of the agreement $100,000 payable over two years to assist with and, through it, the project. the establishment of the Gulf Aboriginal I will now draw members' attention to Development Corporation which will be set up specific provisions of the Bill. Importantly, the to assist the native title parties in Bill contains a statement of Parliament's administration of the agreement. reasons for enacting it which reflect the Eleven. To provide $40,000 agreement reached under the Native Title Act compensation with respect to the acquisition of and the importance of the project. Further, native title in the miscellaneous transport clause 3 sets out the purpose of the Act which infrastructure corridor proposed from the Mt Isa is to facilitate certain aspects of the mineral province to the port of Karumba. That agreement. In order to effect that facilitation, amount was calculated by reference to the the Bill achieves the following outcomes. The highest and best use of the land. Bill acquires native title at the Century Mine site and at the Port of Karumba. It also Twelve. The State has agreed to use enables leases over those areas to be granted reasonable endeavours to expedite to Century Zinc Ltd. It enables the acquisition, consideration of any tourist centre proposal if necessary, of native title rights and an relating to fossil deposits in the Riversleigh easement in the land required for the area which is developed in conjunction with the miscellaneous transport infrastructure corridor Waanyi people. from the Mount Isa mineral province to the Thirteen. The State has agreed to Port of Karumba. As first user of that corridor, develop with the Commonwealth and in CZL will be granted a licence to construct and conjunction with key stakeholders a multiple maintain its slurry pipeline. use strategic plan for the southern gulf waters The native title claimants have already and will contribute $200,000 for the first stage consented to the acquisition in the agreement of development of that plan. and compensation has been agreed under the Fourteen. The agreement provides for the agreement. Negotiations are currently under transfer of certain land at Karumba to the way with pastoralists along the route of the Gkuthaarn and Kukatj peoples. corridor and it is hoped agreement will be reached with them. However, in the event that Fifteen. The State has agreed to $1m it is not and to take account of unknown over two years to support education and exigencies which may prevent a prompt training initiatives specifically designed to result acquisition of the easement, for instance, the in employment for Aboriginal people. untimely death of a party, it will be possible for Sixteen. The payment of a total of a proclamation under this Bill to effect the $60,000 to certain corporations established by taking. It is important to note, however, that the native title parties to assist with expenses the leaseholders' compensation rights which associated with the implementation of the exist under the Acquisition of Land Act will still agreement. apply. Lastly, the State will provide $230,000 It is never possible to finally identify the towards the provision of infrastructure and route of such a corridor in precise detail until services for a development proposed by the infrastructure has been installed and a final Gkuthaarn and Kukatj peoples on land at survey completed. For example, cultural Normanton. heritage artefacts may be located during construction or particular terrain may be I am sure from this summary of the inaccessible. Either of those events would agreement that all members will conclude that necessitate a deviation of the route. this package totalling $30.29m gives a Accordingly the Bill enables the boundaries of substantial range of benefits to all of the the area acquired to be amended by community in the gulf region in terms of regulation up to two years after infrastructure and community development commencement which will ensure that and reflects the importance of the Century Zinc sufficient time is allowed for construction and project to the State and, indeed, the nation. final survey. 3052 Dental Technicians and Dental Prosthetists Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997

A term lease and mining leases at the DENTAL TECHNICIANS AND DENTAL Century Mine site are granted to Century Zinc PROSTHETISTS AMENDMENT BILL Ltd in the Bill. The leases which were granted Hon. M. J. HORAN (Toowoomba in 1995 but which may be invalid because of South—Minister for Health) (4.35 p.m.), by native title are cancelled. The new leases are leave, without notice: I move— granted on the same terms as the former ones but they do not start until the Bill commences. "That leave be granted to bring in a The land at the Port of Karumba which is Bill for an Act to amend the Dental necessary for the zinc processing facility is Technicians and Dental Prosthetists Act vested in the Ports Corporation of Queensland 1991." as strategic port land. This will enable the Ports Motion agreed to. Corporation to lease the land to Century Zinc Ltd. The port land required for the project includes land currently under lease to FNQEB. First Reading The FNQEB lease will be taken and Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and compensation paid to FNQEB. Bill, on motion of Mr Horan, read a first time. Century Zinc Ltd will ultimately be granted a licence under the Transport Infrastructure Act Second Reading to enable the construction and maintenance of the slurry pipeline in the MTI corridor. The Bill Hon. M. J. HORAN (Toowoomba contains provisions which ensure that the slurry South—Minister for Health) (4.36 p.m.): I pipeline can be installed and operated over move— roads and watercourses, etc. "That the Bill be now read a second The proposed Gregory outstation time." development was the subject of one of the The purpose of this Bill is to repeal a State's commitments under the agreement. In sunset provision contained in section 34(2) of the agreement, the State undertook to the Dental Technicians and Dental Prosthetists negotiate with the Burke Shire Council with Act 1991, relating to the provision of partial respect to approval of the development which dentures by dental prosthetists. The Dental has been the subject of an application to it Technicians and Dental Prosthetists Act since mid 1996. The State has been doing just regulates the performance of dental technical that and is currently preparing an work and the provision of dental prosthetic environmental management plan in services by dental prosthetists. It also provides consultation with the council and the for the registration of dental technicians and applicants. It is hoped that the development dental prosthetists. Dental prosthetists are application will be determined in the near authorised to provide full and partial artificial future. However, in the event that approval of dentures and mouthguards directly to the the development is further delayed, the Bill public. gives the relevant Minister the power to call in The amendment will ensure the continued and determine the application. operation of section 34(2), which prohibits Lastly, let me repeat that the Bill reflects dental prosthetists from supplying and fitting the State's commitments under the partial dentures unless a dentist or a medical agreement. The Bill makes it clear that native practitioner has certified that the patient's oral title is not extinguished by the Act or anything health is satisfactory. Without amendment, this done under the Act. The non-extinguishment provision will sunset on 9 October 1997. principle under the Commonwealth Native Title Section 34(2) addresses concerns Act applies to anything done under the Bill. regarding the qualifications of dental This means that native title will be suppressed prosthetists to identify oral pathology which for so long as the titles and the corridor are in might be exacerbated by a partial denture. place but may ultimately revive and be of full The operation of section 34(2) has meant that effect. The Century project is the catalyst for the clinical experience gained by registrants development in the gulf and will bring much during the sunset period cannot be considered needed prosperity and jobs. It also represents sufficient to ensure that registrants are a significant step in cooperation between competent to assess whether the mouth is Government, industry and indigenous healthy. Australians. The objective of this amendment is to I commend this Bill to the House. protect public health and safety by ensuring Debate, on motion of Mr McGrady, that partial dentures are not fitted into an adjourned. unhealthy mouth. The amendment recognises 20 Aug 1997 Professional Engineers Amendment Bill 3053 that appropriate formal training is essential to I commend the Bill to the House. ensure the competency of dental prosthetists Debate, on motion of Mrs Edmond, in identifying whether a patient's mouth is adjourned. healthy, and to take appropriate action where necessary. The Bill amends section 34(2) to continue PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AMENDMENT the application of the oral health certification BILL requirement for any registered dental Second Reading prosthetist who has not successfully Resumed from 9 July (see p. 2464). undertaken appropriate formal training in oral pathology. The amendment also creates a Mrs BIRD (Whitsunday) (4.40 p.m.): The mechanism whereby after successful Opposition is supporting the Bill, although I completion of appropriate formal training in must admit that our suspicion has grown, oral pathology, a dental prosthetist gains an particularly when coalition Ministers start talking exemption from the oral health certification about natural justice and procedural fairness. requirement. In most cases this means a watering down of the system or putting in place opportunities for To gain the exemption, registrants are avoidance of essential standards. However, required to notify the Dental Technicians and because I know that the Minister is a fair and, Dental Prosthetists Board of Queensland that in my experience, sincere gentleman on most they have successfully completed a prescribed occasions, I am not going to question the course of training in dental prosthetics or oral integrity or sincerity of his amendments. pathology. Once the board is notified, it must enter the appropriate details on the Register of The Opposition recognises the similarities Dental Prosthetists. The oral health certification between this and the accountancy profession exemption then takes effect. The inclusion of and its disciplinary panel. My two concerns this information on the register will enable about this stimulating Bill are fairly small. consumers of dental prosthetic services to Firstly, the process from when the complaint determine whether or not a dental prosthetist goes to the board right through to the end of is exempt from the oral health certification the appeals system seems to be a requirement. considerably long time. I find that a little cumbersome. Home owners may find some As a matter of priority, a ministerial hardships, particularly if that process comes advisory committee will be established halfway through the construction of a home. comprising key stakeholders including However, the Opposition will monitor that and representatives of the dental technology and come back if it has any problems with it. dental prosthetics profession, to provide advice to the Government on appropriate oral This leads me to the query as to why, pathology training programs for dental given tendering competitiveness and the prosthetists. The committee will also have financial burdens imposed sometimes by responsibility for developing guidelines engineering difficulties, the Minister did not include an accountant on the panel so that regarding the format of appropriate training assessments can be made, particularly within programs. These may include programs that the tendering process, as to the sincerity are currently available in Queensland, or in aspect, particularly in relation to standards. other jurisdictions. The approved programs will be prescribed by regulation made by Governor However, our concerns are not serious enough in Council. to oppose the amendments for setting up the disciplinary panel and, as I said, the To ensure that consumers have Opposition will be supporting the Bill. appropriate access to dental prosthetic Hon. G. R. MILLINER (Ferny Grove) services, the amendment also provides that (4.43 p.m.): I endorse the comments made by both medical practitioners and dentists are my colleague the member for Whitsunday in authorised to provide oral health certificates, which is currently the case. not opposing this Bill. However, I hope that these are transitional arrangements. At the The amendment provides for minimal outset I want to place on record my regulation to the extent necessary to ensure appreciation of the contribution that every public health and safety. The Government member of the Board of Engineers has made. looks forward to working with representatives of Over many years they have performed their dental technicians and dental prosthetists to duties very well and with great diligence. assist in the development of the profession to However, now that a disciplinary process has ultimately make oral health certificates been set up, the only real job that the Board of obsolete. Engineers is doing is registering. As we move 3054 Professional Engineers Amendment Bill 20 Aug 1997 towards a situation in which we are looking at view of the professional person who is being mutual recognition and registering processes, I disciplined. believe that the time has come when the The member for Whitsunday and the board in Queensland will nearly have served its member for Ferny Grove raised some issues to usefulness, it will go out of existence, and we which I shall refer briefly. I agree that the will see a system of registering engineers on a process is long; however, it is the same as it national basis. I believe that we should be was. While it was perhaps tempting to try to moving in that direction. When one considers shorten the process, the process itself has not the various standards of registration, it is a really been criticised; it was the issue of natural commonsense approach to have registration justice. Given that the other process was not on a national basis, and I believe that we criticised, I thought that it was probably should be doing that. expedient at this time not to try to interfere with When I consider the consultation that that. took place in relation to this particular Bill, I note that only Government departments were With respect to the accountants—all I can consulted. I see no reference to the Institute of say is that the Bill is designed to discipline Engineers during that consultation process. If engineers for engineering issues, not some of that was the case, that is fair enough. If not, I the other issues. I do not think it is trying to believe that it should have been. I hope that broaden it as far as the member might the Minister can clarify whether this will be a suggest. That may be appropriate in the long transitional process. Does he envisage a term, but that is not the purpose of this national registration system and a national amendment. I agree with the member for disciplinary process? I fully support the concept Ferny Grove. There was discussion with the of separating the two. I do not believe that a Institute of Engineers, and they are supporting registering body should be carrying out the the change. disciplinary process. I believe that must be With respect to the other issue raised—I transparent, and I believe that the way that cannot recall the exact date, but in the last this has been set up is a very good way of three weeks I started the process of discussing having a disciplinary process that is divorced with the Board of Engineers the very issues from the profession and the organisation that that the member raised, because we have to oversees that profession. So whereas I review that under the National Competition support the legislation as it exists, I sincerely Policy. It is obvious that there is going to have hope that these are basically transitional to be some kind of national registration or arrangements and that, in the not-too-distant something like that to satisfy the National future, we will see a move towards a national Competition Policy principles. As the member system that benefits all engineers, whether knows, we had a preliminary discussion for they live in Queensland, New South Wales or about an hour, together with the legal people anywhere else in Australia, and that it will in the department, and we have started that simplify the process for the profession. I process. I cannot tell honourable members support the Bill. what the result will be. It will take a while, but I Hon. D. J. H. WATSON (Moggill—Minister am aware of those issues. In that sense, this for Public Works and Housing) (4.46 p.m.), in legislation could be considered transitional, reply: I thank the Opposition for supporting the because it will need to be examined in terms Bill. I thank the shadow Minister, the member of the National Competition Policy. for Whitsunday, for her generous comments. I I point out to the shadow Minister that the also thank the Scrutiny of Legislation same sort of issue probably arises in relation to Committee for its generous comments, architects. I had a preliminary discussion with particularly those of its chairman. I am sorry the chairman of the Architects Board, that he is not in the Chamber at present, suggesting that, as this Bill had been drafted although other members of that Scrutiny of to cover engineers, perhaps a Bill should be Legislation Committee are probably here. drafted for exactly the same reason to cover From my own viewpoint, I believe that the architects. The chairman of the Architects issue of natural justice is particularly important. Board is going to get back to me. As the When one is in a profession, one is always honourable member is aware, we will be going to be judged by one's peers, and in this considering the architecture profession in total. particular case we also have to take account of From the perspective of the disciplinary the fact that the general process must be process and natural justice, it was worth transparent and seen to be fair. This Bill is dealing with the issues associated with about making sure that any disciplinary engineers first—and similar issues arise in process is seen to be fair from the point of relation to architects—before considering the 20 Aug 1997 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 3055 issue of the professions in general, which will (f) that part of Mooloolah River be a much longer process. This legislation is National Park, County of fairly straightforward, which is reflected in the Canning described as Area A on Opposition's support. I thank honourable Plan NPW553 and containing an members for their contributions. area of 6.759 hectares; Motion agreed to. (g) that part of Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, County of Ward described as area X-Y-24- Committee 25-26-27-29-28-W-Z-X on Plan Clauses 1 to 15 and Schedule, as read, CP868569 and containing an agreed to. area of 1.757 hectares; Bill reported, without amendment. (h) all those parts of Police Paddock Conservation Park, County of March described as Areas 3-4- Third Reading 12-11-3 and 13-14-15-16-23-24- Bill, on motion of Dr Watson, by leave, 27-26-13 on Plan CP892765 read a third time. and containing an area in total of 1,304 square metres; REVOCATION OF NATIONAL PARK AND (i) that part of Toohey Forest CONSERVATION PARK AREAS Conservation Park, County of Stanley described as Area 4-7-6- Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western 8-9-4 on Plan CP816119 and Downs—Minister for Environment) (4.53 p.m.): containing an area of 856 I move— square metres; "(I) That this House agrees that the be carried out; and proposal requesting the Governor in Council to revoke by a regulation the (II) That Mr Speaker convey a copy of dedication of protected areas under this resolution to the Minister for the Nature Conservation Act 1992 of: submission to His Excellency the Governor in Council." (a) that part of Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, County of In moving this motion I reiterate that the Lynd described as Area A on protected areas of Queensland are vital to Plan NPW557 and containing an preserve the natural biodiversity of the State. area of about 290 hectares; Proposed national park or conservation park revocations are treated with utmost (b) that part of Eudlo Creek National seriousness. For that reason in each of these Park, County of Canning cases all options have been thoroughly described as Area B on Plan investigated before taking this proposal to the NPW552 and containing an area Governor in Council. The changes proposed to of about 6,100 square metres; the park boundaries are not considered to (c) that part of Forty Mile Scrub affect the conservation values for the National Park, County of Tate preservation and protection of the area's described as Lot 33 on Plan cultural and natural resources. These CNS96/000018 and containing revocation proposals have been endorsed by an area of about 20.1 hectares; the Director of National Parks and Wildlife. (d) that part of Noosa National Park, There are many circumstances in which County of Canning described as the boundaries of national parks and Lot 561 on Plan CP855782 and conservation parks may require some containing an area of 10.38 modification. Those are usually the result of hectares; accidental residential incursions by park (e) all those parts of Lumholtz neighbours or the limited requirement for National Park, County of Government instrumentalities, such as Main Cardwell described as Lots 97 Roads or Queensland Rail, for minor and 98 on Plan CP894600 and modifications to proposed or upgraded Area 2-3-6-5-2 on Plan transport routes. I will describe each individual CP898423 and containing areas case in detail shortly. of about 9426 square metres I am pleased to inform the House that the and 1472 square metres, proposals will result in an overall increase to respectively; the size of the protected area estate, as the 3056 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 20 Aug 1997 conservation values of the land to be added required, and which is shown as Area A on are greater by comparison with those areas plan NPW552, and an area of closed road proposed for revocation. Although the which will formalise the boundary fencing proposals comprise a loss of about 330.9 between the properties. This will result in a net hectares, that will be offset by the addition of gain to the national park of 0.75 hectares. about 890 hectares, as well as financial The third proposal involves the revocation compensation where suitable land is not of about 20.1 hectares from Forty Mile Scrub available for addition to the protected area National Park, located near Mount Surprise. In estate. return for the opening of a road along the The national parks involved are Chillagoe- north-east boundary of the national park Mungana Caves National Park, County of containing about 20 hectares and shown Lynd; Eudlo Creek National Park, County of shaded on plan CNS96/000018, the lessee of Canning; Forty Mile Scrub National Park, the adjacent Minnamoolka Holding has agreed Counties of Gunnawarra and Tate; Noosa to surrender an area of about 81 hectares for National Park, Counties of Canning and addition to the national park, shown as Area A March; Lumholtz National Park, Counties of on plan NPW573. The area to be revoked Cardwell and Wairuna; and Mooloolah River contains no significant conservation values National Park, County of Canning. The whereas the additional area will significantly conservation parks involved are Coombabah improve the management of the national park Lake Conservation Park, County of Ward; by gaining a fenced boundary. This will result Police Paddock Conservation Park, County of in a net gain to the national park of 61 March; and Toohey Forest Conservation Park, hectares. County of Stanley. The fourth proposal involves Noosa The first proposal involves the revocation National Park, located at Noosa. Previous of about 290 hectares from Chillagoe- discussions with the Department of Transport Mungana Caves National Park located near concerning the route of Stage II of the Chillagoe, where a ground survey established proposed Sunshine Motorway extensions that the boundaries of the national park are resulted in the re-routing of the motorway to located about 548 metres north of the the west of the former national park through a intended position, with the boundaries 10.38 hectare area shown as lot 561 on plan previously cleared for park management CP855782. This area contains no significant purposes also mistakenly located. To resolve conservation values, whereas a previous this issue it is proposed to exchange 290 Government had revoked an area for this hectares of the park containing a stock dam, provision on the eastern side. To offset this excavated in good faith by the neighbouring motorway requirement, the Department of pastoralist, and the area lying west of the Transport acquired a 55.6 hectare portion of Bolwarra Road, shown as area A on plan the DPI research station and an area of closed NPW557, for two areas of Aroonbeta pastoral road for addition to the national park, which holding totalling about 729 hectares, shown as has provided a critical link enabling the areas B and C on plan NPW557. Those areas national park to extend from Noosa to Coolum. contain appropriate conservation values and The fifth proposal involves the revocation also provide a strategic link between separate of two parts totalling about 1.098 hectares national parks to enhance management from Lumholtz National Park, located near programs. This proposal will enable the entire Cardwell. The first part involves Queensland park to be fenced, excluding cattle from the Rail, which has sought the revocation for a grassland areas. That will result in a net gain to proposed railway realignment at Sunday Creek the national park of 439 hectares. of two slivers totalling 0.94 hectares from the The second proposal involves the national park, shown as lots 97 and 98 on plan revocation of 6,100 square metres from Eudlo CP894600, which contains no significant Creek National Park located near Nambour, conservation values. Queensland Rail has where a recent survey by Queensland Rail advised that as it is unable to locate indicated that the boundary fence between the replacement land in the vicinity to exchange railway reserve and the national park was not for the area to be revoked, it is prepared to correctly located. offer monetary compensation following Agreement has been reached with completion of current negotiations that would Queensland Rail to exclude 0.61 hectares of be based on a valuation of the area by the the national park, shown as Area B on plan Department of Natural Resources. NPW552, in exchange for 1.36 hectares of The second part involves the owners of a adjacent railway land that is no longer rural residential lot adjoining the western 20 Aug 1997 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 3057 boundary of the national park, shown as area track to an adjacent freehold portion is partially 2-3-5-6-2 on plan CP898423, who had located on the conservation park due to the inadvertently cleared a firebreak which had impractical steep nature of the land within the encroached into the then State forest 591 dedicated road reserve. It is proposed to many years prior to its gazettal as national revoke that part of the access track shown as park. As there are no significant conservation "road" on plan CP816119 comprising 0.0856 values in the 1,472 square metre hectares within the conservation park for encroachment area and no suitable opening as road and close the area of replacement area on the adjoining lot, it is dedicated road emerging from the north- proposed that the adjoining owners bear all eastern boundary of the park for addition of the costs involved in this matter, including the about 0.3743 hectares to the conservation payment of the market value of the area to be park. The revoked area no longer contains any revoked. significant conservation values due to the The sixth proposal involves Mooloolah existence of the access track. River National Park, located near This Government has been criticised by Maroochydore. When the first stage of the some sectors for its policy of reducing the Sunshine Motorway was constructed in 1990, acquisition of new areas to enlarge the the Department of Transport advised that an national park estate rather than concentrating area of 6.759 hectares, shown as Area A on on the efficient management of the existing plan NPW553, was required from the national parks. The tabling of these proposals for the park to construct a toll booth. As no revocation of parts of national parks and replacement area was available for addition to conservation parks demonstrates clearly that the national park, the compensatory sum of the Government is undertaking measures to $70,000 was used to offset acquisition costs increase and protect the conservation values for the Emu Swamp component of the Noosa and improve park management of the national National Park. park estate for the benefit of both national and The seventh proposal involves international visitors. I strongly support these Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, located proposal for practical purposes and commend near Helensvale. The former Department of them for the approval of the House. Transport's project to duplicate the Gold Coast Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook) (5.05 p.m.): I Highway between Helensvale and Southport second the proposal moved by the Minister for involves an area of 1.757 hectares situated Environment in relation to revocations of some along the northern boundary of the national parks. I would like to speak in conservation park, shown on plan CP868569. particular about a couple of the revocations. As a replacement area to offset the revocation Firstly, I refer to the Forty Mile Scrub area. This parcel was unavailable in the vicinity, the area is located in the south-west region of the Department of Transport has funded the tablelands. Minnamoolka Holdings, which is $100,000 acquisition of a 22-hectare naturally located in the area, is going to sacrifice some rainforested freehold property for addition to 81 hectares of its land to become part of a Rosins Lookout Conservation Park at national park. I understand that once that is Beechmont. This will result in a net gain to the done and a 60 metre wide road is constructed national park estate of about 20 hectares. around the north-west boundary, there will be The eighth proposal involves Police a net gain to national parks of something like Paddock Conservation Park, located in 61 hectares. Maryborough. The Maryborough City Council This area is quite important because it is has advised that as a result of a road in the vicinity of the Undarra Lava Tubes, upgrading survey, a recently replaced fence on which is a great tourist attraction. The Undarra the northern boundary, which was long Lava Tubes are a natural formation that regarded as the conservation park boundary, occurred many years ago through volcanic was incorrectly located and that the road activity. The heat that was generated through formation partly encroached into the that process enabled those tubes to be conservation park by 1,304 square metres. formed. Up until a few years ago, the Undarra This department has consented to the slivers Lava Tubes were part of a cattle property and affected by the road formation, shown as the cattle simply wandered in and out of those "area to be excised" on plan CP892765, being tubes. However, it has now become quite a dedicated as road reserve. popular tourist attraction. The ninth and last proposal involves I believe that any enhancement of that Toohey Forest Conservation Park, located area is a major plus. A softwood type of forest near Mount Gravatt. The constructed access grows over the Undarra Lava Tubes. I think 3058 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 20 Aug 1997 that to have such a formation existing with a may retain its current name, Lumholtz National softwood forest growing over it is unique and I Park. think that the revocation in relation to that area The Minister referred to another small is commonsense. It allows the grazier to have area that will be affected by the legislation. I a fence around the north-west boundary. will not go into too much detail on that. The There will be a roadway of some 60 metres area has been there for about 20 years and wide which, if a firebreak is required, should be requires some realigning. It is only relatively quite adequate. I suppose that is part of the small; only 1,492 square metres are involved. I logic for having a roadway of that width. Of do not think that there is any major concern course, the net gain of some 61 hectares is there. From time to time realignments are also a major plus for the national park and for necessary, for example for railway lines or to the environment generally. enhance fence lines to keep cattle out of the The second area to which I would like to national parks, unless there is a conservation refer is the Lumholtz National Park, which is agreement in place. located in the counties of Wairuna and I do not have any problem with what is Cardwell, where two revocations are to take proposed in those two revocations. I take great place. The first one is for the benefit of pleasure in supporting the Minister's motion. Queensland Rail and it relates to an area Mr WELFORD (Everton) (5.12 p.m.): The called Sunday Creek. I can understand that Opposition does not oppose this motion. Queensland Rail wants to realign the track in However, as the Minister himself pointed out, it that area to enable some of the sharp bends is a very serious matter to revoke national to be taken out of it so that trains such as the parks or any part of them. Sunlander and freight trains can traverse that area more quickly and with a greater degree of Our national parks are very precious. They safety. I believe that the two areas involved in cover less than 4% of the entire State. They the revocations cover 4,000 square metres are the only highly protected sanctuary for and 5,426 square metres. So the revocations native flora and fauna in the State. Of course, relate to relatively small pieces of land and they are subject to recreational use—in some they will be a major plus for Queensland Rail. cases, quite intensive recreational use— That railway line is a major freight line and a lot particularly those parks that are close to the of the produce that is transported from north more highly populated areas of south-east Queensland is very dependent upon it. If we Queensland and around Cairns. Our national can enhance the condition of the railway line in parks are very precious and they need to be any way, such as straightening it out and protected. The Opposition supports anything making it safer for passenger and freight use, that the current Government, or any other that will be a substantial gain for north Government, wishes to do to protect and Queensland. These rail lines were probably maintain our national parks and enhance their laid many years ago, and I think that very little management. realigning has occurred in the area. In this instance, six national parks and Queensland Rail is looking at improving its three conservation parks are affected by facility to enable greater access and speed for revocations. In most cases, we note that the passenger trains, freight trains and long- net consequence of those revocations, I distance trains travelling to and from north presume following some subsequent gazettal Queensland, while enhancing safety in the of inclusions of the additional portions, will see area north of the Cardwell range at Sunday a net gain to most of the parks in question. Creek. From the Opposition's point of view, that is An Aboriginal group, the Girrigun most desirable and we support it. Preference Group, wants to change the name I would like to draw a couple of issues to of the Lumholtz National Park. Currently, we the attention of the Minister and the are going through the process of talking to Government and, indeed, all of us in this place councils and interested groups to see if we can should keep them in mind when talking about accommodate that. I support the change of national parks. It is interesting to note that in the name. The local Aboriginal group is quite the Noosa National Park and the Mooloolah sound in its thinking and has a good River National Park changes have been philosophy on what can happen in the area, brought about because of the building of and I am quite happy to support the name highways and tollways. While the community change. At the present time, we have to go and the Parliament acknowledge the social through the processes involved. I believe that, benefits that flow from the provision of new as time goes on, we will resolve the issue. The roads in areas that are growing in population, park may be called Girrigun National Park or it we should simply pause and acknowledge the 20 Aug 1997 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 3059 caution that Governments of all persuasions injunction that the Minister expressed at the should exercise when building highways. Of start of his contribution to the motion, then we course, the previous Government endured a should indeed be very cautious about the good deal of community reaction to a proposal environmental impacts of new road for a toll road that did not pass through a construction, particularly where that impact is national park, but it was a road that could going to affect national parks. That issue is potentially have had impacts of quite high serious enough when we are managing to conservation value in the Redlands area. maintain the line, as it were, in terms of It is interesting to note that while the protecting the biogeographical diversity of our history of the Sunshine Motorway is now well State. In the current circumstances in which we and truly in the past, its legacy is still being felt are not maintaining the line, where the current in the Parliament, and not only in terms of the Government has refused to allocate serious benefits by way of taxpayers' funds that flowed funding to continuing the expansion of to people in and adjacent to the Treasurer's protected areas in Queensland, the revocation own electorate as a result of the abolition of of any area of national park is made all the the tolls on those roads. Ongoing legislative more an issue of acute concern. repair work is having to be done as parts of the In relation to the Forty Mile Scrub National Noosa National Park and the Mooloolah River Park, I note that there will be a 61 hectare net National Park need to be excised because of enhancement of the park as a result of a land the impact of the toll roads, which effectively swap. Such land swaps need to be looked at reduced the conservation values of the cautiously, because we know the history of the revoked portions of those parks to a level that National Party's behaviour back in the eighties does not justify their inclusion in the national and its willingness to swap land for various parks at all. purposes. A potential result is the diminution in I have not walked the ground of the areas the conservation values of a national park. In that are being excluded. I take it on some faith this instance, we are not objecting to what is that they do not justify continued inclusion in occurring. There is a net enhancement to the the national parks. That view is also based on park and, by all accounts, the result is a net the feedback that I have had from people who enhancement in its conservation values. are familiar with the areas that are affected. To Mount Surprise is a small town, but it has some extent, it would be surprising to imagine a very closely knit community. I wish to draw to that, simply because additional areas are the Minister's attention an environmental issue required for highway construction, there will be affecting some residents in Mount Surprise at no impacts in adjacent or off-site areas. At the present. Mount Surprise relies for its water on time when the tollways were built—or even the environmental flows of the nearby currently, when we are in the process of Elizabeth Creek. I understand that a nearby revoking those portions of those national substantial rural or pastoral enterprise parks—I suppose that no Government accesses water from Elizabeth Creek. I undertook a site-specific environmental understand that, over the past year, there assessment of the impact that building a toll have been occasions when, during dry road would have on the movement patterns of periods, Elizabeth Creek ran dry and residents fauna in that area. in the township of Mount Surprise were As I have said, I am not saying that there deprived of access to their water because of are no social benefits from new roads. water allocation priority being given by the Certainly, getting from one end of the Department of Natural Resources to the land- Sunshine Coast to the other is a lot easier now holder on a major holding nearby. than it would have been if those toll It appears that what has happened at roads—now they are non-toll roads—did not Elizabeth Creek is a problem that has recurred exist. However, I reiterate that it is important throughout Queensland, in that the that we recognise what we are doing here, Department of Natural Resources has whatever the net benefits may be. I think the overallocated the water resources of a creek. net benefits are pretty minimal for Noosa and That is a matter at which the Environment Mooloolah, although the Noosa National Park Department ought to look in order to ensure has gained an area which links it with that its role of protecting the environmental Cooloola, which has some significant resources of Elizabeth Creek and its role of advantage. It is important for us to simply note allocating water permits are properly with caution that any new major infrastructure coordinated. Elizabeth Creek serves as the project, such as the building of a major water supply for the township of Mount highway, will have significant environmental Surprise. People have contacted me indicating impacts. If we are to take seriously the that they are very concerned that in the 3060 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 20 Aug 1997 coming dry season the township may again be In my capacity as shadow Environment deprived of access to a water supply if the Minister, I have been made aware of a water allocation rights on Elizabeth Creek are number of serious environmental issues not looked at closely. concerning the impacts of urban development I know that in the process of water on the Gold Coast, much of which is resource assessment the Department of undertaken, in my view, in a very clumsy and not very environmentally responsible manner. Natural Resources is currently undertaking the This debate gives me the opportunity to draw WAMP assessments. The environmental flow to the attention of the department and assessments for creeks are being looked at. I members of this House what I regard to be the draw the issue of Mount Surprise to the last of any tolerable revocations of Minister's attention in the context of what conservation park in the Coombabah Lake efforts his department is involved in with area. respect to the Forty Mile Scrub National Park. Lastly, I will mention Toohey Forest. The other issue that I wish to mention Toohey Forest is an icon of conservation parks relates to the Coombabah Lake Conservation in the Brisbane region. It forms very much a Park. The Coombabah Lake Conservation significant component of the lungs of the City Park is one of the few remaining areas of of Brisbane. In contrast to 20 years ago, when green space between the Gold Coast and the bits of it were being commandeered for burgeoning Coomera/Oxenford areas of the development and infrastructure, these days I Gold Coast hinterland. The Coombabah Lake think it is simply beyond question that the Conservation Park has been under people of Brisbane and south-east considerable pressure from surrounding Queensland would no longer tolerate any developments and from urban development further attacks upon the conservation values that has expanded from the and the natural state of the Toohey Forest Southport/Labrador areas inland towards the Conservation Park. There is a Toohey Forest Gold Coast highway around Arundel. It is Protection Society. There are community suffering from run-off from those groups in the area who use the park not just developments. It is also suffering from the for recreation but also for scientific research. It impacts of disturbance on the Coomera River forms an important green envelope for the and adjacent waterways. Again, I simply draw area adjacent to the Griffith University, and by to the attention of the House the very serious way of conservation parks it is one of the most issue involved in revoking any part of the significant and outstanding green spaces left Coombabah Lake Conservation Park. in the Brisbane City region. The issue is made all the more serious Mr Littleproud: It's good for education, when one notes that the Coombabah Lake too. Conservation Park does not derive any net Mr WELFORD: It does have unique benefit from the transaction that we are features that have been well documented in a currently approving. The benefit of any number of studies which amply justify its substitution arrangement goes to another continued protection. In any event, as I said, I conservation area at Beechmont, which is a think it has achieved such an extraordinarily long way away from the Coombabah Lake highly recognised status in the community of Conservation Park. Although I am satisfied Brisbane now that no community would ever that in this instance the revocation is justified, I again tolerate any further Government think all of us—whoever is in Government now interference in the Toohey Forest Conservation or in the future—need to draw a line around Park. the Coombabah Lake Conservation Park and I note that the adjustment to Toohey say, "This is it. That's the end of it. Any new Forest is to provide a change in the location of developments in that area need to be looked a road access to a private property. My at very closely to make sure that not only do understanding is that that private property they allow a sufficient buffer to protect the currently has a house on it. Although it is a Coombabah Lake Conservation Park and the local government matter as to whether any wetlands it contains but also that no more intense development is undertaken on development in that area results in a further that property, it is my understanding that the reduction in the conservation values of the neighbouring community would not look kindly park which might justify further revocations." upon any higher intensity development there. There is simply no more room for loss of As to the location of the access—my colleague conservation areas in that region. The Gold the member for Archerfield will have more to Coast region is under enormous pressure. say about this in a moment, but I should draw 20 Aug 1997 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 3061 to the attention of the Minister his comment in Coombabah Lake Conservation Park. All of his explanation for this exchange about the those areas that have been highlighted by location of the road access. He said that the previous speakers are relatively close to the reason for the change in the location of the fast developing corner of south-east access is the topography of the site, which Queensland. The fact that they are of makes access to the existing easement or the reasonable size makes their retention and existing area of exclusion difficult. As the preservation even more important. The area of member for Archerfield will explain, that the Coombabah Lake Conservation Park that appears to be not an accurate if indeed a valid the honourable member for Everton pointed reason. I urge the Minister to listen carefully to out is a very significant one and is being what the member for Archerfield will say, encroached upon by the rapidly developing because it does appear that the explanation Gold Coast City. While it was unfortunate that that has been given for the adjustment in the the land that had to be forgone could not have access easement to that property in Toohey been offset by the addition of something Forest Conservation Park is not accurate, and nearby to retain that large parcel, the area at that in fact the site is not steep at all. There Beechmont that was chosen is a very beautiful may be other legitimate reasons for changing one. The land in question will be a very good the access route, and from the people we contribution to the existing estate and will be have consulted there is no serious objection to an asset enjoyed by visitors, not only those the change in the actual boundaries of the who come from other States and overseas but easement to provide access, but the also for residents who live in the adjoining explanation the Minister has given or been hinterland, who I am sure will continue to utilise given appears not to be accurate. I will leave that area as they do currently. Unfortunately, the member for Archerfield to explain that in this area has been allowed to develop. It is a more detail. very beautiful area backing on to the Gold Subject to those comments, the Coast. The addition of the land near Rosins Opposition joins with the Government in Lookout, small as it might be, will be a great approving these adjustments. We look forward addition to that area. to notification of the gazettal of the additional The Toohey Forest Conservation Park is a areas of national and conservation park to location I am a little more familiar with because which the Minister referred. it is in the Brisbane metropolitan area. I used Mr HEGARTY (Redlands) (5.32 p.m.): It is to live not very far from it. The bush care a great pleasure to rise and support the group, the Friends of Toohey Forest, put up Minister's motion to revoke some land within quite a fight at certain times throughout the those national parks that he has outlined. In park's history to retain it as it is. It is really the doing so, I note that the adjustment of the only significant parcel of conserved land within various parcels of land within the respective the metropolitan area on the south side of the parks will provide a net gain of about 890 Brisbane River. It did come under threat, as hectares through a financial contribution for the honourable member for Everton pointed forgoing those areas of the respective national out. I recall that in the early 1980s when Alan parks. Bond held some land in that location there were plans for development. There was a Previous speakers have highlighted all great hue and cry from the community over members' concerns regarding any loss of that proposal. Even though it was privately national park. I think it has been set out fairly owned land, the area was looked upon by the clearly that we are not doing this for any community around it as public open space. reason other than administrative tidiness That highlights the fact that the community as because of various infrastructure that has a whole looks upon tracts of bushland in the been placed in parts of the respective parks. developed sections of the metropolitan area in Because departments or private property particular or the areas developing in the south- owners have used certain parts of those parks east corner of the State as being of that are currently gazetted, it is necessary for conservation value, and they expect them to us now to tidy things up and get the titles and be retained. The Toohey Forest Conservation land areas correctly and accurately marked in Park is a very worthy asset. It is easy to look order to preserve the parks for future back with the benefit of hindsight, but it is a generations. shame that we do not have a set-up similar to I am not familiar with all of the national other capitals such as Sydney and Melbourne, parks referred to in the motion. However, I am where there is a ring of conservation area certainly aware of the Mooloolah River National around the city. We are fortunate to have the Park, the Noosa National Park and the Brisbane Forest Park to our west. However, as 3062 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 20 Aug 1997

I said, the Toohey Forest Conservation Park— this side do take it seriously and it is essential in the metropolitan area, until one gets a bit that these things are looked at carefully. further out of Brisbane into Logan City, where However, most of what we have before us the Daisy Hill State Forest is located—is the today gives a clear benefit to the public. I know only area of significant bushland situated in all of these areas. The proposal relating to the greater metropolitan area. Chillagoe, to amalgamate sections of a Since taking office last year, the coalition national park which are separated and to also Government has focused on trying to improve exclude the area which is now being used as a the management of national parks. I note that grazing property when in point of fact it legally $1.7m has been allocated in this year's was part of the national park, is an excellent Budget for the enhancement of infrastructure one. We are obtaining an extra 439 hectares and equipment within national parks, including to compensate for that, and this is a very good visitor and ranger facilities. The Government idea. has also focused on improving the In relation to Eudlo Creek, the extension management of Fraser Island, which is of the crossing loop at Eudlo Railway Station another area that is greatly used by residents has brought about this revocation. It is only a of Queensland and visitors from other States very small section. Again, it is a very attractive and throughout the world. Fraser Island section of scrub, but it will not do it any harm to desperately needed better management and excise it because, in fact, it has already been resources, and it is now being given attention. in practice excised by the railway line being The Government has also given some built—an essential service which had to be resources to the local coastal management built. I also take into account what the member groups. They are also very much in need of for Everton said about roads. We should be assistance. The tollway was mentioned as an very careful when we allow roads to encroach example of the need to look after areas that into national parks. The Mooloolah River may be impacted upon by infrastructure in the National Park and Noosa National Park both future. I can certainly relate to those concerns. have a road which was allowed to encroach The residents of my electorate have been very upon the national park in order to allow a conscious of any infrastructure that might have better curve. Engineers and members of this an effect on the environment. I have great House should look at future proposals very pleasure in supporting the motion. carefully before that is again allowed to be Mr ARDILL (Archerfield) (5.39 p.m.): As done. As I said, with Eudlo there was no the member for Everton said, it is incumbent choice; it had to go there otherwise it would on all members of this House to take a close have cost millions of dollars to change the look at any proposal to excise land from a route of the railway line. But when a new road national park. It is absolutely essential that all is being built, it is necessary that these things members look at these things. It is quite are looked at. significant that it is not so much what the As I said, the Forty Mile Scrub is of benefit proposals say, but what they do not say that to us because we will be getting a fenced members need to look at when there is any area. At present, as my photos show, the area proposal to excise land from national parks that will be relinquished is downgraded and public lands. because it is used as a roadway. The area at We have before us tonight a wide variety Hinchinbrook is really nice land; it is rainforest of landforms from the dry sclerophyll forest or land. Sunday Creek is a very attractive area to eucalyptus and acacia forests of the Forty Mile pass through. People can see it only if they Scrub to the rainforest at Sunday Creek in the are on the train, they cannot see it from the Hinchinbrook area and on to urban parks just road. It is a very attractive area, but again outside Maryborough and in the Gold Coast there was no alternative; it had to be done. area and, of course, the Toohey Forest. I have The Lumholtz, of course, is the name for the been closely associated with the Toohey tree kangaroo, and the member for the area Forest. I helped set up the Toohey Forest says—— Protection Society back in the early 1970s and I am well aware of the situation there. Mr Rowell: No, it is a German name. It is essential that members do take Mr ARDILL: It is the name of the tree seriously these proposals which are put before kangaroo. The tree kangaroo was named this House. I think that Government back Lumholtz. There are still tree kangaroos in the bench members, who may very well be in the area as well as mahogany gliders, and Opposition in the near future, need to keep naturally we would look closely at any proposal this in mind when that occurs. Members on to destroy habitat. Again, there is no choice. 20 Aug 1997 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 3063

The last three revocations relate to I have a particular instance in my conservation parks; they are not actually electorate of Barron River. Members would be national parks. Again, I support what the aware of the Kuranda Range road. It is getting member for Everton said: it is essential that to the point where it is not going to be able to the Coombabah Conservation Park be kept cope with the traffic from the tablelands. The intact from here on. I am not in favour of 2010 plan for my area has identified residential relinquishing any of the land in that area. I nodes west of Cairns in the tablelands believe that it should be retained as area—the Kuranda area—so we are going to conservation park right up to the head of water have to deal with traffic coming from the above the new Gold Coast highway. However, tablelands to Cairns. It is going to be a very apparently arrangements have been made difficult decision to make because it is World and some land will be sold. Heritage area, but again I stress that we must However, the alternative of getting land be very sensible no matter which way we go up at Rosins Lookout is a good one. I do not about it. know who suggested it, but I think all credit A tunnel has been mooted—and further should go to them. I do not believe that the studies will have to be done—the road could revocation will allow any additional use of that be widened or another highway could be built. land because the land to the south of Rosins Whichever way we go, we will have to destroy Lookout is scrub land, and the land to the some of the environment, and that will be a north at the same level as Rosins Lookout is very difficult decision for all of us because it is also scrub land. It should be retained as an something that we do not want to do. indication of what Beechmont looked like Obviously, now when these things are done, before it was developed into dairy farms. the environment is taken into consideration, so The police paddock at Maryborough is I hope that we can in time come up with some another situation where a road was put in the kind of a plan that will minimise the risk to the wrong location, and no harm has been done environment. I just wanted to mention that by this. I and members of the community who because that is something that we will have to have spoken to me are concerned that this look at. revocation may open up a subdivision in Mr Palaszczuk: What is your favoured Toohey Forest. I hope that that will not be the option? case and that the council will not allow it. Again, the department should be more careful Ms WARWICK: We are not talking about in the submissions it puts before this that now. This Government supports national Parliament, because that is not steep land. parks. We are committed to the idea of The existing road reserve is as flat as a national parks. I am not going to talk about all bowling green. The reason given is not correct. of the national parks where we are going to The correct reason is that the existing road take back or swap land. Chillagoe is the only goes straight into the property through what is area with which I am familiar. I am not familiar environment park. There is really no point in with the other areas. opposing it as long as this is not opening the While I am on my feet, I would like to area up for development. I hope that the mention Rainbow Harbour. Perhaps I will not, department has looked at that and is not because the Minister needs to speak. I will giving an undeserved increment to the owner keep that for another occasion. I support the of the land by allowing subdivision to take revocation. place in that area. Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western Our spokesperson on the Environment Downs—Minister for Environment) (5.50 p.m.), says that we support this motion and, in in reply: I thank all members who have general, along with the member for Everton, I participated in this debate. I appreciate that support it. everyone is trying to cooperate so that we Ms WARWICK (Barron River) (5.47 p.m.): finish on time. However, I would like to Time does not permit me to say all of the comment on the issues raised. First of all, the things that I wanted to say, so I will try to get member for Everton said that our national them in fairly quickly because I know the parks are the only protected parts of Minister needs to speak. I support this Queensland. Certainly, those are the official revocation in general although, in common ones, but quite a bit of work is being done in with probably the rest of the members here, I off-park conservation. I hope that in the future do not like the idea of us taking away land I will be able to divert more resources—both from national parks or conservation areas. financial and manpower—to off-park However, I think we must live in the real world conservation. Already in the past 18 months I and realise that sometimes we need to do this. have probably signed up to 10 voluntary 3064 Revocation of National Park and Conservation Park Areas 20 Aug 1997 conservation agreements with people who are creeks. Due regard must be had to needs and holding land that they want to preserve for its environmental flows and, in this case, the conservation values. I also commend some of social needs of the people of Mount Surprise. I those local governments across Queensland support the member in that regard. which are acquiring green belts. Recently, the Pine Rivers Shire Council has cooperated very Mention was made of somewhere in the well with people who own quite large acreages. Ingham area where part of a State forest It is giving approvals for some residential which became a national park was developments on the understanding that the inadvertently damaged by someone and now council takes over the balance of the land and has little conservation value. I would certainly it becomes a green belt held by the council. I like to see my departmental officers pursue think that is working pretty well. those people who quite deliberately damage our national parks. In fact, at the present time That leads me to my next point. The we are pursuing a bloke who did just that Opposition spokesman referred to concerns about a week ago. It has not been finalised about lowland areas around Coombabah. That yet, but we are after him. He was a is a general concern in the south-east corner neighbouring property owner. I am sure that of Queensland. I am told, and I quite agree, he knew where his boundary was, but he quite that we are running out of land below 150 deliberately went in and did some quite serious metres, but we are not too bad at conserving damage to that property. the uplands. The swap between Beechmont and Coombabah does not exactly have the With regard to Toohey Forest—I have right feel about it in that regard, although we taken note of the comments made by the have some land that has a high conservation Opposition spokesman and Mr Ardill. I will ask value. I believe that we have to keep an eye my departmental officers to reinspect that area on and look after some of that low-level land and give me another brief. I appreciate the along the coastal part of Queensland. I am members' support. It is a better way to go sure that the member would agree that the about it. It was organised by the Department Beach Protection Act and the Coastal of Natural Resources and my department in Protection and Management Act should 1990, when members opposite were in identify those sorts of areas so that we can Government. Having heard the members' lock them up. I think we can work on that in comments, I would certainly like to get another the future. opinion. With regard to the Noosa-Mooloolah I thank all members who have made area—the Education Department and all contributions to the debate. It is one of those Government services are having trouble up things that must be done. It is a tidying-up there, because it was a rural area and now it is exercise. We are trying to ensure that we look becoming an urban area, with a resultant after the national park estate while catering for incursion into national parks. The member is social needs in terms of allowing infrastructure quite correct: there is an impact effect when a to go through. Through the good road goes through such an area. While the management of the officers of my department, member was talking, I noted that my colleague we have come out with a plus in terms of the the Honourable Tom Gilmore has been additions to the conservation park. The only forward looking in that he is trying to get downside is that we did not get an equal swap corridors around Queensland where public in terms of some lowland country around the utilities can go through well ahead of further Coombabah wetlands. planning. That is part of proper planning. In some cases we cannot do things The Opposition spokesman asked when retrospectively. People probably never the inclusions will come. When the resolution dreamed about some of the things that have goes to the Speaker and is passed, the happened on the Sunshine Coast, and we Speaker will then send it to me, I will take it to should bear that in mind for future planning. Governor in Council, and we will subsequently come back into the House with one or two I take into account what the member said regulations that allow for the revocations and about the people at Forty Mile Scrub and the additions at the same time. I thank all Mount Surprise. That becomes a matter of those members who contributed to the debate riparian rights and—in this case for us— and commend to the House the passage of environmental flows. It is a concern in this motion. Queensland that an overallocation of water is being given to people who water harvest from Motion agreed to. 20 Aug 1997 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 3065

NO CONFIDENCE IN ATTORNEY-GENERAL people of Queensland, because they are AND MINISTER FOR JUSTICE entitled to have a Government made Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader accountable in this place. That is why we say of the Opposition) (5.55 p.m.): I move— that this is corrupt behaviour: where one inquiry is established to destroy another. That "That this House has no confidence is why the Attorney is not fit to remain in that in the Attorney-General and Minister for position. The man who made that escape Justice, Mr Beanland, and calls on the possible—the escape of Mr Borbidge and Mr Premier to dismiss him." Cooper, the Premier and the Police This motion should not have been Minister—is the Liberal Attorney-General. It necessary. An honourable Attorney-General was not just an error of judgment. He was would have resigned on the day that Mr warned directly and in detail. I warned him on Justice Thomas brought down his decision. 3 September in this House. He was warned by This Attorney did not even bother to offer his the honourable member for Kedron. There is resignation. Someone has to be responsible no excuse. He was warned, and he was for the waste of millions of dollars of taxpayers' warned clearly. money. Someone has to be accountable. That The people of Queensland want is why I agree with the editorial in the someone to be responsible. They want the Gladstone Observer on 15 August, which resignation or dismissal of this Attorney- said— General. Resignation would have been the "... it would appear quite plain in this honourable option, but since he tries to cling to instance that someone must accept office dismissal is the only option available to responsibility for what amounts to a gross the Parliament. I read the notice of motion misuse of public funds." given by the member for Gladstone. That That newspaper is quite correct. Last night, we notice of motion is offensive and, in effect, sought to make the Government responsible would amount to condoning the Attorney- and accountable, and so it should have been. General's actions. Therefore, it does not have On that occasion, the honourable member for the support of the Opposition. Gladstone supported the Government and it The reasons why the Attorney-General survived. But tonight we are making the must go are clear. Firstly, he wrongly accountable Minister, the first law officer of the appointed a politically biased person, Peter State, who has a special duty to uphold the Connolly, to head a commission of inquiry into law and ensure that propriety and honesty of the CJC, thereby causing the commission of Government is maintained—the relevant inquiry to miscarry. That is a view shared by Minister—responsible. He is the one who the Supreme Court. There was no attempt at should be held responsible for that waste of bipartisanship—not in the mould of Angus taxpayers' money. Innes prior to the State election in 1989, when The Government knowingly and wilfully there was bipartisanship. This Liberal Attorney- undermined the Carruthers inquiry by General did not display the sort of ethical appointing Peter Connolly to get the Premier standards in the true spirit of liberalism that Sir and the Police Minister out of the dock. That is Gordon Chalk, Sir William Knox and Angus what happened. The Attorney-General forgot Innes would have known about because they his responsibilities and duties. He forgot that were honest, decent, honourable men. We did they far transcend those of friendship or not see those standards displayed by this political mateship. He failed the non-political Attorney. test of being Attorney-General. Under those Secondly, he failed to put in place proper circumstances, he must go. budgetary disciplines to prevent the massive The National Party Premier and the blow-out, $11m, in the Connolly/Ryan National Party Police Minister were in the dock commission costs. His own Budget papers during the Carruthers inquiry over the secret show that nearly $8m had been spent by 30 memorandum of understanding, and it cost June. Thirdly, he is the Minister responsible for the public purse millions of dollars for the Connolly/Ryan's unlawful nobbling of the coalition to get them out. We claim that it cost Carruthers inquiry, costing $3.5m, causing a $14.5m, the Attorney claims that it was $7m. I further waste of taxpayers' funds. will come back to that a little later. Even $7m is Fourthly, he turned a blind eye to bad enough. It is taxpayers' money. They are Connolly/Ryan's nobbling of Carruthers in order the ones who are entitled to service for that to get the Premier and the Police Minister off money. That is why we are angry. That is why the hook, thus placing political interests ahead we have pursued this matter on behalf of the of his legal duty. He placed the political 3066 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 20 Aug 1997 interests of the coalition and his National Party The Connolly/Ryan inquiry is only the mates ahead of his legal duty as Attorney- smoking gun. Someone had to load that gun General. Fifthly, he conceded to the Supreme and fire it. The man who loaded and fired the Court through his counsel, Tom Hughes, QC, smoking gun is the Attorney-General. He did that "conduct by Mr Carruthers was not territory that to get the Premier and the Police Minister open to Connolly/Ryan". That is what his off the hook. Let there be no doubt in counsel said in the Supreme Court, yet he anyone's mind that that behaviour is not only stood idly by while the Carruthers inquiry was improper but it is also wrong. It contributed to nobbled. That is unacceptable behaviour. No corrupt behaviour on behalf of the member of this House—regardless of whether Government and senior Ministers in this State. he or she is a member of the Government or It is not befitting the high office of Attorney- Opposition or is an Independent—can stand General in this State. It is simply not good by and see that unacceptable behaviour of the enough for anyone in this House to make Attorney-General go without his being excuses for the Attorney. We demand the removed from that position. Sixthly, he has highest possible standards from Ministers of failed to apologise to Mr Carruthers, QC, for the Crown. He should have resigned. Tonight accusing Mr Carruthers of bias, which is the Parliament should be sending a clear recorded in Hansard of 14 November, despite message that he should be removed. That is a the Connolly/Ryan inquiry clearing Mr view held widely. He acted outside the law. He Carruthers of any misconduct in his inquiry. put party politics above the law. As a result, he is not fit to remain as Attorney-General. As a result, the Attorney-General must resign or be dismissed—not merely because of All we have heard from the Attorney- the doctrine of ministerial responsibility but also General when proper questions have been put because his continuing as first law officer to him is a lambasting of nonsense. Not once would erode public confidence in the impartial did he seek to explain his behaviour. Not once administration of justice in this State. That is did he seek to apologise to this House for his fundamental. As I said, he should have done behaviour. All we have heard are the rantings the honourable thing and offered his and ravings of a person clinging to power who resignation weeks ago. Instead, he clings to does not understand liberalism, justice, office while a rule of law and our legal fairness and the importance of the office that institutions in Queensland are sliding into he holds. This motion should be carried by the disrepute. House tonight. If it fails, all members of this House who vote against us should be I will deal with the nonsense about the ashamed of their behaviour. cost. The Attorney-General claims that Connolly/Ryan cost $7m. That is a nonsense. Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga) (6.06 p.m.): $7m is bad enough, but that is not the full I second the motion of the Opposition Leader. story. The Attorney-General's own figures show The case against the Attorney-General rests that nearly $8m was spent by 30 June—plus on two major grounds. Firstly, I accuse the the $3.5m wasted because Carruthers was Attorney-General of acting improperly and in nobbled and $500,000 for the Supreme Court bad faith in appointing to head a commission of inquiry a person, Mr Peter Connolly, QC, action. That is $12m of the public's money that who was notoriously biased and whose political has been wasted—a figure that the Attorney- bias ultimately caused the commission of General cannot dispute. Connolly/Ryan was inquiry to miscarry causing a $14.5m waste of costing $50,000 a day. Another 25 days of taxpayers' money. Secondly, I accuse the sitting amounted to $1,250,000. Even on the Attorney-General of acting improperly and in Attorney-General's figures—with which we do bad faith in turning a blind eye to the not agree—the waste of money was Connolly/Ryan commission's unlawful and $13,250,000. That is an absolute disgrace. improper nobbling of the Carruthers inquiry to But that is not all. How much did the get Premier Borbidge and Police Minister Attorney-General pay to the Premier for his Cooper off the hook. Those two grounds, the legal expenses at the Carruthers inquiry? How bias of Mr Connolly and the wrongful nobbling much did he pay to the Police Minister for his of Carruthers, were the very grounds that expenses at the Carruthers inquiry? Neither of prompted a motion of no confidence in the those figures have been released publicly. Did Government last year. The Opposition's stand he pay for the Police Union's legal expenses at on those two issues has been roundly the Carruthers inquiry? I call on the Attorney to vindicated by the judgment of the Supreme come clean in this debate and give us those Court. three figures so that the taxpayers in this State If the appointment of Mr Connolly, QC, can be told how much it cost them. had been made in good faith, one could 20 Aug 1997 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 3067 reasonably expect the Attorney-General to reference". This breathtaking statement, condemn the actions of Mr Connolly that led to confirmed again today by Attorney-General the Supreme Court finding of bias. Far from Beanland, flies in the face of the detailed expressing any criticism of Mr Connolly's submissions made on behalf of Attorney- actions, the Attorney-General and the Premier, General Beanland to the Supreme Court by Mr to this very day, seem intent on defending and Hughes, QC. condoning Mr Connolly, although they shrink Attorney-General Beanland is the Minister from appealing against the court's finding of responsible for the miscarriage of the bias. Connolly/Ryan commission through political I dissociate myself from the remarks bias, causing a $14.5m waste of taxpayers' concerning Mr Connolly, QC, made last night money. Attorney-General Beanland is the by the member for Rockhampton, just as I Minister responsible for the Connolly/Ryan strongly disagree with attacks by Mr Connolly commission's improper and unlawful nobbling himself, the Premier and the Attorney-General of the Carruthers inquiry to get Premier on Mr Carruthers, QC. There are few misdeeds Borbidge and Police Minister Cooper off the more serious for an Attorney-General than to hook. If the doctrine of ministerial responsibility poison the wellsprings of justice with bias. This is to have any meaning in Queensland, Mr was not mere inadvertence; it was deliberate. Beanland must go. The Attorney-General was warned publicly in Time expired. this House prior to the appointment of the commission of inquiry that Mr Connolly was Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— biased. The Attorney-General pressed on Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The regardless. The result was a catastrophe. Arts) (6.11 p.m.): Tonight, I speak in support of Queensland has again become the butt of the Attorney-General. I want to register my jokes throughout the nation. It is ably summed dismay at the Opposition's scurrilous attack on up in the cartoon in the Weekend Australian of a fine and decent Minister. It is quite 9 August 1997 entitled "Doing Queensland extraordinary that even for a moment such justice", which I table. It depicts Mr Peter pathetic political posturing could be taken Connolly, QC, looking quizzically at a smoking seriously. gun, with a judge tied to a chair and a bullet- The fact of the matter is that ridden Premier Borbidge bent over and Queensland's Attorney-General can stand on gasping "And you ... call yourself ... a ... hit- his record: a positive, proud, pro-active record man ... Connolly ..." of achievement on behalf of all This Government has turned back the Queenslanders. I would like to refer to the clock to the bad old days when Queensland major pieces of legislation that have been justice was a laughing-stock. The Minister for introduced by the Attorney-General. The Justice, Mr Beanland, is still clinging to the Criminal Code, the Juvenile Justice Act and wreckage, blithely denying ministerial the Penalties and Sentences Act have all responsibility for this multimillion-dollar mess. been amended to increase penalties for serious violent crimes. The penalty now What does the Premier do? He does not matches the crime. How different that is from sack the Attorney-General for Premier the Labor years of Government when the Borbidge is himself deeply compromised crooks got a better deal than their victims. The because he is the beneficiary of Attorney- amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act have General Beanland turning a blind eye to the forced juvenile offenders to finally be unlawful nobbling of Carruthers. Instead, the responsible for their actions. Premier appoints Attorney-General Beanland to head a review of the CJC. That is like This legislation, under the guidance of the putting Bluebeard in charge of marine safety. Attorney-General, also provides for community input aimed at helping our youth and Attorney-General Beanland's survival preventing juveniles falling into the miserable tactic is a simple one: he tells the Supreme spiral of crime. Under Labor, there was a Court one story and tells the Parliament a revolving door prison policy where criminals different story and reposes in the fond hope were virtually thumbing their noses at the that no-one will notice the difference. He system that was supposed to be punishing admits to the Supreme Court that the them. They were serving just half of their Connolly/Ryan commission exceeded its terms sentences. of reference in investigating Carruthers yet yesterday told the Parliament that "at no time Ms Bligh interjected. was I advised that the Connolly/Ryan Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for commission of inquiry exceeded its terms of South Brisbane! 3068 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 20 Aug 1997

Mrs SHELDON: Mr Speaker, do we have have been looked after. Funding and to put up with that harridan in this House? resources have been found to educate the Under Labor, there was a revolving door prison State's future full-time consumers on their policy. rights and responsibilities under consumer Ms BLIGH: I rise to a point of order. I find legislation. The community told us that it the comments of the Deputy Premier and wanted a crackdown on dangerous children's Treasurer offensive and I ask that they be toys and furniture. The Attorney-General withdrawn. delivered with a mandatory standard for baby's cots and bans on potentially harmful toys. Mr SPEAKER: I did not hear the point of Business told us that a phenomenon known order. as invoice fraud was costing them thousands Ms BLIGH: I find the comments of the of dollars a year. The Attorney-General Deputy Premier offensive and I ask for them to toughened up the fair trading legislation to be withdrawn. help eradicate that insidious practice and he Mrs SHELDON: I referred to no member. clamped down on those fraudulent pyramid If the cap fits, I suppose—— selling schemes. The Attorney-General has delivered on changes to the recording system Ms BLIGH: I rise to a point of order. I find for births, deaths and marriages and on the comments of the Deputy Premier offensive alternative dispute resolution. and I ask for them to be withdrawn. The honourable member for Indooroopilly Mrs SHELDON: At no time did I mention has made a long and distinguished the member. contribution to the political and social fabric of Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am sorry, I did not this State. His credentials and integrity are hear the comment. I understand that it was a beyond approach. He is an integral part of the general comment. team that has turned Queensland around and Mr Bredhauer interjected. he will continue to be a valued and respected member of that team for a very long time to Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member come. for Cook under Standing Order 123A. Perhaps one would hear the interjections if that side of I will tell the House what is really the House showed some dignity and decorum. motivating the ALP and its current lame duck leader: these reckless no confidence motions Mrs SHELDON: Under Labor, there was a and almost daily bleatings for another election revolving door prison policy where criminals are Labor's attempt to try to sneak—no, were virtually thumbing their noses at the possibly to slither—back into power and to system that was supposed to be punishing prop up an Opposition Leader who is them. They were serving just half of their hopelessly out of his depth. I think the sentences. Since the coalition has come to Attorney-General's record speaks for itself. power, serious violent offenders must serve at least 80% of their sentences. That is what the Time expired. community wanted and that was what the Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy Attorney-General delivered. Leader of the Opposition) (6.16 p.m.): Over Additional magistrates and three more recent times, these issues have been judges have been appointed. Throughout the canvassed wildly in this House and in the State, new courthouses are being built and media. Yet this morning, for the second day in more money is being spent on modernising a row, we saw the pathetic spectacle of the and upgrading existing courthouses. When Attorney-General being unable to explain to Labor was in power, rural and regional anyone's satisfaction how he could claim that Queensland barely got a look in. Under the he did not know that the Connolly/Ryan inquiry coalition Government, Rockhampton, Gympie, had gone outside its terms of reference when Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Gladstone and it sought to nobble Mr Carruthers. Yet before Southport are all getting new or substantially Mr Justice Thomas, his counsel asserted renovated courthouses. repeatedly that the Connolly/Ryan inquiry had The Attorney-General has been active on gone outside its terms of reference. behalf of Queensland's retirees. Thanks to a It is a disgrace that the first law officer comprehensive revision of the State's does not seem to understand that when retirement village industry, seniors are going to counsel appears in court on his behalf, they be better protected. Queensland's senior act on his instructions. When Mr Hughes, QC, citizens told us they wanted change and the asserted that the conduct of Mr Carruthers was Attorney-General delivered. At the other end of not territory open to the Connolly/Ryan inquiry, the demographic spectrum, school children he was either acting under the instructions of 20 Aug 1997 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 3069 the Attorney-General, in which case the enough to warrant the Attorney's head, and he Attorney-General should resign for failing to must go. pull his own biased inquiry into line, or Mr Again, I warn the Liberals opposite. Even Hughes, QC, was appearing for the Attorney- the Industrial Relations Minister knows this, General but the Attorney-General was not because his mate Bob Carroll, the president, aware of the instructions that his officers were can tell him what the research is saying. giving Mr Hughes, QC. In that case, the Liberal Party supporters know in their hearts Attorney-General should have resigned that they expect more of their party. They do because of his total incompetence. Either way, not accept the National's corrupt practices and the Attorney-General did not understand that they do not accept the National Party style when Tom Hughes said, "The conduct of Mr excesses of Executive Government. They Carruthers was not territory open to the expect Liberal members to stand up to that Connolly/Ryan inquiry", he was speaking on and they will punish them at the next election behalf of the Attorney-General. for not doing so. How those principled Liberal The Attorney-General is the Minister who Ministers of the past must hang their heads in had the responsibility for this entire debacle: a shame or turn over in their graves at the waste of $14.5m, a total mismanagement of weakness of modern Liberals! judicial process and the fostering of corruption How easy it must have been for the in this State. It does not matter that the Attorney-General to wield the pen that signed Attorney-General was doing a favour for the the cheques for this farce. How difficult it Premier and the Police Minister and protecting seems to be for them to wield the pen that will them and their corrupt actions from the set up a royal commission into paedophilia to accountable people and the rule of law. It also protect children from corruption, instead of does not matter that Mr Connolly was their protecting corrupt politicians. They are an choice and not the Attorney-General's choice embarrassment to the people whom they and that Mr Connolly was foisted on him by his represent; they are an embarrassment to the National Party masters. The Attorney-General people who vote for them. Time and time is the responsible Minister. He should have again, through leaflets of this sort, I will remind said no. At the end of the day, the Attorney- people of the lack of obligation shown by the General should have shown some backbone. Liberals and their appalling record in He should have emulated his Liberal supporting and propping up a corrupt National predecessors and adhered to some Party regime. These leaflets will go out in fundamental principles of honesty, decency Barron River, Mundingburra, Aspley, and good government. Mansfield, Clayfield, Springwood and Mount This is an example of the Liberals doing Ommaney. All Liberal members will be brought the National Party's dirty work for them. We all to account for propping up a corrupt National know that the Attorney-General is the fall guy Party regime. Their constituents will be fully for the Premier and the Police Minister, and fall informed of the Liberal Party's support of the he must. Regardless of any coercion by other waste and mismanagement of this people, the Attorney-General is totally Government. The Attorney-General must go. responsible for his own actions. This matter is Time expired. of such a serious nature as to demand the Attorney-General's resignation. He established Hon. D. J. H. WATSON (Moggill—Minister the Connolly/Ryan inquiry with the full for Public Works and Housing) (6.21 p.m.): I knowledge that its major purpose was to rise to support the Attorney-General. Never nobble Carruthers and to keep the Premier before has the difference between Labor and and the Police Minister out of the dock. the coalition been as clear as it is now. On the Despite the many warnings of the Opposition one side, Labor is creating myths; on the other that Mr Connolly was clearly not a proper side, the coalition is creating jobs. person to head such an inquiry, the Attorney- Tonight, what we hear from Labor is General appointed him. Even before the simply a web of deceit and a multitude of inquiry was set up, the Opposition and others myths. In his fascinating autobiography, the were warning that Mr Connolly's public honourable Leader of the Opposition tells us comments meant that he was not a suitable that he was dux of his school. Obviously, person to head the inquiry. The problem was maths was not one of his subjects, because that Mr Connolly had been lined up earlier to the Leader of the Opposition knows only one do the hatchet job on the CJC and he was the equation: X plus Y equals whatever he wants it only one that the Premier and the Police to be. The same goes for all those opposite. Minister could trust to get Carruthers before he $14m sounded good to Mr Beattie, so he said got them. Unquestionably, that is serious that that was the cost of the Connolly/Ryan 3070 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 20 Aug 1997 inquiry. He simply created another Labor myth accounting problems within the department's that he repeated tonight, as did the member housing program. What did the then Minister for Yeronga and the member for Capalaba. In do about it? Nothing! Members opposite talk the traditional Labor manner, they believe that about management, accountability and taking if they practise deceit and repeat the myths responsibility for decisions, but they are the often enough and make the lies big enough last people in the world who ought to be they will gain some element of truth. Of making accusations because they have never course, as has been disclosed many times, lived up to the rhetoric that they have spouted the cost of the inquiry was just over $7m. That here tonight. demonstrates beyond any shadow of doubt Labor is pretty good; it is good at creating that one cannot trust Labor members because myths. It is good at translating deceit into they cannot help being disingenuous. I can legalese in an attempt to cloak it with some illustrate this in a number of ways, and I will do kind of reasonableness. The fact is that, so by taking examples from my own whatever happens, we cannot believe what department. members opposite say. Mr Braddy: How about defending Time expired. Denver? Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron) (6.26 p.m.): Dr WATSON: This is defending Mr On 2 September 1996, Attorney-General Beanland, because tonight I will show that it Denver Beanland commenced a process does not matter what Labor says as it is which requires his removal from ministerial proved wrong time and time again. This is office. He announced the establishment of an simply another example of how disingenuous inquiry into the CJC that was deliberately and and wrong those opposite are. fatally flawed from the outset. On 27 August In June, the Leader of the Opposition Mr Hampson, QC, counsel assisting the said that we had underspent our capital works Carruthers inquiry, advised that the Police budget by $400m. That was another Labor Minister, Mr Cooper, should be charged with myth. The fact is that my department spent offences. Six days later, the Attorney-General, 98.8% of its budget. As I said earlier, while Mr Beanland, supported by his Government, Labor created myths, we created jobs. We established an inquiry into the CJC and the created 227,000 weeks of employment in the Carruthers inquiry that was biased and lacked private sector. The best that Labor could ever impartiality from the very beginning. do when in office was spend 87% of the As I stated in last night's debate, during budget. In its last full year in office, Labor was question time on 4 September I pointed out so inept at running the department that it that Mr Peter Connolly, QC, was not a suitable failed to spend $61m of the budget of the commissioner and I requested the Attorney- Department of Public Works and Housing. General's assurance that he not be appointed. When the State was crying out for jobs, Labor I stated that Mr Connolly had been an adviser left $61m in the budget unspent. That is not a to Mr Cooper in the Carruthers inquiry and, myth, it is a fact. The bottom line is simply that therefore, on sound legal principles, should be Labor does not have what it takes to manage disqualified from the CJC inquiry. the economy of the State. Amongst the matters of advice to Mr The people of Queensland deserve a Cooper were opinions by Mr Connolly about Government with a greater grasp of matters before the Carruthers inquiry. The accounting and mathematics than is displayed Attorney-General, aware of this important by the Leader of the Opposition and Labor behaviour, still proceeded to appoint Mr members. They require something better than Connolly as co-chairman of the inquiry into the the philosophy that X plus Y equals whatever CJC. The Attorney-General had access to Mr the Leader of the Opposition wants it to be. Connolly's opinion and even a cursory Most Labor Party members are unfit to be examination of that opinion would show Mr in the same place as the Attorney-General. I Connolly's unsuitability for appointment to the will relate something else that comes from my CJC inquiry. department. The Labor Party completely Since Mr Justice Thomas' judgment, the ignored the requirements of being in Attorney-General, even during his speech in Government and the seriousness of last night's debate, has totally avoided accountability to the public. In 1993-94, when defending Mr Connolly's appointment on the the Labor Party was in Government and the basis of Mr Connolly's conduct prior to his Leader of Opposition Business was the appointment to the inquiry. Poor and shabby Minister, the Queensland Audit Office as it is, the Attorney-General's defence relates identified no less than 6,900 serious to his not being required to intervene in the 20 Aug 1997 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 3071

CJC inquiry because of Mr Connolly's honourable member for Gladstone came to outrageous conduct once the inquiry the nub of the debate this morning on ABC commenced. Any Attorney-General would radio when she indicated that I had a know, in Mr Justice Thomas' words, "... that responsibility to "counsel against appointing the appointees in any such inquiry should be anyone to a commission who could be seen to seen to be impartial, and not as persons ... be inappropriate". It is my contention that antipathetical to the CJC ..." neither Mr Connolly nor Dr Ryan was an Of all the former judges in Queensland, in inappropriate appointment. Both were former all the circumstances that then applied, the Justices of the Queensland Supreme Court of Attorney-General could not have chosen many years standing. Both had served with anyone less impartial on the question of the integrity, dedication and absolute even- CJC and the Carruthers inquiry than Mr handedness. No allegations of bias had ever Connolly. In the context of warnings by Mr been raised against them. Beattie and me in the Parliament on 3 and 4 Mr Barton interjected. September, and in the presence of a partisan Mr SPEAKER: Order! Does the member opinion by Mr Connolly to the Police Minister, for Waterford wish to remain in the Chamber Mr Cooper—the details of which were known to so that he can speak next? the Attorney-General after it had been Mr BEANLAND: The fact that Mr Connolly submitted to the Carruthers inquiry—are we to may have provided legal advice to my believe that the Attorney-General did not colleague the Minister for Police, Corrective deliberately abuse his office by knowingly Services and Racing is simply a red herring. appointing a biased and partial commissioner? That advice in no way related to the subject I charge the Attorney-General with matter of the inquiry into the Criminal Justice deliberately subverting the course of justice in Commission. It matters not how much yelling order to protect his colleague the Police and screaming and hollow posturing the Labor Minister, Mr Cooper. The Connolly Party engages in in this place. Mr Connolly's appointment and brief was just six days after advice was totally unrelated to the subject Mr Hampson, QC, said, "Charge the Police matter of that inquiry. It did not relate to the Minister." Was that a coincidence, an oversight conduct of the CJC, the body under review. or mere human error, as the member for Under Labor's perverse logic, anyone who has Gladstone offered today on the Anna been associated with the CJC or has given Reynolds program? No! It was a deliberate advice to the CJC should be precluded from and dastardly abuse of office to protect a judicial office or from having any other dealings ministerial colleague and a Government in in matters relating to the CJC. crisis. Last night, the Premier and the Mrs Edmond interjected. Treasurer—both tonight and last night—failed to defend the conduct of Mr Beanland. They Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for talked about everything else. The Police Mount Coot-tha! Minister said, "It was them or us." The Premier Mr BEANLAND: That would include a has implied the same. The Attorney-General number of experienced senior QCs in this has failed the people of Queensland. Tonight, State, such as Mr Sofronoff, Mr Jerrard, Mr this Parliament should say to the Attorney- Gotterson or Mr Hampson. Under Labor's General, "Go and go quickly. You have crazy rules, their skills would be lost. This is a disgraced yourself, your office and this stupid assertion by Labor and demonstrates Parliament." the intellectual depths to which it will descend Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— to further its cause. I am astounded that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) Labor Party is whipping itself into a frenzy over (6.31 p.m.): Once again, Labor has saddled Mr Connolly's Liberal connections. up its worn out old charger to demonstrate to Mr Lucas interjected. its increasingly dejected supporters that it still Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for has some fire in its collective belly. Lytton! Unfortunately, the flame is flickering, it is starved of oxygen and it is about to be snuffed Mr BEANLAND: What the intellectual out. plankton opposite probably do not know is that Mr Connolly lost his endorsement in 1959 and This motion is based on the false premise retired from Parliament 37 years ago. By those that I did not act impartially in Cabinet's standards, the ALP in Queensland would appointment of Mr Connolly and Dr Ryan to regard Sir John Kerr, by virtue of his 1950s undertake the inquiry into the Criminal Justice membership of that party, as a Labor Commission. I reject that notion totally. The sympathiser. 3072 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 20 Aug 1997

Mr Elder interjected. complete his task on behalf of the CJC does Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for not constitute waste. The CJC completed its Capalaba was heard in silence. task, a report was presented and those whose conduct was under review, including the ALP, Mr BEANLAND: It is claimed that Mr were exonerated. Connolly demonstrated such bias that he should never have been appointed in the first If the task was incomplete and money place. If this was the case, why did the many was wasted, how is it that Mr Gotterson's and parties and their representatives with an Mr Butler's report was made public last year? If interest in this matter not come to me and waste is constituted by the completion of a seek a change in the arrangements? Why did task, it is clear the ALP is reading from a the CJC, or its representative, Mr Hampson, unique dictionary. Similarly, as will be seen, the QC, then President of the Queensland Bar $7m spent on the Connolly/Ryan inquiry will Association, not come to me, as first law not be wasted. Tonight's motion has less to do officer, with such a request? Why did Mr with the Criminal Justice Commission, Mr Clair—a lawyer—not seek such a change? Connolly, Dr Ryan or Mr Carruthers than it has Why did Mr Carruthers, who claimed to be to do with the Leader of the Opposition and offended by what occurred, not come to me his tenuous hold on his job. Labor's difficulty is and make this request? What conclusion can that it can do nothing but criticise. It has no we draw other than that they were not solutions, it has no answers and it offers no sufficiently concerned to regard the hope. It has spent the past 18 months in appointment of Mr Connolly and Dr Ryan as a Opposition endeavouring to run thousands of matter of concern? They were mute. They saw miles from its own record in Government. I no reason to act or to make such a request. challenge the Leader of the Opposition to Only the ALP has pursued a campaign of accept responsibility—— character assassination against Peter Time expired. Connolly. Mr BARTON (Waterford) (6.36 p.m.): I Mr Braddy: They went to the Supreme support the motion of no confidence in the Court. Attorney-General moved by the Leader of the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Opposition. The Attorney-General deserves Kedron was heard in silence. the condemnation of this Parliament either because he improperly set up the Connolly Mr Borbidge interjected. inquiry to nobble Carruthers to support his Mr BEANLAND: And it took a heck of a mates the Police Minister and the Premier, or long time for them to get to the Supreme because he incompetently set up the Connolly Court, as the Premier said. inquiry which allowed Connolly to act Mr SPEAKER: Order! There seems to be improperly and in a biased way as determined some confusion. I have asked for some by the Supreme Court. decorum in the House. I have listened to four Either way, the Attorney-General wasted speeches from the Opposition side and I $14.5m in public funds and he did it to prop up heard hardly one interjection. It appears that a Government that did not deserve to survive, when anyone from the Government speaks, despite the vote in the Parliament last night. the member wants to drown them out. I have But by his own admission, he wasted $7m. asked for order. I said that the member had When we look at this issue, whether it was his speech heard in silence. I do not like to $7m or $14m, which was a figure supported by take up the Minister's time, but I would like his own Ministerial Program Statements at some silence, and Hansard would like to Budget time, when it comes to sheep stealing record this; it is an important debate. there is the difference between a sheep and a Mr BEANLAND: Thank you, Mr Speaker. lamb, and the Attorney-General is guilty in any It has been claimed that the premature case. resignation of Mr Carruthers resulted in a The Attorney-General knew that Connolly waste of the CJC's money. For some reason, was a potential problem. He was certainly those who make this claim believe that Mr warned enough in this Parliament by my Carruthers acted in a vacuum. He did not. He colleagues that Connolly was a previous acted on behalf of the CJC. He had no Liberal member of Parliament and that he was independent power or authority. The fact that a previous legal adviser to the Police Minister the CJC was able to commission Mr Gotterson, in the Carruthers inquiry—the inquiry which we QC, and Mr Butler, SC, to complete the task warned would be directly interfered with by the demonstrates that there was no such waste. Connolly inquiry when it was set up. As the Simply because Mr Carruthers felt unable to State's top law officer, he should have 20 Aug 1997 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 3073 understood that justice must not only be done and defend the Attorney-General. The but also must be seen to be done. Attorney-General's defence of himself is Very clearly, the Supreme Court decision nothing short of pathetic. proves conclusively that that is the case; that We also need to ask: why won't the justice was not done by his appointment of Premier act? The answer is that the Attorney- retired Judge Connolly, and it could never General did the dirty work for the Premier and have been seen to be done in any case, and the Police Minister. It was a case of "fix it up that is conclusively proved when one reads the for Russell and the Premier and we will look decision of Justice Thomas. In my view, the after you". The contempt that the Premier has Attorney-General deliberately set out to set for this Parliament is illustrated by his assertion one royal commission against another. He set that, regardless of the decision of the up the Connolly inquiry against the Carruthers Parliament, he will not remove the Attorney- inquiry. It should be remembered that the General. He is also taking for granted the Carruthers inquiry was an inquiry set up in a support of the member for Gladstone, very careful way by the CJC, but set up to be because he clearly believes he has that independent and at arm's length from the support regardless—and that is showing CJC. contempt for that position as well. Carruthers was investigating the Attorney- Time expired. General's colleagues for improper action over Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers the Mundingburra memorandum of Paradise—Premier) (6.41 p.m.): I think it is understanding with the Police Union. What a interesting that one element that was sordid deal that was! Commissioner Connolly's uncovered under the Connolly/Ryan inquiry first actions were not about reviewing the CJC which cannot be accused of being biased was or the future of the CJC; his first actions were the fact that the Criminal Justice Commission taken directly against the Carruthers inquiry. I had legal advice from Mr Hampson, QC, that point out for the benefit of those people, such neither the Police Minister nor I had a case to as the member for Gladstone, who have a answer and they hid it in a safe and no-one genuine view that there needs to be a knew about it, and no-one would have known thorough review of the CJC, that that is not about it today if not for the Connolly/Ryan what the Connolly inquiry was all about. They inquiry. After all the expense and after all the were directed against the Carruthers inquiry, waste and after all the trauma of eight months and that was the motive all along. of Mr Carruthers, what happened? Another We should not forget either that counsel head of the Bar in Queensland, Mr Gotterson, assisting Connolly, Ian Hanger, QC, interfered QC, subsequently came to the same directly in an ongoing inquiry like a little thug, conclusion. So the end result of Carruthers sending the message to Mr Carruthers to "do was what the CJC had and hid in the safe and what he was told" in terms of his complying. never made public, and it would not be public Carruthers did not comply, and not just on the today if that piece of evidence had not been basis of what he genuinely believed but on the tendered before the Connolly/Ryan inquiry. basis of independent legal advice to him. He I made a commitment during the 1992 understood that if he did not comply and election campaign that there would be a accept that his commission was to be review of the Criminal Justice Commission. I interfered with, he could possibly face gaol. His said that I wanted that review carried out by legal advice said that he had no choice but to Queensland judges. If we look at the retired resign. Carruthers then was abused publicly by judges in Queensland in terms of who was the Attorney-General, the Police Minister and available—Mr Carter and Mr Matthews have the Premier, and the Supreme Court ultimately both undertaken certain tasks for the CJC. found that Carruthers was correct. Former Justice Sheahan is elderly and not in I also find it amazing that both in last good health. Of course, former Governor Sir night's debate and in tonight's debate we have Walter Campbell would not have been not seen Government members stand in this appropriate in the circumstances, but no doubt House and defend the position of the he too would have been criticised by the Attorney-General. They have talked about Leader of the Opposition simply because the everything else, but they have not defended President of the National Party is his son-in- their colleague the Attorney-General in terms law. of the substance of the actions that he took What the Attorney-General did was to which are the subject of this motion. Of course, honour an election commitment by this they cannot defend the indefensible, and that Government. Let us have a look at what is is no doubt why they have not tried to get up being complained about—this heinous crime 3074 No Confidence in Attorney-General and Minister for Justice 20 Aug 1997 that the Attorney-General has supposedly memorandum of understanding in the committed. What are the complaints? The fact Mundingburra by-election. That is what it was that two former Supreme Court judges were all about. The PCJC, of which I am the deputy appointed. The fact that no allegation of bias chair, has a statutory obligation to review the had ever been raised against either Mr operations of the CJC. All that was needed Connolly or Dr Ryan in 23 years of was for the Attorney-General to utilise that distinguished service to the Supreme Court in parliamentary committee. It then would have Queensland. Is another complaint the fact that saved the taxpayers of this State in excess of no parties appearing before the Connolly/Ryan $11m. All it needed was a phone call. All the inquiry ever requested of the Attorney-General Attorney-General had to do was come and see that Mr Connolly or Dr Ryan be removed? The us and ask us to bring forward that three-yearly fact that no approaches were ever made to review. the Attorney-General by the CJC or by Mr Let us have a look at what the Attorney- Hampson—or, for that matter, anyone else—to General was on about. The final signal to show change the inquiry's terms of reference to the people of Queensland that the Attorney- effect this change. These were all avenues General was up to mischief was that the whole that were open to any aggrieved person. process as we know it was nothing more than Isn't it interesting how the CJC took a a witch-hunt by the Attorney-General. Why was period of months before it decided to take it a witch-hunt? Because as soon as the action in the Supreme Court. It took that action Supreme Court closed down Connolly/Ryan, when denying the Attorney-General the option, what did the Attorney-General do? The the alternative, the choice as first law officer of Attorney-General then stood up and said, "I the State to take into account any concerns will do the review myself. I will bring down that it may have had. It did not give him the legislation. I will make sure that that legislation opportunity. I can only assume that because it will prescribe what the CJC can do with its took several months for the CJC to take legal activities." One of the newspaper reports said action in the Supreme Court, up until that time that when the Attorney-General and the it must not have thought that there was any Premier dig themselves a hole they ought to evidence of bias on the part of Mr Connolly or learn when to stop digging. The Attorney- Dr Ryan, because if it did why did it not take General and the Premier have continued to legal action on day one, on week one or week dig themselves into a hole, and they are two or week three or week four or month two or getting deeper and deeper into the quagmire. month three or month four? The fact is that it It is time to stop. did not. It had that option, and it did not. The Attorney-General has ridden I would also make a couple of roughshod over the current parliamentary observations in respect of the role of the committee from the day it was established Attorney-General. The Attorney-General under this Government. We have to undertake undertakes some tasks in his own name— a three-yearly review. That three-yearly review appeals and court appearances in the public is a statutory obligation. The Attorney-General interest. He does not establish inquiries free has carriage over the Criminal Justice Act, yet from Cabinet influence. No Minister can is ignoring his own legislation, is ignoring the establish an inquiry by himself. Last night in all-party parliamentary committee and is this place the House expressed confidence in intending to bring down his own legislation the Government. I remind the House that a which, as I said, is about prescribing what the basic principle of the Westminster system is activities of the CJC will be. the concept of collective responsibility and that Cabinet Ministers are bound by the collective That is not in keeping with what an decisions of Cabinet. This motion is not Attorney-General should do in this State. The warranted. Attorney-General has been given a number of reports by the parliamentary committee. Last Time expired. year he was given a report with some 51 Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate) (6.46 p.m.): The recommendations. This year he was given a establishment of the Connolly/Ryan inquiry into report with in excess of another 15 the CJC was flawed in a number of areas from recommendations. The parliamentary the outset. Let us look at where it was flawed. committee has not had even a response from This inquiry was not established to review the the Attorney-General because he has been operations of the CJC. It was about seeking hell-bent on destroying the CJC. The Attorney- retribution on the CJC because the CJC dared General has been hell-bent on ensuring that to investigate the Premier and the Police the parliamentary committee cannot operate in Minister over their conduct in the its proper fashion. 20 Aug 1997 Adjournment 3075

If the Attorney-General, who is the chief better understood, managed and treated, so law-maker of this State, believes in justice, the more and more of these youngsters are true democratic processes and the institution developing through to adulthood. While it was of this Parliament and if he is a man of once thought to be a childhood disease, we honesty, integrity, and honour, he should are now seeing increasing numbers of young resign as a Minister of the Crown in adults needing the extensive management accordance with the Westminster system and understanding that this disease needs. which he seeks to represent. Besides that, Mr Today these courageous survivors are Santoro, the honourable member for Clayfield, fighting for recognition of their needs of their wants his job anyway, so the Attorney-General treatment priorities. Cystic fibrosis is the most may as well resign and let him have his job. common genetic disorder resulting in The Attorney-General and the Premier premature death in Australian children and have tried to ensure that this parliamentary young adults. One child in every 2,400 born in committee cannot operate in a proper fashion. Queensland is affected, with an 80% likelihood That clearly shows that the National/Liberal of survival to the age of 20 and 60% to the Party coalition does not believe in the age of 30 years. Progressive ill health is parliamentary processes or the parliamentary characterised by repeated bronchial infection, committee system, but believes in what it did respiratory failure, pancreatic failure and prior to 1989. It rules in its own way; it ignores malnutrition. Death is usually as a result of the people of Queensland and it does that the "drowning" in mucus associated with infections best way that it can, and to hell with the from highly resistant bacteria. people of Queensland! Almost all patients eventually develop Question—That the motion be agreed respiratory failure, requiring oxygen and to—put; and the House divided— frequent nocturnal ventilation and often lung AYES, 44—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, transplantation. Many require procedures to Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Campbell, Cunningham, stop airway bleeds as well as specialised De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Fouras, microbiological, biochemical and radiological Gibbs, Goss W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Lavarch, Lucas, McElligott, McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, monitoring that is available only at Brisbane's Mulherin, Nunn, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, tertiary hospitals. They also need support from Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Smith, physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational Spence, Sullivan J. H., Welford, Wells. Tellers: therapists and social workers to maintain and Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. improve their survival and quality of life. With NOES, 42—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, this support, many are able to live active and Cooper, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, productive lives in the community, many in full- Gilmore, Grice, Harper, Healy, Hegarty, Hobbs, time employment. Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, Quinn, Radke, While there are approximately 400 cystic Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Stephan, fibrosis sufferers in Queensland, the number of Stoneman, Tanti, Veivers, Warwick, Watson, Wilson, adult sufferers is increasing. But while the Woolmer. Tellers: Springborg, Carroll need for a specialised unit with staff trained to Pair: Goss J. N., D'Arcy. know, understand and care for these patients Resolved in the affirmative. is well understood for children and, indeed, is the reason that so many are now living through to adulthood, the similar need for ADJOURNMENT adults has not been addressed, despite the Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of claims of the Minister. Early intervention can Government Business) (6.58 p.m.): I move— prevent recurrent crises and keep admissions "That the House do now adjourn." and costs to a minimum. Children cystic fibrosis clinics at the Royal Children's Hospital are managed by clinical Adult Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers nurse consultants with the necessary allied Mrs EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha) health professionals liaising closely to (6.58 p.m.): Over the years of my working life maximise treatment outcomes. However, in health, I have met many young people who these specialised services apply only to those showed enormous courage as they fought for patients under 16 years. Once these brave their lives against the progressive illness of young battlers pass this landmark, they start to cystic fibrosis. Most of these young people are feel unwanted because of limited dedicated now dead but, as cystic fibrosis has become adult services. They are certainly made to feel 3076 Adjournment 20 Aug 1997 that there is no funding provision for them and Natural Pest Control that, because their illness strains the limits of Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (7.03 p.m.): Casemix funding relying on cross-subsidisation Tonight I would like to highlight some of from other hospital services, they are an nature's pest controllers in Queensland. expense that no hospital wants to take over in Millions of dollars are spent each year in these days when the budget line is more Queensland on buying insecticides and important than treating patients. protecting crops and pastures against insect At present, services are provided at the attack. Predators, such as birds and bats, eat Prince Charles Hospital and the Mater huge amounts of insects, and many insects Hospital. Outpatient support is also provided actually feed on one another. Together they from the Royal Brisbane Hospital. There are perform an excellent job in controlling other also outpatient clinics at Toowoomba, the Gold insect pests. Most insecticides used are toxic, Coast and Cairns. However, these young not only to the pest insects but also to the people believe that, without the dedicated beneficial ones. This means that the beneficial team approach that they had as youngsters, insects die either from a lack of food or from their health is deteriorating, and the doctor poisoning. Statistics collated around the world providing that leadership and dedicated care show a remarkable anomaly. In spite of an has now resigned. Dr Peter Nolan has increase in the use of insecticides, the resigned, burnt out and frustrated, leaving a percentage loss of crops caused by pests has huge hole in children's health. increased. Today I accepted petitions—not all in the According to Rob and Steve Davidson in format for Parliament—calling for an adult their book Bushland on Farms—Do you have a cystic fibrosis clinic. Over 8,000 signatures choice?, there is another reason why the pest have been collected by cystic fibrosis patients, problems are getting worse. Agricultural families and friends, service providers and development which results in complete supporters. I table these petitions. I am clearing of native vegetation and the delighted to do so, and to make a cultivation of vast acreages without leaving any commitment to pursue their cause. I have habitat for predators has seriously reduced urged their participation in the planning of new those natural controls. When this has gone too services at the Prince Charles Hospital, and far, it is no longer possible to choose the changes have been made to accommodate natural control of pests, leading to a very sad their needs. I am continuing to talk to people chapter in Queensland's and the world's at the Prince Charles Hospital about those history. needs: the needs of sick young people, their educational needs and their nutritional Ibis, for example, are often seen feeding needs—with a kitchen nearby, which is an in paddocks throughout Queensland. These important factor for cystic fibrosis sufferers. The birds eat up to 250 insects per day. In other Prince Charles Hospital has also recognised areas where there are 1,000 ibis, over a that need and has agreed to provide that quarter of a million pasture insect pests can be kitchen and to provide a dedicated team who controlled. To encourage ibis onto our can readily interchange but, at any time, properties, we can plant or leave trees in and provide highly skilled care. around dams to make safe sites where they can roost. The Prince Charles Hospital has also recognised the need for increased allied health According to Rob and Steve Davidson, professionals to work in this area and provide magpies are the perfect biological control. The the support needed in the hospital and at magpie is a native bird that feeds on a variety home. Now we need the Minister for Health to of invertebrates, including ants, weevils, recognise the courage, hope and ambitions of scarabs, grasshoppers and caterpillars. It is a those young people and to provide the bird that will find food even when pest funding for them and for the Prince Charles numbers are low, and will switch between prey Hospital—not empty promises to supply as pest numbers increase. To encourage services everywhere, not inquiries wasting magpies, farmers should be aware of many $11m, not $100-per-person lunches, which he aspects of the biology of magpies. Isolated thinks are a snippet and okay Health trees cannot be successfully used for expenses, but a dedicated cystic fibrosis unit breeding, because the nestlings are exposed for adult sufferers at the Prince Charles to predators while their parents are foraging for Hospital—something that is realistic, and food. Nesting territories are always defended. something that other States provide and of A clump of eucalypts may contain many trees which Queenslanders could be proud. suitable for nesting, but only one pair will nest 20 Aug 1997 Adjournment 3077 in the territory. Magpies, however, do not the Regional Education Office is housed. With chase other bird species from their territory. Maryborough being central to the whole Wide Honeyeaters also play a major role in pest Bay area, the location of the regional office control by consuming about 24 to 36 kilograms was a sensible decision. The building is owned of insects per hectare per year. Honeyeaters by the Government and is, therefore, cost can be encouraged onto farms all year round effective. Now the decision to split the office by planting different species of native trees and staff will see the Government having to rent premises at Hervey Bay and place staff in and shrubs that flower at different times. a location that is an additional 35 kilometres Geckos, skinks and legless lizards are all from the schools they serve. That decision opportunistic feeders. Smaller reptiles eat ants, makes no sense. The disruption to the lives of spiders, beetles and termites, while larger the Education staff will surely create a loss of lizards eat worms, snails, grasshoppers and confidence in the education system. The loss even mice. of confidence that already exists in schools Research conducted in 1984 offers over the mess surrounding the Leading suggestions on how we can encourage lizards Schools proposal has spread to the broader onto our properties. In native grasslands with community. This is another instance of scattered trees, particularly lowlands and areas politically motivated decisions being made for where lizards are found—— Maryborough, because nothing points to it Time expired. being in the best interests of the staff, the schools they serve and the community in general. Regional Education Office, Wide Bay I want to make it clear that this Minister is Mr DOLLIN (Maryborough) (7.08 p.m.): I fooling nobody with his statement in the Fraser rise tonight to address a matter of great Coast Chronicle that "No decision has been concern to the citizens of Maryborough and made." That is just a smokescreen as the district, the Wide Bay region, Education instruction has been given by this Minister to Department staff and the broader educational split the Wide Bay office and staff. The community. I have stated in this House Minister should lay his cards on the table so previously how Maryborough has been dealt that the staff, the community of Maryborough one blow after another since this Government and the community of the rest of the Wide Bay came to office, with Government departments area know where they stand. being closed, downgraded or transferred and The staff of the Regional Education Office the Public Service being gutted in of Wide Bay made their decision based on the Maryborough in general. commitment given to them by the Minister for The latest blow from this Government has Education on 10 April 1997. That decision was hit Maryborough with the decision to split the clearly that both the Fraser/Cooloola and the Wide Bay Regional Education Office and Isis/Burnett district offices would operate out of transfer half the staff to Hervey Bay. This Maryborough. As I stated earlier, staff made decision will see some 20 staff transferred to decisions where they would live and made Hervey Bay. Their lives will be disrupted, financial commitments, such as purchasing particularly after they were assured of their houses in the near proximity, based on that position at Maryborough as late as April this direction. They now find themselves being up year by the Minister for Education. Upon that to one hour's drive from Hervey Bay, which is assurance, the staff and families have made a situated in the extreme end of the area to be financial commitment to Maryborough, buying served, and a one and a half hours' drive from homes and settling into what they believed Gympie. was a stable future. Our teachers and I ask the Minister to review that decision Education staff work extremely hard to set the urgently. It is wrong in every aspect. Travelling right environment to teach and achieve results. from a Hervey Bay district office would increase The teachers and staff are demoralised. What distances travelled from 70 kilometres to effect will that have on our young students? almost 90 kilometres. All roads pass through Prior to the previous Labor Government, Maryborough to Gympie and most other Education staff in Maryborough worked in a districts. Maryborough is slap bang in the cramped office space. Through my centre of the Fraser/Cooloola district. I ask the representations to the then Labor Minister for Minister to allow commonsense to prevail and Education, a new $3m purpose-built, state-of- to leave the Education office in Maryborough the-art Government office was built in which intact. 3078 Adjournment 20 Aug 1997

Schooling Options for Students with Spinal emotionally quite vulnerable. They need to Injuries have a choice. With such a significant change Mrs CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone) of circumstance—from being mobile and (7.12 p.m.): A number of months ago I spoke perhaps very active and sports about three people from Gladstone who were interested—some kids have to change to in the Spinal Unit at the PA: Leisha Stone, become a completely different person. Some Don Anderson and Jodie-Anne Miles. They are of those kids cope best by not returning to all now at home. Although Don is semimobile, their own peer groups. For Jodie and for many all three are still confined to wheelchairs. Jodie young people, returning to their friendship is now a complete paraplegic. She is groups and reaffirming the friendships that permanently confined to a wheelchair. Before existed before the accident is part of the the accident, she was attending Gladstone healing process. State High School in Year 11. The cluster Jodie's mum and dad want young people school in our area is called Toolooa State High who have been involved in an accident to be School. While at Gladstone State High School, given the choice after an accident to attend Jodie made a lot of good friends. When she the cluster school that is recognised as a returned from hospital in May, she was disability area or to return to their original place determined to return to school. She came of schooling where their friendships and peer home on 8 May and she returned to school on groups are. They want the provision of that 12 May. choice to be automatic, rather than people It is important to remember that having to apply for special permission for that Gladstone State High School might be to occur. They want there to be no hold-up in classified as a special needs school, but terms of the applications for approval for Toolooa State High School is the cluster transport and acceptance back into the school. school that has been built specifically to cope Toolooa State High School offers a with people with disabilities and with those in slightly different subject stream from Gladstone wheelchairs. After an accident, folk, particularly State High School. Jodie went to Gladstone young people, have to reassimilate into their because it had a good manual arts program peer group. Jodie wanted to remain at and that is what she was interested in. She Gladstone State High School. Owing to her cannot pursue that now, because it is seen to disability and difficulties getting to school be a risk for her in her condition; however, she because of her parents' work times, her family is still able to maintain and develop those made an application to the Department of social friendships. Conversely, her friends are Transport for a subsidy for taxis. Because it able to come to terms with her changed was outside the normal approval process, the circumstances and they can learn to reaffirm application was referred to the Review and rebuild that friendship and special care for Committee Board. It took 8 to 10 weeks for the one another that they had before the accident. approval to come through. With a little bit of Again I thank the Minister for Transport for compromise on both sides, she was given taxi the approval in this instance for the taxi transport to and from school. voucher. It certainly helped Jodie to When the parents came to me, they were reassimilate. The request from her parents is not concerned that she receive the approval, not for Jodie but for other people who find because obviously that is the direction in which themselves in that very sad situation. They they were headed; they were concerned on a request that those students be able to couple of levels. They were concerned about reassimilate without the same hurdles. the time frame—the fact that it took 8 to 10 weeks for the approval to occur. I thank the Minister for Transport and his officers for that Curragh Mine Dispute approval. They were also concerned that the Mr PEARCE (Fitzroy) (7.17 p.m.): The process to obtain that exception was very cowardly attack of Industrial Relations Minister complicated. Young people with cerebral palsy and member for Clayfield, Mr Santoro, on the or spina bifida are in a terrible position; Curragh mineworkers and their families however, they commence and continue their demonstrates the arrogance of the Minister schooling in a school that is appropriately and his lack of understanding of how Aussies designed for their disabilities. They build their look after their mates. The Minister has school friendships and their social fabric in the claimed that the mineworkers on the Curragh schools in which they will continue. Under the picket line are being paid $500 a week to current process, young people who are injured prolong the strike. The Minister is in their teens run the risk of being required to misrepresenting the facts. In doing so he has transfer schools at a time when they are offended every mineworker in Queensland. He 20 Aug 1997 Adjournment 3079 has personally insulted every spouse and sites. ARCO Coal's agenda is to destroy the every family member of miners on the picket collective bargaining process and to introduce line. The Minister has attacked the right of individual contracts. In moving down this track, workers to support their mates when they are it is paramount that the company has the against the might of a big company like ARCO support of the Federal Government, and that Coal. has been achieved through the Workplace A contributing factor to the 15-week-old Relations Act. The other factor contributing to dispute is the industrial relations agenda of the the confidence of ARCO Coal is the knowledge Federal and State Governments and the of Prime Minister Howard's determination to outright abuse of the process that Prime seek revenge against the mineworkers for his Minister Howard promised would leave no humiliating defeat in 1980 when he lost a 13- worker worse off. Mineworkers on the picket week battle to tax mineworkers on their line are being supported by their work mates in company-provided housing. Mr Howard was their fight against grubs, such as ARCO Coal, hassled and embarrassed in Blackwater and and uncaring people, such as this Minister. forced to retreat with his tail between his legs. However, he promised that he would be back The Minister is a fool if he believes that to crucify them, and he has kept that promise. miners will not look after their mates when they He has introduced an industrial relations are in need. They do so because it is the process that gives employers the powers to Australian way. It is the Aussie spirit, the spirit attack mineworkers' jobs and hard-won that conservative Governments and the conditions. multinationals wish to break. It is no different Prime Minister Howard has found from the goodwill shown by people on the land someone else to do his dirty work for him. That when banks foreclose on their neighbours and person is Peter Reith, who is about as friends; it is no different from the comradeship compassionate as a greyhound with a of police officers or those in the defence possum. Mr Howard is getting his revenge at forces. In common with all CMFEU members, I the expense of the Australian workers, their pay $10 a week so that I can do my bit to help families and the communities in which they the miners who cannot go back to work live. At a State level, we have a Premier who is because ARCO Coal refuses to negotiate a so involved with the re-enactment of the old certified agreement and the Governments, National Party tricks of secret deals and cover- both State and Federal, are backing the coal ups that he has turned his back on the need company in that new-world approach. to re-establish job security, which provides The Minister objects to these families consumer confidence and which, in turn, starts having money donated to them for the the cash moving. purpose of their survival. I object to the The manager of ARCO's Curragh mine, Minister's obnoxious and insensitive attitude. Bruce Denney, in an effort to obtain public When he attacks my constituents, the Minister sympathy for his bloody-mindedness, is talking attacks me. I do not care if my constituents are up the need to maintain supply to customers. graziers, railway workers, teachers, police or Given that he has shown no concern for the coalminers, I will react strongly to any attacks. company's customers over the last 15 weeks, We do not need half-smart city slickers who that is a weak and pathetic call. In fact, that believe that they have a divine right to rule raises the following interesting questions that I attacking our Australian way. If the Minister is would like Mr Denney to answer: who is paying half the man he thinks he is, he will apologise the difference between the Stanwell Power to the people. I know that he does not have Station contract price for coal and the the courage to face them personally and to purchase price of coal from other mines to see for himself how they are suffering under supply the power stations? What are the the industrial thuggery of ARCO Coal. When it Federal Government and the State comes to putting people down through the Government doing to assist ARCO Coal? Are media, the Minister has a big mouth, but when Australian taxpayers' dollars being used to it comes to meeting them face to face, he is a prop up an American-based company's efforts bit of a wimp. If he has any courage, he to try to break the Aussie spirit? should apologise. Time expired. ARCO Coal has embarked on a mission of destruction of the mining unions, of families, of local communities and the Australian way of Wacol Prison Site life. In line with its American-based mining Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) operations, this American-owned company is (7.22 p.m.): I follow on from the Corrective attempting to establish here union-free mine Services Minister's statements in answer to my 3080 Adjournment 20 Aug 1997 question this morning about prison site I would like to just retrace a couple of the changes. After several months of moves that took place. The matter was investigations and negotiations with other announced way back in the Budget of departments, Corrective Services has been September 1996, and we saw no action from able to obtain suitable land on the other side the members opposite. In early November, I of the sewage treatment works at Wacol, attended a meeting to discuss the matter, to which is further to the south than the location lay out the plans and to talk about it. There of the original site. That site is two to three was no ALP representation at that meeting. times further away from the River Hills houses Following that meeting, the matter was widely than the originally proposed site, with the reported in the paper. In February, I again minimum distance away from the houses attended a meeting, most happily, to put the being 2.3 kilometres. proposal to the people and answer their questions. Despite invitations to the Opposition I am delighted that we have been able to Leader, the Opposition spokesman and achieve the shift of this site, which overcomes various others members, including the the concerns of local Centenary residents. member for Inala, there was no ALP There are some natural rises in the land representation at that meeting. It had not yet between the site and Riverhills. In addition, become fashionable for the members opposite three-metre high earth mounding will be added to take up the cudgels. At that stage, they did with trees planted on them. Those trees will be in front of the prisons and on the river side of not think that there was any political them. The ultimate result will be that the advantage in it for them, so they did not show. Riverhills residents will see very little of the site Once again, the matter was reported widely in at all. the paper. I also happily answered questions about the proposal at P & C meetings, I agree with Minister Cooper when he said Neighbourhood Watch meetings and at other that the result finally achieved is a win-win such meetings throughout the electorate as situation for both the residents and the well as at shopping centres and at my Government. I thank the Corrective Services electorate office. staff for their assistance. I would also like to I have said all along that I support praise the members of CRAMP for their efforts building new prisons—replacement prisons, in putting forward the community's views. I not extra ones. Despite members opposite applaud Minister Cooper, who has been open trying to make out that I supported more to consultation all the time. On several prisons, I supported new replacement prisons occasions he met the representatives of so that we can get rid of the old Moreton A CRAMP. When I first asked him to talk to and Moreton B prisons at Wacol from which residents, he readily agreed. The Minister met prisoners have escaped, where conditions for and consulted with the residents several prisoners could be better and where times—in his office, at Parliament and on maintenance is difficult and expensive. That is site—as well as having Corrective Services why I wanted those prisons to go and for new staff meet with them on other occasions. ones to be built. I am glad that is happening. I repeat the concluding remarks that I This is a positive outcome for the people of made during my speech in the debate held on Riverhills. 7 May— In the debate on 7 May, the members for "The Government, the Minister and Waterford, Inala, Redcliffe, Cleveland, our leaders have listened to my Sunnybank and Sandgate accused me of representations. I will continue to press telling lies, of deceptive actions and of a lack the Minister, the Premier and the of consultation. The member for Sunnybank Treasurer to keep taking the various talked about me backing away from my issues into account to achieve the best commitment. The result showed that I did not outcomes for the local community. The back away from that commitment. Once again, Minister knows that I will not give my final that shows that the Opposition members' and overall support to the project unless claims were wrong. Those members whom I all of these issues are satisfactorily have mentioned demonstrated their lack of addressed." knowledge of the area. They showed that they really did not know what they were talking I stuck to that. Unlike members opposite, I about. In particular, I mention the fact that the did not make a great song and dance publicly member for Inala, who knew back in to gain political advantage, I just got on with September where the prison was going to be the job of representing and achieving positive situated, did not get off his proverbial until it results for my constituents. became politically advantageous for him. 20 Aug 1997 Adjournment 3081

Suddenly, in April and May and further in that Building Tribunal and the Queensland Building debate, he decided that he had better oppose Services Authority. the site. Some of the other members opposite The Home Owners Protection Lobby was showed that they did not really know even one group that brought the cases of those where the area was situated. I think that shows home owners to the attention of the Scurr the deceit of the members opposite, their lack inquiry, which this Government set up upon of real caring for the people and the fact that coming to office. Further to that, the Home they were in there only to create a stir. Not at Owners Protection Lobby has issued a any time did they ever give a commitment they questionnaire to its members to indicate their would not build a prison at Wacol, and I am experience with builders when their homes still waiting for them to do so. were being constructed. Time expired. I seek leave of the House to table this survey of the Home Owners Protection Lobby Home Owners Protection Lobby in conjunction with a summary of a particular Mr HEGARTY (Redlands) (7.27 p.m.): For case that it wishes to be made known to the some time now a number of Queensland members of the House. home owners have been experiencing Leave granted. problems with builders in this State. They have also experienced problems in not receiving Motion agreed to. satisfactory outcomes from the Queensland The House adjourned at 7.28 p.m.